最新美国发明专利
Document Document Title
US08329127B2 Combined slip catalyst and hydrocarbon exotherm catalyst
A catalyst comprising: (a) a first layer comprising an oxidizing catalyst having an effective PGM loading such that oxidation of hydrocarbons generates sufficient heat to regenerate soot, wherein said effective amount of PGM is greater than about 10 g/ft3; and (b) a second layer adjacent to said first layer and comprising a reducing catalyst to selectively reduce NOx.
US08329112B2 Multi-dosing detergent delivery device
The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device. In embodiments of the present invention, the device comprises a housing (2) for receiving a cartridge (200). The cartridge (200) has a plurality X of chambers, each accommodating a detergent composition. The device has a lid (3,1100) for receiving water/wash liquor and directing it selectively into a chamber of the cartridge (200) to contact the detergent composition therein and an outlet to allow the detergent loaded wash liquor to exit the device. The device has automatic indexing means (100) for automatic movement of said cartridge (200) relative to said lid (3,1100) so as to cause a neighboring chamber to be in an exposed, ready to be used, position prior to a next washing cycle and features an end stop mechanism (A,B) for preventing actuation of said automatic indexing mechanism (100) subsequent to an Xth washing cycle. The indexing mechanism (100) operates so as to impart a first amount of rotational movement to said cartridge (200) during a heating cycle and to provide a second amount of rotational movement to said cartridge (200) during a cooling cycle and said end stop mechanism (A,B) is arranged to block completion of the second amount of rotational movement following the Xth heating cycle.
US08329110B2 Electrically-heated catalyst
An electrically-heated catalyst is disclosed. The catalyst may include a carrier; more than two comb-shaped electrode portions extending in a longitudinal direction; an electrically conductive underlying layer provided between the carrier and the comb-shaped electrode portions; and more than two electrically conductive fixing layers bonding to at least one of the comb-shaped electrode portions and to the underlying layer to fix the comb-shaped electrode portions to the carrier at more than two points spaced apart.
US08329101B2 Sample analyzer
A sample analyzer includes a transporting device configured to transport a rack for holding a plurality of sample containers containing samples respectively, a barcode reader configured to read a barcode of the rack transported by the transporting device, and an aspirating device that includes an aspirating tube and a moving device configured to move the aspirating tube in a direction to insert the aspirating tube in a sample container. The sample analyzer further includes a controller configured to determine, based on the container type identifying information included in the barcode read by the barcode reader, an aspiration position for aspirating a sample in a sample container and to control insertion of the aspirating tube in the sample container at the determined aspiration position, and an analyzing part configured to analyze the sample aspirated by the aspirating device.
US08329099B1 Reigniting flame in volatile organic compound device
Reigniting a flame in a volatile organic compound (VOC) detector in the event that the flame has gone out. In one implementation, a signal is received at a handheld personal computer indicating that a flame in the VOC detector has gone out. The flame in the VOC detector may then be reignited using the handheld personal computer and a Bluetooth enabled device facilitating communication between the handheld personal computer and the VOC detector.
US08329091B2 Porous metallic structures
In one aspect, there are provided methods for producing porous metallic structures, wherein the methods involve the use of collagen fibrils on the nanometer scale as a “sacrificial” scaffold upon which metal particles are deposited. Also disclosed are structures comprising a porous metallic matrix having favorable strength, porosity, and density characteristics. Structures produced in accordance with the present disclosure are useful for, inter alia, the fabrication of devices such as filters, heat exchangers, sound absorbers, electrochemical cathodes, fuel cells, catalyst supports, fluid treatment units, lightweight structures and biomaterials.
US08329081B2 Method of creating a golf ball with a secondary surface texture feature
A method of making a golf ball having a secondary surface texture created on the fret areas by the dimple making procedure. The secondary surface is created on a hob prior to the primary dimple pattern being formed therein, and which largely obliterates the secondary surface texture except for the fret areas and the outer inside surface of the perimeter of the dimples where the depth of the dimple is less than the depth of the secondary surface texture.
US08329055B2 Plasma uniformity control using biased array
Apparatus and method for improving the plasma uniformity in a plasma based system are described. The apparatus may include a plurality of electrical conductors, to which one or more types of electrical potentials may be applied. The conductors may be arranged in an array and may preferably be positioned near the plasma. By applying the bias voltages to the various electrically conductors, the plasma can be manipulated. For example, the conductors may extract or confine the electrons in the plasma, thereby locally adjusting the plasma density near the conductors. In the process, uniformity of the plasma density or ion concentration in the plasma may be improved. In a further embodiment, a magnetic field is included in the same direction as the electric field created by the bias voltage so as to better confine the charged particles.
US08329047B2 Method for producing liquid discharge head
The present invention provides a method for producing a liquid discharge head including a silicon substrate having, on a first surface, energy generating elements, and a supply port penetrating the substrate from the first surface to a second surface, which is a rear surface of the first surface of the substrate. The method includes the steps of: preparing the silicon substrate having a sacrifice layer at a portion on the first surface where the ink supply port is to be formed and an etching mask layer having a plurality of openings on the second surface, the volume of a portion of the sacrifice layer at a position corresponding to a portion between two adjacent said openings being smaller than the volume of a portion of the sacrifice layer at a position corresponding to the opening; etching the silicon substrate from the plurality of openings and etching the sacrifice layer.
US08329037B2 Filter apparatus and method of removing organic waste
A filtration apparatus including an annular filter surrounding a waste treatment chamber, a first turbine drawing liquid up within the chamber and a second turbine driving liquid outwardly through the filter. In the method of treating organic waste, the chamber includes an ultraviolet lamp and a cylindrical baffle surrounding the chamber having a mirrored surface. The disclosed apparatus further includes anodic and cathodic plates surrounding the filter.
US08329034B2 Functionalized nonwoven article
A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.
US08329031B2 Water treatment apparatus
A water treatment apparatus includes a first treatment tank forming thereon a first, fixed bed includes a powdery phosphorus adsorbent includes an inorganic layered compound, wherein the first bed separates phosphorus and solid matter from the water, and recovers the phosphorus in a state adsorbed on the phosphorus adsorbent in the first bed, a second treatment tank forming a second, fluidized or fixed bed includes the phosphorus adsorbent, wherein the second bed separates phosphorus from the water received from the first treatment tank, and recovers the phosphorus in a state adsorbed on the phosphorus adsorbent in the second bed, and a transferring line configured to transfer the phosphorus adsorbent, having phosphorus adsorbed thereon in the second treatment tank, from the second treatment tank to the first treatment tank.
US08329030B2 Hemodialysis system with cassette and pinch clamp
A hemodialysis system includes (i) blood tubing; (ii) a peristaltic blood pump contacting the blood tubing to pump blood through the blood tubing; (iii) a dialyzer in fluid communication with the blood tubing; (iv) first and second peristaltic dialysate pumps; (v) a dialysate heater; (vi) a plurality of pinch valves; and (vii) a cassette including a rigid structure, a heating portion, first and second dialysate pumping tubes, and a plurality of incoming tubes, the rigid structure when the cassette is mounted for operation orienting (a) the heating portion adjacent to the dialysate heater so that dialysate can be heated by the dialysate heater, (b) the first and second dialysate pumping tubes adjacent to the first and second peristaltic dialysate pumps, and (c) the plurality of incoming tubes adjacent to the plurality of pinch valves to enable the tubes to be individually closed by the pinch valves.
US08329029B2 Selective desulfurization of naphtha using reaction inhibitors
A reaction inhibitor can be used to reduce catalyst activity at the beginning of a naphtha selective hydrodesulfurization process. The use of the reaction inhibitor can allow greater flexibility in selecting the reaction conditions to accommodate both the start and end of the hydrodesulfurization process. The reaction inhibitor can be removed during the hydrodesulfurization process, possibly in conjunction with modification of the reaction temperature, in order to maintain a substantially constant amount of sulfur in the naphtha product.
US08329028B2 Solid catalyst hydrocarbon conversion process using stacked moving bed reactors
Systems and processes for hydrocarbon conversion are provided that utilize a plurality of moving bed reactors. The reactors may be moving bed radial flow reactors. Optional mixers that mix a portion of a second hydrocarbon feed with the effluent stream from an upstream reactor, to produce reactor feed streams may be employed, and the reactor feed streams may be introduced at injection points prior to each reactor. Catalyst can be provided from the reaction zone of one reactor to the reaction zone of a downstream reactor through catalyst transfer pipes, and can be regenerated after passing through the reaction zones of the reactors. The moving bed reactors can be stacked in one or more reactor stacks.
US08329024B2 Electrochemical device and method for long-term measurement of hypohalites
A method and apparatus measures the presence of total residual oxidant species in aqueous environments. More specifically, the apparatus is operable to measure hypohalites (e.g., hypochlorite and hypobromite) in water containing halide salts using electrochemistry. The apparatus can be a sensor having four electrodes—a reference electrode, a working electrode, and two auxiliary electrodes. The fourth electrode, i.e., the second auxiliary electrode, can be used to generate ionized water near and in contact with the working electrode. The ionized water can clean the working electrode to minimize effects due to scaling or biofilm formation. As such, the working electrode does not need the capability to clean itself. Thus, other elements, originally believed to be unsuitable for use in saline aqueous environments, can be used for the electrodes, for example, gold.
US08329018B2 Metal plating compositions and methods
Disclosed are metal plating compositions and methods. The metal plating compositions provide good leveling performance and throwing power.
US08329014B2 Vehicle body production method
Disclosed is a method for producing a vehicle body, which, without removing protrusions on an electrophoretic coating, improves the coating quality. The outer surface of the vehicle body is sanded prior to a pre-treatment, where the vehicle body is degreased and washed.
US08329013B2 Optimized electrocoating of assembled and partly prephosphated components
A process for the anticorrosive treatment of metal components that have been heat-treated at a temperature of at least 100° C. and at least partially comprise zinc surfaces, wherein the surfaces of the component that consist of zinc already partially have a crystalline zinc phosphate layer, wherein the cleaned component is given an activating pretreatment with an acidic aqueous dispersion of insoluble phosphates having a pH of not less than 4 and the component is subsequently subjected to a phosphating conversion treatment before electrocoating is applied. The invention also comprises the use of metal components that have been treated in such a process, for the application of multilayer systems and in particular for the manufacture of bodies in automobile production.
US08329004B2 Polymeric, non-corrosive cathodic protection anode
An apparatus for protection of metallic materials from corrosion comprising an electrical power source (5) and a conductor (7) coupled to the power source. An anode (11) is electrically coupled to the conductor. The anode is configured to be secured proximal to the metallic materials to be protected from corrosion and has an exterior surface (13) formed predominantly of electrically conductive polymer and an interior filled with particulate carbonaceous material. The anode comprises a hollow cylinder (13) formed of electrically conductive polymer, the cylinder having an interior. A metallic tube (15) is secured to and in electrical communication with the interior of the cylinder. An anode conductor (17) is electrically coupled to the metallic tube and extends from the interior of the cylinder to the exterior of the cylinder for connection to the conductor coupled to the power source.
US08329002B1 Thin films and methods and machines for forming the thin films
Methods for depositing an amorphous vanadium oxide (VOx) film include vaporizing vanadium from a vanadium source while the a gas containing an oxygen species and a process modifying additive are in the chamber so as to deposit an amorphous VOx film on the substrate, where x>0. The process modifying additive includes a gas flowing into the chamber or vaporized material from a target source. The additive may stabilize the deposition rate of VOx, reduce resistivity, improve thickness control, and improve uniformity of thickness and resistivity. The thin film may be a nitrogen-enhanced, amorphous vanadium oxide (VOxNy) film formed on a substrate, where x>y>0, and the film contains at least 0.2 atomic % nitrogen. The film may be used in a device, such as a thermal or infrared sensor, or more particularly a bolometer.
US08328998B2 Ozone generating apparatus
An ozone generating apparatus is provided which includes a pair of electrodes for producing a discharge by the application of an ac voltage therebetween, and at least one dielectric provided between the pair of electrodes. A source gas containing oxygen is provided into a discharge space in which the discharge is produced to generate ozone by the action of the discharge. A surface lying between at least one of the pair of electrodes and the discharge space and in contact with the discharge has a surface resistivity of 104Ω to 1011Ω. The source gas provided into the discharge space includes ultrapure oxygen having a purity of not less than 99.9%.
US08328996B2 Method and apparatus for desalinating water combined with power generation
A method and apparatus for desalinating water combined with power generation, wherein a desalination system is used for desalinating coastal seawater and is operationally related to a power generation system, wherein such dual purpose co-generation facility captures the heat vapor exhausted or a steam turbine generator's condenser is replaced by the desalination plant's heat exchanger enabling such captured heat energy to reduce the energy requirements of the desalination plant, and wherein brine solution being utilized by the desalination plant is circulated from and to the substrata sea water table via supply and return wells.
US08328993B2 Pyrolysis reactor for processing municipal wastes
Proposed is a pyrolysis reactor for processing solid municipal and domestic wastes by means of a pyrolytic reaction in the pyrolysis chamber without access of oxygen to the reaction system. The reactor is characterized by containing two waste-feeding screws which have tapered shapes, a gap between the outer surfaces of the threads, are inclined in the vertical plane and converge towards each other in a horizontal plane in the direction from the inlet to the outlet end. The gap is adjustable with diminishing toward the outlet end.
US08328992B1 Retort
A retort involves a stack of retort units arranged to process coal or other raw material by heating the coal in a heating compartment and directing vapors emitted from the raw material into a vapor compartment surrounding the heating compartment. The heating compartment may include a plurality of louver units with embedded heating components. Each louver unit includes heating fins (a heat transfer medium) that delivers heat to the coal. Each louver unit also includes an insulation layer adjacent a vapor opening where vapors emitted from the coal pass into the vapor compartment. The vapors are directed to a distillation column where carbon based vapors, volatiles, fuel vapors and the like may be liquefied for transport to a refinery or directly refined into fuels. Further, a clean coal char (toxins and carbon vaporized) is delivered to a power generation plant to provide cleaner emissions relative to unprocessed coal.
US08328990B2 Structured forming fabric, papermaking machine and method
A fabric for a papermaking machine, the fabric including a machine facing side and a web facing side having pockets formed by warp and weft yarns. Each pocket is defined by four sides on the web facing side, two of the four sides each formed by a warp knuckle of a single warp yarn that passes over three consecutive weft yarns to define the warp knuckle, the other two of the four sides each formed by a weft knuckle of a single weft yarn that passes over three consecutive warp yarns to define the weft knuckle, a lower surface of each pocket being formed by first and second lower warps yarns and first and second lower weft yarns, a first warp knuckle being of the first warp yarn passed over by a first weft knuckle and the first lower warp yarn being of the second warp yarn passed over by the first weft knuckle and the second lower warp yarn being of the third warp yarn passed over the first weft knuckle, a second weft knuckle being of the first weft yarn passed over by the first warp knuckle and the second lower weft yarn being of the second weft yarn passed over by the first warp knuckle and the first lower weft yarn being of the third weft yarn passed over by the first warp knuckle, the first lower warp yarn passing under the first and second lower weft yarns, and the second lower warp passing over the first lower weft yarn and under the second lower weft yarn.
US08328989B2 Flour-based product, its preparation and use
The invention pertains to a process for manufacturing paper or cardboard, wherein flour including a protein and starch fraction is subjected to a degradation step involving a treatment with protease and a non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) hydrolyzing enzyme, after which the flour is introduced into the paper fiber matrix. It is especially preferred that the flour is rye flour, and that the NSP hydrolyzing enzyme is a hemi-cellulase or a cellulase, or a combination thereof. The invention also pertains to a composition containing flour and the aforementioned enzymes; and to the use of flour thus treated as a source of starch.
US08328986B2 Laminated sheet, method of producing the sheet, exhaust gas processing device, and method of producing the device
A disclosed laminated sheet to be wound around an outer surface of an exhaust gas processing unit includes a first mat containing first inorganic fibers and a second mat containing second inorganic fibers, the second mat being laminated on the first mat. The average fiber length of the first inorganic fibers is larger than the average fiber length of the second inorganic fibers and the laminated sheet is to be wound around the exhaust gas processing unit such that the first mat forms an outermost layer. Development of cracks in the outer surface of the laminated sheet can be prevented by winding the laminated sheet around an exhaust gas processing unit such that the first mat faces outward.
US08328981B2 Method for heating a focus ring in a plasma apparatus by high frequency power while no plasma being generated
A plasma etching apparatus includes a vacuum processing chamber; a lower electrode, i.e., a mounting table for mounting the substrate, provided in the vacuum processing chamber; an upper electrode provided to face the lower electrode; a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas to the vacuum processing chamber; a high frequency power supply unit for supplying a high frequency power to the lower electrode; and a focus ring provided on the lower electrode to surround a periphery of the substrate. In a method for performing a plasma etching on a substrate by using the plasma etching apparatus, a plasma is generated in the vacuum processing chamber to perform the plasma etching on the substrate by using the plasma after the focus ring is heated by supplying a high frequency power from the high frequency power supply unit to the lower electrode under a condition that no plasma is generated.
US08328980B2 Apparatus and methods for enhanced fluid delivery on bevel etch applications
An apparatus to supply a plurality of process fluids for processing a substrate in a semiconductor processing chamber is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plurality of process fluid supply valves and a fluid supply network that is defined between a crossover valve and a tuning supply valve. The apparatus further includes a tuning fluid supply being connected to the fluid supply network through the tuning supply valve. Further included with the apparatus is a plurality of process fluids that are connected to the fluid supply network through the plurality of process fluid supply valves. A process chamber that has a substrate support is also included in the apparatus. The process chamber further including an edge fluid supply and a center fluid supply, the edge fluid supply connected to the fluid supply network through an edge enable valve and the center supply connected to the fluid supply network through a center enable valve. Wherein the crossover valve, edge enable valve, and center enable valve allow one of tuning fluid or process fluids to flow to one of the edge fluid supply or the center fluid supply.
US08328975B2 Window surround for a motor vehicle
A fixed window assembly is adapted to be fixedly secured to a door of a motor vehicle having a retractable window pane. The fixed window assembly includes a fixed window pane having an outer periphery. A division post extends along a portion of the outer periphery of the fixed window pane. A glass run is fixedly secured to the division post opposite of the fixed window pane for receiving the retractable window pane. The glass run is formed from a first moldable material. An encapsulation is molded to the fixed window pane to secure the division post thereto. The encapsulation is formed from a second moldable material that is different from the first moldable material.
US08328971B2 Laminated steel with compliant viscoelastic core
Laminated metallic sheets which comprise an interior layer of a viscoelastic polymeric compound sandwiched between outer layers of metallic sheet may exhibit enhanced properties through modification of the viscoelastic phase. In a first embodiment the elastic modulus of the viscoelastic polymeric compound may be reduced by incorporating voids, bubbles or pores within the compound. These voids which may be introduced by introduction of polymeric microspheres are effective in reducing the internal stresses induced in the laminate by temperature changes. In a second embodiment, coating the microspheres with an electrically-conductive layer may be effective in enabling resistance spot welding of such laminated materials.
US08328969B2 Method and system for curing pipe liners using microwave energy
A method for curing a resin contained in a liner of an underground pipe or passageway by use of a mobile magnetron module. The module navigates the length of the passageway of pipe via air pressure which also keeps the liner inflated. A winch attached to the module regulates the rate at which the module traverses the passageway or pipe. As the module makes its way through the passageway or pipe, the magnetron emits microwaves which cures the resin. Additionally, a thermal imaging camera can be utilized in the module or trailing the module to monitor the status of the curing of the resin in its entirety.
US08328957B2 Electric resistance welded steel pipe with excellent weld toughness for line pipe
In an electric resistance welded steel pipe with excellent weld toughness for a line pipe, the area fraction of minute defects each having a maximum length of less than 50 μm in a projection plane of an electric resistance welded seam is in the range of 0.000006 to 0.026, and the absorbed energy at −40° C. measured by a method for an impact test of metallic materials is 315 J or more.
US08328956B2 Carbonitrided induction hardened steel part superior in surface fatigue strength at high temperature and method of production of same
The present invention provides a gear, continuously variable transmission, constant velocity joint, hub, or other steel part superior in surface fatigue strength compared with the past and method of production of the same, that is, provides a carbonitrided induction hardened steel part made of steel comprised of a specific composition of chemical ingredients and carbonitrided, then treated by induction hardening, the steel part characterized in that a surface N concentration is 0.1 to 0.8 mass %, a sum of an N concentration and C concentration is 1.0 to 2.0 mass %, an amount of surface residual austenite is less than 15 vol %, a depth of the incompletely hardened layer from the surface is less than 5 μm, and a surface X-ray diffraction half width is 6.0 degrees or more, and a method of production of the same.
US08328951B2 Cleaning agent
Liquid detergent or cleaning agent preparations include a) at least 5 wt % of at least one enzyme preparation active in washing or cleaning; and b) at least 0.5 wt % cumenesulfonate, wherein the liquid detergent or cleaning agent preparations are characterized by a good phase stability and enzyme stability and good cleaning performance.
US08328940B2 Apparatus for transferring a substrate
In one embodiment, a transfer robot for transferring a substrate includes a supporting means, a transfer robot arm including a first sub-robot arm and a second sub-robot arm arranged over the supporting means, an inner rail and an outer rail adjacent to the inner rail overlying the supporting means. The first sub-robot arm is adapted to move in a straight line motion along the inner rail and the second sub-robot arm is adapted to move in a straight line motion along the outer rail. The second sub-robot arm surrounds the first sub-robot arm.
US08328934B2 Crystal of GTP Cyclohydrolase Type IB
This invention relates to a novel, bacterial GTP Cyclohydrolase Type IB enzyme, and the crystal structure thereof.
US08328933B2 Apparatus and semiconductor co-crystal
The invention provides a method to enforce face-to-face stacking of organic semiconductors in the solid state that employs semiconductor co-crystal formers (SCCFs), to align semiconductor building blocks (SBBs). Single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals π-orbital overlap optimal for organic semiconductor device applications.
US08328931B2 Hydraulic binder comprising a ground blast furnace slag
The present invention concerns a hydraulic binder comprising a ground blast furnace slag in an amount comprised between 30% and 95% by mass on the binder, Portland cement clinker in an amount equal to or greater than 5% by mass on the binder, and at least one sulphate as activator, characterised in that said slag has the following properties and composition by mass: grinding fineness greater than 4000 cm2/g Blaine glass content greater than 80% SiO2: 30-40% Al2O3: 9-13% CaO: 34-42% with a (CaO+MgO)/(Al2O3+SiO2) ratio greater than 1; and in that said sulphate is contained in a total amount, expressed as SO3, comprised between 0.6% and 4.5% by mass on the binder.
US08328929B2 Cationically curable silicone compositions based on colloidal silica and anti-mist/anti-fouling hard coatings formed therefrom
Silicone compositions that are cationically crosslinkable into hard, anti-mist/anti-fouling coatings, e.g., onto thermoplastic substrates, contain colloidal particles of non-functionalized silica and also: at least one crosslinkable and/or polymerizable silicone monomer, oligomer and/or polymer comprising: at least one structural unit of formula (I): Z1(R0)aSiO(3-a)/2  (I) in which: a=0, 1 or 2; the radicals R0, which may be identical or different when a>1, are each an alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, vinyl, or alkoxy radical, or a hydrogen atom; the radicals Z1, which may be identical or different when the number of units of formula (I) is greater than 1, are each an organic substituent comprising at least one epoxy and/or alkenyl ether and/or oxetane and/or dioxolane and/or carbonate reactive functional group; and a total number of silicon atoms per molecule at least equal to 2; and an effective amount of at least one cationic initiator; and optionally, at least one organic solvent.
US08328927B2 Water-based ink for ink jet recording
A water-based ink for ink jet recording, containing: a coloring agent; water; and a water-soluble organic solvent. The coloring agent contains a phosphate group-modified self-dispersing pigment. The water-based ink further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of boric acid, diglycolic acid, and a chelating agent.
US08328921B2 Dye-based gray ink formulations, methods of making dye-based gray ink formulations, and ink-jet ink sets
Dye-based gray ink formulations, ink-jet ink sets, and methods of making a dye-based gray ink formulation, are disclosed.
US08328914B2 Adsorption box for single distillation column within the insulating enclosure
A apparatus for substantially dehumidifying an insulating annular space (108) is provided. This apparatus includes an insulated surrounding envelope (106), an inner cylindrical device (107) and a partial annular cylinder (100) comprising at least two porous zones. This apparatus positions the partial annular cylinder (100) within the insulating annular space (108) that is formed by the inner cylindrical device (107) positioned within the insulated surrounding envelope (106). This partial annular cylinder (100) holds adsorbent.
US08328908B2 Sorbent composition
The invention provides an apparatus and methods for removing heavy metals and heavy metal-containing compounds from fluid streams. The invention also provides new uses and methods for removing heavy metals and heavy metal-containing compounds from a natural gas stream, or a gas stream produced during the combustion or gasification of a fossil fuel, such as coal or petroleum fuels or oil.
US08328907B2 Collecting plate cleaning using resonant frequency wave application
A system includes a resonant frequency modeler for determining a resonant frequency of a node on a collecting plate that collects particles from a gas flow; and a wave generating device that applies a wave having an applied frequency substantially equal to the resonant frequency to the node of the collecting plate to remove particles from the collecting plate. An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) including the system and related method are also provided.
US08328900B2 Processes for recovering metals from aqueous solutions
Provided herein are processes for recovering molybdenum and/or other value metals (e.g., uranium) present in aqueous solutions from a large range of concentrations: from ppm to grams per liter via a solvent extraction process by extracting the molybdenum and/or other value metal from the aqueous solution by contacting it with an organic phase solution containing a phosphinic acid, stripping the molybdenum and/or other value metal from the organic phase solution by contacting it with an aqueous phase strip solution containing an inorganic compound and having a ≦1.0 M concentration of free ammonia, and recovering the molybdenum and/or other value metal by separating it from the aqueous phase strip solution. When the molybdenum and/or other value metal are present only in low concentration, the processes can include an organic phase recycle step and/or an aqueous phase strip recycle step in order to concentrate the metal prior to recover.
US08328889B2 Efficiency of gasification processes
Systems and processes for producing syngas and power therefrom are provided. One or more feedstocks and one or more oxidants can be combined in a fluidized reaction zone operated at a temperature from 550° C. to 1,050° C. to provide a syngas. Heat can be indirectly exchanged in a first zone from the syngas to a condensate to provide steam. Heat can also be indirectly exchanged in a second zone from the syngas to the steam to provide superheated steam. Heat can then be indirectly exchanged in a third zone from the syngas to provide a cooled syngas and the condensate for the first zone. At least a portion of the superheated steam can be directly supplied to one or more steam turbines to produce power.
US08328886B2 Fuel processor having temperature control function for co shift reactor and method of operating the fuel processor
A fuel processor includes a reformer that generates hydrogen gas by reacting a fuel source and water; a burner that heats the reformer to a temperature suitable for a hydrogen generation reaction; a CO shift reactor that removes CO generated during the hydrogen generation reaction in the reformer; a heating element for heating the CO shift reactor; and a cooling element for cooling the CO shift reactor, wherein the cooling element comprises at least one of a cooling water flow line for heat exchange with the CO shift reactor when cooling water flows through the cooling water flow line and a cooling gas flow line for heat exchange with the CO shift reactor when a cooling gas, which is a burner exhaust gas that has heat exchanged with cooling water, flows through the cooling gas flow line. When the fuel processor is operated, a stable CO removal performance can be maintained since the temperature of the CO shift reactor can be actively controlled.
US08328884B1 Flavored wood pellet
Compositions for wood pellets including grape vine and methods of making wood pellet compositions including grape vine are described. The wood pellets include wood particles, grape vine particles, and a lubricant. The method includes mixing wood particles and grape vine particles with a lubricant, heating the mixture, and forming the mixture into pellets.
US08328881B2 Hair treatment composition
This invention relates to a permanent dye for coloring keratinous fibers comprising: (a) A solution of iron (II) or iron (III) salt; (b) A solution of an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula and (c) A solution of at least one color developer selected from the group consisting of a polyphenol and polyphenol derivatives or mixture thereof. A method of coloring keratinous fibers using the permanent dye is also provided.
US08328879B2 Phthalimides as bleach activators
Agent for lightening keratin fibers, particularly human hair. The agent for lightening keratin fibers contains at least one cationic phthalimide of formula (I) in addition to an oxidant in a cosmetic carrier.
US08328878B2 Yarn of animal collagen fiber and manufacture process thereof
A kind of yarn of animal collagen fiber and the manufacture process thereof, characterized in that the yarn is made of 1-100 WT % of collagen fiber of animal leather, and 0-99 WT % of textile fiber. The yarn of animal collagen fiber is made by the following procedure: choosing raw materials, loosing fiber, assorting, blending, carding, drawing, and twisting, if using the rawhide, the above procedure should add the steps of liming, washing, deliming, tanning and dehydrating. The raw material of the yarn can be the rawhide of any animal, as well as the leftover material or worn-out leather. The yarn has excellent properties, high tensile strength, abrasion resistance, softness, water adsorbent, oil adsorbent, flame-retardant, and can be woven, knitted and braided. The yarn can be used to weave high quality fabric with high count and high strength for four seasons, which greatly broadens the application fields of animal leather, improves the utilization of the leather and provides a kind of spinnable fiber for the textile industry. Therefore, the present invention can be widely used in textile industry.
US08328871B2 Expanding vertebral body implant
An expandable medical implant for supporting bone structures is disclosed. The implant may include an outer member and an inner member receivable in the outer member. One of the outer and inner members includes a tapered surface and the other of the outer and inner members includes a scalloped surface. The implant may also include a locking element disposed between the tapered surface and the scalloped surface. The tapered surface may be movable relative to the locking element to transversely shift the locking element into engagement with the scalloped surface to inhibit a decrease in the overall implant height.
US08328869B2 Accommodating intraocular lenses and methods of use
Accommodating intraocular lenses containing a flowable media and their methods of accommodation.
US08328867B2 Drug loaded implantable medical device
A drug eluting implantable device includes an exterior surface on the device and at least one recess formed in the exterior surface. The device further include at least one sidewall protruding from the exterior surface adjacent the at least one recess defining a channel with the recess into which the drug may be loaded, the sidewall including a perpendicular portion substantially perpendicular to the exterior surface and the sidewall further including a parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion, the parallel portion extending from the perpendicular portion at an angle greater than about 90 degrees as measured with reference to the exterior surface.
US08328865B2 Highly flexible stent and method of manufacture
Preferred embodiments of a stent with a high degree of flexibility are shown and described. The stent can include a continuous helical winding having interconnected struts joined at vertices, and having bridges connecting sections of the helical winding to each other. An annular ring can be provided at one or both ends of the helical winding, and the annular ring can have extensions extending to connect to the helical winding. One of the extensions can connect to a bridge and another extension can connect to a vertex. The struts at the ends of the helical winding can have strut lengths that differ from the strut lengths of the struts in a central portion of the winding between the ends of the winding.
US08328854B2 Cervical plate ratchet pedicle screws
A dynamic cervical plate has a ratchet and pawl mechanism that allows the cervical plate to post operatively shorten the length of the plate and maintain compression between adjacent vertebrae. The plate has an elongated shaft with teeth on one surface and a groove along each longitudinal edge. A lateral plate is attached on one end of the shaft. The plate has screw holes for connecting with the head of a spinal screw. Another lateral plate is slidably engaged in the longitudinal grooves along the shaft and has a spring clip acting as a pawl with the teeth on the shaft. The sliding bar has screw holes on each side of the shaft. The clip is configured to span the screw holes to automatically engage and prevent screws from backing out of the holes.
US08328852B2 Segmented insert for intervertebral support
A spinal intervertebral support implant, for fusion or for dynamic stabilization purposes. A rod, preferably in the form of a screw, is inserted obliquely from the pedicle of an inferior vertebra into the body of a neighboring superior vertebra, through the disc space. The rod can be anchored into the body of the superior vertebra by means of a force fit or a screw thread. A pile of elements is disposed on the rod in the disc space like a pile of washers, so that the compression load between vertebrae is carried partly by these elements. These elements can be inserted through the bore through which the rod was inserted in a tightly folded configuration, and deployed into their washer-like form only when in position in the intervertebral space, such that there is no need for any additional incisions.
US08328846B2 Prosthetic nucleus with a preformed membrane
Multi-membrane prosthetic nucleus and implants using same are disclosed having an outermost membrane that is semi-compliant and limits the innermost membrane and any intermediate membranes that are highly compliant from bulging out of any opening in the annulus fibrosus. The outermost membrane may help protect the innermost membrane from trauma including any trauma before the innermost membrane is expanded through the injection of prosthetic nucleus material and trauma during the expansion of the innermost membrane in response to the injection of prosthetic nucleus material. Also disclosed is a coated membrane which combines the mechanical properties of the foundation layer with the low permeability to the passage of the flowable prosthetic material of the coating. This coated membrane is semi-compliant and prevents the prosthetic nucleus from bulging out of any openings in the annulus fibrosus. Use is made of injected prosthetic nucleus material that changes to a non-flowable state.
US08328842B2 Filter element with retractable guidewire tip
A medical guidewire assembly comprises a guidewire having a flexible tip. A medical device such as a collapsible filter for use as an embolic protection device is mounted on the guidewire. The filter is advanced through a body lumen with the guidewire tip extending distally. A variable thickness guidewire (having a recess or thinner segment between thicker segments) can be employed. At a first location the filter is advanced relative to the tip to a location which is distally advanced from the first location. Placement of the filter in an optimal distal location is thereby achieved.
