Document Document Title
US08394625B2 Lab-on-a-pipette
This invention generally relates to an integrated ‘lab-on-a-Pipette’™ which will provide sample-to-answer single cell genetic diagnosis for preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) and other forms of single cell analysis (SCA). SCA is a quickly growing field with substantial impact in prenatal testing, cancer biopsies, diabetes, stem cell research, and our overall understanding of heterogeneity in biology. However, single cell genetic analysis is challenging, inaccurate, and in many cases impossible, due to the small amount of sample (5 pg), and difficulties in handling small sample volumes (50-100 pL). The ‘lab-on-a-pipette’ device integrates a microaspiration tip with microfluidic analysis components to conduct in-situ, real-time single cell genetic diagnosis in a single device. The microaspiration tip extracts and encapsulate a cell into an ultra-low volume plug (˜300 pL).
US08394617B2 Perhydrolase variant providing improved specific activity
An acetyl xylan esterase variant having perhydrolytic activity is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters and a source of peroxygen. More specifically, a Thermotoga maritima acetyl xylan esterase gene was modified using error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis to create an enzyme catalyst characterized by an increase in specific activity. The variant acetyl xylan esterase may be used to produce peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in a variety of applications such as cleaning, disinfecting, sanitizing, bleaching, wood pulp processing, and paper pulp processing applications.
US08394611B2 Process for the treatment of lignocellulosic biomass
A process for the treatment of biomass to render structural carbohydrates more accessible and/or digestible using concentrated ammonium hydroxide with or without anhydrous ammonia addition, is described. The process preferably uses steam to strip ammonia from the biomass for recycling. The process yields of monosaccharides from the structural carbohydrates are good, particularly as measured by the enzymatic hydrolysis of the structural carbohydrates. The monosaccharides are used as animal feeds and energy sources for ethanol production.
US08394610B2 Method for constructing an operon containing translationally coupled genes
The present invention provides a method for constructing recombinant translationally coupled operons, a method for producing useful metabolites using the bacterium containing the coupled operons, and a method for monitoring gene expression.
US08394609B2 Primers and methods for the detection and discrimination of nucleic acids
The present invention provides novel primers and methods for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. The primers and methods of the invention are useful in a wide variety of molecular biology applications and are particularly useful in allele specific PCR.
US08394604B2 Protein splicing using short terminal split inteins
The invention provides methods of producing functional split inteins having small N-intein and/or small C-intein. Using these split inteins with their protein trans-splicing and cleavage activities, we provide new and more effective methods of manipulating proteins. They include site-specific addition of synthetic peptides at protein's terminal and internal locations, ligation of synthetic and/or expressed polypeptides, controllable cyclization of synthetic and/or expressed polypeptides, and controllable cleavages of recombinant proteins. These methods have numerous utilities including but not limited to protein fluorescence labeling, fixation on microchips, site-specific PEGylation, and linkage with pharmaceutical molecules.
US08394593B2 Use of an IL-12 receptor splice variant and molecular assay to quantify expression thereof
The present invention describes compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a vaccine formulation comprising an antigen and IL12Rβ1 isoform 2. In some embodiments, this invention relates to a method of quantifying the ratio of IL12Rβ1 transcript and a splice variant thereof in a sample, including but not limited to at the cDNA level. In other embodiments, this invention relates to a method of augmenting an immune response by administering, inhibiting and/or inducing IL12Rβ1 isoform 2.
US08394588B2 Methods to fix and detect nucleic acids
In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for fixing a short nucleic acid in a biological sample. In another aspect, the invention relates to a method for detecting a target short nucleic acid in a biological sample. The method includes contacting the biological sample with an aldehyde-containing fixative, and subsequently contacting the sample with a water-soluble carbodiimide. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a kit for fixing a short nucleic acid in a biological sample. The kit includes a support substrate for holding the sample; an aldehyde-containing fixative; and a water-soluble carbodiimide.
US08394581B2 Test method on feline vaccinated with feline immunodeficiency virus vaccine, and antigen for use in the test
Since FIV-vaccinated cats produce antibodies against FIV, distinguishing them from FIV-infected cats is difficult by serological diagnostic methods using FIV and FIV-derived substances. The present invention enables tests for determining the presence or absence of a FIV vaccination history in a cat by detecting antibodies that are produced as a result of vaccination of a cat with an FIV vaccine, but not as a result of FIV infection. Using the methods of the present invention, whether an anti-FIV antibody-positive cat is infected with FIV or has been vaccinated can be conveniently distinguished.
US08394580B2 Protein markers for the detection of thyroid cancer metastasis
This invention relates, e.g., to a method for detecting the presence of lymph node metastases in a subject having papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), comprising measuring in a sample from the subject the amount of expression (e.g., the amount of protein, or the amount of mRNA encoding the protein) of one or more of the following proteins: (a) LIMD2, and/or (b) PTPRC, and/or (c) LTB, and/or (d) CD48, and/or (e) ABCC3, wherein a significant amount of over-expression of one or more of protein(s) (a)-(e), compared to the baseline value, indicates that lymph node metastases are likely to be present in the subject.
US08394579B2 Methods of forming patterns
Some embodiments include methods of forming patterns in which a block copolymer-containing composition is formed over a substrate, and is then patterned to form a first mask. The block copolymer of the composition is subsequently induced into forming a repeating pattern within the first mask. Portions of the repeating pattern are then removed to form a second mask from the first mask. The patterning of the block copolymer-containing composition may utilize photolithography. Alternatively, the substrate may have regions which wet differently relative to one another with respect to the block copolymer-containing composition, and the patterning of the first mask may utilize such differences in wetting in forming the first mask.
US08394569B2 Resist composition for immersion lithography and method for forming resist pattern
A resist composition for immersion lithography of the present invention includes a resin component (A) which exhibits changed alkali solubility under the action of acid; and an acid generator component (B) which generates acid on exposure, wherein the resin component (A) includes a resin (A1) containing a fluorine atom and no acid-dissociable group, and a resin (A2) containing a structural unit (a′) derived from an acrylic acid and no fluorine atom.
US08394568B2 Synthesis and emulsification of resins
The present disclosure provides processes for producing resins suitable for use in forming toner compositions. In embodiments, the processes described herein comprise formation of latexes, including latexes for use in toners, produced without use of solvents.
US08394566B2 Non-magnetic single component emulsion/aggregation toner composition
A toner composition with a novel surface additive package for developing images. The additive package includes sol-gel silica, a PDMS silica, an organic spacer such as PMMA and HMDS silica. The toner composition exhibits improved control of voltage, higher print density, lower toner amount remaining on the roll, lower toner usage, and reduced drum contamination. The toner composition also exhibits improved dry theological properties. These improved properties make this toner composition useful for higher speed printing while using less toner.
US08394564B2 Polymerized toner and method of producing the same
A polymerized toner is provided. The polymerized toner has cores containing polyvinylidene fluoride particles. The polyvinylidene fluoride particles have an average particle diameter of 1.1 to 1.5 μm and a melting temperature (Tm) of 140 to 160° C. The polyvinylidene fluoride particles are distributed at a higher concentration near the surface of the cores. This distribution improves the affinity of the cores for silica as an external additive to achieve an increased amount of surface charge and improved transfer efficiency of the polymerized toner. Further provided is a method of producing the polymerized toner.
US08394561B2 Colored toners
The present disclosure provides violet toners and methods for their production. In embodiments, methods of the present disclosure include systems which may be utilized to predict the color properties of a violet toner, thereby permitting adjustment of the pigment loading and/or target mass per unit area.
US08394551B2 Membrane electrode assembly for use in electrochemical devices
The invention relates to a membrane-electrode assembly (MEA) for electrochemical devices, in particular for membrane fuel cells. The membrane-electrode assembly has a semi-coextensive design and comprises an ion-conducting membrane, two catalyst layers and gas diffusion layers of differing sizes on the front side and rear side. The first gas diffusion layer has smaller planar dimensions than the ion-conducting membrane, while the second gas diffusion layer has essentially the same planar dimensions as the ion-conducting membrane. As a result, the ion-conducting membrane has a surface which is not supported by a gas diffusion layer on the front side.The membrane-electrode assembly has, owing to the particular construction, a stable structure which can be handled readily and displays advantages in the sealing of the reactive gases from one another and also in terms of the electrical properties. In particular, the hydrogen penetration current is significantly reduced.New processes for producing the MEA of the invention are described, in particular the method of heat pulse welding.The membrane-electrode assembly is used in PEM fuel cells, direct methanol fuel cells, electrolysers and other electrochemical devices.
US08394549B2 Nonwoven fabric and electrolyte membrane
To obtain a nonwoven fabric which is excellent in the heat resistance and the chemical resistance, of which the fiber diameter is small, and which is excellent in the mechanical strength at a temperature at which it is used; and an electrolyte membrane which is excellent in the dimensional stability when it is swollen by water, and of which an increase in the resistance by a reinforcing material is suppressed.A nonwoven fabric 28 containing fibers 26 of an ethylene/tetrafluoroethylene copolymer having a storage elastic modulus E′ at 25° C. of at least 8×108 Pa and a melt viscosity measured at 300° C. of higher than 60 Pa·s and at most 300 Pa·s, wherein the average fiber diameter of the fibers is from 0.01 to 3 μm; and an electrolyte membrane reinforced by the nonwoven fabric 28.
US08394544B2 Solid oxide fuel cell steam reforming power system
The present invention is a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Reforming Power System that utilizes adiabatic reforming of reformate within this system. By utilizing adiabatic reforming of reformate within the system the system operates at a significantly higher efficiency than other Solid Oxide Reforming Power Systems that exist in the prior art. This is because energy is not lost while materials are cooled and reheated, instead the device operates at a higher temperature. This allows efficiencies higher than 65%.
US08394539B2 Lithium salts of fluorinated borate esters for lithium-ion batteries
Lithium salts with fluorinated chelated orthoborate anions are prepared and used as electrolytes or electrolyte additives in lithium-ion batteries. The lithium salts have two chelate rings formed by the coordination of two bidentate ligands to a single boron atom. In addition, each chelate ring has two oxygen atoms bonded to one boron atom, methylene groups bonded to the two oxygen atoms, and one or more fluorinated carbon atoms bonded to and forming a cyclic bridge between the methylene groups.
US08394535B2 Electrode plate for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, method for producing the same, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
An electrode plate for a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery comprises a current collector, and an electrode active material layer formed on at least part of the surface of the current collector. The electrode active material layer contains a particulate electrode active material and a binding material. The binding material is made of an amorphous metal oxide that does not cause alkaline metal ion intercalation and deintercalation reactions.
US08394521B2 Battery system having assembled battery
A battery system includes: an assembled battery having battery cells with a pair of electrodes, wherein one electrode of one cell is coupled with another electrode of another cell via a bus bar so that the cells are coupled in series with each other; a fluid supply element for supplying fluid to the bus bar and the electrodes so that the fluid conducts heat to and absorbs heat from the bus bar and the electrodes; and a partition for partitioning the bus bars and for providing multiple passages. The bus bar and the electrodes protrude from the cell. The passages are disposed outside of the assembled battery. The fluid is branched into the passages.
US08394520B2 Thermal battery electrolyte materials, electrode-electrolyte composites, and batteries including same
Ternary or quaternary electrolyte material for use in thermal batteries that is substantially free of binders is disclosed. Composites of electrodes and electrolytes that contain the electrolyte material and batteries that contain the electrolyte material are also disclosed.
US08394510B2 Aromatic amine derivative and organic electroluminescence device using the same
An aromatic amine derivative with a specific structure having a carbazole skeleton to which a diarylamino group bonds via a bonding group. An organic electroluminescence device which is composed of one or more organic thin film layers including at least one light emitting layer sandwiched between a cathode and an anode, wherein at least one of the organic thin film layers contains the aromatic amine derivative singly or as its mixture component. Organic electroluminescence devices with enhanced efficiency of light emission and a compound realizing the devices are provided.
US08394497B2 Microencapsulated particles and process for manufacturing same
Microencapsulated particles having improved resistance to moisture and extended release capabilities are produced by microencapsulating the particles in a film-forming, cross-linked, hydrolyzed polymer.
US08394493B2 Bonding film composition for semiconductor assembly, bonding film therefrom, and dicing die bond film comprising the same
A die bonding film composition for semiconductor assembly may include an elastomer resin containing a hydroxyl group, a carboxyl group, or an epoxy group. The die bonding film composition may also include a film forming resin having a glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range of about 0 to 200° C., an epoxy resin, a phenol resin, a hardener, a silane coupling agent, and a filler.
US08394488B2 Bioabsorbable device having composite structure for accelerating degradation
A medical device has a structure made of a first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material and a second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. The first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material has a degradation rate that is faster than a degradation rate of the second biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material. And, the structure experiences a period of accelerated degradation upon exposure of the first biodegradable and/or bioabsorbable material.
US08394485B2 Compound mold and structured surface articles containing geometric structures with compound faces and method of making same
Structured surface articles such as molds or sheeting are formed on a compound substrate including a machined substrate and a replicated substrate. In one embodiment, the structured surface is a cube corner element on a compound substrate. In another embodiment, the structured surface is a geometric structure that has a plurality of faces, where one face is located on the machined substrate and another face is located on the replicated substrate. In yet another embodiment, at least some of the faces include a compound face with a portion formed on the machined substrate and a portion formed on the replicated substrate.
US08394483B2 Two-dimensional arrays of holes with sub-lithographic diameters formed by block copolymer self-assembly
Methods for fabricating sublithographic, nanoscale microstructures in two-dimensional square and rectangular arrays utilizing self-assembling block copolymers, and films and devices formed from these methods are provided.
US08394479B2 Write-once optical recording medium and process for manufacturing the same
A write-once optical recording medium includes an inorganic recording layer and a protective layer provided on at least one surface of the inorganic recording layer. This protective layer contains indium oxide and tin oxide as main components.
US08394474B2 Sterilizable coextruded film for aseptic packaging
A coextruded multilayer film includes a core layer including an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; two intermediate layers each including a blend of an amorphous polyamide having a glass transition temperature of at least 80° C., and a semicrystalline polyamide; two outer layers each including an olefinic polymer; and two tie layers each adhering an intermediate layer to a respective outer layer; wherein the film exhibits an elongation at yield (ASTM D 882) of less than 15% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions, and a free shrink (ASTM D 2732) at 200° F. of less than 8% in each of the longitudinal and transverse directions. An aseptic package includes a sterilized food product, and a sterilized pouch in which the sterilized food product is disposed, the sterilized pouch including the coextruded multilayer film of the invention. A method of making an aseptic package is also disclosed.
US08394470B2 Heat-sealable and shrinkable multi-layer polymeric film
An open-ended tube comprising walls of a heat-sealable multi-layer polymeric film, wherein said film comprises an outer shrinkable substrate layer and an inner heat-sealable layer, wherein said substrate layer has a degree of shrinkage in the longitudinal dimension of the tube of about 0% to about 50% over the temperature range 55 to 100° C., and a degree of shrinkage in the transverse dimension of the tube of 5 to about 70% over the temperature range 55 to 100° C.; and use thereof in the manufacture of packaging for a container suitable as a receptacle for a ready-prepared ovenable meal.
US08394462B2 Methods for applying coating compositions to an article and articles produced thereof
Described herein are methods for applying multiple layers of a composition to an article. Also presented are articles produced by the methods described herein. The methods include applying a first composition to the outer surface of a game card to produce a first layer, applying a second composition to the outer surface of the first layer to produce a second layer, applying an ink to the outer surface of the first layer, or the outer surface of the second layer, or both, so as to form an image, and applying a third composition to the outer surface of the second layer to produce a third layer.
US08394457B2 Precursor composition for porous thin film, method for preparation of the precursor composition, porous thin film, method for preparation of the porous thin film, and semiconductor device
Disclosed is a precursor composition comprising: a compound selected from a compound represented by the formula: Si(OR1)4 and a compound represented by the formula Ra(Si)(OR2)4−a (in the formulas R1 represents a monovalent organic group; R represents a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom or a monovalent organic group; R2 represents a monovalent organic group; and a is an integer ranging from 1 to 3, provided that R, R1 and R2 may be the same or different from one another) a thermally degradable organic compound; an element having a catalyst activity; urea; and the like. A porous thin film produced from the precursor composition is irradiated with ultraviolet ray, and then subjected to gas-phase reaction with a hydrophobic compound. A porous thin film thus prepared can be used for the manufacture of a semiconductor device.
US08394453B2 Mixed matrix membranes incorporating surface-functionalized molecular sieve nanoparticles
Mixed matrix membranes that are capable of separation and purification of gas mixtures are disclosed. These membranes comprise polymers that include dispersed therein nanomolecular sieve particles. In a preferred embodiment, the nanomolecular sieve particles contain attached functional groups to prevent their agglomeration.
US08394452B2 Carbon friction materials
Sintered, carbon friction materials are made from fibrous materials that are impregnated with resins prior to sintering. Preferably, non-woven fibrous materials are impregnated with phenolic resin and sintered at 400 to 8000 C. The resulting material has an open porosity above 50 percent by volume.
US08394439B2 Mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of a container
This invention relates to containers that include at least one sub-container and to methods and/or systems for mixing first and second substances responsive to opening of the containers and the at least one sub-container that is included therein. The invention advantageously provides methods, systems, containers, sub-containers, seals and/or tethers that may be used in storing first and second substances in an unmixed state, until it is desired to mix the first and second substances just before utilization thereof.
US08394432B2 Effects of Xylopia aethiopica on various cardiovascular risk factors and metabolic syndrome
Methods of improving a variety of health related factors including, but not limited to weight, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and HDL levels, is provided. In one embodiment, a method of reducing body weight in a mammal is provided; the method comprises administering a composition containing an effective amount of Xylopia aethiopica, to the mammal, whereby the administering of the composition to the mammal is effective in reducing bodyweight in the mammal.
US08394431B2 Composition of extracts from plants and the use thereof in prophylaxis or treatment of metabolism disorder of blood lipid
A composition of extracts from plants which can be used for prophylaxis or treatment of metabolism disorder of blood lipid, includes the following ingredients in weight: 3-10 portions of oleanolic acid, 1-5 portions of salvianolic acid, 1-5 portions of danshensu, 1-3 portions of berberine, 1-5 portions of panax notoginseng saponins, 1-5 portions of polysaccharides of atracty-lodes macrocephala koidz, 1-3 portions of aucubin, 1-5 portions of total flavone in cirsium japonicum, 1-5 portions of finger citron polysaccharide, 1-5 portions of panax notoginseng polysaccharides and 1-5 portions of flavones. The use of such composition in manufacturing medicaments used for prophylaxis or treatment of diseases related to metabolism disorder of blood lipid, and the use of such composition in manufacturing health food used for adjuvant prophylaxis or treatment of diseases related to metabolism disorder of blood lipid. Such composition significantly improved the bioavailability, increased the effectiveness, stability, controllability, convenience and safety of medication.
US08394430B2 Herbal medicinal composition and extract thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells
The present invention relates to herbal medicinal compositions and extracts thereof for inhibiting growth of cancer cells. One of the examples described in the present invention comprises Forsythiae fructus, Menthae Herba, Gardeniae Fructus, Scutellariae Radix, Lophatheri Folium, Glycyrrhizae Radix, Rhei Rhizoma, Na2SO4, and Atractylodis Rhizoma. The residual examples are described herein.
US08394425B2 Methods for promoting cellular health and treatment of cancer
Systems and methods are provided herein that provide for promoting cellular health and treatment of cancer, and allied diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma.
US08394416B2 One step process for preparing cross-linked poly(allylamine) polymers
The present invention relates to a novel one step process for preparing cross-linked poly(allylamine) polymers or salts thereof using the novel cross-linking agent of Formula (IV). This invention also relates to the compound of Formula (IV) as well as to a process to obtain it. The cross-linked poly(allylamine) polymers of the invention are useful in medicine as substrate-binding polymers.
US08394385B2 Optimized early-late promoter combined with repeated vaccination favors cytotoxic T cell response against recombinant antigen in MVA vaccines
The invention is drawn to compositions and methods for the induction of a strong CD8 T cell response to a specific antigen(s). The combination of an early/late hybrid promoter directing strongly enhanced early expression of a neoantigen with at least three immunization rounds resulted in a highly efficient neoantigen-specific CD8 T cell response. This combination reversed the immunodominance hierarchy and converted a moderately immunogenic and subdominant CD8 T cell epitope into the immunodominant epitope.
US08394383B2 Allergens from Aspergillus versicolor, and method of detecting a mold allergy caused by interior rooms
The invention relates to seven allergens of Aspergillus versicolor which are suitable for specific diagnostics of this mold which predominantly pollutes the interior. The invention is also directed to an immunological method of detecting a sensitization to A. versicolor, especially an allergy, wherein one or more of the above-mentioned seven allergens found are employed as diagnostic markers. The invention further relates to a pharmaceutical composition which includes one or more of these seven allergens as active substance, and to the use of one or more of these seven allergens for the desensitization to A. versicolor.
US08394381B2 Antibodies, polypeptides and uses thereof
A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in an individual in need thereof comprising administering an antibody that selectively binds to the extracellular region of human magic roundabout (MR) to the individual. An antibody that has the amino acid sequences i) to iii), the amino acid sequences iv) to vi), or the amino acid sequences i) to vi). i) S A S S S V S Y M Y ii) L T S N L A S iii) Q Q W S S N P L T iv) D Y N L N v) V I N P N Y G T T S Y N Q K F K G vi) G R D Y F G Y. A method of inhibiting angiogenesis in an individual in need thereof comprising administering the extracellular domain (residues 1-467) of MR, or a fragment thereof that inhibits angiogenesis, to the individual. A method of inhibiting endothelial cell migration and/or proliferation comprising administering the extracellular domain of MR, or a fragment thereof that inhibits endothelial cell migration and/or proliferation.
US08394380B2 Compositions and methods for alzheimer's disease
The present invention concerns methods and compositions of use for treatment of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). In certain embodiments, the methods concern preparation of phage-display single chain antibody libraries and screening against amyloid-beta (Aβ) protein or peptide. Anti-Aβ antibodies are selected and sequenced. In certain embodiments, synthetic Aβ binding peptides are designed and prepared, using portions of the anti-Aβ antibody sequences. The antibodies and peptides are of use for treatment of AD or for treatment of individuals at risk of developing AD. Compositions comprising anti-Aβ antibodies or Aβ binding peptides are also disclosed.
US08394375B2 Antibodies for amyloid specific peptides
Phage peptide display technology was used to identify peptides that bind specifically to the amyloid form of the Aβ1-40 peptide. Peptides with similar structural features and bind to the amyloid form of Aβ1-40 but not to monomeric Aβ1-40, are provided. Such peptides are useful as carrier molecules to deliver therapeutic and diagnostic reagents to amyloid plaques.
US08394372B2 Stabilized protease composition
A composition is provided, which comprises a serine protease; a reversible inhibitor of said serine protease; and a stabilizing agent M having the formula I: Also provided are uses of the composition as a medicament, and other uses and methods employing its various properties.
US08394371B2 Compositions for the treatment of skin conditions, disorders or diseases and methods of making and using the same
The present invention includes methods and compositions designed for treating a subject suffering from a skin condition, disorder or disease. The compositions include undifferentiated fetal skin cells that are either integrated with a collagen matrix or a carrier.
US08394364B2 Methods of using ophthalmic compositions comprising povidone-iodine
A topical ophthalmic composition comprised of povidone-iodine 0.01% to 10.0% combined with a steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. This solution is useful in the treatment of active infections of at least one tissue of the eye (e.g., conjunctiva and cornea) from bacterial, mycobacterial, viral, fungal, or amoebic causes, as well as treatment to prevent such infections in appropriate clinical settings (e.g. corneal abrasion, postoperative prophylaxis, post-LASIK/LASEK prophylaxis). Additionally the solution is effective in the prevention of infection and inflammation in the post-operative ophthalmic patient.
US08394361B1 Stable surfactant compositions for suspending components
A free-flowing surfactant composition comprising at least one anionic surface-active agent, an alkanolamide, an electrolyte, and water is described. In particular, the composition is a surfactant composition that has free-flowing non-Newtonian shear thinning properties and the ability to suspend components and is stable under at least one freeze/thaw cycle.
US08394351B2 Synthesis of triazole-based and imidazole-based zinc catalysts
Various methods and structures of complexes and molecules are described herein related to a zinc-centered catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments. According to one embodiment, a method for creating a tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes contacting a pentaerythritol molecule with a propargyl halide molecule to create a trialkyne molecule, and contacting the trialkyne molecule with an azide molecule to create the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, a method for creating a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule includes alkylating an imidazole 2-carbaldehyde molecule to create a monoalkylated aldehyde molecule, reducing the monoalkylated aldehyde molecule to create an alcohol molecule, converting the alcohol molecule to create an alkyl halide molecule using thionyl halide, and reacting the alkyl halide molecule with a pentaerythritol molecule to create a tris(imidazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule. In another embodiment, zinc is bound to the tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol molecule to create a zinc-centered tris(triazolyl)pentaerythritol catalyst for removing carbon dioxide from atmospheric or aqueous environments.
US08394346B2 Method for treating spent nuclear fuel
A method for treating spent nuclear fuel, which includes first decontaminating the uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in a nitric aqueous phase resulting from dissolving the nuclear fuel in HNO3. The uranium, plutonium and neptunium found in the solvent phase is then split in a first aqueous phase and a second aqueous phase. Next, the first aqueous phase is stored. Following, the plutonium or other mixtures found in the first aqueous phase is purified relative to the fission products still found in said phase, in order to obtain, at the end of said purification, an aqueous solution containing a mixture of Pu and U or Pu, U and Np. Finally the resulting mixture of Pu and U or the mixture of Pu, U and Np is co-converted into a mixed oxide.
US08394341B2 Microfluidic chip frame
A frame for a microfluidic chip may be used together with a laboratory apparatus. The frame is adapted at least for one of the following features: receiving the microfluidic chip; protecting the microfluidic chip; and, positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame. The microfluidic chip is movable relative to the frame.
US08394334B2 Device for further processing a fluid materials
A device for further processing a fluid material, particularly a care device for medical or dental tool holders, the material being stored in a tank under pressure, the device having a coupling fixture having an adapter forming a screw connection to the tank under pressure, the adapter of the coupling fixture being pivotally supported.
US08394331B2 Next generation combined hydrocarbon/ozone converter
A combined hydrocarbon/ozone converter includes a substrate, a metal oxide washcoat and a hydrocarbon converting catalyst, such as platinum. The metal oxide washcoat comprises an ozone reacting component, such as cobalt oxide, and a non-catalytic component, such as aluminum oxide. The weight ratio of the hydrocarbon converting catalyst to the ozone reacting component may be between about 1:5 and about 1:100.
US08394323B2 Biochip with a three dimensional mesoporous layer and method for forming the same
The present invention discloses a biochip comprising a substrate and a three-dimensional mesoporous layer on top of it, wherein the mesoporous layer on top is chemically modified to recognize labeling DNAs, proteins, peptides, saccharides, and cells. In addition, this invention also discloses a method for forming the biochip with a three-dimensional mesoporous layer, including a blending process, a heating process, a coating process, a gelation process, a drying process, and a surface modification process.
US08394321B2 Medical fluid circuit comprising a low level detector 1
In an infusion circuit (1), a peristaltic pump (7) displaced the infusion fluid along a line (3), sourcing it from a batch container (2). When a weight sensor (5) detects an emptying of the batch container (2), the pump is halted. If on stopping the pump the pressure measured by a sensor (6) operating in an expansion chamber (4) does not drop in excess of a predetermined threshold with respect to a non-empty container (2), a non-secure situation is signalled, due to an excessive quantity of air in the expansion chamber.
US08394318B2 Cooling apparatus of steel sheet, and manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method of hot-rolled steel sheet
A cooling apparatus of a steel sheet, which is excellent in discharging water without hindering the movement of a steel sheet, is disposed on a lower process side of a final stand in a row of hot finish rolling mills. The apparatus includes a plurality of cooling nozzles arranged to cool a steel sheet transported on transporting rolls, wherein the cooling nozzles are arranged on upper and lower surface sides of an area in which the steel sheet passes. A lower surface guide is arranged on the lower surface side with the lower surface guide comprising inlet holes through which cooling water sprayed from the cooling nozzles on the lower surface side passes and outlet holes through which the cooling water passes, dropping downwardly to be discharged. The inlet holes and the outlet holes are arranged alternately in a moving direction of the steel sheet.
US08394317B2 Method of improving fracture toughness of implantable medical devices through annealing
Methods of fabricating a polymeric implantable device with improved fracture toughness through annealing are disclosed herein. A polymeric construct is annealed with no or substantially no crystal growth to increase nucleation density. After the annealing, crystallites are grown around the formed nuclei. An implantable medical device, such as a stent, can be fabricated from the polymer construct after the crystallite growth.
US08394314B2 Method for producing a component provided with a multipart cover layer and said component
A component is produced according to the following steps: a) insertion at least of two skins into the second tool half of a tool having a cavity-forming first tool half and second tool half such that the skins overlap in their end regions; b) rear-foaming or rear-spraying of the skins with a foam material or spraying material, c) by exerting low pressure in the region of the overlap, the internally situated end region of the one skin being pressed against the externally situated end region of the other skin in a foam-tight or injection molding-tight manner.
US08394307B2 Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head
A Method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head having a flow path forming member for forming a liquid flow path which communicates with a discharge port discharging liquid, comprises; preparing a layer containing a compound having a structure represented by Formula (1) and a structure represented by Formula (2) as a main chain on a substrate, providing a solution in which a resin is dissolved in a compound represented by Formula (3) or (4) on the layer, forming a mold having the shape as the flow path from the resin, providing a layer which will become the flow path forming member so as to cover the mold, and removing the mold to form the flow path.
US08394301B2 Process for forming panel with an optically transmissive portion and products related thereto
A method of forming a panel with an optically transmissive portion and resulting products. The method comprises drilling a via through a panel and filling the via with an optically transmissive material. A top surface and/or a bottom surface of the panel at the optically transmissive portion is smooth and continuous to the naked eye. The method can also be used to create a light transmissive section of a housing. A light source directed to one side of the via is seen through the optically transmissive material so as to be visible to a viewer viewing a surface at the second side of the via.
US08394299B2 Precursor for the preparation of a lithium composite transition metal oxide
Provided is a transition metal precursor comprising a composite transition metal compound represented by Formula I, as a transition metal precursor used in the preparation of a lithium-transition metal composite oxide: M(OH1−x)2  (1) wherein M is two or more selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr and transition metals of period 2 in the Periodic Table of the Elements; and 0
US08394294B2 Four-ring liquid crystal compound having lateral fluorine, liquid crystal composition and liquid crystal display device
The invention provides a liquid crystal compound which has stability to heat, light and so forth, a nematic phase in a wide temperature range, a small viscosity, a large optical anisotropy, and a suitable elastic constant K33, and further has a suitable and negative dielectric anisotropy and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds. Moreover, the invention provides a liquid crystal composition comprising this liquid crystal compound and a liquid crystal display device containing this liquid crystal composition.A liquid crystal compound represented by formula (a): for example, R1 and R2 are alkyl having 1 to 10 carbons, alkenyl having 2 to 10 carbons or alkoxy having 1 to 9 carbons; ring A1 and ring A2 are 1,4-phenylene or trans-1,4-cyclohexylene; L1 and L2 are hydrogen or fluorine, and at least one of L1 and L2 is fluorine; and Z1 and Z2 are a single bond, —(CH2)2—, —CH═CH—, —CH2O— or —OCH2—.
US08394292B2 Liquid-crystalline medium and liquid-crystal display
The present invention relates to dielectrically positive liquid-crystalline media comprising a dielectrically neutral or slightly positive component, component A, comprising one or more dielectrically neutral or slightly positive compounds of the formula I in which the parameters have the meaning indicated in the specification, and a dielectrically positive component, component B, comprising one or more dielectrically positive compounds, and optionally a second dielectrically neutral component, component C, and to liquid-crystal displays containing these media, especially active-matrix displays and in particular TN, IPS and FFS displays.
US08394282B2 Adaptive nanotopography sculpting
Adaptive imprint planarization provides a surface having desired shape characteristics. Generally, topography of a first surface is mapped to provide a density map. The density map is evaluated to provide a drop pattern for dispensing polymerizable material on the first surface. The polymerizable material is solidified and etched to provide a second surface having the desired shape characteristics. Additionally, adaptive imprint planarization compensates for parasitic effects of the imprinting process.
US08394267B2 Water treatment equipment for recovering phosphorus from water
According to one embodiment, in order to eliminate impurities, and the like, water to be treated is passed through each of reactor vessels, phosphorus contained in the water to be treated is removed by using an adsorbent, and thereafter the liquid held in each of the reactor vessels is discharged through each of first to third treated water discharge paths, thereby eliminating the impurities, and the like derived from the water to be treated. It is possible to eliminate the influence of the impurities in the water to be treated on the discharged desorption agent liquid containing phosphorus from the phosphorus adsorbent can be eliminated, and hence it is possible to obtain a phosphorus-containing liquid containing no substance other than the recovered phosphoric matter material.
US08394256B2 Method for haze mitigation and filterability improvement for base stocks
The present invention is a process for removing waxy haze from and improving the filterability of base stocks including heavy mineral oil base stocks, gas-to-liquids (GTL) and hydrodewaxed or hydroisomerized waxy feed basestocks by filtering the waxy haze causing particles out of the base stock employing a filter characterized by a high surface area of pores accessible to the haze wax particles which have particles dimensions of no more than about 5 microns.
