Document Document Title
US08419735B2 Nail locking systems
A system for fixing a fracture near a joint of a bone comprises (a) an intramedullary device including a longitudinal body and a head, the longitudinal body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the head being attached to the proximal end of the longitudinal body; and (b) a plate implantable into a head portion of the bone to provide support to a joint zone, the plate engageable with the intramedullary device. The plate is substantially U-shaped and includes a midsection and a pair of arms extending from the midsection, the pair of arms forming a space therebetween, the space sized and shaped to accommodate the head of the intramedullary device.
US08419734B2 Skeletal manipulation method
A method of treating scoliosis in a subject includes securing a scoliosis treatment device to first and second locations on the subject's skeletal system, the scoliosis treatment device including a first portion, a second portion moveably mounted relative to the first portion, and an adjustment device disposed on the device and configured to change a distraction force between the first location and the second location, the adjustment device including a rotationally mounted magnetic element configured to move the second portion relative to the first portion in response to rotation of the magnetic element. An external adjustment device is provided external to the subject and is able to adjust the distraction force between the first location and second location.
US08419728B2 Surgical scalpel and system particularly for use in a transverse carpal ligament surgical procedure
The subject invention is a surgical scalpel, scalpel instrument and/or scalpel system (collectively, scalpel), particularly designed for use in a transverse carpal ligament surgical procedure, that evaluates an incision path with respect to a nerve in the incision path, and is used to perform the incision if appropriate. The scalpel emits an evaluation signal through a potential incision path through tissue captured by the scalpel. The scalpel utilizes the emitted evaluation signal to determine the presence of a nerve in the incision path. The dissection and evaluation (surgical) instrument includes a blade that is retractable relative to a target tissue capture area thereof. Evaluation may include determining the presence of a nerve before incision and/or the evaluating whether the target tissue has been appropriately captured. The surgical instrument may disable extension of the blade when the evaluation determines that a nerve is in the dissection path and/or when the captured target tissue is determined to be inappropriate.
US08419727B2 Impedance mediated power delivery for electrosurgery
An adaptive algorithm monitors the rate of tissue impedance change during an electrosurgical procedure. Impedance levels are examined to determine an impedance ramp and/or slope rate, which indicates the rate at which a target tissue is undergoing a phase or state change. The level of electrosurgical energy applied to the target tissue is adjusted in real time. Energy is applied to the target tissue at levels that allow tissue phase or state change to occur in an optimum fashion. Undesired results such as thermal damage and defective sealing are mitigated. Another embodiment determines impedance achieved within a specific interval and adjusts the electrosurgical energy applied to the tissue after a threshold impedance has been maintained or exceeded for a predetermined interval. A further aspect of the invention provides mitigation during processing for partial tissue coverage of device electrodes or thin tissue.
US08419725B2 Method and devices for cardiac radiofrequency catheter ablation
Embodiments of the invention comprise methods and devices that allow quantification of blood convective cooling at the cardiac RF catheter ablation site and allow for prediction of lesion size and/or computation of RF energy parameters and characteristics.
US08419716B2 Tissue stimulating device and method
A tissue stimulating device that provides biological stimulation of tissue has a release surface adapted for arrangement adjacent to a tissue to be stimulated. An agent reservoir of the device includes an ionic agent capable of causing a stimulation if present at sufficient high extracellular concentration close to the tissue. An agent releaser is provided in the device for releasing a selected amount of the ionic agent from the agent reservoir to an outside of the release surface at a stimulation occasion for stimulating the tissue. The ionic agent will cause a temporary change in ion permeability of the tissue cell membranes and a depolarization of the tissue cells.
US08419714B2 Flexible low compliance extension tubing for balloon inflation
A controlled volume inflation-deflation device to inflate a balloon to occlude a blood vessel by dialing a knob that locks at rotational positions to locate a plunger at equally spaced locations within a syringe of the inflation-deflation device. The inflation-deflation device includes a releasable latch to lock the proximal and distal housings together to hold the plunger forward for occlusion, and to separate and hold the proximal and distal housings to retract the plunger for perfusion. When the inflation-deflation device is returned to the latched position, the balloon is re-inflated to its previous occlusive diameter. Also, an extension tube made of a lower modulus outer material co-extruded over and miscible with a higher modulus inner material may be used to produce a suitably low compliance extension tube for the inflation-deflation device. The balloon may have tapered ends and a cylindrical center portion so that it increases by more equal increments in outer diameter in response to incremental equal increases in inflation volume.
US08419709B2 System for detecting and removing a gas bubble from a vascular infusion line
System for detecting and removing gas bubbles from a vascular infusion line, including a cassette adapted for disposition intermediate the fluid line, the cassette including a flexible tube having an inlet port for connection to a supply side of the fluid line, an outlet port configured for connection to a patient side of the fluid line, and a purge port intermediate the inlet and outlet ports, and a base unit adapted to receive the cassette and monitor fluid flow through the tube, the base unit including a sensor to detect the presence of a gas bubble in the fluid flow, a pinch valve adapted to stop the flow of fluid, and a control unit adapted to operate the base unit so that (i) fluid is permitted to flow past the pinch valve when no gas bubble is detected; and (ii) fluid flow is arrested when a gas bubble is detected.
US08419708B2 Transdermal drug administration apparatus having microneedles
It is intended to provide a transdermal drug administration apparatus having microneedles, which is capable of piercing the skin by a simple procedure in the transdermal administration of a biologically active substance (drug) and allows rapid absorption of the biologically active substance. The present apparatus comprises a microneedle device (50) comprising a microneedle substrate (53) having a plurality of microneedles (51) capable of piercing the skin, an absorbent (11) disposed thereon, the absorbent (11) comprising a material capable of absorbing a liquid, and a dissolving solution reservoir (18) disposed on the absorbent (11), the dissolving solution reservoir (18) containing a dissolving solution (16) for dissolving a drug and being capable of disrupting a diaphragm (20) provided the dissolving solution reservoir (18) and the absorbent (11) by pressing. A coating containing a dry drug is disposed on the microneedles (51) and/or the microneedle substrate (53).
US08419705B2 Apparatus for separating and storing blood components
It is intended to provide an apparatus for separating and storing blood components which facilitates the preparation of serum. An apparatus (1) for separating and storing blood components which comprises a blood pooling part (2) for pooling a fluid at least containing liquid components containing a blood-origin coagulation factors and platelets, a component storing part (3) for storing at least a part of the components of the fluid pooled in the blood pooling part (2), and a connector part (4) aseptically connecting the blood pooling part (2) to the component storing part (3), wherein the blood pooling part (2) comprises a blood pooling container (21) in the form of a flexible tube, a fluid inlet channel (27) for introducing the fluid into the blood pooling container (21) and a component outlet channel (28) for leading out at least a part of the components of the fluid; the component storing part (3) has a component inlet channel (37) for introducing at least a part of the components of the fluid having been led out from the blood pooling container (21); and the connector part (4) connects the component outlet channel (28) to the component inlet channel (37).
US08419701B2 Absorbent articles with stretch zones comprising slow recovery elastic materials
An absorbent article may have at least one stretch zone comprising a slow recovery elastomer wherein the slow recovery elastomer exhibits a normalized unload force of greater than about 0.04 N/mm2 at 37° C.; and the slow recovery elastomer exhibits at least about 20% post elongation strain at 22° C. after 15 seconds of recovery from a 400% strain. The absorbent article may additionally comprises one or more of a liquid permeable topsheet, a liquid impermeable backsheet, an absorbent core, an ear, a side panel, a waist feature, a fastener component, a leg cuff, a gasketing cuff, and a barrier cuff, wherein the feature comprises at least a part of the stretch zone.
US08419694B2 Extension tube clamps for use with a catheter
A clamping assembly includes a first clamping member and a second clamping member. The first clamping member defines a first lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a first portion of a tubular member. Rotating the first clamping member effects a rotation of the first portion of the tubular member. The second clamping member defines a second lumen dimensioned to non-rotatably engage a second portion of the tubular member. Rotating the second clamping member in relation to the first clamping member rotates the second portion of the tubular member in relation to the first portion of the tubular member to twist the tubular member to restrict flow through the tubular member.
US08419673B2 Glaucoma drainage device with pump
A glaucoma drainage device may comprise a main drainage tube with a first end configured to be located in an anterior chamber of an eye and a second end configured to be located in a drainage location. A bypass drainage tube is fluidly coupled to and in parallel with the main drainage tube. A pump is in communication with the bypass drainage tube. The pump comprises a first driver and a first flexible membrane enclosing a first chamber. A first check valve is located upstream of the pump, and a second check valve is located downstream of the pump. An active valve is located upstream of the first check valve. The active valve comprises a second driver and a second flexible membrane enclosing a second chamber. A third check valve is located between the active valve and the second end of the main drainage tube. A volume of the first chamber is changed to pump fluid from the anterior chamber to the drainage location.
US08419666B2 Compression sleeve
A compression sleeve includes a first sheet, a second sheet, at least one close-loop sealing contact and at least two open-loop sealing contacts. The at least one close-loop sealing contact is formed between the first and second sheet so as to form an isolated inflatable section within the close-loop sealing contact. The at least two open-loop sealing contacts are disposed within the at least one close-loop sealing contact, wherein at least one of the at least two open-loop sealing contacts includes two through holes respectively at two opposite ends.
US08419660B1 Patient monitoring system
A patient monitoring system including a migration sensor that includes a compressible member that defines a chamber at least partially filled with fluid and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the member. The member is attached to the mattress at a selected location to detect movement of the patient. The monitoring system includes a controller that monitors the pressure sensor, and is adapted to notify a care giver upon detecting a selected pressure change within the member.
US08419654B2 Eye gaze tracking apparatus, imaging apparatus, eye gaze tracking method, program, and integrated circuit
An eye gaze tracking apparatus (100) includes: an electro-oculogram measuring unit that outputs an electro-oculogram original signal; a calibration index presenting unit (103) that presents a calibration index to a user; a saccade detection unit (104) that outputs an electro-oculogram change amount that is an amount of change in an electro-oculogram before or after a saccadic movement which is measured when a gaze-path position of the user moves to the calibration index; a calibration parameter calculating unit (105) that calculates a calibration parameter based on a position of the calibration index and an electro-oculogram change amount; and a calibration unit (101) that detects the gaze-path direction of the user from the electro-oculogram original signal.
US08419645B2 Respiration measurement by means of morphological operators
An implantable medical device that measures respiration parameters based on transthoracic impedance signals, and converts transthoracic impedance signals into a time series of digital values which is filtered with morphological operators to separate the signal into a respiratory component and a cardiac component. Metrics are generated based on the filtered impedance values such as respiratory rate, I/E ratio, tidal volume and minute ventilation.
US08419632B2 Body-insertable apparatus having light adjustment control unit and in-vivo information acquisition system
A body-insertable apparatus to be inserted into a subject includes an illumination unit that illuminates an inside of the subject; an imaging device having an effective pixel region that has a predetermined size and on which an optical image of the inside of the subject illuminated by the illumination unit is formed, and having an optical black region at which the optical image is shielded; and a light adjustment control unit that adjusts an amount of light from the illumination unit to the effective pixel region based on pixel values of the effective pixel region of an image signal and pixel values of the optical black region of the image signal.
US08419625B2 Endoscope apparatus for cleaning transparent member
An endoscope apparatus includes a transparent member provided at a distal end of an insertion portion of an endoscope, opposed to an image pickup optical system, a transducer attached to an inner surface of the transparent member, a diffraction grating provided on an outer surface of the transparent member, for converting ultrasound vibration from the transducer to a surface acoustic wave Φ that propagates on the outer surface of the transparent member and a conversion section provided in an outer peripheral corner of the transparent member for converting the surface acoustic wave Φ to a bulk wave Φb that scatters into the transparent member.
US08419615B2 Arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film type endoscope using imaging device with driving holes
An arc-shaped flexible printed circuit film-type endoscope using an imaging device with driving holes. The endoscope has an image photographing device and an object insertion device and further includes a plurality of driving holes which are formed at regular intervals in a longitudinal direction of the object insertion device, and a driving device which rotates while being sequentially inserted into the driving holes, thus moving the object insertion device. The endoscope controls movement into a small space, makes it easy to inspect a narrow heat transfer tube or gaps formed between heat transfer tubes, achieves high economic efficiency, increases the reliability of endoscopy, and increases life-span.
US08419613B2 Tissue visualization device
Tissue visualization device having a fluid barrier is described herein where an imaging hood is temporarily sealed against a region of tissue to be treated while under direct visualization. Such a system may include a deployment catheter and an attached imaging hood deployable into an expanded configuration. The imaging hood is placed against or adjacent to the tissue to be imaged in a body lumen that is normally filled with an opaque bodily fluid such as blood. A field of view of the imaging element can be expanded and the blood can also be purged in part by inflating a balloon beyond the imaging hood where the balloon is integrally formed along an interior surface of the hood.
US08419612B2 Method treating erectile dysfunction via a penile implant with dilatant liquid
A method treating erectile dysfunction includes implanting a penile implant including a first bladder and a second bladder, the second bladder filled with a liquid having a rest viscosity. The method additionally includes increasing a pressure in the first bladder of the penile implant from a first pressure to a second pressure, and increasing a viscosity in the liquid from the rest viscosity to a second viscosity greater than the rest viscosity. The method further includes maintaining the first bladder of the penile implant at the second pressure and the liquid in the second bladder at the second viscosity.
US08419611B1 Intimate pleasure enhancing device
An intimate pleasure enhancing device 10 (IPED 10) that is presented in four designs that function in combination with an elongated structure (12). The first design utilizes a rear ring (30) that is attached by a first spring (58) to a movable first stimulator (42) located adjacent the front end (14) of the structure (12). The second design utilizes a rear ring (30) and a front ring (82). The front ring (82) is attached to the rear ring (30) by the first spring (58) and a second spring (72). The third design utilizes a front ring (82) that has attached a resilient member (92) located across the first end (14) of the structure (12). The fourth design utilizes a magnetic displacement assembly (104) that utilizes a set of similar polarity permanent magnets (120,134) that cause a front ring (82) to move along the outer surface (18) of the elongated structure (12). The IPED (10) can also be designed to function with a spring roller (150) that allows the first ring (82) to roll over the elongated structure (12).
US08419610B2 Infant care apparatus
In an infant care apparatus according to this invention, heat rays are radiated from a heat radiation opening of a heater to a bed. The direction of the heat radiation opening can be changed from the first state in which the heat radiation opening substantially faces the bed to the second state in which the heat radiation opening does not substantially face the bed. According to the infant care apparatus of this invention, when the heater is not used, there is no possibility that the remaining heat of the heater is transferred to the infant laying on the bed. There is therefore no possibility that the infant will be unnecessarily overheated. There is no need to operate the heater and the like of the infant care apparatus in such a manner that the infant lying on the bed and surrounding people have feelings that rough operation is performed. This will keep the infant and the surrounding people free from adverse effects in terms of mental health.
US08419609B2 Impeller for a rotary ventricular assist device
An impeller for a blood pump such as a magnetically driven, rotary ventricular assist device for pumping blood of a patient, the impeller being substantially entirely made of an alloy which consists essentially of about 70-80 weight percent of platinum and 20-30 weight percent of cobalt.
US08419601B2 Peel-off label area on packaging stock
A method and system for producing a personalized dimensional document having a packaging label may include receiving, at a printing device, a dimensional document configured to be assembled into a three-dimensional package. A personalized object may be determined and printed on the dimensional document. Similarly, a packaging label may be printed, the packaging label including addressing information for a recipient of the dimensional document. The packaging label may be removably affixed to the dimensional document.
US08419599B2 Underwater exercise and physical therapy device for joint release and spinal adjustment
The present invention relates to an underwater exercise and physical therapy device for joint release and spinal adjustment wherein a tube is worn on a user's upper body and weights are worn on the user's feet in a water tank having a predetermined depth wherein his feet are spaced apart from the bottom surface thereof to carry out underwater exercise and physical therapy by using the buoyant force of the tube and the gravity of the weights, thereby enabling his joints to be released, making his muscles reformed, and further adjusting and preventing his spinal diseases.
US08419598B2 Adjustable total body cross-training exercise device
An elliptical exercise device including a frame having a pivot axis, a foot link, a coupling, a swing arm, an engagement mechanism, and a guide system. The foot link has rearward, forward and foot support portions. The foot support portion has a central location. The coupling couples the rearward portion to the pivot axis so that the rearward portion of each foot link travels in a closed path relative to the pivot axis. The engagement mechanism has a first portion coupled to the swing arm and a second portion coupled to the foot link at a location rearward of the central location. The guide system supports the forward portion of the foot link along a preselected reciprocating path of travel as the rearward portion of the foot link travels along its path of travel. The guide system is selectably positionable in a plurality of different positions.
US08419597B2 Systems and methods for a hill training apparatus for a bicycle trainer
A bicycle trainer with a hill training apparatus is described. The hill training apparatus enables bicyclist to simulate uphill riding (incline), downhill riding (decline) and hill resistance or lack thereof. The hill training apparatus also provides for correct body positioning while riding uphill or downhill and with or without resistance. Riding on a trainer with correct body positioning provides for improved training.
US08419586B2 Automatic transmission
Provided is an automatic transmission capable of reducing friction loss. The automatic transmission is provided with an input shaft (2) coupled with a sun gear (Sa), an output member (3), a first to third planetary gear mechanisms (4, 5, 6), a first engagement mechanism (C1) coupling the input shaft (2) with a ring gear (Rc) releasably, a second engagement mechanism (C2) coupling a carrier (Ca) with a carrier (Cc) releasably, a third engagement mechanism (C3) coupling the carrier (Ca) with a second coupling body (Rb-Sc) releasably, a fourth engagement mechanism (B1) fixing a first coupling body (Ra-Cb) to a transmission case (1) releasably, a fifth engagement mechanism (B2) fixing a sun gear (Sb) to the transmission case (1) releasably, and a sixth engagement mechanism (B3) fixing the ring gear (Rc) to the transmission case (1) releasably.
US08419575B2 Ball-type tensioner
A tensioner for a chain or similar power transmission medium comprises a spring-biased plunger having annular rack teeth with gradually sloping forward surfaces and steeper rearward surfaces. The teeth are engaged by radially movable balls received in inclined grooves in an axially movable annular ball seat disposed in an annular groove formed in the wall of a plunger-accommodating hole in a tensioner housing. The bottoms of the inclined grooves face a steep rearward surface of a rack tooth, and the annular ball seat is axially movable in the annular groove and biased in the plunger protruding direction by a spring that exerts a biasing force greater than the biasing force exerted on the plunger. The balls and the movable annular ball seat block retraction of the plunger on engine start-up, but permit retraction when excessive force is imparted to the plunger while the plunger is in a protruding condition.
US08419569B2 Metal wood club with improved moment of inertia
A more efficient triangular shape for metal wood clubs or driver clubs is disclosed. This triangular shape allows the clubs to have higher rotational moments of inertia in both the vertical and horizontal directions, and a lower center of gravity.
US08419567B2 Golf coupling mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf coupling mechanisms are presented herein. Other examples and related methods are also disclosed herein.
US08419564B1 Adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs
Embodiments of adjustable length golf clubs and methods of manufacturing adjustable length golf clubs are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08419556B2 Nut, female thread machining device and female thread machining method
There is provided a nut having a thread portion having a female thread, a metallic plate portion having a base segment, and a hardness gradient portion provided between the thread portion and the metallic plate portion. The thread portion, metallic plate portion and the hardness gradient portion are monolithic each other, a metallographic structure of the metallic plate portion differs from a metallographic structure of the thread portion and a hardness of the hardness gradient portion is lower than a hardness of the thread portion and lowers from the thread portion toward the metallic plate portion.
US08419552B2 Torque limiter
A torque limiter includes a cylindrical member, and a shaft member which is fitted rotatably in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member has a main body portion having in an interior thereof an oil pressure expansion chamber for pressing an inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical member against an outer circumferential surface of the shaft member and an oil release passage which is opened to the oil pressure expansion chamber at one end portion while being closed tightly at the other end portion and which is positioned further radially outwards than an outer circumferential surface of the main body portion. When the cylindrical member stays still relative to the shaft member, the other end portion of the oil release passage is accommodated within a cap member which is screwed to be fixed in a threaded hole. When the cylindrical member rotates relative to the shaft member, the other end portion of the oil release passage is broken by the cap member, whereby the oil release passage is opened to the outside. When the cylindrical member is rotated relative to the shaft member in such a state that the cap member is not screwed in the threaded hole and in such a state that the oil release passage is not opened to the outside, the other end portion of the oil release passage moves in the circumferential direction within circumferentially extended groove while being spaced apart from the circumferentially extended groove.
US08419548B2 Optical machine-readable data representation image
Club cards and tickets can be eliminated by providing an application that allows a player's mobile phone to process an image of an optical machine-readable representation of data. At the end of a wagering session on a WGM, the WGM can display a barcode representing a player's winnings, an achievement, game status, etc. The player takes a picture of the barcode with his or her mobile phone. The application on the phone processes the barcode image and automatically updates an account of the player in accordance with the data represented or carried by the barcode. For instance, the mobile phone sends a request to a wagering account server to electronically deposit the winnings, as represented by the barcode, in a wagering account associated with the player's club profile.
US08419543B2 Methods and apparatus for providing communications services at a gaming machine
In a first aspect, a method is provided that includes the steps of (1) providing an auxiliary unit adapted to allow a gaming machine to be retrofitted to provide communications services; and (2) retrofitting a non-communications-enabled gaming machine with the auxiliary unit so that the non-communications enabled gaming machine is adapted to provide communications services based on game play at the non-communications-enabled gaming machine. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08419542B2 Wide area bonusing systems
The present invention provides a novel bonusing system implemented on gaming machines and associated network devices on a network. According to some implementations, a central system qualifies or eliminates sites and/or types of gaming devices for participation based on criteria such as contribution level, games available, date range, location, device manufacturer, denominations available, etc. In some implementations, the qualification or elimination process is performed at a site (e.g., by a site controller) according to criteria obtained from the central system. The methods of the present invention may be de-coupled from player tracking methods.
US08419538B2 Storage medium storing game program, game apparatus and game control method
A game apparatus includes an LCD, and a game screen is displayed on the LCD. A touch panel is provided on the LCD. The game screen presents a marker image so as to be variable in position in time with performance of music, and also presents a timer circle image for indicating touch timing for the marker image. A player needs to touch a marker image to be touched with precise timing, listening to the music or watching the timer circle image. The player's touch is evaluated on the basis of the touch timing and the touch position. If the touch is evaluated as a failure, the game screen is shaken.
US08419537B2 Game apparatus, recording medium having game program recorded thereon, and game system
A game system is composed of a TV, a hand-held game machine, and a game apparatus, for example. A hand-held game machine and a plurality of controllers are connected to the game apparatus, for example. The hand-held game machine displays a first game screen which indicates the positions of first to fourth characters in a game space. The TV displays second game screens which respectively correspond to second to fourth characters, each of the second game screens displaying only a limited extent of the game space. When a predetermined condition is satisfied, an operable character for a player is switched from a first character to a second character. Since different extents of game space are displayed for different characters, an interesting game can be provided.
US08419525B2 Gaming device and method for providing a free spin game with payline multipliers
A gaming device provides a free spins game wherein a plurality of modifiers are each associated with one of a plurality of paylines. During the free spins game, each modifier modifies awards won on the particular payline with which it is associated. In one embodiment, the payline multipliers increase in each of the free spins depending on whether a given payline scores a win or not in the free spin.
US08419522B2 Apparatus and method for mapping multiple bingo game results to a common display
Apparatus and methods are described for presenting multiple bingo game results on a common display. A bingo game player may participate in a number of bingo games and obtain results for each of those games. These bingo game results are combined to amount to a cumulative result, and a common graphic display is produced that is representative of the cumulative result. The common graphic display is then shown to the player on the display device of a particular electronic player station.
US08419517B2 Method of playing a game and computerized system for playing the game
A computer based game is played in a plurality of rounds on a matrix having a plurality of cells typically forming a rectangular matrix. A plurality of tokens is generated with each token defining a first indicator and a second indicator. The user places at least one of the tokens into one of the unoccupied cells of the matrix. When the user requests a new round, each token on the matrix is temporarily locked to its cell. An award is awarding based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another when the user requests a new round. The tokens may be removed from the matrix based on the positional relationship between the indicators of the tokens with respect to one another.
US08419514B2 Apparatus for circulating air
Disclosed is an apparatus for circulating air. The apparatus comprises a hollow handle assembly having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus further includes an air circulation assembly pivotally secured to the proximal end of the hollow handle assembly. The air circulation assembly is capable of generating an air-flow. Moreover, the apparatus includes a connecting fixture coupled to the distal end of the hollow handle assembly. The connecting fixture is capable of being received in a receptacle for a lighting appliance and for providing an electrical connection to the apparatus for circulating the air. The air circulation assembly is adapted to have an angular motion in all directions about the hollow handle assembly.
US08419499B2 Eyeball of toy
An exemplary eyeball of toy includes a transparent chamber, a plurality of electrified balls rotatably received in the chamber and a plurality of annular film electrodes concentrically arranged on the chamber. Each of the electrified balls has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere. The first hemisphere and the second hemisphere are in different colors. The first hemisphere and the second hemisphere carry opposite electrical charges. The annular film electrodes are substantially arranged on a common plane and face the electrified balls.
US08419498B2 Vehicle toy
A vehicle toy makes an imagination of an appearance of a second mode which is transformable from an appearance of a first mode difficult. A vehicle toy transformable between a first mode and a second mode includes a base member having a front surface forming part of the first mode and a back surface forming part of the second mode, at least two or more rotating members each rotatably coupled to the base member and having different features on the front surfaces and the back surfaces thereof so that the front surfaces form the first mode and the back surfaces form the second mode, and have connecting portions disposed at respective ends of at least two of the rotating members connecting to each other and retain the vehicle toy in either the first mode or in the second mode.
US08419495B2 Switchable particle-based display and method of manufacturing same
A method for manufacturing a switchable PBD includes filling a plurality of first-type particles and a plurality of second-type particles into each cell, where the plurality of first-type particles carries charges of a first charge polarity having a first charge density and the plurality of second-type particles is substantially electrically neutral, or carries charges having a second charge density that is substantially lower than the first charge density of the first-type particles, and filling a fluid into each cell, where the fluid comprises a charge controlling agent having a second charge polarity opposite to the first charge polarity, and the charge controlling agent has a substantially selective wettability, absorbability or adsorbability on the plurality of second-type particles. As such, at least part of the plurality of second-type particles is charged to have the second charge polarity in each cell.
US08419491B2 Method for manufacturing a spark plug for preventing deformation caused by cutting a center electrode
When a movable blade cuts a distal end portion of a ground electrode member and is pulled back along a cut surface formed at a distal end of the ground electrode member, the distal end portion may move in the pull-back direction of the movable blade due to friction generated between the movable blade and the cut surface. This movement could cause deflective deformation of the ground electrode member. In order to restrain such movement, a support part is provided on the movable blade via a spring located near the cut surface. During the pull back step, the support part presses and supports the portion of the cut ground electrode member near the distal end thereof. Therefore, even when friction is generated when the movable blade is pulled back, the ground electrode member does not undergo deflective deformation.
US08419489B2 Propeller unit for marine vessel propulsion device and marine vessel propulsion device including the same
A propeller unit for a marine vessel propulsion device includes an inner cylinder arranged to be fixed to the propeller shaft, an outer cylinder, a first driving force transmitting member, and a second driving force transmitting member. The propeller unit for marine vessel propulsion device further includes a pair of first engaging portions, and a pair of second engaging portions provided on the outer cylinder and the second driving force transmitting member. The pair of second engaging portions are arranged such that the mutual engaging of the respective second engaging portions is disengaged when a driving force is not transmitted to the propeller shaft and are arranged such that the respective second engaging portions become mutually engaged in a driving force transmittable manner by elastic deformation of the first driving force transmitting member when a driving force that is not less than a reference driving force is transmitted to the propeller shaft.
US08419487B2 Internally mounted watercraft rowing fin system
An internally mounted rowboat rowing fin system that includes two rotating fin assemblies mounted on the inside surface of the watercraft's opposite sidewalls. Each fin assembly includes a rotating vertical post held on the inside surface of the sidewall by a mounting tube selectively mounted or integrally formed on the sidewall. Longitudinally aligned and disposed inside each mounting tube is a hollow, elongated sleeve. Disposed inside each elongated sleeve is a rotating post that extends upward above the gunwale and into the water below the elongated sleeve. A pivoting fin arm with a flexible fin attached thereto is pivotally attached to the lower end of each rotating post. Attached to the upper end of each rotating post is a perpendicularly aligned handle bracket. A rowing handle is pivotally attached at one end to the handle hinge. During use, the two handles extend inward from the sidewall and are grasped by the rower. Both handles are able to swing in a vertical 180 arc over their respective handle hinges thereby allowing the fins to rotate 180 and sweep in opposite directions.
US08419478B2 Dual-card connector
A dual-card connector for receiving dual SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) cards therein includes an insulating housing, a plurality of conductive terminals, an upper cover and a lower cover. The insulating housing has a base body. A top and a bottom of the base body define two sets of longitudinal terminal grooves. Each set of the terminal grooves is divided into a front row and a rear row penetrating a front end and a rear end of the base body, respectively. The conductive terminals are received in the corresponding terminal grooves of the insulating housing for electrically connecting with the respective SIM cards. The upper cover is covered to the insulating housing to form a first insertion space therebetween for receiving a first SIM card. The lower cover is covered to the insulating housing to form a second insertion space therebetween for receiving a second SIM card.
US08419471B2 Connector with an escape portion in a terminal fitting in one cavity for receiving a lance of an adjacent cavity
A connector includes: a housing having a plurality of cavities; and a plurality of terminal fittings that are inserted into the cavities individually and respectively, wherein a lance is formed in each of the cavities, the lance having a lock portion to be locked in a corresponding one of the terminal fittings, wherein the cavities are disposed to be aligned in a bending direction of the lances, and wherein an escape portion is provided in the terminal fitting which is inserted into the cavity disposed to be opposed to the back surface, the escape portion being formed to dent an outer surface of the terminal fitting opposed to the back surface of the lance so that at least a part of a back face portion of the lance is allowed to enter the escape portion when the lance bends elastically toward the back face.
US08419470B2 Coaxial connector having detachable locking sleeve
A connector is provided for terminating coaxial cable. The connector includes a connector body having a cable receiving end and an opposed connection end. A locking sleeve is provided in detachable, re-attachable snap engagement with the insertion end of the connector body for securing the cable in the connector body. The cable may be terminated to the connector by inserting the cable into the locking sleeve or the locking sleeve may be detachably removed from the connector body and the cable inserted directly into the cable body with the locking sleeve detached subsequently.
US08419464B2 Coaxial connector with integrated molded substrate and method of use thereof
A substrate structure is provided, the substrate structure comprising: a molded substrate located within a connector body of a coaxial cable connector and an electrical structure mechanically connected to the molded substrate. The electrical structure is located in a position that is external to a signal path of a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the coaxial cable connector. The electrical structure may form a sensing circuit configured to sense physical parameters such as a condition of the RF electrical signal flowing through the connector or a presence of moisture in the connector.
US08419458B2 Tubular connection system facilitating nonrotating signal conductor connection and method
A tubular arrangement including a tubular form having an interconnection configuration on each end with one or more signal conductors disposed within the tubular form. One or more axially operative connector bodies disposed at each end of the tubular form. A coupling at one end of the tubular form capable of bridging the tubular form to another tubular and a method for building a string is included.
US08419452B2 Electric connector and endoscope
An electric connector portion includes first and second electric contact portions which are connectable to first and second target electric contact portions, respectively, and a protective member which is movable from a protecting position where the first and second electric contact portions are protected to an opening position where the first and second electric contact portions are opened in a moving direction extending from the first electric contact portion side to the second electric contact portion side, wherein the protective member includes an opening portion which is configured to open the second electric contact portion when the protective member is arranged at the opening position.
US08419446B2 Electrical connector having contacts with solder portion pointing opposite directions
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing with a plurality of passageways arranged in a matrix. A contact includes a base for securing the contact in the passageway, a spring portion and a soldering portion extending from the base. The soldering portions of the contacts laid in a row of the passageways are alternately arranged toward two opposite sides of the base to form two rows. Such array of soldering portions of the contact can improve contact density.
US08419433B2 Monitoring recipe preparation using interactive cooking device
An interactive cooking device is provided. A user selects a recipe from a list of available recipes. Preparation steps corresponding to the selected recipe are retrieved from a data store along with a set of ingredients. The retrieved preparation steps are sequentially displaying to the user on a display that is included in the interactive cooking preparation device. The user's preparation actions are monitored, using one or more sensors. Gestures that correspond to the current preparation step are retrieved from the data store along with thresholds that correspond to each of the gestures. The user's actions are compared to the retrieved gestures using the retrieved thresholds. If the user's actions vary from the gestures by more than the thresholds, an alert is generated. The user is then provided with a suggested course of correction.
US08419431B2 Preformed provisional crowns and methods for constructing temporary dental crowns and bridges
Apparatuses and methods for providing crowns and bridges is disclosed. The apparatuses include provisional preforms which can have cavities, windows and slits that enable material and linear members to extend through for engagement with adjacent teeth or other preforms. The methods also include ways in which to create crowns and bridges using the preforms.
US08419426B2 Device for positioning and immobilizing a surgical guide in a patient's mouth
The invention relates to a positioning and immobilization device for positioning and immobilizing a mandibular or maxillary surgical guide on a patient, which guide is adapted to preparing for and to fitting at least one dental implant and is provided with a link slab member designed to extend outside the oral cavity when the surgical guide is placed in register with the patient's mandible or maxilla, said positioning and immobilization device being characterized in that it comprises a body that has bearing face for bearing against the outside of the head of the patient, and a fastener designed to co-operate with the link slab member of the surgical guide.
US08419425B2 Dental model articulator
Disclosed is a dental model articulator configured to combine maxillary and mandibular dental model casts with each other. The dental model articulator includes a frame, an arm member rotatably and reciprocatively supported to the frame, an elastic bias unit frontward elastically pressing the arm member with respect to the frame, a first connecting unit formed in the arm member to be connected with the maxillary dental model cast, and a second connecting unit connected to the frame to move reciprocatively through at least one penetration hole and combined with the mandibular dental model cast.
