Document Document Title
US08512462B2 Azo compounds, ink compositions, and colored bodies
Azo compounds represented by general formula (1) or salts thereof are provided as highly water-soluble colorants which have hues of yellow, orange, brown or red, and excellent color development properties and which, when used in various recording processes, particularly in an inkjet recording process, ensure various excellent fastnesses such as light fastness, ozone fastness, and fading balance. Ink compositions containing the colorants are also provided. In general formula (1), R1 to R8 are each independently a hydrogen atom, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, or the like; and X is C1-8 alkylenediamino, xylylenediamino, or the like.
US08512452B2 Hot-trap assembly for trapping unreacted gas by-products
The present invention provides a hot-trap device (1) comprising an enclosure (2) with at least one inlet (3), at least one outlet (5) at least one heating means (7) and at least one collector means (10) for the conversion of reaction by-products into products, wherein the collector means is arranged within the enclosure between the inlet and the outlet has a diameter that substantially matches the diameter of the enclosure and has at least one opening (18).
US08512445B2 Carbonate absorption system and process for carbon dioxide separation
The present invention relates to systems and processes for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in a carbon dioxide-containing gas. In particular, the carbon dioxide-containing gas is contacted with a carbonate-containing solution. At least a portion of carbon dioxide in the carbon dioxide-containing gas is absorbed in the carbonate-containing solution to produce a carbon dioxide-, carbonate-containing solution. A heat recovery mechanism is employed to recover heat from the carbon dioxide-, bicarbonate-, carbonate-containing solution exiting the chamber to maintain the temperature of the chamber within a range of from about 50° C. to about 90° C.
US08512444B2 Hot gas purification
With a method and a system for treatment of a hot crude gas generated by an entrained flow gasification system, removal of the compounds that contain sulfur and carbon is supposed to be undertaken in such a manner that hot gas is made available for further use. This is achieved in that a desulfurization (7) follows the gasifier (2), in series, in the flow path of the hot gas, followed by a solid separation (8, 9), whereby behind the solid separation (8, 9), a partial stream (13) of the gas is provided downstream by way of a water quench (14), a Venturi scrubber (15), a crude gas cooler (16), as well as an H2O separation (17) and a compressor (18), the flow path (19) of which is passed back, cooled, into the circuit, behind the gasification (2) and ahead of the desulfurization system.
US08512434B2 Molded monocomponent monolayer respirator
A molded respirator is made from a monocomponent monolayer nonwoven web of continuous charged monocomponent meltspun partially crystalline and partially amorphous oriented fibers of the same polymeric composition that have been bonded to form a coherent and handleable web which further may be softened while retaining orientation and fiber structure. The respirator is a cup-shaped porous monocomponent monolayer matrix whose matrix fibers are bonded to one another at at least some points of fiber intersection. The matrix has a King Stiffness greater than 1 N. The respirator may be formed without requiring stiffening layers, bicomponent fibers, or other reinforcement in the filter media layer.
US08512432B2 Composite filter media
A composite filter media structure includes, in an exemplary embodiment, a base substrate that includes a nonwoven synthetic fabric formed from a plurality of fibers with a spunbond process. The base substrate has a filtration efficiency of about 35% to less than 50%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure A nanofiber layer is deposited on one side of the base substrate. The composite filter media structure has a minimum filtration efficiency of about 70%, measured in accordance with EN 1822 (1998) test procedure.
US08512423B2 Method for producing solid electrolytic capacitor
A surface layer of an anode body containing niobium is converted into a dielectric layer by a method for a chemical formation, which comprises step I of electrolytically forming an anode body comprising niobium in a chemical forming solution containing nitric acid and phosphoric acid at a temperature within a range from 40° C. to a boiling point of the chemical forming solution, step II of heat-treating the electrolytically formed anode body at a temperature within a range from 150° C. to 300° C., and step III of electrolytically forming the heat-treated anode body in a chemical forming solution containing nitric acid and phosphoric acid at a temperature within a range from 40° C. to a boiling point of the chemical forming solution. A cathode is formed on the dielectric layer to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor element, and the element is sheathed to obtain a solid electrolytic capacitor.
US08512421B2 Polyurethane derivatives, composition thereof and dye additives comprising the polyurethane derivatives
A polyurethane derivative and a composition thereof are disclosed. The polyurethane derivative of the present invention has a structure of formula (I). The polyurethane derivative and the composition thereof can be used for increasing light fastness.
US08512413B2 Prosthetic knee joint
A prosthetic knee joint includes: (a) a femoral member comprising rigid material with a convex, wear-resistant femoral contact surface including a convex ridge; (b) a tibial assembly including: (i) at least one cup comprising rigid material with a body and a rim substantially thicker than the body defining a wear-resistant cup contact surface; (ii) a rigid base; and (iii) a spring support interconnecting the cup and the base, the spring support elastically deflectable permitting controlled pivoting of the at least one cup; (c) wherein the cup contact surface bears against the femoral contact surface, transferring axial and lateral loads between the cup and femoral member, while allowing pivoting between the cup and femoral member; and (d) wherein the at least one cup allows the rim to deform elastically, permitting the cup contact surface to conform in an irregular shape to the femoral contact surface, when the knee joint is loaded.
US08512409B1 Implant with outwardly extending fixation elements
Described herein are devices, systems and methods for minimally-invasive treating spinal conditions. In one aspect, disclosed is an intervertebral fixation device having a housing sized to be positioned between adjacent inferior and superior vertebrae. The housing includes an internal volume defined by an inferior coupling element, a superior coupling element, and first and second sidewalls. The device includes at least one flexible element coupled to an internal surface of at least one of the inferior or superior coupling elements. The at least one flexible element projects into the internal volume of the housing when in a first configuration. The device includes at least one fixation member coupled to the flexible element and sized to extend through a corresponding aperture in the inferior or superior coupling element.
US08512408B2 Flexiable spinal implant
A spinal implant for positioning in a space formed between vertebral members. The implant includes a number of sections that are pivotally attached together at pivot axes. The pivot axes include connectors that extend through at least a portion of the sections and are configured for the sections to be pivotally attached for the implant to be flexible to facilitate insertion into the space and to be configurable to the space. One of the sections may include a receptacle that is contained within the section. The receptacle has a fixed size and shape that holds bone growth material. The fixed size and shape of the receptacle prevents the bone growth from escaping during flexing of the implant.
US08512405B2 Tenodesis implant and inserter and methods for using same
The present invention provides a novel split barbed fixation device for tenodesis, soft tissue reattachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. The insertion device is adapted for an entirely arthroscopic approach while achieving fixation strength with ultimate pullout resistance comparable to interference screws. The device includes an integrated tendon grasper that provides for easy manipulation of the tendon arthroscopically while eliminating the need for external whip stitching of the tendon, thereby reducing preparation time. The device further includes elements that prevent the fixation implant from being destabilized or rotating during deployment and manipulation, including: a depth limiting sheath, a first implant retainer, a first implant retaining step, a tendon grasping needle tube, and an implant keyway for mating the implant to the tube. The implant itself comprises two separate portions mating along a diagonal and having barbed surface features in opposite directions, only one of which contacts the tendon.
US08512403B2 Annuloplasty ring with wing members for repair of a cardiac valve
An annuloplasty ring for repairing a cardiac valve includes an expandable support member having oppositely disposed proximal and distal end portions and a main body portion between the end portions. The proximal end portion of the support member includes a plurality of wing members that extend from the main body portion. Each of the wing members includes at least one hook member for embedding into a cardiac wall and the valve annulus to secure the annuloplasty ring in the valve annulus. The annuloplasty ring may be expanded into full contact engagement with the annulus of the cardiac valve by an inflatable balloon. Methods for repairing a cardiac valve using the annuloplasty ring are also provided.
US08512402B2 Detachable buttress material retention systems for use with a surgical stapling device
Systems of releasably connecting staple line buttress material to the jaws of a surgical stapling instrument are provided. The systems include retainers configured to engage the buttress material and releasably retain the buttress material on the jaws of the surgical stapling instrument prior to stapling tissue. In certain embodiments, the retainers remain with the jaws of the instrument after stapling of tissue. In alternative embodiments, the retainers remain with the buttress material after being stapled to tissue.
US08512393B2 Apparatus for vessel access closure
Embodiments are described for closing vascular access ports, such as arteriotomies, which involve placement and deployment of an expandable device configured to prevent blood flow across a subject arteriotomy while also keeping disturbance of intravascular flow to a minimum. Suitable prostheses may comprise one or more frames constructed from lengths of flexible materials, such as shape memory alloys or polymers. Such frames may be coupled to sheetlike or tube-like structures configured to spread loads, minimize thrombosis which may be related to intravascular flow, and maintain hemostasis.
US08512388B1 Stent delivery catheter with improved stent retention and method of making same
A stent delivery catheter system having a catheter with stent releasably mounted on a stent retention portion of the catheter for delivery and deployment within a patient's body lumen, and a method of mounting the stent on the stent retention portion of the catheter. The method generally includes exposing the stent retention portion and/or the stent to a solvent, the solvent being in the vapor phase. The vapor phase solvent typically softens the stent retention portion of the catheter, and/or, in one embodiment in which the stent has a coating on the stent body, the vapor phase solvent softens the stent coating. In a presently preferred embodiment, the stent polymeric coating has a therapeutic agent, and the method of the invention prevents or inhibits disadvantageously affecting the therapeutic agent coating during mounting of the stent on the catheter.
US08512386B2 Infant phototherapy device
An infant phototherapy device comprises a housing assembly, a light source carried by the housing assembly, and a panel mode assembly including a panel mode adaptor arranged to be detachably connected with the housing assembly. The panel mode assembly further comprises an elongated flexible light pipe and a light emitting panel, the light pipe providing light communication between the light source and the light emitting panel, so that when the panel mode adaptor is connected with the housing assembly, light emitted by the light source is transmitted through the light pipe to the light emitting panel. A suspension structure is arranged to suspend the housing assembly, wherein when the panel mode adaptor is disconnected from the housing assembly and the housing assembly is suspended from the suspension structure, light emitted from the housing can be projected onto a patient.
US08512384B2 Bone plate
A bone plate having a shape of an “X”. The bone plate includes an upper side, an underside facing the bone, a middle part and, adjoining thereon, a peripheral region, which encloses the four extensions of the “X” and in which four plate boreholes are accommodated. The plate boreholes have means, which are suitable for the rigid, angularly stable anchoring of bone screws which may be introduced therein.
US08512383B2 Method of percutaneously fixing a connecting rod to a spine
A method of attaching an extension to a bone anchor for use in percutaneous spinal surgery is provided that comprises the steps of: providing a bone anchor including a first portion for attachment to a vertebra and a second portion for attachment to a connecting element, the bone anchor including an extension coupling surface; providing an elongate hollow extension having a distal end and a proximal end, the extension having a rotationally movable anchor engaging member projecting radially from the distal end thereof; placing the distal end of the extension adjacent the bone anchor; and rotating the anchor engaging member to engage the extension coupling surface on the anchor and couple the extension and the bone anchor.
US08512382B2 Monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle screw
The present invention relates to an alternatively monoaxial and polyaxial pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be used in a polyaxial manner and then locked or otherwise secured at a desired angle or orientation, i.e. used in a monoaxial manner, prior to engaging a rod or other similar stabilization member with the pedicle or other similar surgical screw. In other words, the present invention provides a pedicle or other similar surgical screw that can be selectively used in either a monoaxial or polyaxial configuration, as is desirable in a particular application or at a particular point of a given surgical procedure.
US08512380B2 Posterior fixation system
A posterior fixation system includes a saddle member, an anchoring member, an occipital plate, an occipital rod, and a cross-link connector. The anchoring member anchors the saddle member to bone. The saddle member includes a pair of upright portions that define a channel. The channel is adapted to receive an orthopedic rod, and the saddle member can include a hole to receive the anchoring member. The saddle member and the anchoring member can be coupled so as to allow multi-axial movement of the members. The anchoring member in one embodiment is a screw coupled to the hole of the saddle, and in another embodiment, the anchoring member is a hook. The offset member may be coupled to the saddle member to allow for offset connection of rods. Connection of individual rods can be accomplished by connecting the rods with the cross-link connector. The cross-link connector has an integrally formed cylindrical member that couples a pair of coupling portions together. The cylindrical member can be bent along multiple axes. The occipital plate secures the rods to the occipital bone of the skull. The occipital plate has a cross-shaped plate with a plurality of apertures defined in the plate and at least one saddle member coupled to the plate. Alternatively, the occipital rod can be secured to the occipital bone.
US08512376B2 Method and apparatus for internal fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation of the shoulder
An apparatus and method for surgically reducing and internally fixing a shoulder acromioclavicular joint dislocation are disclosed. The apparatus preferably comprises a button and a washer, the washer being flexibly secured to the coracoid process of the scapula by means of a bone screw, the button and washer being secured together by means of a first suture. A second suture is provided secured between the button and a needle, such that the needle and associated button, may be advanced through a hole drilled through the clavicle, wherein the button and the washer may then be tightened, reducing the coracoclavicular distance, by means of the first suture connected therebetween, to reduce and hold a desired acromioclavicular joint dislocation.
US08512370B2 Pillow with plurality of balls for relieving sinus and congestion
The present invention provides a head-rest pillow that aids the user in sleeping by relieving their sinus congestion discomfort and snoring that may be associated with such congestion. The pillow comprises a core layer that has plurality of firm balls sewn in it forming compartmentalized section. The core layer is covered with a batting layer that is sewn all around the core layer for purposes of cushioning and providing comfort to the user. This combination of core and batting layer and inserted in a hollow pillow case that covers the core and batting layer, providing a head-rest pillow for a user to use.
US08512361B2 Device and a method for anastomosis
Devices and methods for anastomosis are provided. The devices can include a first and a second member of a generally hollow open configuration. The first and second members may each include a rigid part and an elastic part arranged circumferentially of the rigid part. The devices may also include a connection member for interlocking the first and second members such that anastomosis is obtained at a contact area in-between the elastic parts. The methods can include arranging an elastic part inside a tubular structure at a first end of the tubular structure, folding an edge of the first end over the elastic part, and mounting the elastic part on a rigid part, forming a first member. This may be repeated at a second end of the tubular structure, forming a second member, and the first and second members may be locked to each other by a connection member.
US08512358B2 Suturing assembly
A suturing needle is disclosed having a main longitudinal axis, a distal sharp portion and proximal portion along said axis. The distal portion is hollowed, and the hollow is approximately parallel to said axis. A further embodiment of the suturing needle is disclosed such that the distal portion comprises a notched open bore located at the needle's extreme distal end. Other embodiments of the suturing assembly are described accommodating a suture in the needle bore.
US08512351B2 Releasable medical basket and related methods of use
A device and related methods of use are provided for the capture and removal of various unwanted objects present within the body's anatomical lumens. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the device includes a sheath, an elongate member, and a retrieval assembly connected to the elongate member and retractable within and extendable from a lumen of the sheath. The device includes one or more legs releasably connected to a portion of the retrieval assembly in response to movement of the elongate member relative to the sheath.
US08512347B2 Cervical distraction/implant delivery device
Systems for distracting a facet joint and positioning a permanent implant in the joint are disclosed. The implants serve to retain a distracted position of the facet joint which is achieved with positioning of the leading end of a distraction tool in the facet joint and then distracting or enlarging the joint a desired amount. The permanent implant could be part of the distraction mechanism which can be separated from the delivery tool once the joint has been distracted or an auxiliary implant may be positioned before the distraction mechanism is removed from the distracted joint. The permanent implants can be solid, mechanical devices that may have fixation means thereon to hold them in place or injected fluids such as hydrogels or fluids confined within balloons.
US08512341B2 Medical device
A cutting tool (1) for cutting bone, comprising: a body (2) having a proximal end (4) and a distal end (6); and at least one primary cutting surface (8) disposed at the distal end (6); wherein the at least one primary cutting surface (8) is shaped so that when, in use, a torque is applied to the proximal end (4) of the body (2), the at least one primary cutting surface (8) cuts a conical or frustoconical shaped cavity in the bone. A method for cutting bone using such a cutting tool (1).
US08512338B2 Photodynamic bone stabilization systems and methods for reinforcing bone
Photodynamic bone stabilization systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization system includes a catheter having an elongated shaft with a proximal end adapter, a distal end releasably engaging an expandable portion, and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a light-conducting fiber configured to transmit light energy to the expandable portion; a light-sensitive liquid monomer comprising an initiator, wherein the initiator is activated when the light-conducting fiber transmits the light energy to initiate polymerization of the light-sensitive liquid monomer; and a cooling medium configured to control polymerization temperature, wherein the catheter comprises an inner void sufficiently designed to pass the light-sensitive liquid monomer into the expandable portion, and wherein the catheter comprises an inner lumen sufficiently designed to pass the light-conducting fiber into the expandable portion and configured to circulate the cooling medium.
US08512336B2 Optimal geometries for creating current densities in a bipolar electrode configuration
An end effector assembly for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The end effector assembly has a first jaw member having a first pair of tissue contacting surfaces and an insulator disposed therebetween. The end effector assembly also has a second jaw member that includes a second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, a pair of insulators disposed between the second pair of tissue contacting surfaces, and a cutting element disposed between the pair of insulators. The relative movement of the first jaw member toward the second jaw member causes the insulator of the first jaw member and the pair of insulators of the second jaw member to pinch tissue disposed between the first jaw member and the second jaw member.
US08512331B2 Electrosurgical methods and devices employing phase-controlled radiofrequency energy
This disclosure relates generally to electrosurgical methods and devices. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical device is provided suitable for applying phase controlled RF energy to a treatment site. The electrosurgical device comprises a multi-electrode electrosurgical probe electrically coupled to a plurality of RF generators. Also provided are methods of use of such an electrosurgical device, as well as other electrosurgical devices. The methods and devices disclosed herein find utility, for example, in the field of medicine.
US08512329B2 Microwave antenna assembly having a dielectric body portion with radial partitions of dielectric material
A microwave antenna assembly includes first and second elongated conductors, and a dielectric body portion. The first elongated conductor is associated with a first radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. A second elongated conductor is disposed within the first elongated conductor and is associated with a second radiating portion at least partially along the length thereof. The dielectric body portion is disposed along the length of at least one of the first and second elongated conductors and the dielectric body portion includes two or more radial partition of dielectric material having difference dielectric constants.
US08512324B2 Wide area ablation of myocardial tissue
The present invention advantageously provides a method and system for cryogenically ablating large areas of tissue within the left atrium. In an exemplary embodiment a cryotherapy device includes a catheter body having a substantially fixed diameter, a proximal end and a distal end; a first lumen for permitting passage of a cooling fluid from the proximal end to the distal end; a second lumen permitting return of the cooling fluid from the distal end to the proximal end; and an ablation element expandable from a first diameter that is substantially the same as the diameter of the catheter body to a second diameter that is at least twice the diameter of the catheter body, the ablation element having a surface portion that conforms to the uneven surface topography of the cardiac tissue. The ablation element can include one or more balloon and/or a flexible element that is deformed by moving the distal end of the catheter toward the proximal end of the catheter. The surface of the balloon can further be shaped by regulation of pressure within the one or more balloons. In an exemplary method a tissue ablation device is provided and tissue in the antrum of the left atrium is ablated with the device. In an exemplary method, only tissue in the antrum is ablated, and the ablation is created by freezing tissue.
US08512321B2 Minimally invasive glaucoma surgical instrument and method
Apparatuses and methods for the treatment of glaucoma are provided. The instrument uses either cauterization, a laser to ablate, sonic or ultrasonic energy to emulsify, or mechanical cutting of a portion of the trabecular meshwork. The instrument may also be provided with irrigation, aspiration, and a footplate. The footplate is used to enter Schlemm's canal, serves as a guide, and also protects Schlemm's canal.
US08512320B1 Method for modifying the refractive index of ocular tissues
The invention is directed to a method for correcting vision in a patient by modifying the refractive index of cornea tissue. The method comprises identifying and measuring the degree of vision correction of the patient; and determining the position and type of refractive structures to be written into the cornea tissue of the patient to correct the patient's vision. The refractive structures are written by irradiating select regions of the cornea tissue with focused laser pulses having a wavelength from 400 nm to 900 nm and a pulse energy from 0.01 nJ to 10 nJ. The refractive structures are characterized by a positive change in refractive index in relation to non-irradiated cornea tissue of the patient.
US08512306B2 Radiopharmaceutical unit dose container tamper evident safety seal
A tamper evident safety seal includes a first band, a second band and first and second arms connecting the first band and the second band. The seal is positioned around a radiopharmaceutical container and further includes a connector assembly having a connector and a break away portion that, when separated, provides visual evidence that the seal has been broken.
US08512305B2 Sealed core for an absorbent article
An absorbent article is provided including a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The core defines a wearer facing side oriented towards a wearer when the article is being worn and an opposed garment facing side. The core includes a storage layer that also defines a wearer facing side and an opposed garment facing side. The core further includes a first core wrap sheet covering the wearer facing side of the storage layer, and a second core wrap sheet covering the garment facing side of the storage layer. The first core wrap sheet is joined to the second core wrap sheet along at least one stripe of juncture. The stripe of juncture extends in at least one of the transversal and longitudinal directions.
US08512295B2 Rigid needle shield
A rigid needle shield (10) for covering a distal end of a syringe is provided. The rigid needle shield includes an elongated flexible member (20) connected to a sidewall of the rigid needle shield for moving the rigid needle shield between a first relaxed position and a second flexed position. When in the first relaxed position, the elongated flexible member is substantially within the rigid needle shield. However, when the elongated flexible member is moved to the second flexed position, the elongated flexible member extends beyond a proximal end of the rigid needle shield to engage a needle hub or a shoulder of the syringe to move the rigid needle shield distally relative to the syringe.
US08512292B2 Infiltration cannula
An infiltration cannula and method of using the infiltration cannula during an infiltration procedure are disclosed herein. The infiltration cannula has a flexible cannula and a hub. The cannula has a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula also has a plurality of apertures disposed in a pattern about the distal end. The apertures are configured to infiltrate fluid into the subcutaneous or muscle tissue of a patient. The hub is configured to be held by a person performing the infiltration procedure. The hub has a first end and an opposing second end. The first end is attached to the proximal end of the flexible cannula and the second end includes a connector configured to connect to an input source for receiving the fluid to be infiltrated into the subcutaneous tissue of the patient. The fluid flows from the connector, through the hub and into the cannula.
US08512290B2 Devices and methods for delivering therapeutic or diagnostic agents
An agent delivery device includes an outer tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end, an inner tubular body positioned coaxially within the lumen of the outer tubular body, the inner tubular body having a distal end configured for puncturing tissue, a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end of the inner tubular body, and a suction port located at the distal end of the outer tubular body, the suction port being in fluid communication with the lumen of the outer tubular body. The inner tubular body may be fixedly or slidably secured to the outer tubular body. The agent delivery device may further include a monopolar or bipolar electrode and/or a radio-opaque marker carried at the distal end of the device.
US08512282B2 Catheter with skived tubular member
An elongate shaft of a medical catheter including a thermoset polymeric tubular member including a skived distal portion. The skived distal portion includes a distally extending trough having a convex surface and a concave surface. A thermoplastic tubular sleeve may be positioned over at least a portion of the skived distal portion of the thermoset polymeric tubular member. In some instances, the thermoplastic tubular sleeve includes a crescent-shaped tubular portion defining a crescent-shaped lumen. The trough of the skived distal portion may extend through the crescent-shaped lumen. The thermoplastic tubular sleeve is thermally bonded to the inner and outer tubular members of a distal section of the elongate shaft at a guidewire port joint.
US08512279B2 Syringe
The present invention relates to a syringe (1) for use in spectroscopy to identify drugs within the syringe (8). The syringe comprises a optical window section (8) either integral with or attached to the syringe (1). The optical window section (8) has predetermined physical and optical properties that allows radiation to pass through in a known manner to facilitate spectroscopy.
US08512275B2 Medical fluid autoconnection and autoidentification method
A medical fluid autoconnection method includes: enabling acceptance a pierceable connector that is capable of fluidly communicating with a source of medical fluid into a moveable holder; temporarily fixing a spike to a medical fluid pumping machine; automatically detecting whether the pierceable connector has been placed into the moveable holder; if the pierceable connector is sensed as being placed in the moveable holder, moving the holder so that the spike pierces the pierceable connector; and enabling medical fluid to be pumped from the source through the connected spiked and connector.
US08512251B2 Ultrasound transducer and ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound transducer includes a substrate and a lower electrode layer, a lower insulating layer, an upper insulating layer, and an upper electrode layer. The lower insulating layer and the upper insulating layer are arranged to be opposed to each other via an air gap section. The upper insulating layer and the lower insulating layer are different in a material and thickness and satisfy Equation 1 below. In Equation 1, K1 represents a relative dielectric constant of the lower insulating layer, K2 represents a relative dielectric constant of the upper insulating layer, T1 represents thickness of the lower insulating layer, T2 represents thickness of the upper insulating layer, ρ1(x) represents a charge density distribution in the lower insulating layer, and ρ2(y) represents a charge density distribution in the upper insulating layer. 1 K ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ ∫ 0 T ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ x × ρ ⁢ ⁢ 1 ⁢ ( x ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ x = 1 K ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ∫ 0 T ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ y × ρ ⁢ ⁢ 2 ⁢ ( y ) ⁢ ⁢ ⅆ y ( Equation ⁢ ⁢ 1 )
US08512246B2 Method and apparatus for providing peak detection circuitry for data communication systems
Method and apparatus for providing a peak detection circuit comprising a diode including an input terminal and an output terminal the input terminal of the diode configured to receive an input signal, a capacitor operatively coupled to the output terminal of the diode, an output terminal operatively coupled to the capacitor and the output terminal of the diode for outputting an output signal is provided. Other equivalent switching configuration is further provided to effectively detect and compensate for a voltage droop from a power supply signal, as well as to electrically isolate the voltage droop from the system circuitry.
US08512240B1 System and method for pain monitoring using a multidimensional analysis of physiological signals
The present invention is for a method and system for pain classification and monitoring optionally in a subject that is an awake, semi-awake or sedated.
US08512235B2 Surgical access system and related methods
A system for accessing a surgical target site and related methods, involving an initial distraction system for creating an initial distraction corridor, and an assembly capable of distracting from the initial distraction corridor to a secondary distraction corridor and thereafter sequentially receiving a plurality of retractor blades for retracting from the secondary distraction corridor to thereby create an operative corridor to the surgical target site, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.
US08512219B2 Bioelectromagnetic interface system
Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.
US08512213B2 Method and apparatus for incorporating objects into cigarette filters
Cigarette filter rods having individual objects positioned at predetermined intervals therein are prepared by transferring the individual objects from a rotating horizontal pan to a rotating vertical wheel and then depositing the object into a web of filter tow. Each object is positioned within the moving web of tow. The web filter material and the objects positioned within the web are introduced into a rod-forming unit wherein the rod is formed. The rate of feed of the filter tow, the rate of rotation of the horizontal pan and the vertical wheel are controlled relative to one another such that objects are positioned at predetermined intervals along the rod. Cigarette filter elements having well controlled amounts of flavorant contained therein can be made from the rods.
US08512212B2 Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods for exercise machines
Adjustable press arm apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an exercise machine includes a load, a force-transferring assembly operatively coupled to the load, and a movable press arm operatively coupled to a press arm adjustment assembly that is selectively engageable with the force-transferring assembly. The press arm adjustment assembly includes a moveable swing member having an indexing portion, and an engagement device coupled to and moveable with the swing member, the engagement device being adapted to operatively engage the force-transferring assembly. A locking device is coupled to the press arm and moveable between first and second position to selectively coupled and uncouple the press arm from the load.
US08512208B2 Braking system for a utility vehicle which can be coupled pneumatically to a trailer and method for operating such a braking system
A braking system and method provided for a utility vehicle pneumatically coupled to a trailer. The system has an electronic control unit, a valve device that can be electrically connected by the at least one electronic control unit, the valve device building up pressure for the trailer braking system when connected, causing the trailer to brake, and a pressure sensor which detects the pressure for the trailer braking system and transmits a corresponding signal to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit can influence the pressure generated for the trailer braking system by pulsed connection of the valve device, taking into account the pressure detected by the pressure sensor for the trailer braking system. The electronic control unit only allows the pulsed connection for braking the trailer when the service brake of the traction-vehicle is not activated, when conditions are such that the braking of the trailer could be useful in spite of a non-active service brake of the traction-vehicle, and when such an anti-jackknifing process is required by a signal generator.
US08512193B1 Differential lubrication feed system in a drive axle assembly
A method for lubricating an axle assembly can include: coupling a pair of tapered roller bearing to opposite ends of a differential housing; placing the differential housing into a carrier housing assembly such that the tapered roller bearings support the differential housing on the carrier housing assembly for rotation about a first axis; collecting a lubricant proximate a side of one of the tapered roller bearings opposite the differential housing; and rotating the differential housing about the first axis to cause the one of the tapered roller bearings to move a portion of the collected lubricant through the differential housing. A related axle assembly is also provided.
US08512191B2 Variable speed control device of a power winch
A variable speed control device of a power winch includes a low-speed transmission mechanism and a high-speed transmission mechanism, and a clutch mechanism is fastened to a gear box for switching between the high-speed transmission mechanism and the low-speed transmission mechanism; the high-speed transmission mechanism includes a shifting gear (16) arranged at a top of the gear box (14) and driven by a controller; said shifting gear is connected to a connecting rod positioned in an axle hole of the gear box; the low-speed transmission mechanism is a planetary gear mechanism.
US08512189B2 Hybrid powertrain with compound-split EVT drive axle and electric drive axle
A hybrid powertrain is provided for a vehicle that has a first axle and a second axle. The hybrid powertrain includes an engine, a stationary member, and an electrically-variable transmission that has a first and a second interconnected planetary gear set and a first and a second motor/generator. The engine, the first motor/generator, the second motor/generator and the first axle are each operatively connectable for rotation with a different member of the first and the second planetary gear sets. The powertrain has an electric drive unit that has reduction gearing and a third motor/generator. The third motor/generator and the second axle are each operatively connected to a different member of the third planetary gear set. The powertrain is operable in a compound-split operating mode.
US08512187B2 Multi-mode drive unit
Multi-mode operation is provided for an electrically variable transmission for a motor vehicle. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission provides for multiple gear ratios and power flow configurations including fixed gear operation. An improved input-split planetary gear set configuration is provided for the multi-mode electrically variable transmission. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission may be operated in its desired efficiency and/or performance range more frequently. Further, the transmission reduces clutch torques and provides improved functionality in range-extended electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. The multi-mode electrically variable transmission is provided with a fixed gear operating capability for improved highway cruising and incorporates a reverse gear for reverse operation.
US08512178B2 Slingblade broad-head delivery system
A bow hunting broad-head system having a mechanical cutter which opens after impact. The broad-head flies to its destination with minimal drag and having good balance. After impact, the tip opens to a larger diameter creating a devastating wound and releases the payload inside the animal.
US08512171B1 Batter training apparatus and method
A batter training apparatus and method for training batters to attain optimal biomechanics for most effectively hitting a ball, with a proper rotation of a batter's hips and proper follow through with a batter's arms, wrists and shoulders. The training apparatus includes a belt worn over the hips that has a cable extending behind and between the hips. A tether connects the belt to a support post, preventing forward motion of the batter's body, but allowing and conditioning the hips to rotate. The support post sits at the rear of a platform that is about the size of a batter's box. An elastic cord connected to a forward arm and attached to the front of the platform, pulls a batter's wrists, arms and shoulders forward during proper follow through, conditioning the batter to swing the bat efficiently.
US08512164B2 Golf club head
An iron-type golf club head is disclosed having a first piece including a portion of an iron-type face. A second piece including a heel portion, a sole portion, a toe portion, a top-line portion, a hinge region, and a front opening for receiving the first piece is also disclosed. A first contact surface of the first piece is connected with a second contact surface of the second piece at a contact interface. A continuous weld extends along the contact interface attaching the first and second pieces together at the contact interface. The continuous weld includes a fusion zone occurring substantially on the iron-type face outside the hinge region of the club head.
US08512162B2 Golf simulation apparatus and method for the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf simulation apparatus and a method for the same, which reproduce the trajectory of a golf ball hit by a golfer to give a sense of reality to the golfer by identifying a current golf club and applying information about the identified golf club in a simulation result, the object can be accomplished by the provision of a golf simulation apparatus for simulating a golf course, including a sensing unit for sensing at least one of a golf ball hit by a golfer and a golf club used by the golfer in a simulated golf course, a club identification unit for identifying the golf club used by the golfer in the simulated golf course, and a simulation unit for simulating.