US08328836B2 Flexible endoscopic safety needle
Various methods and devices are provided for penetrating tissue. In one embodiment, a tissue-penetrating device is provided and includes a flexible hollow elongate shaft having a tissue-penetrating tip at a distal end thereof, and a plunger disposed within the tissue-penetrating tip. The plunger can be movable relative to the tissue-penetrating tip between a distal position in which the plunger is distal of the tissue-penetrating tip to prevent tissue penetration, and a proximal position in which the plunger is proximal of the tissue-penetrating tip to allow the tip to penetrate tissue. The plunger can be adapted to move from the distal position to the proximal position when the plunger is advanced into a tissue surface. The device can also include a biasing element coupled to the plunger that can be adapted to bias the plunger to the distal position. The biasing element can be coupled between a distal end of a stylet that extends through the hollow elongate shaft, and a proximal end of the plunger.
US08328834B2 Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating
An ultrasonic clamp coagulator assembly that is configured to permit selective cutting, coagulation, and fine dissection required in fine and delicate surgical procedures. The assembly includes a housing, a curved blade assembly and a first shroud and a second shroud.
US08328833B2 Long ultrasonic cutting blade formed of laminated smaller blades
An end effector of an ultrasonic surgical instrument is provided, the ultrasonic surgical instrument having a manipulatable structure, a body portion operatively connected to the manipulatable structure and having a distal end, a transducer, and the end effector being supported on the distal end of the body portion, the end effector including a plurality of resonant member elements, each resonant member operatively connected to a transducer of the plurality of transducers for effecting vibrations along the length of the resonant member, and including an operating surface configured to effect tissue dissection, cutting, coagulation, ligation and/or hemostasis, wherein a displacement curve associated with the vibrations of a first one of the plurality of resonant members is offset relative to the displacement curve associated with the vibrations of a second one of the plurality of resonant members.
US08328829B2 High capacity debulking catheter with razor edge cutting window
The present invention is an atherectomy catheter with a hollow head. The head has a window with at least one internal bladed edge, a plunger, and an adjustable angle nose. The angle of the nose can be manipulated by the operator to apply pressure to an artery wall, thereby forcing the window and the window cutting edge up against a plaque target on the opposite side of the artery wall. The position of the plunger can be manipulated by the operator to open or close the window, thereby exposing or not exposing the bladed window edge, and optionally also pinching off dangling plaque fragments. Cut plaque enters the hollow catheter head through the open window, and is stored inside the catheter for removal from the body and subsequent analysis. In some embodiments, the catheter head may have optional sensors, or the plunger may also serve as a rotary cutter.
US08328825B2 Method and implant for curing cystocele
An implant for the treatment of cystocele, having a thin and supple structure, comprises a support body (2) from which extend at least two anterior suspension straps (3) arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S), two posterior suspension straps (4), arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S), and two middle suspension straps (5) arranged on both sides of the sagittal plane (S) and between the anterior and posterior straps (3) and (4).
US08328802B2 Cordless medical cauterization and cutting device
A surgical device includes a radio-frequency-signal-generation assembly including a radio-frequency-signal-generation circuit operable to generate a radio-frequency signal at an output and adapted to couple to a switch-mode power supply and a surgical handle including an end effector having at least one jaw with at least one electrical contact, the end effector including at least one signal input that electrically connects to the output to provide the radio-frequency signal at the at least one electrical contact.
US08328797B2 Blood vessel transecting and anastomosis
Method and device for cutting a blood vessel using a cutting tool from within the blood vessel. A first cut portion of the blood vessel is fused to a second blood vessel to provide a flow channel therebetween.
US08328796B2 Light energy delivery head
A light energy delivery head is provided which, in one aspect, mounts laser diode bars or other light energy emitters in a heat sink block which is adapted to cool both the emitters and a surface of a medium with which the head is in contact and to which it is applying light energy. In another aspect, various retroreflection configurations are provided which optimize retroreflection of back-scattered light energy from the medium. The size of the aperture through which light energy is applied to the medium is also controlled so as to provide a desired amplification coefficient as a result of retroreflection.
US08328787B2 Pain management methods and apparatus
A kit for charging an infusion pump having a reservoir for holding a local anesthetic. The kit includes a first stopcock having an input port, a first input/output port and a second output port and a manual control for selectively coupling either the first input/output port or the second output port to the input port. The kit further includes a second stopcock having an input port, first and second output ports and a manual control for selectively coupling either the first output port or the second output port to the input port. The second output port of the first stopcock is adapted for coupling to the input port of the second stopcock. The kit further includes a syringe adapted to be coupled to the first input/output port of the first stopcock and tubing for coupling the input port of the first stopcock to a source of the liquid and for coupling the output port of the second stopcock to an input port of the pump.
US08328781B2 Interlabial pad and package thereof
The present invention relates to an interlabial pad which is attached between female labia, especially to the pad which can be used together with the sanitary napkin, which has a good sealing efficiency with the labia deepest portion when the user moves and can prevent the chance that the leak of the menstrual blood or the dropping off of the pad is occurred. Further the interlabial pad comprises the absorbing sheet portion facing to the body side upon wearing the pad and the support sheet portion backing the absorbing sheet portion. The absorbing sheet portion includes the absorbent body (13a) which is a stick-shaped or a strip-shaped individual absorbent body and contacts with the neighborhood of the ostium vaginae of the user, the absorbent body (13b) which is a flat-shaped individual absorbent body and contacts with at least of the inner wall of the labia of the user, further said absorbent body for contacting ostium vaginae (13a) is disposed along the substantial center line of the body face side of absorbent body for contacting the inner wall of the labia (13b).
US08328769B2 Pressure actuated flow control valve
A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.
US08328760B2 Occlusion resistant catheter
Catheters configured to minimize, prevent, disrupt, and/or treat thrombus accumulation and subsequent occlusion are disclosed. Such catheters include at least one sidewall cut extending to the catheter distal end that forms catheter sidewall portions that move relative to each other when subjected to a force greater than a threshold force.
US08328747B2 Knee brace
The invention provides a knee stabilizing brace which is usable regardless of a damaged portion of a ligament of a knee joint. The knee stabilizing brace includes a brace body which has a back-side body portion applied to a back side of a thigh, a poples, and a back side of a crus, and right and left front-side body portions, which are applied to a front side of the thigh, a kneecap, and a front side of the crus, right and left support stays for reinforcement, and upper and lower fastening bands for fastening the brace body 1 around a thigh portion, wherein the brace body is fitted around a knee portion by overlapping and engaging surface fasteners of the right and left front-side body portions, four ring-like fasteners are provided on upper, lower, right, and left sides of the back side of the back-side body portion, four engaging regions are set to upper, lower, right, and left sides of the right and left front-side body portions, and first and second fastening bands for patella which are detachably engaged into one of the four ring-like fasteners and one of the four engaging regions are provided.
US08328729B2 Acoustic plethysmograph for measuring pulmonary function
The present disclosure concerns embodiments of an acoustic plethysmograph for measuring pulmonary function of an animal, such as a mouse. The plethysmograph in exemplary embodiments can measure thoracic tidal volume of an unrestrained animal. The plethysmograph in exemplary embodiments acoustically excites the chamber containing the animal and detects changes in the acoustic pressure in the chamber, which correlate to the thoracic tidal volume of the animal. Unlike the conventional whole-body plethysmograph, this acoustic plethysmograph provides a direct measure of thoracic tidal volume. The plethysmograph also can be configured to measure chamber flow (the flow of air into and out of the chamber). Specific airway resistance of the animal can then be determined from the thoracic tidal volume and plethysmograph flow measurements.
US08328719B2 Method of inputting data into an analyte testing device
A meter is provided that includes an improved user interface that enables the user to take a specific action, leading them directly to data input options. Such a user interface could be used to input first selected information, such as whether a test was premeal or postmeal, immediately after receiving a result. Optionally, the user interface may include the ability to add an additional comment after inputting the first selected information. Provision of such a user interface would facilitate simpler capture of the first selected information each time the user performs a test, leading to an enhanced understanding of a patient's level of glycemic control. Designing a user interface to enable first selected information to be entered by a user directly after receiving a result is more likely to engage a patient by making it easy and simple to enter important information. This may enable capture of the information thought to be most pertinent e.g. premeal and postmeal information, enhancing the understanding by patients and their carers of the patient's control.
US08328712B2 Image processing system, external device and image processing method
An image processing method includes the steps of: receiving image data from a body-insertable apparatus having a plurality of imaging units that captures an image of inside of a subject and generates image data and an identification information adding unit that adds identification information for identifying an imaging unit that generates the image data to the image data; displaying a list of the selected image data by the identification information; and switching image data to be displayed in the list displaying step from image data of the one identification information being displayed to image data of the other identification information.
US08328710B2 Temporary catheter for biopsy site tissue fixation
Devices and methods are provided for temporarily maintaining access to a body cavity in a targeted tissue region within a patient's body. One embodiment of the catheter device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal shaft section which is flexible enough to be folded or coiled into a configuration for deployment within the patient. An alternate embodiment includes a catheter device having one or more detachable proximal shaft sections and having at least one one-way valve to restrict fluid flow of inflation fluid to flow to the balloon. After deployment of the catheter device completely within the patient, the opening through which the catheter device is deployed is closed, e.g. by sutures, adhesives and the like to minimize infection at the site. Within a few days or weeks after the tissue has been evaluated for cancer, the temporary catheter device may be removed from the patient. If cancer or pre-cancer cells are found in the specimen removed from the cavity, then a radiation balloon catheter or other irradiation device can be inserted into the patient to irradiate tissue surrounding the biopsy cavity to ensure that cancer cells within the tissue surrounding the cavity are killed.
US08328704B2 Roller, apparatus for molding roller, mold for forming roller, method for producing roller, and recording apparatus
A roller for transporting a recording medium includes an inner layer having a shaft hole through which a rotating shaft passes; and an outer layer formed outside the inner layer and brought into contact with the recording medium. At least a first end surface of the inner layer in a direction along the rotating shaft is located inside the outer layer remote from end surfaces of the outer layer in the direction along the rotating shaft.
US08328703B2 Rolling mill cast roll
The rolling mill cast roll having a shield portion made of multi-component white iron with excellent resistance to adhesion and propagation of cracks, having a composition consisting essentially, by weight ratio, of 1.5-2.5% carbon, 3.0-10% chromium, 2.0-8.0% molybdenum, 2.0-8.0% tungsten, 2.0-10% vanadium, 0.1-0.8% sulfur, up to 2.0% manganese, wherein the manganese is balanced with said sulfur in a 2:1 ratio (Mn:S), up to 1.0% silicon, up to 1.0% of nickel, 0.1% Ce, up to 0.08% phosphorus and a sufficient amount of Fe, is produced by a centrifugal casting method.
US08328695B2 Trampoline and cage ball game device
A trampoline and cage ball game device includes a trampoline frame structure with a spring supported flexible trampoline bed attached thereto and a plurality of support legs for supporting the trampoline frame and flexible bed. A single continuous open ended sheet of flexible material that is folded into four reinforced corners defining a pair of end wall panel sections and a pair of side wall end sections forming an enclosed cage structure. A plurality of elongated corner pipes are attached to inner corners of the trampoline extending beyond the top of the enclosed cage structure, the corner pipes having spring attachments secured to the four corner folds to stretch enclosed cage structure at the end wall sections. A plurality of upper horizontal pipes are cooperatively associated with each of the plurality of corner pipes and the intermediate elongated pipes for attaching a plurality of display banners to the top open end of the enclosed cage structure along the end wall panel sections and the side wall panel sections.
US08328686B2 Shift controller
A shift controller with a first clutch CL1 that connects/disconnects the torque to a first main shaft and a second clutch CL2 connects/disconnects the torque to a second main shaft. A transmission is configured so that dog clutches DC1, DC2 for first speed and for second speed are engaged in a predetermined turned position P1-2 of a shift drum. A linear solenoid valve that supplies clutch oil pressure, a shift solenoid that switches a destination of the supply oil pressure between both clutches and a controller that controls the supply oil pressure and the turning of the shift drum are provided. The controller supplies predetermined oil pressure P1 to the CL2 in neutral, switches the destination of supply oil pressure to the CL1 when the shift drum is turned to P1-2 according to a shift instruction to engage gears and supplies maximum oil pressure P3 to the CL1 in predetermined time ta.
US08328683B2 Transmission assembly for electric vehicle
A transmission assembly for an electric vehicle includes a transmission having an input shaft, an output shaft, and a gear train coupled between the input shaft and the output shaft. A motor includes an output coupled to the input shaft of the transmission. A motor controller is electrically connected to the motor and controls a rotating speed of the motor. A gear controller is electrically connected to the motor controller. The gear controller outputs a speed request signal to the motor controller, and the motor controller controls the rotating speed of the motor based on the speed request signal, allowing smooth engagement between the gear train and the output shaft.
US08328681B2 Method for operating a drive train
A method of operating a drive train of a motor vehicle whereby the drive train comprises at least a hybrid drive with a combustion engine and an electric motor, a transmission, positioned between the hybrid drive and an output, and a clutch, positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor. When the electric motor is exclusively driving, the combustion engine can be started by engaging a clutch positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor. In accordance with the invention, when there is an exclusive electromotive drive and the electric motor is operated in a deceleration mode and, when a request by a driver is interpreted as a desired change from a deceleration mode to a traction mode, the combustion engine is started, by using the deceleration/traction change, in a way that the clutch, positioned between the combustion engine and the electric motor, is at least partially engaged so that the clutch transfers the required torque which is needed for starting the combustion engine.
US08328678B2 Gear train of automatic transmission for vehicles
A gear train of an automatic transmission realizes at least ten forward speeds and one reverse speed by combining four simple planetary gear sets with four clutches and two brakes and three friction elements are operated at each shift-speed such that the gear train has advantages of simplifying structures of the automatic transmission and improving power delivery performance and fuel economy.
US08328677B2 Robust tooth forms for gearing systems
Embodiments provide for planetary gearing systems with ring gears comprising cylindrical tooth forms arrayed from a central axis and encompassing at least one planetary sprocket and a sun gear. The sun and ring gears have cylindrical tooth forms. The planetary sprocket teeth are aligned for engagement with at least one of the sun gear and ring gear cylindrical tooth forms at a contact radius from the central axis selected as a function of the sprocket tooth common involute gear shape, the sprocket radius, the sprocket tooth pitch, and of the pitch, gear radius and cylindrical form diameter of the selected at least one gear cylindrical tooth forms.
US08328674B2 Hybrid powertrain with single motor/generator connected to final drive assembly and method of assembly
A hybrid powertrain for a vehicle is provided with a motor/generator for providing torque to a final drive input member. The powertrain includes an engine, a transmission having a transmission input member configured to receive power from the engine and a transmission output member. The powertrain further includes a final drive arrangement that has a final drive input member, and a motor/generator that has a motor shaft operatively connected to the final drive input member downstream of the transmission gearing arrangement. A drive system may operatively connect the transmission output member and the motor shaft to the final drive input member. A method of assembling a hybrid powertrain is also provided.
US08328661B1 Weighted golf club head
A golf club head having a center of gravity located at a point close to the face and the sole is disclosed herein. In particular, the golf club head comprises a hollow body including a weight lip and face component, and the weight lip extends from the sole inside the body into the face component. The golf club head is preferably a wood-type or hybrid-type golf club head.
US08328659B2 Metal wood club
A golf club head is provided having a body and a face insert, with a slot in a perimeter region of the body of the club head adjacent the face insert. The slot increases the flex of the hitting surface on impact with a golf ball, thereby increasing the speed with which the ball rebounds off the hitting face and increases the overall distance the ball is hit. The slot preferably moves the sweet spot of the hitting face a distance X from the face center of the hitting face. The slot may be filled with an elastomeric material.
US08328646B2 Torsional vibration damper
A torsional vibration damper with a friction device. The friction device is formed on at least one friction surface on two contra-rotationally and oppositely disposed disc parts that are in frictional contact with one another. In order to propose how to determine the initial stressing effect of the frictional action independently of external support of the disc parts, the frictional surfaces are pressurized against one another by means of at least one spring element.
US08328644B2 Asynchronous challenge gaming
Systems and methods to provide asynchronous challenge gaming are described. In some embodiments, a method presents multiple character actions to a first user and a second user of a game, where each of the character actions defines a game action to be performed by a character in the game. The method receives a selection from the first user and the second user that identify multiple character actions. Additionally, the method receives sequence assignments from the first user and the second user that define a sequential order for performing the character actions. The game play between the first user and the second user is displayed to the first user based on the character actions and the sequence assignments, and without further interaction with the first user or the second user subsequent to receiving the character actions and the sequence assignments.
US08328643B1 Crew creation for quest progression
Methods, systems, and computer programs for creating a crew to participate in a mission challenge in an online game are provided. The method identifies quests to complete the mission challenge. Each quest includes a plurality of tasks and each task includes a plurality of subtasks. A request feed is sent to members of a social graph requesting the members to join the crew and to participate in the completion of the subtasks of the mission challenge. The members in the social graph have a social relation with a user initiating the online game wherein the user is a mission leader managing the mission challenge. A distinct subtask is assigned to each member of the crew that responds to the request feed. Each crew member's progression in completing the mission challenge is monitored and status of the mission challenge is updated based on the progression made by each crew member of the crew.
US08328636B2 Wagering game with triggering feature for special event
A gaming system and method for conducting a wagering game includes a special event that is triggered by a progression through a plurality of subfeatures of the wagering game. The subfeatures are completed upon the collection of a predetermined number of items. The items collected are associated with wagering-game enhancement parameters that are applied to the wagering game in response to the items being randomly awarded during the wagering game.
US08328628B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming controller arranged to conduct a game having an overall return to player (RTP) and including a base game and a feature game. The gaming controller is arranged to conduct a base game and a feature game and includes an RTP controller arranged to operate in response to a player RTP instruction to configure a relative contribution of the base game and the feature game to the overall RTP.
US08328625B1 Wagering game machine with a type driven interface
Systems and methods provide a type driven interface for a wagering game machine. One aspect of the systems and methods includes providing a game framework including a game library manager that manages creation, update and deletion of multiple wagering games on a gaming machine.
US08328623B2 Apparatus and method for memorization poker
New apparatuses and methods for introducing varying levels of skill into wagering games that have historically been games of luck or strategy are provided. A card value and suit is invisible or hidden to a player initially and associated with a value and suit dealt to the player. The game enables the player to elect to display the associated value and suit. If the player exercises the option, the associated value and suit is displayed and a poker or blackjack evaluation is made based on the displayed associated value and suit. In various embodiments, the same associations are maintained for a single hand or play, multiple hands or plays or on a long term fixed basis. Associated symbols are also implemented with the game of slot.
US08328622B2 Gaming system with play enhancement icons
A gaming system comprises a wager input device for receiving a wager and a display for displaying a wagering game having a plurality of reels comprised of a plurality of symbols. A controller operates to (i) detect receipt of the wager; (ii) activate a play of the wagering game by spinning the reels on the display; (iii) display at least one play enhancement icon on the display; (iv) cause the spinning reels to stop and the display to display a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game; and (v) enhance the randomly selected outcome of the wagering game in response to the at least one play enhancement icon on the display at any time including at least one of before spinning the reels on the display, during spinning the reels on the display, and after spinning the reels on the display.
US08328617B2 Secondary roulette game
A plurality of gaming machines for paying out award corresponding to a play, comprising an executor for starting a primary game and a secondary roulette game, a controller for manipulating a secondary roulette to determine a winning gaming machine in the secondary game, a display for representing a winning odds of the secondary roulette game on the roulette, and a decision unit for determining the winning odds corresponding to wager.
US08328606B2 Aneroid replacement
An altitude switch limit assembly has two independent limit switches to monitor cabin pressure and back up performance of the auto and monitor channels on the aircraft. The auto channel closes a first switch upon sensing that a cabin pressure falls below a set value, the monitor channel closes a second switch upon sensing that the cabin pressure falls below the set value. A first independent limit switch may be wired to the auto channel and a second independent limit switch may be wired to the monitor channel. Logic circuitry may determine that the assembly closes an outflow valve regulating cabin pressure when either both independent limit switches sense the condition, or when one of the independent limit switch senses the condition and either the auto channel or monitor channel to which that independent limit switch may be wired senses the same condition.
US08328592B2 Flotation device for rescue apparatus and method of use
Flotation device for rescue apparatus includes a support portion onto which an injured person is placed, and a buoyant structure connected to the support portion to provide buoyancy for the support portion. The buoyant structure includes one or more fluid containers each attached to the support portion by, for example, straps. At least one pressure regulating mechanism is integrated into or onto a surface of each container and functions to vary pressure of fluid in the hollow space of the container, and may include inflation mechanisms that enable controlled inflow of fluid into the hollow space of the containers, and deflation or pressure release mechanisms that enable controlled outflow of fluid from the hollow space of the containers,
US08328591B2 System, method, and article of manufacture for cooling and filtering engine intake air
Various methods and systems are provided for an air induction system for an engine. In one example, the air induction system includes an intake conduit and an assembly coupled to the intake conduit which includes a water spray for removing particulates from, and for cooling, intake air flowing through the water spray.
US08328585B2 Modulated deposition process for stress control in thick TiN films
A multi-layer TiN film with reduced tensile stress and discontinuous grain structure, and a method of fabricating the TiN film are disclosed. The TiN layers are formed by PVD or IMP in a nitrogen plasma. Tensile stress in a center layer of the film is reduced by increasing N2 gas flow to the nitrogen plasma, resulting in a Ti:N stoichiometry between 1:2.1 to 1:2.3. TiN films thicker than 40 nanometers without cracks are attained by the disclosed process.
US08328579B2 Shield case and connector having the same
The invention provides a shield case to cover a body, the body having a main body and first and second connecting portions projecting from the main body and lying adjacent to each other along a first direction. The shield case includes first to forth conductive shells. The first and second shells cover an outer circumference of the main body; the third shell covers the first connecting portion; and the fourth shell covers the second connecting portion. The third shell is in contact with at least one of the first and second shells. The first or fourth shell is in contact with the second shell. The fourth shell is provided integrally with the first shell and is adjacent to the third shell along the first direction. The first or fourth shell may not contact the second shell if the third shell is contactable with both the first and second shells.
US08328574B1 Cable connector joint fastening structure
A cable connector joint fastening structure includes a male connector, a female connector, and a fastener. The male connector includes a male terminal body with a male terminal joint, a freely rotating screw sleeve locked around the external periphery of the male terminal joint. The female connector includes a female terminal body with a female terminal joint, and an insert space formed in the female terminal joint for inserting the male terminal joint, and the screw sleeve is screwed and coupled to the female terminal joint. The fastener includes a pivot portion formed at an external side of the female connector, and a locking arm pivotally installed onto the pivot portion, extended towards the male terminal body, disposed across the screw sleeve, and locked to the male connector.
US08328571B2 Connector assemblies having moveable mating arrays and power connectors
A connector assembly that includes a base frame that extends along a longitudinal axis between a pair of frame ends. The connector assembly also includes a moveable mating side that is supported by the base frame and extends in a longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis. The mating side has a mating array of terminals configured to communicate data signals. The connector assembly also includes a power connector that is configured to establish an electrical connection. The power connector is coupled to the mating side. Also, the connector assembly includes a coupling mechanism that is supported by the base frame and is operatively coupled to the mating side. The coupling mechanism is configured to be actuated to move the mating side between retracted and engaged positions in a mating direction with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US08328554B2 Implants and methods for performing gingiva and bone augmentation and preservation
Embodiments described herein are related to fillers that are placed within an extraction site in need of bone augmentation and preservation. The fillers encourage sufficient new bone growth in order that normal jaw bone deterioration following tooth removal is prevented. The fillers create, arrange, and assemble an ideal growth environment for new bone growth to rapidly grow and preserve the original contours of an individual's jaw bone. Further embodiments described herein are related to dental implants that are arranged to provide a scaffold upon which a damaged or missing dental papilla may regrow. The dental implants may include a micro-pattern to facilitate directional cell growth.
US08328549B2 Heating apparatus for fluid flow channel
Apparatus for heating a fluid being injected in an injection molding system, the apparatus comprising a mold having a cavity, a fluid flow distribution manifold, a fluid flow channel body, a coiled heater tube comprised of a thermally conductive wall, a heater device disposed within the coiled tube; the coiled tube having an upstream, downstream and intermediate coiled portions, the upstream and downstream coiled portions of the coiled tube being selectively movable away from each other along the coil axis to cause the intermediate coiled portion of the coiled tube to stretch or extend in coil axial length.
US08328546B2 Auxiliary injection unit integrated in injection molding system
An auxiliary injection unit is disclosed that has an extruder barrel and extruder screw integrated within an injection molding system. The extruder barrel and extruder screw are contained within a mold plate of the injection molding system with a drive mechanism of the auxiliary injection unit being external thereof. A melt stream emanating from the extruder barrel of the auxiliary injection unit is in selective fluid communication with either a melt channel of a manifold providing melt thereto during an injection cycle or with a discharge channel of a melt discharge tube for purging melt. A melt diverter component receives the melt stream from the extruder barrel and includes a shuttle valve slidably positioned therein that is operated to selectively divert the melt stream produced by the auxiliary injection unit to either the melt channel of the manifold or the discharge channel of the discharge tube.
US08328540B2 Structural improvement of submersible cooling pump
A structural improvement of submersible cooling pumps, especially a submersible cooling pump that is capable of enhancing the stability and extending service life, comprising a motor set, an impeller set and a stud set, characterized in that in said motor set, there are provided on the motor casing a top plate, disposed on which is a fan with orifices, and a motor cover having sight holes and cross-shaped ventilating holes that spreads all over the cover, disposed on top of said fan, and a protection cover with a small elastic plate provided to cloak said motor cover which is screw fastened to said motor casing; the lower end of said motor casing fits on the upper rim of the trough of a fixing base, and is fastened onto the fixing hole base of said fixing base; on said fixing base an outlet port and shaft hole are provided, and by both sides of said shaft hole an ingress of water and a positioning hole that permits the screw fastening of another element are provided; said impeller set combines and fastening an upper cover and a lower cover to accommodate a set of vanes, wherein an outlet hole is provided by one side, and a fixing hole by the other side, of an inlet hole of said upper cover; and said stud set consists of a duct pipe and a support pipe, both of equal length, of which the support pipe has female thread at each end allowing it to be screw fastened to the positioning hole of said motor set and the fixing hole of said impeller set, respectively.
US08328535B2 Diffuser restraint system and method
A restraint system (300, 300′, 500) for a vaned diffuser (225) of a turbocharger (100) or other fluid boosting device is provided that can reduce or eliminate losses. The system (300, 300′, 500) uses a structure to provide both a pressure load on the vaned diffuser (225) and a seal for the vaned diffuser (225). The structure can be a fluoroelastomer O-ring (350, 350′, 550). The O-ring (350, 350′, 550) can be positioned at least partially in a channel (325, 325′, 525) formed in at least one of the diffuser ring (206, 206′), the compressor housing (103) and the center housing (102).
US08328527B2 Calculation of downhole pump fillage and control of pump based on said fillage
Methods and apparatus are provided for determining pump fillage, using data arrays of pump plunger position with respect to time and/or pump plunger load with respect to time. In this manner, well operators may be able to accurately monitor the pump fillage and control the pump accordingly.
US08328522B2 Axial flow fan
A fan or rotor design where the surface profile may be configured to desired dimensions particular to a given operating environment is disclosed.
US08328521B2 Ceiling fan
A ceiling fan comprising a disc-like stator provided with a fixed shaft at the center, an annular rotor disposed in proximity to the periphery of the stator, a supporting frame fixed to the rotor and rotatably supported by the fixed shaft; a fan blade fixed to the supporting frame; and a retaining member having one end fixed to the supporting frame together with the fan blade and the other end coupled to the fan blade, wherein the fan blade comprises a root portion fixed to the supporting frame, a blade portion coupled with the retaining member, and an offset portion formed by bending between the root portion and the blade portion, thereby preventing the fan blade from being damaged easily even when it is impressed with a load and ensuring the safety even if the fan blade is broken since the blade portion is held coupled to the rotor side.
US08328519B2 Rotor with improved balancing features
A rotor assembly for a gas turbine engine including a circumferential array of regularly spaced apart features provided on the disk which are each configured for receiving a balancing weight. The circumferential array of features has an angular orientation relative to the circumferential array of blades such that the features are each located at an at least substantially same offset angle from a stacking line of a respective adjacent blade.
US08328518B2 Turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having serpentine cooling channels
A turbine vane for a gas turbine engine having an internal cooling system formed from at least one serpentine cooling channel with enhanced cooling elements. The serpentine cooling channel may include a first turn manifold with purge air discharge orifices inline with a first pass of the serpentine cooling channel. Cooling fluids may be used to cooling the leading edge of the vane and passed through the purge air discharge orifices to purge the rim cavity proximate to the endwall. The first turn manifold may also include a plurality of trip strips. The trips strips may be positioned on the suction and pressure sidewalls and may be offset from trip strips on the opposing sidewall. The cooling system may also include an aft purge rim orifice.
US08328514B2 System and methods for determining a monitor set point limit for a wind turbine
A method for controlling operation of a wind turbine is described. The wind turbine includes a rotor having a plurality of rotor blades. The method includes measuring an atmospheric condition associated with the environment surrounding the wind turbine, providing the measured atmospheric condition to a processor, and determining at least one monitor set point limit based at least partially on the measured atmospheric condition. The method also includes applying the at least one monitor set point limit to wind turbine operation.
US08328513B2 Systems and apparatus relating to compressor stator blades and diffusers in turbine engines
A row of stator blades in a compressor of a combustion turbine engine, the combustion turbine engine including a diffuser located downstream of the compressor, and the row of stator blades disposed in close proximity to the diffuser; the row of stator blades comprising: a plurality of stator blades that include at least one of an inboard forward notch and an outboard forward notch.
US08328512B2 Inner diameter shroud assembly for variable inlet guide vane structure in a gas turbine engine
An inner shroud assembly includes an aft core segment mountable to a forward core segment to support a multiple of vanes for rotational movement relative thereto. A shroud backing plate segment engageable with the aft core segment and at least one fastener which passes through the shroud backing plate, the aft core segment and the forward core segment.
US08328505B2 Turbine shroud thermal distortion control
A shroud suitable for use in combination with an adjacent rotor blade includes a leading portion comprising a first thickness, and a trailing portion adjacent to the leading portion and comprising a second thickness, wherein the second thickness is less than the first thickness so that stiffness in the leading portion is greater than in the trailing portion and radial expansion by thermal growth of the leading portion of the shroud is constrained.
US08328498B2 Component feeding unit and method, and component mounting apparatus and method
In stacking tray supplying for receiving in a stacked state a plurality of trays that are received in a state in which components to be mounted onto a board are aligned, two tray stages are provided rotationally transferably on a concentric circle. In a state in which one is positioned in a feeding tray placement position and the other is positioned in a standby tray placement position, components are fed from the tray stage positioned in the feeding tray placement position. When a component depletion state occurs, the tray stages are rotationally transferred to switchover the mutual placement positions, by which waste of time required to feed components is reduced.
US08328491B2 Fasteners and spacer rings therefor
An axially expanding spacer (10) has respective first and second spacer rings (11,12) with complementary helical ramped faces (16,17) and abutment faces (18,19). By relative rotation of the spacer rings (11,12), the height of the spacer (10), between annular faces (14,15) can be expanded or contracted. Compression springs (20) between the abutment faces (18,19) urge the spacer (10) to its “expanded” configuration.
US08328481B2 Retaining device for vehicle interiors
A retaining device which can be fitted in a vehicle interior, in particular as part of a storage system. The retaining device contains at least one retaining strut with a length-adjustable rod structure and two plate-like supporting elements attached to the end sides thereof. The supporting elements can be fixed to the vehicle walls by a respective adhesive fastening device. This results in a secure support for the retaining struts without it being necessary to brace the retaining struts fixedly between the vehicle walls.
US08328480B2 Winch for cargo-retaining strap
A winch for a cargo restraining strap includes a frame having a base and first and second parallel spaced sidewalls. The first and second sidewalls define respective first and second apertures. A protective wall extends from the base and is spaced from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the protective wall cooperate to define a clevis structure including a channel. A pawl is movably secured to the frame, with an inner end thereof located in the clevis channel. A spool extends between the first and second sidewalls and is rotatably supported in the first and second apertures of the first and second sidewalls. A ratchet wheel is connected to the spool and is located adjacent the first sidewall. The ratchet wheel is selectively engaged by the pawl. The frame, spool and ratchet wheel can be defined from aluminum alloy. The frame can be extruded as a one-piece construction. The spool and ratchet wheel can be extruded as a one-piece construction.
US08328462B2 Safety marker with convection fan
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided is a safety marker with an on-board convection fan for marking areas/hazards to be avoided while concurrently producing a convection effect upon the adjacent, surrounding surfaces so as to enhance evaporation of liquids/moisture thereon. Along these lines, the safety marker will not only mitigate risks by allowing for the marking of an area to be avoided, but also, uniquely, by accelerating the elimination of what is most often the root cause of the risk; wetness on the floor.
