Document Document Title
US08088315B2 Non-woven fabric
This invention relates to non-woven fabrics, in particular to a method of making fabrics by spraying fibres onto a support member, and to a mixture of fibres, binder and diluent for use in the method of the invention. The present invention has the objective of providing a composition that can be used to produce fabrics having an improved texture and which gives excellent results when sprayed as an aerosol using a propellant.
US08088307B2 Metal paste for forming a conductive layer
The present invention provides a metal paste for forming an electrically conductive layer comprising a metal solution in a reactive organic solvent having a heteroatom P, S, O, or N; metal powder; a binder; and a residual amount of a polar or non-polar viscosity modulating solvent.The metal paste composition according to the present invention has advantages in that it produces structures of layers denser than those conventional metal pastes do; shows characteristics of a much lower electric resistance even with a relatively small thickness or a small line width, as compared with the conductive pattern formed from a conventional paste; and allows heat treatment at a very low temperature even without the use of expensive nano-sized metal particles. The metal paste also provides a silver paste, which can be economically prepared and has high adaptability to various surfaces.
US08088289B2 Method and device for affecting a chemical or mechanical property of a target site
A method and device are presented for affecting at least one chemical or mechanical property of a target site (109). A stream of liquid towards a contact with the target site (109) is provided with a predetermined flow rate. Also provided is UV-radiation (103) having predetermined parameters in terms of power, wavelength, duty cycle and repetition rate. The UV-radiation (103) is directed within the stream of liquid (101) along a trajectory of the stream. The stream carrying the UV radiation is maintained in contact with the target site for a time period and under conditions sufficient for affecting the at least one chemical or mechanical property.
US08088288B2 Dewatering process
A process of dewatering an aqueous suspension comprising treating the suspension with a dewatering amount of a reverse phase polymer, and subjecting the suspension to a mechanical dewatering to form a cake,characterized in that the reverse phase polymer only partially inverts to bring about flocculation and thickening of the suspension, and then fully inverts during the further dewatering to form a cake.
US08088280B2 Aqueous liquid treatment
A container for magnetically activating water comprises a container having recesses as a part of the structure of the container, each of the recesses containing a magnet. The recesses and the magnets can be arranged in a set array in the structure of the container or can be in a random array. The recesses and the magnets preferably are in the sidewall of the container, but can additionally be in the bottom surface of the container. The magnets can be maintained within the recesses by a band that surrounds the recesses and the magnets, or by the magnets and the recesses having structures whereby the magnets are held within the recesses. A band also can be used to secure the magnets in the recesses. The recesses and magnets can be of essentially any compatible shape. Preferably the container is generally round and may have a gripping region.
US08088273B2 Equipment and process for upgrading oil
Equipment and a process for upgrading oil are provided to produce a refined oil lighter than a material oil by cracking the heavier material oil with the addition of hydrogen under relatively relaxed production conditions. An equipment for upgrading oil according to one aspect of the invention includes an emulsion making portion (10), a refinery tank portion (20), and a heating portion (30), and configured to make an emulsion (E) by emulsifying ionized alkaline water (A) in a material oil (O1) in the emulsion making portion (10), and to drop droplets (D) of the emulsion (E) onto the surface (S) of a heat medium (O2) in the refinery tank portion (20) heated by the heating portion (30).
US08088268B2 Method of fabricating mask for forming wood grain patterns
The present invention provides a method of fabricating a mask for forming wood grain patterns, the method comprising: subjecting a metal plate to an etching process to process a selected pattern on the metal plate; producing a pattern sheet using the etched metal plate an a flexible sheet; attaching the produced pattern sheet to the surface of a product; and subjecting the product to an electroforming process to thereby fabricate the mask. With the method, the time and cost for production of the mask can be remarkably reduced.
US08088257B2 Solar distillation system
The present disclosure is generally directed to a solar distillation system capable of recovering potable water from non-potable water. In certain embodiments, the system includes a substantially air tight solar still having a roof top composed of a solar light-transmitting material. The solar still includes a tube positioned below and running underneath the roof top, the tube having an exit end. Additionally, the solar still includes a heating surface positioned below the roof top and adapted for receiving at least a portion of the non-potable water exiting the tube at the exit end. Non-potable water on the heating surface is solar heated and a portion of the non-potable water evaporates and condenses on the outside of the tube to be collected as potable water.
US08088255B2 Sheet stabilizer with dual inline machine direction air clamps and backsteps
An air stabilization system employing two substantially parallel, codirectional Coanda nozzles, that are positioned adjacent a flexible moving web, with each nozzle exhausting gas at the same downstream machine direction, subjects the moving web to shear forces effective to stabilize the web. Each nozzle includes an elongated slot that is substantially perpendicular to the path of the moving web and a backstep located downstream of the direction of airflow extending from the Coanda slot. The two Coanda nozzles serve as separate points along the machine direction for controlling the height of the moving web. By modulating the velocities or other parameters of gases exiting the Coanda nozzles, the shape of the moving web between the nozzles can be manipulated to present a planar contour for measurements. The air stabilization system can be incorporated into a scanner head to measure the caliper of paper, plastic, and other flexible web products.
US08088251B2 Process for improving paper strength
The present invention provides a process for preparing a paper or paper board of improved strength which comprises the steps of i) providing a cellulosic thick stock, ii) diluting the thick stock of step i) to form a thin stock, iii) draining the thin stock of step ii) on a wire to form a web, and iv) drying the web of step iii) to form paper or paper board, wherein the cellulosic thick stock of step (i) comprises organic polymeric microparticles, as well as paper obtainable by above process.
US08088246B2 Process for improving the adhesion of polymeric materials to metal surfaces
An adhesion promoting composition and a process for treating metal surfaces with the adhesion promoting composition is described. The adhesion promoting composition comprises an oxidizer, an acid, a corrosion inhibitor, a source of halide ions and a material selected from a mercapto propane sulfonate, mercapto propane sulfonic acid, and bis-sodium sulfopropyl disulfide. The adhesion promoting composition increases the adhesion of polymeric materials to the metal surfaces and also provides increased acid resistance.
US08088239B2 Method of manufacturing a laminate of polymeric tapes as well as a laminate and the use thereof
A method of manufacturing a laminate of polymeric tapes is provided. Polymeric tapes of the core-cladding type are used, in which the core material has a higher melting temperature than the cladding material. The method includes pretensioning the polymeric tapes, and positioning the polymeric tapes and consolidating the polymeric tapes to obtain the laminate. The positioning is carried out in two, three, four or more planes. The polymeric tapes are arranged in each plane in a parallel, side-by-side relationship in a first direction, the polymeric tapes of each plane are offset in a second direction relative to the polymeric tapes in an adjacent plane, the second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The polymeric tapes of the laminate are unidirectionally arranged in a single direction in all of the two, three, four or more planes.
US08088237B2 Method for forming or curing polymer composites
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method for the forming or curing of polymer composites, the method including the step of: forming or curing the polymer composite in the presence of water vapor at about atmospheric pressure.
US08088233B2 Method of characterizing phase transformations in shape memory materials
A method of characterizing phase transformations of a shape memory material specimen entails recording data from the specimen during heating and cooling. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a first direction to a first temperature sufficient to define a first inflection and a second inflection in the data being recorded. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a second direction to a second temperature sufficient to define a third inflection in the data. The third inflection is formed by overlapping primary and secondary sub-inflections. The temperature of the specimen is changed in the first direction to a third temperature sufficient to define the first inflection but not sufficient to define the second inflection. The temperature of the specimen is then changed in the second direction to a fourth temperature sufficient to define the secondary sub-inflection in the data being recorded.
US08088230B2 Rolling apparatus
A rolling apparatus including an external member having a raceway surface on an inner peripheral surface thereof, an internal member having a raceway surface on an outer peripheral surface thereof, and a plurality of rolling elements which are rotatably provided between the raceway surface of the external member and the raceway surface of the internal member. A surface of at least one of the internal member, the external member, and the rolling elements is subjected to carbonitriding or nitriding; an area percentage of a nitride containing Si and Mn is 1% or more and 20% or less; surface hardness is HV750 or more. When depth from the raceway surface or depth from a rolling surface of the rolling element is defined as Z and diameter of the rolling element is defined as d, hardness at Z=0.045 d is HV650 to 850, and hardness at Z=0.18 d is HV400 to 800.
US08088229B2 Method for producing grain oriented magnetic steel strip
A method for producing high-quality grain oriented magnetic steel sheet utilizes a steel alloy with (in wt %) Si: 2.5-4.0%, C: 0.02-0.10%, Al: 0.01-0.065%, N: 0.003-0.015%. The method utilizes an operational sequence whose individual steps (secondary metallurgical treatment of the molten metal, continuous casting of the molten metal into a strand, dividing of the strand into thin slabs, heating of the thin slabs, continuous hot rolling of the thin slabs into hot strip, cooling of the hot strip, coiling of the hot strip, cold rolling of the hot strip into cold strip, recrystallization and decarburization annealing of the cold strip, application of an annealing separator, final annealing of the recrystallization and decarburization annealed cold strip to form a Goss texture) are harmonized with one another, so that a magnetic steel sheet with optimized electromagnetic properties is obtained using conventional apparatus.
US08088215B2 Diffusion reaction method and diffusion reaction device
A diffusion reaction method includes: joining a plurality of reaction liquids relating to a reaction to form a multilayer flow; sandwiching from both sides of the multilayer flow in the depthwise direction using sandwiching liquid so that the multilayer flow is contracted and thinned; and flowing the multilayer flow through a reaction channel to cause a diffusive mixing between laminar flows so as to cause the reaction. The method enables to allow reacting diffusive mixing a plurality of reaction liquids instantly in a reaction channel, is suitable for any kinds of reaction product. Further, for example, when forming fine particles in a diffusion reaction, the method can prevent logging of the reaction channel by the fine particles and an adhesion of the fine particles to the wall of the reaction channel.
US08088214B2 Transparent goniochromatic multilayer effect pigment
A multilayer effect pigment includes a transparent substrate, a layer of high refractive index material on the substrate, and alternating layers of low refractive index and high refractive index materials on the first layer, the total number of layers being an odd number of at least three, all adjacent layers differing in refractive index by at least about 0.2 and at least one of the layers having an optical thickness which is different from all of the other layers. The resulting multilayer effect pigment is not a quarter-wave stack. The present effect pigments may be used in cosmetic and industrial applications.
US08088212B2 Sparkle effect of unique particle size distribution
An effect pigment formed from a synthetic platelet substrate such as glass flake has improved sparkle by reducing the amount of substrate particles having a size of less than 9 microns and greater than 85 microns.The present effect pigment is useful in cosmetics, personal care products, and industrial applications such as automotive paints.
US08088210B2 Bituminous composition
A bituminous composition including, based on total weight of the bituminous composition, (a) hard bitumen in an amount of 0.5% to 7.5% by weight, the hard bitumen being characterized by a penetration number of 100 dmm or less at 25° C. as determined according to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Method T49; (b) emulsifier in an amount of 0.0005% to 0.2% by weight, wherein the emulsifier has a Hildebrand solubility parameter of at least 19 (MPa)1/2; (c) water; and (d) aggregate in an amount of 90% to 99% by weight, the aggregate having an aggregate surface that is wetted with the hard bitumen, wherein the bituminous composition is at a temperature ranging from 50° C. to 140° C.
US08088206B2 Inkjet printing using solvent-based ink compositions
There is provided a transparent, single-phase, radiation-curable ink composition for inkjet printing white, opaque features on porous and non-porous substrates, which are excellent in color reproducibility, hiding power, and adhesiveness to the substrate, for particular application as base layer coatings.
US08088204B2 Synergistic combinations of chromate-free corrosion inhibitors
An anti-corrosive composition, comprising a combination of at least two of the following materials: vanadates, molybdates, tungstates, silicates, phosphates, borates, Ce cations, Y cations, La cations, Eu cations, Gd cations, Nd cations, and reaction products thereof.
US08088196B2 Purification of carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide and oxygen are separated from a feed gas, preferably derived from flue gas from an oxyfuel combustion process, by diffusion across at least one membrane in a membrane separation system to produce separated carbon dioxide gas comprising oxygen, which is fed to the oxyfuel combustion process to improve the performance of the process.
US08088187B2 Hydrogen and carbon utilization in synthetic fuels production plants
A method of utilizing hydrogen in synthesis gas production by forming synthesis gas from one or more carbonaceous materials, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide; separating a hydrogen-rich product and a hydrogen-lean product from the synthesis gas to yield an adjusted synthesis gas product; and activating a hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst with at least a portion of the hydrogen-lean product. A system for carrying out the method is also provided, the system including at least one hydrogen extraction unit and an activation reactor operable to activate hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst, wherein the activation reactor comprises an inlet fluidly connected with the at least one hydrogen extraction unit whereby at least a portion of a hydrogen-lean gas stream, at least a portion of a hydrogen-rich gas stream, or at least a portion of both may be introduced into the activation reactor.
US08088179B2 Hair cosmetic composition
A hair cosmetic composition used for dyeing, bleaching, or destaining hair contains amino-modified silicone, dimethicone, and polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.
US08088177B2 Hair cosmetic composition
A hair cosmetic composition used for dyeing, bleaching, or destaining hair contains diglycerin, 1,3-butylene glycol, and polyethylene glycol having a number average molecular weight of 10,000 or more.
US08088173B2 Composition for oxidation dyeing of human keratin fibers, at a pH greater than or equal to 8, comprising a fatty alcohol, a fatty ester and a cationic surfactant, method using same and device
The present invention relates to a dye composition for the oxidation dyeing of human keratin fibers, at a pH greater than or equal to 8, comprising at least one oxidation dye precursor, at least one fatty alcohol, at least one fatty ester and at least one cationic surfactant, where the weight ratio of the at least one fatty alcohol and the at least one fatty acid ester being greater than 2 and less than 10. In addition, the present invention relates to a ready-to-use composition obtained by extemporaneously mixing the dye composition with an oxidizing composition, before use, and a method for dyeing keratin fibers in which the ready-to-use composition is applied to hair fibers.
US08088169B2 Prosthetic hip implants
Prosthetic hip stems and acetabular cups for use in prosthetic hip joints. The hip stem may include a core having a stem portion and a neck portion, a polymer matrix layer substantially covering the stem portion of the core, and a porous metal layer substantially covering the polymer matrix layer. The polymer matrix layer connects the core and the porous metal layer and provides a stiffness for the hip stem which more closely mimics the stiffness of bone than do known hip stems. The hip stems and acetabular cups additionally include a number of improvements adapted for more optimized results with certain types of patient anatomy, such as the anatomy of female patients, for example.
US08088168B2 Implant, more particularly partial ulnar head implant
A method and apparatus for replacing an articular surface of a bone. The implant includes at least one head with a bore and a lateral articular surface generally perpendicular to an axis of the bore. A holding element includes a stem at a proximal end adapted to attach to the bone. A member at a distal end of the holding device is adapted to engage with the bore in the head so that the lateral articular surface is positioned to engage transverse loads. The bore permits limited lateral translation of the head in at least one direction generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the member.
US08088167B2 Femoral prosthetic implant
Methods and apparatus for knee arthroplasty, including implants, positioning and alignment guides, cutting guides, cutting tools and techniques for the femur and/or tibia.
US08088164B2 Cervical intervertebral prosthesis
A cervical intervertebral prosthesis includes two connection plates adapted for connection to adjacent vertebral bodies and a hinge core. The hinge core and one connection plate together form a hinge with a concave hinge surface on the hinge core and with a complementary convex hinge surface on the connection plate. The hinge core bears on the other connection plate via a slide surface which extends substantially parallel to the direction of the connection plate and which permits a relative movement in this direction and is surrounded by an edge limiting this relative movement. The concave hinge surface encloses the convex hinge surface within a solid angle of at least 90°. The part of the concave hinge surface lying within this solid angle lies inside the recess surrounded by the edge. The stability of the prosthesis with respect to laterally incident forces is thereby increased.
US08088163B1 Tools and methods for spinal fusion
The present disclosure relates to a spinal fusion impactor tool that includes an attachment means for securing an implant device to the distal end of the tool, a means for adjusting the angle of the distal head relative to the handle to better position the implant for introduction into the implant site, means for remotely releasing the implant device at the distal end and a clamp device on the shaft of the tool to secure tabs, attachments and other devices. The impactor tool is preferably used in conjunction with implantation of an intervertebral fusion cage that is equipped with shims having tabs or other removing means, but may also be used to introduce, for example, an implant, graft, fusion device, wedge or distractor device into any joint space or bony region in preparation for implantation.
US08088161B2 Compressed haptics
An injectable intraocular implant including an optics portion and a resilient, flexible haptics portion mounted coaxially with the optics portion and a method for inserting the implant into the eye.
US08088156B2 Graft material attachment device and method
A stent-graft fabricated from a thin-walled, high strength material provides for a more durable and lower profile endoprosthesis. The stent-graft comprises one or more stent segments covered with a fabric formed by the weaving, knitting or braiding of a biocompatible, high tensile strength, abrasion resistant, highly durable yarn such as ultra high molecular weight polyethylene. The one or more stent segments may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing any number of known materials and techniques. The fabric may be attached to the stent segments utilizing an attachment device that secures the fabric to a strut of the stent segment by sandwiching the fabric between itself and the stent strut.
US08088151B2 Craniotomy closures and plugs
Strip fasteners and cranial plugs for use in reattaching a skull flap removed during brain surgery and methods of using the same. The strip fasteners are flexible and can be shaped to follow the perimeter contour of the skull flap. The cranial plugs can be used to reattach the skull flap or they can be installed after the skull flap is reattached using the strip fasteners. In some embodiments, the cranial plug(s) and strip fasteners can be installed at the same time. The strip fasteners and cranial plugs are designed to encourage bone growth and healing of the skull flap and they can be used to deliver medication and bone growth enhancement compositions to the surgical site.
US08088149B2 Dynamic intervertebral stabilization system
A vertebral dynamic stabilization system is used to fix the positional relationship of adjacent vertebrae of the spine. The vertebrae′ stabilization system includes at least two pedicle screws(20), with an interconnecting rod (60) disposed therebetween, the pedicle screws each having a threaded shaft (24) to be screwed into a vertebra segment, and a screw head (30) adapted to securely receive the interconnecting rod. The system allows some compression and extension of the vertebrae relative to each other, while still maintaining the overall positional relationship within an appropriate range.
US08088145B2 Vascular wound closure device and method
A method and apparatus for closing a vascular wound includes an apparatus that can be threaded over a guidewire into place at or adjacent the wound. The apparatus includes a chamber that encloses a hemostatic material therein. When the apparatus is positioned adjacent the wound as desired, the hemostatic material is deployed from the chamber. A blocking member distal of the hemostatic material functions as a barrier to prevent the hemostatic material from entering the wound. Blood contacts the hemostatic material, and blood clotting preferably is facilitated by a hemostatic agent within the material. Thus, the vascular puncture wound is sealed by blood clot formation.
US08088143B2 Closure device
The invention provides a closure device (1) for sealing an incision channel leading through a vessel wall and into the vessel. The closure device (1) comprises a haemostatic material (3), which is contained in the distal end of an elongated insertion assembly (2). The insertion assembly (2), which comprises a stationary part (4) and a retractable part (5) being slidably movable with regard to each other, is adapted to be attached to an introducer (7) being in position in the incision channel, so that the insertion assembly (2) can be slid along the introducer (7) until the distal end of the insertion assembly (2) is in contact with the vessel wall, where the haemostatic material (3) is delivered in the incision channel by a retracting movement of the retractable part (5).
US08088137B2 Safety trocar with lancet feature
A trocar assembly includes a trocar housing having a blunt distal end and a proximal end; a blade assembly having a sharp tip and being slideable within the trocar housing between and armed position wherein the sharp tip extends distally beyond the blunt distal end and a relaxed position wherein the sharp tip is withdrawn proximally relative to the armed position; and a trigger member positioned relative to the housing to contact tissue when tissue is cut with the blade assembly in the armed position, and slideable by contact with the tissue to a proximal position which exposes the sharp tip and actuates a lock release member, the trigger member having member having a spring member biasing the trigger member distally so that removal of contact with the tissue allows the spring to move the trigger member distally, and further wherein distal movement of the trigger member with the lock release member activated releases the blade assembly from the armed position and allows the blade assembly to move to the relaxed position.
US08088136B2 Medical instrument for cutting tissue
A medical instrument for cutting tissue has a tubular outer shaft, which comprises at least one window in the region of its distal end. The medical instrument further comprises a tubular inner shaft which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and housed in the outer shaft and which has at its distal end a window arranged in the region of the at least one window of the outer shaft and provided with at least one cutting element. The medical instrument has a fixing element for unrotatably holding of the inner shaft relative to the outer shaft in a preset position. The fixing element is irreversibly detachable through rotational movement of the inner shaft.
US08088115B2 Refastenable absorbent article and a method of applying thereof
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08088104B2 Syringe
A retractable needle safety syringe is provided having a braking mechanism. The braking mechanism may be disposed at a proximal portion of a syringe body of the syringe. The braking mechanism may comprise a brake member which is traversable between a braking position and a released position. At the braking position, the brake member frictionally engages an outer surface of the shaft of a plunger of the syringe. The frictional engagement counterbalances a retraction force that urges a piston of the syringe toward a retracted position. When the brake member is traversed to the released position, the brake member does not press against the outer surface of the shaft. As such, the retraction force may traverse the piston toward the retracted position and traverse a needle and needle holder into the body of the syringe.
US08088094B2 Planning method and apparatus for peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis hybrid remedy
The present invention is a peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis hybrid-remedy planning method using an index that is shared by both peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis and indicates an effect of dialysis. To be specific, the index is M/C(0)/VB, which is obtained by dividing a ratio M/C(0)—where M is a removal amount of a solute for a fixed time period, and C(0) is a concentration of the solute in blood before the dialysis—by a patient's body fluid volume, VB. The present invention is capable of representing the dialysis effect of PD and HD as an integrated sum, achieving concise and explicit PD and HD hybrid-remedy planning.
US08088084B2 Method and apparatus for repair of intervertebral discs
A method of repairing an intervertebral disc of a patient's body includes identifying a target area of the intervertebral disc. An ultrasound generator is placed proximate the target area and outside the patient's body. An area temperature at the target area is monitored. Ultrasonic energy is generated with the ultrasound generator within a predetermined energy range. The ultrasonic energy is adjusted in response to the area temperature exceeding a predetermined temperature range. An apparatus for repairing an intervertebral disc of a patient's body is also provided.
US08088083B2 System for measurement of head position and measurement tool for such a system
The present invention relates to the field of radiation therapy. In particular, the relates to a system for measuring the position of a head of a patient during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, in particular during radiation therapy relatively a frame adapted to be fixated to a radiation therapy unit. The invention also relates to a head cap and a measurement tool for use in such a system, and to a method measuring the position of a head of a patient by means of a system mentioned above during neurological diagnosis, therapy or surgery, in particular during radiation therapy relatively a frame adapted to be fixated to a radiation therapy unit. The measurement tool is adapted to measure a distance between the head and the head cap via a through hole by means of an elongated element having an end being adapted to abut against the head during a measurement, wherein the measurement tool is adapted to obtain at least one measurement value indicating a position of the head in relation to the head cap substantially without operator interaction.
US08088076B2 Nervous system monitoring method
A method for monitoring the response of a nervous system of a body to a stimulus. The method comprises collecting a set of voltage measurements between selected areas on a surface of the body while current is being passed between selected regions of the surface of the body. The set of voltage measurements is collected over a predetermined measurement period, the predetermined measurement period is initiated at a predetermined time after application of the stimulus, and the collected voltage measurements are compared with reference to determine normal or abnormal response of the nervous system.
US08088073B2 Device for the application of acoustic shock waves
A device, in particular a therapy device, for the application of acoustic shock waves aimed at a region to be treated in a human or animal body and comprising a housing with a coupling surface for coupling the shock waves into the body to be treated, a shock wave generating device and a means suitable for focusing the shock waves, in which the shock wave generating device and the means suitable for focusing the shock waves are enclosed in a housing and designed such that they can be moved relative to the coupling surface.
US08088065B2 Medical instrument
A medical instrument includes an image pickup section incorporated in a medical instrument body and movably provided in the medical instrument body that picks up an image of the object to be examined from an observation window, a covering section movably provided at the medical instrument body so as to cover the observation window and in which an opening portion is formed, a drive section that drives the covering section or the image pickup section, and a control section that controls the drive section so as to drive the covering section or the image pickup section by synchronizing a timing for the image pickup section to pick up the object image with a timing at which the opening portion and the observation window match, and can thereby prevent sticking of deposits to the observation window and obtain a clear observation image.
US08088064B2 Slidable cover for endoscope control apparatus
An ultrasonic control apparatus has a connector and a connector cover. The connector cover is attached to be slidable between a close position where the connector is covered and an open position where the connector is exposed, and has a press projection. When the connector is set on the press projection and then pressed down together with the connector cover, the connector is exposed and opposed to the connector, and the connectors can be connected with each other.
US08088063B2 Insertion assisting tool for endoscope
An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope into which an insertion section of the endoscope is inserted from a base end portion side, comprising: a fluid sealing device which seals a space between a base end part of the insertion assisting tool and the endoscope insertion section, the space being formed while the insertion section of the endoscope is inserted into the base end portion side.
US08088061B2 Through the scope tension member release clip
An apparatus for deployment of a hemostatic clip comprises a handle assembly, a shaft connected to a distal portion thereof and a clip assembly releasably coupled to a distal portion of the shaft. The clip assembly includes clip arms and a capsule cooperating with the clip arms to provide a first user feedback indicating a decision configuration of the clip assembly. In addition, the apparatus includes a control wire including a ball connector, the control wire extending from the handle assembly and coupled to the clip assembly by the ball connector to maintain the clip assembly coupled to the shaft, wherein the ball connector is detachable from the clip assembly to provide a second user feedback indicating separation of the clip assembly from the shaft.
US08088055B2 Plan-based medical image registration for radiotherapy
A method determines an error in aligning a patient with a radiation beam. A planning volume V is acquired during treatment planning, and a treatment volume I is acquired during treatment. For each point r in the planning volume and treatment volume to be aligned by a coordinate transformation T, a weighted error DWE is minimized using an objective function F(r, T) applied to the planning volume and the treatment volume weighted by a weighting function W(r) as WE ⁡ ( T ) = ∑ r ⁢ W ⁡ ( r ) ⁢ F ⁡ ( r , T ) , where W(r) is a function of a target weight WT, a tissue at risk weight WR, and a delivered dose weight WD.
US08088050B2 Portable exercise equipment
An exercise device having a thin, hollow, rectangular body and having a planar upper surface to receive a portion of a user's body thereupon. Each of a pair of handles is attached to respective ends of a cord that passes through a first guide mechanism located at a front corner of the upper surface, through an interior portion of the body and back through a second guide assembly located at a second front corner of the upper surface. Each guide assembly consists of four mutually orthogonal rollers defining a central, rope-accepting opening in the middle thereof. One or both handles may be adjustably attached to the cord to allow use of the exercise device by different height. The exercise device may include a handle attached to the body and one or more feet disposed on a lower surface of the body.
US08088049B2 Exercise device
An exercise device has two reciprocating arms, each provided with pneumatic or other fluid resistance. The angular orientation of the two arms is limited to one of 0, 45, 90, and 180 degrees. Adjustments are made by loosening a complementary fastener, moving the arms to the desired angular orientation, and then tightening the complementary fastener. Mating projections and recesses prevent movement of the arms relative to each other once the angular position is set.
US08088032B2 Multi-speed transmission
The multi-step transmission including four gear sets, eight shafts, and six shifting elements. The sun gear of gearset (P1) communicates, via shaft (8) and clutch (48), with shaft (4), which communicates, via clutch (14), with shaft (1), that couples the sun gear of the gearset (P4), and communicates, via brake (04), with a housing. The ring gear of gearset (P1) couples shaft (1), and communicates, via clutch (17), with shaft (7), which couples the carriers of the gearsets (P3, P2). The carrier of gearset (P1) is connected, via shaft (6), to a component, which connects the ring gear of gearset (P4) to the sun gear of gearset (P3). The carrier of gearset (P4) communicates, via shaft(3) and brake (03), with the housing. The sun gear of gearset (P2) communicates, via shaft (5) and brake (05), with the housing. The output shaft couples the ring gears of gearsets (P3, P2).
US08088029B2 Chain transmission for use in an engine
In a chain transmission, the guide-contacting portions of inner and outer plates of a chain each comprise a pair of front and rear flat surfaces, an intermediate concave oil-retaining surface and convex connecting surfaces. The lengths of the flat surfaces are such that adjacent flat surfaces of overlapping inner and outer plates overlap even when the plates in contact with the portion of a convex guide surface having the smallest radius of curvature.
US08088026B2 Phase transition golf ball and method of use
A phase transition golf ball comprises a phase transition material. The phase transition material may optionally include a microwave susceptor or an induction susceptor. The phase transition material preferably comprises an ethylene acid copolymer, or an ionomer of an ethylene acid copolymer. The performance of the phase transition golf ball, for example its hardness or compression, is adjusted by inducing a complete or partial phase transition in the phase transition material. The extent of the adjustment in performance is correlated with the extent of the phase transition. Preferably, the phase transition is reversible and repeatable and takes place at temperatures that might be achieved through the use of common household appliances. Also preferably, the phase transition material returns to its original state over an extended period, for example hours or days.
US08088023B2 Iron golf club head
An iron golf club head includes: a block that is made by a magnesium alloy; and a metal head main body, wherein the block is embedded into the metal head main body.
US08088022B2 Golf club head with top line insert
A golf club head having a recess located in a top portion thereof between the heel and the toe and extending toward the sole. The recess may be only in the top line of the club head or extend from the heel around the toe. An insert may be placed within the recess. The insert may have a density that is less than the density of the club head body to lower the center of gravity and moment of inertia or greater than the density of the club head body to raise the center of gravity and moment of inertia.
US08088021B2 High volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region
A high volume aerodynamic golf club head having a post apex attachment promoting region with a club head volume of at least 400 cc and a front-to-back dimension of at least 4.4 inches producing a face-on normalized aerodynamic drag force of less than 1.5 lbf when exposed to a 100 mph wind parallel to the ground plane and oriented at the front of the club head. The post apex attachment promoting region is on the surface of the crown section at an elevation above a maximum face height and begins at the crown apex and extends toward the back of the club head. The post apex attachment promoting region is a relatively flat portion of the crown section that is behind the crown apex, yet above the maximum top edge plane, and aides in keeping airflow attached to the club head once it flows past the crown apex.
US08088016B2 Half-pipe water ride
Embodiments of the invention provide a half-pipe water ride for use by a rider. The half-pipe water ride includes an activity section with a substantially flat middle section, a first curved sidewall, and a second curved sidewall opposite the first curved sidewall. Water flows from a water delivery section through the middle section to a dewatering section. The rider can ride on the half-pipe water ride substantially perpendicular to the water flow from the first curved sidewall across the middle section to the second curved sidewall.
US08088005B2 Convertible single-turn to multi-turn gaming steering wheel
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for operating a gaming wheel system including a steering wheel which may be a single-turn wheel (at most 360° lock-to-lock) or a multi-turn wheel (more than 360° lock-to-lock) to play a game which may be designed for a single-turn wheel (a legacy game) or a multi-turn wheel (a native game, irrespective of whether it takes advantage of the multi-turn capability or not). The system is configured to operate the gaming wheel system in one of four states. The first state is the single-turn, legacy mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a legacy game. The second state is the multi-turn, legacy mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a legacy game. The third state is the single-turn, native mode state for operating either a single-turn wheel or a multi-turn wheel in the single-turn mode to play a native game. The fourth state is the multi-turn, native mode state for operating a multi-turn wheel in the multi-turn mode to play a native game.
US08088000B2 Real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes
Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits are also provided.
US08087994B2 Gaming system with event substitution feature
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system and method for conducting a wagering game on a plurality of gaming machines is disclosed. A first community event is triggered and two or more gaming machines from the plurality of gaming machines are selected to participate in the first community event. A second community event is triggered—prior to completion of the first community event—and at least one gaming machine is selected from the plurality of gaming machines to participate in the second community event. The at least one gaming machine being different from the two or more gaming machines selected to participate in the first community event. A substitute-community-event award is provided to the at least one gaming machine without playing the second community event.
US08087991B2 Gaming machine and method of play
A gaming machine includes a mechanical component for facilitating concealment of a display device during inactivity. Upon activation, a dynamic member of the mechanical component re-positions to reveal the display device showing a player award. The dynamic member and display combination facilitates an unlimited number of gaming machines. By way of example, a bonus game comprises two arms extending from a top portion of a gaming machine. In response to a primary game outcome, a player is provided with an opportunity to select one of the arms. Upon the player's selection, a hand corresponding to the selected arm, turns over and opens to reveal the display device and displayed bonus award. Other examples include flower petals opening and self-opening bottles. The use of mechanical components having one or more dynamic members attract players and facilitate a unique means of generating and displaying a primary or bonus award.
US08087990B2 Method and system for conducting multiple concurrent bingo games
A method for conducting bingo games includes using a server to collect game play requests from a plurality of electronic player stations. The server determines if a group of the collected game play requests meets one or more predefined conditions for establishing a quorum, and if so conducts a game with the group of game play requests. Even after the game is started, the server continues to collect game play requests in preparation for conducting additional games. When enough game play requests are collected, the server starts the next game, even if previous games are still in progress.