US08512159B2 Pneumatic powered swing system and method
Apparatus for driving a swing for an occupant of a certain mass and size where the drive mechanism includes a pneumatic power system and linkage for oscillating swing arm brackets. The power system is interconnected between the brackets and a stationary support and is self-compensating for variations in load related to natural frequency of the certain mass and wind resistance relative to occupant size. The power system includes a piston/cylinder arrangement where the piston is drivingly connected to at least one of the swing arm bracket supports and grounded to a stationary support. An automatically self-indexing valve control unit is attached relative to the piston/cylinder arrangement. The valve includes a reversing trigger arm carried by either the piston or cylinder configured to reset pneumatic flow direction with each oscillating piston stroke. The power system timed and is self-compensating for variations in natural frequency due to occupant mass and air resistance.
US08512150B2 System and method for collecting and using player information
A distributed computer system is provided for collecting player information. Further, a scoring system is provided that rates a player based on one or more elements of the collected information. Players may be rated with respect to a number of characteristics. Responsive to a determined rating or score, action may be taken by the distributed system with regard to the player. For instance, the player may be provided a complimentary offer, provided an award, and invitation to come to a gambling location, presented an advertisement, or other action may be performed involving the player. Further, the distributed computer system may permit a player to manage their frequent player accounts and receive complimentary offers based on a set of criteria specified by the player.
US08512149B2 Systems, methods and devices for providing an indication of an amount of time a wagering game may be expected to be played given a specified bankroll or an estimated bankroll which may be expected to be necessary to fund play of a wagering game for a specified amount of time
In one embodiment, a method provides for providing a game advisory notice to players of a wagering game. The game advisory notice may comprise, for example, an estimated amount of play time that can be expected to be achieved given a specified bankroll for the wagering game. In another example, the game advisory notice may comprise an estimated bankroll that is expected to be sufficient to fund a specified amount of play time for the wagering game.
US08512146B2 Casino table game yield management system
The casino table yield management data processing system has a minimum bet change recommendation generator receiving casino table occupancy and player betting data and generating recommendation data based on casino game operations model data and business rule data. A timing filter determines when recommendation data is to be presented to an operator. A quantification filter calculates revenue value data of implementing a minimum bet change and determining whether recommendation data is to be presented to an operator.
US08512134B2 Method and apparatus for providing player incentives
A system and method is provided for incentivizing players to visit a gambling location. In one aspect, a qualified person is invited to play an electronic game which has a plurality of outcomes, at least one of which is a winning outcome. In one embodiment, the qualified person may be required to redeem the outcome at the gambling location. In another embodiment, the person may be required to redeem the outcome at a redemption location.
US08512132B2 Universally compliant multi-currency progressive jackpot system
Disclosed herein are techniques and equipment for providing a multi-currency progressive jackpot system. In addition to a primary jackpot currency, other currencies may participate in the jackpot as well. If any currency wins the jackpot, the jackpot resets for all currencies.
US08512130B2 Gaming system with linked gaming machines that are configurable to have a same probability of winning a designated award
A gaming system that is controlled by a central controller and includes a plurality of gaming machines. Each of the gaming machines includes a game operable upon a wager by a player, a plurality of winning symbol combinations including a designated winning symbol combination and a probability of achieving the designated winning symbol combination. At least two of the gaming machines have different probabilities of achieving the designated winning symbol combination. The gaming system includes a designated award and a triggering event. After an occurrence of the triggering event, the central controller is programmed to change the probability of achieving the designated winning symbol combination for at least one of the gaming machines such that each gaming machine has an equal probability of generating the designated winning symbol combination.
US08512129B2 Real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes
Systems and methods for real-time interactive wagering on event outcomes are presented. Clients are first qualified and given wagering limits before being allowed to interactively wager on event outcomes. Event outcomes may be based on, for example, financial markets and indices, sporting and entertainment events, casino performances, and natural phenomena such as weather and earthquakes. Events on which wagers can be placed include both those with known and unknown outcome probabilities, and wagers can be a fixed-odds type or a spread-bet type. Wager transactions, including acceptances and confirmations, are executed in real time. Clients can customize displays of events on which they are authorized to wager. Real-time client credit management, automatic dealer hedging, automatic price-spread adjustments, and automatic client and dealer defined wagering limits are also provided.
US08512126B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming including display with irregular diamond shaped configuration
A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a plurality of display positions disposed in a display area, a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols for display at respective display positions, and an outcome evaluator arranged to determine whether the selected symbols correspond to a winning outcome with reference to at least one of a plurality of defined win lines. Each of the defined win lines comprises at least one display position, and at least some of the win lines comprise differing numbers of display positions. A corresponding method of gaming is also disclosed.
US08512119B2 Tournament gaming systems and methods
Various embodiments are directed to gaming systems, gaming devices, and methods for presenting tournament games. According to one method, a player tracking card is received at a gaming device. Tournament entry points are incremented as the base game is played. In one embodiment, tournament entry points are based on a predetermined percentage of a player's wager for base game play. The player is presented with one or more tournament games for play when the player has accumulated a sufficient number of tournament entry points. A tournament game selected by the player is initiated on a secondary display of the gaming device. In one embodiment, the secondary device has an embedded processor that is separate and distinct from a main processor of the gaming device. Once the tournament game is initiated, the player is presented with the option to have the tournament game automatically played. Accordingly, a player is able to play the base game while the tournament game is automatically played on the secondary display.
US08512110B2 Air distribution duct in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle
The invention relates to an air distribution duct (2) integrated in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle comprising at least one rigid hollow crossmember (1) that reinforces the structure of the vehicle, characterized in that the duct (2) is made by extrusion and is placed in the crossmember (1) at a distance from the inside wall of the crossmember.
US08512109B2 Windshield system for a saddle-type vehicle
The effect of a windshield for a saddle-type vehicle such as a low-slung type of motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle is enhanced, and pressure is sufficiently adjusted in an open space at the back of the windshield using an inventive windshield system. The vehicle includes a leg shield in front of legs of a rider, and a step space rearward of the leg shield. The windshield system includes a windshield which is provided with an air outlet that opens upward. An air inlet provided at the front of the vehicle communicates with the air outlet other through a duct, and the air outlet opens to the upper center of the windshield. Pressure adjusting outlets, for adjusting pressure in a space around the rider by blowing air toward the step space, are provided separately from the air outlet.
US08512107B1 Field dressing knife
A knife includes a body that includes a handle section, a blade housing section, and a blade that includes a skinning edge and a cutting edge. The guided skinning edge extends below a bottom edge of the blade housing section, wherein proximity of the bottom edge to the guided skinning edge enables the bottom edge to function as a guard that prevents the skinning edge from entering a carcass deep enough to damage meat and internal organs of the carcass during field dressing. The hook cutting edge extends above a top edge of the blade housing section, wherein the top edge terminates in a hook portion that extends beyond the hook cutting edge and lifts skin and hide of a carcass away from meat and internal organs of the carcass as the cutting edge is moved through the carcass during field dressing, preventing the cutting edge from contacting meat and internal organs of the carcass.
US08512099B2 Method for the simultaneous double-sided material removal processing of a plurality of semiconductor wafers
A device for double-sided processing of flat workpieces has upper and lower working discs forming between them a working gap containing a carrier disc with cutout(s) for workpiece(s), the carrier disc having circumferential teeth by means of which it rolls on an inner and an outer gear wheel or pin ring, wherein the gear wheels or pin rings have a multiplicity of gear or pin arrangements which engage the teeth of the carrier discs during rolling, at least one of the pin arrangements having a guide which delimits movement of the margin of the carrier disc in at least one axial direction, the guide formed by a circumferential shoulder or a circumferential groove.
US08512091B2 Valve and retainer assembly for latex balloons
A valve and retainer assembly particularly useful for latex balloons includes a valve body and a band valve. The valve body has a radial shoulder where the neck and mouth of a latex balloon may be received to affix the balloon to the valve body. A hollow stem communicates with the radial shoulder, and a one-way valve allows gas to be introduced through the stem into the balloon affixed to the retainer portion. A valve and retainer for filling first and second balloons further includes a slide disk having a seal sleeve that intimately fits over the stem portion, such that the sealing slide disk selectively slides along the stem portion so that the seal sleeve can selectively cover the at least one second balloon fill aperture; and a flexible band covering the at least one fill aperture of the fill portion.
US08512087B2 Loading system
The present invention relates to a loading system for transferring at least one medium between a first installation and a floating vessel, comprising an anchoring device which can be fixed relative to a seabed, at least one elongated first transfer element, which is normally vertically oriented in an installed state, at least one flexible second transfer element arranged in the extension of the first transfer element by a swivel arrangement which is mounted between the first and second transfer element. The swivel arrangement is rotatable at least about a longitudinal axis of the first transfer element. A free end of the second transfer element, in an installed state when the system is not being used, is located freely suspended in the body of water. The invention also relates to a retrieval system and method.
US08512084B1 Underwater thruster
An underwater thruster includes a housing unit having a first opening, a cover unit connected to the housing unit and covering the first opening, a supporting unit connected to the housing unit, a motor having a driving shaft that extends through the first opening, a magnetic core unit connected to the driving shaft, a plurality of magnetic intermediate units disposed on the supporting unit and driven by the magnetic core unit, a magnetic surrounding unit driven by the magnetic intermediate units in a rotational speed smaller than the rotational speed of the magnetic core unit, and a propelling unit connected to the magnetic surrounding unit and having a plurality of angularly spaced-apart blades.
US08512083B2 Apparatus for connecting connection parts between power apparatuses
The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting connection parts between power apparatuses. The apparatus of the present invention comprises: a cable constituted by a conductive wire, and an outer coating which covers the conductive wire; socket means having a first housing, and a conductive connection element which is arranged in the first housing and which has an insertion groove, wherein the socket means is installed in a power apparatus to form a connection part for electrically connecting the cable to the power apparatus; and plug means which has a conductive ring fitted to the conductive wire exposed by removing the outer coating from one end of the cable, and which is arranged at the cable and fitted to the first housing of the socket means such that the conductive ring is inserted into the insertion groove of the conductive connection element so as to electrically connect the cable to the power apparatus. The present invention provides an apparatus for connecting connection parts between power apparatuses which interconnects power apparatuses through a cable plug-in connection method to accomplish remarkable effects in the aspects of economical advantages, safety, and ease of maintenance and recovery from failure, etc.
US08512077B2 Joint box for connecting high voltage cables
A device for connecting high voltage cable having a connection element comprising of first and second sleeves, each having a protrusion on a top for receiving first and second conductors of a first and second high voltage cables and fixing the first and second conductors by pressure; a contact bump being coupled to the protrusion in a sliding manner and an electrode unit having a key hole that the contact bump contacts with, wherein the first and second sleeves are coupled in a manner of male and female coupling.
US08512075B2 Connector
A connector is provided that can easily insert a connecting terminal into a terminal accommodating hole of a housing and assuredly connect the connecting terminal to a connecting terminal of a mate side.Under a state that a connecting terminal 2 is held in a terminal accommodating hole 30 of a housing 3, when a slider 33 is slid to the terminal accommodating hole 30 side, a circumferential engaging part 35 abuts on an abutting surface 22a to rotate the connecting terminal 2 in the circumferential direction. Thus, the abutting surface 22a is held so as to be parallel to a slide direction of the slider 33.
US08512074B2 Apparatus and methods of sealing and fastening pothead to power cable
Apparatus of components and methods for connecting and sealing a pothead to an electrical cable used in an oil well environment, are provided. Electrical leads are anchored in insulating members retained within the pothead. The leads inserted into passages formed through the insulating members each having an elliptically shaped portion. Channels are formed along the surface of the passages and along the circumference of the elliptically shaped portions. Boot seals are provided in the elliptically shaped portions and circumscribe the electrical leads. A hydrocarbon-based liquid is applied to the boot seals to cause them to swell and occupy the space between the leads and the insulators, including the channels.
US08512071B2 Electrical connector assembly having a printed circuit board with soldering holes interconnected to a plurality of contacts
A SATA connector assembly is provided with an insulating housing, a plurality of data and power terminals, a PCB and an FFC, wherein the data and power terminals inserted in the insulating housing, the PCB secured to the insulating housing, the FFC soldered on the PCB, the data and power terminals are electrically interconnected the FFC by the PCB. The provision of the unitary construction feature of FFC can save the production cost due to its eliminating cable management equipment and the step of cable managing processes.
US08512065B2 Waterproof simplex receptacle with insulation displacement
A receptacle comprises a simplex body with a front portion and terminals. A rear housing encloses female connectors and a ground connector, which are attached to corresponding terminals. Insulation displacers comprise conductive elements that cut through insulation on each side of power-supply wires. Features of both waterproofing and insulation displacement are therefore combined.
US08512064B1 Integrated electric connector and connecting and guiding mechanism thereof
An integrated electric connector includes a main body, a first electric connector, a casing, a second electric connector, a third electric connector, and a guiding member. The first electric connector is at least partially protruded from the main body and connected with a transmission cable. The second electric connector is installed in the casing, and connectable with the first electric connector. The third electric connector is disposed on the casing and connected with the second electric connector. The guiding member is connected with the casing. The first electric connector is guided by the guiding member to be detachably connected with the second electric connector. The first electric connector is directly connected with the electronic device, or the first electric connector is indirectly connected with the electronic device through the second electric connector and the third electric connector.
US08512053B2 Cable system with integrated adaptor
A power cable or data cable system includes an integrated electrical connection adaptor configured to be mechanically coupled to the cable system when not in use. The adaptor is coupled to the cable system using clasping features formed in the body of the adaptor or a tethering element. Thus, the adaptor is conveniently located for use and cannot be lost. In some embodiments, the tethering element serves as a cable management system that enhances portability of the cable system by bundling loops of the cable system together.
US08512046B2 Automatic voting among small subsets of contestants
A method of surveying a population of voters concerning a pool of contestants to obtain a consensus comprises generating a digital list of all possible pairs, triplets or quadruplets of contestants in the pool and/or sublist of such small subsets of contestants in a subpool such as a social network, presenting to voters in the population at a web site each small subset of contestants in the digital list and/or digital sublist, and for each small subset of contestants presented prompting the voter to select a preferred contestant among the contestants that appear in the small subset of contestants. The voters may also be contestants. A tally of preferred contestants among all voters is assembled as is a tally among contestants from the subpool, and contestants may be ranked. The voting may be applied to costume contests, pet contests, political elections, market surveys and other data collection methods.
US08512038B2 Dental high volume suction tube with protective cap
A high volume suction tube for use in dentistry to remove detritus during oral procedures, such as providing a tooth filling, including a cap that alleviates tissue obstruction without impeding efficient suction and removal of the detritus.
US08512030B2 Blow-molding machine for thermoplastic pieces and containers
The present invention relates to a blow-molding machine for thermoplastic pieces and containers, which is designed to work simultaneously with two or more molding lines, wherein said machine comprises an extrusion set (2), and a blow-molding set (3); said blow-molding set (3) is coupled to the extrusion set (2); said blow-molding set (3) is formed by an extrusion head (4), at least one blowing station (5), and at least one molding station (6). In addition to increase the productivity, the blow-molding machine disclosed herein also allows a slight increase in the diversity of finished products, provided that they are made from the same material (type of thermoplastic material) with similar dimensions. The main advantages of using the blow-molding machine are directly related to the fact that the production is increased in an exponential way, without the need to use other blowing stations, and using almost the same physical space of a conventional similar machine.
US08512027B2 Belling machine for pipes made of thermoplastic material, forming end sockets equipped with an integrated seal
A belling machine (1) forms end sockets equipped with an integrated seal on pipes (3) made of thermoplastic material using a forming mandrel (4) on which an annular seal (5) was previously placed, diametrically expanded, coaxially and in a predetermined position. A loader (8) for loading the annular seal (5) on the mandrel (4) is able to move between a arming position, in which the loader is spaced from the belling axis (b) and does not interfere with the mandrel (4) movement along the belling axis (b), and a loading position, in which the loader is coaxial with the belling axis (b) and is located between the mandrel (4) back position, disengaged from the pipe (3) and the mandrel (4) forward position, inserted in the end (30) of the pipe (3). An annular seal (5) is placed in a positioner (10) which holds it in an operating position for the action of an arming device (9). After the seal (5) has been picked up from the positioner (10), the arming device (9) armes the loader (8) with the annular seal (5) when the loader (8) is in the arming position.
US08512023B2 Injection mold assembly including an injection mold cavity at least partially defined by a polycrystalline diamond material
Embodiments relate to injection mold assemblies that include superhard materials, such as polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”), and related injection mold presses, components, and methods. The superhard materials are positioned to define at least a portion of a mold cavity for injection molding. Superhard materials may be fully or partially encapsulated by a substrate and the superhard materials and substrate may be secured to the injection mold. Superhard materials may be formed or otherwise separated from a substrate and secured to the injection mold without support of a substrate. Superhard materials may also be attachable to an injection mold to define only a portion of a mold cavity. In an embodiment, an injection mold insert includes a superhard material for insertion into a generic cavity within an injection mold assembly.
US08512017B2 Compression mechanism and scroll compressor including the same
A compression mechanism is configured to be used in a scroll compressor. The compression mechanism includes a fixed scroll and a movable scroll. One of the fixed scroll and the movable scroll is a cast iron molding fabricated through semi-molten die casting, and the other of the fixed scroll and the movable scroll is a grey iron casting.
US08512010B2 Membrane pump with bleed valve
A suction pump, in particular a breast pump, comprises a bleed valve with a bleed opening, a bleed body which seals the bleed opening and an electromagnet for operating the bleed body. The bleed body may be operated such that upon opening the valve initially only a partial region of the bleed opening is released and subsequently a greater part thereof or the whole bleed opening is released. The suction pump provides a large functionality with the smallest size and, furthermore, is cheap to produce and easily assembled.
US08512007B2 Compressor and method for controlling a compressor for the compressed air supply of a commercial vehicle
A compressor system and method of operating same are provided for the compressed air supply of a commercial vehicle, wherein the compressor system includes a compressor for compressed air generation, a transmission for transmitting torque from a drive motor to the compressor, a clutch for disconnecting the connection between compressor and drive motor, and a control unit for opening and closing the clutch. The control unit is capable of opening the clutch in the event a settable maximum allowed compressor speed or motor speed of the drive motor is exceeded and to close the open clutch temporarily when the motor speed is greater than the maximum allowed motor speed.
US08512005B2 Ion pump system and electromagnetic field generator
It is an object of the present invention to provide an ion pump system etc. having a high air-exhausting capacity and vacuum-maintaining capacity and capable of adjusting drive modes suitable for the uses thereof. The subject problem is solved by an ion pump system (7) comprising a casing (1), a first electrode group (2a,2b) provided in the casing (1), a second electrode group (3a,3b) provided on the outer periphery of the first electrode group (2a,2b), and outer magnets (4) for providing a magnetic field in the casing, wherein the first electrode group (2a,2b) and the second electrode group (3a,3b) are constituted as a plurality of layers alternately disposed around the center axis (11) of the casing (1).
US08512003B2 Tip ramp turbine blade
A turbine blade includes first and second tip ribs extending from a tip floor to define a tip cavity. An exit ramp bridges the ribs and rises in elevation aft from the floor.
US08511999B1 Multiple piece turbine rotor blade
A turbine rotor blade of the spar and shell construction, the spar including a tip end with a dovetail shaped groove extending from the top, and a tip cap includes a dovetail shaped slot that engages with the spar groove to retain the tip cap in place. A shell made from a high temperature resistant material is secured in place between the platform and the tip cap. The platform includes a core extending into a hollow space formed by the shell and discharges impingement cooling air against the backside wall of the shell. The spar and the platform include fir tree configurations so that an assembled blade can be inserted into a slot of a rotor disk.
US08511995B1 Turbine blade with platform cooling
A turbine rotor blade with a platform includes platform cooling channels on the pressure side and the suction side of the platform. The cooling channels are formed from straight section that generally follows a contour of the airfoil in order to provide cooling to as much of the platform surfaces as possible. Pressure side cooling channels have a V-shape from inlet to outlet. Suction side channels branch off from a common channel located along a suction side edge of the platform.
US08511991B2 Composite turbine blade and method of manufacture thereof
A composite turbine blade and a method of manufacture thereof is disclosed. The composite turbine blade comprises a turbine blade portion comprising a first material and a first tip plate comprising a second material. The turbine blade portion has an exterior wall and an interior wall surrounding a hollow interior cavity, and a top surface extending from the exterior wall to the interior wall bounding an orifice that is fluidly connected to the hollow interior cavity. The first tip plate may be attached to the turbine blade along the top surface and extending from proximate the exterior wall of the turbine blade across the orifice to cover the orifice.
US08511988B2 Monitoring of blade frequencies of a wind turbine
A method for monitoring blade frequencies of a wind turbine and a monitoring system for performing the method are provided. An accelerometer or G-sensor is placed into a nacelle of a wind turbine and thereby measuring the vibrations of the nacelle. To extract the vibration signals originating from each blade, the vibration signals are combined with the measuring signals from the azimuth angle sensor (rotating angle), which is normally used for pitch control. To further extract each blade frequency a Fast Fourier Transformation is used on the modulated G-sensor signals. To further monitor a severe and alarming change in each blade frequency, each blade frequency is compared to the other blade frequencies and an alarm is set when a given level is reached.
US08511986B2 Bearing mounting system in a low pressure turbine
A bearing mounting system for use in a gas turbine engine having a low pressure turbine supported on a low pressure shaft through a support rotor comprises a low pressure turbine case, a forward bearing and an aft bearing, and a forward support structure and an aft support structure. The low pressure turbine case surrounds the low pressure turbine. The forward bearing and the aft bearing are positioned on the low pressure shaft to straddle the support rotor. The forward support structure and the aft support structure connect the forward bearing and the aft bearing, respectively, to the low pressure turbine case. The low pressure shaft extends axially between the forward bearing and the aft bearing. In one embodiment, the turbine comprises a plurality of adjacent rotor disks, and the support rotor comprises a conical support connecting one of the rotor disks with the shaft.
US08511984B2 Gas turbine engine exhaust diffuser and collector
Systems are provided that may be used to diffuse and deflect the flows of gas into a plurality of gas flows. A gas flow, for example, exhaust gas, may be diffused, that is, spread out by the diffuser. A flow deflector may be coupled to the diffuser so that the gas flow may result in a plurality of gas flows. By diffusing and allowing a plurality of gas flows, improved gas flows may be achieved.
US08511972B2 Seal member for use in a seal system between a transition duct exit section and a turbine inlet in a gas turbine engine
A seal member for use in a channel between a transition seal structure and a vane seal structure in a gas turbine engine. The seal member includes a spring member and a sheathing assembly. A first end of the spring member is affixed to either the transition seal structure or the vane seal structure. The second end is free to move within the channel. The sheathing assembly includes a main body and a plate portion. The main body surrounds the spring member and is affixed to the second end thereof. The plate portion extends from the main body and is adapted to extend toward the other of the transition seal structure and the vane seal structure. The spring member provides a bias on the sheathing assembly such that the plate portion engages the other of the transition seal structure and the vane seal structure to limit leakage through the channel.
US08511960B1 Microscale and millimeter scale devices including threaded elements, methods for designing, and methods for making
Embodiments of the invention provide threaded elements alone, in mating pairs, or in conjunction with other elements. Embodiments of the invention also provide for design and fabrication of such threaded elements without violating minimum feature size design rules or causing other interference issues that may result from the fabrication of such thread elements using a multi-layer multi-material electrochemical fabrication process.
US08511955B2 Spiral body lock and method
A spiral body lock including a mandrel; a sleeve; and at least one of the mandrel and sleeve including a male component, the other of the mandrel and the sleeve including a recess receptive to the male component at least one of the recess and the male component being helically configured and method.
US08511940B2 Offshore support structure and associated method of installing
A support structure for an offshore device and a method of assembling and installing the support structure, is provided including a vertical guide sleeve having, three elongated guide sleeves positioned around the vertical guide sleeve, and various braces connecting the elongated sleeves and the vertical guide sleeve. The support structure also includes a transition joint including a cylindrical portion for connection to an offshore device, such as a support tower of a wind turbine assembly, and a convex portion connected to the vertical guide sleeve. The transition joint may include a strengthening material in contact with an inner surface. The vertical sleeve, elongated sleeves, braces, and transition joint can be assembled onshore with lower piles installed in the elongated sleeves, this guide portion of the structure transported to the offshore location, and then piles driven to secure the structure to the floor of a body of water. The support structure minimizes the costs and time associated with material, assembly, and installation, while possessing sufficient strength, and effectively and efficiently handling and transferring loads from the wind turbine to the support surface throughout operation and while maintaining excellent fatigue resisting characteristics to withstand the extensive cyclic loading induced by the wind and waves.
US08511939B2 Self-actuating storm surge barrier
The shore side of a shore line water barrier is protected from flooding caused by storm surge over-topping the barrier. Water overtopping the barrier, such as from wind waves crashing against the barrier, is trapped, impounded and accumulated between a parapet atop the barrier and walls on the sides of a buoyant gate unit taller than the parapet and walls and normally resident below grade on the shore side of the barrier, hinged about an axis generally parallel to the barrier and spaced from the parapet by a distance not less than the height of the gate unit. The accumulated overtopping water is applied to rotationally float the gate unit from the horizontal position initially principally by buoyancy and then principally by hydrostatic pressure to drive the gate unit to an upright position to oppose storm surges having a water level higher than the parapet.
US08511938B1 Flood flaps vent for sealed crawlspace
A flood flaps vent for sealing a building crawlspace includes: (a) a vent box portion including open opposite front and rear ends on either end of a vent passageway, the vent box including a top box portion with at least one flap slot adjacent a rear end portion of the vent box, and an opposite bottom box portion; (b) at least one flexible flood flap extending across the open rear end portion, with its upper edge seated in the flap slot, other side flap edges of the flood flap being unattached; and (c) a grate portion over the open front end portion of the vent box; the flood flap occluding the rear end portion of the vent box when it is in an at rest, home position. This simplified abstract is not intended to limit, and should not be interpreted as limiting, the scope of the claims.
US08511932B2 Road construction machine, leveling device, as well as method for controlling the milling depth or milling slope in a road construction machine
A control and switchover system is provided for controlling milling depth and/or slope of a milling drum of a road construction machine during a milling operation to create a milled surface. The system controls the milling depth and/or slope at least in part on a measurement made with a first sensor. Without interrupting the milling operation the system switches over the control of the milling depth and/or slope to control based at least in part on a measurement made with a second sensor.
US08511930B2 Cover for a road system device and corresponding road system device
A cover for a road system device provided with a frame comprises: a blocking member and a base body defining a covering surface for the road system device, extending in a cover plane, and having a housing for receiving the blocking member. The housing and the blocking member are adapted for blocking the cover relative to the frame or to a neighboring cover. The housing is adapted to maintain the blocking member relative to the base body autonomously and to oppose a movement of the blocking member in a direction extending perpendicular to the cover plane and tending to move the blocking member away from the covering surface. The invention is applicable to access manholes for underground installations.
US08511925B2 Liquid supply device
A liquid supply device utilizing a rotating cam mechanism for supplying a liquid. In the liquid supply device for smoothly supplying a liquid with the assistance of pressurizing action, switching operation by the rotating cam mechanism can be carried out reliably.A rotating cam mechanism 16 which can move the liquid housing tube 14 forward and backward includes a rotating cam 40 movable between a front position and a rear position and a pressurizing space 18 to be compressed to be able to pressurize an inside of the liquid housing tube 14 when the tip end chip 32 is in the protruding position is provided in a rear portion in the rotating cam 40.
US08511907B2 Fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system
A fiber optic splice housing and integral dry mate connector system. In a described embodiment, a fiber optic connection system includes optical fiber sections in respective conduit sections. Each of the conduit sections is received in the housing assembly. An optical connection between the optical fiber sections is positioned within the housing assembly.
US08511905B2 Printing press
A printing press includes a roller having a first antifriction bearing and a second antifriction bearing. The first antifriction bearing has rolling bodies, a first ring and a second ring. One of the two rings forms an outer ring and the other of the two rings forms an inner ring. Roller sockets are configured as quick action changing devices for receiving the anti-friction bearings during insertion of the roller into the printing press. The first antifriction bearing is configured as an axial floating bearing with a considerable axial movement play of the rolling bodies between the latter and one of the rings. The second antifriction bearing is configured as an axial locating bearing without such a considerable axial movement play. A centering device centers one of the rings relative to the other.
US08511904B2 Ready-to-install needle bearing comprising an inner and outer ring
A ready-to-install needle bearing including a thin-walled outer ring (1) that is shaped without cutting and is provided with radially inwardly-facing stop rims (2) on both sides. Needle rollers (7) roll between the stop rims (2) on an associated external raceway (9). The inventive needle bearing is characterized in that an associated internal raceway (10) is formed by a thin-walled inner ring (3) which is shaped without cutting and is fitted with radially outwardly-facing stop rims (4) on both sides. The needle rollers (7) roll in a cageless manner or are disposed in a cage such that a captive ready-to-install needle bearing unit is created by using a positive gripping action, thus dispensing with the need for a part that is to be mounted having to act as a raceway.
US08511898B2 Gas bearing and fabrication method
A method of fabricating a bearing surface for a gas or air bearing is described. The method comprises taking a bulk bearing portion having at least one bearing surface region and providing a coating on the bearing surface region to define at least one gas pocket. The at least one gas pocket has a depth substantially equal to the thickness of the coating. In one example, laser ablation is used to remove part of the coating to form the gas pockets. The coating may be an anodized coating and the bulk bearing portion may be formed from aluminum. An air bearing component formed using the method is also described.
US08511894B2 System and method for measuring and compensating for patient pallet deflection
A PET imaging system includes a measurement subsystem, a data acquisition subsystem, and a reconstruction subsystem. The measurement subsystem detects deflection in a patient pallet, and generates deflection information based on the detected deflection. The data acquisition subsystem receives the deflection information from the measurement subsystem and PET measurement data corresponding to a plurality of coincidence events from a PET scanner, and communicates the received deflection information and PET measurement data to the reconstruction subsystem. The reconstruction subsystem includes a processor that reconstructs a PET scan image using the deflection information and the PET measurement data communicated by the data acquisition subsystem.
US08511893B2 Packaging for a radiological device
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations a cover sheet and a frame of a X-ray imaging detector are attached through interlocking apparatus that provides a strong attachment between the cover sheet and the X-ray imaging detector frame and that also reduces the complexity of the attachment and reduces the number of fasteners required between the cover sheet and the X-ray imaging detector frame.
US08511887B2 Straight through cement mixer
A cement mixing method and apparatus for mixing cement used in cementing oil wells casing and the mixer used in that method. The mixer employs a straight bulk cement inlet, five annular recirculation jets and five annular water jet orifices located downstream of the recirculation jets so that all of the jets discharge at an angle towards the mixing chamber and the discharge from the water jet orifices intersects with the flow from the recirculation jets. This five jet, intersecting flow design allows for more thorough wetting of the cement powder with a smaller, lighter, less expensive and more durable mixer that is less inclined to foul and easier to clean.
US08511883B2 Light guide apparatus for a backlight module
A light guide apparatus for a backlight module is provided. The light guide apparatus comprises a light guide plate and an electrical component. The light guide plate is configured with a circuit thereon. The electrical component is attached to the light guide plate and electrically coupled to the circuit. The light guide apparatus integrates a light guide panel, a circuit and an electrical component together for obtaining simpler structure and lower cost.
US08511879B2 Light emitting apparatus and display apparatus having the same
Disclosed are a light emitting apparatus and a display apparatus having the same. The light emitting apparatus comprises a light guide plate comprising a groove in a side surface thereof, and a light emitting diode unit, in which at least a portion of the light emitting device unit is inserted into the groove of the light guide plate.
US08511877B2 Projection device for a variety of light devices
A projection assembly is arranged to be added onto or built into at least one LED-unit or other light-unit of an illuminated object that has more than one LED or other light source to cause the object to be illuminated and show the object's design or appearance while also offering illumination to people. The illuminated object may include all kinds of seasonal lighting, regular light fixtures, track lights, desktop lights, and battery operated lights having more than one light-unit or LED-unit.
US08511869B1 Decorative window candle top
The decorative window candle top includes a bracket and a plurality of interchangeable decorations that when attached places the interchangeable decoration in front of and adjacent to the electric light bulb of a window candle light. The interchangeable decorations personalize the appearance of the window candle light, and come in a variety of styles. The bracket is positioned between the candlestick and the light bulb and includes a pair of mounting pins. The mounting pins are used to enable attachment of one of the interchangeable decorations.