US08419419B1 Light guide plate mold
A light guide plate mold includes a female mold, a male mold mounted on and cooperating with the female mold, and an adjusting assembly. The male mold includes a first mounting surface and an opposite second mounting surface. The first mounting surface defines two mold cavities and a flow slot communicating with the two mold cavities. The second mounting surface defines a plurality of mounting holes extending through the opposite first mounting surface. The adjusting assembly includes a plurality of adjusting members. The adjusting members are adjustably assembled into the mounting holes of the male mold, and resist against the female mold, thereby forming an exhaust passage adjustably configured between the male mold and the female mold. The exhaust passage is capable of being adjusted by operating the adjusting assembly.
US08419415B2 Systems and methods of feeding hook fastening elements into a mold assembly line
Systems and methods for introducing hook fastening elements into a mold traveling along a mold assembly line are disclosed. The system can be configured to cut hook fastening tape into strips having a predetermined length based on information received from the mold assembly line, and to drop the cut strips directly into the mold at the appropriate intervals as the mold travels along the mold assembly line.
US08419413B1 Mold core positioning device
A mold core positioning device configured to position a mold core includes a base and a sleeve assembly. The base defines a receiving space. The sleeve assembly includes a hollow sleeve and a number of balls. A number of receiving holes are defined in a sidewall of the sleeve, and each of the receiving holes holds one of the balls, and each of the balls can rotate freely in a corresponding receiving hole. The sleeve is received in the receiving space, and the balls received in the sleeve is to hold the mold core in position with the balls contacting the mold core.
US08419412B2 Nano-imprint mold and substrate with uneven patterns manufactured by using the mold
According to one embodiment, a nano-imprint mold includes plural pairs of first and second protrusions formed on a base layer, each of which is formed along the same straight line. Each protrusion has a top surface and four side surfaces. The first and second protrusions are mirror-symmetrical with each other. A first side surface of the first protrusion and a second side surface of the second protrusion face each other. A first angle between the first side surface or the second side surface and a main surface of the base layer is not less than 85° and not more than 90°. A second angle between a third side surface in the first protrusion or a fourth side surface in the second protrusion and the main surface of the base layer is not less than 70° and not more than 88°. The first angle is larger than the second angle.
US08419396B2 Vane pump and evaporative leak check system having the same
An upper casing receives a rotor, which is rotated by a drive force of a motor. The upper casing includes a pump chamber, which receives the rotor, a planar surface portion, which is formed around an opening of the pump chamber, and a through hole. A lower casing includes a planar surface portion, which is formed around the opening of the pump chamber, and a through hole. The lower casing closes the opening of the pump chamber to form the pump chamber in cooperation with the upper casing. A resilient sheet is placed between the lower casing and a mount portion of the motor and includes a through hole. A screw is received through the through holes of the upper casing, the lower casing and the resilient sheet to securely connect the upper casing, the lower casing and the resilient sheet to the mount portion. A lower casing side surface of the resilient sheet includes a plurality of primary protrusions.
US08419390B2 Electrical submersible pump system connection adapter
An electrical submersible pumping assembly having a seal section and a motor section, and seals that prevent leakage from the seal section and the motor section during assembly. The seals cooperate with a coupling assembly for coupling together shafts from both the seal section and motor section. The coupling assembly outer diameter enlarges at a shoulder that circumscribes its outer surface. In one example, the seal that prevents leakage from the seal assembly provides a sealing interface around the larger diameter portion of the coupling assembly, that is removable by sliding the coupling so its smaller diameter portion is adjacent the seal assembly. The motor section is sealed by another sealing assembly that includes a body that circumscribes the motor shaft to define an annulus, a sealing disk selectively fills the annulus. The sealing disk can also be slid away from within the body while coupling the shafts with the coupling assembly.
US08419382B2 Piston compressor
A compressor includes a rotary shaft, a cam, a cylinder block, pistons, a thrust bearing, a rotary valve, and an oil passage. The rotary shaft has an in-shaft passage formed therein. The in-shaft passage has an outlet open to the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft. The cam rotates integrally with the rotary shaft. The pistons are coupled to the rotary shaft through the cam. The thrust bearing is provided between the cam and the cylinder block. The thrust bearing includes a first race in contact with the cam, a second race in contact with the cylinder block, and rolling elements retained between the first and second races to form a gap therebetween. The oil passage is formed in the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft so as to extend from the gap to the outlet of the in-shaft passage.
US08419377B2 Pumping device having a pressure adjustable function
A pumping device includes a barrel, a top cover mounted on an open top of the barrel, a cylinder mounted in the barrel and connected to the top cover, a piston movably mounted in the cylinder, a plurality of check valves mounted on the piston, an operation unit mounted on the top cover and connected with the piston, a connecting unit mounted in the barrel and connected between the barrel and the cylinder, and a pressure adjusting unit connected between the barrel and the top cover. Thus, when the air pressure in the receiving chamber of the barrel reaches a predetermined value, the pressure adjusting unit provides a pressure release function to partially release the air pressure in the receiving chamber of the barrel so as to ensure a safe operation of the pumping device.
US08419375B2 Method of making a rotor yoke and rotor yoke thereof
A method of making a rotor yoke includes preparing a cured composite rotor yoke preform on a single-sided curing tool and machining at least one portion of the cured rotor yoke preform to form a rotor yoke. In one embodiment, preparing the cured composite rotor yoke is accomplished by applying successive layers of uncured polymeric composite material to a single-sided tool in a configuration to produce an uncured rotor yoke preform; disposing a semi-rigid caul to an untooled side of the uncured rotor yoke preform; enclosing the uncured rotor yoke preform and the semi-rigid caul by substantially hermetically sealing a vacuum bag to the tool; substantially evacuating a volume defined by the vacuum bag and the tool of air; and heating the uncured rotor yoke preform, sometimes under pressure, to form the cured composite rotor yoke preform.
US08419374B2 Gas turbine engine composite blade
The disclosed composite airfoil includes a three-dimensional composite core extending longitudinally and having a chord-wise direction. The core has a core in-plane thickness extending between opposing sides in a through-plane direction generally perpendicular to the chord-wise and longitudinal directions. A composite skin covers the opposing sides and has an exterior surface providing an airfoil contour. The skin includes a total skin in-plane thickness corresponding to a sum of thicknesses through the skin in the through-plane direction from each of the opposing sides to their adjoining exterior surface. A sum of the core in-plane and total skin in-plane thicknesses at a central portion of the composite airfoil is a total in-plane thickness. The total skin in-plane thickness at the central portion is less than 50% of the total in-plane thickness.
US08419369B2 Axial flow hydraulic turbine with fixed blades bolted-on
A hydraulic turbine has a runner blade bolted to a hollow runner hub. The runner blade has a flange that mates with a corresponding recess on the hub. Bolting connections pass through complementary array like patterns of apertures spread across and in the hub and blade flange to attach the blades to the hub.
US08419367B2 Vertical-axis turbine for capturing the force of moving gases or liquids and a method for its use
A vertical-axis turbine is provided, which comprises two or more arc-shaped blades which can pivot so as to decrease drag and maximize the force collected by each blade from moving gas or liquid. These arc-shaped blades can also be capable of directing moving gas or liquid from one blade to another. Additionally, these blades can comprise thin strips along their outer edge, which can increase their strength and rigidity as well as increase the amount of force captured by each blade from the moving gas or liquid.
US08419344B2 System and method for measuring efficiency and leakage in a steam turbine
In certain embodiments, a system includes a physical computing device having a tangible machine-readable medium including code. The code is adapted to determine an efficiency of a section of a steam turbine based on a relationship between enthalpy difference values and leakage flow rate values between adjacent sections of the steam turbine. The relationship includes a point of equalizing an enthalpy of the leakage and an enthalpy at a destination of the leakage.
US08419329B1 Cargo restraint system with enhanced polyester reinforcement filament strand denier content
A cargo restraint system with enhanced filament characteristics wherein the restraint system includes laminated load restraining strips with a layer of reinforcement material comprising a plurality of substantially parallel bundles of filaments and wherein the layer of reinforcement contains approximately three hundred and twenty four ends an approximately four hundred and eighty four filaments and each filament comprises one or more polyester monofilament strands having a total break strength of approximately between fifteen point nine and twenty point seven grams.
US08419328B2 Container data center
A container data center includes a container, and a number of cabinets arranged in the container. A first shockproof device is mounted to the bottom of each of the cabinets, and a second shockproof device is mounted to the top of each of the cabinets. The second shockproof device includes a shockproof member and a connecting apparatus connected between the shockproof member and the container. A distance between the shockproof member and the top of the container is adjustable for keeping the shockproof member abutting the top wall of the cabinet.
US08419323B2 Method for fine-machining crankshafts and machining center therefor
A method and machine for machining shafts, such as crankshafts of an internal combustion engine wherein the shaft supported on a workpiece carrier rotatably about its axis and the carrier is movable relative to a milling tool adjustably supported on the machine, the bearing surfaces of the shaft are fine-machined by a milling tool taking into consideration the resiliency and the bending of the shaft by the engagement force of the milling tool during fine cutting of the bearing surfaces in the various angular rations of the shaft and the axial bearing location between the shaft ends so as to provide for a perfect final round cutting of the bearings without the need for wet grinding. The fine machining is preferably achieved by dry machining and orthogonal rotational milling, all main bearings and lifting bearings being machined in a single clamping from the rough machining dimensions to the final dimension. For a second machining sequence, some of the main bearings and lifting bearings are used as clamping surfaces.
US08419309B2 Pivoting ball mount having four equally spaced contact points
A pivoting ball mount provides four essentially equal and (generally) evenly spaced constraints on the ball, creating a ball and socket joint in which the “socket” is composed of four small constraining pads of equal size and equally spaced around the surface of the ball or sphere. If a sphere is constrained by four equidistant points, each point will exert the same amount of force on the sphere. If additional pressure is applied to one point, the pressure exerted by the other points will rise to match this increased pressure. The effect of constraining a smooth ball by four equidistant points is to create the equivalent of a ball and socket joint in which the force required to rotate the ball at a particular rate is about the same in any direction. The ball is constrained by four equidistant points such that the relative movement between the ball and housing is smooth and predictable in any direction.
US08419305B2 Cutting mechanism for printing apparatus, and printing apparatus including the same
A cutting mechanism for a printing apparatus that cuts a printing medium and includes a fixed blade having first through holes and a movable blade having second through holes and slidingly movable with respect to the fixed blade, wherein each of first openings of the first through holes on a first sliding face is at least partly included in a first overlapping portion, each of second openings of the second through holes on a second sliding face is at least partly included in a second overlapping portion, and the first openings and the second openings are located at positions such that the first openings and the second openings do not overlap completely with each other in a direction orthogonal to a movement direction of the movable blade with respect to the fixed blade.
US08419298B2 Drive mechanism, blade drive mechanism and optical device
A drive mechanism includes: an actuator including a rotor magnetized; a magnetic body, a magnetically attractive force being generated between the magnetic body and the rotor; and a sandwiched member sandwiched between the rotor and the magnetic body. At least one of the magnetic body and the sandwiched member is coupled to the rotor, and the magnetic body and the sandwiched member slidably contact each other.
US08419293B2 Methods and apparatus related to a launch connector portion of a ureteroscope laser-energy-delivery device
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical fiber made of a silica-based material. A proximal end portion of the optical fiber has an outer-layer portion. The proximal end portion can be included in at least a portion of a launch connector configured to receive electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus also includes a component that has a bore therethrough and can be made of a doped silica material. The bore can have an inner-layer portion heat-fused to the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber. The component can also have an index of refraction lower than an index of refraction associated with the outer-layer portion of the optical fiber.
US08419286B2 Hermetic compressor
A compressor has a rotation shaft in a hermetic container, and first and second bearings to support the shaft in the container. A tolerance between the second bearing and the rotation shaft and a tolerance between the first bearing and the rotation shaft are different, so as to cause hydrodynamic lubrication to occur at one of the first or second bearings.
US08419282B2 Fluid dynamic bearing device and process for manufacturing the same
Fixation strength of a bearing sleeve with respect to a housing is increased so that stable bearing performance can be achieved. A fluid dynamic bearing device (1) includes a housing (7) and a bearing sleeve (8) fixed to an inner periphery of the housing (7). The housing (7) and the bearing sleeve (8) have therebetween a press-fitting part (10) at which the housing (7) and the bearing sleeve (8) are fixed by press-fitting, and an adhesive-filled part (11) formed on an opening side with respect to the press-fitting part (10).
US08419280B2 Thin slide unit
Provided is a thin slide unit which allows, in a case where two ball plates each formed with a track-like ball groove are combined to thereby construct an endless circulation path for balls, by merely directly connecting the two ball plates without using a guide plate, balls to smoothly circulate, and a slider to smoothly reciprocate with respect to a guide rail. An endless circulation path for the balls of the slider is formed such that the two ball plates each formed with the track-like ball groove are caused to face each other, and that the ball plates are directly connected. Peripheral sides of the two ball plates oppose to each other, to thereby form a load opening portion for causing the balls in the endless circulation path to contact a rolling groove of the guide rail, and form a scooping-up portion for raising the balls from the rolling groove to guide the balls into the endless circulation path.
US08419279B2 Flexible storage bag
The flexible bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls that provide an internal volume that can be accessed via an opening. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall. The bag is configured to prevent objects from clogging the valve element during evacuation. In one embodiment, the bag may include a plurality of ridges formed along the inner surface of at least one sidewall that can maintain separation of the sidewalls and contents from the valve element. In another aspect, the valve element is beneficially located at a top corner of the bag where the valve element is spaced apart from those locations in the bag where contents are likely to collect.
US08419277B2 Easy open slider package
A reclosable bag is disclosed which includes a reclosable zipper with interlocking profiles and a slider. The interlocking profiles include flanges which include arcuate cut-outs at the ends thereof. The width of the flanges is thereby reduced at the distal ends thereof. This allows the flanges to be sealed to the front and rear panels of the reclosable bag without being sealed within the side seals of the reclosable bag. In order to maintain the integrity of the bag, the flanges are sealed to each other immediately inwardly adjacent from the arcuate cut-outs, and the seal lines between the flanges and the front and rear panels are extended so that the front and rear panels are sealed to each other in an area bounded by the arcuate cut-outs and the side seals.
US08419275B2 Temperature sensor and temperature sensor system
Provided is a temperature sensor capable of stably keeping the accuracy of detected temperatures. The temperature sensor of the present invention comprises a sensor element (1) comprising a temperature sensing element (2) whose electrical resistance changes according to temperature; a pair of lead wires (4) electrically connected to the temperature sensing element (2); and a covering material (5) which seals the temperature sensing element (2) and portions of the lead wires (4) in a prescribed range; wherein the lead wires (4) are led out of the sealed ends (6) of the covering material (5). The temperature sensor further comprises a metallic protective tube (20) which houses the sensor element (1) except part of the lead wires (4); and a shield comprising a ceramic sealed end closing element (7) which encloses the sealed ends (6), and a lead wire protective tube (8). The shield is loosely fitted inside the metallic protective tube (20).
US08419269B2 Portable timepiece
To provide a portable timepiece in which water is not easily allowed to enter the timepiece exterior assembly with the completion of venting, the timepiece is equipped with a vent valve mounted to a timepiece exterior assembly. The vent valve is equipped with a valve body holder fixed to the timepiece exterior assembly, a ring-shaped packing supported by the holder and elastically deformable, and a valve body movable between a valve-closed position and a valve-open position. The valve body has a valve body shaft portion, a valve body head integral with this shaft portion, and an exhaust recess formed in the valve body shaft portion. The valve body shaft portion axially extends through the valve body holder while in contact with the inner peripheral portion of the packing. Through movement of the valve body, the exhaust recess is detached from the packing at the valve-closed position, and, at the valve-open position, the exhaust recess is arranged so as to be astride and cross apart of the inner peripheral portion of the packing.
US08419267B1 Method of restraining and lifting a container
A one-piece stackable container restraining apparatus incorporates a flat surface and four legs. The restraining apparatus can be used on the crest of a roof or on other surfaces. The stackable feature is used to accommodate roofs of differing pitches and to create a more stable combination. In certain embodiments attachment holes are utilized for ease in transportation and movement. The attachment of the container to the flat surface allows one to lift a container along with the container restraining apparatus together by lifting only the container, for example by its handle. Additionally, the container restraining apparatus can be used on a flat surface to prevent overturning of the container during transportation, such as paint buckets transported in a truck or van. Mounting holes on each leg can be used to accommodate a variety of fixtures such as wheels or articulating pads.
US08419265B2 Backlight module
A backlight module includes a front frame, a backboard, and a light source. The front frame and the backboard define opposite outermost surfaces of the backlight module. The backboard includes a frame and a light-shield plate. The frame is coupled with the front frame. The frame has a plurality of plates surroundingly defining an empty part and at least one side wall extending from one of the plates to be coupled with the front frame. Each one of the plates has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and at least one rib and/or trough, and the rib and/or trough is disposed on the first surface and is spaced apart from the side wall. The light-shield plate covers the empty part. The light source is disposed between the front frame and the backboard.
US08419252B2 Cylindrical light guide with light adustable film on light entering surface thereof
A light guiding object for use in a lighting device is provided. The light guiding object includes a cylindrical body, a reflective layer, a transparent resin layer and a light-adjustable film. The cylindrical body has a light-entering surface and a bottom surface. The reflective layer is disposed on the bottom surface of the cylindrical body. The transparent resin layer is disposed on the light-entering surface of the cylindrical body. The light-adjustable film has a flat surface and an optical structure surface, wherein the flat surface is opposite to the optical structure surface and disposed on the transparent resin layer. A central part of the optical structure surface includes a first prism group. The first prism group includes a plurality of first prisms, wherein the apex angles of the first prisms are in a range of 120 to 170 degrees.
US08419251B2 Light emitting device and method for manufacturing same, lighting fixture, and lighting system
A light emitting device includes: a light emitting element; a substrate including a groove-like light guide extending along a first direction, emission light emitted from the light emitting element and introduced into the light guide being reflected by an inner wall surface of the light guide, spreading along the first direction, and being turned into upward light directed upward above the substrate; and a lens provided above the light guide and configured to collect the upward light and control light distribution characteristic in a plane generally perpendicular to the first direction.
US08419248B2 Vehicle light
A vehicle light is provided which can prevent the accumulation of assembly errors during the assembling of separate optical components. The vehicle light can include a first heat sink having a first heat sink body and a first heat radiation fin, and a first optical system configured to form a part of a predetermined light distribution pattern. The first optical system can include a first LED light source, a first reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the first LED light source, and a projection lens configured to allow light reflected from the first reflector to pass therethrough. The first LED light source, the first reflector, and the projection lens can be secured to an upper surface of the first heat sink body.
US08419244B2 Motorcycle lamp for vehicle
A motorcycle includes a seat, side covers covering the periphery of the lower side of the seat and formed in curved shapes to gradually decrease in width toward the rear side of the vehicle. Rear blinkers mounted to left and right portions in the vehicle width direction of the side covers. Each of the rear blinkers includes a base member mounted to the side cover, a bulb and a lens covering the bulb. The left and right rear blinkers are disposed at recesses provided in the side covers. Each of the left and right rear blinkers is mounted to the side cover in such a manner that the lens is substantially entirely exposed from the recess to not overlap with a curved surface of the side cover in plan sectional view as viewed from the upper side of the vehicle, the section containing the optical axis of the bulb.
US08419243B2 LED control device for a vehicle light
The invention relates to a device for controlling diode lamps comprising a lighting module having at least one diode lamp, the diode lamp pertaining to a predefined range, at least one device for transmitting a unique signature representing the range, and an associated control module comprising reception means (for receiving a unique signature transmitted by the lighting module, and current adjustment means for adjusting and supplying, as a function of the transmitted signature, a current to said lighting module to cause the diode lamp to operate.
US08419239B2 Color LED lamp having light diffusing member and hollow isolation member with concentric optical channels
A color LED lamp includes a lamp holder, a heat dissipating module, a light source module, an optical convergence element, and a positioning sleeve. The light source module includes an isolation member. The isolation member is arranged between light-emitting diodes and a light diffusing member. The isolation member is hollow and made of reflecting material, the space inside the isolation member is divided into a number of optical channels along the axial direction by a number of partitions, each of the optical channels corresponds to one group of light-emitting diodes, and allows the light emitted from the group of light-emitting diodes to pass through.
US08419233B2 Lampshade structure for LED lamps
A lampshade structure for LED lamps includes at least one light-diffusing bowl structure, a lower end, an interior space and a sidewall. The light-diffusing bowl structure composed by an exterior curve wall and an interior curve wall is located on top of the lampshade to diffuse lights from the LED laterally to the lamp. Both the curvature centers of the exterior curve wall and the interior curve wall are located exteriorly to the lampshade structure. By providing the concave light-diffusing bowl structure to occupy the illumination angle of the LED, the incident rays of the LED to the bowl structure can be partly deflected to leave from the lateral sides of the lampshade so as to emulate the LED lamp as an omni-directional lamp device.
US08419232B2 Free-form lenticular optical elements and their application to condensers and headlamps
Some embodiments provide an illumination optical system. The optical system can include a first surface and a second surface. Each of the first and second surfaces can further comprises a multiplicity of corresponding Cartesian-oval lenticulations such that each lenticulation of the first surface focuses a source upon a corresponding lenticulation of the second surface and each lenticulation of the second surface focuses a target upon a corresponding lenticulation of the first surface.
US08419231B2 LED extended optic tir light cover with light beam control
An optic for producing an asymmetrical beam of light for restricting light output to an area below a midplane of the optic, and for directing light to the sides or down from the midplane.
US08419228B2 Light guide member, light irradiation module with the light guide member and electric device with the light irradiation module
A light guide member and a light irradiation module with the light guide member and an electric device with the light irradiation module are provided in the invention in which the light guide member has a cone shaped body and a ring shaped flange. The cone shaped body has an opening at an apex of one end of the cone shaped body. The ring shaped flange is extended from a circular rim of the other end of the cone shaped body. One inner surface of the opening is defined as a light incident surface, and a circular rim surface of the ring shaped flange surrounding the cone shaped body is defined as a light emitting surface.
US08419220B2 Lamp device
The lamp device may include: a plurality of light sources; a substrate including one side thereof on which a plurality of the light sources are disposed; a plurality of light guiders including both first ends coupled optically to a plurality of the light sources and second ends through which light is emitted; a frame including the second ends disposed thereon and controlling the direction of the light emitted from the second ends; and a body which is disposed on the substrate, a plurality of the light guiders and the frame.
US08419218B2 Solid state light assembly having light sources in a ring
A light assembly having an axis of symmetry that includes an enclosure comprising at least a base and a cover coupled to the base. The light assembly also includes a plurality of light sources disposed on a circuit board within the enclosure in a first ring having a center point aligned with the axis of symmetry. The light assembly also includes a reflector that has a first focal point within the cover and a plurality of second focal points disposed in a second ring coincident with the first ring.
US08419212B2 Circuit board assembly with light emitting element
A circuit board assembly includes a circuit board including an electrical conductor, and a light emitting element assembly. The light emitting element assembly includes a carrier mounted on the circuit board, a light emitting element mounted on the carrier, and an electrical contact held by the carrier in electrical connection with the light emitting element and the electrical conductor.
US08419209B2 Lamp support structure for lamp tubes
A lamp support of the present invention comprises a keel as the main body, two arc-shaped extensions provided on two sides of the keel, inwardly protruding lips correspondingly provided on bottom edges of the arc-shaped extensions, and first and second slots provided on the ridge of the keel and arranged perpendicular to each other. The first and second slots can allow for the passage of screws so that the screws can be used to secure the entire lamp support to an assembly main body such as a ceiling or a wall; and the lips correspondingly fit into grooves on both sides of a lamp tube whereby the lamp tube is pushed into a predetermined position to secure the lamp tube to the assembly main body such as a ceiling or a wall.
US08419201B2 Light emitting module
A light emitting module includes an organic EL light emitting element and a support body supporting the organic EL light emitting element. The support body is attached to the organic EL light emitting element at the side of the non-light emitting surface of the light emitting module to cover one surface of the organic EL light emitting element. The organic EL light emitting element includes power feeding electrodes. The support body includes openings formed in a corresponding relationship with the power feeding electrodes. The power feeding electrodes exposed on the non-light emitting side of the support body through the openings. The support body includes power feeding terminals. The power feeding terminals partially exposed on the non-light emitting side of the support body. The power feeding terminals electrically connected to the power feeding electrodes by electric connection members extending via the non-light emitting side and the openings of the support body.
US08419191B2 Projection optical system, projector and image reading device
An optical system with short total length to project a high quality large image. The system projects an image onto a projection surface, and includes a lens system having a plurality of lenses, and one or more curved mirrors. Light flux of an enlarged image shooting out from the lens system to the projection surface is incident onto a mirror surface of the one of the curved mirrors first of all. Distances OAL and Y satisfy a requirement 20
US08419190B2 Computing device with imaging function and auto-focusing method for projection thereof
A auto-focusing method for projection of a computing device with imaging function is illustrated. The computing device exemplarily includes a projection unit, an image receiving unit, and a processing unit. The method firstly controls the projection unit to project images on plural positions along an optical axis. The method then controls the image receiving unit to receive the images, which are regarded as candidate images, projected on the positions by the projection unit. The candidate images correspond to the projective positions. The method further receives the candidate images captured by the image receiving unit, and compute their definitions. Therefore, the image with a greatest definition may be acquired and regarded as a focus image. The focus image's corresponding position is a focus position. After acquiring the focus position, an image may be projected thereon. The illustrated computing device is enabled to complete the image focusing automatically.
US08419169B2 Inkjet printhead and method employing central ink feed channel
An inkjet printhead (100) and a method (200) of supplying viscous ink employ a central ink feed channel (130). The inkjet printhead (100) includes a bridge beam (110) that supports an ejector element (106), a pair of lateral ink feed channels (120) adjacent to the bridge beam (110), and a central ink feed channel (130) through the ejector element (106) and bridge beam (110). The pair of lateral ink feed channels (120) and the central ink feed channel (130) connect between an ink reservoir (140) below the bridge beam (110) and the bubble expansion chamber (104). The method (200) includes providing (210) a central ink feed channel in a bridge beam of a printhead and flowing (220) viscous ink from an ink reservoir through a combination of the provided central ink feed channel and a pair of lateral ink feed channels.
US08419167B2 Liquid discharge head and liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including a recording element that generates energy for discharging liquid from a discharge port, a base plate including a mounted surface on which the recording element substrate is mounted, an electric wiring substrate including a portion disposed on another surface of the base plate different from the mounted surface, adjacent to the mounted surface, and configured to be electrically connected to the recording element substrate, and an shield member having electric conductivity and configured to shield the portion.
US08419160B2 Method and system for operating a printhead to compensate for failed inkjets
An inkjet printer has a printhead in which all of the inkjets are used for printing, but at a less than maximum available ejection output. When a failed inkjet is identified, the ejection throughput is increased for inkjets that print pixels in an at least two pixel neighborhood about a missing pixel, so the pixels to be printed by the failed inkjet are printed by inkjets that print pixels in the two pixel wide neighborhood.
US08419159B2 Drop detection
In one embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light detector near the light source for detecting light scattered off the drops back toward the light source. In another embodiment, a drop detector includes a light source operable to emit a beam of light for illuminating drops passing through a drop zone and a light detector positioned near the light source to detect substantially only light scattered off the drops at a scatter angle θ in the range of 177° to 180°, where θ represents a direction of scattered light measured with respect to an axis of the light beam with θ=0° lying along the axis in a direction of travel of the light beam and θ=180° lying along the axis opposite the direction of travel of the light beam.
US08419156B2 Image forming apparatus capable of effectively damping vibration
An image forming apparatus includes a sheet amount detector to detect an amount of sheets accommodated in the sheet feeding tray, an ejected sheet amount detector to detect an amount of sheets ejected onto the sheet ejection tray, and a vibration damper to damp vibration of the image forming apparatus caused by movement of the carriage. A controller is provided to control the vibration damper to damp vibration of the image forming apparatus in accordance with respective amounts of sheets and ejected sheets detected by the sheet amount detector and the ejected sheet amount detector in prescribed acceleration and deceleration regions of the carriage.
US08419154B2 Motor control device, fluid ejection device, and motor control method
A motor control device includes: a first motor that provides a driving force for rotating a roll on which a roll paper is wound to supply the roll paper from the roll; a second motor that provides a driving force for driving a transport driving roller which is provided on a downstream side than the roll along a supply direction of the roll paper and used for transporting the roll paper; a load measuring unit that measures a relationship between a load on the first motor and a driving speed of the first motor when the second motor is not driven and the first motor is driven; and a motor control unit that simultaneously drives the first and second motors at a certain timing, provides to the first motor an interpolation output based on the measurement result of the load measurement unit and a driving speed of the second motor during the control, and transports the roll paper to the downstream side by driving the second motor.
US08419152B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a recording unit configured to record a first dot and a second dot having a diameter smaller than that of the first dot on a recording medium, and a scanning unit configured to move the recording unit in a scanning direction. A recording resolution of the second dot in the scanning direction is lower than a recording resolution of the first dot in the scanning direction.
US08419148B2 Droplet ejecting device capable of increasing number of tones efficiently
A voltage-set-information storing section stores two or more kinds of voltage sets each including a combination of first and second voltages for each number of droplets ejected from an ejection port within a single recording cycle. A voltage applying section is configured to apply the first voltage to an active portion of a first piezoelectric layer and to apply the second voltage to an active portion of a second piezoelectric layer based on image data of the image. The voltage applying section is configured to select one of the two or more kinds of voltage sets stored in the voltage-set-information storing section and to apply each voltage constituting the selected voltage set to the active portions of the first and second piezoelectric layers. The voltage sets are classified by a degree of temporal overlapping of pulse-shaped voltages included in the first and second voltages.
US08419147B2 Fluid ejection device
A fluid ejection device that ejects fluid from an ejection port includes: a drive element that ejects fluid in accordance with a difference between voltages applied to a first terminal and a second terminal; a drive voltage waveform storing unit that stores a drive voltage waveform applied to the drive element; a plurality of power supplies each having a different voltage; and a drive voltage waveform applying unit that applies the drive voltage waveform to the drive element by switching among the plurality of power supplies connected to the first and second terminals of the drive element.
US08419139B2 Tank wheel assembly with wear resistant coating
The present disclosure relates to tank wheel assembly systems, methods, and apparatus. In one embodiment, a tank wheel assembly includes a first wheel and a second wheel. A first face of the first wheel faces a second face of the second wheel. A guide tunnel is defined by at least a portion of the first face and at least a portion of the second face. The guide tunnel has outer surfaces and is configured to receive a center guide of a tank tread. The guide tunnel and center guide at least partially maintain the tank tread of the tank wheel assembly. A wear resistant coating is located on at least a portion of the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, restricts the center guide of the tank tread from abrading the outer surfaces of the guide tunnel, and has a thickness of at least about 0.025 inch.
US08419134B1 Chair with sliding pillow
A folding chair is disclosed including a folding chair frame, support material, and a pillow that can move between raised and lowered positions relative to the folding chair frame.
US08419131B2 Seat with locking mechanism
A seating apparatus has a seat with a seat frame, a backrest extending upwardly from said seat, a support mechanism mounted to the seat frame, a locking mechanism cooperative with the support mechanism, said a lock cooperative with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has an upper arm mounted rotationally to the seat frame and to the support mechanism. The lock is affixed to at least one of the first and second arms and extends outwardly of a side of the seat. The lock is suitable for locking a position of the arms and the seat frame.
US08419122B2 Zero-wall clearance linkage mechanism for a high-leg seating unit
Provided is a linkage mechanism for a recliner that includes a seat-mounting plate, a base plate that is vertically supported by one or more legs, a footrest assembly adapted to extend ottoman(s) when the recliner is adjusted from a closed to an extended position, and a front lift assembly. The front lift assembly includes a front bellcrank that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate, a front pivot link that is rotatably coupled to the base plate, a carrier link that is pivotably coupled to the front pivot link and to the front bellcrank, and a front lift link that is rotatably coupled to the seat-mounting plate and is pivotably coupled to the front lift link. Additionally, the linkage mechanism includes a seat-adjustment assembly that cooperates with the front lift assembly to translate the seat-mounting plate over the base plate during adjustment between extended and reclined positions.
US08419120B2 Vehicle with a panel that is moveable to provide increased head room above a rear row of seats
A panel that may be raised and lowered in the rear area of a vehicle to provide added headroom. The panel may be secured to an opening defined by a roof of the vehicle. The panel may be secured to an opening defined in a tailgate of the vehicle. Side walls and a real wall may be provided that extend between the opening and the panel.
US08419119B2 Sunshade device
A sunshade device includes a pair of shade guide rails across an indoor opening; a shade of which opposite side edges are guided by the shade guide rails; and a winding shaft rolling up the shade, wherein the opposite side edges of the shade are guided by the shade guide rails with the side edges being folded after a folding stroke whose folded width is gradually increased toward a front end of the shade when the shade is drawn out from the winding shaft, each of the opposite side edges of the shade is provided with a folded introduction part formed by folding a side edge portion of the shade and connecting the folded side edge portion to a main body portion of the shade, and the folded introduction part is formed in a predetermined length from the front end of the shade in an open/close direction of the shade.
US08419116B2 Vehicle frame assembly
A frame assembly for a vehicle includes a front end frame assembly extending laterally across the vehicle and disposed adjacent a forward end of the vehicle, and a bumper beam extending laterally across the vehicle and spaced apart longitudinally forward of the front end frame assembly. A first set of spaced apart inner attachment structures connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. A second set of spaced apart outer attachment structures also connects the bumper beam to the front end frame assembly. The second set of outer attachment structures is spaced apart from and flanks the first set of inner attachment structures.