US08087989B2 Apparatus for making a sought-after choice more likely to be obtained by a participant from a group of choices
The present invention provides mathematical logic in determining the likelihood of the sought-after choice from among a group of choices by dividing the group of choices in two groups to create a small group. Then, mandatory selection from the large group of choices is made. Afterward, random elimination must leave two choices standing, one is the sought-after choice and the second is the mandatory selection, one of which is elected as the likely sought-after choice. If the sought-after choice is also the mandatory selected choice, then the second surviving choice can be any other choice.
US08087986B2 Card gaming machine and card game playing method
Pai Gow Poker is played with a card gaming machine. In the Pai Gow Poker, a players' hand and a dealer's hand are compared for winning/losing judgment, and a prize based on the judgment result is awarded. If a side bet is made, a bonus target card group composed of five cards is determined from cards in the dealer's hand, irrespective of winning/losing judgment result. A bonus judgment process is carried out for the bonus target card group and a bonus payout based on the judgment result is awarded to the player.
US08087982B1 Threshing bars and combine harvester thresher formed therewith
A combine harvester threshing drum threshing bar includes a rigid, integral, unitary threshing fixture having a leading edge and an opposed trailing end, an upstream face and an opposed downstream face formed with an oblique crop deflecting surface, a threshing side and an opposed threshing drum emplacement side. The threshing side includes a trailing threshing face formed toward the trailing end of the threshing fixture, and an inclined leading threshing face extending from the trailing threshing face to the leading edge, and which cooperates with the threshing drum emplacement side and the upstream and downstream faces of the threshing fixture at the leading edge to form a wedge in the threshing fixture. Crop threshing grooves are formed in the trailing threshing face of the top threshing side of the threshing fixture, which extend from the trailing end to the leading threshing face of the threshing fixture.
US08087978B2 Method and apparatus for removing skin and fat from meat parts
An apparatus and method for removing skin and fat from meat parts, includes a toothroll assembly. The toothroll assembly includes a first section having an outer surface, and a second section having an outer surface. The first section is adapted to rotate at a first surface speed, and the second section is adapted to rotate at a second surface speed independently from the first surface speed.
US08087977B2 Angle grinder
An angle grinder is provided including a trigger assembly for selectively actuating the angle grinder. A particle separation assembly is provided for the removal of any dust, particle, or artifacts that may have entered into the housing of the angle grinder. A brush biasing system is also provided to ensure proper and efficient operation of the motor of the angle grinder. An overload monitoring system is included to monitor the loading on the motor. A clutch mechanism is also included to prevent overloading on the motor of the angle grinder. A gear wheel lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the wheel spindle from rotating during installation or removal of a grinding wheel on the wheel spindle. An anti-locking flange system is also included to prevent the over-tightening of the flanges and the grinder wheel during the operation of the angle grinder. A gear case labyrinth feature is also provided.
US08087976B2 Trigger assembly for angle grinder
An angle grinder is provided including a trigger assembly for selectively actuating the angle grinder. A particle separation assembly is provided for the removal of any dust, particle, or artifacts that may have entered into the housing of the angle grinder. A brush biasing system is also provided to ensure proper and efficient operation of the motor of the angle grinder. An overload monitoring system is included to monitor the loading on the motor. A clutch mechanism is also included to prevent overloading on the motor of the angle grinder. A gear wheel lock mechanism is also provided to prevent the wheel spindle from rotating during installation or removal of a grinding wheel on the wheel spindle. An anti-locking flange system is also included to prevent the over-tightening of the flanges and the grinder wheel during the operation of the angle grinder. A gear case labyrinth feature is also provided.
US08087972B2 Decorative element for the human body
A decorative element for the human body in the form of a breast clasp which can be worn on the person. One breast clasp can be worn in the crease beneath a female breast and is held in place by means of a clamping and adhesive effect. The breast clasp is designed as a curved element and performs a shaping or supporting function, or both, for the female breast.
US08087967B2 Image display device and its manufacturing method with particular light-heat-curing resin composition
Manufacture a highly reliable image display device capable of proceeding with resin cure even in the case where a protective panel is provided with a light shielding portion. A liquid crystal display unit 2 having a liquid crystal display panel 8 and a light transmissive protective panel 3 having a light shielding portion 5 are disposed face to face, a resin composition 10 is interposed between the liquid crystal display unit and the protective panel, and the resin composition is cured into a cured resin layer 11. As the resin composition 10, a light-heat-curing resin composition and containing a photopolymerization initiator and organic peroxide of thermal polymerization initiator is used. In curing the resin composition 10, cure by light (ultraviolet rays) irradiation is performed until a cure ratio of the resin composition becomes 30% or more and thereafter thermal cure is performed.
US08087957B2 Terminal member
A terminal member capable of connecting a motor and a motor control circuit unit to each other reliably and efficiently. The terminal member includes first and second terminals, a pressing member, an urging member and a holder. The first terminal and second terminals are positioned facing each other, while the pressing member is positioned above the second terminal. The pressing member presses and electrically connects the first terminal and the second terminal. The urging member is positioned above and abutting the pressing member such that the pressing member urges in a direction toward the first terminal. The holder includes a recess that secures the pressing member and the urging member.
US08087954B2 Coaxial plug-type connector arrangement
A coaxial plug-type connector arrangement includes two plug-type connectors, which can be plugged one inside the other so as to latch in along a plug axis. Each plug-type connector includes a housing that extends in the direction of the plug axis and acts as an outer conductor. The housing has a drilled through-hole in which an inner conductor contact is held in insulated fashion with a coaxial arrangement. A coaxial contact sleeve is formed on the housing of the first plug-type connector, with which contact sleeve the plug-type connector enters the second plug-type connector so as to make contact when the two plug-type connectors are plugged one inside the other. A detachable tensioning sleeve for prestressing the two plug-type connectors with respect to one another in the plugged-in state is provided on the second plug-type connector.
US08087951B1 Dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket
A dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism for securing a computer processor to a socket, the dual force single point actuation integrated load mechanism including a base mounted around the socket; and a load plate rotatably coupled to the base and secured to the base when an activate lever and a hinge lever are secured above the load plate.
US08087945B2 Electric connector with a dust cover
The invention relates to an electric connector (100) having electric contact elements (206) to which an electric contact may be established using contacts of a matching plug by insertion of the plug into the electric connector (100) via an outlet (202), said electric connector also comprising a hollow space (106) in which a substantial intermediate length of one or more electric contact elements (206) is exposed via an upper input (110), and a dust cover (108), attachable in a removable fashion via the upper input (110) in order to prevent impurities from entering the hollow space (106).
US08087941B2 Grid array connector comprising a plurality of base units within a frame
An electrical connector (1) for receiving an IC package is provided and includes a frame unit (2) having an opening (21) therein, at least two base units (3) received in the opening (21), and a plurality of contacts (4) retained in the base units (3) respectively. The base units move relative to one another by the force applied by the contacts therein.
US08087940B1 Coaxial electric connector
A coaxial electric connector includes primarily a dielectric shell and a housing unit which is in an arc shape. The dielectric shell is formed by extrusion formation based on the housing unit and defines an annular space, with a predetermined wall being formed with two fixing sections to define the arc according to the housing unit. Besides, a bottom of the dielectric shell is a dielectric base and an interior of the dielectric shell contains additionally a conductor, a position of which is fixed by the dielectric base. A conductor pin on the conductor, whereas, is extended outward from the dielectric base. Through wrapping of the dielectric shell, the housing unit increases roundness of the entire housing and decreases scratching on a surface of metal part, which occurs when manufacturing the products, thereby improving a yield rate and a service life of the products.
US08087937B2 System and method for monitoring weight and nutrition
A system for providing weight and nutritional information. The system involves input of subject data such as weight, body fat percentage, and expected activity levels. Users also may input an assessment of a subject, which can be used to generate a weight plan for the subject. The weight plan can include a series of acceptable minimum weights for the subject, each of the minimum weights being associated with a time. The method can also be used to generate a nutrition plan based on the subject data entered. A subject can build the nutrition plan by responding to a series of food exchange item prompts.
US08087927B2 Torch having a continuous-flame mode
A hand-held torch includes a housing. A fuel flow path is defined within the housing. A plunger is movable within the housing to control fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An engagement portion is coupled to the plunger. A latching element is movable to engage the engagement portion when the plunger is positioned to allow fuel flow through the fuel flow path. An actuator is coupled to the latching element and exposed for manipulation by a user to move the latching element into engagement with the engagement portion.
US08087924B2 Injection molding nozzle having a tip retainer movable relative to a nozzle housing
An injection nozzle assembly, comprising: a nozzle housing; a nozzle tip having an inlet portion being contactable with the nozzle housing; and a tip retainer being movable relative to the nozzle housing between a first position, a second position and a third position.
US08087923B1 Extremely thin-walled ePTFE
An extrusion device is described herein, including an inventive die and mandrel that enable the production, using a conventional ram extruder, of strong coherent extremely thin-walled tubes having a wall thickness in the range of about 0.020 mm and about 0.080 mm.
US08087916B2 Holding jig for a foamable material
The invention provides a holding jig for supporting and fixing a solid material capable of being foamed by application of heat in a cavity of a hollow structure. The holding jig may be provided with a plate-like base body made smaller in diameter than the cavity of the hollow structure, a holding part that is provided in a predetermined width in the form of a ring on the periphery of one side of said base body and supports one side of the foamable material, a step part with predetermined height, which is projected in the form of a ring at the inner peripheral end of said holding part and supports the inner peripheral surface of the foamable material, and an attaching means with which the base body can be freely attached to or detached from the hollow structure. The holding part can be provided with a plurality of small holes that open from one side to the other side of the base body, preferably in a net or lattice pattern. The holding jig may have one or more extensions containing approximately U-shaped foaming control walls that assist in directing expansion of the foaming material towards corners of the hollow structure.
US08087912B2 Crankshaft having first and second eccentric portions
A crankshaft is to be provided that allows its assembly process to be simplified, work hours required for the assembly process to be shortened and a manufacturing cost to be reduced. The crankshaft is provided with first eccentric section and second eccentric section at respective ends while interposing a shaft section therebetween and has such a shape that a peripheral edge of the first eccentric section and/or the second eccentric section is positioned radially inside of a peripheral edge of the shaft section.
US08087911B2 Pump of electronically controlled brake system
A pump of an electronically controlled brake system. The pump includes a bore formed in a modulator block and connected with a suction port and a discharge port, a piston installed in the bore in a reciprocating movable manner and defining an inlet path therein, an inlet valve to open or close an exit-side end of the inlet path according to a position of the piston, and an outlet valve provided at one side of the bore, operations of the inlet and outlet valves being contrary to each other. The outlet valve includes a valve seat, a sleeve to surround the valve seat, an outlet ball interposed between the sleeve and the valve seat and used to open or close a path defined in the valve seat, and a valve cap provided at one side of the sleeve to isolate an interior from an exterior of the bore. One or more of the valve sheet, sleeve, and valve cap are formed by press-forming, to achieve improved assembly efficiency and reduced manufacturing costs.
US08087897B2 Fluid rotor
A rotor having at least two flightings includes a plurality of elongated support ribs rigidly interconnecting at axially spaced intervals, the outer edge of a first flighting with the inner edge of the other flighting, the ribs having a connecting boss at a distal end and a balancing mass intermediate a proximal end and the distal end. A method of forming the rib is further included.
US08087896B2 Handling system for a wind turbine nacelle, method for vertical displacement and a wind turbine nacelle and a wind turbine nacelle
A handling system for a wind turbine nacelle in connection with self-loading or self-unloading of the nacelle to or from a vehicle. The system uses two or more lifting apparatus, where the lifting apparatus are engaged with lifting areas of a load carrying structure of the nacelle. The lifting areas are a part of the load carrying structure or are integrated in the load carrying structure, and where the lifting apparatus lifts by applying linear force to the load carrying structure of the nacelle. A method is also provided for vertical displacement of a wind turbine nacelle and a wind turbine nacelle prepared for self-loading or self-unloading to or from a vehicle.
US08087894B2 Aperture and flap vertical axis wind machine
A vertical axis wind machine having a mechanism of apertures and flaps to reduce return blade wind drag. The aperture and flap vertical axis wind machine has improved rotational speed and torque in relation to existing vertical axis wind machines. The aperture and flap vertical axis wind machine is also quieter, has fewer moving parts, requires no feathering controls to operate in high wind speeds, and can be operated independent of wind direction.
US08087891B1 Turbine blade with tip region cooling
A turbine blade with a tip region cooling circuit in which cooling air from a serpentine flow circuit in the main airfoil body passes into the tip cooling circuit and around the suction side and pressure side walls to better cool the airfoil and tip with low cooling air flow. A 5-pass serpentine circuit with a first leg is located along the leading edge and is connected directly to a showerhead arrangement to provide film cooling for the leading edge. The 5-pass serpentine circuit, discharges cooling air from the last leg into impingement holes and exit slots spaced along the trailing edge. The remaining cooling air from the 5-pass serpentine flows from the last leg and into the 2-pass serpentine flow circuit located within the tip section. The cooling air flows along the suction side first, makes a turn around the leading edge in the tip, and then flows along the suction side passage where a row of film cooling holes discharges film cooling air onto the pressure side tip surface. The remaining cooling air flows through a trailing edge tip hole and is discharged.
US08087890B2 Turboprop having a propeller made up of variable-pitch blades
A turboprop having a set of variable-pitch rotary blades constrained to rotate with a rotary support. In order to vary its pitch, each blade of said set is coupled to a specific hydraulic actuator carried by the rotary support.
US08087888B2 Wind turbine blade with cambering flaps
A wind turbine having at least a blade comprising a first component (11) having an aerodynamic profile with a leading edge (5), a trailing edge (7) and suction and pressure sides between the leading edge (5) and the trailing edge (7) and a second component (13) attached to the trailing edge (7) and/or to the leading edge (5) of the first component (11) in at least a part of the blade, in which the second component (13) comprises an upwards and/or downwards deflectable flap (15) that allows changing the flow over the blade and in which the means for deflecting the flap (15) comprise a stiff plate (31) inserted between the first component (11) and the flap (15) and stiff plate actuating means (33, 43).
US08087887B2 Fan and fan frame thereof
A fan includes an impeller, a motor and a fan frame. The motor is coupled to the impeller and drives the impeller to rotate. The impeller and the motor are accommodated in the fan frame. The fan frame has a main body, an inner circular portion formed with a passage, a guiding portion forming an outlet of the fan, a motor base and a plurality of supporting elements. The guiding portion is connected to the inner circular portion. The motor base is disposed in the center of the passage on the main body. The supporting elements are connected between the main body and the motor base, and each of the supporting elements has a suspended portion which is not connected to the guiding portion.
US08087886B2 Sectional fan frame structure
The present invention discloses a sectional fan frame structure composed of two units or two units and a circular plate frame. The units can be made in different shapes as needed, and the units come with fasteners. The circular plate frame is formed by enclosing a plate, and the fasteners are installed at the positions of connecting the circular plate frame and the units. Therefore, a fan frame can be assembled by the latch of fasteners between the units, or the unit and the circular plate frame, so as to achieve the effects of simplifying the development of a mold, providing an easy demold after an injection molding, assembling a fan frame with a different height by changing the width of the circular plate frame, and saving the cost of the mold.
US08087883B2 Cylindrical-rod device for controlling a variable-pitch vane of a turbomachine
A variable-pitch control device for a turbomachine compressor is disclosed. The device includes a rod, a fastening device for fastening a first end of the rod to a pivot of a vane to be controlled, and a connection device between a second end of the rod and a control ring. The rod is substantially cylindrical, its first end being engaged in a bore in the pivot of the vane. The device further includes a clamping device for clamping the first end of the rod in the bore in the pivot in order to fasten it to the pivot.
US08087872B2 Steam seal system
The present application provides a variable steam seal system for use with a steam turbine. The variable steam seal system may include a seal steam header, a first pressure section, a first pressure seal positioned about the first pressure section, and a flow path through the first pressure seal and extending to the seal steam header. The first pressure seal may include a moveable seal packing ring for varying the flow path through the first pressure seal to the seal steam header.
US08087869B1 Method and apparatus for loading palletized articles for blast freezing
A method and apparatus for spacing apart layers of cartons containing animal parts (such as chicken parts). In one embodiment is provided a vacuum assist lift device to transfer layers of cartons from a packed condition to a palletized spaced apart condition. In one embodiment is provided a method of simultaneously transferring a plurality of layers from a packed condition to a spaced apart condition. In one embodiment is provided a vacuum assist lift device which can be adjusted for a plurality of configurations of layers of cartons.
US08087866B2 Hitching apparatus and hay bale suspension system
Hay bale suspension systems for non-pivotal connection to hitches of vehicles are disclosed herein. The systems respectively comprise connector assemblies and hay bale support assemblies. The connector assemblies non-pivotally secure to a ball hitch or a receiver hitch of a vehicle. The hay bale support assemblies are non-pivotally secured to the vehicle via the connector assemblies.
US08087860B1 Self-indicating lug nut
A self-indicating lug nut for use with an automobile wheel stud having an outermost first external thread. The lug nut includes a nut body having an internally threaded bore including a plurality of internal threads, an outermost last internal thread, and an outer end. The lug nut further includes an indicating member removably attached to the nut body proximate to the outer end. The lug nut is configured such that when the lug nut is threadibly advanced onto the wheel stud, interfering contact between the first external thread and the indicating member displaces the indicating member from the nut body. The indicating member can separate into two or more pieces when displaced from the nut body. Displacement of the indicating member provides a visible indication that all of the internal threads of the nut body have engaged the external threads of the wheel stud.
US08087858B2 Vise-mounted milling machine collet indexer
An instantly aligning collet indexer that can be instantly mounted on the standard tooling vises found on most milling machines. A constant clamping pneumatic collet closing system with the valve and manifold is built into the body. The design is compact enough to fit in any standard 6″ machine tool vise and rigid enough to be useful for machining operations. The collet indexer can be used in a vertical or horizontal position in a typical mill vise of a milling machine. The device can be driven by a simple graduated hand crank or by a servo type motor controlled by various programs used in conjunction with a computer.
US08087848B2 Powered sheave for node deployment and retrieval
A method and apparatus for deploying a plurality of seismic sensor units into a water column is described. The method includes providing a length of flexible cable from a cable storage device disposed on a vessel to a powered sheave, the cable having a plurality of spaced apart attachment points, routing the cable from the powered sheave to pass adjacent a workstation disposed on the vessel, deploying a free end of the cable into the water column while increasing the motion of the vessel to a first speed, operating the vessel at the first speed while providing a deployment rate of the cable at a second speed, the second speed being greater than the first speed, decreasing the second speed of the cable as an attachment point approaches the work station, and attaching at least one of the plurality of seismic sensor units to the attachment point at the workstation.
US08087840B2 Slide type writing tool preventing dryness
A retractable writing instrument having a dryness prevention device is disclosed. The retractable writing instrument includes a casing (10), which has a nib hole therein, a cartridge (20), which has a nib coupling protrusion for coupling a nib (24) to a nib extension tube, and a spring for providing elastic restoring force. The writing instrument further includes an Oring member (50), which is coupled to the nib extension tube, and an openable ring (40), which is rotatably coupled to the Oring member (50). When a knock part is pushed, the openable ring (40) is rotated, such that a through passage is opened, and the nib is protruded outside through the nib hole. When the cartridge is moved backwards, the nib coupling protrusion of the cartridge holds the Oring member and is moved backwards along with the Oring member, thereby rotating the openable ring, thus closing the through passage.
US08087835B2 Lens barrel and imaging apparatus
Disclosed are a lens barrel capable of preventing a reduction in strength while maintaining a small size and a small thickness and an imaging apparatus including the lens barrel. A first moving cylinder in which a cam groove to which a second cam follower pin is fitted is provided in an inner surface is arranged outside a cam cylinder having the second cam follower pin provided on an outer surface thereof. In addition, a third lens group frame in which a cam follower pin fitted to one of the cam grooves is provided on an outer surface and a second lens group frame in which a cam follower pin fitted to the other groove is provided on an outer surface are arranged inside the cam cylinder having the cam grooves provided in the inner surface thereof.
US08087833B2 Plug parts for an optical plug connection
A plug part (1) for an optical plug connection comprises one pin holder (3) in which a plug pin (2) for retaining an optical waveguide which extends over a longitudinal central axis (L) is held. The pin holder (3) can be pushed into a plug housing (4) via a cable-side opening (30) and locked therein in a mounting position, wherein the plug pin (2) is held axially resiliently in the plug housing (4) with the aid of a separate spring element (5). The spring element (5) can here be inserted in a mount in the plug housing (4) before the pin holder (3) is pushed in. The spring element (5) is secured by way of a clamping sleeve (6) which can be inserted into the mount via the plug-side opening (30) in the push-in direction (e). Arranged in the mount is a circlip (7) and the pin holder (3) has a groove (12) which can be brought into engagement with the circlip (7) in a latching manner in order to fix the mounting position.
US08087828B2 Synthetic resin bag having an easy opening function
There is provided a synthetic resin bag having an easy-opening function in which an opening operation can be easily made on a side of an opening section of a bag body while it is prevented on a side of an interior section of the bag body and comprising two front and back panel films 1a and 1b of the bag body and two easy peel tapes 4a and 4b each including an easy peel layer and a thermally adhesive layer and disposed inside of the panel films of the bag body in an opening section 2 thereof over the whole lateral widths thereof, the easy peel layers of the two easy peel tapes faced to each other being weakly adhered to each other as indicated by a reference numeral 6 and the thermally adhesive layers of the two easy peel tapes being strongly adhered as indicated by reference numerals 5a and 5b to the inner faces of the panel films 1a and 1b of the bag body, respectively, so that the thermally adhesive layers have adhesion width difference of long and short widths C1 and C2 in a direction perpendicular to the lateral width of the bag body whereby the easy peel tapes can be easily separated on the side of the opening section 2 of the bag body while the easy peel tapes can be prevented from being separated on the side of the interior section of the bag body.
US08087822B2 Liquid container capable of self-generating power and showing temprature
A liquid container capable of self-generating power and showing temperature, comprising: a) a containing body consisting of a housing and an inner wall, a gap being formed between the housing and the inner wall; b) a circuit board positioned within the gap; c) a temperature sensor positioned in the gap for measuring the temperature of the contained liquid, the temperature sensor being electrically connected to the circuit board; d) a temperature indicator disposed in the gap and electrically connected to the circuit board, a displaying surface thereof being positioned on the surface of the housing; and e) a temperature difference power-generating element positioned within the gap and electrically coupled to the circuit board, a thermoelectric effect being created by the hot water filled into the space defined by the inner wall such that a thermal energy can be converted into the electric energy that is stored by an energy-accumulating element for providing the temperature indicator and the related elements with required power.
US08087779B2 Phase modulation device for an ophthalmic instrument, ophthalmic instruments equipped with such device, and related calibration method
A phase modulation device implemented in an ophthalmic instrument using a main light beam interacting with an eye, the device including: an apparatus for modulating the phase of the wave front of the main light beam, a controller for controlling the phase modulation apparatus following a modulation instruction, and an analyzer for analyzing the thus-performed modulation of the phase of the wave front of the main light beam, further including emitting a secondary light beam, an apparatus for directing the secondary light beam along an optical path to the modulation apparatus, then to the analyzer, and in that the optical path does not pass through the eye, and in that the controller and the analyzer receiving the modulated secondary light beam cooperate, during a stage called a learning stage, to supply data regarding the response of the phase modulation apparatus to a set of predetermined modulation instructions.
US08087776B2 Safety eyewear
The present invention relates to safety eyewear having a nose piece structure with multiple axes of adjustment. The nose piece structure includes a nose support and a nose pad. The nose support having a substantial inverse V or U shape configured for attachment to a portion of eyewear. The nose pad has a metal core overmolded with a soft deformable material which can be adjusted along an axis. An insert portion of the metal core extends outside of the material of the nose pad along a horizontal axis for insertion within the receiving portion of the nose support. The nose pad defines multiple non-uniform fins for comfort and adjustment along an axis. The receiving portion and the insert portion attached together to allow adjustment of the nose pad along an axis.
US08087775B2 Hinge arrangement for spectacles
A hinge arrangement is described in which a pair of temples (1) are connected to a frontal portion (10) of the frame by a connection of upper and lower jaws (15, 16) extending from the frontal portion and passing through one or two apertures (4) provided in the temple. The lenses, once fitted, urge the jaws against upper and lower surfaces (8, 9) of the aperture in the temple, for example against the ends a T-shaped slot, which helps to prevent the hinged connection from coming apart. The jaws also engage a portion of the temple located rearwardly of the aperture to provide frictional contact that improves the feeling of stiffness in the hinge and/or a biasing action resisting over-opening of the temples.
US08087770B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a supply unit that supplies liquid recipient particles to receive liquid; a conveyance unit that conveys the liquid recipient particles supplied by the supply unit; a discharge unit that discharges liquid droplets to the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit; a humidity reducing unit that reduces relative humidity inside or around the supply unit; and a humidity increasing unit, on a downstream side of the supply unit, that increases relative humidity around at least one of the liquid recipient particles conveyed by the conveyance unit and the discharge unit.
US08087766B2 Fast-drying, solvent-based inkjet composition and a method and system for printing such ink
Disclosed herein is a fast drying solvent-based inkjet ink composition for thermal inkjet printing. The ink composition includes at least 40 weight percent base solvent, a solvent-compatible colorant, not more than 25 weight percent propellant, a decap-controlling additive, from 0.5 weight % to 3.5 weight % of a binder resin and not more than 5 weight % water. The application also relates to the method and system for inkjet printing with the above-described ink.
US08087763B2 Inkjet printer with printhead cartridge and cradle that interengage via an overcentre mechanism
An inkjet printer comprising a printer body and a replaceable printhead cartridge is disclosed. The printhead cartridge has a casing that supports a printhead and a plurality of contacts for receiving print data and power. The printer body has a cradle for holding the printhead cartridge in an operative position. The printer body has corresponding contacts for connection with the plurality of contacts on the printhead cartridge when the printhead cartridge is in the operative position. During insertion of the replaceable printhead cartridge, the casing is first slid into the cradle at which point the plurality of contacts contact the corresponding contacts. Next, the casing is rotated. During the rotation the plurality of contacts remain in contact with the corresponding contacts. The rotation of the casing in the cradle forms an over centre mechanism.
US08087762B2 Ink storing system and ink delivering system
An ink reservoir mechanism includes a ink reservioring portion for directly reservoiring ink to be supplied to an ink jet recording head, the ink reservoiring portion having a reservoiring volume which reduces with consumption of the ink and being provided with an air-liquid separation device; a negative pressure source, having a variable inner volume, for normally applying a negative pressure to the ink reservoiring portion through the air-liquid separation device; and a connection path for connecting the negative pressure source and the ink reservoiring portion through the air-liquid separation device.
US08087759B2 Print head with offset ejection ports
The impact accuracy of ejected droplets, the quality of printed images, and print speed can be improved in a print head having an ink channel for which the width thereof in a direction orthogonal to an ink supply direction in which ink is supplied from an ink supply port to a pressure chamber is smaller than that of a pressure chamber. In the print head, the center of a heater along the ink supply direction is offset from the center of the pressure chamber along the ink supply direction, toward the side of the pressure chamber far from the ink supply port in the ink supply direction.
US08087758B2 Liquid droplet ejecting head and liquid droplet ejecting apparatus
A liquid droplet ejecting head that drives pressure generating portions disposed in pressure chambers inside ejectors to thereby pressurize liquid inside the pressure chambers and cause liquid droplets to be ejected from nozzles communicated with the pressure chambers, wherein the ejectors are connected at a plurality of places via a plurality of communicating paths to common flow paths in which forcible liquid flows are formed, is provided.
US08087756B2 Heater chips with silicon die bonded on silicon substrate
A heater chip has a substrate and at least one die, made of silicon, and a bond non-adhesively attaching them. The substrate, thick enough to resist bowing, has ink supply vias from back to front surfaces. The die has ink flow vias from back to front surfaces and circuitry including heater elements adjacent the front surface interspersed with ink flow vias. The at least one die is superimposed on the substrate such that ink supply vias of the substrate align with ink flow vias of the die and portions of substrate front surface and die back surface are aligned, disposed adjacent and facing one another. The bond formed between substrate and die facing surface portions is hermetic and equal in strength to a Si—O bond. A metal through the die connects a conductor on a front of the substrate to a heater element on a front of the die.
US08087743B2 Print control method
A print control method comprising the steps of measuring a battery remainder index correlating with a remaining capacity of a battery in a printing unit operating on the battery, specifying a number of remaining printable copies of the printing unit on the basis of the battery remainder index, and outputting the number of remaining printable copies.
US08087742B2 Liquid ejector and method for ejecting liquid
A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.
US08087741B2 Liquid ejector and method for ejecting liquid
A liquid discharge apparatus that is capable of setting a proper deflection amount for deflecting an ink discharge direction even when the distance between the ink discharge surface and the ink landing surface of print paper varies and method of using same. The liquid discharge apparatus includes a head in which a plurality of nozzle-incorporated ink discharge sections are arrayed, discharge direction deflection means for deflecting the discharge direction of an ink discharged from a nozzle of each ink discharge section in the direction of ink discharge section arrangement, distance detection means for detecting the distance between the ink discharge surface of the head and the ink landing surface of print paper, and discharge deflection amount determination means for determining the ink discharge deflection amount (discharge angle) to be provided by the discharge direction deflection means in accordance with the results of detection by the distance detection means.
US08087740B2 Continuous ink jet apparatus and method using a plurality of break-off times
A method of operating a continuous liquid drop emission apparatus includes providing a liquid drop emitter that emits a plurality of continuous streams of liquid through a plurality of nozzles. A jet stimulation apparatus transfers energy to the liquid sufficient to cause the break-off of the plurality of continuous streams of liquid at a plurality of predetermined break-off times into a plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Sensing apparatus measures a characteristic value for each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes. Control apparatus provides a plurality of break-off time setting signals to the jet stimulation apparatus to cause the plurality of predetermined break-off times to be determined by the characteristic value of each of the plurality of streams of drops of predetermined volumes.
US08087738B2 Casegoods with cable management features
Office and home office furniture casegood products having cable management features, such as a desk including pedestals with hinged access doors having one or more cable management grommets disposed in the top edges of the hinged access doors. The desk may also include a hinged modesty panel with one or more cable management grommets disposed in a top edge thereof. The cable management grommets include a plurality of cable management grommet apertures to facilitate routing of cords or cables through the cable management grommets. The desk may also include a work surface having a bottom surface with a plurality of cord troughs attached thereto. Various panels of the desk include half-round cord openings to facilitate routing of cords and cables after having been routed through the cable management grommet apertures. The modesty panel includes an offset hinge assembly, advantageously providing ease of access to a wall outlet located behind the modesty panel.
US08087732B2 Method and apparatus for detecting a circuit failure in a vehicle brake system
In a vehicle brake system including first and second brake circuits, a dual-circuit brake actuator, first and second control lines, the first brake circuit including a first brake pressure regulating valve and a first pressure sensor, the second brake circuit including a second brake pressure regulating valve and a second pressure sensor, the brake actuator connected to the first valve via the first control line to control that valve, and, via the second control line, to the second valve to control that valve, a control unit is communicatively connected to the pressure sensors and brake actuator and is adapted to effect a method for detecting a brake system circuit failure including determining a first pressure difference in the first brake circuit and a second pressure difference in the second brake circuit during actuation of the brake actuator, and determining a first comparison value from the first and second pressure differences.
US08087728B2 Raiser seat
A raiser seat for assisting a person from a sitting to a standing position is described. The seat comprises: a seat frame (4); a seat (10) supported for movement relative to the seat frame between a lowered position and a raised position; and a movement mechanism for moving the seat between the lowered and the raised positions. The movement mechanism comprises at least one cam (104) and the seat rests on the at least one cam such that rotation of the at least one cam results in movement of the seat relative to the seat frame.
US08087725B2 Head rest and harness adjustment for child car seat
A car seat includes a vertically adjustable head rest and harness support apparatus that will properly locate the position of the harness relative to the child in response to the positioning of the head rest. The head rest is movable along a curved track to provide horizontal clearance with respect to the vehicle head rest when in a fully raised position. The harness belt is trapped in a length adjustment lock and follows a path that extends around a fixed guide bar at the top of the car seat frame then downwardly through a guide member that directs the belt through an opening in the seat back for engagement with the child. The guide member is supported on a harness control tube that engages a rack device to fix the position of the harness control tube when the position of the head rest is selected.
US08087722B2 Armchair with a storage device
An armchair with a storage device, the storage device is disposed in the space between the arm rest and the seat and used to store goods. The user can open and close the storage device very easily while seating in the armchair, making it convenient for the user to store or take out goods. Furthermore, the armchair with a storage device is easy to assemble and simply structured without changing too much the structure of the armchair.
US08087717B2 Light weight devices and related methods for reinforcing an automotive roof assembly
The exemplary embodiments generally relate to a device for reinforcing an automotive roof assembly. Some embodiments include a stiffening member for attaching to a cross member of an automotive roof assembly. The stiffening member may have a plurality of supports for providing additional stiffness in longitudinal, lateral, and/or vertical directions. Some embodiments relate to methods of making and/or using the device.
US08087715B2 Inflatable trailer skirt
The invention comprises a set of tubular inflatable bags mounted to the underside of a transport trailer along its lower edge in front of the rear wheel assembly. The bags are pressurized by ram air inflation upon forward motion of the trailer, such that they prevent air from entering the rear wheel assembly and thereby reduce aerodynamic drag. The outer exposed sides of the bags are vertically and horizontally straightened and stiffened by horizontal ribs which are anchored by cords to the trailer. The apparatus gives way without stress when unpressurized at slow speed and when docking to avoid damage.