US08328458B2 Sanitary clamp
A sanitary clamp for connection to a pair of barb connectors each having one end terminating at a funnel shaped portion is described herein. The sanitary clamp includes a first member having a first semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. A second member has a second semi-circular center portion disposed between a first end and a second end. Said first ends of the first and second members are configured to pivotally connect to each other, and said second ends of the first and second members include a locking mechanism for selectively locking the second ends of the first and second members in engagement.
US08328457B2 Sanitary clamp
A sanitary clamp made of high molecular weight thermoplastic polymer for connection to a barb connector having one end with a funnel formation. The sanitary clamp includes a pair of essentially semi-circular members having a pivotal connection at one of the ends of each member and a locking connection at the other ends of each member. The semi-circular portions of the members are configured to sealing and secure a pair of funneled ends of a pair of barb connectors with an O-ring disposed therebetween. The locking ends of the sanitary clamp includes a ratchet portion on one member and a housing member configured to lockingly receive the ratchet portion on the other member.
US08328455B2 End-connector of select cable for manual transmission in vehicle
An end-connector of a select cable for a manual transmission is configured to allow a driver to perform a sufficiently smooth selecting operation even with small force by ball joint type combination between a rear protrusion of a fastener and a ball portion of a connector pin. The end-connector includes a connector housing integrally connected with both ends of a select cable and having a housing hole formed through the left and right sides, a fastener inserted in the housing hole of the connector housing, with one end protruding through the housing hole, an elastic clip member fixed to the connector housing and restraining the end of fastener which protrudes from the housing hole to prevent the fastener from separating from the housing hole, and a connector pin assembled with the fastener to freely rotate with the other end of the fastener in the housing hole.
US08328453B2 Bipod flexure ring
A thermal coupling includes an attachment frame; a plurality of substantially straight or planar frame ribs extending from said attachment frame, said attachment frame comprising an annular frame ring, said plurality of frame ribs generally parallel to said frame ring; a plurality of fastener rings provided on said plurality of frame ribs, respectively, said fastener rings extending substantially perpendicular to said frame ribs; and plurality of fastener ring openings provided in said plurality of fastener rings, respectively.
US08328452B2 Power toothbrush using a shear thickening fluid
The combination of a power toothbrush and an oral fluid, in which the oral fluid has the characteristic of changing viscosity, depending upon the action of a workpiece element portion, such as a flexible membrane, of the power toothbrush. The power toothbrush has two operating conditions. In one condition, the membrane moves toward and away from the teeth at a speed such that the fluid is liquid and flows easily to and around the teeth, including the interproximal regions. In the second condition, the membrane is moved at a significantly higher speed, in response to which the viscosity of the fluid increases substantially, having a shear rate at least as great as necessary to remove biofilm from the teeth.
US08328442B2 Printer drive train for providing and maintaining ribbon tension
A drive train for a printer is disclosed that provides and maintains a desired tension in the ribbon during transfer of the ribbon between a supply spool and a take-up spool. The drive train is configured to pre-tension the ribbon proximate the driven spool prior to driving the drive roller. During operation, the drive train provides and maintains the requisite tension in the ribbon proximate the driven spool with use of a slip-overdrive assembly. Additionally, the drive train induces a drag on the spool from which ribbon is being unwound with the use of a drag-overrun assembly.
US08328432B2 Fiber optic cable assembly
A fiber optic cable assembly includes a fiber optic connector and a fiber optic cable having at least one strength element, the connector and cable held together by a crimp band. The crimp band may include at least one lateral aperture on at least one end for inspecting the disposition of the strength element prior to crimping to ensure a uniform distribution of the strength element.
US08328417B2 Photoelastic method for absolute determination of zero CTE crossover in low expansion silica-titania glass samples
The disclosure is directed to a photoelastic method for measuring the absolute zero crossover temperature Tzc of a sample of materials (transparent glass, glass-ceramic or ceramic) directly, without requiring calibration against a primary technique. The method involves subjecting the sample to a temperature gradient that generates a stress distribution pattern within the sample. When some portion of the sample is at a temperature equal to the Tzc of the material, the pattern adopts an easily identifiable shape whose measurement allows the calculation of Tzc. Silica-titania glass, which has a low thermal expansion, is used as an exemplary material.
US08328409B2 Method and device for agitation of tank-stored material
A device and method for use with the transportation of materials including holding materials having solids in a tank and allowing the materials to flow from the tank through an inlet/outlet configured with the tank, and agitating the materials by directing the materials into the tank through at least one inlet associated with the tank.
US08328408B2 Lamp positioning device and the backlight module using the same
The present invention provides a lamp positioning device and a backlight module using the lamp positioning device for holding lamps. The lamp positioning device includes an upper arm and a lower arm, wherein a holding space is formed between the upper arm and the lower arm for accommodating the lamp. Furthermore, at least one of the upper arm and the lower arm has elasticity and thus can provide the lamp with resistance against shock in order to avoid being cracked or shattered.
US08328401B2 Vehicle lamp including holding member
A vehicle lamp is provided with: a light source unit containing a light source, a feeder socket having a male terminal conductively connected to the light source, and a feeder connector containing a female terminal conductively connected to the male terminal when inserted into the feeder socket and connected to an end of an electric wire; and a light source unit attaching section on which the light source unit is attached. The vehicle lamp further includes a holding member that is attached at a rear end of the feeder connector, bends the electric wire against a direction for inserting the feeder connector and can be grasped in inserting the feeder connector.
US08328393B2 Light source device having wavelength conversion and separation means, and projector
A light source device includes a light source unit emitting light of a first wavelength and a wavelength converting element converting light of the first wavelength into light of a second wavelength. An external mirror transmits light of the second wavelength toward an emission destination and reflects light of the first wavelength to resonate between the light source unit and the external mirror. A wavelength separating section transmits light converted from the first wavelength to the second wavelength while traveling from the external mirror to the light source unit and reflects light of the first wavelength in order to separate the different wavelength light. A turnback section reflects light of the second wavelength separated by the wavelength separating section toward the emission destination. In addition, the wavelength separating section reflects light of the first wavelength from the light source unit to travel toward the wavelength converting element.
US08328391B2 Lighting module
This invention relates to a lighting module (101) comprising a carrier (103), a plurality of LED groups (109), arranged in an array on the carrier (103), a mesh (105), arranged at the carrier (103), and a front diffuser plate (107) arranged in front of the mesh (105). The mesh (105) has walls, which are arranged in a geometrical pattern forming a plurality of cells (113), such that the light emitted from at least some of the LED groups, which are adjacent to each other, is mixed before passing the diffuser plate.
US08328380B2 Light module for LCD backlight module
A light module of an LCD backlight module includes a circuit board and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged on the circuit board. Each of the LEDs has a wide far-field pattern and is without a reflector, and each of the LEDs includes at least one LED chip and a molding unit packaging the LED chip. The LED chip is electrically connected to the circuit board and is also suitable for backlighting use. When a light-emitting angle of each of the LEDs is at 120 degrees, a light intensity thereof is still more than 50% of the intensity at frontage.
US08328376B2 Lighting device
A lighting device comprising at least one solid state light emitter and at least one luminescent element spaced from the light emitter, a surface of the luminescent element being at least twice as large as the illumination surface of the light emitter. Also, a lighting device comprising at least one solid state light emitter and at least one luminescent element spaced from the light emitter, a surface of the luminescent element surface being at least twice as large as and substantially parallel to the illumination surface of the light emitter. Also, a lighting device comprising at least one solid state light emitter and at least one luminescent element spaced from the light emitter, a surface area of a projection of the luminescent element being at least twice as large as a surface area of a projection of the light emitter.
US08328375B2 Organic lighting device and lighting equipment
An organic luminous means and an illumination device comprising such a luminous means are described. An optical display apparatus, emergency lighting, motor vehicle interior lighting, an item of furniture, a construction material, a glazing and a display comprising such a luminous means and, respectively, comprising an illumination device having such a luminous means are also described.
US08328373B2 Vehicle side mirror
A vehicle side mirror includes a mirror body, a mirror base fastened to a body panel, and a mirror housing, which houses the mirror body and is supported by the mirror base, and the mirror housing has a housing body, which houses the mirror body on a back side of a vehicle and is attached to the mirror base, a cover member, which is mounted on the housing body so as to cover a front face of the housing body, and a reinforcement plate, which is mounted on the front face between the cover member and the front face of the housing body along the front face.
US08328371B2 Anti-reflection structure body, method of producing the same and method of producing optical member
An anti-reflection structure body comprises a base member which is made of glassy carbon and at a surface of which is formed an anti-reflection structure including a cluster of minute projections each having a diameter that contracts towards a tip thereof. The minute projections preferably have an average height of from 200 nm to 3000 nm and an average maximum diameter of from 50 nm to 300 nm, and an average pitch of from 50 nm to 300 nm. An anti-reflection structure body which is easily produced, capable of achieving an anti-reflection effect near to non-reflection, and capable of providing the minute structure even to a member having a high melting point such as quartz glass or the like by transfer or the like can be provided.
US08328363B2 Optical system for projection device
An optical system includes a light source array, a dichroic mirror set, a light converting device and a light guide pipe. The light source array is used for emitting a first homogeneous light. The dichroic mirror set is disposed in a light path of the first homogeneous light and used for reflecting a part of the first homogeneous light to the light guide pipe, transmitting the remaining part of the first homogeneous light to the converting device. The light converting device is disposed in the transmitting light path of the dichroic mirror and used for transferring the first homogeneous light into a second, third homogeneous light. The dichroic mirror is further used for reflecting the second, third homogeneous light to the light guide pipe. The light guide pipe is used for mixing the first, second and third homogeneous light to obtain a white light.
US08328360B2 Retro-reflective light diffusing autostereoscopic 3D display systems
Aspects of the present invention involve novel display screens comprising light diffusion and retro-reflectivity. In embodiments, a retro-reflective light diffusion screen can be used to generate a three-dimensional autostereoscopic display by generating a plurality of viewing windows wherein each viewing window depicts a unique perspective image view.
US08328357B2 Viewing device to minimize parallax
A viewing device usable by a surgeon to make an accurate corneal mark during an eye surgery procedure may be a face or head-mounted device to free the surgeon's hands. The device incorporates a light producing apparatus, such as an LED, that may be positioned to be coaxial or otherwise substantially co-aligned with a line-of-sight of the surgeon's dominant eye, and thus match the patient's line of sight with the surgeon's line of sight. The device include polarizing filters that cooperate with the light to minimize or even eliminate parallax viewing of a corneal light reflex by the surgeon's non-dominant or other eye. Further, the device may also include magnification lenses to enhance the view of the eye as seen by the surgeon.
US08328356B2 Enabling measurement with a handheld eye imaging device
An apparatus and method is disclosed that enables an existing handheld eye imaging device to do direct measurement on images taken from the patient eye. In a preferred embodiment, a reticle is arranged in the handheld eye imaging device so that a reticle image is superimposed on the object image. In addition to allowing the user to make measurements, the reticle superimposed eye image can also be used to align the eye with the handheld eye imaging device, be used for registering images taken at different times, and also be used for finding previously recorded points on the images for comparison purposes.
US08328355B2 Ophthalmic device
An ophthalmic device is provided with a photographing optical system that photographs an eye fundus; an illumination optical system that illuminate the eye fundus; a split target projection optical system that projects a split target for focusing the photographing optical system on the eye fundus; an alignment target projection optical system that projects an alignment target (AL) for aligning the photographing optical system with an examining eye; an observation optical system that displays optical images of the eye fundus; and a pseudo-target display processing unit that takes an observation video signal output by the observation optical system in, detects at least one of positions of the split target and the alignment target in the observation video signal, and displays a pseudo-target on the monitor in accordance with the detected position.
US08328348B2 Heater unit and liquid ejection device
The heater unit includes: a locking device selectable between a locked state in which the heater unit chassis is locked in the printer chassis, and an unlocked state in which the printer chassis and the heater unit chassis are unlocked; and a grip portion. When the grip portion is in a first operating position, the locking device is held in the locked state, and when the grip portion is in a second operating position, the locking device is held in the unlocked state. The operating state of the locking device changes in an interlocked manner with switching of the operating position of the grip portion.
US08328340B2 Ink for inkjet printing
An ink for inkjet printing including a pigment, a water-dispersible resin, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the water-dispersible resin is an anionic resin having a film elongation of 400-1,000%, a tensile strength of 20 to 50 N/mm2 and an absolute value for the zeta potential (mV) of 40 or greater, the amount of the anionic resin, reported as a weight ratio relative to the pigment, is within a range from (0.5 to 2.5)/1, and the surface tension of the ink is within a range from 30 to 50 mN/m.
US08328337B2 Liquid droplet discharge apparatus and image recording apparatus
A liquid droplet discharge apparatus includes a liquid droplet discharge head having a plurality of nozzles which discharge liquid droplets and a pressure applying mechanism which selectively applies a pressure to discharge the liquid droplets from the nozzles; a first wiring board which is flexible and which is connected to the pressure applying mechanism; and a second wiring board which is connected to the first wiring board; and the first wiring board has a pair of extending portions which extend on mutually opposite sides from a connecting portion to be connected to the pressure applying mechanism, the pair of extending portions are bent so that forward end portions thereof face each other, and the second wiring board is connected to the pair of extending portions so that the second wiring board overlaps the mutually facing forward end portions of the pair of extending portions.
US08328332B2 Modular printhead assembly with releasable printhead modules
A modular printhead assembly includes an elongate chassis; an elongate ink reservoir assembly mounted on the chassis and defining a plurality of distinct elongate ink supply channels; a plurality of printhead modules serially arranged along and releasably engaged with the ink reservoir, each printhead module having ink chambers in fluid communication with respective distinct supply channels; and a plurality of spaced apart sets of tubular filling formations serially arranged along the elongate ink reservoir, each filling formation of a set being in fluid communication with one distinct ink supply channel.
US08328331B2 Ink jet print head plate
A nozzle plate for an inkjet printhead, the nozzle plate including a nozzle through which ink is ejected, the nozzle optimally positioned in the nozzle plate. The nozzle plate further including at least one priming hole, the priming hole distinct from and of a smaller diameter than the nozzle, the priming holes positioned at selected locations of the nozzle plate to purge air from the ink jet print head.
US08328326B2 Inkjet recording apparatus
The inkjet recording apparatus includes: an inkjet head having a nozzle surface in which inkjet nozzles are arranged, the nozzle surface being oblique to a horizontal plane; and a cleaner which wipes the nozzle surface. The cleaner includes: a supply spindle and a take-up spindle of which axes are horizontal; a band-shaped wiping member which is wound in a form of a roll and installed on the supply spindle, travels along a prescribed path of travel and is taken up onto the take-up spindle; a pressing roller of which axis is arranged in parallel with the nozzle surface, the wiping member being wrapped about a circumferential surface of the pressing roller; a front-stage guide device which is disposed between the supply spindle and the pressing roller and guides the wiping member supplied from the supply spindle so as to travel in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the pressing roller; and a rear-stage guide device which is disposed between the pressing roller and the take-up spindle and guides the wiping member wrapped about the pressing roller so as to travel in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the take-up spindle. The nozzle surface is cleaned by abutting the wiping member wrapped about the pressing roller against the nozzle surface.
US08328318B2 Printing method and printing apparatus
There is provided a printing method using a first motor that applies a driving force for rotating a roll body around which a printing medium is wound, a second motor that applies a driving force for intermittently driving a transport driving roller that transports the printing medium, and a print head that intermittently ejects ink onto the printing medium alternately with the driving of the second motor. The printing method includes driving the first motor such that tension applied to the printing medium is constant during at least a part of a period in which the second motor is driven and stopping the driving of the first motor during at least a part of a period in which the driving of the second motor is stopped.
US08328315B2 System and method for switching registration control modes in a continuous feed printer
A method enables a printing system to be operated in one of two registration control modes. The method includes operating at least one marking station with reference to a first velocity measurement of a web moving along a web path in response to a first registration control mode being active, the first velocity measurement corresponding to an angular velocity signal obtained from only a first roller in a web path, and operating the at least one marking station with reference to a second velocity measurement of the web moving along the web path in response to a second registration control mode being active, the second velocity measurement corresponding to at least two angular velocity signals obtained from at least the first roller and a second roller in the web path.
US08328311B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
Degradation in image quality due to disturbance in landing positions of satellites is suppressed. When scanning and printing with a printing head which has a first nozzle array ejecting relatively large ejection amount of ink, a second nozzle array arranged on one side of the first nozzle array in a scan direction and a third nozzle array arranged on the other side of the first nozzle array in the scan direction, the second and third nozzle arrays ejecting a relatively small ejection amount of ink with the same color, a printing rate of one of the second and third nozzle arrays located at the front side in the scan direction is controlled lower than that of the other located at the back side.
US08328299B2 Drawer slide and locking mechanism
A drawer slide with lock mechanism has an elongated outer slide member extendably coupled to an inner slide member. A latch arm or pin is fixed to the inner slide member for latching by a lock mechanism fixed to the outer slide member. The lock mechanism uses a latch receiver that rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is in a travel path of the latch arm. A lever arm rotates with respect to the lock mechanism and is positionable to block rotation of the latch receiver in a locked position to retain the latch arm. A motor drives a cam to position the lever arm to free the latch receiver from the locked position.
US08328294B2 Electronic control system for a spinning wheel cover
An electrical control system for a rotatable wheel cover assembly is presented, the system including a controller assembly comprising processors for controlling the relative motion of a wheel cover rotatably mounted to a wheel frame of a vehicle. The controller assembly outputs a first signal to motor drivers, which are mounted within the vehicle separated from the wheel cover, the motor drivers passing a first drive frequency to motor leads for open loop control of the speed of the motors that drive the wheel cover. The electrical control system provides power from an inboard side of the wheel frame to an outboard side via a slip ring assembly having connector assemblies passing through the wheel frame for controlling motion of the wheel cover. The wheel cover is mounted to a shaft of the motor, wherein the motor is mounted coaxially with the wheel frame.
US08328293B2 Shield machine
A shield machine including an excavator capable of excavating tunnels of various cross-sectional shapes, the excavator including: a rotary drum supported at a front end side portion of a shield machine main body to be rotatable around a first center axis; a cutter supporting frame supported by the rotary drum to be rotatable around a second center axis; a rotary cutter head supported by the cutter supporting frame to be rotatable around a third center axis and including a plurality of cutter bits on a surface thereof; a rotary auxiliary cutter head supported by the rotary drum to be rotatable around a fourth center axis; and first, third, and fourth rotating mechanisms, and a swinging drive mechanism configured to respectively cause the rotary drum, the rotary cutter head, the rotary auxiliary cutter head, and the cutter supporting frame to independently rotate.
US08328290B2 Expanded size sludge vacuum tanker
An extendable mobile fluid carrying apparatus including a first frame configured to couple to a tractor. A fluid container is coupled to the first frame and configured to rotate about a pivot device of the first frame. The container defines a closable orifice configured to decant a fluid from the container. A high-CFM blower is coupled to the container and configured to draw a vacuum. A lift mechanism is coupled to the first frame and the fluid container and configured to lift the fluid container to an angle greater than 45° relative to the first frame. A second frame is slidingly coupled to the first frame, with the second frame configured to extend away from the first frame a predetermined distance. The second frame includes a wheel set. The tractor may include a power takeoff mechanism coupled to a prime mover and to the blower.
US08328289B2 Belt retaining system for child safety seat
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a harness belt retaining system for a child safety seat. The system includes a first portion including a first attachment portion and configured to secure to a chest clip on a harness belt. The first portion may be configured to be removably secured to the chest clip. The first portion may include a strap. The strap may include a first end and a second end. The first end may include an aperture configured to receive the second end. The strap may be configured to form a loop having an adjustable size, such that the loop can secure to the chest clip. The first portion may have a first surface and a second surface. Each of the surfaces may include the first attachment portion. The first portion may include a toy or a decorative tag.
US08328287B2 Chair structure
The chair structure comprises: a chair body, including a seat cushion and a back cushion; a fixing plate, being firmly disposed in the chair body and having a plurality of fixing holes; a moving plate, being disposed above the fixing plate, the moving plate having a plurality of penetrating holes; a plurality of flexible members, being disposed on the surface of the top end of the moving plate; a plurality of fixing members, each of the fixing members having a fastening end and a connecting end; and a plurality of lifting devices, being disposed at the bottom of the moving plate, by means of the lifting devices driving the moving plate and the fixing members holding the flexible members, the flexible members being then compressed in order to adjust the flexible supporting forces of the chair body.
US08328285B2 Adjustment structure for chair armrest
An adjustment structure of a chair armrest is provided. The armrest is attached to a chair back through a fastening seat. A releasable fastener provided between the armrest and the fastening seat allows the armrest to be slide vertically and get positioned with respect to the fastening seat. The fastening seat has a guiding groove facing the armrest and the guiding groove is formed with toothed portions. The releasable fastener includes an engaging member for bilaterally engaging with the toothed portions, mutually engageable slanting tooth portions formed on a lever and a driven member assembled to the armrest, respectively, and a screw passing through the engaging member and the guiding groove to be screwingly fixed to the driven member. By pulling the lever upward or downward, the armrest is released to be repositioned or is positioned so that the armrest attached to the chair back can be adjusted in altitude.
US08328282B2 Seat state changing apparatus
A seat state changing apparatus changing seat states between a first state and a second state includes an actuator moving a seat between the first state and the second state, a change detection portion detecting a change according to a load applied to the seat when changing seat states, a determination portion determining that the seat is assumed to be a predetermined state when an amount of change in accordance with the change according to the load applied to the seat is greater than a predetermined determination threshold value, and a determination threshold value changing portion changing the predetermined determination threshold value when an engaging member, which is configured to engage with the seat, engages with the seat during a movement of the seat between the first state and the second state.
US08328280B2 Hinged center bolster for center ISO FIX attachment in a high bolster rear seat
A vehicle seat assembly includes a pair of outboard seats and a stationary center bolster positioned between the outboard seats. Each of the outboard seats has a seatback and a seat base. The center bolster includes a cushion and a back. The cushion has a hinged portion which is movable to reveal a pair of low mount anchor bars associated with the center bolster for securing an associated child restraint to the center bolster. The hinged portion is movable from a stowed position to a support position. In the support position, the hinged portion is configured to at least partially support the associated child restraint.
US08328276B2 Apparatus and method for determining impact on vehicle and apparatus for warning impact on vehicle
An apparatus for determining an impact on a vehicle includes: a load detecting portion attached to an end portion of a seat portion of a seat for the vehicle, and detecting a compressing-direction load, and a pulling-direction load; and an impact determining portion determining that the impact is applied on the vehicle in a case where the compressing-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a first predetermined value, is detected and subsequently the pulling-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a second predetermined value, is detected within a first predetermined time period, or in a case where the pulling-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a third predetermined value, is detected and subsequently the compressing-direction load, which is equal to or larger than a fourth predetermined value, is detected within a second predetermined time period.
US08328269B2 Articulating trim closeout panel for opposing hinged doors
A vehicle includes a pair of opposing hinged doors. The pair of opposing hinged doors includes a first door and a second door. An articulating trim panel is moveably attached to the second door, and is moveable between a deployed position and a refracted position. When in the deployed position, the articulating trim panel conceals an interior gap between a first interior trim panel of the first door and a second interior trim panel of the second door. When in the refracted position, the articulating trim panel is withdrawn from the interior gap, thereby allowing independent pivotable movement of the first door and the second door relative to each other.
US08328265B2 Kinematic arrangement for a cover of a storage compartment in a vehicle
The invention relates to a storage compartment (1) having a pivotable cover (5). The invention proposes that the cover (5) be mounted on a slider member (3) and driven with a constraining kinematic arrangement (15) so that, during opening, the cover (5) is in the first instance displaced with the slider member (3) in parallel and is then pivoted upwards, the cover (5) being displaced further with the slider member (3) during pivoting.
US08328264B2 Cargo bin and side lining walls for automotive vehicle
A cargo bin assembly of an automotive vehicle includes a recess that extends below a floor surface. The recess preferably has a stepped conformation where a first, shallow rim portion receives support members without the potential for interfering with items stored in a second, deep storage portion of the recess. Preferably, the deep storage portion is dimensioned to receive side panel lids from side storage assemblies. Removal of the generally planar side panel lids allows elongated items to be received in the cargo area, and the cargo recess allows the side panel lids to be stored. No openings are provided along the lower portion of the side storage cavity to prevent collection of dirt or debris.
US08328261B2 Pick-up style utility vehicle with expandable cargo bed
A pick-up style utility vehicle having a front seat and a rear seat. The pick-up style utility vehicle includes a cargo bed movement mechanism for supporting a cargo bed movably within a predetermined movement range in a back and forth direction. Also, a seat movement mechanism is provided for supporting the rear seat movably between a use position set to be within the movement range and a shunting position set to be out of or beyond the movement range.
US08328259B2 Structure for fixing end of trim cover
A trim cover having overlapped first and second cover members is fixed to a vehicle surface by a structure which includes a belt-like support plate attached along an end of the first cover member, and an engaging element. The engaging element has a longitudinal base portion and spaced tongue-shaped pieces projecting laterally therefrom. The engaging element extends along an end of the second cover member which positionally corresponds to the end of the first cover member. Fasteners fix the support plate, at both ends and a center portion thereof, through the end of the first cover member, to a surface of a vehicle. The tongue-shaped pieces of the engaging element are press-fitted through spaces in regions between the first cover member and the surface which are not occupied by the fasteners.
US08328247B2 Lock, particularly for suitcases, trunks and the like
A lock for carrying cases comprises at least one block hinged at a first end to a first half-shell. The block is rotatable about a pivoting axis from a closed configuration, in which at least one tab that protrudes on the opposite side with respect to the pivoting axis engages elastically and detachably a perimetric ridge that protrudes from a second half-shell, to couple the first half-shell to the second half-shell, to an opening configuration, in which the tab is disengaged from the ridge, and vice versa. The lock comprises a lever, which is hinged to the block at a first end portion thereof and can be gripped at a second end portion thereof, which is opposite to the first one, for the rotation of the block and the disengagement of the tab from the ridge.
US08328244B2 Split GXR collar front mounted clamp assembly
A sanitary coupling and seal forming system which can be front mounted. Front mounted refers to a seal fitting that can be installed directly behind a coupling. It is intended to be easily manufactured, installed, disposable, and reusable. A two part seal fitting which is formed from two arc-shaped sealing elements each having one of two different inventively designed termini. Each termini are complementary with termini of different types allowing a system which can be opened or act as a hinge. The seal fitting can be axially brought into engagement with a sanitary coupling which bears complementary components. Thus the seal assembly allows for quick connection and disconnection by the sealing assembly.
US08328239B2 Mechanical assembly for securing the structural integrity of a pipe joint
A mechanical securing assembly (40) is adapted to secure the structural integrity of a flow passage formed by at least a first pipe part (41) and a second pipe part (42). The assembly comprises a connecting member (43), a first fastening member (44), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the first pipe part, and a second fastening member (45), attached to the connecting member and adapted to secure the connecting member to the second pipe part. The connecting member comprises a spring element (46) exerting a force pulling the first fastening member and the second fastening member towards each other along a primary axis (y), and thus being adapted to force the first pipe part and the second pipe part towards each other. The spring element is extendable along the primary axis by a compression of the spring element along a secondary axis forming an angle to the primary axis.
US08328227B2 Side airbag apparatus for a vehicle
In at least one embodiment, the present invention provides a side airbag apparatus for a vehicle having a seat with a back rest part and a hinge mechanism. The side airbag includes an inner sleeve forming a separation element defining one of a front airbag chamber and a rear airbag chamber within the side airbag. A connecting passage connects the front and a rear airbag chambers adjacent a lower extremity of the separation element. An attaching portion provided on the rear portion of the rear airbag chamber attaches the side airbag to the backrest part. An inflator proximate the attaching portion injects gas into the rear airbag chamber which flows through the connecting passage into the front airbag chamber.
US08328226B2 Direction changeable stroller
A direction changeable stroller comprises a frame unit that includes a side leg frame and a push handle pivotable between front and rear positions. The side leg frame includes front and rear leg tubes, and front and rear wheel assemblies. Each of the front and rear wheel assemblies includes a wheel seat and a wheel. Each of the wheel seats includes a fixed portion connected fixedly to a corresponding one of the front and rear leg tubes, and a rotating portion connected pivotably to the fixed portion. The side leg frame further includes an automatic direction-limiting mechanism connected to the push handle such that, when the push handle is at a selected one of the front and rear positions, relative rotation between the fixed portion and the rotating portion of a corresponding one of the front and rear wheel seats is prevented.
US08328225B2 Ski binding adaptor with floating heel lock
AT ski binding adaptor for alpine ski touring and downhill, including a floating heel lock assembly and multifunctional rotatable locking arms. Ski bindings are mounted on an adaptor mounting plate, channel or beam assembly that pivots at the toe. The heel lock mechanism “floats” on a rail or rails to accommodate ski flex, and includes a multi-position climbing bar or heel riser. The floating heelblock and locking mechanism are interconvertible for different ski modes: in fixed heel-mode—the locking arms act to firmly secure the heel to the ski for aggressive downhill conditions or riding style, and in free heel mode—the locking arms may be configured to support touring and climbing configurations. The ski binding adaptor with floating heel lock mechanism is optionally compatible with a range of alpine ski touring and downhill bindings.
US08328224B1 Receiver hitch assembly
The receiver hitch assembly includes a receiver permanently attached to the towing vehicle and a drawbar removably attached to the receiver. The receiver and the receiver attachment end of the drawbar are oriented vertically, the receiver and its mounting structure being configured for concealment by the rear bumper or other structure of the towing vehicle when the drawbar is removed. The drawbar is configured to clear the rear bumper and/or other structure of the towing vehicle when installed to the receiver. The drawbar is also configured to position the hitch ball at approximately the same level as the center of the receiver when the drawbar is installed. The drawbar may include a longitudinally telescoping center section to allow the hitch ball to be spaced from the structure of the towing vehicle for clearance, load distribution, or other reasons.
US08328223B2 Attachment assembly for a vehicle
An attachment assembly for a vehicle having a receiver for pulling an object or being pulled. The attachment assembly includes a support member for connection to the receiver and an attachment member connected to the support member to provide both pivotal and rotational movement.
US08328222B1 Dynamic anti-sway, tongue weight-equalizing trailer hitch
An anti-sway, tongue-weight equalizing hitch for a trailer having a hitch ball socket; a shank structured for releasably connecting to a towing vehicle; a hitch head secured to the shank and having a longitudinal axis, a hitch ball with a tow axis on the longitudinal axis; an elevating mechanism for adjusting the relative elevations of the hitch head and the trailer tongue; a leveling mechanism for vertically-orienting the tow axis; right and left spring bars mounted to the hitch head to pivot about opposing right and left rearwardly-tilted stabilizing axes disposed in opposing vertically-oriented pivot axis planes spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the longitudinal axis; and right and left suspension mechanisms tensionally suspending distal ends of the spring bars wherein distal ends thereof are normally spaced laterally and equidistantly outwardly from the respective vertical-oriented pivot axis planes in an equilibrium configuration.
US08328221B2 Displaceable fifth-wheel hitch assembly
A method and apparatus for providing a displaceable fifth-wheel hitch assembly configured to be mounted in a bed of a truck. The displaceable fifth-wheel hitch assembly includes a platform track, a displaceable platform, and an adjustment assembly. The platform track defines a track space therein and is configured to be mounted in the bed of the truck. The displaceable platform is configured to be positioned in the track space and includes a fifth-wheel hitch coupled thereto. The adjustment assembly includes a means for displacing the platform and a means for locking the platform in place with respect to the platform track and truck. The means for locking the platform includes a locking pin that is spring biased into holes in the platform track. The means for displacing the platform includes an adjustment rod and bracket to displace the locking pin from its locking position.
US08328219B2 Bicycle frame and bicycle
A bicycle frame, has a pedal hub connection part and a frame column part. The invention also relates to a bicycle and a method and assembly kit for assembling the bicycle frame and bicycle. The bicycle frame (1) according to the invention has a separate front fork (7) with a head tube (7P) and one or several openable head tube connection parts (5) for openably connecting the front fork (7), and that the openable head tube connection part (5) has an unrotatable connection element (21) for unrotatably connecting the head tube (7P) of the front fork (7) and that the head tube (7P) has a bearing assembly (19) for rotatably connecting the front fork (7) and the head tube (7P) to each other, and that the front fork head tube (7P) is connected to the bearing assembly (19) from the inside.
US08328216B2 Retractable/extendable crank using a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and bicycle using the same
The present invention relates to a mechanical element, and more particularly, to a crank connected to a bicycle pedal or a handle for rotating a rotary body and to a bicycle using the same. The present invention uses a cylindrical cam, an end cam, or a swash plate cam, and the shafts of these cams and a shaft of a pedal or a handle for applying force are equipped with a miter gear (a bevel gear the number of teeth of which is 1:1 and the shaft angle of which is 90 degrees), such that the crank retracts/extends one time per one rotation of the pedal or the handle.
US08328212B1 Vehicle suspension and method
The disclosed subject matter relates to a suspension system for use on a vehicle that includes a knuckle, a first trailing arm structure, a second trailing arm structure, an upper arm structure, and a lower arm structure. The first trailing arm structure and second trailing arm structure can be configured to extend in a frontward direction from the knuckle to a connection at a forward portion of a vehicle frame. The upper and lower arm structures can be configured to extend substantially transversely with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis and connect to a rearward portion of the vehicle frame. The second trailing arm structure can cross underneath the lower arm structure as viewed from a direction normal to a plane defined by the central axis and horizontal axis of the knuckle, such that the second trailing arm structure is located closer to the travel surface of the vehicle than the lower arm structure at a location where the second trailing arm structure crosses underneath the lower arm structure.