US08511863B2 Luminaire
According to an embodiment, a luminaire includes a thermal radiation member, and a light source unit provided on a front side of the thermal radiation member. The thermal radiation member has plural support walls provided on a rear surface radially about a substantially central portion of the rear surface toward an outer periphery, and plural thermal radiation fins provided on the rear surface, being away from each other and substantially parallel to each other toward the outer periphery from neighboring wall surface sides of the plural support walls. The light source unit includes a light-emitting element.
US08511860B2 Method and apparatus for lighting with reflection
A mirror module includes a mirror. The module includes a mirror housing. The module includes a mounting box that fits into the housing. The module includes a motorized element disposed in the mounting box. The motorized element having a mirror mounting plate which holds the mirror, and a base plate which is attached to the mounting box through an axis screw at a central axis of the module about which the motorized element rotates.
US08511857B2 Planar light source and backlight unit having the same
A light source includes first to nth light emitting modules (n is a natural number that is two or more than two) each having a plurality of light emitting elements and connectors that are electrically connected to the light emitting elements. The connector of the first light emitting module is disposed near an angular point (hereinafter, referred to as “rotational central point”) of a region defining the first light emitting module. The light emitting elements and connector of the ith light emitting module has a layout structure defined by a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation of the light emitting elements and connectors of the first light emitting module by an angle (i−1)/n×360° about the rotational central point, wherein i is a natural number which satisfies 2≦i≦n.
US08511853B2 Point light source and light source module using the same
A point light source includes a light-emitting portion, a first lead and a second lead. The first lead and the second lead are electrically connected to the light-emitting portion. The first lead and the second lead respectively have a wedging portion. The wedging portions can be matched with each other. A light source module using the point light source is also provided. The light source module includes at least one light source assembly. Each light source assembly includes a plurality of the point light sources connected in series. Adjacent two point light sources are wedged to each other in series by a combination of the wedging portions of the adjacent first lead and second lead.
US08511845B2 Backlight unit and display device
A backlight unit and a display device including the backlight unit are discussed. According to an embodiment, a light generating device comprising: a first layer; light source devices disposed on the first layer and configured to emit light; a reflection layer disposed on the first layer and configured to reflect the light emitted from the light source devices; a second layer covering the light source devices and the reflection layer; a diffusion layer disposed on the second layer and configured to diffuse the light emitted from the light source devices; and an auxiliary layer having light shielding members placed between the second layer and the diffusion layer, the auxiliary layer being separated from the second layer so as to create an air space between a surface of the second layer and surfaces of the light shielding members, the air space extending along the light source devices.
US08511841B2 Vehicular blind spot indicator mirror
A vehicular blind spot indicator mirror includes a transparent glass substrate having a mirror reflector coated onto the substrate. Visible light reflectance by the mirror reflector coated substrate is at least about 40 percent visible light reflectance for visible light incident upon a front side of the mirror reflector coated substrate. A blind spot indicator light display is disposed to the rear of the mirror reflector coated substrate and emits visible light upon a detection by a blind spot detector. Light emitted by the display passes through the transparent glass substrate to be viewed by a viewer viewing from the front side of the substrate. The display is operable, when electrically powered and when operated in the vehicle during day time driving conditions, to exhibit a display luminance of at least about 60 foot lamberts as measured with the display placed behind, and emitting light through, the transparent glass substrate.
US08511833B2 Image projection apparatus
An image projection apparatus includes a lamp, an air duct configured to lead air from a cooling fan to the inside of a reflector of the lamp, an exhaust duct configured to lead first air, second air, and third air to an exhaust port formed in a housing of the image projection apparatus, the first air passing the inside of the reflector, the second air being drawn from a first inlet port in the housing and passing an area that faces an outer surface of the reflector, and the third air being drawn from a second inlet port formed in the housing, wherein a first area that blends the first air with the third air, and a second area that blends blended area from the first area with the second air and leads resultant air to the exhaust port are provided inside of the exhaust duct.
US08511831B2 Optical device and projection-type image display apparatus
An optical device includes a main body having a light incident surface, a light emitting surface provided facing the light incident surface, and a light-reflecting side surface provided from a periphery of the light incident surface to a periphery of the light emitting surface. In the optical device, the light incident surface, the light emitting surface and the light-reflecting side surface are mirror-finished, and a supporting portion configured to support the main body is provided on the light-reflecting side surface.
US08511827B2 Head-mounted projection display using reflective microdisplays
The present invention relates generally to a head-mounted projection display, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a polarized head-mounted projection display including a light engine and a compact, high-performance projection lens for use with reflective microdisplays.
US08511820B2 Device to measure functions of the eye directly
A device for accommodation training includes a primary light and a sensor supported by a housing and configured to be worn atop the head of the user to capture light reflected by the retina. One or more alignment lights may be provided, along with mounts for adjusting the positioning of the lights and sensor. A feedback signal such as an audible tone is produced as a function of the detected light, providing confirmation to the user that a desired control over the ciliary muscle has been achieved.
US08511807B2 Image transfix apparatus using high frequency motion generators
A phase change ink imaging device includes a transfix apparatus configured to apply ultrasonic action to ink pixels deposited onto an image bearing surface to facilitate transfer and/or fixing of the ink pixels to print media.
US08511805B2 Extracting liquid from a cartridge
A drive assembly has a moveable drive head, which is able to engage a plunger in a cartridge containing a liquid. The cartridge has a plunger moveable by the drive head to extract the liquid from the cartridge.
US08511803B2 Cartridge for ink-jet printer
The invention relates to a cartridge for ink-jet printer, comprising a cartridge body, a protective cover moving relatively to the cartridge body under pressure, a detection mechanism for cartridge and a detection mechanism for remaining ink volume, wherein the detection mechanism for cartridge includes the first and second detecting units respectively matching to the first and second sensors on the printer. The said second detecting unit includes a shelter unit, a fixed shaft set on the cartridge body, a sliding shaft on the protective cover and a reset unit of the shelter unit, wherein the shelter unit connects with the rotating shaft of the fixed shaft, rotates around the fixed shaft under the pressure of the sliding shaft and resets together with the protective cover under the effect of the reset unit of the shelter unit. It is the shelter unit rather than the movable lever at the middle of the detection mechanism for remaining ink volume that finally shelters from the light emitted by the emission unit of the second sensor, so it will not be influenced by remaining ink volume.
US08511796B2 Firing cell
A system is provided that includes first means for pre-charging a node to a first potential where the node coupled to a switch configured to control current through a firing resistor and second means for selectively discharging the node to a second potential across a path that has only one transistor between the node and the second potential.
US08511790B2 Image processing method and image processing apparatus
An image processing method includes a conversion step of converting input image data into ink color data corresponding to respective use amounts of one or more types of color inks and a clear ink. In the conversion step, the input image data is converted into ink color data so that the use amount of the clear ink used in ink color data using a black carbon-containing ink becomes equal to or larger than that of the clear ink used in ink color data using no black carbon-containing ink.
US08511787B2 Printing apparatus and method of acquiring correction value of conveying error
The sequence of the acquisition of a correction value of a conveying error depending on the eccentricity of the conveying roller (correction value for eccentricity) and the acquisition of a correction value of a conveying error depending on the outer diameter of the roller (correction value for outer diameter) is considered to acquire a precise correction value for outer diameter. A test pattern to acquire the correction values for eccentricity and for outer diameter is formed with an area exceeds the area corresponding to an integer multiple of the circumferential length of the roller. The correction value for eccentricity and that for outer diameter are acquired in this sequence. The fluctuation in the conveying error is reduced by the application of the correction value for eccentricity, and the influence of the excess area is made smaller before the correction value for outer diameter is acquired by averaging the conveying errors.
US08511785B2 Inkjet printer with partial image receiving member heating
A method for operating an image receiving member in a phase change ink printer has been developed. The method includes selectively rotating the image receiving member past an activated heater to heat a first portion of the image receiving member to a first predetermined temperature that is greater than a second temperature to which a remaining portion of the image receiving member is heated by the heater.
US08511782B2 Method for printing on a curved surface
A method for printing on a curved surface includes determining if a surface of a workpiece is curved, cutting an image to be printed into at least two printing areas if the surface is curved, and printing the printing area of the image on each surface of the workpiece. If the surfaces of the workpiece are not curved, the printing system directly prints the image on the workpiece. The printing system includes a rotating mechanism and a printer including an inkjet head having a plurality of nozzles. The workpiece is positioned on the rotating mechanism. The rotating mechanism rotates each surface of the workpiece to face the inkjet head and the inkjet head prints each printing area on it.
US08511779B2 Ink jet printing apparatus and printing method
By suppressing deviation of dot-formation positions stemming from insufficient accuracy in conveying a printing medium due to eccentricity of a conveying roller, a printed image in which unevenness is less visible is obtained. An accumulated amount of conveyance errors is decreased by narrowing a nozzle-use range and reducing a conveyance amount over an entire printing region according to a mode used for printing an image in which the coverage of a printing medium is low due to a small number of ink colors to be used, for example, a mode used for printing a monochrome image by using a black ink dominantly in all of the density regions.
US08511761B2 Household appliance comprising a sliding decorative panel on its door
A household appliance (1) comprising a body (2) which is disposed into the furniture, a door (3) which allows access into the body (2) and moves by rotating around a horizontal axis and which is opened by holding a handle, a hinge (4) which connects the door (3) to the body (2), and a decorative panel (5) which is slidably mounted onto the door (3).
US08511760B2 Roller bearing track bushing system
A roller element bearing 40 track bushing system embodiment for track link assemblies 14 capable of being used on a vehicle 10 having an endless track 12. Each track link assembly 14 has a track shoe assembly 20 defining a front pin bore 22 and a rear pin bore 24. Each track link assembly 14 has a front pin 26 at least partially disposed within the front pin bore 22, and a rear pin 28 at least partially disposed within the rear pin bore 24. The embodiment discloses at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the front pin bore 22 around a portion of the front pin 26, at least one roller element bearing 40 disposed within the rear pin bore 22 around a portion of the rear pin 28. The roller element bearings 40 cooperate to prolong the useful life of the track link assembly 14.
US08511759B2 Velocity sensitive passenger vehicle trailer brake controller
A method of controlling a trailer brake system using a trailer brake controller positioned within a passenger vehicle is provided. The method includes obtaining intended braking inputs and developing an effective baseline trailer brake controller output profile based thereon. The method scales the effective baseline trailer brake controller output profile in response to an adjustable gain setting set by an operator. A vehicle velocity is obtained and used to calculate a correction factor to the effective baseline trailer brake controller output profile. The effective baseline trailer brake controller output profile is then adjusted using the correction factor to generate a corrected trailer brake controller output signal.
US08511756B2 Continuous surface mining system
A surface mining system removes material from a surface mining block that has a substantially vertical and laterally extending mining face. The surface mining system generally includes a miner moveable in a lateral direction along the mining face, a face conveyor extending along the mining face, and conveyor translation devices associated with the face conveyor and operable to move the face conveyor toward the mining face as material is removed. The miner includes a rotating cutting member mounted to an end of a vertically ranging cutting arm and operable to remove material from the mining block. The face conveyor includes a discharge portion and is operable to convey material removed from the mining block toward the discharge portion. Each conveyor translation device includes a secured configuration substantially fixed with respect to the mining face and an unsecured configuration moveable with respect to the mining face.
US08511755B2 Restraint device for children
A flat housing (1) holds a belt (4) which can be extended against the force of a spring, the belt being blocked to further extension as soon as the belt clasp (3) is situated in the belt buckle.
US08511749B2 Modular child restraint system
A modular child restraint system for use in vehicles comprises a base and interchangeable attachable seats where the seats are for different stages of childhood development. The system can further comprise additional bases adapted to other uses such as strollers and infant swings. A common engagement mechanism allows the various seats to be moved from one base to another. One such system comprises a base and a seat configured to rotate relative to one another when engaged. The seat can also lock in a position relative to the base. The base includes a visual indicator to show that the seat is secured to the base.
US08511747B2 Collapsible chair with collapsible back support
A collapsible chair includes a collapsible seat having a front portion and an opposing rear portion and a collapsible back. The collapsible back includes a first back support member and a second back support member. Each of the first back support member and the second back support member includes an arcuate portion extending toward the front portion of the collapsible seat. A back membrane is coupled to the back support members and spans a distance between the back support members.
US08511740B2 Vehicle door reinforcement
A vehicle door comprises an outer door panel, and inner door panel, and a reinforcement member. The outer door panel includes a pair of vertically extending free ends and a pair of horizontally extending free ends forming a peripheral edge portion. The inner door panel is rigidly attached to the peripheral edge portion of the outer door panel such that an internal door cavity is defined between the outer and inner door panels. The reinforcement member is disposed in the internal door cavity. The reinforcement member includes a first attachment portion rigidly attached to an inner surface of the outer door panel at a first location adjacent the peripheral edge portion of the outer door panel, and a second attachment portion rigidly attached to an inner surface of the inner door panel at a second location.
US08511733B2 Panel end cap storage
A panel end cap storage unit is disposed on an instrument panel end cap adjacent a vehicle door and is configured such that the unit is not accessible when the vehicle door is closed. In this way, the present invention provides a nonvisible secure storage unit that is only accessible when the adjacent vehicle door is open.
US08511730B2 Apparatus and method for engaging and handling articles of manufacture
Apparatus and method for engaging an article. The apparatus has a base portion, an end portion disposed adjacent the base portion. The end portion is moveable in relation to the base portion generally along the longitudinal centerline. One or more bands are joined to and extend between the base portion and the end portion. At least one of the bands bends away from the longitudinal centerline when the end portion is moved toward the base portion from the disengaged configuration to the activated configuration.
US08511719B2 Flow-passage connecting device and liquid ejecting apparatus including the same
A flow-passage connecting device for connecting flow passages of first and second members, including: a joint to be attached at one end to an end portion of the passage of the first member and to be connected at the other end to the passage of the second member, the joint having a hollow space through which a fluid flows; a joint support portion for supporting the joint when the joint is attached, such that a positional adjustment of the joint in a direction perpendicular to a joint attachment direction is permitted within a first position-adjust range; and a position-adjust-range limiting portion disposed distant from the end portion of the passage of the first member in a direction opposite to the attachment direction and configured to limit the positional adjustment of the joint in the perpendicular direction within a second position-adjust range smaller than the first range when the joint is attached.
US08511718B2 Anti-torque plate for a gas manifold pipe connection
A pipe and connector assembly of an appliance is provided. The assembly has a pipe for connecting to a fluid system of the appliance; a transition section fluidly connected to the pipe; a connector portion for connecting to the external fluid supply by way of a twisting motion between the external fluid supply and the connector portion; an anti-torque plate fixed rigidly to the transition section, the anti-torque plate having an engagement area; and a shoulder element for attaching the anti-torque plate to a chassis of the appliance. A shoulder portion of the shoulder element is positioned to engage the engagement area of the anti-torque plate such that movement of the anti-torque plate in a plane that is parallel to the twisting motion is restrained by the shoulder portion engaging the engagement area, and movement of the anti-torque plate is permitted along a length of the shoulder portion.
US08511710B2 Airbag device
An airbag device capable of reducing the volume of an airbag while still securing occupant restraining capability. The occupant seat airbag device is disposed inside a vehicle front-rear direction curved section of an instrument panel facing both towards the vehicle top-bottom direction top side and vehicle front-rear direction rear side. The airbag is configured including a pair of outer deployment sections that receive gas supplied from an inflator and inflate and deploy separately from each other in the vehicle width direction, and an inner deployment section formed by a connecting a cloth around substantially the entire periphery of the outer edges of the pair of outer deployment sections. An occupant side deployment section of the inner deployment section does not receive gas supplied from the inflator and deploys as the pair of outer deployment sections deploy.
US08511699B2 Reconfigurable tilt wheelchair
A modular wheelchair assembly is adapted to be reconfigured between a fixed angle of tilt, a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's knees and a dynamically adjustable tilt-in-space configuration with the tilt axis being near the user's center of gravity. The reconfiguration is achieved by modifying a limited number of selectively removable components of the support assembly or the pivot assembly of the wheelchair.
US08511695B2 Scooter handlebar holder
A scooter features a top tube attached to the top portion of a steering column and handlebars having handgrips and stems, with the stems sized to be received within the open ends of the top tube when in a use configuration. A handlebar holder housing covers a top portion of the steering column and a portion of the top tube and includes holding bores sized to receive the handlebar stems when the handlebars are in a storage configuration. The handlebar stems are provided with spring pins that engage use apertures and storage apertures formed in the top tube and housing, respectively, when in the handlebars are in the use and storage configurations. A cord passes through the top tube and is fastened to the handlebars. The handlebar holder housing includes cord slots in communication with the holding bores and receive the cord when the first and second handlebars are in the storage configuration.
US08511694B2 Reversible walker assembly
An apparatus for assisting people with walking wherein those apparatus are reconfigurable to provide seating in either the forward-facing, or the rear-facing direction, includes a foldable, wheeled frame assembly, a seat mounted to the frame, and a reversible cross-arm, or backrest, for reconfiguring the apparatus from a rear-facing seating arrangement to a forward-facing seating arrangement. In a further aspect, hinged arms, one on each side of the frame assembly, are operable to at least partially rotate in a plane adjacent to the plane of the frame to which it is attached, thereby offering alternative positions of the arms that are convenient to the forward-facing seating position and the rear-facing seating position.
US08511691B2 Simplified low insertion force sealing device capable of self restraint and joint deflection
A conduit coupling system, sealing device, bell and method of use are disclosed herein. The system comprises at least two piping components, and a sealing device. A first component has a bell and a second component has a spigot, the spigot is adapted to mate with the bell. The bell comprises a first end and a second end, the first end coupled to the first component. The bell has a concave annular inner surface and a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the first end of the bell is greater than a diameter of the annular inner surface adjacent to the second end of the bell. The sealing device comprises a locking segment comprising a convex outer surface and a K-type gasket coupled to a locking segment or a non-restraining anti-extrusion segment. The sealing device is adapted to fit between the bell and the spigot.
US08511686B2 Game board
A gaming apparatus including a top surface and four side walls connected each other and to the top, the top having a game surface such as a 64 block checkerboard pattern of a first and second color, the game surface having cutouts; eight rods running crossways under the top surface and attached to two side walls; multiple rollers accessible to a player through the cutouts in the top surface. Preferably the game surface is angled on two opposing sides of each cutout to aid in rotation of the rollers underneath the game surface. The game apparatus may be adopted to play checkers, chess, backgammon or similar games. The game apparatus may also be embedded into tables or walls.
US08511677B2 Sheet guide and image recording apparatus
A sheet guide includes a base on which a sheet is placed; a pinion which is rotatably provided on the base; a pair of racks which are extended in a sliding direction, which sandwich the pinion therebetween, which are engaged with the pinion to move opposite to each other in the sliding direction; a pair of positioning members which are provided at one end portions of the pair of racks respectively; a sliding guide which is formed in the base and which guides the pair of racks in the sliding direction; and a contact portion which is provided at a side of at least one rack of the racks; a first supporting member configured to press the contact portion to urge the at least one rack against the pinion; and a second supporting member configured to support the other end portion of the at least one rack.
US08511675B2 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus including the same
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet storing portion storing sheets stacked on a stacking surface thereof; a feeding roller feeding each of the sheets by rotating while being in contact with a topmost one of the sheets; a support member having a support surface that supports downstream-side part, in a sheet feeding direction, of the sheets and, at the time of sheet feeding, being movable perpendicularly to the stacking surface while lifting the downstream-side part of the sheets with the topmost sheet kept in contact with the feeding roller; and a stopper member configured to come into contact with leading ends of some sheets to be fed by the feeding roller and to stop sheets other than the topmost sheet. The support surface of the support member slopes upward, with respect to the stacking surface, toward a downstream side in the sheet feeding direction.
US08511668B2 Sheet feeding device and image forming apparatus incorporating same
A sheet feeding device includes a sheet carrying unit and an attraction separation and conveyance device. The sheet carrying unit is configured to carry thereon a sheet stack. The attraction separation and conveyance device is configured to electrostatically attract the uppermost sheet of the sheet stack and separate and convey the uppermost sheet from the sheet stack, and is placed between the upstream end and the central position in a sheet conveying direction of the sheet stack located at a sheet carrying position and having a minimum sheet size compatible with the sheet feeding device.
US08511663B2 Screen installation device
A screen installation device is used for assembling a screen plate to a frame, the screen installation device, and includes a positioning device and a plurality of connection devices. The positioning device is for locating the frame. The connection devices are detachably assembled to the positioning device and are arranged around the screen plate, and part of each connection device is located and retained between the screen plate and the frame to create a constant width gap between the screen plate and the frame.
US08511649B1 Engine model carburetor
A model engine carburetor capable of adjusting oil automatically when decelerating is mounted on a model engine. The model engine carburetor has a first adjustment room and a second adjustment room. The first adjustment room and the second adjustment are separated by an elastic membrane. When the model engine is decelerated at a very short time from a high speed, the model engine will generate negative pressure to draw out the air in the first adjustment room and the elastic membrane will be deformed to generate vacuum suction. The overmuch fuel oil is drawn to the second adjustment room to adjust the ratio of the oil gas. The model engine can run smoothly when the speed is decelerated at a very short time.
US08511646B1 Engine extractor system
A coupling assembly separably couples a vertical support formed of an anchor pole, a vertical post and a mast to a helicopter. A top rail is pivotally coupled to an upper extent of the vertical support. A coupling plate is coupled to the vertical support. A winch is attached to the coupling plate. The top rail has ends with interior and exterior sheaves rotatably coupled to the ends of the top rail. A cable has a distal end positionable over an engine of the helicopter and adapted to be attached thereto. The cable has a proximal end attached to the winch for withdrawing and extending the cable.
US08511640B2 Ball valve with detachable slide bearing bushes
A ball valve has a valve housing (2) receiving ball spindle (6) pivoted around an axis in the housing (2). A ball body (12) as a blocking element is between the input part and the output part of a media passage (4) of the housing. The flow opening (14) located in the ball body (12) is alignable with the passage (4) for unblocking the ball valve by turning the ball spindle (12). The ball body (12) is supported on two identical end sections (8, 10) connected to and axially spaced from the ball body (12). The support on at least one end section (8, 10) is a support cover (26) having integrated slide bearing elements (34, 36) detachably mounted on the housing (2).
US08511636B2 Household appliance
A household appliance, in particular a dish-rinsing or dish-washing machine, with a base support onto which the appliance unit is mounted and which is supported on a floor by means of appliance feet. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a least one appliance-foot support, which is connected to the base support by means of a tension element, is provided for the base support.
US08511632B2 Suspension system and method for suspending an inner vessel inside an outer vessel of a cryostat
A suspension system for a cryostat includes a coupling mechanism, a fixation body, and a pin. The coupling mechanism is joined to an outer vessel and coupled with a strap. The fixation body is joined to an inner vessel. The fixation body extends between a front side that faces the coupling mechanism and an opposite receiving side with an interior channel extending from the receiving side to the front side. The channel defines a front opening in the front side and a rear opening in the receiving side. The pin is loaded into the fixation body through the rear opening in the receiving side of the fixation body with the strap looped around the pin and extending through the front opening to the coupling mechanism. The pin secures the coupling mechanism to the fixation body via the strap by engaging the fixation body inside the channel.
US08511621B2 Device for piloting a craft having an electromagnetic actuator
A device for piloting includes a piloting member connected to at least one member for driving the craft, an electromechanical support box including, for each pivot connection, at least one actuating motor of the piloting member constituted of an electromagnetic actuator including a movable armature integrally formed with the piloting member and equipped with at least one permanent magnet having a magnetic moment parallel to the axis of the pivot connection, and an electromagnetic circuit including a fixed armature, arranged to allow the movable armature to move in the air gap zone, the magnetic moment of the movable armature sweeping each radial surface portion, and at least one coil winding which is dependent in position on the fixed armature and is capable of generating electromagnetic torque on the movable armature.
US08511613B2 Modular externally accessible batteries for an aircraft
An aircraft comprises an airframe, an electric propulsion system, a number of battery pods, and an engagement system. The number of battery pods has a physical connector system. The engagement system is attached to the airframe and is capable of engaging the physical connector system to connect the number of battery pods to the airframe.
US08511611B2 Slot seal
A panel assembly for an aircraft comprises a panel rotatably connected to a support structure and moveable between a first position and a second position. The panel has an aerodynamic surface with a slot at one edge thereof which receives a portion of the support structure when the panel is in the first position. The assembly further comprises a resilient seal member which occupies the slot when the panel is in the second position. The panel may be an aircraft flight control surface, or an aircraft landing gear bay door.
US08511606B1 Unmanned aerial vehicle base station
A method and apparatus comprising a platform, a battery system, a power generation system, a number of charging stations, and a controller. The platform is configured to house a number of unmanned aerial vehicles. The power generation system is connected to the battery system. The power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy from an environment in which the platform is located, and store the electrical energy in the battery system. The number of charging stations is connected to the battery system. The controller is connected to the battery system and is configured to receive sensor data from the number of unmanned aerial vehicles, generate information from the sensor data, and send the information to a remote location.
US08511604B2 Gas turbine engine with low stage count low pressure turbine
A gas turbine engine includes a spool along an engine centerline axis which drives a gear train.
US08511602B2 Differential vane vehicle control
A ducted fan air-vehicle capable of generating control moments. The ducted fan air-vehicle includes an air duct, a fan, a center body, a plurality of control vanes. The vanes are independently controlled and are deflected in the same direction but at different angles, thereby providing an increased control moments to the vehicle compared to the prior art. The increased pitching moment allows for additional control authority. Additional control authority is useful in forward flight and is especially desirable when the ducted fan air-vehicle is maneuvering in unsteady or turbulent winds or with various types of cargo that may effect the vehicle center of gravity location.
US08511600B2 Dispenser that automatically transfers rolls of absorbent material, method of reloading same, and rolls of absorbent material for use in same
A two-roll toilet paper dispenser automatically transfers a new roll into dispensing position once the previous roll is spent or nearly spent. A spring-loaded plate senses the decreasing diameter of the first roll, and once it reaches a predetermined minimum, actuates a linkage that permits a mandrel carrying the two rolls to drop down within the dispenser body and position the second roll for dispensing. The mandrel and track structure permits reloading the dispenser without removing the mandrel. The rolls of toilet paper have adapter plugs in one end only, to ensure that the rolls are placed in the correct orientation within the dispenser.
US08511595B2 Refiner and method for refining fibrous material
A refiner (1, 18, 19) for refining fibrous material has at least one first refining surface (11) and at least one second refining surface (4), which are arranged at least partly substantially opposite to one another in such a manner that a refiner chamber (12) is formed between them, to which the material to be defibrated is arranged to be fed. The first refining surface or the second refining surface has openings formed through them and through which fibrous material to be refined can be fed into the refiner chamber or through which refined fibrous material can be removed from the refiner chamber. In addition, a method for refining fibrous material, a refining surface of a refiner and a blade segment for a refiner.
US08511587B2 Showerhead assembly
A shower head has a nozzle, a shell, a water inlet, and an assembly for holding the nozzle. The assembly has an upper plate made of a first plastic material and has a first opening having a first diameter through which the nozzle extends, a lower plate made of a second plastic material and has a second opening through which the nozzle extends, and an elastomeric middle plate has a third opening having a third diameter that is smaller than the first or second diameter through which the nozzle extends and is in contact therewith. The first material and the second material are ultrasonically welded together to trap the middle plate therebetween and the first opening, the second opening and the third opening are roughly coaxial with each other.
US08511585B2 Drip irrigation emitter
A drip irrigation emitter has first and second inlets through which liquid enters the emitter from an irrigation pipe, an outlet through which liquid exits the emitter, and a first flexible diaphragm portion seated on the second inlet and serving as a valve. Liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is below a predetermined level enters the emitter via the first inlet and travels along a first flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet and liquid at a pressure in the pipe that is above the predetermined level biases the first flexible diaphragm portion so that liquid can enter the emitter via the second inlet and travels along a second flow restricting path before exiting via the outlet.
US08511580B2 Container of active substances
Comprises a vessel (1) that houses the active liquid substance to be diffused, such as a fragrance, insecticide or other, through a breathable membrane (2) that closes the vessel (1) and comprises a porous part (3) placed near and parallel to the breathable membrane (2) in order to prevent the deformation of the membrane (2) when a vacuum is generated as the vessel (1) is emptied. The porous part (3) has a number of openings (4) through which passes the liquid to ensure its contact with the membrane (2) at all times for a homogenous evaporation and it occupies part of the volume of the vessel (1), absorbing the active substances, the non-volatile substances remaining in said porous part (3) after the vessel (1) has no more volatile components.
US08511577B2 Thermostat with power stealing delay interval at transitions between power stealing states
A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may include an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states.
US08511576B2 Power management in energy buffered building control unit
A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery.
US08511573B2 Secure application directory
This disclosure relates to storing a secure application directory within a contactless smart card. The contactless smart card include secure memory area for storing software applications and may include a default application directory for listing the software applications stored within the contactless smart card to an external card reader. A second application directory is stored with an access key and a listing of a second set of software applications within the same contactless smart card. The second application directory includes improved application directory entries, where each application directory entry includes an application identifier, a starting memory block byte value, and a size byte value for each of the second set of software applications.
US08511565B2 Method of providing information via context searching of a printed graphic image
A method of providing information to a user via a printed substrate. The substrate chas a graphic image and coded data indicative of a region identity associated with the substrate and of a plurality of locations on the substrate. The method includes the steps of: (i) receiving interaction data indicative of the region identity and a position of a sensing device relative to the image; (ii) identifying and retrieving a page description corresponding to the printed substrate using the region identity; (iii) generating a query expression including search terms; (iv) forming a request using the query expression; and sending the request to the user. At least one of the search terms is associated, in the page description, with a zone of the graphic image containing the position of the sensing device.
US08511556B2 Card reader
A card reader may include a reader-side non-contact communication antenna, a transfer path through which a card is transferred, a transfer mechanism to transfer the card, a controller to control the transfer mechanism, and a regulator to regulate transfer of the card. The reader-side antenna may be provided proximate to the transfer path. The regulator may be positioned such that the reader-side antenna can communicate with a card-side antenna on the card. The controller may control the transfer mechanism to move the card closer to the regulator or away from the regulator after the card has stopped once, so as to enable communication between the reader-side antenna and the card-side antenna.
US08511554B2 Display device and data display system
A display device which includes a housing, a plurality of separately movable indicators in the housing, each indicator including a plurality of symbols, an electrically operable actuator and a controller for controlling operation of the actuator whereby each indicator is independently movable to a selected position to display a selected symbol.
US08511544B1 Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates to cause financial transfers responsive to data read from data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to read card data from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine also includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The machine is operative to cause a computer determination to be made that the card data corresponds to an authorized machine user. The automated banking machine may also include a storage device that is operative to unlock a secured area including information thereon that is used by the automated banking machine to carry out financial transfers.
US08511542B2 Automated teller machine and voice prompt method thereof
A voice prompt method includes obtaining an image of a user and storing the obtained image as a characteristic image when users successfully log onto an automated teller machine; taking photographs of the location surrounding the automated teller machine at predetermined time intervals to obtain real-time images; judging whether the person of the characteristic image is the same as the person in the real-time image; detecting whether the distance between the user and the automated teller machine is larger than a predetermined value if the person in the two images is judged to be the same; and generating a voice prompt to remind the user not to forget to remove his/her bank card if the distance between the user and the automated teller machine becomes larger than a predetermined value. An automated teller machine is also provided.
US08511534B2 Ultrasonic horn
An ultrasonic horn used in, for instance, a wire bonding apparatus and formed with mounting flanges, including a slit and a cross-sectional shape varying portion; the slit being on the central axis in the horn's longitudinal direction and extending fore and aft relative to the center of the mounting flanges, the length of the slit(s) being equal to or greater than the width direction of a flange region that is between the opposing flanges, and at least a part of the cross-sectional shape varying portion being on the outer surface of the horn at a slit region in which the slit is formed. The stress center point in the cross-section of the ultrasonic horn at the flange region is positioned more to the inside than a straight line joining the stress center points in the cross-sections of the ultrasonic horn at the front and rear end portions of the slit.
US08511532B2 Fastener driving tool
A fastener driving tool includes a flywheel rotated by a drive unit and having a wheel rim formed with teeth, an impact member having a mating toothed unit movable with a carrier frame to engage the teeth so as to be swept thereby to an end-stroke position to enable a striking rod to drive a fastener into a targeted workpiece, and an actuating unit configured to actuate the carrier frame to move from an upper position to a lower position in response to a triggering action of a trigger so as to move the mating toothed unit from an disengaging position to an engaging position.