US08087684B2 Wheelchair advantage mobility system
A wheelchair propulsion and braking system (10) includes at least one clutch engagement disk rotatably couplable to a wheelchair frame (14). The clutch engagement disk (32) includes a gear (38) that is rotatable with the clutch engagement disk (32), and a drive chain (40) disposed around the gear (38). A drive wheel (50) is rotatably attachable to a wheel (22) of the wheelchair (12), and operatively attachable to the drive chain (40). The system also includes at least one lever arm (60) that is rotatably couplable to the wheelchair frame (14). The at least one lever arm (60) includes a handle (62) operatively coupled to an upper end (64) of the lever arm (60). The handle (62) is oriented in an accessible position during use. A pair of calipers (70) is operatively coupled to each lever arm (60), and engageable with the at least one clutch engagement disk (32). An actuator (80) is operatively coupled to the handle (62) to actuate the calipers (70), and to engage the clutch engagement disk (32).
US08087676B2 Suspension height adjustment mechanism
This disclosure relates to a suspension height adjustment mechanism comprising a main body, a rotatable assembly being rotatably mounted to the main body and having a first threaded portion, a tool engagement portion for rotating the rotatable assembly, a spring support having a second threaded portion engaging the first threaded portion, an anti-rotation means on the spring support adapted to cooperate with a corresponding anti-rotation means on the main body to prevent rotation of the spring support with respect to the main body, such that, in use, rotation of the tool engagement portion causes the spring support to axially translate along the rotatable assembly, thus adjusting the height of the suspension. This disclosure also relates to a vehicle suspension system comprising the suspension height adjustment mechanism and to a vehicle comprising the vehicle suspension system.
US08087675B2 Chuck holder incorporating independent arrayed wedge clamps for clamping such as irregularly shaped and thin wall parts with a minimum of deformation
A work holder assembly for use in clamping a workpiece being machined. A chuck includes a fixed sleeve about which is mounted a rotatable collet. A plurality of individual clamps extend from circumferential spaced locations associated with the collet. The clamps each include a first spring biased and linear traveling component actuating a second radially traveling and adjustable component into engagement with annular disposed locations of the workpiece. Each the clamps exhibits a wedge shape at an interface between the linear and radial components, both in order to minimize clamping forces and to prevent backdriving of the clamps by the tooling. A fluid pressure extends through a location in the chuck, the collet further having a fluid delivery component in communication with the fluid supply and which is in contact with workpiece engaging locations, to overcome the spring bias of said pin in a fluid actuated release condition.
US08087673B2 Sealing device
A sealing device comprises a stationary-side installation ring (11) fixed to an outer stationary-side member (201), a rotation-side installation ring (12) fixed to an inner rotation-side member (202), a stationary-side lip (13) provided on the stationary-side installation ring (11) to be slidably in contact with the rotation-side installation ring (12) by its tip, rotation-side lips (14, 15) formed on the rotation-side installation ring (12) to be slidably in contact with the stationary-side installation ring (11) by their tips, a pulsar ring (17) formed of a synthetic resin or rubber-like elastic material mixed with magnetic powder on the rotation-side installation ring (12) and multipolar magnetized, and a collar portion (17a) formed on an outer periphery of the pulsar ring (17) at the outer side than the rotation-side lips (14, 15) to closely face the stationary-side member (201) or the stationary-side installation ring (11), thereby an excellent sealing ability being given.
US08087663B2 Sheet feeder and image recording apparatus
A sheet feeder, including: a holding portion for holding sheets; a sheet supply portion; an inclined member having an inclined surface for guiding each sheet in a sheet feed direction along the inclined surface; a first separation protrusion provided integrally on the inclined member so as to protrude from the inclined surface such that its distal end is located more downstream in the sheet feed direction than its proximal end; a plurality of second separation protrusions formed of a metal and disposed more upstream in the sheet feed direction than the first separation protrusion, each second separation protrusion protruding from the inclined surface through a corresponding one of openings formed in the inclined member, the second separation protrusions being arranged in the sheet feed direction; and a fixing member by which the second separation protrusions are fixed to the inclined member on a surface thereof opposite to the inclined surface.
US08087661B2 Paper-sheet feeding device
A torque limiter between a pressure roller and shaft, which is configured to allow the pressure roller to rotate in a feed-out direction of a paper-sheet P, relative to the shaft, when a torque greater than a predetermined torque T is applied to the pressure roller along a circumferential direction thereof, while interlocking the pressure roller with the shaft when the torque applied to the pressure roller along the circumferential direction thereof is less than the predetermined torque. Further, the predetermined torque is set less than frictional torque N3 directly generated between a feed roller friction part and a pressure roller friction part at a nip part N, while being set greater than both the frictional torque N1 generated between the pressure roller friction part of the pressure roller and the paper-sheet P at the nip part N and the frictional torque N4 generated between a pair of paper-sheets P at the nip part.
US08087659B2 Conveying device, method of controlling the conveying device, and recording device using the conveying device
A conveying device in which positional displacement of a sheet may occur due to, for example, backlash of a mechanical system is provided. In the conveying device, when the speed of an encoder is decelerated to a predetermined speed after an edge of a sheet abuts against a roller during conveyance of the sheet, an encoder position is obtained. After the roller stops due to the backlash, an encoder position is obtained again. An amount of conveyance of the sheet to a print start position is corrected on the basis of the two encoder positions that have been obtained.
US08087655B2 Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus with movable receiving member
A saddle stitching portion which can bind the center portion in the conveying direction of a sheet bundle by a stapler and fold it by a pair of folding rollers and a pushout member, includes an end stopper which receives the downstream end of a sheet conveyed by a first conveying roller in a first receiving position on the downstream of the first conveying roller by a length not buckling the sheet on the downstream of the stapler or the downstream end of the sheet conveyed by a second conveying roller in a second receiving position on the downstream of the second conveying roller by the length on the further downstream, wherein the receiving position of the downstream end stopper is selected according to the length in the conveying direction of the sheet.
US08087653B2 Method and arrangement for producing printed products
A method for producing printed products with an arrangement including at least one printing press to produce book blocks, at least one conveying device to convey the book blocks, at least one processing device to provide each respective book block with a respective cover, and a control unit to control the production of the book blocks. The method includes producing each respective cover in advance of each respective book block production, supplying each cover to at least one storage unit, and following the supplying of each cover to the storage unit, triggering at least one printing press by the control unit to produce the respective book block on the at least one printing press.
US08087651B2 Coupling device
A coupling device having a first coupling part 3 provided with at least one projecting region, the regions of the first coupling part which project in the z direction being arranged eccentrically or centrally, and the projecting regions having conical outer surfaces formed with at least one angle relative to the z direction, the elastic regions 4 pointing in the direction of the center being formed in a radially parallel manner within the second coupling part 3. The the projecting regions of the first coupling part engage in the elastic regions 4 of the second coupling part 3 for the x-y orientation in the z direction. The second coupling part 3 is of one-piece design and can be produced in one operation.
US08087641B2 Fluid control valve with a holding member to prevent loosening of threaded engagement
For providing a fluid control valve capable of preventing looseness of a screw part between a valve main body and a valve upper body, the fluid control valve comprises a resin valve main body wherein a valve seat comes into or out of contact with a diaphragm, and a resin valve upper body engaged with the valve main body. The fluid control valve comprises a holding member to keep the valve main body and the valve upper body threadedly screwed together.
US08087635B2 Pneumatic pinch valve
A pneumatic pinch valve assembly having a lever, a piston supporting a pressing piece, and a fluid tube receiving space formed between the lever and the pressing piece for receiving fluid tubes is disclosed. Air is introduced into a cavity to actuate the piston in order to pinch a fluid tube between the lever and the pressing piece to intercept a fluid flow through the tube. A pinching action control feature is located between the piston and the pressing piece and is used to protect the fluid tube by limiting one or more amounts of compression of the fluid tube during operation. The amount of compression of the fluid tube is able to be adjusted so that the fluid tube is not easily deteriorated during long-time operation.
US08087630B1 Wind-resistant stackable cup holders
A cup holder includes a base having a cup-receiving central portion, a number of cup holding elongated members extending upward around the central portion to hold a cup in place so that it is not overturned or blown away by the wind, and a number of openings extending upward from a lower surface of the base to receive the cup holding elongated members of another, similar cup holder so that the cup holders can be stacked for storage. The cup holder may include a removably attached, downward extending member for attachment to a soft soil surface. In one version, the cup holding elongated members and the openings are tapered, with the openings extending within the cup holding elongated members. In other versions, the openings are placed within the base in patterns similar to the pattern of the cup holding elongated members, with the patterns being spaced apart from one another.
US08087619B2 Active control stick assembly including traction drive
An active control stick assembly. In one embodiment, the active control stick assembly includes a housing assembly, a control stick coupled to the assembly housing for rotation about at least a first rotational axis, a first artificial force feel (AFF) motor disposed in the housing assembly, and a first traction drive mechanically coupling the first AFF motor to the control stick. A controller is operatively coupled to the first AFF motor. The controller is configured to selectively activate the first AFF motor to supply a torque through the first traction drive and acting on the control stick about the first rotational axis.
US08087614B2 Stringer for an aircraft wing and a method of forming thereof
The present invention relates to a stringer for an aircraft wing and a method of forming such a stringer in which the stringer is formed form a single piece of material and has differential strength along its length.
US08087611B2 Galley unit with cart lift for elevated cart storage
A galley unit with a cart lift is provided for elevated storage of a food and beverage cart. The galley unit includes a mounting rack configured for mounting at least one first galley component thereon. The cart lift includes a platform for supporting a second galley component thereon. The platform is movable between a fully lowered, fully extended position and a fully raised, fully retracted position with the second galley component supported thereon. A support pillar is positioned to one side of the mounting rack and is operable to support and manipulate the platform in a fore-and-aft motion between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position, and in an up-and-down motion between a fully lowered position and a fully raised position. The support pillar may include an operator controlled passive lifting system for assisting manipulation of the platform.
US08087599B2 Anti-paper jam protection device for shredders
The present invention relates to an anti-paper jam protection device for shredders comprising a paper thickness detecting device, an indicating device and a controlling device, wherein the paper thickness detecting device is an electromagnetic induction paper thickness detecting device comprising a contact element, an electromagnetic element and an electromagnetic induction element, the contact element is connected rotatably to the body of the shredder, one end of which is positioned in the paper inserting passage, on the other end of which is mounted the electromagnetic element, the electromagnetic induction element is mounted on the body of the shredder and spaced with the electromagnetic element face to face, and the controlling device is in line connection with the electromagnetic induction element, the present invention controls the thickness of the paper to be shredded during the paper inserting stage, and shreds paper automatically only in a predetermined value range, to avoid abnormalities that result in failure of the machine such as jam and tooth breaking when the shredder is shredding many pieces of paper, so as to reduce maintenance times and cost, extend service life, and make application of shredders safer and more reliable, more convenient and simpler, then to achieve better protection of shredders.
US08087598B2 Nozzle module for an injection valve
A nozzle module for an injection valve has a nozzle body with a recess with a wall, being operable to hydraulically couple the recess to a high pressure fluid circuit, a seal seat embodied on the wall, at least one nozzle needle arranged in an axially moveable fashion in the recess. The needle has a seat area with a sealing surface interacting with the seal seat to open and close the valve, respectively, and a supporting area, arranged radially outside and axially at a distance from the seat area and supporting the needle against the wall when the needle closes. The needle has at least one needle recess, which when the supporting area rests against the wall of the body recess, an area of the body recess facing axially away from the seat area is hydraulically coupled to an area of the body recess which axially faces the seat area.
US08087591B2 Method for producing a portable data carrier
Proposed is a method for producing a portable data carrier (100) starting out from a film carrier (10) having disposed on its upper side (14) a contact layout (28), and on its underside (16) a semiconductor circuit (20) connected to the contact layout. The thus prepared film carrier (10) is put into an injection mold (30) where an injection molding process is performed in which a molded body (40) having an outer contour (102) corresponding to a standard specification for the outer dimensions of a portable data carrier is formed on the underside (16) around the semiconductor circuit (20).
US08087590B2 Indicia reading terminal including frame quality evaluation processing
There is described an indicia reading terminal that can be operative to capture a succession of frames of image data and that can be operative so that a certain frame of the succession of frames is subject to quality evaluation processing where a result of the quality evaluation processing is responsive to one or more of an incidence and sharpness of edge representations of the frame of image data.
US08087585B2 Baggage handling system and method
A label for tracking and tracing baggage in a baggage handling system is disclosed. The label includes resonators doped into the label. The resonators providing the label with a unique signature and are capable of being read from approximately 2 meters. A baggage handling system incorporating a resonator based label system is also disclosed. The system includes at least one piece of baggage, a label for tracking and tracing baggage in the baggage handling system, at least one reader for reading the label in order to properly direct the attached at least one piece of baggage, and at least one baggage mover suitable for moving the at least one piece of baggage within the baggage handling system. The label includes resonators doped into the label that provide the label with a unique signature, the label being attached to and referenced with said at least one piece of baggage.
US08087572B2 Container blank for a storage container
The present invention is directed toward a blank of material configured to form a storage/display container. The blank includes fold lines at predetermined locations to provide panels selectively foldable into a predetermined configuration. Specifically, the blank forms a container having a pedestal, a tower, and a lid hinged to the tower. The container defines a cavity in which items are selectively stored and accessed. The container, moreover, may function as a component of an award given to an award recipient. In one embodiment, the container is stylized as a trophy housing items related to an accomplishment or an occasion reached by the recipient.
US08087566B2 Techniques for arranging solder balls and forming bumps
A mask having a plurality of through holes and a mold having a plurality of cavities are provided, and the through holes and the cavities are aligned. Conductive balls are dispensed into the aligned through holes and cavities. Substantially one ball is dispensed into each aligned through hole and cavity, and the mask with the holes and the cavities in the mold are configured and dimensioned such that the balls are substantially flush with, or recessed below, an outer surface of the mask. The mask is removed, the conductive balls are aligned with pads of a semiconductor device, and the conductive balls are transferred to the pads by fluxless reflow in a formic acid environment. Vibrational, electrostatic, and direct transfer aspects are also disclosed.
US08087560B2 Accessory attachment system
An accessory system has one or more accessory elements which are removably attachable to a waist belt. A loop is fastened to the rear wall of each accessory element to define a passage between the rear wall and the loop which extends generally perpendicularly to the direction of the belt. A first part of a two-part fastener such as a snap is attached to an exterior surface of the loop. A strap is fastened to the accessory element rear wall spaced from the loop. A second part of the two-part fastener is configured to mate with the first part of the two-part fastener. The second part is fixed to the strap, so the strap is capable of passing through the loop, and around the loop to bring the first part and the second part of the fastener into engagement to retain the belt between the strap and the accessory rear wall.
US08087553B2 One way valve assembly
A one way valve assembly flows a sterile flowable substance from a source to an outlet orifice and prevents any backflow of contaminants through the one way valve assembly when the flowable substance ceases to flow. The valve assembly includes an elastomeric membrane which aids in preventing any backflow of contaminants when dispensing of the flowable substance is stopped.
US08087551B2 Tool for deactivating small arms
A device and method for deactivating firearms is described herein. The device includes a casing having a nozzle and a plunger for dispensing a bonding material out of the nozzle. The device is inserted into the barrel of a weapon, and the material is injected into the barrel near the bolt face of the weapon. The bonding material enters the working mechanism of the firearm and hardens, interfering with operation of the firearm.
US08087540B2 Dispensing container for metered dispensing of product
A dispensing container is provided, including an outer casing having an open end, a top, a bottom, sidewalls extending between the top and bottom, and an interior compartment; an inner tray slidably received within the interior compartment of the outer casing and including a storage compartment configured to store a plurality of units of product to be dispensed, and a dispensing trough in communication with the storage compartment, the inner tray extending outwardly from the open end of the outer casing and configured for sliding movement between a closed and locked position and a dispensing position, wherein the dispensing trough includes an aperture sized to allow a single unit of product exit the dispensing trough at one end thereof and a slot at the opposing end thereof, and the outer casing further includes a rib extending into the interior compartment and positioned to enter the slot of the dispensing trough.
US08087539B2 Easily removable multi-paneled locking cover
A container cover for use with a container having a neck. The cover includes a lid, a skirt extending downward from the circumference of the lid, and a concentric plug seal extending from the lid inside the skirt. The cover also may include vent holes in the lid. The skirt preferably includes six lock panels. The sides of the lock panels are defined by vertical slots in the skirt, and each lock panel features at least one inwardly-projecting lock. When the cover is locked on the container, the locks engage a lip on the container neck. When a user wishes to remove the cover, the user pulls up on the edge of a lock panel, disengaging the locks from the container lip and removing the cover.
US08087535B1 Serving dish with dispensing ramps
A serving receptacle dispenses food therefrom onto a diner's plate while overcoming the problem of food being dropped onto the table during dispensing. At least one dispensing ramp is coextensive with the serving dish upper surface and extends upward and horizontally over the edge of a diner's plate. Each ramp has two opposed side edges that extend upwardly from the ramp surface to reduce the chances of food or fluid dropping off the ramp during dispensing. The food is moved onto the ramp and then past the leading edge of the ramp, where it will then fall onto the diner's plate. There may be two opposed ramps that also serve as handles. The ramps have an upper surface that is slightly sloped upwardly as it approaches the outer edge of the ramp. This enables liquids to flow back into the dish instead of dripping over the edge. A drip projection under the free edge of the ramp causes liquid at the edge to drip down onto the plate.
US08087528B1 Stabilizer cup holder
The invention is a beverage container holder sized to secure a beverage container with a variance in diameters, with frictional fin appendages securing the beverage container in the cup holder. The holder is composed of a soft, flexible, non-slip material. The holder is surrounded by a stabilizer to enhance stability and protect from liquid spills. The bottom is also textured to provide a sticky surface that does not readily slip over flat surfaces.
US08087525B2 Multi-panel plastic container
A container adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure having four panels that are adapted to contract inwardly from vacuum forces created by contraction of container contents. The container has a sidewall including four panels. The four panels are vacuum panels, including vertical transitional walls disposed between and joining the panels and the body is adapted to increase volume contraction and reduce pressure. The panels are adapted to contract inwardly in response to internal negative pressure created during hot-fill processing and subsequent cooling of a hot liquid in the container.
US08087521B2 Storage systems and methods of use of the same
Storage systems and methods of use of the same are disclosed. The storage systems are configured to be connected to wall structures and to be modular in construction, so as to be able to use a plurality of horizontally disposed hang rails and/or a plurality of vertical standards, and/or modular storage components that are received on a hang rail or a vertical standard, or that may be connected directly to a wall structure.
US08087518B2 Rectangular sedimentation system having self-aggregation facility
A rectangular sedimentation tank includes an upstream hopper, a downstream inclined floor, and a baffle assembly at the upstream hopper. The baffle assembly comprises: a vertical baffle with at least one upper introduction hole; a vertical screening plate; and a horizontal baffle provided between the vertical baffle and the vertical screening plate. With the tank, contaminated water can be treated cost-effectively and efficiently.
US08087514B1 Broom with interchangeable accessories and carrying case therefor
A cleaning system stored within its own storage case having an integrated and collapsible handle, a dustpan, and a broom head specifically designed to sweep under furniture and other obstacles is herein disclosed. When in a broom configuration, a curved handle portion and the bristled broom head allows cleaning beneath objects. The handle can be removed from the broom portion and attached to the dustpan to remove dirt and debris. The broom head, with its own separate angled handle, may also be utilized as a whisk broom to collect the dirt and refuse into the dustpan. All components are stored in a self-contained carrying case. The storage case also has internal fasteners to secure the components of the apparatus securely therewithin.
US08087506B2 Multiple-disk brake in an automatic transmission having controllable cooling oil supply and method for operating the same
The invention concerns a multi-disk brake (1) in an automatic transmission, with an inner disk carrier (4) and an outer disk carrier (6), with inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) arranged axially in alternation on the disk carriers (4, 6), with friction linings (7) on the inner and/or outer disks (3, 5), with a piston (10) of a pressure-medium-actuated piston-cylinder arrangement such that the inner disks (3) and outer disks (5) can be acted upon by a force to close the multi-disk brake, with an end disk (9) or support disk (11) that forms an axial abutment for the disk set (14) formed by the disks (3, 5, 9, 11), and in which the disk brake (1) and/or the components around it are so configured that the disks (3, 5, 9, 11) can be wetted by a cooling oil. To cool the disk multi-brake (1) even in slip operation phases and in the engaged condition, it is provided that depending on the operating condition of the brake, the cooling oil (13) can be passed over and/or through the disk set (14) in radially different directions. The invention also concerns a method for operating such a disk brake.
US08087505B2 Power unit for vehicle and vehicle equipped with the same
A compact power unit for a vehicle having a clutch actuator is provided. The power unit includes a clutch actuator and a drive force transmission mechanism for transmitting the drive force of the clutch actuator to the clutch. The clutch actuator and the drive force transmission mechanism are arranged within a casing of the power unit. A drive shaft of the clutch actuator extends in the vertical direction. The drive force transmission mechanism includes a worm shaft coupled to the drive shaft of the clutch actuator, a first solid of revolution including a worm wheel portion which engages the worm shaft, a second solid of revolution which engages a gear portion of the first solid of revolution, and a ball cam. The ball cam converts torque from the second solid of revolution into a force which acts in the axial direction of a slide shaft of the clutch.
US08087504B2 Friction clutch and vehicle equipped with the same
A friction clutch includes clutch housing having a friction plate, a clutch boss having a clutch plate, a pressure plate, a sub clutch, and a power-assist mechanism. The power-assist mechanism receives torque from the pressure plate when the clutch is disengaged and converts the torque into a force for moving the pressure plate in a direction which separates the pressure plate from a plate group. A cam surface, which supports and guides one or more roller weights, is formed on the pressure plate. The one or more roller weights move outward in a radial direction by a movement amount according to the magnitude of centrifugal force and press the pressure plate toward the plate group with force according to the movement amount.
US08087494B2 Method of making a composite panel having subsonic transverse wave speed characteristics
A method of making a composite panel having subsonic transverse wave speed characteristics which has first and second sheets sandwiching a core with at least one of the sheets being attached to the core at first regions thereof and unattached to the core at second regions thereof.
US08087490B2 All terrain vehicle
An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a coupling device configured to rotatably couple the steering shaft to a vehicle body frame, and a power steering device which is mounted to the vehicle body frame, the power steering device including an input shaft to which the steering shaft is coupled, wherein the coupling device includes plural members provided with bolt holes and a bolt inserted into the bolt holes in a state where the plural members are joined to each other; and wherein at least one of the plural members has an elongate hole as the bolt hole.
US08087482B2 Wheelchair
A system for providing an automated axial force to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) in a wheelchair. An electronic transmission control receives one or more input signals generated by throttle position or other variables. The microprocessor generates an output signal that adjusts the axial force applied to a CVT thereby automatically adjusting the input to output ratio. The invention also provides a manually controlled variator is designed for use on a wheelchair. The manual shifter hydraulically adjusts an axial force imparted on a variator in communication with a wheelchair wheel and a hand rim. Application of the axial force causes the hand rim input and wheelchair wheel output ratio to change, permitting a wheelchair operator to manually adjust the input to output ratio to more easily operate the wheelchair.
US08087474B2 Hammer drill
A hammer drill having a clutch pin and a clutch mechanism is provided. By switching the clutch mechanism, a selection can be made between a hammer drill mode and a hammer mode. The clutch pin is configured to be slidable to a sliding position where the clutch pin runs through the reduction shaft so as to be capable of protruding beyond the reduction shaft, and at the sliding position, the clutch pin engages with an engagement hole provided on the tool holder side so that a rotation of the tool holder can be locked, whereby in the hammer mode, a selection can be further made between a neutral state where the clutch pin does not engage with the engagement hole and a rotation locked state where the clutch pin engages with the engagement hole.
US08087468B2 Methods and apparatus for hazard control
A hazard control system according to various aspects of the present invention is configured to deliver a control material in response to detection of a hazard. In one embodiment, the hazard control system comprises a pressure tube having an internal pressure and configured to leak in response to exposure to heat. The leak changes the internal pressure and generates a pneumatic signal. A fire detector may also detect a fire condition associated with fire. A valve may be coupled to the fire detector and the pressure tube. The valve is configured to change the internal pressure and generate the pneumatic signal in response to a signal from the fire detector. The pneumatic signal triggers a delivery system to deliver the control material.
US08087456B2 Method for manufacturing heat sink having heat-dissipating fins and structure of the same
A method for manufacturing a heat sink having heat-dissipating fins and a structure of the same are provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a substrate comprising a center portion and a plurality of extending arms, a gap being provided between each two adjacent extending arms; providing a plurality of heat-dissipating fins, the heat-dissipating fins being inserted into the gaps between the extending arms, each heat-dissipating fin comprising a base piece and two heat-dissipating plates; and bending and pressing each extending arm of the substrate with one of the two opposite side walls of each extending arm abutting against one of the two opposite surface of each heat-dissipating plate. Via the above arrangement, the present invention has an effect of avoiding the heat transfer loss.
US08087454B2 Rolled heat exchange
The invention relates to a rolled heat exchanger with several pipes that are wound around a central pipe, with a casing that delimits an external space around the pipes and with a liquid distributor for distributing liquid in the external space. According to the invention, the liquid distributor is designed as a pipe manifold that has a main channel (21) and several distributing arms (22) that are flow-connected to the main channel (21).
US08087451B2 Pull release connectors
An apparatus for connecting two devices with a quick disconnect feature. A male plug is insertable into a female receiver and latched into position with a latch. The male plug is disconnected from the receiver by pulling the male plug out of the receiver with a force greater than an operating force. The male plug has a groove that engages a latch in the female receiver. The interface of the groove and the latch includes a bevel engaging a corner joining a surface perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a surface parallel to the longitudinal axis.
US08087444B2 Movable partitions with lateral restraint devices and related methods
Embodiments of the present invention include movable partitions and devices, methods and systems that help to limit or prevent lateral displacement of movable partitions. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a movable partition includes two structures, each structure having a first plurality of panels, and each panel being hingedly coupled to an adjacent panel. The two panels are each supported from an overhead track at laterally spaced locations. One or more lateral restraint devices are supported from the overhead track at a location between the two laterally spaced structures. The lateral restraint device may include a trolley disposed in a channel of the overhead track and an elongated member coupled with the trolley and extending away from the trolley to a location proximate a lower edge of the first structure and a lower edge of the second structure.
US08087441B2 Material placement method and apparatus
A material placement head for dispensing and compacting a plurality of strips of a material onto a surface with a plurality of independently movable roller assemblies. Each roller assembly of the placement head comprises a compacting roller and may be rotatably and linearly moved in six-degrees of freedom independent of the other roller assemblies of the placement head. The roller assemblies may be arranged in a staggered configuration and substantially simultaneously apply the plurality of strips of the material to the surface, such that the strips of the material are applied to adjacent paths on the surface. Each compacting roller may be malleable and substantially crowned around its outer circumferential surface to provide even compaction to the strips of the material.
US08087440B2 Embossing device
The aim of the invention is to improve the supply of transfer foil in a coating module in which the image-forming layers of a transfer foil are transferred to a printing material. To achieve this, a partial pressing surface is located in the coating module for transferring the layers of the transfer foil. This permits targeted control of the foil feed. The transfer foil can be fed past a pressure cylinder in an approximately tangential manner and with a limited width.
US08087437B2 Router
A router includes a base, a motor housing supported by the base for movement along a first axis, and an adjustment mechanism having a shaft, with a thread portion, connected to the motor housing for rotation about a second axis. The adjustment mechanism also includes a unitarily formed lock mechanism supported by the base. The lock mechanism includes a thread-engaging member that, when engaged with the thread portion, causes small changes to the position of the housing relative to the base in response to rotation of the shaft. The lock mechanism is movable between an engaged position, in which the thread-engaging member engages the thread portion, and a disengaged position, in which the thread-engaging member disengages the thread portion and the housing is freely movable relative to the base to provide course adjustment of the position of the housing relative to the base.
US08087436B2 Modular connector
A modular connector system that permits changes to the connector, for example changes in the type of connection interface that is used and/or changes in the type of actuator that is used to actuate the connector. By making parts of the connector changeable, the connector can be changed so as to be able to connect to different fluid systems. This eliminates the need to have separate connectors for different fluid systems.
US08087431B2 Wear pad
A wear pad for a piping structure which is supported by a support structure is disclosed. A wear pad according to the present invention comprises a fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure for attachment to the piping structure where the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure has a shape conforming to the shape of the exterior of the piping structure. A stand-off patch is adhesively bonded to one side of the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure, and this stand-off patch defines the thickness of the bond between the piping structure and the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite pre-form structure when it is in attached to the piping structure. SMP adhesive material is used to adhesively bond the fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composite structure to the piping structure.
US08087429B2 System and method for a pump with reduced form factor
Embodiments of the present invention provide pumps with features to reduce form factor and increase reliability and serviceability. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention provide features for gentle fluid handling characteristics. Embodiments of the present invention can include a pump having a motor driven feed stage pump and a motor driven dispense stage pump. The feed stage motor and the feed stage motor can include various types of motors and the pumps can be rolling diaphragm or other pumps. According to one embodiment, a dispense block defining the pump chambers and various flow passages can be formed out of a single piece of material.
US08087414B2 Machine for styling hair in the form of long locks of hair entwined in dreadlocks
Machine for styling hair in the form of long locks of hair entwined in dreadlocks includes a container body accommodating an electric or pneumatic motor. There is a handle which, in its lower front part, forms a nose through which an interchangeable harpoon needle projects, the needle being provided with at least one traction harpoon and being installed in a particular rotary position with the aid of removable device. The container body has a switch above and behind the nose. The electric or pneumatic motor has a regulator for the speed and has a shaft, which extends parallel to the interchangeable harpoon needle, rotationally coupled to it.
US08087410B2 Method and portable system for cooking
A portable cooking system has a heating chamber supported by retractable legs that rest on a lid. A fire pan also resting on the lid and partially within the heating chamber is adaptable to burn charcoal, wood, or compressed gas. The lid supports and isolates the fire pan from the ground. The fire pan may be adapted for grilling. An alternate lid may contain an electric heating element. Thermometers and a vent on the heating chamber allow regulation on temperature within the heating chamber. The system may be adapted to provide uniform, controlled heat for Dutch ovens contained within. The system may also function as a smoker.
US08087403B2 Heating apparatus of electromagnetic PCV valve
An electromagnetic PCV valve includes a valve seat, a valve element, a step motor for moving the valve element, and a housing that houses the valve seat, the valve element, and the step motor. When the valve element is moved by the step motor, a size (an opening degree) of a blow-by gas passage defined between the valve seat and the valve element is changed. The step motor is configured to selectively receive energization for moving the valve element and energization for holding the valve element in a fixed position. A heating apparatus of the PCV valve 1 includes a cover member and an output shaft that conducts heat generated in the step motor by energization to the valve element and the valve seat, and an electronic control unit (ECU) for conducting energization of the step motor to hold the valve element in the fixed position.
US08087400B2 Method and device for metering a fluid
An injection valve has a magnetic actuator and an injector needle able to be moved axially by the magnetic actuator. To meter a fluid by the injection valve the magnetic actuator is activated for an individual metering process with at least one actuation signal with a first or second signal waveform. The two actuation signals differ from one another in that, on activation of the magnetic actuator by the actuation signal with the first signal waveform, less energy is transmitted to a magnet unit of the magnetic actuator than during activation of the magnetic actuator by the actuation signal with the second signal waveform. The magnetic actuator is activated by the actuation signal with the second signal waveform if an activation of the magnetic actuator by the actuation signal with the first signal waveform leads to an undesired premature closure of the injector needle.
US08087395B2 Multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine
A multi-part piston for an internal combustion engine has an upper piston part and a lower piston part. The upper piston part and the lower piston part each have an inner and an outer support element, which elements delimit an outer circumferential cooling channel and an inner cooling chamber, whose cooling chamber bottom has an opening. The opening is closed off with a separate closure element, which has at least one cooling oil opening.
US08087390B2 Multi-link variable compression ratio engine
A multi-link variable compression ratio engine is provided with a crankshaft, a piston, a control shaft, a linkage, a motor and a reduction mechanism. The crankshaft moves the piston within an engine cylinder. The control shaft has an eccentric axle eccentric relative to its center-axis. The linkage operatively connects the piston to the crankshaft and the crankshaft to the eccentric axle of the control shaft. The motor rotates the control shaft so a top-dead-center position of the piston changes to vary compression ratios by changing the positions of the eccentric axle and the linkage. The reduction mechanism couples the motor to the control shaft to transmit a reduced rotation of the motor to the control shaft so a reduction ratio of a rotation angle of the motor to a rotation angle of the control shaft is less at high-compression ratios than at intermediate compression ratios.
US08087386B2 Automated vaccination method and system
The automated vaccination system enables an operator to effectively vaccinate large numbers of poultry by motivating the poultry to congregate, and then spraying a vaccination solution in the area of the congregated poultry. In the preferred embodiment, drinking water is withheld from the poultry. The drinking water is then restored so that the poultry congregate around the drinking line. As the poultry gather around the drinking line, a spray bar sprays vaccination solution around the poultry so that the poultry inhale the vaccination solution and are successfully vaccinated.