US08328210B2 Axle suspension
An axle suspension includes a vehicular frame and first and second mounting fixtures mounted in spaced relation beneath the vehicular frame. First and second swing arms have first and second ends and are substantially parallel. The first ends are pivotally mounted to the first mounting fixture for vertical pivotal movement about a substantially horizontal first pivot axis. An axle is positioned on top of and perpendicular to the first swing arm and the second swing arm. The axle is mounted toward the second end of the first swing arm and the second swing arm by underlying resilient elastomer bushings wherein limited movement of the axle is accommodated about a substantially horizontal second pivot axis. Air spring suspension is positioned between the axle and the frame wherein pivotal movement in an upward direction about the first pivot axis is dampened.
US08328196B1 Board game
The present disclosure relates to a board game with a start point, end point, and a path between. The object of the game is to advance all of one's pawns from the starting point to the end point before any other player. In various exemplary embodiments, the game also includes a sweeper arm that comes into play at the occurrence of an arbitrary and/or random event (e.g., a particular roll of a dice or die), but the direction of movement is selected by a player (e.g., the player during whose turn the sweeper arm will be moved). The sweeper arm moves about the playing board and effects the position of pieces thereon (e.g., sending them back to the start point or changing their location on the board). In various exemplary embodiments, the playing pawns are stackable on one another. Moreover, multiple pieces may become stacked and move as a group, including pawns belonging to any number of different players.
US08328194B2 Machine for processing sheets with a number of modules
A sheet-processing machine comprises a plurality of modules which are passed through one after the other by the sheets to be processed. The modules each have a sheet input interface and/or a sheet output interface, wherein, in at least one of the modules, the sheet input interface and/or the sheet output interface can optionally be coupled to sheet output interfaces and sheet input interfaces, respectively, of at least two other modules.
US08328193B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus has a pair of registration rollers which conveys a sheet to an image forming portion. The pair of registration rollers includes a first registration roller, which is fixed to a registration roller shaft and includes first and second registration roller rubbers formed of an elastic body and third to sixth registration roller rubbers, and a second registration roller includes first to sixth rollers in press contact with the registration roller rubbers of the first registration roller. The press contact portions between the registration roller rubbers of the first registration roller and the first to sixth rollers of the second registration roller are different in length in a sheet conveying direction.
US08328192B2 Sheet thickness detection device and image forming apparatus
A sheet thickness detection device capable of accurately detecting a thickness of sheets of various types. In a case that information about sheets stored in a sheet feed unit is set by a user through an operation unit or through an external host PC, a CPU of the sheet thickness detection device sets a pressure changeover solenoid to ON to obtain a strong nip pressure between a detection roller and a fixed roller, if a sheet basis weight specified in the information about sheets is larger than a predetermined value, and sets the pressure changeover solenoid to OFF to obtain a weak nip pressure, if the sheet basis weight specified in the information about sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined value.
US08328191B2 Sheet material detection apparatus and recording apparatus
A sheet material detection apparatus detects passage of a sheet material over a sheet material transportation path. The apparatus includes: a lever member that is exposed over the transportation path and turns from a reference position when the sheet material is brought into contact therewith; a detecting section that detects the turn of the lever member; a holder that supports the lever member in such a manner that the lever member can turn freely toward both sides in a direction of the transportation of the sheet material at a guide-facing-surface side, the guide facing surface being a surface facing a guide surface along which the sheet material is guided over the transportation path; and a counter weight with which the turning lever member is brought into contact, the counter weight turning due to contact with the lever member, the counter weight being thereafter brought into contact with the holder.
US08328190B2 Sheet feeding apparatus
A sheet feeding apparatus capable of obtaining a sufficient conveying force for pulling back double-fed overlapping sheets to a stacking tray side. A sheet feeding member feeds sheets incoming from a stacking tray which stacks the sheets into a conveying pass. A separating member separates the sheets fed to the conveying pass by the sheet feeding member one by one. A double feed detection sensor generates an output for detecting double feed of sheets fed to the conveying pass. A rotatable member contacts the fed sheet. A driving unit rotationally drives at least the rotatable member in a rotational direction for reverse feeding of sheets. A control unit controls the driving unit when the double feed of sheets is detected based on the output of the double feed detection sensor, such that the rotatable member is rotationally driven in the rotational direction for reverse feeding of sheets.
US08328185B2 Medium stack tray
A medium stack tray comprises a stacking member that stacks a sheet medium and is configured to be wound in a roll, a winding mechanism that winds the stacking member, a regulating mechanism that regulates the stacking member being pulled out to be wound by the winding mechanism, anda releasing mechanism that releases regulation for winding the stacking member by the regulating mechanism.In the stacking member being pulled out, at least a portion of a cross section thereof, in a perpendicular direction to a pull-out direction of the stacking member, has a curved shape.Alternatively, the stacking member is configured to have greater minimum area moment of inertia of a cross section when pulled out, than when wound up.
US08328168B1 Submerged aerator
An aerator particularly useful in the aeration of waste treatment systems. The aerator has a hollow support pipe communicating air to arms having diffuser stones, the support pipe extending upwardly from a weighted base. The diffuser stones are near the ends of the arms. A first pair of arms is lower than a second pair of arms and each pair of arms has a common axis. The axes of the arms are angled relative to each other. The diffusers on the lower pair of arms are angled upward and the diffusers on the upper arms are angled downward. The aerator provides a large projected area for the diffusers as viewed from above, and spreads air bubbles laterally away from the aerator. The aerator of the present invention keeps the diffusers above the bottom at an optimized height while maximizing aeration.
US08328164B2 Pry bar tool for apiarists
A hive tool comprises an integrally formed elongated flat bar shaft with concavely shaped sides having a “Z” shaped portion at one end of the longitudinal axis and a gradually tapered straight edge on the other end. The “Z” shape end thereof is proportioned to slide between the frames of a hive box in the bee space and engages a top bar of a frame. The portion of the “Z” shape adjacent to the shaft provides a fulcrum holding one frame in place, while simultaneously lifting the other with an end flanged plane. A thrust and throw of the lever handle is required for operation.
US08328158B2 Automotive high pressure pump solenoid valve with limp home calibration
A module solenoid valve (14) includes a valve body (16) defining an inlet opening (22) and an outlet opening (20). The valve body includes a valve seat (18) at a distal end thereof. A valve member (24) controls flow of fuel through the outlet opening. A movable armature (26) is coupled with the valve member such that movement of the armature moves the valve member between a closed position and an open position. A stator (38) is associated with the armature. An electromagnetic coil (36) is associated with the stator and armature for causing movement of the armature towards the stator. A spring (32) biases the armature and thus the valve member to the closed position. The spring provides a spring force that is greater than a first, normal hydrostatic force applied to the valve seat, but less than a second, overpressure hydrostatic force applied to the valve seat.
US08328157B2 Electromagnetic hydraulic valve
An electromagnetic hydraulic valve (1) is provided having a valve housing (2) with a pressurized hydraulic medium inlet channel (24), a pressurized hydraulic medium outlet channel (25), a magnet coil (3), and a valve seat (23), with a magnet armature (9) that can be excited by the magnet coil and a valve tappet (10, 10′) fixed on this armature. A valve-closing element (13) is activated by the valve tappet and that blocks the connection between the pressurized hydraulic medium channels for contact on the valve seat. The magnet armature with the valve tappet and the valve-closing element are guided so that they can move longitudinally in the valve housing and the valve tappet and the valve-closing element contact each other with facing longitudinal end sides (26, 27) in a way that is free from tensile forces. Here, one annular, continuous lobe or several lobes (28, 28′) separated from each other are formed on the longitudinal end side of the valve tappet, which span a contact plane running perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of movement for the longitudinal end side of the valve-closing element.
US08328150B2 Mounting plate and cover assembly for electrical devices
Combination mounting plate and cover assemblies for mounting an electrical outlet box on one side of a stud in a wall are provided. The mounting plate and cover assemblies are configured to receive an additional bracket and/or outlet box on an opposite side of the stud. The combination mounting plate and cover assemblies can be single unitary members serving the multiple functions of a raised cover ring, a box support, and a secondary bracket/outlet box support. Systems including combination mounting plate and cover assemblies having an electrical box and a bracket or second outlet box attached thereto.
US08328148B2 Stand for a display unit
The present invention relates to a stand for supporting a thin display unit, such as a liquid crystal display, upright. In order to provide the stand for the display unit in which a quadrangular rubber pad is attached in a not-easily removable state with a simpler structure, rubber pad attachment portions are provided, each rubber pad attachment portion (2) including a quadrangular frame rib (21) to which each quadrangular rubber pad (4) is attached and being formed into a quadrilateral in a plan view, an abutment rib which regulates a fitting depth of the rubber pad and abuts with the rubber pad in a predetermined abutment area is provided in each rubber pad attachment portion, and evacuation spaces (5(5A to 5D)) allowing further fitting of the rubber pad are provided at positions corresponding to four corners of the rubber pad (4) where the abutment rib is not provided.
US08328146B2 Cable tie assembly
A cable tie assembly includes a securing panel defining a securing slot and a strap. The cable tie includes a head, an elongated strap portion extending from the head, and a mounting portion. The elongated strap portion includes a strap body and a distal end extending from the strap body. The distal end includes a plurality of teeth. The head has a securing hole and a tab disposed in the securing hole. The tab is configured to mesh with the teeth as the distal end is pulled through the securing hole.
US08328139B2 Method and device for in-flight refuelling operations using a boom
A method and device for in-flight including movable aerodynamic surfaces boom refueling operations using an articulated boom and a cable is disclosed. The method includes: (a) from a completely stowed-away and retracted position of the boom, the cable is initially released, thereby starting to lower the boom, such that the said cable is kept tensioned during the whole of step (a) by the force supplied by the movable aerodynamic surfaces and/or the force of gravity acting on the boom; (b) after reaching the maximum deployed position of the boom, or the bottom end of the flight envelope of the boom, release of the cable is stopped; (c) while keeping the length of released cable fixed, the boom is brought into a suitable position for commencing the maneuvers for refueling of the receiver aircraft; (d) the manoeuvre for connecting the boom to the receptacle of the receiver aircraft is started by control of the movable aerodynamic surfaces; and (e) once the connection has been established, the transfer of fuel to the receiver aircraft is started.
US08328128B2 Aircraft
An aircraft includes at least three drive units, each of which has a first rotor and a first, rotary speed-controlled electrical motor, suitable for driving the first rotor during operation of the aircraft. Each of the drive units has at least a second rotor and at least one second, rotary speed-controlled electrical motor, suitable for driving the second rotor during operation of the aircraft in a rotational direction that is opposite to the rotational direction of the first rotor of each drive unit. Autonomous means for controlling the location and position of the aircraft are also provided.
US08328124B2 Bar and groove pattern for a refiner plate and method for compression refining
A method of mechanically refining lignocellulosic material in a refiner having opposing refiner plates including: introducing the material to an inlet in one of the opposing refiner plates; rotating at least one of the plates with respect to the other plate, wherein the material moves radially outward through a gap between the plates due to centrifugal forces created by the rotation; as the material moves through the gap, passing the material over bars in a refiner zone of a first one the plates, each bar in the refiner zone having a leading face and an upper ridge, wherein the leading face includes a sidewall of the bar facing a direction of rotation of the opposing plate and the leading edge has an interior angle of between 150 degrees to 175 degrees, and discharging the material from the gap at a periphery of the refiner plates.
US08328118B2 Manual sprayer with dual bag-on-valve assembly
A manual spray dispenser for dispensing a mixture of two compositions comprises a container having a first and second chamber and a single dispensing spray outlet. At least one of the chambers has a separator in the form of a pouch for physically separating the contents of the container from an interior surface of the chamber. One of the first and second chambers contains a first composition and the other contains a second composition. The dispenser further contains a dispensing system for simultaneously dispensing the first composition and the second composition, mixing the two compositions together, and dispensing a mixture of the two compositions from the container under pressure. An aerosol propellant is between the separator and the interior surface of the at least one of the first and second chambers for pressurizing the composition in the pouch for dispensing the contents thereof through the dispensing system under pressure.
US08328111B2 Roadway system for model vehicles with energy-independent propulsion
The invention concerns a roadway system, the system for use with model vehicles with an energy-independent propulsion as well as a steering axle, which follow a driving wire laid directly beneath the roadway by means of a magnet, wherein the roadway system comprises individual, generally two-dimensional (meaning generally long and thin in cross section) roadway segments each having multiple respective connection edges and at least one groove on their roadway side with a diameter to accommodate the driving wire. The roadway system comprises straight, curved, flexible, and special-type roadway segments.
US08328106B1 Convertible transaction card
A Standard Size Convertible Transaction Card Assembly includes a conventional transaction card of standard size and a keychain size transaction card of reduced “key-tag” size which is formed from a delineated portion of the standard size transaction card and separable there-from, wherein the keychain size transaction card contains all readable transaction information required to consummate the intended transaction. The delineation may be a printed line, demarcation, a line-of-weakness or perforation, such that the keychain size transaction card can be separated from the standard size transaction card manually, or with the assist of tools. The consumer can use the Standard Size Convertible Transaction Card Assembly as a conventional, standard size transaction card or separate the keychain size transaction card at the delineation for use as an independent keychain size transaction card. The Standard Size Convertible Transaction Card Assembly has a transaction information medium for retaining transactional information, such as a magnetic stripe, bar code, or computer chip, including a smart chip. The keychain size transaction card may contain an attachment hole or other suitable fastening means so that it can be conveniently carried on a keychain, lanyard, or the like, after separation.
US08328101B2 Camera unit incoporating program script scanner
A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a molding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the molding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card.
US08328100B2 Updating firmware by scanning a printed sheet
Embodiments herein include a method, service, apparatus, etc., that sets at least one integrated circuit board (that has programmable elements) to a programming state. When such programmable elements are set to the programming state, they are capable of being changed. Once the programmable elements are set to be changed, at least one printed sheet is scanned. The scanning can be preformed using any scanner that is operatively connected to the integrated circuit board through, for example, a processor. Again, the printed data (e.g., the barcodes or glyphs or other computer-only readable markings) on the printed sheet comprises the reprogramming data. The processor reads the barcodes or glyphs from the bitmap generated by the scanner, and executes the reprogramming data to change the logical instructions and data maintained within the programmable elements.
US08328096B2 Self checkout kiosk and retail security system
A self-checkout kiosk enables a patron to purchase product displayed in a vending area and carrying a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. The customer exits the vending area through a security portal. The kiosk, a bill acceptor, and a computer monitor, either adjacent the portal or separated there from, enables the patron to complete a purchase transaction prior to exiting the vending area through the portal. The portal includes RFID reading antennas for detecting product being transferred through the portal. A security system responds to transfer of product through the portal without a patron completing a purchase transaction using the self-checkout station. The security system itself is also usable in conventional retail environments when an attendant is present.
US08328095B2 Secure payment card transactions
Payment card transactions at a point of sale (POS) are secured in certain embodiments by intercepting, with a POS security layer installed on a POS terminal, payment data from the POS terminal, transmitting the payment data from the POS security layer to a server security application installed on a POS server, and providing false payment data from the POS security layer to a POS terminal application installed on the POS terminal. The false payment data in various embodiments is processed as if it were the payment data, such that the POS terminal transmits an authorization request to the POS server using the false payment data. In addition, the authorization request may be transmitted from the POS server to a payment gateway.
US08328094B2 Systems and methods facilitating mobile retail environments
An automated system for facilitating sales in dynamically-changing mobile retail environments includes a vendor/supplier connector module, a carrier connector module, a provisioning module, and a point-of-sale (POS) customization module. The vendor/supplier connector module facilitates automated exchange of product data with a plurality of different vendors or suppliers of products or services. The carrier connector module facilitates automated exchange of transportation data with a plurality of different carriers, with the transportation data corresponding to specific mobile retail environments. The provisioning module automatically determines, based on the product data and on the transportation data, products or services corresponding to a specific mobile retail environment. The POS customization module automatically generates re-configuration data for each of a plurality of POS interfaces. The re-configuration data limits each of the plurality of POS interfaces to facilitating sales of only the subset of the set of products or services that corresponds to a specific mobile retail environment.
US08328093B2 Controlling connectivity of a wireless smart card reader
A system includes a wireless-enabled smart card reader able to be connected concurrently to at least two devices and a mobile device able to be connected wirelessly to the smart card reader and to control connections of the smart card reader.
US08328088B2 System for providing information via context searching of printed substrate
A system for providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The system includes the printed substrate, an optically imaging pen device and a display device. The optically imaging pen device is configured for reading coded data from the substrate; generating interaction data using the coded data; and sending the interaction data to a computer system. Receipt of the interaction data by the computer system causes the computer system to: identify and retrieve a page description corresponding to the printed substrate; generate a query expression including one or more search terms; form a request using the query expression; and send the request to the display device.
US08328086B2 Method of authorizing automated banking machine use responsive to user data read from data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from data bearing records, such as user cards, to cause machine user authorization and financial transfers. Account data read from a user card is associated in a data store with instructions for displaying a customer interface uniquely associated with the particular bank where the user holds the account. The customer interface includes user-selectable financial transaction options. The arrangement enables the customer interface of the user's home bank, with which the user is familiar, to also be automatically displayed when the user operates automated banking machines of other banks.
US08328082B1 Medication container encoding, verification, and identification
A medication container encoding, verification and identification method is provided that includes receiving data characterizing a medication, generating an identifier encapsulating the data and applying an identifier to a medication container such that it is automatically readable by a medication administration device and/or a medication wasting device. Related apparatus, systems, methods and articles are also described.
US08328081B2 Method and system for tracking sodium intake
A calculating tabulating system which enables a person on a sodium restricted diet to better regulate the ingestion of sodium for prevention of medical complications. The system includes conversion of the weight of dietary sodium from a standard system of weights and measures to a simple numerical scale, conversion of the weight of dietary sodium consumed to the simple numerical scale, maintaining a running total of dietary sodium consumed in the simple numerical scale. The system includes various devices to aid in the conversion and tabulation process including various mechanical device and electronic devices.
US08328077B1 PV cell mass reflow
In one embodiment, a method for soldering photovoltaic solar cells includes providing a first and second PV cell, a holder, soldering ribbon and a mass reflow oven. The method further includes placing the soldering ribbon in a fixture groove in the holder. The method further includes placing the first and second PV cell in the holder such that the soldering ribbon is position in a desired position on the first and second PV cell. The method further includes placing the holder and the first and second PV cell with the soldering ribbon into the mass reflow oven. The method further includes heating the holder and the first and second PV cell with the soldering ribbon in the mass reflow oven to solder the first and second PV cell. The method further includes cooling the holder and the first and second PV cell with the soldering ribbon.
US08328063B2 Surgical tilt anvil assembly
A surgical tilt anvil assembly including a rod and a head assembly including an anvil plate having staple deforming pockets. The head assembly is pivotally secured to the rod and pivotal in relation to the rod between a first tilted position, a non-tilted position and a second different tilted position. The head assembly passes from the first tilted position, through the non-tilted position to the second tilted position.
US08328062B2 Surgical instrument with curvilinear tissue-contacting surfaces
A surgical stapling instrument including a handle assembly, an elongated body portion, a shell assembly and an anvil assembly. The elongated body portion extends distally from the handle assembly and defines a longitudinal axis. The shell assembly is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated body portion and includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The anvil assembly includes a non-planar, tissue-contacting surface oriented obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The tissue-contacting surface of the anvil assembly is configured to align with the tissue-contacting surface of the shell assembly when the anvil assembly and shell assembly are in the approximated position.
US08328061B2 Surgical instrument for joining tissue
A surgical instrument for surgically joining tissue is provided. The surgical instrument includes a handle assembly that includes an actuator member. An end effector is operatively disposed adjacent a distal portion of an elongated shaft of the surgical instrument. The end effector includes a first jaw member pivotably disposed with respect to a second jaw member. The end effector is movable between a first position where the jaw members are spaced from one another, and a second position where the jaw members are in an approximated position. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a respective longitudinal track. An actuation assembly is disposed in mechanical cooperation with the end effector, wherein actuation of the actuation member causes the actuation assembly to translate from a distal portion of the end effector towards a proximal portion of the end effector through the tracks in the first and second jaw members.
US08328059B2 Gas combustion type driving tool
A gas combustion type driving tool (A) has a cylinder (4) for slidably receiving a piston (5), a cylinder head (8) provided above the cylinder (4), a tubular movable sleeve (15) movably placed in a vertical gap between the cylinder (4) and the cylinder head (8), and an annular sliding section (17) formed below the upper opening end of the cylinder (4) and sliding against an opening section at the lower end of the movable sleeve (15).
US08328058B2 Concealment caddy shoulder holster
A universal type shoulder holster caddy, designed specifically to conceal hand guns of various sizes. This invention is unique in that it provides multiple transport options in a single handgun concealment device. It provides for complete concealment of a gun holster and handgun within an enclosed Concealment compartment. It provides multiple transport methods through its' zipper and snaps detachability feature and a series of loops and a band loop for attaching to a user's belt.
US08328042B2 Vessel port configured for use with a glove bag
A port and closure device for a vessel that is configured for use with a glove bag. The port comprising includes a first annular flange with an opening, a second annular flange disposed a predetermined distance from the first flange and also having an opening, and a seal ring disposed adjacent the first annular flange and having an additional opening. At least a portion of the openings are aligned so that a path is provided through the flanges and the seal ring. A slideable door is included in the port between the seal ring and the second annular flange. The slideable door has a first position that obstructs the path and a second position that is outside of the path. Springs are disposed between the first flange and the seal ring that urge the seal ring toward the slideable door. To reduce contamination sites, the springs may be sealed within an annular interface between the first annular flange and the seal ring. Alternatively, or in addition, a funnel pipe may be used with the port disposed in the openings of the first and second flange and the seal ring. The port may also include an adapter configured to hold a glove bag thereon.
US08328037B2 Bottle cap assembly
A bottle cap assembly includes a mount, a hose unit connected to the mount, a mouthpiece unit and a dust cap. A lug is connected to the mount and the dust cap is pivotably connected to the lug. A tubular portion is located in the mount and has two spiral ribs. The mouthpiece unit includes a rotatable member, a seal ring and a mouthpiece. The rotatable member is engaged within the tubular portion and has spiral grooves with which the spiral ribs are engaged. The rotatable member has a knob and has a passage is defined therethrough. The seal member seals the mouthpiece unit when the rotatable member is located at the lowest position. When the knob is rotated, the spiral grooves moved upward along with the spiral rib and the passage is separated from the seal member to open the mouthpiece unit.
US08328026B2 Apparatus and method for configuring a dual rack-mountable chassis
A chassis having a housing in which at least one card module can be arrange is provided. The chassis is arranged in a first rack horizontally or a second rack vertically wherein the second rack opening width is an integer multiple of the predetermined chassis width. A fan slot and ventilation openings are provided in the chassis to allow for airflow across the card modules. Mounting mechanisms facilitate coupling of the chassis to the first and second rack and include ventilation openings through which air passes.
US08328025B2 Dual surface density baffle for clarifier tank
A baffle system for use in a clarifier tank, having a tank bottom and a periphery and a substantially vertical peripheral wall bounding the interior of the tank, has a plurality of baffles mounted on the peripheral wall of the clarifier tank. each baffle has an upper baffle surface with a lower end and an upper end. The upper end of the upper baffle portion is coupled to the side wall of the clarifier tank wall. The lower end of the upper baffle portion is disposed. at a substantially 60° angle away from the side wall of the clarifier tank such that the upper baffle surface slopes downwardly and away from the side wall.
US08328024B2 Buoy suspension fractionation system
A separator that uses centrifugation to fractionate a suspension such as blood comprises a separation container and a buoy. The buoy is carried in the separation container and has a tuned density that is configured to reach an equilibrium position in a suspension. The guide surface is carried on the buoy upper surface and is inclined to an accumulation position near a buoy perimeter. The buoy suspension fractionation system can be used in a method of isolating a fraction from a suspension, and in a method for re-suspending particulates for withdrawal.
US08328020B2 Holding system for horizontally or vertically stacking framed photovoltaic or solar thermal flat modules
A material-sparing, reusable stack holding system for supporting and transporting framed photovoltaic or solar thermal flat modules.The system consists of individual molded parts, which form stable and transport-safe pillars or rails, respectively, among one another by means of mechanical cogging and with the frames of the modules by means of a locking connection. To date, only stack holders, in the case of which the solar modules are stacked in horizontal position with the use side facing up (“sunny side”), were known.The system disclosed here makes it possible to stack the modules in horizontal as well as in vertical position. In the case of horizontal stacking, the use side can be arranged facing up or down.
US08328016B2 Display package
A theft deterrent display package for at least one article comprises a product cradle having an interior space with a perimeter. A peripheral flange extends outwardly from the perimeter of the interior space. A locking slot is configured along the perimeter of the interior space. At least one self-standing leg extends downwardly from the interior space upon which the display package stands alone. A backboard is defined by a front face and a back face. A locking tab comprises a free end extends outwardly from one edge of the back face. The locking tab includes two angled fold lines used in assisting the free end of the locking tab to be inserted into the locking slot to securely enclose the display package.
US08328015B2 Compressible container for electrode packaging
A container, utilized for the storage and transport of articles, includes a body comprised of one or more sidewalls drawn in a generally longitudinal fashion and two end pieces, disposed distally on either end of the container body. A plurality of ribs are disposed between the end pieces to facilitate inward compression of the container body. In his manner, the container volume can be permanently or temporarily altered to take up the tolerance between the volume of articles and the otherwise fixed volume of the package.
US08328013B2 Paint tool equipment box and kit
An organizer for securely retaining paint tools, materials and other accessories, particularly where tools must be organized in an upright configuration and made conveniently available for a user to access. The device comprises a container with an interior volume, an interior shelf having apertures suitable for retaining paint tools and an open base surface for placement of upstanding tubes for insertion of paint roller and similar tools. The individual components of the organizer may be available as a kit to allow a user to customize any desired storage container, or preferably the assembly is provided in a specific configuration for retaining paint tools in a predefined fashion.
US08328012B2 Fastening element magazine strip
A fastening element magazine strip is disclosed. The magazine strip having a carrier strip made of plastic extending along a longitudinal axis and formed over several carrier segments connected to one another. The carrier segments have at least one guide section with a guide diameter as well as feed-through openings, in which a respective fastening element is positionable. Projections project from the carrier strip to both sides of a plane defined by the carrier strip, and extend from their starting point on the carrier strip up to their free end over a length and feature a first width perpendicular to the length. The projections in the radial direction (as related to the longitudinal axis) project beyond the guide diameter. The projections are configured in at least one direction transverse to their longitudinal extension to be bendable.
US08328011B2 Windshield wiper packaging
A windshield wiper package for containing a windshield wiper includes a front portion having a recess for receiving the windshield wiper, a back portion connected to the front portion for containing the windshield wiper within the recess, and an opening disposed in the back portion to allow loading or unloading of the windshield wiper. The opening is sized such that a length of the opening is less than about one-third of a length of the wiper package. A door is slidingly received by the back portion such that the door can be moved between an open position and a closed position. Complimentary detents and indentations are provided for securing the door in the open position or the closed position, the detents being positioned on one of the back portion and the door, and the indentations being positioned on another of the back portion and door.
US08328009B2 Bottle crate
A bottle crate (10) is provided that is configured to hold a plurality of bottles in a generally upright orientation, and is particularly designed to hold bottles having a variable diameter. The bottle crate can include at least one tray and a plurality of fingers (601) elastically arranged on the tray, such that the fingers are configured to move in response to insertion or removal of a bottle.
US08328002B2 Scoping auger
A scoping auger of adjustable length is described. The scoping auger includes two conventional augers interconnected to each other in with a sliding connection mounting the two augers to each other with their longitudinal axes parallel with one auger section above the other. A longitudinally extended opening is formed in the top of the auger tube of the lower auger section so that particulate material being conveyed by the upper auger section can be deposited for further conveying of the particulate material anywhere within the length of the opening.
US08327987B2 Torque converter with lock-up clutch having a split piston
A torque converter including a housing, a lock-up clutch, the lock-up clutch having a split piston having a radial inner portion and a radial outer portion, and a drive plate connecting the housing and the outer portion.
US08327986B2 Combined power transmission, start-up unit and drive system
A force transmission device having a hydrodynamic component, disposed between an input and an output, comprising at least a pump shell and a turbine shell, forming an operating cavity in combination, with an actuatable clutch device for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a clutch component for at least partially bridging the hydrodynamic component, comprising a first clutch component connected with the input and a second clutch component at least indirectly connected to the output, which can be brought into operative engagement with one another through an actuation device, with a vibration absorber disposed in the force flow at least subsequent to the actuatable clutch device, with a housing coupled with the input or with an element coupled non-rotatably to the input and coupled with the pump shell.
US08327981B2 Ball screw for a motor vehicle brake and a motor vehicle brake
The invention relates to a ball screw for a motor vehicle brake, in particular for an electromechanically actuable motor vehicle brake, comprising a rotatable spindle; a nut that is axially movable relative to the spindle in accordance with the rotation thereof; and rolling body arrangement that is disposed between, and displaceable relative to, the spindle and the nut. In this ball screw it is provided that the rolling body arrangement is preloaded into a predetermined normal position by means of at least one spring element. The invention further relates to a vehicle brake having such a ball screw.
US08327974B1 Sound enhancing apparatus
A sound enhancer for use with a speaker assembly, comprising a sound manifold forming an enclosure having upper and lower hollow interior portions, the enclosure defining an interior zone within an upper interior portion and having an inlet that faces angularly forwardly, and upwardly, a speaker assembly facing rearwardly through an inlet and into an interior zone to transmit sound rearwardly within the upper interior portion, the enclosure having a back panel to reflect sound transmission downwardly toward and into the enclosure lower interior portion, the lower interior portion having a frontward facing outlet from which sound is transmitted forwardly below the level of the speaker assembly.
US08327969B2 Skid steer loader and mounting method
A mounting method for a skid steer loader is disclosed including coupling a first end portion of a component directly to a first wall of a skid steer loader frame. The method also includes coupling a second end portion of the component to an opposite wall of the skid steer loader frame by a mounting system that allows for dimensional differences between the component and the skid steer loader frame.
US08327967B2 Driveline for off-road vehicle
An off-road vehicle is disclosed which comprises a driveline assembly unit operative Iy connecting the propeller shaft to the front or rear wheel assemblies. The driveline assembly unit includes a main housing, a slip clutch torque limiting mechanism, and a wet brake clutch assembly. The slip clutch torque limiting mechanism and the wet brake clutch assembly being housed within the main housing and are coaxial with the propeller shaft of the off-road vehicle. A driveline unit is also disclosed that combines torque limiting and brake functions.
US08327959B2 Walking robot
A walking robot, in which driving structures of a pitch direction hip joint and a knee joint of a leg are enhanced. The walking robot includes a trunk, and a plurality of legs connected to the trunk, at least one leg among the plurality of legs includes a thigh link, a calf link provided at the lower portion of the thigh link, a pitch direction hip joint connecting the trunk and the thigh link and rotating the thigh link against the trunk in a pitch direction, and a knee joint connecting the thigh link and the calf link and rotating the calf link against the thigh link in the pitch direction. The pitch direction hip joint and the knee joint are interlocked with each other and are driven by one interlocking actuator.
US08327958B2 Abrasive compact of superhard material and chromium and cutting element including same
Cutting elements having a substrate and a layer of superhard material sintered to the substrate are disclosed. The layer includes a working surface at a first surface. From the interface of the layer with the substrate, a reaction zone extends into the layer toward the working surface and a binder metal depletion zone extends into the substrate toward a base surface. The layer of superhard material has a composition including chromium or an alloy thereof. Also disclosed is an abrasive compact having a body with a composition including (i) a superhard material, (ii) a metal from a grain growth inhibitor or a metal from a metallic carbide other than WC, and (iii) an iron group binder metal. Cutting elements incorporating the abrasive compact, and drill bits incorporating abrasive compacts and cutting elements are also disclosed as well as methods of manufacture and methods of cutting material.
US08327951B2 Drill bit having functional articulation to drill boreholes in earth formations in all directions
A drill bit is described herein, having a first bit face with a first plurality of cutters oriented to bore in a first direction, and a second bit face with a second plurality of cutters oriented to bore in one or more second directions. The pluralities of cutters enable functional articulation of the drill bit, such that the drill bit can change direction within a borehole without requiring removal of the drill bit. The drill bit can thereby drill in a downhole direction and lateral directions, can back ream through the borehole, and can provide the borehole with one or more oversized regions, as desired.
US08327948B2 Electrical hand tool device
An electric hand tool device, in particular, a percussion drill or a drill hammer, comprises a spindle (10) that can be driven by a drive motor and cooperates at one end (12) with a tool support, and a percussion element (24) for axially moving the spindle (10) in a percussion position, wherein an adjusting element (42) is provided for adjusting the spindle (10) between the percussion position and a rotary position, the adjusting element (42) comprising a switch ring (44) which is disposed about the spindle (10) and has cam configurations (46,48) on both end faces thereof, wherein one of the cam configurations (46) can engage in a corresponding cam configuration (52) which is fixed to the housing through turning the switch ring (44), and the second cam configuration (48) can be brought into engagement with a corresponding cam configuration (60) of a pressure piece (54) which can be axially moved relative to the housing (16), in order to adjust the percussion element (42) to a percussion position.