US08511530B2 Stapler and staple
A stapler includes an enclosing portion that encloses staples, a clinch portion that bends a staple, and a projecting portion that projects the staple from the enclosing portion, inserts the staple to a sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle. In addition, a guide portion guides the staple projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle. The guide portion has guide surfaces for guiding the staple from an inlet adapted to receive the inserting ends of the staple to an outlet that is formed narrower than the inlet such that the staple is projected by the projecting portion toward the sheet bundle side, and the projecting portion projects the staple to the guide portion, moves the staple along the guide surfaces to deform the staple in a horseshoe shape, inserts the pair of inserting ends to the sheet bundle, and bends the staple in cooperation with the clinch portion to bind the sheet bundle.
US08511529B2 Oscillation reducing suspension device for a fan motor of a combustion-powered tool
An oscillation reducing suspension device for a fan motor of a combustion-powered tool includes a holding web member mounted on a cylinder head and having a central opening to be sleeved on the motor, first and second retaining members disposed to hoop around the motor, and first and second damping members each disposed between the holding web member and a respective one of the first and second retaining members so as to counteract an axial vibration force, thereby minimizing the impact of the axial vibration force.
US08511519B2 Pet food dispenser
The apparatus of the present invention is a pet pantry having storage containers for pet-related equipment, accessories, medication, or other items, and also pet food storage and dispensing. The food dispensing mechanism allows for measured food dispensing, providing volume adjustment mechanisms to dispense a desired quantity of pet food. The food dispensing mechanism is a single movement handle or button dispensing the desired quantity of food. The pet pantry is also modular allowing for adjustments to a pet owner's specification.
US08511510B2 System and method for medical instrument sterilization case having a rotatably displacing cover
A medical instrument sterilization container has a plurality of walls and a rotatably displacing cover. A rotatable device is integral with the cover. An elongate slot is formed in a side of the container for receiving the rotatable device. The rotatable device is slidable within the elongate slot.
US08511508B1 Pocket-engaging case
A case for eyeglasses or other articles includes a pair of catches with each catch mounted to an opposite side of the case near its upper end. Elongate, flexible latches are also mounted on opposite sides of the case in cooperative alignment with the respective catches. Each latch includes a base secured to the case and a pocket-gripping member at its distal free end. Each latch is inherently biased outwardly from the case so that the pocket-gripping members engage opposite sides of a shirt or blouse pocket interior when the invention is in use, preventing the case from falling from the pocket when a user bends over. The latches are manually squeezed when in their deployed configuration to place them into their stored, catch-engaging configuration. The latches are manually removed from the catches to deploy them into their pocket-engaging configuration.
US08511504B2 Demisable fuel supply system
A demisable fuel supply system for a satellite includes a pressurized aluminum alloy tank with an aluminum alloy propellant management device therein. The propellant management device (PMD) can have any capillary action surface tension fluid transport features known in the art. Selected inner surfaces of the tank and the PMD are covered with a titanium based coating to guarantee propellant wettability and corrosion resistance of the fuel supply system.
US08511500B2 Dispensing container
There is disclosed a container for receiving and sealing material in an internal cavity. The container is configured to be shiftable about an intermediate hinge portion and provides a dispensation port defined by a frangible connected panel of the container. The panel can be reclosed after initial severing of the frangible connection upon initial opening.
US08511498B2 Method for manufacturing an electronic device enclosure
A method for manufacturing an enclosure for an electronic device including forming the enclosure, forming one or more locating cavities on a surface of the enclosure, attaching one or more blanks to the enclosure using the one or more locating cavities, and processing the one or more attached blanks to form a desired shape thereof. The enclosure may be formed from a fiber-in-matrix material. A layered fiber-in-matrix type material, such as CFRP, may be used.
US08511497B2 Collapsing garbage can
A collapsing garbage can is shown as a feeder for garbage bags. A five sided design is taught where top and bottom punch out sections secure the top section relative to the bottom section. Top sections of the can to be made of absorbent or recyclable materials such as paper and cardboard while the base is made of a water resistant material so it may be used on a variety of surfaces. The sides of the top and bottom section flex so that it may fold flat and be expanded. The top section may be collapsed down inside the bottom section to reach a bag in the bottom section so when the top section is raised; the bag comes up with the top section.
US08511494B2 Four-sided container
A four-sided, clam-shell-like container is formed from a preformed, rigid U-shaped cross-section. The U-shaped member has a base wall and opposing side walls. The base and side walls and the intersection of the base and side walls are rigid. The base wail has a thickness having a slot is formed therein. The slot extends longitudinally along a length of the base wall and is formed in an inner surface thereof into the thickness of the base wall. The slot defines base wall sections adjacent and connected to one another by a portion of the thickness of the base wail. The base wall portions and the side walls adjacent thereto are foldable inward along the slot so as to form a four-sided, generally rectangular shaped cross-section container such that ends of the side walls are near one another and are foldable outward for stacking and storing the U-shaped members.
US08511485B2 Modular wave shaped merchandiser rack
A display rack that permits a vendor of goods to display goods for sale in an advantageous way, that permits maximizing the number of items that can be displayed in a fixed linear space.
US08511479B2 Apparatus and method for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid
A device for separating and isolating components of a biological fluid comprising a container for containing the fluid to be processed, a tube cap assembly for closing the container while providing filling and extraction communication therewith, a float assembly disposed within the container for funneling and controlling biological fluid flow into an inverted domed shaped isolation chamber within the float and controlling the biological fluid flow out of the isolation chamber for effecting an encapsulation or a sealed isolation of at least one component or fraction of the biological fluid flow within the isolation chamber during a centrifugation process. The device further comprising a flexible tube for connecting an extraction passageway disposed within the float assembly and an extraction valve of the tube cap assembly for allowing extraction of at least the one component or fraction encapsulated or isolated within the chamber.
US08511475B2 Separating device and method
A plate type rotational centrifugal separator for separating one or more components of a feed stream includes a rotatable first outer carrier and a rotatable second inner carrier coaxially arranged in the first outer carrier. The first outer carrier supports one or more curved plates which are flexibly connected to the second inner carrier. A feeding arrangement disposed at one end of the separator supplies a feed stream to be separated, and a discharging arrangement disposed at the opposite end of the separator discharges separated streams. Confined spaces are defined between adjacent curved plates and the first outer and second inner carrier for separating the feed stream under influence of centrifugal forces. The first outer carrier is axially removable from the second inner carrier for removing components collected on the plates.
US08511462B2 Multi-product packet
A packet for containing at least two products of different kinds. According to particular aspects of the invention, the second product is located in a compartment separate from the first and easily accessible so that the user can take it out and, if necessary, put it back into the packet.
US08511458B2 Method and apparatus for supplying bags to a packaging machine
A bag-making and packaging machine including first through third transportation devices provided between a positioning conveyor that positions bags fed out from a horizontal-type bag-making machine and a supply conveyor that supplies the bags to a conveyor magazine-type bag-supply apparatus of a packaging machine, wherein the first transportation device suctions and raises the bags from the positioning conveyor and changes them into a vertical attitude with the bag mouth portions facing downward, the second transportation device takes the bags held by the first transportation devices by gripping them with the gripping members, horizontally transports them to a prescribed position while rotating them, and then the third transportation device suctions and takes up the bags from the second transportation device, changes them to a horizontal attitude with the bag mouth portions facing in the bag feed direction and then places them on the supply conveyor.
US08511453B2 Friction lining for a friction clutch
A friction lining for a clutch disk for a frictional clutch which is manufactured from a preform article wound from strand material and subjected to a hot pressing process. Glass fibers of the friction lining are at least partially replaced by mineral fibers for minimizing abrasive behavior. The short glass fibers and other components such as aramide fibers, polyacryl nitrile fibers as well as artificial mineral fibers are processed into a non-woven fabric in a carding step and strips of the fabric, with the inclusion of at least one metal wire, are twisted to form the strand material. The strand material manufactured in this manner is impregnated with binding agent and filling agents and is processed into a preform.
US08511444B2 Shock absorber having a continuously variable valve with base line valving
A shock absorber includes an external control valve which controls the damping characteristics of the shock absorber. The external control valve controls the flow of fluid between the lower working chamber of the shock absorber and the reservoir chamber and between the upper working chamber of the shock absorber. The damping characteristics are dependent on the amount of current being applied to a solenoid valve which controls a fluid valve assembly. A soft fluid valve assembly is disposed in series with the fluid valve assembly to allow for the tuning of the damping forces at low current levels provided to the solenoid valve.
US08511443B2 Braking band and disc for a disc brake
Braking bands of discs for disc brakes, capable of both the efficient discharge of heat and of high mechanical performance at low weight are provided.
US08511442B2 Brake disk
A brake disk is described that has a friction ring and a disk pot that is connected to the friction ring via connecting elements. On the webs of the friction ring, bearer webs are fashioned into which the connecting elements extend. In addition, the bearer webs are fashioned in such a way that cooling air can flow around them.
US08511440B2 Brake rotor with embedded loose-mass damper system
A rotor is provided for use with a vehicle brake assembly that includes a forcing member operable to urge a friction member into mechanical communication with the rotor to thereby oppose movement of the same. The rotor includes a rotor body with an annular rim portion having first and second opposing contact faces. One or more loose-mass damper systems are interposed between the first and second contact faces, and operable to dissipate kinetic energy directly therefrom. Each of the loose-mass damper systems includes at least one mass operable to repeatedly impact against first and second inner faces respectively opposing the first and second contact faces to reduce oscillation of the rotor. Reducing oscillation of the rotor is independent of temperature and pressure. The loose-mass damper systems are preferably oriented proximate to an outer peripheral edge of the annular rim portion generally circumferentially equidistant from one another.
US08511423B2 Acoustic diode
An acoustic diode includes a phononic crystal medium, a nonlinear acoustic medium, a aluminum tubes contain the phononic crystal medium and the nonlinear acoustic medium. The phononic crystal medium is fabricated by alternately laminating a water layers and a glass layers in a periodic manner.
US08511412B2 Frame structure for mounting battery module in vehicle
A pair of lateral side frames that are fixed along vehicle side members extending in a front-back direction of the vehicle on both sides of the vehicle in a width direction, a front frame that is fixed between front end parts of the lateral side frames, a rear frame that is fixed between rear end parts, and a base frame that is fixed between the front frame and the rear frame are provided. A front mounting frame for fixedly mounting the front side of a battery module on the front side of the base frame, and a rear mounting frame for mounting the rear side of the battery module on the rear side are provided respectively in the width direction of the vehicle.
US08511409B2 Compressed air powered vehicle
A pressurized air system is provided. The air system includes a compressed air tank, a turbine coupled to, and in fluid communication with, the compressed air tank and structured to convert mechanical energy, an electric motor, the electric motor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine and having an output shaft, an electrical compressor structured to compress air, the electrical compressor coupled to and in electrical communication with the turbine, the electrical compressor also coupled to, and in fluid communication with the compressed air tank. Wherein the turbine receives compressed air from the tank and the turbine generates electricity. Further, a portion of the electricity is directed to the motor and the remaining electricity is directed to the electrical compressor, and, whereby the electrical compressor provides compressed air to the compressed air tank.
US08511408B2 Control device for vehicle driving apparatus
The present invention provides, in a vehicle driving apparatus that includes an internal combustion engine 6 and electric motors M1 and M2, a control device that can provide both confined noise reduction and fuel efficiency improvement. A control device 40 includes a confined noise reduction means 98 that controls the electric motor, to reduce confined noise caused by the variation of torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine, so that the electric motor provides variation of torque in opposite phase to the variation of the torque that is provided from the internal combustion engine.
US08511407B2 Hybrid fuel cell vehicle with multi-power source and multi-drive system and method of controlling the same
A hybrid fuel cell vehicle with a multi-power source and a multi-drive system includes: a plurality of primary power sources sharing a single main bus terminal and connected in parallel to each other; a plurality of drive systems receiving power from the main bus terminal to generate output torque so as to drive vehicle wheels and connected in parallel to each other; and an auxiliary power source sharing the main bus terminal and disposed between the primary power sources and the drive systems to supplement power shortage of the primary power sources.
US08511391B2 Apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments
A method of coupling segments of a borehole conduit is disclosed. The method includes: positioning a first conduit segment at a location selected from a surface location and a downhole location, the first conduit segment having a first end and a second end, the first conduit segment including a pin connector at the first end; orienting the first conduit segment so that the first end is located uphole relative to the second end; and coupling a second conduit segment in operable communication with the first conduit segment, the second conduit segment having a box connector at an end of the second conduit segment that is configured to engage the pin connector of the first segment.
US08511384B2 Methods for producing oil and/or gas
A method for producing oil and/or gas comprising a method for producing oil from an underground formation comprising injecting an enhanced oil recovery formulation and a gas into a first well in the formation; forming a mixture comprising the enhanced oil recovery formulation and the oil in the formation; forming a gas cap with the injected gas; forcing the formulation and oil mixture towards a second well in the formation; and producing the formulation and oil mixture from the second well.
US08511380B2 Multi-zone gravel pack system with pipe coupling and integrated valve
Apparatus having a first outer tubular member and a first inner tubular member. The first outer tubular member and the first inner tubular member can define a first space therebetween. The first inner tubular member can have a first internal bore. The apparatus can further include a second outer tubular member and a second inner tubular member. The second outer tubular member and the second inner tubular member can define a second space therebetween. The second inner tubular member can have a second internal bore. A first coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second spaces. A second coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second internal bores. A selectively closeable flowpath can be positioned between the first coupling flowpath and the second coupling flowpath.
US08511376B2 Downhole C-ring slip assembly
A slip assembly (60) for securing a tool in a well includes an upper and a lower c-ring slip body (12, 14) each including an outer gripping surface (16, 18) and inner gripping surface (20, 22). An actuator member (68) is axially movable relative to both slip bodies and includes a camming surface (70) for engagement with the upper and lower slip bodies. The slip assembly withstands high axial loads, and forces are equally distributed between the slip bodies.
US08511365B2 Inflatable film production panels
An apparatus for suspending above a shooting location comprises an inflatable panel and a plurality of attachment points from which the panel may be suspended. An inflation apparatus directs air into the panel through an air inlet to inflate the panel.
US08511360B2 Composite intersection reinforcement
An assembly and method for manufacturing a composite reinforcement for unitizing a structure are provided. According to one embodiment, the assembly includes a base having a plurality of pins extending outwardly therefrom to define a structure about which a composite fiber is wound to define a composite reinforcement preform. The assembly also includes a plurality of mandrels positioned adjacent to the base and at least a portion of the composite reinforcement preform, and a cap that is positioned over at least a portion of the plurality of mandrels. The cap is configured to engage each of the mandrels to support the mandrels and the composite reinforcement preform during a curing process to form the composite reinforcement.
US08511353B2 Fuel tank opening and closing device
A fuel tank opening and closing device is equipped with a flap valve mechanism having an opening and closing member for opening and closing an inlet inside a tank opening forming member. The nozzle positioning guide mechanism has a first support mechanism of an opening peripheral edge of an introduction port of an insertion path of a tank opening forming member, a second support mechanism having an introduction guide surface formed on the top surface of the pressing member of the opening and closing member, and a positioning ridge line that has a curvature almost the same but slightly larger than the outer diameter of the fueling nozzle and which touches by line contact on the outer peripheral surface of the fueling nozzle at the insertion completion position, and a third support mechanism having a valve positioning member which regulates the degree of openness of the opening and closing member by touching the inner wall of the tank opening forming member.
US08511351B2 System and method for distributing fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport
A fuel delivery system of an aircraft refueling vehicle that is configured to distribute fuel from a hydrant pit valve at an airport. The fuel delivery system includes a first hose including a coupler that is configured to be fluidly connected to a hydrant pit valve at an airport to receive fuel from the hydrant pit valve. A fuel passageway is fluidly coupled to the first hose. An on-board fuel tank is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. A second hose is fluidly coupled to the fuel passageway. The second hose includes a nozzle that is configured to be coupled to a refueling point on an aircraft to distribute fuel into a fuel tank of an aircraft. A valve is coupled to the fuel passageway to control the flow of fuel to and from the aircraft refueling vehicle.
US08511348B2 Beverage identification system and method
A system and method for dispensing a beverage are provided. The system includes a liquid dispensing machine having a dispensing area capable of receiving a container, a scanner adjacent to the dispensing area, a container that is capable of being placed in the dispensing area, and annular barcode indicia extending around an exterior surface of the container and centered around a generally vertical axis of the container. The scanner can read the annular barcode indicia when the container is placed in the dispensing area at any rotational orientation relative to the scanner.
US08511347B2 Tamper-resistant water flow restriction system
A system and method for installing and removing a flow restrictor assembly in a shower, while prevents tampering with the flow restriction system thus installed. Tampering is prevented by concealing the flow restrictor assembly behind a shower wall, attached directly to a water supply line. The system further prevents tampering by concealing the tool-hole necessary for its removal behind a flow restrictor disk, so that there are no visible means of removing the flow restrictor assembly. The flow restrictor assembly threads onto a showerhead arm and the flow restrictor assembly with the attached showerhead arm threads directly into the water line. When the showerhead arm is unthreaded, the flow restrictor assembly remains connected to the water line by an external screw thread. The flow restrictor must be removed to reveal the tool-hole which may only then be engaged by a tool for removal.
US08511341B2 Marine fuel backflow preventer and over-fill alarm system
A marine fuel backflow preventer and overfill alarm for use with marine vessels includes a housing provided for in-line installation in the fuel fill inlet line and directs fuel entering the a fuel filling inlet generally directly to a fuel filling outlet such that the fuel passes freely through the back flow preventer while being directed to the vessel fuel tank. The housing further functions as a reservoir for containing fuel which has accumulated therein due to over-filling and/or that has been carried into the housing via the fuel tank vent line. By providing a fuel containing reservoir disposed in-line the present invention thus functions to prevent unintended fuel spillage into the environment. The back flow preventer further includes an electro-mechanical float switch that automatically activates an alarm upon sensing the presence of fuel within the housing. The alarm provides the fuel filling attendant a prompt warning that an overflow condition is being experienced such that the flow of fuel may be terminated prior to spillage into the environment.
US08511332B2 Asymmetric valve for vehicle wheel
A valve of the “Snap-In” type is intended to be mounted directly on the rim of a vehicle wheel fitted with a “tubeless” tire. The valve is secured to the rim through which it passes via a groove produced at the base of a bulb extended by a rubbery coating of an internal nozzle of the valve. The groove collaborates elastically with a hole in the rim, on the periphery of which hole it becomes lodged, the mass or the volume of the bulb being smaller in its region (A) toward the interior of the rim by comparison with its region (B) directed toward the exterior, this reduction taking place near the groove intended to collaborate with the hole in the rim, both in the part thereof that surrounds the nozzle and in the part thereof that is in contact with the bottom of the rim.
US08511324B2 Washing/drying machine
A washing/drying machine according to the present invention is capable of efficiently performing a drying operation to reduce a drying period. The washing/drying machine includes a tank (11) for storing used water, and the water is circulated from the tank (11) for dehumidification of air circulated through a drying air duct (20). Since the water is circulated from the tank (11), a great amount of water can be supplied as dehumidification water for higher dehumidification efficiency. The amount of the circulated water (the amount of cooling water (dehumidification water)) is reduced in a first half of a drying process, and increased in a second half of the drying process. As a result, the drying efficiency is improved during the drying operation, thereby reducing the drying period.
US08511313B2 Vaginal shield
A protective shield. The protective shield is provided in a generally cupped structure sized to accommodate and shaped with sufficient volume to receive therein adult human female genitalia. The protective vaginal shield includes a soft, flexible outer lip that is generally configured in the shape of an arcuate section made through an ovoid shape substantially along the longitudinal axis thereof. Extending inwardly and downwardly from the outer lip are outer sloping sidewalls. A longitudinally extending nose portion is provided. Inner sloping sidewalls extend from the outer sloping sidewalls to the longitudinally running nose portion. In one embodiment, the inner sloping sidewalls comprise a pair of opposing concave shaped structures, to provide a secure handle grip. In an embodiment, the protective shield may be provided in a disposable material.
US08511311B2 Endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and detachable suction connection line
The present invention provides in some embodiments, an endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. An inflatable cuff is attached near a distal end of the elongate tube. The shoulder of the inflatable cuff is inverted in order to increase the diameter of the cuff from its distal end to its proximal end. The endotracheal tube also includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the cuff.
US08511303B2 Nasal delivery devices
An exhalation breath-actuated nasal deliver device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of a subject; a mouthpiece through which the subject in use exhales; and delivery unit, as one of a mechanical delivery pump or a nebulizer, for delivering a substance to the nosepiece; and an actuation mechanism for actuating the delivery unit in response to oral exhalation through the mouthpiece, and preferably when at least one or both of the pressure at or the flow rate through the nosepiece exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08511301B2 Liquid formulation ejection device
There is provided a liquid formulation ejection device which improves reliability of inhalation even in a case where a preejection is performed and resolves a concern about hygiene. The liquid formulation ejection device (1) ejects a liquid formulation in a form of liquid droplets into an inhalation flow path (20) and allows a user to inhale the formulation. The liquid formulation ejection device (1) includes an ejector (11) for performing normal liquid droplet ejection for inhalation and liquid droplet preejection not for inhalation, and a discharger (13, 14, 28) for removing liquid droplets ejected by the liquid droplet preejection out of an inside of the inhalation flow path (20).
US08511287B2 Supercritical-state fuel injection system and method
A fuel injector system for raising fuel to its supercritical state and injecting the supercritical-state fuel to the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. A plurality of injector embodiments provides alternative ways to heat the pressurized fuel to its supercritical state. Injection of supercritical fuel into the combustion chamber is known to improve fuel entrainment and reducing ignition delay to thereby increase combustion rate, which leads to an increase in fuel efficiency. According to some embodiments, the system provides for preventing coking that may otherwise occur in an exhaust gas heat exchanger used for preheating the high pressure fuel. In other embodiments, engine cold start assistance is provided by storing pressurized, heated fuel in an insulated container.
US08511285B2 Evaporated fuel treatment apparatus for internal combustion engine
An evaporated fuel treatment apparatus collects vapor, generated in a fuel tank, in a canister. A bypass passage is provided for an intake passage. An ejector is placed in the bypass passage to generate a negative pressure by air flowing in the bypass passage. When the negative pressure occurs in the ejector, the vapor collected in the canister is drawn from the canister to the ejector through the purge passage and then purged from the bypass passage to the intake passage. An open/close valve placed in the ejector is configured to allow or block the flow of air from the intake passage to the bypass passage according to a pressure difference between the pressure in an upstream portion and the pressure in a downstream portion of the bypass passage during engine operation.
US08511284B2 Fuel supply apparatus of internal combustion engine and control device of fuel supply apparatus
A fuel supply apparatus of an internal combustion engine is provided which can discharge air bubbles or air from within fuel supply paths while increasing pressure within a common rail up to a predetermined pressure level before a start of the internal combustion engine, can reduce a period of time of cranking from when an ignition switch is switched on and which can reduce noise that occurs when the air bubbles or air are being discharged.The fuel supply apparatus is provided with a flow rate control valve that adjusts a flow rate of fuel supplied to the common rail and a pressure control valve that reduces the pressure within the common rail. The fuel supply apparatus is further provided with: a pre-start drive control portion that performs a pre-start drive of an electromagnetic low pressure pump before the start of the internal combustion engine; a flow rate control valve control portion that maintains the flow rate control valve in an open state while the pre-start drive is being performed; and a pressure control valve control portion that maintains the pressure control valve in a closed state and performs a control that opens the pressure control valve at least once for a short time period while the pre-start drive is being performed.
US08511276B2 Cat-and-mouse type internal combustion engine, and its correlation type crank
Provided is a cat-and-mouse type internal combustion engine of concentric two-rotor/six-piston type, which has a cooling chamber in its cylinder housing and which needs neither any lubricating oil nor any valve mechanism so that its structure is simple and compact and can be easily manufactured. Further provided are a variable correlation type crank for a constant-pressure burning (CPB) engine of a variable compression ratio, and an inertial correlation type crank for a premixed compression ignition (HCCI), thereby to realize an internal combustion engine, which matches fuels of various kinds and which has a high energy efficiency and a clean exhaust gas.
US08511272B2 Accessory mounting structure
A horizontal groove extending horizontally when an alternator bracket is fixed to a cylinder block of a vehicle engine is formed in the alternator bracket. A shank of a bolt inserted through mounting pieces of an alternator is inserted into the horizontal groove from a horizontally lateral direction toward the cylinder block to support the bolt on a lower surface of the horizontal groove. After insertion, the bolt is restrained from moving toward an opening of the horizontal groove. Since the insertion of the bolt into the horizontal groove is facilitated, and the weight of the alternator is borne by the lower surface of the horizontal groove, a burden on a fixing portion is reduced, and it becomes easy to position the alternator and hold it when it is fixed. Thus, the accessory can be mounted on the cylinder block with satisfactory work efficiency and with support accuracy kept high.
US08511270B2 Control of idle-stop operation
An ECM 2 performs an idle-stop operation on a vehicle internal combustion engine 4 in an idle operation state. The ECM 2 is supplied with power from a battery 3. The ECM 2 restarts the internal combustion engine 4 upon request by supplying power from the battery 3 to the starter motor 5. The ECM 2 is programmed to determine if the ECM 2 has experienced an unexpected restart during an engine start-up operation (S1, S2), and prevent the idle-stop operation from being executed on the internal combustion engine 4 when the determination is affirmative. Thus, starting failure of the internal combustion engine 4 from an operation-ceased state can be prevented without preventing the idle-stop operation from being executed excessively.
US08511269B2 Camshaft system for internal combustion engine
A cylinder head for an internal combustion engine includes a casting having a number of camshaft support bulkheads. Each of the support bulkheads has a portion of a parent bore bearing for mounting a camshaft. A bulkhead thrust surface is formed in an outer surface of at least one of the support bulkheads. A camshaft is rotatably mounted upon the support bulkheads. The camshaft has at least one thrust bearing member abutting a bulkhead thrust surface which is provided with lubricating oil by means of a radially extending, surface-piercing lubricant distribution channel formed in the bulkhead thrust surface, such that oil flowing in the parent bearing will be caused to be deposited upon the bulkhead thrust surface as well as upon the camshaft thrust surface.
US08511267B2 Variable valve device and internal combustion engine
While an operating angle or a lift of an engine valve (211) is modified within a predetermined operating angle range or lift range, variation in an opening timing of the engine valve (211) is suppressed by displacing a rocker shaft (216b) relative to a drive shaft (213) such that an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying angular variation in a straight line linking a center of the drive shaft (213) and a center of the rocker shaft (216b) and an opening timing variation of the engine valve (211) accompanying variation in a distance between the center of the drive shaft (213) and the center of the rocker shaft (216b) cancel each other out.
US08511266B2 Valve control apparatus for internal combustion engine
A valve control apparatus is provided for an internal combustion engine. The apparatus includes a variable phase angle mechanism configured to continuously change a valve opening phase angle of a valve, a variable valve mechanism configured to continuously change at least one of a valve opening duration and a valve lift of the valve, and a controller configured to control the variable phase angle mechanism and the variable valve mechanism. The variable phase angle mechanism is configured to set the valve opening phase angle at a retarded phase angle in a startup operation as compared with a normal phase angle in a normal operation. After an engine stop command is generated, the controller controls the variable valve mechanism such that an integrated valve opening value is increased to be larger than an idle state integrated valve opening value in an idle state.
US08511259B2 Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combusion engine, and fuel emulsion comprising water and a liquid hydrocarbon
Method for reducing emission of pollutants from an internal combustion engine including at least one combustion chamber. A fuel emulsion is injected into a combustion chamber; the fuel emulsion is ignited in the combustion chamber in the presence of air; and the internal combustion engine is operated so as to reduce peak combustion temperature in the combustion chamber. The fuel emulsion has a liquid hydrocarbon fuel, water, at least one emulsifier and at least one oxygen-containing water soluble organic compound. A considerable reduction of particulate emissions is obtained by using this fuel emulsion while maintaining or even further reducing the NOx level which is already reduced by the engine itself.
US08511252B2 Apparatus for gluing the tail of a convolutely wound web material thereto
An apparatus for applying a fluid to a convolutely wound roll of web substrate is disclosed. The apparatus provides for a fluid applicator having a manifold and a first surface. The fluid is fluidly displaceable from the manifold to the first surface through at least one opening disposed therein. The convolutely wound roll of web substrate is disposable upon the first surface. At least a portion of the fluid is fluidly displaced from the first surface to the convolutely wound roll of web substrate. Any of the fluid not fluidly displaced from the first surface to the convolutely wound roll of web substrate is not displaceable back into then manifold.
US08511247B2 Underwater traveling vehicle
An underwater traveling vehicle includes: a vehicle body 2; an endless track means 3 which is rotatably mounted to the vehicle body 2; a drive means which is provided in the vehicle body 2 so as to drive the endless track means 3; and a thruster 4 which is provided in the vehicle body 2.
US08511246B2 Offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel for use in ice-covered and clear water applications
An offshore floating production, storage, and off-loading vessel has a hull of generally cylindrical or polygonal configuration surrounding a central double tapered conical moon pool and contains water ballast and oil and/or liquefied gas storage compartments. An adjustable water ballast system induces heave, roll, pitch and surge motions of the vessel to dynamically position and maneuver the vessel. The moon pool shape and other devices on the vessel provide added virtual mass for increasing the natural period of the roll and heave modes, reducing dynamic amplification and resonance due to waves and vessel motion, and facilitate maneuvering the vessel. A disconnectable turret buoy at the bottom of the moon pool connects risers and mooring lines.
US08511244B2 Methods and apparatuses for assembly of a pericardial prosthetic heart valve
A method of assembling a prosthetic valve using sheets of material, such as pericardium material, polymer or bioengineered film, or other material. The method provides an accurate and repeatable system of making pericardial valves in which sheets or pieces of material are held securely in place relative to each other throughout the steps of assembling the valve. In addition, methods of the present invention include maintaining consistent alignment of the fixtures and pericardium material throughout the valve assembly process and utilize features that make the tooling components easy to assemble and handle. Certain aspects of the invention can be used to help establish a repeatable sewing and cutting technique for creating a pattern shape for valve leaflets, establishing stitch lengths, and determining the exact placement of stitches.
US08511237B2 Guideway electric vehicle mounted with batteries
Structure for mounting batteries in a guideway electric vehicle driven by a battery-driven motor is provided, with which balancing in weight of the vehicle is properly achieved, batteries can be cooled enough, battery rooms are completely sealed from the passenger room, and running stability of the vehicle is ensured.The battery mounting structure is composed such that battery rooms (35) for mounting battery modules (33) comprised of a plurality of batteries are formed on a floor (9) of the vehicle in both sides adjacent side walls (11) of the vehicle respectively, each of the battery rooms (35) being partitioned from the passenger cabin of the vehicle hermetically by a partition plate (37); suction openings (41) for introducing outside air into the battery room (35) are provided in the floor (9) or side wall (11) of the vehicle in each battery room (35), and exhaust openings (41) for releasing air to the outside of the vehicle are provided in the side wall (11) thereof in each battery room (35); whereby the battery module (33) in each battery room (35) can be cooled by outside air.
US08511234B2 Snow sled towing device
A device and system for towing snow sleds either alone or with one or more riders along the surface of a snow cover slope to a higher position includes a tow cable extending continuously along a closed loop path between the starting position and the arriving position along the slope. Tow cable pulleys are located at the starting position and the arriving position upon which the cable is supported and driven. A drive motor is operatively connected to one of the cable pulleys and operating to rotatingly drive the pulley to drive the cable through the closed loop path. One or more tow hooks are connected in series at spaced intervals to the tow cable for conjoint movement therewith. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US08511231B2 Less than lethal projectile and a method for producing the same
A less than lethal projectile and method of producing the same comprising of a sealed filled polymeric pouch containing a shot within. The sealed filled polymeric pouch is formed in a form, fill, and seal machine. An automatic loading ammunition machine is fed empty shell casings; the ammunition machine automatically loads the empty shell casing with pre-determined quantities of wad, primer, and gun powder, and subsequently moves the sealed filled polymeric pouch into a projectile compartment of the empty shell casing producing a fully-loaded shell casing to be loaded into a barrel of an ammunition. The polymeric pouch is capable of being inserted into various shell casings depending on the intended use thus allowing for officers and soldiers to select from an array of munitions when confronted with a situation where less than lethal means are required.
US08511229B2 Multilayered microcavities and actuators incorporating same
A microcavity structure. In an illustrative embodiment, the microcavity structure includes a first substrate, which has a region of interest. A second substrate with a perforation therein is bonded to the first substrate. The perforation coincides with the region of interest. In a specific embodiment, the first substrate is implemented via a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). The region of interest includes one or more circuit components, including an actuator, such as a bridgewire, thereon or therein. A smoothing layer is included between the PCB and the actuator. A bonding gasket adheres the first substrate to the second substrate. The perforation accommodates energetic material that is selectively ignited via the actuator.