US08087382B2 Method and arrangement for animal management
A method is provided for managing animals (10) in a milking system which comprises a milking stall (11) provided with a milking apparatus (13) for milking the animals, a gate arrangement (18a-b; 18a-b, 32; 55a-b) allowing the animals to enter said milking stall, one at a time, from at least two different locations, and a control device (15) which holds and updates a milking suitability index for each of the animals. According to the method a first animal is identified and received at a first location, and a milking suitability index for the first animal is retrieved. A second animal is identified and received at a second location, and a milking suitability index for the second animal is retrieved. The milking suitability indexes for the first and second animals are compared and an animal at either one of said first and second locations is allowed to enter the milking stall depending on the outcome of the comparison.
US08087364B2 Assembly of pallet component and fasteners
An assembly of a pallet component and fasteners makes a pallet on which various kinds of objects can be placed and which is movable by a forklift. The pallet component includes two outer unit members and an intermediate connector. Each outer unit member has an inner side formed with spaced projections and concavely provided with spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto. The spaced projections of each outer unit member correspond in position to and are therefore receivable in the spaced receiving recesses of the other outer unit member. The intermediate connector is bilaterally provided with connecting sections that have different orientations. The working end of each connecting section has spaced projections and spaced receiving recesses adjacent thereto so as to connect with the corresponding outer unit member. Thus, a pallet can be easily made according to the widths of objects to be placed on the pallet.
US08087362B2 Cart and track arrangement
A cart and track arrangement includes a track unit having a straight track and a curved track, the straight track having an oblique bearing portion, the curved track having a horizontal bearing portion, and a cart having a cart frame and a wheel set, the wheel set having a wheel axle arranged in parallel to the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a wheel pivotally mounted on the wheel axle, the wheel having a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the curved track. In an alternate form, the straight track has a horizontal bearing portion, the curved track has an oblique bearing portion, and the wheel has a first tread disposed in parallel to the wheel axle for rotatably supporting on the horizontal bearing portion of the straight track and a second tread for rotatably supporting on the oblique bearing portion of the curved track.
US08087354B2 Method of forming visible image for on-press developable lithographic printing plate
A method of forming visible image on an on-press developable lithographic printing plate is described. The plate comprises on a substrate a photosensitive layer developable with ink and/or fountain solution and capable of hardening upon exposure to a radiation. The plate is imagewise exposed with a radiation, overall treated with a discoloring agent to form visible image or enhanced visible image, and then on-press developed with ink and/or fountain solution. The formation of visible image allows easy identification or inspection of the plate by the pressman before mounting on press.
US08087351B2 Passive thermal insert for temperature-controlled trays and food service counters
Temperature control is provided to food dispensing vessels like condiment dispensers that are too tall to be stored in a shallow, temperature-controlled tray or basin by using inclined or tilted, thermally-conductive tubes placed inside a temperature-controlled tray. Thermal insulating covers improve the thermal efficiency of the tubes.
US08087340B2 Composite treatment of ceramic tile armor
An improved ceramic tile armor has a core of boron nitride and a polymer matrix composite (PMC) facing of carbon fibers fused directly to the impact face of the tile. A polyethylene fiber composite backing and spall cover are preferred. The carbon fiber layers are cured directly onto the tile, not adhered using a separate adhesive so that they are integral with the tile, not a separate layer.
US08087336B2 Rotating and sliding hatch door for a launcher system
A system and method for actuating a hatch door. One embodiment includes a vertical launcher system that has a hatch door disposed in a plane at the top of a hold. The hatch door includes a leading edge and a trailing edge at opposite ends of the hatch door. When an actuator arm for maneuvering the hatch door is extended, the leading edge is lifted away from the plane by the actuator arm while the trailing edge remains in the plane and slides across the top of the plane toward the point where the leading edge was first lifted away. Such a sliding hatch mechanism allows for quick opening and closing of a hatch door while providing more efficient use of mechanical energy for breaking ice build up or prevent intrusion.
US08087331B2 Method of machining a carrier assembly
A method for machining a surface on a workpiece having a member extending perpendicularly to the surface includes determining a position of a tool, determining a position of the workpiece, positioning at least one of the workpiece and the tool to a predefined position, rotating the workpiece, and rotating the tool to a predefined rotational speed. The predefined rotational speed synchronizes the rotation of the tool with the rotation of the workpiece in order to avoid unwanted contact between the tool and the member. The method includes the steps of translating at least one of the tool and the workpiece in a direction parallel to an axis defined by the workpiece, removing material from a first portion of the workpiece, translating at least one of the tool and the workpiece in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the workpiece, and removing material from a second portion of the workpiece.
US08087330B2 Hand tool with warning effect
The present invention provides a hand tool with warning effect. A torque sensor, a music player and a circuit device are disposed in a main body of the hand tool. The circuit device includes a processing unit and a warning sound generator. An operation torque detected by the torque sensor is transmitted to the processing unit. In the case that the value of the operation torque is within a set range, the processing unit shuts off the warning sound generator and the music player can play music for a user to listen to. Once the operation torque of the hand tool becomes greater than the set torque value, the processing unit turns on the warning sound generator to emit a warning signal to alert the user.
US08087329B2 Screwdriver for bone screws
In a screwdriver for bone screws, having a handle and rotationally fixedly held thereon a shaft, the free end of which has a non-circular cross section and is insertable in a positively locked manner in a non-circular receiving opening in the head of a bone screw, at least one expander element being mounted so as to be displaceable in the longitudinal direction in the shaft and so as to slide, when displaced in the longitudinal direction, along a slide surface in the area of the free end of the shaft in such a way that it projects laterally over the contour of the shaft, in order to simplify the actuation of the at least one expander element, it is proposed that the at least one expander element be pretensioned by an elastic spring element in the direction towards the free end of the shaft and be retractable against the action of the spring element in the shaft until it no longer projects laterally over the contour of the shaft.
US08087326B2 Low profile wrench and method
A member may be rotated by engaging the member with a drive element and rotating the drive element in a single direction such that rotation in an opposite direction is prevented.
US08087311B2 Remote pipe inspection using a mounted camera and sensor
Inspecting an interior portion of a pipe system. An imaging device includes a camera that is fixedly attached to an interior surface of a pipe. The camera captures a plurality of images of an interior portion of a pipe. The imaging device is connected to a data communication network and transmits data over the data communication network. The data includes image signals representative of the captured images. A computing device, also connected to the data communication network, receives the data transmitted over the data communication network by the imaging device. The computing device is remotely located with respect to the imaging device.
US08087307B2 Removal of particulates from gas sampling stream
A sample probe includes a sample probe tip filter and a deflector disposed in relation to the sample probe tip filter, where the deflector is operable to deflect particles in a gas stream away from the sample probe tip filter.
US08087303B2 Product dispensing system
A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.
US08087294B2 Discharge inspection mechanism, recording device, discharge inspection method, and discharge inspection program
When vibrations that may adversely affect the results of inspecting recording fluid discharge occur during the discharge inspection, properly discharging nozzles may be determined to be not functioning normally or faulty nozzles may be determined to be functioning normally. A vibration sensor is therefore used to detect vibrations in the inspection box during discharge inspection of a plurality of nozzles. Whether vibration adversely affecting inspection results was detected during the discharge inspection is then verified after discharge inspection is completed, and the cleaning process is applied to the faulty nozzles that need cleaning if such vibration was not detected. If such vibration was detected, the cleaning process is not executed and discharge inspection is repeated.
US08087291B2 Method for performing a diagnostic on an exhaust gas analyzer probe disposed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine and device for implementing the method
A method for performing a diagnostic on an exhaust gas analyzer probe disposed in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, and a device for implementing the method are provided. The method performs the evaluation of the exhaust gas analyzer probe after recognition of a special operating phase, e.g., an overrun phase, of the internal combustion engine by setting off a specifiable injection that is torque-neutral or not perceptible for the operator, on the basis of the predicted probe signal pattern and taking into account the delay time of the probe signal.
US08087286B2 Method for checking the permeability rate of a closed container
In a method for checking the permeability rate of a closed container (3) with respect to a medium, in particular for checking the permeability rate of a film-type container for accommodating a film container for accommodating a pharmaceutical active constituent formulation, the container (3) is filled with a medium, charged with a gas, and the increase in the amount of medium in the gas is then analysed.
US08087282B2 Test management method for indentation tester and indentation tester
Disclosed a test management method for an indentation tester which includes a control section and forms an indentation on a surface of a heated or cooled sample by pressing an indenter to which a load is applied onto the surface of the sample, the test management method including the steps of: measuring a predetermined reference block as the sample under a plurality of temperature environments to obtain a test result; calculating a test error caused by temperature environment based on the test result by the control section; and judging whether or not the test error is within a predetermined range by the control section.
US08087279B2 Method and apparatus for manufacturing a legged annular member
A method and apparatus for manufacturing a legged annular member. In one aspect, a work member is formed from a ring-like raw material, and has an annular part and an outer wall part, which is formed from a leg part and a connecting part. The connecting part is removed from the work member to form an intermediate legged annular member having an annular part and a leg part. An inner diameter of the leg part of the intermediate legged annular member is expanded while a burr is removed to form a carrier, which serves as a legged annular member. Therefore, the number of manufacturing processes until completion of the carrier can be reduced, compared to performing separate processes to expand the diameter of the leg part and remove the burr. Thus, it is possible to shorten the period of time needed for completion of the carrier.
US08087266B2 Laundry machine
A novel-structure laundry machine that is capable of washing laundry using steam is disclosed. The laundry machine includes a machine body constituting the external appearance thereof, a drum mounted in the machine body for receiving laundry, a steam generation unit for generating steam, and a primary steam supply part for supplying the steam generated in the steam generation unit into the lower part of the drum.
US08087255B2 Air-conditioning system for aircraft
Air-conditioning system (10) for aircraft, in particular for commercial aircraft, with a bleed air source (12), a bleed air line (22-30) comprising a main valve (16), and an air-conditioning unit (32), wherein a mass air flow conveyed from the bleed air source (12) through the bleed air line (22-30) to the air-conditioning unit (32) can be controlled by means of the main valve (16). According to the invention it is envisaged that a by-pass line (36-50, 58, 60) comprising a by-pass valve (34) and by-passing at least a part (22-26, 16) of the bleed air line, is present between the bleed air source (12) and the air-conditioning unit (32).
US08087245B2 Solar concentrator plant
Which, using a heat transfer fluid in any thermodynamic cycle or system for using process heat, comprises: two-dimensional solar concentrator means for heating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T1 to a temperature T2; three-dimensional solar concentrator means for overheating the heat transfer fluid from a temperature T2 to a temperature T3; such that the advantages of working at high-temperatures of the three-dimensional solar concentrator means are taken advantage of with overall costs similar to those of two-dimensional solar concentrator means. In a specific application for generating electric power, the two-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a parabolic trough collector (1), while the three-dimensional solar concentrator means consist of a heliostat field and central tower (2) for generating overheated steam that expands in a turbine (6) coupled to an electric generator (7).
US08087244B2 Internal combustion engine with a system for secondary air charging and method for operation of the internal combustion engine
An internal combustion engine with a system for secondary air charging has a combustion unit, an intake air conduit connected to the combustion unit, and an exhaust gas conduit connected to the combustion unit. A throttle is arranged in the intake air conduit. A turbo-engine is connected to the intake air conduit by a supply conduit upstream of the throttle and by a discharge conduit downstream of the throttle. A compressor is provided wherein the turbo-engine is connected operatively to the compressor and wherein the compressor is connected by a connecting line to the exhaust gas conduit. A valve is arranged in the discharge conduit. A vacuum cell actuates the valve. An electro-pneumatic converter is operatively connected to the vacuum cell. The vacuum cell, when reaching a defined differential pressure, opens the valve suddenly so that a vacuum pulse is generated that acts on the turbo-engine.
US08087228B2 Segmented combustor cap
A combustor cap is cooperable with an impingement plate in a turbine fuel nozzle and includes a plurality of cap segments independently securable to the impingement plate. The plurality of cap segments are radially and tangentially movable relative to the impingement plate.
US08087227B2 Connector
This invention relates to a connector, particularly to a shackle suitable for use in connecting two links of a chain or a chain to an anchor, more particularly to a connector comprising a first portion and a second portion, at least one first connector arm on the first portion and at least one second connector arm on the second portion, wherein both the first and second connector arms have multiple bearing surfaces, preferably six, and are able to engage one another when the connector is coupled by means of the bearing surfaces. The connector of the present invention has the advantage of having a break load of 1.3[0.0274 d2(44−0.08 d) kN, wherein d is the nominal diameter, and preferably a thickness of 1.3 d.
US08087225B2 Articulated transport arrangement for windrower with cutting platform
An agricultural windrower includes a traction unit having a frame. A cutting platform has a longitudinal extension, a feeder opening associated with a first mounting location, and a first hitch at an end of the cutting platform associated with a second mounting location. A lift assembly carried by the traction unit frame is configured to mount with the cutting platform at the first mounting location. An articulated transport arrangement is mounted to the traction unit frame. The articulated transport arrangement includes a second hitch configured for mating with the first hitch, and at least one actuator for coupling between and adjusting a relative angular orientation between the frame and the cutting platform when the first hitch and the second hitch are mated together.
US08087224B1 Flexible draper platform with pivot geometry
A draper platform (100) for an agricultural combine that has a first frame section (104) with a first endless conveyor belt (132, 126) wrapped around a first inner roller (254, 258) and a first outer roller (251), the first outer roller (251) having a first axis of rotation; a second frame section (102, 106) supported on the first frame section (104) having a second endless conveyor belt (124, 130) wrapped around a second inner roller (249) and a second outer roller (251), the second inner roller (249) having a second axis of rotation; a first pivot joint (110, 114) coupling the first frame section (104) to the second frame section (102, 106), such that the second frame section (102, 106) pivots with respect to the first frame section (104) about an axis (108, 112) that extends generally parallel to the first outer roller (251) and the second inner roller (249), and in which the first pivot joint (110, 114) maintains a constant distance between the first outer roller (251), and the second inner roller (249) when the second frame section (102, 106) pivots with respect to the first frame section (104) about the axis (108, 112).
US08087222B2 Cotton picker spindle with grease reservoir and a grease and dirt seal
A spindle assembly includes a spindle with a blind bore extending along the spindle axis from the drive gear towards the outer end to reduce spindle weight and provide a lubrication reservoir in the spindle. Cross-formed holes extend from the blind bore through to the bearing surface of the spindle. Lubricant from the spindle bars passes into the bore where it is stored and distributed to the journal areas through the small metering apertures. A very low friction seal between the outer bushing and dust collar is pressed into the spindle nut and seals against the polished chrome spindle surface. The seal allows a slight amount of lubricant passage outwardly from the bushings while limiting inward movement of dust towards the bushings.
US08087220B2 Film sealing and wrapping machine with rotary cut and seal jaw
The film sealing and wrapping machine with a rotary cut and seal jaw is provided. The rotary cut and seal jaw has an internal sliding mechanism which provides for smooth and quiet operation. The rotational speed of the jaw may be varied to increase through put and to provide for a title bag around products. The rotary cut and seal jaw may comprise a seal bar and pressure pad may both be spring loaded to self align the seal bar and pressure pad during the sealing and cutting process. Lastly, a gap defined by a belt disposed upstream and downstream of the seal bar and pressure pad may be mechanically linked to the pressure pad through a control carriage.
US08087216B2 Cotton harvester for producing modules which can be automatically identified and oriented
RFID tags pre-installed on bale wrap segments provide location information for a specific area of the bale wrap. RFID tag readers located on the cotton harvester provide signals for use by the module wrapping apparatus for initiating a cutting or separating operation, once a module has been wrapped, and for warning an operator of a situation where the wrapping function has not proceeded in an orderly fashion after a signal for starting the wrapping function has been received. A wrapped module carries the pre-installed RFID tags which are readable by RFID readers carried by module handlers in the field and/or at the gin input which identify the modules and establish a position to which the module may be automatically oriented so that an ideal module wrap cutting location is easily calculated. The RFID tag reading taken in the field or at the gin thus senses the number on the tag as well as the location of the tag, and the module identification is input to an electronic database.
US08087201B2 Method for irrigating and fertilizing rice
A method for irrigating and fertilizing rice using a sprinkler irrigation system. The method includes the steps of providing a sprinkler irrigation system, determining an amount of water to be applied to the rice, determining an amount of fertilizer to be applied to the rice, and applying the water and fertilizer to the rice through the sprinkler irrigation system. Depending upon rainfall, the irrigation water may be applied to the rice an average of about one to two times per week between its planting and emergence, about two to three times per week between its emergence and its panicle initiation stage, about three to five times per week between its panicle initiation stage and its initial ripening stage, and about three to four times per week between the rice's initial ripening stage and its harvest.
US08087199B2 Partial-body large game decoy
A partial-body large game decoy shiftable between a disassembled configuration and an assembled configuration. The decoy may comprise an internal support system, an elongated handle configured for selective attachment to the internal support system, and a cover having a likeness of a large game animal therein or thereon. The cover may have the internal support system disposed therein for providing a desired shape to the cover depicting head, neck, and/or shoulders of a large game animal. A user may hold the decoy by the handle from behind a visual obstacle such that the decoy appears to be a large game animal with its body and legs hidden behind the visual obstacle. In the disassembled configuration, the internal support system may be at least partially disassembled such that the cover may be folded up into a more compact configuration for transport or storage by the hunter.
US08087188B2 Weight-activated tying shoe
A weight-activated tying shoe wherein user who, upon sliding his foot inside the shoe, will depress a movable inner sole. This activates a side mechanism composed of a winch with a cable system used to close the tongue of the shoe towards the user's foot, thus lacing the shoe. The user simply uses his weight to activate the mechanism. Using his other foot, the user can move a pedal to release the mechanism's tension. Most of the mechanical components are located on both sides of the shoe body.
US08087186B2 Piezoelectric-based toe-heaters for frostbite protection
A footwear including a body; a base structure; and one or more electrical energy generators disposed in the base structure for generating electrical energy upon application of an impact to the base structure. The footwear is used to produce electrical energy by impacting a base structure of the footwear; and vibrating a mass-spring unit in the base structure to generate an electrical energy.
US08087182B2 Method for operating a condenser tumble-dryer comprising condenser tumble dryer that is suitable for said method
A method for operating a condenser tumble dryer is provided and includes a drying chamber for containing objects to be dried, a process air circuit having a heating element, a fan for conducting heated process air over the objects, a heat pump circuit having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser, and sensors for determining the humidity in the objects to be dried. According to the method, the humidity is determined and the process air is heated by the condenser until the humidity ranges between about 0% and about 12%. In the event that the humidity drops below the predetermined value, the heating element is activated and operated for at least five minutes so that the air temperature in the drying chamber reaches at least 70° C.
US08087181B2 Valve body seat pocket inspection tool
A technique is provided for detecting the surface profile of a seat pocket of a gate valve. An inspection tool is used to detect data at a plurality of points around the bore of the valve. The inspection tool has a sensor that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. The inspection tool is disposed within a valve body cavity with the sensor in the retracted position. The sensor of the inspection tool is then extended outward so that it is located within the portion of the bore of the valve having the surface profile to be detected. The sensor is rotated so that the sensor may obtain surface profile data at a plurality of points around the seat pocket of the valve body. The sensor of the inspection tool is connected to a processor-based device, such as a computer. The processor-based device processes the data from the sensor and provides it to a user in a form that is recognizable to the user.
US08087178B2 Artist relative measure device
This invention provides a series of evenly spaced marks disposed on an art implement handle which allow an artist to accurately compare the relative sizes of different portions of their subjects so that they may depict them to scale.
US08087166B2 Method for making an axial magnetic field vacuum fault interrupter
An improved vacuum interrupter is made. The vacuum interrupter includes a ring-shaped structure placed between a contact support structure and an electrical contact associated with the contact support structure. A resistivity of the ring-shaped structure is higher than that of the contact support structure, so that current traversing the ring-shaped structure on its way from the contact support structure to the electrical contact is evenly distributed. The ring-shaped structure may be fit into an end portion of the contact support structure, the end portion having a diameter less than an outer diameter of the support structure, but greater than an inner diameter of the support structure. Alternatively, the end portion may be used without the ring-shaped portion, in which case the electrical contact may be shaped to fit into the end portion.
US08087153B2 Manufacturing method of an electromechanical transducer
A handling member is prepared that provides a channel that can withstand subsequent back face processing as to a substrate having elements made up of a substrate and a membrane, and the handling member is fixed to the substrate so that at least a portion within the elements are supported by the handling member. This provides a manufacturing method wherein the physical strength of an element at the time of manufacturing an electromechanical transducing apparatus is strengthened, and the handling member is easily detached in a short time after processing of the element.
US08087152B2 Manufacturing method of an electromechanical transducer
A groove is formed on a handling member, on a face to be fixed to an element, the groove making up a portion of a channel that externally communicates in the state of being fixed to the element. The handling member is fixed so that the cleavage direction of the vibrating membrane and the edge direction of the groove of the handling member intersect. Thus, the probability that a membrane will break during handling or processing of the substrate is reduced, and the handling member can be quickly removed from the substrate.
US08087148B2 Structure of driving unit in drum type washing machine
A drum type washing machine is provided. The washing machine includes a tub mounted in a cabinet, a drum mounted in the tub, a shaft that transmits a driving force from a motor to the drum, front and rear bearings mounted on an outer circumference of opposite end portions of the shaft, a bearing housing built in a central portion of a rear wall of the tub to support the front bearing, a rotor coupled to the rear end portion of the shaft, a stator fixed to the tub rear wall inward of the rotor, and a connector of the rotor that serration coupled to the outer circumference of the shaft in front of the rear bearing so as to transmit rotating power from the rotor to the shaft. A bearing bracket may be fixed to the rear wall of the tub so as to cover an outside of the rotor and support the rear bearing.
US08087146B2 Transmission clutch assembly fixture
A fixture to align the inner splines of a plurality of clutch plates within a clutch housing assembly, the fixture including: a central body; a first fixed finger rigidly attached to a first fixed portion of the central body; and a first movable finger rigidly attached to a first movable portion of the central body. The first movable finger oscillates back and forth relative to the first fixed finger, to assist the alignment of the plurality of clutch plates within the clutch housing assembly. The fixture also centers and locks the plurality of clutch plates in the correct alignment position.
US08087145B2 Alignment tool apparatus and method
An alignment apparatus and method for aligning work pieces. The alignment apparatus includes a base member and at least on adjustable leg that extends from the base member. The alignment apparatus additionally includes a vacuum plate mounted to the adjustable leg. The alignment apparatus also has a an actuator mounted to the base member wherein the actuator includes a shaft extending therefrom. The alignment apparatus includes an attachment member connected to the shaft.
US08087133B2 Transport carriage for needle boards
The transport carriage (1) for the accommodation of a needle board (2) comprises a console (21) that is preferably supported so as to be pivotable about a rotational axis (22). Clamping jaws (24, 25) are provided on the console (21), with the clamping jaws clamping the needle board (2)—preferably in a force-limited manner—between each other and thus holding said needle board in a frictionally engaged manner.
US08087131B1 Stretching assembly for cloth
A stretching assembly for cloth has a heating furnace, a pressing device and a shaping device. The heating furnace has two opposite sidewalls and a channel. The channel is formed through the opposite sidewalls of the heating furnace and has an inlet and an outlet. The pressing assembly is set to face the inlet of the heating furnace and has a first pressing wheel and a second pressing wheel. The first pressing wheel has multiple annular protruding segments formed on an external surface of the first pressing wheel. The second pressing wheel parallel the first pressing wheel to form a curved clearance between the pressing wheels and has multiple annular concave segments formed on an external surface of the second pressing wheel. The shaping device is set to face the outlet of the heating furnace, aligns with the pressing device and has two shaping wheels.
US08087123B2 Floor cleaning appliance
The invention relates to a floor cleaning appliance comprising a housing, on the underside of which is arranged at least one drivable cleaning tool for removing dirt from a surface to be cleaned, and further comprising a suction unit for vacuuming-off the dirt and a dirt container for receiving the vacuumed-off dirt. In order to so develop such a floor cleaning appliance that it is easier to service, it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the housing comprise a dirt container receptacle in which the dirt container is releasably positionable, and, in addition, at least one functional device receptacle for at least one functional device, the at least one functional device or a cover of the at least one functional device being freely accessible after removal of the dirt container from the dirt container receptacle.
US08087120B1 Baby bottle cleaning brush with reversible splash guard
A baby bottle cleaning brush which includes a reversible cover between the brush and handle that covers the opening of a baby bottle, so when the action of the brush on the lip of the baby bottle opening would tend to spray water, the brush cover envelops the bottle opening and prevents the spray from spreading out and hitting the user or surroundings.
US08087115B2 Apparatus having one or more removable tools
A frame has an opening, a gate mechanism partially bounding the opening, and a longitudinally extending rail. A tool that has a slot is adapted to receive the rail to removably attach the tool to the frame. The gate mechanism includes a gate that is pivotably coupled to the frame to permits access to the opening in the frame.
US08087106B1 Flapper valve apparatus and method of use
The flapper valve apparatus and method of use provides a flapper valve that is basic and easily installed on the pins of a toilet reservoir overflow tube. The apparatus has sufficient flexibility to allow flexing of the arms and ears for easy installation. The apparatus provides water volume conservation by seating the lower bulb within the valve seat prior to substantial drainage of the reservoir. And, a user can vary the amount of water used in a flush by varying flush handle hold time.
US08087105B2 Stool flush control device
The present invention discloses a stool flush control device, which comprises a main pipe, an independent casing pipe, an indirect connecting pipe, a lock ring and a valve assembly. The main pipe includes flow passage, inclined kerf and screw-thread section. The casing pipe has penetrating hole, a plurality of hollow-out holes, U-shaped tying collar, and two flat kerfs. The lock ring is screw-coupled with the screw-thread section of the main pipe so as to fix in water reservoir tank. The valve assembly connects top flat kerf of the casing pipe. The tying collar ties the manifold. The top of the indirect pipe connects the casing pipe, and the bottom has an inclined opening couplably connecting the inclined kerf of the main pipe. A bolt and a nut are tightened together to press the tying collar so that the valve assembly, the casing pipe, the indirect pipe and the main pipe are closely couple-connected. Thus, the stool flush control device can be easily dismounted and mounted, and fit different sizes of assembly components.
US08087101B2 Impact shock absorbing material
Impact shock absorbing material to be incorporated into protective gear or clothing. The impact shock absorbing material is a laminated material, having a shear-thickening layer and a shock absorbing layer, that is a honeycomb material. The laminated material is incorporated into protective headgear, sports gear, clothing, and a host of other articles that are worn for protection against impact shock. The shear-thickening layer shunts the local impact forces over a greater area of the underlying shock absorbing layer, thereby reducing the force at the point of impact. The vertical walls of the honeycomb layer buckle under the incoming force, thereby diffusing the direction of force away from direct alignment with the body wearing the impact-shock-absorbing material. Protective gear made of the impact shock absorbing material significantly reduces forces imparted to the body as a result of a fall, blow, or other sudden impact.
US08087097B2 Protection pad for cyclist trousers and relative method of realization
A protection seat (10, 110) for the crotch area (14) of cyclist trousers (12), having at least a front portion (16, 116) and preferably also a rear portion (118) formed with an anatomical concave shell shape. A method for manufacturing the seat is also described wherein said concave regions are obtained by joining the flaps of V notches cut in the front and rear portion of the seat.
US08087096B2 Slip resistant multi-layered articles
Multiple-layered articles are provided which do not suffer from interlayer slippage upon application of a normal force and which are flexible and particularly well suited for use as dexterous hand coverings.
US08091141B2 Parental controls for entertainment content
Parental controls for entertainment digital media are provided that allow a parent to restrict multiple user's access to entertainment content. One or more updatable rating definition files with dynamic data are used to define rating levels and content descriptors for a regional rating system. Entertainment content definition files define the rating level and content descriptors for entertainment content. User permission settings define a particular user's access rating level and content descriptors. The rating definition file can be used to compare the entertainment content definition file and user permission settings in determining if a user is allowed access to particular entertainment content.
US08091136B2 Packet transfer device, packet transfer method, and program
A packet transfer apparatus is provided with: storage means configured to store a predetermined search pattern and an address identifying a predetermined apparatus; determination means configured to determine whether predetermined data in a packet received from a network interface matches the search pattern; determination means configured to determine a network interface for outputting the packet using the determination result; replacement means configured to replace an address identifying a destination apparatus of the packet with an address identifying the predetermined apparatus when outputting the packet from a network interface connected to the predetermined apparatus; and packet sending means configured to send the packet to the determined network interface.
US08091134B2 System and method for autonomic peer-to-peer virus inoculation
A system, method, and program product is provided that communicates virus information between a computer that detects a virus in a file (the detecting computer system) and the computer that sent the infected file (the infected computer system). When the infected computer system sends an infected file to the detecting computer system the detecting computer system detects the virus in the infected file, retrieves virus information corresponding to the virus (such as the name of the infected file, the identifier, or name, of the virus, the virus definitions used to identify the virus, and any instructions needed to eradicate the virus), and automatically sends the virus information back to the infected computer system over the network.
US08091132B2 Behavior-based traffic differentiation (BTD) for defending against distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks
Embodiments are directed toward a method for Behavior-based Traffic Differentiation (BTD) that initially receives incoming packets and performs traffic classification to determine the protocol of the incoming packets. In addition, BTD performs bandwidth division/allocation to further support traffic classification amongst non-TCP traffic such as UDP and ICMP. For TCP traffic, the method for BTD determines whether a TCP connection has been established and performs at least one of rate limiting, waiting time reduction for half-open connections, and incrementing backlog queue size when the TCP connection has not been established. If the TCP connection has been established successfully, the method for BTD further includes proactive tests for traffic differentiation which identify normal traffic, which is admitted, and attack traffic, which is dropped.
US08091127B2 Heuristic malware detection
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for the heuristic malware detection. In one embodiment of the invention, a heuristic malware detection method can include merging a baseline inventory of file attributes for respective files from each client computing system in a community of client computing systems into a merged inventory. The method further can include receiving an updated inventory of file attributes in a current inventory survey from different ones of the client computing systems. Each received survey can be compared to the merged inventory, and in response to the comparison, a deviant pattern of file attribute changes can be detected in at least one survey for a corresponding client computing system. Thereafter, the deviant pattern can be classified as one of a benign event or a malware attack. Finally, malware removal can be requested in the corresponding client computing system if the deviant pattern is classified as a malware attack.
US08091125B1 Method and system for performing asynchronous cryptographic operations
A system and method for performing asynchronous cryptographic operations. A cryptographic toolkit receives requests for cryptographic operations, and initiates the cryptographic operations within a thread of execution. The toolkit detects when the cryptographic operations are complete, retrieves the results, and returns the results to a calling program. The cryptographic operations are performed in an asynchronous manner, without blocking a calling program. The calling program can specify whether the requested operations are to be performed without blocking.
US08091123B2 Method and apparatus for secured embedded device communication
In a computing device that includes a host operating system and a management engine separate from the host operating system, if the primary operating system is not operating, a management engine may obtain from a credential server via a first network connection logon information for a secured network and the management engine connects to the secure network through a secured connection using the logon information. If the operating system is operating the operating system provides the logon information to the management engine. Certificate verification may be performed by a remote server on behalf of the management engine. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08091122B2 Computer program product, apparatus and method for secure HTTP digest response verification and integrity protection in a mobile terminal
A mobile terminal for securely communicating with a network includes a user identity module (UIM) and a user equipment module. The user equipment module includes a client application. The UIM is in operable communication with the user equipment and includes a password provisioning module (PPM), a password generating module, a response verification module (RVM) and a response generation module (RGM). The PPM is configured to store a password. The password generating module is in operable communication with the PPM and configured to generate the password. The RGM and RVM are in operable communication with both the client application and the PPM. The RGM is configured to generate an authentication response from the password in response to a request from the client application. The RVM is configured to verify a request for a server digest response and generate a verification result in response to a request from the client application.
US08091121B2 Method and apparatus for supporting different authentication credentials
Techniques for supporting concurrent data services with different credentials are described. A wireless communication network authenticates a user/device whenever new credentials are used. An access terminal sends first credentials via a Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP) link to a Packet Data Serving Node (PDSN) and receives an indication of successful authentication for a first data service based on the first credentials. The access terminal may receive a request for a second data service and second credentials from an internal application or a terminal device coupled to the access terminal. The access terminal then sends the second credentials via the PPP link to the PDSN while the first data service is ongoing. The access terminal receives from the PDSN an indication of successful authentication for the second data service based on the second credentials. The access terminal may send a Configure-Request packet or an Authenticate-Request packet to trigger or initiate authentication by the PDSN for the second data service.
US08091120B2 Adaptive authentication methods, systems, devices, and computer program products
A method of providing data communications between first and second computing devices over a data network may include receiving a request for data communication at the first computing device from the second computing device over the data network. After receiving the request for data communication, a request for a credential according to an authentication standard may be transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device, and the request for the credential may identify the authentication standard. After transmitting the request for the credential according to the authentication standard, a credential according to the authentication standard may be received, and the credential maybe verified. Responsive to receiving the request for data communication and responsive to verifying the authentication credential, the requested data communication may be allowed.
US08091119B2 Identity based network mapping
Techniques for identity-based network mapping are provided. A principal is associated with a resource identifier via a mapping. Conditions of a network are dynamically evaluated in response to policy and actions taken against a resource associated with the resource identifier of the mapping. The principal and the hardware resource of a machine are associated with two different types of resources and the mapping is used to manage security and maintenance associated with a network for shutting down the principal from accessing the network when an issue is detected with the hardware resource and the hardware resource is shut down when the issue is with the principal.