US08327938B2 Epoxy acid based biodegradable set retarder for a cement composition
Compositions and methods according to the invention are directed to a cement composition for use in a subterranean formation. The cement composition comprises: (A) cement; (B) water; and (C) a polymer, wherein the polymer: (i) comprises a monomer or monomers selected from the group consisting of epoxysuccinic acid, a substituted epoxysuccinic acid, and an alkali metal salt, alkaline earth metal salt, or ammonium salt of any of the foregoing, and any combination of any of the foregoing; (ii) has the following characteristics: (a) is water soluble; and (b) is biodegradable; and (iii) is capable of providing: (a) a thickening time of at least 2 hours for a test composition at a temperature of 190° F. and a pressure of 5,160 psi; and (b) an initial setting time of less than 24 hours for the test composition at a temperature of 217° F. and a pressure of 3,000 psi, wherein the test composition consists of 860 grams of Class-H Portland cement, 325 grams of deionized water, and 0.4% by weight of the cement of the polymer. The method comprises the steps of: (A) introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and (B) allowing the cement composition to set after introduction into the subterranean formation.
US08327937B2 Equipment for remote launching of cementing plugs
An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart need not necessarily be the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.
US08327935B2 Methods of use of a salt solution of monovalent and divalent cations in hydraulic fracturing
A method for fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore comprises formulating a fracturing fluid useful in hydrocarbon drilling having the properties of both a dispersing fracture solution and an aggregating fracture solution. In particular, the dispersing properties of the stabilizing fracture solution are able to act as a dispersing fracture fluid in the clay and earthen materials discharged from the pay zone in the flow-back fluids during hydraulic fracturing. At the same time, aggregating properties of the stabilizing solution stabilize the pay zone. This stabilization property allows the flow of hydrocarbon through the fractures for a significantly longer time than with prior art fluids.
US08327934B2 Acoustically measuring annulus probe depth
A casing annulus is remediated by inserting a hose into a casing annulus, the hose having a nozzle on its lower end. An acoustic signal is directed into the annulus. A sensor in the hose receives the acoustic signal and transmits data from the sensor to the surface. The data represents the acoustic signal arrival time to the sensor, and an analyzer estimates the sensor depth based on the data. The hose is inserted from a reel into a wellhead above the annulus. An electrical transducer mechanically coupled to the hose creates the acoustic signal. The signal is propagated along the hose and transferred to the fluid in the annulus, where it then propagates further into the annulus. The transducer can be installed on a hose roller along which the hose is fed into the wellhead.
US08327928B2 External grip tubular running tool
A method for running a tubular string in wellbore operations according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure includes providing a tubular running tool comprising gripping assembly rotationally connected to a carrier, the gripping assembly comprising a body and slips; connecting the carrier to a quill of a top drive of a drilling rig; positioning an end of a tubular for gripping with the slips; actuating the slips into gripping engagement with the tubular; and rotating the tubular with the slips in gripping engagement therewith.
US08327924B2 Heat exchanger fin containing notches
A heat exchanger fin capable of increasing convective heat transfer by reducing internal conduction along an undesirable direction within the heat exchanger fin itself is disclosed. More specifically, the current invention reduces conduction within the heat exchanger fin along an undesirable direction along the direction of fluid flow because such conduction decreases the performance of the heat exchanger fin. A heat exchanger fin in accordance with the present invention utilizes a plurality of notches within the heat exchanger fin that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow to increase the resistance of conduction within the heat exchanger fin itself. By increasing the resistance of conduction in an undesired direction, the heat exchanger fin is capable of more uniform temperature to along the entire surface area to facilitate increase convective heat transfer in the desired direction.
US08327918B2 Method for the production of a strip made of steel
A method of fabricating a steel strip (1) including a) providing a functional relationship in a machine controller (8) between a slab casting speed (v) or the mass flow as a product of casting speed and strip thickness or as a product of strip speed and strip thickness and the strip temperature (t) downstream of the last rolling stand (7) for a different number (n) of active rolling stands (7) and different final thicknesses, b) determining or specifying the casting speed (v) or the mass flow (v×H) and feeding the determined value into the machine controller (8), and c) determining the optimum number of active rolling stands (7) and the final thicknesses and thickness reductions which can be rolled with them in the rolling train using the functional profiles.
US08327903B2 Manufacturing apparatus of transdermal absorption preparation
A manufacturing apparatus of a transdermal absorption preparation includes an adhesive sheet supplying part to feed out a band-like first adhesive sheet into a runway, wherein the adhesive sheet has at least an adhesive layer comprising an adhesive and a liquid component compatible with the adhesive, a drug liquid application part to apply a given amount of a drug liquid to an adhesive face, and a traveling section for impregnation which is set in the runway after the drug liquid application part, during which the adhesive sheet is run for a period necessary for the applied drug liquid to soak into the adhesive layer without contact of the drug liquid coated face of the adhesive layer with other members.
US08327898B2 Pneumatic tire
An of object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire which exhibits improved durability of a bead portion due to further suppressing compression strain at a carcass ply fold-up portion and, in particular, suppressing fatigue fracture at the carcass ply fold-up portion. Cord distance between the carcass main body and the carcass ply fold-up portion gradually decreases from the bead core toward the outer side in the tire radial direction to reach the minimum value a, then gradually increases to the maximum value b; provided that height Hf of a flange of an application rim, measured from a base line of the application rim in a state where the tire is assembled with the rim and inflated at a prescribed internal pressure, is 1, heights HA and HB measured from the base line to the positions on the carcass main body corresponding to the minimum and the maximum values, respectively, and the maximum height HT of the tire satisfy relationship formulae below, HT≧8.00 1.26≦HA≦2.14 2.43≦HB≦3.75; and a value of ratio (b/a) of the maximum value b with respect to the minimum value a of distance between cords of the carcass main body and the carcass ply fold-up portion exceeds 1.00.
US08327896B2 Split rear wheel assembly for a motorcycle
A tire has a first and second beads mounted on a rim. A first sidewall extends upward from the first bead to a first edge of a horizontal tread face located substantially directly above the first bead. A second sidewall extends upward from the second bead and curves toward a second edge of the tread face such that a curved tire surface is provided between the second bead and the second edge of the narrow tread face. Two tires are mounted on a rear motorcycle axle such that a gap is defined between first sidewalls of the right and left tires, and a drive extends through the gap to the axle. When the motorcycle is leaned in a curve, one of the wheels is above the ground surface, and the motorcycle is supported on the curved tire surface of the other tire.
US08327880B2 Sensor replacement valve
A fluid control system may comprise a pressurized fluid path; at least two sensors for determining a state of fluid within the main fluid path; an isolation valve; and fluid-filled connection paths between the main fluid path and each of the at least two sensors. The connection paths may comprise first sensing tubes connected between the main fluid path and the isolation valve; the isolation valve; and second sensing tubes connected between the isolation valve and the at least two sensors. Upon closure of the isolation valve, the connection paths may be interrupted so that the sensors may be isolated from the main fluid path and so that they may be removed from the system without a need to de-pressurize or drain the fluid from the main fluid path of the system.
US08327877B2 Pressure reducing apparatus
The present invention relates to a pressure reducing apparatus. A diaphragm made from an elastic material is provided in the interior of a body. The diaphragm includes a main body portion having a seat member that is capable of being seated on an inner tubular member of the body, a retaining portion disposed on an outer peripheral side of the main body portion and which is slidably displaceable with respect to the inner tubular member, and a skirt that is retained on a flange of the body. Additionally, by flexing of the skirt by means of an elastic force of a spring, the seat member thereof separates away from the inner tubular member.
US08327876B2 Fluid controller
There is provided a fluid controller having an enhanced vibration preventing characteristic without affecting pressure controlling operations. A valve element 4 is moved with respect to a valve seat 3 due to a change of balance between a fluid pressure acting on a diaphragm 10 and an elastic force of a pressure-setting spring 13, thereby controlling a pressure of a fluid. A vibration prevention member 17 is placed in a disk-shaped movable member 12 which moves integrally with the diaphragm 10. The vibration prevention member 17 includes a casing which incorporates therein a weight member interposed between elastic members.
US08327875B2 Chemical-injection management system
An apparatus that includes a chemical-injection management system. The chemical-injection management system may include a tree interface configured to couple the chemical-injection management system to a tree and a positive-displacement flow meter.
US08327872B2 Apparatus for connecting an external water feed line to an internal water line of a washing machine
An apparatus is provided for connecting an external water feed line to an internal water line of a laundry care household appliance. The apparatus has a housing in which one end of an external water feed line is arranged and a safety valve for shutting off or opening a water line which is inside the housing. The housing has an opening for discharging leakage water.
US08327868B2 Cylinder valve with thermal relief feature
A cylinder valve for use with a cylinder containing fluid under pressure includes a valve body configured for releasable connection to the cylinder. The valve body has a flow passage extending through the valve body for fluid communication with an interior of the cylinder when the valve body is connected to the cylinder. A valve in the flow passage is movable between open and closed positions. A vent passage is in the valve body and is separate from the flow passage. A temperature relief insert is in the vent passage. The insert includes an insert body, a bore through the insert body, and a thermal relief material in the bore blocking flow through the bore until a predetermined venting temperature is reached. The valve body does not contain brass and the insert body is brass covered by a metal plating not containing brass.
US08327859B2 Mascara applicator and method of use
A novel mascara applicator blows air over a user's eyelashes after mascara is applied, wherein brushing of the mascara as it dries results in the appearance of fuller and longer eyelashes. The mascara applicator includes a housing that houses a mascara tube and brush, a fan and a battery. The housing has a vent and is configured to form an air chamber between the housing and the mascara tube. The fan blows air through the air chamber and out of the top of the housing, which is directed at the user's eyelashes after mascara is applied with the brush. The blowing air in conjunction with the upward and outward action of the mascara brush produces fuller, longer, and 200% more dramatic eyelashes.
US08327854B2 Partially erodable systems for treatment of obstructive sleep apnea
A method of maintaining airway patency in an airway of a patient which includes the steps of implanting a device into tissue adjacent an airway, the device having a bioerodable material wound around a resiliently deformable body to temporarily maintain the deformable body in a stretched, deformed state, and permitting the bioerodable material of the device to bioerode to apply a force to maintain airway patency. The invention also provides devices for practicing the method.
US08327853B2 Bistable magnetic holding device
A bistable magnetic holding device, which includes: a nonmagnetic support casing in the form of a channel with a rectangular cross-section; a magnetic core including a base and three legs set perpendicularly to the base, the two outer legs and the base forming a “U”; a permanent magnet in the form of a bar inserted between the base and the middle leg; a coil surrounding the middle leg; a flat movable part; and a return motion and guidance means built into the inside walls of the support so as to allow return motion, toward the upper part of the support casing, of the magnetic core.
US08327850B2 Forehead supports for facial masks
A forehead support for a mask assembly includes a frame connector provided to a mask frame, a forehead cushion support movably mounted to the frame connector for generally linear movement between retracted and extended positions with respect to the frame connector, and an adjustment knob movably mounted to the frame connector and threadably engaged with the forehead cushion support such that turning movement of the adjustment knob causes the forehead cushion support to be moved between the retracted and extended positions. The adjustment knob, forehead cushion support, and frame connector are constructed and arranged such that over-rotation of the adjustment knob beyond the extended position of the forehead cushion support is adapted to release the adjustment knob from the forehead cushion support and the frame connector.
US08327849B2 Oscillating positive expiratory pressure device
An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.
US08327845B2 Inline vaporizer
An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.
US08327843B2 Drug containment systems with sticks, related kits, dry powder inhalers and methods
Dry powder drug containment systems with a stick substrate and at least one dry powder receptacle or container that can be detached or opened to release dry powder in an inhaler. Related inhalers and kits of sticks are described.
US08327841B2 Method and device for determining the location of snoring
The treatment of snoring related sleep disorders require the knowledge of the location of origin of snoring in a patient. A method and device are provided for the determination of a location of origin of a primary vibration signal generated by snoring in an upper airway of a patient. At least two sensors are used to respectively detect the primary vibration signal and to generate respective intermediate signals. The sensors are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the patient's neck. The respective intermediate signals are processed to generate an output signal. The output signal is indicative of the location of origin.
US08327839B2 Air instrumentation system for concentrated solar power generation systems
An air quality instrumentation system for a concentrated solar power generation system using a fluid heat transfer medium includes a pipe, a window and a spectroscope. The pipe extends from the concentrated solar power generation system and contains system air from within the concentrated solar power generation system. The window is positioned within the pipe to permit light to pass through the pipe and the system air. The spectroscope is positioned adjacent the window to assess concentration of a constituent within the system air, the concentration of the constituent providing an indication of an operating condition of the concentrated solar power generation system.
US08327836B2 Bicentric direct vent terminal
A combined air intake and combustion gas vent terminal is provided for engagement with at least one of a pair of pipes extending horizontally and being spaced apart to accommodate the inward flow of combustion air and the outwardly flow of exhaust air from a furnace. The terminal assembly is installed entirely outside of the building and has a stepped structure for engaging the pipes such that it can accommodate different sized pipes.
US08327834B1 Campfire smokestack and method
A campfire smokestack comprising an elongated metal tube whose lower end is anchored in a fire pit, for example by burying it in the ground, prior to making a fire, or by placing it into an existing fire. The tube has an open upper end, and its sidewall is perforated over some portion of its length with draft openings, at least some of which are at campfire height such that the fire is built against or adjacent these lower draft openings to permit radial drafting of air directly through the fire into the tube. The fire is accordingly built and burned around or against the lower end of the tube, rather than within or underneath the tube. The smokestack may be used with both natural and manmade fire pits.
US08327832B2 Paper launching apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for throwing or launching paper or other material. The apparatus may be configured engage with a roll of paper or other material, and/or to impart a spin on the roll of paper or other material upon release of the roll. This spin can cause the paper or other material to unroll as it is released from the apparatus.
US08327830B2 Fuel vapor processing apparatus
A fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a purge air supply device including separation device that can separate gas, which is introduced from within a fuel tank, into a fuel component and an air component. The air component is supplied into a canister for purging the canister.
US08327827B2 Fuel-injected engine and method of assembly thereof
An internal combustion engine is disclosed, having at least one combustion chamber disposed in an engine casing. At least one fuel injector is mounted to the engine casing for supplying fuel to the at least one combustion chamber. The at least one fuel injector has at least one fuel supply inlet. A fuel supply assembly is mounted to the at least one fuel injector. The assembly is mounted adjacent to the at least one fuel injector for supplying the fuel to the fuel injector. The assembly has at least one fuel supply outlet. The assembly is mounted to the at least one fuel injector by a cooperative fit, such that the at least one fuel supply inlet and the at least one fuel supply outlet align in a sealed relationship to allow fluid communication therebetween. A method of assembling an engine is also disclosed.
US08327809B2 Tri-sector regenerative oxidant preheater for oxy-fired pulverized coal combustion
A tri-sector regenerative oxidant preheater apparatus, method and arrangement for utilization with oxy-fired pulverized coal combustion power plants. The preheater includes a stationary housing and a rotor rotatably mounted in the housing. Sector plates are located at the axial ends of the rotor and divide the preheater into a flue gas sector, two primary oxidant sectors, and a secondary oxidant sector interposed between the two primary oxidant sectors. A primary oxidant fan is located downstream of the preheater to create a negative environment in the primary oxidant sectors. During operation of the preheater, the environments of the two primary oxidant sectors and the flue gas sector are at about the same negative pressure, and thus there is very limited leakage between the oxidant side and the flue gas side of the preheater. The environment of the secondary oxidant sector is at a positive pressure and leakage to the negative environment of the primary oxidant sectors will be that of secondary oxidant to primary oxidant with no loss secondary oxidant to the gas side of the preheater.
US08327802B2 Animal litter box
An animal litter box includes: an upper container, which having an upper opening for animals to come in and out, and a bottom portion, which allows fluid to pass through and over which particulate matter is spread; and a lower container having a lower opening provided below the bottom portion, and a holding portion for disposing a fluid absorbing sheet container in which the fluid absorbing sheet which absorbs fluid passing through the bottom portion is laid, wherein a fitting portion for fitting to an edge of a lower opening of the lower container is provided at a side or bottom of the upper container. The fitting portion is preferably a stepped portion or a concave portion.
US08327800B2 Portable livestock feeder with bottom dumping and adjustable width troughs
A portable livestock feeder has a frame supported by a plurality of wheels with a trailer hitch at one end. First and second feed troughs are positioned on each side of a longitudinal center of the frame with racks positioned above the troughs. The feed troughs are supported at their front ends by a first pair of pin members and at their rear ends by a second pair of pin members. The feed troughs are pivotable by a hydraulic mechanism about the pin members between a normal feeding position and a bottom dumping position. One of the pin members is movable between first and second stops that limit lateral movement of the feed troughs toward and away from the longitudinal center of the feeder. An adjustable cam member is arranged to engage another one of the pin members for causing the troughs to move between narrow and wide width settings.
US08327798B2 Methods and compositions for increasing the hatchability of hatchery eggs
A method of hatching of hatchery eggs that includes: (a) treating the egg shell surface with a coating composition comprising a coating agent, to form a coating on the surface of the egg's shell; and (b) incubating the egg under conditions to cause hatching to occur. The hatching yield of the hatchery eggs is improved as compared to control eggs not treated as defined in (a). Also discloses is a composition for treating of hatchery eggs prior to incubation. The composition includes a coating agent, and the composition improves the hatching yield of hatchery eggs.
US08327796B2 Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method
Provided is a plasma processing apparatus having a coaxial waveguide structure in which characteristic impedance of an input side and characteristic impedance of an output side are different. A microwave plasma processing apparatus, which plasma-processes a substrate by exciting a gas by using a microwave, includes: a processing container; a microwave source, which outputs a microwave, a first coaxial waveguide, which transmits the microwave output from the microwave source; and a dielectric plate, which is adjacent to the first coaxial waveguide while facing an inner side of the processing container, and emits the microwave transmitted from the first coaxial waveguide into the processing container. A thickness ratio between an inner conductor and an outer conductor of the first coaxial waveguide is not uniform along a longitudinal direction.
US08327784B2 Apparatus for generating and distributing compressed air for reducing drag
The invention is an apparatus and method for reducing the drag that a vessel hull experiences when moving through the water by interposing air bubbles between the hull and the stream of water that the vessel is moving through. The invention delivers compressed air to the bottom of the vessel without the need for a high energy air compressor.
US08327782B2 Device for driving movement of a piece of cloth to be embroidered
A device for driving movement of a piece of cloth to be embroidered includes a driving unit for driving a mounting seat to move relative to a base unit. A cloth-holding frame device holds tensionally the piece of cloth between inner and outer frames, and includes an identification module mounted to a connecting block of the outer frame that is mounted detachably to mounting seat for generating an identification output corresponding to an embroidery area defined in the cloth-holding frame device. When the connecting block is connected to the mounting seat, the identification module is coupled to a control unit via a connecting port of the mounting seat. The control unit controls the driving unit based on the identification output from the identification module so that embroidery operation is performed on the piece of cloth disposed within the embroidery area in the cloth-holding frame device.
US08327759B2 Strap exchanger for a strapping system
A strapping system includes a strap exchanger that is capable of delivering one or more straps to a component of the strapping system. The strap exchanger feeds a strap to a downstream component of the strapping system. A track assembly receives the strap and uses that strap to bundle product. The strap exchanger is capable of repeatedly delivering straps to the strapping system to reduce, limit, or substantially eliminate downtime associated with manually loading straps into the strapping system.
US08327749B2 Firearm receiver with ambidextrous functionality
Embodiments of the present invention provide firearm receiver with ambidextrous features. Some of these features include a bolt-locking mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to clear jams while maintaining hold of a firing grip. The bolt-locking mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a bolt-catch device in response to activation of a magazine release button on a firearm receiver. Other features include an ambidextrous magazine release mechanism on a firearm receiver that is configured to allow an operator to release an inserted magazine while maintaining hold of a firing grip with either hand. The magazine release mechanism may include a linking mechanism configured to manipulate a magazine catch device in response to activation of either a right-handed magazine release button or a left-handed magazine release lever that pivots on an external fulcrum on a firearm receiver.
US08327746B2 Wellbore perforating devices
Wellbore perforating devices are disclosed. In one example, a wellbore perforating device includes a plurality of shaped charges and a holder that holds the plurality of shaped charges so that upon detonation the charges intersect a common plane extending transversely to the holder.
US08327744B2 Table saw with reset mechanism
A power tool in one embodiment includes a swing arm movable along a swing arm path between an upper first swing arm position and a lower second swing arm position, a latch hold mechanism movable between a first latch hold position adjacent to the swing path and a second latch hold position whereat at least a portion of the latch hold mechanism is within the swing path, an actuator configured to force the swing arm assembly away from the first swing arm position and toward the second swing arm position, a swing arm reset configured to pivot the swing arm from the second swing arm position to the first swing arm position, a latch hold reset configured to pivot the latch hold mechanism from the second latch hold position to the first latch hold position, and a control system configured to control the actuator.
US08327738B2 Composite transmission housing with discontinuous fiber preforms
A composite transmission housing includes resin transfer molding or vacuum assisted resin transfer molding manufacturing processes combined with discontinuous fiber preforms. The preforms are assembled in a prepared injection and cure mold with additional details and fillers. The preforms are constructed such that the preforms are assembled into the mold in a specific order to assure proper arrangement. Using a combination of vacuum and pressure, a resin is injected into the mold to completely infuse the assembled preforms. At completion, the mold is heated to the resin cure temperature and held at this temperature for sufficient time to insure complete cure.
US08327732B2 Actuating device having a selector lever actuator
An actuating device for selecting shift positions of a shift-by-wire gear shifting transmission. The actuating device comprises a selector lever that may be moved between at least a drive position and a parking lock position, the lever having stable selector lever settings, and a locking device for locking the selector lever in the parking lock position. The locking device comprises an actuator device such that the selector lever may be moved from the drive position into the park position by way of the locking and actuator devices. The actuating device makes it possible that the position of the selector lever of the actuating device matches the actual shifting state of the transmission at all times, and thereby offers reliable optical and tactile feedback for the driver of the actual shifting state of the transmission and may also serve as a mechanical emergency actuator for the parking lock.
US08327731B2 Rack bar supporting device of steering apparatus for vehicle
Disclosed is a rack bar supporting device of a steering apparatus for a vehicle which can prevent rattle noise generated due to clearance increase caused by the wearing of a rack bar and a support yoke in an endurance driving of a vehicle and maintain a uniform clearance between the rack bar and the support yoke after an endurance driving, thereby transferring stable steering force.
US08327725B2 Sample collection container, sample collection apparatus, and sample collection method in supercritical fluid system
There is provided a sample collection container, a sample collection apparatus, and a sample collection method used in a supercritical fluid system capable of collecting a multi-constituent sample contained in a supercritical fluid at low cost and high collection efficiency. The pressure of a supercritical fluid containing a sample is reduced to a pressure close to the atmospheric pressure, and the depressurized supercritical fluid is forced to undergo adiabatic expansion to form gas-phase CO2 containing a liquid component in the form of aerosol. The gas-phase CO2 is fractionated for each constituent of the contained sample, transferred to a probe 60 of Liquid Handler, and dispensed into a large number of collection vials 300 under the atmospheric pressure, each of which is provided with a vial cap 100. The aerosol-containing gas-phase CO2 is sprayed through the tip of an introduction tube 210 provided in each of the vial cap 100 in a direction downwardly-inclined from the tangential direction along an inner circumferential surface 308 of the corresponding collection vial 300, and swirls and falls in the collection vial 300. In this process, the liquid component containing the sample collides with the inner circumferential surface 308 and is trapped thereon, whereas the gas-phase CO2 is discharged out of a discharge hole 109 in the vial cap 100.
US08327723B2 On-board device for a bicycle for measuring forces and bicycle equipped with such a measuring device
The measuring device is intended to measure forces on a bicycle pedal (1) mounted to rotate on a pedal spindle (2) fixed at the free end of a crankset crankarm (6). The device includes force sensors positioned on the pedal spindle and able to detect the force directed perpendicularly to the pedal spindle and to supply a signal dependent on the force detected, and electronic elements able to process the signals received from the sensors. Some of the electronic elements are incorporated in an electronic card (23) powered by a stand-alone energy source and to which is fixed a male connecting member (24) able to pass through a fixing hole (5) of the pedal spindle (2) on the crankarm (6) in order to cooperate with a female connecting member provided in the end of the pedal spindle. The electronic card forms with the male connecting member an easily detachable assembly.
US08327714B2 Pressure gauge with pressure gauge assembly and connecting assembly
A pressure gauge comprises a pressure gauge assembly and a connecting assembly. The pressure gauge assembly includes a measuring pressure port for the pressure to be measured and the connecting assembly includes a pressure measuring port. The pressure gauge assembly is adapted to be connected to the connecting assembly. In order to permit a relative rotation between the pressure gauge assembly and the connecting assembly, the pressure gauge assembly and/or the connecting assembly supports at least one annular passage section connecting the measuring pressure port to the pressure measuring port.
US08327701B2 Impeller assembly mounting structure of vane anemometer
A vane anemometer includes an anemometer body forming a receiving chamber that has a side wall forming retention slots for receiving and retaining therein an impeller assembly. The impeller assembly includes an upper cage forming retention tabs and coupling slots, a lower case forming coupling tabs and notches, and an impeller set rotatably supported between the upper cage and the lower case. Each coupling tab of the lower case forms a coupling pawl engageable with each coupling slot of the upper cage to couple the upper cage and the lower case together. The retention tabs of the upper cage are received in the notches of the lower case and each includes a retention nub, whereby the retention tabs form engagement with the retention slots of the receiving chamber of the anemometer body to easily mount the impeller assembly to the anemometer body in a secure manner.
US08327700B2 Housing fastener on snap-in valve
A device for measuring tire pressure in a pneumatic tire of a motor vehicle using a sensor on the rim well of a rim which accommodates a tire valve for the pneumatic tire and a receiver outside of the pneumatic tire being assigned to the sensor, wherein an electronics housing or signal housing assigned to the rim well is connected to the tire valve, said housing containing transmission electronics as the tire pressure sensor, and is connected to the tire valve by a fastening element substantially in the region of the valve base part.
US08327699B2 Factory steering rack centering using electric power steering system
A method is provided for centering a steering rack in an automotive vehicle, particularly a vehicle that includes an electric power steering (EPS) system. The centering method includes locating a center by using an electric motor of the EPS system. The method includes temporarily locking the steering rack in place and subsequently installing a steering wheel to a steering column after the locating step. The method further includes operatively communicating with an on-board processor or ECU of the automotive vehicle and running a program to determine or locate the center of the rack. The method may also include detecting the first and second ends of the rack when at least one of a velocity of the electric motor reaches zero, a current of the electric motor reaches a preselected level, and steering angle of the electric motor stabilizes.
US08327697B2 Wheel speed sensing system and method
An improved speed sensing system is disclosed for a machine, such as a truck, that has an axle with an end and an axis. The machine further includes a sensor non-rotatably coupled to the end of the axle and coaxial with the axis. A wheel hub is rotatably coupled to the axle and a wheel cover is coupled to the wheel hub. The machine further includes a magnet coaxially disposed with the axis and coupled to the wheel cover for rotation about the axis as the wheel rotates. The sensor generates signals based on the rotational speed of the magnet and the wheel. For non-rotating axles that are solid or include solid spindles, a passageway for a communication line between the sensor and electronic control module (ECM) may be easily drilled thereby making the disclosed system easy to add to an existing machine or vehicle.
US08327692B2 Device and method for measuring fine particle concentration
Disclosed is a device for measuring the concentration of the particles contained in a fluid. The device comprises a control volume body having a predetermined effective volume. An inlet path is formed at an end of the control volume body to feed the fluid into the control volume body therethrough. An outlet path is formed at another end of the control volume body to discharge the fluid from the control volume body therethrough. Measuring instruments are provided at the inlet path and the outlet path to emit electrical signals when the fine particles pass through the inlet path and the outlet path. A computing machine receives the electrical signals transmitted from the measuring instruments, and then computes the number and the concentration of fine particles contained in the control volume body. The device is easily integrated with Micro-TAS (Total analysis System).
US08327689B2 Fueling system vapor recovery and containment performance monitor and method of operation thereof
A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors. The disclosed methods and apparatus also provide for the determination of fuel dispensing system vapor containment integrity, and the differentiation of true vapor recovery failures as opposed to false failures resulting from the refueling of vehicles provided with onboard vapor recovery systems.
US08327685B2 Particulate matter sensor
A particulate matter sensor includes a ceramic rod, a first metal layer deposited on the ceramic rod, a ceramic layer deposited on the first metal layer, and a second metal layer deposited on the ceramic layer. The first metal layer serves as a source electrode, and the second metal layer serves as a detection electrode. In another embodiment, a particulate matter sensor includes a metal rod, a ceramic sheet deposited or wrapped around the ceramic rod, and a metal layer deposited on the ceramic layer or sheet. The metal rod serves as a source electrode, and the second metal layer serves as a detection electrode.
US08327680B2 Metal plate material hot press molding apparatus and hot press molding method
A metal plate material hot molding apparatus is provided for press molding a heated metal plate material. The apparatus may include supply piping for a cooling medium in a mold, and ejection holes penetrating from a molding surface of the mold to the supply piping. The exemplary apparatus may also include discharge piping for the cooling medium situated in the mold, and discharge holes penetrating from the molding surface of the mold to the discharge piping, and cooling piping. Molding procedure can be performed while the cooling medium is ejected from the ejection holes to a gap between the metal plate material and the mold.
US08327679B2 Folding system for a cutting blade
A bending apparatus including: a transferring unit for transferring a metallic rule through a passage formed by a guide, the passage defining a longitudinal axis; a folding unit having first and second rotary bodies spaced to receive the metallic rule; and a pair of bending fingers including a first bending finger and a second bending finger, the pair of bending fingers supported to revolve and move in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis for applying force against the metallic rule passing through the guide, the pair of bending fingers positioned adjacent to the guide, and for bending the metallic rule to desired angles, wherein the first bending finger is revolved by the first rotary body and the second bending finger is revolved by the second rotary body, wherein each finger of the pair of bending fingers is each configured for arcuate motion relative to the guide from a first position toward at least one second position to bend a portion of the metallic rule.
US08327678B1 Roll-forming machine with a feed gap adjustment structure
A roll-forming machine in which the left and right racks of each shape-forming roll set each have two guide blocks affixed thereto at two opposite sides in an opening thereof, each guide block having an oblique sliding slot, and left and right upper bearing blocks of each shape-forming roll set each have two sliding blocks respectively affixed to two opposite lateral sides thereof and respectively coupled to the oblique sliding slots of the guide blocks and movable upwards/downwards along the respective oblique sliding slots for adjustment of the feed gap between the upper shape-forming wheel set and lower shape-forming wheel set of the respective shape-forming roll set in X-axis and Y-axis directions at a time.
US08327677B2 Method and device for bending electric machine conductors
A twisting device comprises at least one conductor coupler configured to engage a plurality of the conductors and at least one drive operably connected to the conductor coupler. The at least one drive is configured to rotate the conductor coupler in order to bend the plurality of the conductors and simultaneously move the conductor coupler in an axial direction relative to the electric machine component. An associated method of bending conductors positioned in a component of an electric machine comprises first engaging a plurality conductors with a conductor coupler. Thereafter, the plurality of conductors are bent by rotating the conductor coupler while simultaneously moving the conductor coupler in an axial direction relative to the component of the electric machine.
US08327663B2 Method of manufacturing an optical glass element
A substrate protective film composed of chromium metal is formed on a molding surface of a mold base material composed of cemented carbide. The substrate protective film is oxidized by heat treatment or ion implantation, so that a surface protective film composed of chromium oxide is formed. A pair of molds having such a constitution are prepared. Softened glass is pressed between the surface protective films of the paired molds, so that optical glass elements are molded.
US08327662B2 Refrigeration apparatus
A refrigeration apparatus uses a refrigerant that operates in a supercritical range. The refrigeration apparatus includes a compression mechanism, a heat source-side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, a usage-side heat exchanger, a switching mechanism, an intercooler, a bypass tube, and an injection tube. The switching mechanism is configured to switch between cooling and heating operation states. When the switching mechanism is switched to the cooling operation state to allow refrigerant to flow to the heat source-side heat exchanger and a reverse cycle defrosting operation for defrosting the heat source-side heat exchanger is performed, the refrigerant is caused to flow to the heat source-side heat exchanger, the intercooler and the injection tube. After the defrosting of the intercooler is detected as being complete, the bypass tube is used so as to ensure that the refrigerant does not flow to the intercooler and the injection valve is controlled so that the opening degree is increased.
US08327660B2 Production of very low-temperature refrigeration in a thermochemical device
The invention relates to a thermochemical device and to a method for producing refrigeration at very low temperature.The device produces refrigeration at a temperature Tf<−20° C., from an available heat source at a temperature Th of 60-80° C. and a heat sink at the ambient temperature To of 10° C.-25° C. It comprises two coupled dipoles, operating in phase opposition. The thermochemical phenomena in one of the dipoles are such that this dipole may produce refrigeration at Tf with a heat sink at the ambient temperature To. The thermochemical phenomena in the other dipole are such that this dipole may be regenerated from the heat source Th and a heat sink at the temperature To.