US08419111B2 Vehicle body reinforcing member
Using as a vehicle body reinforcing member a bent tube with mixed bends of inward and outward projection according to the present invention makes it possible, during a vehicle body collision, to absorb more energy than and exhibit better impact resistance than a vehicle body reinforcing member that uses one of a known straight tube and a curved tube of radius R entirely. Thus the dimensions (outside diameter, wall thickness) of the steel tube that is used as the vehicle body reinforcing member can be reduced, and the tube shape can be modified, while impact resistance is maintained. Modifying the shape in this manner makes it possible to provide the ever higher required level of vehicle body impact resistance at the same time that it reduces the weight of the vehicle body and lowers the cost. The present invention can therefore be widely used as an occupant protection technology.
US08419096B2 Robot hand and robot having the same
A robot hand may have an improved structure so that movements of some of joints of a finger structure do not influence operations of other joints. A meta phalangeal (MP) roll joint unit rotated in a roll direction and an MP pitch joint unit rotated in a pitch direction of an MP joint unit are separately arranged to form an offset. Movable angles of the respective joint units are widened, and the joint units are precisely controlled. Overall friction within the robot hand is reduced, and a robot having the hand is stabilized.
US08419091B2 Bumper for an automobile
A bumper for an automobile includes a crossbeam which is formed from at least two separate hollow profiles, wherein the hollow profiles abut one another along a longitudinal wall and are joined with one another. The abutting longitudinal walls form a double web oriented in the longitudinal direction of the automobile. The hollow profiles may have an identical cross-sectional configuration. The hollow profiles may be roll-formed or extruded. The modular construction of the crossbeam from separate hollow profiles allows a lightweight construction and allows the load characteristic of the crossbeam to be functionally adapted to different requirements depending on the vehicle or vehicle class.
US08419086B2 Mortise latchset with dually biased cam assembly
A mortise latchset has an improved leveraged cam assembly, completely internal to the latchset body, versatile enough to allow the door handles to be rotated in either direction to retract the latchbolt, and robust enough to independently bias each of two lever-type door handles toward a handle-centering position, even when one of the handles is being operated. The mortise latchset uses a pair of coaxially mounted cam followers independently leveraged by a cantilevered spring assembly. The cam followers are located between the operating cams and the latch retracting assembly, and each leveraged cam follower is operable to engage the latch retracting assembly to retract the latchbolt, while the other cam follower biases its operating cam in the handle-centering position.
US08419084B2 Lock assembly with modified structure
The present utility model discloses a smart lock with a modified structure comprising: a lock body including an inner handle and an outer handle, a latch and a bolt, an electrical locking mechanism for interfering retraction of the bolt; the lock body further comprises a manual locking and controlling mechanism connected to the inner and outer handles and controlling opening and closing; the manual locking and controlling mechanism is provided with a rotation actuating piece linked to the inner and outer handles and a bolt moving piece controlling extension and retraction of the bolt, wherein the rotation actuating piece is linked to the bolt moving piece via a locking member to control the bolt for locking when the inner and outer handles are lifted, and the rotation actuating piece is linked to the bolt moving piece via an unlocking member to control the bolt for unlocking when the inner and outer handles are pressed. The smart lock according to the present utility model has the following advantageous effects: 1. the smart lock exhibits a simple construction, less transmission components and easier manufacture and assembling, and is not liable to damage and easy to maintain; 2. the smart lock has a manual locking and unlocking function and is easy to operate and meanwhile has an electrical locking and unlocking function of ordinary smart locks, it is of low cost, safe and reliable and can be extensively applied to home and office anti-theft apparatuses.
US08419083B2 Electromechanical locks and latching arrangements
An electrically operable latch includes a housing and a latch member assembled with the housing for movement between an extended position and a retracted position. A blocker member is disposed in the housing and adapted to block movement of the latch member to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a first position, and to permit movement of the latch member from the extended position to the retracted position when the blocker member is in a second position. An actuator member is disposed in the housing and adapted to move the blocker member from the first position to the second position in response to an electrical signal supplied to the actuator member.
US08419077B2 Self aligning coupling
A self aligning coupling system for aligning one end of tubing to another end of tubing is disclosed. The self aligning coupling system can include a first coupling member which is engageable with a second coupling member, each coupling member being generally cylindrical and having a flange projecting axially from a first segment of a circumference thereof and a flange-free portion defined by a remainder of the circumference. The first and second coupling members are configured so that when the first coupling member is engaged with the second coupling member, the flange of the first coupling member contacts the flange-free portion of the second coupling member and the flange of the second coupling member contacts the flange-free portion of the first coupling member.
US08419070B2 Label assembly having raisable registration tabs disposed over removable shapes
A label assembly that includes a face sheet with a label shape defined by one or more tearable lines of separation, a back sheet adjacent to the face sheet, and an adhesive material disposed between the face sheet and the back sheet. The back sheet has a removable panel disposed over the label shape adhesive material and a registration tab aligned with the label shape. The registration tab includes a portion disposed over a removable shape within the label shape. The registration tab is raisable above the back sheet surface and the removable shape adheres to the registration tab while being raised, thereby removing the removable shape from the label shape.
US08419068B2 Seatbelt retractor
A side wall portion of a housing is provided with an arm-protective extending portion below a pawl and a mechanical arm. The arm-protective extending portion extends inwardly at a substantially right angle. Further, a side wall portion of the housing is provided with a shaft-protective extending portion which extends inwardly from the lower edge portion of a horizontally long opening portion. The horizontally long opening portion is formed so as to face a coupling shaft over its full length. Below this shaft-protective extending portion, there is formed a bolt insertion hole through which a bolt is inserted at the time of mounting the housing to a fastening piece of a vehicle.
US08419066B2 Seat belt device
[Object] To provide a seat belt device which exhibits good smoothness even at a low temperature of about −30° C., which exhibits a small reduction in smoothness even after repeated use for a long period of time, or after use at a high temperature (80° C.), and which has good webbing retracting performance. [Solution] A seat belt device includes a webbing 12 formed by applying a webbing treatment agent to a webbing base material, a retractor 11 for retracting the webbing 12, and an anchor member 13 through which the webbing 12 is slidably hung. The webbing treatment agent is characterized by containing as an essential component a hydrocarbon-based synthetic oil with a viscosity of 35 to 100,000 mPa·s at −30° C.
US08419061B2 Tractor
A tractor includes a ROPS frame having right and left leg portions connected to either a transmission case or rear axle cases, a front frame connected to a portion of the transmission case forwardly of the ROPS frame and extending in the right/left direction, a right attaching frame connected to and between the right leg portion of the ROPS frame and a right side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, a left attaching frame connected to and between the left leg portion of the ROPS frame and a left side portion of the front frame and extending in the fore/aft direction, and right and left fenders. The right fender is attached to the right attaching frame and the left fender is attached to the left attaching frame.
US08419059B2 Air-bag
An air-bag includes a rear panel and a front panel secured to one another to define an inflatable volume. A tether interconnects the panels and has an area of mechanical weakness provided by at least one line of slits or perforations. The tether has a first configuration in which the area of mechanical weakness is substantially intact, and is configured to adopt a second configuration via rupture of the area of mechanical weakness. The first configuration of the tether is effective, during inflation of the air-bag, to limit the maximum depth of the air-bag to a predetermined distance measured between the front and rear panels, and the second configuration is effective to allow an increase in the maximum depth of the air-bag beyond the predetermined distance.
US08419057B2 Gas generating system
A gas generating system includes a first enclosure containing a gas, and a second enclosure having a gas generant material contained therein. The second enclosure is operatively coupled to the first enclosure so as to enable fluid communication between the first enclosure and the second enclosure. After activation of the gas generating system, the gas in the first enclosure passes through the second enclosure prior to exiting the system.
US08419056B2 Dynamic airbag venting
An example airbag assembly an airbag, a duct having an duct opening for venting gas outside the airbag, and a flap moveable from a first position to a second position. The duct is configured to direct more gas outside the airbag when the flap is in the first position than when the flap is in the second position. A tether is configured to move the flap from the first position to the second position.
US08419049B2 Airbag and airbag device
To provide an airbag and an airbag device that is excellent in an impact absorbing force and can efficiently inflate and deploy the airbag. An airbag 1 according to the present invention includes a left inflation chamber 11L that is inflated and deployed on the front left side of a passenger P and a right inflation chamber 11R that is inflated and deployed on the front right side of the passenger P. The left inflation chamber 11L and the right inflation chamber 11R include a first communication path 12 formed at an end portion on the car body side, a connection portion 13 connected at an intermediate portion in the inflating and deploying direction, and a second communication path 14 formed within the connection portion 13. The airbag further includes a first tether 3 having one end connected to each inner face of the left inflation chamber 11L and the right inflation chamber 11R and the other end connected into the connection portion 13 and a second tether 4 having one end connected the inner faces in the vicinity of top portions of the left inflation chamber 11L and the right inflation chamber 11R and the other end connected into the connection portion 13.
US08419048B2 Airbag device
An airbag device installed into an instrument panel including a lid portion configured to be torn and a lid-side peripheral wall portion provided to stand on an outer periphery of the lid portion. The airbag device includes: an inflator; an airbag so as to be inflated and deployed in a bag shape by the gas introduced from the inflator; and an outer bag formed of a sheet-like member to be sewn into a three-dimensional shape having an outer-bag-side bottom and an outer-bag-side peripheral wall portion provided on an outer periphery of the outer-bag-side bottom, the outer-bag-side bottom being secured to the inflator, the outer-bag-side peripheral wall portion surrounding the folded airbag and being disposed so as to be sandwiched between the airbag being inflated and deployed and the lid-side peripheral wall portion.
US08419047B2 Folding device for wheelchair
A folding device of a wheelchair includes a first folding unit and a second folding unit, wherein the first folding unit includes a first part, a second part and a connection rod connected between the first part and the second part. The first part has a first link and a second link respectively and pivotably connected thereto, and the second part has a third link and a fourth link respectively and pivotably connected thereto. The second folding unit has two boards and the two boards have two connection units. Each board has a recess and two lugs. Each recess has a first plate and a second plate connected thereto. A handle has two ends which are respectively and pivotably connected to the first and second plates.
US08419046B2 Field litter carrier
A field stretcher carrier with a structure formed by a front frame section and a rear frame section that are coupled together. The attachment systems that allow a stretcher to be secured to the structure favorably include at least one pair of clamps at the ends of each frame section. The clamps are fitted to a rigid cross bar and can slide up and down the axis of the cross bar toward and away from each other.
US08419045B2 Sliding board, in particular ski
A sliding board, in particular a ski, comprising a front part, a middle part and a rear part with a contact surface comprising a running surface and metal edges bordering it. In accordance with the present disclosure, the contact surface of the non-loaded sliding board has a curvature development which, starting from a central contact line in the middle part which has a horizontal tangent, in each case has a positive curvature without turning points toward the front part and rear part.
US08419044B2 Winter sports gear comprising runners
Winter sports gear, particularly an ice skate, include runners to which a sliding blade (3) is detachably connected. The sliding surface (1) of the sliding blade (3) is provided with at least one, in this case three, profiled grooves (4) that extend in the direction of travel. Bulge-type dams (5) extend on both sides of the profiled grooves (4).
US08419032B1 Suspension system for a steerable trailer
A suspension system for a steerable trailer includes a strut which is mounted to the frame of the trailer, an axle which is connected to the strut, and far and near suspension cylinders which connect the axle to the frame. The far and near suspension cylinders connect to opposite side of the axle. Steering rods connect adjacent axles together, the steering rod connection alternating between the left and right side of the frame.
US08419028B1 Suspension arm assembly and method retrofitting
A suspension assembly includes at least one suspension arm having a suspension joint structured to vary the height of a vehicle dependent on the operative orientation of the suspension arm and suspension joint when connected to the vehicle. The suspension joint includes two bushing members each formed of a resilient material and two retaining assemblies, wherein each retaining assembly is disposed in a retaining relation to a different one of the two bushing members on opposite sides of one end of the suspension arm. Either each of the bushing members or each of the two retaining assemblies includes a first section and a second section being of different, predetermined thicknesses. While the suspension arm and suspension joint may be produced as equipment of original manufacture, a conventional suspension arm may be repaired or retrofitted by replacing its original suspension joint with a modified suspension joint.
US08419024B1 Cleaning cart
The cleaning cart of the invention is a new kind of cleaning cart providing several utilities and designed to provide an efficient and organized solution. The cleaning cart is completely covered preventing People from seeing dirty mops, buckets, dirty wipes or cleaning products. The cleaning cart also has a removable waste container that can be easily separated from the rest of the cleaning cart. The cleaning cart also works as an advertising cart. The cleaning cart provides a new way of cleaning in a more organized, clean and healthier way.
US08419023B1 Trash carryall with removable cylinder
A trash carryall with removable cylinder that includes a wheeled carryall operable independent of a removable cylinder, said cylinder insertable into the carryall and securable therein by means of a first and a second hole disposed within the carryall which superimpose a left and a right hole respectively, said left and right hole disposed within the removable cylinder, to store and transport trash, and other household items common to the yard; which cylinder is removable as preferred to readily access trash and items stored proximal a base of the carryall without upending the device.
US08419019B2 Magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device
A magnetic fluid shaft-sealing device includes an outer ring for receiving a rotary shaft. A magnetic-field generating unit is mounted in an annular seal chamber of the outer ring for receiving the rotary shaft. A seal ring is mounted in the seal chamber of the outer ring and located between a magnet of the magnetic-field generating unit and an end of the outer ring. The seal ring includes inner and outer peripheries spaced in a radial direction. A lip extends from the inner periphery of the seal ring toward or away from the end of the outer ring and is at a non-parallel angle to the radial direction of the seal ring to form a seal around the rotary shaft.
US08419012B2 Recording-sheet retaining device
A placement plate for placing a recording sheet is provided in a case to be movable upward and downward. A regulating member is supported by the case to be slidable in the width direction of the recording sheet. A locking section is provided on at least one of the placement plate and the regulating member so as to lock the placement plate with respect to the regulating member when the regulating member is located in an area different from an area between the maximum size and the minimum size at the edge of the recording sheet in the width direction.
US08419010B2 Damper member, transport unit, and recording unit
A damper member moves a stopper after a delay in time from a restricting position, at which the stopper restricts the movement of paper, to a releasing position, at which the restriction on the movement is released; the damper member includes a base having a first sliding surface along the paper movement direction and also includes a slider, having a second sliding surface facing the first sliding surface through a viscous material, that slides between a first position at which the stopper is placed at the restricting position and a second position at which the stopper is placed at the releasing position; when at least the slider slides and reaches the first position or the second position, a clearance area is formed in the base to store a viscous material, at a position corresponding to the front end in the sliding direction of the slider.
US08419009B2 Sheet feeder and image forming apparatus using the same
A sheet feeder includes a sheet stacking unit that stacks sheets, a sheet feeding unit that sequentially feeds the uppermost sheet of a stack of sheets stacked in the sheet stacking unit, an airflow supply unit that supplies an airflow to a side surface of the stack of sheets from an opening, a shield member that is disposed between the opening and the stack of sheets and a mechanism that changes the airflow from the airflow supply unit with respect to a stacking direction of the sheets by changing a relative position between the opening and the shield member in a direction other than the stacking direction of the sheets.
US08419001B2 Method and jig for holding silicon wafer
Provided are a method and a jig for holding a silicon wafer, which are applied to the production of the silicon wafer having {110} or {100} plane as its principal surface, in which the silicon wafer is held while a silicon wafer holding positions are properly defined at wafer edge regions relative to the reference direction as being from the center of the silicon wafer toward <110> in crystal orientation in parallel to the wafer surface. In handling the silicon wafer, generation of contact scratches is suppressed as little as possible, and a fracture which is caused by development of the crack initiating from easily generated contact scratches can be prevented in the silicon wafer, particularly in the silicon wafer having {110} plane as its principal surface.
US08419000B2 Device, kit, and method for maintaining a plurality of doors in an upright position for treatment
A device for maintaining a plurality of doors in an upright and spaced position for treatment is provided. The device comprises a body with a plurality of radially extending hinge plate connectors each for connecting to a respective hinge plate. Also provided is a kit for assembling the device and a method for maintaining a plurality of doors in an upright and spaced position for treatment.
US08418997B2 Extendable support column
A support column apparatus for supporting and moving a portion of a building, and having a base column of square tubular cross section, a top extension column of square tubular cross section sliding within the base column, an hydraulic cylinder within the base column, a piston and a piston rod extendable into the said top extension column, and, a hydraulic connection to supply hydraulic fluid to the cylinder.
US08418987B2 Display apparatus
A work to replace a display panel body is facilitated. A display apparatus includes a display panel unit (20) having a display panel body (22) that displays an image, and a panel supporting member (40) that is attached to the display panel unit (20) and that supports the display panel unit (20), wherein the display panel unit (20) has handles (36 to 39), and the handles (36 to 39) are at least partially exposed outside of the panel supporting member (40).
US08418986B2 Movable supporting construction
A movable supporting construction for placing on a floor, comprising a lower part and an upper part cooperating with said lower part, wherein the lower part is designed to rest on the floor and to assume a position that is determined by the condition of the floor, and the upper part has a first and a second position, wherein in the first position, the upper part is suspended freely above the lower part and in the second position, the upper part rests on the lower part maintaining a predetermined invariant position, wherein in the second position, the lower part and the upper part are in line contact, thereby determining a contact line that forms at least a portion of a closed line.
US08418984B2 Slider clip and photovoltaic structure mounting system
Described herein is a mounting system and slider clips that support simplified installation of photovoltaic structures. The mounting system comprises a support structure which can be mounted to support columns via an optional tilt table. The support structure comprises a plurality of parallel spaced beams and a plurality of parallel spaced rails that are mounted approximately perpendicular to the beams. Disclosed embodiments describe a collapsible support structure in which the rails are pivotally mounted to the beams. Rails are preassembled with prefabricated slider clips for holding edge portions of the photovoltaic structures. Rails can also be integrally formed with slider clips. Described herein are also methods of installing one or more photovoltaic structures using the mounting system and methods for manufacturing slider clips and a photovoltaic structure mounting system.
US08418982B1 Self supporting table base
A self supporting structure which may be used to support a platform such as a table top utilizes a plurality of elongated members and a ring. Each elongated member has one end resting on the floor on one point of a circumference, and the other end supporting the platform above the floor on a point substantially diametrically opposed. The elongated members cross each other proximate the center of the structure in a frictional and locking engagement maintained by the ring. That zone of convergence and the engagement of the elongated members between each other provide the only support for the structure which is self-supporting without extraneous means such as screw, glue or the like. The structure leave the floor below the edges and corners of the table top it supports free from interference with the legs of people seated at the table.
US08418972B2 Attachment device
An attachment device includes: an attachment attachable to a rack; and a bracket attachable to a switch device and engageable with the attachment, and including a hold portion for holding a cable, wherein the attachment attached to the rack is engaged with the bracket attached to the switch device, whereby the switch device is supported by the rack.
US08418971B2 Utensil holding kit
A utensil holding kit includes a utensil tabletop holder having a body that includes an angled surface having and a concave portion into which a protrusion disc can be inserted, and a detachable protrusion disc configured to mate with the underside of a utensil in order to prevent the utensil endpoint from making contact with foreign objects and surfaces.
US08418961B2 Device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft
The invention relates to a device for supporting a door which is pivotably received in a fuselage airframe of an aircraft, with a counter bearing arranged in the region of a doorframe and a thrust bearing located opposite in the region of the door.According to the invention, the counter bearing has a planar counter bearing surface and the thrust bearing has a mounting in which a planar thrust bearing surface which can tilt about at least one spatial axis is received, the counter bearing surface lying against the thrust bearing surface at least in some regions when the door is closed.Because of the thrust bearing surface which can be tilted in at least one spatial direction, the counter bearing always lies against the thrust bearing over the entire surface areas thereof, irrespective of any manufacturing tolerance deviations between the doorframe and the door or the bearing on the fuselage airframe, in such a way that optimal force transfer is ensured.The device according to the invention is provided in particular for use in fuselage airframe with doors received therein which are primarily produced from composite materials, in particular with carbon-fiber-reinforced (CFRP) or glass-fiber-reinforced plastics materials.
US08418960B2 Platform
A rib bay platform for use in an aircraft rib bay, is adjustable in length (for example it comprises two telescopically mounted sections. The platform comprises a first end configured for mounting on a stringer of the rib bay (for example by an interference fit), and a second end configured for mounting on another stringer of the rib bay (for example on feet mounted on ball-and-socket joints). A method of operating in an aircraft rib bay comprises the steps of providing a rib bay platform of adjustable length; adjusting the length of the platform; mounting the platform between the two stringers; whereby a person may then operate inside the aircraft rib bay while being supported on the platform.
US08418959B2 Unmanned aerial vehicle having spherical loading portion and unmanned ground vehicle therefor
An unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with a spherical locking portion for landing on an unmanned ground vehicle is disclosed. The spherical locking portion can be the body of the unmanned aerial vehicle. Further, an unmanned ground vehicle for landing of an unmanned aerial vehicle, comprising a landing portion configured to have some of a spherical locking portion of the unmanned aerial vehicle inserted therein is disclosed.
US08418955B2 Control system for a hydraulically actuatable horizontal stabilizer and test method for testing the integrity of a control system
An actuation system includes: two hydraulic actuators, each being coupled to a load-bearing structural component and to an elevator, and displaceable relative to the load-bearing structural component for the operation of the elevator; a first control valve device to control the first actuator; a second control valve device to control the second actuator; a control and monitoring unit that determines and transmits appropriate command signals to the control valve devices to execute appropriate control movements for the operation of the actuators; a locking device coupled to the first actuator to secure the first actuator a locked state, which is hydraulically connected with the first hydraulic system and the second hydraulic system via an hydraulic OR-circuit, where in normal operation the locking mechanism is in its unlocked state, and in the event of a failure of both hydraulic systems the locking mechanism secures the first actuator.
US08418954B2 Spoiler deployment mechanism
An aircraft wing assembly comprising: a wing; a spoiler pivotally attached to the wing; and a spoiler deployment mechanism. The deployment mechanism comprises a scissor linkage mechanism comprising an upper link pivotally attached to the spoiler at an upper pivot, and a lower link pivotally attached to the wing at a lower pivot and to the upper link at a central pivot. An actuator is pivotally attached to the wing at a proximal pivot and to the scissor linkage mechanism at a distal pivot. The actuator is adjustable between expanded and contracted configurations so as to vary the distance between the proximal and distal pivots. This opens up the angle between the upper and lower links of the scissor linkage mechanism and pushes the spoiler up into the air-stream above the wing.
US08418950B2 Paper dispenser
A paper dispenser contains a receiving compartment for a dispenser roll, a transport path leading from above into the receiving compartment, a hold position for a spare roll being defined in the transport path by a blocking device, and a transfer device for the paper of the spare roll once the paper of the dispenser roll is used up. The width of the receiving compartment is smaller than the diameter of the spare roll, and a sensor element for the diameter of the spare roll releases the blocking device not before the diameter of the spare roll has been reduced to the width of the receiving compartment.
US08418938B2 Shower head having a larger flushing angle
A shower head includes a nozzle, a connector mounted on an open top of the nozzle, a fastening member secured on the open top of the nozzle and abutting the connector to limit the connector on the nozzle, and a bushing mounted in the connector. Thus, when the water flows through the shower head, the ambient air is introduced through the connector and the bushing to break the vacuum state in the shower head and to perturb the water flow in the shower head so as to produce a turbulent flow in the shower head so that the water flow injected from the nozzle is broken and divided into multiple straight water beams and multiple irregular water bubbles so as to increase the flushing angle and area of the shower head.
US08418936B2 Spray apparatus with releasable bottle
A sprayer and a releasable bottle are provided. The sprayer includes a main housing having a pump and a nozzle coupled in a material flow path. The housing further includes a bottle receptacle and a bottle adapter, which is fluidically coupled to the material flow path and has a lower, sealing surface and a lower fitting. An adapter spring applies a downward displacement force to the bottle adapter. The bottle is insertable into the bottle receptacle through an opening in the receptacle and has a top, which engages the lower sealing surface when inserted fully into the receptacle. The bottle includes a tube adapter that mates with the lower fitting and is coupled to a tube carried within the bottle. A latch retains the bottle in the receptacle in a latched state and releases the bottle from the receptacle in a released state.
US08418935B2 Rotary-sprinkling shower
Rotary-sprinkling shower comprises: a body which has a water inlet end and a water outlet end forming a waterway there-between; a front cover component rotatably disposed on the water outlet end of the body, equipped with water spray nozzles in communication with the waterway; a hydraulic driving unit disposed in the waterway, while connected with the front cover component by a rotating shaft; the hydraulic driving unit is driven by the water flow in the waterway to drive the front cover component to rotate. The invention drives the whole front cover to rotate by water flow, achieves the rotary sprinkling water; every water spray nozzle on the front cover rotates around the center of the whole front cover instead of its self-center, therefore, the rotation scope of the water flow is relatively larger.
US08418931B2 Heat exchanger with integral thermostats
A system for cooling an engine is described. The system includes a heat exchanger having a first heat exchange portion that removes heat energy from coolant fluid flowing therein, and a second heat exchange portion that removes heat energy from coolant fluid flowing therein; a first thermostat integral to the heat exchanger and fluidically and mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second heat exchange portions; and a second thermostat, integral to the heat exchanger and fluidically and mechanically coupled to at least one of the first and second heat exchange portions.
US08418929B2 Temperature controlling apparatus and temperature controlling method
The present invention relates to a temperature controlling apparatus and the temperature controlling method which can arrest foaming and inflation of the air contained in a liquid, and can perform temperature controlling of a liquid of high reliance, and the present invention is constructed to have one or a plurality of sets of nozzles which can suck and discharge a liquid through a tip, and can retain the sucked liquid, a suction and discharge mechanism which can suck and discharge a gas via the each nozzle, a temperature regulator which can maintain one or two or more set predetermined temperatures for a predetermined time regarding one or two or more predetermined temperature controlling regions set in the each nozzle, a movement mechanism which allows relative movement between one or two or more containers which can accommodate a liquid and a nozzle, and a controlling part which instructs the movement mechanism, the suction and discharge mechanism or the temperature regulator to adjust a liquid to be sucked into the nozzle and a liquid amount thereof, a position of the sucked liquid in the nozzle, and temperature controlling of the liquid.
US08418926B2 Smart card with E-paper display
A smart card suitable for receiving data and electric power from a far-end reader/writer wirelessly is provided. The smart card includes a main body, an e-paper, an e-paper driver, a RFID tag chip and a receiving unit. The e-paper is disposed at the main body. The e-paper driver is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper. The RFID tag chip is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper driver. The receiving unit is disposed at the main body and electrically connected to the e-paper driver and the RFID tag chip. The receiving unit receives the data and the electric power wirelessly for transferring the electric power to the e-paper driver and transferring the data to the e-paper driver through the RFID tag chip. The e-paper driver drives the e-paper to display information by the data and the electric power.
US08418920B2 Systems methods and computer program products for encoding and decoding transaction data
Tax data, e.g., Form W2 data, is encoded as a two-dimensional machine readable representation, such as a QR CODE. Certain tax data is encoded as segments of a QR CODE, and a tax form generated by an employer or payroll processing service and provided to an employee or user includes the QR CODE representing certain W-2 or other tax data. An image of the QR CODE is acquired using a camera of a mobile communication device or computer or other image capture device. When using a Smartphone, a tax preparation application executing on the Smartphone decodes the QR CODE image to determine the tax data, and populates fields of an electronic tax return with decoded data, thus allowing a consumer to prepare an electronic tax return using a mobile communication device.
US08418917B1 Banking machine controlled responsive to data read from data bearing records
A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.
US08418909B2 Surgical instrument and method for performing a resection
An end effector for use with a surgical instrument comprising an anvil shaft, a first anvil assembly disposed at a distal portion of the anvil shaft and a second anvil assembly mountable on the anvil shaft proximally of the first anvil assembly. Also, a method for performing a surgical procedure is provided including the steps of providing a surgical instrument including a first cartridge assembly and a first anvil assembly having an anvil shaft, approximating the first anvil assembly and first cartridge assembly and ejecting staples from the first cartridge assembly. The method further includes removing the first cartridge assembly from the tubular organ, and inserting a second anvil assembly into the tubular organ to engage the anvil shaft of the first anvil assembly and ejecting staples from a second cartridge assembly towards the second anvil assembly.
US08418907B2 Surgical stapler having cartridge with adjustable cam mechanism
A surgical fastener applying apparatus comprising a cartridge section having a cartridge containing a plurality of fasteners and an anvil section having an anvil for receiving the fasteners when advanced from the cartridge. The cartridge and anvil sections clamp tissue therebetween. A cam member is slidable within the cartridge section to fire the fasteners, and is movable from a first position defining a first distance from the anvil to a second position defining a second different distance from the anvil. A cam adjusting member is operably associated with the cam member and moves the cam member from the first position to the second position in response to a thickness of tissue clamped between the anvil and cartridge sections.
US08418899B1 Fishing pole holder harness
A fishing pole holder harness including an adjustable waist strap, adjustable shoulder straps, an adjustable front chest strap and first rear strap attached to the shoulder straps. The waist and shoulder straps and the front and first rear straps are formed of high-strength 2-inch and 1-inch webbing, respectively. Each of the waist and front chest straps has a centrally disposed buckle. Attachment means for fishing accessories include grommets disposed on the waist strap; a second attachment body, which is a buckle female portion, disposed on each of the shoulder straps above the front chest strap; and a D-ring attached to a securement strap having an opposite buckle male portion removably attached to a lower end of each second attachment body. At least one hollow cylindrical holder tube is attached to the shoulder straps rearward side. A tackle box is alternately removably attached to the second attachment body.
US08418891B1 Powered dispenser with interchangeable cartridges
An electric or battery powered dispenser comprising a multi-mode motor control system comprising a plurality of different user selected dispensing control modes for dispensing a wide variety of semi-soft materials. The powered dispenser is held in one hand and dispenses the material in accordance with a user selected one of the plurality of different user selected dispensing control modes. The powered dispenser features a quick-change cartridge system, which allows the user to quickly and easily change cartridges, which can be refilled or pre-filled with the material of the user's choice, without having to clean out the barrel. The dispenser can be used in many applications such as cake decorating, craft applications, woodworking, and construction.
US08418890B2 Portion control dispensers
A dispenser for dispensing portions of flowable materials has a piston that is advanced along a dispensing chamber by rotation of a spindle that passes through the piston. A stop may limit travel of the piston to control the volume of flowable material dispensed. The stop may be adjustable. In an example hand-held dispenser the spindle is rotated by a rack and pinion mechanism that can be operated with one hand. The dispenser may be used, for example, for dispensing portions of condiments, sauces or the like.
US08418886B2 Liquid spouting nozzle, packaging bag using the nozzle, box for packaging bag and packaging structure
It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other.
US08418885B2 Liquid spouting nozzle, packaging bag using the nozzle, box for packaging bag, and packaging structure
It is to provide a cheap liquid pouring nozzle having a one-way function for automatically closing an opening port at the same time of stopping the pouring of a packing material to surely prevent the penetration of air into a package bag, in which the detaching of a cap to the pouring nozzle is useless and the production is easy and the fusion-joining to a package bag main body is simple and sure, as well as a package bag using the same and a box for a package bag and a packaging structure. Such a nozzle is a liquid pouring nozzle constituted by fusion-joining its base end portion to an inner surface of a soft package bag main body at a side portion of the package bag main body through a sealant layer as an outermost layer, in which front and rear laminate films comprising a uniaxially oriented or biaxially oriented base film layer and sealant layers sandwiching it are fused to each other at a surrounding portion other than the base end at a posture of opposing one sealant layers to each other.
US08418879B2 Pop-up bath tissue product
Various pop-up bath tissue dispensing devices are described. In one embodiment, the bath tissue dispenser is configured to dispense bath tissues one at a time. In order to educate a child during toilet training on how much tissue to use, the tissue sheets contained within the dispenser have a size sufficient such that only one sheet is necessary for wiping. The dispenser can include an attachment device for attaching the dispenser to a spindle while still permitting the spindle to hold a conventional roll of bath tissue. In various embodiments, the tissue sheets or the dispenser may include designs or other indicia to either encourage a child during toilet training or to help educate the child during toilet training.
US08418875B2 Coherent product including partially separated plastic opposing wall-section components
A wall section of a coherent product, such as a container, includes at least two opposing plastic components. At least a first one of the opposing plastic components is injection molded and includes a wall of non-uniform thickness that defines some ribs and a web located between two of the ribs in a portion of the wall where the wall is less thick than in the ribs. At a cross section of the first plastic component, over the height of the ribs the predominant thickness across each of the two ribs is significantly thicker than the thickness of the web. At least the crest of a portion of the ribs of one of the plastic components directly or indirectly contacts another plastic component, and at least a portion of the web of the one plastic component is apart from the web of the other plastic component.
US08418872B2 Sterilization container with releasable and permanent lock
A container for sterilizing and storing surgical materials and preserving surgical materials in a sterilized condition is provided. The container can include a lid and tray that may be used to contain an instrument basket for sterilization. The container has a lock that releasably holds the lid and tray together and that can rotate into a second position, after it is released, and non-releasably lock into the second position.
US08418862B2 Semi-permanent vehicle coupler for light rail
The present invention relates to a semi-permanent vehicle coupler for a light rail, which comprises a buffer end and a buffer-free end. The buffer end comprises a buffer, a joint bearing connected with the buffer and a mounting seat, wherein the joint bearing is connected with the mounting seat through a coupler yoke key; the buffer-free end comprises a left pull ring, a joint bearing connected with the left pull ring and a mounting seat, wherein the joint bearing is connected with the mounting seat through a coupler yoke key; the buffer is a double-acting buffer and comprises a shell, a left end cover, a right pull ring, elastic bodies, a central shaft and a middle partition plate, wherein the central shaft passes through the centers of the left end cover and the right pull ring and is glidingly contacted with the left end cover and the right pull ring, one end of the central shaft extends out of the left end cover, the middle partition plate is fixedly arranged on the central shaft and divides the inner part of the shell into two elastic body accommodating cavities, and the elastic bodies are positioned in the two elastic body accommodating cavities; and the other end of the left pull ring is provided with a lug boss, one end of the central shaft extending out of the left end cover is also provided with a lug boss, and the two lug bosses are connected through a connecting ring.