US08091117B2 System and method for interfacing with heterogeneous network data gathering tools
A prevention-based network auditing system includes a plurality of heterogeneous information sources gathering information about the network. An audit server invokes the heterogeneous information sources via a uniform communications interface to gather information about the network, and converts the information gathered by the information sources into a normalized data format such as, for example, into XML (Extensible Markup Language). The converted information is then stored in an audit repository for security and regulatory policy assessment, network vulnerability analysis, report generation, and security improvement recommendations.
US08091112B1 System and a method for transmitting and receiving a program with improved efficiency
A method of transmitting programs from a source of programs to a user location divides a program into a plurality of program streams, wherein each program stream represents a temporal segment of the program. The method adds identification data to the plurality of program streams and multiplexes the plurality of program streams comprising the identification data into a transport stream. The transport stream is transmitted to a user location. The program represented by the plurality of program streams is transmitted in a reduced amount of time. The amount of time decreases with the number of program streams used.
US08091094B2 Methods and systems for ambistateful backend control
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems control a backend. In one implementation, a method controls a backend by executing, at the backend, at least one command. The method may determine, by applying a set of ambistateful criteria, whether to place the backend under stateless control or stateful control, upon completion of executing the at least one command.
US08091092B2 Locally providing globally consistent information to communications layers
Globally consistent information is locally provided to communications layers. Globally consistent information is stored in a Network Availability Matrix, which is locally accessible by a communications layer. If an event is detected, the communications layer is automatically notified by the Network Availability Matrix, and is able to use the information in the Network Availability Matrix to quickly take action.
US08091091B2 Apparatus for facilitating transactions between thin-clients and message format service (MFS)-based information management systems (IMS) applications
An apparatus is disclosed for facilitating conversational and non-conversational transactions between thin-clients and MFS-based IMS applications. The apparatus stores conversation attributes associated with a conversational transaction between a thin-client and an MFS-based IMS application, the conversation attributes comprising connection information and conversation-specific information. Next, one or more transaction messages from the thin-client are preprocessed based on a transaction message type. The stored conversation attributes are updated in response changes in the conversation attributes caused by the one or more transaction messages. Then, a conversation output message is formatted for the thin-client. The apparatus may include a security module that authenticates user, a connection module that establishes a connection with an MFS-based IMS application, a state module that preserves and maintains conversation attributes, and a control module to process a transaction message having one or more transaction message types.
US08091089B2 Apparatus, system, and method for dynamically allocating and adjusting meta-data repository resources for handling concurrent I/O requests to a meta-data repository
An apparatus, system, and signal bearing medium are disclosed for dynamically allocating meta-data repository resources. In one embodiment, the present invention includes tracking resources allocated to a meta-data repository, evaluating repository usage of the resources allocated to a meta-data repository to ascertain whether a resource adjustment is desirable, determining the desirable adjustments to the resources allocated to a meta-data repository, and adjusting the allocated resources in accordance with the determined amount. In one embodiment dynamically allocating meta-data repository resources, strings and buffers from volatile memory, will efficiently use necessary resources thereby not misusing essential system memory. By dynamically allocating meta-data repository resources, system and work performance are enhanced increasing productivity.
US08091085B2 Installation of updated software for server components
A target server is queried to build an inventory of components installed within the target server. The target server has a boot process by which it is employed within a production environment. Updated software is received for each component from an update server, based on the inventory built. The boot process is configured so that the target server installs the updated software for each component the next time it boots, instead of being employed within the production environment. The target server is caused to boot such that it installs the updated software for each component. Upon completion of the target server installing the update software for each component, the boot process is reconfigured so that the next time the target server boots it is again employed within the production environment. The target server is again caused to boot such that it is again employed within the production environment.
US08091084B1 Portable virtual machine
A system, method and computer program for launching an application into a host OS, include storing a snapshot/image of a Virtual Execution Environment (VEE) on a portable device, wherein the VEE snapshot is packed into a self-extracting file; launching the VEE from the portable device on a computer connected to the portable device; and starting a user application within the VEE. The VEE snapshot can be restricted in one of its total usage time or absolute time. The VEE can be, e.g., a Virtual Private Server or a Virtual Machine. The user application is a non-native application for a host OS of the computer. The VEE is launched from an icon on the portable device. The portable device can be, e.g., an iPod, a flash memory card, a digital player, a mobile phone device, a portable gaming device, rewritable CD/DVD/HD DVD/Blu Ray disk and write-once CD/DVD/HD DVD/Blue Ray disk. Alternatively, some of the data (such as user-specific data) can be stored on the portable device, while other data (such as OS executables, DLLs, etc.) can be downloaded from a network.
US08091066B2 Automated multi-platform build and test environment for software application development
A system, method and program product for implementing an automated multi-platform build and run operation for a software application. A system is provided that comprises: a control process loadable on a host platform, wherein the control process causes the software application to be built and run on both the host platform and a set of remote platforms; and a results manager that captures build and run results from the host platform and the set of remote platforms, and stores the build and run results in a centralized database.
US08091056B1 Apparatus and method for automated determination of timing constraints
A method and apparatus is provided for the automatic creation of timing constraints that are based upon input interface timing parameters entered through a graphical user interface that is associated with the one or more input interfaces. Ideal timing constraints are created from the input interface timing parameters for the one or more input interfaces, thereby enabling the analysis of the input interface(s) without requiring explicit constraints to be defined by the designer of the input interface(s). Timing constraints may, therefore, be automatically generated by the designer without the need for the designer to possess any detailed knowledge of the associated constraint language parameters. Once created, the automatically generated timing constraints are graphically displayed to the designer for verification and/or modification. The automated process removes any potential for improperly defining the input constraint language parameters associated with the input interface(s).
US08091046B2 Set of masks, method of generating mask data and method for forming a pattern
A method of generating mask data, for a set of masks used to transfer a pattern for delineating a circuit pattern of a semiconductor integrated circuit, includes preparing design data having a design pattern corresponding to the pattern to be transferred on a semiconductor substrate; generating resized data by enlarging the design data by a resizing quantity; generating first mask data by filling a space area having a space width of a space quantity or less of the resized data; and generating second mask data, to be aligned with the first mask data, having a window portion for selectively exposing an area determined by enlarging the space area by the resizing quantity.
US08091045B2 System and method for managing lists
A computer-implemented method for displaying and managing lists on a portable multifunction device with a touch screen display includes displaying a list of items, detecting a finger contact on a moving-affordance icon, detecting movement of the finger contact on the touch screen display, and in response to detecting the movement of the finger contact, moving the moving-affordance icon and the corresponding item in the list in accordance with the movement of the finger contact. In some embodiments, at least some of the items have corresponding moving-affordance icons.
US08091044B2 Filtering the display of files in graphical interfaces
System, computer readable medium, and method for filtering the display of file objects for computer systems. In one aspect, a method comprises displaying a plurality of selectable items responsive to user input, wherein each of the selectable items describes a different filtering criterion and corresponds to a different range of values, and wherein the different ranges of values for the selectable items are based on the file objects present in a file object set that is being filtered for display of the file objects; receiving the user input from a user to at least one selected item of the selectable items to describe one or more filtering criteria for the display of the file objects in the file object set according to the user input and the at least one selected item; wherein the different ranges of values for the selectable items are based on actual ranges of an associated characteristic of the file objects of the file object set and on the distribution of the actual values of the associated characteristic in the file object set, wherein the different ranges are evenly divided between two extreme values that surround at least some of the actual values of the associated characteristic.
US08091040B2 Method and system for displaying a plurality of discrete files in a compound file
A method for managing and displaying related information in a graphical user interface includes storing each of a plurality of related datasets in a discrete file. A compound file is stored linking the discrete data files to each other. A common window for the combined file is displayed in the graphical user interface. A discrete window for each discrete file is displayed within the common window.
US08091034B2 Tiered web conference
In a tiered web conference method and system, a presenter is able to add material of the presenter's presentation to the material of another presenter's presentation in real-time and is able to broadcast both presentations to a targeted audience. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a secondary presentation that adds material to an original presentation, wherein the original presentation is provided by a first user, and the secondary presentation is provided by a second user; and displaying the original presentation and the secondary presentation simultaneously to a target group of viewers.
US08091026B2 Methods and apparatuses for processing digital objects
Methods and apparatuses for processing digital objects are described herein. In one embodiment, multiple digital objects are displayed in a first mode, where each of the digital objects is displayed without overlapping. In response to a first input, at least two digital objects are selected and displayed in a second mode in which at least one selected digital object overlaps at least a portion of another selected digital object. In response to a second input, the selected at least two digital objects are redisplayed in the first mode from the second mode. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08091025B2 Systems and methods for processing content objects
Watermark encoders and decoders can be integrated into operating systems, Internet browsers, media players, and other applications and devices. Such integration enables the watermark-enabled application or device to provide additional functionality and information available via the watermark. The watermark, for example, may link to metadata or actions related to a media object. To exploit this watermark enabled functionality, the integrated application uses a watermark decoder to access the related metadata and actions. The user interface of the integrated application is enhanced to present metadata and actions linked via the watermark. Similarly, watermark encoders may be integrated into applications to convert media objects into enhanced, watermarked objects. A variety of other arrangements and features are also detailed. Many arrangements can be implemented using object identifiers other than watermarks.
US08091024B2 Systems and methods for implementing formulas
Systems and methods are provided for building and implementing formulas. The systems and methods may treat operands in a formula as having a value and a unit type or dimension and may recognize the compatibility of unit types among operands. One embodiment performs automatic error checking of a formula based on the value and dimension of the operands and the expected result. The automatic error checking may be performed to assist a user in defining and building a formula. Another embodiment performs automatic unit conversion based on the value and unit type of the formula's operands. The automatic unit conversion may be performed when applying data to the formula during runtime or execution of an application program.
US08091023B2 Handheld electronic device and associated method enabling spell checking in a text disambiguation environment
An improved handheld electronic device and associated method enable spell checking in a reduced keyboard and disambiguation environment. The improved spell checking routine converts a misspelled word into a canonical version thereof and receives from a dictionary 42 proposed letter for possible acceptance by the spell checking routine. The spell checking routine advantageously maintains states of various spell check algorithms in order to ensure that no letter is accepted that would require an edit distance of more than one from the misspelled word. The improved spell checking routine advantageously reduces unnecessary processor operation by reducing the extent to which certain portions of the dictionary 42 are searched multiple times during a spell checking operation.
US08091021B2 Facilitating adaptive grid-based document layout
A system and methods for facilitating adaptive grid-based document layout. More particularly, the adaptive grid-based document layout system and methods feature a new approach to adaptive grid-based document layout that utilizes a set of adaptive templates that are configurable in a range of different pages sizes and viewing conditions. The templates include various element types and constraint-based relationships that define the layout of elements with reference to viewing conditions under which the document content will be displayed and that define other content properties. Through a layout engine and paginator, the adaptive grid-based document layout system and methods determines a desirable sequence of templates to use for adapting document content. Additionally, the adaptive grid-based document layout system and methods provides a template authoring tool and user interface for interactively drawing and arranging layout elements within an adaptive template.
US08091020B2 System and method for updating a table-of-contents in a frameset
A self-updating frameset having a target document in one frame and a Table-of-Contents (TOC) document in another frame hyperlinked to the target document. A reference document (RD) field is inserted into the TOC document to identify the target document as the target of the TOC. A TOC field in the TOC document scans the target document to identify selected headings as entries in the TOC document. When the selected headings are identified, the TOC field creates hyperlink entries in the TOC document, each hyperlink entry having a corresponding anchor at a selected heading in the target document. The hyperlink entries in the TOC document can be automatically updated each time the fields in the TOC document are recalculated.
US08091019B2 Supporting variable data structures and constant data structures in a hardware-based extensible markup language (XML) post processing engine (PPE)
A method, computer program product, and system are disclosed for supporting variable data structures and constant data structures in a hardware-based XML PPE. The method may include inserting one or more constant Type-Length-Attributes (TLAs) into an output stream. The constant TLAs are inserted from one or more constant node-sets referenced from a constant table. The method may also include creating one or more variable node-sets. Each variable node-set includes one or more variable TLAs (TLAs saved from a base XML document) and is mapped to a variable table. The method may also include inserting one or more variable TLAs into the output stream inserted from one or more variable node-sets referenced from the variable table.
US08091013B2 Multi-code LDPC (low density parity check) decoder
Multi-code LDPC (Low Density Parity Check) decoder. Multiple LDPC coded signals can be decoded using hardware provisioned for a minimum requirement needed to decode each of the multiple LDPC coded signals. In embodiments where each LDPC matrix (e.g., employed to decode each LDPC coded signal) includes a common number of non-null sub-matrices, then a same number of memories are employed when decoding each LDPC coded signal. However, those particular memories employed can be different subsets for when decoding each LDPC coded signal. In embodiments where each LDPC code includes a different number of non-null sub-matrices within its respective LDPC matrix, then a different number of memories are employed when decoding each LDPC coded signal. Various degrees of parallelism in decoding can also be employed in which different numbers of bit engines and check engines can be employed when decoding different LDPC coded signals.
US08091007B2 Detection of duplicate packets
A packet is received from a network. The packet includes a field. The content of the field is compared to each element of a list. If the content of the field fails to match any element in the list, the packet is accepted and the content of the field is added to the list as an additional element of the list.
US08091006B2 Spherical lattice codes for lattice and lattice-reduction-aided decoders
Methods and apparatus for designing spherical lattice codebooks for use in data transmission systems are provided. A spherical lattice codebook is constructed by determining the channel statistics of one or more channels, which can be accomplished by observing a sufficiently large set of channel realizations. After determining the channel statistics, an expression for the error probability of the decoder or expressions for bounds on the error probability and expressions for the corresponding gradients are determined. The gradient is then used in an optimization technique to produce a spherical lattice codebook which is subsequently used for transmission.
US08091003B2 Position detection error correcting method
A position detection error correcting method that corrects position detection errors using a limited storage capacity, by calculating position detection error correction values by four simple arithmetic operations at startup to reduce a startup time delay and consumption of a storage capacity even when a portion containing steep error variations exists. Detection error correction values of a position detector are expressed by a correction function using a periodic function, and correction parameters of the correction values are stored in advance in a non-volatile memory. At startup, these correction parameters are read out, and a position detection error correction value corresponding to each detected position is calculated and stored in a random access memory. The output position detection error correction value detector corresponding to each detected position is read out from the random access memory and a corrected detected position value corrected for the detected position value error is calculated.
US08091001B2 FPGA programming structure for ATPG test coverage
Testing of combinatorial logic in a programmable device is provided by routing input and/or output test values as signals from and back to dedicated logic through programming circuitry in programmable logic. Some embodiments of the present invention provide for a method for testing functional logic block of an application-specific standard product (ASSP) in a programmable logic device, the method comprising: storing an input value into a register; passing the input value from the register to combinatorial logic; producing an output value from the combinatorial logic; passing the output value from the combinatorial logic to the register; saving the output value in the register; and reading the output value out of the register.
US08090997B2 Run-time fault resolution from development-time fault and fault resolution path identification
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to fault handling and provide a method, system and computer program product for run-time fault resolution from development time fault and fault resolution path identification. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for run-time fault resolution from development time fault and fault resolution path identification can be provided. The method can include detecting a recoverable fault condition in a computing system, selecting a fault resolution path from amongst a multiple development time specified fault resolution paths to match the recoverable fault condition, prompting an operator with the selected fault resolution path, and resuming operation of the computing system without restart subsequent to the operator performing the selected resolution fault path.
US08090992B2 Handling of clustered media errors in raid environment
A method, apparatus, and system of improved handling of clustered media errors in raid environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes starting a command timer when a firmware accepts a command from a host, tracking an amount of time the command spends on handling of a clustered media error through the command timer, and stopping the command timer when at least one of the command is completed and a time limit expires. The method may complete a read as a success when a host IO is a read command. The method may complete a write as a success, after writing parity, and data when the host IO may be a write command.
US08090989B2 System and method for bi-directional debugging of computer
The present invention relates to debugging of computer programs, and in particular to bi-directional debugging.A method of returning to a state in the history of execution of a computer program, said state comprising a set of values of one or more of registers of a processor on which the program is running, working memory space to which the program has access and operating system resources allocated to the program, the method comprising: identifying in machine code representing said program, instances of machine code instructions associated with substantially non-deterministic events; modifying said program machine code to execute a program instrumentation set of machine code instructions to handle said substantially non-deterministic events; executing said modified program machine code, storing a time series of said states during said executing; restoring a said stored state; and executing said modified program machine code forward in time starting at said restored state to return to said state in said program history of execution.
US08090988B2 Saving information to flash memory during power failure
An embodiment is a method and apparatus to save data during power failure. A power supply generator generates operating voltages to a circuit from a generator supply source. A power monitor monitors a normal supply voltage and a backup supply voltage to provide a normal supply voltage to the generator supply source in a normal mode and to provide a backup supply voltage to the generator supply source in a power failure mode. A data transfer circuit transfers data from a volatile memory in the circuit to a non-volatile memory during the power failure mode.
US08090986B2 System module and data relay method
A system module includes a plurality of processors, and a system controller that is connected to the processors via a first transmission line and relays a packet from each of the processors to another system module via a second transmission line in a multiprocessor system. The system controller includes a data transmission controller that, when part of packets constituting a series of data is not received normally from a processor due to a fault in the processor or the first transmission line, generates a supplement packet for a packet that has not been received normally and outputs the supplement packet to the second transmission line.
US08090979B2 Information system and data transfer method
Availability of an information system including a storage apparatus and a computer is improved. First and second storage apparatuses execute remote copy of copying data written into a first primary volume from the computer to a second primary volume, at least one of the first and second storage apparatuses executes local copy of copying the data written into the first or second primary volume in a self-storage apparatus to the corresponding first or second secondary volume, and the computer switches the destination of a write request of the data from the first storage apparatus to the second storage apparatus in case of a failure occurring in the first storage apparatus.
US08090975B2 Recovery server for recovering managed server
When the boot monitoring unit receives, from a management server, a first boot response for a first boot request from a NIC1 of a managed server, a boot monitoring unit stores a receiving time of the first boot response. When the boot monitoring unit receives a second boot request from a NIC2 of the managed server, and when a predetermined time has not elapsed from the receiving time, the boot monitoring unit determines that the management server is normal, and transmits an NOP program to the managed server. When the predetermined time has elapsed from the receiving time, the boot monitoring unit determines that the management server is stopped, and transmits a recovering program to the managed server.
US08090973B2 Skew management in an interconnection system
An interconnection system is described where data lanes may be exchanged between lines at intervals along a transmission path so that the differential time delay between bits on a plurality of the lines is reduced when determined at a receiving location. The data lanes may be bound to the lines through the operation of a configurable switch, or by a configurable switch in conjunction with predetermined manufactured connections, or a combination of the techniques. The wiring of a connectorized node module, which may include a memory device, may be configured so that the differential time delay between pairs of input lines of a node, as measured at the output of a node, is reduced.
US08090971B2 Data recovery architecture (CDR) for low-voltage differential signaling (LVDS) video transceiver applications
The present invention discloses data recovery architecture (CDR) to improve a multi-link system's tolerance to delay mismatches (or skewing effect) in its different links. The architecture is entirely digital and usable in any multi-link transceiver implementation that makes use of a separate clock link and requires timing synchronization between the different data links.
US08090965B1 System and method for testing memory power management modes in an integrated circuit
A memory controller, a method of testing memory power management modes in an integrated circuit and an integrated circuit. In one embodiment, the memory controller includes a power management mode test controller couplable to a test access port and at least one memory core and configured to respond to a signal provided via the test access port by providing an ordered signal-setting sequence to the at least one memory core to cause the at least one memory core to enter into and exit from at least one memory power management mode.
US08090961B2 Security switch
A system and method for securing a personal device that includes a device core and a peripheral device from unauthorized access or operation. The system and method use a switch, included fully or partially within an envelope of the device and which cannot be affected in its operation by either the device core or the peripheral device. The switch may be activated by an authorized user of the personal device either preemptively or in response to a detected threat.
US08090956B2 Program converting device, secure processing device, computer program, and recording medium
To provide a program conversion device capable of executing a program that includes a secret operation using secret information without exposure of the secret information in a memory. In an execution program generation device, with respect to an original program that includes the secret operation, a combining function generation unit generates combining function processing for applying a bitwise self-dual function to an input value, a split secret information generation unit generates pieces of split secret information by performing an inverse operation of the self-dual function, a program conversion unit generates pieces of split secret operation processing each for performing the operation between each bit value of the operand information and a corresponding bit value of a different piece of the split secret information, and replaces the secret operation processing with the pieces of the split secret operation processing and the combining function processing.
US08090952B2 Counterfeit prevention system based on random positioning on a pattern
A genuine detection part for a product formed by a label with a continually repeating pattern and with a sticker over the pattern. The position of the sticker is converted to a number, and encrypted with a private key, to form a signature. The product is only legitimate if the signature matches the position of the sticker on the pattern.
US08090948B2 Image formation system having authentication function
Image data is transmitted from a client PC to an image formation apparatus. Upon printing, an external server conducts an authentication process. A certificate indicating that the user has been authenticated is held, with its validity period provided in the image formation apparatus. Within the validity period, the time-consuming authentication process with respect to the external server is skipped. This can reduce the burden of authentication while ensuring security, so that high productivity is guaranteed.
US08090940B1 Method and system for verifying identification of an electronic message
An electronic message is accessed. The message comprises a number of headers and a signature comprising a digital signature and a version of the headers. The message is verified based on analysis of the version of the headers and the digital signature. The version of the headers is compared with the headers and a policy is applied based on results of the comparison to determine further processing of the electronic message.
US08090939B2 Digital certificate that indicates a parameter of an associated cryptographic token
In at least some embodiments, a method comprises obtaining a digital certificate that indicates a parameter of a cryptographic token associated with the digital certificate. The method further comprises associating a level of trust with the digital certificate based on the parameter of the cryptographic token.
US08090930B2 Method and circuits for early detection of a full queue
In a pipelined computer architecture in which instructions may be removed from the instruction queue out of sequence, instruction queue status at a cycle K is determined by adding together the number of invalid instructions or free rows in the queue during cycle K−2, the number of instructions issued for cycle K−1 and the number of instructions speculatively issued in cycle K−1 that have produced a cache hit, and subtracting from the sum the number of instructions enqueued for cycle K−1. The result indicates the number of invalid instructions in the queue cycle K. The number of invalid entries instructions, the number of issued instructions, and the number of enqueued instructions are preferably represented as flat vectors, so that adding is performed by shifting in one direction, while subtracting is performed by shifting in the opposite direction. The result is compared with either the number of instructions to be enqueued in the present cycle, which number is encoded, or with a predetermined value. A stall signal is generated if the indicative value is less than the encoded number or the predetermined value.
US08090926B2 Hybrid replicated shared memory
A multiple computer system with hybrid replicated shared memory is disclosed. The local memory (10, 20, . . . 80) of each of the multiple computers M1, M2, . . . Mn is partitioned into a first part (11, 21, . . . 81) and a second part (12, 22, . . . 82). Each of the first parts are identical and each of the second parts are independent. The total memory available to the system is the first memory part plus n times the second memory part, n being the total number of application running multiple computers.
US08090923B2 Storage system and control method for the same
An externally-connected volume of a main storage is correlated to an AOU volume inside of an external storage. The AOU volume is allocated with a not-yet-used page in a pool in accordance with data writing. When a command is issued to the externally-connected volume for formatting or others, a first controller in the main storage converts the command into a format command or an area deallocation command with respect to the AOU volume in the external storage. As such, the external AOU volume is subjected to a write process in its entirety, thereby being able to prevent any unnecessary page allocation. With such a configuration, the storage system of the present invention can use pages in the pool with good efficiency.
US08090919B2 System and method for high performance secure access to a trusted platform module on a hardware virtualization platform
A system and method for high performance secure access to a trusted platform module on a hardware virtualization platform. The virtualization platform including Virtual Machine Monitor (VMM) managed components coupled to the VMM. One of the VMM managed components is a TPM (Trusted Platform Module). The virtualization platform also includes a plurality of Virtual Machines (VMs). Each of the virtual machines includes a guest Operating System (OS), a TPM device driver (TDD), and at least one security application. The VMM creates an intra-partition in memory for each TDD such that other code and information at a same or higher privilege level in the VM cannot access the memory contents of the TDD. The VMM also maps access only from the TDD to a TPM register space specifically designated for the VM requesting access. Contents of the TPM requested by the TDD are stored in an exclusively VMM-managed protected page table that provides hardware-based memory isolation for the TDD.
US08090915B2 Packet transmission control apparatus and method
A packet transmission control apparatus includes a plurality of controllers, an arbitrator, a BUSY control circuit, and a memory. The controller controls a transmission of a packet to an interface and manages a request for data to a memory and a reception of data from the memory. The arbitrator selects a controller to be used from among the plurality of controllers. The BUSY control circuit recognizes a BUSY state of a control unit at destination of a packet. The memory stores data to be requested.
US08090906B1 Dynamic processor bandwidth allocation in response to environmental conditions
Servo-related tasks are performed at a first processor in a disk drive. A signal indicative of an environmental condition is received at the first processor, and code associated with the environmental condition is identified based at least in part on the signal. A second processor in the disk drive is caused to execute the code associated with the environmental condition, and a responsive task is performed at the first processor based at least in part on the executed code associated with the environmental condition.
US08090900B2 Storage device and data management method
A storage device includes two flash memories of different flash memory types, and respectively including multiple data blocks. Each data block corresponds to a physical and a logical block address. The storage device further includes a processing module including a controller, which is capable of accessing two mapping tables respectively corresponding to the two flash memories and respectively recording the physical block addresses and the logical block addresses that correspond to the data blocks of the two flash memories. The controller is configured to determine, upon receipt of a command that contains a target logical block address therein, a selected one of the flash memories according to the target logical block address, and to locate a selected one of the physical block addresses by searching one of the mapping tables that corresponds to the selected one of the flash memories with reference to the target logical block address.
US08090887B2 Input system enabling connection of even expansion equipment for expanding function, that transmits relatively large amount of data, to peripheral equipment and information processing system
A processor determines whether a prescribed period of time has elapsed or not. When the processor has determined that the prescribed period of time has elapsed, the processor determines whether a mode 0 is set or not. When it is determined that the mode 0 is set, a wireless packet including remote controller button data, remote controller acceleration data and remote controller DPD data is generated. Then, the generated wireless packet is transmitted to a game device. When the processor has determined that a mode 1 is set, a wireless packet including remote controller information including the remote controller button data and the remote controller acceleration data and biological information including previous pulse wave data, present pulse wave data and light reception level data, instead of the remote controller DPD data, is generated.
US08090881B1 Method and system for minimizing unnecessary topology discovery operations by managing physical layer state change notifications in storage systems
Method and system is provided where PHY state change (PHY CHANGE) notifications from one or more PHYs in a storage infrastructure are monitored as a potential error condition. The rate of PHY CHANGE notifications is monitored to determine if the rate of PHY CHANGE notifications may cause a loss of service or degrade I/O performance. An excessive rate of PHY CHANGE notification that may cause a loss of service is detected by comparing a current PHY CHANGE count with a burst threshold value. The current PHY CHANGE count is also compared to an operational threshold value to detect if the rate of PHY CHANGE notification may result in degradation of overall I/O performance. If the PHY CHANGE count for a PHY equals or exceeds the burst threshold value or the operational threshold value, then the PHY is disabled.
US08090877B2 Systems and methods for fine grain policy driven cookie proxying
The present solution enables a client that is not configured to use cookies to access resources of the server that uses cookies for communications with the clients. An intermediary deployed between a client and a server intercepts and modifies transmissions between the client and the server to compensate for the mismatch in configuration of the cookies between the client and the server. The present disclosure relates to a method for managing cookies by an intermediary for a client. An intermediary receives a response from a server to a request of a client. The response may comprise a uniform resource locator (URL) and a cookie. The intermediary may modify the response by removing the cookie from the response and inserting a unique client identifier into the URL. The intermediary may store the removed cookie in association with the unique client identifier and forward the modified response to the client.
US08090871B2 Determining a remote management processor's IP address
A method and system for providing an address of a remote management processor to a management server. When setting up a Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server, an administrator configures a private Option in the DHCP server. The Option data contains the IP address of the management server designated to use the remote management processor. When the remote management processor powers up, it sends a request for an IP address to the DHCP server, which returns both the requested IP address as well as the Option data. Firmware in the management processor is capable of reading and interpreting the Option data, and sends the management server, plus any other configured destinations, the IP address of the remote management processor in an Alert packet The management server is thus notified that the remote management processor is on-line and available to manage the remote hardware server for the management server.
US08090855B2 Replenishing a user account with more access resources needed for accessing network services
A network access server (NAS) determines the status of availability (e.g., how much more quota is unused) of an access resource, and sends a notification embedded in a point-to-point protocol (PPP) packet. The format of the packet is chosen such that definition/use of higher layers (e.g., HTTP) is not required to communicate the status to a client system. As a result, the user may be notified even if software such as web browser is not being executed on the client system.
US08090834B2 System and method for optimizing server resources while providing interaction with documents accessible through the server
A system and method for optimizing server resources while providing interaction with documents accessible through the server. The system allows a user to open and interact with a document without opening a session. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer-implemented method having steps for determining whether a document is static in response to a request to open the document, and opening the document in a sessionless mode when the document is static. Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to a computer-implemented method having steps for determining whether a trigger has occurred and transitioning to a session mode for the document when a trigger has occurred.
US08090833B2 Systems and methods for abstracting storage views in a network of computing systems
A storage tool can determine and provide an abstract view of storage systems in a network of computing system. The storage tool can utilize the abstract view in order to identify the storage systems based on the performance and capabilities of the storage systems without regard to the configuration of the storage system, storage devices in the storage system, or the details of the storage devices.
US08090828B2 Method and apparatus for reusing DHCP addresses in home addresses of mobile IP clients
Methods and apparatuses for conserving addresses. The invention allows a mobile node to manage its own address, shifting responsibility away from the home agent. The home agent is able to detect when a mobile node has already been assigned an address for use of resources on the network. When the home agent recognizes that the mobile address has already been assigned an address, it allows the mobile node to use its already-assigned address in connection with mobile IP services. Additionally, the mobile node can be notified that it is now responsible for renewing the address.
US08090825B1 System and method for multibeaconing
A method and system for triggering multiple client requests, including: providing directions for obtaining multibeacon instructions, in response to a content request from the client device, providing the multibeacon instructions in response to a request from the client device, with the request for multibeacon instructions submitted by the client device based on the directions, receiving an initial image request at the multibeacon management system from the client device wherein the initial image request is submitted by the client device upon execution of the multibeacon instructions, and, composing and sending a beacon from the multibeacon management system to the client device in response to the initial image request causing the configuration of a storage device at the client device for storing the beacon, wherein the properties of the beacon are configured to trigger the multibeacon instructions to instruct the client device to submit additional image requests to the multibeacon management system.
US08090822B2 Methods and apparatus for nonintrusive monitoring of web browser usage
Methods and apparatus for nonintrusive monitoring of web browser usage are disclosed. An example method for monitoring web browsing disclosed herein comprises obtaining a video signal from a video output of a device implementing a web browser, processing a video image obtained from the video signal to identify a region of the video image displaying at least a portion of the web browser, determining textual information displayed by the web browser in the identified region of the video image, and using the textual information to record usage of the web browser.
US08090821B2 Real-time notification of presence changes
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing presence and availability status information of a first user to a second user. The system includes a presence availability server for storing presence and availability status information of the first user. The presence availability server is configured to detect a change in the presence and availability status of the first user. The presence availability server also informs a notification server of a change in the presence and availability status of the first user. The notification server sends a notification message to a communication device of the second user. The notification message contains current presence and availability status information of the first user. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08090811B2 Service provider for embedded devices using a message store
A service provider for embedded devices is disclosed for controlling, monitoring and/or updating embedded devices. The service provider includes a computer having communications hardware for communicating over a computer network. The computer also includes a storage device and a processor. The computer network communication module is also configured to communicate via the computer network with a message store and transmit component, wherein the message store and transmit component is capable of communicating with one or more embedded devices through the computer network. A database of service information obtained from the computer network is also added to the service provider. This database of service information is available to the embedded devices through the message store and transmit component. In general, communications between the service provider and the embedded device occur by having information or data be sent from the provider to the message store and transmit component and then, in turn, this information or data is sent by the message store and transmit component to the embedded device.
US08090796B2 Position identification method and system
The present invention is directed to a system and method for collecting and maintaining an up-to-date database of points of interests, whereby agents of the points of interests, such as owners or operators of hotels or restaurants, can register their point of interest onto the database by uploading their contact information and physical address. Subsequently, on a periodic basis, the agents of the points of interests may log into the system and update their information, such as operating hours. The collected data is then made accessible to the general public and can be searched through using a variety of search criteria.
US08090794B1 Technique for customizing displayed content
Embodiments of a computer system, a method, and a computer-program product (e.g., software) for use with the computer system are described. These embodiments may be used to customize displayed content in a document, such as a web page or a user interface in a software application. In particular, by monitoring user activities while one or more users view the document during multiple sessions, the computer system can identify the most relevant content at a particular time. Then, the computer system selectively modifies the displayed content in the document based on the monitored user activity. For example, the computer system may selectively filter the content in the document so that a subset of the content is displayed. Moreover, the displayed content may be dynamically revised based on subsequent user actions.