US08394252B2 Exhaust gas purification system for a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack
Provided is a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack, wherein a means for reducing the concentration of unreacted alcohol is disposed on the cathode exhaust gas side. This means comprises in particular an additional electrochemical cell, to which a voltage is applied and which at least partially converts the unreacted alcohol into CO2 and hydrogen or water by way of an electrochemical reduction reaction. Since the concentration of unreacted alcohol is generally low, the loss of power required for the additional reduction reaction does not result in any notable impairment of the efficiency of the fuel cell stack. The invention is thus not limited to direct-methanol fuel cells, but may also be similarly applied to high-temperature fuel cells, and particularly to high-temperature PEM fuel cells, in which the additional electrochemical cell disposed on the cathode exhaust gas side is advantageously able to convert the residual CO.
US08394241B2 Distillation-type drinking fountain and energy-saving heating unit thereof
A distillation-type drinking fountain includes a liquid providing unit having a liquid entry; a heat-exchanging tube having a liquid-incoming end, a liquid-outgoing end and a heat-exchanging room; a hot water tank having a body and a heating unit. The body has a heating room communicating with the liquid-outgoing end. A steam pipe has a first end and a second end, with the first end communicating with the heating room. A condensing unit has a condenser tube having one end communicating with the second end. A water-collecting container has a water-storing room communicating with another end of the condenser tube. An energy-saving heating unit includes an energy-saving heat-exchanging tube and a heating device. The energy-saving heat-exchanging tube includes a water-incoming end, a water-outgoing end and an energy-saving heat-exchanging room. An outlet valve communicates with the water-outgoing end.
US08394235B2 Removal of inhibitory compounds during pre-treatment of lignocellulosic biomass
A process for the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass, in particular during the production of ethanol from biomass. The process including a cooking step where the biomass is exposed to steam at elevated temperatures and pressures for a preselected period of time in a treatment vessel. During the process, volatile and liquid compounds are purged from the treatment vessel.
US08394231B2 Plasma process device and plasma process method
That surface of an electrode plate 20 which is opposite to a susceptor 10 has a projection shape. The electrode plate 20 is fitted in an opening 26a of shield ring 26 at a projection 20a. At this time, the thickness of the projection 20a is approximately the same as the thickness of the shield ring 26. Accordingly, the electrode plate 20 and the shield ring 26 form substantially the same plane. The major surface of the projection 20a has a diameter 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of a wafer W. The electrode plate 20 is formed of, for example, SiC.
US08394220B2 Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
A method for manufacturing a honeycomb structure includes the steps of: producing triangular segments as cut quadrangular prism honeycomb fired bodies in double by cutting half, forming a pseudo quadrangular segment by fitting a hollow auxiliary member whose outer peripheral shape is triangular on a cut triangular segment, disposing the honeycomb fired bodies and the pseudo quadrangular segments to form an assembly, bonding the assembly by applying a bonding material, and then applying pressure to thus bonded assembly to obtain a honeycomb block body with the hallow auxiliary members, drying the applied bonding material and then detaching the hollow auxiliary members to obtain a honeycomb block body, and grinding an outer peripheral portion of a resultant honeycomb block body to obtain a honeycomb structure.
US08394217B2 Method and apparatus for floor planks
A floor plank having a wear layer, a pattern film, and a magnetic base layer. The floor plank may have a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length and the width are substantially larger than the thickness. The magnetic base layer may have a magnetic field which is in a direction substantially parallel to a plane defined by the length and the width of the floor plank, and wherein the direction of the magnetic field is substantially perpendicular to the thickness of the floor plank. The floor plank and an identical floor plank may be placed on the subfloor so that the two floor planks are adjacent one another and so that a magnetic pole of a magnetic base layer of one floor plank is attracted to an opposite magnetic pole of a magnetic base layer of the other floor plank to thereby connect the two floor planks.
US08394214B2 Method for processing metal body and apparatus for processing metal body
The present invention provides a method for processing a metal body which can turn a metal structure of the metal body into a finer grain structure thus obtaining the high strength and the high ductility. In a method or an apparatus for processing a metal body which turns the metal structure of the metal body into the finer grain structure by forming a low deformation resistance region where the deformation resistance is locally lowered in the metal body and by deforming the low deformation resistance region by shearing, using a non-low deformation resistance region forming means which forms a non-low deformation resistance region by increasing the deformation resistance which is lowered in the low deformation resistance region, the non-low deformation resistance region is formed along the low deformation resistance region.
US08394206B2 Welding flux for stainless steel
A welding flux for stainless steel includes 30-55 wt % of silicon dioxide, 20-40 wt % of titanium dioxide, 10-20 wt % of chromium oxide, 5-20 wt % of molybdenum oxide, 5-10 wt % of molybdenum sulfide, and 5-10 wt % of halide.
US08394204B2 Commercial dishwasher with centrifugal pumps arranged in series
A commercial dishwasher comprising spray nozzles for spraying liquid into a treatment region in the form of a treatment chamber or a treatment zone for treating items to be washed; at least two centrifugal pumps, which are arranged in series hydraulically one behind the other, for conveying liquid from the wash tank to the spray nozzles; a control device for alternatively operating only one centrifugal pump or at least two of the centrifugal pumps which are connected hydraulically one behind the other in series, in order to thus generate different liquid pressures.
US08394198B2 Silica glass crucible for pulling up silicon single crystal and method for manufacturing thereof
A silica glass crucible for pulling up a silicon single crystal including a wall part, a corner part and a bottom part is provided with an outer layer formed from an opaque silica glass layer which includes many bubbles, and an inner layer formed from a transparent silica glass layer which substantially does not include bubbles, wherein at least one part of an inner surface of the wall part and the corner part being an uneven surface formed with multiple damaged parts having a depth of 50 μm or more and 450 μm or less, and wherein a region among the inner surface of the bottom part within a certain range from the center of the bottom part being a smooth surface which does is substantially not formed with damage.
US08394189B2 Asphalt composition using pyrolysed carbonaceous material
The use of fine agglomerate mixtures and coarse agglomerate mixtures as an agglomerates filler materials in asphalt compositions. The fine agglomerate mixtures and coarse agglomerate mixtures are prepared from pyrolyzed polymeric and/or carbonaceous materials that have been refined into mixtures having consistent particle size and binding affinity with asphalt binders. An asphalt cement composition in accordance with one aspect of the present invention has an asphalt binder combined with an agglomerates filler formed from pyrolized carbonaceous material. The agglomerates filler material is generally about 1% to about 20% of the weight of the mixture of the agglomerates filler and the asphalt binder. The asphalt composition also includes an aggregate material that is mixed with the asphalt binder and the agglomerates filler. The end result is a lower cost asphalt composition that exhibits greater long range durability.
US08394187B2 Bakeable, screen-printable anti-reflection coating for glass
A composition for the production of an antireflection coating, comprising a condensate obtainable by the condensation of silicon compounds of the general formula RnSiX4-n (I) in which the X groups are the same or different and represent hydrolyzable groups or hydroxyl groups, the R groups are the same or different and represent non-hydrolyzable groups, and n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, wherein the composition comprises at least one polymeric agent controlling the rheology and at least one solvent with a boiling point of at least 150° C. The present invention also describes methods for the preparation and use of the present composition. In particular, the composition can be applied by screen printing methods on substrates.
US08394183B2 Asymmetric membrane and air-conditioning system using the same
An asymmetric membrane contains a porous layer and a dense layer adjacent thereto. The porous layer and the dense layer are formed of a polymeric material. The porous layer and/or dense layer contains a filler. The amount of the filler is 11 parts by mass or more per 100 parts by mass of the polymeric material contained in the asymmetric membrane.
US08394182B2 Crosslinked membrane and polymer for making same and method of using membrane
A composition of and a method of making high performance crosslinked membranes are described. The membranes have a high resistance to plasticization by use of crosslinking. The preferred polymer material for the membrane is a polyimide polymer comprising covalently bonded ester crosslinks. The resultant membrane exhibits a high permeability of CO2 in combination with a high CO2/CH4selectivity. Another embodiment provides a method of making the membrane from a monesterified polymer followed by final crosslinking after the membrane is formed.
US08394180B2 Systems and methods for absorbing gases into a liquid
A method of absorbing gases into a liquid comprising providing a stream of at least one desirable gas and at least one undesirable gas, exposing the gas stream to a liquid, so that the liquid absorbs more of the desirable gas than the undesirable gas, and releasing the liquid and gas mixture into an underground formation.
US08394171B2 Methods for controlling impurity buildup on adsorbent for pressure swing adsorption processes
Embodiments of methods for controlling impurity buildup on adsorbent for a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) process are provided. The method comprises the steps of operating the PSA process including performing (a) a first depressurizing equalization step, and (b) a providing purge step. Impurities are sensed in an effluent from the PSA process. If the impurities sensed in the effluent have reached a predetermined upper impurity level, then the PSA process is operated including performing (b) and not (a).
US08394161B2 HEPA filter cartridge for canister vacuums
The present disclosure generally provides systems and methods for easily replaceable, high efficiency particulate air or HEPA-quality filtration for vacuum systems in an effective, efficient, and cost-sensitive manner. As an example, the HEPA filter cartridge could include a minimizer and connecting structures associated with an exhaust of such a HEPA filter cartridge. The surface area of the minimizer or the connecting structures could be increased or decreased to control, restrict, or otherwise maintain a predetermined, preferable, or allowable amount of backpressure subjected to the HEPA filter cartridge or other suitable performance characteristic.
US08394156B2 Ultra-pure air system for nano wafer environment
In one embodiment, an air filtration system includes a first ventilation path connected between at least one external air supply and a clean room. The first ventilation path is configured to direct air from the at least one external air supply to the clean room. A second ventilation path is connected to the clean room. The second ventilation path is configured to recirculate air in the clean room. A third ventilation path, separate from the first path, is connected between the at least one external air supply and a tool environment disposed within the clean room. The third ventilation path includes an ultra-pure air filtration unit disposed between the outdoor air supply and the tool environment. The ultra-pure air filtration unit includes a compressor and a dryer.
US08394153B2 Apparatus for producing nitrate granules
An apparatus for producing nitrate granules includes a first fluidized bed which is supplied with air that has been conditioned to a relative humidity of less than 30% at 40° C. and heated to a temperature of 40° C. to 100° C. One or more spray nozzles are provided for spraying a nitrate melt into the first fluidized bed to form nitrate granules. The apparatus also includes a second fluidized bed which is in direct communication with the first fluidized bed. Nitrate granules formed in the first fluidized bed flow directly to the second fluidized bed where they are cooled to a temperature of less than 60° C. The nitrate granules produced by the apparatus and process of the invention are spherical in shape, hard and dry and do not break down easily during handling. The apparatus according to the invention is compact, capable of very high product rates, and can be operated by one operator.
US08394152B2 Emulsion dyeing composition containing at least one amine, at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one carboxylic acid, and method of using same
(a) The present invention is drawn to a composition and method for permanently coloring keratinous substrates containing: (a) at least one fatty monoamine compound; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one compound chosen from an alkyl ether carboxylic acid, an alkyl ether carboxylate, a fatty acid having from about 6 to about 40 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof; (d) at least one dye chosen from oxidation dye precursors and direct dyes; (e) optionally, at least one thickening agent; (f) optionally, at least one alkaline agent; (g) optionally, at least one fatty substance other than a fatty acid present in the ready-to-use composition; (h) optionally, at least one salt; and (i) optionally, at least one oxidizing agent.
US08394142B2 Customizing an intervertebral implant
A method and apparatus for customizing an intervertebral implant includes the initial step of obtaining a 3D anatomy of a series of vertebrae including an abnormal vertebra in a computer. The 3D anatomy of the series is then repositioned in the computer to eliminate the deformity caused by the abnormal vertebra. It is next determined whether a superior or inferior surface of the abnormal vertebra is an abnormal surface which causes the deformity, whereby an approximate gap between the abnormal surface and a desired normal surface is determined. Using that gap determination, a custom implant is constructed to engage the abnormal surface and fill the determined gap. Thus, when the implant is implanted between the abnormal surface and an adjacent surface of an adjacent vertebrae, the deformity is substantially compensated for. The implant may have articulation between the endplates to allow relative movement therebetween.
US08394140B2 Pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert for corneal abnormalities or dystrophies
A pre-formed intrastromal corneal insert for use in treating Keratoconus and similar dystrophies and methods of using the same. An intrastromal insert of the present invention comprises a biocompatible polymer and may be used to adjust corneal curvature, thereby correcting vision abnormalities caused by disease or other surgical procedures. The insert may be comprised of a circular or semi-circular ring shape or a portion of a ring, or “arc”, encircling the anterior cornea within the frontal circumference of the cornea. The insert may be used in multiples to form complete arcs or to form constructs of varying thicknesses. The insert of the present invention possesses a cross section that results in a low scattering level of light.
US08394139B2 Barbed anchors for wire stent
An endoluminal prosthesis that includes a support structure comprising a curvilinear portion having a first strut and a second strut that meet at an apex. Disposed on the support structure is an anchor with an anchor body and one or more barbs extending outwardly from the anchor body and where the anchor body fits at least partially about, and conforms to the first strut, second strut, and the apex.
US08394133B2 Dynamic fixation assemblies with inner core and outer coil-like member
A dynamic fixation medical implant includes a longitudinal connecting member assembly having an elongate coil-like outer member and an inner cylindrical core attached to the outer member at only one end thereof. Some assemblies include a second longitudinal connecting member in the form of a rod that is fixed to the inner core and extends outwardly from the assembly. Certain assemblies include a threaded core or threaded inserts that cooperate with a helical slit of the coil-like outer member. Two or more cooperating bone screw assemblies attach to the connecting member assembly. The bone screw assemblies may include upper and lower compression members for affixing to and cradling the coil-like outer member only, allowing relative movement between the outer member and the inner cylindrical core. Press fit or snap-on features attach one end of the coil-like outer member to one end of the inner cylindrical core.
US08394132B2 Orthopedic compression screw
A cannulated compression screw is used as an orthopedic implant and has a threaded distal end with an insertion tip that includes at least one and preferably two, three or four flutes to allow the screw to be self-tapping. Optionally, the screw also includes one or more reverse cutting flutes proximal to the insertion tip. The distal threads are cancellous threads having a generally constant minor diameter and a generally constant major diameter and a generally constant thread pitch. An intermediate portion of the screw is non-threaded and the proximal end includes a compression wedge or taper that has at least one, and preferably two to five flutes that terminate before the top of the screw. The proximal end further includes a radiused bevel to the terminal surface that includes a hexagonal torque driving recess. The diameter of the non-threaded shaft section is constant distal from the compression wedge to the distal tip where it defines the minor diameter of the threaded portion. The screw optionally includes a tapered insertion tip.
US08394130B2 Modular fracture fixation system
A fracture fixation plate system for use on a long bone having a metaphysis and a diaphysis, includes at least one end plate having a head portion for the metaphysis, and at least one diaphyseal plate having a first end and a second end with a plurality of screw holes therebetween. The end plate includes mating structure adapted to mate with and securely couple to at least one end of the at least one diaphyseal plate. The system preferably includes several end plates and diaphyseal plates to accommodate anatomy of various sizes.
US08394128B2 Modulated constraining apparatus and methods of use
A constraining apparatus includes a constraining structure that captures a first and a second anatomical structure. A motion limiting member coupled with the constraining structure is adapted to provide a force resistant to relative movement of the first anatomical structure away from the second anatomical structure. A regulating member is detachably coupled with the motion limiting member or the constraining structure and is adapted to change the resistant force provided by the motion limiting member when the regulating member is in direct engagement with the motion limiting member or constraining structure.
US08394124B2 Unidirectional rotatory pedicle screw and spinal deformity correction device for correction of spinal deformity in growing children
A scoliosis correction device includes a first fixed anchor that is adapted to be secured to a vertebra of a spine and a second fixed anchor that is adapted to be secured to a vertebra of a spine. A rotatory anchor includes a head portion, a shank portion that extends from the head portion and is adapted to be secured to a vertebra of a spine, and a sprocket that is supported on the head portion for rotational movement relative thereto. A cable extends from the first fixed anchor to the rotatory pedicle screw to the second fixed anchor. The rotatory anchor may be configured to allow unidirectional movement of the sprocket relative to the head portion. A rigid member may extend between the fixed anchor and an intermediate anchor.
US08394120B2 End effector assembly with increased clamping force for a surgical instrument
An end effector assembly with increased clamping force for a surgical instrument including a hollow shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a clevis coupled to the distal end of the hollow shaft, a flat support coupled to the clevis, a deflection member, a procedural member assembly rotatably coupled to the flat support and a pair of actuation means attached to the procedural member assembly and slidable relative to the hollow shaft for rotationally moving the procedural member assembly between a closed and an open position wherein the deflection member engaged the actuation means. The deflection member may be integral with the clevis, coupled to the clevis and the flat support, coupled to just the flat support, may be adjustable or rotatable or coupled to hollow shaft.
US08394118B2 Tissue expanders and methods of use
Tissue expanders and their methods of use.
US08394110B2 Apparatus and method for manipulating or retracting tissue and anatomical structure
Integrated systems and associated method for manipulating tissues and anatomical or other structures in medical applications for the purpose of treating diseases or disorders or other purposes. In one aspect, the system includes a delivery device configured to deploy and implant anchoring devices for such purposes.
US08394103B2 Method and apparatus for orthopedic fixation
The present teachings provide one or more surgical instruments for repairing damaged tissue, such as in the case of a hip or femoral fracture. The present teachings can also provide one or more orthopedic screws that can be inserted in and/or removed from bone using any of a dedicated driver or any of commonly available drivers. The present teachings can further provide a surgical instrument that includes dual reconstructive wires and associated method, among other instruments and methods for repairing a hip or femoral fracture.
US08394101B2 Discectomy instrument
The present invention provides a discectomy instrument that is capable of removing portions of the spinal disc between adjacent vertebrae in a controlled manner that is efficient and easy to use. In an exemplary embodiment, the discectomy instrument includes a handle, a rotary scraper, a barrel, a drive shaft, an outer sleeve and a retaining clip.
US08394095B2 Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps
Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.
US08394063B2 Medical instrument
A medical instrument comprises a guide tube (10) that can be inserted into a bodily passage of a patient. An elastically flexible cannula may be displaced within an inner axial guide channel of the guide tube (10), the distal tip (52) of the cannula being able to emerge from a lateral opening at the periphery of the guide tube (10) at an angle to the axis of the guide tube (10). The guide tube (10) at its proximal end is accommodated in a handle piece (22) so as to be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the guide tube.
US08394062B2 Floating gearbox apparatus and method
A floating gearbox includes an outer housing with first and second side walls opposite and spaced apart from each other and an inner gear assembly received within the outer housing. The inner gear assembly comprises an inner housing, a first gear member rotatably received within the inner housing, and a second gear member having an output shaft rotatably supported on the inner housing. A slider plate received within the outer housing has first and second pairs of axially aligned elongate openings, wherein the first and second pairs of elongate openings align with a first axis and a second axis, respectively. Pins on the first sidewall are received in the first pair of elongate openings to allow relative sliding movement between the outer housing and the slider plate along the first axis. The inner housing includes pins received in the second pair of elongate openings, allowing relative sliding movement between the inner housing and the slider plate along the second axis.
US08394047B2 Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus
In a single needle extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, an ultrafiltration pump (10) performs a pure ultrafiltration of ultrafiltrate from an hemofilter (4). The blood may be continuously circulated through the hemofilter using a first pump (5), which alternates an higher flow rate during the arterial phase and a lower flow rate during the venous phase, and a second pump (6) which is maintained at a flow rate intermediate between said higher and lower flow rate. The apparatus may be used for treatment of Congestive Heart Failure.
US08394045B2 Hand held orthosis having a flexible enclosure and method of utilization
A hand orthosis supporting a patient's thumb and fingers spaced apart and separated from contact with the palm of the hand, including an elongated body having a palm surface, a thumb portion, and a finger support portion. The elongated body includes a plurality of unequal cross-sectional areas spaced along the axial length between a distal end and a base end. A plurality of finger concavities are angled in helical orientation along the orthosis, including spaced apart concavities for each finger and the patient's thumb. Each finger and thumb concavity is angled non-perpendicular relative to the orthosis axial length to retain the fingers and thumb spaced apart, curved in a relaxed orientation, and apart from the palm of the hand during extended periods of time without impeding hand or wrist motion. A method of extended use for the hand orthosis is also disclosed.
US08394035B2 Multi-lancet device
The invention concerns a device for collecting body fluids which has at least one lancet comprising a lancet body with at least two tips of different lengths. The device is characterized in that it has a selection means with the aid of which only one tip is selected before the lancing. This selection means can have different functions and shapes. The selection means is used to select a tip from a plurality of lancet tips which have different lengths and make only this tip available for use in the lancing process. Since the various tips are attached to a lancet body, it is, for example, possible to use a bending element which bends one of the various tips out of the plane of the lancet body in order to provide only one lancet tip for use. This is especially preferable for lancet tips that are arranged linearly relative to one another.
US08394034B2 Device, system and method for in-vivo sampling
A device, system and method for in-vivo sampling. An in-vivo device and method for use thereof may include a sampling chamber and a gating mechanism. The sampling chamber may store a sample of a body lumen substance, and the gate may close and open an opening of the sampling chamber.
US08394028B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus and ultrasonic probe
When a transfer signal according to ultrasonic echoes is wirelessly transmitted from an ultrasonic probe to an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, the main body and the probe are reliably connected without false recognition. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus includes an ultrasonic probe and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body, and the ultrasonic probe includes a probe ID transport unit having a transport distance shorter than that of a first wireless communication unit for transporting a probe ID for identification of itself in contact or noncontact to an outside, the ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus main body includes a probe ID acquiring unit for acquiring the probe ID transported from the probe ID transport unit, and a second wireless communication unit receives the transfer signal from the ultrasonic probe having the probe ID acquired by the probe ID acquiring unit.
US08394018B2 Laparoscopic instrument and trocar systems for transumbilical laparoscopic surgery
Laparoscopic instruments and trocars are provided for performing laparoscopic procedures entirely through the umbilicus. A generally C-shaped trocar provides increased work space between the hands of the surgeon as well as S-shaped laparoscopic instruments placed through the trocar when laparoscopic instrument-trocar units are placed through the umbilicus. In order to facilitate retraction of intra-abdominal structures during a laparoscopic procedure, an angulated needle and thread with either one- or two sharp ends is provided. Alternatively, an inflatable unit having at least one generally C-shaped trocar incorporated within the unit's walls can be placed through the umbilicus following a single incision. Generally S-shaped laparoscopic instruments may be placed through the generally C-shaped trocars to facilitate access to intra-abdominal structures.
US08394013B2 Endoscope
The present invention has a configuration that an observing portion observing an area to be examined and first and second illumination portions performing irradiation of illumination light are disposed on a distal end face of an insertion portion to be inserted into the area to be examined, and a first lens which is a distal end observation lens of an observation window of the observation portion is disposed at a position projecting to a distal end side beyond the distal end face. With the abovementioned configuration, an endoscope provided with an observation optical system of an object contact type performing contact observation to a live body where a sharp observation image can be obtained is provided.
US08394008B2 Steerable lesion excluding heart implants for congestive heart failure
Devices, systems, and methods for treating a heart of a patient may make use of one or more implant structures which limit a size of a chamber of the heart, such as by deploying a tensile member to bring a wall of the heart toward (optionally into contact with) a septum of the heart.
US08394003B2 Handheld finger manipulating device
A handheld finger manipulating device comprising an elongated plunger assembly that moves longitudinally through a longitudinally aligned bore formed on an outer body. The elongated member is longer than the outer body so that when one end of the plunger body is forced into the outer body, the opposite end of the plunger assembly is extended beyond the opposite end of the outer body. At least one magnet and two magnetic attractive substrates are located between the plunger assembly and the outer body that enables the plunger assembly to move to two preset locations within the outer body. During use, the user holds the device in his or her palm and presses against one end of the plunger assembly to forcibly move it through the outer body. As the plunger assembly moves through the outer body, the magnet and the substrates interact to create a slow and then sudden acceleration of the plunger assembly. In other embodiments, enhanced sound and light producing elements are provided.
US08393994B2 Gearbox for a wind turbine, a method of converting wind energy and use of a gearbox
A gearbox for a wind turbine. The gearbox includes at least one first epicyclical gear stage, at least one second gear stage, and a torque transferring shaft including a shaft part and a connection part, wherein the torque transferring shaft is adapted for connecting a first gear of the first epicyclical gear stage with a second gear of the second gear stage and wherein the torque transferring shaft is connected to the second gear stage via the connection part to form a torque-transferring connection area between the connection part and the second gear stage and wherein the outer diameter of the shaft part of the torque transferring shaft is smaller than an inner diameter of the connection area between said torque transferring shaft and said second gear stage.
US08393987B2 Chain tensioner
A chain tensioner includes a cylinder having a closed end, an internally threaded plunger axially slidable in the cylinder, a return spring biasing the plunger in the protruding direction from the cylinder, and a screw rod having an external thread in threaded engagement with the internal thread of the plunger. The portion of the screw rod protruding from the plunger abuts a rod seat provided in the cylinder. The screw rod has a rolled external thread and an intermediate portion protruding from the plunger and having an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the root of the external thread. The screw rod has a forged contact surface, to be contacted with the rod seat, on the axial end face of the intermediate portion. The internal thread may be formed by pressing, and a pressed recess, corresponding to the internal thread, may be formed on the plunger's outer circumference.
US08393979B2 Golf ball with hydrophilic coating layer
This disclosure provides a golf ball having a coating layer made from a hydrophilic water-swellable material. The hydrophilic water-swellable material undergoes a physical change from a dry state to a wet state upon exposure to water. The wet state may be associated with shallower dimple depths, and the coating layer being softer, than the dry state. The use of such a coating layer may allow the golf ball to compensate for the negative effects of wet weather conditions. Also provided is a method of manufacturing a golf ball.
US08393975B2 Automated dose control for espresso maker
A coffee machine has a flow sensor located upstream of the boiler or thermal block for the purpose of sensing changes in flow rate in a system for automating dose control.
US08393969B2 Products and processes for operations management of casino, leisure and hospitality industry
In various embodiments of this invention, a suite of customized computer software applications, a linked or wireless computer network and accessory components cooperate to enhance and extend customer and employee resource management in the casino/gaming environment.
US08393964B2 Base station for position location
In one embodiment, a system to interface with a game console to control a video game is disclosed. The system includes a game console and a base station that is interfaced with the game console. The base station has processing circuitry that is configured to send and receive data between the base station and the game console. The base station is also configured to process position data. The system also includes a controller that is interfaced with the base station. The controller has hardware to process movement data of the controller and communicate the movement data to the base station. The base station processes the position data of the controller, and relays the position data from the base station to the game console to determine a relative position of the controller to the base station. Wherein changes in the relative position of the controller facilitate interactive control with the video game.
US08393950B1 Method and apparatus for a wagering game having a secondary game array formed from a plurality of primary game arrays
The player makes a wager to receive a plurality of primary game arrays. Winning primary game outcomes occur when specific primary game array positions, designated by paylines, are randomly assigned winning combinations of indicia. The winning game outcomes of a plurality of primary game arrays are converted to symbols corresponding to the winning primary game outcomes to form a secondary game array. Winning secondary game outcomes occur when winning combinations of symbols occur on the secondary game array paylines.
US08393949B2 Method and apparatus for conducting a game of chance
A system and method are provided for playing a game of chance. The game of chance may include, for example, a lottery-type game. A result of the game of chance is revealed to a player in another medium. In one example, the result is revealed during multiple game instances of one or more online games. In one example, the online game is a slot machine game.
US08393944B2 Racing line optimization
An automatic algorithm for finding racing lines via computerized minimization of a measure of the curvature of a racing line is derived. Maximum sustainable speed of a car on a track is shown to be inversely proportional to the curvature of the line it is attempting to follow. Low curvature allows for higher speed given that a car has some maximum lateral traction when cornering. The racing line can also be constrained, or “pinned,” at arbitrary points on the track. Pinning may be performed randomly, deterministically, or manually and allows, for example, a line designer to pin the line at any chosen points on the track, such that when the automatic algorithm is run, it will produce the smoothest line that still passes through all the specified pins.
US08393937B2 Floor finishing machine
A floor finishing machine includes a base frame, a movable frame movably mounted to the base frame, and a plurality of floor finishing units carried by the movable frame, and being pivotable about a generally longitudinal pivot axis and a generally transverse pivot axis. The machine may also include a jack operatively coupled between the base frame and the movable frame, and a vacuum tank carried on the movable frame and straddling the jack.
US08393934B2 CMP pad dressers with hybridized abrasive surface and related methods
A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another.
US08393933B2 Polishing pad and system with window support
A polishing system includes a polishing pad having a solid light-transmissive window, an optical fiber having an end, and a spacer having a vertical aperture therethrough. A bottom surface of the spacer contacts the end of the optical fiber, a top surface of the spacer contacts the underside of the window, and the vertical aperture is aligned with the optical fiber.
US08393926B2 Hybrid marine power train system
A hybrid marine power train system is provided that facilitates selective use of one of multiple prime movers for powering and driving a boat. The multiple prime movers can include an internal combustion engine and an electric motor which can itself be part of a motor/generator assembly. The system further includes a power-take-in assembly that can have either an active or passive clutching device for selectively importing power from the prime movers into the transmission. The system is configured so that the second prime mover occupies relatively little space within an engine compartment of the boat, for example when compared to an amount of space occupied by the first prime mover and transmission. Since the second prime mover occupies relatively little space within the engine compartment, the system can be readily retrofitted to existing marine power train systems.
US08393917B2 Connector system with airflow control
A connector assembly includes a cage with a plurality of ports for receiving modules. An air passage is associated with each port and extends from a rear wall of the cage through a front face of the cage. The air passage way is configured to provide relatively consistent airflow regardless of whether or not a module is inserted into the corresponding port.
US08393916B2 Card-edge connector and card-edge connector assembly having heat-radiating structures
A card-edge connector includes an insulative housing and a number of conductive contacts. The insulative housing defines a mating direction along a front-to-back direction and opposite front face and rear face. The insulative housing includes a pair of lengthwise walls, a central slot recessed from the front face along the front-to-back direction and at least one heat-radiating slot recessed from the front face along the front-to-back direction, and a number of contact-receiving passages in the lengthwise walls and communicating with the central slot. The heat-radiating slot is recessed from at least one of the pair of lengthwise walls and communicates with the contact-receiving passages along the mating direction. The conductive contacts are received in the contact-receiving passages.
US08393915B2 Lighting connector devices and uses thereof
A multi-way connector connects a plurality of lighting apparatuses together, wherein connector comprises a plurality of lighting connectors, each lighting connector comprising an upper housing having plural connector pins, and one or more interlocking grooves; and a lower housing which has a plurality of connector pin guide holes, and one or more interlocking tongue portions, the lower housing being connectable with the upper housing to form each lighting connector by coupling at least one of the interlocking grooves with at least one of the interlocking tongue portions, and by coupling at least one of the plural connector pins with at least one of the connector pin guide holes; a multi-way connecting portion configured to permit power and/or signals to pass between and among the plurality of lighting connectors; and plural flexible connectors electrically connecting each lower housing with the multi-way connecting portion.
US08393913B2 Electrical connector assembly WTH latch mechanism easily operated
An electrical connector assembly (100), comprises: a housing (1) having therein two receiving rooms (11) extending along a front-to-rear direction and communicating with an exterior. Four printed circuit boards (2) received into two receiving rooms and positioned in the housing. A latch mechanism assembled to an exterior surface of the housing. And, a metallic holder interlocked with the housing and shielding a portion of the latch mechanism.
US08393907B2 Storage apparatus and method of manufacturing the same
A storage apparatus including a circuit board, a control circuit element, a terminal module and a storage circuit element is provided. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface, a connect part, openings, metal contacts and metal units. The openings pass through the circuit board from the first surface to the second surface and the metal contacts are exposed on the first surface. The terminal module is disposed on the first surface and has elastic terminals and each of the elastic terminals has a first contact part and a second contact part. The first contact parts respectively contact with the metal contacts and the second contact parts respectively pass through the openings to protrude from the second surface. The metal units are disposed on the second surface and located between the openings and the connect part. Accordingly, the volume of the storage apparatus can be reduced.
US08393906B2 Interactive doll with toy accessories
An interactive toy includes a doll and one or more compatible toy accessories. The doll is configured to hold each accessory, the holding action causing the particular accessory to operate according to its associated functionality. A socket unit is contained in and exposed from a doll, and includes a magnetic connector and a socket connector. A plug unit is contained in and exposed from an accessory, and includes a central connector and a plug connector. The socket unit and the plug unit are configured to engage one another. A battery source is connected to the socket unit, and an actuator is connected to the plug unit. The engagement between the socket unit and the plug unit causes power from the socket unit to be transferred to the plug unit, thereby causing the actuator to be actuated to perform the associated functionality of the accessory.
US08393904B2 Time out system and process
TIME OUT is a participant assisted system and process that can help participants learn to modify their inappropriate behavior in the classroom and/or in life. The educational, interactive computer program can guide the participant with pre-recorded or interactive verbal directions, videos and exercises in experiential learning. The system and process can have a Bio-feedback Check that measures the participant's level of stress at the beginning of the process and after the process has been completed that can measure the physiological change created by participating in the process. The particular exercise can be automatically chosen for them for the specific inappropriate behavior, specific age group and experience with the TIME OUT system and process. Each TIME OUT can be automatically saved in their TIME OUT Tool Kit. The system and process also can include off-site electronic or manual coaches that the participant accesses through the system. Some of the older and more advanced participants may be automatically offered access to mentors and apprenticeships.