US08418861B1 Television wall-mount with integrated shelving
The television wall-mount with integrated shelving is an accessory that either mounts to a rear surface of a television or a wall-mount television to a television. The shelving accessory descends from below said television to provide at least one shelf for showcasing items used in playing audio-video upon said television. The shelving accessory is capable of lateral as well as vertical adjustment with respect to the television. The shelving accessory can also rotate about a vertical axis and in concert with the television and wall-mount in order to provide greater viewing angle of said television.
US08418858B2 Merchandise hanger and method of use
A merchandise hanger includes a base section, a living hinge, and a hooked section. The base section defines a front surface and a rear surface opposite the front surface and includes features configured to facilitate coupling the base section to the product assembly. The living hinge extends from the base section. The hooked section extends from the living hinge. The base section includes one of at least one male coupling structure and at least one female coupling structure. The hooked section includes the other of the at least one male coupling structure and the at least one female coupling structure. The merchandise hanger folds about the living hinge in a manner mating the at least one male coupling structure and the at least one female coupling structure to maintain the merchandise hanger in a folded position. Other hangers, products, assemblies and associated methods are also disclosed.
US08418857B2 Device and method for storing and dispensing banknotes
An automatic device for storing and dispensing banknotes of a preset number of denominations including an inlet for the banknotes, recognition device for recognizing the denomination of the incoming banknotes, a plurality of LIFO roller magazines for storing the banknotes, an outlet for the banknotes, conveyors for conveying the banknotes between the inlet, the magazines and the outlet. A controller suitable for controlling the conveyors for transferring the banknotes from the inlet to the magazines during the depositing step and transferring the banknotes from the magazines to the outlet during the dispensing step. The magazines are smaller in number than a preset number of banknote denominations. The controller includes storage devices for storing the sequence of denominations stored in each magazine and a processor for controlling the conveyors to transfer the banknotes from one magazine to the other in function of the stored sequences and a dispensing request entered in the device, to enable the banknotes to be dispensed from the magazines to the outlet according to the request.
US08418852B2 Compartmentalized protective case for portable handheld electronic devices
A compartmentalized protective case houses a portable electronic device and personal care items that are organized and held securely therewithin. The compartmentalized protective case has a major compartment for receiving and housing an electronic device such as a smart phone, cellular phone, music player, or other digital media device. At least one cell compartment constructed within the case receives and houses personal care items removably integrated therein. Personal care items can include at least one interchangeable replacement cell containing beauty items, cosmetics, hygienic items, oral care products such as floss or breath strips, medications, vitamins, breathe fresheners and/or health care products. A second cell compartment is preferably provided as a removable pouch or may contain a restraining system for holding identification cards, currency, visa or bank cards, and/or keys.
US08418840B2 Conveyor for the transport of bulk materials
A conveyor for the transport of bulk materials contains three pairs of supporting cables located vertically one above another. A conveyor belt is movable along the supporting cables and at its ends guided over return drums. Fastened to the conveyor belt are supporting beams having ends mounting rollers, which roll along the middle and lower supporting cables. Supporting frames are located at a distance apart in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor and by which the supporting cables are mutually connected. The supporting frames are formed by two vertically aligned supporting struts and two horizontally aligned connecting struts and, the upper ends of the supporting struts are connected to one of the upper supporting cables. The connecting struts are connected by clamping devices located thereon to the middle and to the lower supporting cables. The clamping devices located on the connecting struts form an acute angle with the connecting struts.
US08418828B2 Unpowered pedal assist device and vehicular clutch assembly including the same
Embodiments of an unpowered pedal assist device are provided for use in conjunction with a vehicular control pedal movable between a non-depressed position and a depressed position. In one embodiment, the unpowered pedal assist device includes a multi-bar linkage and at least one resilient element coupled to the multi-bar linkage. The multi-bar linkage is configured to be coupled to the vehicular control pedal and, when so coupled to move from a start position to a finish position as the vehicular control pedal moves from the non-depressed position to the depressed position. The at least one resilient element is configured to bias the multi-bar linkage: (i) toward the start position over an initial range of travel of the vehicular control pedal, and (ii) toward the finish position over a primary range of travel of the vehicular control pedal.
US08418819B2 Movement damping apparatus
A movement damping apparatus has a flow path through which a magnetorheological fluid is pressed. A device that generates a variable magnetic field has a core around which a coil is wound as well as pole surfaces in the flow path. The magnetic field acts on the magnetorheological fluid by way of the pole surfaces. The coil is arranged within the flow path along with the core, the axis of the coil extending perpendicular to the direction of flow of the magnetorheological fluid. The flow path has a jacket made of a magnetically conducting material.
US08418811B2 Fiberglass reinforced plastic products having increased weatherability, system and method
Climbing products containing rails decorated using veil products colored, patterned, painted or in combination with marking methods such as company names and logos and resin formulation designed to withstand exposure to UV radiation with minimal change in appearance which create specific appearances for applications, enhance weathering performance, and facilitate processing efficiency. A combination of a filler free resin and coated veil systems to create a synergistic weather resistance surface with self contained color, pattern, picture, logo or combination of said same for climbing products. A system for producing components. Various methods, system, a ladder rail.
US08418809B2 Hunting ladder anchor
A device for anchoring a ladder to the ground and a method for setting up a ladder against a standing object is disclosed. The device comprises of two anchoring members, each having a brace member configured for containing and securing one of the ladder legs, adapted for engaging with the ground and adapted for pivoting from a front side to a back side of the anchoring members. In another embodiment, each of the brace members is configured for containing the bottom rung of a ladder for situations where the legs cannot be secured by the brace member. The method for setting up a ladder against a standing object such as a tree comprises of bracing the legs or the bottom rung by the brace members and anchoring the device to the ground while the ladder is laying flat on the ground, then raising the ladder toward the standing object.
US08418808B2 Climbing aid
The present invention is directed to a non-destructive, ergonomic climbing aid for use in climbing a columnar structure. The climbing aid comprises a body portion and a tensioning member for affixing the body to the columnar structure. The body comprises a contact surface, a support surface and a projecting portion joining between the contact surface and the support surface. In use, the contact surface has a substantially vertical axis and contacts the columnar structure. In use, the support surface supports a foot or hand and the projecting portion is cantilevered so that the support surface has no direct contact with the columnar structure. The support surface has a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the substantially vertical axis of the contact surface.
US08418807B1 Noise abatement wall and a noise abatement wall system
A noise abatement wall includes a frame defining a window, at least one shell, at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and a sheet of screen material. The at least one shell has a base panel portion and a peripheral panel portion integrally formed with and extending perpendicularly from the base panel portion to surround the base panel portion thereby forming a shell cavity. The at least one shell is sized and configured to be received by the window in a close-fitting relationship therewith and is connected to the frame. The at least one sheet of sound-insulating material is disposed in and occupies the shell cavity. The sheet of screen material covers the at least one sheet of sound-insulating material and is connected to the frame. A plurality of noise abatement walls are connected together to form a noise abatement wall system for abating noise generated from stationary noise-generating equipment.
US08418799B2 Cooling system for a thermoelectric power generator
A cooling system is provided for a thermoelectric power generator and that is arranged in an exhaust gas line of an internal combustion engine for generating electric power while utilizing thermal energy of the exhaust gas. The thermoelectric power generator has its own coolant circuit, which also serves to raise the temperature of the components of the internal combustion engine, the chassis, and/or the transmission or serves to heat the passenger compartment. This offers the added utility gained from a faster temperature rise of transmission lubricants and lubricants of the internal combustion engine, as well as from heating the passenger compartment and the rear axle differential and, thus, offers a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions (CO2).
US08418796B2 Breathalyzer masking device
A breathalyzer masking device for concealment of vehicle installed breathalyzer devices.
US08418795B2 Saddle-ride electric vehicle
In a saddle-ride electric vehicle equipped with an electric motor generating power for rotatively driving a rear wheel, a main battery supplying electric power to the electric motor is disposed in a first space S1 that is surrounded by a down frame connected to a head pipe or a front end portion of a main frame and extending downward, a pivot frame connected to the rear end portion of the main frame and extending downward, and the main frame, and a sub-battery that can supply electric power to the electric motor instead of the main battery is disposed in a second space S2 surrounded by seat rails connected to the rear portion of the main frame to support an occupant seat and the main frame. The electric motor is disposed at a position different from the first and second spaces S1 and S2.
US08418794B2 Straddle-type vehicle
A straddle-type vehicle includes a canister that is arranged to be warmed up during an operation of an engine and is arranged to be cooled down during a stop of the engine. In the straddle-type vehicle, a fuel tank is arranged over an engine, at least a portion of a carburetor that constitutes a throttle body is arranged below the fuel tank and behind a cylinder and a cylinder head, and at least a portion of a canister is arranged between the fuel tank and the cylinder head.
US08418791B2 Air-intake structure of an engine
A vehicle includes a duct structure configured to take in air from outside; an air cleaner including an air filter configured to clean the air guided to the air cleaner through the duct structure; a throttle device including a throttle valve for controlling a flow rate of the air guided to the throttle device through the air cleaner; and an engine including an intake port configured to suction the air guided to the engine through the throttle device; the duct structure including: a main inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside by utilizing a ram pressure; a main passage extending from the main inlet to the air filter; a sub-inlet configured to take in air therethrough from outside; and a joint section located upstream of the air filter, the air flowing from the sub-inlet being joined to the air in the main passage, at the joint section.
US08418788B2 Mobile body mounted with fuel cell
A vehicle 1000 is equipped with a fuel cell system 100 and a secondary battery as power sources. A water level of water present on a water-covered road surface is measured by a water level sensor 72. When the measured water level reaches or exceeds a preset threshold value, drive control of the vehicle 1000 stops power generation by a fuel cell stack 10, closes a discharge valve 62, and enables the vehicle 1000 to be driven with output power of a motor that is actuated with electric power from the secondary battery. This arrangement effectively prevents a damage or failure of the fuel cells mounted on the vehicle moving on the water-covered road.
US08418786B2 Selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair
A selectively powered ambulatory stretcher chair has a bifurcated articulating base of free-wheeling casters at each of the corners thereof, with motor driven wheels on a transaxle interposed therebetween. Articulation of the bifurcated base causes deployment and retraction of the drive wheels to allow use of the stretcher chair in both a manual and power-driven mode, while ensuring stability in both. A u-shaped positionable bar is pivotally connected to a back of the stretcher chair and maintains a control box within a tight range of positions as the chair of the stretcher chair assembly translates between upright and horizontal positions. The back of the stretcher chair is of a radiolucent material, accommodating medical procedures in the stretcher chair in a broad range of positions.
US08418783B2 Boom arrangement for a rock drill and rock drill rig
A boom arrangement (7) for a rock drill rig (5) including a feed beam unit (8) for displaceable reception of at least one rock drilling machine (10, 10′), a support unit (13) for connection to and support of a rotator unit (12), a boom unit (11) between the rotator unit (12) and the feed beam unit (8) for displacement of the feed beam unit in planes essentially at right angle to a main plane (P) for the support unit (13), wherein the rotator unit (12) is arranged for rotating the feed beam unit (8) around an axis (A), which is essentially-perpendicular to said main plane (P), wherein the support unit (13) is connectable to a vehicle unit being part of the rock drill rig (5), and being arranged for displacing the rock drill rig. The support unit (13) has joint connecting elements (14) being sidewardly connectable for connection to a sidewardly directed carrier device (15, 17) which is attachable to the vehicle unit, and a lower abutment side (16) for lying supporting against an outer substrate. The invention also concerns a rock drill rig.
US08418780B2 Power tool
A power tool having a cooling system, comprises: a motor housing 11 having a main chamber 14 accommodating a tool motor 12; a handle 15 for holding the power tool and having a cooling passage 16 for the transfer of cooling fluid, at least one inlet 18 leading to the cooling passage and at least one outlet 13 leading away from the cooling passage 18 , and a power tool component 21 which generates heat disposed in thermal contact with the cooling passage 16 between the inlet 18 and the outlet 13.
US08418774B2 Fire extinguishing system for a casing
A fire extinguishing system for a casing, preferably an electronics casing, consisting of an extinguishing agent container, in which the extinguishing agent is stored, and a control device for the flow of extinguishing agent is provided, wherein a preferably cuboid extinguishing agent container (2) forms together with the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) required for storing and monitoring the loss of extinguishing agent, for controlling the flow of extinguishing agent from the container and for connecting a discharge device for the extinguishing agent, a complex structural component (24, 28), and wherein the devices (5, 7, 8, 29, 31, 32) are fastened at or integrated in the extinguishing agent container (2) in such a manner that this may be transported, installed or arranged in the casing (18) as a compact structural component (FIG. 2).The invention has the advantage that all devices required for the extinguishing of fire, like extinguishing agent container, power supply unit, evaluation electronics, are able to be inserted with low space requirement in a quick and reliable manner into a casing according to the sense of the present document.
US08418765B2 Combined piloting method of remote operated underwater vehicles, device for its implementation and system using the same
A combined piloting method of remote operated underwater vehicles includes: connecting, to a vertical profile, a constraint device including at least two arms arranged at a reciprocal fixed angular position, each of the at least two docking arms including at a first end a device for the hooking of a remote operated underwater vehicle, the at least two docking arms being constrained at one of their second ends to a device for the sliding and rotating hooking to the vertical profile; connecting at least two remote operated vehicles to the constraint device; detecting the position of the overall structure consisting of the constraint device and remote operated vehicles; detecting the orientation of each of the remote operated vehicles; receiving data relating to the position and orientation to be reached; determining the power required by each remote operated vehicle; and transmitting related commands to each vehicle.
US08418758B2 Jarring tool with micro adjustment
A jarring tool is disclosed. The tool has a segment of sub housing containing an upper stop proximate a first end thereof. An outer latch piece is connected to an upper end of the lower shaft inside the sub housing, and an upper shaft passes through the stop and connects on a first end thereof to an inner latch piece. A cap is on a second end of the upper shaft retaining a washer stack against the upper stop. A retainer is inside the sub housing and has an first piece providing a restraining region and an open region and a second piece attached to the sub housing. The retainer retains the inner and outer latch pieces in a latched position in the restraining region until the latch pieces are displaced toward the second end of the sub housing through the retainer to the open region as a result of a tensile force on the outer latch piece.
US08418757B2 Corrosion management systems for vertically oriented structures
Corrosion management systems protecting against or managing corrosion of various components in generally vertically oriented structures, that can he located one or more of aboveground and underground. The corrosion management system includes a dispenser system that dispenses at least one corrosion inhibitor to the structure desired to be protected at a plurality of different vertical heights.
US08418753B2 Heat exchange tube
A heat exchange tube is constructed by forming, on a cylindrical tube peripheral wall, a plurality of projecting portions which project to an inside of the tube peripheral wall, and which are formed by pushing. The plurality of projecting portions are formed, respectively, into conical shapes across a tube axis, and are arranged along virtual spirals on the tube peripheral wall. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a heat exchange tube which facilitates formation of a plurality of projecting portions with the thickness hardly changed and without formation of protruded portions, and which is capable of contributing to enhancement of heat exchanging efficiency.
US08418745B2 Pour ladle for molten metal
A method of forming a casting using a casting apparatus is disclosed, the method including the steps of lowering a ladle having a hollow interior into a source of molten material and an aperture facilitating flow into the hollow interior, filling the interior of the ladle with the molten material through the aperture, introducing an inert gas into a portion of a nozzle, removing the ladle from the source of molten material, causing the nozzle to contact a casting mold, and pressurizing the hollow interior with an inert gas to cause the molten material to flow into the casting mold.
US08418738B2 Additional sidewall armature for a heavy goods vehicle tire
A tire 10 comprises a radial carcass reinforcement 2 surmounted radially on the outside by a crown reinforcement 31, the carcass reinforcement 2 being formed of a plurality of metal reinforcing elements 21. The tire also includes two sidewalls 1, at least one of the sidewalls comprising an additional reinforcing reinforcement 5 wherein the additional reinforcement 5 comprises, in the circumferential direction, on the tire a plurality of first parts 51 and of second parts 52 that have rupture strengths, that is to say, forces that rupture per unit width of reinforcement, that are such that the rupture strength of the second parts 52 is lower than the rupture strength of the first parts. The first parts 51 and the second parts are arranged such that they alternate in the circumferential direction.
US08418735B2 Vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel includes a disk and a rim having a well portion and fixed to the disk for supporting a tire, and an additional air chamber member secured to an outer circumferential surface of the well portion in a tire air chamber defined between the rim and the tire. The additional air chamber member includes an additional air chamber and a communication pipe with a communication through hole therein for communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber, and the communication pipe protrudes from the peak in a direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the wheel. The additional air chamber has a peak in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel. A radius of rotation of the wheel at the tip of the communication through hole is ≧ a radius of rotation of the wheel at the peak of the additional air chamber.
US08418725B2 Fluidic oscillators for use with a subterranean well
A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.
US08418724B2 Solenoid valve
In a solenoid valve, multiple flow-blocking portions are formed in a passage between a supply port (23) and an output port (24) and a passage between the output port (24) and a drain port (25). The flow-blocking portions, having an overlap length that corresponds to the movement amount of a spool (30), are formed by the outer peripheral faces of lands (32, 33) and the inner peripheral face of a spool case (10).
US08418723B2 Electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve
An electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve capable of performing precise flow rate control in a low flow rate side of an operating region is provided. In an electromagnetic proportional flow rate control valve 32, in which a valve member 2 is driven in a valve closing direction in accordance with the increase in a driving current I of a solenoid coil 15, a solenoid driving force F is set such that it decreases accompanying the displacement of the valve member 2 in the valve closing direction with respect to an identical driving current in the solenoid coil 15. Thus, an amount of change in an area of a valve opening with respect to unit changes in the driving current I becomes smaller in a region at which the stroke is small compared to a case of having flat characteristics, whereby the flow rate control precision in the low flow rate region can be improved.
US08418720B2 Water diverting device
A water diverting device comprises an inlet, two outlets, an upper and a lower sealing seats respectively for the outlets. The device further comprises a water diverting switch that fits with the sealing seats and used to switch over the outlets. The switch includes a sliding shaft and fixed base with a sliding through hole. The switch is provided with a retaining hook for holding the sliding shaft up and down direction. On the surface of the sliding shaft, there are the first and second stop positions for the hook part of the hook, first and second unidirectional slide channels. The switch has a spring pushing the shaft from its head towards its tail. The head of the shaft connects with a valve core, and positions of the sealing seats correspond with travel of the valve core. The water discharge direction is changed over by a diverting switch.
US08418717B2 Exhaust plenum flow splitter
An apparatus is provided and includes a plenum into which a fluid is exhausted, the plenum including a wall toward which the exhausted fluid is directed, the wall including first sections, second sections interposed between the first sections and a flow splitter interposed between the second sections, and a plane of the second sections being recessed from a plane of the first sections and the flow splitter protruding from the plane of the second sections.
US08418708B2 Canopy apparatus for a vehicle-mounted weapon system
A canopy apparatus includes a first and a second track assembly, a first and a second slide member, a frame apparatus, and a canopy assembly. The first and the second track assembly are configured for connection to the vehicle, the first track assembly defines a longitudinal axis. The first slide member slideably engages the first track assembly and is configured to move relative to the first track assembly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second slide member slideably engages the second track assembly and is configured to move relative to the second track assembly in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The frame apparatus includes a bail member having a first end portion configured for pivotal connection to the first slide member and a second end portion configured for pivotal connection to the second slide member. The canopy assembly is configured for connection to the frame apparatus. The frame apparatus is configured for movement in the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis about the first and the second track assemblies.
US08418707B2 Fixing device of sports stick with variable length
The present invention relates to a sports stick with a variable length including an upper tube to which a hand grip is connected, a lower tube adapted to be inserted into and withdrawn from the upper tube, and fixing means adapted to securely fix the lower tube to the upper tube, wherein the fixing means includes: a rod body disposed inside the lower tube at one side periphery thereof in such a manner as to be mounted inside the upper tube at the other side periphery thereof by the sequential formation of a screw thread portion and a flat portion along the outer periphery thereof; a tapered member adapted to be fixed to the flat portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body and having a tapered surface formed along the outer periphery thereof; and a pressurizing member mounted at the screw thread portion formed along the outer periphery of the rod body in such a manner as to encompass the tapered member.
US08418706B2 Ergonomic crutch
A method for upgrading a crutch, comprising the steps of providing a crutch having a leg, a first saddle, a first handle and a first foot; providing a second saddle different from the first saddle; removing the first saddle from the leg; and attaching the second saddle to the leg, wherein the first saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about two planes and wherein the second saddle has an upper surface that is symmetric about only one plane, and certain crutches to use therewith.
US08418704B1 Power adjustable crutch assembly
A power adjustable crutch assembly is provided for assisting a user in transitioning between a seated position and a standing position. The assembly includes a support configured for positioning under an arm of a user. An upper frame is coupled to and extends downwardly from the support. A lower frame is slidably coupled to the upper frame. An adjustment assembly is operationally coupled to the lower frame and the upper frame. The upper frame is adjustable to extend a selectable length from the lower frame. A foot configured for frictionally engaging a ground surface is coupled to a bottom of the lower frame.
US08418703B2 Device for fitting an object in a dishwasher
A device for fitting an object in a dishwasher is provided. The device can be easily integrated as complementary equipment in a large number of the dishwasher racks and provides the user with the possibility of rapidly filling objects and even fitting objects which are non cylindrical in shape. The fixing device comprises a first section designed to be coupled with the rack of a dishwasher, and a second section that extends substantially vertically forming a curve, the first section being designed to be non rotating and to be coupled with a vertical element of the dishwasher rack.
US08418691B2 Leak-compensated pressure regulated volume control ventilation
This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas to a patient from a medical ventilator in a pressure regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation mode. The technology described herein includes systems and methods that compensate the delivery of PRVC ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as respiratory mechanics (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system.
US08418689B1 Exhaust air transfer device for open system underwater diving
Apparatus for use during open system diving to support underwater human respiration. In accordance with various embodiments, an air supply provides a supply of air along a supply conduit. A regulator is adapted for engagement with a diver's mouth to receive air from the supply during an inhale cycle and to direct a mixture of water and exhaust air away from the diver along an exhaust conduit during an exhale cycle. An air/water separator separates the exhaust air from the water in said mixture and directs the separated exhaust air through an exhaust air port. In some embodiments, a one-way stop valve is provided within the air/water separator to prevent back flow. In further embodiments, a bubble diffuser emits the exhaust air as a fine mist of bubbles into the surrounding water.
US08418688B2 Assembly and method for mounting solar panels to structural surfaces
An assembly for mounting solar panels to structural surfaces includes a frame member adapted to receive and retain a first end portion of a solar panel, and a mounting foot adapted for attachment to the structural surface, wherein the frame member and the mounting foot are adapted for interlocking engagement with each other to mount an end of a solar panel on the structural surface.
US08418669B2 Internal combustion engine
In an internal combustion engine having a pair of balancer shafts (53, 54), an engine torque is transmitted from a crank gear (28) to an oil pump gear (74) on a drive shaft (73) of an oil pump (71) via a first idler gear (84) and the first balancer shaft gear (64). The engine torque is also transmitted to a fuel pump (72) from the crank gear to a fuel pump gear (78) via the first idler gear and a second idler gear (86), and to the second balancer shaft gear (67) via the first idler gear and second idler gear. Alternatively, the engine torque may be transmitted to the fuel pump from the crank gear to the fuel pump gear via the first idler gear, second balancer shaft gear and second idler gear. As the oil pump gear is actuated by the crank gear via the first idler gear, the oil pump gear is not subjected to the loading caused by the balancer shaft, and hence can be made of a compact and light-weight gear. Furthermore, this allows the various gears to be arranged in an efficient (in terms of the overall weight for the given mechanical strength requirements) and compact manner.
US08418666B2 Multipiece camshaft assembly
A camshaft assembly may include a monolithic camshaft body, a journal member and a thrust ring. The monolithic camshaft body may define lobes and journal regions along an axial extent thereof. The journal member may be separate from and fixed to an axial end of the camshaft body adjacent an end lobe of the camshaft body. The thrust ring may be axially secured to the camshaft assembly at the axial end of the camshaft body.
US08418664B2 Variable valve timing control apparatus
A variable valve timing control apparatus includes a driving rotor, a driven rotor coaxially arranged with the driving rotor, a fluid pressure chamber defined between the driving rotor and the driven rotor, a partition portion arranged at one of the driving rotor and the driven rotor and dividing the fluid pressure chamber into advanced and retarded angle chambers, a first fluid control mechanism controlling supply and discharge of a hydraulic fluid to and from the fluid pressure chamber, a first phase restriction portion restricting and releasing a relative rotational phase between the driving rotor and the driven rotor within and from a first restriction range, a second phase restriction portion restricting and releasing the relative rotational phase within and from a second restriction range, and a second fluid control mechanism controlling the supply and discharge of the hydraulic fluid to and from the first and second phase restriction portions individually.
US08418656B2 Sound-making pet toy
A sound-making pet toy includes a shell having an opening and an inner space accessible through the opening and a sound-making body having a reduced state and an expanded state larger than the reduced state. When the sound-making body is disposed in the opening, it has the reduced state and when it is disposed in the inner space, it has the expanded state. The sound-making body has a resilient air-holding body and a sound making device that is responsive to air from the air holding body passing through the sound-making body. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it is lodged against the inner surface of the shell. When the sound-making body is in the expanded state, it expels air from the resilient air holding body when a force impacts the shell. In the expanded state, it is larger than the opening.
US08418654B2 Direct application brush having flow regulator assembly
A brush assembly simultaneously separately controllably releases a fluid and liquid solution directly onto a surface, such as a coat of an animal during grooming, or onto an inanimate surface such as an exterior surface of a land vehicle. The brush assembly includes a molded brush having a plurality of apertures for fluid delivery, preferably water, as well as a secondary aperture for delivery of a liquid solution, such as soap, shampoo, or other treatments. At least one base plate with grooming implementations, such as bristles or a sponge may be interchangeably attached to the brush base. An ergonomical handle is provided having a palm conforming top and finger indentation sides constructed to form an internal cavity. The ergonomical handle is ambidextrous in nature for interchangeable left and right handedness. A center cylinder is located within the ergonomical handle and includes a bladder which aligns with the mid portion of the brush base for fluid delivery from a flow regulator. A secondary cylinder is located within the internal cavity of the ergonomical handle and includes a secondary bladder which aligns with the secondary aperture of the brush base for liquid solution delivery in response to pressing a release button. A closure member is provided that can be moved to an open or closed configuration to release or prevent, respectively, dispensing of the liquid solution. The fluid and liquid solution are separately but contemporaneously delivered directly to the surface during grooming.
US08418652B1 Animal litter and associated methods
An animal litter composition includes bentonite clay, montmorillonite clay, and pieces of pine wood. In a particular embodiment, the animal litter composition has the following proportions of components by weight: bentonite clay, 40-70%; montmorillonite clay, 20-50%; and pine wood, 5-20%. In another embodiment, an animal litter composition has the following approximate proportions of components by weight: bentonite clay, 40-70%; montmorillonite clay, 20-50%; pine wood, 1-5%; and cedar wood, 2-8%. The clay mixture is believed to provide superior clumping characteristics over animal litters known in the art, and the pine wood, having a hollow capillary vessel structure, serves as a “biofilter,” effectively trapping moisture and odor.
US08418648B2 Method and device for production of a layer of nanoparticles or a layer of nanofibres from solutions or melts of polymers
Method for production of deposit or layer of nanoparticles or a layer of nanofibers from solutions or melts of polymers in electrostatic field of a high intensity, during which the produced nanoparticles or the produced nanofibers deposit on a substrate material passing through the active chamber, in which is positioned the active electrode. The electrostatic field for production, transfer and depositing of nanoparticles or production, transfer and depositing of nanofibers is induced between the active electrode and the substrate material, on which in the direction of its movement in front of and/or opposite to the active electrode there is applied an electric charge of opposite polarity than that of the active electrode, while an electric charge applied on the substrate material is being partially or totally consumed through depositing of nanoparticles or nanofibers on the moving substrate material.
US08418641B2 Device and method for forming an anchor spread
The invention is a method for mooring a marine vessel (P) using three or more anchor lines (11a, 11b, . . . ) comprising—laying out each anchor line (11) with an anchor in a desired position relative to the platform, with a seabed anchor chain (10) extending towards the desired position of the platform (P), with the seabed chain (10) connected to a fiber rope's (20) arranged for being extended through the sea and connected to an anchor winch chain (30) and being tightended by an anchor winch (31) on the vessel (P), wherein the fiber rope (20) is prepared by being packed to a bundle or coil (21) arranged in a protective container (24) on the seafloor, and arranged for being released and pulled out of the container (24) at a predetermined pulling force, and arranged for being picked up and connected to the anchor winch chain (30).
US08418640B2 Semisubmersible offshore platform with drag-inducing stabilizer plates
A floating vessel is equipped with perforated plates which exhibit both an added-mass effect and a damping effect. The addition of porosity to an added mass plate phase-shifts the added mass force so that it becomes at least partially a damping force which does not depend on large velocities to develop a large damping force. Preferred porosity is in the range of about 5% to about 15% of total plate area. A semi-submersible vessel may have damper plates fitted between its surface-piercing columns, within a support grid in the area between the pontoons and/or extending from the sides of its pontoons. A truss spar offshore platform may have damper plates installed within its truss structure intermediate its hull and ballast tank. Drill ships and similar vessels may be equipped with damper plates extending from the sides of their hulls to reduce both heave and roll.
US08418635B2 Method of planting triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds for producing watermelon transplants
A method of sowing watermelon seeds is provided, specifically a method for sowing triploid seedless watermelon seeds and enhanced watermelon pollenizer seeds in the same seedling tray through the use of a mechanical seeder.
US08418629B2 Platform for an electronic device with a screen
The present invention is a platform for an electronic device such as a tablet computer or personal video player. The platform for an electronic device with a screen preferably comprises a rectangular device case with a landscape position and a portrait position and a lockable entry port lid. The case has a view port for the screen and four attachment blade ports. One blade port is on each side of the device case. The platform has two adjustable support legs with an attachment blade, padded end and a string lock. The attachment blades are insertable into the blade ports and lock with a snap tab into the port. The platform further has a length of string with a sleeve of padding and an adjustment loop attached to each leg. The string can be adjusted so the platform has a deployed mode and a carrying mode.
US08418627B2 Two-axle truck for a railway car and a railway car
Lateral pressure which develops in the front wheelset when traveling along a curved track is decreased while suppressing an increase in costs as much as possible. A two-axle truck for a railway car has a front wheelset having wheels with a first tread gradient and a rear wheelset having wheels with a second tread gradient which is different from the first tread gradient. The tread gradient of the wheels of the rear wheelset is larger than the tread gradient of the wheels of the front wheelset.
US08418623B2 Multi-point time spacing kinetic energy rod warhead and system
A kinetic energy rod warhead includes a plurality of projectiles in a projectile core, explosive segments about the plurality of projectiles, and an isolator between adjacent explosive segments. There is an external detonator on an outer surface of each of the explosive segments proximate an isolator, and an internal detonator inside of each explosive segment adjacent the projectile core.
US08418620B2 Shot cup for shotshell
A shot cup for holding shot in a shotshell has a generally cylindrical sidewall, having a closed proximal end, and an open distal end, and at least one distally-facing petal connected to the sidewall at its proximal end, the petal configured so that it is widest at a point intermediate the proximal and distal ends of the petal. The at least one petal being capable of opening outwardly after the shot cup leaves the shotshell.
US08418619B1 Kinematic countermeasure
The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs. This improved housing and method of construction eliminates the need to apply a non-flammable coating to propellant surfaces after its addition to the flare housing which a an imprecise and time consuming process.
US08418612B2 Printing plate making apparatus and printing plate making method
A printing plate making apparatus which scans a recording medium by light beam in a predetermined pixel pitch, thereby engraving a surface of the recording medium to make a printing plate, wherein an upper surface of a convex portion of light power of the light beam engraving all or part of an adjacent region which is adjacent to a convex portion which is to be left in a convex shape on a surface of the recording medium is set to an threshold engraving energy or less, and light power of light beam in a vicinity region in vicinity of outer side of a region defined as the adjacent region is brought higher than light power in the adjacent region.
US08418607B2 Waste compaction and lift gate mechanism
A waste bin with an automated waste compaction mechanism and a automated gate lifting mechanism for convenience usage. The present invention makes use of sensors and switches to allow the compaction and gate mechanism to operate automatically. The unique combination of components also ensures the reliability of the mechanism.
US08418605B2 Apparatus and method for compaction of silicon powder
An apparatus is provided for compaction of silicon powder in a reactor to minimize oxidation of the silicon, which compaction is in part effected by using the drop in pressure across a filter for exit gases from the reactor, the silicon powder being passed along a duct towards an exit of a reactor. The compaction is in addition carried out mechanically with the aid of a piston arranged at a gas exit, the filter advantageously being arranged on the piston, the filter being permeable to the gases, but collecting the powder. A method is also provided for compaction of silicon powder using an apparatus as described above.
US08418595B1 Convertible ballistic shield
A convertible ballistic shield includes a plurality of cooperating ballistic panels. Each ballistic panel has a threat-side surface and a protected-side surface, and opposing end edges. A first elongated panel strap is attached to the threat-side surface of one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A second elongated panel strap is attached to the protected-side surface of an adjacent one of the ballistic panels between its opposing end edges. A ring connector is slidably linked to both of the first and second panel straps. The ring connector is adapted for slidably interconnecting the adjacent panels together wherein the threat-side surface of one panel is adapted to overlie the protected-side surface of the adjacent panel, and the adjacent panels are slidably movable relative to one another such that an overall length of the ballistic shield is selectively adjustable between a fully retracted condition and a fully extended condition.