US08090792B2 Method and system for a self managing and scalable grid storage
The present invention generally provides a method for grid storage including balancing read and write requests from applications across a first group of nodes in a grid storage system for avoiding hot spots and optimizing performance through smart caching; balancing storage capacity across a second group of nodes in the grid storage system, nodes in the first and second groups being at least one of hardware interchangeable online, capable of being added to change performance or capacity of the grid storage system and capable of being removed to change performance or capacity of the grid storage system; and self managing of the first and second groups of nodes for providing at least one of scalability, self healing after failure of components in the grid storage, non-disruptive upgrades to the grid storage system, and eliminating duplicate data on an object or sub-object level in the grid storage system.
US08090788B2 Method and system for filtering electronic messages
The present invention discloses a system for blocking unsolicited emails. The system comprising: a server application for providing a filtering service between at least one protected and a second mail subscribe. The server application is comprised of: a communication module for establishing secure connections between at least two mail subscribers, a repository of secure connections including records of secure mail addresses created for each secure connection, an interception module for verifying secure messages by comparing the sender's address to the sender address in the secure connection repository, a transmission module for forwarding the verified messages to the public target mail address by translating between secure mail address and the public mail addresses of verified messages.
US08090787B2 Aggregation system for email and non-email messages
Machine, method for use and method for making, and corresponding products produced thereby, as well as data structures, computer-readable media tangibly embodying program instructions, manufactures, and necessary intermediates of the foregoing, each pertaining to digital aspects of a computerized aggregation system. The system can include a user computer system interposed between a segment of a network allowing communication between the user computer system and at least one server system, and other segments allowing communication between the user computer system and a plurality of third party server systems. The one server system enables the user computer system to access the plurality of other servers. The access permits forming an aggregation of information obtained from the third party server systems.
US08090786B2 Method and apparatus for processing digitally signed messages to determine address mismatches
A method and apparatus for processing digitally signed messages in which address mismatch errors are detected. In at least one aspect, the number of address mismatch errors reported to a user for a message may be minimized for messages that properly incorporate message portions signed by someone other than the sender of the message, as may be the case where the message contains a conversation thread for example, by performing at least one pre-determined action for digital signatures corresponding to signed data appearing after a message separator. The message separator may indicate that the message contains data from an older forwarded message or from an older message that has been replied to, for example. The at least one-predetermined action may comprise bypassing verification of address matches for those digital signatures, or verifying address matches for those digital signatures but suppressing user notification of any address mismatch errors, for example.
US08090785B2 System and method for email notification
Email subscribers are notified of the receipt of new email messages when they are not at their computers via voice or page. An email notification server polls the email server corresponding to the subscriber's email account for the presence of new email messages. New email messages are obtained. Header information is extracted. If new email notification is by voicemail, the extracted header information is converted from text to voice. A voicemail message containing the extracted header information is saved on the voicemail system corresponding to the subscriber for whom the email message was intended. The email notification server can also send a page to notify the subscriber of the presence of new email.
US08090778B2 Foreign network SPAM blocker
A method involves blocking unsolicited e-mail being transmitted from a remote server when a roaming customer of the ISP logs onto the Internet through the foreign NAS. The roaming customer first logs onto the ISP through the foreign NAS by providing a user identification (USERID) and password, which are sent to the ISP. The ISP uses the USERID and the password to authenticate the roaming customer as a valid subscriber of the ISP. An IP address is assigned by the foreign NAS to the roaming customer and is dynamically added to a pool of IP addresses used by the mail server. The roaming customer can then log onto the mail server to send and receive email messages. Once the roaming customer terminates the session, the IP address assigned to the roaming customer is removed from the pool of valid IP address that can be used to access the mail server.
US08090775B2 Time limited collaborative community role delegation policy
A system for establishing and maintaining a permission delegation policy for roles within a collaborative computing environment provides a list of potential delegatee end user persons to a delegator end user person. A list of delegatable permissions is provided to the delegator end user person in which the list of delegatable permissions correspond to permissions held by the delegator end user person. A delegation policy is received from the delegator end user person. The delegation policy includes one or more delegated permissions from the list of delegatable permissions and identification of a delegatee end user person from the list of potential delegatee end users persons designated to receive the delegated permissions.
US08090771B2 Log collecting/analyzing system with separated functions of collecting log information and analyzing the same
A log collecting/analyzing system has a log collection terminal device as a client terminal device which collects logs and transmits the collected logs to a log server via a network. The log server receives the transmitted logs and stores the received logs for analysis. According to this configuration, it is possible to obtain useful information, such as information about what play modes are popular in the case of games and so forth, or information about what characters are popular in the case of selecting a character for a game. Therefore, it is possible to make use of the result of log analysis to develop the game.
US08090768B2 Media content device and system
A device for obtaining media content from a source and storing the media content for subsequent playback. A response mechanism enables a listener to generate response information associated with particular media content that is being rendered by the device. This response information can be delivered to a third party system for triggering the performance of specific actions related to the media content. A content system interfaces to the device and to the Internet. The content system obtains media content from one or more sources via the Internet and delivers the content to the device.
US08090764B2 Communication system, communication apparatus, communication method, storage medium, and package medium
A communication system is disclosed which includes: a storing element for storing content data corresponding to an image associated with a distributed storage medium; a retrieving element for retrieving address information on a network from the distributed storage medium; an accessing element for accessing the storing element based on the address information retrieved by the retrieving element; and a recording element for recording to the distributed storage medium the content data acquired by the accessing element from the storing element.
US08090763B2 Method and apparatus for cross-domain communication using designated response processing page
Cross-domain communication between a sender domain and a receiver domain includes: receiving, in the receiver domain, a data request from the sender domain, the data request being directed to a designated request processing page in the receiver domain; processing the data request to generate a response; and sending the response to the sender domain, the response being directed to a designated response processing page in the sender domain. Alternatively, cross-domain communication includes receiving, in the receiver domain, a data request from the sender domain, the data request being directed to a designated request processing page in the receiver domain; processing the data request to generate a response; and sending the response to the sender domain, the response being directed to a designated response processing page in the sender domain.
US08090756B2 Method and apparatus for generating trigonometric results
A method, computer-readable medium, and apparatus for generating a trigonometric value. The method includes receiving a request to calculate a trigonometric value for an angle value and calculating a fractional value from the angle value. The fractional value corresponds to one of a first quadrant value, a second quadrant value, a third quadrant value, and a fourth quadrant value. The method also includes using the fractional value to determine whether to perform at least one of inverting the fractional value and negating the trigonometric value. The method further includes generating the trigonometric value from the fractional value by adding at least a portion of the fractional value with at least one of a shifted fractional value produced by shifting the portion of the fractional value and a constant value and providing the trigonometric value in response to the request.
US08090744B1 Method and apparatus for determining compatibility between a virtualized application and a base environment
A system and method for determining whether one or more applications in a virtual software layer and one or more applications in a base environment are compatible. The method includes intercepting an access attempt from an application on a computer system to a file on the computer system, such as a system file. The system then determines a first compatibility checking mode and whether a second version of the file exists in a virtual software layer. In response to these determinations and to intercepting the access attempt, the system attempts to perform the access using the second version of the file.
US08090740B2 Search-centric hierarchichal browser history
A search-centric hierarchical browser history technique that provides for the creation of a Web search history hierarchy organized according to the search queries that a user has conducted. In one embodiment, search queries occupy the highest level of the search history hierarchy and all Web sites/search results relating to a particular search query that the user accessed are hierarchically organized below that query. In another embodiment, queries may also be optionally grouped into a higher-level hierarchy that reflects search topics.
US08090731B2 Document fidelity with binary XML storage
Techniques are provided for ensuring lexical fidelity when an XML document is stored in a binary format. Operations, on the XML data, that would cause the loss of lexical fidelity between the original XML document and the binary-encoded version of the XML document are not performed. Such operations include the removal of unnecessary whitespace characters, certain data type conversions, CRLF normalization, the “collapsing” of two-tag empty elements into a single tag empty element, and the replacing of entity references or numeric character references with another value. An XML schema, to which the XML document conforms, may indicate that the XML document is to be stored in a lexical fidelity mode. Additionally, or alternatively, the database statement that (when executed) causes the XML document to be stored in a binary format may so indicate.
US08090724B1 Document analysis and multi-word term detector
A term analyzer receives an ordered collection of text-based terms. The ordered collection can contain terms from a document that have been filtered to remove “noise” such as stopwords. The term analyzer analyzes groupings of consecutive text-based terms in the ordered collection to identify occurrences of different combinations of text-based terms in the ordered collection. In addition, the term analyzer maintains frequency information representing the occurrences of the different combinations of text-based terms in the collection. The frequency information can then be used to determine relatively significant keywords and/or keyword phrases in the document. In an example configuration, the term analyzer creates a tree in which a first term in a given grouping of the groupings is defined as a parent node in the tree and a second term in the given grouping is defined as a child node of the parent node in the tree. The method of the analyzer generalizes to create a tree of multi-word terms in which the terms can be efficiently ranked by occurrence.
US08090716B2 Information-processing apparatus, information-processing method, and computer-readable storage medium
An information-processing apparatus includes: a link information-generating portion that reads two or more pieces of operation information having a user identifier and an object identifier for identifying an object on which a user has performed an operation, detects two or more object identifiers linked via a user identifier contained in the two or more pieces of operation information, and generates link information indicating a link relationship between two or more objects; an object identifier-accepting portion that accepts one object identifier; an in-group object identifier-acquiring portion that acquires an object identifier having at least a predetermined level of relevance with the one object identifier accepted by the object identifier-accepting portion, using the generated link information; and an in-group object information output portion that outputs object information, which is information related to an object identified with the object identifier acquired by the in-group object identifier-acquiring portion.
US08090707B1 Chance meeting addition to trip planner or meeting planner
One embodiment of the present invention includes a system and method for managing a travel plan. In response to a travel plan being identified for a traveler, a search is performed for one or more persons based on a predetermined relation to the traveler. In response to identifying one or more persons based on the predetermined relation to the traveler, it is determined if the one or more such persons is to be present at a location in proximity to the traveler's location according to the travel plan. If the one or more such persons is to be present at a location in proximity to the traveler's location, an opportunity is presented to modify the travel plan to accommodate those persons.
US08090703B1 Overlapping experiments
User queries are received, with each query requesting a service from a server. Overlapping experiments are performed on at least a portion of the queries, with each experiment modifying one or more parameters associated with the queries or parameters associated with processing of the queries, and with the experiments organized into layers. Two or more experiments in different layers are allowed to be performed on the same query, and for any given layer, at most one experiment is allowed to be performed on the same query.
US08090701B2 Apparatus and system for communicating with multiple data stores
An apparatus and system are disclosed for communicating with multiple data stores. The present invention includes a control module that communicates with a plurality of data stores. The control module is in communication with a connection module. The connection module communicates with a first association module that is in communication with a first data store. The control module communicates with the first data store through the connection module and the first association module. In addition, the first association module communicates with a second association module. The second association module communicates with a second data store. The control module also communicates with the second data store through the connection module, the first association module, and the second association module.
US08090699B2 Automatic generation of application pod
Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically uploading information about a program or blog, and allowing third parties to develop the program or blog and allow users in a mobile community to have access to the developed product.
US08090692B2 Method for using an OTP storage device
The invention provides a method of managing data updates in DOS-based data storage device having an OTP memory die that includes a code region having a first memory capacity and a code region access resolution and a data region having a second memory capacity and a data region access resolution. The second memory capacity is larger than the first memory capacity and the code region access resolution is finer than the data region access resolution. The method includes chronologically writing a log entry in the code region indicating the change in FAT and root directory for each change in user data written in the data region.
US08090683B2 Managing workflow communication in a distributed storage system
In a data storage system having a plurality of storage nodes storing replicas of stripes, one storage node serves as a primary stripe node for a stripe. Client applications using the data storage system request operations affecting metadata stored in the stripe, and the data storage system creates workflow objects to implement the requested operation. Once the operation is completed, the workflow is acknowledged. A method for establishing a new primary stripe node comprises performing, by a selected storage node, a feasibility determination to determine the feasibility of the selected storage node becoming the new primary stripe node. It is feasible to become a new primary stripe node when doing so does not cause workflows that have been acknowledged, or that will be acknowledged, to result in strays.
US08090682B2 Method and device for editing composite content file and reproduction apparatus
A composite content file editing method includes the steps of dividing each media data included in the composite content file on the time base so as to generate a first composite content file to be reproduced first on the time base and a second composite content file to be reproduced later, and adding, as synchronizing information, information about a position shift on the time base at reproduction start of each media data included in the second composite content file to the second composite content file.
US08090676B2 Systems and methods for real time classification and performance monitoring of batch processes
Systems and methods (300) for offline/online performance monitoring of batch processes (BPs) involving obtaining archived data (AD) obtained during runs of BP and including information defining a batch quality attribute for each run. The method also involves forming clusters by classifying AD for the runs into classes based on the batch quality attribute(s) and building a first multivariate statistical model (MSM) using AD. The method can further involve building a wavelet analysis based feature matrix (FM) using AD, forming a first projection (1200) by projecting FM onto a first MSM, building a second MSM (1300) using information obtained from the first projection, and computing centroids (C902, . . . , C918) and boundary profiles for the clusters (902, . . . , 918). The method can involve performing an online/offline performance monitoring (700/800) using an integrated version of the first and second MSM, a classification algorithm, centroids, and boundary profiles.
US08090675B2 HVAC system that controls an asset via a wide area network in accordance with a business strategy using predictor and responder data points
Included are embodiments for asset commissioning. At least one embodiment of a method includes classifying at least one data point of an environment controlling asset as a responder data point and classifying at least one other data point of the environment controlling asset as a predictor data point, the at least one predictor data point configured to provide operation validation data regarding the at least one responder data point. Some embodiments include validating operation of the at least one responder data point by monitoring sensor data associated with the at least one responder data point and the at least one predictor data point.
US08090672B2 Detecting and evaluating operation-dependent processes in automated production utilizing fuzzy operators and neural network system
A system (10) testing and rating operation-dependent processes and/or components (20) in automated production and test sequences comprises a robot (12) which by means of a minimum of one sensor (14, 16) detects test/measured values (M) of at least one operating and/or display element (22, 24) of the component (20) to be tested respectively rated and transmits to an analyzer (40) analyzing and rating the measured values (M) by means of defined quality functions (50), said quality functions by means of operators (52) imitating human rating schematics respectively rules and based on this processing result generating at least one rating.
US08090654B2 Techniques for transaction adjustment
Techniques are provided for transaction adjustment. A payment device, having an offline balance, is presented to an offline terminal in connection with a putative transaction. If an irregularity with the putative transaction is detected, the offline balance is adjusted responsive to the detection. In one aspect of the invention, such adjustment can be carried out, via offline-terminal interaction, substantially without the use of a security module and cryptographic keys in the offline terminal.
US08090644B2 Modeling financial instruments using bid and ask prices
A method for modeling an investment significant parameter of a financial instrument, using a computer. At least one series of historical bid prices of the financial instrument or historical ask prices of the financial instrument is provided. A financial model type that has at least one variable parameter is selected. The variable parameter(s) of the selected financial model type is initialized. The series of historical bid prices and/or historical ask prices is applied to the initialized financial model type to estimate the variable parameter(s). The resulting model of the financial instrument may be used to predict future values of the investment significant parameter of the financial instrument. These predicted future values may be used to determine whether to perform automated trades of the financial instrument.
US08090643B2 Compound order handling in an anonymous trading system
Joint execution type compound orders can be processed in an anonymous trading system comprising a plurality of broker nodes each of which includes an order matching functionality and a market distribution functionality. Trader agent nodes are connected to a number of dealer terminals grouped in trading floors and also to a broker node. Joint execution orders are entered as hit orders and are all matched by the broker during the hit or the order is cancelled. If matches are made the taker's trading agent does not complete any of the deals marking up the order until it knows that all the deals are executable. The system may be used to allow traders to hit bids and offers in currency pairs synthesised from other currency pairs. In this arrangement the dealer enters a simple order in the synthetic currency and the taker's trading agent converts it into a joint execution order.
US08090640B2 Order delivery in a securities market
A method of processing delivery messages in a security processing architecture includes receiving an expression of interest to enter into a transaction to buy or sell a security, matching the expression of interest with other expressions of interest, sending a message to a market participant that a match exists, recording a delivery in a delivery log file, recording the delivery in a delivery work in process (WIP) file, and receiving a response message from the market participant.
US08090636B2 Valuing model option contracts
A method for determining the theoretical value of a Model Option contract.
US08090633B2 Method and apparatus for image data based valuation
The present invention teaches methods and apparatus for capturing image of a subject property and utilizing the captured image data to determine a value of the subject property. In some embodiments, one or more of VideoDriveBy and VideoWalkABout are included in the captured image data. The captured image data can support a valuation of loan collateral.
US08090630B2 Planning a supply of items to a first location associated with a supply chain from one or more second locations associated with the supply chain
One embodiment includes a computer-implemented system for planning a supply of items to a first location associated with a supply chain from one or more second locations associated with the supply chain. The system accesses a logical representation of the supply chain and identifies one or more controlling locations and one or more staging locations in the supply chain. The system selects one or more of the identified locations according to a set of rules for selecting one or more of the identified controlling locations and identified staging locations for supplying items to the first location from one or more of the second locations and generates a plan for supplying items to the first location from one or more of the second locations according to the selection of one or more of the identified locations.
US08090626B1 Item substitution for unavailable items relating to a customer order
A technique is disclosed for automatically implementing item substitutions for unavailable items in a customer order. According to one embodiment, line item orders from selected customer orders may be aggregated and processed for substitution analysis. Substitutions for unavailable items of selected customer orders may then be automatically implemented based upon substitution instructions, business rules, and/or other predefined criteria.
US08090620B2 Query analysis for geographic-based listing service
A unique system and method facilitates analyzes searches or queries that are geographic based. In particular, a user can submit a geo-tag based search for items posted on a listing service according to the item's location or geo-tag information. The geo-tag information for each item can be approximate such as the city, state, or zip code or more specific such as the street address where the item is located. The amount of geo-tag information disclosed to any other user can depend on the type of item being offered. Geo-tag information is analyzed to facilitate determining item matches. In addition, users that post items can employ query results to analyze the quality of their items such as from the buyer's perspective.
US08090616B2 Visual identification information used as confirmation in a wireless communication
Techniques for facilitating the exchange of information and transactions between two entities associated with two wireless devices when the devices are in close proximity to each other. A first device uses a first short range wireless capability to detect an identifier transmitted from a second device in proximity, ideally using existing radio capabilities such as Bluetooth (IEEE802.15.1-2002) or Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). The detected identifier, being associated with the device, is also associated with an entity. Rather than directly exchanging application data flow between the two devices using the short range wireless capability, a second wireless capability allows for one or more of the devices to communicate with a central server via the internet, and perform the exchange of application data flow. By using a central server to draw on stored information and content associated with the entities the server can broker the exchange of information between the entities and the devices.
US08090599B2 Method and system for computerized insurance underwriting
This invention relates generally to a computer system and method for integrating insurance policy underwriting. In one aspect it integrates the older legacy insurance policy generating systems to on line systems where users access the system through browsers. The computer system to perform the process of underwriting, rating, quoting, binding, and booking an insurance policy includes browsers, data bases, processors and a dispatcher that parses the information to select an insurance process. Suitable software programs review messages received from users to determine if certain messages are less than a prescribed limit. If a message is greater than the limit, then the message is parsed into a header information and one or more data fields whereby the header information is provided to a legacy processor and to policy generation software for further creation of policy related information and documentation.
US08090593B2 Multiple resource planning system
A system for managing remote doctor medical request workflow may include a workflow module that optimizes assignments of medical requests to remote doctors based on parameterized doctor and scheduling information and may further include a forecasting module that predicts the hospital credentials, state licenses or doctors needed to fulfill a projected volume of future medical requests. In one embodiment, radiologists are parameterized and then matched with requests for radiological readings based on information extracted from DICOM image headers and merged with associated information contained in a medical work order. In this embodiment, the radiologists are parameterized based on their locations, schedules, hospital credentials, state licensing, compensation metrics, and performance metrics and incoming requests for review of CT scans and the like are filtered based on the parameterized radiologist information to identify one or more radiologists who are to fulfill the medical request.
US08090592B1 Method and apparatus for multi-domain anomaly pattern definition and detection
Disclosed herein is a multi-domain anomaly pattern definition and detection module. The module receives raw data from different kinds of anomalies from a variety of detection algorithms and generates scores associated with the data. If one or more scores exceed a threshold, then the algorithm gathers further information which may include counts or listings of detailed data for a geographic region which may include such information as emergency department and lab department data related to a particular health concern such as a respiratory syndrome. Summaries are provided which may identify anomalies and numbers of events according to geographic region and utilizing probability algorithms. Other databases such as animal data collected under the Department of Agriculture may also be utilized. The data is presented in a familiar form such as a map or a table such that a subject matter expert may determine whether to further investigate an anomaly as a potential risk, for example, a health risk.
US08090583B1 System and method of automatically generating building dialog services by exploiting the content and structure of websites
A method and system are disclosed for providing a dialog interface for a website. The method comprises at each node in a website, computing a summary, a document description and an alias. A dialog manager within a spoken dialog service utilizes the summary, document description and alias for each website node to generate prompts to a user, wherein nodes in the website are matched with user requests. In this manner, a spoken dialog interface to the website content and navigation may be generated automatically.
US08090581B2 Frame erasure concealment technique for a bitstream-based feature extractor
A frame erasure concealment technique for a bitstream-based feature extractor in a speech recognition system particularly suited for use in a wireless communication system operates to “delete” each frame in which an erasure is declared. The deletions thus reduce the length of the observation sequence, but have been found to provide for sufficient speech recognition based on both single word and “string” tests of the deletion technique.
US08090572B2 Handheld electronic device and method for disambiguation of compound text input and that employs N-gram data to limit generation of low-probability compound language solutions
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to analyze the combinations of language objects in light of N-gram data stored on the device to avoid proposing low-probability compound language solutions.
US08090560B2 Systems and methods for haul road management based on greenhouse gas emissions
A method for haul road design based on greenhouse gas emissions comprises receiving a first set of performance data associated with a plurality of machines and establishing a greenhouse gas emission limit for the plurality of machines based on the first set of performance data. A target greenhouse gas emission level for each of the plurality of machines is determined based on the greenhouse gas emission limit, and total effective grade is determined based on the target greenhouse gas emission level for the respective machine. The method also includes generating a haul road design based on the total effective grade.
US08090559B2 Methods and systems for performing diagnostics regarding underlying root causes in turbine engines
A method for performing diagnostics for an engine comprises the steps of identifying an engine component as potentially being related to operational data of an engine, calculating a deviation from a thermodynamic model, and comparing the deviation with root cause deviation measures. The deviation relates the engine component to an adjustment to the thermodynamic model with respect to a variable of the thermodynamic model, based at least in part on the operational data. Each root cause deviation measure relates one of a plurality of potential root causes to the thermodynamic model with respect to the variable of the thermodynamic model.
US08090542B2 Functional and hyperfunctional siRNA
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rationale design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes.
US08090535B2 Azimuth processing device, azimuth processing method, azimuth processing program, direction finding device, tilt offset correcting method, azimuth measuring method, compass sensor unit, and portable electronic device
An azimuth processing device is designed for outputting azimuth data based on measurement data sequentially output from a compass sensor. In the device, an accumulation section selectively accumulates substantially new pieces of the measurement data. An offset data updating section updates offset data of the compass sensor based on plural pieces of the measurement data accumulated by said accumulation section. An azimuth data output section outputs the azimuth data based on substantially newest measurement data and the offset data.
US08090533B2 Map display system, method of inputting conditions for searching for POI, method of displaying guidance to POI, and terminal device
A map display system has a terminal device having display means for displaying a map image and also has a route search server having a POI database. The map display system has operation/input means for performing predetermined operation on an object image including a POI category or POI information, object image operation detection means for detecting operation on the object image, and POI search means for extracting the POI category or the POI information from the operated object image and searching for a POI while referring to the POI database. The display means displays on a map image the POI searched by the POI search means.
US08090523B2 Travel-time prediction apparatus, travel-time prediction method, traffic information providing system and program
Disclosed is a travel-time prediction apparatus that is capable of making a mid-term prediction of travel time accurately by combining present conditions and statistical information. The apparatus includes a travel-time transition pattern database storing travel-time transition patterns obtained by statistically processing past time-series data of each road link according to type of data. Upon accepting a travel-time transition pattern corresponding to a specified link and day type from the database, the apparatus calculates conversion parameters of a travel-time transition pattern for which an error between the travel-time transition pattern and a sequentially input travel-time time-series data will be reduced, and then makes a prediction using a prediction function obtained by converting the travel-time transition pattern by the calculated conversion parameters. The calculated predicted value and the conversion parameters are distributed as traffic information.
US08090515B2 Method for controlling regenerative braking in an electric vehicle
Provided is a method for controlling regenerative braking in an electric vehicle, including operating regenerative braking, checking if a data communication using a control area network (CAN) standard is properly made between a regenerative braking torque controller and a hydraulic pressure braking torque controller, and enabling the regenerative braking torque controller and the hydraulic pressure braking torque controller to maintain regenerative braking torque and hydraulic pressure torque at their respective previous levels or to increase regenerative braking torque and/or hydraulic pressure torque until braking ends, when the data communication fails between the regenerative braking torque controller and the hydraulic pressure braking torque controller.
US08090508B2 Method and system for determining a planned path for a machine
A location-determining receiver collects terrain data within a work area. The terrain data comprises elevation data and corresponding location data. A path planning module or data processor defines a planned path for a drainage channel. The planned path comprises a starting point with first coordinates and a termination point with second coordinates within the work area. The drainage channel extends from the starting point to the end point such that the starting point has a higher elevation than the termination point. A user interface establishes constraint data comprising a minimum cut parameter, a maximum cut parameter, a minimum slope parameter and a maximum slope parameter. A data processor determines a validated path for the planned path or a digging plan based on compliance with the constraint data.
US08090507B2 Pitch plow and method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow
A pitch plow and a method of controlling an elevation of a cutting edge of a pitch plow having a frame and a shank that is pivotally mounted to the frame, with the shank defining a cutting edge includes a control system that controls an elevation of the cutting edge. The control system includes a hydraulic control between the shank and the frame to pivotally adjust the shank and an electronic control to control the hydraulic actuator. The electronic control includes a processor and first and second sensors. The processor produces an output that adjusts the hydraulic control in a manner that controls the elevation of the cutting edge. The first sensor may measure GNS location and provides a GNS location input to the processor. The second sensor may measure orientation of said shank and provides a shank orientation input to the processor.
US08090505B2 Vehicle seat belt apparatus
Vehicle seat belt apparatus includes: a motor for driving a belt reel having a belt wound thereon; a trigger section for detecting a change in a traveling state of a vehicle to output an activation signal that instructs or triggers activation of the motor; a lateral acceleration detection section for detecting lateral acceleration acting on the vehicle; a slip state detection section for detecting a slip state quantity of the vehicle; and a control section for, in response to receipt of the activation signal from the trigger section, controlling the amount of current supply for activating the motor on the basis of a signal of the lateral acceleration output by the lateral acceleration detection section and/or a signal of the slip state quantity output by the slip state detection section.
US08090503B2 Method for determining absolute steering wheel angle from a single-turn steering wheel angle sensor
A method and algorithm for determining a steering wheel angle of a vehicle steering mechanism upon power up of a vehicle using a single-turn steering wheel angle sensor by eliminating plausible steering wheel angles until one and only one steering wheel angle possibility remains.
US08090495B2 Checking of repairs for electronic vehicle systems
The invention relates to a computer-based diagnostic tester which can exchange information with the control devices installed in the motor vehicle using a diagnostic program via a diagnostic interface and via data lines. A method for improved checking of repairs is also presented with the diagnostic tester. The motor vehicle-mounted control devices have program routines for self-diagnostics of the control devices and are capable of storing identified faults in the form of fault codes in reserved memory areas. The diagnostic program which is implemented in the diagnostic tester reads the fault codes out from the reserved memory areas, interprets the fault codes and displays them on a display together with the interpretations. In order to check to what extent repairs which have been performed have been successfully concluded, status polling is carried out using the diagnostic program implemented in the diagnostic tester. During this status polling, the status information of all the fault codes known in the system is interrogated and evaluated. In the process, all the fault codes whose fault setting conditions have either been tested positively or whose test requirements were not present in order to be able to carry out a test are displayed. The fault codes which are to be displayed are firstly stored here in one or more primary first fault memories, read out and then copied into a secondary, second fault memory. This permits the use of the total reset of the primary fault memories which is prescribed in the USA for diagnostic systems without information which is relevant to the checking of repairs in the second fault memory being lost.
US08090491B2 Guidance, navigation, and control system for a vehicle
A guidance, navigation, and control method and system for an underground mining vehicle wherein an operator directly or indirectly guides the vehicle along a route as vehicle-mounted sensors including odometric sensors and rangefinders log motion data to a file which data is processed into a route profile including a vehicle path, a sequence of submaps along the path, and a profile of desired speed as a function of distance along the path. Thereafter the vehicle automatically repeats the route as represented by the route profile without an operator using the sensors and the maps to determine vehicle location.
US08090490B2 Automatic recovery and transport system and execution method therefor
An automatic recovery and transport system includes a manufacture execution system, a path planning system electrically connected with the manufacture execution system, a vehicle control system electrically connected with the path planning system, a plurality of vehicles electrically connected with the vehicle control system; and an alarm system electrically connected with the path planning system and the vehicle control system. The alarm system will command the path planning system to command the vehicle control system to drive the vehicle about to stop to enter the maintenance area immediately. Accordingly, the stability and the work efficiency of the whole system are improved. The present invention also provides a method for executing an automatic recovery and transport system.
US08090486B2 Message protocol for efficient transmission of vital directives on a guideway
A method for delivering and maintaining mandatory directives data from a central office server to an on-board system. Mandatory directives include the enforceable train control data required for a train operating on controlled track. The method enables the on-board system and the central server to exchange data in a vital manner, in part by checking for any inconsistency between i) the on-board system's data as previously transmitted and ii) the required data as represented by both a transmitted set of data identifiers and an associated error correction code.
US08090479B2 Electricity market-oriented DC-segmentation design and optimal scheduling for electrical power transmission
A method of segmenting a power distribution network which comprises a plurality of AC power generating stations synchronously interconnected by AC power transmission paths is disclosed. The stations operate within associated market sectors and are subject to associated market rules. The method includes identifying all transmission paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors and, in each of said transmission paths so identified, segmenting the path by inserting a controllable DC link at a selected location in the path. Each of the sectors is then operated asynchronously. Power flow and counter-flow between the sectors is controlled by controlling the DC links. As well there is disclosed a power transmission network which comprises a plurality of AC power generating stations operable within associated market sectors subject to associated market rules; power transmission paths interconnecting the stations, at least some of the paths extending between differing ones of the sectors; and wherein each of the paths which extend between differing ones of the sectors includes a controllable DC link in the path for desynchronizing the differing sectors; and, control means operatively connectable to each of the DC links for controlling power flow between the differing sectors.
US08090476B2 System and method to control data center air handling systems
A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to determine at least one data center condition and determine or estimate a current energy cost. Additionally, the method includes dynamically control a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the data center based on the determined at least one data center condition and the determined or estimated current energy cost.
US08090475B2 Method and device for monitoring the condition of an industrial robot
A method for monitoring the condition of an industrial robot having a plurality of links movable relative to each other, and a plurality of actuators controlling the movements of the links. A feed forward torque is calculated for at least one of the actuators based on reference values for the position of the actuator and a mathematical model of the robot calculating a feedback torque for the actuators based on measured values from the actuators and reference values for the position of the actuator. A torque is calculated for the actuator at least based on the feedback torque. A difference is monitored between the calculated torque for the actuator and the feed forward torque. It is determined whether the difference is normal or non-normal, and based thereon monitoring the condition of the robot.
US08090472B2 Medication dispensing apparatus for dispensing single items from multiple-compartment bins
A medication dispenser provides automation to the steps of locating and acquiring medications to be administered to a patient. The medication dispenser includes an enclosure providing a secure environment for storing medications in multiple sized medication storage bins. The medication storage bins are hung in storage racks located within the enclosure. A robot system is also provided within the enclosure for moving bins between the storage racks and a medication dispensing area. The medication dispensing area includes doors configured to open to define an opening for passing a selected bin through the enclosure. The medication storage bin includes multiple sub-compartments, each configured to receive a single medically related item. The medication storage bin is moved through the opening to present the first sub-compartment containing a medically related item, while other sub-compartment containing medically related items remain within the enclosure.
US08090471B2 Secure medicament dispensing cabinet, method and system
A medicament dispensing cabinet is comprised of a frame, at least one controller, and a plurality of drawers each movably carried by the frame and each defining a plurality of dispensing cells. A plurality of removable dispensing devices is provided with each one carried by one of the dispensing cells. Each of the dispensing cells further comprises a motor for providing rotary motion to one of the removable dispensing devices in response to the controller, a sensor operating in conjunction with the controller for counting medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices, a chute for receiving medicament dispensed from one of the removable dispensing devices and a chute gate for controlling access to the chute. The cabinet may additionally comprise a chute gate release responsive to the controller for controlling the chute gate and a chute gate sensor connected to the controller and responsive to the position of the chute gate. The cabinet may be used in conjunction with a number of processes including dispensing, secure-pickup (insuring the person picking up the dispensed medicament is authorized to do so), back-end verification (verifying the identity of the person picking up the dispensed medicament), a process for removing a dispensing device from a drawer, and a process for inserting a dispensing device into a drawer.