US08393890B2 Injection molding machine
An injection molding machine that can prevent a stationary platen and a mold attached thereto from being tilted by applying a nozzle touch force. A connection part is mounted on a stationary platen via a connection pipe. The connection part is mounted on a connection mechanism via a block. A ball screw shaft as a nozzle touch drive mechanism is rotatably mounted on the connection mechanism. The block is adjusted for a mounting position thereof such that tilt in the stationary platen and a mold attached thereto is eliminated when the mold is attached to the stationary platen and a nozzle touch force is applied to the mold. The nozzle touch force prevents the stationary platen and the mold from being tilted.
US08393886B2 Device for producing a stacking projection and container with same
Device (1) for producing a stacking projection (2) on the inner side (3) of a container wall (4) comprises a splaying mandrel (5) and a support ring (S) open at the top. Those are movable relative to one another between a standby position (7) and a deformation position (8). The splaying mandrel comprises at least in some places a retaining indentation (9) running externally circumferentially and the support ring comprises at least in some places a notch projection (10) running internally circumferentially. Through the interaction of those indentation and projection in the deformation position the stacking projection can be produced, wherein in the deformation a gap width (11) between in particular the retaining indentation and the notch projection in a border section (12) of the circumference is greater than the gap width (13) between the other circumferential sections (14). The corresponding container (33) comprises an inner wall (34) and an outer wall (35), in each case narrowing conically downwards The walls are at least joined together at the upper edge (36) of the container, wherein on the inner side (53) of the inner wall a denesting means (40), protruding inwards, is formed as a stacking projection. On that, another container when inserted in the container is supported. A distance between said stacking projection and the bottom (46) of the projection, is at least slightly larger than a distance between said bottom and a potential contact starting point at which the outer container when inserted in the inner container starts to contact the inner side of the inner wall of the inner container.
US08393882B2 Scroll compressor with rotary discharge valve
A scroll compressor is provided and may include an orbiting scroll member having an orbiting end plate and an orbiting spiral wrap extending from the orbiting end plate. The scroll compressor may also include a non-orbiting scroll member having a non-orbiting end plate and a non-orbiting spiral wrap extending from the non-orbiting end plate and intermeshed with the orbiting spiral wrap. The scroll compressor may further include a drive member for causing the orbiting scroll member to orbit relative to the non-orbiting scroll member and a discharge slot formed by one of the orbiting scroll member and the non-orbiting scroll member. A discharge valve may be rotatable with the drive member and may operate between a closed state preventing fluid communication between the pockets and the discharge slot and an open state permitting fluid communication between the pockets and the discharge slot.
US08393881B2 Mechanism for restraining fuel pressure pulsation and high pressure fuel supply pump of internal combustion engine with such mechanism
A mechanism for reducing pressure pulsation includes a pair of metal dampers formed by joining two disk-shaped metal diaphragms over an entire circumference and forming a hermetically sealed space inside a joined portion, with gas being sealed in the aforementioned hermetically sealed space of the damper, has a pair of pressing members which give pressing forces to both outer surfaces of the aforementioned metal dampers at a position at an inner diameter side from the joined portion, and is unitized with the pair of pressing members being connected in a state in which they sandwich the metal damper.
US08393878B2 Structure of preventing water from leakage for the pressurized pump of diaphragm type
Water leakage and damage to the electric motor of a diaphragm type pressurized pump are avoided by providing the diaphragm with integral hollow cylinders which are inserted through ladder holes of piston head pushing chunks and deformed into sealing engagement with the pushing chunks and their corresponding wobble plates by screws extending through the cylinders and threadedly engaged within corresponding threaded holes of the wobble plates.
US08393876B2 Gas tolerant subsea pump
A combined canned motor-pump operates directly in the process fluid without the need for shaft seals or buffer or lubricating fluids. The pump incorporates an integral gas-separating system that includes gas separating hydraulics and a flow path that returns the gas to the main gas/oil separator. The gas-separating system includes a pump inlet for accepting incoming multiphase flow, at least one blade rotatable about the axis of rotation, an open annulus region for separating gas from liquid in the multiphase flow, at least one radial hole in the shaft for directing separated gas to the axial hole, and a pump outlet for discharging liquid from the pump.
US08393874B2 Hybrid pumping system for a downhole tool
A pumping system and method to be used within a downhole tool is disclosed herein. The pumping system includes a displacement unit having a cavity formed therein, in which the cavity is configured to receive a fluid therein. A hydraulic driving device and a mechanical driving device are then both included within the system such that both the hydraulic driving device and the mechanical driving device are configured to drive a piston of the displacement unit to receive the fluid within the cavity.
US08393864B2 Method for operating a wind turbine
The present disclosure relates to a method for operating a wind turbine with the steps: detection of the values of predetermined operating parameters by means of suitable sensors, detection of at least one predetermined initial condition, comparison of the detected values to stored values of the operating parameters. The disclosure further relates to a wind turbine for implementing the method. Therefore, the object of the present disclosure is, to be able to adapt the operation of a wind turbine to changes using a method of the type named above, such that when the detected parameter values deviate from the stored parameter values, as a function of the initial condition, either the stored parameter values are adapted to the detected parameter values or the operation of the wind turbine is influenced as a function of the detected parameter values. In this way, the disclosure is based on the knowledge that, from a pragmatic view, the formation of ice on a rotor blade is also a (temporary, meteorologically-related) change to the rotor blade shape. From this it follows that the formation of ice on the rotor blades always leads to a change of the aerodynamic profile and thus to a negative effect of the output of the wind turbine. However, deviations from this shape and thus deviations in the magnitude of the generated output also result just from manufacturing-dependent deviations of the rotor blades from the predetermined optimum shape and from gradual soiling of the rotor blades during operation.
US08393860B2 Heat exchanger
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including a heat exchanger having a manifold with a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet and a plurality of tubes with interiors fluidly connected to the manifold. In some embodiments, the plurality of tubes and the manifold are configured to fit within a bonnet of a compressor.
US08393856B2 Integral scroll and gearbox for a compressor with speed change option
The volute is cast integrally with the gearbox base to allow closer radial tolerances to be used to improve efficiency. In the preferred embodiment, compressors for multi-stage compression are assembled with intercoolers and the integral volute is cast together with the impeller housing and the lower gearbox housing and the associated intercooler. Efficiency increases of 2% or more are achievable. In multistage applications, efficiency gains in the early stages are compounded in each subsequent stage. Speed changes that change center distance between bull gear and pinion are accommodated by an offset opening in the inlet and diffuser that can line up with the impeller shaft as well as an offset opening in the fluid seal despite a pinion gear change, by reorientation and remounting of those parts.
US08393847B1 Tank handling apparatus and method
An apparatus and method may comprise a platform, a rotatable structure on the platform, an arm associated with the platform, and an interface associated with the arm. The structure may be configured to hold a number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move about a plurality of axes. The interface may be configured to connect to a tank in the number of tanks. The arm may be configured to move the tank about the plurality of axes when the interface is connected to the tank.
US08393846B1 Gondola carriage assembly
The device pertains to a carriage which may be separate or integrated with a mobile, powered loading vehicle to load or unload railroad track materials to or from a gondola and a method thereof.
US08393832B2 Tool for the machining of workpieces
The invention relates to a tool (1) for machining workpieces, having a base body (3), at least one geometrically defined culling edge (15, 17) on which a face (21) abuts, a chip space (47, 53) associated with the cutting edge for receiving the chips removed by the cutting edge (15, 17), and a chip guide element (27, 29) associated with the cutting edge (15, 17). The tool is characterized in that the cutting edge (15, 17) together with the chip guide element (27, 29) forms a receiving gap (43, 45) which merges into the chip space (47, 53) and into which the chips removed by the cutting edge (15, 17) are introduced, and the chip guide element (27, 29) has a guide surface (39, 41) which, together with the face (21), forms a receiving channel (51) which abuts the receiving gap (43, 45).
US08393825B2 Vibratory compactor
A vibratory compactor machine includes a machine frame and a roller drum rotatably coupled to the frame and rotatable about a drum axis oriented generally traverse to the direction of travel of the machine. A vibration assembly is disposed inside the roller drum. The vibration assembly includes a first eccentric member and a second eccentric member rotatably disposed in the roller drum and rotatable about a respective first and second eccentric axes orientated perpendicularly to the drum axis. The roller drum rotates about the drum axis independently of the vibration assembly and the first and second eccentric members.
US08393824B2 Screed die adjustable line thickness
An adjustable spacer plate 12 mounts over the US standard screed box 10 thermoplastic opening 14 of 0.125″ and creates a 0.090″ opening.[This eliminates the need for the user to buy another costly screed box.] For screeding over stencils, the spacer 12 can be flipped to create a zero clearance opening. This allows the thermoplastic to come out only when an opening in the stencil pattern is present. Also, as the die 14 wears down, the spacer can be removed which lets the standard size opening be used as a substitute for the 0.090″ opening.
US08393820B2 Rotationally locked drive assembly for a VSI crusher
A rotationally locked drive assembly for a VSI crusher comprises a drive shaft 52 rotatably securable in a bearing cartridge assembly 60, the drive shaft having a tapered upper end portion 62 for forming a taper joint in cooperation with the tapered central opening 72 of a flywheel 54, a top opening key receptor 81 formed on the top surface 76 of the flywheel for receiving a locking key 56, whereby tightening of fasteners 58 secures locking key 56 in key receptor 81, presses flywheel 54 onto drive shaft 52, thereby fortifying the taper joint between the flywheel 54 and drive shaft 52, and locking drive shaft 52, flywheel 54 and locking key 56 in rotational alignment.
US08393811B2 Tape printer
When a cut lever is rotated, a tape printer cuts a tape by using a cutting mechanism unit. The cutting mechanism unit has a cut lever rotatably supported by a lever shaft, a cutter holder provided with a cutter blade and a cutter blade receiving member. Upon rotation of the cut lever, the cut lever moves the cutter holder in a cutting direction, the cutter blade presses and cuts the tape in cooperation with the cutter blade receiving member. At a point the cutter blade comes into contact with the cutter blade receiving member, a line segment connecting a lever shaft center and a contact protrusion tangent point T becomes perpendicular to the cutting direction.
US08393803B2 Adjustable optical fiber connector
A connector for an optical fiber includes a first coupling element threadedly secured to a second coupling element such that the first coupling element and second coupling element define a lumen. A collet configured to receive a portion of the optical fiber is disposed in the lumen such that the collet holds the optical fiber in place with respect to the first and second coupling elements. An adjustable ferrule is threadedly secured to the proximal end of the second coupling element and is rotatable with respect to the second coupling element to translate a proximal end of the adjustable ferrule longitudinally with respect to a proximal end of the optical fiber. A connector element is secured to the proximal end of the second coupling element with the adjustable ferrule and is rotatable with respect to the second coupling element.
US08393799B2 Spring track roller assembly
A roller assembly comprises a first race and a second race. The second race is coaxial with the first race and is axially movable relative to the first race. The first and second races are movable between a static axial position and a dynamic axial position relative to one another. The roller assembly includes at least one biasing member that is operative to bias the first and second races from the dynamic axial position toward the static axial position.
US08393796B2 Heavy duty bearing support system for ATV
In an amphibious ATV, the wheel bearings are housed in a spherical mounting-structure, because of possible angular misalignment. The spherical mounting-structure comprises separable primary and secondary elements. The new system provides that both elements are axially wide, being e.g as wide as the outer-race of the bearing. Now, the elements are highly resistant to every distortion, which means the mounting-structure can seal the bearings very effectively—both as to keeping dirt and water out, and keeping lubricant in.
US08393794B1 Bicycle bottom bracket assembly
A bicycle bottom bracket assembly is provided with a support member, a bearing unit and a seal member. The support member includes a hanger mounting structure and a bearing mounting structure. The bearing unit includes an outer race, an inner race and at least one roller element disposed between the outer and inner races. The outer race is fixed to the bearing mounting structure of the support member. The seal member has a proximal end fixed to the support member and a distal end slidably contacting the inner race of the bearing unit.
US08393793B2 Sensor-equipped bearing for wheel
A sensor-equipped wheel support bearing assembly capable of accurately detecting load acting on the vehicle wheel by reducing concentration of strain on a cutout portion corner area of a strain generating member in a sensor unit is provided. The wheel support bearing assembly having rolling elements interposed between rolling surfaces in outer and inner members, includes at least one sensor unit provided in a stationary member, which is one of the outer and inner members. The sensor unit includes a strain generating member, having two or more contact fixing segments secured to the stationary member in contact therewith, and a sensor fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain in the strain generating member. The strain generating member has a cutout portion between the contact fixing segments, and corner area of such cutout portion is of an arcuately sectioned shape.
US08393790B2 Light metal feed beam for use on a drill rig
The invention relates to an elongated feed beam (4) for use on a drill rig (1), which feed beam comprises a profiled beam of a light metal or a light metal alloy made from a hollow extruded profile with a substantially rectangular cross section. The profiled beam comprises an upper wall (11), a lower wall (12) and two side walls (13, 14) and at least one pair of external guide beads (8, 9). The individual guide beads (8, 9) of the at least one pair of guide beads are placed on either side of either the upper wall (11) or the lower wall (12) at the locations where said upper or lower wall (11, 12) meets the opposed side walls (13, 14). The guide beads (8, 9) have a substantially prismatic cross section.
US08393785B2 Nanocalorimeter based on thermal probes
A nanocalorimeter includes a merging layer having, a drop placement area for holding drops to be merged and a thermal equilibration area. A measurement layer includes a substrate, and a temperature probe on the substrate, wherein the temperature probe extends out of the surface of the substrate to come into operative contact with the thermal equilibration area when the measurement layer is placed in operative association with the merging layer. The nanocalorimeter is configured to have the merging layer and the measurement layer non-integrated, making the measurement layer reusable.
US08393783B2 Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator
Hairspring for a balance wheel/hairspring resonator, comprising n blades, where n≧2, which are fastened via at least one of their respective homologous ends and wound in spirals with an angular offset capable of neutralizing the lateral forces liable to be exerted on its central arbor when one of the ends of each blade is moved angularly around said central arbor relative to its other end.
US08393780B2 Screw assembly for cooking extruders operating with significantly reduced specific mechanical energy inputs
Screw assemblies are provided for cooking extruders characterized by operation using significantly reduced specific mechanical energy inputs, wherein the screw assemblies include first and second elongated, axially rotatable screws which are substantially coextensive in length, with the screw flighting presenting a pair of axially spaced apart sections of short pitch length and an intermediate section of greater pitch length. The intermediate section has an axial length greater than about four times the length of the axially spaced apart sections. The screw assemblies permit incorporation of significantly greater amounts of steam into comestible products during cooking thereof, as compared with prior art designs.
US08393777B2 Etendue-conserving illumination-optics for backlights and frontlights
Some embodiments provide luminance-preserving non-imaging backlights that comprise a luminous source emitting light, an input port that receives the light, an injector and a beam-expanding ejector. The injector includes the input port and a larger output port with a profile that expands away from the input port acting via total internal reflection to keep x-y angular width of the source image inversely proportional to its luminance. The injector is defined by a surface of revolution with an axis on the source and a swept profile that is a first portion of an upper half of a CPC tilted by its acceptance angle. The beam-expanding ejector comprising a planar waveguide optically coupled to the output port of the injector. The ejector includes a smooth upper surface, and a reflective lower surface comprising microstructured facets that refract upwardly reflected light into a collimated direction common to the facets.
US08393772B2 Vehicle lamp
A vehicle lamp includes a lamp body having an opening, a resin cover attached to the opening to form a lamp chamber together with the lamp body; and a light source disposed inside the lamp chamber to irradiate light through the resin cover. The resin cover includes a design surface portion, and a peripheral edge portion surrounding the design surface portion. The peripheral edge portion includes a gate mark, and a thick-walled portion having a greater wall thickness than the other part of the peripheral edge portion and extending from the gate mark toward the design surface portion.
US08393766B2 Lighted exterior mirror assembly for vehicle
A lighted exterior mirror assembly includes a housing that houses a reflectance element that is movably positionable by the driver of a vehicle to adjust its rearward field of view when the lighted exterior rearview mirror assembly is attached at a side of the vehicle. A ground illumination lamp is disposed at a portion of the lighted exterior mirror assembly and separate from the reflectance element. The ground illumination lamp is a substantially moisture-impervious unit having an enclosure and a lens that is permanently joined with the enclosure. The ground illumination lamp includes a light source disposed within the enclosure behind the lens and, when the lighted exterior mirror assembly is attached at the side of the vehicle and when the light source is electrically powered, the light source emits light that passes through the lens and illuminates a ground area adjacent the side of the vehicle.
US08393747B2 Faceplate guidelight system
A faceplate lighting system and method for illuminating a faceplate that provides substantial illumination of the faceplate to provide a guidelight or nightlight effect for environments without providing electrical power to or through the faceplate itself. The faceplate comprises an assembly including: a clear or translucent or transparent outer faceplate, and, a lightpipe membrane disposed beneath the clear or translucent or transparent outer faceplate. A wall-mounted electrical device is configured to include a light source(s) integrated within the device itself, to provide light under certain operating conditions. The light source is disposed in a manner such that when the faceplate assembly is overlayed onto a surface-mounted electrical device, the clear lightpipe membrane is aligned to directly receive light from the electrical device light source(s). The lightpipe membrane incorporates light pipe features that distribute received light across the surface of the faceplate. Alternately, the faceplate for a wall-mounted electrical device comprises a single plastic lightpipe having a first translucent or transparent surface that is exposed when overlayed onto the wall-mounted electrical device, and receiving light from the wall-mounted device for illuminating the exposed surface without transmitting electrical power to or through the faceplate itself.
US08393742B2 External light shielding film for display apparatus, method of manufacturing the same and filter for display apparatus having the same
Disclosed are an external light shielding film with a substrate including a transparent resin, an external light shielding pattern formed on a surface of the substrate and having a plurality of external light shielding parts including a light absorbing material, a method of manufacturing the external light shielding film, and a filter for a display having the external light shielding film. The light absorbing material consists of a base resin and a light absorbing substance, and at least one of a concentration of the light absorbing substance and a refractive index of the base resin varies in a stepwise manner.
US08393741B2 Light source system and projector
There are provided a light source system which can suppress the deterioration of a luminescent material and a projector which can project a clear image. The light source system comprises a luminescent wheel, a driving unit for rotating the luminescent wheel, a light source for shining excitation light on to a luminescent material layer of the luminescent wheel, a light shining control unit for controlling an illumination timing of the light source, a light shining time integrating unit for integrating individual excitation light shining times to a plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel, an integrated light shining time storage unit for storing the individual light shining times to the predetermined divided areas, and a light shining range control unit for equalizing times over which excitation light is shone on to the plurality of predetermined divided areas of the luminescent wheel based on the individual excitation light shining times to the predetermined divided areas.
US08393733B2 Lenses for the correction of presbyopia and methods of designing the lenses
The invention provides methods for designing contact lenses and contact lenses designed according to the method, which lenses provide an improved method for presbyopia correction compared to conventional lenses and methods. It is a discovery of the invention that improved performance and reduced design time can be obtained by using lens pairs that act synergistically to provide the lens wearer with good binocularity and consistent performance in near, intermediate and distance vision.
US08393728B2 Method for forming ink-jet image
Provided are an aqueous ink-jet ink and a method for forming an ink-jet image enabling to decrease bleed occurrence during high-speed printing and to realize highly detailed image quality. An aqueous ink-jet ink characterized by containing water, a pigment, an organic or inorganic amine salt, and a water-soluble resin having a higher pKa than an acid component formed by dissociation of the amine salt in an ink.
US08393725B2 Ink set and image forming method
The present invention provides an ink set including: an ink composition including a pigment, polymer particles having an ethylene oxide chain in a side chain of the polymer, and a water-soluble polymerizable compound that has an ethylene oxide chain and that is polymerized by active energy rays; and a treating liquid including an aggregating agent that aggregates ingredients in the ink composition.
US08393720B2 Fluid dispensing apparatus
A fluid dispensing apparatus including a fluid ejector unit having a plurality of nozzles and extending in a lengthwise direction to form a dispensing area to correspond with a width of a substrate, the fluid ejector unit configured to eject fluid through the nozzles to the dispensing area, a plurality of modular regulator members configured to regulate fluid to a predetermined pressure range and to provide the regulated fluid to a corresponding set of nozzles of the fluid ejector unit, the modular regulator members are arranged in the lengthwise direction such that each of the modular regulator members are adjacent to at least one other modular regulator member, and a fluidic channel unit having at least one fluid inlet and a plurality of fluid channels configured to provide fluid to the respective modular regulator members.
US08393709B2 Printing method for reducing stitch error between overlapping jetting modules
A method of printing is described for a page-width printer including a line head having a plurality of jetting modules that are staggered in a page-width direction. In a set up procedure, a test pattern is printed using the nozzles of adjacent jetting modules, and the pattern is analyzed to detect a stitch error in the overlap regions. The results of this analysis is used to calculate a set of correction values to be applied to print data subsequently sent to nozzles of the adjacent jetting modules to make a correction for the stitch error. During a subsequent production run, the print data sent to the nozzles of the adjacent jetting modules is analyzed to sense an image content attribute, such as gray or density level, of the print data. These results of the analysis of the print data is then used to calculate a dynamic adjustment that is used to adjust the set of correction values calculated during the set up procedure. The line head is then used to print the corrected print data by applying the set of adjusted correction values to production print data subsequently sent to the jetting modules.
US08393708B2 Recording device, method of positioning recording head, and method of manufacturing recording device
A recording device may comprise a recording head comprising a discharge port configured to discharge a liquid droplet. The recording device may also comprise a head supporting member. The recording device may yet further comprise a securing member configured to secure the recording head to the head supporting member such that a positional relationship between the head supporting member and the recording head is changeable in a direction intersecting a liquid droplet discharging direction. The recording device may yet further comprise a light emitter, and a light receiver configured to receive the light from the light emitter. The recording device may yet further comprise a position detector configured to detect the positional relationship on the basis of an intensity of the light received by the light receiver. The recording device may yet further comprise an outputting unit configured to output a signal of the positional relationship.
US08393685B2 Interlocking precast slab assembly such as a bench or a memorial marker
An interlocking precast slab assembly such as a bench or memorial marker is provided. Each assembly includes a precast seat member having upper and lower surfaces and an elongated groove formed in the upper surface of the seat member. Each assembly also includes a precast back member having an engraved front surface and an elongated lower edge portion which fits into the elongated groove to form a joint which interlocks the members together to form the assembly with the engraved front surface supported above the upper surface of the seat member for viewing.
US08393675B2 Furniture protection systems and method
Some embodiments of a furniture cover device provide a protective covering for a selected furniture piece, such as a couch, loveseat, or chair, and the furniture cover device can be readily removed or repositioned by user. In particular embodiments, the furniture cover device includes a main body comprising a flexible web and a plurality of elongate anchor members extending in a parallel manner through the flexible web.
US08393672B2 Structural member
A structural member includes: a compression-side wall part disposed in a compressive stress field of a bend; a tension-side wall part disposed in a tensile stress field of the bend; and a coupling wall part that couples the compression-side wall part and the tension-side wall part. The neutral axis of the bend is disposed in the vicinity of the compression-side wall part. For example, the compression-side wall part is higher in material strength, and/or larger in sheet thickness, than the tension-side wall part.
US08393662B2 Robot hand for substrate transfer
There is provided a robot hand for substrate transfer in which the robot hand is so arranged that, even in case a substrate (S) gives rise to warping, the substrate (S) can be stably supported. On an upper surface of the robot hand there is formed a first seating surface on which is seated a lower-surface peripheral portion of the substrate (S) and, on a periphery thereof, there is formed an upwardly extended step. The step is provided with a plurality of stair-shaped stages. On an upper surface of the robot hand inwardly away from the first seating surface there is provided a second seating surface which is inclined downward toward the center of the substrate (S) such that a lower surface of the substrate (S) is seated on the second seating surface when the substrate (S) is warped downward into a concave shape.
US08393650B2 Hands-free trailer latching and releasing mechanism for a boat
The invention relates to a mechanism that attaches and releases a boat or personal watercraft or the like to a trailer or lift or the like and includes a trigger which can move between a secured and released condition by means of contact with the boat or manually and which is biased by an energy storage device. Said trigger in turn may restrict or release a securing member or members which releases or secures a boat's eyehook. Said securing member may be biased by a primary energy device that may be moved to a locked or released condition as desired to attach the boat to, or release the boat from, the trailer.
US08393648B2 Composite flange, duct incorporating a flange and method of making a flange
A flange (1) made of composite material, a method of making the flange (1) and a mandrel (3) upon which the flange (1) is formed are provided. The flange (1) is a curved hollow member that has a substantially triangular cross-section. The method of making the flange (1) includes applying composite material to external surfaces of a curved mandrel (3). The mandrel (3) is curved and comprises a solid triangular cross-section. The method also includes curing the composite material to produce a flange (1) that is a curved hollow member that is substantially triangular in cross-section.
US08393645B2 Devices for adjusting tension in seat belts and other restraint system webs, and associated methods
Devices that can be releasably attached to seat belts and other restraint system webs to adjust the operational tension in the webs are described herein. In one embodiment, a seat belt web passes through a clamping device that includes a button movably coupled to a housing. In this embodiment, manual operation of the button in a first direction causes the device to clamp onto the adjacent portion of the seat belt web, thereby preventing the portion of web from being pulled through a web guide by a retractor. Manual operation of the button in a second direction causes the device to release the web.
US08393637B2 Airbag apparatus for vehicle
An airbag apparatus for a vehicle may include an inflator, and an airbag cushion having a depressed head support portion formed in a rear portion of the airbag cushion so that when the airbag cushion may be deployed by gas supplied from the inflator, the head support portion receives a head of a passenger, and shoulder support portions protruding from lateral sides of the head support portion in a rearward direction and forming a space between the shoulder support portions to have the head support portion therebetween when the airbag cushion may be deployed, and a support tether provided in the airbag cushion and extending in a transverse direction across the shoulder support portions such that a gas path may be defined in a front portion of the airbag cushion below the support tether, the gas path guiding the gas downwards.
US08393634B2 Easy access collapsible cart
A wheeled cart is easily disassembled and folded into a compact carrying case. A rectangular base receives four poles at its corners. Cross bars across the top of the poles each carry a pair of top and bottom panels which form the sides of the cart. Each of the bottom panels is preferably hinged to the bottom of its respective stationary top panel so that the bottom panel may be hinged upwardly to gain access to the bottom of the cart. A top most horizontal lid is detachably affixed to the poles at each of their top ends, said base, sides and lid defining a substantially enclosed volume for containing transported articles. In its disassembled, compacted form, the cart stores the detachable poles, cross bars, and panels.
US08393632B2 Towing device for a towing vehicle
A towing device, for a towing vehicle, with a coupling shaft attached to the towing vehicle, a ball head mounted on the coupling shaft so that the ball head can rotate about a vertical axis, which can be coupled to a coupling counterpart of a trailer vehicle, and with an angle-measuring device by which rotation of the ball head about the vertical axis, relative to the coupling shaft, can be determined, and a force-measuring device by which force exerted by the ball head on the coupling shaft in the direction of the vertical axis can be determined.
US08393630B2 Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle including a vehicle body frame having a vehicle body, an engine supported by the vehicle body frame, a footrest disposed to a front lower portion of the engine, a footrest bracket for attaching the footrest to the vehicle body frame, and a braking unit. The braking unit includes a brake pedal arranged in the vicinity of the footrest and turned by a pedaling force of the rider, a master cylinder operated by the brake pedal, and a reservoir that supplies a hydraulic fluid to the master cylinder. The master cylinder is disposed behind the footrest bracket such that a cylinder axial line thereof is substantially horizontal and at least a part of a front half thereof overlaps with the footrest bracket as viewed from both a side of a vehicle and a bottom side thereof.
US08393627B2 Longitudinal link for an auxiliary frame, particularly for motor vehicles
The invention relates to an auxiliary frame (1) for multi-link rear axles of motor vehicles, comprising two lateral auxiliary frame parts (B) which are embodied at least approximately in a V-shaped manner in such an arrangement that the vertexes (6, 7) thereof face each other and are joined to each other via a central auxiliary frame part (C) that extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The lateral auxiliary frame parts and the central auxiliary frame part are configured as hollow profiled members while the lateral auxiliary frame parts are provided with at least three of the following receptacles or recesses: the top transverse link; the bottom transverse link; the stabilizer; the longitudinal links; the fixture of the auxiliary frame to the vehicle body.
US08393626B2 Continuously cured EPDM used in various dampening applications including vehicle axle cords
The present invention generally relates to the use of EPDM (ethylene-propylene diene monomer) polymer compounds used in place of NR (natural rubber), SBR (styrene butadiene rubber), polyisoprene and other polymers in energy absorption elastomeric systems. In one embodiment a method of continuously manufacturing an EPDM based compound cured via a peroxide based cure system and used in an energy absorption elastomeric system is disclosed. The method includes the steps of forming a continuous part from a compound based on ethylene-propylene diene terpolymer and then curing the part via a continuous process and optionally cutting the final part to the appropriate length. Various advantages are achieved via the use of peroxide cured EPDM as replacements for NR, SBR, polyisoprene and other polymers.
US08393622B2 Gate system diverting sheets into multi-ways
According to aspects illustrated herein, there are provided systems for conveying a sheet article into an intended pathway. The multi-way gate system for diverting sheets into multiple pathways in a sheet conveying device includes at least three pathways for directing the sheet from the sheet conveying member in a particular direction. A single gate plate is between the sheet conveying member and the pathways. The single gate plate is rotatable about a single axis to direct the sheet exiting the sheet conveying member toward one of the pathways.
US08393621B2 Sheet stacking apparatus and image forming apparatus
A sheet stacking apparatus includes a conveyance portion, a first sheet stacking portion, a second sheet stacking portion, and a controller. The conveyance portion includes a holding portion that moves while holding a downstream end of a sheet. The first and second sheet stacking portions include stacking surfaces and the second sheet stacking portion is arranged downstream of the first sheet stacking portion. The controller controls to cause the holding portion to convey to the second sheet stacking portion. When the sheet to be stacked on the second sheet stacking portion passes over the first sheet stacking portion, an upstream end of the sheet in the sheet conveying direction is guided along the first sheet stacking portion stacking surface, on which a sheet is not stacked, while the downstream end of the sheet is held by the holding portion.
US08393618B2 Skew correction device, sheet handling apparatus, and image forming system
A skew correction device includes a first conveying unit arranged in a sheet conveying path; a second conveying unit arranged downstream of the first conveying unit in a conveying direction of a sheet; and a skew correction unit. When the sheet is unfolded paper, the skew correction unit performs a first skew correction that corrects for the skew of the sheet so that a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit abuts on the second conveying unit that is stopped. When the sheet is fold paper, the skew correction unit performs a second skew correction that corrects for the skew of the sheet so that a leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the first conveying unit abuts the second conveying unit and the second conveying unit is driven in a reverse direction to the conveying direction at a predetermined operational timing.
US08393614B2 Sheet feeding apparatus and image reading apparatus
In a sheet feeding apparatus, an image reading apparatus and an image forming apparatus, an original document tray on which sheets are accommodated along the sheet feeding direction includes a placing plate on which the sheets are placed and which can be lifted and lowered and to move the sheets to a position at which the sheets can be fed by a pickup roller, a detection unit which detects that sheets are placed on the placing plate, and a curl suppressing member which presses a central portion in a width direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction of the accommodated sheets to suppress upward curl of downstream edges in the sheet feeding direction of the sheets.
US08393612B2 Removable currency storage unit with content access monitoring
A removable currency storage device is arranged to monitor and record access to the contents of the storage device.
US08393609B2 Document handler
A document handler is provided that comprises a validator 2 having a main conveyor 4, a stacker 3 having a storage 50 detachably attached to validator 2, a storage conveyor 5 in storage 50 for stowing a document fed from validator 2 into storage 50 and picking out the document stored in storage 50 to validator 2 through main conveyor 4 to issue picked document from validator 2, a reversible motor 70 in main conveyor 4 drivingly and detachably connected to storage conveyor 5 of storage 50.
US08393607B2 Sheet processing device
A sheet-processing device for performing various sheet post-processing functions at high speed and implementing a compact structure includes a compiler 106 that causes a stacked sheet to wait until stapling processing is performed; a jogger 107 that aligns the sheet stacked on the compiler 106; a stapler device 24 that performs the stapling processing to the sheet aligned by the jogger 107 as many as the setting number of sheets; and a sheet transfer pathway 105 through which the sheet in which an image is formed is delivered to the compiler 106.
US08393603B2 Instrument panel assembly fixture
The present invention generally relates to fixtures and methods for assembling automotive instrument panels. Some embodiments include a means for locating an instrument panel in a lateral direction and in a selected rotational direction. Some embodiments also include a means for locking the panel in specific desired rotational position. Furthermore, some embodiments may accommodate a wide variety of panel designs having variable lengths.
US08393597B2 Lift control systems for lifting devices and lifting devices comprising the same
A control system for a lifting device and a lifting device comprising the same are disclosed. The control system includes a control unit comprising a processor with a memory communicatively coupled to the processor and having computer readable and executable instructions. A battery is electrically coupled to the control unit in addition to at least one indicator. The processor executes the computer readable and executable instructions to: determine an operating characteristic of the lifting device and an operating time of the lifting device as the lifting device is actuated; determine an accumulated load-time parameter for the lifting device based on the operating characteristic and the operating time; store the accumulated load-time parameter in the memory of the lift control system; compare the accumulated load-time parameter to a service constant; and provide an indication the indicator that a lift structural component requires service based on the comparison.