US08511228B2 Thermal indicators
A thermal indicator using indicia formed by opaque ink applied to a thermal imaging material element is described. The ink is substantially the same color as the imaging element background and remains substantially hidden until the imaging element background changes color when heated. Time-temperature exposure indicating labels can be prepared using a printer with direct thermal type and ink jet type print heads.
US08511226B2 Pepper de-stemming methods and apparatus
A way of dealing with challenges to the pepper processing industry and pepper growers is to mechanize pepper processing, including the de-stemming of whole peppers. The present example provides a method for mechanically de-stemming whole peppers. The method provides for the recognition of a pepper's shoulder and or interior regions and stem in order to generate a control signal to initiate a process to de-stem the pepper. In particular, several implementations of the method are provided that may include a mechanical system, a laser system, a machine vision system, a combination of a machine vision system and the laser system, and other equivalent implementations. Additionally disclosed, are methods of processing whole peppers utilizing automated de-stemming.
US08511220B2 Cleaning cycle indicator and cleaning process for beverage maker
Various embodiments are directed to a beverage maker. The beverage maker may include a brew system, an indicator to indicate at least one of a cleaning and a maintenance need of the beverage maker, and a control circuit. The brew system may include a reservoir to receive a liquid, a heater to heat the liquid, an expendable filter structured to filter impurities from the liquid for at least a predetermined number of brew cycles, and a container for receiving a beverage brewed from the filtered liquid. The control circuit may include a processor configured to receive a signal from at least one sensor indicative of an end of a brew cycle, increment a brew cycle counter by one count at the end of each brew cycle, and activate the indicator when a value of the brew cycle counter is equal to the predetermined number of brew cycles.
US08511219B2 Zero emissions reciprocating pump
A sealing system for a pump includes a housing having an internal chamber adapted to receive a portion of a plunger. A primary seal is translatable within the chamber in sealing relation with the housing. The primary seal includes first and second elastomeric members adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. The first and second elastomeric members are spaced apart from one another a distance greater than or equal to a maximum stroke of the plunger. A secondary seal is spaced apart from the primary seal and adapted to sealingly engage the plunger. A chamber contains a barrier fluid in contact with the primary seal and the secondary seal. A pressurizing device maintains a pressure of barrier fluid at a magnitude greater than a peak pressure of a fluid pumped by the plunger such that the pumped fluid is restricted from entering the barrier fluid chamber.
US08511215B1 Personal protection shield
A personal protection shield for use with a weapon, such as a firearm, may be used to protect the operator of the weapon. The shield may include one or more ballistic plates and one or more mounting assemblies to mount a ballistic plate to the weapon.
US08511212B2 Cord wrap handle
A miter saw includes a base, a table rotatably mounted on the base, a blade and motor assembly pivotally coupled to a frame support that is attached to the table, and a power cord coupled to the blade and motor assembly. The frame support, the base, and/or the blade and motor assembly also comprises a handle portion that includes a grip with an opening disposed at an outer end thereof, with the grip also having a pair of arcuate surfaces disposed at opposing sides thereof for retaining the power cord when wrapped around both surfaces.
US08511211B2 Power miter saw having adjustable lower guard operating mechanism
A power miter saw of the type which has an upper fixed blade guard and a lower swinging blade guard for covering the lower reach of an installed blade when the saw is in its rest position and for exposing the lower reach of the saw blade when moved to its operational position, the saw comprising an adjustable length elongated linkage mechanism interconnecting a frame support and the lower blade guard for moving the lower blade guard in response to movement of the saw between the rest and operational positions, such that the lower blade guard covers the lower reach of the blade when the saw is in its rest position and uncovers the blade when the saw is moved to its operational position, the linkage mechanism permitting the exposure of a blade arbor to facilitate changing of the blade.
US08511210B2 Laminated material cutting method, laminated material, head suspension manufacturing method, and head suspension
A method of cutting a laminated material 10A made of at least first and second plates that are laid one on another and fixed together includes holding the laminated material 10A between a pad 71 and a clamp base 73, so that an edge 14a of the first plate 14 is positioned between an edge 71a of the pad 71 and an edge 73a of the clamp base 73; and cutting a protrusion of the second plate 12 protruding from the edge 14a of the first plate 14 by moving a punch 75 along the pad 71 in a direction from the second plate 12 toward the first plate 14 and by using the first plate 14 as a die to cut the protrusion of the second plate 12. The method is capable of precisely cutting the protrusion of the second plate 12 protruding from the edge 14a of the first plate 14 through a reduced number of processes.
US08511202B2 Ignition switch operation restricting device
An operation restricting device includes an operation knob to be turned by a user, a rotor member to rotate integrally with the operation knob, a case member enclosing the rotor member to be rotatable therein, a stopper member being movable along a radial direction of the rotor member in the rotor member, the stopper member restricting a rotation of the rotor member by engaging with a wall part of the case member, a spring for always providing a spring force biasing the stopper member outside the rotor member in the radial direction, a solenoid to retain a plunger by being energized, and a link member rotatably engaging with the plunger. When the solenoid is energized, the turning of the operation knob allows the stopper member to move back into the rotor member against the spring force such that the engaging of the stopper member is released.
US08511197B2 Robot arm assembly
A robot arm assembly includes a support arm, a lower arm rotatably connected to the support arm, an upper arm rotatably connected to the lower arm, a first driver for driving the lower arm, a first transmission transferring power from the first driver to the lower arm, a second driver for driving the upper arm, and a second transmission transferring power from the second driver to the upper arm. The first and second drivers are mounted on the support arm. The second transmission includes a belt assembly, a beveled gear assembly driven by the belt assembly, and a speed reducer coupled to the upper arm.
US08511184B2 Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body
Device for taking samples from the bottom boundary layer of a water body, consisting of compact bottom sediments, overlying water-saturated mud layer, and near-bottom water layer directly connected with the latter, belongs among oceanographic devices. Disturbance of the probes' structure is avoided by the construction of the device with several shorter tubes with their inlet holes being located at different heights, instead of one long sampling tube. There are distinctive tubes for taking samples from layers at different heights from the bottom. The sampling tube divided into sections is furnished with isolating valves that divide the interior of the tube into layers isolated from each other. Soft and regulated drop of the device is achieved using the inflatable contact belt. Using an upper inflatable balloon avoids the vertical stability of the device and raising it to the surface without cabling.
US08511177B1 Blade condition monitoring system
A system and method are provided for monitoring the structural integrity of one or more blades in a blade-based device, such as a wind turbine. Physical and electrical (e.g., lightening) sources of damage, wear and the like are considered. Generation of power for sensor and communication circuitry may be integrated into the system. Timely and cost-effective repair of any structural or weather-related damage or other issues may be provided, thereby improving operating efficiency and safety of blade-based devices.
US08511176B2 Method and apparatus for internally determining a load applied by a jack
An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.
US08511173B2 Displacement transducer
Provided is a displacement amplifying device which uses Pascal's principle and is insusceptible to temperature change. A main body (1) is provided with an accommodation space (11) for accommodating a medium (2) therein. The medium (2) is provided with a fluid (21) with a positive thermal expansion coefficient and a movable body (22) with a negative thermal expansion coefficient. The movable body (22) is displaced according to the movement of the fluid (21). The medium (2) is provided with a small-area first movable surface (23) and a large-area second movable surface (24). The displacement of one of the first movable surface (23) and the second movable surface (24) is transmitted to the other via the medium (2). In the displacement amplifying device, even if the volume of the fluid (21) is changed by the temperature change of the medium (2), the amount of change of the volume of the medium (2) as a whole can be kept low by the volume change of the movable body (22).
US08511167B2 Pressure gage with removable housing and helix
A gage having a motion detection mechanism magnetically attached to a pressure sensing diaphragm. The motion detection mechanism is magnetically coupled to a pointer rotation mechanism configured to indicate the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding pressure sensed by the diaphragm.
US08511161B2 Physical amount detecting device
A physical amount detecting device includes: one pair of first driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in a Z-axis direction with a first phase, one pair of second driving vibration arms are bending-vibrated in the Z-axis direction with a second phase that is a reverse phase of the first phase, the one pair of the first driving vibration arms and the one pair of the second driving vibrating arms are vibrated in a Y-axis direction with opposite phases by a Coriolis force that is generated in accordance with angular velocity of a X-axis rotation, and one pair of detection vibration arms are bending-vibrated in the X-axis direction with opposite phases in accordance with vibration of the one pair of the first driving vibration arms and the one pair of the second driving vibration arms in the Y-axis direction.
US08511149B2 Detection device for fluid sample
This invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body (7), a lid (1) and a base (15), wherein, said the cup body (7) comprises a liquid storage chamber (9) and a test strip groove locating in one side of liquid storage chamber, the storage chamber (9) and the test strip groove communicates each other through a small hole in the bottom of liquid storage chamber, the test strip groove is configured with a test strip plate, said lid being able to seal the opening of the cup tightly, said opening of cup being directly connected with the liquid storage chamber.
US08511146B2 Portable apparatus for determining leaks in air ducts
The disclosed portable apparatus for determining leaks in air ducts includes a wheeled cabinet having hand-graspable handles for transport. A front, covered equipment readout includes displays for air duct flow, air duct pressure, blower speed, and smoke generator operation. An on-board variable speed blower control knob also is included on the front panel. Housed within the cart is a variable speed blower, a silencer, a smoke generator, power supply, and multiple venturis of different diameter for different sized air ducts to be tested.
US08511140B2 Baseline modeling in chromatography
An apparatus and a method of chemical analysis entail acquiring a chromatogram, median filtering the chromatogram to produce a model baseline, smoothing the model baseline to reduce noise, and subtracting the smoothed model baseline from the acquired chromatogram to produce a modified chromatogram having a substantially flat baseline.
US08511132B2 Bending press having support bearing device for drive means
The invention relates to a bending press (1), in particular a press brake (2), for producing workpieces (3) by bending between a bench beam (11) equipped with at least one bending tool (4) disposed in a stationary arrangement on a machine frame (5) and a pressing beam (14) equipped with at least one bending tool (4) which can be displaced relative to the bench beam (11) in linear guides (13) of the machine frame (5) by means of at least one drive means (19) secured to a support bearing device (25). The support bearing device (25) is provided in the form of at least one mounting plate for at least one drive means (19). The latter constitutes a mounting ring for the drive means (19), some regions of which are provided with orifices or peripheral recesses surrounding the mounting ring and weakened zones (38) are provided in the pressing beam (14).
US08511127B2 Method and device for changing rolls
The invention relates to a method for changing rolls, in particular, working rolls (7, 8) and/or intermediate rolls in a roll stand, such as a roughing down stand or finishing stand for rolling thick sheet iron. Said rolls comprise back up roller sets (5, 6) and working roller sets (7, 8). One individual locomotive mechanism (9) is used for changing the working rolls (7, 8) and/or for changing the back up rolls (5, 6) and/or for inserting or withdrawing a roll changing seat (11) by supporting the rolls on each other and subsequently withdrawing in the axial direction of the rolls on the operational side of the roll stand, from a roll hall (1) in a roll workshop (2) and back and for installing novel roll sets. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out said method.
US08511122B1 Remote key device
The present remote key device includes an annular frame member disposed about a central axis. The frame member includes an inner frame portion that defines a central void region interior thereto, which is adapted to house a remote access transmitter device therewithin.
US08511120B2 Electronic locking system to secure consumable item in an image forming device and a method therefor
An electronic locking system to secure consumable items in an image forming device and a method therefore. In one embodiment of the invention, an electronic locking system to secure media sheets includes a media tray to hold media sheets, a tray receiving member for receiving the media tray, and a controller. The tray receiving member includes a drive device and a plunger. The plunger is moved by the drive device between a locked and an unlocked position. The controller is configured to control the drive device to move the plunger to engage a portion of the media tray in the locked position and to move the plunger to disengage from the portion of the media tray in the unlocked position. The electronic locking system, incorporating the controller, provides an effective and efficient way to lock/unlock the media tray and eliminates the use of mechanical keys.
US08511118B2 High security, dual-mode padlock construction
By employing a deadbolt construction for virtually eliminating the ability of the shackle to be removed from the housing by the application of excessive force, an effective, easily produced, padlock is achieved which also incorporates two separate and independent locking systems formed in a single padlock. In the present invention, a single housing and a single shackle assembly are employed and are constructed for enabling the shackle to be released from locked engagement with the housing using either a rotatable dial combination construction or a key activated tumbler construction. Furthermore, the rotatable combination defining dials, which controls the release of the shackle using the preset combination, are coaxially aligned, peripherally surrounding the key controlled tumbler/cylinder. As a result, a compact construction is realized, as well as an efficient and effective release construction which is shared by both the combination controlled section as well as the key controlled section.
US08511116B2 Washing/drying machine
The inventive washing/drying machine is capable of cleaning water while performing a laundry process, and uses water filtered by a filter for dehumidification in a drying process, thereby achieving water saving. The washing/drying machine (1) includes a washing tub (3), a water circulation passage (55, 57, 26, 59) through which water is circulated from the washing tub (3), a circulation pump (25) provided in the water circulation passage, a filter unit (15) for filtering the water circulated through the water circulation passage to trap foreign matter, a gas-liquid mixer (27) for mixing cleaning air containing ozone generated by an ozone generator (19) with the circulated water, a drying air duct (20) for use in the drying process, air blowing/heating means (70) for circulating air from the washing tub (3) through the drying air duct (20) in the drying process, a duct water supply passage (24) for supplying the water filtered by the filter unit (15) to the drying air duct (20) for dehumidification, and a drying pump (23) for pumping out the water filtered by the filter unit (15) through the duct water supply passage.
US08511112B2 Refrigeration cycle apparatus
A refrigeration cycle apparatus which is capable of performing matching of the volumetric flow rate without performing pre-expansion it obtained. A refrigeration circuit includes a compression unit including a main compressor and a second compressor, a gas cooler, an expansion mechanism, and an evaporator interconnected with pipes, and a sub-compression mechanism driven by power recovered by the expansion mechanism, a suction side of the sub-compression mechanism is connected to a compression process of the compression unit, a discharge side of the sub-compression mechanism is connected to an inlet side of the gas cooler, and flow rate of refrigerant flowing into the sub-compression mechanism is controlled.
US08511106B2 Door assembly for a refrigeration appliance
Provided is refrigeration appliance that includes a fresh food compartment and a freezer compartment for storing food items in a refrigerated environment. The refrigeration appliance also includes at least one door restricting access into at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment. A heated mullion including a substantially-planar, externally-exposed surface is provided to cooperate with a seal provided to the door. An ice chute extends at least partially through the door for dispensing ice through the door. The ice chute includes a fastener for coupling the ice chute to a door liner and maintain the position of the ice chute relative to the door liner during installation of an insulating material in the door.
US08511105B2 Water vending apparatus
A water vending apparatus is disclosed. The water vending system includes a water vapor distillation apparatus and a dispensing device. The dispensing device is in fluid communication with the fluid vapor distillation apparatus and the product water from the fluid vapor distillation apparatus is dispensed by the dispensing device.
US08511103B2 Vapor compression system
A method and system for controlling operation of a vapor compression system (13) includes monitoring at least one component condition of the system (13), comparing a predetermined setpoint to the at least one component condition, and loading or unloading at least one of a first compressor (18) or a second compressor (20) of the system (13) in response to the comparison of the predetermined setpoint to the at least one component condition.
US08511098B2 Slideable liner link assembly
An example engine assembly includes a first attachment structure secured to an engine casing or an engine liner, and a second attachment structure secured to the other of the engine casing or the engine liner. A sliding member is held by the first attachment structure and is slideable relative to the first attachment structure between a first position and a second position. A pin structure moves with the sliding member between the first position and the second position. A link is pivotally connected to the second attachment structure and the pin structure.
US08511093B2 Power generation plant and control method thereof
A power generation plant comprises a plant control device (600) including two switchable control modes, i.e., a gas-turbine load control mode (7a) and a steam-turbine load control mode (7b). When the control is performed with the gas-turbine load control mode (7a), a fuel valve (104a) is controlled based on a load of a whole generator set (100), and a steam regulating valve (203a) is controlled based on an exhaust pressure of a steam turbine (202a). When the control is performed with the steam-turbine load control mode (7b), the fuel valve (104a) is controlled such that a valve opening degree thereof is maintained constant, and the steam regulating valve (203a) is controlled based on a load of the whole generator set (100).
US08511087B2 Fuel injector and swirler assembly with lobed mixer
Disclosed is a gas turbine fuel injector and swirler assembly, including: a delivery tube structure arranged on a central axis of the fuel injector and swirler assembly, a first fuel supply channel arranged in the delivery tube structure, a shroud surrounding the delivery tube structure, swirl vanes arranged between the delivery tube structure and the shroud, a radial passage in each swirl vane, communicating with the first fuel supply channel, a set of apertures open between the radial passage and the exterior surface of said each swirl vane, wherein a second fuel supply channel is arranged in the delivery tube structure extending to a downstream end of the delivery tube structure and a mixer with lobes for fuel injection is arranged at the downstream end. Further disclosed is an assembly method for assembling a fuel injector and swirler assembly.
US08511085B2 Direct evaporator apparatus and energy recovery system
In one aspect, the present invention provides a direct evaporator apparatus for use in an organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system, comprising: (a) a housing comprising a heat source gas inlet, and a heat source gas outlet, the housing defining a heat source gas flow path from the inlet to the outlet; and (b) a heat exchange tube disposed within the heat source flow path, the heat exchange tube being configured to accommodate an organic Rankine cycle working fluid, the heat exchange tube comprising a working fluid inlet and a working fluid outlet. The direct evaporator apparatus is configured such that at least a portion of a heat source gas having contacted at least a portion of the heat exchange tube is in thermal contact with heat source gas entering the direct evaporator apparatus via the heat source gas inlet. An organic Rankine cycle energy recovery system and a method of energy recovery are also provided.
US08511079B2 Piecewise variable displacement power transmission
In one embodiment, a hydraulic circuit has an input shaft, at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump, a plurality of positive displacement hydraulic motors, and at least one fluid line operatively connecting the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump to the positive displacement hydraulic motors. In operation, the at least one positive displacement hydraulic pump is placed in an operative condition. At least one of the positive displacement hydraulic motors is also placed in an operative condition. A flow rate of fluid in the fluid line is measured, and the remaining positive displacement hydraulic motors are switched between an operative condition and a bypass condition according to the measured flow rate of the fluid.
US08511076B2 Mixing and/or evaporating device
A mixing and/or evaporating device (7) is provided through which exhaust gas can flow axially. The mixing and/or evaporating device (7) is arranged in an exhaust gas-carrying line of an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, especially of a motor vehicle, with a plurality of blades (8), which are arranged distributed in the circumferential direction and which project inwardly from an outer wall (9). Each blade (8) has a profile (10) at least in an area adjoining the outer wall (9) in the axial direction (14), in which profile a discharge edge (12) has an offset (16) in the circumferential direction (15) in relation to the leading edge (11). A reduction of the flow resistance of the device (7) can be achieved if the profile (10) has an angle of incidence (17) each in relation to the axial direction (14) at the leading edge (11) and at the discharge edge (12), which angle is in a range of −10°, inclusive to +10°, inclusive.
US08511070B2 Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
A technique is provided that can complete reduction and release of SOx from a storage-reduction type NOx catalyst in a shorter period of time in a SOx regeneration treatment of bringing an air-fuel ratio and temperature in the storage-reduction type NOx catalyst to a state where the reduction and release of the SOx is possible by alternately executing rich burn in which burning in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine is performed at a rich air-fuel ratio and lean burn in which the burning is performed at a lean air-fuel ratio. By supplying fuel to exhaust gas from a fuel addition valve provided to an exhaust pipe during a lean period in which the lean burn is executed, the temperature of the storage-reduction type NOx catalyst is maintained at a temperature that enables the reduction and release of the SOx. During a rich period in which the rich burn is executed, a rich atmosphere of the storage-reduction type NOx catalyst is achieved to cause the reduction and release of the SOx. Further, the SOx is reduced and released from the storage-reduction type NOx catalyst also during the lean period by achieving a rich air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas by the fuel addition from the fuel addition valve.
US08511065B2 Engine with emissions control arrangement and method of controlling engine emissions
An engine with an emissions control arrangement includes an engine including an intake and an exhaust system, an EGR system comprising a conduit between the exhaust system and the intake and an EGR controller between the exhaust system and the conduit, the EGR controller being adapted to control EGR flow from the exhaust system to the intake, a reduction agent introduction system adapted to introduce a reduction agent into the exhaust system, and a controller arranged to adjust EGR flow and reduction agent introduction as functions of each other.
US08511064B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling catalytic processes, including catalyst regeneration and soot elimination. An alternating current is applied to a catalyst layer and a polarization impedance of the catalyst layer is monitored. The polarization impedance may be controlled by varying the asymmetrical alternating current. At least one of water, oxygen, steam and heat may be provided to the catalyst layer to enhance an oxidation reaction for soot elimination and/or to regenerate the catalyst.
US08511052B2 Windrow merger
A windrow merger including three pickup and transfer units, a folding system, and a plurality of float mechanisms. The folding system employs simultaneous rearward, outward, and upward folding motion so as to ensure none of the units interfere with the other units while folding, and likewise while unfolding. The folding system can further fold and unfold each of the three pickup and transfer units at the same time. During merging operations, the plurality of float mechanisms of the windrow merger limits the range of motion of each pickup and transfer unit. The float mechanisms further transfer a portion of the weight of each pickup and transfer unit from the ground to the frame of the merger. The units of the windrow merger can also include a rub rail having a surface that reduces swirling or clumping of material as the material is conveyed toward an end of the windrow merger.
US08511051B2 Berry harvesting machine, especially grape harvesting machine, equipped with a shaking system and mechatronic shaking control for this system
Berry, such as grape, harvesting machine includes a plurality of superimposed shakers formed by flexible bars, and attached through their ends to two vertical shafts. At least one shaft is an oscillating actuation shaft controlled by a mechatronic shaking control permitting an oscillating movement. The mechatronic shaking control includes an eccentric system connected to the actuating shaft through a connecting rod, and the rotation axis of the eccentric system is mounted with an orientation adjustable in a plane parallel to the median plane of the machine so that any modification of this orientation permits to modify the amplitude of the oscillating movement of the actuating shaft, and, consequently the amplitude of the shaking movement of the shakers.
US08511040B2 Panel, especially floor panel
A panel, in particular floor panel, with a core of wood material or a wood material/plastic mixture, a top side and a bottom side, which panel has on at least two opposite lateral edges a profiling corresponding to one another such that two identically embodied panels can be connected and locked to one another by an essentially vertical joining motion in the horizontal and vertical directions, wherein the locking in the vertical direction can be brought about by at least one tongue element movable in the horizontal direction, which element snaps into place during the joining motion behind a locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction, is characterized in that the tongue element is formed in one piece out of the core.
US08511034B2 Hybrid contoured load-spreading washer
A hybrid contoured load-spreading washer is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the washer includes a washer body having a composite layer and a metal layer bonded to the composite layer and a fastener opening extending through the washer body. A floor beam seat track attachment assembly and a method of transmitting a load from a seat track to a floor beam web in a seat track attachment assembly are also disclosed.
US08511026B2 Drywall and cladding construction system
A cladding and drywall construction system is based on a load-bearing structure (11), large-surface flat constructive elements (1) which have joining pieces including male elements (6), anchoring pieces of the male elements to the load-bearing structure and fixed profiles (20) which are anchored to the load-bearing structure (211) and sliding profiles (14) which are mounted on the fixed profiles (20), which can move along them. The fixed profiles (20) and the sliding profiles (14) have, respectively, opposite holes (7) and openings (5), through which the male elements (6) are inserted for their blocking by the openings (5), through the sliding movement of the sliding profiles (14).
US08511025B2 Metal joint and building comprising the same
A building including a metal joint is provided with a damping member that is mounted between at least a pair of structures and yields in accordance with relative displacement between the structures. The damping member includes strength-suppression device that suppresses an increase of strength after yield, and exerts a damping effect with rocking or expansion and contraction of at least one of the structures.
US08511023B1 Wall panel mounting system
Mounting systems for attaching metal suspended ceiling panels to form a decorative rectangular array. In one system the panels are mounted on bolt slot grid runners spaced from the wall and trimmed with island ceiling trim. In another system, panels are mounted on unique backer boards that protect the panels against physical damage by resisting compressive forces on the face of the panels.
US08511021B2 Structural cap with composite sleeves
The disclosure describes, in part, techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps with a core and composite sleeves to be coupled to structural members of a foundation, such as an installed radial array of batter angled micropiles. These structural caps with sleeves are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites. Once at the sites, operators may fixedly couple these caps to the micropiles or other structural members to form a foundation for a structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.
US08511018B2 Vinyl siding outside corner mounting block
The Vinyl Siding Outside Corner Mounting Block, made of molded plastic, nailed approximately two feet apart to the outside verticle corner of a structure with one 8d box nail, makes the application of the vinyl siding outside corners simple, fast and accurate.
US08511016B2 Boxable drywall corner bead
A boxable corner bead for finishing drywall corners that is made from two flanges with a protruding nose section. This bead can be made in regular, bullnose, or flex trim type arrangements. Once the bead is attached to a drywall corner, it can be mudded on both sides of the corner without waiting for the mud on the first side to dry. This is because of the shape of the nose which allows a mud dispensing box to apply mud on one side without getting mud on the nose. The box can then be immediately moved to the other side, where that side can be mudded. The nose itself is prepared to directly receive paint or texture, and hence does not need any mud. A version of the device has a raised trapezoidal, triangular or bull-nose section with a V-groove cut in the back. The bead hinges around the V-groove to match any corner angle. Both sides can be mudded as with the fixed bead. The beads can be used with both interior and exterior corners.
US08511003B2 Wall anchoring device and method of installation requiring no soil excavation
In general, the present invention is directed to anchoring devices, and more specifically to a wall anchoring device and method of installing same requiring no soil excavation.
US08511002B2 Magnetic bird screen
A magnetic bird screen for an opening of a steel structure such as a bridge or the like includes a magnetic sheet sized to cover the access opening and at least partially overlap the steel structure at the opening so that the sheet is magnetically secured to the steel structure. The sheet has a plurality of spaced-apart holes sized sufficiently large to permit the passage of air and water therethrough and to be used as finger holes for installation and removal and sized sufficiently small to prevent the passage of pigeons therethrough. The sheet can be folded or rolled upon itself so that the sheet remains secured at one side of the opening or the sheet can be entirely removed when it is desired to have access through the opening.
US08510998B1 Anti-theft apparatus
Embodiments of an anti-theft apparatus for deterring theft of an article is disclosed. In one embodiment, an anti-theft apparatus comprises a post and a cage removably lockable to and cantileverly extendable from the post for removably enclosing at least a portion of the article to be protected from theft. The cage comprises a top portion formed from a plurality of top members and a plurality of side members extending downwardly from respective outer ends of the top members, and a plurality of spaced apart bands oriented approximately perpendicularly and connected to respective side members of the top portion.
US08510997B2 Door construction
A door construction includes a door, comprising an outer panel, and adapted to cover an opening formed in a vehicle body; a side impact bar, disposed in an interior of the door, and extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle body; a window regulator, disposed in the interior of the door, and operable to raise and lower a window glass; and a plate-shaped member, disposed in the interior of the door, and adapted to support the window regulator. The plate-shaped member is connected to the side impact bar. The plate-shaped member has a shape following the outer panel. A width of the side impact bar and a width of the window regulator are overlapped with each other in a width direction of the vehicle body.
US08510988B2 Self-watering plant container with root pruning aeration apertures and exterior water level indicator
Self-watering plant container includes a container used to hold a living plant and soil and a container to hold a pool of water or nutrient solution underneath the plant/soil container where the water may be absorbed by the living plant through a permeable bottom in the plant/soil container. Self-watering plant container includes an airspace layer located between the bottom of the plant/soil container and the top of the water or nutrient solution pool in order to prevent excessive moisture or water from being absorbed into the plant/soil container, thereby preventing root rot. Self-watering plant container achieves this partly by special funnel shaped root-pruning aeration apertures in the bottom of its plant/soil container that allow very small roots and root hairs to grow through the bottom of plant/soil container and into the water reservoir below, while forcing larger roots back into the plant/soil container, and also allowing for aeration of the plant/soil container.
US08510980B2 Reset assist mechanism
A reset apparatus for use in a firearm, comprising: a compression spring; a biasing member has a first end and a distal end wherein the compression spring is attached proximate to the first end of the biasing member; a notch disposed on the biasing member for cooperation with a trigger bar, wherein the trigger bar comprises a longitudinal axis defined by a front portion and a rear portion, wherein the front portion is mechanically cooperated with a firearm trigger; and wherein the compression spring communicates a force through the biasing member and onto the trigger bar in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the trigger bar.
US08510976B2 Portable literature display
The present invention is a portable literature display. The preferred embodiment features a collapsible stand and sign, with a literature carousel that mounts upon the stand. The carousel is formed from a plurality of closable clamshell cases mounted upon a plurality of cross-beams and secured together in a ring. Leg flags are also provided to increase visibility.
US08510960B2 Trimmer head spool for use in flexible line rotary trimmer heads having improved line loading mechanism
An improved spool construction for carrying a length of cutting line in a trimmer head housing on a flexible line rotary trimmer wherein the spool comprises separately molded upper and lower sections of single piece construction that are pressed together in a snap fitment to define a cylindrical body portion, at least one flange projecting radially therefrom and a line receptor channel having a smooth interior surface that traverses the spool and communicates opposed open outer channel ends in the flange that are radially alignable with opposed line openings in a housing skirt, with an open channel portion in a lower spool surface to provide access to the channel intermediary of the open channel ends with the spool operatively connected to the housing for line loading and replacement without having to interrupt the operative connection between the spool and the housing.
US08510953B2 Method for wrapping a flexible cover sheet on a panel
A process and apparatus for simultaneously securing opposite parallel edge flaps of a flexible cover sheet to opposite parallel edge faces of a wall panel. A pair of wiping devices move downwardly and wipe the edge flap against the edge faces and transversely tension the cover sheet. Top sweep devices move down into holding contact with the cover sheet adjacent the parallel edge faces to maintain the transverse tension in the sheet. The edge flaps are then deflected and adhesive applied to the edge faces and back surfaces of the edge flaps. The wiping devices then again wipe the flaps downward into pressed contact with the edge faces to create an adhesive securement therewith.
US08510951B2 Method for producing a lens pattern on roll
The present disclosure generally relates to a method for producing lens patterns on a roll which is used to produce optical films wherein the method comprises forming a resin film on a roll comprising a plated layer which has been surface-plated with copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni); producing a preliminary lens pattern by striking the surface of the resin film on the roll with a chisel; etching with an etching solution the roll having the preliminary lens pattern formed thereon; and removing the resin film, and a roll for producing optical films comprising lens patterns formed thereon by the same method.
US08510940B2 Method of fabricating a multi-trace via substrate
A method of fabricating a multi-trace via substrate is disclosed. A substrate at least having a first surface and a hole is provided, wherein the hole has a hole wall. A first conductive layer is formed on the entire surface of the substrate and the hole wall. A photoresist layer applied over the entire surface of the first conductive layer is selectively patterned to define a plurality of laterally separated regions on the first conductive layer. A patterned photoresist layer is used as a mask and a second conductive layer substantially thicker than the first conductive layer is electroplated on the laterally separated regions. The patterned photoresist layer is removed. The portion of the first conductive layer not covered by the second conductive layer is substantially removed to form a plurality of laterally separated traces extended on the first surface and through the hole.
US08510939B2 Retinal prosthesis with a new configuration
Polymer materials are useful as electrode array bodies for neural stimulation. They are particularly useful for retinal stimulation to create artificial vision, cochlear stimulation to create artificial hearing, and cortical stimulation, and many related purposes. The pressure applied against the retina, or other neural tissue, by an electrode array is critical. Too little pressure causes increased electrical resistance, along with electric field dispersion. Too much pressure may block blood flow. Common flexible circuit fabrication techniques generally require that a flexible circuit electrode array be made flat. Since neural tissue is almost never flat, a flat array will necessarily apply uneven pressure. Further, the edges of a flexible circuit polymer array may be sharp and cut the delicate neural tissue. By applying the right amount of heat to a completed array, a curve can be induced. With a thermoplastic polymer it may be further advantageous to repeatedly heat the flexible circuit in multiple molds, each with a decreasing radius. Further, it is advantageous to add material along the edges. It is further advantageous to provide a fold or twist in the flexible circuit array. Additional material may be added inside and outside the fold to promote a good seal with tissue.