US08090457B2 Method for operating a lighting system
A method for operating a lighting system comprising at least one central control unit and a plurality of lighting devices, including in the lighting devices a positioning sensor system, by which the locations of the lighting devices is determined and wherein location data for describing the locations is transmitted to the central control device from each lighting device comprising a data interface and wherein a stage set database, which describes a stage set model and in which the locations of the various lighting devices in a stage set is stored, is stored in the central control device, the method comprising, a) determining the current locations of the lighting devices by the positioning sensor system in the lighting devices; b) transferring the current location data from the lighting devices to the central control device; c) storing the location data in the stage set database.
US08090454B1 System and method of optimization for vending platforms
In accordance with an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a computer readable medium is encoded with instructions for directing a processor to receive at least one model defining the energy consumption of at least one vending machine as a function of at least one parameter, receive at least one goal comprising a plurality of parameter values within which the at least one vending machine is to operate, and utilize the at least one model and the at least one goal to determine an operation regime for the at least one vending machine.
US08090451B2 Transvenous active fixation lead system
A medical electrical lead system that includes a catheter extending from a proximal catheter end to a distal catheter end; a lead, insertable within the catheter, including a lead body extending from a proximal lead end to a distal lead end and an active fixation member positioned at the distal lead end; and an advancement tool for advancing the distal lead end outward from the distal catheter end. The advancement tool is adapted to be positioned around the lead body and further adapted to be removably fixedly engaged with the proximal catheter end.
US08090449B2 Apparatus and method for expanding a stimulation lead body in situ
An implantable lead is provided with at least one extendable member to position therapy delivery elements, which may be electrodes or drug delivery ports, after the lead has been inserted into the body. The lead may formed as a resilient element which is contained in a retainer tube that may be removed to permit the lead to deploy. Alternatively, a non-resilient lead may be provided with a slotted retainer tube. A series of mechanical linkages for expanding and retracting the lead within the human body may be actuated with various mechanisms. A control system may be provided for closed-loop feedback control of the position of the extendable members. The invention also includes a method for expanding an implantable lead in situ.
US08090441B2 Defibrillators customized for anticipated patients
An external defibrillator is customized for at least one person, i.e., an anticipated patient, through creation of a profile for the anticipated patient that allows the defibrillator and users of the defibrillator to provide customized treatment to the patient.The profile may include treatment parameters for the anticipated patient, such as defibrillation therapy parameters selected for the patient. The profile may also include a baseline recording of a physiological parameter of the patient, and medical history and personal information regarding the patient. In some embodiments, the external defibrillator stores a profile for each of one or more anticipated patients within a memory. In other embodiments, a profile for an anticipated patient is stored within a medium associated with that anticipated patient. The medium may, for example, be a removable medium for external defibrillators.
US08090438B2 Method of implanting a subcutaneous defibrillator
A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator is disclosed which has an electrically active canister which houses a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. At least one subcutaneous electrode that serves as the opposite electrode from the canister is attached to the canister via a lead system. Cardioversion-defibrillation energy is delivered when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. There are no transvenous, intracardic, or epicardial electrodes. A method of subcutaneously implanting the cardioverter-defibrillator is also disclosed as well as a kit for conducting the method.
US08090435B2 System and method for distinguishing among cardiac ischemia, hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia using an implantable medical device
Techniques are described for detecting ischemia, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia based on intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) signals. Ischemia is detected based on a shortening of the interval between the QRS complex and the end of a T-wave (QTmax), alone or in combination with a change in ST segment elevation. Alternatively, ischemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation combined with minimal change in the interval between the QRS complex and the end of the T-wave (QTend). Hypoglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with a lengthening of either QTmax or QTend. Hyperglycemia is detected based on a change in ST segment elevation along with minimal change in QTmax and in QTend. By exploiting QTmax and QTend in combination with ST segment elevation, changes in ST segment elevation caused by hypo/hyperglycemia can be properly distinguished from changes caused by ischemia.
US08090420B2 Bi-directional sliding-type portable terminal
Disclosed is a bi-directional sliding-type portable terminal. The bi-directional sliding-type portable terminal comprises a phone body and a bi-directional sliding body. The phone body comprises a first section which is located on one side of the top surface thereof and within which a plurality of keys are mounted, and a second section which is located on the other side of the top surface thereof spaced apart from the first section and within which a camera lens housing is mounted. The bi-directional sliding body linearly moves on the phone body in a longitudinal direction while facing the phone body, opens the first section to expose the keys by moving toward the second section, and opens the second section to expose the camera lens housing by moving toward the first section.
US08090411B2 Wireless millimeter wave communication system
A lens-based millimeter wave transceiver for use in wireless communication systems operating in the E-band spectrum consistent with the FCC rules regulating the 71-76 GHz and 81-86 GHz bands. The transceiver includes a single lens adapted for transmission of millimeter radiation to form communication beams in one band of either a band of about 71-76 GHz or a band of 81-86 GHz and for collection and focusing of millimeter wave radiation from communication beams in the other of the two bands. It includes a feed horn adapted to broadcast millimeter radiation through said single lens and to collect incoming millimeter wave radiation collected and focused by said single lens. A millimeter wave diplexer separates incoming and outgoing millimeter wave radiation.
US08090410B2 Method for authentication of a user on the basis of his/her voice profile
Voice recording used for authentication is transmitted to the voice portal of the service provider not by way of the voice channel, but rather by way of a data channel. In this connection, the voice recording is sent not synchronous to speech and subject to loss, but rather asynchronously and loss-free, in an extra data package (for example advantageously as a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) data package). For this purpose, the resources that are available as standard items in most mobile phone terminals, such as digital voice recording and MMS transmission, can be utilized. Preferably, the subscriber's identification module or SIM card in the mobile phone terminal can store and implement the corresponding control program.
US08090403B2 Mobile telecommunications device
Provided is a mobile telecommunications device having a printer and image capture means for printing and interacting with printed media. The device includes a mobile phone module for operatively executing a phone operating system, and a sensor module in signal communication with the phone module. The sensor module is configured for sensing tags encoded on the printed media. The device also includes a print engine controller in signal communication with the phone module, the print engine controller being configured for controlling the printer.
US08090395B2 Scanning channels while a device is out of service
A channel scanning order is dynamically created, modified, selectively ignored, or combinations thereof based on historical data, motion information, context information, alert message systems, network reselection, or combinations thereof. If a less preferred network has served a mobile device longer than a threshold amount of time, acquisition of the less preferred network is attempted before attempting acquisition of a more preferred network.
US08090393B1 System and method for collecting and analyzing malicious code sent to mobile devices
Various methods and systems for collecting and analyzing mobile messages for malicious code are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method involves receiving a first message sent to a telephone number by a sender and determining whether the message contains malicious code. The first message is sent to the telephone number (e.g., a common short code), which is associated with a message analysis server, using a wireless messaging service such as EMS or MMS. The first message can be sent from a mobile communication device (e.g., by a user or by an application, such as an antivirus program, executing on the mobile communication device).
US08090386B2 Estimation of speed and direction of travel in a WLAN positioning system
A method for estimating the speed and bearing of a Wi-Fi enabled device using WLAN radio signals in a WLAN based location service is provided. A method used to estimate a speed of travel of a Wi-Fi enabled device comprises the Wi-Fi enabled device receiving signals transmitted by Wi-Fi access points in range of the Wi-Fi enabled device, and using the signals to estimate the speed of and/or direction of travel of the Wi-Fi enabled device.
US08090380B2 Method and apparatus for radio resource control profile creation in a UMTS network
A method for creating a radio resource control profile for a radio resource allocation or a state-transition profile having the steps of receiving a parameter associated with a user equipment (UE), associating the parameter with the radio resource control profile for the radio resource allocation or the state-transition profile and initiating the radio resource allocation or state transition profile for the UE.
US08090373B2 Center for a mobile communication system performing diversity handover
A mobile station for communicating with base stations simultaneously in diversity handover. The mobile station monitors radio condition quality corresponding to a plurality of branches, selects one or more addition branch candidates based on the monitored radio condition quality. The mobile station arranges the addition branch candidates in order of the monitored radio condition quality; notifies a center of information on said plurality of branches including said addition branch candidates, the addition branch candidates being notified in the arranged order. Alternatively, the mobile station obtains a relative value of each of the addition branch candidates indicative of order of precedence to be used for the diversity handover based on the monitored radio condition quality of said addition branch candidates; and notifies a center of information on said plurality of branches including said addition branch candidates and their relative values.
US08090372B2 Methods and devices for determining if a handover has to be executed for a terminal
The present invention concerns a method for determining if a handover of a first half-duplex terminal has to be executed from a first to a second base station. The first base station: transfers signal in the cell of the first base station, receiving a message transferred by the first half-duplex terminal in response to the signal transferred by the first base station, the message comprising information relative to quality measurements on the signals transferred by the first and second base stations, receiving a message indicating if the idle period of the cell of the second base station is compatible with the round trip delay of the first half-duplex terminal in the cell of the second base station, determining if a handover of the first half-duplex terminal has to be executed according to the compatibility.
US08090368B2 Temporary data service in wireless networks
A wireless network and method are disclosed that provide temporary data service to a party. For the invention, a temporary data service system receives a request from a first party to establish temporary data service for a second party. The temporary data service system then configures the wireless network to establish temporary data service for the second party, such as by setting up a temporary subscriber profile or temporary account for the second party in the wireless network. A notification system then generates a notification message indicating that the temporary data service has been established for the second party, and transmits the notification message to the second party. The second party may use the temporary data service to access some type of data message or data file, such as a picture message sent by the first party.
US08090365B2 Methods, systems and storage media to remotely control a wireless unit
A method to remotely control a wireless unit, includes receiving an activation/deactivation request from a user. It is determined if the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit. If the user is authorized to activate/deactivate the wireless unit, a signal is sent to the wireless unit causing the wireless unit to power-on/power-off in response to the signal.
US08090359B2 Exchanging identifiers between wireless communication to determine further information to be exchanged or further services to be provided
Techniques for facilitating the exchange of information and transactions between two entities associated with two wireless devices when the devices are in close proximity to each other. A first device uses a first short range wireless capability to detect an identifier transmitted from a second device in proximity, ideally using existing radio capabilities such as Bluetooth (IEEE802.15.1-2002) or Wi-Fi (IEEE802.11). The detected identifier, being associated with the device, is also associated with an entity. Rather than directly exchanging application data flow between the two devices using the short range wireless capability, a second wireless capability allows for one or more of the devices to communicate with a central server via the internet, and perform the exchange of application data flow. By using a central server to draw on stored information and content associated with the entities the server can broker the exchange of information between the entities and the devices.
US08090358B2 Methods and computer-readable media for location-based targeted advertising
Methods and computer-readable media are provided for providing targeted advertising to subscriber devices based on the location of the subscriber device and a set of advertiser-defined and subscriber-defined criteria. In one embodiment, the method includes retrieving location information that identifies the location of the subscriber device. Advertising is matched and transmitted to the subscriber device according to the location of the device. Matching advertising to the subscriber device is based on a set of advertiser-defined matching criteria that matches both the location of the subscriber device and a set of subscriber characteristics stored in a subscriber profile. A subscriber may define a set of parameters within the subscriber profile that further filters the set of matched advertisements.
US08090348B2 System and method for assigning a personalized indicium to a mobile communications device
In one embodiment, a scheme is provided for assigning a personalized indicium to a mobile communications device which includes logic means operable to generate a temporary Personal Information Number (PIN) for transmitting in a request to a network node. Upon validating the request, a response is provided by the network node to the mobile communications device, the response including a permanent PIN assigned to the mobile communications device.
US08090347B2 Method and radio communication network for detecting the presence of fraudulent subscriber identity modules
A method for detecting the presence of fraudulent Subscriber Identity Modules in a network for cellular communications comprising the steps of: at a first Service Node, receiving a registration request by a first User Equipment comprising a Subscriber Identity Module for defining an identity of a subscriber; initiating a checking to establish whether the subscriber is already registered with the same identity in at least one Service Node over the network, including the first Service Node; if the subscriber results to be already registered with the same identity in at least a second Service Node over the network, retrieving status information on at least a second User Equipment associated with the already registered subscription for checking whether the second User Equipment is not the first User Equipment; and disabling any subscription of the subscriber associated with the identity if the second User Equipment results not to be the first User Equipment.
US08090338B1 Quadratic amplitude control circuit for cosite interference cancellation
A quadratic amplitude matching system and associated method with an associated tuning control system is provided for continuously and automatically tuning a quadratic amplitude matching filter (QAMF) to a band center of an interfering signal to provide improved rejection of an interfering signal coupled from a transmission antenna into a local receive antenna in the presence of local multi-path, thereby providing improved interference cancellation system performance. The matching control system is provided as an element of an interference cancellation system.
US08090332B2 Tracking filter for a receiver
A tracking filter for attenuating out-of-band signals and adjacent channel signals in a receiver is described. In one exemplary design, an apparatus includes a tracking filter, an LNA, and a downconverter. The tracking filter includes a summer, a filter, and an upconverter. The summer subtracts a feedback signal from an input signal and provides a first signal. The LNA amplifies the first signal and provides a second signal. The downconverter frequency downconverts the second signal and provides an output signal. The filter filters (e.g., differentiates) the output signal and provides a third signal. The filter blocks a desired signal and passes out-of-band signal components. The upconverter frequency upconverts the third signal and provides a fourth signal from which the feedback signal is derived. The tracking filter has an equivalent bandpass filter response and a variable center frequency determined based on the frequency of the desired signal.
US08090329B2 Self-installable switchable antenna
A system, method, and apparatus for selecting a set of antennas, for use during operation of a radio system, from a plurality of antennas. The system, method and apparatus may include selecting one antenna that is part of an array of antennas. Then measuring characteristics of radio signals received at the antenna. The selection and measuring of characteristic is repeated for a desired number of antennas in the array. Then, the measurements are combined, and the combinations of antennas are ranked based upon the combined measurement. From the ranking combinations of antennas are selected for use during operation of a radio system.
US08090318B2 Digital data processing circuit
A digital data processing circuit includes: an output unit configured to output to an audio signal processing circuit change data for changing a receiving frequency of a FM receiving device as a first frequency to a second frequency in response to an instruction signal providing an instruction to change the receiving frequency to the second frequency, the audio signal processing circuit being a circuit configured to modulate a carrier wave having the first frequency corresponding to setting data with a modulation signal corresponding to an audio signal to be reproduced by the FM receiving device and to the change data, and transmit the modulated carrier wave to the FM receiving device; and a setting unit configured to set the setting data so as to change a frequency of the carrier wave to the second frequency after the output unit outputs the change data to the audio signal processing circuit.
US08090313B2 Method and system for frequency-shift based chip-to-chip communications
Aspects of a method and system for frequency-shift based chip-to-chip communications may include receiving and/or generating modulation control information and demodulation control information within a chip comprising one or more receivers and one or more transmitters. One or more modulation frequencies may be adjusted and utilized to generate transmit signals by the one or more transmitters based on the received modulation control information, wherein the one or more modulation frequencies may be distinct. One or more demodulation frequencies may be adjusted and utilized to generate intermediate frequency signals by the one or more receivers based on the received demodulation control information wherein the one or more demodulation frequencies may be distinct. The modulation control information and the demodulation control information may be received via a communication device comprising said chip.
US08090310B2 Radio base station, relay station, and relay method
A disclosed relay station is provided between a radio base station and a radio terminal for relaying a radio signal. The relay station includes a receiving unit configured to receive data transmitted from the radio base station or the radio terminal; a storage unit configured to hold the data; and a transmitting unit configured to relay the data to the radio terminal or the radio base station, and resend the data originating from the relay station in the event that the data need to be resent.
US08090305B2 Fixing unit and image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a fixing device including a liquid supply unit that supplies a liquid fixer containing a softening agent that dissolves or swells at least part of resin to soften the resin; an air supply unit that supplies air for foaming the liquid fixer; and a foam generation unit that mixes the liquid fixer from the liquid supply unit with the air from the air supply unit to generate foams. The foam generation unit has an air channel where the air from the air supply unit flows, a liquid-fixer channel provided such that the liquid fixer from the liquid supply unit flows from a direction opposite to a flowing direction of the air channel, and an air-and-liquid mixing part that mixes the air from the air channel with the liquid fixer from the liquid fixer channel so as to be opposite to each other, thereby generating a foam-like fixer.
US08090296B2 Coupling mechanism for a process portion of an image forming apparatus
There is provided an image forming apparatus that includes couplings for photoreceptor drums, couplings for waste toner transporting screws, and couplings for developing rollers, that transmit driving force to each of a plurality of driving shafts for driving a process portion that performs image formation by an electrophotographic method, and a plurality of coupling attaching/detaching members for attaching/detaching the plurality of coupling members, so as to drive the process portion. In the image forming apparatus, the plurality of coupling attaching/detaching members are provided so as to be movable independently, and the image forming apparatus includes a coupling attaching/detaching member driving mechanism that operates the coupling attaching/detaching members in association with each other.
US08090293B2 Process cartridge and image forming apparatus employing same
A process cartridge detachably attached to an image forming apparatus includes a first subunit, a second subunit, a first positioning member, and a second positioning member. The first subunit accommodates a photoconductor therein. The second subunit accommodates a developer applicator therein. The photoconductor and the developer applicator are arranged substantially parallel to each other to define a development gap therebetween. The first positioning member is fastened to both the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a first side of the respective subunits. The second positioning member is fastened to only one of the first and second subunits to position ends of the photoconductor and the developer applicator on a second side of the respective subunits opposite to the first side. An image forming apparatus employing such a process cartridge is also disclosed.
US08090287B2 Charging member cleaning unit, method of producing charging member cleaning unit, charging device, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
A charging member cleaning unit, that contacts a charging member that charges the surface of an image holding member provided in an image forming apparatus, and is used for cleaning the surface of that charging member, has an elastic layer, and has an amine content within the elastic layer of not more than approximately 60 ppm.
US08090285B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes a body casing, a fixing part, an inlet terminal and an interfering member. The fixing part is removably mounted inside the body casing and fixes a developer image onto a recording medium. The inlet terminal is provided inside the body casing, and a power cord for supplying power from an exterior is connected to the inlet terminal. The interfering member is provided at the fixing part, interposed between a predetermined part of the power cord and the inlet terminal in a state where the power cord is connected to the inlet terminal, and interferes with the predetermined part when the fixing part is moved in a removing direction with respect to the body casing.
US08090278B2 Image forming apparatus having an image bearing body
An image forming apparatus includes a process including at least a developing section and an image bearing body. A calculating section calculates a number of the dots formed on the image bearing body. A rotation calculating section calculates a number of rotations of the image bearing body for forming the number of dots on the image bearing body in accordance with the print data. A controller makes a decision to determine whether the number of dots formed on the image bearing body is larger than a first reference when the number of rotations is larger than a second reference. If the answer is YES, then the controller forms a developer image formed of dots equivalent to a difference between the first reference and the number of dots. Then, the developer image is discarded.
US08090273B2 Custom application fuser roller system
A fuser roller system, utilized with electrographic or xerographic copying or printing devices, multiple fuser rollers, each of which includes a machine readable device (MRD) having identification data. The system also includes at least one MRD reader and at least one computer having a database of fuser rollers. The system facilitates use of custom fuser rollers by determining what type of fuser roller is appropriate to run a print job. Then it is determined whether an appropriate fuser roller is installed in the copying or printing device. If an appropriate fuser roller is installed in the copying or printing device, the print job is directed to the device. If an appropriate fuser roller is not installed in the copying or printing device, the appropriate fuser roller is identified using the identification data stored in the MRD and installed in the device.
US08090261B2 Network system, optical line terminating apparatus, and optical network apparatus
A general object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication system in which an optical transmission power of an optical communication apparatus is controlled to be a required minimum power that apparatuses of all subscribers in the optical communication system meet a prescribed error rate. An optical line terminating apparatus (OLT) transmits data to multiple optical network apparatuses (ONUs) at an optical intensity calculated based on information acquired from the multiple ONUs, which is related to optical intensities of signals that the multiple ONUs receive from the OLT, the optical intensity being calculated so that a minimum optical intensity of the optical intensities of the signals is greater than a predetermined value.
US08090259B2 System and method for optimizing the selection of ghost channels in mitigating polarization hole burning
A system and method for optimizing the selection of ghost channels to mitigate the effects of polarization hole burning in a node of an optical communication system including identifying an optical communication channel in the node for use as a ghost channel, identifying a first set of degrees carrying the optical communication channel within the node, identifying a second set of degrees within the first set of degrees, the second set containing the degrees with the optical communication channel being a valid channel, identifying a third set of degrees within the first set of degrees, the third set containing degrees with the optical communication channel being sufficiently powerful, and selecting a first degree to source the ghost channel from the first set of degrees based at least on the second set of degrees and the third set of degrees.
US08090247B2 Vibration reduction unit, lens barrel and camera
To provide a compact vibration reduction unit, a lens barrel, and a camera, which can perform positional detection with a high degree of accuracy during operations for vibration reduction. A vibration reduction unit of the present invention is comprising: a shooting optical system; a movable optical member that is part of the shooting optical system or which is another member, and which is provided movably relative to the shooting optical system; a magnetic sensor used to detect a position of the movable optical member; and a coil having a winding center line of a winding wire situated substantially in parallel with and on substantially the same plane as a given plane in which the magnetic sensor is disposed.
US08090245B2 Apparatus for heat-treating substrate and method for heat-treating substrate
An apparatus for heat treating a substrate includes a substrate holder unit including a substrate stage on which a substrate is to be placed and which is made of one of a carbon and a carbon covered material, and a heating unit which is provided above the substrate stage and includes a heat dissipation surface opposing the substrate stage, and heats the substrate placed on the substrate stage in noncontact therewith radiation heat from the heat dissipation surface. In addition, a chamber contains the substrate holder unit and the heating unit, and an elevating device vertically moves at least one of the substrate holder unit and the heating unit in the chamber to bring the substrate stage and the heat dissipation surface of the heating unit close to each other or apart from each other. The substrate holder unit includes a radiation plate which is arranged under the substrate stage at a gap therefrom, and a reflection plate which is arranged under the radiation plate at a gap therefrom.
US08090237B2 Recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium
The present invention relates to a recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and to reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium. The present recording medium has script files including additional information about moving picture data, e.g., scene descriptive text and introduction of characters, etc. In addition, information linking each script file with a section of moving picture data to be presented with contents of the script file is included in a link data file or is contained in a filename of the script file. In reproduction of the recording medium, a script file linked with presently reproduced moving picture data section is determined and searched for based on the link data file or every filename of the script files, and contents of the found script file are presented together with the presently reproduced moving picture data. Furthermore, previously presented additional information is removed depending on data or filename of the found script file.
US08090236B2 Optical record/playback apparatus and control method thereof
An optical record/playback apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The optical record/playback apparatus has an easy mode to automatically initialize an optical disk loaded on the optical record/playback apparatus, regardless of a type of an optical disk, when the optical disk has not been initialized, and the easy mode set to display a same main menu when a menu button is manipulated.
US08090235B2 Relay apparatus, and reproduction system
The invention prevents unwanted sounds from being outputted from an AV output apparatus such as a HDTV receiver. In the invention, when a streaming signal of a predetermined format having video data and audio data is inputted to a streaming input terminal 10, separation unit 23 of a relay apparatus 2 separates this signal into the video data and audio data. HDMI transmitter 27 generates and outputs a streaming signal having the video data separated by the separation unit 23, of the same format as that of the streaming signal inputted to the streaming input terminal 10.
US08090211B2 Device for reducing impulse noise and method thereof
The present invention provides a device and a method for reducing impulse noise. The device includes a signal intensity detector, an intensity difference calculator, and a filtering circuit. The signal intensity detector receives an image signal and determines a first pixel having an extreme intensity, and a second pixel having a second extreme intensity of a window of the image frame corresponding to the image signal. The intensity difference calculator determines the intensity difference between the first pixel and the second pixel. The filtering circuit receives the image signal and optionally filters the image signal for reducing the impulse noise according to the intensity difference between the first pixel and the second pixel.
US08090208B2 Robust segmentation of a mass candidate in digital mammography images
An iterative method for segmentation of an object appearing in a digital image, where the object is defined by a difference in intensity from its immediate surrounding region. The method may also be used for segmenting tissue masses found in a digital image, including masses found in digital mammography.
US08090205B2 Method for edge matching in film and image processing
A method for edge mapping images for use in image processing. Edge mapping includes identifying base and non-base color components. A search window in the base color component is opened and the non-base color components are compared with the base component picture. The number of matched or unmatched edge points is then calculated. The best match can then be determined through testing or manual selection.
US08090202B2 Document processing apparatus and program
A document processing apparatus includes a region extracting unit that extracts a plurality of regions in a document image, a recognition unit that recognizes a character string, a conversion unit that converts the recognized character string, a setting unit that sets first boundary lines that surrounds the document image and at least one second boundary line in a space between adjacent regions of the plurality of regions, an enlargement/reduction unit that moves in parallel at least one line of the first and second boundary lines under a restraint condition that at least one line does not intersect any of the plurality of regions, and enlarges or reduces at least one of the regions in accordance with the parallel movement so long as each region does not get out of a cell; and an insertion unit that inserts the converted character string into each of the regions.
US08090201B2 Image-based code
A computer-readable medium may include one or more instructions for providing sub-images, one or more instructions for receiving selection of a plurality of sub-images, one or more instructions for constructing a first image, the first image being a unified image including the selected plurality of sub-images, one or more instructions for comparing at the selected plurality of sub-images with previously selected sub-images, and one or more instructions for providing access to at least one of a device, a service, or a function when the selected plurality of sub-images match the previously selected sub-images.
US08090195B2 Compound eye imaging apparatus, distance measuring apparatus, disparity calculation method, and distance measuring method
A compound eye imaging apparatus can estimate a sub-pixel disparity with a high degree of accuracy without depending on a brightness of a surface of an object. The compound eye imaging apparatus includes: a standard imaging optical system generating a picture including a standard image; reference imaging optical systems of an even number equal to or larger than two arranged substantially point-symmetrically with respect to the standard imaging optical system, which generate an picture including a reference image; a correlation value calculation unit (6) calculating a correlation value for each shifting amount by which one of the reference images is shifted parallel to a baseline, with respect to the standard image, for each of the reference imaging optical systems of an even number equal to or larger than two; a correlation value addition unit (7) calculating an integrated correlation value by adding, to each corresponding shifting amount, the correlation value calculated for each of said reference imaging optical systems of an even number equal to or larger than two; and a disparity calculation unit (8) calculating a disparity that is a shifting amount resulting in the largest degree of similarity between the standard image and the reference image.
US08090193B2 Mobile robot
There is disclosed a mobile robot including an image processor that generates recognition information regarding a target object included in a taken image, and a main controller integrally controlling the robot based on this recognition information. The image processor executes steps of: generating a low-resolution image and at least one high-resolution image whose resolution higher than that of the low-resolution image; generating first target object information regarding the target object from the low-resolution image; determining which high-resolution image should be processed if two or more high-resolution images are generated, and then defining a resolution process region in the low-resolution image; processing a region in the high-resolution region corresponding to the resolution process region in the low-resolution image, so as to generate second target object information in the high-resolution image; and determining whether or not the first and the second target object information are matched; and based on this determination, using at least either of the first and the second target object information, thereby to generate the recognition information.
US08090189B1 Detection of thin line for selective sensitivity during reticle inspection
Methods and apparatus relating to the inspection of photomasks are described. In an embodiment, detection of thin line or sub-resolution assist features may be used for selective sensitivity during photomask inspection. Other embodiments are also described.
US08090168B2 Method and system for visualizing registered images
A method for visualizing a registered image is presented. The method includes receiving a first image data set and at least one other image data set. Further, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the first image data set on a first portion of a display. Also, the method includes displaying at least a portion of the at least one other image data set on a second portion of the display. Additionally, the method includes selectively adjusting display of the at least a portion of the at least one other image data to provide a context to the first image data set. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method is also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.
US08090166B2 Medical image analysis
A method of analyzing a medical image, the method comprising making a measurement on a 2D medical image of an organ and correcting the measurement in view of an angle of incidence between an imaging instrument and an imaged organ in the 2D medical image.
US08090163B2 Multi-resolutional texture analysis fingerprint liveness systems and methods
Various systems, methods, and programs embodied in computer-readable mediums are provided for fingerprint liveness detection. In one embodiment, a method for determining fingerprint liveness is provided that comprises receiving a plurality of image analysis data of a fingerprint image; condensing the plurality of image analysis data; and determining liveness of the fingerprint image based upon the condensed data.
US08090158B2 Image evaluation apparatus, method, and program
An image evaluation apparatus and method capable of performing image evaluation more precisely using face information included in an image. An information obtaining unit obtains information with respect to at least one of the following face characteristics from an image including a face: face size, face position in the image, face orientation, face rotation angle, face-to-face positional relationship when a plurality of faces is included in the image, and face detection score. Then, an evaluation value calculation unit calculates an evaluation value representing an evaluation result of the image based on the information of the at least one of the face characteristics of face size, face position in the image, face orientation, face rotation angle, face-to-face positional relationship when a plurality of faces is included in the image, and face detection score obtained by the information obtaining unit.
US08090154B2 Video processing apparatus and video processing method thereof
There are provided a video processing apparatus and a video processing method. The video processing apparatus includes a first motion correcting part which divides a video frame into blocks of a predetermined unit and corrects a motion with respect to at least some area of a present frame by using a motion vector of an adjacent block adjacent to the present block, a second motion correcting part which corrects the motion by using a motion vector of an adjacent frame adjacent to the present frame, and a controller which controls the first motion correcting part to correct the motion if the number of the adjacent blocks on which a video can be displayed is not smaller than a predetermined value, and controls the second motion correcting part to correct the motion if the number of the adjacent blocks on which the video can be displayed is smaller than the predetermined value.
US08090141B2 System and method to automatically establish preferred area for image-wise watermark
A system and method are disclosed for determining preferred image locations for placing watermark information (both hidden and obvious). The disclosure includes at least three criteria (image similarity, contrast, and image value range) that may be used alone or in combination to determine a preferred area of the target image for placing the watermark depending upon the user's intent for the mark (hiding or showing watermark).
US08090139B2 Diaphragm for an electroacoustic transducer, and electroacoustic transducer
A diaphragm (6) for an electroacoustic transducer is preferably designed to be essentially rectangular and has a diaphragm inner region (20) for sound conversion and a diaphragm outer region (21) for attaching the diaphragm (6) and a diaphragm intermediate region (22) which lies between the diaphragm inner region (20) and the diaphragm outer region (21), wherein the diaphragm inner region (20) is delimited toward the outside by preferably rectilinear sides (23, 24, 25, 26) and the diaphragm outer region (21) is delimited toward the inside again by preferably rectilinear sides (31, 32, 33, 34), and wherein the aforementioned sides (23, 24, 25, 26) of the diaphragm inner region (20) are joined to rounded outer corner regions (27, 28, 29, 30) with a mean outer radius value R and the aforementioned sides (31, 32, 33, 34) of the diaphragm outer region (21) are joined to rounded inner corner regions (35, 36, 37, 38) with a mean inner radius value r, wherein the mean inner radius value r of each inner corner region (35, 36, 37, 38) is smaller than the mean outer radius value R of the opposite outer corner region (27, 28, 29, 30).
US08090134B2 Earphone device, sound tube forming a part of earphone device and sound generating apparatus
An insert earphone device includes an electro-acoustic device, an inserting body, a sound tube connected between the electro-acoustic device and the inserting body and an active valve unit provided on the sound tube, the sound tube is formed with a sound propagation path open at both ends thereof to the electro-acoustic device and the inserting body and an external sound entrance open at both end thereof to environment and the sound propagation path, and the active valve unit is formed of electroactive polymer and responsive to voltage supplied through a cable so as to close and open the external sound entrance; when a user wishes to hear external sound, the user changes the polarity of voltage so that the active valve unit is deformed for conducting the environment to the sound propagation path, whereby the user hears the external sound without removing the earphone device from the ear.
US08090133B2 Earphone speaker with ESD protection
An earphone speaker including a conductive housing, a micro speaker module, and a circuit board is provided. The conductive housing has a holding space. The micro speaker module is disposed in the holding space. The circuit board is disposed outside the conductive housing, and has a first surface facing towards the conductive housing and a second surface corresponding to the first surface. A positive terminal and a negative terminal are disposed on the second surface and electrically connected to the micro speaker module. A conductive material layer is disposed on the first surface and electrically connected to the negative terminal, and the conductive material layer is directly contacted with the conductive housing.
US08090116B2 Vehicle directional electroacoustical transducing
Vehicle audio systems including directional loudspeakers, particularly directional arrays. An exemplary audio system for a vehicle includes a plurality of audio channels. The vehicle includes a first passenger position and a second passenger position ahead of the first passenger position. The audio system includes a first directional loudspeaker positioned ahead of the first passenger position and in back of the second passenger position, constructed and arranged to radiate directionally a first audio channel so that a direction toward the first passenger position is one of a low radiation direction and a high radiation direction and so that a direction toward the second passenger position is the other of a low radiation direction and a high radiation direction.
US08090111B2 Signal separator, method for determining output signals on the basis of microphone signals, and computer program
A signal separator, a method and computer product for determining a first output signal describing an audio content of a useful-signal source in a first microphone signal, and for determining a second output signal describing an audio content of the useful-signal source in a second microphone signal.