US08393596B2 Tool for forcing a door
The invention relates to a tool (1) for forcing a door comprising:—an elongated shaft (2); and—a head (5) fixed to the shaft (2) at the front end thereof, the head (5) having a base part (6) provided with a striking surface (7) on a first side for receiving impacts from a striking tool and a wedge part (8) extending from the base part on the opposite side thereof essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The wedge part comprises a top surface, a bottom surface and two side walls extending between the top surface and the bottom surface on opposite sides of the wedge part. Each one of the side walls is provided with cutting edges (44) extending in parallel to each other or at least essentially in parallel to each other between the bottom surface and the top surface.
US08393594B2 Drive mechanism, actuator, and valve
A driving mechanism (100) includes a first rotor (10) that rotates around a first shaft L1 and a second rotor (20) that rotates around a second shaft L2 that is provided in parallel with the first shaft L1. The first rotor (10) includes a guide (13) that extends in a circular arc around the first shaft L1 and a drive pin (14) that is provided outside the guide (13) relative to the first shaft L1. The second rotor (20) includes a first member (40) with a plurality of leads (41) that extend in the radial direction from the second shaft L2 and a second member (50) that is provided between the first rotor (10) and the first member (40), that moves together with the first member (40), and that includes a plurality of first surfaces (51) with substantially the same curvature as a circular arc-shaped outer surface (13b) of the guide (13).
US08393590B2 Vehicle seat rail assembly
A vehicle seat rail assembly has a lower rail having a guide groove opening upward in the vertical direction of the vehicle body, that extends in a direction coincident with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and supported stationary relative to the vehicle body; an upper rail attached to a vehicle seat and guided by the lower rail to slide in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle; and a cover mechanism that is disposed between a pair of inner walls that define the guide groove of the lower rail and that closes the guide groove. The cover mechanism includes a stationary cover that remains stationary relative to the lower rail and a movable cover that slides relative to stationary cover.
US08393589B2 Container support device
A blood cleansing system includes: a weight scale; a container support device for supporting a container of a blood treating fluid, wherein the container support device includes: an attachment member for coupling the container support device to the weight scale; a joint body attached to the attachment member and configured to rotate about an axis of the attachment member; a support body secured to the joint body; and at least one container support extending from the support body, wherein the container support is configured to stably support the fluid container.
US08393588B2 Adaptor for fixing a medical apparatus
An adaptor for fixing a medical apparatus to one or two support structures, wherein the adaptor is constructed in three parts from a bearing part and two support parts, wherein the bearing part can be connected to the medical apparatus, the first support part can be connected to a first support structure and the second support part can be connected to a second support structure, and the adaptor can assume at least three states, wherein: in the first state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the first support part only; in the second state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the second support part only; and in the third state, the bearing part is connected free of clearance to the first support part and the second support part.
US08393584B2 Apparatus for holding a portable electronic device
An apparatus for holding a portable electronic device. The apparatus includes a base having a storage compartment. The base includes a neck cavity. The apparatus includes an attachment member extending from the base and configured to couple to another object. The attachment member includes a suction cup. The apparatus includes a neck extending from the neck cavity of the base; wherein when the neck is retracted substantially fits within the neck cavity. The neck includes a plurality of frustoconical nested members configured to extend from the neck cavity or retract therein. The apparatus includes a mount coupled to a distal end of the neck and configured to couple to a portable electronic device. The mount includes an actuation device configured to actuate the portable electronic device. The apparatus includes a remote control configured to actuate a portable electronic device.
US08393582B1 Apparatus and method of transferring and utilizing residual fuel of a launch vehicle upper stage
A launch system is provided which includes a secondary payload. The secondary payload includes a propellant tank and at least one module that is supported by an adapter ring that is commonly used to secure an upper stage to a primary payload. The propellant tank is launched empty and subsequently filled with residual propellant from the upper stage.
US08393567B2 Method and apparatus for reducing aircraft noise
An arrangement for an aircraft includes a fuselage, a wing, and a propulsor. The wing may have a wing upper surface, a rear spar and a wing trailing edge. The propulsor may include at least one rotor having a rotor diameter and a rotor axis. The propulsor may be mounted such that the rotor is located longitudinally between the rear spar and the wing trailing edge. The propulsor may also be mounted such that a lowest point of the rotor diameter is located vertically above the wing upper surface.
US08393559B2 Paper inlet safety protection device for shredders
A paper inlet safety protection device with an upper cover plate, a safety cover plate, a paper entrance block and an elastic component. The upper cover plate is connected with the upper cover plate, first end of the upper cover plate covers inlet of the paper entrance of the upper cove plate, paper entrance block is arranged toward the paper entrance and in the upper cover plate, and limits the second end of the safety cover plate, two ends of the elastic component connect with the inner wall of the upper cover plate and the paper entrance block respectively, the paper entrance block is connected fixedly with the second end, or integrated with the second end, or limits the studs arranged on the second end, the paper entrance block is positioned between the paper entrance and the elastic component, the safety cover plate is pivoted with the upper cover plate.
US08393551B2 Coolant systems for electric and hybrid-electric vehicles
A coolant system and method of operating the coolant system for a vehicle having a battery pack is disclosed. A method may include detecting a mountain grade descent condition; detecting a battery limit condition; and, if the mountain grade descent condition and the battery limit condition are detected, activating a coolant heater and a coolant pump to thereby accomplish an electric load shed. A method may include detecting a fuel cell stack warm up condition; and, if the fuel cell stack warm up condition is detected, activating a fuel cell coolant heater, a cabin coolant heater and a pump, and directing a coolant flowing through the cabin coolant heater through the fuel cell coolant heater and through a fuel cell stack to thereby warm the fuel cell stack.
US08393550B2 Thermostat assembly with removable communication module and method
A thermostat assembly comprises a thermostat and a removable and replaceable first communication module physically and functionally removably connected to the thermostat. The first communication module is configured to permit information transfer between the thermostat and a first device remote from the thermostat. If more than one communication module is used to communicate with more than one device, the communication modules may operate using different communication protocols.
US08393549B2 System and method for controlling temperature and humidity of a controlled space
A system for controlling temperature and humidity of a controlled space includes a supply air path for supplying an outside air stream to the controlled space; an exhaust air path for conveying an exhaust air stream from the controlled space; a total energy recovery device in contact with the outside air stream and the exhaust air stream; a dehumidification wheel in contact with two spaced portions of the outside air stream; and a cooler in contact with the outside air stream between the two spaced portions.
US08393548B2 Removable component for a consumable with identifying graphic
A removable component for dispensing a physical resource from a dispensing system may include a body defining a reservoir in which a physical resource may be stored, a graphic provided on the removable component having information.
US08393547B2 RF proximity financial transaction card having metallic foil layer(s)
A contactless financial transaction card includes a plastic inlay having first and second substantially planar surfaces bounded by a continuous peripheral edge. An integrated circuit carried by the inlay stores card-specific data. An antenna carried by the inlay is operatively connected to the integrated circuit. The foil layer provides the financial transaction card with a decorative metallic reflective appearance and is constructed to permit the antenna to inductively couple with the card reader within the maximum coupling distance. Printed graphics or text may be disposed on or above the metallic foil layer. The card is constructed to inductively couple with a card reader that is spaced from the card in order to support limited-range wireless communication between the card and the card reader up to a maximum coupling distance, beyond which it will not couple.
US08393540B2 XML printer system with RFID capability
An XML system is configured to print bar code labels, tags, tickets, cards, or other media, and/or encode RFID devices embedded in media, based upon an extensible markup language (XML) input data stream. The XML system includes a computer system operatively coupled to a network. The computer system further includes an XML processor configured to receive, parse, and process an XML input data stream and obtain schema identified in the XML data stream from a schema repository. The XML processor validates the XML data stream based upon the schema obtained. Also included is an XSLT processor configured to obtain a stylesheet identified in the XML data stream from a stylesheet repository. The XSLT processor transforms data in the XML input data stream into transformed XML data based upon the stylesheet obtained. Also, an XSLFO processor formats the transformed XML data into formatted XML data based upon XSLFO instructions contained in the stylesheet. A barcode rendering subsystem then receives the formatted XML data and generates a bit map representative of the bar code label. Alternatively, the system includes an XML processor configured to receive and process the XML input data stream, a ZPL processor configured to receive and process a format template, a variable data integrator configured to develop an association between the XML data contained in the XML input data stream and the format template, a formatting engine configured to format the associated XML data according to a format governed by the format template, and a barcode rendering engine configured to generate a printable representation of the bar code label, tag, ticket, card, other media, and/or generate encoding information for an RFID device.
US08393536B2 Payment system and methods
Disclosed are payment system and methods.
US08393526B2 System and method for packaging electronic devices
In accordance with particular embodiments, a method for packaging electronic devices includes melting solder for a solder jet. The method additionally includes depositing the melted solder from the solder jet in a pattern on a first substrate of a first component of an electronic device. The pattern comprises a plurality of individual dots of melted solder. The method also includes aligning a second substrate of a second component of the electronic device with the pattern deposited on the first substrate of the electronic device. The method further includes re-melting the solder deposited in the pattern on the first substrate. The method additionally includes, while the solder is re-melting, compressing the first and second substrates.
US08393522B2 Joining method and joining tool
A joining method of a pair of workpieces, each workpiece having a non-flat portion and an abutting surface continuous to the non-flat portion, wherein the method provides an extension portion on each of the workpieces, the extension portion having a surface continuous with the non-flat portion and the abutting surface and projecting outward from the workpiece, and holding the workpieces so as to form a joining line between the non-flat portions of the respective workpieces by bringing the abutting surfaces thereof into contact with each other. Also disclosed is a joining tool having a substantially cylindrical shoulder portion and a projection projecting outward from a tip surface of the shoulder portion.
US08393512B2 Fastener driving tool
A fastener driving tool includes a housing, a motor, a plunger, a spring, a drum, and one of a cable and a sheet member. The motor is provided in the housing. The plunger is provided in the housing for impacting a fastener in a fastener driving direction. The spring urges the plunger in the fastener driving direction. The drum is rotatably supported in the housing and is rotationally driven by the motor. The one of a cable and a sheet member is capable of being wound over the drum and has one end fixed to the drum and another end acting on the spring for transmitting a driving force of the motor to the spring. The spring is configured to accumulate a resilient energy therein for impacting the fastener by the plunger. The resilient energy of the spring is accumulated by forcible resilient deformation thereof as a result of winding of the one of the cable and the sheet member over the drum rotationally driven by the motor.
US08393502B2 Seed metering gate assembly
A seed metering gate assembly (12) is provided for use with an upright seed bin (10) having a shiftable primary gate (24), wherein the gate assembly (12) provides an additional seed flow control function allowing more accurate dispensing of seed from the bin (10). The gate assembly (12) includes a seed hopper (13) equipped with a fore and aft-shiftable metering gate (42) movable between a closed position and an open position presenting a seed output passageway (40). Apparatus (62) is operably coupled with the gate member (42) in order to determine the travel of metering gate member between the fully closed position and a plurality of open positions presenting respective, differently sized passageways (40). The apparatus (62) preferably includes a rod (64) having a series of through openings (70) and coupled with the gate member (42), with a shiftable, motion-limiting collar (72) mounted on the rod (64) and securable at any of the openings (70) by a clip (76). The opening movement of the rod (64) is limited by engagement between the collar (72) and a bracket (68) affixed to hopper (13).
US08393500B2 Discharge container
This discharge container is a discharge container provided with a container main body, a discharge pump and a fixing cap, in which the discharge pump is provided with a cylinder member made of a large-diameter cylinder and a small-diameter cylinder, a piston member mounted on the cylinder member and a nozzle head. The piston member is provided with a piston, a poppet valve, a piston guide, an air piston, an air piston valve and a stem. The air piston is provided with an inner tube portion engaged with the outer circumference of the piston guide, an upper wall portion, and a sliding tube portion engaged with the large-diameter cylinder internally so as to slide freely. The stem is provided with a lower tube portion engaged with the upper part of the piston guide to form a gas-liquid mixing chamber including a ball valve internally at the upper part of the piston guide and also engaged with the upper inner tube of the inner tube portion so as to slide freely and a mesh ring mounted on the upper inner circumference of the air piston. The nozzle head is mounted on the outer circumference of the stem.
US08393495B2 Dispenser of automatically distributing various shaped tablets in medicine packing machine and tablet dispensing method thereof
Provided are an automatic tablet dispenser of an automatic medicine packing machine, and a tablet supply method thereof, which are capable of automatically packing various-shaped tablets, and accurately, cleanly and rapidly distributing the tablets without missing any. The automatic table dispenser which is installed in a medicine packing machine for automatically packing tablets, includes: a body including a space for containing the tablets therein and a guide track for guiding the tablets contained in the space upward from a bottom of the body; and a driver vibrating the body so that the tablets contained in the space of the body are transferred upward along the guide track.
US08393491B2 Neck closure comprising a hermetically sealed neck and associated cover cap for initial opening
The neck closure has a wedge-shaped hollow neck with lips formed on the front wedge edge by converging wedge surfaces, the lips being connected to form a one-piece closed lip by a thin section, and having a cover cap that can be placed over the neck. When the cover cap is in place, the front region of the wedge-shaped neck is held in a position that has been rotated through at least 5 DEG in a clockwise direction, viewed from above, in relation to its normal unstressed position, as a result of the inner moulding of the cover cap. When the cover cap is rotated anti-clockwise, from this closed position, force is only applied to the front wedge edge region of the neck by pressure surfaces projecting from the inner face of the cover cap at diametrically opposed points on said front wedge edge region.
US08393487B1 Hygienic twist lid for insulated beverage container
A three position, selectively openable twist lid for a drinking vessel has separate drinking and venting apertures. The lid has two parts—a base member and a cap member. The base and cap members can be relatively rotated from a first, closed position to a second, open position and to a third, disengaged position in which the cap and base members may be separated for cleaning.
US08393484B2 Closure for a sealed container of a pourable food product, and method of producing thereof
A closure for a sealed container of a pourable food product includes a pouring spout which has at least a layer of gas- and/or light-barrier material and a pour opening closed by a cover portion on the side opposite to the side facing, in use, the container, and a cap fittable to, and removable from, the pouring spout; the cover portion has a through cut at its periphery and is joined to a top wall of the cap superimposed on the cover portion, so that the cover portion defines a layer of gas- and/or light-barrier material of the cap and can be removed together with the cap from the pouring spout during first unsealing of the closure; a sealant is provided on a given area of the top wall of the cap for cooperating with a region of the pouring spout.
US08393483B2 Sealing means for closure with multiple sealing areas
The present invention is directed to a sealing means for sealing of a neck of a container, especially a container for carbonated beverages. The sealing means comprises a radially deformable outer sealing means suitable to be engaged with an outer free surface of a neck of the container. The outer sealing means comprises an annular base which blends by a blend into a vertical top surface and at least one annular sealing ring arranged at a free end of the annular base, protruding radially inwardly above the inner surface of the base and forming in engaged position with the neck a first contact area with the outer free surface.
US08393470B2 Stacking drawer package
A tray has a bottom panel, side and end panels and top shoulders at opposed ends of the tray. A separate cover extends across the top and down opposed sides of the tray. The cover has attachment tabs that extend into attachment slots in the tray. The trays may be stacked with an upper tray resting on the shoulders of the lower tray. The cover is a cover for the stack of trays with the side panels of the cover sized for different numbers of trays in the stack. One embodiment has stacking tabs extending above the tray. The cover has cut-outs to accommodate the stacking tabs.
US08393468B2 System for packaging flowers purchased on the internet
A method and system suitable for ordering, packaging, and delivering harvested plants, such as fresh-cut flowers. The method and method entail placing an order for harvested plants by selecting at least one plant varietal, identifying a recipient for the plant by name and address, indicating a date for the recipient to receive the plant, and optionally creating a message to be delivered with the plant to the recipient. The plant is then placed in at least one recess within a transparent shell comprising a raised peripheral edge that surrounds and defines the recess. The shell and plant are then placed in a transparent enclosure formed from a perforated transparent foil, and the enclosure and a shipping label are then inserted in a shipping container that is at least translucent to enable the plant and the label to be visible therethrough.
US08393467B2 Retainer for welding wire container, having fingers and half-moon shaped holding tabs
A retainer for a welding wire container has a base element and at least one upper element which rests on the base element. The base element has a central opening for allowing the welding wire to pass through, and at least two guiding openings through which holding fingers extend. The holding fingers are part of the upper element and are made from a flexible material.
US08393465B2 Pocket-size hybrid container for consumer items
A three-piece pocket-size hybrid container for holding a consumer product such as smokeless tobacco product in an interior volume of an inner ring mechanically secured to an interior of an outer base housing including a cover to fit over and snugly around the inner ring. When closed, a cover sidewall may engage a sidewall of the outer base housing to form a flush exterior sidewall of the closed container or the cover sidewall may be spaced apart from the outer base housing to form a gap in the exterior sidewall of the closed container. The outer base housing and cover can be metal and the inner ring can be plastic to provide a strong and robust package that maintains product freshness and is easily opened and closed.
US08393455B2 Coin processing device having a moveable coin receptacle station
A coin processing machine comprises a housing for containing the coin processing device, a coin processing unit disposed within the housing for processing received coins of a plurality of denominations and discharging processed coins into a plurality of coin receptacles, and a coin receptacle station disposed within the housing for holding a plurality of coin receptacles. The coin receptacle station includes a plurality of individually moveable platforms each having at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon. Each moveable platform is moveable between a first position and a second position. Each moveable platform is disposed entirely within the housing for receiving coins in the at least one coin receptacle disposed thereon when in the first position, and each moveable platform extends out of the housing when in the second position.
US08393444B2 Suspension protection systems and methods
Suspension protection devices and methods involve a suspension mount engagement member configured to contact a suspension mount of a vehicle, a tire engagement member configured to contact a tire of the vehicle, and a rebounding assembly coupled between the suspension mount engagement member and the tire engagement member. The rebounding assembly can include a support, a first rebounding member, and a second rebounding member, wherein the first rebounding member is more compressible than the second rebounding member.
US08393434B2 Steering system for a utility vehicle
The invention relates to a steering system for a utility vehicle, wherein the steering movement is transmitted to the utility vehicle wheels via a steering linkage provided on a steering unit (16, 17; 77). The steering unit (16, 17; 77) is arranged so as to be displaceable along a guide unit (15) which is fixed relative to the utility vehicle. A displacing force upon the steering unit (16, 17; 77) may be provided by a hydraulic cylinder arrangement integrated into the steering unit and/or by a mechanical coupling to a steering wheel for example.
US08393431B2 Omnidirectional drive and steering unit
A compact, low profile omnidirectional drive and steering unit that, in one embodiment, utilizes a single, centrally located wheel, mounted on a drive shaft, upon which is also mounted a tapered pinion gear. The pinion gear on the drive shaft meshes with a ring shaped beveled worm gear contained within the outer housing of the gear unit that surrounds the centrally located wheel. At one side of the outer housing is a worm drive that meshes with the ring shaped and beveled worm gear. Rotation of the worm drive causes rotation of the ring shaped worm gear, which causes the drive shaft mounted pinion gear to turn, which turns the drive wheel to provide driving power for whatever vehicle or system of which the unit is a part. A steering and timing gear is mounted on the lower surface of the unit to provide steering capability.
US08393430B2 Motorcycle
A motorcycle has a rear wheel brake lever provided on a handlebar and a rear wheel brake provided on a rear wheel. A rear wheel brake cable is connected to the rear wheel brake lever and the rear wheel brake. A main frame extends toward the rear part from the front part of the motorcycle. The main frame is disposed at a center in a vehicle width direction and extends toward the rear part of the vehicle body on the upper side of an engine unit. The rear wheel brake cable is laid toward the rear part from the front part of the vehicle body along the main frame. The transmitting loss of brake operation is thereby reduced and swing of the rear wheel brake cable is prevented.
US08393423B2 Method and system to prevent vehicle driveaway during battery charging
A system and method are disclosed for preventing driveaway or roll away of a plug-in electric vehicle when it is being charged or is coupled to an external power supply cord. When it is detected based on at least one of the following conditions: a current is flowing to the battery charger, a voltage source is coupled to the battery charger, an access door allowing access to the receptacle on board the vehicle is open and/or a plug detect switch indicates that a plug is coupled with the receptacle, a mechanical restraint on the driveline is prevented from being released. The mechanical restraint may be a parking brake. Alternatively, the mechanical restraint may include preventing the gear shift selector from being moved out of the park position.
US08393420B2 Driving system for stair-climbing vehicle
A driving system that can allow a vehicle to go over or ascend obstacles or stairs through a step driving manner is provided. The driving system includes a power transmission unit connected to a main shaft connected to a power generation unit installed on the wheel frame, a plurality of driven units engaged with the power transmission unit and supporting the rotation of wheels by rotational force from the power transmission unit, and a carrier to which the power transmission unit and each of the driven units are operationally fixed and which goes over the obstacles by rotating when the driven units are stopped by the obstacles.
US08393407B2 Crop residue clearing device
Apparatus for clearing crop residue from a field is adapted for attachment to a tool bar of an agricultural implement or to a planter unit such that the apparatus is pulled through a field by the implement. The apparatus includes a support structure extending forward of the tool bar and at least one and preferably a pair of floating arms pivotally attached to a forward portion of the support structure and extending rearwardly, with a toothed wheel rotationally attached to an aft end of the arm(s). A coulter attached to the support structure is disposed between and extends forward of the soil-engaging toothed wheel(s) and in combination with the wheel(s) severs and removes residue in the seeding pathway. An adjustable biasing arrangement urges the toothed wheels, either in unison or independently, downwardly into engagement with the soil. Upper and lower stop limits are provided to limit vertical positioning of the toothed wheel(s).
US08393395B2 Use of encapsulated chemical during fracturing
A process for hydraulic fracturing of a subterranean reservoir formation penetrated by a wellbore includes pumping a fracturing fluid or other aqueous fluid from the surface via the wellbore and into the reservoir. This fluid is an aqueous suspension of particles which each comprise an oilfield chemical distributed within an encapsulating matrix of water-insoluble carrier material. The encapsulating matrix is chosen so as to provide a delayed release of the oilfield chemical from the particles into surrounding fluid, such that oilfield chemical is liberated from the particles after they have entered the fracture. The encapsulating matrix may be a polymer which is at least partially amorphous, with a glass transition temperature below the reservoir temperature.
US08393394B2 Methods for strengthening fractures in subterranean formations
Of the many methods provided herein. one method comprises: providing at least a portion of a subterranean formation that comprises a shale; providing a plasticity modification fluid that comprises an aqueous fluid and an alkaline embrittlement modification agent; placing a pack completion assembly neighboring the portion of the subterranean formation; and embrittling at least a portion of the shale to form an embrittled shale portion.
US08393389B2 Running tool for expandable liner hanger and associated methods
A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.
US08393377B2 Protective material applicator device
Devices, methods and systems disclosed herein relate to the application of a protective film on a surface of an electronic device that instantly reduces air bubbles and eliminates the waiting time usually required when using a wet fluid solution. In one embodiment, a roller device may include a carriage or housing and one or more rollers coupled or integrated with the housing, configured to apply a protective material to a surface of the electronic device in a first orientation, and configured to function as a device stand in a second orientation. In addition or alternatively, a roller guide apparatus and/or a wedge may be utilized to assist the roller device in applying the protective material to the surface of the electronic device.
US08393366B2 Tread sipe comprising locking parts
A tire tread comprising a plurality of sipes (30), each sipe being delimited by two opposing main walls (31, 32), each of the said walls consisting of a mean surface of which the intersection with the tread surface in the initial condition forms an edge, the mean width of each sipe measured as the mean distance between the edges formed by the opposing main walls (31, 32) of the said sipe on the tread surface in the initial condition is at least equal to 1.5 mm, each of the main walls (31, 32) comprising at least one locking region (310, 320), each locking region collaborating with a locking region opposite in such a way as to mechanically block relative movements of the said walls at least when the tire is in contact with the road surface.
US08393358B2 Method for manual dispensing using standardized packaging
In one embodiment there is provided a system for recalculating a formula previously used in preparing a mixture made from adding at least two components. The system includes a control apparatus and scale. The control apparatus has a memory for storing the mixture formula. The scale, in communication with the control apparatus, allows the control apparatus to monitor a weight on the scale, such that a final weight of the mixture is stored on the memory. When an end weight of the mixture, defined to be the final weight of the mixture previously prepared minus an amount used by a user, is positioned back on the scale and when the control apparatus receives a recalculation signal, the control apparatus calculates the amount used, recalculates the mixture based on the amount used, and stores a new mixture for subsequent use.
US08393352B2 Control system and method for water supply
Known water supply systems are fed from a source of water such as a tank (6) via a pump (5) to outlets which are occludable by means of a cock (C1-C3). A water pressure sensitive electrical switch (S1) is located downstream of the pump (5) and upstream of the outlets. The switch (S1) is connected in series with an electrical supply for the pump and turns the pump on in response in a drop in water pressure downstream of the switch. Similarly the pump is turned off in response to water pressure downstream to the switch reaching a predetermined minimum pressure, A control system is disclosed in the form of a timer (T) connected in parallel with the pump (5) and energized via the switch (S1). A normally closed safeguard switch (S2) is connected in series with the pump and rendered non-conductive by the timer (T) being energized for a predetermined period. The safeguard switch (S2) prevents the pump (5) operating continuously for more than a predetermine period, typically 15-30 minutes, As a consequence leaks in the system supplied by the pump (5) do not result in excessive water loss from the tank (6), A system and method to prevent water loss in a reticulated town water supply system is also disclosed by means of a flow detector (FD), a timer (T) and a normally open solenoid valve (SV).
US08393345B2 Oil pressure control device
An oil pressure control device includes a plurality of solenoid valves, and a foreign matter discharge unit which carries out foreign matter discharge treatment for a treatment period composed of a first period T1 in which a current smaller than a predetermined value is supplied to one of the solenoid valves and a second period T2 in which a current equal to or larger than the predetermined value is supplied to the one of the solenoid valves, and makes timings for varying the current values different from one another so as to start supplying a current equal to or larger than the predetermined current value to another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the first period T1, and to start supplying a current smaller than the predetermined value to the another one of the solenoid valves at the beginning of the second period T2.
US08393344B2 Microvalve device with pilot operated spool valve and pilot microvalve
The microvalve device includes a pilot microvalve and a pilot operated spool valve. The pilot microvalve includes a pilot input orifice; a pilot output orifice, at least one of the pilot input orifice and the pilot output orifice having a cross-section flow area that changes as the pilot microvalve is actuated; and a passageway providing fluid communication between the pilot input orifice and the pilot output orifice. The pilot operated spool valve includes a spool having a surface in fluid communication with the passageway; a spool input port; and a spool output port, at least one of the spool input port and the spool output port having a cross-section flow area that changes as the spool is actuated. The spool valve is operable by the pilot microvalve such that a ratio of the cross-sectional flow area of the spool input port to the spool output port will substantially equal to a ratio of the cross-sectional flow area of the pilot input orifice to the pilot output orifice. The spool valve may be a microvalve or a standard size valve.
US08393337B2 Nail cleaning apparatus
Aspects of the invention relate to apparatuses and methods for improving sanitary conditions. Certain aspects relate to an apparatus having at least one protrusion for removing visible debris from a nail and at least one nail cleaning region comprising an impregnable material for containing a liquid. In one exemplary embodiment, several nail cleaning elements may be configured to each clean a different nail without cross contaminating any other nail cleaning element on the apparatus. In various exemplary embodiments, the liquid comprises an agent selected from the group consisting of: a biocide agent, moisturizing agent, a cleaning agent, and combinations thereof. Multiple nail cleaning elements may be positioned to permit the simultaneous cleaning of multiple nails without cross-contamination.
US08393328B2 Airway assembly and methods of using an airway assembly
Many embodiments of an airway assembly and methods of using an airway assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an airway assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube, and a seal disposed on the inner tube. The seal is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position where the seal engages an airway. Another embodiment is an airway assembly that includes an outer tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube. The inner tube has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the outer tube has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the outer tube.
US08393326B2 Device for oxygen supply of a user in an aircraft
A device for oxygen supply of a user in an aircraft comprising a breathing mask (20), a stowage box (1) for the breathing mask and an oxygen supply hose (22) having one end connected to the stowage box and the other end connected to the breathing mask, wherein the device further comprises means (3) to fix the stowage box in a ceiling of the aircraft, an aperture on the bottom side of the stowage box closed by a door (7) and a leash (28) connected to the stowage box by one end and to the breathing mask by the other end so that, when the door is open, the mask falls and is kept hovered by the oxygen supply hose and the leash.
US08393318B2 Heat exchanger
A furnace or other heat exchanger application for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration systems having condensate control. Specifically, the disclosure includes condensate control for secondary heat exchangers for use with high efficiency furnaces, particularly for small tonnage systems, such as residential or unitary systems. The application provides condensate management to permit a plurality of furnace orientations while providing resistance to corrosion due to liquid condensate, while providing a furnace system that utilizes less expensive materials and is easily fabricated.
US08393312B2 Event based engine control system and method
A system for starting an engine is described. In one example, the engine is supplied two fuels via two injectors. The method may improve engine starting and reduce engine emissions.
US08393311B2 Internal combustion engine with dry sump lubrication
An internal combustion engine with a dry sump lubrication system is disclosed. The dry sump lubrication system has an oil pan coupled to the engine, an oil reservoir, an oil discharge tube coupling between the oil pan to the oil reservoir, an oil supply tube coupling the oil reservoir to the engine, and a vent tube coupling the oil reservoir to the intake manifold. The dry sump lubrication system may have a fresh air tube coupled to the oil reservoir. A control element coupled to an upstream side of the fresh air tube controls fresh air supplied to the oil reservoir. The oil reservoir may be insulated to retain energy in the oil during short shutdown periods. The oil reservoir may have a heat exchanger which allows engine coolant to flow through the heat exchanger.
US08393304B2 Method of and apparatus for supporting walls of a power boiler
A method of supporting walls of a hanging furnace of a thermal power boiler, in which method, the walls, being formed of vertical water tubes, are supported horizontally at least by means of buckstays, and vertical pillars, located outside the buckstays, are attached to the ground or the foundations of a boiler building. The method includes attaching beams to the outer surface of the water tube walls, parallel with the vertical water tubes of the walls. Buckstays are attached to the outer surface of the beams. The buckstays are positioned substantially perpendicular to the vertical water tubes of the walls. At least two of the walls, located on opposite sides of the furnace, are connected to the vertical pillars by means of the beams and by an attachment connected directly to the beams and to the pillars, in such a way that pressure loads directed perpendicularly to the water tube walls are transferred by means of the vertical pillars to at least one rigid plane surrounding the boiler.
US08393292B2 Painting system
A painting system includes a conveyor, a first travel guide rail, a second travel guide rail, a painting robot, and an opener robot. The conveyor is configured to convey in a paint booth an article to be painted. The first travel guide rail is provided at a side of the conveyor to extend along the conveyor. The second travel guide rail is provided at a side of the conveyor to extend along the conveyor above the first travel guide rail. The painting robot is mounted on the first travel guide rail to be movable along the first travel guide rail. The opener robot is mounted on the second travel guide rail to be movable along the second travel guide rail. The painting robot and the opener robot are movable along the first travel guide rail and the second travel guide rail respectively without interfering with each other.
US08393285B2 Boat cleat assembly
A movable cleat assembly is provided. The movable cleat includes a support base, a face plate positioned adjacent the support base and a retractable cleat. The retractable cleat includes a handle portion and at least one leg extending through the support base and the face plate. The face plate further includes an edge that is adapted to deform or otherwise embed a portion of itself into a boat when installed. At least one of the support base and face plate includes at least one tube to receive the leg therein. The at least one tube is composed of a corrosion-proof material.
US08393282B2 Sewn product and clothes
A sewn product comprises fabrics having conductive yarns inserted each in a warp direction and a weft direction and disposed in a lattice at intervals, wherein at least two stitches in at least one place of seam are provided with a stitch interval of not more than 5 mm, and a surface resistance (R) between two points separated by 30 cm across at least one seam is according to the formula: R≦1.0×1012Ω. A sewn product comprises fabrics having conductive yarns inserted each in a warp direction and a weft direction and disposed in a lattice at intervals, wherein in at least one place of seam a number of piles of clothing fabrics of seam allowance is 5 or more, and a surface resistance (R) between two points separated by 30 cm across at least one seam is R≦1.0×1012Ω.
US08393281B1 Particle feeder
A particle feeder is provided for feeding small particles at a uniform low feed rate. In some embodiments, the particle feeder includes a primary reservoir, a secondary reservoir, and a valve. The primary reservoir encloses an internal volume for holding particles and defining a hole through a bottom surface thereof. The valve includes a rod enclosed within and extending through the volume defined by the primary reservoir. The rod is movable between an open position, wherein particles can flow through the hole, and a closed position, wherein the rod blocks the hole. The actuator controls the movement of the rod between the open position and the closed position. The secondary reservoir has an internal volume, and a conduit for connecting the internal volume of the secondary reservoir with the internal volume of primary reservoir, such that particles can flow from the secondary reservoir into the primary reservoir.
US08393278B2 Railcar cover
A railcar system including a railcar having a longitudinal axis and a movable cover. The movable cover including a plurality of linear bearing devices and at least one slidable hatch connected to the plurality of linear bearing devices. The slidable hatch being movable substantially normal to the longitudinal axis. The linear bearing devices each including a shaped bar and a low friction bearing having a hole therethrough. The slidable hatch has two opposite sides that define a width of the slidable hatch, the shaped bar extending substantially the full width of the slidable hatch. The shaped bar being attached to the two opposite sides of the slidable hatch. The hole through the low friction bearing being shaped to accommodate the shaped bar.