US08418586B2 Power tong with door jammer valve
An apparatus for shutting off the hydraulic supply of a power tong when the door is opened comprises, in part, a ring gear and cage assembly having a throat. The ring gear and cage assembly are driven by a motor having a hydraulic supply. A door is mounted on a pivot on the ring gear and cage assembly for movement to open and close the throat. A cable is secured to the door at a point that is offset from the pivot. The cable extends through a sleeve to a valve end of the cable. A valve at the valve end of the cable has a valve housing and is operable by movement of a valve control to disengage the hydraulic supply from the motor. The valve end of the cable is connected to the valve control and the sleeve is connected to the valve housing.
US08418585B2 Clutch control reversible transmission wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output
The clutch control reversible transmission wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output relates to a transmission structure, wherein the drive rotary direction of the input shaft of the wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output is changed to make the direction of the output of the output shaft to be constant, which is characterized by releasing the connectable or releasable clutch device installed between transmissions of the wheel system with bidirectional input and one-way output, the output shaft is moved reversely when reversely driven.
US08418581B2 Accelerator apparatus
A rotational angle sensor and a connector are provided at a first-side portion and a second-side portion, respectively, of a sensor holder. The first-side portion is engaged with a base through a primary engaging arrangement, and the second-side portion is engaged with the base through a secondary engaging arrangement. The secondary engaging arrangement includes secondary engaging portions of the sensor holder, which are provided in the second-side portion of the sensor holder and are engaged with the base. A distance from an engaging point between the secondary engaging portion of the sensor holder and the base to the sensor is longer than a distance from the engaging point between the secondary engaging portion of the sensor holder and the base to the connector.
US08418579B2 Parallel robot
A parallel robot includes a base, a movable platform, a plurality of control arms, a rotation arm, a plurality of first actuators, and a second actuator. The control arms rotatably interconnect to the base and the movable platform, respectively. Opposite ends of the rotation arm are universally rotatably connected to the base and the movable platform, respectively. The first actuators move the control arms, respectively. The second actuator rotates the rotation arm around a central axis. Each control arm comprises a first transmission member and a transmission cable. The first transmission member comprises a fan-shaped transmission portion. Each first actuator comprises a transmission shaft to engage the first transmission member of the control arm. The transmission cable coils around the transmission shaft for at least one winding, then criss-crosses, and winds on the fan-shaped transmission portion.
US08418576B2 Device for pressing on a gear rack
A device for pressing a steering rack onto a pinion engaged with the steering rack, in particular for a steering system of a motor vehicle, comprises a pressure piece which can be loaded in the direction of the steering rack and is displaceably guided in a housing and an adjustment unit for compensating for play occurring in the steering system. A spring washer is disposed between the adjustment unit and the pressure piece, wherein the adjustment unit comprises a projection and the pressure piece comprises a recess, or the pressure piece comprises a projection and the adjustment unit comprises a recess, in the region of the spring washer.
US08418571B2 Engine starter
Obtained is an engine starter having a structure in which, even when frictional heat is generated on a roller due to sliding of a roller and a clutch inner with respect to each other, deformation of a rolling contact surface of the roller is reduced by suppressing reduction in hardness of the rolling contact surface of the roller due to the frictional heat, thereby making it possible to improve transmission of a rotation force from a clutch outer to a clutch inner. The engine starter includes a clutch (5) for transmitting a rotation force of an output shaft (4) to a pinion gear (7), a clutch outer (10), a clutch inner (11) having one end portion facing an inner portion of the clutch outer (10) and another end portion to which the pinion gear (7) is fixed, and a roller (12) which rolls while being provided between the clutch outer (10) and the clutch inner (11). The clutch outer (10) is formed with a notch portion (10a) of a tapered shape. The notch portion (10a) is formed with a lock portion (10b) abutting the roller (12). A rolling contact surface of the roller (12) is applied with carbonitriding treatment.
US08418568B2 Belt test apparatus
A flexible member test apparatus comprising a driver member having a first diameter and a second diameter, the first diameter is not equal to the second diameter, a first driven member coupled by a first flexible member to the driver member through contact of the first flexible member with a first diameter surface, a second driven member coupled by a second flexible member to the driver member through contact of the second flexible member with a second diameter surface, the first driven member rotationally coupled to a magnetic particle clutch, and the second driven member rotationally coupled to the magnetic particle clutch.
US08418566B2 Multi-layered flow passage member and ultrasonic wave fluid measuring device
An objective of the invention is to provide a multilayered flow passage member that enhances fluid measurement accuracy of an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus and an ultrasonic fluid measurement apparatus using the multilayered flow passage member. When fusible projections 20 are fused by a heating head 21 while partition plates 11 are inserted into side plates 13 and 14, a fused state provided by the heating head 21 changes according to either side of each of the partition plates 11, because fuse surfaces at leading ends of the respective fusible projections 20 are sloped in the vertical direction. An outermost end of each of fusible projections 25 that first contacts the heating head 21 is first fused. During a course of the fusible projections 25 being fused toward their roots, the partition plates 11 are pressed against ends of respective insert holes 17a that are on the opposite side of the outermost ends that are first fused. As a result, the partition plates 11 become one-sided with respect to the respective insert holes 17a and fixed by means of positional accuracy of the insert holes 17a. Even when clearance exists between the partition plates 11 and the insert holes 17a, the partition plates can be fused with superior accuracy.
US08418563B2 Apparatus for detecting defects
An apparatus for detecting defects in a railway rail includes a search unit and preferably a roller search unit (“RSU”) mounted on a test vehicle and in rolling contact with the running surface of the rails to inspect each rail. The RSU includes a tire filled with a liquid and a transducer assembly mounted within the tire. The transducer assembly includes one or more arrays of ultrasonic transducers directed toward the running surface of the rail. A laser profiler mounted on the test vehicle in combination with a linear encoder provide profile data which is communicated to a system controller to dynamically adjust the focal laws for the one or more arrays of transducers to dynamically steer the transmitted beams to produce the ideal inspection beam sets while the test vehicle is in motion.
US08418555B2 Bidirectional, out-of-plane, comb drive accelerometer
A bi-directional, out-of-plane electrostatic comb drive apparatus including two electrically independent sets of stator comb tines; and a method for fabricating an out-of-plane comb drive with stacked sets of stator comb tines. A first set of stator comb tines is offset from a second set of stator comb tines. A set of rotor comb tines interleaves with both sets of stator comb tines. A first voltage applied to the first set of stator comb tines operates to pull the rotor tines toward the first set of stator comb tines. A second voltage applied to the second set of stator comb tines operates to pull the rotor tines toward the second set of stator comb tines, enabling bi-directional operation. A fabrication method is disclosed that enables fabrication of the first and second sets of stator comb tines that are mechanically and electrically independent and interleaved by the rotor comb tines.
US08418548B2 Plug-in sensor having an optimized flow outlet
A plug-in sensor is provided which is suitable for determining at least one parameter of a fluid medium flowing in a main flow direction, especially of an intake air mass of an internal combustion engine flowing through a flow pipe. The plug-in sensor has a plug part that is able to be mounted in the flowing fluid medium, in a specified alignment to the main flow direction. In the plug part, at least one flow channel is provided having at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening, in the at least one flow channel at least one sensor is accommodated for determining the at least one parameter. The plug part has a profile at which at least one local pressure minimum sets in in the flowing fluid medium. The at least one outlet opening is situated at the side of the plug part, in the region of the at least one pressure minimum.
US08418541B2 Dynamometer free of off-axis loading
A dynamometer includes a roller that is rotabably mounted upon a shaft with the shaft being rotatably mounted upon a support that carries the weight of the roller, the dynamometer also having a shear beam load cell disposed within the roller with a first end secured adjacent to an inner surface of the roller and a second end attached to the shaft to provide the sole structural connection between the roller and the shaft.
US08418531B2 Method and apparatus for continuously monitoring interstitial regions in gasoline storage facilities and pipelines
An underground storage system includes a primary containment unit and a secondary containment unit. The underground storage system further includes a leak detection system which is fluidly connected to the secondary containment system, and which is adapted to detect fluid leaks in the primary containment system and the secondary containment system.
US08418529B2 Device for conveying a substance provided with an optical leak detector
A device for conveying a substance that comprises: a first duct for containing the substance; an optical fiber connected to the first duct and extending along the duct, the optical fiber including several detection members spaced along its length, each detection member having a separate reflection spectrum that varies with the presence of the substance to be detected; a control device including a light source capable of emitting a light in the reflection spectrum of each detection member, a light receiver capable of detecting the light amplitude in the detection spectrum of each detection member, and an analysis module capable of determining the presence of a leak of the substance based on the light amplitude provided by the light receiver.
US08418525B2 Method for testing the operability of a tank shutoff valve of a fuel tank system
A method for testing the operability of a tank shutoff valve of a fuel tank system which is controlled by valves includes performing defined triggering of the tank shutoff valve and simultaneous introduction of an overpressure or partial vacuum into the fuel tank system via a pressure source, and the operability of the tank shutoff valve is determined on the basis of a variable which characterizes the introduction of the overpressure or partial vacuum.
US08418521B2 Double closed hydraulic mould stand
A double closed hydraulic mold stand is provided, which includes an up bottom plate (1), a down bottom plate (21), an up mold plate (8), a down mold plate (20), four guide sleeves (42), four guide columns (45), and a four mechanical linkage velocity ratio mechanism. The four guide sleeves (42) and the four guide columns (45) are distributed symmetrically and slidingly fit each other. An up piston cylinder, a down piston cylinder, an up bed piece (11), a down bed piece (31), an up concave mold seat (15), a down concave mold seat, an up concave mold (16), and a down concave mold (33) are fixed at the up bottom plate and the down bottom plate. An up pin-lift (3), a down pin-lift (24), an up punch pin seat (4), a down punch pin seat (22), an up punch pin (38), and a down punch pin (36) form an up piston and a down piston respectively. The up piston cylinder and the down piston cylinder have a split combined structure, which is convenient for manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The up piston cylinder is repositioned by using a cylindrical spring. The down piston cylinder is repositioned by using a cylindrical spring and a nitrogen gas spring. The reposition is strong and fast, which facilitates vacuum oil absorption, power consumption saving, and productivity improvement. The present invention can be installed on a single-acting hydraulic press or a single-acting mechanical press for use, and has a wide application range.
US08418520B2 Press jaw pair for pressing units
A press jaw pair for producing a press fit of fittings on pipes and the like has a first and a second one-piece press jaw lever (1, 2) that are arranged such that they are rotatable about a common axis (x). At least one bearing lug (4, 8) with a bearing opening (5, 9) is integrally formed on each press jaw lever (1, 2), wherein the bearing lugs (4, 8) are arranged coaxially in the fitting state. A torsion spring element (3) with two stop cams (10, 11) can be inserted into the bearing openings (5, 9) in such a way that the two press jaw levers (1, 2) are supported about the common axis (x) in a spring-loaded fashion and held in a mutually captive fashion.
US08418518B2 Contact bending fixture
A contact bending fixture includes a lower die slider, a positioning rod, a linear actuating mechanism, and an upper die slider. A lower die mounted on the lower die slider includes a die holder, a lower bending module, a contact holding stick, and a bearing roller. The lower bending module includes a smooth sustaining side surface facing the bearing roller for defining an insertion gap therebetween. An upper die mounted on the upper die slider opposes the lower die and includes a punch holder, a hold-down plate, an elastic component, and an upper bending module. The hold-down plate presses and holds down an end of an under-bending contact on the top surface of lower bending module with an opposite end of the contact suspending in the insertion gap. Therefore, the contact bending fixture is capable of bending a contact at a required angle in one step.
US08418513B2 Plate lock
The invention relates to a plate lock having a lock body and a hinged bar hoop. A first end of the hinged bar hoop is permanently secured to the lock body and a second end of the hinged bar hoop can be latched to the lock body. The hinged bar hoop has a plurality of hinged bars which are pivotally connected to one another via a respective hinged connection. The hinged bars have a first eye and a second eye, wherein the respective hinged connection between two hinged bars has at least one hinged pin in order to connect the first eye of the one hinged bar to the second eye of the other hinged bar. The respective hinged bar has at least one bent metal wire or at least one folded sheet metal part which extends between the first eye and the second eye.
US08418509B2 Laundry treating machine
A laundry treating machine is disclosed. The present invention relates to a laundry treating machine capable of minimizing the number of parts required to discharge the generated condensate as possible and of simplifying the drainage path. A laundry treating machine includes a cabinet in which an accomodating space receiving laundry therein is formed, a moisture supply device supplying moisture to the accomodating space, a water supply part connected with the moisture supply device to supply water, a water discharge part discharging water condensed from the moisture supplied by the moisture supply device or water remaining in the moisture supply device, a circulation duct to draw-in air of the accomodating space and discharging the air into the accomodating space, and a heat exchanging part provided in the circulation duct, the heat exchanger in which circulated air is dehumidified or heated.
US08418502B2 Heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming and a bending method for a glass sheet
The present invention relates to a heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming, which prevents formation of a heater distortion in a portion of a glass sheet facing to a temperature-distributing heat shield.A heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming comprising a heating element for heating a glass sheet, a heat-shielding plate for partitioning a heating region Y into a plurality of regions X and partially shielding radiant heat rays radiated from the heating element toward the glass sheet so as to form a predetermined temperature distribution on a surface of the glass sheet heated by the heating element, wherein the heating apparatus for glass-sheet-forming further comprises an auxiliary heat-shielding plate for partially shielding radiant heat rays radiated from a heating element toward a portion of the surface of the glass sheet, that faces to the heat-shielding plate, as a heat-ray-adjusting means for reducing radiant heat rays from the heating element reaching a portion of the surface of the glass sheet that faces to the temperature-distributing heat shield.
US08418499B2 Natural gas liquefaction system with turbine expander and liquefaction method thereof
A natural gas liquefaction system with a turbine expander is provided that can improve the efficiency of the whole refrigeration cycle by using the turbine expander, instead of the throttling process that uses the conventional Joule-Thomson throttling valve that is used as a final throttling means in a conventional natural gas liquefaction system, and a liquefaction method thereof. The natural gas liquefaction cycle provided with the turbine expander of the present invention comprises a compressor 100, at least one vapor-liquid separator 300 or 310, a plurality of heat exchangers 200, 210, 220, 230 and 240, at least one Joule-Thomson throttling valves (below to be called JT valve) 400 and 410, a turbine expander 500, and connecting lines composed of plurality of pipes P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6 and P7 to connect these components.
US08418498B2 Refrigeration device and method for controlling a refrigeration device
A refrigeration device includes an interior that is divided up into two refrigeration zones with each refrigeration zone having an evaporator and a compressor for supplying the evaporator with a refrigerant. A control for operating the compressors can be operated in different modes of operation depending on predetermined conditions. In a normal mode, the at least two compressors are exclusively operated at different times.
US08418494B2 Air conditioning apparatus
An air conditioning apparatus includes a plurality of heat source apparatuses having heat source apparatus side heat exchangers and compressors, one or a plurality of indoor units having flow rate control devices and indoor unit side heat exchangers, at least two main pipes for performing connection-piping between a plurality of heat source apparatuses and one or a plurality of indoor units, a tubular distributor for branching the refrigerant from the main pipe flowing from the inlet to a plurality of outlets to distribute into a plurality of heat source apparatuses, and connection piping for connecting the plurality of heat source apparatuses and distributor respectively. Among a plurality of heat source apparatuses, the distributor is fixedly disposed at a specified position and in a specified direction against one heat source apparatus.
US08418485B2 Refrigerator
There is provided a temperature switching compartment 3 which can switch the internal temperature thereof between a low temperature side at which a storage material is kept in cold storage and a high temperature side maintained at 50° C., to 80° C. at which cooked food is kept warm, by cooling with a cooler 17 and heating with a heater 15.
US08418483B2 System and method for calculating parameters for a refrigeration system with a variable speed compressor
A system and method for calculating parameters for a refrigeration system having a variable speed compressor is provided. A compressor is connected to a condenser and an evaporator. An evaporator sensor outputs an evaporator signal corresponding to at least one of an evaporator pressure and an evaporator temperature. An inverter drive modulates electric power delivered to the compressor to modulate a speed of the compressor. The control module is connected to the inverter drive and receives the evaporator signal, monitors electrical power data and compressor speed data from the inverter drive, and calculates at least one of a condenser temperature and a condenser pressure based on the evaporator signal, the electrical power data, and the compressor speed data.
US08418481B2 Secondary loop cooling system having a bypass and a method for bypassing a reservoir in the system
An air conditioning or refrigeration system includes a secondary loop cooling system for use with a vapor compression system having a bypass line in order to bypass a reservoir in the secondary loop system. This bypass allows the air conditioning or refrigeration system to cool down more quickly. The secondary loop cooling system uses a non-flammable cooling fluid, which is particularly useful when the refrigerant used in the vapor compression system is flammable.
US08418474B2 Altering a natural frequency of a gas turbine transition duct
A transition duct having a thermally free aft frame and being capable of adjusting the natural frequency is disclosed. The aft frame is capable of permitting movement due to thermal gradients with the transition duct. The transition duct utilizes a spring plate located adjacent to an aft mounting bracket, where the spring plate, based on its thickness can either increase or decrease a frequency of the transition duct. Such an arrangement ensures that the transition duct natural frequency does not coincide with or cross other critical engine and/or combustor frequencies.
US08418462B2 Method for maximizing transient variable geometry turbine response in an internal combustion engine
A method of operating a variable geometry turbine (VTG) during transient operations for maximum response by determining the VTG area at the balance condition of the pressure ratio and efficiency curves for the variable geometry turbine to achieve maximum power. The method includes measurements of turbine inlet pressure, turbine outlet pressure, turbine rpm, and other parameters used to measure turbine mass flow.
US08418449B2 Variable exhaust gas deflector
A variable exhaust gas flow deflector for an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The deflector can include a blade located at least partially within an exhaust gas flow of the engine, the blade having a first position and a second position. The blade can move between the first position and the second position as a function of at least one parameter and/or condition of the exhaust gas and/or the internal combustion engine.
US08418448B2 Exhaust gas treatment device for construction machine
An engine (8) is mounted to a vehicle body by means of vibration isolating mounts (8E), and a support member (15) is mounted to the engine (8). Vibration isolating members (20) are provided between this support member (15) and a mounting bracket (17) mounted to an exhaust gas treatment device (16). Accordingly, even in cases where the engine (8) has generated high-frequency vibrations, these vibrations can be damped by the vibration isolating mounts (8E) and the vibration isolating members (20). In consequence, treatment members constituting the exhaust gas treatment device (16), such as a catalyst, a filter, and a sensor, can be protected from the vibrations of the engine (8). In addition, as the exhaust gas treatment device (16) is provided with the mounting bracket (17), the vibration isolating members (20) can be reliably mounted to the exhaust gas treatment device (16) by means of the mounting bracket (17).
US08418445B2 Exhaust system for an internal combustion engine
An exhaust system for an internal combustion engine, having a first exhaust tract assigned to a first group of cylinders of the internal combustion engine, and having a second exhaust tract assigned to a second group of cylinders of the internal combustion engine, each exhaust tract comprising an exhaust gas purification device, a first silencer arranged on the outlet side of the respective exhaust gas purification device, and a second silencer arranged on the outlet side of the respective first silencer. Each exhaust tract includes a bypass line, it being possible for exhaust gas to be diverted via each bypass line, starting from the respective first silencer, bypassing the second silencers, and the bypass lines and hence the first silencers of both exhaust tracts being connected to one another by a mixing line.
US08418442B2 Method and system for controlling active regeneration of a diesel particulate filter
Method of controlling the active regeneration of a particulate filter through dynamic control of the temperature at the outlet of an oxidation catalyst.A control law is defined for a hydrocarbon flow rate at the oxidation catalyst inlet, by means of the ratio between a temperature demand and a gain. The gain can be corrected so as to take account of the transient phenomena that occur in the oxidation catalyst during a gas flow rate variation. The temperature demand can comprise a precompensation term to compensate for the effects of a temperature variation at the oxidation catalyst inlet. The temperature demand can comprise a feedback term calculated by a controller whose parameters are automatically calculated by means of a physical model of the catalyst, during operating conditions variations. Any combination of these terms allows to define a suitable control law. Finally, the hydrocarbon flow rate is modified by applying the control law so that the temperature of the gas leaving said catalyst respects a set point temperature.Application: engine control.
US08418435B2 Method for production of power from aluminum
Aluminum is treated with an agent to prevent passivation of the aluminum during oxidation. The passivation preventing agent is a metal alloy containing gallium, preferably a eutectic alloy of gallium, indium and tin. The surface of the metallic aluminum is wetted with the eutectic alloy, suitably by scouring and/or immersion. The treated aluminum may be mixed with water, hydrogen peroxide or other suitable oxidizer in a controlled manner to produce hydrogen, heat, steam or oxygen for the use in power generation or chemical reactions. The passivation removal agent can be used in small quantities and is readily recoverable following the reaction.
US08418434B1 Fashion accessory of integrated continuous units and methods of making thereof
A fashion accessory featuring a plurality of units connected together to form a continuous chain having a first end and a second end. The first end and second end are connected together via a locking means. Each unit is a loop. The units each occupy a folded configuration. In the folded configuration, the unit is folded in half to form a first top arc and a second top arc that are positioned next to each other, and a first bottom hook and a second bottom hook that are positioned across from each other. Adjacent units are fed through both bottom hooks and subsequently moved to occupy the folded configuration.
US08418429B2 Bottle supporting means with clutch
A bottle support with clutch includes a tray (1), a small gear (2), a shell (3) and a rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the small gear (2) is connected with the shell (3) through a bearing (7). The shell (3) is connected with the rotary table (5). The shaft sleeve of the tray (1) is sleeved in the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2), and a clutch (8) is provided between the shaft sleeve of the tray (1) and the shaft sleeve of the small gear (2). The bottle support of the invention has a simple structure, and works in a reliable manner. The revolution and rotation of the tray (1) are completely consistent with that of the capping head during working, thus improving cover rolling quality.
US08418423B1 Plug assembly and a method for sealing a hole
A dual stage plug assembly 10 which provides a first sealing stage which is cooperatively provided by the insertion members 12, 14 (including the unexpanded portion 24) and a second sealing stage which is provided by selectively expandable member 24. The plug assembly 10 is selectively inserted into a hole, such as hole 80, which is formed in a tangible entity, such as basement wall 82, and the members 12 and 14 cooperates with member 24 to seal the hole 80, thereby preventing water and/or other liquid from entering and passing through the hole 80.
US08418397B2 Electrocuting mouse trap with automatic chamber-clearing mechanism and access control mechanism
An electronic mouse trap is provided having multiple kill and automatic killing chamber clearing capabilities. The trap includes an elevated killing chamber rotatably mounted on a base that houses a collection bin positioned under the chamber and which has an entrance pathway that provides mice with access to the chamber. Upon completion of a killing cycle and the killing of a mouse, the chamber is automatically rotated by a gear motor to an inverted position, allowing the dead mouse to fall downwardly into the collection bin. During such rotation, the entrance pathway if blocked to prevent access to the trap by a next mouse. Once the chamber has been inverted and the mouse removed by gravity, the gear motor reverses the rotation direction and returns the chamber to its upright position, opening the entrance pathway such that the trap is ready to reinitiate the killing cycle for another mouse.
US08418391B2 Firearm safety lock
A lock for a firearm with a grip safety, and a sear engageable to a biased hammer in a cocked position and releasable by a trigger is disclosed. The lock has a housing defining a first bore within which a mainspring that biases the hammer is received, as well as a second bore. There is a locking pin retractable into and extendible out of the second bore of the housing. When the locking pin is in an extended position, the grip safety is restricted to an engaged state, blocking movement of the trigger. An actuator disposed in the housing and cooperatively linked to the locking pin provides the motive force for retracting and extending the locking pin.
US08418383B2 Canvas frame and kit for the construction of a custom canvas frame
A canvas frame and canvas frame kit is disclosed that permits canvas frames of unorthodox configuration. The canvas frames include divergent interior portions that permit an irregular primary frame to be matched with a supplemental frame to present a single, unified work of art separable at the whim of the user.
US08418378B2 Condensation dryer with a heat pump and recognition of an impermissible operating state and method for the operation thereof
A condensation dryer is provided which has a heat pump in which a coolant circulates; a compressor; a temperature sensor to measure a temperature of the coolant; and a controller. The controller has a first comparator to compare the temperature of the coolant with an upper limiting temperature of the coolant; a switch to switch the compressor off if the temperature of the coolant is greater than or equal to the upper limiting temperature and to switch the compressor on after each compressor disconnection. A counter ascertains the number of occurrences at which the compressor is switched off. The counter is incremented by 1 each time the compressor is switched off. A second comparator compares the number of occurrences with a prespecified limiting number and evaluates the difference between the number of occurrences and the prespecified limiting number with respect to the presence of an impermissible operating state.
US08418375B2 Door hanging tool
A door hanging tool includes a horizontal member having at least one bubble vial for the determination of the angle of a surface with respect to the horizontal member and, a vertical member having at least one bubble vial for indicating the inclination of the surface with respect to the vertical member. The horizontal member further defines anchor slots for receiving an anchor means for releasably attaching the tool to the existing pre-drilled hole for lockset from the door manufacturer, such that the user can view the bubble vial of the vertical member for indicating the vertical inclination of the door with respect to the vertical member, and can view the bubble vial of the horizontal member to determine the angle of the door with respect to the horizontal member, and can adjust the door accordingly.
US08418369B1 Clipper lever support insert
The clipper lever support insert may be inserted into a clipper lever. A finger insert may have two approximately parallel sides formed from metal. The sides may be shaped to the approximate form of a drive finger side. A shaft end insert may have a plurality of sides approximately in the shape of a rectangular box formed from metal. The sides may be shaped to the approximate form of a motor end cavity side.
US08418368B2 Bearing assembly with elastomeric sleeve element
A process for producing a bearing assembly includes positioning a first sleeve element in an injection mould, the injection mould having a cylindrical recess with a diameter for receiving the first sleeve element and the outside diameter of the first sleeve element being lesser than the diameter of the recess. A second sleeve element is positioned concentrically within the first sleeve element in the injection mould to define an annular chamber and elastomeric material in a molten state is injected under pressure into the annular chamber between the sleeve elements such that the outside diameter of the first sleeve element is expanded. The elastomeric material is allowed to solidify in the annular chamber between the two sleeve elements and the assembly of sleeves and elastomeric material are removed as a unit from the injection mould.
US08418364B2 Method of extending tubing life of a peristaltic pump
A method is provided for extending useful life of tubing of a peristaltic pump. The method can comprise switching inlet and discharge hoses between respective inlet and outlet ends of the tubing of the peristaltic pump, and reversing a direction of rotation of a rotor of the peristaltic pump. In implementations of methods disclosed herein, the useful life of the tubing of a peristaltic pump can be approximately doubled.
US08418359B2 Method for manufacturing circuit pattern-provided substrate
A method for manufacturing a circuit pattern-provided substrate including forming a resist layer on a substrate, forming an opening corresponding to a circuit pattern and having an eaves cross-sectional shape in the resist layer, forming a thin film layer having a portion formed on the substrate in the opening and a portion formed on the resist layer, and removing the resist layer such that the resist layer and the portion of the thin film layer formed on the resist layer are removed from the substrate. The forming of the opening comprises exposing the resist layer with a mask device which changes an exposure amount of the resist layer such that the eaves cross-sectional shape has a space at a boundary between the resist layer and the substrate.
US08418355B2 Method for manufacturing circuit board
A method for forming transcriptional circuits and a method for manufacturing a circuit board are disclosed. A method of forming a transcriptional circuit, which includes forming an intaglio pattern corresponding to a circuit pattern by selectively forming a resist on a mold board, filling conductive material in the intaglio pattern, and transferring the conductive material onto a carrier by pressing the carrier onto the mold board such that the carrier faces the surface of the mold board having the conductive material filled in, makes it possible to form transcriptional circuits that can be transcribed into an insulation board using existing equipment, whereby costs can be reduced.
US08418347B2 Wire termination tool and RJ jack for use therewith
A wire termination and cutting tool, RJ jack and RJ jack and tool termination system is provided with the tool having a cutting module support portion and an RJ jack support portion connected to the cutting module support portion for relative movement with respect to a pivot point. An RJ jack is connected to the RJ jack support portion. The RJ jack includes wire termination locations each with an insulation displacement contact (IDC) with a cutting/clamping slot. A cutting module is connected to the cutting module support portion. The cutting module includes cutting blades for cutting wires and wire insertion parts. An actuator applies force for in curved relative movement of the cutting module support portion with respect to the RJ jack support portion. The cutting module support portion is aligned with the RJ jack at an end of the curved relative movement whereby the wire insertion parts are aligned with slots of corresponding insulation displacement contacts of the RJ jack.
US08418345B2 Method for producing a hollow profile joint and a hollow profile
In a method for producing a joint between a hollow profile made from steel and a component made from an aluminum material, a positive and material joint is produced by a braze welding process in conjunction with a pressing operation. The hollow profile is first pressed on a seating region of the component. Subsequently, a weld layer with an additive is applied by thermal joining, producing a positive and material joint between the hollow profile and the component. The positive joint is facilitated by first forming an end of the hollow profile to be pressed on. Preferably, forming is done by widening the end to be pressed on into the shape of a collar.
US08418337B2 Dry fiber wrapped pipe
A reinforced pipe section comprises a metal pipe, a layer of dry fibers disposed around the metal pipe, and an external liner covering the layer of dry fibers. A method of manufacturing a reinforced pipe section comprises wrapping a layer of dry fibers over a metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner, thereby forming a first dry fiber wrapped metal pipe. A method of reinforcing a degraded metal pipe comprises wrapping the degraded metal pipe with a layer of dry fibers to increase the hoop strength of the degraded metal pipe, and covering the layer of dry fibers with an external liner.
US08418327B2 Security system and method including security buckle
The security buckle includes a first body member having one or more walls defining a receiving cavity and one or more mating slots; and a second body member adapted to engage the receiving cavity, the second body member including one or more latching tabs for engaging the one or more mating slots wherein the second body member is inhibited from disengagement while the one or more latching tabs engage the one or more mating slots, and wherein the first body member includes a portion of the one or more walls defining a security slot adapted for receiving an interfering object that includes an engagement mode for insertion and removal from the slot and an interfering mode for inhibiting the one or more latching tabs from disengaging from the one or more mating tabs until the interfering object is transitioned to the engagement mode.
US08418326B2 Metallic one-side teeth and two-way slide fastener
Metallic one-side teeth include an upper inclined plane declining toward the side of interlock dent portion provided between the opening edge of the interlock dent portion and the apical edge of an interlock head portion.
US08418322B2 Cookware handle
A cookware handle with a soft non-slip surface is formed by molding elastomeric composition around a core or elongated member that connects a flange portion and the terminal end or hanging portion of the handle. The core or elongated member has a relatively narrow cross-section to minimize heat transfer from the pot so that the gripping portion remains cool during cooking.
US08418298B2 Massaging bed
A method and apparatus for a sleep system is provided. More specifically, the invention provides a method and apparatus for an adjustable mattress that allows the user to increase or decrease the firmness of the mattress. Furthermore, the adjustable mattress has zones of adjustability thereby allowing two users to adjust the firmness of the mattress of each user's zone. The adjustable mattress is also multimodal. The motorized foundation contains adjustable massaging units that may be used for physical therapy and relaxation. Likewise, the motorized foundation may be used in relax mode to assist in obtaining sleep and awaken mode to gently awake the user by the stimulation of the adjustable mattress.
US08418295B2 Nursing pillow with bolster around the circumference thereof and privacy shroud
A nursing pillow system for providing support to one or more children during breastfeeding or bottle feeding. The system preferably includes a cover-up which provides privacy during feeding. The cover-up may be removably attached and stored in an integrated pocket in the nursing pillow system. Other features, such as a bolster, belt, back pillow, elastic bands, and pockets may be included to increase the comfort and utility of the system.
US08418292B2 Mobile treatment table
A mobile treatment table including a central support. A first support member is pivotally connected with the central support and operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A second support member is pivotally connected with the central support and includes a handle integral therewith. The second support member is operable between a substantially vertical position and a substantially horizontal position. A wheel assembly is operably connected with the second support member and operable between an extended position adjacent a first side of the support member and a retracted position adjacent a second side of the support member.
US08418290B2 Motorized bed preventing a person from being jammed
A motorized bed includes a bed body and a driving device. The bed body includes a base frame, a fixed frame, and a movable frame. The driving device includes a drive unit mounted on the fixed frame, a guide tube mounted on the drive unit, a threaded rod mounted in the guide tube, an extension tube mounted in the guide tube and having a first end provided with a push portion and a second end connected with the movable frame, and a threaded mover moved by the threaded rod and movable to abut the push portion. Thus, when a human body is disposed between the movable frame and the base frame, the human body only needs to overcome the weight of the movable frame to detach the extension tube from the mover, so that the movable frame stops moving immediately.
US08418287B2 Bed side rail having cavity for infusion unit
A patient care apparatus includes a bed to support a patient. The bed has a side rail with a cavity. The patient care apparatus also includes an infusion unit having a medical treatment control unit, a medical treatment line, and a medication container to contain medication. The medical treatment line is coupled to the medication container to conduct medication from the medication container to the patient. The medical treatment control unit and the medication container are positioned in the cavity.
US08418283B2 Universal bed system
The present disclosure relates to an adjustable bed system including a bed frame that is adjustable in height. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the adjustable bed system includes first and second end boards each having an independent height adjustment mechanism. A frame assembly configured and dimensioned to be secured to the first end board at a first end thereof and to the second end board at a second end thereof includes a frame and a transition box. The transition box is secured to the frame at the first end thereof and is operatively engagable with the height adjustment mechanism of the first end board. A drive shaft adjustable between first and second lengths is coupled at a first end thereof to the transition box and at a second end thereof to the second end board to facilitate uniform height adjustment of the first and second end boards.
US08418280B2 Drive device for the cover of a liquid container
The drive device, which serves for the transport of the cover of a liquid container, particularly a swimming pool, is installed or installable in device compartment, which is arranged separate from the liquid container. The drive device includes at least one winding shaft that interacts with the cover and that is coupled to a first drive unit. The winding shaft serves for the rolling-up of the cover, which can be guided over a deflection device to an outlet opening of the device compartment and, at the end facing the winding shaft, is connected to an outer tractive element, which is acting against the side of the cover that is opposite to the side which faces the deflection device, which outer tractive element presses the cover under tension against the deflection device, and which outer tractive element is held and can be tensioned by a first traction device.