US08090110B2 Method and apparatus for determining sound standard for input sound signal
A method for determining a sound standard for an input sound signal includes the following steps. Firstly, the input sound signal is filtered to obtain a first filtered signal corresponding to a first frequency and a second filtered signal corresponding to a second frequency. Next, the first filtered signal is frequency-demodulated to obtain a first demodulated filtered signal, and whether the input sound signal contains a FM analog component corresponding to the first frequency is determined accordingly. Next, the second filtered signal is decoded according to a digital sound standard to obtain a bit stream. Then, the bit steam is interpreted according to the digital sound standard, and whether the input sound contains a digital component corresponding to the digital sound standard is determined accordingly. Then, whether the input sound signal matches one of known sound standards is determined based on the determined results above.
US08090109B2 Apparatus for processing audio signal and method thereof
An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof applied to an audio playback system are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a decoder, an error-correcting circuit and an audio correcting module. The method for processing audio signals in accordance with the present invention decodes the audio signal to generate a decoded signal by the decoder. Then, the error-correcting circuit performs an error-correcting algorithm in the decoded signal to generate an error indication signal and an output audio signal. And the audio correcting module corrects the output audio signal to generate a corrected audio signal when the error indication signal indicates that the output audio signal has error.
US08090107B2 Key agreement and re-keying over a bidirectional communication path
A key agreement method is carried out by a first system in conjunction with a second system over a bidirectional communication path, including generating a first key pair having a first public key and a first private key, sending the first public key to the second system, receiving a second public key generated by the second system, and calculating a master key based upon the first private key, the second public key, a long-term private key, and a long-term public key. The long-term private key was generated by the first system during a previous key-agreement method as part of a long-term key pair. The long-term public key was generated by the second system and received during the previous key-agreement method. The previous key-agreement method required a secret to be known to the first system and the second system, thus conferring authentication based on the secret to the long-term public key.
US08090100B2 Storage apparatus and data management method for changing keys of a logical volume and common resource
A storage apparatus, which controls the input and output of data to and from a computer, includes a logical volume for storing data from the computer, a common resource for storing data pre-stored in the logical volume as update data in order to store subsequent data from the computer in the logical volume, an encryption/decryption unit for encrypting or decrypting data stored in the logical volume or update data stored in the common resource, and a key change unit for changing a key for encrypting or decrypting data stored in the logical volume. The storage apparatus changes the key for encrypting or decrypting update data stored in the common resource based on information of the key used for data stored in the logical volume.
US08090092B2 Dialling phone numbers
Method and apparatus for effecting a voice communication between user terminals connected via a communication network include displaying a menu of country options to a user and receiving a number in local form. Formatting rules are recalled for a destination country selected by the user from the country options. A country prefix for the destination country is prepended to the number in accordance with the formatting rules to generate a formatted number. The formatted number is supplied to a client installed at the user terminal for effecting the voice communication using the formatted number.
US08090091B2 Network element routing service
Systems and methods for providing a call to a destination address are disclosed. Generally a first network element is queried regarding treatment of a call to a destination address. The call is then routed to the destination address when the first network element determines, based on an originating destination address associated with the call, that the call has been previously treated at a second network element.
US08090085B2 Providing called number characteristics to click-to-dial customers
A system and method to provide content and call attributes for a destination phone number using a click-to-dial connection includes accepting a query, retrieving links to a document, and searching through cached data using the query to identify relevant or destination number information. If no match is found, the method continues with accessing the document identified by the link for identifying relevant number information and creating a click-to-dial icon to link to the relevant numbers included in the relevant phone number information identified by the query. Next, a popup box for content relevant to the click-to-dial icon and a click feature on the popup box are created to retrieve call destination attributes for viewing by a user. Further, computer instructions create at least one communication connection between two communication devices after viewing call destination attributes.
US08090083B2 Unified messaging architecture
A system and/or methodology that unifies a telephonic communication component and/or system with a data (e.g., messaging) server component and/or system. The system can facilitate telephonically accessing rich information in the server (e.g., messaging server). This rich information can include email content, calendar content, contacts information, or the like. Moreover, with access to an application programming interface, the invention can add functionality to initiate email communications as well as to accept or cancel meetings. Furthermore, the invention can synchronize messages of disparate formats. By way of example a user can set an “Out of Office” (OOF) status on both an email systems and telephone voicemail system from one location in one action. In another aspect, it will be appreciated that any message or data component can be analyzed, transformed, matched and/or communicated from one system to another (e.g., server to telephone) in accordance with the subject invention.
US08090074B2 Systems and methods for obtaining reconstructed images during a treatment session
A medical system includes a treatment radiation source configured to deliver treatment radiation during a treatment session, an imaging system configured to obtain image data during the treatment session, and a processor configured to determine a beam break, and automatically operate the imaging system to obtain the image data during the beam break. A medical system includes a treatment radiation source, an imaging system configured to automatically obtain image data in a beam break that occurs during a treatment session, and a processor configured to automatically operate the treatment radiation source to deliver treatment radiation during the treatment session after the beam break ends.
US08090066B2 Method and circuit for obtaining asynchronous demapping clock
A method and a circuit for obtaining asynchronous demapping clock. The method includes: obtaining a smoothed clock with even gaps in accordance with data to be demapped and a corresponding clock signal; performing phase locking in accordance with a signal reflecting writing and reading conditions of data of a First In First Out (FIFO), to obtain a clock signal required for demapping. The method can effectively filter off jittering created during asynchronous mapping/demapping processes and may ensure a high-performance clock output. Furthermore, the method is applicable to not only mapping from OTN to SDH but also other asynchronous demapping processes, e.g., mapping from SDH to OTN, and thereby effectively improving the performance of data demapping.
US08090065B2 Implied clock
Systems and methods providing clocking between various components or sub-components are shown. Embodiments implement an implied clock technique which reduces the number of signal lines, signaling overhead required for an encoded clock signal, and/or and power consumption for a high speed communication link. In accordance with embodiments efficient communication is provided between a core device and a remote device by the core device providing both clock and data signals to the remote device and the remote device providing a data signal at a predetermined clock rate without communicating its clock signal. The core device of this embodiment determines an “implied clock” suitable for accurately receiving data from the remote device.
US08090062B2 Process for packet detection
An packet detection controller accepts an input from an AGC controller which indicates the presence of an increased signal energy and also completion of an AGC process and generates an output to suspend the AGC process. The packet detection controller also receives a plurality of IQ receiver streams and forms a single stream for use by a packet detector, which is controllable by an SNR_MODE indicating whether the signal to noise ratio is above or below a particular threshold, and a PD_RESET signal indicating that no packet detection should occur. The controller also receives a PACKET_DET signal indicating that packet detection is completed. The packet detection controller examines the incoming receiver streams and suspends AGC process if a packet detect is generated, or suspends the packet detector if an AGC process is required.
US08090058B2 Wireless communication receiving system and apparatus and method for deciding a transmitted signal corresponding to a received signal thereof
A wireless communication receiving system and an apparatus and a method for deciding a transmitted signal corresponding to a received signal thereof are provided. The transmitted signal comprises a plurality of sub-transmitted signals. The system selects at least one of the sub-transmitted signals as a reference signal group, wherein each of a plurality of candidate values of the reference signal group forms a candidate geometric space respectively. The received signal is projected to each of the candidate geometric spaces to generate a projection signal respectively. In each of the candidate geometric space, the corresponding projection signal is quantized to generate a quantized projection signal having a projection distance to the corresponding projection signal. Finally, the transmitted signal is decided according the quantized projection signal and the candidate signal value corresponding to the shortest projection distance.
US08090047B2 System and method for programmably adjusting gain and frequency response in a 10-gigabit ethernet/fibre channel system
Systems and methods for optimizing operation of a transceiver device are disclosed. The method may include parallel processing an input signal through a first path having a first frequency response and a second path having a second frequency response. The second frequency response may be higher than the first frequency response. Signals from the first and second paths may be combined, creating an output signal having a desired gain and frequency. The parallel processing may adjust a gain of at least one of the first path and the second path. The parallel processing may equalize at least one of the first frequency response and the second frequency response. The input signal may be from a 10 GBit Ethernet channel and/or a Fibre channel.
US08090046B2 Interactive compression with multiple units of compression state information
There is provided a method of interactive compression using multiple compression state information entries. The method comprises receiving a request for data from a communicating party; retrieving the data; identifying, for use in compressing the data, at least two compression state information entries shared between the parties to the communication; compressing the data with each of the at least two compression state information entries; determining, from the set of compression state information entries, a preferred compression state information entry that provides a greatest compression ratio; and transmitting the data, compressed in accordance with the preferred compression state information entry to the communicating party.
US08090045B1 Data stream interleaving with non-monotonically arranged data rotations for spatially diverse transmission
Systems and techniques relating to processing multiple data streams transmitted over a wireless channel. In general, according to at least one implementation, a technique includes: obtaining data streams to be transmitted over a wireless channel using spatially diverse transmission; applying data rotations to respective data streams in connection with interleaving the data streams; and preparing the data streams for spatially diverse transmission over the wireless channel; wherein the applying is performed by an apparatus including at least one of electronic circuitry, computer hardware, or firmware; wherein the applying includes using a sequence of first, second, third, and fourth data rotation values with respective first, second, third, and fourth data streams; wherein the first, second, third, and fourth data rotation values oscillate in relative value within the sequence. The data rotation values can be fixed constants. The data rotations can include subcarrier rotations. The data rotations can include column rotations.
US08090042B2 Channel randomization and time diversity for MIMO system
A method is provided for creating an artificial a fast fading channel in a MIMO communication system. The method includes encoding a series of source data to generate a first plurality of encoded output signals and multiplying the first plurality of encoded output signals by a plurality of random complex numbers to generate a second plurality of encoded output signals, and transmitting the second plurality of encoded output signals via the corresponding plurality of antennas. The transmitted signals vary in time and frequency independent of the channel conditions.
US08090038B2 Channel equalizer and method of processing broadcast signal in receiving system
A channel equalizer for use in a receiving system includes an overlap unit, a first estimator, an interpolator, and a second estimator. The overlap unit overlaps a group of normal data packets including a head, a body, and a tail, and a known data region is periodically repeated in the body. The first estimator estimates CIRs of the known data regions according to a first algorithm, and the interpolator estimates CIRs of normal data regions in the body by interpolating the estimated CIRs of the known data regions. The second estimator estimates CIRs of normal data regions in the head and tail according to a second algorithm different from the first algorithm. A calculator calculates equalization coefficients based on the estimated CIRs and a compensator multiplies the overlapped data with the coefficients. A save unit saves the compensated data.
US08090036B2 Transmitter and carrier leak detection method
A carrier leak compensating device (2) for adding compensation values to a received transmission signal, an analog quadrature modulator (4), a feedback device (5-7) for receiving and quadrature-detecting part of an output signal of the analog quadrature modulator and outputting a feedback signal in which the frequency of each carrier signal is the same as in the transmission signal, a carrier leak detecting device (800) for detecting an I-phase carrier leak and a Q-phase carrier leak on the basis of the difference between cumulative addition values of an amplitude/phase-adjusted feedback signal and the transmission signal, and a carrier leak compensation value controller (9) for updating the compensation values on the basis of the detected carrier leak. The number of samples for the amplitude/phase detection may be smaller than the number of cumulative addition samples.
US08090029B2 Dynamic image encoding device and method
A fade detection unit performs fade detection, and in a case where a judgment of fade-in has been made, an encoding control unit notifies a motion detection unit to perform encoding in a reverse order to a display order. The fade detection unit performs the fade detection, and in the case where the judgment of the fade-in or fade-out has been made, the encoding control unit notifies the motion detection unit to perform encoding while importance is attached to a prediction from an image having a larger information amount in a B picture.
US08090020B2 Moving picture encoding device, fade scene detection device and storage medium
An original picture inserted for each frame is divided into motion compensation blocks and each of the motion compensation blocks is encoded using motion compensation inter-frame prediction. A fade scene is detected using at least one of a sum of differential absolute values calculated when detecting a motion vector, a total number of motion compensation blocks and a total number of intra-motion compensation blocks being motion compensation blocks encoded as still pictures in addition to a motion vector detected from each of the motion compensation blocks. The encoding of the original picture is controlled, according to the detection result.
US08090019B2 Intra prediction circuit device applied to the H.264 video coding standard
An intra prediction circuit device applied to the H.264 video coding standard is provided. The intra prediction device uses a method of decreasing the repeated operations of the shared terms of the video pixel data to reduce the circuit computation and simplify the hardware architecture. In the intra prediction scheme, the computational complexity can be lessened by implementing not only the adder based method but also decomposition technique to simplify the algorithm of the intra prediction.
US08090000B2 Communication system and its method
Communication performance is to be improved in a communication system in which a plurality of wireless communication lines share space. A transmitting device 2 transmits a transmission signal to a base station 6 a plurality of number of times. The base station 6 updates a weight wk to be used for an FIR filter, generates a hopping pattern Pk to be used by the transmitting device 2 for generating a transmission signal, adjusts the hopping pattern Pk so as to suppress a peak-to-average ratio (PAR) occurring in the transmission signal to generate a hopping pattern P′k, quantizes the hopping pattern P′k, and transmits the quantized hopping pattern P′k to the transmitting device 2. The transmitting device 2 uses the hopping pattern P′k received from the base station 6 in subsequent spread spectrum to generate a transmission signal.
US08089999B2 Heat exchange apparatus and method of use
A pipe and method of use for deterring or encouraging the retention of slag or other material in the operating area of a metal processing system as desired. The deterring pipe(s) and the encouraging pipe(s) may be combined with other deterring pipe(s) and/or other encouraging pipe(s) in any combination as desired.
US08089992B2 Systems and methods to measure the performance of a de-jitter buffer
Systems and methods to measure the performance of a de-jitter buffer are disclosed. In a described example, a method to measure adaptive de-jitter buffer performance includes transmitting a known audio signal via a plurality of packets over a packet-based network, recording a received signal based on the known audio signal, and analyzing the recorded signal to determine one or more of a lower de-jitter buffer size, an upper de-jitter buffer size, a de-jitter buffer expansion speed, or a de-jitter buffer contraction speed based on the recorded signal and the known signal. The example method further includes comparing the one or more of the lower de-jitter buffer size, the upper de-jitter buffer size, the expansion speed, or the contraction speed to a performance requirement, and correcting communication network performance based on the comparison.
US08089979B2 Packet relay apparatus and packet relay method
A packet relay apparatus for suppressing a burst transfer of packets being relayed to improve the quality and reliability of packet communication. In the packet relay apparatus, an arrival time measurement block measures the arrival time of an input packet to generate arrival time information; a packet classification block classifies the packet as an output-interval-control packet, which requires output interval control, or a non-output-interval-control packet, which does not require output interval control, to generate classification information; a packet distribution block receives the packet which has been processed and switched and places the packet in an appropriate queue according to the classification information; and a schedule management block performs relay output control in accordance with the arrival time information such that the output intervals of output-interval-control packets become equal to the input intervals obtained when the packets were input to the apparatus.
US08089973B2 Outdoor hardened exo-modular and multi-phy switch
The present invention relates to a data distribution device comprising of a core electronics suite having at least two data ports where each port is in communication with its own network transport medium. At least two broadband transceivers, each in communication with its own broadband data port, enable sending and receiving of broadband data signals. At least two converters, each in communication with its own transceiver, enable the conversion of RF modulated data signals into data packets and the conversion of data packets into RF modulated data signals. The device includes a data switch, in communications with at least two converters and at least two broadband transceivers, for inspecting and routing data packets between data ports; a processor in communication with the data switch that controls the sending and receiving of data packets between at least two converters; and an exterior housing that is sealed and environmentally hardened to allow the data switch, the processor, and the converters with their transceivers, to operate in an outdoor environment.
US08089968B2 Automatic prioritization of BGP next-hop in IGP convergence
In one embodiment, an inter-domain routing protocol stores an inter-domain routing protocol route having an associated next-hop address. A routing table is searched for an for an intra-domain routing protocol route that may be used to reach the next-hop address of the inter-domain routing protocol route. Such route is marked as an important route for convergence. Later, in response to a change in the network requiring a routing table update, the intra-domain routing protocol route marked as an important route for convergence is processed by an intra domain routing protocol before any other intra-domain routing protocol routes are processed that are not marked as important routes for convergence.
US08089964B2 Transporting multicast over MPLS backbone using virtual interfaces to perform reverse-path forwarding checks
A mechanism is provided in which multicast reverse path forwarding can be performed at a provider network egress edge router wherein core routers of the provider network are not configured to support multicast protocols or point-to-multipoint LSPs. An embodiment of the present invention provides for the creation of virtual interfaces in the egress edge router element during configuration of a multicast connection in response to a subscriber request. A virtual interface will be associated with an upstream ingress edge router element and that ingress edge router element is provided a label associated with the virtual interface. Such a label can then be included in datastream packets transmitted through the provider network and be used by reverse path forward checking at the egress edge router element to ascertain whether the multicast datastream is being received by the correct upstream interface.
US08089963B2 Packet forwarding apparatus and method
A network device includes at least one source physical port coupled to a network, and a plurality of egress ports. A logical port assignment mechanism assigns source logical port information to a data packet received via one of the at least one physical port. The source logical port information is based on characteristics of the data packet, and the source logical port information corresponds to a logical entity that is different from any source physical port. A forwarding engine determines one or more egress ports for forwarding the data packet based on at least the assigned source logical port.
US08089960B2 Highly flexible and efficient MAC to PHY interface
A plurality of media access controllers (MACs) are time division multiplexed with one or more serializer/deserializer (SerDes) devices, wherein there are more MACs than SerDes devices and/or a single multi-rate Ethernet MAC is able to communicate with a multi-rate PHY spanning speeds from 10 megabits per second to 10 gigabits per second using the same framing mechanism and structure.
US08089954B2 IP telephone system, IP telephone apparatus and communications method
An IP telephone system includes a source IP telephone apparatus, a Web server and an ENUM server. The source IP telephone apparatus is connected to an IP network. The Web server stores predetermined information regarding a user of the source IP telephone apparatus and transmits, to a destination IP telephone apparatus, the predetermined information in response to a request from the destination IP telephone apparatus. The ENUM server stores a NAPTR resource record which includes a URI utilized for obtaining the predetermined information stored in the Web server. In the IP telephone system, the destination IP telephone apparatus transmits, to the ENUM server, a request for a NAPTR resource record of the source IP telephone apparatus and transmits, to the Web server, a request for the predetermined information regarding the source IP telephone apparatus according to the obtained NAPTR resource record.
US08089953B2 Method and system for network entity configuration
A system for configuring a plurality of network entities by a central server, each of the network entities being associated with a unique identifier, and each of the network entities being associated with at least one service provider having configuration settings data therefor.
US08089951B2 Method of transferring timing information over packet network
Timing information is transmitted over a network by sending time-stamped packets between a transmitter and receiver. The time-stamped packets are used to compute an estimate of the frequency deviation between the transmitter clock and the receiver clock. The local receiver clock is periodically updated to match the transmitter clock based on the estimate, which is preferably a least squares estimate. A multiple window approach is employed to increase update speed.
US08089950B2 Wireless communication equipment and wireless communication method
A mobile station 200 includes a receiving field level detecting unit 213 to convert a level of a wireless signal into an RSSI output, and a wireless frame timing deciding unit 214 to decide a wireless frame timing from the transient characteristic of the RSSI output. By deciding the wireless frame timing from the RSSI output, synchronous establishment can be realized even when the mobile station 200 does not include a demodulation circuit. The mobile station can perform the synchronous establishment without being increased in size.
US08089932B2 Handover method in a wireless access network
When a mobile device performs a handover from a first wireless base station to a second wireless base station, a base station controller sends a control message addressed to the second base station to notify the handover, to the first wireless base station via a wired line. The first wireless base station sends received control message to the second wireless base station using a pre-established wireless line. The wireless base stations exchange a control message to control the second wireless base station, a control message to control the mobile device, and user data of the mobile device and a communication partner, using the wireless line.
US08089930B2 Wireless communication control method and radio terminal
A radio terminal, in a transmission opportunity of each of plural kinds of allocation request schemes for a first uplink radio resource, the transmission opportunity being periodically allocated from the base station, estimates timings that the first uplink radio resource is allocated from the base station when an allocation request of a corresponding allocation request scheme is transmitted, based on a cycle of the transmission opportunity and a turnaround time of the allocation request scheme, and transmits the allocation request to the base station in a transmission opportunity selected by the estimated timing.
US08089929B2 Digital broadcasting system and data processing method in the digital broadcasting system
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. In an aspect of the present invention, the present invention provides a data processing method including receiving a broadcast signal in which main service data and mobile service data are multiplexed, demodulating the received broadcast signal, outputting demodulation time information of a specific position of a broadcast signal frame, and acquiring reference time information contained in the mobile service data frame, setting the reference time information to a system time clock at a specific time based on the demodulation time information and decoding the mobile service data according to the system time clock.
US08089923B2 Radio base device, mobile terminal device, reference signal control method, and reference signal control program
When the number of multiplexed connections of PSs to a CS is changed due to issuance of a connection request from other PS to the CS or the like, the CS selects a unique word pattern (new unique word) optimal for the new number of multiplexed connections, so as to request switching from an old unique word to a new unique word to each PS of the user who has established multiple access. When a response to the request for switching is received from the PS of each user, the CS transmits a synchronous burst signal including the new unique word to the PS, and the PS also returns the synchronous burst signal including the new unique word. Synchronization is thus established.
US08089922B2 Cooperative transceiving between wireless interface devices of a host device with shared modules
A circuit includes a first wireless interface circuit that transceives packetized data between a host module and a first external device in accordance with a first wireless communication protocol. A second wireless interface circuit transceives packetized data between the host module and a second external device in accordance with a second wireless communication protocol. The second wireless interface circuit includes at least one module that is shared with first wireless interface circuit. The first wireless interface circuit and the second wireless interface circuit operate in accordance with a wireless interface schedule that includes a first time interval where the first wireless interface device and the second wireless interface device contemporaneously use the at least one module.
US08089919B2 Packet transmission acknowledgement in wireless communication system
Transmitting an acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NACK) signal in association with a packet transmitted on an uplink is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a packet transmitted from a user equipment, decoding the packet, and determining whether the packet has been successfully decoded, transmitting an ACK signal or a NACK signal, based on the decoding result. Different transmission powers are allocated for the ACK signal and the NACK signal. Alternatively, the transmission power for the NACK signal selectively has an OFF level. The present invention optimizes the transmission powers for downlink ACK/NACK signals in accordance with the required reception quality of each of the ACK/NACK signals, and thus, enables the system to operate efficiently.
US08089917B2 Method, system and apparatus of implementing inter-system communications
Methods for implementing inter-system communications includes as follows: a serving base station selects a relay terminal, transmits a neighboring base station access request to the selected relay terminal; the relay terminal receives the neighboring base station access request, and accesses a neighboring base station; the relay terminal receives relay information, and communicates with the serving base station or the neighboring base station based on the relay information. Systems and apparatuses for implementing inter-system communications are also disclosed. With the methods, systems and apparatuses of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the probability of correct receipt of relay information at the neighboring base station may be improved.
US08089915B2 Synchronous data transmissions by relay node
A method of transmitting data in a synchronous communications network, which includes multiple nodes, includes communicating a super frame that includes multiple frames, based on a network cycle, each frame being associated with one of the nodes. Each frame includes a payload that includes an own data section and a repeat data section. The nodes include at least one relay node associated with an application generating own data of the relay node to be transmitted to at least one second node. The relay node receives frames from other of the nodes, reads a predetermined part of data from the received frames, which enables repeat data to be obtained, writes the repeat data in the repeat data section of a new frame, writes the own data of the relay node in the own data section of the new frame, and transmits the new frame.
US08089911B2 Methods and apparatus for cellular broadcasting and communication system
In a cellular wireless network, methods and apparatus are disclosed for a signal broadcasting scheme that can be individually augmented for users with poor reception. The network employs a first downlink channel (broadcast CH) for broadcasting data to all mobile stations (S1, S2, S3), a second downlink channel (regular CH) for sending signals to a specific mobile station in a cell, and an uplink channel for feeding back information to the base station. To achieve a certain user reception quality, the system adjusts its broadcasting parameters based on the statistical analysis of the feedback data (feedback). If some users still require better reception, the system individually augments their broadcast signals via the second downlink channels. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for synchronization of data distribution by base stations (1,2), which, in part, allows the receivers to combine the receiving signals and improve their reception quality.
US08089900B2 Method for repelling unwanted speech advertising for packet-oriented communication networks
A service (LD) according to the invention is disclosed for managing lists in a packet-oriented network (LAN) for end devices (EG) of the network, said service providing a first (blacklist) and second (whitelist) list (L1, L2) of identifiers (id, rn) in which one or no unwanted speech advertising SPIT or unsolicited bulk communications are to be expected. A call is directed to the service (LD), and the identifier (idx) of the call is compared to the identifiers (id, m) in the lists (L1, L2). A call whose identifier (idx) is not contained in the lists (L1, L2) is directed to the addressed end device (EGx) and transmitted following acceptance. After determination of a call with or without unwanted speech advertising (SPIT), a first or second piece of information (z1, z2) inputted to the end device (EGx) is transmitted to the service (LD) in the packet-oriented network (LAN), and the identifier (idx) of the call is assigned to the first or second list (L1, L2). The handling of the lists, and therefore the comfort for the subscriber, is increased by the central management of the lists (L1, L2) by a service (LD) in the network and by simple input to the end device.
US08089899B2 System and method for communicating using a multiserver platform
A method for communication is disclosed and may include performing, using one or more processors and/or circuits in a server platform, negotiating a rate at which one or more of a plurality of blade servers in the server platform communicate. Data may be communicated at the negotiated data rate by the one or more of the plurality of blade servers. The data rate may be negotiated in response to one or more packets received by the one or more of the plurality of blade servers. At least a portion of the data may be communicated from a first of the plurality of blade servers to a second of the plurality of blade servers at the negotiated data rate.
US08089894B2 Methods and systems for adaptive effective CINR reporting in a wireless communication system
Embodiments of the present disclosure allow a MS to dynamically adjust the mapping of a physical CINR measurement to an effective CINR. For some embodiments, an effective CINR value may be generated based on a physical CINR value and a measured packet error rate (PER) over one or more time periods. By dynamically adjusting the effective CINR reported back to a BS, the MS may allow the BS to select a coding scheme that effectively compensates for changes in channel conditions, which may improve system performance.
US08089874B2 Node repair in a mesh network
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for sensing a change in a network topology using a discovery node in a mesh network; transmitting an explore frame, based at least in part on the sensed change, from the discovery node to a destination node using an intermediate node; receiving a response to the explore frame from the destination node; determining at least one functional network route from the discovery node to the destination node based at least in part on route information received in association with the response to the explore frame, wherein the route information includes a node path; and transmitting an instruction to the destination node from the discovery node based on a reverse node path.
US08089869B2 Method and apparatus of duplicate packet detection and discard
Duplicate packet detection and discard employs hash values and time stamps of received packet data, wherein the hash value is employed as an index to a table, and if data at a table entry has a time stamp near a time of the packet data, a duplicate is determined.
US08089865B2 Multicast path management and protection
Provided is a multicast path management method for a connectionless communication. Also provided is a path protection function which is effective when a path has failed. A network is formed by a trunk and a branch path. The multicast path is managed by end-to-end and when a failure has occurred, an instruction is issued from the apex of the multicast tree to respective end-to-end paths so as to switch from the currently used channel to a backup path. Thus, upon failure, an individual path protection can be performed without affecting other parts of the tree to which the same multicast flow as the defective path is distributed or the distribution state of the multicast flow.
US08089853B2 Systems and method for orthogonal frequency divisional multiplexing
Systems and methods for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing are provided. In one embodiment, a multi-carrier modem comprises: a receiver configured to receive a waveform comprising a plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals from at least two of a plurality of remote units, wherein the plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals are modulated using an inverse Fourier transform algorithm; a transmitter; a processor coupled to the transmitter, wherein the processor outputs data for transmission to the transmitter, wherein the processor applies an inverse Fourier transform algorithm to the data provided to the transmitter; a controller programed to instruct the transmitter to transmit a predetermined identifier on at least one of the spectrally overlapping carrier signals, the predetermined identifier identifying to a first remote unit a range of the plurality of spectrally overlapping carrier signals for the first remote unit to receive control information.
US08089852B2 Storage medium with separate image and data tracks
A data storage medium such as an optical disc with separate image and data tracks, and a method and apparatus for forming the same. The medium has a user data storage area with a data track to store user data, and a non-user data image track to store human readable information to form a watermark interspersed with the user data. Preferably, the data track forms a portion of a first spiral and the image track forms a portion of a distinct second spiral nested within the first spiral. Alternatively, the data and image tracks are nested concentric circles. An increased track pitch is preferably provided for the data tracks in the data storage area adjacent the watermark to accommodate the intervening image tracks, and a reduced track pitch between data tracks is provided elsewhere. The medium can be pre-recorded or recordable.
US08089851B2 Driving apparatus and recording/reproducing apparatus
A driving apparatus (1) is provided with: a fixed part (11) having a fixed-part plane (12); and a driven part (13) having a driven-part plane (14), which faces the fixed-part plane, and driven in a direction substantially parallel to the fixed-part plane, a liquid lubricant (30) is between the fixed-portion plane and the driven-part plane, the driven-part plane faces the fixed-part plane such that the driven-part plane is substantially parallel to the fixed-part plane.
US08089848B2 Optical pickup and optical information processing apparatus
A disclosed optical pickup for performing at least recording, reproduction, or deletion of information on a first, second, third, and fourth optical recording media having different recording densities includes a first light source configured to emit first light having a first wavelength λ1 corresponding to the first and second optical recording media; a second light source configured to emit second light having a second wavelength λ2 corresponding to the third optical recording medium; a third light source configured to emit third light having a third wavelength λ3 corresponding to the fourth optical recording medium; an objective lens configured to focus the first light, the second light, and the third light on corresponding recording surfaces of the first, second, third, and fourth optical recording media; and an aberration correcting unit between the objective lens and the first, second, and third light sources.
US08089837B2 Optical disk player
When an optical disk player is switched on, a controller obtains information of a sampling frequency or sampling frequencies that are supported by an appliance that is connected to the optical disc player through an HDMI cable. Then, when a playing start command is input, it is judged whether the connected appliance supports the audio output or not. When the connected appliance supports the audio output, and the sampling frequency of a sound source is larger than the sampling frequency or frequencies that the connected appliance supports, the audio signals are down-sampled to fit the connected appliance. Output of the audio signals is then started.
US08089836B1 Differential phase detector
A phase detector comprises a first slicing circuit that generates a first digital signal corresponding to a logic state of a first generally continuous signal. A second slicing circuit generates a second digital signal corresponding to a logical state of a second generally continuous signal. Phase detector logic compares triggering edges of the first and second digital signals to generate a phase difference signal having a pulse width corresponding to a phase difference between the first and second generally continuous signals. Aberration compensation circuitry is in communication with the phase detector logic to ensure generation of the phase difference signal in the presence of signal aberrations occurring at the triggering edges of the first and second digital signals.
US08089834B2 Apparatus for controlling servo signal gains of an optical disc drive and method of the same
The invention provides an apparatus for controlling servo signal gains of an optical disc drive. The apparatus adjusts the gains of a plurality of servo signals controlling a servo system of the optical disc drive when the optical disk drive encounters an operating state transition. In a first mode, at least one AGC loop of the apparatus compensates the gains of the servo signals with a selectable bandwidth during a specific period after the operating state transition to accelerate the convergence of the servo signals. In a second mode, at least one AGC loop of the apparatus reloads the previously saved convergence values or pre-determined values as the initial values according to the current operating state immediately after the operating state transition to accelerate the convergence of the servo signals.
US08089826B2 Ultrasonic device for detecting direction to object
A ultrasonic device detecting a direction to an object includes: a transmitting element of a ultrasonic wave; first and second receiving elements; a diffraction wave phase detector; an initial phase memory for an initial phase of a diffraction wave; a sound speed detector; a phase correction amount calculator calculating a phase shift caused by a sound speed change and calculating a phase correction amount based on the phase of the diffraction wave, the initial phase and the phase shift; a phase correction element correcting a phase of the reflection wave based on the phase correction amount; and a direction detector for detecting the direction to the object based on a difference between corrected phases of the reflection wave received by the first and second receiving elements, a distance between the first and second receiving elements, and a wavelength of the transmission ultrasonic wave corresponding to a sound speed.
US08089821B2 Memory device using antifuses
Herein described is a method of implementing one or more native NMOS antifuses in an integrated circuit. Also described is a method for programming one or more native NMOS antifuses used within a memory device. The method further comprises verifying one or more states of the one or more native NMOS antifuses after the programming has been performed. In a representative embodiment, the one or more native NMOS antifuses are implemented by blocking the implantation of a dopant into a substrate of an integrated circuit. In a representative embodiment, an integrated circuit incorporates the use of one or more native NMOS antifuses. In a representative embodiment, the integrated circuit comprises a memory device, such as a one time programmable memory.
US08089817B2 Precise tRCD measurement in a semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device is operable in normal and test operation modes. At the test operation, in response to a first active command, a row address signal that is input from the outside is captured in the row decoder, and in response to a first write/read command, a column address signal input from the outside is captured in the column decoder. At this time, a word line and a bit line are not selected. Thereafter, in response to a second active command, a word line corresponding to the row address signal is selected in the row decoder, and, in response to a second write/read command, a bit line that corresponds to the column address signal is selected in the column decoder. The time period from the time at which the second read/write command is input to the time at which the second active command is input, is measured as tRCD.