US08393277B2 Automatic carriage return for exhaust removal system
An automatic carriage return for an exhaust removal system having a carriage that is configured to translate along a track tube, the carriage being coupled at a first end to an exhaust extraction hose, the second end of the exhaust extraction hose being coupled to a vehicle exhaust for directing exhaust from the vehicle out the track tube. The automatic carriage return includes a drive cable spanning along the track tube, and an engagement assembly coupled to the carriage. The engagement assembly has an engaged configuration and a non-engaged configuration with respect to the drive cable. A drive motor is coupled to the engagement assembly, and drives motion of the carriage along the drive cable when the engagement assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the engagement assembly is configured to be disengaged from the drive cable while the exhaust extraction hose is attached to the exhaust of a vehicle to allow the carriage to freely follow the path of the vehicle. Upon release of the extraction hose from the vehicle, the engagement assembly is configured to automatically activate to the engaged configuration to engage the drive cable.
US08393266B2 Systems and methods applying a design on a medium
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for applying a design on a medium. In some embodiments, the system includes a letterpress assembly having a base and platen that may be configured in an open configuration and a closed configuration. In the open configuration, the base receives the medium and the platen receives a printing plate. The printing plate may include the design to be applied to the medium. A roller assembly may then receive the letterpress assembly in the closed configuration and may exert a compressive force on the letterpress assembly. The compressive force brings the medium into contact with the printing plate and applies the design on the medium.
US08393265B2 Device for delivering thick matter
A device for conveying a mixture of substances includes a delivery cylinder having perforations and is configured to separate, through the perforations, mixture components from the mixture of substances. A material feed space is connected to an inlet side of the delivery cylinder and delivery line is connected to the outlet side. A delivery piston is reciprocatable through the material feed space and the delivery cylinder. A closure member is disposed at the outlet side of the delivery cylinder or in the delivery line and is movable between open and closed positions. A control unit is operable to move the delivery piston and a drive mechanism operable to move the closure member. The control unit is configured to respond to displacement signals of the delivery piston so as to cause a closing movement of the closure member and is configured to respond to output signals of an upstream pressure sensor so as to cause an opening movement of the closure member.
US08393261B2 Capsule with integrated piercing member
The present invention proposes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients. The capsule includes a sealed ingredients compartment, an inlet face, an outlet face, and an opening member which is positioned at the inlet face outside the compartment and which is provided with piercing members directed towards the ingredients compartment.
US08393247B2 Dual mass flywheel
A dual mass flywheel for a drivetrain of a motor vehicle includes a primary flywheel mass, a secondary flywheel mass and a coupling device. The coupling device includes at least two pivot levers associated with the secondary flywheel mass that interact with a control profile formed on the primary flywheel mass. The pivot levers are pretensioned against the control profile in a radial direction by an elastic element. A control segment of the elastic element is disposed radially inside the control profile.
US08393231B2 Multifunctional torque tool detection device
A multifunctional torque tool detection device includes at least one connection body, at least one tool joint bar, at least one signal ring assembly, a toque detection device, an angle sensor, a plurality of signal pick-up elements, and a displaying and processing unit. The connection body has an end coupled to the tool joint bar, and the tool joint bar is connected to at least one tool bit. The connection body is encased in a tool casing. The signal ring assembly is coupled between the connection body and the tool joint bar. The toque detection device and the angle sensor are attached to the connection body so that the toque detection device and the angle sensor respectively detect a torque value and an angle value applied by the tool bit in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation operation, and generate a torque detection signal and an angle detection signal that are supplied through the signal ring assembly. The signal pick-up elements are set in contact with the signal ring assembly to pick up the torque detection signal and the angle detection signal during the rotation of the connection body. The displaying and processing unit is connected to the signal pick-up elements to receive the torque detection signal and the angle detection signal and display an actual torque and angle that the tool bit applies in an operation thereof.
US08393230B2 Contactless torque sensor for steering system
The present invention relates to a contactless torque sensor for steering system which is installed between an input shaft connected to a steering wheel and an output shaft connected to vehicle wheels and detects torsion generated by rotational manipulation of the steering wheel. The torque sensor comprises a magnetism generation unit coupled with the input shaft wherein north and south pole magnets are arranged along an outer circumference, a cylindrical magnetic shielding unit connected to the output shaft and comprising holes placed near the magnets, a magnetic detection unit distanced from the outer circumference of the magnetic shielding unit and detecting magnetism passing through the holes, and a magnetic detection sensor placed on an outer circumference of the magnetic detection unit and detecting torsion of the magnetism generation unit and magnetic shielding unit. The present invention allows detecting torque of the output shaft with magnetism induced only once.
US08393227B2 Substrate processing method, storage medium storing program for executing the same, substrate processing apparatus, and fault detection method for differential pressure flowmeter
There is provided a substrate processing method of supplying a processing solution to a substrate through a supply nozzle connected with a supply path via a differential pressure flowmeter provided on the supply path for supplying the processing solution and performing a process on the substrate by the processing solution. The substrate processing method includes measuring a pressure value in the supply path by a pressure measurement unit included in the differential pressure flowmeter when the processing solution is not supplied to the substrate; determining whether the pressure measurement unit is operated normally by comparing the pressure value measured in the measuring process with a predetermined pressure value; and supplying the processing solution to a substrate if it is determined that the pressure measurement unit is operated normally in the determining process.
US08393226B2 Inclusion rating method
An inclusion rating method includes carrying out a tensile test on a test specimen, which is made of a metallic material and charged with a hydrogen, to cause a fracture originating from a nonmetallic inclusion affected by the hydrogen in the test specimen, identifying a type of the nonmetallic inclusion, measuring a size of the nonmetallic inclusion, and evaluating a cleanliness of the metallic material by obtaining a distribution function of the size of the nonmetallic inclusion.
US08393225B2 Bi-axial electromagnetic actuator
A biaxial electromagnetic actuator for a materials testing apparatus comprises a first electromagnetic actuator for imparting a linear force to an output shaft and a second, direct drive electromagnetic actuator for imparting a rotational force to the shaft. The shaft is mounted in two combination bearings which permit the shaft to move axially and rotationally. One of the bearings is located within a hollow cylindrical member which constitutes the armature of the direct drive actuator in order to provide a compact and symmetrical arrangement.
US08393214B2 Rotating motion sensor
A rotating motion sensor includes at least one electroacoustic resonator to stimulate a surface acoustic wave. The at least one electroacoustic resonator is configured so that rotation of the at least one electroacoustic resonator about an axis of rotation causes a change in resonance frequency of the at least one electroacoustic resonator. The at least one electroacoustic resonator includes oscillating structures configured to oscillate in a first direction that is a direction of propagation of the surface acoustic wave and/or a second direction that is transverse to the direction of propagation of the surface acoustic wave.
US08393213B2 Sensor device
An sensor device with high detection accuracy. A time-point measurement unit is provided for measuring time-point information and adding the time-point information to an angular velocity sensing signal and an acceleration sensing signal. The angular velocity sensing signal and the acceleration sensing signal are linked by the time-point information. This structure enables output of the angular velocity sensing signal and the acceleration sensing signal linked by the time-point information. Accordingly, the angular velocity sensing signal can be accurately corrected using the acceleration sensing signal. The detection accuracy of the sensor device thus improves.
US08393210B2 Rotation sensing apparatus and methods
Angular rate sensors cause a stream of fluid to flow by heating the fluid. A trajectory of the stream of fluid is deflected by Coriolis forces. Apparatus according to some embodiments provides two heaters spaced apart along a channel. A stream of gas can be made to flow along the channel by operating one of the heaters. The flow can be periodically reversed by alternating operation of the heaters. Temperature sensors may be applied to detect deflection of the flowing gas. Angular rate sensors may be fabricated inexpensively by micromachining techniques.
US08393209B2 Capacitive detector, method for manufacturing same, and device for measuring the integral
Capacitive detector and measuring device integrating it; the detector including: a ribbon made of a dielectric material, first and second electrodes in the form of combs formed on a first surface of said ribbon and a third electrode formed on the other surface of said ribbon opposite said first and second electrodes; the thickness (e) of the dielectric ribbon is less than or equal to said determined period (λ) divided by four times PI, i.e.: λ/4π≧e; and the ratio resulting from the division, as numerator, of the capacitance (C) between two adjacent branches of said first and second electrodes in the presence of at least one fluid with a dielectric permittivity (∈f) and, as denominator, by the dielectric permittivity (∈f) of the fluid multiplied by the capacitance (Co) between the two adjacent branches of the first and second electrodes in the presence of the vacuum is greater than or equal to one, i.e.: C/(∈f*Co)≧1. Method for manufacturing a detector fulfilling the above conditions.
US08393207B2 Methods and apparatus to use multiple sensors to measure downhole fluid properties
Methods and apparatus to use multiple sensors to measure downhole fluid properties are described. An example method of measuring a property of a downhole fluid involves obtaining a plurality of measurements for each of a plurality of sensors. Each of the measurements corresponds to a same property of the downhole fluid, and each of the sensors is differently configured to measure the property. Additionally, the example method involves obtaining a plurality of weighting values, each of which corresponds to one of the sensors. The example method also involves applying the weighting values to the respective measurements obtained by each of the corresponding sensors to generate a weight-corrected measurement for each of the sensors. Further still, the example method involves generating a value representative of a measurement of the property of the downhole fluid based on the weight-corrected measurements and outputting the value representative of the measurement of the property.
US08393202B2 Measuring device for a moment weighing system and moment weighing system
A measuring device for a moment weighing system is provided. The measuring device includes a base plate with a plurality of fixing openings, a receiving plate, arranged rotatably on the base plate, including a plurality of receiving openings and a plurality of fixing openings, a measurement receptacle, arranged on the receiving plate for a measurement object, with the measurement receptacle engaging in part of the receiving openings, and a plurality of fixing pins which fix the measurement receptacle in a measurement position by way of engagement in part of the fixing openings in the base plate and receiving plate.
US08393193B2 Bending machine
Bending machine, in particular a folding press, including a machine frame, a press table supporting a lower die and connected to the machine frame, a press beam supporting an upper die and adjustable along a guide on the machine frame in the direction of the press table as well as at least one adjusting member for adjusting the press beam in the direction of the press table with two relatively adjustable adjusting elements, wherein a first adjusting element of the adjusting member is drive-connected by a first connecting element to the adjustable press beam. In this case a second adjusting element of the adjusting member is drive-connected by a second connecting element in or below a horizontal reference plane running through a press table bearing surface to the machine frame or the press table.
US08393183B2 Fabric treatment appliance control panel and associated steam operations
A fabric treatment appliance capable of indicating when a fabric load is sanitized, implementing a sanitizing by modifying a predetermined operation cycle, or implementing a sanitizing cycle after the completion of a predetermined operation cycle.
US08393163B2 Suspension rod tensioning arrangements for supporting cryogenic equipment within a cryostat
A cryostat, comprising an outer vacuum vessel containing cryogenic equipment suspended from the outer vacuum vessel by a number of suspension rods. At least one of the suspension rods is provided with a tensioning and retaining mechanism for holding that suspension rod in tension braced against a suspension bracket). This tensioning and retaining mechanism includes a tubular rod carrier arranged, in use, to pass through a hole or slot in the suspension bracket, the rod carrier having an axial bore through which, in use, the rod may pass; a thread on its outer surface along at least part of its length; and a rod bearing surface for, in use, transmitting force to the rod. This tensioning and retaining mechanism also comprises a tensioning nut threaded onto the thread so as to, in use, brace against the suspension bracket to urge the tubular rod carrier in the direction of the rod bearing surface so as to apply tension to the rod.
US08393161B2 Combustion chamber and gas turbine installation
A combustion chamber having a burner and a burner insert surrounding the burner while leaving a gap open towards the combustion chamber interior is provided. The burner insert comprises a carrier and a burner insert wall located in front of the carrier towards the combustion chamber interior, wherein a flow passage connected to a cooling-fluid source is formed between the carrier and the burner insert wall. The flow passage opens out into the gap between the burner and the burner insert and is otherwise sealed off from the combustion chamber interior.
US08393160B2 Managing leaks in a gas turbine system
A mixture of air and fuel is compressed in a compressor of a gas turbine system. The gas turbine system includes components that define one or more fuel leak locations, and leaked fuel is directed from the one or more leak locations to a reaction chamber of the gas turbine system. At least a portion of the leaked fuel is oxidized in the reaction chamber. The energy released by oxidation of the leaked fuel can be converted to mechanical motion.
US08393159B2 Gas turbine combustor and fuel supply method for same
A gas turbine combustor for mixing fuel into combustion air introduced from a compressor, burning an air-fuel mixture, and supplying produced combustion gas to a gas turbine. The combustor has a liquid fuel nozzle for jetting out liquid fuel and a pre-mixture chamber wall having a hollow conical shape gradually spreading in the direction in which the fuel is jetted out from the liquid fuel nozzle, and defining a pre-mixture chamber therein. A plurality of gaseous fuel nozzles are disposed around the pre-mixture chamber wall in an opposing relation respectively to a plurality of air inlet holes bored through the pre-mixture chamber wall and jet out gaseous fuel substantially coaxially with the axes of the air inlet holes.
US08393158B2 Low shock strength inlet
A supersonic inlet with a cowl lip may be configured to capture the conic shock and exhibit a zero or substantially zero cowl angle. The inlet may be configured to employ a relaxed isentropic compression surface and an internal bypass. The nacelle bypass may prevent flow distortions, introduced by the capture of the conic shock, from reaching the turbomachinery, thereby allowing the cowl angle to be reduced to zero or substantially zero. Such a cowl angle may reduce the inlet's contribution to the overall sonic boom signature for a supersonic aircraft while allowing for an increase in engine pressure recovery and a subsequent improvement in generated thrust by the engine.
US08393151B2 Flow rate control device of hydraulic pump in power steering system
A flow rate control device of a hydraulic pump in a power steering system, may include an upper cam ring having a cam profile, which is fixedly installed, a lower cam ring having a cam profile, which is engaged with the upper cam ring to be relatively rotatable about the upper cam ring, and a rotor including a plurality of vanes and engaged with the upper and lower cam rings to form an inner space therebetween to pressurize oil by protruding the vanes in the inner space by centrifugal force while rotating.
US08393147B2 Exhaust system having an aftertreatment module
An aftertreatment module for use with an engine is disclosed. The aftertreatment module may have a first chamber with an inlet, and at least one catalyst substrate disposed in the first chamber in a flow path through the inlet and having a flow direction from an inlet face to an outlet face in general alignment with the flow path. The aftertreatment module may also have a second chamber with at least one outlet in general alignment with the flow direction through the inlet. The aftertreatment module may further have at least one noise attenuation passage fluidly connecting the first chamber with the second chamber. The at least one noise attenuation passage may be oriented generally orthogonal to the inlet and the at least one outlet and be located between the inlet and the outlet face of the at least one catalyst substrate.
US08393144B2 SCR system and method for the purging thereof
SCR system for treating the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine, this system comprising a line for feeding a urea solution into the exhaust gases and a pump capable both of feeding the urea solution into the exhaust gases and of purging at least one part of the line by sucking a gas therethrough by means of a suction device, this system also comprising a control unit capable of activating and/or deactivating the operation of the pump and that of the suction device in a sequential manner in the course of one and the same purge procedure.
US08393143B2 Procedure for operating a combustion engine with a SCR-catalyzer
A combustion engine has in the exhaust gas area a SCR-catalyzer with a NH3-filling level, a metering device for supplying the SCR-catalyzer with reactant for reducing nitrous gases, and a downstream NH3-sensitive NOx-sensor. One theoretical value for the NOx downstream of the SCR-catalyzer is compared to an actual NOx-value downstream of the SCR-catalyzer. A reasonability check includes determining a first value for one comparison parameter, which represents the state before a system intervention for adapting the NH3-filling level. A system intervention for adapting the NH3-filling level is carried out and a second value of the comparison parameter is detected. From the comparison of the first value and the second value the reasonability, the non-reasonability, or non-preciseness of the system intervention is assumed.
US08393137B1 Biomass harvesting system
A biomass harvesting system for harvesting agricultural plant growth from agricultural fields comprises a power source for providing mechanical and electric power to the system, a biomass accumulator for producing discrete units of accumulated biomass, a windrower for feeding biomass to the accumulator, a biomass quality analyzer for sensing and transmitting a set of quality characteristics of the biomass, a ground cover residue monitor for sensing and transmitting an optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the field, an active tracking system for identifying individual ones of the discrete units of accumulated biomass, and a central processing unit including a memory module storing an executable instruction set therein. The central processing unit executes the instruction set and integrates the sensed biomass quality characteristics and the sensed optimal quantity of biomass residue to remain on the field to determine a biomass quality index of the discrete units of accumulated biomass.
US08393133B2 Package wrapping machine with item identifier based exception to default wrap settings
A machine for wrapping items to produce packages includes default settings which provide appropriate parameters for wrapping packages based on a ubiquitous feature of the item such as tray size. In addition, one or more exceptions to the default settings are included such that items of a given value for the ubiquitous feature which require special or unusual handling parameters will be detected and handled according to these different parameters. These parameters including exceptions are readily transferable between multiple wrapping machines. An autocalibration feature allows for specific differences in the tolerances and settings of different wrapping machines.
US08393132B2 Device and method for filling containers
A packaging station of a packaging machine for filling containers with products, the station comprising a transport device for feeding the products along a feed path and via first and second charging paths which run parallel to said feed path and transport the containers. The containers are filled by a filling device designed to seize one or more of the products from the feed path and to place said seized products into one or more containers on one or other of the charging paths. The charging paths consist of the following sequence of items, listed in order in the displacement direction of the containers to be filled: a set-up assembly, a transport device and a sealing unit. The device and method permit a more rapid filling of packaging materials with products in a relatively small space, in particular on a platform.
US08393126B1 Torsional braces
A method and apparatus for preventing twisting of at least one purlin. A roof construction has purlins extending between support beams to provide extra stability for the roof. To prevent purlins from twisting, a torsional brace is provided. A beam of the torsional brace extends between two of the purlins. A static clip is connected to a purlin, and a pin is used to secure one end of the beam to the clip. The other end of the beam can be similarly clipped to another purlin, or alternatively, the other beam can be bolted to the purlin.
US08393121B2 Fire-stop system for placement in a conduit through which a thermally weakenable pipe extends, method for placing the system and conduit provided with such a system
A thermally expandable fire-stop system for placement in a thermally stable conduit having an inner wall defining an inner space through which a single pipe, being a, relatively, thermally weakenable pipe having an outer wall, extends, or will extend, the system comprising at least a device which includes at least one component having a non-linear thermal expansion characteristic.
US08393117B2 Wall flashing
Building means, having a main plate 1, a flexible sheet 2 attached thereto, a first bolt portion 4 extending outwards of the plate 1 and an opposite second bolt portion 5 extending outwards of the plate. The building means formed such that when it is in use a structural member can be fastened to the first bolt 4 portion while at the same time the plate 1 is arranged behind exterior cladding 8 of a building. A ledge 2a, after it has been bent into shape, extends to beyond the cladding so that rainwater contacting the first face of the plate portion can run down the first face and be guided by the ledge to a drain away position in front of the cladding.
US08393112B1 Removable trigger mechanism for spring-biased fish hook assembly
A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachment portion having first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces cooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hook assembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarily holding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivoting the attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hook assembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves the hook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movement from the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition.
US08393108B1 Universal quick-mounting, no bolts gunsight mount
A universal, quick-mount gunsight mount that does not require any bolts. The mount fits any pistol that has Picatinny Rail or that has any longitudinal groove on the lower muzzle. The mount includes a single piece that slips around the muzzle with two jaws that mate at the top when a sight is clamped on. A protrusion on each side of the mount mates into the slot formed by the Picatinny Rail on the gun, while a detent forces a member into a slot on the bottom of the muzzle. The mount becomes locked to the muzzle and will not move when the gun is fired. The bottom of the mount includes an optional rail that can be used for a laser or light. The mechanical sights supplied with the gun are not blocked and can be used when desired.
US08393106B2 Shooting rests with adjustable height for supporting firearms
Shooting rests having elevation adjustment assemblies are disclosed herein. One embodiment of the disclosure, for example, is directed to a shooting rest for supporting a firearm having a buttstock spaced apart from a forestock. The shooting rest includes a first base portion carrying a first support for supporting the buttstock and a second base portion coupled to the first base portion and carrying a second support for supporting the forestock. The second base portion includes a body having an opening extending therethrough, and a height adjustment member slidably positioned in the opening. The height adjustment member has a non-circular cross-sectional shape in a plane that is generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the height adjustment member. The height adjustment member is attached to the second support and configured to adjust a height of the second support. The second base portion includes a biasing member contacting the height adjustment member to at least partially inhibit movement of the height adjustment member through the opening.
US08393104B1 Folding stack improvements
Adapter devices, apparatus, systems and methods of allowing a firearm to be supported by a foldable fore grip/gun handle. The fore grip gun handle can have bipod type legs that can be extendable from the handle. The fore grip handle can be just a vertical extension. The adapter can allow for the fore grip/gun handle to move from a fold back position along the bottom of the firearm so that the firearm can be easily carried, and the adapter to can allow for the handle to move down to a vertical support position beneath the firearm when the firearm is to be used. The adapter can also support a light in both a folded position and in a downwardly extended position, where light can be aimed forward, rearward to the side and/or pointed down from the firearm. The adapter can allow for a dual functioning component that can be either or both a fore grip and/or a light source. Other versions of the adapter can include a slidable thumb switch for locking a swinging plate with picatinny side rails to a main plate, and spring loaded detents for locking the swinging plate in substantially vertical orientations. Additionally, a folding rail system can be substituted for the existing picatinny rail system on firearms. The folding rail can have mounting holes for allowing the entire folding rail to be directly attached to the firearm, and have a hinge for allowing portions of the picatinny rails to pivot relative to the rest of the picatinny rails.
US08393097B2 Ground engaging tool system
A ground engaging tool system comprises a ground engaging tool such as a tip, an adapter mounted to or part of a work tool, and a rotating lock member. The ground engaging tool is attached to the adapter, and a post portion of the adapter slides into a slot provided on the lock. The lock is rotated so that the entrance to the slot is blocked and the post cannot slide out of the slot. The lock in this position is in a locking position, and the retention of the post in the slot of the lock retains the ground engaging tool to the adapter.
US08393095B2 Rotary snow tiller and ski slope grooming method
A rotary snow tiller, for grooming the snow covering of ski slopes, which advances in a traveling direction along the ski slope, and has a frame; a shaft fitted with teeth and rotated with respect to the frame about an axis crosswise to the traveling direction; and an actuating device for imparting a reciprocating movement to the shaft with respect to the frame.
US08393091B2 Substrate processing method, and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
There is disclosed a substrate processing apparatus including a processing chamber housing a substrate, pipes for supplying gas into the processing chamber, and heaters provided in the middle of the pipes, and heating the gas. In the substrate processing apparatus, the heaters heat the gas to a temperature lower than a temperature at which exhaust gas is generated from the pipes to dry the substrate in the heated gas.
US08393086B1 Apparatus for measuring trend and plunge
An apparatus for measuring trend and plunge of a geologic line feature and an auxiliary apparatus for measuring trend and plunge. The apparatus for measuring trend and plunge includes a rod operable to be disposed parallel to a lineation, a rotation block connected to an end of the rod and being operable to rotate around a central axis of the rod, the rotation block includes a hinge shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the rod, a plate coupled to the hinge shaft of the rotation block so that the plate is rotatable around the hinge shaft, a protractor disposed on the hinge shaft, and a measuring unit disposed on the plate, the measuring unit includes a compass configured to confirm a direction of the rod, thereby measuring the trend when the plate is horizontally disposed.
US08393081B2 Method for filling a ball roller bearing with roll bodies as well as a ball roller bearing filled according to the method
A method for filling a ball roller bearing with roll bodies, and a ball roller bearing, which is filled according to the method and has an outer and an inner bearing ring and a plurality of ball rollers, which are arranged between these bearing rings and have two side surfaces, which are flattened symmetrically from a basic spherical shape, parallel to one another and held at uniform distances from one another by a bearing cage. The ball rollers roll in groove-shaped raceways recessed in the inner face of the outer bearing ring and the outer face of the inner bearing ring. The ball roller bearing is filled by an eccentric axial, tilting fitting of the ball rollers through the interval between the bearing rings in the form, that the filled ball roller bearing is filled to the extent of about 94% and has a service life of up to 253%.
US08393077B2 Fabrication of passive electronic components
A method for fabrication of passive electronic components includes disposing a sacrificial layer on a carrier and forming a curable resin layer on top of the sacrificial layer and patterning the curable resin to form a cured resin template having multiple pattern levels. A metal material is deposited into the first pattern level to form a first structure. A dielectric material is then formed on exposed portions of the first structure. A nonselective subtractive process is used to expose the sacrificial layer in a bottom of the second pattern level and metal material is deposited into the second pattern level and built up to include a portion which crosses over the dielectric material.
US08393060B2 Quick release buckle with volatile substance diffusion means
The present invention relates to a quick release buckle of those commonly used for temporarily attaching two belt or band sections, for example of a backpack, sports bag, waist packs, harnesses or leashes for dogs, etc. The object of the invention is to provide said buckle with an additional function such that it can be used for diffusing an insecticide and/or air-freshener substance in the atmosphere, for which a buckle component integrates a diffusion element for diffusing a volatile substance.
US08393056B2 Control motion hinge
A control motion hinge, comprising a first leaf hinge with three knuckles to secure a first pin, wherein the two outer knuckles have roller knuckles, a link having a two knuckles on a first end to interlock with the first leaf hinge and a single knuckle on a second end, a second leaf hinge with two knuckles to secure a second pin when interlocked with the second end of the link, wherein the two knuckles of the second leaf hinge have a roller path for engaging the roller of the first leaf hinge, wherein such rollers traverse the roller path, and thus softly closing the door reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door.
US08393047B2 Mop bucket
A mop bucket comprises a bucket defining a first compartment and a second compartment. The bucket is rotatable between an upright position and a second position. A first fluid movement path is provided between the second compartment and the first compartment such that liquid in the second compartment drains to the first compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the upright position. A second fluid movement path is provided between the first compartment and the second compartment such that liquid in the first compartment drains to the second compartment under gravity when the bucket is in the second position. A method of operating the mop bucket is also provided.
US08393043B2 Applicator for cosmetic product
The invention concerns an applicator (1) for cosmetic product, comprising:a pad element (2) having a first side for application of the cosmetic product and a second side opposite the first side, anda support element (3) comprising a central attached portion (8) and two side grasping portions (9, 10) arranged either side of the central attached portion (8), the central attached portion (8) being attached onto the second side (5) of the pad element (2),wherein the support element (3) is formed from a planar blank having two slots, each slot forming a space separating the central attached portion (8) from a side grasping portion (9, 10).
US08393040B2 Animal bedding removal apparatus
A bedding removal apparatus for removing bedding material in livestock free stalls is attached to a vehicle such as a skid steer. The bedding removal apparatus includes an auger configured to extend into the bedding of the free stall and draw the bedding toward a curb. The bedding removal apparatus includes a scraper engaging an inner end of the auger to remove bedding from the auger and deposit the bedding into the alley. The auger is mounted to a shaft which is positioned at an angle with respect to the curb and a movable frame to which the shaft is attached. The shaft may be angled down and forward with respect to the movable frame. A fixed frame is mounted to the vehicle and the movable frame is pivotably attached to the fixed frame. An actuator is configured to raise the movable arm from a position with the auger engaging the bedding to a raised position for movement or maneuvering of the vehicle.
US08393034B2 Apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface with easy drainage
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body and members for driving this body over the immersed surface, a filtration chamber which has a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet, a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through a filtering device, a handle for operating the body which allows a user to carry it in order to immerse it in the liquid or remove it from the liquid, wherein the liquid outlet is arranged at a longitudinal end of the body, and wherein the operating handle is connected to the body at an opposing end so that, when the body is suspended by the operating handle, it tilts spontaneously under the effect of gravity into an emptying position in which the liquid outlet is located below the liquid inlet.
US08393033B2 Apparatus for cleaning a submerged surface and having a pumping engine outside the hydraulic system
Detailed is a device for cleaning an immersed surface including a body; members for driving the body; a filtration chamber which has: a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet; a filtering device which is removably mounted in the filtration chamber; a hydraulic circuit for the flow of liquid between the inlet and the outlet through the filtering device; an axial pumping propeller which is interposed in the hydraulic circuit; a flap for access to the filtering device, wherein the pumping propeller is orientated in order to generate a liquid flow with a horizontal component towards the rear, the outlet being opposite the propeller; the pumping motor is arranged below the hydraulic circuit; the access flap is arranged at the top and/or towards the front of the hydraulic circuit in order to allow the filtering device to be disassembled via the top and/or towards the front.
US08393019B1 Spa system with separate hot and cold reservoirs
A spa system featuring an immersion tank for holding a therapeutic liquid, the immersion tank may feature multiple sectors, a hot reservoir, a cold reservoir, and a mixer reservoir. The mixer reservoir is fluidly connected to each the hot reservoir, the cold reservoir, and the immersion tank via pipes. The hot reservoir has a heating element, and the cold reservoir has a cooling element. Pipes and pumps connect the immersion tank to the mixer reservoir and to the hot and cold reservoirs and the hot and cold reservoirs to the mixer reservoir. Temperature sensors are disposed in the immersion tank and the mixer reservoir. A control unit having a microprocessor functions to change temperature of the therapeutic liquid in the immersion tank by activating various pumps such that the temperature of the immersion tank matches a pre-programmed temperature.
US08393013B2 Systems and methods for providing inflatable apparel
This application relates to inflatable apparel. In particular, this application discusses systems and methods for providing apparel that is both selectively inflatable and adapted for use as a pillow. The inflatable apparel may include any clothing or object that is adapted to be worn by a person and is selectively inflatable so as to act a cushion for the person wearing the apparel or of another. The inflatable apparel comprises an apparel item, such as a necktie, and an inflatable bladder. In some cases, the necktie is made to receive and retain the bladder in an inflated position or a deflated position. The bladder extends through at least a portion of the necktie. Additionally, when inflated, the bladder provides a pillow or cushion for use by the individual wearing the inflated necktie, or for use by an individual other than the person wearing the necktie.
US08393012B2 Water sports garments fabricated using stitchless seams reinforced by vulcanization and cross-linking
A method of fabricating wetsuits and boots or gloves, made from rubber sponge material especially used for water sports, adheres each piece of the composition of the wetsuit or boots/gloves to be free from the problems of leaking or breaking caused by sewing or stitching. The method makes the finished garment not only strong and flexible, but also watertight so that the garment wearer feels dry and comfortable. The new method comprises the step of making an adhesion to form a cover, with the width of 1-25 mm and thickness of 0.3-1 mm, on the glued seams of the garment outer and/or inner surface in order to make each piece of the garment adhered completely with no sewing or stitching. The new method includes the additional step of putting the adhered panels of the garment into an oven at a temperature of 80-130° C., and for a time of 5-60 minutes, to make the adhesion vulcanized and cross-linked. That step forms a soft and firm cover of the seams and makes the finished products equivalent in strength to sewing or stitching but avoids the defects of leaking, breaking or discomfort caused by needle holes, thread breaking or unraveling from sewing or stitching.
US08397305B2 System and method for connecting gaming devices to a network for remote play
A system and method for connecting remote player devices to regulated host gaming devices in a network to provide remote game play. A host gaming device is configured to provide game information to a plurality of remote player devices to allow remote play of the host game device. Whether each remote player device is permitted to receive gaming data is based upon, at least in part, the geographic location of the remote player device.
US08397302B2 System and method for analyzing a process
A system for analyzing a process, comprising a model engine to generate a model of the environment using multiple components defining adjustable elements of the model and including components representing a process for provisioning and de-provisioning of access credentials for an individual in the environment and a risk analyzer to calculate multiple randomized instances of an outcome for the environment using multiple values for parameters of the elements of the model selected from within respective predefined ranges for the parameters, and to use a results plan to provide data for identifying the security risk using the multiple instances.
US08397300B2 Detecting security vulnerabilities relating to cryptographically-sensitive information carriers when testing computer software
A system for detecting security vulnerabilities in computer software, including a cryptographic API identifier configured to identify a cryptographic API among the instructions of a computer software application, a path-to-source tracer configured to trace an information flow path among the instructions between the cryptographic API and a source that directly or indirectly provides data that are input to the cryptographic API, where a cryptographically-sensitive information carrier lies along the information flow path, a path-to-sink tracer configured to trace an information flow path among the instructions from the cryptographically-sensitive information carrier to a sink, and a security vulnerability identifier configured to provide a notification that the information flow path between the cryptographically-sensitive information carrier and the sink represents security vulnerability if the information flow path between the cryptographically-sensitive information carrier and the sink does not pass through a cryptographic API.
US08397299B2 Method and system for enhancing flow of behavior metrics and evaluation of security of a node
A method and system for enhancing flow of behavior metrics and evaluating security of a node are described. Instead of sending behavior metrics from a trustee node to a trustor node, the trustor node sends an evaluation function to the trustee node. The trustee node performs security evaluation and sends a result to the trustor node. Alternatively, the trustee node and the trustor node may send behavior metrics and an evaluation function to a trusted broker, respectively. The trusted broker evaluates the security of the trustee node using the evaluation function and the behavior metrics, and sends a security evaluation result to the trustor node and the trustee node. There may be multiple trusted brokers. The behavior metrics may be accumulated by each node as the behavior metrics flow downstream. The nodes may submit behavior metrics to an intermediary periodically and may be accumulated by intermediaries.
US08397294B2 Apparatus, system and method for preventing data loss
A device and method are provided for a device that communicates security information to a user entering content into the device. In an aspect, the device may access content from a server over a connection through the network. The device displays the content on a user interface of the device. The device detects information entered into a field of the displayed content and evaluates a security state of the device. If the security state is below a security threshold and, if the entered information is identified as protected information based on stored criteria, the device displaying a visual indication on the user interface.