US08418263B2 Boxing exercise device
An exercise device includes a left glove member adapted to be worn on the left hand of a user and a right glove member adapted to be worn on the right hand of the user, the left and right glove members each having an impact area and an elastomeric cord extending from a center of the impact area to a ball, such that the ball is connected to the left and right glove members by the elastomeric cords of equal length. A rigid plate member is fitted within each of the left and right glove members for providing a solid surface at the impact area. The user, wearing the left and right glove members, alternates movement of the hands in a repeated left and right punch throwing action which causes the ball to alternately strike the impact areas of the glove members and travel away from the user until the elastomeric cord leading from the opposite hand stretches taut and causes the ball to travel back towards the user for subsequent striking with the opposite hand. This alternating action is repeated for as many punches as the user can continue to hit the ball.
US08424098B2 System and method for enhanced data security
A method for protecting data stored in a data repository. The method includes verifying authenticity of a user at each of a plurality of levels. Furthermore, the method includes directing the user to one of a first path or a second path based on the verification of the authenticity of the user at each of the plurality of levels. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method are also contemplated.
US08424090B2 Apparatus and method for detecting obfuscated malicious web page
An apparatus and method for detecting an obfuscated malicious web page are provided to find a malicious web page by deobfuscating an obfuscated malicious code. The apparatus includes an obfuscated code detector that detects whether an obfuscated code is included in a source code of a web page, a deobfuscation function inserter that reconfigures the source code by inserting a function for deobfuscating the obfuscated code into the source code, a deobfuscator that is called by the function inserted into the reconfigured source code and deobfuscates the obfuscated code, and a malicious code detector that detects a malicious code using the deobfuscated code.
US08424087B2 Updating an entry in an addressee-based whitelist
In some embodiments, techniques may include receiving an email message; determining a non-recipient email addressee associated with the email message, wherein the non-recipient email addressee has an address that is unaffiliated with a recipient for which the email message has been received; receiving a directive to whitelist the non-recipient email addressee; and responsive to receiving the directive to whitelist the non-recipient email addressee, adding the non-recipient email addressee to a whitelist.
US08424086B2 Suppression of malicious SIP messages using the resource priority header
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) node is configured to suppress malicious session initiation protocol (SIP) messages. The ISP node is coupled to receive a new session initiation protocol (SIP) message from a user agent client associated with the ISP. If the SIP message includes a resource priority header (RPH) indicating the new SIP message should be given priority within the network, the ISP node determines whether the user agent client previously sent an initial SIP message with an RPH that has not yet been authorized, and if so, places the new SIP message in a buffer.
US08424079B2 Method, system and mobile device employing enhanced user authentication
The described embodiments relate generally to methods and systems for user authentication for a computing device. In one embodiment, the method comprises: enabling receipt of input in relation to selection of a plurality of authenticators for consecutive use by the computing device to authenticate a user; and storing reference information identifying the selected plurality of authenticators in a memory of the computing device. The computing device may comprise a mobile device.
US08424078B2 Methodology for secure application partitioning enablement
A computer implemented methods data processing system, and computer program product for configuring a partition with needed system resources to enable an application to run and process in a secure environment. Upon receiving a command to create a short lived secure partition for a secure application, a short lived secure partition is created in the data processing system. This short lived secure partition is inaccessible by superusers or other applications. System resources comprising physical resources and virtual allocations of the physical resources are allocated to the short lived secure partition. Hardware and software components needed to run the secure application are loaded into the short lived secure partition.
US08424067B2 Smart password determination
A system and method for dynamically adjusting or modifying the password expiration period for a given user based upon how a user accesses the password-protected resource. The tighter the physical control of how a user can access a resource results in a loosening or maintaining of the password expiration period to be a relatively long period of time, whereas the looser the physical control of how a user can access a resource results in a tightening of the password expiration period to be a relatively short period of time. The password expiration period is adjusted based on both actual usage patterns as well as variances in such usage patterns.
US08424066B2 Information processing apparatus, authentication system, information processing method and storage medium
An information processing apparatus includes a storage unit that stores a first user identifier that identifies respective users in the information processing apparatus, and plural second user identifiers stored in respective authentication apparatuses and identify the users in each authentication apparatus, so as to correspond with each other; a first authentication request unit that transmits authentication information input by a user to at least one of the authentication apparatuses and requests authentication of the user; a first user identifier acquisition unit that, when authentication of the user has been successful, acquires the second user identifier of that user stored in that authentication apparatus; and a use allowing unit that specifies the first user identifier stored in the storage unit corresponding with the second user identifier acquired by the first user identifier acquisition unit, and allows the user identified by the specified first user identifier to use the information processing apparatus.
US08424061B2 Method, system and program product for authenticating a user seeking to perform an electronic service request
A method, system and program product for authenticating a user seeking to perform an electronic service request is provided. The method includes verifying user identity data received from a user requesting an electronic service, detecting whether or not any variances are found based on the set of user profile data associated with the user seeking to perform the electronic service requested, identifying the risk level for the electronic service based on whether or not any variances are found and any characteristics thereof, if any variances are found, applying one or more business policies or rules for handling any variances that are found. The method further includes issuing to the user, using a customer relationship management system, a challenge corresponding to the risk level identified for the electronic service requested, and authorizing the user to perform the electronic service requested only if a correct response is received to the challenge issued.
US08424059B2 Calculating multi-tenancy resource requirements and automated tenant dynamic placement in a multi-tenant shared environment
A method for assigning tenants of users to offering instances of an application or middleware includes representing a set of offerings as respective offering instances of the application or middleware available from a server, determining server resource capacity of the server, representing constraints associated with the tenants and the offering instances, generating a mapping of the tenants to the offering instances based on the server resource capacity and constraints, and assigning a tenant to an offering instance according to the mapping, wherein the offering instance is made accessible to the users of the assigned tenant.
US08424047B2 Message transmission in an interactive television system
A method for controlling transmission of messages in an interactive television system comprising a network and a plurality of receiver units connected to the network; the method comprising: transmitting to the receiver units an trigger inviting a response from each receiver unit and indicating that a delay procedure is to be applied to the responses; and at each receiver unit: accepting from a user of the receiver unit data in response to the trigger; forming a response message for transmission to the network in response to the trigger, the response message including the data received from the user; determining the length of a delay interval to be applied to the response message; and transmitting the response message to the network after the delay.
US08424046B2 Set-top box and method of providing video on demand thereto
A method of providing video on demand to a set-top box includes sending playing parameters of a video file to a video on demand server, and receiving information of the video file and predetermined quality of service parameters of the set-top box. The method further includes receiving updated quality of service parameters input by a user, and sending the updated quality of service parameters to a worldwide interoperability for microwave access client module of the set-top box, and sending the updated quality of service parameters to a worldwide interoperability for microwave access base station. The method also includes sending a playback instruction to the video on demand server, and receiving video streaming data of the video file based on the updated quality of service parameters from the video on demand server.
US08424036B2 Targeted/addressable advertisement insertion into video streams delivered to users
A method and apparatus utilizing a fast channel change mechanism to insert targeted/addressable advertisements into video streams delivered to users.
US08424035B2 Time shifting enhanced television triggers
Enhanced television broadcasts including triggers with expires attributes may be utilized in a variety of situations where the expires attribute may adversely affect the utilization of the trigger. For example, in situations where the broadcast is recorded, playback may be enabled even after the trigger expiration. Similarly, local affiliates or FNOCs may rebroadcast enhanced television content by adjusting the expires attributes of the original trigger.
US08424032B2 Spindle motor having a chucking member
A spindle motor is disclosed, wherein a spindle motor includes a rotating shaft coupling to a rotor yoke for supporting an optical disc, a clamp case disposing on the rotor yoke and coupling to the rotating shaft; and a chucking member including a rim portion combined with the clamp case, a plurality of extension portion radically extruded from an edge portion of the rim portion, and chucking arm portions formed at each of the end portion of the extension portions to chuck an inner face of the optical disc.
US08424018B2 Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment
Executing an accelerator application program in a hybrid computing environment with a host computer having a host computer architecture; an accelerator having an accelerator architecture, the accelerator architecture optimized, with respect to the host computer architecture, for speed of execution of a particular class of computing functions; the host computer and the accelerator adapted to one another for data communications by a system level message passing module, where executing an accelerator application program on an accelerator includes receiving, from a host application program on the host computer, operating information for an accelerator application program; designating a directory as a CWD for the accelerator application program, separate from any other CWDs of any other applications running on the accelerator; assigning, to the CWD, a name that is unique with respect to names of other CWDs of other applications in the computing environment; and starting the accelerator application program on the accelerator.
US08424016B2 Techniques to manage critical region interrupts
Briefly, techniques to manage interrupts and swaps of threads operating in critical region. In an embodiment, a thread is to be interrupted during a first critical region with an interrupt routine. The thread may be set to restart at a beginning of the first critical region in response to an indication that the thread is working in a critical region. Other embodiments are also claimed and disclosed.
US08424015B2 Transactional memory preemption mechanism
Mechanisms for executing a transaction in the data processing system are provided. A transaction checkpoint data structure is generated in internal registers of a processor. The transaction checkpoint data structure stores transaction checkpoint data representing a state of program registers at a time prior to execution of a corresponding transaction. The transaction, which comprises a first portion of code that is to be executed by the processor, is executed. An interrupt of the transaction is received while executing the transaction and, as a result, the transaction checkpoint data is stored to a data structure in a memory of the data processing system. A second portion of code is then executed. A state of the program registers is restored using the data structure in the memory of the data processing system in response to an event occurring causing a switch of execution of the processor back to execution of the transaction.
US08424014B2 Method for pushing work request-associated contexts into an IO device
A system and method employing the system for pushing work request associated contexts into a computer device includes issuing a request to a device in a computer system. Context data is fetched from a data storage device for the device. Context is determined for specified data requests, and context misses in the device are predicted. The system and method then initiates a context push and pushes the context into the device using a controller when a context miss is detected. Thereby, reducing the context miss latency time or delay in retrieving context data.
US08424009B2 Lock resolution for distributed durable instances
The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for resolving lock conflicts. For a state persistence system, embodiments of the invention can employ a logical lock clock for each persisted state storage location. Lock times can be incorporated into bookkeeping performed by a command processor to distinguish cases where the instance is locked by the application host at a previous logical time from cases where the instance is concurrently locked by the application host through a different name. A logical command clock is also maintained for commands issued by the application host to a state persistence system, with introspection to determine which issued commands may potentially take a lock. The command processor can resolve conflicts by pausing command execution until the effects of potentially conflicting locking commands become visible and examining the lock time to distinguish among copies of a persisted state storage location.
US08424002B2 Method, system and program of outputting information
An information output method for displaying information of a computer system executing a plurality of tasks including: reading out task construction information corresponding to a task executed by the computer system from a storage device and displaying by an output device the task construction information in a task construction display area inside an output area; reading out logical construction information associated with the task construction information from the storage device and displaying by the output device the logical construction information in a logical construction display area inside the output area; and reading out physical construction information associated with the logical construction information from the storage device and displaying by the output device the physical construction information in a physical construction display area inside the output area.
US08423999B2 Computer system, virtual machine monitor and scheduling method for virtual machine monitor
In a computer system according to the background art, when a request to halt a virtual processor was detected, the virtual processor was blocked. In the blocking method, latency of virtual halt exit of the virtual processor was so long that a problem of performance was caused. A virtual machine monitor selects either of a busy wait method for making repeatedly examination until the virtual halt state exits while the virtual processor stays on the physical processor and a blocking method for stopping execution of the virtual processor and scheduling other virtual processors on the physical processor while yielding the operating physical processor and checking off scheduling of the virtual processor to the physical processor, based on a virtual processor halt duration predicted value of the virtual processor which is an average value of latest N virtual processor halt durations of the virtual processor.
US08423990B2 Installing software onto a client through a network, and corresponding client
The present invention relates to a method and system for installing software onto a client in the NIM environment and corresponding client. Said method includes: initializing said client, wherein a virtual mapping device associated with a memory driver of the client is created, the virtual mapping device for scheduling between the client's memory driver and the remote NIM server with respect to the I/O operation for running the software so as to direct the I/O operation for running said software to the client's memory driver or the remote NIM server; running said software on the client; acquiring the resources desired for running software; and conducting data migration operation from the NIM server to the client while running said software, wherein the migrated data is the resource data obtained from NIM server and desired for installing said software; and the software installation being completed when all the data desired for installing said software are migrated to the memory driver of the client. It is unnecessary for the present invention to copy all the installation images to the local client before installing software, therefore time delay of installing OSs or application programs can be shortened or even eliminated.
US08423980B1 Methods for handling inlined functions using sample profiles
While optimizing executable code, compilers traditionally make static determinations about whether or not to inline functions. Embodiments of the invention convert dynamic hardware-event sampling information into context-specific edge frequencies, which can be used to make inlining decisions for functions.
US08423967B2 Automated level-based targeted test configuration
An indication of a change to at least one source file associated with a software build is received via a processor. A set of test levels of a level-based testing suite are sequentially processed, where each test level subsequently processed includes tests with decreasing qualitative testing information relative to tests associated with previously-processed test levels. For each processed test level, at least one test is selected that tests the change to the at least one source file associated with the software build, test coverage relative to a target risk level for the software build is determined for each selected test, and test selection is terminated upon determining that the test coverage for the selected tests at least meets the target risk level for the software build.
US08423966B2 Using atomic sets of memory locations
A system and method for ensuring consistency of data and preventing data races, including steps of: receiving and examining a computer program written in an object-oriented language; receiving sequences of accesses that form logical operations on a set of memory locations used by the program; receiving definitions of atomic sets of data from the memory locations, wherein said atomic sets are sets of data that indicate an existence of a consistency property without requiring the consistency property itself; inferring which code blocks of the computer program must be synchronized in order to prevent one or more data races in the computer program, wherein synchronization is inferred by determining by analysis for each unit of work, what atomic sets are read and written by the unit of work; and providing a message indicating where synchronization is required.
US08423965B2 Tracing of data flow
Embodiments for tracing dataflow for a computer program are described. The computer program includes machine instructions that are executable on a microprocessor. A decoding module can be configured to decode machine instructions obtained from a computer memory. In addition, a dataflow primitive engine can receive a decoded machine instruction from the decoding module and generate at least one dataflow primitive for the decoded machine instruction based on a dataflow primitive classification into which the decoded machine instruction are categorized by the dataflow primitive engine. A dataflow state table can be configured to track addressed data locations that are affected by dataflow. The dataflow primitives can be applied to the dataflow state table to update a dataflow status for the addressed data locations affected by the decoded machine instruction.
US08423962B2 Automated test execution plan generation
A set of user-configured testing parameters for a software application under test can be received by a test execution plan generation tool. At least one testing objective for the software application can be defined by user-configurable testing parameters. A test execution plan can be automatically generated utilizing the user-configured testing parameters and a predefined test execution plan data model. The predefined test execution plan data model can include testing metadata representing software testing domain data for a software testing system being used to evaluate the software application under test. The testing metadata can specify details of finite shared resources of a test center shared by all projects under test. The generated test execution plan can detail specific allocation of the finite shared resources dedicated towards at least one phase of testing the software application to satisfy the at least one testing objective for the software application.
US08423958B2 Method for managing configuration profiles of network elements deployed in a network
A method for a network having a network element with an original configuration profile stored therewith which specifies operation of the network element in the network includes connecting a server to the network such that the server is in communication with the network element via the network. The server retrieves the original configuration profile from the network element after the network element has been operating in the network. The server analyzes the original configuration profile for compliance with desired characteristics. If the original configuration profile is not in compliance with the desired characteristics, then the server manipulates the original configuration profile to generate a new configuration profile in compliance with the desired characteristics and forwards the new configuration profile to the network element for the network element to store therewith in place of the original configuration profile.
US08423957B2 Using the z/OS load module system status index to distinguish product tag files
A method, system, and computer-usable medium are disclosed for managing software product information in a z/OS environment. Product information associated with a software product is determined and then processed to generate product tag information. A System Status Index (SSI) attribute is generated with a unique identifier signifying that the SSI attribute comprises SSI product tag information. The SSI product tag information is then associated with the SSI attribute with the unique identifier. The z/OS environment is then scanned for SSI attributes. Those SSI attributes comprising a unique identifier are processed to read their associated SSI product tag information. The product tag information is then processed to generate software product information, which is then stored in a repository of software product information.
US08423951B1 Systems and/or methods for identifying corresponding elements in different models
Certain example embodiments relate to systems and/or methods for identifying corresponding elements in different models (e.g., two or more different models), where multiple non-unique elements are connected with one another. The techniques of certain example embodiments are suitable for comparing the different models and identifying corresponding elements, regardless of whether the different models are different versions of one another, represent transformed and/or merged models, and/or were copied and subsequently modified from a source model. The techniques also advantageously leverage a more deterministic approach that is more consistent across different comparisons and when the source and target models are swapped.
US08423950B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing performance and network traffic in distributed workflow processing
Methods and apparatus to optimize workflow execution by making intelligent decisions regarding service requests to perform workflow processes on one or more servers are provided. For some embodiments, a workflow controller may analyze a workflow definition specifying a set of tasks to be performed in order to determine if multiple tasks may be performed locally, on a common server. If so, the controller may generate a remote service to perform the multiple tasks on the common server, without requiring intermediate transfer of data between a local server on which the controller is running and the common remote server.
US08423936B2 Semiconductor structure and method of designing semiconductor structure to avoid high voltage initiated latch-up in low voltage sectors
A method and semiconductor structure to avoid latch-up is disclosed. The method includes identifying at least one high voltage device on a semiconductor chip, identifying a circuit on the semiconductor chip separated from the identified at least one high voltage device by a guard ring, evaluating the circuit for a latch-up condition, and when the latch-up condition occurs, adjusting the contact-circuit spacing in the circuit.
US08423925B1 System and method for compressed post-OPC data
According to various embodiments of the invention, systems and methods for system and methods for compressed post-OPC data created during the design and manufacturing of integrated circuits. In one embodiment of the invention, the method begins by generating a post-OPC layout from a circuit layout during the design phase of a circuit. This post-OPC layout is generated by way of an OPC process. Next, a set of differences between the post-OPC layout and the circuit layout are calculated and a dataset containing these differences are generated In some embodiments the dataset is generated during the OPC process.
US08423920B2 Method of forming photomask by collecting verification data based on a layout of contour patterns
A method of forming a photomask includes providing a layout of design patterns, setting an optical proximity correction (OPC) with respect to the layout of design patterns, and forming a layout of correction patterns with respect to the layout of design patterns by using the set OPC. The method also includes collecting verification data about the layout of correction patterns by using a layout of contour patterns based on the layout of correction patterns, and verifying whether the layout of design patterns and the layout of correction patterns are substantially identical to each other by using the verification data.
US08423916B2 Information processing apparatus, processing method thereof, and computer-readable storage medium
An information processing apparatus inputs a coordinate value of a position designated on a screen which displays one or a plurality of objects, compares an input locus expressed by the input coordinate value string with a second locus, which is defined in advance as a locus used to give the instruction to execute a process for an object, and determines whether the input locus is a first locus or the second locus. When it is determined that the input locus is the first locus, the apparatus selects an object from the one or plurality of objects based on the display positions of the input locus and the object on the screen. When it is determined that the input locus is the second locus, the apparatus executes a process designated by the input locus with respect to the selected object.
US08423915B2 Terminal device, content displaying method, and content displaying program
Provided is a terminal device including: operation means for receiving an input operation by a user; non-operation detection means for detecting whether a non-operation state in the operation means has continued for a predetermined period of time; and icon display means used when it is detected that the non-operation state has continued for the predetermined time, for shifting to another mode different from the current mode and displaying an icon corresponding to the new mode.
US08423910B2 Knowledge gathering methods and systems for transforming product descriptions into process networks
Methods and systems for automated, local product classification through knowledge engineering aided by visual representation of the product may be combined with some targeted queries. A library of product descriptions, particularly, print product descriptions, are visualized and custom document visualizations can be created and added. Products in the library can be searched and managed via a query mechanism that filters on values of the product characteristics. Knowledge encoded in the visual representation is automatically mapped into the classification system's internal representation of the print products which is thus made common throughout the shop and may be made common across shops. The characteristics as described by the product visualization, in combination with ranges and other parameter constraints, can be subsequently mapped into the internal abstraction of product type representation of a conversation system for transforming product descriptions into process networks.
US08423906B2 Cross-component bus channel communication and selection
A method, an application component manager, and a set of instructions are disclosed. A user interface 150 may register a first user component selection and a first user channel selection. A processor 110 may assign a first transmitting application component 220 to transparently broadcast a first transmission on a first bus channel 210 based on the first user component selection and the first user channel selection.
US08423904B2 Mobile terminal and control method thereof
Disclosed are a mobile terminal capable of executing web browsing with consideration of a user's convenience, and a control method thereof. The mobile terminal comprises: a wireless communication unit which accesses any web page; a display module for displaying the accessed web page; and a controller for automatically displaying popup windows in a virtual space when the accessed web page has any popup windows. Popup windows can be hidden at the time of web browsing, and the hidden popup windows can be displayed according to a user's necessity. This enhances the user's convenience.
US08423903B2 Aspect ratio hinting for resizable video windows
A method, apparatus and system for resizing a window in a video display include determining an optimal window edge position based upon an aspect ratio of input content. An on-screen cursor is positioned at a location to initiate a resizing operation. A determination of whether the location is proximate to the optimal window edge position is made. If the location is proximate to the optimal window edge location, a window edge position is adjusted to the optimal window edge position.
US08423901B2 Displaying content outside IFRAME container
A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for displaying content outside the initial boundary of an IFRAME container. The method includes: detecting a first action; and expanding the size of the IFRAME to a size that is sufficient to substantially display the content with a floating effect. The method may further include: detecting a second action; and restoring said size of said IFRAME to said initial size of said IFRAME.
US08423896B2 Generating vector geometry from raster input for semi-automatic land planning
One embodiment of the invention includes a land planning tool that maybe used to perform a variety of land planning tasks. The land planning tool may interpret global information systems (GIS) electronic data in conjunction with user-specified constraints to analyze and display a development site, visually indicating developable areas. The user may then use a pen-based device to sketch outlines of land planning objects. As the user sketches, the land planning tool may generate vector geometry stored in an electronic database for use by a variety of computer aided design tools.
US08423895B2 Method and apparatus for multi-file controls
A method and apparatus for enabling a unit such as a complex control comprising multiple pages, which should be implemented as a single pair of user interface file and code file, to be implemented in a multiplicity of files, to enable multiple developers to work concurrently on the control, and to enable dynamic addition, deletion or update of pages in a control. The method comprises constructing a template describing the complex control, generating separate pages according to the template, and in run time aggregating the separate pages, renaming elements within the separate pages and routing events to the event handlers implemented by the separate pages.
US08423892B1 System and method for monitoring player interactions with branded virtual objects in a virtual environment
A system, computer-readable storage medium storing at least one program, and a computer-implemented method for monitoring player interactions with branded virtual objects in a virtual environment are presented. A game instance of a computer-implemented multiplayer online game is generated, where the game instance is associated with a virtual environment of a first player. A graphical user interface is provided to a second player, where the graphical user interface displays at least one branded virtual object, and where the branded virtual object corresponding to a real-world brand. Player engagement data is generated based on the second player's interaction with the branded virtual object in the virtual environment of the first player. The player engagement data of the second player is stored in a database.
US08423891B2 Management of presentation timing in a distributed presentation environment
A data processing system invokes presentation of a presentation element of a distributed presentation by a plurality of devices. The data processing system receives progress reports from the plurality of devices, where the progress reports indicate progress in presenting the presentation element. The data processing system determines whether a quorum threshold of presentation progress has been achieved based upon the progress reports. In response to determining that the quorum threshold of presentation of presentation progress has been achieved, the data processing system presents an indication that a spoken presentation associated with the presentation element can commence. The notification is presented prior to completion of presentation of the presentation element by at least one of the plurality of devices.
US08423882B2 Online navigation of choice data sets
A method and system are provided for communicating with a dynamic online database to display choices within the database. Groups of data within the database are classified through the use of a cluster analysis technique. This technique provides a navigation map of the online database. Choices that are determined to be related are conveyed as such in the navigation map. One or more navigation pages are created and presented to a user responsive to an action on a link for a choice provided in the navigation map.
US08423880B2 Transmission device estimation method and estimating unit
An estimating unit includes: an error detecting unit which detects an error among a plurality of frames received from an interface unit of a transmission device; a request sending unit which produces a first frame including a data collection request for requesting data collection upon the error detecting unit detecting the error, and which sends the first frame to the interface unit; an extracting unit which extracts, from the plurality of frames received from the interface unit, a second frame including the error detected by the error detecting unit and a third frame including a reply of the interface unit to the data collection request; and a saving unit in which the second frame extracted by the extracting unit is saved.
US08423877B2 Method for determining a copy to be decoded and an associated erasures vector, corresponding storage means and receiver device
A method is proposed for determining an erasures vector associated with a data block to be decoded built out of received copies, and using levels of reliability of transmission associated with symbols contained in different copies of a same block of received pieces of data.Such a method advantageously makes reduces the error rate at output of a decoder by minimizing the operations to be performed to determine the erasures vector, marking the erasures and preventing the generation of an excessively large number of erasures (even when the transmission of certain received copies is unreliable) to have a number of erasures that does not exceed the correction capacity of the decoder.
US08423874B2 Transmitter and receiver for terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting
Provided is a terrestrial digital broadcasting transmitter. The terrestrial digital broadcasting transmitter may include a Reed-Solomon (RS) encoder to RS-encode an inputted broadcast signal, a forward error correction (FEC) encoder to channel-encode an inputted additional signal associated with the broadcast signal, a selector to select the RS-encoded broadcast signal or the channel-encoded additional signal, and a vestigial side band (VSB) transmitting part to transmit, to a receiver via a transmitting antenna, the selected signal, the selected signal being the RS-encoded broadcast signal or the channel-encoded additional signal selected by the selector.
US08423865B2 Apparatus and method for storing data using non-volatile buffer
An apparatus and method for storing data using a non-volatile buffer. A first data is stored in a first non-volatile buffer according to a first input/output request. The first data stored in the first non-volatile buffer is written into a memory cell while a second data is being stored in a second non-volatile buffer according to a second input/output request.
US08423863B2 Terminal transmission apparatus for providing multimedia service via satellite communication link and method for providing multimedia service using the same
The present invention separates inputted triple play IP data into Internet and TV data and voice (VoIP) data, encodes the Internet and TV data permitting a long delay time according to the existing DVB-S2 standard, and encodes the voice data permitting only a short delay time according to a DVB-RCS+M standard based 4K mode. Each encoded data is subjected to the orthogonal modulation and the orthogonally modulated voice data is subjected to a direct sequence spectrum spread according to a spreading factor. The spread spectrum signal is multiplexed in a SCPC frequency division multiple access (FDMA) scheme so as to overlap with frequencies allocated to each user.
US08423856B2 Method and apparatus for semi-persistent scheduling activation detection
A method for activating a semi-persistent scheduled (SPS) resource using a user agent (UA) is presented. A downlink (DL) communication may be received by a UA using a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The DL communication may include a control message. When the control message is associated with an SPS Cell-Radio Network Terminal Identifier (C-RNTI) of the UA, the method may include retrieving a value of a New Data Indicator (NDI) field. When the value of the NDI field is equal to 0, the method may include inspecting the control message to determine whether the control message indicates an SPS activation. When the control message indicates an SPS activation, the method may include activating an SPS resource identified by the control message.
US08423855B2 Adaptive and scalable packer error correction apparatus and method
An adaptive and scalable packet error correction apparatus and method in a wireless multicast network is provided. Each retransmission request from a receiver contains a round number and the number of repairs sent in that round. At each receiver, there are two counters for counting the rounds sent out on the network and the number of repairs that have been required. A receiver on the wireless multicast network listens to the ARQ requests sent by other receivers to update the two counters and determines whether its request should be suppressed or be sent out.
US08423851B2 Measured device and test system utilizing the same
A measured device coupled to test equipment providing at least two test factors and receiving a test result is disclosed. The measured device includes a combinatorial logic circuit and a main circuit. The combinatorial logic circuit includes a first storage module and a second storage module. The first storage module stores the test factors according to a first operation clock. The second storage module stores and outputs at least two output factors according to a second operation clock. The frequency of the second operation clock is higher than the frequency of the first operation clock. When the test factors are stored in the first storage module, the test factors stored in the first storage module are served as the output factors and the output factors are output and stored in the second storage module. The main circuit generates the test result according to the output factors output by the second storage module. The test equipment obtains information as to whether the main circuit is normal according to the test result.
US08423850B2 System debugging method, system debugging equipment, processor, wireless-communications interface IC and interface method thereof
A pulse transmission technique is used for wireless communication between a microcomputer (13) having a debugging support circuit (17) and a debugger (13). The pulse transmission technique is based on magnetic field coupling between a first coil (14) provided for the microcomputer and a second coil (8) coupled with the debugger. During an initialization operation, the microcomputer performs a process of configuring a communication condition of the wireless communication to perform the wireless communication. The microcomputer awaits control from the debugger when the microcomputer establishes communication with the debugger. The debugger awaits establishment of the communication and proceeds to control of the microcomputer in accordance with the wireless communication. It is possible to provide contactless interface for system debugging without the need for a large antenna or a large-scale circuit for modulation and demodulation.
US08423837B2 High reliability and low power redundancy for memory
An integrated circuit containing a memory array, a redundancy circuit and a redundancy error correction circuit coupled to said redundancy circuit. A method for constructing a redundancy word which corresponds to each memory segment and a method for error checking the redundancy word during a memory access request.
US08423830B2 Debug method for computer system
A debug method for computer system is disclosed. The method includes the following steps. Firstly, a first index is increased. Next, a first debug data to a jth debug data are received via a debug port of controller. Then, the first debug data to the jth debug data are sequentially stored to a first memory block of a storage unit of the controller according to the second index of controller. Afterwards, the (i+1)th debug data to the jth debug data are copied to the second memory block from the first memory block according to the increased first index before a controller's power supply is removed or the computer system enters a sleep state. Lastly, an application is implemented so that the second memory block is read according to the first index; wherein, i and j are integers.
US08423818B2 Disk array apparatus and method for controlling the same
A disk array apparatus capable of reducing a disk drive fault rate where a time-out failure has occurred. The disk array apparatus includes a plurality of disk drives, and a control unit for performing data input/output processing of the disk drives in response to a data input/output request from a host system. The control unit includes: a memory for storing control information for specifying a failure of at least one of the disk drives, and failure information of the faulty disk drive, a circuit for specifying, from the failure information, the disk drive in which a time-out failure has occurred, and issuing an instruction to retry a control command to the disk drive, and a circuit for outputting a control signal to the faulty disk drive in order to hard reset the disk drive if the disk drive does not recover from the failure.
US08423816B2 Method and computer system for failover
In a computer system wherein plural servers are connected with an external disk device via a network, each server incorporates therein a logic partition module for configuring at least one logic partition in the server, and the operating system stored in the logic partition is booted by the boot disk of an external disk device, the failover operation is performed only for the logic partition affected by a failure when the task being executed by a working server is taken over by another server at the time of the failure occurring in the working server.
US08423814B2 Programmable drive strength in memory signaling
Embodiments of the invention relate to programmable data register circuits and programmable clock generation circuits For example, some embodiments include a buffer circuit for receiving input data and sending output data signals along a series of signal lines with a signal strength, and a signal modulator configured to determine the signal strength based on a control input. Some embodiments include a clock generation circuit for receiving clock reference and sending output clock signals along a series of signal lines with a signal character, and a signal modulator configured to determine the signal character based on a control input.
US08423812B2 Time correction in a semiconductor device using correction information provided by an adjacent semiconductor device
In an information processing apparatus that includes a first and second semiconductor devices that are connected to each other and also includes a system control device that is connected to the first and second semiconductor devices, the timers that are mounted on the semiconductor devices are all synchronized by successively performing a timer correction process between a semiconductor device in which the timer is synchronized and a semiconductor device, adjacent to the semiconductor device, in which the timer is not synchronized, and, when an error occurs in the information processing device, the value in the synchronized timer and the error information are stored in a predetermined register.
US08423802B2 Power scaling module and power scaling unit of an electronic system having a function unit in a standby state which is insensitive to change in frequency or voltage during synchronization
A power scaling unit (PSU) of an electronic system is provided. The PSU includes a software programming interface (SPI) and a PSM. The SPI receives a transaction through software programming. The PSM receives the transaction from the SPI and controls a power driving element (PDE) of the electronic system to change an output of the PDE provided to a function unit of the electronic system according to the transaction. The output of the PDE is an operating voltage or an operating clock signal of the function unit. The transaction includes a command defining a power scaling operation to be performed by the PSM, a parameter used by the operation, and an event mask specifying an event which triggers the operation.
US08423789B1 Key generation techniques
In one or more embodiments, an integrated circuit includes a programmable memory, a key generation module and a module. The programmable memory is to maintain a first key portion. The key generation module is to generate a key using the first key portion from the programmable memory and a second key portion received via a memory interface. The module is to encrypt or decrypt data using the key.
US08423787B2 Apparatus and method of measuring integrity
Provided are an apparatus and method of measuring integrity, in which unnecessary memory loading of an object for measuring integrity is avoided. The apparatus includes a mapping module loading at least one second object, among a plurality of second objects divided from a first object in accordance with an allocation unit of a memory, into the memory, a memory module storing a hash value of the divided second object, and a measurement module measuring integrity of the first object by comparing a hash value of the loaded at least one second object with the hash value stored in the memory module.
US08423774B2 Integrity protected smart card transaction
Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and a client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN′ value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN′ value for unlocking the smart card.
US08423764B2 Method and apparatus for key revocation in an attribute-based encryption scheme
A method and apparatus for key revocation in an attribute-based encryption scheme is provided herein. Prior to operation, a key management service performs a randomized setup algorithm resulting in the generation of public parameters and the key management service's master secret, MK. During operation, the key management service is provided with verified user attribute information. The key management service creates keys for users based on their list of attributes. The keys can then be used to decode appropriate ciphertext. During the key creation, each attribute is associated with a particular text string. As attributes are revoked, the text string is updated.