US08327656B2 Method and apparatus for cooling
A method of calculating sensible cooling capacity of a cooling unit includes obtaining compressor capacity, subtracting compressor heat loss from the compressor capacity, subtracting latent cooling capacity from compressor capacity, and subtracting fan power loss from the compressor capacity. Methods of controlling a cooling unit and embodiments of a cooling unit are further disclosed.
US08327654B2 Condenser, radiator, and fan module with Rankine cycle fan
An apparatus to rotate a cooling fan may employ an engine coolant radiator having a radiator inlet tank attached at an end of the radiator. The radiator inlet tank may be filled with engine coolant and transfer heat into a fan system evaporator contained inside the radiator inlet tank. The tank may contain a liquid working fluid capable of absorbing heat from the engine coolant and becoming a gaseous working fluid. A gas expander with an impeller may be employed to receive the gaseous working fluid from the fan system evaporator and impart rotation in a shaft to which the impeller of the gas expander and cooling fan is attached. A fan system condenser may receive the gaseous working fluid from the gas expander and condense the gaseous working fluid to form a liquid working fluid. A pump pumps the liquid working fluid back to the fan system evaporator.
US08327647B2 Low carbon emissions combined cycle power plant and process
A low carbon emissions, combined cycle power plant utilizes vortex nozzles (38) operative at cryogenic temperatures to separate out carbon dioxide (39) from the flue gases. Complexity of the plant is minimized by operating a gas turbine engine component (10) of the plant at a turbine exhaust pressure of at least 2 bar, so that downstream components of the plant, including a heat recovery steam generator (19A), a gas cooling system (30, 33, 36), and the inlets of the vortex nozzles, all operate at the same pressure of at least two bar. To increase carbon dioxide concentration in the flue gases (37) that pass through the vortex nozzles (38), and thereby increase efficiency of carbon dioxide removal from the flue gases, up to 50% of the flue gases that exit the heat recovery steam generator (19A) may be recirculated to a location (L, FIG. 4)) in the compressor of the gas turbine engine where the pressure of the compressor air matches the flue gas pressure.
US08327623B2 Method and system for utilization of regenerative braking electrical energy for operating auxiliary system in an off-highway vehicle
Electrical power from a dynamic braking process in an off-highway vehicle is used to power an auxiliary system in the vehicle. The auxiliary system may be a urea storage container heating unit or a particulate filter regeneration heating unit. When dynamic braking electricity is unavailable, and to the extent the dynamic braking electricity is insufficient for powering the auxiliary system, electrical power from an energy device on board the vehicle is used to power the auxiliary system. The energy device may be an auxiliary energy storage device, devoted for use in powering the auxiliary system.
US08327611B2 Methods for the joint wrapping of bags with their contents, applying machine and packet of bags containing “snack” thus obtained
A machine for forming a bale including a plurality of bags includes a conveyor for conveying each of the bags to an inlet opening. A film feeder is positioned adjacent the inlet opening, along with a former for forming a sleeve from the film adjacent to the inlet opening. Means for pushing, such as a pusher, is provided for pushing the bags into the sleeve. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08327606B2 Method and apparatus for sterilization
A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.
US08327599B2 Universal spacer for concrete reinforcement rods and wire
A spacer for positioning rods and wire in concrete is disclosed. In some embodiments, the spacer includes first and second saddle portions joined together via a connection mechanism. Spacing members are joined with the first and second saddle portions and first and second outer edges are joined with the spacing members opposite the first and second saddle portions. A conforming fixed centering tab having a centering groove is joined with the first saddle portion at first and second ends. An adjustable and conforming centering flap is joined with the second saddle portion at a first end via a hinge connection and includes a free second end opposite the first end. The centering flap has a length greater than a width of an opening of the second saddle portion. The connection mechanism is joined with the spacing members adjacent the outer edges for pivoting the first and second saddle portions.
US08327596B2 Connector system for building studs
A structural building system includes a plurality of pultruded fiberglass reinforced structure components configured to be used as a structural frame member of a building and a plurality of connectors. Each connector is configured to be mounted to one end of a first pultruded structural component and includes a mounting section that is couplable to a second pultruded structural component so as to connect the first and second structural components at right angles to each other.
US08327594B2 Recreational vehicle roofing system
A roof system for a mobile occupancy structure having a roof substrate and a roof member mounted to the mobile occupancy structure may include a roof membrane having at least one thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) membrane layer affixed to the roof substrate. The roof system may also include a sealant disposed about or adjacent the roof member with the sealant being adhered to the TPV membrane layer. The TPV membrane layer includes a TPV polymer bonding additive and the sealant includes a sealant polymer bonding additive with the TPV polymer bonding additive and sealant polymer bonding additive interacting to promote adhesion of the sealant with the TPV membrane layer. The sealant may be a substantially solid sealant having at least approximately 90% solids by weight prior to being applied about the roof member.
US08327586B2 Hydraulic cylinder control
A system and methods for controlling operation of hydraulic cylinders includes monitoring position of the cylinders relative to one another, and correction of misalignment of the cylinders should they become misaligned. Further, monitoring can be of a swing-type door operated using the cylinders, which can operate the door at different speeds. Further, as the door creeps open from a closed position or closed from an open position, correction is also made.
US08327579B2 Super-enhanced, adjustably buoyant floating island
A floating island comprising one or more layers of nonwoven mesh material and optional buoyant nodules. The mesh material is optionally coated with a spray-on elastomer or inoculated with nutrients or microorganisms. The island can include buoyant growth medium, floats, buoyant blocks, a prefabricated seed blanket, a dunking feature, capillary tubes, wicking units and/or bell flotation units. A larger embodiment is comprised of nonwoven mesh material, buoyant nodules, supplemental flotation units, stepping pads and optional load distribution members. Other optional features include a stepping stone flotation assembly, a stepping stone/vertical buoyant member flotation assembly, and a floating log assembly. The buoyancy of the island can be adjusted with a rigid framework of horizontal members, vertical members that can be moved vertically within the island, and/or a framework of prefabricated flotation tubes and cross members. The present invention also covers a floating island with a boat docking location.
US08327574B2 System for mounting an accessory to a firearm
Methods and apparatus for mounting accessories to firearms are described. A base includes a first alignment feature and a clamp that rigidly secures the base to the firearm. An actuator includes an accessory mount and a second alignment feature that engages with the first alignment feature to enable a substantially linear movement of the actuator relative to the base. A fastener secures the actuator to the base at a predetermined position relative to the base.
US08327573B1 Rifle scope with integrated laser sight
A telescopic sighting device includes a tubular scope, an objective lens, an ocular assembly, and a laser locator. The objective lens is mounted at a bell portion of the tubular scope for focusing light at a focal point in the body portion of the tubular scope. The ocular assembly is provided at an eyepiece portion of the tubular scope for magnifying the light from focused at the focal point. Furthermore, the laser locator is mounted at the bell portion of the tubular scope at a position adjacent to the objective lens, and comprises a laser emitter arranged to generate a laser beam toward a target, in such a manner that a user is able to observe a laser indicator produced by the laser beam on the target through the ocular assembly so as to enhance an accuracy of locating the target by the telescopic sighting device.
US08327572B2 Insulated gun protection article
A tight, insulating enclosure for a rifle or shotgun is provided. Such an enclosure envelops the wooden stock and other wooden portions of a suitable firearm, at least, to protect the wooden surfaces thereof during storage, transportation, and utilization. The enclosure itself contains rubberized foam components to impart insulation around the wooden portions as protection against hard and/or extended surfaces that may bump, scratch, dent, or otherwise disfigure the wooden portions of a rifle or shotgun. Furthermore, the enclosure is of a single construction with suitable cut-out portions for movable parts, such as a trigger, a clip, a scope, and the like and is secured around the target firearm in a tight-fitting fashion in order to protect the noted surfaces, as well as provide shock absorption during firing. In such a manner, the enclosure permits access at all times to the necessary movable components while ensuring a snug fit around the delicate portions of the rifle or shotgun.
US08327571B2 Firearm cleaning tool and method of using
A firearm cleaning tool and method of use is disclosed in which multiple firearm components may be cleaned using a single tool. The tool includes cutting or scraping edges to ream residue, such as carbon deposits through a scraping action. The proximal end includes a scraping head with a scraping edge, and the distal end includes pivotable scraper arm and longitudinally extending insertion pin. A method of use is also contemplated.
US08327569B2 Firearm buttstock assembly and method
A firearm buttstock includes a buttstock body having first, second and third passages. A transfer member is received in the second passage and a retaining member is received in the third passage. A firearm is also disclosed that has a receiver extension. The firearm buttstock can be supported on the firearm such that the receiver extension is received within the first passage. A method of assembling a firearm buttstock assembly is also included.
US08327568B1 Gunstock system having an internal magazine
A gunstock system having an internal magazine for storage of ammunition cartridges and for providing ambidextrous delivery of the ammunition cartridges. The gunstock has a vertically-oriented internal magazine having an upper opening and a lower reload/discharge opening, an operable cover for closing the upper opening, a biasing element, such as a spring, extending from the cover within the internal magazine to apply downward pressure upon the ammunition cartridges, and biased-retaining arms for operatively opening and closing the reload/discharge opening to permit and restrict removal of the ammunition cartridges from the internal magazine. The ammunition cartridges exit the reload/discharge opening in a forward manner and along the bottom of the gunstock. The gunstock has a bore extending therethrough from a rearward to a forward end of the gunstock for receiving a bolt to secure the gunstock to the receiver or adjacent portion of the firearm.
US08327562B2 Hydraulic system with thermal shock protection
A hydraulic system with thermal shock protection. The hydraulic system can include a controller that limits when hot hydraulic fluids may be directed to cold hydraulic components. The hydraulic system can be used in machines such as trenchers to protect hydraulic components such as hydraulic motors from failure due to thermal shock.
US08327558B2 Shed type clothes dryer with safety plate
A shed type clothes dryer, especially a shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member is disclosed. The shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member includes a heat blower, air outlet shed with plural air outlets which are set on the heat blower, umbrella shape support frame with center supporting stand which is set on the air outlet shed, clothes drying chamber formed from outer cover around the support frame. The safety ventilating member is set on the air outlet shed. A hot air relaxation chamber is formed between said safety ventilating member and the air outlet shed. The shed type clothes dryer with safety ventilating member has the following advantages: 1. mounted safety ventilating member preventing the clothes from falling on hot air port to make consumer securely use it, 2. automatically stopping after the clothes been dried by humiture probe controlling the humiture to ensure the clothes not over drying and energy saving, 3. the temperature of the hot air current let in the clothes drying chamber being uniform at each position, and the air current being mild, thus obtaining excellent clothes drying effect.
US08327544B2 Razor
A razor which includes at least one razor blade, a container for a shaving composition and an electrically powered actuating mechanism, for causing shaving composition from the container to be discharged from the shaving head.
US08327537B2 Reinforced dual gallery piston and method of construction
A method of friction welding a piston includes forming a piston body by friction welding an upper crown portion to a lower crown portion. At least one of the upper or lower crown portions is provided with a central support post extending along a central axis. The upper and lower crown portions have annular ribs radially outwardly from the central support post, with the ribs being aligned with one another. The method includes initiating a friction weld joint between a free end of the central support post and a corresponding surface opposite the free end of the central support post. Then, after initiating the weld joint between the central support post and the opposite surface, the method continues by then initiating a friction weld joint between aligned free ends of the ribs. Then, the friction weld joints are completed.
US08327536B2 Method of manufacturing high-speed connector inserts and cables
High speed connector inserts and cables having improved heat conduction, high strength, and may be manufactured in a reliable manner. One example may provide a connector insert having several paths by which heat may be removed from circuitry in the cable insert. In one example, heat may be removed from one or more circuits by forming a thermal path between a circuit and a shield of the connector insert. Another path may include one or more pads on a side of an integrated circuit board that are soldered directly to the shield. A braiding surrounding a cable may be soldered or otherwise thermally connected to the shield. Another example may provide a cable having a braiding that includes one or more types of fibers, such as aramid fibers. Another example may provide for increased manufacturability by using a wire comb and a solder bar.
US08327535B2 Wired circuit board and producing method thereof
A wired circuit board has a metal supporting board, a metal foil formed on the metal supporting board, an insulating base layer formed on the metal supporting board to cover the metal foil, and a conductive pattern formed on the insulating base layer and a having a terminal portion. An opening is formed in the insulating base layer to expose the metal foil.
US08327532B2 Method for releasing a microelectronic assembly from a carrier substrate
Methods for forming a microelectronic assembly (82) are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a device substrate (50) having a plurality of electronic components (42) coupled thereto, and providing a carrier substrate (54) having first and second opposing surfaces (60, 62) and including a plurality of openings (58) extending between the first and second opposing surfaces (60, 62) and a plurality of depressions (64) formed on the first opposing surface (60). The method further includes attaching the device substrate (50) to the first opposing surface (60) of the carrier substrate (54) using an adhesive material (56) such that at least some of the adhesive material (56) is adjacent to at least some of the plurality of depressions (64), and removing the device substrate (50) from the carrier substrate (54).
US08327530B2 Installation for continuous application of particulate insulation to an elongate element
An installation (1) for continuous application of thermally or electrically insulating material (6) around an elongate element (2) having a generally circular cross-section. The installation includes a forcing device (3), in form of a conical tube into which the element (2) is fed simultaneously at the large base end of the conical tube, a sheet (4), on which the insulating material (6) is placed, means for translation of the element through a circular section (2) of the sheet (4), and a device (7) for depositing of insulating material onto the sheet. Such an installation produces thermally insulated tubes or electrically insulated cables.
US08327529B1 Assembly tool system
An assembly tool is provided. The assembly tool comprises a body, a first vacuum channel defined within the body, and a first locating pin attached to the body. The first locating pin has a shaft portion arranged within a surrounding portion of the body. The first locating pin is configured to engage a first alignment feature of a hard drive component at a first contact area to align the hard drive component with the assembly tool. The body is configured to couple the first vacuum channel to a vacuum source and to facilitate particle evacuation from the first contact area via the first vacuum channel when a vacuum is applied by the vacuum source.
US08327524B2 Inductive component and method for the production thereof
Disclosed herein is an inductive component whose soft magnetic core is produced by pouring a casting resin into a mold filled with a soft magnetic alloy powder and by subsequently hardening the casting resin with the alloy powder in order to form a solid soft magnetic core. This technique prevents the surface insulation of the alloy particles from becoming damaged, thereby largely preventing the formation of bulky eddy currents in the resulting soft magnetic cores. This enables a distinct reduction in the electric loss of the inductive component.
US08327520B2 Method for producing a coupling line
A coupling conductor for a YIG filter or YIG oscillator, which may be produced from a metallic foil by eroding, laser cutting and/or etching of a metallic foil. The coupling conductor includes at least one curved section, which at least partially surrounds a YIG element and at least one conductor section.
US08327511B2 Fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects
The fixing device for the assembly and quick release of objects includes a holding element that can be fixed to one of the objects to be held together, and a retaining device that can be fixed to another one of the objects to be held together and engage the holding element. The retaining device includes a plurality of separable parts that can be held closely together around the holding element by a disengageable pre-tensioning device. The separable parts are connected to each other by an elastically deformable mechanisms which stretch to in order to draw the parts located at a distance from each other together, while the pre-tensioning device includes a link wound around the parts in order to keep them closed on the holding element, at least one end of the link being fixed to a tensioning mechanism.
US08327503B2 Surface treating appliance
A surface treating appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, includes a device generating a flow of fluid in the form of a motor and fan, housed in a main body. A hose and wand assembly, a surface treating head and a rotary change over valve are also provided. The valve is selectively rotatable so as to allow fluid flow from either the surface-treating head or the hose. A support assembly is moveable between a supporting position, in which it supports the main body, and a retracted position. The change over valve and support assembly are arranged so that motion of the support assembly between the supporting and retracted positions induces rotary motion of the change over valve.
US08327496B2 Wiper blade with heating elements
A wiper blade is provided capable of wiping a windshield of a vehicle in a suitable operating condition even in a cold winter season. The wiper blade includes a wiper strip configured to contact and wipe a glass surface of the windshield, a frame coupled to the wiper strip, an adapter disposed at a center of the frame and configured to be joined to the wiper arm, and a heating unit attached to the frame to heat the wiper blade. The heating unit includes a power source and a heating element heated by power supplied from the power source.
US08327494B2 Brush mitt
A brush mitt includes a brush cover and a handle cover. A loop on the brush cover receives a handle of a brush of the type such as commonly used for washing vehicles. The handle cover wraps around the end of the handle and a brush cover attachment strap passes through the loop on the brush cover to secure the handle cover to the brush cover. The brush mitt prevents damage to delicate surfaces, such as the painted surface of vehicles, that might be caused by either the brush bristles or impact with the handle of the brush.
US08327490B2 Personal care article with vibrating head part
An interdental treatment device, such as a toothbrush, includes a handle configured to accommodate an electric power source, a head carrying an interdental treatment tool, and a neck between the handle and the head. The head or neck includes a mechanical motorized vibratory device, including a drive which causes the head to vibrate. Electrical connections are operably connected to the mechanical vibratory device and the electric power source to power the mechanical vibratory device via the electrical connections. In various embodiments, a switch may be operably connected to at least one of the electrical connections to interrupt power from the power source to the mechanical motorized vibratory device. In various embodiments, a vibration-damping structure dampens vibration transmission from the head to the handle.
US08327488B2 Actuator and electric toothbrush using the same
An actuator allows miniaturization by realizing back-and-forth rotating motion of, for example, an electric brush without a drive transmitting mechanism which constitutes a separate entity from a drive source. In a movable body (160) of this actuator (100), an outer yoke (110) is provided with inner wall planes (112a and 113a) located opposing each other spaced a predetermined interval apart and magnets (121 and 123) of different magnetic poles opposing each other in the inner walls planes (112a and 113a). The movable body (160) has a center yoke (140) located between the magnets (121 and 124) through air gaps. The movable body (160) is provided with a shaft (150). The fixed body (180) has a coil (170) which is located in the air gaps and which circles the center yoke (140). The fixed body (180) movably supports the movable body (160) through elastic bodies (190). An alternating current supplying section (195) supplies to the coil (170) the alternating current of a frequency virtually equal to the resonance frequency of the movable body (160).
US08327485B1 Counterbalance for a fold out ramp
A counterbalance assembly is suited for use with a fold out ramp having a ramp portion selectively movable between a stowed position, a neutral position, and a deployed position. The counterbalance includes first and second springs and a transmission element forming an endless loop. A first biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the first biasing element compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position. A second biasing element is coupled to the transmission element so that the second biasing element compresses the second spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the stowed position and compresses the first spring when the ramp portion moves from the neutral position to the deployed position.
US08327482B2 Two-piece lightweight litter system
This invention is directed to a durable, compact, two-piece, light weight, load sustaining litter system for the transport of humans, animals or objects. The litter system comprises a litter frame, a fabric disposed between the structure of the frame, at least one hinge and at least one coupling mechanism. The litter system may be quickly assembled under adverse conditions and may be particularly beneficial in transporting individuals who are injured, disabled and/or incapable of movement under combat and/or emergency conditions.
US08327480B2 Birthing bed lift off foot section
A patient-support apparatus includes receivers for supporting a patient-support deck. The patient-support deck is configured to engage the receivers to support the deck in a cantilevered configuration. The patient-support deck may be secured to the patient-support apparatus by a locking mechanism.
US08327474B2 Magnetic drain stopper assembly
A magnetic drain stopper assembly includes an actuating lever in a drain pipe and is movable to allow fluid flow into the drain pipe in an open position and to prevent fluid flow into the drain pipe in a closed position. A magnet on the drain stopper interacts magnetically with the actuating lever or a sleeve on the actuating lever. The magnetic drain stopper is easily removed by simply pulling it out of the drain pipe. Studs on the drain stopper catch objects that fall into the drain pipe for easy retrieval and further catch residue such as hair for easy cleaning.
US08327465B2 Neck pad attachment structure (helmet)
A neck pad is pulled out with a smaller force in an easy manner while assuring a positive characteristic of attached state of the neck pad.An inserting plate that can be moved in a clearance S along a peripheral direction of a putting-on or taking-off opening is provided with a fitting part and in turn the fitting part is provided with an engaging part that is resiliently fitted in opposition to a pulling-out direction of the inserting plate through insertion of the inserting plate into the clearance S, the fitting part moves to a non-opposite position against the engaging part as the inserting plate moves in a peripheral direction to cause the fitted state of the engaging part to be released, thereby the inserting plate can be pulled out.
US08332955B2 Transaction method in 3D virtual space
A method for carrying out a secure transaction in a 3D virtual space is desired from both an administrator side operating a facility and a user side. It is also desired to solve the problems such as the confidentiality of a transaction in the 3D virtual space and a phishing scam. In the present invention, a copy space of an original space of a facility in the 3D virtual space is created. Since only avatars permitted to enter the copy space can enter the copy space, a secure transaction can be carried out between the facility and a user avatar.
US08332945B2 System and method for detecting energy consumption anomalies and mobile malware variants
A system is presented for detecting malware applications residing on a mobile device powered by a battery. The system includes a power monitoring module, a data analysis module and a data store that stores a plurality of known power signatures signifying a power consumption anomaly. The power monitoring module measures power drawn from the battery and the data analysis module extracts a power history signature from the power measures. The data analysis module then compares the power history signature with the plurality of known power signatures and initiates a protective operation if the power history signature is closely correlated to one or more of the known power signatures.
US08332941B2 Exploit nonspecific host intrusion prevention/detection methods and systems and smart filters therefor
Exploit nonspecific host intrusion prevention/detection methods, systems and smart filters are described. Portion of network traffic is captured and searched for a network traffic pattern, comprising: searching for a branch instruction transferring control to a first address in the memory; provided the first instruction is found, searching for a subroutine call instruction within a first predetermined interval in the memory starting from the first address and pointing to a second address in the memory; provided the second instruction is found, searching for a third instruction at a third address in the memory, located at a second predetermined interval from the second address; provided the third instruction is a fetch instruction, indicating the presence of the exploit; provided the third instruction is a branch instruction, transferring control to a fourth address in the memory, and provided a fetch instruction is located at the fourth address, indicating the presence of the exploit.
US08332932B2 Keystroke dynamics authentication techniques
A keystroke dynamics authentication system collects measurements as a user types a phrase on a keyboard. A first set of derived data values are computed based on the collected measurements, and then a second set of derived data values are computed based on the first set of derived values. The first and second sets of derived values are used to construct a template for identifying the user based on his typing.
US08332929B1 Method and apparatus for process enforced configuration management
A system for and method of automatically enforcing a configuration change process for change requests of one or more configurable element within one or more configurable computation systems. The system comprises means for managing a configuration change process for one or more configurable elements within a corresponding configurable computation system, means for generation a configuration request, means for applying a set of authorization rules to the configuration change requests to generate selective authorization of the CEs, and means for selectively locking and unlocking changes to configurable elements within the configurable computational systems.
US08332925B2 System and method for distributed multi-processing security gateway
A system and method for a distributed multi-processing security gateway establishes a host side session, selects a proxy network address for a server based on network information, and using the proxy network address to establish a server side session. The proxy network address is selected such that a same processing element is assigned to process data packets from the server side session and the host side session. The network information includes a security gateway network address and a host network address. By assigning processing elements in this manner, higher capable security gateways are provided.
US08332915B2 Information processing system, information processing apparatus, mobile terminal and access control method
An information processing system including a computer and a mobile terminal that can communicate with the computer in a predetermined area is disclosed. In the information processing system, the computer sends code to the mobile terminal, the mobile terminal encrypts user information using the code sent from the computer, and sends the encrypted user information to the computer, the computer decodes the encrypted user information sent from the mobile terminal using the code, and compares the decoded information with user information that is registered beforehand. Then, when the decoded user information is the same as the user information that is registered, the computer permits access to the computer, but when the decoded information is not the same as the user information that is registered, the computer prohibits access to the computer.
US08332913B2 Fraud mitigation through avatar identity determination
The present invention relates to fraud mitigation in a virtual universe through avatar identity determination. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: correlating an avatar in the virtual universe with a user; determining if the user is controlling a plurality of avatars in the virtual universe; and taking an action if it is determined that the user is controlling a plurality of avatars in the virtual universe.
US08332912B2 Method and apparatus for determining an authentication procedure
A server in a home domain for managing the authentication of clients that are subscribers of the home domain, but are attached to a visited domain. Based on knowledge of the type of security being used in an access network of the visited domain, the server determines whether a given client is to be authenticated by the visited domain or the home domain. The server then signals the result to the visited domain.
US08332905B2 Virtual set-top box that emulates processing of IPTV video content
A virtual set-top box (vSTB) for executing a middleware component, designed originally for use with the physical STB, including emulating hardware capabilities of the physical STB to process IPTV content received over a connection for presenting the IPTV content on a display of the electronic device.
US08332904B2 Control link for wireless display unit
A method comprises establishing a session between a host and a display unit, including transmitting media content according to a television broadcasting standard, and implementing control traffic for the session on a bi-directional control link independent of the television broadcasting standard.
US08332901B2 Method, system and apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection with a dial up modem
Apparatus for establishing a packet-based connection between a video display equipment (such as a set-top box) having an analog modem and a remote computer. The translation apparatus receives a connection initiation request from the video display apparatus and responsive to the connection initiation request establishes a modem connection with the video display apparatus. The translation apparatus further receives communication data from the video display apparatus via the modem connection and transmits the communication data to the remote computing apparatus via a packet-based network. The translation apparatus can also receive communication data from the remote computer and relay the same to the video display apparatus. The connection can be established upon powering up of the video display apparatus, upon loading of an Interactive TV application or upon other pre-determined event. The connection can be maintained “always-on” or substantially “always-on”.
US08332898B2 Apparatus, systems and methods to synchronize communication of content to a presentation device and a mobile device
A programming communication synchronizer embodiment communicates a portion of a program to a receiving device during a first time period, communicates a corresponding portion of the program to a mobile device during a second time period, and coordinates the first time period with the second time period so that the portion of the program is deliverable to a presentation device coupleable to the receiving device at approximately the same time the corresponding portion of the program is deliverable to the mobile device.
US08332894B2 Notifying user of missing events to prevent viewing of out-of-sequence media series events
In one embodiment, a method comprises detecting that a user has requested presentation of a media content item from a media series having a prescribed sequence of media series events, the media content item containing a subsequent media series event from the media series; determining that the user has not consumed an antecedent media series event, the antecedent media series event not in the media content item and preceding the subsequent media series event in the prescribed sequence of media series events; and sending a message notifying the user that the user has not consumed at least the antecedent media series event, enabling the user to defer presentation of the media content item and consume the antecedent media series event.
US08332891B2 Information processing apparatus and method, and program
An interface receives a file containing information about a plurality of characteristic words representing characteristics of television programs. A display section of an information processing apparatus displays one of the plurality of characteristic words in a different color than an other of the plurality of characteristic words. A communication section allows a selection of the one of the plurality of characteristic words. The interface transmits information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words to a recording and playback apparatus upon the selection. Further, the interface receives television program information about one of the television programs from the recording and playback apparatus in response to the information about the one of the plurality of characteristic words.
US08332890B2 Efficiently identifying television stations in a user friendly environment
A method, system and computer program product for identifying television stations in a user-friendly environment. An entertainment unit configured to receive broadcast signals for a plurality of television stations may display folders, e.g., news folders, where each folder may be associated with a particular classification. A classification may refer to a particular type of broadcast, e.g., news, sports, cartoons, movies. Each folder, e.g., news folder, may comprise one or more indications, e.g., icon of CNN™, associated with one or more television stations, e.g., CNN™, in the same classification, e.g., news, as the folder. Furthermore, the entertainment unit may display one or more indications associated with one or more television stations based on content-based input from the viewer. Upon the viewer selecting a particular indication, the television station associated with that indication may be displayed.
US08332889B2 Generating a personalized video mosaic in a cable services network
Methods and systems are provided for generating a personalized video mosaic from multiple of video sources in a cable television services system. A head end receives a subscriber selection of video sources from multiple video sources broadcast in the television services system and generates a personalized video mosaic from those sources. The head end then transmits the personalized video mosaic to the subscriber for simultaneous viewing of the selected video sources on a broadcast channel in the cable television services system. The set-top box executes an application program enabling the subscriber to individually select the video sources which make up the personalized video mosaic and transmits the selections to the head end. The set-top box enables the display of the personalized video mosaic on the broadcast channel in the cable television services network.
US08332882B2 Spindle motor having a chuck clip
Disclosed is a spindle motor including a rotor yoke coupled with a rotation axis and having an optical disk mounted thereon; a clamp case that is arranged on the rotor yoke, inserted into an inner side of the optical disk and has a receiving groove formed on the side thereof; and a chuck clip having one side fixed to the clamp case corresponding to the receiving groove and the other side that elastically supports the inner side of the optical disk, the other side being corresponding to the one side.
US08332876B2 Method, system and apparatus for tri-stating unused data bytes during DDR DRAM writes
A memory interface circuit includes a plurality of data bus drivers and logic adapted to be operatively responsive to write driver mask information. If desired, the plurality of bus drivers and the logic may be implemented in separate integrated circuits. The plurality of bus drivers are adapted to be responsive to a write operation. The logic is also adapted to disable any one of the plurality of data bus drivers based on the write driver mask information during the write operation.
US08332871B2 Mechanism for improved integration of JSLEE and SIP servlets in a JAVA virtual machine
In one embodiment, a mechanism for improved integration of JSLEE and SIP Servlets in a JAVA virtual machine is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes sending an event received at a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Servlet to a Java™ APIs for Intelligent Networks Service Logic Execution Environment (JSLEE) container through a fireEvent method, wherein the SIP Servlet and the JSLEE container are integrated in a same JAVA virtual machine (JVM). The method further includes receiving at the SIP Servlet an object that includes a getResult method, processing by a JSLEE application in the JSLEE container the event to produce a result, returning by the JSLEE application the result through a setResult method, and obtaining by the SIP Servlet the result via the getResult method.
US08332870B2 Adapter services
In one example, a system to integrate a first application with a second application may associate a component type in the first application with an engine object type in the second application. The component type and the engine object type may be program object types. The system may determine a hierarchical structure that includes an engine object of the engine object type from configurable rules that are associated with the component type. The system may initiate a copy of the engine object in the second application in response to receipt of a request to copy a component of the component type in the first application.
US08332869B2 Systems and methods for providing wake on LAN (WoL) support
A system includes a management controller coupled to and configured to manage a plurality of information handling systems. Each of the information handling systems may include a network interface device configured to receive wake-up messages remotely via a network. The management controller is operable to receive a wake-up message remotely via the network; identify a particular one of the information handling systems to be awakened from a non-awake state based on an address included in the wake-up message; and forward the wake-up message to the particular information handling system to cause the particular information handling system to awaken. The network interface device of the particular information handling system may remain unpowered while the wake-up message is received and forwarded by the management controller.
US08332865B2 Adjunct processor load balancing
Managing the workload across one or more partitions of a plurality of partitions of a computing environment. One or more processors are identified in a partition to be managed by a quality weight defined according to characteristics of each corresponding processor. A load of each identified processor is measured depending on the requests already allocated to be processed by each corresponding processor. Each identified processor has a performance factor determined based on the measured load and the quality weight. The performance factor is a measurement of processor load. A new request is identified to be allocated to the partition, selecting a processor from the partition with the lowest performance factor. The new request is allocated to the selected processor.
US08332857B1 Database system having a regulator that performs workload regulation based on optimizer estimates
A database system includes an optimizer to generate resource estimates regarding execution of a request in the database system, and a regulator to monitor execution of a request and to adjust a priority level of the request based on the monitored execution and based on the resource estimates provided by the optimizer.
US08332853B2 Task scheduling of fiber-optic transceiver firmware
Systems and methods for optimizing the task scheduling efficiency of firmware and/or software associated with optoelectronic transceiver devices. In one example, a scheduling module executes microcode that schedules tasks based on the operational parameters. The scheduling module compares operational parameters with their last known values and then flags necessary tasks to be initiated. The scheduling module flags only those tasks that rely on a particular operational parameter and only if the operational parameter has changed in value since the most recent time that it has been measured. Specifically, the scheduling module identifies leading tasks and dependent tasks and flags tasks only if data that relies on the operating parameter has changed since a previous task scheduling determination.
US08332852B2 Thread-to-processor assignment based on affinity identifiers
For each thread of a computer program to be executed on a multiple-processor computer system, an affinity identifier is associated to the thread by the computer program. The affinity identifiers of the threads denote how closely related the threads are. For each thread, a processor of the multiple-processor computer system on which the thread is to be executed is selected based on the affinity identifiers of the threads, by an operating system being executed on the multiple-processor computer system and in relation to which the computer programs are to be executed. Each thread is then executed by the processor selected for the thread.
US08332849B2 Paravirtualization acceleration through single root I/O virtualization
The present invention is directed to an information handling system device for operatively coupling with a device implementing Input/Output (I/O) virtualization for data transmission. The information handling system device may be configured for executing an operating system control program to manage one or more guest operating systems on the information handling system device. The operating system control program may include a paravirtualization driver for formulating a work queue entry according to the I/O virtualization of the device. Data may be transmitted between the one or more guest operating systems and the device via the paravirtualization driver.
US08332845B2 Compile timing based on execution frequency of a procedure
A recovery virtual machine acquires execution frequency information from a file, and converts a procedure, of which execution frequency is high in the execution frequency information acquired, to native code, and the time for starting the conversion is thereby reduced. Furthermore, by performing conversion at a timing at which a target procedure is invoked, load occurring due to the conversion is distributed, to prevent occurrence of failure in execution of an application caused by the load occurring due to the conversion.
US08332833B2 Procedure control descriptor-based code specialization for context sensitive memory disambiguation
A computer implemented method for facilitating debugging of source code. The source code is scanned to identify a candidate region. A procedure control descriptor is generated, wherein the procedure control descriptor corresponds to the candidate region. The procedure control descriptor identifies, for the candidate region, a condition which, if true at runtime means that the candidate region can be specialized. Responsive to a determination during compile time that satisfaction of at least one condition will be known only at runtime, the procedure control descriptor is used to specialize the candidate region at compile time to create a first version of the candidate region for execution in a case where the condition is true and a second version of the candidate region for execution in a case where the condition is false, and further generate code to correctly select one of the first region and the second region at runtime.
US08332830B2 Environment-independent software
A method for communicating between at least one environment-independent application logic code (AL code) and at least one environment which is a combination of hardware and software. The method includes creating at least one interaction style code (IS code) that is specific to and communicates with the at least one environment, and is provided with an interaction style interface (IS interface) for interfacing an interaction style with said at least one application logic code (AL code). The interaction style interface (IS interface) is independent of and does not specify properties of said at least one environment, and the at least one environment-independent application logic code (AL code) runs unchanged in all environments. The at least one interaction style code (IS code) is operable with all of a graphical user interface, a non-graphical user interface, an HTML-based web browser user interface, and no user interface.
US08332829B2 Communication scheduling within a parallel processing system
Within a data processing system, one or more register files are assigned to respective states of a graph for each of a plurality of clock cycles. A plurality of edges are inserted to form connections between the states of the graph, with respective weights being assigned to each of the edges. A best route through the graph is then determined based, at least in part, on the weights assigned to the edges.
US08332828B2 System for translating diverse programming languages
A computer language translator that translates all or any portion thereof of source code in an original computer language to source code in a target computer language, which may then be translated back to the original language while still maintaining concept, syntax, form of expression, and formatting of the original source code.
US08332817B2 Certifying a software application based on identifying interface usage
Embodiments of the present invention provide a mechanism for certifying the compatibility of a software product by identifying the interfaces (API or ABI) used by that product. The source code or object code of a component is analyzed by a tool that traces which interfaces and data structures of an ABI/API are being utilized. For example, an ISV or IHV may be required to run the tool on their respective components in order to have that component certified with a particular version of an operating system and submit the results to a certification service. The certification service may collect this API/ABI information into an integrated database. The certification service may then use this database to analyze the impact of changes to an operating system at the binary interface level, proactively notify vendors prior to these changes, test compatibility and emulation libraries, and certify components are compatible with an operating system without the need of significant testing.
US08332813B2 Service re-factoring method and system
A service re-factoring method and system. The method includes selecting by a computing system, a first service comprising a first name. The computing system receives a second name for a second service to be generated from the first service. The computing system executes a service refactoring software application, adjusts a granularity of the first service, and generates the second service. The computing system retrieves first traceability links associated with the first service and a first value associated with a first service identification technique. The first traceability links are created within the second service. The computing system generates a second value associated with a second service identification technique. The first service, the first name, and the first value are removed from the computing system. The computing system stores the second service, the second name, the second value, and the first traceability link.
US08332812B2 Method of exchanging data and control methods between software components and re-useable software components
A method of exchanging data among software components includes acquisition by each software component of all the data that is to be provided by another software component, from a predetermined software component. Each software component delivers all data that is to be provided by it to another software component, to the predetermined software component. Providing and acquiring of all data is performed according to a predetermined standard, according to which the data comprises values and attributes. The respective data values are assigned to attributes, and semantically identical data values are assigned to the same attribute and are made distinguishable from each other by respective hierarchical information. A software component that delivers data to or acquires data from the predetermined software component, receives the respective hierarchical information from another software component. Acquiring and providing data by a software component includes transferring the respective hierarchical information.
US08332809B2 Workflow schedule authoring tool
A workflow schedule authoring tool enables a user to author a workflow by arranging building blocks in a particular order. Building blocks may correspond to events, conditions or actions. Each building block is associated with source code that defines an action to be taken when the building block is processed. The order of the building blocks determines the workflow schedule process. The building blocks allow a user to establish logic conditions for how the tasks in the workflow schedule are executed. A building block may require a user to input parameters before the building block may be executed. The workflow schedule is associated with an event such that the workflow schedule triggers when the event occurs. The building blocks simplify workflow schedule authoring because the user does not need to write any code.
US08332808B2 Systems and methods of generating a quality assurance project status
A method, apparatus and a system for a quality assurance analytic technique and system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of a client device includes determining a forecasted completion date of a communication of a quality assurance testing data from a quality center database to a server device comprising a processor to analyze based on an algorithm the quality assurance testing data. In addition, the method includes creating a quality assurance project status of a communication of a baseline complete date to the server device to analyze the baseline complete date and the forecasted completion date.
US08332799B2 Integrated circuit routing with compaction
An iterative technique is used to automatically route nets and alter spacing of an integrated circuit design to achieve a fully routed and compact result. After identifying solid and hollow channels, the technique automatically places route paths to connect pins of cells in the solid channels, where route paths may be placed within the solid channels or hollow channels. The technique can reduce a width of at least one hollow channel when an entire space of the hollow channel is not occupied by a placed route path.
US08332798B2 Using synthesis to place macros
In one embodiment, a design methodology is described in which a functional description of each macro may be synthesized along with the other logic in a block. The resulting circuitry, including synthesized circuitry corresponding to each macro, may be placed within an area designated for the integrated circuit. The result may be analyzed, determining a location for the macro based on the location of the corresponding synthesized circuitry. For example, the geometric center of the synthesized circuitry may be located, and the geometric center of the custom circuitry associated with the macro may be placed at the same point as the geometric center of the synthesized circuitry. Because the macros are not placed in advance, the location of the macro may be controlled by other factors such as timing, space, wiring congestion, etc.
US08332795B2 Automated pin multiplexing for programmable logic device implementation of integrated circuit design
In an embodiment, a method to automatically select groups of signals to be multiplexed on pins of a programmable logic device in a programmable logic device implementation of at least a portion of an integrated circuit is contemplated. The set of signals that may be candidates for multiplexing may be received (e.g., the set may be output by programmable logic device design tool). Clock domain tracing may be performed, and signals that have matching clock domains may be identified as candidates for multiplexing. Signals from matching clock domains may be grouped (up to a maximum number of signals that may be multiplexed on one pin) and assigned to pins of the programmable logic devices.
US08332778B2 Image processing apparatus and control method thereof for selecting and displaying related image content of primary image content
There is provided an image processing apparatus which comprises a receiver which receives primary image content; a communicator which communicates with at least one supply source which supplies related image content of the primary image content; a signal processor which processes and outputs the primary image content; and a controller which controls the communicator to request the supply source to supply the related image content, and controls the signal processor to process and play the related image content supplied from the supply source in response to the request if a user selects a key to play the related image content of the primary image content while the primary image content received by the receiver is processed by the signal processor.
US08332774B2 Display apparatus and display control program
A display apparatus is provided including a display panel; a user input switch for inputting a first switching instruction and a second switching instruction from the user; and a processor. The processor is configured to manage a display order of image data files and associated text data; select text data to be displayed, the text data corresponding to image data from a selected one of the image data files; and display the selected text data on the display panel responsive to the first switching instruction. The processor is also configured to continuously switch the displayed text data in the display order; judge whether the second switching instruction has been input by the user when the text data is being displayed; and shift the display to a display of 1) an image corresponding to the displayed text data, and 2) an image string representing a plurality of the image data files which follow the image corresponding to the displayed text data in the display order when the second switching instruction is input.
US08332773B2 Method and system for generating a control system user interface
A method for providing a user interface for an industrial control system includes a computer and a plurality of process graphics having software objects for controlling and/or monitoring real world objects controlled by the control system. A display of selected process graphics, a designated view arranged with a tab or other selection mechanisms, is automatically generated. The designated view is generated dependent on selecting one or more logical groupings to which control system software objects representing the real world objects belong.
US08332770B2 Apparatus and method for providing character deletion function
An apparatus and a method for providing a character deletion function is provided. A plurality of deletion items having respective designated deletion schemes are displayed, when there is a request for a deletion mode while inputting characters. It is determined if a Drag event occurs after a Press event occurs in an area where one of the plurality of deletion items is displayed. It is determined if a Release event occurs when the Drag event occurs. A deletion function in a deletion scheme corresponding to a deletion item having an area where the Release event occurs is performed when the Release event occurs. Accordingly, a user has convenience with which, when inputting characters, the user receives various deletion schemes and can perform a desired deletion function in a simple way.
US08332756B2 System and method for inserting a graphic object into a text based message
A system and method for selecting graphic objects to insert in a text message when composed on a wireless device, each of the graphic objects representing a set of individual alphanumeric characters. The system comprises an object table for display on a user interface of the device, such that the table is configured for including a first object of the graphic objects associated with a first predefined input and a second object of the graphic objects associated with a second predefined input. The first input is different from the second input. The system also has a first input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the first input event component is configured for mapping to the first predefined input. The system also has a second input event component for coupling to the user interface such that the second input event component is configured for mapping to the second predefined input, the first input event component being different from the second input event component. A user of the device selects one of the graphic objects from the table by employing the respective one of the input event components mapped to the predefined input associated with the graphic object in the table.
US08332753B2 Information displaying apparatus with word searching function and recording medium
Plural headwords corresponding to a search character string are searched for through a dictionary-content data memory and displayed in a list form in a left area of a display screen, and heading data included in explanation contents concerning the headwords are read out from a headword table to be displayed in a right area of the display screen. When a headword is designated from among the plural headwords displayed in list form in the left area of the display screen, heading data contained in plural explanation contents concerning the designated headword are read out from an explanation data table and are displayed in list form over the heading data displayed in the right area.
US08332751B2 Removal of redundant information from electronic documents
In accordance with certain aspects of the removal of redundant information from electronic documents, a package for an electronic document includes a plurality of parts. The package is accessed, and redundant information in one or more of the plurality of parts is identified. The identified redundant information is removed from the package.
US08332745B2 Electronic filing system and electronic filing method
An electronic filing system registers and manages a document. For this purpose, the electronic filing system includes a style-sheet setting unit configured to set style sheet data in a storage unit, an input unit configured to input a document to be registered, a style-sheet acquisition unit configured to acquire style sheet data from the style sheet data set in the storage unit in which the input document is registered, and a conversion unit configured to convert the input document using the style sheet data acquired by the style-sheet acquisition unit. The electronic filing system further includes a reduced-image generation unit configured to generate a reduced image from the document converted by the conversion unit, and a registration unit configured to link the reduced image generated by the reduced-image generation unit to the input document.
US08332743B2 Layout decision method, apparatus, and program
This invention provides a layout decision method, apparatus, and program which can preferably hide a container by performing masking corresponding to a template whose layout is decided in accordance with the size of contents pasted within the container in variable data printing. For this purpose, data are inserted into a plurality of flexible containers (2201, 2202) set in a page to be formed on a print medium. The layout is adjusted at the size of a partial area suitable to draw data to be inserted into the partial area. It is determined whether masking is set for each of the layout-adjusted containers. For the container (2202) having the masking setting, a mask area equal in size to the container is created to cover the container (2202).
US08332738B2 Method for enforcing group oriented workflow requirements for multi-layered documents
Methods for enforcing group oriented workflow requirements for multi-layered documents. Embodiments allow results of multi-layered operations to dictate the flow of tasks that occur on a multi-layered document. Flow is directed to roles and may be directed by the data values operated on in addition to multi-layered operation results. The system enables the workflow enabled creation and maintenance of multi-layered documents that minimize repeated data to ensure the highest possible data integrity when targeting a publication at multiple audiences. When a publication is changed and requires maintenance, use of a defined workflow for updating the publication ensures consistency in each publication. Embodiments may comprise performance metrics for monitoring and benchmarking publication processes.
US08332737B2 Instrument control system and methods
Methods, systems and computer readable media for controlling an instrument in communication with a host computer are provided. Operations of an instrument that must be completed on schedule are controlled via an embedded controller embedded in the instrument. A complete status packet is sent to a host computer from the embedded controller. Periodically, the embedded controller repeats the sending of a complete status packet to the host computer, wherein status values in the complete status packet are updated with each iteration of sending a complete status packet.
US08332736B2 Decoder with resiliency to handle errors in a received data stream
A decoder provided according to an aspect of the present invention determines a type of each network abstraction layer (NAL) unit, and discards a NAL unit when the size of the NAL unit is inconsistent with the size according to the determined type. According to another aspect, a decoder corrects for errors in the non-pay load portions and uses the corrected non-pay load portions to recover the original data contained in the payload portions of the data stream. In an embodiment, various global parameters (which are applicable to the data stream unless changed further in the data stream) and the values in the slice headers are examined to correct the parameters in the slice headers. According to one more aspect, an end of frame is reliably detected by using an expected number of macro-blocks in a frame and a set of logical conditions of slice header parameters.
US08332730B2 Data processing arrangements for use in data communication apparatus in connection with error correction
A processing arrangement of a data communication apparatus is arranged to derive an ordered plurality of modulo-2 summations of respective selections of data bits of a binary data set. The data communication apparatus may either be transmitting apparatus with the processing arrangement serving to determine a target syndrome for subsequent use in error correction, or receiving apparatus with the data processing arrangement being arranged to effect error correction of received data. The processing arrangement effects its selections of bits from the binary data set in accordance with the interconnection of nodes in a logical network of nodes and edges that together define at least a continuum of cells covering a finite toroid. The structuring provided to bit selection by this continuum can be offset by randomness provided by other structures of the network and by the random association of bits of the binary data set with the nodes of the continuum.
US08332726B2 Non-volatile semiconductor memory device
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device comprises a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells arrayed capable of storing information in accordance with variations in threshold voltage. A likelihood calculator has a plurality of likelihood calculation algorithms for deriving a likelihood value about a stored data bit from a threshold value read out of the memory cell. An error correction unit executes error correction through iterative processing using the likelihood value obtained at the likelihood calculator. A likelihood calculator controller changes among the likelihood calculation algorithms in the likelihood calculator based on a certain value of the number of iterations in the iterative processing obtained from the error correction unit.
US08332723B2 Transmitting/receiving system and method of processing data in the transmitting/receiving system
A receiving system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system includes a signal receiving unit, an FIC handler, a manager, and a decoding unit. The signal receiving unit receives multiple Reed-Solomon (RS) frames comprising desired mobile service data for multiple ensembles and fast information channel (FIC) data including an indicator field, wherein the indicator field indicates whether or not the desired mobile service data are delivered through the multiple ensembles. The FIC handler obtains the indicator field from the FIC data. The manager determines at least one ensemble based upon the indicator field. And, the decoding unit decodes IP streams of the desired mobile service data from the RS frame of the determined ensemble.
US08332721B2 Enhanced error detection in multilink serdes channels
A method for receiving packet data at a communication channel and transmitting the packet data over serial links of the communication channel. The packet data is sliced into n-bit data portions which are concatenated with a header prior to transmitting an n-bit portion across one of the serial links of the communication channel. The header includes a CRC to provide improved error detection.
US08332709B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving the hybrid-ARQ ACK/NACK signal in mobile communication system
An apparatus and method are provided for mapping control information to a multiple antenna array to transmit the control information in a mobile communication system. The method includes spreading the control information with an orthogonal sequence according to a spreading factor; and mapping the spread control information to the multiple antenna array based on a repetition index and a Physical Hybrid Automatic Repeat reQuest (HARQ) Indicator CHannel (PHICH) group index. The spread control information is mapped to the multiple antenna array in an alternating pattern in accordance with the repetition index.
US08332704B2 Apparatus and method for supporting automatic retransmission request (ARQ) in a wireless relay communication system
A wireless multi-hop relay communication system includes a terminal for transmitting an Automatic Retransmission reQuest (ARQ) block of a Media Access Control (MAC) layer in an access link, an access link relay station for determining if there is an error in the ARQ block received on the access link and for sending the ARQ block to an upper node over a relay link when the ARQ block has no error, and a base station for determining if there is an error in the ARQ block received over the relay link.
US08332702B2 Method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request transmission
A method and apparatus for hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) transmission are disclosed. If a packet has not been successfully transmitted, it is determined whether an HARQ early termination condition is met. If the HARQ early termination condition is met, the HARQ process is terminated and the packet is discarded at the HARQ level. The HARQ early termination condition is met if a positive acknowledgement (ACK) has not been received until the number of retransmissions reaches a predetermined limit that is dynamically configured based on channel condition, measurement, etc. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transmit power required for successful transmission of the packet is much higher than an actual transmit power. Alternatively, the HARQ early termination condition is met if a transport format combination (TFC) selected for retransmission is different from an optimal TFC. A higher layer may be notified of the early HARQ termination.
US08332701B2 Address generation apparatus and method for quadratic permutation polynomial interleaver de-interleaver
An address generation apparatus for a quadratic permutation polynomial (QPP) interleaver is provided. It comprises a basic recursive unit, and L recursive units represented by first recursive unit up to Lth recursive units. The apparatus inputs a plurality of configurable parameters according to a QPP function Π(i)=(f1i+f2i2) mod k, generates a plurality of interleaver addresses in serial via the basic recursive unit, and generates L groups of corresponding interleaver addresses via the first up to the Lth recursive units, wherein Π(i) is the i-th interleaver address generated by the apparatus, f1 and f2 are QPP coefficients, and k is information block length of an input sequence, 0≦i≦k−1.
US08332691B2 Verification apparatus, verification method, and computer product
A main step is retrieved from an operations process subject to verification. Mapping information is referenced to further retrieve a preventive measure against an error expected upon execution of the main step. Based on the order in which the preventive measure is executed within the operations process, it is determined whether the preventive measure has been incorporated into the operations process at a correct position and a result of the determination is output.
US08332688B1 Failover and recovery of a computing application hosted by a virtual instance of a machine
A system and method are described for performing failover and recovery of a computing application hosted by a virtual instance of a machine. An example system may include an instance status monitor, an instance failure detector, and a failover module. The instance status monitor may be configured to monitor status of a virtual instance hosted by a virtualization service. The instance failure detector may be configured to detect that the virtual instance has failed or is running in a degraded or failed state and is thus to be considered a failed virtual instance. The failover module may be configured to facilitate launching a new virtual instance in a recovered state that reflects a last known operational state of the failed virtual instance.
US08332686B2 Tape data recovery
A method for recovering data from a failed tape cartridge is presented. The reliability of a tape cartridge is assessed via the number of read errors encountered. If the number or read errors is excessive, the tape cartridge is deemed unreliable and the tape cartridge is restricted from storing anymore data. A search is performed to look for duplicate data and if found a copy of the duplicate data is stored to a replacement tape cartridge. The replacement tape cartridge assumes all identity of the original failed tape cartridge.
US08332673B2 System and method to manage power consumption
This invention manages a power consumption of a system including a computer and a storage in combination with a workload of a business application. More specifically, a power consumption per transaction processing count is employed as an index that an application user utilizes as a guide for adjusting a power consumption amount. Further, the invention provides means that adjusts a power consumption per workload based on a trade off between power consumption and system performance. When adjusting the power consumption, the system configuration is modified so as to increase or decrease computer resources such as a disk or a server that the application utilizes.
US08332666B2 Power management method and system
A power management method and system. The method includes retrieving and storing by a computer processor, identification data identifying power consumption devices. Each power consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power. The computer processor monitors a power consumption level for each power consumption device. The computer processor disables each power consumption device from receiving and consuming power. The computer processor generates an association list associating each power consumption level with the identification data. The computer processor generates and stores a prioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling the power consumption devices.
US08332661B2 Method and apparatus for prevention of tampering, unauthorized use, and unauthorized extraction of information from microdevices
A method and an apparatus for securing stand-alone microdevices or parts of larger processing devices are arranged for prevention of tampering, unauthorized use, and unauthorized extraction of information from an information containing region of the secured microdevice. The method includes implementation of control protocols and hardware which monitor the conditions of secured microdevices and generate commands to trigger obliteration of information; establishment of a local energy storage device which stores energy to be used to perform the controlled obliteration of information; establishment of localized controlled release of the stored energy from the local energy storage device and deposition of the stored energy in the proximity of the information containing regions of the secured microdevices, upon generation of a command to trigger the obliteration of information; and maintenance of conditions for controlled release of the energy stored in the local energy storage upon generation of the command to trigger.
US08332652B2 Computing device that securely runs authorized software
A computing device for securely executing authorized code includes a protected memory for storing authorized code, which contains an original digital signature, and a processor in signal communication with the protected memory for preparing to execute code from the protected memory by verifying that a digital signature contained in the code is original in accordance with a public key, and if the original digital signature is verified, then branching to a copy of the authorized code in the protected memory to begin execution.
US08332647B2 System and method for dynamic multi-attribute authentication
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for dynamic, multi-attribute authentication are provided. In a particular embodiment, a method for authentication includes receiving, at an authentication web server, an authentication request comprising a workstation message and a user message, wherein the workstation message comprises a workstation object and a workstation signature, the workstation object comprises a workstation certificate associated with a workstation, the user message comprises a user object and a user signature, and the user object comprises a copy of the workstation message and a user certificate associated with a user of the workstation. The method further includes verifying the workstation signature and user signature, validating the workstation certificate and the user certificate, retrieving one or more caveats associated with the workstation and one or more caveats associated with the user, and determining one or more caveats associated with both the workstation and the user.
US08332639B2 Data encryption over a plurality of MPLS networks
A network device negotiates an encryption protocol with another network device, receives data from a trusted client device, encrypts the received data with the negotiated encryption protocol, and applies a label switched path (LSP) label to the encrypted data for transmission to the network device through an untrusted Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS) network.
US08332634B2 Cryptographic systems for encrypting input data using an address associated with the input data, error detection circuits, and methods of operating the same
A cryptographic system includes encryption logic that is configured to encrypt input data by performing a mask operation on the input data using an address associated with the input data.
US08332629B2 Mail certificate responder
A method and apparatus for generating a mail certificate is described. A client determines whether the client possesses a certificate. If a certificate is needed, the client sends a request to a certificate responder for a new certificate in response to the determination. The certificate responder generates and sends the new certificate back to the client.
US08332620B2 System, method and computer program product for executing a high level programming language conditional statement
A method for executing an instruction, the method includes: executing a compare and configure mask instruction, wherein the executing comprises: performing a comparison to provide a comparison result; and configuring, in response to the comparison result, a multiple bit mask that is stored in a multiple-purpose register; wherein all bits of the multiple bit mask are configured to have the same value; and applying an algorithmic operation on the multiple bit mask to provide an algorithmic operation result; wherein the algorithmic operation result represents an outcome of a high level programming language conditional statement.
US08332613B1 Methods and systems for managing I/O requests to minimize disruption required for data encapsulation and de-encapsulation
Technology for minimizing disruptions when host data on a physical volume is encapsulated into a virtualization layer or de-encapsulated is disclosed. Evaluation of a physical volume used as data storage for a virtualization layer before committing to direct access to the physical volume is enabled by preventing direct access before presenting the physical volume directly to the host and by preventing the virtualization layer from moving data on the physical volume while redirecting to the physical volume a first plurality of I/O requests that were directed to the virtualization layer.
US08332610B2 System on chip with reconfigurable SRAM
A system on chip comprises N components, where N is an integer greater than one, and a storage module. The storage module comprises a first memory, a control module, and a connection module. The first memory includes M blocks of static random access memory, where M is an integer greater than one. The control module generates a first assignment of the M blocks to the N components during a first period and generates a second assignment of the M blocks to the N components during a second period. The first and second assignments are different. The connection module dynamically connects the M blocks to the N components based on the first and second assignments.
US08332600B2 Storage system and method for operating storage system
In acquiring a snapshot, when data in a P-VOL is updated, it is determined whether the same data as target data to be stored in a certain second storage area specified by a certain second address of a D-VOL is already stored in a different second storage area specified by a different second address of the D-VOL, the target data being the differential data generated by the update. When the same data as the target data is stored, the target data is not newly stored in the D-VOL, and the different second address, specifying the different second storage area where the same data is stored, is registered in a snapshot management table (CoW table), in association with a certain first address specifying a certain first storage area where the data from which the target data has been generated is stored.
US08332594B2 Memory management computer
Memory management of processing systems running in a virtual computer environment and of processes running in an operating system environment includes identifying a usage pattern of a page in memory. The usage pattern is identified by tracking operations conducted with respect to the page. The memory management also includes designating the page as a candidate for sharing when the usage pattern reflects that a number of updates made to the page does not exceed a predefined threshold value. The candidate page is allocated to a first process or virtual machine. The memory management also includes sharing access to the candidate page with a second process or virtual machine when content in the candidate page matches content of page allocated for the second process or virtual machine to an address space of the candidate page.
US08332592B2 Graphics processor with snoop filter
Methods and apparatus that may be utilized to maintain coherency of data accessed by both a processor and a remote device are provided. The remote device may include coherency logic, referred to herein as a snoop filter, designed to filter memory access requests that do not require bus commands to be sent to the processor. The snoop filter may filter requests based on a remote cache directory designed to mirror the processor cache directory, such that only those requests that target cache lines indicated to be valid in the processor cache result in snoop commands sent to the processor. Other requests (targeting data that is not cached in the processor) may be routed directly to memory without the latency conventionally associated with snoop requests.
US08332583B2 Systems and methods to provide applications to microprocessor systems using a hardware element on a distribution meduim
A distribution medium (20) for providing an application to a host system (4) includes an interface element (21) for interfacing with the host (4), a memory or storage module (22) that stores application code representing the application and a hardware element (23). The hardware element (23) directly accesses application content stored in the memory (22), processes that application content to transform it to another form, and then provides the transformed content to the host system (4).
US08332579B2 Data storage apparatus and method of writing data
According to one embodiment, a data storage apparatus includes a flash memory and a controller for controlling the flash memory. The flash memory is configured to store data is written in units of a prescribed size. In order to write data smaller than the prescribe size, the controller first isolates attribute data from each save data item of the prescribed size, which has been read from any flash memory, and then stores the attribute data to an attribute data memory, and finally transfers the user data contained in the save data, to a save data memory.
US08332577B2 Program control of a non-volatile memory
A method of storing data onto a non-volatile memory includes receiving, from a host, first data that is originally assigned to a first storage area, programming the first data to a second storage area, receiving second data from the host, and while receiving the second data from the host, programming, to the first storage area, the first data that has been programmed to the second storage area, wherein the second data is received from the host simultaneously with the first data being programmed to the first storage area. The second storage area is capable of having data stored thereon faster than the first storage area.
US08332576B2 Data reading method for flash memory and controller and storage system using the same
A data reading method suitable for a flash memory storage system having a flash memory is provided, wherein the flash memory is substantially divided into a plurality of blocks and these blocks are grouped into at least a data area and a spare area. The data reading method includes: respectively determining whether the blocks in the data area are frequently read blocks; allocating a buffer storage area corresponding to the frequently read block and copying data stored in the frequently read block to the buffer storage area; and reading the data from the buffer storage area corresponding to the frequently read block when the data stored in the frequently read block is to be read. As described above, data loss caused by read disturb can be effectively prevented.
US08332569B2 Nonvolatile memory system using data interleaving scheme
A memory system comprises a plurality of nonvolatile memory devices configured for interleaved access. Programming times are measured and recorded for various memory cell regions of the nonvolatile memory devices, and interleaving units are formed by memory cell regions having different programming times.
US08332566B2 Methods and apparatuses for serial bus sideband communications
Methods and apparatuses that utilize a serial bus, such as a universal serial bus (USB), for communications between a communications network, a computing device, and an auxiliary device are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise methods handling sideband communications using serial buses. One or more of the embodiments comprise differentiating in-band data from out-of-band data, transferring information of the in-band data between a communications network and a computing device, and transferring information of the out-of-band data between the communications network and an auxiliary device. Some embodiments comprise an apparatus having a communications network interface, an auxiliary device interface, and a computing device interface. Of the interfaces, one or more may be a serial bus interface. The apparatus may differentiate between in-band and out-of-band data and communicate information of the out-of-band data to an auxiliary device. In some embodiments, the apparatus may also transfer control information. In some embodiments, information may be routed based upon cyclic redundancy check (CRC) information.
US08332560B2 System and method for identifying inoperable connection points in a storage enclosure
A system and method is disclosed for encoding a set of configuration data for a given expander and at some later point comparing the configuration data to a discovered configuration derived from an attempt to discover the operability of each phy or connection point of the storage system. The configuration identifies the phys or connection points that are operable and the mapping of operable connection points to wide ports communicatively of an expander.
US08332558B2 Compact trace trees for dynamic binary parallelization
Methods and apparatus relating to compact trace trees for dynamic binary parallelization are described. In one embodiment, a compact trace tree (CTT) is generated to improve the effectiveness of dynamic binary parallelization. CTT may be used to determine which traces are to be duplicated and specialized for execution on separate processing elements. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08332550B1 Method and apparatus for a hot-swappable input/output device with programmable over-voltage clamp protection
A method of operating an input/output interface is described. The method comprises eliminating a current path into an output pin of an input/output interface while the input/output interface receives an operational power signal during a first mode of operation; and enabling the current path into the output pin of the input/output interface to limit a voltage magnitude externally applied to the output pin of the input/output interface during a second mode of operation.
US08332544B1 Systems, methods, and devices for assisting play
Systems, methods, and computer program products for assisting play are disclosed. In some examples, the system may include a portable computer including a user interface configured to receive input from a user, and a computer communication mechanism configured to transmit computer data based, at least in part, on the received user input; and a plurality of portable devices each including an enclosure, a device communication mechanism within the enclosure and configured to receive the computer data, a proximity sensor mechanism configured to detect proximity of one or more other portable devices of the plurality of portable devices, and an audiovisual output mechanism configured to generate at least one of an audio output and a visual output based on at least one of (1) the received computer data and (2) the detected proximity of the one or more other portable devices.
US08332543B2 Command queue for peripheral component
In an embodiment, a peripheral component configured to control an external interface of an integrated circuit. For example, the peripheral component may be a memory interface unit such as a flash memory interface unit. The internal interface to the peripheral component may be shared between data transfers to/from the external interface and control communications to the peripheral component. The peripheral component may include a command queue configured to store a set of commands to perform a transfer on the interface. A control circuit may be coupled to the command queue and may read the commands and communicate with an interface controller to cause a transfer on the interface responsive to the commands. In an embodiment, a macro memory may store command sequences to be performed in response to a macro command in the command queue. In an embodiment, an operand queue may store operand data for use by the commands.
US08332539B2 Binary data serialization system using machine dependant data alignment
A binary data transfer system is described to transfer data from data source (31) to data destination (32). The system partitions placement and type data from binary data to be transferred as independent data streams and retains binary format of data source (31) including type information, padding information and endian information for the network transfer. This eliminates data parsing overheads at a data source (31) and reduces data parsing overheads required at a data destination (32). In this system, data destination (32) decodes transferred binary data using software code (47) transferred from data source (31). This transferred software code (47) optionally decodes base sixty four encoding and uses the type information, padding information and endian information to extract data from binary data stream at data destination (32).This system is applicable to any binary data transfer system between any data source and destination like a web browser client that accesses a server on the web. Hence combining native data format of a data source (31) along with transfer of software code to decode and encode such data at data destination (32), eliminates processing overheads at server and reduces processing overheads at client.
US08332536B2 Content protection continuity through authorized chains of components
Provided is a method for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.
US08332532B2 Connectivity over stateful firewalls
A method for establishing a TCP connection between two client terminals protected by stateful firewalls and comprising means for sending messages to each other via a messaging server. The client terminals agree on establishing a mutual TCP connection by sending a message, which indicates port numbers to be used on said connection. A TCP connection establishment procedure is started in both client terminals. After sending a first handshake message, a message indicating a sequence number of the first handshake message is sent from both client terminals to each other. When the firewalls of the opposite client terminals reject the first handshake message, an acknowledgement message to the first handshake message is created in both client terminals using a raw socket, which acknowledgement message includes the received sequence number as an acknowledgement number. Finally, the raw socket based acknowledgement message is sent to the opposite client terminal for completing the establishment of the TCP connection.
US08332526B2 Data communication protocol including negotiation and command compounding
Described is a data communication protocol, in which a client and server negotiate in a manner that does not require the client to retry negotiation when servers are not capable of the client-desired protocol. In one example implementation, the desired protocol is SMB 2.0 or greater. The protocol describes a create command with possibly additional context data attached for built-in extensibility, and a compound command comprising a plurality of related commands or unrelated commands. A multi-channel command requests data transfer on a separate data channel, a signed capability verification may be used to ensure that a secure connection is established, and the protocol provides the ability to transfer extended error data from the server in response to a request.
US08332525B2 Dynamic service groups based on session attributes
Service groups are dynamically created and members are dynamically assigned. A network element receives a request for a subscriber session and transmits an authentication request to a AAA server. The network element receives an authentication reply from the AAA server that includes dynamic service group configuration information that indicates that the subscriber session should be part of a service group and defines the criteria for the network element to dynamically create and join that subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically join that subscriber session to an existing service group. The network element derives a dynamic service group identifier from attributes of the subscriber session based on instructions in the dynamic service group configuration information. Based on that dynamic service group identifier and service group attribute information in the configuration information, the network element dynamically creates and joins the subscriber session to a service group if an appropriate service group does not exist or dynamically joins the subscriber session to an existing appropriate service group.
US08332510B2 Proxy detection by service processor
Embodiments provide methods, apparatus, and systems that enable an embedded processor to detect and configure one or more network access settings. The network access settings may enable the embedded processor to communicate over a network, via out-of-band messages, with a management server or service. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
US08332503B2 Message abnormality automatic detection device, method and program
In order to provide a message abnormality automatic detection device, method and program for accurately detecting messages indicating abnormalities requiring response from a large amount of messages, the message abnormality automatic detection device 1 comprises a message collection unit 2 for collecting messages, a learning unit 3 for extracting patterns from the collected messages, a normal pattern memory unit 4 for storing normal patterns, a collation unit 5 for collating the collected messages with normal patterns and detecting message abnormalities, a warning unit 6 for outputting abnormalities to display 9 and the like, and a definition unit 7 for storing the definition data related to normal patterns.
US08332501B2 High availability for intelligent applications in storage networks
Methods and apparatus provide formation and management of intelligent application clusters in a storage area network. Disk arbitration mechanisms ensure that a cluster is owned by a single member. In the event of a network partition, each cluster member involved arbitrates to gain ownership of a cluster. High availability mechanisms allow monitoring of system resources and effective failover capabilities.
US08332494B2 Device management system, servers, method for managing device, and computer readable medium
A device management system includes a first server and a second server that is different from the first server. The first server includes a first management unit configured to update and delete device information of a management target device to be managed by the first server. The second server includes a second management unit configured to update and delete device information of a management target device to be managed by the second server and a display unit configured to display device information of a device which is not to be managed by the second server.
US08332490B2 Method, apparatus and program product for provisioning a computer system
A method, apparatus and program product for automatically detecting the configuration of a hardware platform, generating the communications necessary to request the correct OS for the platform, authenticating the request at a remote server, detecting the image class based on a class node policy, and downloading the correct OS to the requesting platform while avoiding any necessity of inventorying or entering node-specific information such as a MAC (Media Access Control) address or UUID (Universally Unique Identifier).
US08332482B2 Media advertising over peer-to-peer networks
Advertising on P2P networks can include a three-step system in one embodiment of the disclosure. The first step can include the review of search requests, followed by a response linking to a media file containing an advertisement. The second step can be a delivery process. The advertising cannot be considered spam as the user can be redirected towards information that can directly correlate to the users search. The advertising can be done with the full cooperation and volition of the media company or companies involved. The advertisers' contract with the media companies can allow for payment and the media companies can then expose their product to potential buyers. The third step can be contacting an advertising server any time that media file is played. In this third step it can be determined what the optimal advertisement for this media file is.
US08332481B2 Systems and methods for transmitting subject line messages
A system and method of sending subject line messages is provided. A particular method includes receiving a call setup signaling message. The call setup signaling message includes a message identifier. The method further includes determining a subject line message associated with the message identifier of the call setup signaling message. The message identifier is replaced with the subject line message. The method further includes transmitting the call setup signaling message to a called party.
US08332479B2 Enterprise application server system and method
An application server system includes a main server and one or more clients controlled by the main server. The clients execute one or more applications in one or more virtual client environments. Each virtual client environment includes a lightweight server operable to instantiate one or more application objects in response to receiving configuration information from the main server. The application objects are each associated with an application being executed at the client. The application objects store operating information related to the associated application. The lightweight server is further operable to receive operating information from the application objects relating to the operation of the associated applications and to communicate the received information to the main server. Furthermore, the lightweight server is operable to control the applications based on at least one of: (i) the configuration information received from the main server and (ii) further instructions received from the main server after instantiation of an application object.
US08332465B2 System and method for subscription management in a messaging system
A method and system for message subscription management is presented. In one embodiment, the method includes sending a subscription request from a subscriber to a publisher. The subscription request is intercepted and redirected to a broker. Upon intercepting the subscription request, additional information, which includes an instruction to send event messages to the subscriber, is added to the subscription request and forwarded to the broker.
US08332464B2 System and method for remote network access
Systems and methods for remote network access are provided. The described methods may be implemented in a computer-readable-medium and executed on a processing device. Software modules resident on one or more networks servers and one or more client computing devices cooperate to provide the client computing device(s) with remote network access.
US08332457B2 Tile architectural style for privacy-preserved distributed computing
A method and system for privacy-preserved distributed computing on large networks using a tile-based architecture is disclosed. An expression for a tile seed assembly characterizing a problem, such as an NP-complete problem, may be determined. The solution to the tile seed assembly is a full tile assembly including a plurality of tile types. In a network of participating nodes, a tile type may be assigned to each node. A description of a tile type specific to a node may be provided to each node. A tile seed assembly may be established on selected nodes. Through progressive recruitment and replication, the tile assembly may mature, in response to the problem being solvable, into a full tile assembly having a solution. The solution may be received by the client computer.
US08332455B2 Simultaneous analysis of multiple data sources by sychronization
An apparatus and method is disclosed for processing of multiple sources of data in a single execution process to synchronize the data to be analyzed by multiple analysis routines. A control program is given the criteria for each of the analysis routines and then reads data from each source meeting the criteria, converting the data from each source to a common format, controlling the analysis routines for each source for time synchronization of the data from the multiple sources and executing each analysis routine in time order. Specifically the following subroutines are used: (1) a routine to read and process a set of controls to describe data by time and type for each analysis routine; (2) a routine to read and process a set of controls to describe the sources of input; (3) a routine for reading data from each of the sources of input a record at a time, deciding whether the time and type for the record is requested for the current analysis, and if not, reading another record or, if so, setting up to process and return the current time and type of record for the source in a common format; and (4) a routine to decide which time from the current record for each source is the earliest and then execute the appropriate analysis by type of data requested for that source record by calling the appropriate analysis routine.
US08332446B1 Setup of precise polynomial evaluation by utilizing a compressed root product form
Based on the root-product polynomial form, this method compresses essential information of a polynomial by transforming polynomials into a form which eliminates cancellation error, when evaluating polynomials, of one unknown, for real, complex, and quaternion, which are implemented with floating point numbers. Additional filtering methods simplify evaluation, including the elimination of extremely small and large root factors, which can cause out-of-range errors. The usual setup problem for root-product forms, that of needing potentially unlimited root precision and floating point range, is largely eliminated for real polynomials, and greatly mitigated for complex and quaternion, and other hypercomplex polynomials.
US08332445B2 Computing machine with an inequality computation function
When an arithmetic operation is performed on an inequality, a solution notation pattern composed of a combination of a symbol and an inequality sign symbol is determined on the basis of an expression, a solution, and an inequality sign symbol. With Line I/O being set as the calculation result display mode, the solution notation pattern data, for example, [A≦X≦B], is displayed in the upper part of a display unit. The values of the solutions [X1] [X2] corresponding to the symbols [A] [B] shown in the pattern data are displayed as [A=X1] [B=X2] in the lower part of the display unit. This makes it possible to display the solution of the inequality in an easy-to-understand manner.
US08332423B2 Method and apparatus for content sharing
The present invention discloses a content sharing method and apparatus and pertains to the Internet field. The content sharing method includes: receiving a shared content access request which carries an identity (ID) of a sendShareUser, an ID of a receiveShareUser, and an contentID of a shared node; authenticating the receiveShareUser according to the ID of the sendShareUser, ID of the receiveShareUser, and contentID of the shared node; and providing the shared content to the receiveShareUser according to the contentID of the shared node after the authentication succeeds. The apparatus includes a receiving module, an authenticating module, and a shared content providing module. The present invention separates the management and maintenance of a node from the sharing relation of the node, so that the maintenance and management of the node do not affect the sharing relation of the node.
US08332421B2 Automated user-friendly click-and-search system and method for helping business and industries in foreign countries using preferred taxonomies for formulating queries to search on a computer network and for finding relevant industrial information about products and services in each industrial group, and media for providing qualified industrial sales leads
The invention, in general, comprises systems and methods for finding information relevant to a user on the World Wide Web. In various embodiments, the invention comprises using one or more of the following: ready-made English-language queries; an ISO Technical Standards Specification Terminology database; an economic activities database based on North American Industry Classification (NAICS); a language interface configured to enable a user to use his native language for constructing an initial query sentence based on subject structure and to obtain a corresponding English language query; an automated method of extracting site (URL) information on products, services and economic activities on the Web; and providing records showing search histories (with URLs), user names, and time data for marketing or research purposes.
US08332415B1 Determining spam in information collected by a source
Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for determining spam in information collected by a source are described. A frequency of occurrence of a phrase included in text items received from a source is determined. The text items are associated with business entities and do not include any spam. Another frequency of occurrence of a phrase included in text items received from another source is determined. The text items received from the other source may or may not include spam. From the frequencies, likelihoods that a phrase is spam are determined. From the likelihoods, another likelihood that a different text item includes spam is determined.
US08332413B1 Method and device for presenting relationship closeness
A method for presenting relationship closeness, relating to the field of communications, includes: acquiring an identifier of a contact object selected by a user; acquiring, according to the identifier of the contact object, at least one contact factor of contact between the user and the contact object in a period; calculating a value of closeness between the user and the contact object according to the contact factor, where the value of closeness is used to indicate closeness between the user and the contact object; and displaying the value of closeness as a graphical object. The device includes: a first acquiring module, a second acquiring module, a calculation module and a display module. Through the present invention, the relationship closeness can be presented objectively.
US08332412B2 Method and apparatus for staged content analysis
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example network device having a controller to receive multiple streams of content for portions of a multimedia work (MMW), perform a high level analysis for features in each of the streams for the MMW, perform a specialized analysis on the portion having a detected general feature to generate a content analysis output, correlate the content analysis output with other content analysis of the MMW, and output a weighted content description based on the correlation function. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08332411B2 Boosting a ranker for improved ranking accuracy
A system described herein includes a trainer component that receives an estimated gradient of cost that corresponds to a first ranker component with respect to at least one training point and at least one query. The trainer component builds a second ranker component based at least in part upon the received estimated gradient. The system further includes a combiner component that linearly combines the first ranker component and the second ranker component.
US08332403B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus detecting a characteristic amount of a group of contents of a series configured of contents corresponding to episodes, the information processing apparatus including: a first generating means for detecting a characteristic amount in a time series of the contents corresponding to the episodes and generate a characteristic amount in the episode based on a detected result; a computing means for computing a representative value of the generated characteristic amount in the episode; a second generating means for arranging the computed representative values corresponding to the episodes in a time series and generate a characteristic amount in the series indicating a characteristic amount in a time series of the group of the contents of the series; and a database means for storing the generated characteristic amount in the series in a database in association with the group of the contents of the series.
US08332397B2 Presenting sponsored content on a mobile communication facility
A computer-implemented method for positioning targeted sponsored content on a cellular phone includes the steps of (a) assessing a likelihood of an interaction by a user of the cellular phone with a sponsored content, wherein the assessment is based on a plurality of user characteristics associated with the cellular phone, such as a purchase of a good or a service, a payment history associated with the user; and a predefined hardware or software characteristic of the cellular phone; (b) prioritizing the placement of the sponsored content within one of a plurality of predefined areas of a graphical user interface of the cellular phone over the placement of other sponsored content within the same area, wherein the prioritization is based on the assessment of the likelihood of the interaction of the user of the cellular phone with the sponsored content; and (c) presenting the sponsored content within the one of a plurality of predefined areas of the graphical user interface of the cellular phone.
US08332395B2 Graphically searching and displaying data
Embodiments of the present invention provide a multifaceted tool (e.g., graphical representation/object) for searching and displaying data (e.g., search results). Specifically, aspects of the present invention build on “seed” terms to find and display related words, presenting them in a graduated manner by closeness to the seed. The tool allows a user to select variable weights which indicate the desired degree of closeness to the seed word/idea, or it may be randomly generated. Additionally, this tool may be used to create brainstorm teams with a desired level of variance from a target subject. In a typical embodiment, the a search or seed term and corresponding results are displayed in a hub and spoke-like graphical representation whereby the seed term is positioned in a center window of the graphic, and results are displayed in branches that extend radially from the center. Each branch can correspond to a different information source from which the corresponding results were obtained.
US08332393B2 Search session with refinement
A search system may use a stateful session that suggests new keywords for refining a search with each iteration of a search sequence. The keywords may be derived from a set of previous search results, or may be identified from a taxonomy of terms. A user may be able to select the keywords to include or exclude from a user interface to further refine the search. In some embodiments, the user interface may also include various metadata parameters to include or exclude. The system may use one or more conventional query-based search engines and may be implemented as a client application, intermediate service, or as part of a search engine.
US08332389B2 Join order for a database query
In an embodiment, a portion of the execution plan is executed to produce a portion of records in a partial result set. If a first join of a table is performed that eliminates more than a first threshold number of records from the partial result set, a determination is made whether an estimated cost of a forced primary join is less than an estimated cost of a star join. If the estimated cost of the forced primary join is less than the estimated cost of the star join, then the table is moved first in a join order in the execution plan, the portion of the records in the partial result set is discarded, and the execution is re-started with a different portion of the execution plan to produce a different portion of the records.
US08332386B2 Contextual search of a collaborative environment
Techniques and systems are provided for capturing relationships between items in “bonds”, and using the bonds to facilitate searches against the items. It is described how bonds that reflect relationships between searchable items are stored. The degree of separation between any two given searchable items is based on the minimum number of bonds that have to be traversed to arrive at one of the two searchable items when starting at the other of the two searchable items. The bonds are used to respond to a search request, performing a search relative to a designated searchable item. For example, the search mechanism may search only those searchable items that are within a particular degree of separation of the designated searchable item. As another example, the search mechanism may determine the order in which searchable items are compared against search criteria of the search request based on the degree of separation of the searchable items from the designated searchable item. In addition, the search mechanism may ranking the searchable items that match the search based, at least in part, on the degree of separation between the searchable items and the designated searchable item.
US08332385B2 Approximating query results by relations over types for error detection and optimization
A method and system is provided for computing an approximation of the results of a query. The approximation represents a superset of all possible results, by computing a set of records of types (as opposed to a set of records of values, which is the normal result of a query). This is different from conventional systems, which typically infer types for each field individually. For each record of types, one may also keep track of equalities of fields to improve the precision of the approximation. The approximation can be used to detect erroneous parts of queries that always return an empty result, regardless of the contents of the data source. Furthermore, the same approximation is also useful in performing optimizations: first, by eliminating parts of procedure calls that are guaranteed to be irrelevant to the calling context, and second, by eliminating unnecessary type tests in the query.
US08332384B2 Creation and maintenance of a synopsis of a body of knowledge using normalized terminology
Systems and methods are provided for expressing a body of knowledge in standard or normalized terms. A topic hierarchy comprises topics related to the body of knowledge, with one or more topics comprising subtopics, and with subtopics themselves possibly comprising further subtopics. Principles are found within documents that are related to the body of knowledge, and standard terminology is selected to express those principles. Documents may be associated with the standard expressions corresponding to the respective principles found in the documents, and one or more of the standard expressions may be associated with at least one topic, subtopic, or both.
US08332383B2 Method and system to process a data search request
A method and system to process a data search request. The system includes a query controller module to receive the data search request that includes constraints; a reduced constraint builder module to formulate a plurality of search definitions that are formulated to exclude at least one constraint; and a search engine to perform searches of a data source to generate search results and to utilize the search results to calculate counts of data items that respectively correspond to the search definitions. The query controller module communicates the counts of data items and the corresponding search definitions to a client machine. Each of the search definitions is formulated to include a constraint set.
US08332376B2 Virtual message persistence service
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to a distributed data repository system including a plurality of symmetric data repository nodes. In certain embodiments of the present invention, the distributed data repository system is message-centric operative to store message payloads transmitted from client nodes. In certain embodiments, the distributed data repository system is BLOB-centric, maintaining binary data objects and indexes of attribute values that map to the binary data objects. Of course, the present invention can be utilized to store a great variety of digital data contained in message payloads. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the attribute indexes are fully replicated across all data repository nodes, while the message payloads (e.g., data objects or other content) are exchanged across data repository nodes as needed to fulfill client queries. In this manner, each data repository node in the distributed system can fulfill any client request, while reducing the storage and memory requirements for each data repository node. The reduced storage and computational requirements enable each distributed data repository node to be hosted by an inexpensive hardware platform and, therefore, allow for the deployment of large numbers of distributed data repository nodes to achieve a distributed data repository system featuring high availability and reliability. In certain embodiments, each distributed data repository node is further equipped to act as an instant messaging (or other one-way messaging) server to allow client nodes to establish instant messaging connections with the data repository nodes in the distributed system.
US08332373B1 Representing user-defined routines with defined data structures
A database system constructs representation for predicate expressions invoking user-defined routines. A first representation is constructed if an indicator has a first value, and a second representation is constructed if the indicator has a second value. Based on which representation is used, an optimizer in the database system selects use of indexing and/or statistics and/or other performance-enhancement features in generating a query plan.
US08332371B1 Information extraction from a database
Techniques for extracting information from a database are provided. A database such as the Web is searched for occurrences of tuples of information. The occurrences of the tuples of information that were found in the database are analyzed to identify a pattern in which the tuples of information were stored. Additional tuples of information can then be extracted from the database utilizing the pattern. This process can be repeated with the additional tuples of information, if desired.
US08332369B2 Policy driven distributed data resiliency
A data resiliency layer provides manageable data resiliency policy options for email related applications. Through one or more APIs such applications are enabled to query whether a data resiliency policy is satisfied for a given mailbox or database at a given point in time. Email related applications may consume this information to modify their behavior such as to wait, repeat, or fail the actions at hand to the point where data committal is guaranteed to a degree specified by the data resiliency policy.
US08332366B2 System and method for automatic weight generation for probabilistic matching
Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method of automatically generating weights for matching data records. Each field of a record may be compared by an exact match and/or close matches and each comparison can result in a mathematical score which is the sum of the field comparisons. To sum up the field scores accurately, the automatic weight generation process comprises an iterative process. In one embodiment, initial weights are computed based upon unmatched-set probabilities and default discrepancy weights associated with attributes in the comparison algorithm. A bulk cross-match is performed across the records using the initial weights and a candidate matched set is computed for updating the discrepancy probabilities. New weights are computed based upon the unmatched probabilities and the updated discrepancy probabilities. Test for convergence between the new weights and the old weights. Repeat with the new weight table until the weights converge to their final value.
US08332360B2 QoS-enabled lifecycle management for file systems
A method for lifecycle management for file systems has several steps. At least one storage container adapted to support a file system is allocated. The at least one storage container and the file system are associated with a service class. The file system is created in the storage container. The service class is used during lifecycle actions performed on the file system. Lifecycle actions may comprise, e.g., creating, extending, replicating, moving, or migrating a file system. The service class for the file system may also be maintained for a lifecycle of the file system.
US08332356B2 NFS agent upgrade
A networked system includes a master agent and at least one state agent. When upgrading the software of the master agent and the state agents, only the binary files at a shared location at the master agent are changed. To accomplish the change, a watchdog process at the state agent watches for the presence of a marker file at the master agent. The master agent produces the marker file if the master agent will accomplish a software upgrade. When the marker file is present, the state agent stops execution. The watchdog continues to monitor the presence of the marker file until the marker file is deleted at the end of the installation process. When the marker file is deleted, the state agent installs the new binary files associated with the software upgrade and resumes execution.
US08332354B1 Asynchronous replication by tracking recovery point objective
Technologies are described herein for skipping snapshots during a snapshot replication process in order to maintain an established recovery point objective. A first snapshot is selected after a previously replicated snapshot. A creation time of the first snapshot is retrieved. A difference between a current time and the creation time of the first snapshot is computed. A determination is made as to whether the difference is less than a recovery point objective. If the difference is less than a recovery point objective, then the first snapshot is replicated in the snapshot replicated process. If the difference is not less than a recovery point objective, then the first snapshot is skipped through the snapshot replication process.
US08332351B2 Method and system for preserving files with multiple links during shadow migration
A method for migrating files. The method includes receiving a first file system (FS) operation request for a target FS, making a first determination that migration for a source FS is not complete, and making a second determination that the first FS operation request specifies a directory and that the directory is un-migrated. In response to the first and second determination obtaining meta-data for content in the directory, and creating a directory entry (DE) for a first file in the directory on the target FS. The method further populating the DE for the first file on the target FS using file data, creating a DE for a second file in the directory on the target FS, linking the DE for the second file to the file data and the file level attribute, and servicing, after the linking, the first FS operation request using target FS.
US08332350B2 Method and system for automated security access policy for a document management system
A method and system for providing an automated security access policy in a document management system are described. The security policies are applied based on metadata rules. Once a document is added to the document managements system, the metadata rules are evaluated using the metadata of the document. Based on the results of the evaluation security access policies are applied to the document.
US08332340B2 Hybrid microscale-nanoscale neuromorphic integrated circuit
Embodiments of the present invention include hybrid microscale-nanoscale neuromorphic integrated circuits that include an array of analog computational cells fabricated on an integrated-circuit-substrate. The analog electronic circuitry within each computational cell connected to one or more pins of a first type and to one or more pins of a second type that extend approximately vertically from the computational cells. The computational cells are additionally interconnected by one or more nanowire-interconnect layers, each nanowire-interconnect layer including two nanowire sublayers on either side of a memristive sublayer, with each nanowire in each nanowire sublayer of an interconnect layer connected to a single computational-cell pin and to a number of nanowires in the other nanowire sublayer of the interconnect layer.
US08332331B2 Determining a price premium for a project
A method includes accessing project information that includes values for one or more parameters of a project. The method further includes determining from the project information a project duration for the project, a time value of money for the project, a variability for the project, and an expected project price. A price premium for the project is generated according to the project duration, the time value of money, the variability value, and the expected project price, using an option-pricing mathematical model for financial instruments.
US08332322B2 Method of establishing identity validation based on an individual's ability to access multiple secure accounts
A system and methods that enables and utilizes the conversion of an individual's ability to access multiple secure accounts to establish and validate the individual's digital primary identity. The control for the digital primary identity validation is user-centric so that the individual controls the amount of information supplied and therefore the level of assurance achievable. The level of assurance can be added to the digital primary identity. An identity card for digital primary identity validation can be used online or in-person. Validation and level of assurance is reviewed regularly or continuously. Levels of assurance can be increased by validating primary sources of identification.
US08332314B2 Text authorization for mobile payments
A system and method enables trusted sources to easily approve requests for money transfers by simply typing in a yes or equivalent.
US08332311B2 Hybrid account
A system, according to one embodiment, includes a hybrid account provided by an issuer to a user, the hybrid account having a balance, the balance being either positive, zero, or negative; and a financial instrument including a hybrid card, the hybrid card providing access to the hybrid account, in which transactions using the hybrid card provide interchange income to the issuer, the issuer charges interest to the hybrid account when the balance is negative, and the issuer pays interest to the hybrid account when the balance is positive.
US08332307B1 Variants of NAV-based trading for less closely-linked components of index arbitrage complexes
Systems and methods are provided in which a first module is configured to execute a trade of a securities futures product on an underlying financial instrument for which a valuation relative to at least one of (a) a net asset value and (b) a closing price, is calculated and published at or after a specified time. A second module determines a price for the executed trade, in which the price is specified relative to the valuation and/or the valuation with a basis adjustment. The second module may be configured to use a price which is (a) a first price which is at a specified discount, (b) a second price which is substantially equal, and/or (c) a third price which is at a premium, to the valuation or valuation with basis adjustment. A third module is configured to submit the executed trade for settlement at the determined price.
US08332303B2 Method and apparatus for monitoring and evaluating trade activity
Systems, methods, apparatus, computer program code and means for generating quality data associated with an option order are provided. In some embodiments, an option order is received, the option order including information identifying a customer, and information identifying a desired option. The option order is associated with an order time. First national best bid and offer (NBBO) data are identified for the desired option at the order time. Execution information associated with the option order are identified, where the execution information includes information identifying a price, an exchange, and an execution time. Second NBBO data for the desired option at the execution time is identified, and the execution information is compared with at least one of the first and second NBBO data.
US08332302B1 Method and apparatus for auctioning items
An electronic auction system which Includes a Central Auction Controller (CAC) that allows sellers to list items for auction and users to enter bids and rank srdorings Is disclosed. The CAC maintains a central database comprising a database of user information, a database of Items and bids and a database of vendor information. Administration of the system is accomplished via an I/O device and CPU and an optional e-mail processor allows automated messaging to users. This methodology allows users to effectively bid on a large number of mutually exclusive items but receive at most one item at the end of the auction.
US08332301B2 Clearing system that determines margin requirements for financial portfolios
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for calculating a performance bond amount for a portfolio including interest rate swaps. A risk calculation module (or risk processor) may assist in the calculation. In some examples, values, such as swap (DV01) dollar values and volatility values, and adjustments/factors, such as calendar charge adjustments and liquidity charge minimums, may be used to enhance the margin calculation. These values may be maintained and updated in various ways, including but not limited to, lookup tables, matrices, and other structures. The margin calculations may be used by an exchange or clearinghouse to request a portfolio holder to deposit additional funds towards a performance bond associated with the portfolio.
US08332296B1 System for determining election reauthorization
Determining election reauthorization is disclosed, including using a system to: receive one or more inputs of values, determine an available cash flow based at least in part on the inputted values; determine whether a reauthorization of bonds is required based at least in part on the determined available cash flow; and determine that an aggregate of an amount of bonds issued so far and an amount of bonds to reauthorize does not exceed a limit associated with a bonding capacity associated with a state statute.
US08332295B1 Method and system for mapping business transactions
A method for mapping a business transaction involves obtaining a transaction record of the business transaction, where the transaction record includes business information associated with performing the business transaction, analyzing the transaction record to determine available business information, submitting available business information to a mapping service to obtain a map of a business location, and displaying the map.
US08332293B2 End user generated billing cycles
Methods for applying end user specified preset parameters to use a ratio and/or an amount threshold to pay a portion of, or leave wholly unpaid, a posted point of sale (POS) transaction amount, and/or not pay a portion or an entire posted POS transaction amount, among a plurality of posted POS transaction amounts posted to an initial credit balance, wherein an unpaid portion of, or an entire amount of, a POS transaction amount remains unpaid as a partial, or wholly remaining, debit to said initial credit balance; and wherein a credit balance provider of said initial credit balance pays product or service providers for POS transaction amounts pertaining to pos transactions for products or services provided to an end user.
US08332289B2 Spending vehicles for payments
A system and method for associating payments with spending vehicles so that an individual who is entitled to receive periodic or special payments, such as tax refunds or social security checks, receives in place of the payment a spending vehicle, such as a debit card, pre-paid credit, or other card having funds stored thereon. An individual who wishes to receive a spending vehicle rather than the regular payment selects the spending vehicle he or she would like to receive. The individual then assigns his or her right to receive the payment to a third party. The third party then arranges to give a spending vehicle to the individual and to transfer the individual's payment to a sponsor of the spending vehicle. The third party may take a portion of the payment as compensation for the service.
US08332279B2 Methods and systems for searching for goods and services
A method and apparatus for creating a computerized market for used and collectible goods by use of a plurality of low cost posting terminals and a market maker computer in a legal framework that establishes a bailee relationship and consignment contract with a purchaser of a good at the market maker computer that allows the purchaser to change the price of the good once the purchaser has purchased the good thereby to allow the purchaser to speculate on the price of collectibles in an electronic market for used goods while assuring the safe and trusted physical possession of a good with a vetted bailee.
US08332275B2 Method and apparatus to facilitate a transaction within a network-based facility
Method and apparatus to facilitate programmatic access to a network-based commerce facility via a network. The method includes receiving a request from a third party application via the network at the network based commerce facility. The request performs an action pertaining to electronic commerce and being one of a plurality of requests recognized by the network-based commerce facility. In responsive to the request, the method performs the action pertaining to the electronic commerce and communicates from a result of the action from the network-based commerce facility to the third party application in a programmatically accessible format.
US08332268B2 Method and system for scheduling online content delivery
A method and system to schedule delivery of items of content selectively to online users are described. Expected values relating to each user being online is determined during a given time period. An ordered list of the items of content to be selectively delivered to the users is generated based on the expected values. The ordered list may be prioritized to meet delivery requirements associated with the items of content.
US08332264B1 Method and system for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets
A method and system are provided for visualizing and analyzing spectrum assets. License, channel, and lease data from a communications authority is collected and formatted into individual polygon maps. The maps could be drawn according to county or state boundaries, or by some other mapping standard. The maps are then divided and redrawn into several market service areas and several basic trading areas. The maps are also divided and redrawn according to the bandwidth spectrum of one or more channels. Since the maps are drawn with several different boundary conditions, the layout of all of the maps result in some maps being partially overlaid onto other maps for the same region. These regions containing partially overlaid maps are redefined as superblocks. Each superblock contains all of the data from each overlaid map portion for that particular region. These superblocks provide a means of displaying or representing a completely mapped region, such as the continental United States in a completely non-overlapping manner. Several methods analyze the newly formed non-overlapping data map for purposes of deriving current assets and forming future marketing strategies.
US08332259B1 Method and system for evaluating expansion of a business
A method for evaluating expansion of a business where the business is located in a first geographic area. The method includes receiving information about the business, querying a business information source and a demographic information source using the information, receiving data from the business information source and the demographic information source in response to the querying, processing the data using business expansion factors to obtain a rank order, where the data comprises a plurality of potential geographic areas for expanding the business, where the plurality of potential geographic areas are evaluated on the business expansion factors to determine a similarity to the first geographic area to obtain a rank order, and presenting, in the rank order, each of the plurality of potential geographic areas.
US08332251B1 Method and system for allocation of resources in an Agile environment
A computer-implemented method is provided for optimizing allocation of resources across stories for a release within an Agile development environment. The method includes receiving (i) resource information representing a plurality of resources available for allocation to the stories, (ii) one or more story definitions, each story definition comprising a unique identifier and one or more story-level constraints corresponding to a story, (iii) release information, (iv) iteration information, and (iv) one or more optimization criteria. The method also includes generating a plurality of story-level allocation scenarios and determining one or more optimized story-level allocation scenarios from the plurality of story-level allocation scenarios. Each story-level allocation scenario satisfies the one or more story-level constraints associated with each story definition. Each optimized story-level allocation scenario optimizes assignment of iterations or allocation of resources to the stories to satisfy the one or more optimization criteria.
US08332246B2 Method and system for processing of data related to underwriting of insurance
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.
US08332242B1 Systems and methods for real-time driving risk prediction and route recommendation
A system, method, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for providing routing-based insurance. A telematics device exchanges information related to a user's traversal of a route with a routing-based insurance system. The telematics device determines the current location and destination of the user, which it provides to the routing-based insurance system, for processing to determine available route segments between the two locations. A set of risk score data is generated for each of the available route segments, which in turn is used to generate a set of risk score differential data. Route advisement data, comprising routing instructions and the set of risk score differential data for the route segment, is generated and provided to the telematics device. A route segment is selected by the user and then traversed. The set of risk score differential data associated with the traversed route segment is determined and associated with the user's insurance policy. Insurance policy price data, corresponding to the traversed route segment, is generated and in turn is processed to generate insurance policy adjustment data. The insurance policy price adjustment data is then processed to modify pricing data associated with the user's insurance policy.
US08332239B2 Automatic patient record update enabled clinical messaging
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses for automatic patient record creation for messaging. Embodiments provide messaging systems, devices and methods for electronic clinical messaging with transmission of a record or data from a sender to a recipient and automatic creation of patient records upon receipt by a recipient.
US08332231B2 Apparatus and method for processing service interactions
An interactive voice and data response system that directs input to a voice, text, and web-capable software-based router, which is able to intelligently respond to the input by drawing on a combination of human agents, advanced speech recognition and expert systems, connected to the router via a TCP/IP network. The digitized input is broken down into components so that the customer interaction is managed as a series of small tasks performed by a pool of human agents, rather than one ongoing conversation between the customer and a single agent. The router manages the interactions and keeps pace with a real-time conversation. The system utilizes both speech recognition and human intelligence for purposes of interpreting customer utterances or customer text, where the role of the human agent(s) is to input the intent of caller utterances, and where the computer system—not the human agent—determines which response to provide given the customer's stated intent (as interpreted/captured by the human agents). The system may use more than one human agent, or both human agents and speech recognition software, to interpret simultaneously the same component for error-checking and interpretation accuracy.
US08332224B2 System and method of supporting adaptive misrecognition conversational speech
A system and method are provided for receiving speech and/or non-speech communications of natural language questions and/or commands and executing the questions and/or commands. The invention provides a conversational human-machine interface that includes a conversational speech analyzer, a general cognitive model, an environmental model, and a personalized cognitive model to determine context, domain knowledge, and invoke prior information to interpret a spoken utterance or a received non-spoken message. The system and method creates, stores and uses extensive personal profile information for each user, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context of the speech or non-speech communication and presenting the expected results for a particular question or command.