US08397279B2 Method and system of network integrity via digital authorization (NIDA) for enhanced internet security
A novel method for online authentication of an authorized website is described to prevent the circulation of forged web pages on the World Wide Web. The novel feature of the instant invention is encryption-independent method of securing online transactions by authenticating the server to the client and client to the server. In the instant invention the approach is deployed in curbing the menace of spoofed websites on the World Wide Web by allowing the delivery of only those web pages that are authentic and hosted on an authorized remote server. The method comprises of a graphic representation of the identity of the authorized remote server on the visible portion of the web page served by that remote server. Such graphic representation is capable of being scanned, read and allowed access, only if resolved to the identity of the authorized remote server every time that web page is requested by another authorized computer connected to the Internet.
US08397275B1 Time-varying sequenced image overlays for CAPTCHA
Time-varying CAPTCHA tests are provided to distinguish a human user from a computer software agent in an online application. A test generator generates an original image and a set of (X,Y) positions. The (X,Y) positions can be a random or repeating sequence. The test generator then separates the original image to form a plurality of secondary images. The secondary images are configured to the (X,Y) positions and the original image so that when the secondary images are displaced over time responsive to the (X,Y) positions at least one of the (X,Y) position reveals the original image, or a portion thereof. A test program generator generates an executable program adapted for execution on a client device. The executable program is encoded with the (X,Y) positions and the secondary images, and configured to displace the secondary images over time responsive to the set of positions.
US08397274B2 Method for authenticating device capabilities to a verified third party
A system, devices and methods for verifying an administrator computing device to a guest computing device, verifying the guest device to the administrator device and outputting a list of the guest device capabilities for the administrator device such that the guest device is capable of verifying the administrator device, for example to ensure it does not divulge its capabilities to imposters, and the administrator device is capable of identifying whether the list of device capabilities is authentic. Verification can be achieved through cryptographic hashes of private certificates, digital signatures or expected output from verified modules. The list of device capabilities may be restricted based on the authorization granted to the administrator computer and may be altered or watermarked for verification. A failure to verify the administrator device may restrict execution of instructions on the guest device to prevent unauthorized access to the guest device's capabilities.
US08397273B2 Policy based provisioning in a computing environment
A system and method for policy based provisioning in a computing environment. In an example embodiment, the system is adapted to selectively allocate usage rights and access privileges to computing resources of a computing environment. The system includes a provisioning policy; a centralized resource provisioning module; one or more applications in communication with the centralized resource provisioning module; and software running on the resource provisioning module, wherein the software is adapted to initiate selective provisioning of computing resources offered by the one or more applications to a user in accordance with the provisioning policy.
US08397272B2 Multi-stream digital display interface
Multiple video streams can be transmitted over a high speed link. A connection with a receiver can be detected by a transmitter. The transmitter can then establish a link with the receiver. Multiple streams of video data can be packed into a transfer unit. The transmitter can then transmit the transfer unit with the multiple stream video data over one or more lanes of the link to the receiver. A high speed communications link between a receiver and a transmitter can transmit data for multiple video streams over a single lane within a data link. The high speed communication link is scalable in bandwidth and video/audio streams transmitted, and backward compatible with other types of video data communication connections. The high speed link may support up to eight video/audio streams simultaneously, thereby enabling full use of data link bandwidth.
US08397261B2 User classifiable set-top box
One embodiment may take the form of an apparatus for providing separate user classifications and interfaces to multiple users of a set-top box of the television system. Each user classification may be configurable to provide different interfaces, menus and available features to the users of the set-top box. Further, each user classification may include several sub-classifications to further personalize the set-top box to the various users of the system. Also, each user classification may also monitor the habits and usage of each class and store such information for use by the set-top box to suggest settings of the set-top box that the user may be interested in, such as a favorite channel list.
US08397258B2 Image display apparatus and method for operating an image display apparatus
A method and an apparatus may provide thumbnail images for a display. A plurality of thumbnail images may be generated based on television channels that have been tuned during a first prescribed time period. A channel list including the plurality of thumbnail images may be provided for output to a display. At least one additional thumbnail image may be generated based on at least one additional television channel that has been tuned during a second time period, the second time period being a time period subsequent to the first time period. The channel list may be updated to further include the at least one additional thumbnail image with the plurality of thumbnail images. The updated channel list may be output to a display.
US08397251B2 Sticker media disk
A sticker media disk may be easily stuck on an old CD, DVD, or other optical disk as a base. The combination then becomes a media disk completely playable with content in audio players, computers drives, DVD, and/or high definition (HD) disk players.
US08397244B2 Publisher flow control and bounded guaranteed delivery for message queues
Techniques for managing messages in computer systems are provided. In one embodiment, in response to a publisher attempting to enqueue a message in a queue, a determination is made whether a condition is satisfied. The condition is based on the current usage of the queue by the publisher. Based on whether the condition is satisfied, a decision is made whether to enqueue the message in the queue. The decision whether to enqueue the message may comprise restricting the publisher from enqueueing any more messages in the queue until the same or a different condition is satisfied.
US08397242B1 System and method for managing operations within virtual machines
A method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for managing operations within virtual machines are provided. According to one embodiment, a virtual machine manager monitors the internal operations of the virtual machines by redirecting a reference from a first address to a second address. The first address is an address of a function to be executed by the virtual machine. The second address is an address of a memory location in the memory page. The virtual machine manager installs an execution event at the memory location. In response to a request resulting in the memory location being accessed, an execution event is triggered. In response to the triggering of the execution event, a message is sent to the hypervisor. The message indicates that the memory location has been accessed.
US08397238B2 Thread allocation and clock cycle adjustment in an interleaved multi-threaded processor
Methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media are disclosed for reducing power by reducing hardware-thread toggling in a multi-threaded processor. In a particular embodiment, a method allocates software threads to hardware threads. A number of software threads to be allocated is identified. It is determined when the number of software threads is less than a number of hardware threads. When the number of software threads is less than the number of hardware threads, at least two of the software threads are allocated to non-sequential hardware threads. A clock signal to be applied to the hardware threads is adjusted responsive to the non-sequential hardware threads allocated.
US08397235B2 User tolerance based scheduling method for aperiodic real-time tasks
An apparatus comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising analyzing a plurality of tasks, determining a privilege level for each of the task, determining a schedule for each of the tasks, and scheduling the tasks for execution based on the privilege level and the schedule of each task. Included is a memory comprising instructions for determining a privilege level for each of a plurality of tasks, wherein the privilege levels comprise periodic real-time, aperiodic real-time, and non-real time, determining an execution time for each of the tasks, and scheduling the tasks for execution on a processor based on the privilege level and the execution time of each task.
US08397230B2 Software updates using delta patching
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for software updates using delta patching are described. A first computer may compare a first image representative of a plurality of software stacks, and a second image representative of at least one and less than all of the plurality of software stacks to determine a difference between the second image and the first image. The first computer may generate a file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image. The file may include data of instructions for removing each software stack of the plurality of software stacks represented in the first image and not represented in the second image from a second computer. Data representative of the file representative of the difference between the second image and the first image may be recorded to a computer-readable storage medium.
US08397226B2 Pattern matching over structured literals
A computer programming language, computer-readable medium and method for pattern matching over structured literals (e.g., XML literals, object literals, type literals, code literals, etc.). The programming language may have a pattern defined in an object-oriented programming language. The pattern may be a structured literal that is capable of matching a value contained in an incoming data stream. The structured literal may include one or more variables, which may be bound to the value if the pattern matches the value.
US08397225B2 Optimizing just-in-time compiling for a java application executing on a compute node
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for optimizing just-in-time (‘JIT’) compiling for a application executing on a compute node, the compute node having installed upon it a Virtual Machine (‘VM’) capable of supporting the application, that include: identifying, by an application manager, a particular portion of the application; assigning, by the application manager, a JIT level to the particular portion of the application; and jitting, by the VM installed on the compute node, the particular portion of the application in dependence upon the JIT level assigned to that particular portion of the ava application.
US08397211B2 Web portal application customization method and system using profiles
Web portal application customization methods and systems using profiles allow developers to expose different functionalities and a different look and feel to users belonging to different user profiles. Specifically, the method allows a developer to define default and profile-specific transitions as well as default and profile-specific states. Upon request of a transition by a workflow engine, the system transparently provides the workflow engine with a profile-specific transition if a profile-specific transition associated with the user is available. If a profile-specific transition is not available, the system provides the application with a default transition. Likewise, the system transparently provides the application with a profile-relevant state according to the profile of the user and the availability of a profile-specific state. Accordingly, the method may implement highly customizable functionalities and look and feel effectively and cost-efficiently.
US08397210B2 Evolving the architecture of a software application
The logical architecture of an existing or target application or software system is modeled in the form of one or more architecture diagrams. The existing and target diagrams may be compared. A diagram may be modified by associating physical artifacts from an architecture discovery system or by selecting artifacts identified via a query statement. Rules are associated with the diagrams and validation performed based on the rules and the physical artifacts associated with the diagrams. A report may be produced facilitating further modifications to evolve the architecture represented by the diagrams to the target architecture.
US08397208B2 Method and system for baselining across multiple domains
Techniques are provided for baselining across multiple domains. Relationship information that associates a collection of requirement objects with a set of configuration management objects is stored. The collection of requirement objects is defined in a requirement management system for a software product, and the set of configuration management objects is defined in a configuration management system that is operable to manage the development of the software product. A particular requirement object from the collection of requirement objects is determined. Based on the relationship information, one or more configuration management objects that are associated with the particular requirement object are determined. A baseline that includes copies of the one or more configuration management objects is created and stored, where the copies include specific versions of the one or more configuration objects.
US08397205B2 Graphically representing timing in a graphical program
A system and method for specifying timing relationships among nodes in a graphical program. User input specifying desired timing of a first node with respect to timing of a second node may be received. In various embodiments, any kind of timing relationship or timing constraint between the first node and the second node may be specified. Timing information may be displayed on the display to visually indicate the timing of the first node with respect to timing of the second node. In one embodiment, displaying the timing information may comprise displaying a timing wire between the first node and the second node. The graphical program may be executed in such a way that the visually indicated timing of the first node with respect to timing of the second node is satisfied.
US08397202B1 Sorted data outlier identification
Systems and methods for performing a signature analysis on sorted data to identify one or more outliers in a dataset. The method includes determining, with a control platform, a percentile range of a sorted dataset, wherein the percentile range includes a first plurality of qualified vector patterns; determining a signature of the percentile range; determining a signature of a second plurality of vector patterns, wherein the second plurality of vector patterns includes a first test vector pattern that is outside of the percentile range; and comparing the signature of the percentile range to the signature of the second plurality of vector patterns. The method further includes, based at least in part on the comparing, identifying the first vector pattern as one of (i) a qualifying vector pattern or (ii) an outlier.
US08397199B2 Versatile method and tool for simulation of aged transistors
In an embodiment, an aging analysis tool may be configured to identify transistors that are expected to experience aging effects according to worst case stress vectors and/or designer identified worst case conditions. The aging analysis tool may modify a representation of the circuit (e.g. a netlist), replacing the identified transistors with aged transistors (e.g. by modifying parameters of the transistors in the netlist). The aging analysis tool may process the modified netlist over a range of conditions at which the circuit is expected to operate, to ensure that the design meets specifications after aging. The process may be repeated until the aged design meets specifications (with circuit modifications made by the designer to improve the design).
US08397195B2 Method and system for packet switch based logic replication
A method and system for compiling a representation of a source circuit including one or more source subchannels associated with portions of source logic driven by a plurality of clock domains are described. Each source subchannel may generate packets carrying signal data from one of the portions of the source logic. A representation of a destination circuit may be compiled to include one or more destination subchannels associated with portions of destination logic replicating the source logic. Each destination subchannel may forward the signal data via the packets to one of the portions of the destination logic. A switching logic may be configured to map the source subchannels to the destination subchannels as virtual channels to forward the packets from the source subchannels to the destination subchannels. A single queue may be configured to couple with the switching logic to record packets from the source subchannels into a packet stream for a delay period to distribute to the destination subchannels. The destination logic may emulate the source logic synchronized with the plurality of clock domains delayed by the delay period.
US08397192B2 Proof based bounded model checking
An UNSAT core may be reused during iterations of a bounded model checking process. When increasing the bound, signals corresponding to signals within the UNSAT core may be used to represent the functionality of the model during cycles between the original bound and the increased bound. In case, consecutive unsatisfiability is determined in respect to different bounds, the same UNSAT core may be reused instead of computing a new UNSAT core.
US08397187B2 Verifying the error bound of numerical computation implemented in computer systems
A verification tool receives a finite precision definition for an approximation of an infinite precision numerical function implemented in a processor in the form of a polynomial of bounded functions. The verification tool receives a domain for verifying outputs of segments associated with the infinite precision numerical function. The verification tool splits the domain into at least two segments, wherein each segment is non-overlapping with any other segment and converts, for each segment, a polynomial of bounded functions for the segment to a simplified formula comprising a polynomial, an inequality, and a constant for a selected segment. The verification tool calculates upper bounds of the polynomial for the at least two segments, beginning with the selected segment and reports the segments that violate a bounding condition.
US08397185B1 Graphical user aid for technology migration and associated methods
A graphical user aid that may be used for migrating source devices, such as programmable logic designs (PLDs or FPGAs) into target devices, such as equivalent or substitute application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”) is provided. A device selector guide is provided for evaluating migration prospects from the source device to the target device before completing the migration.
US08397184B2 Channel length scaling for footprint compatible digital library cell design
A library cell is designed, and then the width of the polys is increased, and the polys and contacts are shifted in order to maintain poly-to-poly and contact-to-poly spacing. The method can be used in association with a 45 nm digital library cell. Specifically, a library cell having 40 nm polys is designed, and then the width of each of the polys is increased by 5 nm to 45 nm, and the polys and contacts are shifted in order to maintain poly-to-poly and contact-to-poly spacing. The poly lines and contacts can be shifted by starting at the center and going out radially, or by beginning at the perimeter and moving radially inward. The method can be used with any library cell design which is entirely GDS based, including, for example, 32 nm library cell design.
US08397171B2 User interface methods and apparatus for controlling the visual display of maps having selectable map elements in mobile communication devices
A method for use in controlling user interface operation of a communication device when visually displaying a map involves the steps of causing a viewable map region of the map to be visually displayed in a display, the viewable map region having a plurality of selectable map elements; maintaining a list of element identifiers which includes element identifiers corresponding to the selectable map elements in the viewable map region, each element identifier being associated with a pair of x, y coordinates for visual display; controlling end user selection of the selectable map elements via a positioning mechanism in left and right directions in accordance with a numeric order of the x-coordinates; and controlling end user selection of the selectable map elements via the positioning mechanism in up and down directions in accordance with a numeric order of the y-coordinates.
US08397169B2 Image forming system capable of causing document box information of the printer driver to automatically adjust to a change in the document box information that is stored in an image forming apparatus
An image forming system including a management device, an image forming apparatus including an auxiliary storage device, and a plurality of information processing devices, which are coupled to one another via a network, the image forming system being configured as follows. The management device is designed to: acquire a box information file regarding a document box created on the auxiliary storage device from the image forming apparatus via the network; and transmit the box information file to each of the plurality of information processing devices in its original format and a state after conversion thereof into a predetermined format. The plurality of information processing devices each control a printer driver compatible with the image forming apparatus to read the received box information file.
US08397166B2 Image processing apparatus for determining an operation trajectory based on an operation by a user and for performing a designated process on images based on the determined operation trajectory
With a map displayed on a displaying apparatus 6, a user touches a touch panel 16 with his or her finger to draw an operation trajectory passing through his or her desired area on the map. A user's designated area is specified based on the operation trajectory. Images shot in the designated area are automatically selected to be displayed and the order of displaying the images is set in accordance with a drawing operation of the operation trajectory such that the image shot at a shooting spot closest to the start point of the operation trajectory is displayed first and the image shot at a shooting spot closest to the end point of the operation trajectory is displayed last. The image selecting operation and the image displaying order setting operation can be easily performed at the same time.
US08397157B2 Context-free grammar
In one embodiment, a method comprising accessing a first data object and a second data object of a data structure representing electronic content, the second data object being associated with the first data object, selecting, based on first content included in the first data object, a grammar rule included in a grammar, the grammar rule including a grammar rule item, and based on second content included in the second data object, selecting the grammar rule item included in the grammar rule, and based on the second content and the grammar rule item, generating a portion of a textual representation of the electronic content.
US08397156B2 Organizing documents through utilization of people tags
A method disclosed herein includes the acts of receiving a document that has a people tag assigned thereto, wherein the people tag comprises first data that is indicative of an identity of a first individual that corresponds to the document, and wherein the people tag is assigned to the document by an assignor, and accessing contact data pertaining to a second individual, wherein the contact data comprises second data that is indicative of identities of contacts of the second individual, wherein the second data comprises data that is indicative of the identity of the first individual. The method also includes comparing the contact data with the first data, and displaying the document on a computer screen in conjunction with text that identifies the first individual to the third individual, wherein the text indicates a name of the first individual as assigned to the first individual by the second individual.
US08397151B2 Integrity of low bandwidth communications
The invention relates to a method for checking the integrity of a set of data packets received by a receiving communication device from a sending communication device, the data packets of the set being received in unpredictable order. The invention also relates to a communication device implementing a method according to the invention, in particular to a smart card.
US08397150B1 Method, apparatus and computer program for calculating a branch metric
A chunk of branch metric computation bits is generated including bits that correspond to transition bits of a possible chunk of transition bits that could have been generated by a state transition of a convolutional encoder of a transmitter. The bits of the chunk of branch metric computation bits are scrambled. A branch metric for the received chunk of soft scrambled code bits is calculated as a function of the scrambled bits of the chunk of branch metric computation bits and the soft scrambled code bits of the received chunk of soft scrambled code bits. The branch metric is indicative of the probability that the received chunk of soft scrambled code bits was originally generated by the convolutional encoder as the chunk of transition bits corresponding to the generated chunk of branch metric computation bits.
US08397143B2 BCH or reed-solomon decoder with syndrome modification
An apparatus generally having a first circuit, a second circuit and a third circuit is disclosed. The first circuit may be configured to calculate a plurality of preliminary syndromes from a plurality of received symbols. The second circuit may be configured to calculate a plurality of normal syndromes by modifying the preliminary syndromes using at most two Galois Field multiplications. The third circuit is generally configured to calculate an errata polynomial based on the normal syndromes.
US08397135B2 Recording apparatus and recording method
A recording apparatus includes a first operation unit that calculates an EDC intermediate value from first data in a first region at least including data to be read after an EDC when reading data in a second sequence in a first sector from a data buffer that stores a block, a data memory that stores at least part of the first data used for operation by the first operation unit, a second operation unit that reads data excluding the first data from the block as second data from the data buffer and calculates the EDC based on the second data and the EDC intermediate value, and an integration unit that integrates the first data, the second data and the EDC, wherein the integration unit receives the EDC and the second data from the second operation unit, receives the first data from the data memory, and integrates and outputs them.
US08397129B2 Memory array error correction apparatus, systems, and methods
Various embodiments include apparatus, methods, and systems that operate to extend the processes of reading, modifying, and writing data stored in or being provided to a memory array without interrupting a continual stream of data to be written into the memory array. Embodiments may include an apparatus comprising a memory array, and an error code module coupled to the memory array with a data buffer having a plurality of data burst registers operable to receive a plurality of data bursts to be written to the memory array on a corresponding plurality of consecutive clock cycles. The error code module is operable to perform a read/modify/write process on each of the plurality of data bursts within a time period no longer than a period of two consecutive cycles of the plurality of consecutive clock cycles.
US08397125B2 Encoding apparatus, system, and method using low density parity check (LDPC) codes
A system and method is capable of performing a Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) coding operation on-the-fly without using a generator matrix. The system and method includes an input configured to receive data and an output configured to output a plurality of codewords. The system and method also includes a processor coupled between the input and the output. The processor is configured to encode the received data and produce the plurality of codewords using a plurality of parity bits. The processor creates the plurality of parity bits on-the-fly using a portion of an LDPC matrix and a protograph matrix.
US08397122B2 Method and apparatus for unequal error protection of video signal over wideband high frequency wireless system
Disclosed are an Unequal Error Protection (UEP) method and apparatus of video signals based on a dynamic link in a broadband high frequency wireless system.A UEP transmission apparatus based on a dynamic link includes a UEP transmission controller to verify, based on a channel state when video data is inputted, a bit field size and a bit separation point of separating a priority for each pixel element being comprised of a pixel of the video data, and to control an error correction coding for correcting relatively many errors occurring in information with a high priority for each pixel element to be used, a bit separator unit to separate the video data pixel based on the priority for each pixel element, and a channel coding unit to perform a corresponding error correction coding through the control of the UEP transmission controller based on the priority for each pixel element.
US08397111B2 Software memory leak analysis using memory isolation
Detecting leaky memory during the execution of an application in a data processing system. A memory controller identifies a leaky section of memory and delegates to an allocation component to allocate more memory. An isolator component isolates the memory section and further divides the memory section into subsections. Each section and each subsection are tested to determine if memory resources are strained to identify an application or its component causing the strain. Each section and subsection are further divided and isolated until the leaky portion of memory is identified, and as a result, the software component causing the leak can also be identified.
US08397110B2 Apparatus, and associated method, for estimating a bit error rate of data communicated in a communication system
Apparatus, and an associated method, for estimating a bit error rate of data communicated to a receiving station of a digital communications system, such as a GSM/EDGE cellular communication system. Soft decision values, indicative of confidence levels that decided values have been correctly decided are compared with threshold values by a comparator. A count is accumulated by a counter whose counted value is representative of decided data values having low levels of confidence that the decided values are correct. The count value is used in the formulation of the BER estimation.
US08397109B2 Bit mapping/demapping method and apparatus for communication system
An improved bit mapping method and apparatus for a communication system is provided. A bit mapping method of the present invention includes arranging coded bits in a codeword in an order of recovery capability. A shift region including a number of coded bits is set. The coded bits are rearranged in the shift region by shifting the shift region by a number of bits equal to a number of bits that is indicated by a shift factor. The rearranged coded bits are mapped into a modulation symbol in an order of reliability from a lowest reliability bit position to a highest reliability bit position of the modulation symbol.
US08397105B2 Computer system or performance management method of computer system
This invention provides a system including a computer and a storage-subsystem comprising at least either a first storage area for storing data sent from the computer or a second storage area to be associated with the first storage area, for storing replicated data of data stored in the first storage area. This system includes a replication processing status referral unit for referring to a replication processing status of data of the first storage area and the second storage area to be associated, and an output unit for outputting first performance information concerning data I/O stored in the first storage area, and outputting second performance information concerning data I/O stored in the second storage area together with the first performance information when the replicated data is being subject to replication processing from the first storage area to the second storage area as a result of referring to the replication processing status.
US08397101B2 Ensuring a most recent version of data is recovered from a memory
Method and apparatus for ensuring a most recent version of data is retrieved from a memory, such as a non-volatile flash memory array. In accordance with various embodiments, a controller is adapted to sequentially store different versions of an addressable data block having a selected logical address in different locations within a memory. The controller assigns a revision indication value to each said version, with at least two of said stored versions concurrently sharing the same revision indication value. In some embodiments, the revision indication value constitutes a repeating cyclical sequence count that is appended to each block, or logically combined with a code value and stored with each block. The total number of counts in the sequence is less than the total number of versions resident in the memory.
US08397099B2 Using pulses to control work ingress
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for using pulses to control work ingress. Generally, embodiments of the invention use a variable-speed clock for accepting work for lower-priority services. A clock rate is controlled by a load monitor. The load monitor periodically collects sensor measurements of resources available after allocations by higher-priority services. Based on the sensor measurements, the load monitor adjusts the clock speed up or down (i.e., depending on the amount of resources available after allocations by higher-priority services). At the boundary of the lower-priority service (e.g., where work enters the system), work requests are enqueued to be associated with a future pulse of the clock. Work is accepted or rejected based on a determination of whether the work request can be allocated a clock pulse within a defined period of time.
US08397098B2 Method for countervailing clock skew and core logic circuit using the same
A method for countervailing clock skew between a first clock signal and a second clock signal in a core logic circuit. The second clock signal is sampled based on the first clock signal in a sampling cycle to obtain a sampling result. When the sampling result indicates a non-compliant pattern, the phase of at least one of the first clock signal and the second clock signal is adjusted. Desirably, the core logic circuit keeps on working with the current first and second clock signals while continuing the sampling procedure of the second clock signal based on the first clock signal when the sampling result indicates a compliant pattern.
US08397096B2 Heterogeneous physical media attachment circuitry for integrated circuit devices
An integrated circuit includes physical media attachment (“PMA”) circuitry that includes two different kinds of transceiver channels for serial data signals. One kind of transceiver channel is adapted for transceiving relatively low-speed serial data signals. The other kind of transceiver channel is adapted for transceiving relatively high-speed serial data signals. A high-speed channel is alternatively usable as phase-locked loop (“PLL”) circuitry for providing a clock signal for use by other high- and/or low-speed channels. A low-speed channel can alternatively get a clock signal from separate low-speed PLL circuitry.
US08397094B2 Node-to-node synchronizing apparatus, node-to-node synchronizing method, and computer product
A node-to-node synchronizing apparatus includes an information generating unit. Before receiving a synchronization request for synchronization, the information generating unit receives, from each process in each computing node, a mask generation request requesting to generate process location information (mask) indicating the location of processes that participate in synchronization. The information generating unit then automatically generates the process location information based on the mask generation request.
US08397091B2 Apparatus and method for TPM and LAN power management
In Gigabit Ethernet Systems, the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) is designed to provide trust and security to a platform through integrity measurement, protected storage, and other cryptographic functions. The present invention relates to a TPM-LAN chip with separate TPM and LAN power management. The TPM-LAN chip is designed such a way that power is reduced significantly in different power management modes compared to the legacy devices. This is accomplished by turning off certain clocks during certain operating modes.
US08397090B2 Operating integrated circuit logic blocks at independent voltages with single voltage supply
Methods and apparatus to operate various logic blocks of an integrated circuit (IC) at independent voltages are described. In one embodiment, supply of power to one or more domains in an IC is adjusted based on an indication that power consumption by components of the corresponding domain is to be modified. Other embodiments are also described.
US08397089B2 Control method with management server apparatus for storage device and air conditioner and storage system
Arrangements reducing power consumption of an air conditioner and a storage device. A control method with a management server apparatus for a plurality of storage devices and an air conditioner includes calculating plural combinations of allocating the work amount to the plurality of storage devices, calculating the heating value of each storage device included in the plurality of storage devices for each of the plural combinations, calculating the quantity of heat conducted to the air conditioner, based on the heating value and positional information of the plurality of storage devices and the air conditioner, calculating the power consumption to cool the quantity of heat conducted to the air conditioner, selecting a combination included in the plural combinations based on the power consumption of the air conditioner, and issuing a move of the data stored in a first storage device to a second storage device, based on the selected combination.
US08397088B1 Apparatus and method for efficient estimation of the energy dissipation of processor based systems
A system and method of scheduling tasks, comprising receiving activity and performance data from registers or storage locations maintained by hardware and an operating system; storing calibration coefficients associated with the activity and performance data; computing an energy dissipation rate based on at least the activity and performance data; and scheduling tasks under the operating system based on the computed energy dissipation rate.
US08397086B2 Electronic device
An electronic device includes a power supply circuit, a load circuit, a main device, a memory, and a holding circuit. The power supply circuit has a controlled output terminal that selectively supplies a second power supply voltage according to a power supply output control signal. The controlled output terminal supplies the second power supply voltage in response to the power supply output control signal being at a first level. The main device has a built-in power supply controlling microprocessor. The memory stores a program that is processed by the power supply controlling microprocessor. The holding circuit temporarily holds the power supply output control signal at the first level when the commercial power supply is connected to the power supply circuit such that the power supply circuit supplies the second power supply voltage from the controlled output terminal until the power supply controlling microprocessor loads the program from the memory and starts up.
US08397082B2 System and method for thwarting buffer overflow attacks using encrypted process pointers
A method (200) and program (100) for inhibiting attack upon a computer (120) is provided. The address (104) of a process (106) is produced (612), and encrypted (616) to produce an encrypted address (518), which is then stored in memory (128). When needed, the encrypted address (518) is retrieved (702) from memory (128) and decrypted (704) to reproduce the original process address (104). The reproduced process address (104) is then verified (708). If the process address (104) is determined (708) to be valid, i.e., there was no attack, then the process address (104) is placed (712) in the program counter (318), and a valid process (106) is executed. If the process address (104) is determined (708) to be invalid, i.e., there was an attack, then the address (108) of a crash and terminate process (110) is placed (716) in the program counter (318) and the computer (120) crashes. A nonce value (512) may be generated (602) and encrypted (616) and decrypted (704) in conjunction with the process address (104). The nonce value (512) may then be verified (710) independently, thereby increasing security.
US08397076B2 System and method for remote reset of password and encryption key
A method and system are provided for resetting a password using a first device and a second device. The second device stores data encrypted using a content protection key, which itself is stored in encrypted form using the password, and is also stored in encrypted form using a key encryption key. The first device receives a public key from a second device. The first device uses the public key and a stored private key to generate a further public key. The further public key and a new password are sent to the second device. The second device uses the further public key to generate the key encryption key, which is then used to decrypt the encrypted content protection key. A new content encryption key is created, and encrypted using the new password.
US08397074B2 Method and computer system for long-term archiving of qualified signed data
The current invention describes a method for long term archiving of qualifiedly signed data in accordance with the current invention, which comprises the steps of hashing the data, encrypting the data through a cryptography algorithm, hashing the encrypted data, signing the hashed data with an advanced time stamp, generating a hash tree over the whole data file or the subgroups thereof and signing the hash tree(s) with a qualified time stamp. Furthermore, a computer system for conducting the method is disclosed.
US08397071B2 Generation method and update method of authorization key for mobile communication
The present invention relates to an authorization key generating method and an authorization key updating method in a mobile communication system. A terminal and a base station generate an authorization key by using a terminal random value and a base station random value that are exchanged in an authorization key generating procedure as input data. In addition, a lifetime of an authorization key is established to be shorter than a lifetime of a root key, and the authorization key is updated with an updating period that is shorter than that of the root period.
US08397069B2 Methods and systems for protecting media content
Various embodiments provide methods and systems that utilize a protocol which enables media content protection by establishing a secure communication channel and, in some embodiments, a secure data channel, between a device such as a computing device running a protected content playback application, and a downstream component such as an associated driver, such as a graphics driver, of an associated display device such as a monitor, flat panel LCD, television and the like.
US08397062B2 Method and system for source authentication in group communications
A method and system for authentication is provided. A central node for issuing certificates to a plurality of nodes associated with the central node in a network is also provided. The central node receives a first key from at least one node from among the plurality of nodes and generates a second key based on the received first key and generates a certificate for the at least one node. The generated certificate is transmitted to the at least one node.
US08397057B2 Generic hub to increase security when accessing business systems
In a method and system for increasing security when accessing a business system, a generic hub receives a request having a first transfer protocol from a user to access an application or application data maintained in an application server. In response to the user request, the generic hub verifies the authorization of the user to access the application server. If the user is authorized, a user interface to the application is presented to the user and input data is received from the user interface. The input data is checked for validity based on application-specific metadata and type checks bound to this metadata associated with fields in the user interface, and any extraneous or non-expected data is removed from the input data. The input data and user request of a first transfer protocol are tunneled to the application using a second transfer protocol.
US08397050B2 Simulator and simulating method for running guest program in host
A Simulator and a simulating method for running a guest program in a host are disclosed. The simulator includes: an initialization device configured for setting content of a hypervisor page table in the host, the hypervisor page table mapping a guest physical address space to a host physical address space. The simulator further includes a binary translation device configured for employing a program logical address to perform a memory access in code translation. The simulator also includes a miss handling device configured for updating a guest translation look-aside buffer by treating a miss in a host translation look-aside buffer caused by the execution of the translated code as a miss in the guest translation look-aside buffer, wherein the host translation look-aside buffer is configured to buffer entries for mapping addresses in a guest program logical address space to addresses in the guest physical address space. The simulator further includes an update tracing device configured for, in response to the update to the guest translation look-aside buffer, perform the update to the host translation look-aside buffer. Also disclosed is a method for running a guest program in a host.
US08397047B2 Logical volume configuration information distribution program, logical volume configuration information distribution method, and logical volume configuration information distribution apparatus
A recording medium storing a logical volume configuration information distribution program causing a computer to execute processing based on logical volume configuration information that defines a correspondence relation between a virtual storage area in a logical volume defined virtually and a real storage area in a storage unit, the logical volume configuration information distribution program includes: when the correspondence relation between the virtual storage area and the real storage area is changed, referencing an access node list storage unit for storing an access node list in which identification information of the access node is registered, and transmitting update information that indicates an updated correspondence relation concerning the virtual storage area whose correspondence relation with the real storage area has been changed, to the access node indicated in the access node list via the network.
US08397044B2 Memory management method and computer using the method
Memory management by garbage collection involves a memory area that is allocated in a computer. Data is created in the memory area in accordance with a program executed by a processor of the computer, and it is checked whether or not data necessary to execute the program exists in the memory area to be released, in response to an explicit instruction to release the memory area. As a result of the check, if data necessary to execute the program does not exist in the memory area, the memory area is released. As a result of the check, if data necessary to execute the program exists in the memory area, the data is moved to a memory area different from the memory area to be released.
US08397032B2 Recovery in shared memory environment
A method for recovery in a shared memory environment is provided in the illustrative embodiments. A core in a multi-core processor is designated as a user level core (ULC), which executes an instruction to modify a memory while executing an application. A second core is designated as a operating system core (OSC), which manages checkpointing of several segments of the shared memory. A set of flags is accessible to a memory controller to manage a shared memory. A flag in the set of flags corresponds to one segment in the segments of the shared memory. A message or instruction for modification of a segment is received. A cache line tracking determination is made whether a cache line used for the modification has already been used for a similar modification. If not, a part of the segment is checkpointed. The modification proceeds after checkpointing.
US08397027B2 Methods and systems for multi-caching
Provided are methods and systems for multi-caching. The methods and systems provided can enhance network content delivery performance in terms of reduced response time and increased throughput, and can reduce communication overhead by decreasing the amount of data that have to be transmitted over the communication paths.
US08397024B2 Page buffer program command and methods to reprogram pages without re-inputting data to a memory device
A technique for efficiently handling write operation failures in a memory device which communicates with an external host device allows a page of data to be re-written to a memory array from a page buffer. The host provides user data, a first write address and a write command to the memory device. If the write attempt fails, the host provides a re-write command with a new address, without re-sending the user data to the memory device. Additional data can be received at a data cache of the memory device while a re-write from the page buffer is in progress. The re-written data may be obtained in a copy operation in which the data is read out to the host, modified and written back to the memory device. Additional data can be input to the memory device during the copy operation. Page buffer data can also be modified in place.
US08397022B2 System and method for optimized data backup
A spilt backup agent model where a component on a host and a component on the block storage device function together logically to provide a backup agent. In certain embodiments, the mechanism provides a split backup agent model using a NDMP protocol. The NDMP protocol is an industry standard protocol that allows for backup of hosts with a single backup agent that is compatible with multiple independent software vendor (ISV) backup software. Thus with the present invention, proprietary backup software dependent host agents are not required. The NDMP protocol provides for separation of control and data connections where the control path runs between the data server on the host that needs to be backed up and backup software (e.g., a Data Management Application (DMA)) and between the backup device and the backup software. The data path runs between the host and the backup device.
US08397020B2 Memory array and method with simultaneous read/write capability
A memory device includes a plurality of memory arrays, each memory array being coupled to an input data bus and an output data bus, a clock generator that generates an internal clock signal to form at least one transfer cycle to control timing of data transfer to and from the plurality of memory arrays, and a controller that controls read and write operations from and to the plurality of memory arrays. In one embodiment, the controller receives a command word containing at least a first command and a second command and executes the first and second command on the same transfer cycle.
US08397017B2 Controller and data storage device
A volatile management memory stores management information for managing a use state of a storage medium. A management information storing unit divides the management information into plural division pieces and individually stores them in the storage medium. A main controller receives a command from a host device while the division pieces are being stored, performs data processing for the storage medium in response to the command between each division piece is stored, updates the management information divided into the division pieces according to the data processing content, and creates a log representing an update content of the management information. A log storing unit stores the log in the storage medium. A restoring unit reads the division pieces stored in the storage medium to the management memory as the management information, updates the management information according to the log stored in the storage medium, and restores the updated management information.
US08397012B2 Data storage systems
A data storage subsystem includes a volatile memory in which stored data can be denoted as being data that should be preserved in the event of an interruption in the power supply to the volatile memory. The available capacity for such data storage is dynamically allocated between multiple firmware client components of the storage subsystem, such that each client component has its own (varying) allocation of the available capacity. A higher priority for the storage of such data is given to client components on which other client components depend, such as lower layers of the software stack, thereby allowing them to get a larger share of the available capacity for such data storage when needed and complete their input/output requests faster.
US08396995B2 Memory controllers, memory systems, solid state drives and methods for processing a number of commands
The present disclosure includes methods and devices for a memory controller. In one or more embodiments, a memory controller includes a plurality of back end channels, and a command queue communicatively coupled to the plurality of back end channels. The command queue is configured to hold host commands received from a host. Circuitry is configured to generate a number of back end commands at least in response to a number of the host commands in the command queue, and distribute the number of back end commands to a number of the plurality of back end channels.
US08396993B2 Data packer for packing and aligning write data
A data packer of an input/output hub of a computer system packs and formats write data that is supplied to it before the write data is written into a memory unit of the computer system. More particularly, the data packer accumulates write data received from lower bandwidth clients for delivery to a high bandwidth memory interface. Also, the data packer aligns the write data, so that when the write data is read out from the write data packer, no further alignment is needed.
US08396985B2 Packet sequence number tracking for an anti-replay window
Described embodiments provide a network processor that includes a security sub-processor to prevent replay attacks on the network processor. A memory stores an anti-replay window corresponding to a data stream of the network processor. The anti-replay window has N bits initialized to correspond to data packet sequence numbers in the range 1 to N. The anti-replay memory is stored in a plurality of data words. A plurality of flip-flops store word valid bits corresponding to each of the data words. A multiplexer selects the word valid bit corresponding to a data word requested by the security processor, and an AND gate performs a bitwise AND operation between the selected data word and word valid bit. When the network processor receives a data packet, the security sub-processor determines a value of the received sequence number with respect to minimum and maximum values of a sequence number range of the anti-replay window.
US08396977B2 Method for making phone calls with a portable USB device
Methods using a portable USB communication device that is plug connectable to an external USB port of a first computing device for enabling phone calling. Upon plug connecting the portable communication device to the first computing device, a phone calling application running at the first computing device is enabled by employing at least in part a phone calling software component stored in the portable communication device. The portable communication device includes a controller unit to facilitate installation of at least part of phone calling software for running at the computing device. Subsequent to disconnecting from the first computing device, the user may also alternatively connect the portable communication device to an Ethernet port of a second computing device for enabling Internet access and phone calling without the first computing device.
US08396963B2 Networked devices for monitoring utility usage and methods of using the same
Systems, methods, and devices are presented herein for monitoring usage of at least one utility by a utility consuming system. One aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a method of managing information in a utility monitoring system that includes a host computer and an array of monitoring devices operatively coupled together on a peer-to-peer network. The array of monitoring devices includes first and second monitoring devices each with a respective memory. The first and second monitoring devices are configured to receive and transmit data. The method includes: storing data received by the first monitoring device in the first memory; storing data received by the second monitoring device in the second memory; responsive to the first memory being below a threshold storage capacity, transferring data received by the second monitoring device to the first monitoring device; and storing the transferred data in the first memory.
US08396960B2 Efficient network utilization using multiple physical interfaces
An architecture for streaming data from a sending endpoint to a receiving endpoint which are connected to each other by multiple networks is provided. Each of the sending endpoint and the receiving endpoint has multiple physical interfaces each for interfacing to a respective one of the multiple networks. The architecture is implemented on both of the endpoints. The architecture includes a traffic monitor for gathering performance characteristics of each of the multiple physical interfaces, and a software library for controlling sending and receiving of the data stream between the endpoints. The traffic monitor and the software library communicate information to each other. The software library instantiates a plurality of bondable virtual interfaces for splitting the data stream into multiple data sub-streams and for combining the multiple data sub-streams into the data stream, and a data organizer for designating one of the plurality of bondable virtual interfaces.
US08396957B2 System and method for routing service requests
Service requests may be routed to services in a service framework provided by a plurality of hosts. A candidate host zone including a plurality of service hosts may be selected to service the request. The candidate host zone may be selected based at least in part on an aggregation of service latencies associated with the service hosts associated with the candidate host zone. A service host belonging to the selected candidate host zone may be selected to service the request.
US08396955B2 Systems and methods for discovery of network topology using service OAM
According to one embodiment, a method may include instantiating a first maintenance end point on a first port of a first network element. The first maintenance end point may determine whether a heartbeat message has been received from a second maintenance end point instantiated on a second port of a second network element. In response to determining that the heartbeat message has been received, the maintenance end point may analyze the heartbeat message to determine an identifier for the second network element and an identifier for the second port. Based on the determination of the identifier of the second network element and the identifier of the second port, the network element may store information to an adjacency list, the information indicating at least one of an adjacency of the first port to the second port and an adjacency of the first network element to the second network element.
US08396948B2 Remotely configured media device
Improved techniques for controlling operation of a portable electronic device are disclosed. Portable electronic devices which interact with a host electronic device can have their operational settings (e.g., configurations or preferences) remotely controlled. As a result, a host electronic device can offer a more sophisticated user interface and portable electronic devices need less local user interface features because these operational settings can be remotely controlled. The remotely-controlled (i.e., host controlled) operational settings are transferred to the portable electronic devices, whereby the portable electronic devices can thereafter operate in accordance with such settings.
US08396944B2 Rich media file format and delivery methods
A rich media file is a self-contained file, including both the information to be viewed by a user and the viewer that displays the information to the user. The information can be formatted however the client likes: for example, the information can be split across several pages, and can include text and still and animated images. There can also be web links to pages on a network, and e-mail forms to simplify sending an e-mail message to the client. The rich media file can include viewing limitations, so that only the proper password can unlock the file, or that the rich media file will automatically expire after a specified condition occurs. The rich media file also assists the user in obtaining the latest version of the rich media file, by offering to retrieve a newer version for the user.
US08396941B2 Digital living network alliance (DLNA) server that serves contents from IVL services
Audio and video (A/V) content information is acquired from each of a group of web-based servers located outside of a home network. The A/V content information identifies A/V content stored in association with each of the group of web-based servers. The A/V content information acquired from each of the group of web-based servers is aggregated. The aggregated A/V content information is provided to a DLNA client device within the home network. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08396936B2 Computer system with cooperative cache
A server receives information that identifies which chunks are stored in local caches at client computers and receives a request to evict a chunk from a local cache of a first one of the client computers. The server determines whether the chunk stored at the local cache of the first one of the client computers is globally oldest among the chunks stored in the local caches at the client computers, and authorizes the first one of the client computers to evict the chunk when the chunk is the globally oldest among the chunks stored in the local caches at the client computers.
US08396934B2 Communication method and apparatus for the efficient and reliable transmission of TT ethernet messages
The goal of the present invention is to improve the useful data efficiency and reliability in the use of commercially available ETHERNET controllers, in a distributed real time computer system, by a number of node computers communicating via one or more communication channels by means of TT ETHERNET messages. To achieve this goal, a distinction is made between the node computer send time (KNSZPKT) and the network send time (NWSZPKT) of a message. The KNSZPKT must wait for the NWSZPKT, so that under all circumstances, the start of the message has arrived in the TT star coupler at the NWSZPKT, interpreted by the clock in the TT star coupler. The TT star coupler is modified, so that a message arriving from a node computer is delayed in an intelligent port of the TT star coupler until the NWSZPKT can send it precisely at the NWSZPKT into the TT network.
US08396930B2 Systems and methods for facilitating creating calendar entries in client devices
A method for facilitating creating one or more calendar entries in one or more client devices. The method may include includes receiving an iTIP message from a first client device associated with a first user and having a first calendar application. The iTIP message may be addressed to at least a second user, wherein the second user may be associated with a second client device having a second calendar application. The method may also include generating an iMIP message using the iTIP message. The method may also include providing at least one of a copy of the iTIP message and a copy of the iMIP message to a least one of the second client device and a second communication server device connected to the second client device for enabling the second calendar application to generate a calendar entry in the second client device.
US08396925B2 Information processing device and method to expand content reception network
An information processing device includes: a first receiving unit to receive, from a first other information processing device, equipment information of a second other information processing device that differs from the first other information processing device, via a first communication and first connecting information useful for connecting with the second other information processing device by a second communication that differs from the first communication; a first transmitting unit to transmit second connection information that is useful for connecting with the device itself by the second communication to the first other information processing device, via the first communication; and a second receiving unit to receive content data transmitted from the second other information processing device by the second communication, based on the first connection information and the second connection information.
US08396923B2 Presenting information in a conference
One conferencing system allows conference participants to share all or a portion of the display seen on their computer screens. The conferees may be at sites removed from each other, or may view a recorded presentation or archived conference at different times. Conference participants are either “presenters” who can modify the display or “attendees” who cannot modify the display. A pointer icon, which can be labeled to identify the conferee, is displayed on the shared image area. Each conferee can modify the position of his or her own pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to, should a conferee choose to point to an element of the display. These and other features apply to other data streams shared in the conference or in meetings where there is no shared-image data stream.
US08396917B2 Storage management system, storage hierarchy management method, and management server capable of rearranging storage units at appropriate time
According to the present invention, it is possible to rearrange an arrangement unit on an appropriate storage device at a more appropriate timing in a complex computer system. A computer system according to the present invention includes a plurality of storage devices of different performance, and provides a virtual volume, the storage devices allocating a segment of the plurality of storage areas to an arrangement unit, which constitutes the target of a virtual volume, in accordance with the arrival of a write request from the business server, and managing, on the business server, an execution time and a predicted execution time of a job to be executed, and a time at which the storage area segment was allocated to the arrangement unit, inferring the relationship of the arrangement unit and the job from the job execution time and the time at which the storage area segment was allocated, and changing the storage area segment allocated to this arrangement unit to another storage area segment at a time decided based on the specified relationship and the predicted execution time.
US08396901B2 Mapping of data from XML to SQL
A method, an apparatus and a computer program product for converting an XML encoded dataset into a minimal set of SQL tables and provided. In the method, a hierarchical structure in the XML encoded dataset is identified. A node element set for the XML encoded dataset is determined, wherein each node element in the node element set is a discrete level of the hierarchical structure of the dataset. One or more nodes of the XML encoded dataset are determined, each node being an instance of a node element. A unique node identifier is allocated to each node. Then, an SQL node table containing one or more records is generated, each record corresponding to a respective one of the allocated node identifiers. An SQL ancestry table is optionally generated to define the inter-relationships among nodes of the identified hierarchical structure of the XML encoded dataset.
US08396895B2 Directory aggregation for files distributed over a plurality of servers in a switched file system
A file switch, logically positioned between client computers and file servers in a computer network, distributes user files among multiple file servers using an aggregated directory mechanism. A hierarchical directory structure is created on the file servers and used to store metadata files, which store metadata for each user file to indicate where data files, containing portions of the user file, are stored. The file switch automatically spreads the data files and metadata files over a large number of distinct directories on multiple file servers, preventing large number of data files from being stored in a single directory on a single file server. In response to a directory enumeration request from a client computer, one or more directories of metadata files on one or more of the file servers are enumerated, instead of enumerating the data file that store the user file portions.
US08396892B2 Method and system to transform unstructured information
There is provided methods and systems to transform unstructured information into structured information. First, the system accesses a rule specifying a condition for assigning data to the data item, the condition based on the content of the data item, the assigned data to provide structure to the data item. Second, based on a detecting that the condition has been met, the system applies the rule to assign the assigned data to the data item. Third, the system stores, in a database, the data item and the assigned data as the data item structured information.
US08396891B2 Method and apparatus of dynamic updating web portals
The web portal's contents management becomes complex and sometime tedious job. There are needs for an efficient and cost effective way to manage large volumes of the web contents for web portals. The posting and withdrawing operation of the present invention has provided a means for making the tasks of updating and managing web portal's contents become much easy and efficient due to the principle of the parallelism can be deployed.
US08396889B2 Methods for semantics-based citation-pairing information
A computer-implemented method of semantically linking, by a computing device, a citing document to a cited document in a corpus of documents includes locating at least one citation present in the citing document, determining a reason-for-citing for at least one citation, and determining a cited-text-area present in the cited document, wherein the cited-text-area corresponds with the reason-for-citing. The method further includes populating a citation entry of a citation-pairing metadata file with a citing-document identifier, a reason-for-citing identifier, a cited-document identifier, and a cited-text-area identifier. The citation-pairing metadata file includes a plurality of citation entries and is stored separately from the citing document and the cited document.
US08396887B2 Method and system for facilities management
A facility management system providing method includes the operations of storing an object file in a first database (DB) if an object is inserted into drawing information according to an application, wherein the object file includes object information about the inserted object, attribute information about the inserted object, and object space information based on a location on the drawing information into which the object is inserted, and updating object text information corresponding to the object file on the basis of the object space information in a second DB, wherein the second DB stores text information corresponding to the first DB.
US08396881B2 Method and system for automatically generating web page transcoding instructions
A system and method are provided for generating transcoding instructions to identify and extract a subset of data from a web page. Input describing the subset of data is received where the input describes one or more data fields and, for each data field, respective field values from at least two sample web pages of a web page family for the web site. For each field, respective web page code defining the respective field values may be compared for commonality to find a matching pattern with which to locate the respective field values. The matching pattern comprises a signature for the data field. Transcoding instructions are defined using the matching pattern to locate and extract field values within web pages of the web page family. The subset of data may be expressed in a target format to transcode the web page for particular client machines (e.g. a wireless mobile device).
US08396874B2 System and method for using topic messages to understand media relating to an event
A system and method for using topic messages to understand media relating to an event. An event (such as a live event or broadcast event), is selected where at least a portion of the content of the event is stored as at least one media object, such as, for example a video or audio recording in digital format. A plurality of topic messages relating to the broadcast event is retrieved over a network and are analyzed to identify a plurality of content segments within the event. The topic messages are further analyzed to identify at least one key actor related to the event. Segment and key actor data relating to the event is stored to a computer readable medium in association with the media objects, whereby the segment data identifies the plurality of content segments within the media objects and the key actor data identifies key actors in the event.
US08396872B2 Order-preserving clustering data analysis system and method
Clustering data analysis that is robust to noise and is able to extract the most reliable information from sequential data comprises the ranking all of the measurement values across a third dimension of a 3D dataset in a selected one of an increasing order or a decreasing order and producing a three dimensional array of ranked values therefrom. It further comprises identifying coherent 3D patterns from the 3D array of ranked values, and counting the number of identified coherent 3D patterns. Each coherent 3D pattern parameters with a similar ranking and across subsets of the set of elements to a same group defines a cluster.
US08396867B2 Identifying and ranking networked biographies and referral paths corresponding to selected qualifications
The most common automated search methods produce less-than-ideal results when searching online resumes, profiles, and the like (“biographies”) for the identities of people with a searcher-selected qualification (“candidates”). Keywords, their proximities, and their repetitions are less informative in biographies than in other informational documents. Similarly, chains of social connection (“referral paths”) do not always reveal the likelihood or ease of a searcher's introduction to a candidate. In both cases, the display order of results may be unrelated to any estimate of merit. To answer the question “Whom do I need and how do I reach them?” a classifier system uses heuristics or algorithms adapted to match the reactions of human experts on the selected qualifications. Terms in biographies, regardless of structure, are standardized and disambiguated for accurate comparisons, meaningful context is preserved, and biographies and referral paths are scored based on expected usefulness to the searcher.
US08396859B2 Subject matter context search engine
A search system associates contextual metadata with search terms and/or stored terms to facilitate identification of relevant information. In one implementation, a search term is identified (4304) from a received search request. The search term is then rewritten (4306) in standard form and the standard form term is then set (4308) as the current search parameter. A source database is then searched (4310) using the current search parameter. If any results are obtained (4312) these results may be output (4320) to the user. If no results are obtained, a parent classification of the search term is set (4316) as the current search parameter and the process is repeated. The invention thereby provides the ease of use of term searching with the comprehensiveness of category searching.
US08396858B2 Adding entries to an index based on use of the index
In an embodiment, a threshold value is calculated for a current entry in a first column of an index. If the current entry has been read a number of times by execution of an execution plan that is more than the threshold value and the current entry points to at least one row in a table and not all of the at least one row have been selected by the execution plan for inclusion in a result set as satisfying a query that the execution plan implements, then a new entry is added to the index.
US08396853B2 Inverse search systems and methods
Inverse search systems and methods operate on identifiers of content items in a corpus such as the World Wide Web In an inverse search, the user submits a query that includes an identifier of a target content item in the corpus and receives information (metadata) about the target content item being returned to the user. Many types of metadata can be returned, including ratings or other metadata related to the target content item obtained from users, popularity data specific to the target content item, information about previously submitted forward search queries that led to the target content item being identified as a hit, and metadata extracted from the target content item.
US08396850B2 Discriminating search results by phrase analysis
A statistical analysis parses documents for phrases in the documents. Each document is analyzed with a phrase analysis engine to determine a key phrase that frequently occur throughout each document. One or more documents are grouped together based a corresponding statistically improbable phrase.
US08396843B2 Active file instant cloning
Techniques and mechanisms are provided to instantly clone active files including active optimized files. When a new instance of an active file is created, a new stub is generated in the user namespace and a block map file is cloned. The block map file includes the same offsets and location pointers that existed in the original block map file. No user file data needs to be copied. If the cloned file is later modified, the behavior can be same as what happens when a de-duplicated file is modified.
US08396840B1 System and method for targeted consistency improvement in a distributed storage system
Embodiments may include a consistency measurement component that utilizes memory-efficient sets (e.g., Bloom filters) to generate consistency metrics for read operations performed on different replicated data objects of distributed storage system. Based on the consistency metrics, the consistency measurement component may identify a subset of replicated data objects associated with low levels of consistency. The consistency measurement component may target this subset for consistency improvement by generating instructions to improve the consistency of the subset. In other cases, the consistency measurement component may notify a consistency improvement component about the targeted subset. In response, the consistency improvement component may generate instructions to improve the consistency of the targeted subset.
US08396836B1 System for mitigating file virtualization storage import latency
A system and method for reducing latency when re-routing at least partial client communications from a first, active data center site to a second data center site due to a virtualization service disruption. Configuration data is imported from the first file virtualization device, wherein the configuration data represents object relationships and mapping information between components in the first data center site and the second data center site. An instruction is received for the back-up file virtualization device to begin handling at least one virtualization service that is disrupted at the first data center site. A most recent import of the configuration data is loaded for the one or more disrupted virtualization services and enabled such that the back-up file virtualization device performs the disrupted virtualization service with one or more storage devices in the second data center site using the at least a portion of the imported configuration data.
US08396835B2 Computer system and its data control method
Provided are a computer system and its data control method that enable safe backup of data and reduction in the capacity of data to be backed up. A control processor refers to a differential and, if a differential bit is “0,” encrypts data of an online VOL with an encryption circuit by using key information, and transfers the encrypted data to a second storage system. If the differential bit is “1,” the control processor performs redundancy elimination processing to journal data, thereafter compresses the journal data with a compression circuit, encrypts the compressed journal data with an encryption circuit according to the key information, and transfers the journal data that was encrypted after compression to the second storage system.
US08396832B2 Independent fileset generations in a clustered redirect-on-write filesystem
Maintaining a generation value for each fileset that is distinct from a corresponding fileset manager preserves the independence of nodes while also allowing distributed fileset management. A fileset manager can maintain a value that reflects consistency snapshots for that node (“node generation”) separately from a value that reflects consistency snapshots for a particular fileset (“fileset generation”).
US08396829B2 Document management system, document management method, and computer readable medium storing program therefor
A document management system includes a memory and a controller. The memory stores access privilege information configured to define, for each display style of a document element displayed in an electronic document, privileges of users or user groups regarding access to a document element having a display style. In response to a request from a user to perform an operation on a document element in an electronic document, the controller controls whether the operation is executed or not on the document element, using the access privilege information stored in the memory, in accordance with a privilege among privileges of the users or user groups for a display style of the document element, the privilege being a privilege of the user or a user group to which the user belongs.
US08396828B2 Providing lightweight multidimensional online data storage for web service usage reporting
Distributed and local processes analyze usage data and transform it into objects including timestamps and dimensions. Objects include a position vector to represent dimension analysis and additional attributes associated with measurements of different types. The objects are stored in a multidimensional database indexed on the vector and timestamp attributes.
US08396825B2 Method and system to recognize temporal events using enhanced temporal decision trees
An enhanced temporal decision tree is described that allows a temporal feature to be tested at a node not merely at a given time instant but, rather, over a time window. Further, the recorded temporal data can be multi-source, with features recorded from multiple sources; multi-resolution, through subsampling; multi-scale, based on varying time windows; and multi-domain, through sampling in the frequency domain, for example. By allowing features to be tested over a time window, enhanced temporal decision trees can be used to classify any temporal data or time series.
US08396822B2 Clustering cookies for identifying unique mobile devices
Embodiments are directed towards clustering cookies for identifying unique mobile devices for associating activities over a network with a given mobile device. The cookies are clustered based on a Bayes Factor similarity model that is trained from cookie features of known mobile devices. The clusters may be used to determine the number of unique mobile devices that access a website. The clusters may also be used to provide targeted content to each unique mobile device.
US08396808B2 Method and system for transferring an electronic payment
A method and system for transferring an electronic payment between a purchaser and a merchant that includes assigning a role of a merchant account to a first account and a role of a purchaser account to a second account within a payment system, adding an item from a product catalog stored in the payment system to a purchase list, obtaining a user ID token of a purchaser from a merchant terminal, communicating identity confirmation information associated with the user ID token to the merchant terminal, and transferring funds for the purchase price total from the purchaser account to the merchant account.
US08396803B1 Medical data encryption for communication over a vulnerable system
A system for securing patient medical information for communication over a potentially vulnerable system includes separating patient's medical file into a demographics layer and a data layer, separately encrypting the demographic layer and data layer using different encryption keys, and providing servers in a communication and processing system with a decryption key for the layer processed by such server. Medical file data may be separated into more than two layers. Users accessing the system are authenticated using standard techniques. By separately encrypting different parts of a patient medical record, processing and communication of patient medical files by intermediary servers is enabled without risking disclosure of sensitive patient information if such servers are compromised.
US08396800B1 Adaptive personalized music and entertainment
A method and system for providing a personalized entertainment experience that is customized for each user. User actions and user control actions may be associated with each played composition and captured as user feedback about each composition. A targeted time between playbacks of a composition may be determined by using said control actions. A customized sequence of compositions may be automatically generated for each user by utilizing a history of the user actions and/or control actions. The personalized sequence may automatically adapt to changing user preferences and feedback over time. The user's collection of compositions may be automatically integrated with the generated customized sequence. Additional compositions and samples, that are new to a user, may be automatically chosen based on the prior user feedback/history and may be added to the user's collection when indicated by user action(s).
US08396791B2 System and method for assessing and managing financial transactions
A financial terms alert generation system comprises an information retrieval module, a financial terms comparison module, and an alert transmission module. The information retrieval module is configured to retrieve financing information, customer information, and product information from one or more sources accessible on a network. The financial terms comparison module is configured to compare a customer's current financial arrangement to a potential new financial arrangement to determine whether the customer is able to enter into a new financial arrangement on terms favorable to the customer. The alert transmission module is configured to transmit an alert to a dealer in cases in which the financial terms comparison module determines that a customer is able to enter into a new financial arrangement on terms favorable to the customer. Such alerts identify the customer and the favorable financial terms.
US08396787B2 Simplified quote sharing calculation
Presented is a method for calculating and distributing quoting share revenue to exchange members that contribute quote data to market data feeds. First, the method reads in trading data chronologically for a particular day. Using an object oriented framework, the method divides the symbols and orders into groups of objects to facilitate the tracking of the total price, quantity, and seconds displayed for each symbol. The timestamp of each message is read and the seconds field is parsed ignoring fractional seconds. Credits are awarded for each second the quote is displayed at the National Best Bid/Offer (“NBBO”) by multiplying the price, quantity, and elapsed whole seconds. These quote credits are stored by the system for each member and symbol. Members are eligible to earn quote credits on either the bid or the offer or both at the same time.
US08396778B2 System and method for determining the liquidity of a credit
The present invention relates to a credit index, a system and method for structuring a credit index, a system and method for operating a credit index, and a system and method for determining the liquidity of a credit.
US08396777B1 Prediction market database, related methods, devices and systems
This disclosure provides a database, methods and associated software to implement and manage a prediction market. By collecting individual predictions as a set of predicted outcomes, such as a range of outcomes, the principles presented herein permit aggregation of overlapping predictions to generate a cumulative probability distribution, effectively using “crowd wisdom” to build a probability model of an event. Through the use of “roll-up” and “roll-down” techniques, this disclosure provides a way of applying new information not only to an event being predicted, but also to the outcomes of other, related events. Conversion to a common probability distribution format may be used to simplify and accelerate mathematical operations, easing the burden in quickly calculating and updating a cumulative probability model for events in each affected dimension in the predicted market. These teachings may be applied to a wide variety of applications, including gaming, blog and opinion sites, spreadsheet programs, and date, logistics, accounting and other forecasting tools.
US08396776B2 Dynamic calculations in an employee compensation system
Systems and methods for setting up dynamic calculations within compensation software are described in the present disclosure. According to one embodiment among many, a compensation module for managing compensation for a number of employees includes a dynamic calculation set-up module allowing a user to set up a dynamic calculation. The dynamic calculation includes a calculation for one column of a worksheet based in part on a value in another column. The compensation module also includes a condition builder allowing a user to enter a condition and a result as part of a dynamic calculation. In particular, a column associated with the result receives a calculated value when the condition is met.
US08396775B1 Optimal glide path design for funding financial commitments
Methods are provided for allocating assets of defined benefit or defined contribution investing plans that yield the highest post-employment standard of living given a level of risk acceptable to plan participants, and that minimize saving rates and risk. The Nash equilibrium glide path representing a series of time-dependent investment portfolios including multiple asset classes is generated, taking into account demographic data for plan participants and at least one selected risk tolerance level, and utilizing computer-implemented optimization. Multiple moments of a stochastic present value of future cash flows are calculated, and a matching distribution is selected. Risk analysis of the glide path and financial commitments utilizes this matching distribution.
US08396770B2 System for creating, issuing, managing and redeeming annuity-based retirement funding instruments
A method for administering an annuity-based retirement funding in which an investor's funds or current income is used to make incremental purchases of immediate annuity benefits at market rates, with the annuity payments received from previous purchases being applied purchase additional annuity benefits. The investor allocates a first allocated portion of each received benefit into an account and the reinvested funds are thereafter available in combination with new investment payments from the investor for the purchase of additional immediate annuity benefits. At the direction of the investor, typically after retirement, all or part of the received annuity payments can be received for the use of the investor.
US08396768B1 Managing consistent interfaces for human resources business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate consistent interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. Messages are generated in a consistent format to take advantage of the consistent interfaces. Specifically, messages include a hierarchically organized message package that allow receiving interfaces to process the received message according to the message package's the hierarchical structure. The receiving application can then generate an appropriate response according to the hierarchical organization of the received message package.
US08396758B2 Systems and methods for confirming purchases of products from a retail establishment using a mobile device
Techniques for confirming purchases of products from a retail establishment using a mobile device allow for loss prevention personnel at a retail establishment to confirm that users exiting the retail establishment in possession of physical products have legitimately purchased those products via their mobile devices while within the retail establishment. When a purchase facilitating server, in communication with a user's mobile device, transacts the user's purchase of one or more products within the retail establishment, the purchase facilitating server may generate a purchase confirmation as a receipt of the transaction. The receipt may include a purchase confirmation code and/or one or more visual indicators of an estimated likelihood of theft associated with the corresponding transaction. The receipt may be transmitted to a loss prevention device at the retail establishment, for use by loss prevention personnel in matching against the user's physical cart before the user exits the retail establishment.
US08396748B2 Activating licensable component of consumer electronic device at point of sale
A purchaser of a CE device informs a retail clerk, at the point of sale (POS) of features of the CE device the purchaser wishes to employ, some of which require a license. The CE device is vended without the licenses but the clerk can upload the desired features to a server, which correlates the features to licensable components and which returns to the POS the license codes needed to enable the components. The codes can be provided to the CE device using RFID at the POS, or storing the codes on a removable storage at the POS and giving the storage to the purchaser, or by printing the codes as bar codes in the sales receipt at the POS and giving the receipt to the purchaser, who later scans the codes past a camera of the CE device to enable the associated licensable components.
US08396745B2 Expanding computer display advertising method and system
A method and system is disclosed for creating additional advertising space by sensing the position of an element on a web page or other client viewer, and upon interaction of a user with that element positioning the appearance of additional web page elements not limited by the boundary of the initial element. Marketing methods enabled thereby are disclosed where among other possibilities this created advertising space can be sold to pay for placement of instances of the invention, where licensees are motivated to themselves place instances of the invention in exchange for usage rights, or further be compensated with a share of income from built-in links, where instances of the invention can carry value added content so that hosting sites will pay for the placement or carry it at no charge, and where a content provider might pay for having its content programmed or provide it for free for promotional value, where instances of the invention maintain links back to a generator site for its own propagation, where a web presence can be created across multiple sites for any commercial or social purpose as a conglomerate world wide billboard, where any instance of the invention can be reconfigured on any site where it resides in real time protected by optional password, and other alternatives more fully described in the specification.
US08396743B2 Sending targeted product offerings based on personal information
Targeted products are offered over a communications network. Product data for a plurality of products from a plurality of distributors for the products is received. Customer data from a plurality of customers comprising personal information about customers is received. Using the data, at least one user-specific product offering from the plurality of products is generated. Automated messages comprising the at least one user-specific product offering to the one or more customers are then sent.
US08396739B2 Quotation system and method
A quotation system and method are provided (see FIG. 1). A relational database (10) allows various departments (14, 16, 18, 20) to prepare a quotation. The relational database centralizes data to increase efficiency, and the data may be modified as needed, for particular quotation solutions.
US08396729B2 Kaizen newspaper
Systems, computer program products, and methods are disclosed for tracking an improvement event. An embodiment includes an event interface configured to receive a plurality of entries related to each of a plurality of improvement events. The plurality of entries includes a project identifier for the improvement event, a creation date, an objective, an action related to reaching the objective, and a first deadline related to the improvement event. A database interface is configured to store the plurality of entries in an event database.
US08396728B2 Method and apparatus for improved customer direct on-line reservation of rental vehicles
Disclosed herein is a reservation booking website wherein customers who plan to travel via general aviation (GA) are provided with a GA reservation creation path that is responsive to their GA travel needs.