US08423758B2 Method and apparatus for packet source validation architecture system for enhanced internet security
A Packet Source Validation Architecture (PSVA) system for enhanced Internet Security that validates the source of all data packets that enter and propagate in the global computer network is disclosed. The PSVA system includes: (i) a system means to insert a source validation code in the header of the packets entering the Internet, (ii) a system means wherein the source validation code does not identity the source of the packets to anyone except to a law-enforcement agency, (iii) a system means to transport such a packet from the sending computer to the destination computer over the existing global computer network, (iv) a means for packet receiving clients to forward the validation code therein to law-enforcement agencies, when an identified type of harm is detected in the data of the received packets. The PSVA system is made up of, (i) a distributed set of key servers and (ii) an adaptation of the major routers of the Internet, and an adaptation of the Sending and receiving client servers. For an embodiment limited to e-mail security, the PSVA system is made up of, (i) a distributed set of key servers, (ii) an adaptation of the mail servers, and (iii) and adaptation of sending mail clients, where for implementation all mail servers do not need to be adapted at the same time.
US08423753B2 System and method for express execution of navigation function
A method for express execution of navigation function is provided. A computer system is installed with a first operating system in a data storage device therein. The method includes the following steps: the computer system executing the BIOS of the computer system; before loading and executing the first operating system, the computer system detecting and activating a touch-control display device; the touch-control display device displaying an executive item icon representing the navigation function; detecting the executive item icon selection by the user; based on the selection, loading and executing the first operating system; and executing the navigation function corresponding to the selected executive item icon.
US08423752B2 Apparatus and method for performing permutation operations in which the ordering of one of a first group and a second group of data elements is preserved and the ordering of the other group of data elements is changed
An apparatus for processing data is provided comprising processing circuitry having permutation circuitry for performing permutation operations, a register bank having a plurality of registers for storing data and control circuitry responsive to program instructions to control the processing circuitry to perform data processing operations. The control circuitry is arranged to be responsive to a control-generating instruction to generate in dependence upon a bit-mask control signals to configure permutation circuitry for performing permutation operation on an input operand. The bit-mask identifies within the input operand the first group of data elements having a first ordering and a second group of data elements having a second ordering and the permutation operation is such that it preserves one of the first ordering and the second ordering but changes the other of the first ordering and the second ordering.
US08423750B2 Hardware assist thread for increasing code parallelism
Mechanisms are provided for offloading a workload from a main thread to an assist thread. The mechanisms receive, in a fetch unit of a processor of the data processing system, a branch-to-assist-thread instruction of a main thread. The branch-to-assist-thread instruction informs hardware of the processor to look for an already spawned idle thread to be used as an assist thread. Hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic determines if one or more already spawned idle threads are available for use as an assist thread. The hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic selects an idle thread from the one or more already spawned idle threads if it is determined that one or more already spawned idle threads are available for use as an assist thread, to thereby provide the assist thread. In addition, the hardware implemented pervasive thread control logic offloads a portion of a workload of the main thread to the assist thread.
US08423741B2 Storage control device and data processing system
A storage medium management part includes a stored data amount adjustment part that: stores a maximum data amount which the storage medium can store at the time of startup of a storage control device, and a stored data amount which is an initial stored amount, in a data amount storage part; upon receiving a write amount of a data in response to a write request, writes a new stored data amount calculated by adding the write amount to the already stored data amount, over the already stored data amount; calculates a free space by subtracting the stored data amount from the maximum data amount; determines a deletion amount of the data if the free space does not takes a value not less than a prescribed value; and writes a newly-calculated stored data amount calculated by subtracting the deletion amount from the stored data amount, over the stored data amount.
US08423733B1 Single-copy implicit sharing among clones
Various systems and methods are disclosed to share a single copy of a storage object among clones. For example, one method involves creating a first and second clone. The first and second clones share a single copy of a storage object. The first clone is assigned an identifier based on the value of a variable. After creating the first clone the variable is incremented. The second clone is assigned the value of the incremented variable as an identifier.
US08423731B1 System and method for automatic scheduling and policy provisioning for information lifecycle management
A system and method for managing automatic data protection features, e.g., backup scheduling and data storage capabilities, e.g., policy provisioning of a storage system to enable information lifecycle management of data served by the system. A novel management module executes within a storage operating system of the storage system to manage the automatic scheduling of backup operations for data based on a minimal set of user configurations. The management module cooperates with a mirroring application to manage the generation of persistent consistency point image (PCPIs) used as backups (replicas) of the data. The management module distributes the data containers scheduled for PCPI generation among time slots within a defined backup time window. At the appropriate time slot, each PCPI the data container is illustratively backed up from the primary storage space to the secondary storage space.
US08423727B2 I/O conversion method and apparatus for storage system
An aspect of the invention relates to a method of managing data location of plural files in a storage system having a mixed volume which includes plural pages having a fixed page size, the pages belonging to different tiers. The method comprises mapping pages of different tiers to storage devices of different speeds in the storage system, the storage devices including at least a high speed storage device corresponding to a high tier page and a low speed storage device corresponding to a low tier page; and for each file that is a large file which is larger in size than the page size, performing sub-file tiered management on the large file to assign the large file among pages of different tiers according to access characteristics of different portions of the large file by matching the access characteristics of each portion of the large file with a corresponding tier of the assigned page of the mixed volume.
US08423725B1 Multithreading implementation for flops and register files
A multithreading memory system, and a processor that incorporates a multithreading memory system, includes a main memory element, plural auxiliary memory elements, and a selector. The main memory element may be configured to receive a data signal and a select signal. The auxiliary memory elements may be configured to receive an output signal from the main memory element. The selector may be configured to receive an output signal from one of the auxiliary memory elements and a scan input signal. The selector may select the output signal from the auxiliary memory element or the scan input signal based on an advance thread signal. The selected one of the output signal from the at least one special memory element and the scan input signal may be forwarded to the main memory element as the control signal.
US08423722B1 System and method for high performance command processing in solid state drives
Solid State Drives (SSD) can yield very high performance if it is designed properly. A SSD typically includes both a front end that interfaces with the host and a back end that interfaces with the flash media. Typically SSDs include flash media that is designed with a high degree of parallelism that can support a very high bandwidth on input/output (I/O). A SSD front end designed according to a traditional hard disk drive (HDD) model will not be able to take advantage of the high performance offered by the typical flash media. Embodiments of the invention provide improved management of multiple I/O threads that take advantage of the high performing and concurrent nature of the back end media, so the resulting storage system can achieve a very high performance.
US08423721B2 Cache coherency protocol in a data processing system
A method includes detecting a bus transaction on a system interconnect of a data processing system having at least two masters; determining whether the bus transaction is one of a first type of bus transaction or a second type of bus transaction, where the determining is based upon a burst attribute of the bus transaction; performing a cache coherency operation for the bus transaction in response to the determining that the bus transaction is of the first type, where the performing the cache coherency operation includes searching at least one cache of the data processing system to determine whether the at least one cache contains data associated with a memory address the bus transaction; and not performing cache coherency operations for the bus transaction in response to the determining that the bus transaction is of the second type.
US08423718B2 Low-overhead run-time memory leak detection and recovery
Leaked memory in a computer system is detected and recovered by first detecting memory leakage within the computer system based on nonlinear and non-parametric time-series regression analysis of software telemetry data generated by one or more software process running on the computer system. If existence of memory leakage is detected, then memory that has leaked is specifically identified and recovered. This is done by halting one or more of the software processes, generating a core image file or files of the halted software process(es), and re-starting the halted process or processes without waiting for analysis of the core image file(s). Then, the core image file is evaluated to specifically identify leaked memory in the computer system based on the core image file. Finally, the identified leaked memory is recovered.
US08423717B2 Multi-core processing cache image management
A multi-core processor chip comprises at least one shared cache having a plurality of ports and a plurality of address spaces and a plurality of processor cores. Each processor core is coupled to one of the plurality of ports such that each processor core is able to access the at least one shared cache simultaneously with another of the plurality of processor cores. Each processor core is assigned one of a unique application or a unique application task and the multi-core processor is operable to execute a partitioning operating system that temporally and spatially isolates each unique application and each unique application task such that each of the plurality of processor cores does not attempt to write to the same address space of the at least one shared cache at the same time as another of the plurality of processor cores.
US08423713B2 Cluster type storage system and method of controlling the same
The present invention can adjust the ratio between a global namespace storage area and a local namespace storage area. Each of the nodes adjusts the ratio between GNS storage areas and LNS storage areas of logical volumes according to the operating condition. When received a LNS-based access request as an access request for storing business affair data from each client, each of the nodes store the business affair data in their own LNS storage areas. When received a GNS-based access request, the node checks the unused capacity of the GNS storage areas of each of the nodes, and transfers the business affair data via a network switch to the node which comprises a logical volume with the largest unused capacity.
US08423710B1 Sequential writes to flash memory
This disclosure describes techniques for improving flash memory write performance using sequential writes. In some cases this is accomplished using a write buffer to store random writes. The stored random writes are written to the flash memory when sufficient random writes are stored to perform a sequential write.
US08423697B2 Device interface module
A computer, such as a portable computer, can include a removable interface module. The module can contain a device having a computer interface. The device can be a radio or a fiber optic communications device, for example. The use of such a module can facilitate repair and reconfiguration of the portable computer in the field. Such computers can be used by military personnel, police, emergency medical personnel, fire fighters, and the like.
US08423694B2 Method and device for priority generation in multiprocessor apparatus
A device for generating a priority value of a processor in a multiprocessor apparatus, the device comprising a counter, an interface for receiving signals from an arbiter, wherein the signals indicate decision of the arbiter about granting or denying access to a common resource in said multiprocessor apparatus. The counter is adapted to change its value in response to said signal and the changes of the counter go in opposite directions depending on the type of signal received from the arbiter. The device is also adapted to send the modified value of the counter as a new priority value to the arbiter.
US08423690B2 Methods and apparatus for media redirection
A method includes generating a storage device request directed to a register of a computing device that is used to access a storage device of the compute device. The method further includes determining with a media redirection device to redirect the storage device request to a storage device connected to a network. The method further includes transmitting over a host bus of the computing device a packetized message representing the storage device request from the media redirection device to a network controller. An associated apparatus is also disclosed.
US08423675B2 Data transfer, synchronising applications, and low latency networks
Asynchronous network interface and method of synchronisation between two applications on different computers is provided. The network interface contains snooping hardware which can be programmed to contain triggering values comprising either addresses, address ranges or other data which are to be matched. These data are termed “trip wires”. Once programmed, the interface monitors the data stream, including address data, passing through the interface for addresses and data which match the trip wires which have been set. On a match, the snooping hardware can generate interrupts, increment event counters, or perform some other application-specified action. This snooping hardware is preferably based upon Content-Addressable Memory.The invention thus provides in-band synchronisation by using synchronisation primitives which are programmable by user level applications, while still delivering high bandwidth and low latency. The programming of the synchronisation primitives can be made by the sending and receiving applications independently of each other and no synchronisation information is required to traverse the network.
US08423672B2 Domain name resolution using a distributed DNS network
A distributed DNS network includes a central origin server that actually controls the zone, and edge DNS cache servers configured to cache the DNS content of the origin server. The edge DNS cache servers are published as the authoritative servers for customer domains instead of the origin server. When a request for a DNS record results in a cache miss, the edge DNS cache servers get the information from the origin server and cache it for use in response to future requests. Multiple edge DNS cache servers can be deployed at multiple locations. Since an unlimited number of edge DNS cache servers can be deployed, the system is highly scalable. The disclosed techniques protect against DoS attacks, as DNS requests are not made to the origin server directly.
US08423669B2 Communication device having VPN accommodation function
Disclosed herein is a VPN service with fully meshed virtual paths obtained with a smaller number of settings, thus facilitating expansion of the VPN service. This is attained by providing a communication device in a virtual private network (VPN) having a VPN accommodation function for connecting an intra-organization network or inter-organization network through the Internet.
US08423664B2 Network communications of application running on device utilizing multiple virtual network connections
A method includes steps of detecting, at a first device, a first request for a network connection from an application, spawning a first virtual machine that virtualizes network capabilities of the first device such that a first virtual network connection is provided, selecting a routing protocol for the first virtual network connection, detecting, at the first device, a second request for a network connection from the application, spawning a second virtual machine that virtualizes network capabilities of the first device such that a second virtual network connection is provided, selecting a routing protocol for the second virtual network connection, using the selected routing protocol for the first virtual network connection, communicating data from the application to a second device using the first virtual network connection, and, using the selected routing protocol for the second virtual network connection, communicating data from the application using the second virtual network connection.
US08423663B2 Providing full point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for providing full point-to-point communications among compute nodes of an operational group in a global combining network of a parallel computer, each compute node connected to each adjacent compute node in the global combining network through a link, that include: receiving a network packet in a compute node, the network packet specifying a destination compute node; selecting, in dependence upon the destination compute node, at least one of the links for the compute node along which to forward the network packet toward the destination compute node; and forwarding the network packet along the selected link to the adjacent compute node connected to the compute node through the selected link.
US08423661B2 Packet communication device, packet communication system, packet communication module, data processor, and data transfer system
A transmit packet generated by a CPU 1 is held in a buffer 100a (100b). From among packets received from Ethernet 820a (820b), a packet, a destination of which is a communication device 800, is held in the buffer 100a (100b). A packet which should be transmitted is transmitted from a transfer judging circuit 200 to Ethernet 820a or 820b through a MAC unit 300a or 300b. If a transfer judging circuit 200 judges a packet from the Ethernet 820a to be a packet, a destination of which is another communication device, with reference to a destination MAC address, this packet is transferred to the Ethernet 820b through MAC 300b. If a usage rate of a transferring FIFO buffer 130a (130b) exceeds a threshold value in the process of transmitting a packet held in a transmitting FIFO buffer 120a (130b) on a priority basis, the priority order of a transfer packet is made higher than that of a transmit packet so that the transfer packet is transferred to the Ethernet 820a or 820b in preference to the transmit packet. This prevents a transfer buffer means from overflowing.
US08423660B2 Datacasting system with hierarchical delivery quality of service management capability
Datacasting systems may include one or more compound carousels each managing one or more elementary carousels, and managed by a bandwidth manager. Subsets of compounds carousels may be identified, for example, according to priority levels. Bandwidth allocations may be determined for the compound carousels. For example, the bandwidth manager may utilize multiple bandwidth allocation cycles to determine the bandwidth allocations. The multiple bandwidth allocation cycles may form a sequence. Each bandwidth allocation cycle may at least partially allocate an available datacasting bandwidth resource to at least one of the identified subsets of the compound carousels. The allocations may be based at least in part on desired bandwidths determined by the compound carousels and/or one or more bandwidth guidelines of datacast sessions associated with the compound carousels.
US08423654B2 Methods and systems for preventing a local display device from displaying data generated by a remote computing device
A method and system for preventing a local display device from displaying data generated by a remote computing device is described. The system includes a local agent for facilitating a remote session; an operating system generating a request to enable a display device controlled by a display adapter; and a filter executing in a driver and in communication with the local agent, the filter intercepting the request generated by the operating system. The filter transmits the request to the local agent when a remote user is active or to the display adapter when the remote user is inactive. The filter will transmits a signal to the operating system that the display adapter has enabled the display device when the filter transmits the request to at least one of the local agent and the display adapter.
US08423648B2 Method and system for verifying state of a transaction between a client and a service over a data-packet-network
A system for verifying communication established between a first and a second node over a data-packet-network includes a third network node accessible from the first node over the data-packet-network, the third node containing network location information of the second node and the network location information of at least one resource accessible there from; and a navigation agent directed by the third network node for navigating over the network to the second node and to the at least one resource to gather information. In a preferred embodiment, the information gathered includes indication of receipt of data sent from the first node at the second node and indication of confirmation or authorization to access services.
US08423640B1 Systems and methods for detecting click spam
A system detects spamming. The system identifies normal users visiting a web site and determines an occurrence of spamming on the web site based at least in part on the identified normal users.
US08423636B2 Dynamic setting of mbuf maximum limits
A data processing system stack initializes a first mbuf chain limit to a pre-set level. It receives at least one packet. The system receives at least one packet. The system returns an mbuf data structure in response to receiving at least one packet from an IP address. The system measures a health of the network connection to determine whether the network connection satisfies a first health criterion. The system reduces the mbuf chain limit to a second mbuf chain limit, responsive to the health of the network connection not satisfying the first health criterion. The system measures the health of the network connection to determine whether the network connection meets a second health criterion.
US08423632B2 Method, network management center, and a related device for configuring a network policy for a virtual port
A method, a network management center, and a related device. The method includes: obtaining a physical network policy group and a media access control (MAC) address of a virtual port; associating the physical network policy group and the MAC address of the virtual port to form a virtual port policy association table; and selecting the physical network policy group corresponding to the MAC address carried by a request from the virtual port policy association table, and delivering the physical network policy group to a physical switch sending the request. When a virtual machine (VM) on the server is migrated, the method may be used to migrate the network policy for the virtual port on a real-time basis. Therefore, the real-time effect of services provided by the VM is improved in the virtualization process of the server.
US08423628B2 Method and apparatus for extending functionality of networked devices
Disclosed are methods for providing extended functionality to a networked device, the networked device connected in a network, as well as corresponding apparatus and computer-readable medium. The embodiments intercept data communications in which the networked device is a party, the data communications being intercepted by an interdictor, receive at the interdictor a subscription registration for notification of a networked device event which is to be altered, the subscription registration being received from an extension service, determine whether the data communications in which the networked device is a party corresponds to the subscription registration of the networked device event which is to be altered, and modify the data communications in which the networked device is a party to provide the extended functionality when the data communications are determined to correspond to the subscription registration of networked device event to be altered.
US08423627B2 Managing method for providing contents service
A managing method and an apparatus for servicing contents provided by contents provider wherein the managing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a contents provider management module for generating an account of a contents provider based on information of the contents provider transmitted from the contents providing apparatus; a contents management module for managing a contents connection point for connecting to the contents provided from the contents providing apparatus and for managing information relative to the contents; and a menu management module for registering menus including a menu connected to the contents connection point and for managing a connection authority to a name of the menu and the menu, such that a collective management on the contents providers is possible and the contents providers can conveniently provide contents services to subscribers.
US08423621B2 System and method for improved synchronization between a server and a client
A system and method for improved client and server communications, more particularly, an improved protocol that may be used for communication between a client and a server, such as in an email environment. Many features are provided for improved communications. An email server may provide the best message body available for an email message, may transfer an entire data object if requested property or properties are not well defined within the data object, may provide progress data for use in tracking download progress, and may send error information for a data object having an error. Email changes may be optimized at an email server component, even if the email changes occurred at another email server component. An email server may maintain a table of changes that occur to folders at an associated data store, and may notify a subscribed email client component of changes that occur in the table.
US08423620B2 Apparatus and method for testing web service interoperability
An apparatus and method for testing web service interoperability. The apparatus includes a state model generator generating a state model of a composition system expressing an operation of exchanging a message when web services interoperate with each other as a state machine on the basis of content of a simple object access protocol (SOAP) service description language (SSDL) web service specification, a test structure generator generating a web service test structure by including information about an operating environment in which a web service test is carried out in a composition system structure that includes structured information about web services performing a message exchange operation, a test case generator generating a test case including definitions of execution functions for testing whether or not the web services interoperate with each other according to a message exchange operation sequence defined in the SSDL specification, from the state model of the composition system and information about the web service test structure, and a test case executor inputting a value to the test case to cause test target web services to execute the test case and testing whether the web services interoperate with each other according to the message exchange operation sequence defined in the SSDL specification.
US08423613B2 System for messaging and collaborating in an intranet environment
A messaging system and associated computer program product. The messaging system includes a plurality of browsers connected through a common server. The server includes a message engine for receiving from a first user browser a request to enter chat mode with a second user browser; then receiving asynchronously from the second user browser a request to download any content from the common server or any other intranet or Internet server; and responding to the request from the second user browser with content modified to instantiate a chat session between the first and second user browsers.
US08423611B1 Metasearch engine for ordering at least one item returned in search results using at least one query on multiple unique hosts and for displaying advertising
Process for metasearching on the Internet performed by a metasearch engine, comprising: receiving a user interface related HTTP request from a client device; causing at least one user interface related advertisement to be displayed in a user interface related response; receiving a search related HTTP request, associated with at least one item that may be ordered, from the client device; sending at least one search query to a plurality of unique hosts; receiving search results from the plurality of unique hosts; incorporating the received search results into a search related response; causing at least one search related advertisement associated with the at least one item to be displayed in the search related response; communicating the search related response from the metasearch engine to the client device; receiving an order placement related HTTP request from the client device for placing an order for the at least one item; processing the order.
US08423610B2 User interface for web comments
One or more server devices receive a request associated with a link, where the link is further associated with a comment and where the comment provides an opinion of, or remarks upon, a content of a document. The one or more server devices retrieve a content of the comment associated with the link from a database and retrieve the document. The one or more server devices generate another document that displays the content of the comment and includes a frame that further displays the document, and send the generated another document to the client device.
US08423605B2 Parallel distributed processing method and computer system
Provided is a parallel distributed processing method executed by a computer system comprising a parallel-distributed-processing control server, a plurality of extraction processing servers and a plurality of aggregation processing servers. The managed data includes at least a first and a second data items, the plurality of data items each including a value. The method includes a step of extracting data from one of the plurality of chunks according to a value in the second data item, to thereby group the data, a step of merging groups having the same value in the second data item based on an order of a value in the first data item of data contained in a group among groups, and a step of processing data in a group obtained through the merging by focusing on the order of the value in the first data item.
US08423603B2 Providing real time information in a visual information unit
Embodiments of the invention enable a person to easily and without having any specialized knowledge configure a webpage to automatically provide real time information. More specifically, embodiments of the invention are directed to a remotely hosted element which may be easily configured and placed in a webpage by an un-sophisticated publisher. The remotely hosted element provides the real time information. In certain embodiments, the real time information is stock quotes, charts and associated news items. In certain embodiments, the real time information unit is interactive. In other words, it allows webpage viewers to interact with it in order to cause it to show additional, or differently organized information.
US08423596B2 Methods of multivariate data cluster separation and visualization
A method separates multivariate data points in lower dimensional space, where each data point has been classified into one of a plurality of data clusters including at least a first data cluster and a second data cluster. The method includes the step of acquiring an ND-to-3D transformation matrix for transforming the plurality of multivariate data points to a plurality of three-dimensional data points. The method preferably includes the sub-step of performing a center of mass (COM) separation of the clusters to acquire a COM transformation matrix, where the COM transformation matrix is the ND-to-3D transformation matrix. The method also includes the step of performing a receiver-operator characteristic curve (ROC) separation to acquire an ROC transformation matrix for transforming the plurality of three-dimensional data points to a plurality of data points in a dimension lower than 3D and preferably a re-optimized COM transformation matrix.
US08423593B2 Content distribution system
A contents distribution system distributes contents to the reproduction terminals (103). A contents distribution system comprises a first contents distribution server (101) and one or more contents storage servers (102). This system makes it possible that the CM contents recorded in each of CM distribution servers (101) is distributed to multiple CM storage servers (102) and the multiple CM storage servers (102) distribute the CM contents to the reproduction terminals (103). Using multiple CM storage servers (102), the processing load of CM distribution can be shared. Compared with the case in which the CM distribution server (101) directly distributes CM to the reproduction terminals (103), the processing load of each of CM distribution servers (101) can be reduced.
US08423589B2 Copy collector with efficient abort-on-copy transition to mark collector
A method for performing garbage collection on an object heap is described. In one embodiment, such a method includes performing a copy phase on an object heap by copying live objects from a source space to a destination space. An abort condition is generated when copying an object from the source space to the destination space fails due to insufficient space. In response to the abort condition, tracing work and reference updating associated with the copy phase are terminated. A mark phase is then initiated that marks live objects in the source space. This mark phase resumes tracing work and reference updating terminated by the copy phase in order to avoid or minimize the repetition of work performed by the copy phase. A corresponding computer program product and system are also described.
US08423577B1 Providing suggested actions in response to textual communications
A system, method, and computer-readable media are described for suggesting an action based on multiple descriptors within a textual communication (e.g. email, text message). In one embodiment, event descriptors within an email are identified and displayed to the email recipient with an indication that the descriptors are selectable. Upon receiving the selection of at least two descriptors, an action is suggested to the recipient for acceptance. Upon receiving the acceptance, the proposed action is performed.
US08423568B2 Query classification using implicit labels
Described is a technology for automatically generating labeled training data for training a classifier based upon implicit information associated with the data. For example, whether a query has commercial intent can be classified based upon whether the query was submitted at a commercial website's search portal, as logged in a toolbar log. Positive candidate query-related data is extracted from the toolbar log based upon the associated implicit information. A click log is processed to obtain negative query-related data. The labeled training data is automatically generated by separating at least some of the positive candidate query data from the remaining positive candidate query data based upon the negative query data. The labeled training data may be used to train a classifier, such as to classify an online search query as having a certain type of intent or not.
US08423563B2 System and methodology for name searches
A system and methodology for name searches is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method is described for determining whether a particular name comprising one or more words matches any names on a list of names, the method comprises steps of: generating codes characterizing the particular name by generating a code for each word of the particular name that is based at least in part on phonetic sounds of the word and on whether characters of the word match a pattern occurring in a proper name in a given natural language; deriving an initial set of any matching names by comparing the codes of the particular name against corresponding codes for the list of names; and deriving a final set of any matching names by comparing words of the particular name against words of names in the initial set.
US08423562B2 Non-transitory, computer readable storage medium, search method, and search apparatus
A non-transitory, computer readable storage medium storing a program for a computer being capable of accessing a group of nodes having divided-data structures obtained by dividing a data structure having a transposed hierarchical bloom filter of a hierarchical bloom filter and sets of data blocks by a predetermined bit width, wherein the hierarchical bloom filter has h-stage bloom filter arrays each having a bit width of “s”, the hth-stage bloom filter array having bits indicating false positives or negatives and the pth-stage bloom filter array having n=d[h-(p-1)] bloom filters (where 1≦p≦h) each having a bit width of m=s/d[h-(p-1)] (where d indicates a division number for the hth-stage bloom filter array), the transposed hierarchical bloom filter is obtained in the bloom filters in the bloom filter array, and the set of data blocks corresponds to the first-stage bloom filter array of the hierarchical bloom filter.
US08423556B2 Archive device
An archive device includes: a storage for storing divided data and attribute information, the divided data being received from an external device and divided from original data by a predetermined size, the attribute information being associated with a hash value and identification information, the hash value being calculated from the divided data, the identification information identifying the original data before being divided; and a controller for calculating a hash value for divided data that is received from the external device, writing the divided data and the attribute information corresponding to the divided data to the storage when the calculated hash value is not included in the attribute information stored in the storage, and adding the identification information corresponding to the calculated hash value to the attribute information when the calculated hash value is included in the attribute information stored in the storage.
US08423554B2 Content category scoring for nodes in a linked database
Systems, methods and computer program products are provided for assigning content category scores to nodes of a linked database. The nodes of the linked database include linking nodes and linked nodes. Each linking node is assigned a linking node score for each content category. The linking node score for each content category represents a degree of relevancy of the linking node to the content category. Each of the linked nodes is linked to by at least one of the linking nodes. Each linked node is assigned a content category score for each content category. The content category score for each content category is based on the linking node score for said content category of each linking node that links to the linked node.
US08423553B2 Graphically displaying a file system
The contents of a computer file system are displayed on a graphical user interface. File system metadata descriptive of the computer file system and file metadata descriptive of each of a plurality of files are gathered. A file selection is received indicating a file accessed by the user. A user context is determined by the file metadata. The files are clustered using the file system metadata, a set of file metadata, and the user context. The set of file clusters are mapped onto a visualization model and graphically displayed on the graphical user interface using the visualization model.
US08423549B2 Method for stable and linear unsupervised classification upon the command on objects
A method of linear unsupervised classification allowing a database composed of objects and of descriptors to be structured, which is stable on the order of the objects, comprises an initial step for transformation of the qualitative, quantitative or textual data into presence-absence binary data. A structural threshold αs function is determined of the n2 agreements between the objects to be classified with the structural threshold defining an optimization criterion adapted to the data. The descriptors are used as structuring and construction generators of a partition or set of classes. A class generated by a descriptor and a partition (40, 41, 42) progressively merged. For an optimization criterion involving a function ƒ(Cii,Ci′i′)=Min(Cii,Ci′i′), sums of Minimum functions are linearized.
US08423542B2 System and method for extracting users of similar interests between various types of web servers
Disclosed herein is a system and method for extracting users of similar interests between various types of web servers. The system includes a user profile vector creation unit, a user similarity calculation unit, and a similar user extraction unit. The user profile vector creation unit collects tag data, performs standardization calculation on the degree of importance of each of one or more tags, and creates user profile vectors for respective users. The user similarity calculation unit calculates user similarity using the user profile vectors of the respective users created through the user profile vector creation unit. The similar user extraction unit extracts users of similar interests using the value of the user similarity calculated through the user similarity calculation unit.
US08423536B2 Systems and methods to sort information related to entities having different locations
Systems and methods sort location dependent information based on selecting multiple groups of information according to location, ordering the groups based on location, and ordering the information within the groups based on at least one or more other criteria. The size(s) of the areas used to select the groups may be predetermined, or dynamically determined (e.g., based on clustering of information along distance to a location of interest).
US08423523B2 Apparatus and method for utilizing context to resolve ambiguous queries
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to derive from a database schema an irreducible ambiguous group comprising a sub-schema with a set of vertices wherein any two vertices are part of a loop. Contexts are defined on the sub-schema. For each context, joins in the sub-schema are designated as mandatory joins, excluded joins and neutral joins. A selection of a context from multiple contexts invoked by a path characterizing a query is processed. The query is resolved using the context.
US08423520B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient compression and deduplication
Mechanisms are provided for performing efficient compression and deduplication of data segments. Compression algorithms are learning algorithms that perform better when data segments are large. Deduplication algorithms, however, perform better when data segments are small, as more duplicate small segments are likely to exist. As an optimizer is processing and storing data segments, the optimizer applies the same compression context to compress multiple individual deduplicated data segments as though they are one segment. By compressing deduplicated data segments together within the same context, data reduction can be improved for both deduplication and compression. Mechanisms are applied to compensate for possible performance degradation.
US08423510B2 Real time backup system for computer users
This invention involves tracking and backing all the information that a user generates on its computer devices (including embedded devices) in real time. The local user server records all user actions and gestures (via various means that include TV cameras). All of this information (user actions and saved files in a computer) is then sent to a remote server via the Internet. This remote server has a virtual map of all the embedded devices on a computer that the person uses. The remote server immediately starts to interpret the user's actions (including user gestures). In one implementation, the invention stores user actions that are related to data generation (e.g. actions that called some links where data is stored, or executed some programs that generated data). In another variant the remote server generates and downloads the same files that are downloaded on the local user computer devices. For example, if a person begins to download a program, the server may also download the same program on a remote backup server. This way, if the user loses this program, it can be retrieved automatically through a provided server on the Internet. If user's files are backed up by regular backup periodically, relevant data that were stored by real time backup servers can be eliminated.
US08423507B2 Method and system for managing replication of data
Data replication management which enables rapid retrieval while increasing the performance of the entire system, and maintaining data synchronization regarding successively updated data is performed. There are steps which comprises a step that when a slave node which has received an instruction for retrieval does not receive a return massage from a master node within a predetermined time period (Ts1) from the transmission of a request message to the master node, the slave node requests the master node to provide a transaction log up to the latest version with respect to the update of a master database; a step that the master node which has received the request transmits the transaction log to the slave node; and a step that the slave node updates a replica database with reference to the transaction log transferred from the master node.
US08423506B2 Embedded change logging for data synchronization
Embodiments of the present invention provide for embedded change logging for data synchronization. In an embodiment of the invention, an embedded change logging data processing system can include a change embedded database (EDB) disposed in a pervasive device. The EDB can store entries for notified changes in data for multiple different end-user applications in the pervasive device. The system also can include a change log service (CLS) disposed in the pervasive device and coupled to the EDB. The CLS can include program code enabled to register with multiple different end-user applications in the pervasive device to receive notifications of changes, and to write entries to the EDB responsive to the notifications. Finally, the system can include a synchronization client disposed in the pervasive device separately from the CLS. The synchronization client can include program code enabled to directly access the EDB to perform data synchronization with a remote host.
US08423491B2 Computer program product, method, and apparatus for calculating reliability of an application procedure for fraud using an estimated probability of detection of fraud
Information of an action of fact confirmation performed between nodes that are objects relating to fact confirmation in an application procedure is read from a predetermined storage unit that previously stores whether an action of fact confirmation is an action of operating information or an action of confirming information, and based on the read information of the action, when a fraud is committed in an action of operating information, reliability of the application procedure is calculated based on a probability of a detection of a fraud in an action of confirming information performed in a node connected to the action of operating information.
US08423490B2 Method for computer-aided learning of a neural network and neural network
There is described a method for computer-aided learning of a neural network, with a plurality of neurons in which the neurons of the neural network are divided into at least two layers, comprising a first layer and a second layer crosslinked with the first layer. In the first layer input information is respectively represented by one or more characteristic values from one or several characteristics, wherein every characteristic value comprises one or more neurons of the first layer. A plurality of categories is stored in the second layer, wherein every category comprises one or more neurons of the second layer. For one or several pieces of input information, respectively at least one category in the second layer is assigned to the characteristic values of the input information in the first layer. Input information is entered into the first layer and subsequently at least one state variable of the neural network is determined and compared to the at least one category of this input information assigned in a preceding step. The crosslinking between the first and second layer is changed depending on the comparison result from a preceding step.