US08510930B1 Manufacturing method of shield type motor
A manufacturing method of shield type motor includes the following steps: a): providing an iron core; b): providing a plastic shell and having the exterior face of the plastic shell press against the interior face of the iron core; c): providing a plurality of connected enamel-covered coils for being wound around the bobbin; d): providing a wire fastener for bundling the first material of plastics and the second material of plastics; e): providing a protecting jacket to be connected to the plastic shell and for containing the plurality of enamel-covered coils; f): providing a mold to let the iron core place in the mold and having the first material of plastics teem into the mold; g): having the second material of plastics teem into the mold; and h): removing the mold to expose a main body.
US08510919B1 Belt buckle with personal indicia
The goal of this buckle and belt assembly is to honor those individuals who have served, or are serving, in the military of their respective country. Accordingly, this disclosure describes a belt buckle structured and used in such a way as to safely display a dog tag of the honored military individual in a clear and safe manner.
US08510918B2 Cable tie
A two-piece cable tie for bundling a plurality of objects, such as cables or wires, includes a front portion that is insert-molded onto a connective segment of a flexible strap, the front portion being constructed out of a higher tensile strength plastic than the strap to maximize the load rating of the tie without significantly increasing material costs. In one embodiment, the connective segment of the strap is shaped to include a pair of opposing semi-circular cutouts in its side rails to enhance the strength of mechanical bonding achieved by the front portion around the strap. In addition, the connective segment is shaped to include a circular hole that is offset longitudinally from the opposing cutouts, the diameter of the circular opening not exceeding 40% of the maximum width of the strap to ensure the integrity and strength of the strap along the entirety of its length.
US08510917B2 Tying article
A tying article which is formed into one piece used for tying objects, where the tying article has at least two sets of all-in-one ratchet sets at its surface, which are distributed along two sides separated by boundary pieces and each side has at least one bar-like bodies, where the ratchet set of each bar-like bodies is made up of at least two ratchets. When binding an article, the tying article can be divided into two parts. The first part is the enclosing part that loops the tied article, and the second part is the extending part that protrudes from the enclosing part. The extending part is again divided into two branches, where the seizing face of a corresponding ratchet of each branch is clenched by the enclosing part served as a detent. Once the binding works, the extending part tends to shrink back, but the seizing face of the ratchet is clenched by the enclosing part served as the detent, which enables a tight binding between the two and an adjustable binding as well.
US08510913B2 Door hinge for a refrigerator
A door hinge unit in a refrigerator which pivots a door on a refrigerator body, and holds the door to maintain an opened state or a maximum opened state at a predetermined position for preventing the door from hitting an external object and a hinge shaft from breaking, and minimizes a friction surface between a male member and a female member of the hinge for making movement of the hinge smooth and preventing the hinge from causing noise.
US08510909B2 Electric household appliance comprising a base for the generation of steam, having a removable tank
Electrical household appliance comprising a base (1) for the generation of steam, having a liquid tank (6) mounted removably on a receiving socket (10) and having a steam generator located outside of said tank (6), the steam generator being supplied by gravity by a supply line from the tank (6) and having a steam outlet through which the steam can escape towards a work tool, such as a crease-removing brush, said supply line comprising an inlet orifice located on the receiving socket (10), and said tank (6) comprising a closed enclosure (61) having only one outlet orifice (52) which connects the said inlet orifice when the tank is placed on the receiving socket (10), which appliance is characterized in that said tank (6) connects leaktightly onto said receiving socket (10) and in that said appliance has a vent line admitting air to the outlet orifice (52) of the tank, said vent line having one end connected to the exterior which is higher than the outlet orifice (52) of the tank.
US08510900B2 Wringer for mops and the like with device for filtering the washing water
A wringer for mops and the like comprising a united structure made of plastic material with two rocking bodies 1 separated by “V”-shaped channeling 2 and which are joined at the bottom by middle fins 3, the rocking bodies 1 having elastic hinge elements 14 and end portions 9 of elastic structure through which the wringer is anchored to the mouth of the mop bucket 10, the end portions 9 having spring elements 15 for recovering the rocking bodies 1. In addition the wringer 4 can have middle indentations 22 for allowing placement of a device for filtering cleaning water, which comprises a tray support 5. This device for filtering cleaning water is placed under the wringer 4. When water passes through the filtering device that is under the wringer 4, reaches the bucket already filtered with fewer dirt particles.
US08510896B2 Wiper device for vehicle
A wiper device for a vehicle may include a lower pivot shaft integrally coupled at a lower end thereof to a link lever that may be rotated by a force transmitted from a wiper motor, thus enabling the lower pivot shaft to rotate, wherein the lower pivot shaft includes a coupling protrusion protruding integrally from an upper end of the lower pivot shaft, an upper pivot shaft seated on an upper surface of the lower pivot shaft, the upper pivot shaft having a coupling recess integrally formed on a lower surface thereof to selectively fit the coupling protrusion therein, wherein an arm head may be integrally coupled to an upper end of the upper pivot shaft that protrudes above a cowl top panel, and a shaft holder secured to the cowl top panel while engaging therein a coupled portion between the lower pivot shaft and the upper pivot shaft.
US08510895B2 Display device for a wiper blade
The invention relates to a display device (38) for a wiper blade (10) made up of a plastic piece with a display field (40, 42, 44) with means (52) for clipping to the wiper blade (10). According to the invention, said device has the same cross-sectional profile as a spoiler (30) for the wiper blade (10) of flat bar construction, wherein the inner profile (50) of the display device (38) matches the outer profile (32, 34, 36) of the spoiler (30).
US08510884B2 Pneumatic seat cushion system
A pneumatic seat cushion system (10) has a deformable cushion (11) having a seating surface (12) and a self inflating cushion bladder (14) positioned beneath the seating surface (12). The self inflating cushion bladder (14) has an airtight envelope (15) containing compressible material (16) which is in air communication (19) with a displacement bladder (18) such that when in use the airtight envelope (15) and the displacement bladder (18) form a closed system from which no air can enter or escape. When there is no person seated on the seating surface (12), the self inflating cushion bladder (14) is inflated and the displacement bladder (18) is deflated. When there is a person seated on the seating surface, the weight of the person compresses the compressible material (16) so as to partially deflate the self inflating cushion bladder (14) which results in the contained air passing into the displacement bladder (18) which becomes fully inflated.
US08510883B2 Method of positioning a patient for medical procedures
A method and apparatus are disclosed for a method for securing a patient for a medical procedure and specifically for an innovative headrest system for securing a patient for an ocular imaging procedure. The approach avoids the need for linkages and sliding rods and such. Instead, it relies on three independently movable face rests (two for the forehead or temples and one for the chin) each with a deformable cushion that is urged into conformity with the patient's head and chin during an adjustment phase of operation. Once a comfortable position and suitable conforming shape is achieved, the positions of the face rests are rigidly fixed and the shape of the cushions are rendered rigid and non-deformable, by application of a light vacuum, for the procedural or imaging phase of operation.
US08510882B2 Method and apparatus for anatomical positioning on a patient care platform
An apparatus for mounting an anatomical positioner on a patient care platform includes a clamping mechanism for allowing an operator to quickly and securely join the apparatus to the patient care platform. Guide rails are joined to the clamping mechanism. The guide rails extend away from the patient care platform. Slides slidably join to the guide rails to allow the operator to position the anatomical positioner to impart a force on a patient on the patient care platform. The slides include brakes for at least stopping movement in a direction away from the patient care platform, and brake releases for releasing the brakes. Supports join to the slides for supporting the anatomical positioner. The supports have restraints for allowing the operator to quickly secure and adjust the anatomical positioner, whereby the anatomical positioner is positioned by the operator to impart the force on the patient and locked in place.
US08510880B2 Passive mattress spinner
A device is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress in a horizontal plane carried by a box spring or a platform. In order to facilitate rotation, slick surfaces between the mattress and the box spring or platform are selectively placed in contact in order to reduce the normal friction therebetween. The slick surfaces may be provided by two (2) separate covers; one cover for the mattress and one cover for the box spring or platform. A first cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. In order to further facilitate rotation, a second cover includes a slick surface on one side and forms part of a levitation device. The other side of the second cover may be formed with a slick or a non-slick surface. A levitation device creates an air cushion between the mattress and the box spring under the influence of an air supply which lifts the mattress and allows the mattress to be rotated in a horizontal plane virtually effortlessly.
US08510878B2 Portable, foldable yoga/meditation mat
A portable, foldable yoga mat/meditation mat includes a plurality of linear indentations so that the mat can be folded into various sizes and used in various aspects. For example, when the mat is unfolded along all linear indentations (i.e., in a completely unfolded state), the mat could be used as a typical yoga mat. When the mat is folded along some but not all linear indentations, the mat could be used as a comfortable meditation or sitting mat. When the mat is folded along all linear indentations, the folded mat becomes a portable sized block which can be easily carried in either customized or non-customized carriers and conveniently stored with other regular shaped items.
US08510862B1 Leg pad for a hockey player
The invention relates to a leg pad for a hockey player. The leg pad extends along a longitudinal axis and comprises an upper portion, a bottom portion and a band. The upper portion has a knee cap for covering a knee joint of the player. The bottom portion has an upper shell for covering a substantial part of a shin of the hockey player and a lower shell for at least partially covering the shin and ankle of the hockey player. The band extends along part of a periphery of the upper shell and part of a periphery of the lower shell. The band interconnects the upper shell and the lower shell to one another wherein the lower shell is movable relative to the upper shell between a first position and a second position in response to flexion of the ankle.
US08516610B1 High-frequency rheology system
Rheology system. The system includes a first piezoelectric actuator assembly for providing microscale displacement of a sample and a second piezoelectric actuator assembly for oscillating the sample at a nano/micro scale displacement in a selected frequency range extended significantly as compared to the frequency range available on the commercial AFMs. A preferred sample is cartilage and the disclosed system can distinguish between normal cartilage and GAG-depleted cartilage.
US08516604B2 Method and apparatus for managing a user
In the field of communications, a method and an apparatus for managing a user are provided. The method for managing a user includes the following steps. An identity of a user is authenticated. After the identity authentication of the user is successfully performed, a service router (SR) authenticates a management authority of the user. After the management authority authentication is successfully performed, service configuration management is performed according to the management authority of the user. As compared with the conventional art, by moderately authorizing the lower level user, the technical solutions can reduce the costs of operation and maintenance, improve the efficiency and solve the problem in time, thereby improving customer satisfaction.
US08516597B1 Method to calculate a risk score of a folder that has been scanned for confidential information
A method for calculating a risk score of a data object may include obtaining a severity level associated with a data object. The severity level may be calculated based on presence of confidential information in the data object. The data object may be a file or a folder. The severity level may be calculated using a data loss prevention policy. The method may further include obtaining metadata associated with the data object. The metadata may comprise at least one of access permission data for the data object and access usage data for the data object. The method may further include calculating a risk score for the data object based on the severity level and the metadata associated with the data object.
US08516595B2 Method and system for estimating the reliability of blacklists of botnet-infected computers
A system and a method for determining the reliability of blacklists is disclosed. Each blacklist comprises IP addresses of supposedly infected computers. The reliability is computed by analyzing whether the blacklist reports or not controlled infections from sandboxed environments and by measuring the elapsed time between reported infections and disinfections. The obtained information is then used in combination with several metrics for determining the trustworthiness of the IP address of a given Internet host that requests an online transaction with the purpose of granting or denying access to a service.
US08516590B1 Malicious advertisement detection and remediation
Detecting a malicious advertisement is disclosed. An advertisement is analyzed. A determination that the advertisement is associated with malicious activity is made. An indication that the advertisement is malicious is provided as output. The indication can be provided as a report, such as to a publisher and can also be provided using an API, such as to the entity responsible for serving the advertisement.
US08516582B2 Method and system for real time classification of events in computer integrity system
Method and system using a designated known secure computer for real time classification of change events in a computer integrity system are disclosed. In the embodiment of the invention, the known secure computer, having only inbound connection, is dedicated for providing permissible change events, which are compared with change events generated on client operational computers. An alert is generated when the change event at the client operational computer and the respective permissible change event provided by the known secure computer mismatch.
US08516578B1 Vertex array access bounds checking
Aspects of the invention relate generally to validating array bounds in an API emulator. More specifically, an OpenGL (or OpenGL ES) emulator may examine each array accessed by a 3D graphic program. If the program requests information outside of an array, the emulator may return an error when the graphic is drawn. However, when the user (here, a programmer) queries the value of the array, the correct value (or the value provided by the programmer) may be returned. In another example, the emulator may examine index buffers which contain the indices of the elements on the other arrays to access. If the program requests a value which is not within the range, the emulator may return an error when the graphic is drawn. Again, when the programmer queries the value of the array, the correct value (or the value provided by the programmer) may be returned.
US08516557B2 User terminal with security function and security-control method
A user terminal apparatus with a security function and a security-control method are provided, which may prevent unauthorized use of the user terminal apparatus without requiring a user to lock up the user terminal apparatus. The user terminal apparatus includes an input sensing unit which senses a user's input to the user terminal apparatus, an information collecting unit which collects information regarding an input state, which is determined based on the user's input, and a transition of the determined state, and a security-control unit which determines whether the user is valid based on the collected information and controls a security function.
US08516552B2 Verifiable service policy implementation for intermediate networking devices
A first wireless end-user communication device comprising a user interface and at least one processor configured to: use a forwarding agent on the first wireless end-user communication device to forward traffic between a first wireless access network and one or more other wireless end-user communication devices according to a forwarding policy to implement a forwarding service, the forwarding policy associated with one or more policy settings, the one or more other wireless end-user communication devices communicatively coupled to the first wireless end-user communication device over a wireless local area network or a wireless personal area network; obtain, through the user interface, a modification request to modify an aspect of the forwarding service; modify at least one of the one or more policy settings based at least in part on the modification request; and provide an accounting of a usage associated with the forwarding service.
US08516550B2 Systems and methods for enabling a service provider to obtain and use user information
In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing user information to a service provider. The method may include receiving a message including a communication device identifier; storing the communication device identifier with an identifier associated with a user of the communication device so that the communication device identifier is associated with the user identifier; transmitting a consent request message to the user; receiving a response to the consent request message, which response indicates that the user has provided the requested consent; and in response to receiving the response to the consent request message, transmitting a consent confirmation message to the service provider.
US08516538B2 Providing security for queries to electronic product code information services
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for protecting data residing in a repository of an electronic product code information service against undesired data disclosure. One or more disclosure policies are defined for an item tagged with an electronic product code. The item has associated data stored in the repository. The disclosure policies describe one or more of: who is permitted to query the repository for information, what type of information is permitted to be obtained from the repository in response to a query, and under what condition the repository can be queried. The disclosure policies are enforced in response to a received query from a party by only disclosing a subset of the data from the repository, the subset being determined in accordance with the defined one or more disclosure policies. A web-based tool for defining disclosure policies is also described.
US08516536B2 Method and system for internet censorship
A method of censoring Internet content includes: packetizing a web page into one or more data packets (50); inserting into the data packets censorship ratings corresponding to the web page's content; conveying the data packets (50) over the Internet (30) to a receiving end user terminal (10); determining the censorship ratings of the data packets (50); and, acting on the data packets (50) in response to their determined censorship ratings.
US08516535B2 Method of receiving a broadcasting signal and receiving system for receiving a broadcasting signal
A broadcast signal reception method and a reception system are provided. The reception system includes a first processor, a second processor, and a storage medium. The first processor receives and processes a signaling table, the signaling table comprising first signaling information including access information of Non-Real-Time (NRT) service data and second signaling information including media object association information of the NRT service data. The second processor receives the NRT service data and processes a file including the received NRT service data based on the access information and the media object association information processed by the first processor. The storage medium stores the processed file of the NRT service data.
US08516531B2 Reducing channel change delays
Technology which facilitates a reduction in time of the presentation of video content after a viewer changes channels is described. Frames of a video stream associated with a channel are analyzed to identify locations of access points in the video stream prior to relaying the video stream to a presentation device. Information indicating the locations of access points is stored. The video stream is then time shifted on a continuous basis and is transmitted to the presentation device which made the request for as long as the presentation device remains tuned to the channel corresponding to the request. A first available frame on or before an access point of the time shifted video stream is selected based on the stored information, which is used to commence the transmission of the time shifted video to the presentation device, which facilitates a more immediate presentation of video content.
US08516526B2 Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal
A digital television (DTV) signal for use in a DTV receiver includes an extended text table (ETT) which includes a header and a message body. The header includes a table identification extension field which serves to establish uniqueness of the ETT, and the message includes an extended text message (ETM). If the ETT is an event ETT, the table ID extension field includes an event identification which specifies an identification number of an event associated with the ETT. On the other hand, if the ETT is a channel ETT, the table identification extension field includes a source identification which specifies a programming source of a virtual channel associated with the ETT. A section-filtering unit included in the DTV receiver is able to use table identification extension fields of a plurality of ETTs for section-filtering a pertinent event or channel ETT from the ETTs.
US08516524B2 Dynamic item highlighting system
A method and apparatus for highlighting a program listing in a set of program listings based on selection criteria. The selection criteria may indicate that the a broadcaster has agreed to pay a service provider in return for the service provider ensuring that a program listing, corresponding to the program of the broadcaster, is highlighted in a program page that displays a set of program listings, such as television program listings. If there are multiple program listings, listed in a program page, that are to be highlighted, then details of the respective contracts may be used to determine which program listing to highlight. Such details may include the total contract value, a ratio of contract value-to-page view, and/or the time of contract formation.
US08516521B2 Interactive learning
A method may include providing a live, interactive program or information associated with the live, interactive program on a video display device; and providing a live interactive content icon on the video display device when a current time is before an end time of the live, interactive program, the live interactive content icon indicating that live interactive content is available for the live, interactive program.
US08516519B2 Method and image display device for setting definition
Provided are a method and image display device for setting a definition of an image. According to the method, contents are received and a definition selected by a user is received. A definition selection menu to display at least one definition for the contents is displayed and it is determined whether a definition that the user selects is supported by the image display device to display an image on the basis of the definition that the user selects. Then, an optimal definition is displayed on the definition selection menu to display the received contents with the optimal definition in the image display device.
US08516518B2 Advance notice of television advertisements
A video client receives an advertising map over a subscription multimedia network, where the advertising map includes a schedule of default advertisements during a programming break and indications of available alternate advertisements. The video client provides, for display to a user, indicators for the schedule of default advertisements and receives user input to alter the schedule of default advertisements. The video client retrieves advertising content for the altered schedule and presents, on the display and during the programming break, the advertising content for the altered schedule.
US08516510B2 Information processing apparatus and drive control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a main body, an optical disc drive provided in the main body, and a drive management module provided in the main body. The optical disc drive is configured to output an eject signal to an outside in response to an operation of an eject button. The drive management module is configured to supply power to the optical disc drive when the eject signal is received from the optical disc drive which is in a power-off state, to determine, after supplying the power to the optical disc drive, whether the optical disc drive is in a ready state or not, and to send to a signal instructing opening of a tray of the optical disc drive when it is determined that the optical disc drive is in the ready state.
US08516506B2 Method and system for restoring an application in a dynamically linked environment
A method and system for executing an application on a device is disclosed. The device comprises a nonvolatile memory having a file system that stores the application. The nonvolatile memory further includes a backup memory space that stores a backup copy of the application. The system further includes a processing module configured to execute the application and an application programmers interface (API) utilized by the processing module to facilitate instructions from the application to the processing module. The processing module is further configured to retrieve the application from the file system, execute the application on the processing module; monitor interactions between the application and the processing module for an API call from the application to the processing module, and retrieve a backup copy of the application from the backup memory space based on the monitoring for the API call.
US08516500B2 Media data usage measurement and reporting systems and methods
An audience measurement system for gathering data reflecting usage of media data by a user by means of a user system. The user system preprocesses the gathered data into micro-level report objects.
US08516499B2 Assistance in performing action responsive to detected event
Assistance in performing an action for a detected event for a monitoring target resource whose connection is not an always-on connection to perform an appropriate action as soon as possible in response to occurrence of a failure. The assistance device stores, in association with an occurrence pattern of an event, information related to plural tasks for determining whether a predetermined condition is fulfilled, and an action to be performed by a corresponding device. Then, the assistance device calculates an index value for determining the level of probability of the occurrence pattern of the event, determines whether the calculated index value is larger than a predetermined value, and sends, to a device to perform the action, the occurrence pattern of the event the index value of which is determined to be larger than the predetermined value, and information related to the plural tasks and the action corresponding to the occurrence pattern.
US08516494B2 Executing an application on a parallel computer
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for executing an application on a parallel computer that include: executing, by a current compute node, a current task of the application, including producing results; determining, by the current compute node in dependence upon current network characteristics and application characteristics, whether to transfer the results to a next compute node for further processing by a next task on the next compute node or to execute the next task for further processing of the results on the current compute node; transferring, by the current compute node, the results to the next compute node for further processing by the next task on the next compute node if the determination specifies transferring the results to the next node; and executing, by the current compute node, the next task for further processing of the results if the determination specifies executing the next task on the current compute node.
US08516492B2 Soft partitions and load balancing
A method and system are provided for load balancing and partial task-processor binding. The method may provide for migrating at least one first task partially bound to and executing on at least one first processor. In accordance with the method, if at least one first condition is true, then the at least one first task may be migrated to at least one second processor such that the at least one second processor executes the at least one first task. Moreover, in accordance with the method, if at least one second condition is true, the at least one first task may be migrated back to the at least one first processor such that the at least one first processor executes the at least one first task.
US08516491B2 Multi-core processor
An algorithm in a multi-core processor having a plurality of cores for deciding processing allocation to each core to distribute the processing load thereof, and an efficient processing allocation algorithm simplified for software engineers are established. In order to achieve the above processing load distribution, the multi-core processor includes a plurality of basic modules divided into minimum configuration units, each having a uniform input/output format interface, so as to perform required processing contents in the overall processor. As an initial allocation, the above plurality of basic modules are allocated in distribution to the above plurality of cores, and subsequently, based on functional information of each core, the above plurality of initially allocated basic modules are relocated either periodically or at appropriate timing.
US08516484B2 Wake-and-go mechanism for a data processing system
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. When a thread is waiting for an event, rather than performing a series of get-and-compare sequences, the thread updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the event. The thread then goes to sleep until the event occurs. The wake-and-go array may be a content addressable memory (CAM). When a transaction appears on the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) fabric that modifies the value at a target address in the CAM, the CAM returns a list of storage addresses at which the target address is stored. The operating system or a background sleeper thread associates these storage addresses with the threads waiting for an even at the target addresses, and may wake the one or more threads waiting for the event.
US08516478B1 Subsequent processing of scanning task utilizing subset of virtual machines predetermined to have scanner process and adjusting amount of subsequest VMs processing based on load
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for processing a task utilizing a virtual machine as a function of an aspect of another virtual machine. In use, a task to be processed is identified. Furthermore, the task is processed utilizing at least one virtual machine located in a device as a function of at least one aspect of at least one other virtual machine located on the device.
US08516477B1 Automated deployment tool for multiple server environment
A method is described for deploying a software application to run on each server in a group of servers configured to provide a service based on the software application. A dashboard, as a unified user interface for all of the servers of the group, is presented on a user terminal device. One or more user inputs via the dashboard automatically initiate parallel processing with respect to all of the servers of the group. The automate processing include: (i) backing up current server application code for the service, for each of the servers of the group; (ii) installing a new server application code file, for the software application, in each of the servers of the group; and (iii) restarting each server to implement the service by running the software application from the new server application code file.
US08516453B2 Partition-based static analysis of computer software applications
Partition-based static analysis of computer software applications may include inspecting each of a plurality of modules of a computer software application to identify at least one dependency of the inspected module on at least one other module of the computer software application, for each of the inspected modules, determining any transitive dependencies of the inspected module from the dependencies identified for the inspected module, performing a first static analysis on one of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, and performing a second static analysis on another of the inspected modules and its transitive dependencies, where the first and second analyses may be performed independently from each other.
US08516451B2 System and method for creating virtual callback objects
A method for creating a virtual callback object using a client callback object. A client device executes a client application. A client callback object is used by the client application in a client/server transaction between a server device and the client device. A recorder module captures the client/server transaction between the client device and the server device, and the client callback object is used in the client/server transaction. Internal client operations may be filtered from the client callback object to create the virtual callback object. A script may be generated using the virtual callback object.
US08516444B2 Debugging a high performance computing program
Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for debugging a high performance computing program by gathering lists of addresses of calling instructions for a plurality of threads of execution of the program, assigning the threads to groups in dependence upon the addresses, and displaying the groups to identify defective threads.
US08516439B2 Visualizing object relationships
Methods, apparatuses, and articles for enabling, by a computing device, provision of a visual manifestation of an object of interest and of one or more other objects related to the object of interest to a user of the computing device, are described herein. In various embodiments, the one or more other objects may be arranged in a manner conveying a degree of relationship, the visual manifestation further including a first indication of at least one exceptional relationship between any two objects or a second indication of a security status of one of the objects. Further, the computing device may facilitate the user in interacting with the visual manifestation, including altering or expanding the visual manifestation in response to a user interaction.
US08516438B2 Method and apparatus for user-defined managed objects
An apparatus creates a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems. The apparatus includes a define module that allows a user to create a new class and define properties for the new class in a specification. After the user creates the new class, the define module creates a .NET class based on the specification. In addition, a method for creating a user-defined .NET class within an operational control environment of distributed computing systems includes receiving a user-defined class; receiving user-defined properties for the user-defined class; and creating a .NET class based on the user-defined class and properties.
US08516435B2 System and method for generating implementation artifacts for contextually-aware business applications
A method for generating implementation artifacts for contextually-aware business applications includes utilizing a platform independent model (PIM) of a business application; generating a platform specific model (PSM) from the PIM, wherein the generating of a PSM includes one or more transformations between one or more meta-models of the PIM and one or more meta-models of the generated PSM; generating implementation artifacts; and binding the generated implementation artifacts with any existing services of the business application.
US08516433B1 Method and system for mapping memory when selecting an electronic product
An improved approach is described for analyzing and estimating products having arrays of uncommitted logic, and matching these products to electronic designs. The approach can be applied to any type of product that include arrays of uncommitted logic, such as gate arrays and field programmable gate arrays. An approach is described for performing memory mapping in the context of selecting an electronic product having an array of uncommitted logic.
US08516432B2 Method and device for reconstructing scan chain based on bidirectional preference selection in physical design
Reconstruction methods and devices are disclosed for scan chains in physical design that is based on two-way priority selection. The structural reconstruction method in the scan chains, in the first place, establishes a first preference sequence for a certain number of scanning elements in each of these scan chains as well as a secondary preference sequence for these scan chains in each of these scanning elements respectively. Then, two-way selection is executed between the scan chains and scanning elements based on the corresponding first preference sequence and secondary preference sequence, so that these scanning elements can be redistributed to these scan chains. The structural reconstruction method and device in the invention conduct an integrated optimization for a global scan chain, where the global wiring length is shortened dramatically and the wiring efficiency is improved.
US08516430B2 Test apparatus and circuit apparatus
There is provided a test apparatus for testing a device under test, including a plurality of operational units that operate in response to control data supplied thereto to test the device under test, a control section that generates packet data containing the control data and unit selection data indicating which one or more of the plurality of operational units are to be selected, and a plurality of data transfer units that are cascade-connected to each other so that the packet data is transferred from each of the plurality of data transfer units to a data transfer unit of a following stage, where each of the plurality of data transfer units corresponds to one or more of the plurality of operational units. Here, when each of the plurality of data transfer units receives the packet data whose unit selection data indicates that one or more of the operational units corresponding thereto are to be selected, the data transfer unit inputs the control data contained in the packet data into the selected operational units or reads data from the selected operational units.
US08516428B2 Methods, systems, and media to improve manufacturability of semiconductor devices
Methods, systems, and media to improve the manufacturability of cells and structures within cells of an integrated circuit are disclosed. Embodiments comprise a method of arranging programmable cells, routing the programmable cells, analyzing the cell arrangement and interconnect wiring for manufacturing improvement opportunities, and modifying the programmable cell structures to incorporate the manufacturing improvements. In some embodiments, wires are spread to prevent shorting. In other embodiments, the reliability of contacts and vias is improved by adding additional metallization to the areas surrounding the contacts and vias, or by adding redundant contacts and vias. In one embodiment, a series of manufacturing improvements are made to integrated circuit cells in an iterative fashion.
US08516421B1 Generating circuit design properties from signal traces
A property generation tool that automatically generates a property for a circuit design from a signal trace of the circuit design. The property generation tool receives a trace of a circuit design. The trace includes signal values for a number of signals of the circuit design over a number of clock cycles. Signal signatures are generated from one or more characteristics of the signal values. Sets of candidate signals are identified from the circuit design signals based on the signal signatures. One or more properties of the circuit design are generated based on the signal values associated with the sets of candidate signals. The property can be output, for example, for display to a user of the property generation tool. Examples of properties that are generated by the property generation tool include handshaking properties and fairness properties.
US08516417B2 Method and system for repartitioning a hierarchical circuit design
The invention relates to a method and a system for repartitioning a formalized hardware description of a hierarchically structured electronic circuit design unit comprising a plurality of macros in terms of latch macros and combinatorial macros. In a first step, each macro is dissected into latch macros and signal cones in such a way that each signal cone comprises signals linking macro input/output to a latch output/input, and each latch macro comprises at least one latch, each primary input an output of said latch macro coinciding with an input or an output of a latch within said latch macro. Subsequently, combinatorial macros are created by merging combinatorial signal cones along unit signal paths.
US08516407B1 Methods for quantitatively evaluating the quality of double patterning technology-compliant layouts
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed that includes, in accordance with an embodiment, providing a double patterning technology-compliant logical design for the integrated circuit, the logical design including a plurality of elements; scoring the design of one or more of the plurality of elements to produce a design score; modifying the design based at least in part on the design score; generating a mask set implementing the modified logical design; and employing the mask set to implement the logical design in and on a semiconductor substrate.
US08516406B1 Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for smart pattern capturing and layout fixing
Various embodiments are directed at methods and systems for implementing automatic fixing of a layout, implementing fuzzy pattern replacement, and implementing pattern capturing in a layout of an electronic circuit design. Various processes or modules comprise the act or module of identifying a first pattern from within an electronic circuit layout. The processes or modules also comprise identifying a fixing process or a replacement pattern for the first pattern and the act of performing pattern replacement or pattern fixing on the first pattern. The processes or modules may further comprise the act or module of searching the layout for patterns that match the first pattern, and the act or module of performing pattern replacement of pattern fixing on the patterns that match the first pattern. Some embodiments are also directed at articles of manufacture embodying a sequence of instructions for implementing the processes described here.
US08516399B2 Collaborative environment for physical verification of microdevice designs
A collaborative environment for performing physical verification processes on integrated circuit designs. Multiple physical verification results may be stored in a “unified” results database/directory (e.g., unified at least from a user's perspective), where results from various verification processes, such as Design-Rule-Check (DRC) processes, Layout-Versus-Schematic comparison (LVS) processes, Design-For-Manufacturing (DFM) processes Optical Proximity Correction (OPC) processes, and Optical Rule Check (ORC) processes are accessible from the same style of user interface, which may be a graphical user interface. The basic abilities for design team-based interactions can be equally available to each process involved in the physical verification of an integrated circuit design.
US08516396B2 Object organization based on user interactions within a virtual environment
Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for arranging virtual objects within an immersive virtual environment. In one embodiment, avatar characteristics, viewport/display characteristics, and object/location characteristics may be analyzed to determine a degree of visibility of various locations within a virtual space to a user. Further, past user interactions within the immersive virtual environment may be analyzed to determine which portions of the user's viewport, when including virtual objects that are offered for sale, are most likely to result in a sale to the user. A set of virtual objects may then be assigned to locations within the virtual space based on the determined visibility to the user, past purchases by the user, and characteristics of the virtual objects.
US08516386B2 Scrolling virtual music keyboard
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for scrolling a virtual keyboard on a touch screen device including a display. A first aspect allows detecting a user contact swipe motion in a predetermined direction along said keyboard, scrolling said keyboard across said display in accordance with said motion, and stopping said scrolling upon termination of user contact swipe motion. A second aspect allows scrolling of a virtual keyboard to snap to an intelligent position based on a song key or relative minor of the song key. A third aspect allows a note to be held when a user's finger remains in contact with the display even though the finger is no longer in contact with a key linked to the note on the keyboard as a result of scrolling. A fourth aspect displays a second musical instrument keyboard adjacent to a first musical instrument keyboard, wherein said second musical instrument keyboard is linked to said first musical instrument keyboard such that scrolling of one keyboard causes automatic scrolling of the other keyboard.
US08516383B2 System and method for developing animated visualization interfaces
A system and method are described for designing animated visualization interfaces depicting, at a supervisory level, manufacturing and process control information wherein graphical symbols in the visualization interfaces are associated with components of a process control/manufacturing information application. The system includes a graphical symbol library for maintaining a set of graphical symbol templates wherein the graphical symbol templates including a graphics definition including graphics and a reference to an application component type. The reference facilitates identifying candidate application components for creating an association between a graphical symbol instance created from a graphical symbol template and one of the candidate application components. The system also includes a graphical symbol design environment for selecting the graphical symbol template, specifying an application component corresponding to the component type, and creating an association between the graphical symbol instance and the specified application component.
US08516374B2 Displaying estimated social interest in time-based media
Social media content items are mapped to relevant time-based media events. These mappings may be used as the basis for multiple applications, such as ranking of search results for time-based media, automatic recommendations for time-based media, prediction of audience interest for media purchasing/planning, and estimating social interest in the time-based media. Social interest in time-based media (e.g., video and audio streams and recordings) segments is estimated through a process of data ingestion and integration. The estimation process determines social interest in specific events represented as segments in time-based media, such as particular plays in a sporting event, scenes in a television show, or advertisements in an advertising block. The resulting estimates of social interest also can be graphically displayed.
US08516359B2 Specifying a web address in order to provide dummy data to be temporarily inserted in a document and later replacing the dummy data
A document creation system including a document creation apparatus and an image processing apparatus, the document creation apparatus including a requesting portion which requests the image processing apparatus to provide dummy data to be temporarily inserted into the document, and the image processing apparatus including an address analyzer; a dummy data generator which generates dummy data; a transmitter which transmits to the document creation apparatus, the generated dummy data; a job administrator which generates and stores a reserved job about the request; a target data generator which generates target data to be inserted into the document; and a replacing portion which publishes at the specified Web address the target data generated by the target data generator, by replacing the dummy data exiting at the specified Web address with it.
US08516355B2 System and method for fault tolerant computing using generic hardware
A dual redundant process controller is provided. The controller comprises a first processor, memory, and instance of a process control application stored in the first memory. The controller further comprises a second processor, memory, and instance of the process control application stored in the second memory. When executed by the first processor, the first application instance writes a first synchronization information to the second memory, reads a second synchronization information from the first memory, and, when the second synchronization information disagrees with the first synchronization information after passage of a predetermined time-out interval, performs a resynchronization function; and wherein, when executed by the second processor, the second application instance writes the second synchronization information to the first memory, reads the first synchronization information from the second memory, and, when the first synchronization information disagrees with the second synchronization information after passage of the predetermined time-out interval, performs the resynchronization function.
US08516352B2 Compact decoding of punctured block codes
k input bits are encoded according to a code with which is associated a m×n=m+k parity check matrix H. The resulting codeword is punctured, with n′
US08516350B2 Data encoding method and apparatus for flash-type signaling
Embodiments disclosed herein relate to preamble configuration in wireless communication systems (e.g., UHDR-DO type systems). Disclosed embodiments disclose receiving a plurality of information bits, generating a plurality of preamble codewords based on a determined a set of monitored MAC_IDs, correlating the information bits with each of the plurality of preamble codewords, determining if a maximum correlation value exceeds a threshold, and transmitting at least one of the preamble codewords if the threshold is exceeded.
US08516349B2 Generation and application of a sub-codebook of an error control coding codebook
There is provided a method of encoding and decoding data using an error control code having a codebook G. The codebook G is a sub-codebook of a codebook P. Each codeword g in the sub-codebook G has an autocorrelation amplitude that is different from and higher than each correlation amplitude between g and each of the other codewords in the sub-codebook G. In one specific embodiment in which the codebook P is that of a Reed-Muller code, using G instead of P reduces the likelihood of the presence of more than one maximum correlation amplitude when computing the non-coherent decision metric during decoding.
US08516339B1 Method of and circuit for correcting adjacent bit errors in a memory
A method of correcting adjacent bit errors in a memory is disclosed. The method comprises determining that there are errors in each set of two non-overlapping sets of the memory; changing a stored value of a memory cell of the memory until it is determined that a single error exists in the memory; identifying a location of the single error in the memory; and correcting the single error in the memory. A circuit for detecting adjacent bit errors in a memory having alternating even memory cells and odd memory cells is also disclosed.
US08516334B2 Channel coding, modulating and mapping method for hybrid automatic repeat request of low density parity check code
The present invention discloses a method for channel coding and modulation mapping in HARQ of the LDPC code, comprising: performing structured LDPC encoding of an information bit sequence with a length of K input by a channel encoder, and sending a generated codeword to a HARQ buffer; rearranging codeword bits of a LDPC HARQ mother code in the HARQ buffer, and sequentially selecting codeword bits to generate a binary sequence of a HARQ packet; mapping codeword bits of the HARQ packet to a constellation, and high-significant bits in encoding blocks of the HARQ packet being mapped to high reliability bits in the constellation. The present invention provides the LDPC codeword with the maximal constellation gain, so that the LDPC HARQ channel encoding has the optimal performance.
US08516331B2 Systems for high-speed backplane applications using FEC encoding
In conventional Backplane Ethernet systems, data is transmitted over two pairs of copper traces in one direction using a PAM-2 scheme and a baud rate of 10.3125 GHz, giving an effective bit rate of 10.3125 Gbps. The rate at which data can be transmitted in Backplane Ethernet systems, while still being reliably received, is typically limited by ISI caused by the dispersive nature of the copper traces, frequency dependent transmission losses caused primarily by skin effect and dielectric loss of the copper traces, and cross-talk from adjacent communication lines. The present invention is directed to systems for overcoming these and other signal impairments to achieve speeds up to, and beyond, twice the conventional 10 Gbps limit associated with Backplane Ethernet systems.
US08516318B2 Dynamic scan
In a test data access system, a shift register is coupled the test data in pin. A first multiplexer is in data communication with the TDI pin and is configured to receive data from the TDI pin and to transmit data to each of the instruments. The first multiplexer is also configured to receive data from a data recirculation bit and to transmit data from the TDI pin to a plurality of instruments when the recirculation bit has a first value and to transmit data to the plurality of instruments from a recirculation line when the recirculation bit has a second value, different from the first value. A second multiplexer is configured to receive data from each of the plurality of instruments and is configured to transmit data from a selected one of the plurality of instruments, selected based on a value of data in the shift register. A first AND gate is configured to generate a gates clock to the shift register. A second AND gate is responsive to the first AND gate, configured to lock the shift register. A third AND gate, responsive to the first AND gate, is configured to control clocking to the plurality of instruments.
US08516308B1 Crash based incompatibility prediction for classes of mobile devices crash data
A network application system provides mobile devices with personalized recommendations of applications based at least in part on the device resources of the mobile devices. Device resources may be detected through an interrogation process performed on the mobile device by a mobile application store client, and/or may be determined based on metadata information contained in a photograph file taken by the mobile device and transmitted to the network application system. The network application system gathers crash data based on incidences of applications crashing on mobile devices in order to detect incompatibilities between applications and device resources. The system may then update application requirements data so that users are not presented with applications likely to crash on their mobile devices. The system may also inform an application's developer of a detected incompatibility so that a new, compatible version may quickly be available to users.
US08516306B2 Computer startup test apparatus
A computer startup test apparatus for turning on a computer automatically, includes a control module, a switch module, and a startup module. The control module is configured to output control signals, data signals and clock signals. The switch module is configured to receive the control signals, and turn on the computer according to the received control signals. The startup module is configured to receive the data signals and clock signals, and restarts the computer according to the received data signals and clock signals. The control module stores a predetermined test time. The control module records abnormal information and test times when the computer restarts, and outputs the control signals to turn on the computer using the switch module when the computer cannot restart.
US08516303B2 Arithmetic device for concurrently processing a plurality of threads
A processor is provided that is capable of concurrently processing a sequence of instructions for a plurality of threads achieving the retry success rate equivalent to the success rate in processors that process a sequence of instructions for a single thread. An arithmetic device 200 is provided with an instruction execution circuit 201 for executing a plurality of threads, or an execution control circuit 202 for controlling the execution state or rerunning of the threads.
US08516299B2 Dispersed storage unit selection
A dispersed storage device for use within a dispersed storage network operates to select a set of dispersed storage units for storage of a data object by slicing an encoded data segment of a data object into error coded data slices, determining slice metadata for the error coded data slices, determining memory characteristics of dispersed storage units capable of storing the error coded data slices and selecting the set of dispersed storage units for storing the error coded data slices based on the slice metadata and the memory characteristics.
US08516294B2 Virtual computer system and control method thereof
When a failure occurs in an LPAR on a physical computer under an SAN environment, a destination LPAR is set in another physical computer to enable migrating of the LPAR and setting change of a security function on the RAID apparatus side is not necessary. When a failure occurs in an LPAR generated on a physical computer under an SAN environment, configuration information including a unique ID (WWN) of the LPAR where the failure occurs is read, a destination LPAR is generated on another physical computer, and the read configuration information of the LPAR is set to the destination LPAR, thereby enabling migrating of the LPAR when the failure occurs, under the control of a management server.
US08516293B2 System and method for implementing a cloud computer
One embodiment is a clocking system for a computing environment. The system comprises a first set of processes executing in a first computing environment; a first local clock mechanism associated with the first set of processes; and a first communications channel for connecting the first local clock mechanism with the first set of processes. The first local clock mechanism stores clock rates of the first set of processes, wherein each clock rate is specified by function and source and destination combination, the first local clock mechanism further coordinating the clock speeds of the first set of processes as necessary.
US08516291B2 Information processing apparatus, data reception device and method of controlling the information processing apparatus
A clock adjustment circuit delays a phase of a clock signal on the basis of a TAP value so as to output an adjusted clock signal. By synchronizing transmission data with the adjusted clock signal, reception data is generated. A data adjustment circuit delays the transmission data on the basis of a TAP2 value. By synchronizing the delayed transmission data with the adjusted clock signal, adjusted reception data is generated. A data adjustment control circuit generates the TAP2 value on the basis of a result of a comparison between the reception data and the adjusted reception data, and outputs to a clock adjustment control circuit an instruction to update the TAP value.
US08516286B2 Host apparatus connected to image forming apparatus and power save mode control method thereof
A method of controlling a power save mode of an image forming apparatus connected to a host apparatus, the method includes: requesting information on a power mode of the image forming apparatus; transmitting the power mode information and information on an entering time for a power save mode of the image forming apparatus from the image forming apparatus; and displaying the entering time for the power save mode of the image forming apparatus on a basis of the entering time information.
US08516282B2 Transmission device and method for putting transmission device to sleep
A transmission device including at least one transmitter/receiver unit that is coupled to another transmission device via a communication line, a power supply unit that supplies power to the at least one transmitter/receiver unit, and a control unit that notifies the another transmission device about first sleep start information specifying time at which an operating mode of the at least one transmitter/receiver unit is to be changed to a sleep mode and that stops the supply of power from the power supply unit to the at least one transmitter/receiver unit at the time specified by the first sleep start information.
US08516273B2 Porting digital rights management service to multiple computing platforms
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for porting digital rights management services. In one aspect, a system includes: a hardware processor; one or more memory devices coupled with the hardware processor and effecting an operating system for the hardware processor; and a digital rights management (DRM) component having a DRM adaptor configured to check whether the hardware processor has a hardware-based encryption element, use the hardware-based encryption element if available, and use a software-based encryption element if the hardware-based encryption element is not available, wherein the software-based encryption element includes code compiled from source code for the hardware processor, the source code prepared for different computer platforms.
US08516271B2 Securing non-volatile memory regions
Methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to secure non-volatile memory regions are disclosed. An example method disclosed herein comprises associating a first key pair and a second key pair different than the first key pair with a process, using the first key pair to secure a first region of a non-volatile memory for the process, and using the second key pair to secure a second region of the non-volatile memory for the same process, the second region being different than the first region.
US08516266B2 System and method for intermachine markup language communications
A system, comprising a network interface, an additional data communications interface, and processor for supporting a control interface communicated through the network interface according to an intermachine markup language protocol, for controlling the network interface and the additional data communications interface.
US08516263B2 Electronic apparatus and communication control method
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises a communication module and a connection control module. The communication module is configured to execute close proximity wireless transfer. The connection control module is configured to start an operation of establishing a connection between the communication module and an external device which is in close proximity to the communication module if an identifier of the external device wirelessly transmitted from the external device is included in a connection permission list. The connection control module is configured to display a password entry screen if the identifier is not included in the connection permission list, and to add, if a password entered on the password entry screen matches with a registered password, the identifier to the connection permission list and start the operation of establishing the connection between the communication module and the external device.
US08516258B2 Generator for generating a message authentication code, method of generating a message authentication code, program element and computer-readable medium
Current MAC algorithms impose a significant system performance requirement in order to process messages in real time. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a hardware implemented generator for generating a MAC is provided, that results in a significant improvement in hardware performance requirements for processing messages in real time. The engine is based on linear feedback shift registers which are adapted to generate secure MACs.
US08516256B2 Route optimization in mobile IP networks
The present invention the present invention concerns a method for optimizing a route between a mobile node and a correspondent node in mobile Internet protocol networks. The mobile node is served by an anchor point being a node, e.g. a mobile IP home agent. According to the method the anchor point generates a Multi-key Cryptographically Generated Address (MCGA) for the mobile node. The MCGA is generated using at least the public keys of the mobile node and the anchor point. The anchor point assigns and registers the generated MCGA as a home address for the mobile node and sends a binding update message to the correspondent node on behalf of the mobile node. The binding update message includes at least a signature of the MCGA signed by the anchor point. Thereby route optimization can be performed such that data packets can be exchanged between the mobile node and the correspondent node without routing the packets via the anchor point.
US08516243B2 Host identity protocol method and apparatus
A method and apparatus of at least partially securing communications between first and second hosts using the Host Identity Protocol (HIP) is provided. The first host is not HIP enabled and the second host is HIP enabled. A persistent HIP identity is associated with the first host and maintained at a remote server. A public part of the persistent HIP identity is obtained from the remote server together with a certificate authorizing a gateway node between the first and second hosts to use a temporary HIP identity associated with the first host. A secure HIP identity is negotiated between the gateway node and the second host using at least part of each of the persistent HIP identity, the temporary HIP identity, and the certificate.
US08516235B2 Basic input/output system read only memory image integration system and method
A system and method provide for integrating a Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) Read-Only-Memory (ROM) image. A method includes but is not limited to opening a BIOS modification application; opening a target BIOS binary image within the BIOS modification application; and adding an electronic security and tracking system and method (ESTSM) ROM image to the target BIOS binary image.
US08516233B2 Method for setting a boot list to disks with multiple boot logical volumes
A method dynamically determines the contents of a Boot Logical Volume from within a System Management Service menu. Responsive to receiving the scan request, a system dynamically scans a root volume group to identify special files associated with the various base operating systems stored on the boot logical volumes of the root volume group. The system then maps the files to a specific operating systems version, and presents a list of the available operating systems on the various boot logical volumes to a user.
US08516232B2 Method and memory device for performing an operation on data
A method and memory device for implementing long operations and supporting multiple streams are provided. In one embodiment, a memory device receives data and a command from a host to perform an operation on the data, wherein a time required for the memory device to complete the operation exceeds a maximum response time for the memory device to respond to the command. The memory device begins performing the operation on the data and, before exceeding the maximum response time and before completing the operation, sends the context of the operation to the host. At a later time, the memory device receives from the host: (i) a command to resume performing the operation and (ii) the context. The memory device then resumes performing the operation on the data based on the context received from the host.
US08516227B2 Set program parameter instruction
A measurement sampling facility takes snapshots of the central processing unit (CPU) on which it is executing at specified sampling intervals to collect data relating to tasks executing on the CPU. The collected data is stored in a buffer, and at selected times, an interrupt is provided to remove data from the buffer to enable reuse thereof. The interrupt is not taken after each sample, but in sufficient time to remove the data and minimize data loss.
US08516222B1 Virtual architectures in a parallel processing environment
An integrated circuit includes a plurality of processor core. Processing instructions in the integrated circuit includes: managing a plurality of sets of processor cores, each set including one or more processor cores assigned to a function associated with executing instructions; and reconfiguring the number of processor cores assigned to at least one of the sets during execution based on characteristics associated with executing the instructions.
US08516217B2 Managing a logically partitioned computing system through a virtual file system
A method, apparatus, and program product for managing partitionable resources in a logically partitioned computing system is disclosed. The method includes associating each of a plurality of partitionable resources in the logically partitioned computing system with a respective file entry in a virtual file system, associating each of a plurality of partitionable resources in the logically partitioned computing system with a respective file entry in a virtual file system, and allocating a first partitionable resource among the plurality of partitionable resources to a first logical partition among the plurality of logical partitions in response to a file system operation directed to the virtual file system to organize a respective file entry for the first partitionable resource within the respective directory for the first logical partition.
US08516215B2 Computing system having a controller for controlling allocation of a storage area of a logical volume in a pool to a virtual volume and controlling methods for the same
The computer system includes a storage device, a virtual volume, a plurality of logical volumes each including a storage area and constituting a pool, and a controller for controlling the allocation of the storage area from the logical volumes in the pool to the virtual volume. The controller is configured to: manage, for each of the plurality of logical volumes in the pool, a capacity of the logical volume and a number of units of storage areas allocated to the virtual volume; allocate one or more units of storage area not allocated to virtual volume from the plurality of logical volumes in the pool to the virtual volume when it is necessary; detect a state where an imbalance occurs between the numbers of units of allocated storage areas of the logical volumes in the pool based on the managed information; and change the allocation in order to achieve a balance.
US08516198B2 Memory management methods and systems
A method and an apparatus for determining a usage level of a memory device to notify a running application to perform memory reduction operations selected based on the memory usage level are described. An application calls APIs (Application Programming Interface) integrated with the application codes in the system to perform memory reduction operations. A memory usage level is determined according to a memory usage status received from the kernel of a system. A running application is associated with application priorities ranking multiple running applications statically or dynamically. Selecting memory reduction operations and notifying a running application are based on application priorities. Alternatively, a running application may determine a mode of operation to directly reduce memory usage in response to a notification for reducing memory usage without using API calls to other software.
US08516192B2 Control unit, image processing apparatus and computer-readable storage medium
A memory information storage control method is executed by a control unit which carries out a memory information storage process to generate memory information related to a program being executed by the control unit and to store the memory information. The memory information storage control method includes an interface process to register a storage location of the memory information generated by the memory information storage process, a registering process to register a portable storage device as the storage location of the memory information using the interface process, and an executing process to confirm coupling of the portable storage device to the control unit and to register the storage location of the memory information in the detachably coupled portable storage device by the registering process.
US08516182B2 Controller and memory system for managing data
A controller includes a storage for a translation table showing logical and physical addresses in a flash memory in correspondence with one another; another storage storing FAT information indicating the state of data stored in each of pages contained in each of blocks and FAT information identifiers each identifying a block to which pages each storing therein the data in the state indicated by the FAT information belong, while keeping them in correspondence with one another; yet another storage for a block management table showing block identifiers, use-state judging information indicating whether the corresponding block is used/unused, and the FAT information identifiers corresponding to all the blocks indicated as being used by the use-state judging information, while keeping them in correspondence with one another; and a controller controlling unit managing data stored in the flash memory by using the translation table, the FAT information, and the block management table.
US08516171B2 Scalable, multichannel remote device KVM management system for converting received signals into format suitable for transmission over a command network
Disclosed is a remote device management system for managing a plurality of remote devices (i.e., computers, servers, networking equipment, etc.) from one or more user workstations. The present invention discloses a scalable, multi-channel keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) over Internet Protocol (IP) (KVMoIP) management system. The system can be used in a variety of configurations and is easily tailored to the user's needs. The system also enables a user to remotely manage a variety of devices via a common user interface reached over a single IP address.
US08516169B2 Method for transmitting telegrams between a control device and a peripheral element via an intermediate device
For the transmission of a telegram from the control device to the peripheral element an intermediate device receives the telegram from the control device and forwards it without amendment to the peripheral element. For the transmission of a telegram from the peripheral element to the control device the intermediate device receives the telegram from the peripheral element and forwards it without amendment to the control device. The telegrams are safety telegrams, so that telegrams forwarded to the control device or to the peripheral element from the respective receiving unit can be checked for freedom from errors.
US08516168B2 Apparatus and method for preventing queue overflow for hard disk drive protection in computer system
A queue overflow prevention method and apparatus for Hard Disk Drive (HDD) protection in a computer system is provided. The queue overflow prevention method includes measuring acceleration information of the system, determining if the system is in a stable status or an unstable status using the acceleration information, and, while the system is in the unstable status, restricting the generation of a disk Input/Output (I/O) request.
US08516157B1 System and method for network data compression
The present invention relates to a method of compressing data in a network, the data comprising a plurality of packets each having a header and a payload, the header comprising a plurality of header fields, the method comprising generating a classification tree based on at least a portion of the plurality of header fields, determining a inter-packet compression plan based on the classification tree, and performing inter-packet compression in real time for each payload of at least a first portion of the plurality of packets, the inter-packet compression being performed according to at least a portion of the inter-packet compression plan.
US08516152B2 Lookahead computation of routing information
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node including one or more of the following: receiving, at the node, an indication that a current network state has changed to a new network state from an old network state; determining whether the node has access to pre-computed routing information associated with the new network state; if the node has access to pre-computed routing information associated with the new network state, using the pre-computed routing information to route future network traffic; and if the node does not have access to pre-computed routing information associated with the new network state, computing new routing information and using the new routing information to route future network traffic.
US08516151B2 Packet prioritization systems and methods using address aliases
A switch fabric includes input links, output links, and at least one switching element. The input links are configured to receive data items that include destination addresses. At least some of the data items have different priority levels. The output links are configured to output the data items. Each of the output links is assigned multiple ones of the destination addresses. Each of the destination addresses corresponds to one of the priority levels. The switching element(s) is/are configured to receive the data items from the input links and send the data items to ones of the output links without regard to the priority levels of the data items.
US08516147B2 Data segmentation, request and transfer method
A process for requesting information, the process including generating a plurality of range requests using a client having a plurality of network interfaces, the range requests each corresponding to a data range of a data resource, transmitting, from the client having the plurality of network interfaces, a plurality of range requests to a server via the plurality of network interfaces, receiving, at the client and from the server, a plurality of segments via the plurality of network interfaces such that each segment is received via a network interface which transmitted the corresponding range request, each segment including a portion of the data resource, and reassembling the data resource using the plurality of segments.
US08516146B1 Method and system for reduction of delay and bandwidth requirements in internet data transfer
Techniques for efficiently and economically providing data transfer through data networks are disclosed. The techniques are particularly suitable for Internet data transfers. In one aspect, delayed response processing is utilized. Requests for common content are initially queued. After a short period of time, the queued requests are processed as a group so as to better utilize available bandwidth, particularly in times where traffic or congestion is high. In another aspect, multiple-destination data packets are utilized.
US08516138B2 Multiple authentication support in a shared environment
An authentication configurator may define a LDAP security group for LDAP authentication, wherein the LDAP security group is associated with rights. It may define a native security group for native authentication users, wherein the native authentication group has at least one right not present in the LDAP security group, and define customer-specified LDAP chains. It may configure an LDAP authentication web application and a native authentication web application, wherein the LDAP authentication web application and the native authentication web application each connect to a service management database, and the LDAP authentication web application uses the customer-specified LDAP chains. A first Uniform Resource Locator (URL) for LDAP authentication to access the LDAP authentication web application and a second URL for native authentication to access the native authentication web application may also be configured. It may assess the authentication requirements of a customer and create a user identifier, responsive to assessing.
US08516135B2 Providing and receiving content for computer networks using a gateway and server
Providing and receiving content for nodes of a computer network. In one aspect, a method for receiving content for nodes on a network includes establishing a computer device as a gateway device that can communicate in a first network and communicate with a server in a second network. The gateway device makes a request for content to be provided to at least one destination node in the first network. The requested content is received at the gateway device and is then provided to the destination node, where the received content is based on stored settings for the at least one destination node.
US08516134B2 Unconnected connectivity analysis
A computing device retrieves a set of configuration files of devices associated with a network, and extracts, from the set of configuration files, Internet protocol (IP) address information to form an IP address database. The computing device also extracts, from the set of configuration files, border gateway protocol (BGP) routing protocols to form a BGP routing database. The computing device analyzes the IP address database and the BGP routing database to determine network connection information for each of the devices associated with the network and generates an output file that includes the network connection information for each of the devices associated with the network. The device connectivity information is determined without establishing a connection between the computing device and the devices associated with the network.
US08516116B2 Context-based routing of requests in a service-oriented architecture
Context-based routing of requests in a service-oriented architecture (SOA) is achieved by using context information received from service providers to make routing decisions. Service providers publish information about their context on a publish-and-subscribe channel. A router (e.g., a JBI normalized message router) subscribes to the channel to receive the context information, and may store the context information in a context repository. A consumer issues a service request specifying a context, and the router uses the context information received from the service providers to select the service provider that best satisfies the context. The request is then routed to the selected service provider.
US08516111B2 System for enabling rich network applications
The present invention generally provides methods, systems and articles of manufacture that provide an autonomous system for enabling rich network applications. Embodiments of the invention may monitor an existing network application and generate a profile on the network application based on what responses and data updates are triggered by various requests from a user. Embodiments of the invention may refactor the existing network application into a rich network application based on the profile created for that network application.
US08516104B1 Method and apparatus for detecting anomalies in aggregated traffic volume data
Method and apparatus for processing traffic of interest in a network is described. In one example, a baseline profile and at least one threshold is computed using initial aggregated volume data for the traffic of interest. Aggregated volume counts for time periods in a time interval are obtained. Differences between the aggregated volume counts for the time periods and values of the baseline profile for corresponding time periods are computed. An alarm is triggered for each of the differences that exceeds the at least one threshold.
US08516100B1 Method and apparatus for detecting system message misrepresentation using a keyword analysis
A method and apparatus for detecting system message misrepresentation using a keyword analysis is described. In one embodiment, the method of using one or more processors for detecting system message misrepresentation in memory by performing a keyword analysis, comprising monitoring visual representation object creation within a user interface, accessing keyword information comprising commonly used text for misrepresenting system messages, examining internet activity using the keyword information to produce an examination result, wherein the internet activity is for the created visual representation objects, identifying deceptive text within at least one of the created visual representation objects based on the examination result and producing indicia of detection as to the deceptive text.
US08516098B2 Improving scale between consumer systems and producer systems of resource monitoring data
A consumer system receives capabilities metadata from a producer system that includes resource class metrics for a resource class included in the producer system. Next, the consumer system creates a rule that corresponds to one of the consumer system's managed entities. The rule includes one or more prescriptions that reference the resource class metrics and specify a periodicity, which informs the producer system as to a time interval for which to send prescription results that includes metric information pertaining to the resource class metrics. The consumer system sends the rule to the producer system and, in turn, the consumer system receives the prescription results from the producer system at the specified periodicity and applies the metric information to the managed entity.
US08516097B2 Server managing apparatus and server managing method
A controlling unit obtains server information from a server group in a chassis to store the obtained server information in a server information DB, an editing unit reads the server information from the server information DB, and generates, based on the read server information, as screen display information, physical server information, and logical server information including information on use application and attribute information for a logical server, which are related to a physical location of each physical server, and a displaying unit displays screen display information on a screen simulating the physical location of the physical server.
US08516096B2 Cognitive wireless system
A cognitive mobile wireless system is disclosed that enhances connectivity of a mobile device moving among heterogeneous networks, by selecting advantageous links.
US08516092B2 Method and system for providing keyboard, video, and mouse switching
A method and system for providing keyboard, video, and mouse switching includes establishing a basic input/output system (BIOS) agent and an operating system (OS) agent on a server of a plurality of servers. The basic input/output system agent routes input/output data between the server and a remote keyboard, remote video device, and/or remote mouse over a network during a pre-boot phase of the server. The operating system agent routes input/output data between the server and the remote keyboard, remote video device, and/or remote mouse over the network during a runtime phase of the server. The basic input/output agent may pass data to the operating system agent to indicate that a communication connection has been established between the server and the remote keyboard, remote video device, and/or remote mouse.
US08516091B2 Mass configuring technical systems
A computer-implemented method for mass configuring technical systems includes receiving a call that is associated with a configuration manager and generated from a first of multiple systems. Each of the multiple systems has at least one instance of the configuration manager, and each system includes multiple technical systems configured using a corresponding instance of the configuration manager. The method includes retrieving, from the corresponding instance and in response to the call, identifiers for at least a subset of the technical systems in the first system. The method includes retrieving, from the corresponding instance and from the subset of the technical systems, configurations for the subset of the technical systems. The method includes forwarding an execute configuration communication to the corresponding instance including at least one parameter that has been changed from the retrieved configurations.
US08516089B2 Cluster system management
In a system having a cluster of system components interconnected by a cluster interconnect fabric, the system components include out-of-band management network interfaces to an out-of-band management network. The system is configured to use the cluster interconnect fabric and the out-of-band management network interfaces to determine the overall connectivity and status of the cluster.
US08516085B2 Systems and methods for allocating resources by a network device
Systems and techniques to set a new service rate for one or more queues of a router and a new power consumption level for a router is disclosed. The queues are configured to store data packets awaiting transmission from the router. The setting of the new service rate or rates and new power level is based on a service rate of the one or more queues and a power consumption level of the router. The techniques disclosed further include resetting a new service rate for the one or more queues of the router and a new power consumption level of the router. The resetting of the new service rate or rates and new power level is based on a service rate of the one or more queues and a power consumption level of the router. The setting and resetting steps are based differently on the power consumption level of the router.
US08516083B2 Systems and methods of communicating using XML
An embodiment is a method of providing services to users. A system receives an XML command at the network system from a service provider system. It parses the XML command and translates at least a portion of the XML command, which it uses to authorize an action. The system receives and translates the authorization result to produce an XML response, and transmits the XML response.
US08516079B2 Remote desktop control system using USB interface and method thereof
A desktop sharing and remote control system where the server (the controlled computer) and the client (the controlling computer) are connected by a USB cable. Either the server or the client includes a connecting section, which includes a control unit (MCU) and two USB controllers. The MCU transfers data between the two USB controllers. The server-side USB controller emulates a USB CD-ROM/keyboard/mouse composite device; the client-side USB controller emulates a USB CD-ROM. The server continuously writes video data (desktop image) to the server-side emulated CD-ROM and the client continuously reads the data from the client-side emulated CD-ROM and applies it to its monitor. Keyboard and mouse data is transferred in the opposite direction via the client-side emulated CD-ROM and server-side emulated keyboard and mouse devices. The connecting section stores applications programs to be automatically executed by the server and client using auto-run functions of the emulated CD-ROMs to accomplish plug-and-play.
US08516077B2 Method and system for providing electronic user assistance
A system and method for incorporating software modules into a website or other information source that is searchable and updateable, which helps to create a dynamic user assistance environment. The system searches based on context/category sensitive natural language requests. This dynamic environment becomes “smarter” over time and will track questions and answers by a number of methods to assure the answers are up to date and that there is a high confidence match for the user's inquiry. The entire collection of data resides in a centralized location where the information can be leveraged to answer a user's question and aid in the creation of question/answer pairs for later use. Additionally, the assistance system supports a method for incorporating new informational content and answers to unanswered questions, for example by authorized support persons, that are categorized and stored in the existing system for later reference and use.
US08516076B2 System and method for compiling statistics in an IP marketplace
A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
US08516075B2 Providing supplemental content associated with an information device
A system and method for providing supplemental content associated with an information device includes a user device detecting (700) the information device and that the information device has associated supplemental content. A next step includes requesting (702) a delivery of the supplemental content. A next step includes delivering (704) the supplemental content to a remote device, such as a home television. A next step includes presenting (706) the supplemental content to a user on the remote device.
US08516072B2 Method and apparatus for generating object-oriented world wide web pages
In the present invention, HTML elements are mapped to objects in an object-oriented environment. Classes of objects are defined for each HTML element as well as the HTML document (or page). By providing a one-to-one mapping between each HTML element and object classes, HTML documents can be manipulated programmatically. The properties of each element are stored in instance variables of the associated object. Each object class can include methods to manipulate the HTML element within an HTML document.
US08516060B2 Calendar event prompt system and calendar event notifying method
The present invention relates to a calendar event notifying method for calendar event prompt system. The calendar prompt system includes a calendar server (101) and a plurality of supporting devices for connecting the calendar server (101) to a plurality of receivers of a user, the calendar event notifying method comprising: calculating step of calculating and generating a receiver list for the user (S301); sending step of sending an event notification message to one or more receivers listed in the receiver list (S302); determining step of determining whether the one or more receivers have returned at least one notification confirmation message in a pre-determined time (S303); removing step of removing the one or more receivers from the receiver list if none of the one or more receivers returns a notification confirmation message (S304); and repeating the sending step and the determining step until at least one receiver returns a notification confirmation message. The present invention also relates to associated calendar server and calendar prompt system.
US08516041B1 Pre-fetching asynchronously requested content
Disclosed are various embodiments for pre-fetching data from a service in advance of obtaining an asynchronous callback for the data from a client. It is determined whether a network page requested by a client is configured to prompt the client to initiate an asynchronous callback for data that may be pre-fetched. The data is pre-fetched from a service before obtaining the asynchronous callback for the data from the client. The data that has been pre-fetched from the service is sent to the client in response to obtaining the asynchronous callback for the data from the client.
US08516040B2 Load reduction and response time reduction for web-based applications
A device may send a resource from a server device to a proxy device and store the resource on the proxy device as a copy. The device may configure the server device to send a replacement document in place of a web document to a client device in a network when the server device receives a request for the web document from the client device, the web document including a first reference to the resource and the replacement document including a second reference to the copy. The device may configure the proxy device to send the copy to the client device when the client device receives the replacement document from the server device and sends a request for the copy to the proxy device based on the second reference included in the replacement document.
US08516038B2 Browsing or searching user interfaces and other aspects
User interfaces for browsing and/or searching are described. According to some aspects of the invention, a server in the system initiates an instance of a preview generator for each client machine in the system. The instance sends at least one of a preview and a thumbnail of a file to the client machine responsive to a request for the file from the client machine to allow the client machine to present the preview. The instance may generate an icon representing the file and execute a plug-in associated with a creator application of the file to present the preview within the icon so that the creator application does not have to be launched. Other embodiments are also described, and computer readable media and apparatuses are also described.
US08516037B2 Methods for dynamic partitioning of applications in client-server environments
A method for dynamically deploying an application in a client-server environment includes evaluating at least one constraint of at least one of the application or the client-server environment and partitioning the placement and execution of components of the application in the client-server environment dynamically at runtime according to the at least one constraint.
US08516033B2 Computers or microchips with a hardware side protected by a primary internal hardware firewall leaving an unprotected hardware side connected to a network, and with multiple internal hardware compartments protected by multiple secondary interior hardware firewalls
A personal computer or microchip comprising: a primary internal hardware firewall separating a protected side of the computer's hardware from a network side connected to a network of computers; a master controller and/or a microprocessor is located within the hardware protected side protected by the primary internal hardware firewall; microprocessors are located within the network side located between the primary internal hardware firewall and the network connection; the network side microprocessors are separate components from the primary internal hardware firewall; the primary internal hardware firewall by its internal location not restricting access by the network to the computer's network side, thereby not restricting the network operations of the computer, which are conducted in the network side using the networked microprocessors; and one or more secondary interior hardware firewalls form one or more separate hardware protected compartments in the hardware protected side, a compartment including for example a hardware protected microprocessor.
US08516024B2 Establishing thread priority in a processor or the like
In a multi-threaded processor, one or more variables are set up in memory (e.g., a register) to indicate which of a plurality of executable threads has a higher priority. Once the variable is set, several embodiments are presented for granting higher priority processing to the designated thread. For example, more instructions from the higher priority thread may be executed as compared to the lower priority thread. Also, a higher priority thread may be given comparatively more access to a given resource, such as memory or a bus.
US08516017B2 System and method for advertisement transmission and display
The disclosure herein provides systems and methods for a media enhancement system configured to associate a secondary media signal (for example, the secondary media signal can comprise an advertisement) to a primary media signal (for example, a radio broadcast). The disclosure herein additionally provides systems and methods for a media enhancement system that enables the generating, transmitting, displaying, and/or responding to a plurality of associated and/or unassociated secondary media signals, based on a primary media content from a primary media signal, user characteristics (for example, demographic and/or geographic information), and/or third-party preferences (for example, the goals of advertisers). The secondary media signals can be used to enhance the primary media content already being provided to the user on a user device. The secondary media signals can also be used to create psychological associations or relationships with the primary media content already being provided to the user.
US08516016B2 Systems and methods for facilitating communication between a plurality of building automation subsystems
A computer-implemented system for facilitating communication between a plurality of building automation subsystems and a plurality of applications includes a first database storing a hierarchical model of a building automation system. The system further includes a second database storing information for the plurality of building automation subsystems. The second database stores each record with a projected semantic type string. The projected semantic type string includes multiple levels of type information and based on the hierarchical model stored in the first database. The system further includes a messaging engine configured to receive a message from one of the disparate building automation subsystems and for one of the plurality of applications. The messaging engine is configured to use the information in the second database to transform the message into a standard format, to append the projected semantic type string to the transformed message, and to provide the transformed message to one of the plurality of applications.
US08516008B1 Flexible schema column store
Embodiments are directed towards receiving and processing search queries directed towards relatively large sets of data. The data is stored in a record based datastore. From the stored data, field names, corresponding field values, and posting values may be determined. Posting values may be employed to locate records in the datastore that include the field names and field values. The field names, field values, and posting values may be employed to generate a lexicon. If queries are received, a lexicon query processor may employ the lexicon separate from the datastore to generate responses to the received queries. Queries may include clauses that may be processed using the lexicon separate from the datastore, such as, where clause expressions, group-by clause expressions, aggregation functions, or the like. A time values array may be used to enable queries to process group-by-time expressions that may return results grouped into sub-sets based on time ranges.
US08516007B1 Systems and methods for creating documents from templates
A merge application creates a particular set of documents for a particular matter. The merge application receives a selection of a particular master template corresponding to the particular set of documents, where the selected master template specifies a plurality of slave templates, and also receives a selection of a data structure from a database with data relating to the particular matter. The selected master template and the selected data structure are employed to produce the set of documents for the particular matter in an electronic form, where a corresponding document of the set is produced for each specified slave template in the selected master template. Each corresponding document is produced according to common content in the slave template and data in the selected data structure in the database referred to by placeholders in the slave template.
US08516006B2 Transformation of logical data objects for storage
Various embodiments for operating a transformation system, capable of transforming a logical data object (LO) to a transformed logical data object (TLO), are provided. In one such embodiment, an open LO request to a certain LO and addressed by the at least one client to the at least one storage device, is intercepted. An identifier (ID) in a header of a TLO corresponding to the requested LO and stored in the at least one storage device, is obtained. The obtained ID is used to characterize the TLO and the LO. A determination is made whether the transformation system handles at least one open LO characterized by an ID with a same value as the obtained ID. The requested LO is opened if at least one open LO is not found. An instance corresponding to the intercepted open LO request is generated. The instance is associated to the obtained ID.
US08516001B2 Context platform
A context store holding one or more context items is accessible by one or more domain interpreters. Each context item includes a unique identifier and one or more context-describing values. The domain interpreters include context providers for loading a context item with context-describing values and/or context consumers for taking context-describing values from a context item.
US08515994B2 Reaching resource neighborhoods
A method includes determining a source URI and extracting meta data from a resource downloaded from a network; storing the source URI and extracted meta data; and utilizing the stored URI and extracted meta data to formulate a search for another resource located on the network. A computer and computer program code are also provided.
US08515990B2 Mobile terminal and method of managing video using metadata therein
A mobile terminal and method of managing a video using metadata therein are disclosed, by which videos matching search conditions of various types can be found. The present invention includes searching for metadata set on each of at least one partial section included in each of at least one video, obtaining an identification information on each of the at least one partial section having the found metadata set thereon, obtaining a section information on each of the at least one partial section having the found metadata set thereon, and displaying the obtained identification or section information.
US08515986B2 Query pattern generation for answers coverage expansion
Answers are provided to users in response to queries as a supplement to any responsive documents. Query formats for entity and attribute combinations are identified. The query formats can be substituted with entity and attribute combinations that have a corresponding attribute value to form a list of answered queries. The attribute value corresponding to an answered query can be provided when a query is received that matches an answered query.
US08515985B1 Search query suggestions
In one implementation, a method is described for identifying candidate query refinements for a given query from past queries submitted by one or more users. The method includes generating from the candidate query refinements, term occurrence scores for terms in the candidate query refinements indicating frequency of the terms within the candidate query refinements. The method further includes calculating query refinement scores for the candidate query refinements of the given query using the term occurrence scores. The method further includes storing data associating the query refinement scores with the candidate query refinements for use in selecting from among the candidate query refinements for the given query.
US08515977B2 Delta language translation
Revised component selector extracts a translation file comprising a plurality of English keys and translation language values in a database, including untranslated keys as an XML file. The revised component selector extracts a plurality of English keys and translation language values and determines whether there are XML unsupported characters in the XML file. The revised component selector first filters out the XML unsupported characters to form a resultant file, responsive to a determination that XML unsupported characters are in the XML file. The revised component second selector filters out translated data from the resultant file to form an untranslated file. The revised component selector selects a subset of data. The revised component selector, responsive to selecting, third filters out any data not included in the subset to form a translatable file, responsive to selecting. The revised component selector sends the translatable file to a translation center to translate.
US08515976B2 Bit string data sorting apparatus, sorting method, and program
The sort processing of keys to be sorted, which keys are expressed as bit strings involves a classification processing. In the classification processing, a bit string comparison between a reference key and a key which is an object of the classification is performed, and a difference bit position is obtained that is the bit position of the first bit that differs in the bit string comparison and the keys to be sorted are classified by the difference bit position into key groups with the same difference bit position.
US08515971B2 Method for assisting in making a decision on biometric data
The present invention relates to a method for assisting a user in making a decision to compare biometric data of an individual with data from a database relating to a large number of individuals, and biometric data is acquired for an individual concerned, that this data is encoded, that the data items are compared in pairs with corresponding data from the database, that, for each comparison score the duplicate occurrence frequency/non-duplicate occurrence frequency ration is established, that the product of all the available ratios is calculated, that this product is standardized, that the standardized ratio is compared to a pre-set threshold, that the values greater than the pre-set threshold are kept and that this result is submitted to the user for him to validate it as appropriate.
US08515969B2 Splitting a character string into keyword strings
Systems and methods of the present invention provide for the word splitting and reliability score for an entered character string. A list of keywords may be extracted from the character string entered into a user interface on a client. These keywords may be compared to potential matches in a dictionary database and a reliability score for word splits and keywords strings may be compiled and displayed to the user. The client may also display the reliability score using a plurality of logical groupings within a reliability score process.
US08515968B1 Tie breaking rules for content item matching
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for selecting controlling keywords. In one aspect, a method includes determining that two or more targeting keywords for a same content item source are matched by one or more terms in a content item request, where a first targeting keyword matches the one or more terms with a more specific type of match than the second targeting keyword. If the bid associated with the second targeting keyword does not exceed the bid associated with the first targeting keyword, the first targeting keyword and the second targeting keyword are ranked based on selection scores. The targeting keywords are ranked based at least in part on the quality scores when the bid associated with the second targeting keyword does exceed the bid associated with the first targeting keyword.
US08515964B2 Method and system for fast similarity computation in high dimensional space
Method, system, and programs for computing similarity. Input data is first received from one or more data sources and then analyzed to obtain an input feature vector that characterizes the input data. An index is then generated based on the input feature vector and is used to archive the input data, where the value of the index is computed based on an improved Johnson-Lindenstrass transformation (FJLT) process. With the improved FJLT process, first, the sign of each feature in the input feature vector is randomly flipped to obtain a flipped vector. A Hadamard transformation is then applied to the flipped vector to obtain a transformed vector. An inner product between the transformed vector and a sparse vector is then computed to obtain a base vector, based on which the value of the index is determined.
US08515962B2 Phased importing of objects
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for importing objects. A computer system processes structured electronic documents that define objects to be imported into a database in multiple phases. In a first phase, the computer system analyzes the structured electronic documents to determine whether the objects to be imported are related to one or more other objects that have yet to be stored in the database. If so, the computer system generates contextual information that defines the relationships between the objects. In a second phase, the computer system establishes relationships in the database between related objects using the contextual information.
US08515957B2 System and method for displaying relationships between electronically stored information to provide classification suggestions via injection
A system and for providing reference documents as a suggestion for classifying uncoded documents is provided. A reference set of electronically stored information items, each associated with a classification code, is designated. Clusters of uncoded electronically stored information items are designated. One or more of the uncoded electronically stored information items from at least one cluster is compared to the reference set. At least one of the electronically stored information items in the reference set is identified as similar to the one or more uncoded electronically stored information items. The similar electronically stored information items are injected into the at least one cluster. Relationships are visually depicted between the uncoded electronically stored information items and the similar electronically stored information items in the at least one cluster as suggestions for classifying the uncoded electronically stored information items.
US08515952B2 Systems and methods for determining document freshness
A system determines a freshness of a first document. The system determines whether a freshness attribute is associated with the first document. The system identifies, based on the determination, a set of second documents that each contain a link to the first document. The system assigns a freshness score to the first document based on a freshness attribute associated with each document of the set of second documents or the freshness attribute associated with the first document.
US08515947B2 Analyzing XML data
Embodiments of the invention disclose a method, a system and a computer program product of discovering automated insights in XML data by generating a query result in response to querying data using a query, wherein the data is in a markup language format, and identifying a pattern associated with the query result, wherein the data in the markup language format is used for pattern identification.
US08515946B2 Location description for federation and discoverability
System and methods for directing a federated search using a location description file to locate a data source are provided. For a federated search, a location description may be used to describe the location of each data source searched, and may further be used to connect the user to that particular data source. The format of such a location description file may include several elements, some of which provide information on how to display the file (e.g., name, description, author, icon link, etc.) and other elements (e.g., simple location, location type, etc.) are used to connect the user to the location of the data source.
US08515945B2 Parallel partitioning index scan
System, methods and articles of manufacture for joining data in the database tables comprising, performing an index scan on a global index of a first database table, determining rows in the first database table that may be joined with a second database table based on a needed partitioning, wherein the needed partitioning is determined using an index scan, determining a number of partitions in the second database table, and joining each of the corresponding partitions in the first database table with a corresponding partitions in the second database table.
US08515939B2 Method and system for facilitating rule-based document content mining
A system for facilitating rule-based content mining to extract content from structured or unstructured data receives a file that contains structured or unstructured data, or a mixture of both. The system then generates a processable extensible markup language (pXML) file based on the received file. The system further extracts content from the pXML file based on one or more rules and generates a semantic XML file based on a specified format.
US08515937B1 Automated identification and assessment of keywords capable of driving traffic to particular sites
An analytics system and associated methods are disclosed. The analytics system may be used by site owners and others for various purposes, such as to identify and compare network sites that satisfy particular criteria, and to identify and compare keywords associated with these sites. The system may, among other services, include a service for analyzing keywords in terms of their potential to drive search engine to traffic to a particular site. The analysis may include an assessment of amounts of traffic these keywords are responsible for driving to sites having a shared audience with the particular site. The service may also generate associated keyword-related recommendations for increasing search engine traffic to the particular site.
US08515932B2 Computer algorithms and methods for product safety
The invention comprises systems, methods and a computerized data management device for creating and using data relating to a medical or non-medical product or device to enhance the safety of the product or device. A vast amount of data regarding adverse events associated with a particular product or device is analyzed to identify new essential adverse events associated with the product or device. At least one database of new essential adverse event information is created and utilized, and new characteristics of or uses for the product or device related to the new essential adverse event information are determined. Adverse event information is gathered for a large number of population sub-groups. The system may also be programmed to incorporate the information into intellectual property and contract documents. Manufacturers and/or distributors can include the proprietary information in consumer safety information, which accompanies the product or device, or which is provided to patients, users, consumers and the like, or in the case of certain medical products or devices, to prescribers of those products or devices. The system and methods also provide for commercializing the essential adverse event information.
US08515923B2 Organizational usage document management system
A document repository management system for an institution having a defined organization is provided. The document repository management system has (a) a first database containing an organization chart and organizational chart information including information identifying individuals in the defined organization, (b) a second database containing accessible documents, (c) programs for controlling requested access to each document of the accessible documents in the second database, and (d) programs for mapping, to the organization chart and the organizational chart information of the first database, each requested access to each document of the accessible documents, thereby enabling efficient management of the document repository based on historical tracking of actual usage of each document by individuals and groups on the organization chart.
US08515921B2 Data rationalization
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with data rationalization are described. One example method includes receiving data from a primary data repository and automatically rationalizing the data by applying rationalization rules that map one or more non-preferred data instances to a preferred data instance. Any non-preferred data instances that have not been automatically rationalized into a preferred data instance are provided to an interface for manual rationalization. Automatically and manually rationalized data is stored in a rationalized data repository. In addition, rationalization rules based on the manual rationalization are extracted for use in subsequent automatic rationalization operations.
US08515916B2 Data archiving methods and data archiving apparatus
Data archiving methods and data archiving apparatus are disclosed. An example method includes storing a first relational data structure generated in connection with a first iteration of an archiving process; determining a status of the first relational data structure; and when the status is valid, using the first relational data structure in a second iteration of the archiving process.
US08515905B2 Apparatus and method for maintaining databases on application servers
A central database server (10) supports a central database (12) that contains central database content. A first archiving module (30) archives central database content into a content archive (32). A second archiving module (44) archives the content archive (32) and supporting software (18, 46) into an application archive (50). An application server (20) supports a computer code execution environment (60) for executing the application archive (50) to organize the content of the content archive (32) into a database on the application server (20).
US08515900B2 Environment-responsive people matching system and method
An environment-responsive people matching system and method matches people in accordance with inferences of mutual interests based, at least in part, on environmental conditions local to the people being matched. Other behavioral information, proximity, and mobility inferences may also influence the matching. Relationships with varying degree of affinity between matched people may be generated in accordance with the inferences. Explanations for the suggested matches may be delivered to the matched people.
US08515887B2 Decision support system with embedded clinical guidelines
A context-aware decision-support system automatically selects the clinical guideline pertaining to the patient's medical care and automatically deduces the current stage in the guideline (S312, S336). The system tracks a patient's progress through the guideline to maintain a determination as to the current stage (S304, S336). Based on the current stage and patient-specific information, an unsolicited recommendation is presented on-screen, accompanied by one or more grades representing the level of evidence underlying the recommendation (S344).
US08515877B2 Mail transportation processing
The present teachings described herein pertain to mail preparation systems, and more specifically to the processing of mailings to obtain destination entry discounts. The teachings herein also pertain to the processing of mailings by various document processing systems, such as sorters, inserters or vision systems attached to document processing systems, to enable processing of mail articles to maximize destination entry discounts. Still further, the teachings pertain to schemes for the enablement of delivery and logistics information to be arranged respective to a mailing during mail processing to obtain destination entry discounts.
US08515870B2 Electronic payment systems and supporting methods and devices
Electronic payment systems and supporting methods and devices are described. For instance, the disclosed subject matter describes aggregated transactional account functionality configured to receive electronic financial transactions associated with one or more of a set of electronic identifying information such as phone ID, email, instant message, etc. for a user and related functionality. The disclosed details enable various refinements and modifications according to system design and tradeoff considerations.
US08515852B2 Method for defined contribution default benchmark
A method for generating an integrated family of benchmarks representing portfolio allocations for a participant is described. At least two assets for a portfolio are identified. A current market rate for at least one of the assets and an expected inflation for a predetermined time period are determined via a computing device. The computing device determines a portfolio allocation to each asset based on the current market rate and the expected inflation so as to define a process for obtaining inflation-protected income for a predetermined number of years and then non-inflation protected income for subsequent years. The identified assets and the portfolio allocations are published via a network.
US08515847B2 System and method for password-free access for validated users
A new approach is proposed that first validates identity of a user/individual who is initiating a request for a web service for the first time. Once validated, the user is allowed to access the web service, to register securely with the provider of the web service, and to create a series of personalized questions to be used for future validation purposes. During the user's subsequent request for the web service, the user will be asked, in addition to his/her user name, one or more of the personalized questions he/she created on rotation basis in place of a PIN or password.
US08515842B2 Systems and methods for monitoring and optimizing credit scores
The present disclosure provides systems and methods that monitor, on a recurring basis, a consumer's behavior as reflected on both the consumer's credit report and other sources, identifies opportunities for optimizing the consumer's credit score, warns proactively of actions that can damage a consumer's credit score, and identifies the right time for consumers to take certain actions, including, but not limited to, actions like applying for a new credit card or closing an existing credit card. The present disclosure also provides systems and methods that implement or can assist in the implementation of the recommended actions on behalf of the consumer.
US08515838B2 Method and system for providing household budget book services using mobile terminals
A household budget book service system using mobile terminals is disclosed. The household budget book service system includes a master mobile terminal having budget book indexes for inputting a user's expenditures, capable of storing and sending any inputted expenditures, and receiving expenditures inputted in mobile terminals of the user's other family members that have been registered for integrated management of overall household expenditures, a budget book management server for receiving the expenditures inputted in the master mobile terminal and those inputted in each other family member's mobile terminal to control the operation of the master mobile terminal and capable of communicating with any card company's server and any bank's server, and a storing section connected to the budget book management server to store information sent from each mobile terminal according to the budget book indexes.
US08515837B2 Method of boxing fuel injectors
An efficient method of boxing fuel injectors with a good yield where a predetermined quality is secured in a predetermined number of fuel injectors forming a set for one engine, that is, a method of boxing fuel injectors, a first number of which are scheduled to be mounted in an engine, in a single box in a second number larger than the first number, provided with a step of measuring a characteristic value for the second number of fuel injectors, wherein when the first number of the characteristic values forms a set, the number of combinations of the characteristic values where a total value of this one set's worth of the characteristic values becomes a first management value or less when selecting one set's worth of the characteristic values from the second number of the characteristic values, is defined as the “number of good part combinations”, and the number of possible combinations of one set's worth of the characteristic values is defined as the “number of possible combinations”, the fuel injectors being boxed in a single box so that the number of the good part combinations becomes a rate of a fourth management value or more to the number of possible combinations.
US08515830B1 Display of items from search
Disclosed are various embodiments for determining categories of items to include in a search results page. Representative is a system comprising at least one computing device with a search engine and a network page build process that are executable therein. The search engine identifies a plurality of items to display in a network page in response to a request for search, wherein the items are classified in a plurality of categories. The network page build process applies one or more rules to determine one or more of the categories for which corresponding ones of the items are to be displayed in a network page.
US08515826B2 Made-to-order direct digital manufacturing enterprise
Methods and systems for designing and producing a three-dimensional object selection of a base three-dimensional object from a customer device. A base three-dimensional model corresponding to the object is displayed on the customer device, and one or more custom modifications are received. A modified three-dimensional model corresponding to the modified object is prepared and displayed. Once confirmation to produce the modified object is received, data corresponding to the modified three-dimensional model is transmitted to a manufacturing device for production of the object, using the data to do so, such that the object corresponds directly to the modified three-dimensional model.
US08515825B1 Methods of expanding commercial opportunities for internet websites through coordinated offsite marketing
An e-commerce outsourcing system and method provides hosts with transparent, context-sensitive e-commerce supported pages. The look and feel of a target host is captured for future use. The host is provided with one or more links for inclusion within a page on the host website that correlates with a selected commerce object, which may be contextually related to material in the page. The commerce object can be a product, a product category, or a dynamic selection indicator. Upon activation of the provided link, a visitor computer is served with a page with the look and feel of the host website and with content based upon the associated commerce object. Where the commerce object is a dynamic selection indicator, the content is selected at the time of activation based upon an analysis of the page containing the activated link.
US08515814B2 Automated channel abstraction for advertising auctions
In a computer-implemented method of determining an abstraction of a plurality of differentiated goods available for exchange, data regarding each differentiated good is stored in a computer storage, wherein the data regarding each differentiated good includes an attribute value assigned to at least one attribute of the differentiated good. A processor of a computer determines a first abstraction of the plurality of differentiated goods based on the stored data. The first abstraction includes at least one abstract good. Each abstract good includes one or more differentiated goods. At least one abstract good of the first abstraction includes at least two distinct differentiated goods. The processor determines for each abstract good a specification for the abstract good based on the data regarding one or more differentiated goods forming the abstract good. The processor stores in the computer storage the specification determined for each abstract good.
US08515810B2 System and methods for delivering targeted marketing offers to consumers via an online portal
A system and methods for delivering targeted marketing offers to consumers during a session with an online (web-based) Internet portal, particularly suitable for online banking portals of financial institutions. An offer management system receives information corresponding to an advertising campaign of an advertiser corresponding to terms of a targeted marketing offer to be provided to a consumer accessing the online portal, and provides advertising campaign data corresponding to the targeted marketing offer and to an offer-triggering event to an offer placement system. An offer placement system receives the advertising campaign data, determines the occurrence of the offer-triggering event by a consumer during an online session with the online portal, and delivers information corresponding to the targeted marketing offer to the consumer. In response to the offer-triggering event, such as display of a list of transactions, the predetermined targeted marketing offer is delivered to the consumer during the online session.
US08515800B2 Method and system for estimating risk in the financial metrics of a business case
The system and method of the present disclosure allow the user to enumerate a set of risk factors for each financial metric time-profile projection, and respond to a set of questions that is linear in the number of risk factors. In one embodiment, the risk elicitation on each risk factor uses user input of likelihood of risk and impact and/or severity. On each of the risk factors for any given nominal, financial projection estimate, the inputs are systematically converted into a net impact distribution for that nominal, financial estimate.
US08515798B2 Closed-loop supply chain in the paper packaging sector
Apparatuses and methods for providing a closed loop supply chain in a paper packaging business sector. A closed loop supply chain, as provided by a paper packaging company, includes collecting paper packaging waste from a retailer, producing paper material from the paper packaging waste, converting the paper material into packaging material, providing the packaging material to a product manufacturing company, and assisting the product manufacturing company in packaging a manufactured product. The paper packaging company may transport the manufactured product from the product manufacturing company to the retailer, obtain timber harvest, and produce paper material from the timber harvest and the paper packaging waste. Paper-packaging material is monitored as the paper-packaging material moves with a closed-loop supply chain. A collection and analyzing site collects data from a plurality of monitoring sites that are located at specified locations within the closed-loop supply chain in order to track the paper packaging material.
US08515796B1 Prioritizing client accounts
A method and system for prioritizing accounts is provided. The method includes receiving operational metrics and data values associated with the operational metrics. The data values are aggregated and noisy data is removed from the operational metrics. Statistical averages associated with a performance of accounts are calculated and each account is modeled as a collection of operational performance variables and key performance indicators A ranking list is generated and a minimum number of independent operational parameters necessary are calculated. Pairwise ranks {r} of the accounts are calculated and values associated with a tolerance limit epsilon and selected.
US08515787B2 System and method for processing and transmitting payroll-related data for insurance transactions
A computer system accesses payroll-related insurance premium data at an individual employee level and provides the data at the individual employee level, including cost of insurance at the individual employee level, on a client device. A computer system compares stored data with payroll data and identifies employees lacking occupation classification information for payroll-based premium determination. The computer system provides a fillable form on a user device for the user to provide occupation classification data, and receives the occupation classification data. The computer system provides fillable forms on a user device for a user to provide payroll data for receipt by the system, runs business rules on the received payroll data, determines premiums for payroll-based insurance coverage.
US08515786B2 Rule generation system adapted for an insurance claim processing system
A rule generation system facilitates the dynamic generation of rules for an insurance claim processing computer system. The rule generation system includes various modules and graphical user interfaces that provide a streamlined mechanism for creating new rules for the insurance claim processing architecture. The rule generation system may include various levels of usability that distinguish between an advanced user of the rule generation system and basic user that uses the generated rules. The rule generation system may also include graphical user interfaces directed to adding, editing, removing, or maintaining rules for the insurance claim processing computer system.
US08515783B1 Risk assessment method
A risk assessment method for insurance coverage of an enterprise includes identifying component risk activities of the enterprise, identifying the risk exposure factors which may be applicable to such activities, numerically scoring each activity against each risk exposure factor on the frequency and severity of potential claims on the exposure factor for the activity in a risk matrix, summing all the scores for each activity to obtain a corresponding total risk rating, and analyzing each total risk rating against hierarchies of approval authority to bind coverage on the activity and the potential premium rate for the activity. The method includes identifying a highest total risk rating an applicant as a customer rating which is used as an overall measure of potential risk exposure for the applicant. The method includes the capability of automatically declining, approving, or renewing coverage based on the customer rating.
US08515781B2 Benefit management
Methods, devices and systems are provided for benefit management. One system includes a server including an application interface and access to a data store having one or more client files. A client file can include a definable set of business rules for managing and administering benefits and can include fund use rules for accessing and applying funds to claims from one or more accounts. The system includes a program operable on the server to apply the definable set of business rules in connection with processing a claim.
US08515776B2 Medical listener
An engagement is brokered between a consumer and a medical service provider; electronic text of a real-time, text-based communication between the medical service provider and the consumer is monitored during the engagement; the electronic text is analyzed for a triggering event related to at least one of medical diagnosis and medical treatment; the triggering event is detected in the electronic text; and medical information is provided to the medical service provider via a user interface in response to the triggering event.
US08515759B2 Apparatus and method for synthesizing an output signal
An apparatus for synthesizing a rendered output signal having a first audio channel and a second audio channel includes a decorrelator stage for generating a decorrelator signal based on a downmix signal, and a combiner for performing a weighted combination of the downmix signal and a decorrelated signal based on parametric audio object information, downmix information and target rendering information. The combiner solves the problem of optimally combining matrixing with decorrelation for a high quality stereo scene reproduction of a number of individual audio objects using a multichannel downmix.
US08515754B2 Method for performing speech recognition and processing system
A method for performing speech recognition relating to an object for the purpose of affecting automatic processing of the object by a processing system. The object carries information with at least a character string of processing information. The character string spoken by an operator is processed by way of a speech recognition procedure to generate a first result. Based on the need for more information of an element of the first result additional processing data is requested. An operator's response generates a second result. The first result is then modified to achieve consistency with the operator's response.
US08515752B1 Voice interface for a search engine
A system provides search results from a voice search query. The system receives a voice search query from a user, derives one or more recognition hypotheses, each being associated with a weight, from the voice search query, and constructs a weighted boolean query using the recognition hypotheses. The system then provides the weighted boolean query to a search system and provides the results of the search system to a user.
US08515740B2 Handheld electronic device and method for disambiguation of compound text input and that employs N-gram data to limit generation of low-probability compound language solutions
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate compound text input. The device is able to assemble language objects in the memory to generate compound language solutions. The device is able to analyze the combinations of language objects in light of N-gram data stored on the device to avoid proposing low-probability compound language solutions.
US08515731B1 Synonym verification
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for synonym verification. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a term and a candidate synonym for the term. The method further includes generating a term group of one or more text strings and a synonym group of one or more text strings. Each text string in the term group corresponding to a translation of the term into a language, and each text string in the synonym group corresponding to a translation of the synonym into the language. The method further includes determining whether the candidate synonym is a valid synonym for the term from an amount of overlap between the term group of text strings and the synonym group of text strings.
US08515712B1 Information based optimal reduced state estimator for poorly conditioned estimation problems
Information filters provide state estimation of a system when measurements provided by sensors are incomplete in that the states of the system are unobservable until a large number of measurements are collected. An example is the operation of multiple, asynchronous, one- or two-dimensional sensors to track an object in three-dimensional space. The disclosure describes an information filter that minimizes mean square estimation errors and provides accurate covariances for systems driven by unknown arbitrary time-varying inputs with unspecified dynamics but known bounds.
US08515711B2 Diagnostic system and method for monitoring operating conditions of components of a turbine machine
A diagnostic system and method for monitoring operating conditions of turbine machine components (18, 19, 22, 23) that comprise one or more non-contact sensors (24, 31) that detect an operating condition of a turbine component (18, 19, 22, 23) over a defined region of the component. In addition, point sensors (50) are provided that detect and monitor the same operating condition within the defined region. Data generated from the point sensor (50) is used to calibrate the non-contact sensor (24, 31) and the data generated by the non-contact sensor (24, 31).
US08515702B2 Systems and methods for determining locations of buried objects
A method is provided for reporting location of a buried object detected by a utility locator device. The method includes: determining location of a buried object using electromagnetic field emissions emitted from a utility locator device, determining global coordinates for the location of the buried object using a global positioning system (GPS), determining an accuracy measure for the global coordinates using the accuracy of the location determined by the locator and the accuracy of the GPS; and reporting the global coordinates for the buried object, along with the accuracy measure, to an operator of the utility locator device. An operator of the locator may be notified when the accuracy measure for the global coordinates exceeds a tolerance for reporting the location of the buried object.
US08515700B2 Apparatus and method for estimating state of health of battery of vehicle
An apparatus and a method for estimating the SOH of a battery of a vehicle are provided, in which degree of deterioration of the battery is estimated from temperature change and traveling distance. Accordingly, the SOH of the battery and remaining traveling distance can be accurately estimated.