US08396721B2 Community health system
A system of machines, databases, user interfaces, graphical displays and data input systems produces comparisons of community health conditions, recommendations to achieve community health improvements and other tangible outputs. The creation, selection and evolution of promising health practices and best health practices is facilitated and continuously reported.
US08396717B2 Speech encoding apparatus and speech encoding method
There is provided an audio encoding device capable of maintaining continuity of spectrum energy and preventing degradation of audio quality even when a spectrum of a low range of an audio signal is copied at a high range a plurality of times. The audio encoding device (100) includes: an LPC quantization unit (102) for quantizing an LPC coefficient; an LPC decoding unit (103) for decoding the quantized LPC coefficient; an inverse filter unit (104) for flattening the spectrum of the input audio signal by the inverse filter configured by using the decoding LPC coefficient; a frequency region conversion unit (105) for frequency-analyzing the flattened spectrum; a first layer encoding unit (106) for encoding the low range of the flattened spectrum to generate first layer encoded data; a first layer decoding unit (107) for decoding the first layer encoded data to generate a first layer decoded spectrum, and a second layer encoding unit (108) for encoding.
US08396709B2 Speech recognition using device docking context
Methods, systems, and apparatuses, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing speech recognition using dock context. In one aspect, a method includes accessing audio data that includes encoded speech. Information that indicates a docking context of a client device is accessed, the docking context being associated with the audio data. A plurality of language models is identified. At least one of the plurality of language models is selected based on the docking context. Speech recognition is performed on the audio data using the selected language model to identify a transcription for a portion of the audio data.
US08396707B2 Method and device for efficient quantization of transform information in an embedded speech and audio codec
A method and device for coding an input sound signal in at least one lower layer and at least one upper layer of an embedded codec comprises, in the at least one lower layer, coding the input sound signal to produce coding parameters, wherein coding the input sound signal comprises producing a synthesized sound signal. An error signal is computed as a difference between the input sound signal and the synthesized sound signal and a spectral mask is calculated as a function of a minima of a spectrum related to the input sound signal. In the at least one upper layer, the error signal is coded to produce coding coefficients, the spectral mask is applied to the coding coefficients, and the masked coding coefficients are quantized. Applying the spectral mask to the coding coefficients reduces the quantization noise produced upon quantizing the coding coefficients.
US08396704B2 Producing time uniform feature vectors
Generally speaking, embodiments of the present invention relate to speech processing such as, for example, speech recognition. Speech processing according to one embodiment of the present invention can be performed based on the occurrence of events within the electrical signals representing speech. Such events need not comprise instantaneous occurrences but rather, an occurrence within the electrical signal spanning some period of time. Furthermore, the electrical signal can be analyzed based on the occurrence and location of these events so that less than all of the signal is analyzed. That is, the spoken sounds can be processed based on regions of the signal around and including the events but excluding other portions of the signal. For example, transition periods before the occurrence of the events may be excluded to eliminate noise or transients introduced at that part of the signal.
US08396703B2 Voice band expander and expansion method, and voice communication apparatus
A band-limited voice signal is processed to reduce its spectral envelope or harmonic structure, or both. The resulting reduced signal is moved into a frequency band above the upper limit frequency of the band-limited voice signal, and then combined with the band-limited voice signal to form a band expanded signal with improved quality and comprehensibility, free of unnatural high-frequency resonances and unnaturally strong high-frequency harmonics.
US08396702B2 Analyzing apparatus and data storage method
An analyzing apparatus includes a result-data storing unit that determines whether result data that is calculated as a result of analysis is restorable by linear interpolation. If the result data is determined to be unrestorable by the linear interpolation, the result-data storing unit stores the result data in a predetermined storage unit. Moreover, the analyzing apparatus includes a data restoring unit that reads the result data from the storage unit. The data restoring unit performs the linear interpolation using the result data acquired, thereby restoring the result data.
US08396697B2 Error compensation method for multi-axis controlled machines
An error compensation method for multi-axis controlled machines generates an error compensation model for compensating for geometric error of a multi-axis controlled machine by separating an error matrix of a tool tip from an error synthesis model of a multi-axis controlled machine and calculates an error compensation value using the error compensation model and an inverse kinematic model so that the error matrix becomes an identity matrix. The error compensation method can reduce calculation error and calculation time due to complicated numerical analysis and compensate for error in the multi-axis controlled machine, regardless of its configuration.
US08396691B2 Position detector, position detecting method, data determination apparatus, data determination method, computer program, and storage medium
A controller of a cell phone serving as the position detector reads time-sequentially anteroposterior positional information Pi−1, Pi+1, together with interest positional information Pi that is an object of determination (S103), and calculates, for example, vectors V1 and V2 showing a shift from Pi−1, to Pi and a shift from Pi to Pi+1, respectively (S104, S105), in order to calculate an amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change. The amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change is expressed by a value of dot product of the calculated vectors V1 and V2 (S106). When the value of dot product is lower than a predetermined value (S107: YES), a position is shown to greatly deviate in the vicinity of the interest positional information Pi. Therefore, the amplitude of fluctuation representing a direction of change is judged to be large, and the positional information is determined to be error (S108).
US08396689B2 Method for analysis of the operation of a gas turbine
A method for analyzing the operation of a gas turbine is provided. A neural network based upon a normal operation of the gas turbine is learned. A dynamic pressure signal is read by a pressure sensor in or on the compressor of the turbine, and an operating parameter is read by a further sensor. The dynamic pressure signal is subjected to a frequency analysis, a parameter of a frequency spectrum of the pressure signal being determined. Based upon the measured operating parameter and the parameter of the frequency spectrum of the pressure signal, the neural network is learned. The measured operating parameter and the parameter of the frequency spectrum are input parameters, and a diagnostic characteristic value representing a probability of a presence of normal operation of the gas turbine as a function of the input parameters is output.
US08396685B2 Small form-factor distance sensor
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to determining a distance from a mobile device to a remote object or a size of the remote object. An embodiment of the disclosure rotates a rotatable micro-reflector to direct energy toward a remote surface, said rotatable micro-reflector disposed in a mobile device, wherein said rotating is relative to said mobile device. An embodiment of the disclosure further measures a distance based at least in part on reflected energy from said remote surface resulting from said directed energy.
US08396678B2 Peakpower energy management and control system method and apparatus
An integrated Energy Management and/or Control System method and apparatus that continually monitors power consumption on each piece of equipment 24/7 and performs detailed analyses of energy consumption curves including derivatives and compares data to historical data on the same equipment as well as going online and acquiring manufacturers specs and comparing to that as well as the same model number equipment in the same or other locations, in order to detect anomalies, abnormal energy consumption or provide early warning of equipment failures.
US08396675B2 Method and apparatus for determining discharge flow rate and use of the apparatus
The object is to facilitate determination of a flow rate of fluid discharged from a discharge opening.Intensity of a supersonic wave generated at and propagated from a discharge opening in association with discharge of the fluid from the discharge opening is determined at a determinate site distant from the discharge opening. And, a propagation distance from the discharge opening to the determination site is determined or investigated. Then, based upon a correlation existent among the intensity of the propagated supersonic wave, the propagation distance and the fluid discharge flow rate from the discharge opening, the fluid discharge rate is obtained from the determined or investigated supersonic wave intensity and the propagation distance.
US08396674B2 Vibration-type measuring device
A vibration-type measuring device includes an exciter arrangement which exerts a time-dependent force with at least one sinusoidal component at an adjustable excitation frequency on a measuring tube, through which a medium can flow, and causes the measuring tube to oscillate. The measuring device includes first and second sensors which are fitted to the measuring tube at different locations. The first and second sensors output first and second measurement signals, respectively. The measuring device includes an evaluation unit which determines a first phase shift between the first and second measurement signals and uses the determined phase shift to determine a measurement variable of the medium. The measuring device includes a phase comparator, which determines a second phase shift between the force and the average value of the first and second measurement signals, and a frequency generator which sets the excitation frequency on the basis of the second phase shift.
US08396660B2 Road map data structure, road map data storage medium, navigation device, and method of generating road map data
A road map data structure includes road network data Rn, representing roads by a connection relation of a plurality of links L, in a hierarchical structure of a plurality of levels, in which, as a link ID for each link L at a lowest level, consecutive serial IDs, according to a connection order of the links within a link line ML formed of a plurality of the consecutive links having a common attribute, are assigned to first links L1 which have a corresponding link existing at a higher level, and a permanent ID, irrelevant with the connection order of the links, is assigned to a second link L2 which does not have a corresponding link existing at a higher level.
US08396659B2 Navigation device, method, and program
Devices, methods, and programs provide vehicle navigation. A speculative heading error is acquired that corresponds to the reliability of the vehicle heading, which corresponds to an estimated vehicle position that was calculated using a previous vehicle position as a reference. A best candidate position or the estimated vehicle position is set as the vehicle position depending on whether a heading difference between the vehicle heading and a heading when the estimated point is corrected to the best candidate position falls within the speculative heading error. Therefore, false matching can be further reduced and prompt recovery is possible even if a false match occurs.
US08396658B2 Probabilistic reverse geocoding
The accuracy of a reverse geocode for a GPS fix in a mobile phone navigation device is improved significantly by considering together the user's last known location on an original route, the elapsed time between the last known location on the original route and the latest GPS fix, and the likelihood that the user could have traveled from the last known location on the original route to one of numerous candidate locations (generated from the reverse geocode) in the elapsed time. The navigation server relies only on a GPS fix, timestamps, and a back-end routing database to provide improved or superior accuracy of reverse geocoding a GPS fix (selection of a point on a road) when a relevant user has deviated from the intended route. The reverse geocoding allows for accurate and functional re-routing capabilities.
US08396657B2 Techniques to improve location accuracy for a map
Techniques to improve location accuracy for a map are described. An apparatus may comprise a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device may include a map management module to move a location identifier representing a location from a first position to a second position on an electronic map in accordance with digital map correction information as defined by a user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08396653B2 Dynamic range display for automotive rear-view and parking systems
A dynamic range display system for a vehicle. The system includes a camera, a distance sensor, a display, and a controller. The camera is configured to capture an image and to generate a signal representative of the image. The distance sensor is configured to detect an object of interest within a path of the vehicle and to generate a signal that identifies a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest. The display is configured to provide a visual image, and the controller is configured to receive the signal from the camera and the signal from the distance sensor. The controller generates an image on the display representing the image detected by the camera and a dynamic vehicle path line overlaid over the camera image. The dynamic vehicle path line provides an indication of a distance between the vehicle and the object of interest.
US08396642B2 Adaptive cruise control system
An adaptive cruise control system for a motor vehicle includes a service brake comprising an electronic controller programmed/configured to detect driving data of the vehicle and distance data to a preceding vehicle, to calculate a movement prediction based on the driving and distance data, to influence the movement of the vehicle by influencing driving and braking, and to output a warning signal to the vehicle driver if the prediction indicates that, assuming a predetermined limiting braking retardation, a probability of an impact with another vehicle, with the adaptive cruise control system being activated, exceeds a predetermined impact probability threshold value without any intervention on the part of the driver. The controller is configured to detect braking parameters, based on which a maximum braking retardation that can be achieved with the service brakes can be calculated, and to reduce the limiting retardation, if the maximum retardation is below a predetermined value.
US08396637B2 System and method for automatic transmission shift control
A control system for an automatic transmission coupled to an engine by a torque converter includes a torque module and a first clutch control module. The torque module determines an input torque to the transmission based on an output torque of the engine. The first clutch control module adjusts an acceleration of a turbine of the torque converter during a down shift of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the acceleration of the turbine by adjusting a first pressure of fluid supplied to an off-going clutch of the transmission based on the input torque. The first clutch control module adjusts the first pressure based on a mathematical model that relates a torque capacity of the off-going clutch, the input torque, and the acceleration. A method is also provided.
US08396634B2 Method and apparatus for maximum and minimum output torque performance by selection of hybrid range state and input speed for a hybrid powertrain system
A powertrain system includes an engine mechanically coupled to an electro-mechanical transmission selectively operative in one of a plurality of transmission operating range states and one of a plurality of engine states. A method for controlling the powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing an operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the current transmission operating range state and engine state based upon the preferability factors and the operator torque request.
US08396632B2 Multiple harvester unloading system
A grain moving system providing for single point unloading of harvesters to a grain cart. There are a plurality of harvesting machines including a first harvesting machine and a second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured to deliver grain to the grain cart. The first harvesting machine receiving grain from the second harvesting machine. The first harvesting machine being configured for the coordination of grain transfer.
US08396630B2 System and method for monitoring driver fatigue
An apparatus and method for monitoring driver fatigue and inattention. A device introduces a controlled disturbance requiring driver compensation into a steering system of a vehicle and monitors for an expected driver compensation in response to the disturbance. When the actual compensation does not sufficiently match the expected compensation the driver is alerted and vehicle functions can automatically be activated or reduced.
US08396625B2 Active image generation and selective remote actuation of head restraint
A head restraint actuation system is provided having a receiver configured for receiving an image signal, a transmission status signal, a head restraint request signal and a seat information signal. A mirror controller is configured for communicating with the receiver for analyzing the received signals and selecting a rearview mirror mode. A user interface is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for displaying the image signal based on the selection of a first mode, and for enabling transmission of a head restraint request to the mirror controller based on the selection of a second mode. A transmitter is configured for communicating with the mirror controller for transmitting the head restraint request to a seat controller based on the selection of the second mode. A head restraint actuator receives the head restraint request and actuates a corresponding head restraint.
US08396623B2 Driver recorder and method for setting up the driver recorder
An object of the invention is to provide a drive recorder that can detect acceleration so that the acceleration exerted on a vehicle traveling around a curve will not be erroneously detected as excessive acceleration, as long as the steering wheel is operated in a usual manner. More particularly, the invention provides a drive recorder that includes an acceleration sensor for detecting a first acceleration along a traveling direction of a vehicle and a second acceleration along a transverse direction of the vehicle, and a control unit which obtains a combined acceleration based on the first acceleration and on a value obtained by subtracting a correction value from the absolute value of the second acceleration, and when the combined acceleration exceeds a threshold value, records video information received from an image capturing unit onto a recording device.
US08396622B2 Customizable initiation of data recordings
A diagnostic system for a vehicle, includes a computer storing software on a computer readable media, configurable for setting up recording of vehicle operations, selecting from a plurality of customizable triggering operations according to Boolean logic, and a vehicle communication interface detachably connected to the computer, being setup by the computer for recording of vehicle operation while the vehicle is operating and recorded information stored in a computer readable media of the vehicle communication interface being reviewed by the computer, and detachably connected to the vehicle for recording of the vehicle operations.
US08396620B2 Patrol device and patrol path planning method for the same
The present invention relates to a patrol device and a patrol path planning method. The patrol device includes an operating unit configured to establish a plurality of patrol paths, each of which has an Average Patrol Omission (APO) value and an Average Patrol Quality (APQ) value, and to determine an optimum patrol path from the plurality of patrol paths according to the APO value and the APQ value; and a moving unit configured to move along the optimum patrol path. The method includes providing a plurality of patrol paths, each of which has an Average Patrol Omission (APO) value and an Average Patrol Quality (APQ) value; and evaluating the plurality of patrol paths according to the respective APO values and the respective APQ values so as to select an optimum patrol path therefrom.
US08396619B2 Hybrid drive motor vehicle control system comprising distributed functional components for controlling hybrid drive operating status
A vehicle control system with a hybrid drive comprising an engine and an electric motor and a plurality of functional components each divided into a strategy sub-component, a control sub-component and an actuator sub-component. The functional components include at least engine, transmission and hybrid functional components. The strategy sub-component (8) of the hybrid functional component (4) comprises an operating status prescription module (17) which reads in a first quantity of data from functional components in order to determine a prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive, processes the read in data in order to produce a second quantity of output variables, and in a second sub-module (29), determines the prescribed value for the operating status of the hybrid drive using the output variables from the first sub-module (27) and with the help of automatic status-determining mechanism.
US08396616B1 System, module, and method for presenting surface symbology on an aircraft display unit
A present novel and non-trivial system, module, and method for presenting surface symbology on an aircraft display unit are disclosed. Symbology image data representative of an image depicting a runway highlighter adjacent to the assigned runway is generated by a symbology generator based upon assigned runway information and airport surface information provided by a flight management data source and the navigation reference data source, respectively. Such runway highlighter comprises a plurality of runway edge highlighters and a plurality of chevrons pointing in the direction of the assigned runway. The image could include one or more directional runway identifiers. Additionally, the generated image could include the depiction of township location, a line-up distance docking indicator, and/or a groundspeed indicator based upon information provided by a navigation data source. Additionally, the generated image could include the depiction of a wind barb based upon information provided by a weather data source.
US08396612B2 Avionic system and architecture with integrated power management
An avionic system includes computers (11a, . . . , 1n, 12a, . . . 12n, 13a . . . 13n) of the generic computer type that can be adapted by software programming to avionic functions for which at least some of these computers have means that combine electronic resources for data processing, computation and communication by analog or digital bus with electric power management resources so as to create modular avionics with integrated power.
US08396588B2 Conveyor safety control
A conveyor system has a plurality of sensors coupled to a computer system, the computer system being programmed to check a number of safety functions greater than the number of sensors. A method of controlling the safety function of the conveyor comprises providing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed in relation to the conveyor to a computer system; operating the conveyor in a learn mode; during operation in the learn mode determining in the computer system the relationship between the sensor output signals and pre-stored logic in the computer system which describes the physical geometry of the possible conveyor types and permissible operating characteristics thereof and determining the relationship between the sensor output signals to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, and storing sensor signal patterns as a reference pattern; and subsequently operating the conveyor in a run mode in which safety functions are monitored; and during the run mode comparing in the computer system the pattern of sensor signals with the reference pattern and with the pre-stored logic so as to establish the safety integrity of the sensors, of the computer system and of the operation of the conveyor.
US08396585B2 Method and system for inventory placement according to expected item picking rates
A method and system for inventory placement according to expected item picking rates. In one embodiment, a method may include determining a respective expected picking rate for each of a number of inventory items, and dependent upon the expected picking rate, selecting a corresponding one of a number of zones of an inventory storage area for each of the items. The zones may be physically arranged within the inventory storage area such that a first, innermost zone is successively and at least partially surrounded by one or more other zones. The method may further include storing each of the items within the corresponding zones, such that the expected picking rates of members of a given group of items stored in a given zone are less than the expected picking rates of members of another group of items stored in a successive zone that at least partially surrounds the given zone.
US08396583B2 Method and system for implementing virtual metrology in semiconductor fabrication
The present disclosure provides a method of fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes collecting a plurality of manufacturing data sets from a plurality of semiconductor processes, respectively. The method includes normalizing each of the manufacturing data sets in a manner so that statistical differences among the manufacturing data sets are reduced. The method includes establishing a database that includes the normalized manufacturing data sets. The method includes normalizing the database in a manner so that the manufacturing data sets in the normalized database are statistically compatible with a selected one of the manufacturing data sets. The method includes predicting performance of a selected one of the semiconductor processes by using the normalized database. The selected semiconductor process corresponds to the selected manufacturing data set. The method includes controlling a semiconductor processing machine in response to the predicted performance.
US08396581B2 Customizable scheduling tool, manufacturing executing system containing the tool and method of using the tool
A customizable scheduling tool is used in a system for managing and controlling manufacturing processes planned by enterprise resource planning (ERP) and produced by a plant floor. A manufacturing executing system (MES) implements the planned manufacturing process and controls the corresponding production at the plant floor. The scheduling tool contains a set of built in data relating to the plant floor forming a data model and built in formula templates. The scheduling tool contains measures for defining new data, and the measures are operable to edit new fields to expand the built in set of data, and measures for modifying a built-in formula template. Ideally a manufacturing executing system (MES) contains such a tool and utilizes a method of using the tool.
US08396580B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus includes: a screen configuration unit 102 which configures a screen for receiving synchronization specifying information specifying whether each of the commands, of which a process sequence is specified, stored in a command storage unit 101 is executed in synchronization with or in asynchronization with other commands; a screen output unit 103 that outputs the configured screen; a specifying information receiving unit 104 that receives the synchronization specifying information through the outputted screen; and a command execution unit 106 which executes the commands stored in the command storage unit 101 according to the process sequence so as to execute a command specified to be synchronously executed after an execution end of an immediately previous command and a command specified to be asynchronously executed without waiting for an execution end of an immediately previous command with reference to the synchronization specifying information.
US08396577B2 System for creating audio objects for streaming
Systems and methods for providing object-oriented audio are described. Audio objects can be created by associating sound sources with attributes of those sound sources, such as location, velocity, directivity, and the like. Audio objects can be used in place of or in addition to channels to distribute sound, for example, by streaming the audio objects over a network to a client device. The objects can define their locations in space with associated two or three dimensional coordinates. The objects can be adaptively streamed to the client device based on available network or client device resources. A renderer on the client device can use the attributes of the objects to determine how to render the objects. The renderer can further adapt the playback of the objects based on information about a rendering environment of the client device. Various examples of audio object creation techniques are also described.
US08396575B2 Object-oriented audio streaming system
Systems and methods for providing object-oriented audio are described. Audio objects can be created by associating sound sources with attributes of those sound sources, such as location, velocity, directivity, and the like. Audio objects can be used in place of or in addition to channels to distribute sound, for example, by streaming the audio objects over a network to a client device. The objects can define their locations in space with associated two or three dimensional coordinates. The objects can be adaptively streamed to the client device based on available network or client device resources. A renderer on the client device can use the attributes of the objects to determine how to render the objects. The renderer can further adapt the playback of the objects based on information about a rendering environment of the client device. Various examples of audio object creation techniques are also described.
US08396571B2 Process and system for multi-objective global optimization of maintenance schedules
A process for optimizing maintenance work schedules for at least one engine includes the steps of retrieving at least one set of data for an engine from a computer readable storage medium; selecting at least one scheduling parameter for the engine; selecting a set of maintenance rules for the engine; selecting at least one maintenance work decision; selecting at least one objective for the engine; optimizing the at least one objective to generate at least one optimal maintenance work decision; and generating at least one optimal maintenance work schedule for the engine.
US08396567B2 Implantable medical device lead with inductive-capacitive filters having inductors with parallel capacitors to reduce lead heating during MRI
To provide radio-frequency (RF) bandstop filtering within an implantable lead for use in reducing lead heating during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures, parallel inductive-capacitive (LC) filters are provided within the lead. In one example, the ring electrode of the lead is configured to function as one of the capacitive elements of the parallel LC filter to help provide LC bandstop filtering along the ring conductor of the lead. In another example, capacitive plates are provided that sandwich an inductor mounted near the tip of the lead to provide parallel LC bandstop filtering along the tip conductor of the lead.
US08396558B2 Methods for treating central pain syndrome and other pain related pathologies
Central pain syndrome (CPS) is a debilitating condition that affects a large number of patients with a primary lesion or dysfunction in the central nervous system. Despite its discovery over a century ago, the pathophysiology underlying the development and maintenance of CPS is poorly understood. The present invention is drawn to novel methods of treating CPS. In certain aspects, the invention is drawn to the novel discovery of the role of the zona incerta (ZI) in CPS and methods of exploiting this novel discovery for the treatment of CPS.
US08396556B2 Transcutaneous neurostimulator for treating hypertension
A neurostimulation device includes an external neurostimulator worn by a patient using a bracing element that braces a portion of the patient's body. The external neurostimulator delivers neurostimulation to modulate a cardiovascular function of the patient. In one embodiment, the external stimulator delivers the neurostimulation transcutaneously to a stimulation target in the patient's body using surface stimulation electrodes placed on the body approximately over the stimulation target.
US08396554B2 Collecting posture information to evaluate therapy
A medical device delivers a therapy to a patient. Posture events are identified, e.g., a posture of the patient is periodically determined and/or posture transitions by the patient are identified, and each determined posture event is associated with a current therapy parameter set. A value of at least one posture metric is determined for each of a plurality of therapy parameter sets based on the posture events associated with that therapy parameter set. A list of the therapy parameter sets is presented to a user, such as a clinician, for evaluation of the relative efficacy of the therapy parameter sets. The list may be ordered according to the one or more posture metric values to aid in evaluation of the therapy parameter sets. Where values are determined for a plurality of posture metrics, the list may be ordered according to the one of the posture metrics selected by the user.
US08396552B2 Method and apparatus for initiating and delivering cardiac protection pacing
A pacing system delivers cardiac protection pacing to protect the heart from injuries associated with ischemic events. The pacing system detects an ischemic event and, in response, initiates one or more cardiac protection pacing sequences each including alternative pacing and non-pacing periods. In one embodiment, the pacing system initiates a cardiac protection pacing sequence in response to the detection of the onset of an ischemic event, such that a pacing concurrent conditioning therapy is applied during the detected ischemic event.
US08396548B2 Selective drug delivery in a lumen
Methods and systems are disclosed for selective drug or fluid delivery in a lumen through a coating or fluid delivery channels. One system includes an elongate catheter having a proximal end and a distal end with an axis therebetween, the catheter having a radially expandable balloon near the distal end and an energy delivery portion proximate the balloon for transmission of energy, a thermally changeable coating having a releasable drug coupled to the balloon, the thermally changeable coating being oriented to be urged against the body tissue when the expandable balloon expands and an energy source operatively coupled to the energy delivery portion configured to energize the energy delivery portion to heat and liquefy the thermally changeable coating to release the drug to the body tissue.
US08396545B2 Electrophysiological screens for cognitive modulators
Methods, apparatuses, and systems for analysis of electromagnetic activity of prefrontal cortex neurons in subjects are provided. The methods, apparatuses, and systems of the present invention can be used as a means to screen for cognitive modulators. They can be used to predict the effects of compounds such as psychostimulants and other drugs on prefrontal cortex-dependent cognition.
US08396542B2 Parameter value rejection for a cardiac monitor
A heart monitor is disclosed. The monitor computes ST segment deviations and stores the results in heart rate based histograms. Periodically, the monitor analyzes the histogram data to determine a median value of ST deviation. Subsequently, beats are excluded from the computation of the time series if their ST deviations both varies too far from the long term median value and varies too far from the then current time series value.
US08396522B2 Superconducting motor
A motor and a method of operating the motor are provided. The motor includes a plurality of cylinders. Each cylinder includes a piston configured to move within the cylinder. Each cylinder further includes a high-temperature superconductor material at a temperature. The superconductor material is in a superconducting state in the presence of an external magnetic field below a critical field strength, wherein the critical field strength is a function of the temperature of the superconductor material. Each cylinder further includes a permanent magnet mechanically coupled to the piston and configured to move within the cylinder and to have a magnetic field that interacts with the superconductor material. A sum of a non-zero time-invariant magnetic field strength and a time-varying magnetic field strength cycles between at least a first field strength below the critical field strength for the superconductor material at the temperature and at least a second field strength above the critical field strength for the superconductor material at the temperature, such that the superconductor material cycles between a superconducting state and a non-superconducting state. A time-varying force is applied to the magnet by an interaction of the magnet's magnetic field with the superconductor material.
US08396518B2 Mobile communication terminal and controlling method thereof
A mobile communication terminal and a controlling method thereof are disclosed, by which reception performance of the mobile communication terminal can be enhanced while SAR is reduced. According to an embodiment, the terminal includes a body part comprising a circuit board having radio communication parts mounted thereon and a display to output images of prescribed information; a grounded part for selectively grounding at least one of the circuit board and the display; and a ground controlling part configured to enable at least one of the circuit board and the display to be selectively connected to the grounded part for grounding.
US08396517B2 Mobile electronic device adaptively responsive to advanced motion
Providing an electronic device adaptively responsive to advance motion is disclosed. Displayed information on a multi-touch display is altered based on the electronic device detecting motion and user input.
US08396513B2 Communication system for mobile users using adaptive antenna
A communication system has a base station having an adaptive antenna with a plurality of main array antenna elements for generating a plurality of communication beams. The system further includes a gateway station coupled to the base station. The gateway station forms a plurality of beams commands by communicating plurality of a control signals to the base station to form the communication beams.
US08396510B1 Method and system for establishing communication services
Generally described, a method and system are provided for establishing a communication service. Upon detecting the insertion of a card into a wireless transceiver, a control system retrieves information from the card. The control system processes the information and selects communication service software for the card and communication service data for a communication network. The communication service software is transferred to the card and the communication service data is transferred to the communication network. The communication service software is installed on the card and one or more network elements in the communication network are provisioned.
US08396505B2 Radio communication system, network side device, small cell base station, and transmission power control method
A large cell base station 100 according to an embodiment is configured to form a large cell and includes: an upper-limit value determination unit 124 configured to determine an upper-limit value Icap of an amount of interference which is received by the large cell base station from each of the radio terminals based on a permissible value Itotal of a total amount of interference which is received by the large cell base station from the radio terminals and the number of the small cell base stations within the large cell; and a wired communication unit 140 configured to transmit upper-limit value information indicating the upper-limit value Icap determined by the upper-limit value determination unit 124 to the small cell base stations.
US08396499B2 Method and apparatus for measuring state of plurality of channels and for selecting idle channel
A method of measuring a state of a plurality of channels is provided. The method includes transmitting to a second device test signal information needed to transmit/receive a test signal for measuring the state of the plurality of channels; receiving an information received response from the second device, indicating that the second device has received the test signal; if the information received response is received, transmitting the test signal to the second device, using the test signal information, via the plurality of channels; and receiving from the second device the state information regarding the plurality of channels which has been measured by using the test signal.
US08396490B2 Method and system for transmitting and receiving messages
Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided to enable real-time communication with people, groups and devices in accordance with certain embodiments. Typically, a phone number, address, or login information (“traditional identification information”) is needed to initiate a communication with a specific person. However, there are many situations where this traditional identification information is not known, but individuals still wish to communicate with others whose traditional identification information they do not know. By selecting criteria such as geographical location information that is proximate to the device, a person can identify and communicate with others while not knowing their contact information. The criteria can also include attributes, visual information, or other characteristics of the target device.
US08396488B2 Method and apparatus for interlocking communication and tracking applications in a wireless communication device
A wireless communication device transmits location information associated with a mobile worker, and provides an option to the mobile worker to disable such location transmissions. The use of the location transmission function is enhanced by interlocking the location tracking function with one or more other functions of the wireless communication device. When the tracking function is disabled, one or more other functions that the mobile worker finds valuable are also disabled, thus reducing the likelihood that the mobile worker will disable location tracking. Rules may be implemented to disable the other functions only in the event that disabling the tracking function violates a violated. Location monitoring for such workers is thereby enhanced.
US08396480B2 Load sharing in multi-access systems
In a multi-access system, an access selection principle is achieved by selecting a signal strength threshold level based on a determined load level (ULOCAL) in a first access network. A new user in an area commonly covered by more than one access network attempts to allocate to the first access network if an experienced signal strength exceeds the signal strength threshold level. Communication utility can preferably be maximised or at least be taken into account by using suitable load level dependencies. By increasing the threshold when the load level approaches the capacity limit, a completely filled first access network is avoided. This gives an opportunity to let particularly well-suited users still have access to the first access network. At the same time, since the preferred access is decided before the actual access attempt, control signalling can be significantly reduced, even at very high traffic loads.
US08396476B2 Method for mobility management in a system architecture supporting mobility between different access systems
A method for Mobility Management MM in a system architecture supporting mobility between different access systems having separate Core Network CN-level MM entities while using common MM Area is provided. When a User Equipment UE leaves the coverage of a first access system where it is in a Non Radio Connected state as seen from Radio Access Network RAN, but seen in Connected State from CN-level MM entity, for the coverage of a second access system where it is in Idle state as seen from CN-level MM entity, the UE is put into Idle state as seen from CN-level MM entity of said first access system.
US08396475B1 Display caller ID on IPTV screen
A system that automatically delivers telephony network services from a dual mode service technology platform to an external entity. The system includes a sensing component that detects the presence of a mobile handset registered on a cellular network, and registers the mobile handset with a wireless access network. Further, a provisioning component identifies calls to subscribers that are provisioned for the requested telephony network service. Once the calls are identified, the provisioning component extracts the requested data from the incoming calls and routes the data to an external entity for display.
US08396468B1 Assessing performance and quality of a mobile communication service
A call quality monitoring system allows a user of a mobile device to report on call quality or otherwise provide information relating to the quality of a wireless communication experience. The call quality monitoring system may allow the mobile device user to establish or accept a call placed on the wireless communication network. The call quality monitoring system may provide at least partially-automated user-feedback process for the user to specify information about the quality of the call from a device from which the call was placed or from a device located at or near a location of the call. The call quality monitoring system may collect information provided by the user in association with specifying information about the quality of the call.
US08396467B2 Apparatus and method for event detection
An event detection apparatus for a cellular communication system comprises a video upload processor (203) which receives video upload activity indications. Each video upload activity indication comprises an indication of a video upload from a remote station of the cellular communication system as well as a remote station location indication for the remote station from which a video clip is uploaded. An event processor (205) generates an event indication in response to the video upload activity indications meeting a criterion where the event indication comprises an event location indication generated in response to the remote station location indications. The event detection criterion may specifically be that more than a given number of video upload activity indications are indicative of video uploads within a given time interval and geographic area. The invention may allow improved event detection.
US08396463B2 Managing notification service connections and displaying icon badges
A method and apparatus to manage notification service connections. In one embodiment of the invention, a mobile device schedules a notification service connection message transmission interval for each of a plurality of notification service connections. The mobile device also associates a notification service connection message transmission window with each notification service connection message transmission interval. The mobile device synchronizes transmission of notification service connection messages based on overlapping notification service connection message transmission windows. Responsive to receiving a notification message on one of the notification service connections, an icon badge is displayed on the mobile device for the appropriate application.