US08423485B2 Correspondence learning apparatus and method and correspondence learning program, annotation apparatus and method and annotation program, and retrieval apparatus and method and retrieval program
An image data processing system has a learning storage apparatus that stores projection matrixes obtained by canonical correlation analysis so as to derive, based on at least one of an image feature and a word feature, a latent variable as an abstract concept used for associating an image with a word corresponding thereto and that further stores information required for obtaining the latent variable acquired by use of the projection matrixes, a probability of occurrence of an arbitrary image feature from a certain latent variable and a probability of occurrence of an arbitrary word feature from a certain latent variable. In this way, a probability of the image feature and word feature being simultaneously outputted can be easily and quickly determined, thereby executing a high-speed annotation or retrieval with high precision.
US08423477B2 Providing multiple views of a business process definition to different classes of users
In one embodiment, a method for providing multiple views of a business process definition includes storing a model of a business process, and providing different view points of the model to different classes of users.
US08423462B1 Real-time mobile wallet server
Techniques and apparatuses for providing wallet server information to an entity using a real-time mobile wallet server (MWS) are disclosed herein. The MWS may receive a request for personal information from an entity. The MWS may then display to a user a summary of the request, a list of selections available in the wallet server that may satisfy the request, and a list of selectable response options for the user to choose to respond to the entity. In some aspects, the wallet server may store username and associated passwords, payment information, and/or contact information. In further aspects, the MWS may generate limited-use payment information associated with existing payment information. The MWS may communicate ad hoc messaging to the entity using voice-based or real-time text-based communications over an established communication link between the MWS and entity.
US08423456B2 Methods and systems for opening and funding a financial account online
Methods and systems for opening an account with a financial institution. One method can include electronically storing at least one rule for opening an account with a financial institution. The method can also include electronically receiving account application information from a remote device over at least one network, wherein the account application information includes personal information of a customer requesting to open an account. In addition, the method can include generating at least one risk score based on the account application information and applying the at least one rule to the at least one risk score in order to determine a decision regarding the account application information and to determine at least one funding constraint associated with the account.
US08423455B2 Retailer debit card system
Methods for soliciting and enrolling customers for a retailer payment instrument are disclosed. For example, a method is disclosed for enrolling a customer for a retailer debit card which includes receiving enrollment data from the customer, establishing a check writer rating for the customer based on a history of checks associated with the customer and stored by the retailer, adjusting a validation threshold score based on the check writer rating, and denying enrollment of the customer if the validation score is less than the adjusted validation threshold score. Other associated methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08423453B1 Systems and methods for processing a transaction
A system and method for processing a transaction by identifying a credit account and a demand deposit account, receiving transaction data associated with a transaction initiated by an account holder with a merchant using the credit account, determining whether the transaction amount exceeds the available credit amount, requesting via a network a transfer of the transaction amount from the demand deposit account, and transferring at least a portion of the transaction amount to pay the merchant. The transfer may be a first type of transfer or a second type of transfer depending on whether the transaction amount exceeds the available credit amount.
US08423445B2 Method and system for three-dimensional presentation of financial data
A computerized method and system for displaying financial data, is based on geometric three-dimensional (3D) model. The geometric 3D model consists of geometric 3D components and geometric 3D interconnections between components. Components represent financial assets and interconnections represent relations between assets. Component's volume is proportional assets' parameters values. Volume of interconnections proportional covariance or correlation values between assets. The generalized multi-dimension and multi-tier model may be applied for presentation of financial data.
US08423443B2 Method and system for pricing financial derivatives
A method for providing a bid price and/or an offer price of an option relating to an underlying asset, the method including the steps of receiving first input data corresponding to a plurality of parameters defining the option, receiving second input data corresponding to a plurality of current market conditions relating to the underlying value, computing a corrected theoretical value (CTV) of the option based on the first and second input data, computing a bid/offer spread of the option based on the first and input data, computing a bid price and/or an offer price of the option based on the corrected TV and the bid/offer spread, and providing an output corresponding to the bid price and/or the offer price of said option.
US08423430B2 Integrated materials management for commercial aircraft fleets including access to real-time on-board systems information
Turnkey maintenance of a customer's aircraft fleet is managed by a single management service provider (MSP) controlling integrated maintenance and materials services from a central operations site. The MSP converts data received directly from on-board aircraft systems into information it uses to manage maintenance service providers and parts suppliers. The MSP contracts with and manages maintenance, repair and overhaul organizations (MROs) who perform the maintenance on the customers' aircraft at line and base stations. The MSP either remotely manages part inventories at the customer's site, or manages suppliers who deliver the parts to the MROs. Maintenance planning, scheduling and execution information is exchanged between the MSP, MROs, part suppliers and the customers through a shared data communication network controlled by the MSP. The MSP charges the customer for the maintenance services based on a flat rate per unit of aircraft flying time.
US08423429B2 Method, apparatus and program storage device for providing an advanced material management center
A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing an advanced material management center is disclosed. A segregated delivery delay/component buffer area is maintained at a manufacturing site for holding material before transfer to the manufacturer. The content of the buffer area is owned by the supplier. Materials may be provided to the buffer area by a just-in-time warehouse or by a supplier. The quantity of any particular material at the buffer area is smaller than normally held at the just-in-time warehouse or provided by a supplier and therefore requires much less storage space. However, the buffer area provides quick availability to inventory and allows for improved maintenance and availability of inventory.
US08423418B2 Managing consistent interfaces for business objects across heterogeneous systems
A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate 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. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a store and/or a work center business object.
US08423416B2 Real time auction with end game
A real time auction system operates in a non real time mode, and an end game mode in which the users are placed in a forum. In both modes the users are capable of placing bids along with times when those bids should be executed. An agent treats the bids as secret until the time, and then at the time executes those bids.
US08423411B2 Systems and methods for displaying visual information
Systems and methods are provided for pushing advertisement information from a host computer system to one or more delivery vehicles. Intelligent barcode data (IBD) from mailers is provided to the computer system. Physical mail pieces associated with the mailers are provided to a central processing plant, and manifest data is determined for the one or more delivery vehicles including IBD data from the mailers. The advertising information is pushed in real time to the one or more delivery vehicles from the computer system based on the manifest data and displayed on a display of a given vehicle. The content of the advertising information may be correlated with the delivery of the mail pieces being delivered using the IBD data.
US08423405B1 Advertisement selection
In general, in one aspect, a first request to provide one or more advertisements on a first web page is received, the first web page comprising one or more items of web content related to a query. A first quality score is calculated for a first advertisement included in a set of one or more candidate advertisements. The first advertisement is presented on the first web page based at least in part on the first quality score. A second request is received to provide one or more advertisements on a second web page, the second web page comprising one or more different items of web content related to the query. A second quality score for the first advertisement is calculated based at least in part on the previous presentation of the first advertisement. It is determined whether to present the first advertisement on the second web page based at least in part on the second quality score.
US08423403B2 Price guarantee methods and systems
A method is provided. The method includes recording transaction information for a consummated transaction related to a purchase of an item or service at a computer, the transaction information including information identifying a consumer; monitoring, by the computer, an incentive to purchase the item or service for a predetermined time period after purchase of the item or service by the consumer; comparing, by the computer, the incentive to the transaction information during the predetermined time period to determine if the incentive was offered as part of the consummated transaction; and if the incentive was not offered as part of the consummated transaction, duplicating, by the computer, the incentive for the consumer after the consummated transaction.
US08423402B2 Method and system for electronic exchange of reward points
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.
US08423399B2 Third party payments in reciprocal link system
A method, within a computer hardware system, includes the following. A second functional marketing element and a first website are associated with a first user. A first functional marketing element and a second website are associated with a second user. The first functional marketing element and a web asset authored by a third party separate from the computer hardware system are inserted within the first website. The second functional marketing element is reciprocally inserting within the second website based upon the first functional marketing element being inserted within the first website. The third party is compensated responsive to the web asset being inserted into the first website. The second functional marketing element, within the second website, includes a link to the first website. The first functional marketing element, within the first website, includes a link to the second website.
US08423395B1 System and method for managing data associated with available to-promise (ATP) products
A software system for managing available to promise and making promises to fulfill customer requests is provided. The software system includes a supply chain model representing a chain of supply. The supply chain model includes site models that represent sites having capacity and that manage material flow. The supply chain model also includes seller models that represent sellers and that manage forecasting and purchasing. Commitments between sites is modeled by requests and promises, and the sellers can post requests on behalf of sites in anticipation of future requests from the sites.
US08423393B2 Methods for analyzing job functions and job candidates and for determining their co-suitability
A method and system for conducting an elemental analysis of a job's functions and requirements, conducting a medical diagnosis of a worker to determine the physical capabilities and limitations of the worker, and comparing the elemental analysis and the medical diagnosis to determine whether the worker can function in a particular job be it the current job, another existing job or a modification of either.
US08423392B2 Trusted participants of social network providing answers to questions through on-line conversations
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for facilitating online conversation. In one aspect, a method includes determining that a user has submitted a question to be viewed by trusted participants of an online conversation, wherein the trusted participants include the user, one or more advertisers and one or more social network friends of the user, obtaining a reply to the question from one of the trusted participants, and providing the reply to the trusted participants.
US08423384B2 Providing multidisciplinary activities in context of clinician's role relevant activities
Management of patient activities for a clinician is provided by a patient activity list the may present the clinician's role relevant activities in conjunction with multidisciplinary activities to be performed for a patient. A timeline view area is presented having role relevant scheduled activities for one or more patients assigned to the clinician. Each role relevant scheduled activity comprises an activity to be performed by the clinician and is presented in the timeline view area based on a scheduled time and in association with a corresponding patient. When a user selection of at least one of the patients is received, one or more multidisciplinary activities for the patient are presented within the timeline view area. The multidisciplinary activities include activities scheduled to be performed by other clinicians, and each multidisciplinary activity is presented in the timeline view area based on a scheduled time.
US08423380B1 Method and system for interactive health regimen accountability and patient monitoring
A method and system for providing an automated healthcare regimen monitoring and feedback system uses a healthcare regimen database that includes data related to healthcare regimen of various conditions using various healthcare related regimens. Once a healthcare related regimen is prescribed to a healthcare consumer by a healthcare service provider, the healthcare consumer provides contact information for their preferred method of contact and the healthcare consumer is then automatically contacted, via the selected form of contact, at intervals based on the data in the healthcare regimen database and/or entered additional information regarding the healthcare consumer, and/or the healthcare consumer's condition, and/or the prescribed healthcare regimen. Via this automatic contact, the healthcare consumer is provided reminders and other information regarding the prescribed healthcare regimen and, in some instances, asked for data and/or feedback.
US08423379B2 Medical-information management network system
A medical-information management network system includes a medical-information management server to which a server-identification information is individually given. The medical-information management server is configured to, for example, manage patient information, examination information, and a diagnosis result. The medical-information management server includes a receiving device that stores an in-vivo image, which is captured by a body-insertable apparatus inserted into a subject, and information received from the body-insertable apparatus, and an image display device that is connected with the medical-information management server via a network and obtains the in-vivo image and the information received from the body-insertable apparatus that are stored in the receiving device.
US08423376B2 Apparatus and method for online negotiation
A system, apparatus, article of manufacture and method for facilitating an automatic negotiation between a consumer and a vendor for purchase of an item is described. An electronic negotiation unit receives an offer to purchase the item, and automatically processes the offer. The processing is performed by a computer and includes accepting the offer if it is greater than a bottom line price for the item. The offer is rejected if the offer is below a negotiation range which extends below the bottom line price. If the offer is within the negotiation range for the item, the electronic negotiation unit automatically generates a counter offer price that is greater than or equal to the bottom line price. If the counter offer is within a final offer range the counter offer is designated as a final counter offer.
US08423361B1 Speech-to-text processing based on a time-ordered classification of audio file segments
This specification describes technologies relating to multi core processing for parallel speech-to-text processing. In some implementations, a computer-implemented method is provided that includes the actions of receiving an audio file; analyzing the audio file to identify portions of the audio file as corresponding to one or more audio types; generating a time-ordered classification of the identified portions, the time-ordered classification indicating the one or more audio types and position within the audio file of each portion; generating a queue using the time-ordered classification, the queue including a plurality of jobs where each job includes one or more identifiers of a portion of the audio file classified as belonging to the one or more speech types; distributing the jobs in the queue to a plurality of processors; performing speech-to-text processing on each portion to generate a corresponding text file; and merging the corresponding text files to generate a transcription file.
US08423352B2 Enhancing language detection in short communications
A method, system, and computer usable program product for enhancing language detection in short communications are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A short communication is stored in an element of a line cache. The line cache is accessible to an application executing in a data processing system. The element is an element in a set of elements in the line cache. A compound text is assembled from contents of a subset of the elements of the line cache. A language identifier (language ID) is received for the compound text from a language detection algorithm. The language ID is stored in a language cache element of a language ID cache. The language ID cache is accessible to the application and includes a set of language cache elements. A language of the short communication is determined using the contents of a subset of language cache elements.
US08423347B2 Natural language personal information management
A PIM application provides a single page natural language interface for entering and managing PIM data. The natural language interface may receive a natural language entry as a text character string. The entry may be associated with a task, calendar, contact or other PIM data type. The received entries are processed (for example, parsed) to determine the PIM data type and other information. The original entry is not discarded from the natural language interface as a result of processing. After processing one or more received natural language entries, the entries remain in the natural language interface to be viewed and managed. The entry is maintained so it can be managed with other natural language entries provided in the interface.
US08423346B2 Device and method for interactive machine translation
Provided are a device and method for interactive machine translation. The device includes a machine translation engine having a morphological/syntactic analyzer for analyzing morphemes and sentences of an original text and generating original text analysis information, and a translation generator for generating a translation and translation generation information on the basis of the original text analysis information, and a user interface module for displaying sentence structures of the original text and the translation, and a relationship between the original text and the translation to a user on the basis of the original text analysis information and the translation generation information, and for receiving corrections to the original text or the translation from the user. The device and method provide a user interface whereby the user can effectively recognize and correct a mistranslated part and a cause of the mistranslation, and rapidly provides a re-translated result according to the correction. Thus, it is possible to perform high-quality translation which satisfies the user.
US08423344B1 Method and system for forecasting usage costs and computer capacity
The present invention provides at least a method and system for forecasting usage costs and computer capacity. With respect to the present invention, performance data and information related to transactions collected from computing devices are used to calculate correlations. A cost-allocation factor is calculated to determine the computer's usage costs without a long manual analysis of large volumes of data and extensive testing. Performance data and transaction data are used to forecast computer capacity.
US08423343B2 High-parallelism synchronization approach for multi-core instruction-set simulation
The present invention discloses a high-parallelism synchronization method for multi-core instruction-set simulation. The proposed method utilizes a new distributed scheduling mechanism for a parallel compiled MCISS. The proposed method can enhance the parallelism of the MCISS so that the computing power of a multi-core host machine can be effectively utilized. The distributed scheduling with the present invention's prediction method significantly shortens the waiting time which an ISS spends on synchronization.
US08423326B1 Thin client graphical presentation and manipulation application
A distributed graphical presentation and manipulation application executes as a thin client application in a network. The networked graphical presentation and manipulation application can generally be used without requiring a user to install any specific software prior to using the application. In one embodiment, code may be received from a server via the network. A local environment may be generated based on the code, where the local environment may be configured to display a view of a graphical model. A request to manipulate the view may be received within the local environment. A request for a manipulated view may be transmitted to the server based on the received request. The manipulated view may be received from the server. The received manipulated view may be displayed within the local environment.
US08423324B2 Process and device for passenger cabin layout
A process for determining the distribution of seats of a passenger cabin, whereby the cabin includes at least one row of seats arranged essentially one behind the other along a longitudinal axis, and the cabin includes element for arranging each seat in a position on the ground among a set of possible positions spaced longitudinally at known intervals, includes a phase for optimization of the spacing of seats according to an overall comfort function of passengers, taking into account bodily characteristics that are specific to at least some of the passengers, including the length of the front segment of the passengers' legs, and the purpose of the optimization is to maximize a comfort function taking into account in particular the space that is free for each passenger between his knees and the seat that is located in front of him. The purpose of the invention is also the related device.
US08423311B2 Method for calibrating and operating a measuring cell arrangement
Calibrating a measuring cell arrangement having a diaphragm vacuum measuring cell having a programmable heater for heating the diaphragm vacuum measuring cell to a constant presettable temperature. The heater encompasses the measuring cells and is encompassed by an insulation jacket. The method includes setting a first heating temperature on the measuring cell to a constant preset value, performing a first calibration step by generating at least one preset pressure in a vacuum volume and obtaining vacuum measuring signals of the measuring cell and at least one reference measuring cell, storing pressure values in the memory, determining compensation values from the difference values of the measuring cell and the reference measuring cell, intermediately storing these difference values in a calibration data memory and gauging the measuring cell by transmitting the determined compensation values to the measuring cell data memory.
US08423310B2 Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for facility integrity testing
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for facility integrity testing. According to embodiments, a method for populating a watch list with circuits of a communications network to be monitored for repeat failures is provided. According to the method, a trouble ticket associated with one of the circuits and a trouble code and analysis code (TC/AC) combination associated with the trouble ticket is retrieved. Whether the trouble ticket meets a watch list criterion is determined. In response to determining that the trouble ticket meets the watch list criterion, the trouble ticket and the TC/AC combination are added to the watch list.
US08423308B2 Multi-circuit direct current monitor with Modbus serial output
A multi-circuit direct current monitor consists of a plurality of Hall Effect current sensors mounted on a printed circuit board oriented to sense the direct current (DC) flow from power generating devices such as solar arrays, output from the Hall Effect sensors connected to an analog to digital (A/D) converter which in turn is connected to a microprocessor. The multi-circuit direct current monitor continuously monitors instantaneous and average current values for each circuit as well as total instantaneous current and average current for all active circuits. The multi-circuit direct current monitor provides continuous communications via Modbus RTU as well as providing alarm outputs if one or more circuits deviates from the average output by a percentage greater than the user specified threshold for a user-defined period of time to detect failed or underperforming power output devices.
US08423286B2 Method for displaying activity information on a navigation device and related navigation device
A navigation method includes receiving a positioning signal, displaying a navigation map corresponding to the positioning signal, receiving a plurality of activity information with latitude and longitude, providing an information preference menu, and displaying an activity icon of corresponding activity information on a corresponding activity location of the navigation map according to the setting of the information preference menu and the latitude and longitude.
US08423283B2 System and method for efficient routing on a network in the presence of multiple-edge restrictions and other constraints
Embodiments provide systems and methods that find the quickest route between two locations on a graph with multi-edge constraints in a time and space efficient manner. In some embodiments, Dijkstra's algorithm is split into separate universes when a) a multiple-edge constraint is reached, and b) along each edge of a multi-edge constraint. In some embodiments, the split is performed for the purpose of finding the quickest (i.e. lowest weighted) route to the intersection(s) at the end of the constraints. These universes, in some embodiments, are merged or discarded when the intersection at the end of the constraint is found. Using these systems and methods, in some embodiments, the shortest path between two locations of a multi-edge constrained road network can be efficiently determined.
US08423278B2 Navigation aid method, device and program
This disclosure provides a navigation aid device that includes a calculation time setting module for setting two or more calculation points of time for calculating trial information, a ship-concerned information acquisition module for acquiring ship-concerned information including a position of a ship concerned at every predetermined ship-concerned information acquisition time, a ship-concerned trial information calculating module for calculating ship-concerned trial information including the position of the ship concerned at each calculation point of time based on the ship-concerned information acquired at the newest information acquisition time with respect to the calculation point of time.
US08423271B2 Method for fueling an engine at start
A method for improving starting of an engine that may be repeatedly stopped and started is presented. In one example, fuel injection timing is selectively adjusted based on engine stop position and amount of time the engine is stopped. The method may improve engine starting and lower engine noise.
US08423268B2 Device for controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine, with improved rephasing of injection events
A device (D) is dedicated to controlling the operation of an internal combustion engine (M) including at least two cylinders (Ci), each equipped with at least one inlet valve (SA) and at least one injector (IJ), and of the so-called indirect and sequential fuel injection type. This device (D) includes detection elements (MD) designed to detect an injection event phasing error relative to reference angular positions specific to the various cylinders (Ci), and control elements (MC) designed to rephase, if a phasing error of a cylinder (Ci) is detected, the command to open the injector (IJ) of this cylinder (Ci) after closure of the inlet valve (SA).
US08423267B2 Cetane number detection device and cetane number detection method
A cetane number detection device for an internal combustion engine includes: fuel injection devices that injects fuel individually into cylinders; control device that executes injection of fuel from at least one of the fuel injection devices at a predetermined injection timing when the internal combustion engine is started; combustion determination device; and detection device. The combustion state determination device determines whether the state of combustion in the combustion chamber of at least one cylinder into which fuel is injected by the at least one fuel injection device is an ignition state or a misfire state. The detection device detects the cetane number of the fuel on the basis of the state of combustion in the combustion chamber.
US08423262B2 Vehicle control apparatus
A vehicle control apparatus includes: an accessory that adjusts torque that is output from an internal combustion engine, by giving load to the internal combustion engine; an ignition timing control portion that is provided so as to adjust ignition timing of the internal combustion engine, and that adjusts the torque output from the internal combustion engine by performing a retardation control of the ignition timing; an accessory load adjustment portion that adjusts an accessory load that is the load given from the accessory to the internal combustion engine; and a catalyst that purifies exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine. The ignition timing control portion reduces the retardation of the ignition timing with increase in temperature of the catalyst. The accessory load adjustment portion increases the accessory load with increase in the temperature of the catalyst.
US08423260B2 Method of controlling a VTG engine
When controlling an engine having a Variable Turbine Geometry (VTG) the VTG is closed some predicted time period before an up-gear shift is performed. This is advantageous because when the gear shift begins the engine breaking is already maximized and full engine brake can be obtained during the entire gear shift operation.
US08423258B2 Vehicle speed estimation for 4WD vehicles under wheel-spinning situations
Systems and methods for detecting wheel-spinning situations of a vehicle. One system includes a controller. The controller is configured to determine a speed of each wheel of the vehicle based on information received from a plurality of wheel speed sensors, to identify a second slowest wheel of the vehicle based on the speed of each wheel, to calculate a vehicle acceleration torque based on an acceleration of the second slowest wheel of the vehicle and a mass of the vehicle, to calculate a torque ratio based on the vehicle acceleration torque and a wheel drive torque, and to activate a traction control system when the torque ratio is greater than a predetermined threshold.
US08423254B2 Control device for automobile
The proposed automatic deceleration device includes a recognizing section for recognizing the driving environment; a first target deceleration calculating section for obtaining the target deceleration depending on the recognized driving environment; a second target deceleration calculating section for obtaining the target deceleration irrespective of the driving environment; and a changeover section for switching between the deceleration obtained depending on the driving environment and the deceleration obtained irrespective of the driving environment on the basis of the vehicle information including the recognized driving environment. According to the proposed automatic deceleration device, the driver's vehicle can be decelerated even when the recognition section for recognizing the driving environment fails to detect an obstacle existing ahead of the driver's vehicle, and further the occurrence of a dangerous situation that may result from the driver's delayed application of the brake can be prevented even when the recognition section fails to detect such an obstacle contrary to the driver's false conviction that the vehicle is automatically decelerated.
US08423251B2 Method and device for operating a drive unit
A method and a device are provided for operating a drive unit having an engine and a transmission, which make possible an improved shifting strategy. In a first operating state, the engine is operated using a first number of active cylinders. In a second operating state, the engine is operated using a second number of active cylinders. The first number is different from the second number. A gear ratio is set as a function of at least one operating variable of the drive unit. The gear ratio is also set as a function of the current or the attainable operating state of the engine with respect to the number of the active cylinders.
US08423249B2 Torque sensor system with integrated electrical connectors
A torque sensor system for a transmission and other powertrain components in a motor vehicle includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver is operable to induce and detect a signal from the transmitter that is indicative of a torque load on the transmitter. The receiver is cylindrical and has an outer surface with a maximum, constant diameter. The outer surface defines one or more fluid transfer grooves and a docking port for an electrical connection. The fluid transfer groove and the docking port do not extend beyond the maximum outer diameter of the outer surface. Therefore, the receiver is capable of being press-fit within a component and is capable of routing fluid flow. An electrical connector is fed through an access hole and connects with the receiver.
US08423248B2 Method and device for specifying an output variable of a drive unit
In a method for checking the operation of specifying an output variable of a drive unit, when a setpoint value of the output variable is specified, a check is performed as to whether this specification of the setpoint is caused by an operation of the control element. If it is determined that this is not the case, then an error is detected.
US08423245B2 Electric power steering control apparatus
An electric power steering control apparatus can reduce steering torque even in a steering holding state or a slight steering state without providing an unpleasant feeling to a driver. The apparatus includes a torque sensor for detecting steering torque generated by the driver for a vehicle, a motor for generating assist torque to assist the steering torque, a rotational speed detector for detecting the rotational speed of the motor, a torque controller for calculating an assist torque current corresponding to the assist torque based on the steering torque, and a damping control section for calculating a damping current to be added to the assist torque current to suppress vibrations generated in a steering system of the vehicle. The damping controller reduces a damping control gain to calculate the damping current when the rotational speed of the motor is equal to or less than a predetermined speed.
US08423235B2 Video recording device for vehicle and driving information providing method thereof
A vehicle video recording device and a driving information providing method are provided. The vehicle video recording device includes: a sensing unit that includes one or more of a positioning unit, an inertia sensor unit, and an environment sensor unit so as to output sensed information; a vehicle information collecting unit that collects vehicle information from one or more of one or more sensors and a self-diagnosis device disposed in a vehicle; and a driving information generating unit that generates driving information depending on use or nonuse of the vehicle on the basis of one or more of the sensed information and the vehicle information. Accordingly, it is possible to continuously manage information on a driving time of a vehicle or the accident possibility in driving a vehicle, thereby giving an advantage or a disadvantage to a driver.
US08423228B2 Apparatus and method for detecting decrease in tire air pressure and program for detecting decrease in tire air pressure
An apparatus for detecting a decrease in air pressure of a tire attached to a vehicle includes a rotation speed detection means for periodically detecting rotation speeds of tires of respective wheels of the vehicle; a rotation wheel speed ratio calculation means for calculating a rotation wheel speed ratio between front wheels and rear wheels of the vehicle; a wheel torque calculation means for calculating a wheel torque of the vehicle; an initialization means for obtaining a relation at a normal internal pressure between the wheel torque and the rotation wheel speed ratio; a comparison means for comparing the rotation wheel speed ratio with the rotation wheel speed ratio at a normal internal pressure obtained from the wheel torque and the relation; and a determination means for correcting the comparison result by a front-to-rear direction acceleration and determining whether there is a tire having a decreased air pressure or not.
US08423227B2 Monitoring apparatus and method
An accumulating portion suspends the accumulation of an airflow meter output and a timer suspends the time count when a clutch semi-engagement detection signal is being output from a clutch semi-engagement detection portion. Thus, the airflow meter output obtained while the clutch semi-engagement detection signal was being output is excluded from the calculation of a total intake air amount. A comparing portion compares the calculated total intake air amount with a reference value obtained from a reference value setting portion. If the total intake air amount is smaller than the reference value, the Cold Start Strategy (CSS) control is determined as being abnormal and a CSS-abnormality signal is output.
US08423218B2 Travel controller for industrial vehicle
A travel controller for a hybrid forklift includes an acceleration command reference value generation unit, an acceleration limit value generation unit, an acceleration command value determination unit, and a travel motor control unit. The acceleration command reference value generation unit obtains an acceleration command reference value. The acceleration limit value generation unit obtains an acceleration limit value that limits an acceleration command value to a range that prevents discharge power of the battery from exceeding a battery discharge power limit value. The acceleration command value determination unit determines the acceleration command value for the travel motor from the acceleration command reference value and the acceleration limit value. The travel motor control unit controls the travel motor with the acceleration command value.
US08423215B2 Charge rate modulation of metal-air cells as a function of ambient oxygen concentration
A system and method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
US08423210B2 Power supply system and vehicle including the same, and method of controlling power supply system
When a mode signal from a running mode control unit indicates a charge depleting (CD) mode, a CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CD mode. When the mode signal indicates a charge sustaining (CS) mode, a CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit calculates an electric power allocation ratio to be used during the CS mode. A switching unit switches between the electric power allocation ratios received from the CD mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit and the CS mode electric power allocation ratio calculation unit in response to the mode signal, and outputs the electric power allocation ratio to an instruction generation unit.
US08423206B2 Variable maximum commandable roll rate for directional control during engine-out rolling maneuver
A system and a method for varying a maximum roll rate command for ensuring sufficient directional control during an engine-out rolling maneuver of a multi-engine aircraft. For a multi-engine airplane with a roll rate command flight control system, the primary flight control computer is used to vary the maximum commandable roll rate to preserve the desired control margins during roll maneuvers where the rudder is fully deflected to control a thrust asymmetry. When the engine-out yawing moment exceeds a specified value, the system sets a reduced limit on the amount of roll rate the pilot can command.
US08423194B2 Generator demand response behavior
A household energy management system is provided comprising a controller for managing power consumption of multiple devices within a household wherein the controller monitors energy usage data from a utility. The system further provides a utility meter for measuring an amount of energy usage by the household and a user interface through which a user can enter a parameter of the energy usage. The system yet further provides a local generator for generating energy for one or more of the energy consuming devices wherein the controller initiates the generator and changes at least some of the energy usage from the utility to the local generator when the energy usage level is within a predetermined percentage range of the parameter.
US08423185B2 Robot system
A robot system includes a robot control device connected to a plurality of robots each having a plurality of joints and a robot teaching device configured to communicate with the robot control device so as to teach and operate the robots. The robot control device automatically select one of the robots to be operated in accordance with a change in a display state of a display of the robot teaching device.
US08423183B2 Robot and method of controlling the same
Disclosed is a method of generating a hip trajectory of a biped walking robot to allow the robot to stably walk on a two-dimensional space without falling down. An angular velocity of a hip of a swinging leg is obtained by measuring the angle/angular velocity of an ankle pitch joint part of a supporting leg in real time when the robot walks on the two-dimensional space, and desired trajectories of the ankle and the hip are generated based on the angular velocity of the ankle of the supporting leg and the angular velocity of the hip of the swinging leg.
US08423178B2 Method and device for automated commissioning of bundles
A method for automated commissioning of bundles includes providing different source palettes and palettizing at least one target palette, with bundle layers of different source palettes being individualized and/or magazined in alternation and/or with variable predetermination, and/or bundles or bundle groups being magazined and/or demagazined in stacks before palettizing of the target palette, and/or the target palette is selectively palettized with at least one non-individualized bundle layer of a source palette.
US08423177B2 Dynamic item-space allocation and retrieval
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to staging manufactured items and provide a method, system and computer program product for staging items in a manufacturing environment. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for staging items in a manufacturing environment can be provided. The method can include defining attributes of staging locations in a distribution area of the manufacturing environment, defining a set of staging strategies for use in the distribution area of the manufacturing environment, receiving a manufactured item in the distribution area and obtaining characteristics of the manufactured item, and comparing the obtained characteristics of the manufactured item to the set of staging strategies to select the staging strategy to apply to the manufactured item.
US08423175B2 Thermal processing apparatus, thermal processing method, and storage medium
When a substrate is transferred by a holding arm to a multiple tier wafer boat, contact between the holding arm and the substrate is prevented. When the wafer boat is not subjected to a thermal effect, a normal height position of a ring member is obtained by relatively elevating and lowering a transfer base member with respect to the wafer boat. Before a wafer, which is not yet thermally processed, is transferred to the wafer boat, a height position of the corresponding ring member is obtained. By comparing a difference between the normal height position of the ring member and the height position of the ring member before the wafer is transported, with a threshold value, whether to transfer the wafer by the wafer transfer mechanism to the wafer boat can be judged.
US08423161B2 Methods and systems for gas turbine modeling using adaptive Kalman filter
A system and method for modeling a gas turbine assembly include a plurality of sensors configured to measure a plurality of operating parameters of a turbine assembly. The system further includes a model configured to compare the plurality of operating parameters with a plurality of predicted parameters to determine difference values. A Kalman filter of system is configured to evaluate the difference values to facilitate adjusting the model. The Kalman filter is further configured to accommodate for a missing operating parameter of the plurality of operating parameters to facilitate tuning the model.
US08423156B2 Drug eluting lead systems
Medical electrical lead systems and related methods are described. The lead systems may be configured to be at least partially implanted in neural tissue of a subject, such as a brain of a subject. Some variations of the lead systems may comprise a lead body, an electrode connected to the lead body, and a bioactive agent. The electrode and/or lead body may comprise a substrate, and the bioactive agent may be supported by the substrate (e.g., by a substantial portion of the area of the substrate). Methods described herein may comprise contacting the substrate of a lead body and/or an electrode of a medical electrical lead system with at least one bioactive agent, where the lead body and the electrode are connected to each other.
US08423152B2 Apparatus and method for selectively heating a deposit in fatty tissue in a body
An apparatus and method for providing hyperthermia treatments to a protruding body portion having fatty tissue surrounding a deposit in the protruding body portion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cavity for receiving the protruding body portion. A radio frequency antenna array is used to direct a radio frequency signal at a selected frequency into the protruding body portion such as a breast so that the radio frequency signal will have a selected wavelength in the breast to create a circularly polarized radio frequency electromagnetic field to selectively heat the deposit to a temperature greater than the surrounding fatty tissue through resonant heating within the deposit when a diameter of the deposit is within a range of about 0.5 times to 0.16 times the wavelength of the radio frequency signal within the fatty mammary tissue.
US08423149B2 System and method for the remote programming of a programmable personal medical device
The invention relates to a system and a method for the remote programming of a programmable personal medical device (10, 10′), in particular an implantable medical device such as a cardiac pacemaker, defibrillator, or the like, selecting (61) of a personal medical device, compiling (63) of a programming instruction (50) by accepting inputs of a user, and checking (63) the inputs for plausibility and compatibility with the personal medical device in a programming device (20), transmitting (65) the programming instruction to a patient intermediary device (30) tuned to the personal medical device via at least one indirect connection, receiving (67) of the programming instruction by the patient intermediary device, and transmitting of the programming instruction to the personal medical device, and accepting (69) of the programming instruction by a programmable controller of the personal medical device being provided.
US08423145B2 Differential neurostimulation therapy driven by physiological therapy
An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances.