Document Document Title
US08695756B2 Interlayer film for laminated glass and laminated glass
It is an object of the present invention to provide an interlayer film for a laminated glass excellent in a sound-insulating property, which is preferably usable for a head up display and the like wherein a driver can look at the front view and an instrument display simultaneously without requiring to look down, and to provide a laminated glass.The present invention is directed to interlayer film for a laminated glass, which comprises at least a pair of protection layers and a sound-insulating layer sandwiched between the pair of the protection layers, and which has a wedge shape as a cross-sectional shape, a wedge angle θ of 0.1 to 0.7 mrad, the maximum thickness of 2000 μm or thinner, and the minimum thickness of 400 μm or thicker, the minimum thickness of the sound-insulating layer being 20 μm or thicker.
US08695755B2 Pop up curtain assembly
A pop up device for a curtain, that is compressed to be packaged in a box, and expanded out of said box.
US08695750B1 Dual hydraulic power steering system
A hydraulic power steering system controllable by left and right steering wheels has two control valves, each valve connected to a respective left and right steering wheel, and a valve arrangement that selectively connects one control valve to a source of high-pressure fluid and disconnects the other control valve from the source of high-pressure fluid.
US08695740B1 Vehicle traction battery ventilation control
A vehicle having a traction battery disposed within a battery housing is provided. The battery housing is in selective fluid communication with the cabin of the vehicle. An accessory battery separate and distinct from the traction battery is also provided. A closeable barrier system is electrically connected with the accessory battery and is configured to fluidly isolate the battery housing from the cabin when closed. At least one controller is configured to, in response to a trigger condition, disable the traction battery and increase an output of the accessory battery to close the barrier system to isolate gas in the battery housing from the cabin.
US08695737B2 Device enabling an electric wheelchair to cross obstacles
The device for crossing obstacles for a motorized vehicle includes a chassis connected to n (n≧3) wheels on each side, and a driver suitable for rotating the wheels. Each side of the chassis includes a mechanism comprising n−1 arms hingedly connected two-by-two about a shared pivoting axis on which the n wheels are distributed, respectively a front wheel, n−2 intermediate wheels, and a rear wheel. The mechanism allows each wheel to pivot relative to the axis of each adjacent wheel.
US08695735B2 Triangle track vehicle wheel
A triangular continuous track device is disclosed for direct replacement of a conventional tire and wheel combination found commonly on cars, trucks and other vehicles. A hub on the device is provided for direct bolt onto vehicles with a standard wheel bolt pattern. A track tensioning feature allows the track to be installed or repaired without removing the device from the vehicle. Grooves on the wheels are provided that engage with ribs on the inside of the track to efficiently transfer power from a power wheel in direct communication with the vehicle's axle to the two bottom idle wheels. The two idle wheels are centered under the power wheel and are held in ground contact by the weight of the vehicle. Other features as shown and disclosed are also provided.
US08695727B2 Drill string adapter and method for inground signal coupling
A coupling adapter is insertable in at least one joint of a drill string as the drill string is extended from a drill rig. The coupling adapter includes an arrangement for receiving a data signal that is generated by an inground tool and for electromagnetically coupling the data signal onto at least a portion of the drill string that extends from the adapter to the drill rig such that at least some of the drill pipe sections cooperate as an electrical conductor for carrying the data signal to the drill rig. In another feature, a current transformer is resiliently supported to isolate the current transformer from mechanical shock and vibration that is produced by an inground operation that is performed using the drill string. In another feature, a drill string repeater is described.
US08695725B2 Multi-function tool system
A power tool handle is selectively connectable to a power tool head. The power tool handle includes a grip portion defining a longitudinal axis, and a motor housed within the handle and including a drive shaft driven by the motor, the drive shaft mounted for rotation within the handle and defining an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle. The power tool handle also includes a trigger disposed proximate the grip portion for actuating the motor, and a button movable in a direction defining an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis to a first position when the tool head is coupled to the handle and to a second position when the tool head is removed from the handle. In the first position, the trigger can actuate the motor, and in the second position, the trigger is inhibited from actuating the motor.
US08695723B2 Hammer drill and/or chisel hammer
The invention is based on a hammer drill and/or chisel hammer, having an impact mechanism unit, an impact mechanism housing and at least one damping unit. The invention proposes that the damping unit is arranged on the impact mechanism housing along a main extension direction of the impact mechanism unit.
US08695720B2 Fireproof systems in aircraft engines
A fireproof system is provided for protecting a structure during a fire event. The system includes a fire resistant panel defining a first attachment opening and disposed adjacent to the structure; a canister including a side wall defining a first end and a second end, and an end wall enclosing the first end and defining a second attachment opening that is aligned with the first attachment opening; a fastener extending through the canister at the second attachment opening and the fire resistant panel at the first attachment opening such that the canister, the fire resistant panel, and the structure are fastened together; and a fire retardant agent disposed within the canister in an inactive condition and configured to transition out of the second end of the canister in an active condition at a predetermined temperature.
US08695704B2 Controlled release breaker composition for oil field applications
The present invention relates to encapsulated breakers and the use of encapsulated breakers for breaking viscosified treatment fluids. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a viscosified treatment fluid having a first viscosity having a gelling agent, a crosslinking agent, a proppant, an aqueous-base fluid, and an encapsulated breaker composition having an encapsulant that has a poly(meth)acrylate blend; introducing the viscosified treatment fluid in the subterranean formation; creating or enhancing a fracture in a subterranean formation; and allowing the encapsulated breaker composition to release the breaker so as to reduce the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to a second viscosity.
US08695702B2 Diaxial power transmission line for continuous dipole antenna
A dipole antenna may be created by surrounding a portion of the continuous conductor with a nonconductive magnetic bead, and then applying a power source to the continuous conductor across the nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic bead creates a driving discontinuity without requiring a break or gap in the conductor. The power source may be connected or applied to the continuous conductor using a variety of preferably shielded configurations, including a coaxial or twin-axial inset or offset feed, a triaxial inset feed, or a diaxial offset feed. A second nonconductive magnetic bead may be positioned to surround a second portion of the continuous conductor to effectively create two nearly equal length dipole antenna sections on either side of the first nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic beads may be comprised of various nonconductive magnetic materials, and preformed for installation around the conductor, or injected around the conductor in subsurface applications. Electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon ores may be accomplished.
US08695701B2 Measurement device in a horizontal well
A logging probe supporting device includes a connector that can be plugged in at the bottom of the well with a logging cable contained in the inner space of rods to which the supporting device is fastened and fluid communicating openings provided between the inner space of the rods and the outside of the supporting device, the openings being arranged between the probe and connector. The device includes, between the openings and the connector, a shutoff such as check valves allowing fluid circulation from the inside towards the outside and preventing circulation from the outside towards the inside of the supporting device.
US08695694B1 Borehole selector assembly
A deflector assembly includes two deflectors that can cooperate for directing a bullnose assembly toward an intended bore in a multi-bore well based on a configuration of the bullnose assembly without requiring use of gravitational forces or requiring the assembly to be oriented in a certain manner. The deflectors can cooperate by being spaced by a certain amount that, depending on if the amount is less than or greater than a longitudinal length and diameter of a bullnose of the bullnose assembly, can allow the bullnose assembly to be diverted toward the intended bore.
US08695691B2 Subsea connection apparatus for a surface blowout preventer stack
A subsea connection apparatus to allow connecting a surface blowout preventer stack and riser to a subsea wellhead is disclosed. The subsea connection apparatus uses a single cavity blowout preventer with a set of shearing blind rams. Hydraulically actuated wellhead connectors are secured to the top and bottom of the blowout preventer to allow connection to a subsea wellhead below the subsea connection apparatus and a well head hub profile on the lower end of a riser above the apparatus. A control system can operate both of the hydraulically actuated connectors and the blowout preventer independently. A frangible bore protector is disposed in the bore of the blowout preventer to protect the shearing blind rams from pipe, tools, and fluids being passed through the blowout preventer and can be sheared by the shearing blind rams along with any drill pipe in the bore.
US08695682B2 Pull bar device for a sunshade assembly
A pull bar device includes a pull bar unit that is adapted to be connected to a shade member, and that has a hole-defining surface portion defining an engagement hole that is adapted to be engaged removably with a hook member, and a cushion unit that is connected to the pull bar unit, that is exposed from the engagement hole, and that is adapted for biasing resiliently the hook member to abut against the hole-defining surface portion.
US08695681B2 System for operating and positioning a roller shade
A system for operating and positioning a roller shade may include a roller shade clutch and an idler which are mounted to a bracket for attachment to a structure. The bracket may include a mounting plate and a wall or ceiling engaging member mounted to the mounting plate. The roller shade clutch or idler may be releasably coupled to attachment member of the bracket by a locking device. The locking device may comprise an insert having a body portion, a first end that is configured to be secured within a recess formed in a rear facing surface of the clutch, and a second end that is configured to remain extending at least partially beyond the rear surface of the clutch and to be secured by engagement with a slot formed in the bracket.
US08695674B2 Roller platform for tire inflation cage
A roller platform for use in a tire inflation cage includes a frame and at least one roller assembly and facilitates the rotation of a rim-wheel within the tire inflation cage. The roller platform includes a frame having members that are spaced so that the tire stop on a tire inflation cage fits between the frame members. The roller platform includes cross members that are spaced so that the cross members fit between adjacent bars of a tire inflation cage and so a bar fits between the cross members.
US08695673B2 Laminator with a corner cutter
The present invention provides a laminator with a corner cutter including a main body, a laminating device and a cutting device. The main body includes a receiving space. The main body is horizontally formed with an entering slot, an exiting slot, a penetrating groove and a corner-cutting recess. The main body having two lateral sides formed between the entering slot and the exiting slot, the corner-cutting recess being disposed at one of the lateral sides. The laminating device disposed in the receiving space includes two rolling rods, a driving portion and two heaters. The two rolling rods are heated by the two heating members. The driving portion drives the two rolling rods to rotate. The cutting device includes a pushing portion and a cutting portion. The cutting device is disposed at one side of the receiving space where corresponding to the corner-cutting recess.
US08695671B2 Prepreg lamination head and prepreg automatic lamination device equipped with same
A prepreg lamination head and a prepreg automatic lamination apparatus with the same is provided. By using them, the curling-up of the cut terminal portion of the prepreg sheet can be prevented. The prepreg lamination head includes: a first roller, a second roller, and a forward-placed paper liner peeling device. The forward-placed paper liner peeling device includes a third roller, which is provided between and above the first and second rollers. The paper liner attached on the first side of the prepreg sheet is peeled off right after passing the first roller. The peeled paper liner is hanged over the third roller between the first and second rollers. The third roller guides the peeled paper liner to the second roller. The prepreg sheet is pressed on the laminated body with the second roller through the paper liner.
US08695664B2 Pneumatic tire with specified side wall mark
A pneumatic tire has a distinguishing mark is formed on a surface of a side wall portion. The pneumatic tire comprises a first protruding portion protruding along a profile of the mark and a second protruding portion protruding at a height which is lower than the first protruding portion, adjacent to an outer side of the first protruding portion.
US08695662B2 Truck tire with rubber tread
This invention relates to a tire with a circumferential rubber tread comprised of a rubber composition for promotion of reduced internal heat build-up. The invention particularly relates to truck tires.
US08695645B2 Fuel transfer system and method of using with off-road or sport/recreational vehicles
A fuel transfer system and a method of using said system by an operator in transferring fuel from a fuel tank or fuel line of an off-road or sport/recreational vehicle to the fuel tank of a second vehicle, the fuel tank of auxiliary equipment or to some other reservoir is provided. The fuel transfer system generally comprises a fuel transfer fitting, a flexible conduit, and a nozzle.
US08695640B2 Microfabricated elastomeric valve and pump systems
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.
US08695637B2 Gate valve pressure equalization system
Embodiments of a gate valve equalization system comprise: a gate valve; a gate; a preloading valve arrangement; a floating coupler assembly; a relief valve arrangement; and a means for control. The preloading valve arrangement permits fluid to enter the valve body from the upstream side of the gate. The means for control serves as a control interface allowing engagement of the floating coupler assembly and opening/closing of the gate valve. Engagement of the floating coupler, engages the assembly relief valve arrangement and allows redistribution of fluid pressure and circulation of fluid from one side of the gate to opposing side of the gate within the gate valve.
US08695634B2 Sliding part, mechanical seal, faucet valve, and rolling support device each including the sliding part
Provided are a sliding component, such as a mechanical seal ring, which is capable of maintaining superior sliding characteristics even in the long-term continuous use thereof, as well as a mechanical seal, a faucet valve, and a rolling support device, each of which includes the sliding component. The sliding component includes a stationary member, and a movable member contactedly sliding on the stationary member. The stationary member and the movable member are respectively composed of a silicon carbide sintered body containing graphite. The content of the graphite in one of the stationary member and the movable member is at least 4% by mass greater than in the other. Thus, the sliding component includes the stationary member and the movable member which are a combination of those having different contents of graphite. Owing to a high lubricating effect, the superior sliding characteristics can be maintained, permitting a long-term continuous sliding.
US08695623B2 Gas concentration control device for pressure vessel
A gas concentration control device for pressure vessel is provided for controlling gas concentration inside an accommodation space that is set in an interior of a chamber formed inside a pressure vessel curing oven. The pressure vessel curing oven includes a gas inlet tube with a first valve and a gas outlet tube with a second valve, which are in communication with the accommodation space. The gas concentration control device includes a gas concentration detection device, which is operative for timed detection of concentration of a gas inside the accommodation space, and a control unit for setting a predetermined concentration, performing a judgment if the gas concentration inside the accommodation space reaches the predetermined concentration according to a detection result of the gas concentration detection device, and thereby controls the first valve and the second valve according to result of the judgment.
US08695618B2 3D chemical pattern control in 2D fluidics devices
Methods of controllably creating three-dimensional (3D) combined-flow-interface patterns in multi-lane fluidic devices, and systems, apparatuses and software therefor. In one example, the 3D-pattern is created and varied as a function of one or more of the geometry of the inlets to a main fluidic channel in which the 3D-pattern is formed, the Reynolds number of the flows, the dimensions of the main fluidic channel and the inlets, and the spacing of adjacent inlets. In one embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a three-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry. In another embodiment particularly disclosed, differing 3D combined-flow-interface patterns are created using a five-lane fluidic device having a fixed inlet geometry that can be used to effectively mimic variable inlet geometries.
US08695610B2 Method of applying makeup and apparatus for implementing such a method
A method of making up the skin or the lips, the method including measuring at least one optical characteristic at least one location of the skin or the lips; and automatically forming on the skin or lips a deposit that has an optical characteristic that varies and that corresponds substantially at said location, to the measured optical characteristic.
US08695606B2 Methods and devices for conduit occlusion
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of compositions for occluding or of means for opening conduits. The implantable occlusive material may be delivered pre-formed or in situ cured and, may be a resorbable material that supports tissue ingrowth that eventually replaces the material leaving little or no original material in place. The delivery system is positioned to allow for placement of the occlusive material into the body conduit. Use of delivery systems, methods and devices for re-opening an occluded body conduit are also included.
US08695602B2 Corrugated flexible seal of a ventilation mask
A ventilation mask comprises a corrugated flexible seal, and a plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal. The corrugated flexible seal is configured for establishing a fluid seal between the ventilation mask and a patient, and for allowing facial movements of the patient while maintaining the fluid seal. The plurality of ridges disposed along the corrugated flexible seal is configured for physical contact with the patient.
US08695599B2 Control valve for respiratory devices
The invention relates to a respiratory device for keeping a patient breathing artificially or support his or her breathing naturally. Said respiratory device comprises an air inlet, an air source, and at least one proportionally adjustable control valve. The control valve is provided with a housing (11) and a rotary valve (12) which is arranged in the housing so as to be twistable about the longitudinal axis thereof and which allows through-holes (11d) of the housing (11) to be entirely or partially closed by twisting the rotary valve (12). The rotary valve (12) and a corresponding support surface (11f) of the housing (11) have a conical shape, the support surface (11f) cooperating with the rotary valve (12). The through-holes (11d) are disposed in the area of the support surface (11f).
US08695596B2 Weaning from ventilation using capnography
Devices and systems for monitoring weaning of a subject from a respiratory ventilator including a processing logic configured to characterize distinct patterns in a series of CO2 waveforms, the distinct patterns indicative of the effectiveness of a weaning process; and to provide an indication relating to the effectiveness of the weaning process.
US08695594B2 System and method of automated lung recruitment maneuvers
A method of providing a recruitment procedure to a patient includes monitoring at least one derecruitment event. A score is calculated for the at least one derecruitment event. A derecruitment score is aggregated. The derecruitment score is compared to a recruitment threshold. A ventilator is operated with the processor to perform a recruitment procedure. A system for providing mechanical ventilation to a patient includes a mechanical ventilator configured for pneumatic connection to a patient in order to deliver medical gas to the patient. A peripheral system is configured to provide medical assistance to the patient and the peripheral system produces a signal indicative of the operation of the peripheral system. A processor is communicatively connected to the mechanical ventilator in the peripheral system. The processor receives the signal from the peripheral system and calculates a first score from the signal. The processor aggregates the first score into a derecruitment score and compares the derecruitment score to a predetermined threshold. The processor operates the mechanical ventilator to provide a recruitment procedure to the patient.
US08695592B2 Particulate dispenser
The present invention provides for elements of an improved drug or medicine dispersion and delivery system. The dispersion methods employ curved surfaces to impart rotational motions to one or more fluid flows from a pressurized container to create turbulence and improve mixing of medicament with fluid.
US08695591B2 Apparatus and method of monitoring and responding to respiratory depression
The present disclosure involves a system for monitoring patients, and more specifically post-operative patients receiving narcotics, and a novel apparatus for automatically delivering a narcotic-reversing agent, including but not limited to the agent commonly known as naloxone, in response to dangerous respiratory conditions such as respiratory depression or other undesired consequences caused by reaction to narcotic dosage.
US08695583B2 Charcoal grill weather cover
Charcoal grill weather cover systems are operable to shelter a charcoal grill from rainfall. An exemplary embodiment has a charcoal grill weather cover portion configured to be disposed above a charcoal grill cover portion. The charcoal grill weather cover portion includes an exhaust portion and at least one support member. The support member includes at least a first end configured to be secured to the charcoal grill weather cover portion and a second end configured to be secured to the charcoal grill cover portion. The charcoal grill weather cover portion is configured to substantially prevent rainfall becoming incident on an outer surface of the charcoal grill cover portion while facilitating exhaust of combustion gasses out from the charcoal grill weather cover portion.
US08695581B2 Archery bow stabilizer apparatus
An archery bow stabilizer includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an elliptical shaped cross-section. The elliptical shaped cross-section is arranged perpendicular to a length dimension of the stabilizer at a location between the proximal and distal ends. The elliptical shaped cross-section has a ratio of a maximum height dimension to a maximum width dimension that is about 0.6 or less.
US08695569B2 Vehicle burner
A vehicle burner (6) for heating a gas flow (14) in a motor vehicle is provided with a fuel pump (10) for delivering a fuel to an injection nozzle (11) that can be actuated for injecting the fuel into a combustion chamber (7), with an air delivery device (16) for delivering air to the combustion chamber (7), with a control (17) for operating the. A vehicle burner (6), which is coupled with the fuel pump (10), with the air delivery and/or air regulating device (16) and with the injection nozzle (11). Burner waste gas, which is generated during the operation of the. A vehicle burner (6) by the reaction of fuel with air in the combustion chamber (7), is used to heat the gas flow (14). To increase efficiency, a control (17) determines a quantity of fuel, a quantity of air and a fuel pressure as a function of a presettable heat output. The control (17) actuates the air delivery and/or air regulating device (16) for setting the quantity of air determined, the fuel pump (10) for setting the fuel pressure determined and the injection nozzle (11) for setting the quantity of fuel determined to set the predetermined heat output.
US08695567B2 Method and apparatus for estimating engine operating parameters
A method for operating an internal combustion engine includes monitoring signal output from a high-resolution torque sensor configured to monitor engine torque during ongoing operation, monitoring states of engine operating and control parameters associated with engine input parameters, and estimating a mass air charge for each cylinder event corresponding to the signal output from the high-resolution torque sensor and the states of engine operating and control parameters associated with the engine input parameters.
US08695566B2 Engine control apparatus
An engine control apparatus includes a hydraulic pump driven by an engine, a hydraulic actuator to which pressure oil discharged form the hydraulic pump is supplied, an operation lever configured to operate the hydraulic actuators, a detection means detecting operation amounts of operation lever means, an target flow rate calculation unit (50) calculating an target flow rate of the hydraulic pump based on the operation amount of the operation lever, a first target speed calculation unit (61) calculating a first target speed of the engine according to the target flow rate, a pump output limit value calculation unit (500) limiting the maximum target speed of the engine in an relief operation according to a load pressure of the hydraulic pump, a fourth engine target speed calculation unit (63).
US08695560B2 Piston for an internal combustion engine
A piston for an internal combustion engine has a piston crown, a circumferential fire land, a circumferential ring part having annular grooves, and a piston skirt, which comprises two skirt walls and two box walls set back from the ring part and connecting the skirt walls in such a way that an exposed underside of the ring part is formed in the area of each of the box walls. The box walls are provided with pin bosses having pin bores. At least one support element is arranged between each exposed underside of the ring part and the box wall associated with the underside of the ring part.
US08695559B2 Piston having oil supply channel for hub bore holes
A cylindrical piston for internal combustion engines, comprising a piston crown and a piston base, in the piston base a hollow space being provided, and in a piston base wall forming the hollow space pinholes being provided, characterized in that the outer circumferential surface in at least the piston base at least one oil guide is provided, the direction thereof having an axial component relative to the piston axis and the oil guide extending from the piston crown in the direction of a pinhole.
US08695558B2 Cylinder sleeve for an internal combustion engine and block of cylinders which are equipped with one such sleeve
The invention relates to a cylinder sleeve (2) for lining the cylindrical wall of a cylinder (A1) of an internal combustion engine. The inventive sleeve (2) comprises an inner wall (3) which is intended to guide a piston in translation and an outer wall (4) which is intended to rest on the cylindrical wall of the cylinder. The outer wall (4) of the sleeve of the cylinder (2) comprises an upper part (6) which is flared toward a top edge (5) of the sleeve (2), which is defined between the inner (3) and outer (4) walls of the cylinder sleeve. The invention also relates to a cylinder block of an internal combustion engine, comprising at least two cylinders (A1, B1) which are each equipped with one such cylinder sleeve.
US08695554B2 Forced air valve guide for an internal combustion engine
Disclosed is a modified valve guide for a four-stroke internal combustion engine that utilizes compressed air to accelerate outflow of exhaust gases from a combustion chamber and through the exhaust manifold. The device comprises a ported valve guide that is concentrically mounted about an exhaust valve stem. The valve guide is a hollow cylinder that surrounds the exhaust valve stem, and includes a vertically mounted port on its working end. Below the port is a circumferential ring and guide tube connection that accepts compressed air input, communicating forced air through the valve guide port on its working end into the combustion chamber and exhaust manifold. The introduction of forced air increases volumetric efficiency of the system by improving scavenging and forcibly removing exhaust gases from the cylinder during the exhaust stroke. Both the power and efficiency of the engine are improved, along with reduced emissions from the engine exhaust.
US08695551B2 Hydraulic lash adjuster including band of radial recirculation openings
A hydraulic lash adjuster includes a body defining an axial bore and having an open end and a closed end. A hollow piston is telescopically received within the axial bore and defines a fluid reservoir. The hollow piston has a first end disposed within the axial bore and a second end extending outwardly beyond the open end of the body. A high pressure volume is defined by the axial bore and the first end of the hollow piston. The hydraulic lash adjuster also includes a valve mechanism positioned through an opening of the hollow piston and including a valve member having an open position defining a fluid path from the fluid reservoir to the high pressure volume. The valve member also has a closed position in which the fluid reservoir is fluidly blocked from the high pressure volume at the opening. The hollow piston includes a band of radial recirculation openings defining recirculation paths from the high pressure volume to the fluid reservoir along an exterior of the hollow piston. A diameter of each of the radial recirculation openings is smaller than a width of the band.
US08695546B2 Engine equipped with variable valve device
An engine that may be provided with a variable valve device may include an hydraulic pressure lash adjuster pivotally supporting one side of a swing arm, a valve supporting the other side of the swing arm, and an operating portion pushing a portion of the swing arm downwards so as to pivotally move the valve based on the hydraulic pressure lash adjuster, wherein the hydraulic pressure lash adjuster includes a housing in which an insertion hole may be formed therein, a slave piston that may be slidably inserted into the insertion hole, a master piston of which an end thereof may be placed into the insertion hole with a predetermined gap from the slave piston, wherein the other end of the master piston protrudes out of the housing and may be engaged with the one side of the swing arm, and an oil control valve that opens or closes a passage communicating with a master chamber that may be formed between the master piston and the slave piston in the housing.
US08695541B2 Cooling system for internal combustion engine
During engine warm-up, a flow regulating unit in a cooling system operates in a fuel efficiency priority mode. In this mode, a head-side cooling water flow rate (Qhd) is regulated to be equal to or smaller than a first upper limit; a block-side cooling water flow rate (Qbk) is regulated to be equal to or smaller than a second upper limit; and cooling water flowing out of a block-side passage and a head-side passage flows mainly into a bypass passage. When a heating request to heat blown air is made during engine warm-up, the regulating unit operates in a heating priority mode. In this mode, Qhd is regulated to be equal to or smaller than a third upper limit; Qbk is regulated to be equal to or smaller than a fourth upper limit; and at least cooling water flowing out of the head-side passage flows into a heat exchanger.
US08695535B2 Hummingbird feeder with disposable reservoir and reusable base
A liquid nectar hummingbird feeder has a reusable base with a feeding basin that receives a disposable cartridge containing a pre-filled volume of liquid nectar. The cartridge has a single bottleneck opening at a lower end which is initially sealed by a breakable seal in the form of a film layer of foil, coated paper stock, plastic or the like. The base includes a cartridge mounting and opening structure adapted to secure and open the cartridge bottleneck opening by rupturing the film layer seal to allow liquid nectar to flow from the cartridge into the feeding basin.
US08695525B2 Underwater robot
An underwater robot is configured to be charged in response to a charging signal from a charging dock, and includes a main body having a waterproof chamber, and an electric power unit disposed in the waterproof chamber. The electric power unit includes a rechargeable battery set storing electric power, and a charging module coupled to the rechargeable battery set and configured to charge the rechargeable battery set in response to the charging signal from the charging dock.
US08695519B2 Tufting machine and method
A method for using a tufting machine to produce athletic turf bearing precise graphic tuft patterns at a high throughput rate is disclosed. The utilized machine includes tenter frame and a series of tufting frames upon which tufting head components are mounted. The entire length of a piece of backing material is wrapped around the tenter frame, and the tenter frame circulates the backing past the tufting frames, and the tufting head components are shifted as may be necessary to form a desired graphic tuft pattern.
US08695516B2 Pollution abatement process for fossil fuel-fired boilers
The present invention provides improved boiler assemblies (10) with enhanced pollution abatement properties through injection and recycling of particulate sorbent materials including sodium bicarbonate, trona, and mixtures thereof. The assemblies (10) include a boiler (12), economizer (14), air heater (15), and recirculation reactor (16). Fresh sorbent material is introduced via assembly (60) into the boiler assembly (10) at one or more injection locations, and serves to sorb NOx, SOx, and other pollutants in the flue gas. The flue gas and entrained sorbent material then pass through reactor (16) for separation of sorbent, which is then recycled for injection back into the assembly (10) upstream of reactor (16). In another aspect, the invention provides pollution abatement apparatus (110) and methods employing an upstream recirculation reactor (114), a supply of fresh sorbent (118), and a downstream collector (116). In the reactor (114), fresh sorbent reacts with incoming hot flue gas (112) to generate a reduced pollutant flue gas (128) and a solids fraction including reacted sorbent and pollutants, and unreacted sorbent. Recirculation apparatus (120) provided between the reactor outlet (126) and reactor (114) serves to generate a substantially constant mass or volume flow rate of the reactor solids fraction, which minimizes the use of fresh sorbent and maximizes the pollution abatement efficiency of the apparatus (110).
US08695511B2 Corrugated paper pallet
A method and apparatus for providing pallet runners and pallets constructed using them for use in the storage and/or transport of goods and, more particularly, to a low cost, strong, recyclable, reinforced pallet and runner design.
US08695503B2 Apparatus and method for locking and actuating a stripper blade in a printer
An assembly for actuating a stripper blade in an indirect printer has been developed. The system includes a blade mounted to an elongated member, a first cam, a second cam, and an actuator configured to rotate the first and second cams. The elongated member is fixed in the vertical direction by a channel, and the first cam is configured to limit the horizontal movement of the elongated member. The second cam pivots the elongated member in and out of engagement with an image receiving member when the horizontal movement of the elongated member is constrained.
US08695493B2 Process of baling switchgrass into rectangular high density bales optimized for highway transport on semi-trailer trucks to biorefineries
Process of baling a switchgrass biomass material at between about 22 and about 32 psi into a rectangular switchgrass bale having a bale density of between 14.6 and 20.5 lb/ft3. A 3×4×8 ft switchgrass bale so produced weighs between 1,402 and 1,968 pounds.
US08695486B2 Plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a closable pouring opening
The invention discloses a plunger-filter beverage-making machine with a lid which can be closed by a valve. The beverage-making machine has a vessel (2), a lid (3) and a filter piston (4) which can be vertically displaced in the vessel and has a piston rod (41). The lid (3) contains a pouring opening (37) which can be closed by means of an elongate lever (33) which extends transverse to the piston rod. To this end, the lever is mounted on the lid such that it can pivot about a horizontal axis. The lever has, in the region of its front end, a closure body (36) in order to close the pouring opening and, in the region of its rear end, an operating region (331) in order to pivot the lever by virtue of pressure exerted by a finger of a user.
US08695482B2 Brewer having a programmable temperature component
A beverage making apparatus having structures and methods to facilitate programming of the apparatus with parameters suitable for a pre-determined brewing substances. The beverage making apparatus has a water delivery system for delivering water to a brewing substance holder containing a brewing substance. A temperature adjusting system is provided for adjusting the temperature of water in the water delivery system. A controller is provided for controllably operating the apparatus, the controller further being programmable with characteristics suitable for predetermined brewing substances.
US08695478B2 Method of operating a motor vehicle brake system
In order to impart a pleasant brake pedal feeling to the operator in the transition from a ‘conventional mode’ to a ‘brake-by-wire’ mode, it is disclosed that the travel (s) covered upon application of the brake pedal is determined and subsequently reduced by the operator, and in that upon reduction of the actuating travel (s) by a predetermined value (Δs) or in the event of a detected vehicle movement or a positive result of a monitoring function of the connecting and disconnecting device running in the background, the connecting and disconnecting device is activated and the brake booster is actuated by the electronic control unit.
US08695473B2 Overextrusion of silicone rubber charge holder on metal wire rope
An elastomeric charge holder includes one or more holes formed therein into which is disposed an explosive charge. The elastomeric charge holder further includes one or more metal wires also disposed within the elastomeric charge holder. The elastomeric charge holder may be over molded or over extruded over each of the one or more metal wires, thereby retaining each of the one or more wires in place during use of the elastomeric charge holder. The one or more wires are also a better match of thermal coefficients to a metal confinement tube that holds the elastomeric charge holder, which results in improved retention of the elastomeric charge holder in place, particularly during initiation of the explosive charge.
US08695456B2 Electronically triggered locking differential
An electronically triggered locking differential includes a differential case, at least one pinion gear and a pair of side gears. A clutch pack is disposed between one of the side gears and the differential case and retards relative rotation between the differential case and the side gear. A cam member is disposed adjacent the clutch pack so that the clutch pack engages when the cam member ramps up. An engagement shaft has one end engaged with the cam member and an opposite end extending through the differential case and engaged with a sprocket. A magnetic coil and flux conductor magnetically couple the sprocket to the differential case when the coil is energized. This coupling retards rotation of the engagement shaft and the cam member relative to the gear case, initiating engagement of the clutch pack to lock the differential.
US08695445B2 Wear-indicating system for use with turbine engines and methods of inspecting same
A wear-indicating system includes a wear-indicating mark applied to a portion of a surface edge margin of an internal component of a turbine. The wear-indicating mark is visually discernible from the surface edge margin through boroscopic inspection. An inner extent of the wear-indicating mark is spaced a pre-selected distance from the surface edge.
US08695437B2 Method and apparatus for vibrationaly separating driver and pick-offs of a vibrating-type flow sensor assembly
The present invention provides a vibrating sensor assembly (310). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) includes a conduit (103A), a driver (104), and at least a first pick-off (105). The driver (104) includes a first driver component (104a) and a second driver component (104b). The first pick-off (105) includes a first pick-off component (105a) and a second pick-off component (105b). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) also includes a first reference member (250). The first pick-off component (105a) is coupled to the conduit (103A) while the second pick-off component (105b) is coupled to the first reference member (250). The vibrating sensor assembly (310) also includes a second reference member (350). The first driver component (104a) is coupled to the conduit (103A) while the second driver component (104b) is coupled to the second reference member (350).
US08695436B2 Measuring transducer of vibration-type with four curved measuring tubes
A measuring transducer comprises: a transducer housing, of which an inlet-side is formed by means of an inlet-side, flow divider having exactly four flow openings spaced from one another and an outlet-side formed by means of an outlet-side, flow divider having exactly four flow openings from one another; a tube arrangement having exactly four, curved, or bent, measuring tubes connected to the flow dividers for guiding flowing medium along flow paths connected in parallel. Each of the four measuring tubes opens with an inlet-side, measuring tube end into one of the flow openings of the flow divider and with an outlet-side, measuring tube end into one the flow openings of the flow divider. Two flow dividers are arranged in the measuring transducer. An electromechanical exciter mechanism is provided.
US08695421B2 Fuel pump module including a horizontal sender gauge
A fuel pump module includes a reservoir and a sender gauge. The reservoir is configured to contain fuel. A sender gauge includes a card mount and a resistance card. The card mount is fixed within the reservoir. The resistance card is fixed to the card mount and has a length oriented horizontally.
US08695416B2 Method of examining a coin for determining its validity and denomination
A method of examining a coin for determining the validity of its denomination, comprises the steps of moving a coin through a passageway, sensing said moving coin in said passageway with one or more sensors to interact with said moving coin and provide at least two values indicative of the said coin, calculating two or more coin features by using said at least two values, determining that said coin features values lie between predetermined minimum and maximum stored values, applying predetermined coefficients of weighted-error to each of said coin features, calculating weighted-error correlation coefficients using two or more of the said coin feature values, and determining validity when the said calculated weighted-error correlation coefficient is above predetermined minimum stored values, or when said coefficient is the maximum of all calculated coefficients.
US08695414B2 High pressure and flow rate pump useful in formation fluid sample testing
A pump can include two pistons, each piston having one side exposed to a support pressure and another side exposed to a respective annular chamber, the chambers being pressurized greater than the support pressure. Fluid can be discharged from one annular chamber and received into the other annular chamber by displacement of the pistons. A method of testing a fluid can include pressurizing the fluid in response to increasing a support pressure exposed to one side of each of two pistons, thereby increasing pressure in chambers exposed to respective other sides of the pistons, and then displacing the pistons, thereby flowing the fluid through a test manifold assembly. A fluid test system can include a pump having a support pressure exposed to sides of two pistons, and another side of each of the pistons being exposed to a respective annular chamber. Each annular chamber can be connected to a sensor.
US08695412B2 Probe for measuring a local angle of attack and method implementing same
A probe for measuring a local angle of attack designed to be fixed to a wall and a method implementing the probe are provided. The probe comprises at least three pressure sampling ports disposed over a nose of the probe body, pressure measurement means associated with the pressure sampling ports and calculation means capable of determining an angle of attack of the flow with respect to the main direction of the probe body as a function of the pressures measured by the pressure measurement means. The calculation means are configured for choosing from amongst the pressure sampling ports those allowing the best measurement precision of the local angle of attack to be obtained and for calculating the local angle of attack with respect to the main direction using the pressure measurements carried out in the chosen pressure sampling ports.
US08695397B2 Calibration of a sensor for processing value documents
The invention relates to a method for calibrating a sensor which is configured for checking value documents. The sensor senses measurement signals of a calibration medium which is transported past the sensor. From the sensed measurement signals there are determined reference data of the calibration medium and there is moreover determined a transport property of the calibration medium, e.g. the transport speed or the transport position of the calibration medium. From the transport property there is ascertained at least one correction value which is employed for correcting the sensed reference data of the calibration medium. After the calibration, the corrected reference data are compared with target data of the calibration medium. Optionally there is then effected an adjustment of the sensor using the corrected reference data.
US08695394B2 Lower die for press bending and tool using the same
In order to achieve a bending operation which provides a U-shaped metal piece of increased depth and to provide a bending operation safe to an operator involved in the bending operation, the invention is a lower die for press bending which includes: a block body which includes a groove on an upper surface thereof, the groove extending in a right and left direction, and the block body being fixed to a bending machine; and a rotating block which is received by the groove of the block body and is capable of oscillating about an axis of the groove, wherein a process groove is formed on an upper surface of the rotating block to receive a blade edge of an upper die. The block body includes a front shoulder and a rear shoulder at the front and rear sides of the groove. A level difference is defined between these shoulders such that the front shoulder is smaller in height than the rear shoulder.
US08695392B2 Rolling mill and tandem rolling mill having the same
A rolling mill, which can use work rolls of a smaller diameter for rolling a hard material and a thin strip material, and can obtain strips of high product quality with high productivity, is provided. For this purpose, a six-high rolling mill includes upper and lower work rolls (2) as a pair for rolling a strip (1), upper and lower intermediate rolls (3) as a pair for supporting the paired upper and lower work rolls, and upper and lower back-up rolls (4) as a pair for supporting the paired upper and lower intermediate rolls, but has no supporting rolls inside and outside the rollable strip width of the work rolls. The work rolls have a small diameter, and use a material having a high longitudinal modulus, such as a hard metal or a ceramic.
US08695388B2 Mechanical key
A mechanical key for accommodation in a portable device for use in an electronic key system. The mechanical key is provided with a grip including a socket and a key plate fixed to the grip. The key plate includes a blade and a shank, which is inserted into the socket. The shank includes a first edge for abutting against the socket when the shank is inserted into the socket and a shoulder extending from the blade. The socket includes a guide for abutting against and guiding the first edge of the shank when the shank is inserted into the socket. The guide is mated with the first edge under pressure. The socket further includes a second edge for abutting against the shoulder when the shank is inserted into the socket. The second edge is mated with the shoulder under pressure.
US08695386B2 Medical lockbox
A lockbox for attaching to a surface including a housing, a lid that is selectively coupled to the housing and includes a lid lock that is arranged to selectively maintain the lid coupled to the housing and to inhibit removal therefrom. An anchoring mechanism is positioned at least partially within the housing and is moveable between an engaged position in which the lockbox is attached to the surface and a disengaged position in which the lockbox is removable from the surface. The anchoring mechanism includes an anchoring mechanism lock which inhibits movement between the engaged position and the disengaged position.
US08695383B2 Laundry treating appliance with balancing system
A laundry treating appliance having a drum, defining a treating chamber, with a lifter and a balancing system having at least one balancing ring and a reservoir located in the lifter and a liquid supply system fluidly coupled to the reservoir. Liquid may be supplied to the ring and to the reservoir through the ring to offset an imbalance in a laundry load located within the drum.
US08695355B2 Thermal management techniques, apparatus and methods for use in microfluidic devices
A heating/cooling device for a microfluidic apparatus having a thermal insulating substrate. The device includes heating/cooling chamber for heating and/or cooling a sample disposed in the chamber; a waste heat channel for carrying away waste heat and/or waste cooling; and at least one Peltier junction having first and second opposing faces, the first face thereof facing towards said heating/cooling chamber and being in thermal communication therewith for providing either heat or cooling to the chamber in response to a flow of electrical current through the at least one Peltier junction, the second face thereof facing towards said waste heat channel and being in thermal communication therewith for either receiving heat from or dumping heat to the channel in response to a flow of electrical current through the Peltier junction.
US08695354B2 Thermal flux generating device with magnetocaloric material
The thermal flux generating device (10) with magnetocaloric material comprises an external cylindrical shell (11), made out of metal or any other adequate material, which delimits the inside of the device (10). Inside this shell (11), a rotor (12) is mounted coaxially which consists of a rotary magnetic arrangement, at least one roughly circular ring of elements (13) comprising at least one magnetocaloric material, this ring is positioned coaxially around the rotor (12) and a set of electric coils (14), with radial axes, evenly positioned around the rotor (12) and which make up a stator (15) electrically supplied so as to create a rotating field that rotationally drives the magnetic arrangement.
US08695348B2 Combustor and gas turbine
A combustor of the present invention includes: a plurality of nozzles which is arranged around the central axis of a combustor and of which each base end is connected to an oil supply tube; a nozzle tube base which supports the plurality of nozzles and includes an oil chamber supplying fuel to the nozzles via an oil inflow portion provided in each oil supply tube; a first guide portion which faces the center of the combustor inside the oil chamber and guides the oil remaining inside the oil chamber to the oil inflow portion; and a second guide portion which faces the base end of the combustor inside the oil chamber and guides the oil remaining inside the oil chamber to the oil inflow portion.
US08695335B1 Liquid ring system and applications thereof
The present disclosure concerns liquid ring systems, including (i) a fixed or rotating casing adapted to contain a liquid, (ii) a rotor located within the casing and having at least one impeller, (iii) a liquid ring formed by rotation of the rotor or the casing, and (iv) a plurality of gas cells formed between the inner surface of the liquid ring and vanes of the impeller. For example, at least one compressing gas cell is in fluid connection with at least one expanding gas cell integrated with the rotor. A liquid valve consisting of a small gas cell with a reciprocating liquid surface and at least two fluid connections having a free pathway between the connections during an angle of rotation of the rotor and a closed pathway between the connections during 360 minus the angle of rotation.
US08695328B2 Exhaust purifying apparatus of saddle-ride type vehicle
An exhaust purifying apparatus achieving placement of components so as to prevent an increase in the size of the vehicle caused by the placement of the exhaust purifying apparatus while maintaining the performance of the exhaust purifying apparatus by secondary air in a saddle-ride type vehicle. An exhaust purifying apparatus of a saddle-ride vehicle includes a secondary air supply pipe of which one end is connected an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine. A secondary air control valve is connected with the other end of the secondary air supply pipe for controlling the supply of secondary air to the secondary air supply pipe. An outdoor air introduction passage is connected to the secondary air control valve, wherein an air filter for secondary air and a resonant passage are installed in the middle of the outdoor air introduction passage.
US08695325B2 Exhaust purification system of internal combustion engine
Inside of an engine exhaust passage, in order from an upstream side, a hydrocarbon feed valve oxidation catalyst exhaust purification catalyst, and NOX selective reduction catalyst are arranged. By lowering the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst by a predetermined period while maintaining it lean, the NOX is reduced in the exhaust purification catalyst and the NOX which was not reduced at the exhaust purification catalyst is reduced by the ammonia which is adsorbed at the NOX selective reduction catalyst. The air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas flowing into the exhaust purification catalyst is sometimes switched from lean to rich. At this time, the ammonia which was generated at the exhaust purification catalyst is adsorbed at the NOX selective reduction catalyst.
US08695324B2 Multistage tip fan
A fan assembly having an outer fan system is disclosed, the fan assembly comprising an outer fan first stage and an outer fan second stage both extending radially outward from an arcuate platform.
US08695323B2 Plant for the gasification of biomass
A plant (100) for the gasification of biomass comprises a gasifier (10) and an apparatus (23) for the filtration of the gas. The apparatus comprises a scrubber (31), a tank (41), and a wet electrostatic precipitator (51). The scrubber is in fluid communication with the gasifier and with the tank, and is adapted for the injection of a washing liquid in the gas flow. The tank comprises a bottom area for collecting the liquid and a top area for holding the gas. The wet electrostatic precipitator is in fluid communication with the top area of the tank. In some examples, a gasifier comprises a gasification reactor (12), a grate (125) for the support of the biomass in the reactor (12) and a plug (126). The plug is vertically movable so as to close and/or open the middle part of the grate.
US08695317B2 Method for forming a high strength synthetic rope
A method is provided for forming a high strength synthetic rope useful for towing warps, trawler warps, yachting ropes, mooring lines, anchor lines, oil derrick anchoring lines, seismic lines, seismic lines and any other uses for rope, cable or chain.
US08695312B2 Film clamp and related methods and apparatuses for wrapping loads
An apparatus for clamping packaging material may include a packaging material holder. The packaging material holder may include a first jaw, a second jaw, opposing the first jaw, and a jaw opening between the first and second jaws. The jaw opening may be configured to receive a portion of packaging material. The packaging material holder may include an inflatable structure configured to fill at least a portion of the opening. The apparatus also may include a packaging material insertion tool configured to insert the portion of packaging material into the jaw opening for clamping.
US08695302B2 Air seal assembly
An air seal assembly is provided. The air seal assembly includes a plurality of segments configured to form a cavity. The cavity is configured to engage an edge of a construction material. A gasket material is applied to an exterior surface of one of the segments. In an installed position, the air seal assembly is configured to substantially seal gaps formed between the construction material and other materials forming a wall.
US08695296B2 Mounting hardware and mounting system for vertical panels
A mounting hardware and a mounting system for mounting a vertical panel from a support member suspended from a ceiling. The mounting hardware has a panel mounting section, a support member receiving portion, and a movable mounting section. The support member receiving portion extends from the panel mounting section. The movable mounting section can be rotate relative to the support member receiving portion to secure the mounting hardware to the support member.
US08695293B2 Door and window sill pan flashing with extension coupler
A window sill pan flashing or a door sill pan flashing with drain. The sill pan flashing has an inclined base, and window or door continuous or near continuous sill supports which can be extruded as part of the base unit. Sill pan flashing offsets provided in the rear sill pan flashing wall and in the front flange create a flow path for water to drain from the sill pan flashing to the exterior of the building. The base may be solid or hollow with window or door supports extending vertically through the base. Extension couplers are provided to join a plurality of sill pan flashing base sections. The sill pan flashing base sections and extension couplers may be manufactured by extrusion.
US08695289B2 Photovoltaic roofing elements, photovoltaic roofing systems, methods and kits
The present invention relates generally to the photovoltaic generation of electrical energy. The present invention relates more particularly to photovoltaic roofing products for use in photovoltaically generating electrical energy. One aspect of the invention is a photovoltaic roofing element comprising: a flexible roofing substrate; a photovoltaic element disposed on the flexible roofing substrate; and an electrical connector operatively coupled to the photovoltaic element, wherein the flexible roofing substrate has formed therein a recess shaped to at least partially receive the electrical connector.
US08695273B2 Waste fishing line holder
The present invention relates generally to a waste fishing line holder for anglers carried by a person while fishing. It secures the waste fishing line that an angler generates when changing flies or fishing rigs. The holder is carried in an angler's pocket, a tackle box or attached to an item of clothing or gear. The apparatus is mostly comprised of a generally J shaped body with a long leg and a short leg and being of elongate length of rigid and durable material with an area of deformable resilient and cushioned material attached to the short leg. Formed so that line is held securely in a slit/gap between the long leg and deformable cushioned material.
US08695272B2 Weed resistant fishing weight and method
A weight to facilitate weed resistant fishing is disclosed. Embodiments include a biconically-tapered weight shaped to define a relatively centrally located aperture, an off-center exit aperture, surrounded by a lip, wherein the weight has a channel where conventional fishing line may pass through the top of the weight, through the channel, and out an exit aperture. With tension on the line, a portion of the hook enters the lip and the hook is relatively shielded from accumulating weeds on decent through a weed mass. A variety of methods disclose manipulating a conventional fishing rod and line with the subject weight.
US08695269B1 Fishing rod with line indicator grip
A fishing rod handle with line type and strength indicator.
US08695265B2 Mount for firearms
A mount comprising a connecting portion attachable to a firearm, a first member connected to the connecting portion to be rotatable about a first axis, a second member connected to the first member to be rotatable about a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, and an attachment system connected to the second member for receiving an accessory. Also, a mount attachable to a firearm and having a dampener system connected to base and body portions thereof, the dampener system acting to dampen a recoil force produced by the firearm. Further, a mount attachable to a firearm and allowing a first rotation varying an azimuth of an accessory and a second rotation varying an angle of elevation of the accessory, and control means adjusting the second rotation to obtain a desired value and automatically producing the first rotation to correct a lateral drift of the firearm.
US08695259B2 Souvenir and method of displaying a relic
A souvenir 10 has a display portion 21 upon which is incorporated a three dimensional profile of a representation or display 40 of a memory evokable element, such as an iconic geographical location, cityscape, building, event, structure or person in positive or male profile. A complementary removable covering portion 20 has incorporated therein a negative or female profile of the representation or display 40, allowing the souvenir to be cast from either one of the portions 20, 21 should one of the portions become lost. A recess 51 is located within the display portion 21 for retaining a relic 52 taken from or closely associated with the memory evokable element displayed on the display portion 21. When assembled, the two portions show on the sides silhouettes of the representation or display, to further evoke viewer memories.
US08695252B2 System for advertisement
A system for advertising, having a post assembly with first and second ends. The first end has a first neck member with a first threaded opening having a cap thereon, and the second end having a second neck member with a second threaded opening. A display assembly has first and second transparent or translucent walls joined at least at first, second, and third edges. The display assembly further has a first seam to define a first channel and a second seam to define a second channel. A fourth edge defines a sealing edge. First and second elongated rods prevent the display assembly from bending or flapping. The display assembly displays matter housed between the first and second transparent or translucent walls. An extension post assembly has third and fourth ends, and at least one tension arm.
US08695249B1 External elevator/advertising board system for buildings
The external elevator/advertising board for buildings includes an elevator carriage riding on a track assembly on at least one side of a building. Each elevator carriage is defined by an elongate, open box frame having a control console mounted to a floor panel. A power assembly is operatively connected to the control console at the bottom of the elevator carriage. Operation of the console facilitates selective raising and lowering of the elevator carriage at select speeds along a side of the building to a select level for cleaning, maintenance, and emergency evacuation. A front panel of the box frame is disposed at an angle angled towards the ground. The front panel displays advertisements for maximum exposure to traffic around the building.
US08695246B2 Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes: a cylindrical casing which is rotatably driven; and a plurality of curve-arranged displays which are installed inside the casing and have the same number as a plurality of slits formed in the casing, wherein the curve-arranged displays include a light housing which is an approximately semi-cylindrical column having a hollow structure, and a plurality of display device substrates installed on an arc-shaped side surface of the approximately semi-cylindrical column of the light housing.
US08695235B2 Soccer shoe component or insert made of one material and/or a composite and/or laminate of one or more materials for enhancing the performance of the soccer shoe
A soccer shoe absorbs and stores energy from the foot at foot-strike and return some of this energy to the object being struck. The shoe may also cushion the foot, leg and body; provide foot stability and motion control; reduce fatigue; extend the float time of a runner and increase the jump height of the wearer. The shoe is intended to absorb, store and return energy to the object struck, which would otherwise be lost using the existing shoe components and inserts. The shoe has a vertical component that extends around the periphery of the front of the shoe and another component (horizontal) that extends longitudinally from the front of the shoe towards the back of the shoe, at least to about the middle of the shoe, and preferably proximate the heel of the shoe.
US08695223B2 Bush cutter with a versatile operating rod
A bush cutter comprises an operating rod, a cutting unit, a main unit and a transfer shaft. The cutting unit is disposed at a front end of the operating rod and rotatably supports a cutting blade. The main unit is disposed at a rear end of the operating rod and houses a motor that drives the cutting blade. The transfer shaft is disposed within the operating rod and transfer output torque of the motor from the main unit to the cutting unit. An adapter is fixed to the rear end of the operating rod and the main unit is provided with a rod insertion hole configured to receive the rear end of the operating rod with the adapter fixed. This configuration may prevent the operating rod, which has versatility, from being erroneously assembled.
US08695214B2 Laying network cables in water supply pipes
A network and method of laying network cables in water supply pipes is disclosed. A building is situated near a roadway along which is laid a trunk cable. A water supply pipe branches off the water main to enter the building. A water supply pipe is provided at the time of construction of the building and is an underground pipe. It is conventional to provide a dedicated (and usually underground) conduit for a branch cable, which is expensive and disruptive. In the present invention the branch cable is laid along water supply pipe, enabling the cable to cross between the trunk cable and the building with minimal disturbance of the ground therebetween. This is achieved by introducing cable to pipe by use of a suitable Y-junction at location and removing the cable from the pipe by use of a second such Y-junction at location.
US08695209B2 Method of producing a surface-mount inductor
A method of producing a surface-mount inductor by encapsulating a coil with an encapsulation material containing a resin and a filler using a mold die assembly is provided. In the method, a tablet and a coil are used. The tablet is prepared by preforming the encapsulation material into a shape having a flat plate-shaped portion and a pillar-shaped convex portion on a peripheral thereof. The coil is a wound conductive wire having a cross-section of rectangular-shape. The coil is placed on the tablet to allow both ends of the coil to extend along an outer side surface of the pillar-shaped convex portion of the tablet. The coil and the encapsulation material are integrated together while clamping the both ends of the coil between an inner wall surface of the mold die assembly and the outer side surface of the pillar-shaped convex portion of the tablet, to form a molded body. External electrodes are formed on a surface of or around an outer periphery of the molded body in such a manner that the external electrodes are electrically connected to the both ends of the coil at least a portion of which is exposed to the surface of the molded body.
US08695206B2 Tissue clamp for noninvasive physiological measurement
A device includes a clamp and a sensor. The sensor can be attached to the clamp and tissue by the force exerted by the clamp. The clamp includes a first jaw member having a jaw face and a second jaw member having a complementary face. The first and second jaw members are held in alignment by a joint. The joint has an elastic member configured to exert a compressive force. The joint allows movement of the jaw face relative to the complementary face in directions corresponding to pitch, roll, yaw, and heave. The compressive force is distributed over a surface of the jaw face. The sensor is coupled to the jaw face or held in place by the compressive force of the jaw face. The sensor is configured to generate a sensor signal corresponding to a physiological parameter of tissue proximate the jaw face.
US08695203B2 Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank and internal accessory
Process for manufacturing a plastic fuel tank (FT) equipped with an internal accessory, by molding a parison using a mold comprising two cavities and a core, said process comprising the following steps: the parison is introduced into the mold cavities; the core is introduced inside the parison, the core having first been fitted with the accessory; the mold is closed so that the cavities come into leaktight contact with the core; the parison is pressed against the cavities by blowing through the core and/or applying a vacuum behind the cavities; the accessory is fastened to the parison by snap riveting using a device attached to the core; the mold is opened to withdraw the core; and the final molding of the parison is carried out by blow molding and/or thermoforming. The accessory comprises an orifice for the snap riveting and at least one protuberance which, during the fastening of the accessory by snap riveting, will at least partially melt to form a local weld which is at another location than the obtained rivet to obtain two different attachment points.
US08695198B2 Method of positioning pipes end to end
The present invention provides a method of positioning a first pipe facing a second pipe, the end of the first pipe being provided with a first chamfer and a first substantially annular surface placed close to its inside surface, the end of the second pipe being provided with a second chamfer and with a second substantially annular surface located close to its inside surface, said first and second annular surfaces defining a joint plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of each of said pipes. According to the invention, a plurality of clamping actuators regularly distributed around the first and second pipes are used and controlled to shift the second pipe relative to the first pipe parallel to said joint plane as a function of a radial offset H, H′ between the first and second annular surfaces so as to guarantee a maximum facing area, referred to as a “coincidence” area for said annular surfaces.
US08695195B2 Process for manufacturing a metal part reinforced with ceramic fibres
A process for manufacturing a metal part reinforced with ceramic fibers including machining at least one housing for an insert in a metal body having an upper face. At least one insert formed from ceramic fibers in a metal matrix is placed in the housing. The insert is covered with a cover. A vacuum is created in the interstitial space around the insert and the interstitial space is hermetically sealed under vacuum. The assembly, namely the metal body with the cover, is treated by hot isostatic pressure. The treated assembly is machined in order to obtain the part. The cover includes an element covering the insert in the slot and projecting from the upper face, and a sheet covering the upper face with said element. In particular, the insert is straight and the housing for the insert in the metal body forms a straight slot.
US08695186B2 Method for manufacturing piezoelectric vibrator
Providing a method for manufacturing a package capable of suppressing occurrence of a discharge phenomenon during the anodic bonding and achieving stable anodic bonding of the base board and the bonding film. Providing a method for manufacturing a package including: an alignment step where an inner surface of the lid board 50 is superimposed onto an inner surface of the base board 40, and an outer surface of the base board 40 is disposed on an electrode base portion 70 for anodic bonding; and an anodic bonding step where a bonding voltage is applied between the bonding film 35 and the electrode base portion 70 while heating them to a bonding temperature, whereby the bonding film 35 and the base board 40 are anodically bonded, wherein the anodic bonding step involves applying the bonding voltage in a state where the penetration electrodes 32, 33 are exposed to a void portion 73 formed in the electrode base portion 70.
US08695180B2 Locking clip and system
A locking clip for securing one or more objects thereon includes a loop portion and a sleeve. The loop portion defines first and second ends interconnected by first and second intermediate segments. The first intermediate segment includes a gap defined therein. The sleeve is disposed about the first and second intermediate segments between the first and second ends of the loop portion. The sleeve is rotatable relative to the loop portion between a closed position, wherein the sleeve extends completely along a length of the gap to inhibit passage of the object(s) therethrough, and an open position, wherein the sleeve extends only partially along the length of the gap to permit passage of the object(s) therethrough. The loop portion and/or the sleeve also includes a feedback feature configured to produce an audible and/or a tactile feedback response when the sleeve is rotated to the closed and/or the open position.
US08695171B2 Quick release apparatus for an SCBA frame
A quick release apparatus for rapid disconnection of a waist belt from a self-contained breathing apparatus support frame, including first and second connector elements disposed on either of the support frame or the waist belt for selective connection of the support frame to the waist belt, first and second quick release pull straps releasably coupled to the first and second connectors, each of the pull straps having a quick release handle portion for grasping with a hand. A users pulls one of the quick release handle portions away from the waist belt to accomplish a partial release of the waist belt from the support frame, and by pulling both of said handle portions, the waist belt is fully decoupled from the support frame, such that the self-contained breathing apparatus may be removed by the wearer without also having to unbuckle or to remove the waist belt.
US08695154B2 Vacuum cleaner with a suction hose holder
A vacuum cleaner (11) with a housing (12) and a suction hose (16) as well as to a suction hose holder (31) arranged on the housing (12) that has two holding elements (32, 37) that are at a distance from each other and that each have a receptacle (34, 39) to hold two sections of the suction hose (16), whereby additional holders (20, 35, 40) are provided at the receptacles (34, 39).
US08695146B2 Oral care implement having a head insert
An oral care implement is provided with a head platform having an opening extending between first and second faces. A first cavity may be defined between the first face and an upper support ledge and a second cavity may be defined between the second face and a lower support ledge. A channel may be defined between the upper and lower support ledges and an area circumscribed within the upper support ledge may be greater than an area circumscribed within the lower support ledge. First and second plates may be attached to the head platform proximate the first cavity and channel, respectively. A shoulder of the first plate may be received on the upper support ledge such that first cleaning elements extend away from the first face. A shoulder of the second plate may be received on the lower support ledge such that second cleaning elements extend through the second cavity away from the second face.
US08695144B2 Autonomous cleaning machine
Disclosed herein is an autonomous cleaning machine with a brush cleaning unit to clean a brush unit. The autonomous cleaning machine includes a main body, the brush unit rotatably provided on the main body, first brush cleaning members contacting the brush unit to move foreign substances wound on the brush unit in a lengthwise direction of the brush unit, and second brush cleaning members contacting the brush unit to remove the foreign substances wound on the brush unit from the brush unit.
US08695138B2 Folding survival knife with integrated tools
A folding survival knife that includes structural elements to implement any combination of a bottle opener/pan holder/quick opening feature, wire breaker/choil, jimping/wire strippers, hex nut driver/lashing point, pry bar/scraper, glass breaker in a single blade configuration.
US08695135B2 Sacrum support pillow
A sacrum support pillow comprises a three-sided deformable member having a length and a width. The length defines a central region disposed between first and second ends. The width in the central region is greater than the width in the first and second ends such that the width tapers to points near the first and second ends. The three sided deformable member defines three edges, and wherein a deformable member surface is located between the first and second edges, the second and third edges, and the third and first edges, and wherein each surface is concave and may have a different width. An outer covering encloses the three sided deformable member.
US08695132B2 Shower head
The shower head is invented with a hydroelectric generator, a motor and an externally equipped brush. When the user turns on the water tap, water goes through the hydroelectric generator inside the shower head and the motor makes the brush either rotate or vibrate while the electricity is received. Accordingly, the shower head allows the user not to only take a shower but also to have body cleaning and body massage.
US08695121B2 Actively ventilated helmet systems and methods
Helmet systems and methods reduce the formation of vapor condensation within the helmet interior, and inhibit fogging of the helmet visor. Exemplary embodiments include a helmet shell having a venting tube, a visor coupled with the helmet shell, a humidity sensor that senses humidity within the helmet interior cavity, and a ventilation system that removes moist air from the helmet interior.
US08695120B2 Glove
The invention is directed to a glove that includes an outer shell having several finger shells. At least one finger shell includes first, second, and third tongues, the first tongue forming the palm portion of the finger shell, and the second and third tongues forming the back and side portions of the finger shell. The tongues are joined together at their adjacent edges. The glove can further include waterproof strips overlapping the adjacent edges and fastened to the edges. The invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing the glove.
US08695117B1 Skydiving garment with enhanced aerodynamic control
A skydiving garment provides a wearer with enhanced control, maneuverability, and extended gliding range during free-fall. The garment includes ram-air structures that form under the sleeves, between the legs and around other selected parts of the wearer's body respectively. There are ram air pocket entries to these ram-air structures, improved zippers and zipper release mechanisms, all to provide increased safety during launch, glide, parachute opening and landing.
US08695116B2 Air emitting device for a costume
An air emitting device for use with a costume to create the illusion that air is being emitted from an anatomical body part. A wearable housing contains a source of air within the hollow compartment of a cup. A nozzle focusing the air stream protrudes from a cup. This costume enables the wearer to affix a balloon to the nozzle and inflate it, thus creating the illusion that the air is being emitted from the wearer's anatomical body part.
US08695114B2 Adjustable bathing suit
An adjustable bathing suit including a channel extending through the length of a waistband. An adjustable band is received within at least a portion of the channel and is attached to the bathing suit. Preferably, the adjustable band extends around the front of the hips around a majority of the waistband. The adjustable band includes a plurality of openings for receiving a button attached to the bathing suit. The button can be located at the rear of the bathing suit. An opening in the waistband is provided in the location of the button to provide access to the adjustable band contained within the channel. A flap attached to an upper portion of the waistband extends over the opening of the waistband for closing the opening. The flap can include a self-gripping material and a self-gripping material can be positioned under the flap for providing secure closure of the flap.
US08701210B2 Adjustable feature access for a controlled environmental system
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for restricting access to a control unit in an environmental system based on a lock level. The control unit (e.g., a thermostat) is configured with a selected lock level, where each lock level is mapped to an associated set of features. A user is able to access any of the features from the associated set of features without entering a security sequence. Also, a feature parameter may be restricted in accordance with the activated lock level. The control unit may be reconfigured with a different lock level by an administrator only when a security sequence is entered. Also, features may be mapped by an administrator to a set of features when the control unit is operating in the locked state. When the control unit is operating in the unlocked state, all supported features can be accessed by a user.
US08701207B2 Method, device and system for protecting software
The invention, related to information security field, discloses a method for protecting software, and device and system thereof. The method includes that a security device is connected with a terminal device; the security device receives service instruction, determines whether the clock inside the security device is activated, reads the current time of the clock and determines whether the current time is valid; if so, the security device executes the service instruction and returns the executing result to the terminal device; otherwise, the security device returns false result to the terminal device. The invention provides more secure service to the protected software, meanwhile, extends lifetime of the security device.
US08701193B1 Malware detection via signature indices
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for efficiently processing information are disclosed. In some embodiments, a first signature index is received. The first signature index is compared to a second signature index. A negative signature match is based on the comparison. A file is flagged based on the negative match.
US08701186B2 Formal analysis of the quality and conformance of information flow downgraders
Mechanisms for evaluating downgrader code in application code with regard to one or more security guidelines are provided. Downgrader code in application code is identified, where the downgrader code is a portion of code in the application code that operates on an information flow of the application code to ensure confidentiality of information input to the downgrader code, in the output of the downgrader code. Processes of the downgrader code are evaluated against security guidelines to determine if the processes violate the security guidelines. A notification is generated in response to the evaluation indicating that the processes of the downgrader code violate the security guidelines. The notification is output to a computing device for consideration.
US08701185B2 Method for locating fraudulent replicas of web sites
A method for detecting Web sites used for phishing, including preselecting one or more Web sites to be examined for duplication, selecting at least one or more elements that are present in the preselected Web site and that relate to characteristic identifying features of the preselected Web site, forming at least one search query using the one or more elements, and submitting the at least one search query to an indexed public search engine. The elements illustratively may be URL substrings, content identification substrings, or tree structure-related substrings. A report of Web sites using the selected one or more search terms is received from the public search engine in response to the query, and the preselected Web site is eliminated from the Web sites found in the search. The remaining Web sites retrieved in the search are further analyzed, by additional focused searching of the retrieved pages, by comparing header or tree structure information, or other techniques to compare them with the preselected Web site to identify unauthorized near-replicas of the known legitimate Web site for responsive action.
US08701183B2 Hardware-based human presence detection
A method, system, and computer program product containing instructions to provide hardware-based human presence detection. Rather than rely upon software to display a CAPTCHA image, hardware in the form of a sprite engine of a graphics device is used to write a random text string directly to the display device, overlaying the user interface provided by software. Because the sprite engine is isolated from a host operating system for the system, the random text string cannot be captured and processed by software robots running under the host operating system.
US08701167B2 Method and system for fast access to advanced visualization of medical scans using a dedicated web portal
A system for viewing at a client device a series of three-dimensional virtual views over the Internet of a volume visualization dataset contained on centralized databases employs a transmitter for securely sending volume visualization dataset from a remote location to the centralized database, more than one central data storage medium containing the volume visualization dataset, and a plurality of servers in communication with the centralized databases to create virtual views based on client requests. A resource manager load balances the servers, a security device controls communications between the client device and server and the resource manager and central storage medium. Physically secured sites house the components. A web application accepts at the remote location user requests for a virtual view of the volume visualization dataset, transmits the request to the servers, receives the resulting virtual view from the servers, and displays the resulting virtual view to the remote user.
US08701157B1 Configuring policy settings on client computing devices
Systems and methods for configuring policy settings on client computing devices are provided. In some aspects, a method includes transmitting login credentials to one or more server machines. The method also includes receiving, on the client computing device, policy data and a public key from the one or more server machines in response to the login credentials. The method also includes authenticating the policy data based on the public key. The method also includes automatically installing policy settings based on the authenticated policy data on the client computing device. The policy settings identified by the policy data include four or more of: compliance settings, behavioral settings, software applications, permission to access one or more websites, restrictions on accessing one or more websites, read permission in a remote document storage unit, or write permission in a remote document storage unit.
US08701148B2 Methods, systems, and devices for bandwidth conservation
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for conserving bandwidth. Inputs to a user interface are accumulated and compared to a historical pattern of inputs. When inputs are accumulated, the method predicts that a user is present. When inputs are expected, but no inputs are received, then the method predicts that no user is present. Actions are them implemented to and conserve bandwidth.
US08701139B2 System and method to facilitate selection of episodes of serial programs from a media service
Systems and methods to facilitate selection of episodes of serial programs from a media service are provided. A particular computer-implemented method includes retrieving a media service favorites list of programs associated with at least one user at a computing device. The media service favorites list includes at least one first serial program selected by at least one user and at least one second serial program selected by a recommendation engine. The method also includes sending from the computing device a display of the media service favorites list to a display device associated with the computing device. The display includes an entry for each of the programs in the media service favorites list and a first selectable indicator associated with each of the serial programs determined to have a new, unviewed episode.
US08701129B2 Web API server program, web API publication method
There is provided a technique with which a function that an OSGi bundle is equipped with may be published via a web API with ease. A web API server program according to the present invention receives as an HTTP request a class name and method name of an OSGi bundle (OSGi service) registered with an OSGi framework, calls and executes an OSGi bundle (OSGi service) that matches them, and returns a result thereof as an HTTP response (see FIG. 2).
US08701127B2 Web services access to content items stored by collaboration systems
A computing system receives a web services request to invoke a method of web Application Programming Interface (API). In response to receiving the web services request, the computing system invokes a method of a language-dependent API of a client component in a collaboration system. The client component communicates with a collaboration server component in the collaboration system using a proprietary communications protocol. The method of the language-dependent API is a method to obtain data from the collaboration server component. After invoking the method, the computing system sends a web services response whose contents depend on the data obtained from the collaboration server component.
US08701123B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting events occurring in a controlled device to a control device in a web based system
Provided are an apparatus and a method which can transmit an event having occurred in a controlled device to a control device without loss or delay in a web-based system. The apparatus includes an event occurrence detector which detects the occurrence of an event; an event storage unit which stores an occurred event; a response transmitter which transmits a first response including the occurred event to a control device according to a request of the control device; a time measurement unit which measures a time elapsed after the request or the response, and a control unit which transmits a second response to the control device, which selectively asks the control device to re-request a report of an occurred event according to the measured time.
US08701117B2 Resource consumption template processing model
In one embodiment, a method determines a task to execute in a computer processing system. A resource consumption template from a plurality of resource consumption templates is determined for the task. The plurality of resource consumption templates have different priorities. A computer processing system determines resources for the task based on the determined resource consumption template. Also, the computer processing system processes the task using the allocated resources. The processing of the task is prioritized based on the priority of the resource consumption template.
US08701114B2 Dynamically redirecting a file descriptor of an executing process by another process by optionally suspending the executing process
An apparatus for dynamically redirecting a file descriptor includes an identification module, a disassociation module, and an association module. The identification module identifies a first executing process using a second executing process. The first executing process may include a file descriptor and the first executing process may be independent of the second executing process. The disassociation module disassociates the file descriptor from a first data stream using the second executing process without involvement of the first executing process. The association module associates the file descriptor with a second data stream using the second executing process without involvement of the first executing process in response to the disassociation module disassociating the file descriptor from the first data stream.
US08701111B2 Lock windows for reducing contention
Methods and arrangements to assign locks to threads are discussed. Embodiments include transformations, code, state machines or other logic to assign locks to threads. Embodiments may include setting a window of time at the end of a time slice of a thread. The embodiment may also involve prohibiting the thread from acquiring a lock during the window of time, based upon determining that the thread is within the window of time and determining that the thread does not hold any locks. Other embodiments include an apparatus to assign locks to threads and a computer program product to assign locks to threads.
US08701109B1 Immortal instance type
Technologies are described herein for ensuring data in long-term storage will be accessible at a future date. Upon storing the data in long-term storage, a well-defined instance of data processing resources is created on a host computing platform for the installation and testing of a related application that is capable of accessing the stored data. Once testing of the related application is complete, a machine image is generated from the instance and stored with the data in the long-term storage. If access to the data stored in the long-term storage is required at a future date, the data and associated machine image may be retrieved, and a compatible instance of data processing resources created in which the machine image may be restored. The data in the long-term storage may then be accessed by the related applications executing in the newly created instance.
US08701107B2 Decentralized management of virtualized hosts
One or more embodiments of the present invention provide a technique for effectively managing virtualized computing systems with an unlimited number of hardware resources. Host systems included in a virtualized computer system are organized into a scalable, peer-to-peer (P2P) network in which host systems arrange themselves into a network overlay to communicate with one another. The network overlay enables the host systems to perform a variety of operations, which include dividing computing resources of the host systems among a plurality of virtual machines (VMs), load balancing VMs across the host systems, and performing an initial placement of a VM in one of the host systems.
US08701106B2 Hashing storage images of a virtual machine
Virtual machine images are transferred from a source storage location to a target storage location over a network. In one embodiment, a host at the source storage location computes signature values of a plurality of disk blocks that contain a plurality of virtual machine images. Each computed signature value corresponds to one of the disk blocks. A subset of the disk blocks, all of which have different signature values, is then transferred from the source storage location to the target storage location. Only one copy of duplicate disk blocks is transferred.
US08701105B2 Downloadable standalone offline application with integrated data for distributed offline processing
In a system and a method, a request from a client device to generate a downloadable file representing an offline version of a web-based application hosted by a web server is received. Application components and data used by the web-based application are packaged into the downloadable file, and the downloadable file is transmitted to the requesting client device. The web-based application is locked to prevent access to the web-based application. A revised downloadable file is received that includes changes to at least one of the application components and the data contained in the downloadable file. As applicable, the application components and data used by the web-based application are updated with the changes to the at least one of the application components and the data contained in the revised downloadable file. Subsequent to the updating, the web-based application is unlocked, and the downloadable file is invalidated.
US08701091B1 Method and system for providing a generic console interface for a graphics application
A method and system for application development. Specifically, a generic console interface is provided that is capable of interacting with graphics applications. The console interface is capable of accessing a graphics application by detouring at least one predefined system call made by the graphics application. User input is intercepted that is related to the predefined system call that is detoured. The user input is communicated through the console interface. An operation is performed as implemented by the user input through a dynamically loadable module.
US08701090B2 Graphical user interface testing systems and methods
An exemplary method includes graphical user interface code executing on a computing device providing a graphical user interface including one or more graphical elements and exposing data associated with the graphical user interface for access and use by a testing subsystem to test the graphical user interface. In certain examples, the exposed data is representative of one or more graphical element type identifiers indicating one or more types of the one or more graphical elements included in the graphical user interface. In certain examples, the exposed data is included in a log of events associated with the graphical user interface. In certain examples, the exposed data is exposed in response to a query from the testing subsystem. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.
US08701088B2 Generating backtracing information for software debugging of software programs running on virtual machines
A mechanism for generating backtracing information for software debugging of software programs running on virtual machines. A method of embodiments of the invention includes probing a virtual machine of a computer system, the virtual machine to run a software program, accessing compiler-generated output at a storage medium of the computer system, the compiler-generated output having debug information relating to the virtual machine, and obtaining the debug information from the compiler-generated output. The method further includes generating backtracing information of the software program using the debug information, and providing the backtracing information for debugging of the software program.
US08701071B2 Enforcement of semiconductor structure regularity for localized transistors and interconnect
A global placement grating (GPG) is defined for a chip level to include a set of parallel and evenly spaced virtual lines. At least one virtual line of the GPG is positioned to intersect each contact that interfaces with the chip level. A number of subgratings are defined. Each subgrating is a set of equally spaced virtual lines of the GPG that supports a common layout shape run length thereon. The layout for the chip level is partitioned into subgrating regions. Each subgrating region has any one of the defined subgratings allocated thereto. Layout shapes placed within a given subgrating region in the chip level are placed in accordance with the subgrating allocated to the given subgrating region. Non-standard layout shape spacings at subgrating region boundaries can be mitigated by layout shape stretching, layout shape insertion, and/or subresolution shape insertion, or can be allowed to exist in the final layout.
US08701065B1 Microwave acoustic wave filters
A method of designing an acoustic microwave filter comprises selecting a filter section based on frequency response requirements. The filter section includes an input, an output, and a plurality of circuit elements. The circuit elements have at least in-line acoustic resonators or in-shunt acoustic resonators. The method further comprises selecting a value for each circuit element, selecting a number of filter sections, and cascading the selected number of filter sections to create a cascaded filter circuit design, such that at least one pair of immediately adjacent filter sections are connected to each other via their inputs or their outputs. The method further comprises adding parasitic effects to the cascaded filter circuit design to create a pre-optimized filter circuit design, optimizing the pre-optimized filter circuit design to create a final filter circuit design, and constructing the acoustic microwave filter based on the final filter circuit design.
US08701059B2 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.
US08701054B2 Boosting transistor performance with non-rectangular channels
Roughly described, the invention includes layouts and masks for an integrated circuit, in which the diffusion shape for a transistor includes a transversely extending jog on one or both transversely opposite sides, the jog having inner and outer corners, at least one of which is located relative to the gate conductor longitudinally such that during lithographic printing of the diffusion shape onto the integrated circuit, the corner will round and extend at least partly into the channel region. The invention also includes aspects for a system and method for introducing such jogs, and for an integrated circuit device having a non-rectangular channel region, the channel region being wider where it meets the source region than at some other longitudinal position under the gate.
US08701048B2 System and method for providing a user-adjustable display of clusters and text
A system and method for providing a user-adjustable display of clusters and text is provided. A two-dimensional display of cluster spines is provided. The cluster spines each include clusters of documents proximately aligned. A compass is provided within the display and positioned over one or more clusters of at least one cluster spine based on instructions from a user. The display of the clusters positioned within the compass is altered. Spine labels are positioned circumferentially around the compass. Each spine label represents a concept associated with one of the cluster spines positioned within the compass.
US08701041B2 Method and system to navigate viewable content
A method and system to navigate viewable content in the context of television entertainment is provided. In one example embodiment, the system comprises a presentation module to present main content on a display screen, a communications module to receive a first request associated with a first directional key on a remote control device, a navigation mode detector to determine a navigation mode associated with the first request; a margin menu module to activate a margin menu associated with the determined navigation mode. The margin menu may be presented along one of the margins of a display screen, while permitting viewing of the main content.
US08701035B2 Index image control apparatus
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus using an index image display apparatus includes: an index image display section for displaying an ROI of an index image having a predetermined shape and to be superimposed on an image displayed on a monitor; a CPU that is a display form changing section that can change a display form of the ROI by a predetermined amount by one operation; an operation portion for outputting an operation signal to the CPU; and an LCD panel that is a change information display section including a plurality of operation buttons provided in the operation portion and representing graphic information that indicates an initial state of the ROI, and change information that is changed by the CPU.
US08701032B1 Incremental multi-word recognition
In one example, a computing device includes at least one processor that is operatively coupled to a presence-sensitive display and a gesture module operable by the at least one processor. The gesture module may be operable by the at least one processor to output, for display at the presence-sensitive display, a graphical keyboard comprising a plurality of keys and receive an indication of a continuous gesture detected at the presence-sensitive display, the continuous gesture to select a group of keys of the plurality of keys. The gesture module may be further operable to determine, in response to receiving the indication of the continuous gesture and based at least in part on the group of keys of the plurality of keys, a candidate phrase comprising a group of candidate words.
US08701026B2 User interface
A system and method for enhancing a controller interface is provided. In one embodiment, the system may include an input device, an input interface, a processor, and a display. The method is capable of associating input components on the input device with input options available for controlling the virtual characters. The method is further capable of associating the input components with origin points of a virtual representation of a user and target points of a virtual representation of an opponent. The method further allows a user to control a virtual character not representing the user.
US08701024B2 Systems and methods for implementing multi-application tabs and tab sets
A sharing model enables users to easily and conveniently create and share standard and custom database objects, and applications, among users or groups of users. The sharing model includes systems and methods that allow users to conveniently create and customize tabs and tab sets that define relationships between custom objects and fields, standard objects and fields, and applications. A tab visually represents a user interface into an element of an application or into a database object. Selection of a tab provides a user access to the object or element of the application represented by the tab. A tab set is a group of related tabs that work as a unit to provide application functionality. New tabs and tab sets may be defined and tab set views may be customized so that an end user can easily and conveniently switch between the various objects and application elements represented by the displayed tabs and tab set views.
US08701022B2 Method and system for archiving and retrieving items based on episodic memory of groups of people
A method and system are provided for archiving and retrieving digital media items based on episodic memory for predefined associated groups of one or more people. The method and system may comprise identifying one or more groups to which an archiving user belongs; receiving a user input identifying select groups to which a digital media item to be archived; receiving archiving input data identifying the digital media item to be archived for the group; generating index information using the received user archiving input; storing the index information in association with the identified digital media item; repeating the reception of archiving input data, the generation of the index information and the storing of the index information for the digital media item; receiving retrieval input data representing a selection of candidate values; and using the selections and the identified group to retrieve and output digital media items that match the selection.
US08701017B2 System and method for representation of presentity presence states for contacts in a contact list
A presence system is provided with a communications device associated with a presentity that is capable of displaying a respective presentity presence state indicating a respective availability of the presentity as provided by a presence system to each contact on a contact list of the presentity. The communications device includes a presence user client communicatively coupled to the presence system to receive presence information associated with the presentity, in which the presence information includes the respective presentity presence states for the contacts on the contact list, and a display for displaying the contact list and a respective representation of the respective presentity presence state for each contact on the contact list.
US08701012B1 Computer readable medium for creating a near real time well log
A non-transitory computer readable medium to create a well log by using computer instructions to form an editable well log template, import user information, continuously import well sensor information, well event based observation data; well fluid testing data, scale the imported data, forming scaled values, compute a microview log plot and a macroview log plot using the scaled values; populating the editable well log template creating an executive dashboard, insert real time well logging information into the executive dashboard as the well logging information is detected, enabling safety interpretations for drilling, geological interpretations for drilling, operational interpretations for drilling, and combinations of these interpretations, in real time.
US08701007B2 Edit visualizer for modifying and evaluating uncommitted media content
A computer readable medium (CRM) storing a media editing application for creating media presentations is described. The application includes a graphical user interface (GUI). The GUI has (1) a display area for displaying a composite presentation that the application creates by compositing a plurality of media clips, (2) a composite display area for displaying graphical representations of a set of media clips that are part of the composite presentation and a set of media clips that are candidates for adding to the composite presentation, and (3) a preview tool for differentiating in the composite display area the graphical representation of any media clip that is part of the composite presentation from the graphical representation of any media clip that is a candidate for adding to the composite presentation.
US08700997B1 Method and apparatus for spellchecking source code
In one aspect, a spellchecker is provided that differentiates between code and natural language parts of a source code file. In operation, the spellchecker identifies a string in the source code file and attempts to classify the string as inducing programming language instructions or natural language words. If the sting is classified as including natural language words, the spellchecker outputs an indication of a spelling mistake in the string. Otherwise, if the string is not classified as including natural language words, the spellchecker does not output indications of spelling mistakes found in the string.
US08700985B2 Collecting user feedback about web pages
A user may desire to provide feedback on a web page displayed at a client. To collect feedback, a feedback module is provided to and executed at the client to provide feedback functionality. The feedback module creates a mask to prevent interaction with the original web page, clones the original web page, and displays a clone version in place of the masked original page. In addition, the feedback module creates an annotation frame to receive annotations of the clone version of the web page. A feedback report including a feedback image showing the clone version of the web page and the received annotations is generated by the module for submission to a server.
US08700982B2 System, device and method for providing interactive content on an computing device
A system, device and method for providing interactive content on a computing device is provided. In an embodiment, a computing device in the form of a portable computing device is configured to execute a primary web browser application and a secondary web browser application. The primary web browser application is configured to generate a web-page including a fillable form on the portable computing device. The secondary web browser application is configured to receive the input for the fillable form by generating a mirrored fillable form, and to automatically populate the fillable form on the web-page using the completed version of the mirrored fillable form.
US08700960B2 Diagnostic code generation terminal, diagnostic method and program for diagnostic code generation terminal
The diagnostic method is provided with no leakage of user's private information, less errors in reproduction of the setting status, and no performing of useless diagnoses. Input from a user is received by outputting a select object for limiting a diagnosis item of the diagnostic code generation terminal 10 to the diagnostic code generation terminal 10, a diagnosis item corresponding to the select object is determined in accordance with the input from the user, and performing diagnosis of the determined diagnosis item is performed. Then, a diagnostic code reflecting the result of the performed diagnosis is generated, and the setting status of the diagnostic code generation terminal 10 is reproduced by inputting the diagnostic code from an operator terminal 150. Even when a diagnostic code is repeatedly generated, information on the past diagnostic code is included in the next diagnostic code, and thus useless diagnosis processes are reduced.
US08700955B2 Multi-processor data processing system having synchronized exit from debug mode and method therefor
A data processing system includes a plurality of data processors, debug logic, and linking logic. The debug logic is coupled to each data processor of the plurality of data processors, and is for providing an instruction for exiting debug mode to the plurality of data processors. The linking logic is coupled to the debug logic and to each of the plurality of data processors. The linking logic is for linking selected ones of the plurality of data processors with each other and to the debug logic. The debug logic provides the instruction for exiting the debug mode when the selected ones of the plurality of data processors are linked in parallel by the linking logic.
US08700945B1 Content delivery failover
Embodiments may include a delivery mechanism failover. In one embodiment, a first portion of content and a first direction may be provided in response to a request for the content. The first direction may indicate a delivery mechanism from which to retrieve a second portion of the content. An indication of a failed delivery of the second portion of the content from the delivery mechanism may be received. In some embodiments, the indication of the failed delivery may be stored. Based on the received indication of the failed delivery, the first portion and a second direction may be provided in response to another request for the content, with the second direction indicating that the second portion is to be retrieved from another delivery mechanism.
US08700943B2 Controlling time stamp counter (TSC) offsets for mulitple cores and threads
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for recording a time stamp counter (TSC) value of a first TSC counter of a processor before a system suspension, accessing the stored TSC value after the system suspension, and directly updating a thread offset value associated with a first thread executing on a first core of the processor with the stored TSC value, without performing a synchronization between a plurality of cores of the processor. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08700940B2 Smart card able to renegotiate the maximum power supplied to the smart card from a mobile device
A mobile device is provided having a smart card. The smart card is powered by the mobile device and a maximum power supply value is defined by the mobile device to control the power drawn by the smart card. Provision is made for the smart card or the mobile device to renegotiate the maximum power supply level for the smart card without having to reset the mobile device. This provides the mobile device with dynamic control of the power drawn by the smart card, which can help the mobile device to optimize the power saving management.
US08700938B2 System and method for reducing power requirements of microprocessors through dynamic allocation of datapath resources
There is provided a system and methods for segmenting datapath resources such as reorder buffers, physical registers, instruction queues and load-store queues, etc. in a microprocessor so that their size may be dynamically expanded and contracted. This is accomplished by allocating and deallocating individual resource units to each resource based on sampled estimates of the instantaneous resource needs of the program running on the microprocessor. By keeping unused datapath resources to a minimum, power and energy savings are achieved by shutting off resource units that are not needed for sustaining the performance requirements of the running program. Leakage energy and switching energy and power are reduced using the described methods.
US08700930B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program for abnormal temperature detection
An information processing apparatus includes a power switch which is turned ON and OFF for supplying and cutting off power; a power supply portion which supplies power to each portion through the power switch; an operation control portion to which power is supplied from the power supply portion regardless of the ON or OFF state of the power switch, which controls power supply to a main storage device including a built-in cache memory based on software; a measurement portion which measures temperature of a measurement target; and a power control portion which is controlled by the operation control portion and controls power supply to the main storage device from the power supply portion.
US08700927B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit, interconnect, and computer readable medium storing medium storing control program
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes an adjuster and a controller. The adjuster adjusts transmission and reception of data by temporarily holding the data transmitted and received among a plurality of devices and output location information on the data. The controller controls power consumption of at least one of target devices based on a change amount of the location information.
US08700926B2 System and method of tuning a dynamic clock and voltage switching algorithm based on workload requests
A method of tuning a dynamic clock and voltage switching algorithm is disclosed and may include setting a default responsivity, determining whether a workload is registering after the workload is added, assigning a unique identifier to the workload if the workload is registering, and receiving a required responsivity from the workload.
US08700922B2 System and method for energy and assets saving and for improving ownership and sustainability awareness
A method includes linking an owner to an electronic asset using an owner profile. The electronic asset may be coupled to a server through a network. A usage of the electronic asset may be monitored using an activities agent installed on the electronic asset and the agent may monitor a power mode of the electronic asset and usage statistics. A policy may be defined at the server including a first inactivity condition that, when satisfied by the usage statistics of the electronic asset, results in a first alert being generated by the agent indicating inactivity of the electronic asset. The policy may be communicated from the server to the agent, and the agent may determine whether the inactivity condition is satisfied by comparing the usage statistics against the first inactivity condition. When the first inactivity condition is satisfied, the alert may be received at the server from the first agent.
US08700920B2 System and method for content protection on a computing device
Systems and methods for handling user interface field data. A system and method can be configured to receive input which indicates that the mobile device is to enter into a protected mode. Data associated with fields displayed on a user interface are stored in a secure form on the mobile device. After the mobile device leaves the protected mode, the stored user interface filed data is accessed and used to populate one or more user interface fields with the accessed user interface field data for display to a user.
US08700914B2 Method and system for changing safety-relevant data for a control device
A system and method for changing safety-relevant data for a control device is provided wherein an authorized user inputs new or altered safety-relevant data, which is received on a data processing installation. A first checksum for the safety-relevant data is established and stored along with the safety-relevant data in at least one data record on the data processing installation. An enable code may also be stored in the at least one data record. This enable code may be produced by a code generator and encrypted by a key module. The data processing installation then reads back the safety-relevant data from a memory in the data processing installation, thereby allowing a comparison of the received safety-relevant data and the read back safety-relevant data. A second checksum is generated in a case where the comparison resulted in no differences. The second checksum may also be stored in the at least one data record. At least one new data record containing the safety-relevant data, the encrypted enable code and the first and second checksums is created and transmitted to the control device. The new data record is checked against prior data records and prior checksums stored on a storage medium to determine that the at least one new data record is known to the control device.
US08700909B2 Revocation of a biometric reference template
A system, method and program product for generating a biometric reference template revocation message on demand. The method includes generating, using a biometric reference template revocation engine, a biometric reference template revocation message and loading the biometric reference template revocation engine onto a secure portable device for generating on demand of the individual the biometric reference template revocation message.
US08700907B2 Use of mobile communication network credentials to protect the transfer of posture data
In one embodiment, a method for using credentials for a mobile node to protect the transfer of posture data is provided. A network access device receives a message from a mobile node for access to a network. The message includes posture data encrypted using credentials for the mobile node. The credentials may be found in a storage card that is used to identify the mobile node. The network access device determines decryption information for the mobile node. For example, the credentials for the mobile node may be stored in a home location register (HLR) and are retrieved. The posture data is then decrypted using the credentials. The posture data is processed in a network admission control procedure for allowing access to the network. For example, a policy for access to the network may be installed based on the posture data.
US08700899B1 Forward-secure key unlocking for cryptographic devices
A first cryptographic device is configured to determine at least a key for a current epoch and a key for a subsequent epoch, and to transmit the keys for the current and subsequent epochs over a secure channel to a second cryptographic device. The second cryptographic device utilizes the key for the current epoch to decrypt an additional key that was encrypted for storage in a previous epoch, performs at least one cryptographic function using the decrypted additional key, utilizes the key for the subsequent epoch to encrypt the additional key for storage, and erases at least the key for the current epoch and the decrypted additional key. In such an arrangement, the additional key is initially locked under the key for the current epoch, then unlocked to perform the cryptographic function, and then locked again under the key for the subsequent epoch.
US08700894B2 Method and system for securing routing information of a communication using identity-based encryption scheme
Methods and systems for providing confidentiality of communications sent via a network that is efficient, easy to implement, and does not require significant key management. The identity of each node of the routing path of a communication is encrypted utilizing an identity-based encryption scheme. This allows each node of the routing path to decrypt only those portions of the routing path necessary to send the communication to the next node. Thus, each node will only know the immediate previous node from which the communication came, and the next node to which the communication is to be sent. The remainder of the routing path of the communication, along with the original sender and intended recipient, remain confidential from any intermediate nodes in the routing path. Use of the identity-based encryption scheme removes the need for significant key management to maintain the encryption/decryption keys.
US08700885B2 Semiconductor device and data processing system selectively operating as one of a big endian or little endian system
A semiconductor device correctly switches endian modes regardless of the current endian mode of an interface. The semiconductor device includes a switching circuit and a first register. The switching circuit switches an interface to be used in big endian or little endian mode. The first register holds control data of the switching circuit. The switching circuit sets the interface in little endian mode when first predetermined control information is supplied to the first register, and sets the interface in big endian mode when second predetermined control information is supplied to the first register. The control information can be correctly inputted without being influenced by the endian setting status.
US08700880B2 Dynamic trampoline and structured code generation in a signed code environment
A method and apparatus for performing a function based on an executable code in response to receiving a request including function parameters are described. The executable code may be validated when loaded in a memory according to a signature statically signed over the executable code. A data location in the memory for storing the function parameters may be determined according location settings included inside the executable code. A target code location for storing a copy of the executable code may be determined based on the location parameters and the determined data location. A function is performed by executing the executable code from the target code location referencing the stored function parameters.
US08700870B2 Logical volume transfer method and storage network system
The present invention transfers replication logical volumes between and among storage control units in a storage system comprising a plurality of storage control units. To transfer replication logical volumes from a storage control unit to a storage control unit, a virtualization device sets a path to the storage control unit. The storage control unit then prepares a differential bitmap in order to receive access requests. When the preparation is completed, the virtualization device makes access requests to the storage control unit. The storage control unit then hands over the access requests to the storage control unit. Subsequently, the storage control unit performs a process so that the access requests are reflected in a disk device and performs an emergency destage of storing data in a cache memory into disk device. When the emergency destage is ended, the storage control unit connects to an external storage control unit and hands over access requests to the external storage control unit.
US08700869B1 Multithreading implementation for flops and register files
A multithreading memory system, and a processor that incorporates a multithreading memory system, includes a main memory element, plural auxiliary memory elements, and a selector. The main memory element may be configured to receive a data signal and a select signal. The auxiliary memory elements may be configured to receive an output signal from the main memory element. The selector may be configured to receive an output signal from one of the auxiliary memory elements and a scan input signal. The selector may select the output signal from the auxiliary memory element or the scan input signal based on an advance thread signal. The selected one of the output signal from the at least one special memory element and the scan input signal may be forwarded to the main memory element as the control signal.
US08700862B2 Compression status bit cache and backing store
A compression status bit cache provides on-chip availability of compression status bits used to determine how many bits are needed to access a potentially compressed block of memory. A backing store residing in a reserved region of attached memory provides storage for a complete set of compression status bits used to represent compression status of an arbitrarily large number of blocks residing in attached memory. Physical address remapping (“swizzling”) used to distribute memory access patterns over a plurality of physical memory devices is partially replicated by the compression status bit cache to efficiently integrate allocation and access of the backing store data with other user data.
US08700861B1 Managing a dynamic list of entries for cache page cleaning
A method is used in managing cache pages. A location pointer is maintained in a dynamic list of entries for cache page cleaning. The dynamic list includes a list of cache pages ordered from most recently used to least recently used. Based on flags associated with the cache pages, a count of the number of cache pages processed for cache page cleaning is maintained. In response to a change in the dynamic list, the location pointer and count are updated based on the processing status of an entry to which the change pertains.
US08700856B2 Method for accessing mirrored shared memories and storage subsystem using method for accessing mirrored shared memories
According to a prior art storage subsystem, shared memories are mirrored in main memories of two processors providing redundancy. When the consistency of writing order of data is not ensured among mirrored shared memories, the processors must read only one of the mirrored shared memories to have the write order of the read data correspond among the two processors. As a result, upon reading data from the shared memories, it is necessary for a processor to read data from the main memory of the other processor, so that the overhead is increased compared to the case where the respective processors read their respective main memories. According to the storage subsystem of the present invention, a packet redirector having applied a non-transparent bridge enables to adopt a PCI Express multicast to the writing of data from the processor to the main memory, so that the order of writing data into the shared memories can be made consistent among the mirrored memories. As a result, data can be read from the shared memories speedily by accessing respective main memories in the respective processors.
US08700853B2 Storage apparatus and data management method
A storage apparatus which is connected via a network to a host which issues data I/O requests comprises storage devices of a plurality of types of varying performance, and a control unit which manages each storage area provided by each of the storage devices of a plurality of types by means of storage tiers of a plurality of different types, and which assigns storage areas in pre-determined units to virtual volumes from any storage tier among the storage tiers of a plurality of types in accordance with a data write request from the host, wherein, if there is an I/O request from the host, the control unit stores data corresponding to the I/O request in predetermined units in the cache memory and determines the storage tier of the storage area assigned to the virtual volume storing the data according to the mode of writing to the cache memory.
US08700850B1 Data storage device evaluating a SATA connector to detect a non-SATA host
A data storage device (DSD) is disclosed comprising a SATA connector and control circuitry comprising a communication module for communicating with a host. At least one pin of the SATA connector is evaluated to detect a host type. When the host type is SATA, the communication module is configured to operate according to a SATA protocol, and when the host type is non-SATA, the communication module is configured to operate according to a non-SATA protocol.
US08700847B2 Method and system for managing read/write operations on an electronic device that includes a plurality of hard disks, and an electronic device incorporating the same
A method for managing read/write (R/W) operations on an electronic device with hard disks, includes: upon receipt of R/W operation information related to an intended R/W operation, configuring a processor to decide which of the hard disks will be read/written with reference to the R/W operation information and sets of pre-established performance information. The sets respectively correspond to R/W operation settings. Each set includes multiple pieces of information each containing a performance indication related to a corresponding one of candidate combinations of the hard disks under the corresponding R/W operation setting. The decision is made with reference to the set, the R/W operation setting corresponding to which matches the R/W operation information.
US08700846B2 Multiple instances of mapping configurations in a storage system or storage appliance
The present invention is directed to a method and software for managing the host-to-volume mappings of a SAN storage system. The host-to-volume mappings of the SAN storage system are represented in mapping configuration components. The active mapping configuration component represents the current host-to-volume mapping for the SAN storage system. Only one mapping configuration component is active at a time. The host-to-volume mappings of a SAN storage system are changed by deactivating the active mapping configuration component and activating an inactive mapping configuration component that represents a different mapping configuration, effecting a repartition, repurpose, disaster recovery, or other business activity. This can be a scheduled task or performed in an on-demand manner. The mapping configuration components are managed and controlled through the management component of the SAN storage system.
US08700827B2 Matching method, system and device for data exchange between a communication object and a processing unit
A matching device carries out data exchange between a processing unit and a wireless peripheral device and/or a communication object associated with the peripheral device. The matching device includes a communication interface with the processing unit; a wireless communication interface with the wireless peripheral device; information stating means for stating technical capacity information to the processing unit, enabling the latter to select an appropriate driver/communication means; and data-processing means. The data-processing means is capable of carrying out a matching of an exchange protocol and/or formats of data to be exchanged between the processing unit and the communication object. The technical capacities stated by the stating means pertains to the wireless peripheral device and/or to the communication object associated therewith, the technical capacities being considered to pertain to the matching device by the processing unit. The invention also pertains to a system and method for implementing the matching device.
US08700822B2 Parallel aggregation system
A parallel aggregation system includes a data analysis module to determine a unique key value of a record to be forwarded to a destination. A pre-processing module may determine existence of the record in a buffer and priority of the record in a priority queue. Based on the existence and priority, the pre-processing module may absorb the record in the buffer and selectively forward another record in the buffer to the destination.
US08700812B2 Methods, devices and communication systems for data card identification operating system
A method for a data card to identify an OS, an apparatus and a communication system thereof are provided according to the embodiments of the present invention. The method includes: receiving, by a USB device through a disc port, an SCSI command sent by the OS to be identified; and upon receiving an SCSI command carrying operation code 0XBB, identifying that the OS to be identified is Mac OS; upon receiving an SCSI command carrying operation code 0XA2, identifying that the OS to be identified is Windows Vista SP2 or later versions of Windows OS. With the technical solutions provided in the embodiments of the present invention, no dedicated driver programs need to be developed for some OSs to identify these OSs.
US08700808B2 Hardware support system for accelerated disk I/O
A hardware support system for implementing accelerated disk I/O for a computer system. The system includes a bus interface for interfacing with a processor and a system memory of the computer system, a disk I/O engine coupled to the bus interface, and a device interface coupled to the disk I/O engine for interfacing the disk I/O engine with a disk drive. The disk I/O engine is configured to cause a start up of the disk drive upon receiving a disk start up command from the processor. The disk I/O engine is further configured to execute a disk transaction by processing the disk transaction information from a bypass register coupled to the disk I/O engine.
US08700803B2 Web page optimization
A method of serving a web page includes separating an original web page into a server-side executable portion and a server-side static portion. The server-side static portion is replaced with an identifier, and then a client-side executable program is created that will replace the identifier with the server-side static portion. The client-side executable program may be compressed in such a way that the server-side executable portion is stored in its original format. In response to a client request, the web server executes the resulting program and transmits the output to the requesting client. At the client, the response is decompressed if necessary and the client-side executable program is executed to integrated the server-side static portion with the server-side execution result.
US08700798B2 System and method for providing universal ‘follow-me’ functionality in a UPnP AV network
A system and method is provided for extending the capabilities of an UPnP AV network architecture with “Universal Follow-me” functionality to provide users of such networks with a capability to pause or stop the playing of media content at one location in the UPnP AV network (100, 700) and resume the playing of the media content at a later point in time at a different or the same location without loss of continuity.
US08700797B2 Apparatus and method for providing smart streaming service using composite context information
There is provided an apparatus for providing a smart streaming service connected to a plurality of unit services each providing a unit service through a network including: a service route selector configured to select at least one unit service server for providing at least one unit service suitable for composite context of a current user from the plurality of unit service servers, using composite context information including information on users, user terminals and unit services, and create service route information that indicates a combination of the at least one selected unit service server; and a service route processor configured to process unit service information provided by the at least one selected unit service server, based on the created service route information, and provide a smart streaming service to the user.
US08700784B2 Method and arrangement for enabling multimedia communication with a private network
A method and arrangement for enabling access to a home device in a private network from a remote device located outside the private network. The private network includes a multimedia gateway connected to a multimedia service network. A session invite message is sent from the remote device to the multimedia gateway. In response, connection parameters of a residential gateway in the private network are sent to the remote device, which are associated with the selected home device if a home device identification was included in the received message, or with a proxy function in the multimedia gateway capable of providing home device information, if no such identification was included in the received message. In this way, home devices in the private network can be easily and safely accessed remotely.
US08700783B2 Communication control system, communication control method, call control server device, and call control program
Upon receipt of an access request from a Web terminal, a service providing server transmits a shop ID stored in an external information database to the Web terminal. When the shop ID is selected by the Web terminal, the service providing server acquires external connection destination information, and notifies a SIP proxy server of the information via the Web terminal. When notified of the information, the SIP proxy server identifies internal connection destination information in an internal information database, based on an IP address added at the time of the notification of the external connection destination information. After making a call to a telephone device with the use of the identified internal connection destination information, the SIP proxy server makes a call to the shop with the use of the external connection destination information. After that, the SIP proxy server establishes a connection between the telephone device and the shop.
US08700782B2 Directing modalities over different networks in multimodal communications
Selected modalities of a multimodal communication session may be diverted over different networks by an administrator or automatically to reduce burden on utilized networks. Modalities may be selected and diverted over different networks including the Internet for the same multimodal communication session based on network conditions, communication session attributes, participant attributes, and similar factors.
US08700779B2 Multi node server system with plane interconnects the individual nodes equidistantly
A server system has, in addition to extensibility of scale-out type of a braid server system, extensibility of scale-up type by making SMP coupling among nodes. Each node has a unit for SMP coupling to other nodes. A module management unit responds to system configuration information to switch between a mode in which the node operates singularly as a braid server and a mode in which the node operates as a constituent module of an SMP server. Links among individual nodes are laid through equidistant wiring lines on a back plane and additionally a loop wiring line having a length equal to that of the inter-node link on the back plane is also laid in each node, thereby setting up synchronization among the nodes. Synchronization of reference clocks for SMP coupled nodes is also established.
US08700775B2 Routing of communications to a platform service
Systems and methods for routing communications to a platform service are provided. A message including payload data is received. The information in the payload data of the message is examined in order to determine the type of message. The message is then relayed to an appropriate platform service based on the type of message. Some embodiments assign numbers to the packets that make up the message.
US08700742B2 Method for queued overlap transfer of files
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a system and method for prequeuing of files predicted to be desired by a user, through a telecommunications link, into a local cache, based on a list, wherein the prequeuing system is responsive to any change in the sequence of user review, such that predicted latencies for sequential file review from any given starting point are minimized. A system and method for reducing latency in a sequential record browser are provided, for defining a sequential list of records; selecting a record from the list for review; downloading the selected record, and records sequentially thereafter until interrupted; interrupting the downloading by selecting a non-sequential record; and downloading the a non-sequential record and records sequentially thereafter until interrupted.
US08700739B2 Device for automatically receiving new digital content from a network
A portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system and method for selecting, requesting, downloading, and playing audio and/or video data content files from an Internet-based database server. The wireless link is preferably implemented in accordance with the WiFi protocol, which allows connectivity to the Internet by being in proximity with a local base station or WiFi hotspot (i.e., publicly available local wireless access hub connected to the Internet). The portable wireless communications subscriber audio and/or video player apparatus and system preferably include a security means for monitoring and blocking unauthorized use of the player apparatus and system. The player apparatus further preferably has the capability to communicate with other neighboring player apparatus for the purpose of exchanging content data files, playlists and personal messages.
US08700732B2 Disc reproducing apparatus and method, program, and recording medium
A disc reproducing apparatus includes: program readout means for playing back a disc loaded therein to read a program recorded thereon; disc-content readout means for executing the read program to read a content recorded on the disc; network-content acquisition means for executing the read program to acquire a content stored in a device connected over a network; and display control means for executing the read program to control display of the content read from the disc, and the content acquired from the device connected over the network.
US08700708B2 Social data recording
In particular embodiments, a method comprising, by one or more computing devices, analyzing one or more elements of a displayed structured document to identify one or more objects from a plurality of objects within the displayed structured document, responsive to detected user interaction by a user with a first object of the one or more identified objects, generating data indicating an edge relationship from the first object and the user, and transmitting the data indicating the edge relationship to a social networking system.
US08700706B2 Method for determining active communication sessions and communication session information server
A method for ascertaining active communication sessions may include receiving a request to ascertain active communication sessions by a communication session information server; transmitting respective challenges to determine whether communication sessions are currently active from the communication session information server to at least two communication session servers; receiving respective challenge responses from the at least two communication session servers, which indicate one or more active communication sessions controlled by the respective communication session server or indicate that such communication sessions currently do not exist, by the communication session information server; and transmitting a first response, which indicates one or more active communication sessions controlled by the at least two communication session servers or indicates that such communication sessions currently do not exist, by the communication session information server.
US08700700B2 Screen shot display control apparatus, screen shot display control method, integrated circuit for screen shot display control, and server apparatus
A display control technique that allows a latest screen shot to be displayed on a client apparatus regardless of a file update state in a server apparatus, in a network system that realizes a remote UI, is provided. When a file 105 on a server apparatus 100 has been updated during a period from a time of last end of an application to the current time, a first screen shot management section 102 transmits a screen shot 106 generated by the server apparatus 100, to a client apparatus 110. A display control section 116 displays the received screen shot 106 on a display screen when receiving the screen shot 106 from the server apparatus 100; and displays a screen shot 117 that is generated by the client apparatus 110 and stored in a second screen shot management section 114, on the display screen in the case other than the above.
US08700698B2 Scalable affinitized state management
A state affinitized system comprises worker computing devices uniquely affinitized with one or more states such that only those worker computing devices maintain local copies of the states with which they are affinitized. Requests and data relevant to a state are directed to the worker computing device affinitized with that state, such as by front-end computing devices. A centralized persistent storage can maintain a copy of each state and can modify the states in response to newly received information in the same manner as the worker computing devices. Such maintenance can be performed by coalescer computing devices, which can also derive second order data from the states in the centralized persistent storage, which can be further added to the state and also communicated to the worker computing device affinitized with that state. Crawler computing devices can obtain additional information for incorporation into states from network-based information repositories and services.
US08700682B2 Systems, methods and articles for template based generation of markup documents to access back office systems
An abstraction layer is provided between databases of back office systems and a markup language based interface, which may allow Web access to data in the databases of the back office systems. Schemas, metadata and validation files are generated from an intermediary representation of the database, which may be flat, non-hierarchical files. Markup language based templates may be generated based on the schemas, metadata and validation files. Markup documents or “markup” may be generated using the templates and the schemas, metadata and validation files. Workflow may be defined and imposed on the generation of the markup.
US08700677B2 Metadata driven customization of a software-implemented business process
A method of facilitating customization of a software-implemented business process includes storing, within a mobile computing device, a subscription list of entities. The subscription list being defined by subscription metadata. Customized data is received. The customized data corresponds to the entities identified in the subscription list. The received customized metadata is stored on the mobile computing device.
US08700671B2 System and methods for dynamic generation of point / tag configurations
A system and methods for implementing tag synchronization routines providing automated tag definition and management functionalities. Tag configurations are highly configurable to obtain information from multiple back end systems and able to support data access from many different sources. Additionally, the tag configurations provide convenient mechanisms by which to control data access and preserve data integrity in an automated manner.
US08700664B2 Unified user identification with automatic mapping and database absence handling
An identification system that may be used in heterogeneous computing environments provides a fail-free path to providing identifiers from a single canonical namespace. Objects or gateways requiring an identifier for access are accessed using an identifier for the canonical namespace. If an entity requests access using an identifier from another namespace, an external database is consulted to determine if a mapping exists for the identifier to another identifier the canonical namespace. If no mapping exists, or the external database is unavailable, then an identifier is automatically generated in the canonical namespace and is used for the access. An internal database is updated with the automatically generated identifier, providing a mechanism to add mappings without administrative intervention. To access resources requiring an identifier from another particular namespace, a canonical namespace identifier may be mapped to another identifier in the particular namespace, or a generic identifier may be used.
US08700655B2 Systems, methods, and computer program products for location salience modeling for multimodal search
Computational models of dialog context have often focused on unimodal spoken dialog or text, using the language itself as the primary locus of contextual information. But as spoken unimodal interaction is replaced by situated multimodal interaction on mobile platforms supporting a combination of spoken dialog with graphical interaction, touch-screen input, geolocation, and other non-linguistic contextual factors, a need arises for more sophisticated models of context that capture the influence of these factors on semantic interpretation and dialog flow. The systems, methods, and computer program products disclosed herein address this need. A method for multimodal search includes, in part, determining an intended location of search query based upon information received from a remote mobile device that issued the search query.
US08700654B2 Dynamic spelling correction of search queries
Methods, computer systems, and computer-readable storage media for dynamically correcting misspelled search queries are provided. A portion of a search query is received, and a data store is accessed. It is determined that the portion of the search query is absent from the data store and, thus, comprises a misspelled portion of a search query. Correctly spelled portions of search queries are dynamically determined for the misspelled portion of the search query using a trie data structure, and the misspelled portion of the search query is associated with the correctly spelled portions of search queries. Search suggestions are determined for the correctly spelled portions of search queries and are ranked based on a frequency of use and on a transformation cost of associating the misspelled portion of the search query with the correctly spelled portion of search queries. The ranked search suggestions are provided to a user.
US08700645B2 On-demand database service system, method, and computer program product for validating a developed application
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for validating a developed application. These mechanisms and methods for providing such validation can enable embodiments to ensure that new versions of developed applications will operate in the same application environment of a previous version. The ability of embodiments to provide such validation may lead to an improved application migration development/runtime framework, etc.
US08700640B2 System or apparatus for finding influential users
Embodiments of the invention disclose a method, identifier and a computer program product for identifying influential users among a group of users associated with a communication network. The disclosed method includes selecting two or more ranking models from a plurality of ranking models such that each ranking model provides scores to the users in the group based on a usage data of the users, calculating a weighing factor for each of the selected ranking models, generating an aggregate score for each user using the weighing factor and the score provided by each one of the selected model such that based on the aggregate score, the influential users among the group of users are identified.
US08700639B1 Rank-adjusted content items
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for determining a context of the current search session. In one aspect, a method includes identifying query paths from previous search sessions, each query path defining a context and being a plurality of queries in an order in which the queries were provided for in a respective previous search session; identifying search session queries of a current search session; comparing the search session queries of the current search session to the queries in the query paths from the previous search sessions; and determining that a context of the current search session is related to a query path from the previous search sessions based at least in part on the comparison, the determining including: determining that two or more of the queries of the query path are similar to two or more of the search session queries.
US08700638B2 Computer-implemented weighted tree search to resolve variable name ambiguity
Resolving ambiguous variable names in processing of a computer application includes representing variable declarations with dynamic variable scopes of the computer application in a tree data structure where the nodes of the tree data structure are variable names of the computer application. Ambiguous variable names are resolved by calculating distances between a context node and two or more candidate nodes of the tree data structure where each of the candidate nodes contains the searched variable name. The weighted distance between the context node and each candidate node equals the number of downward steps from the context node to the candidate node multiplied by a first constant plus the number of upward steps from the context node to the candidate node multiplied by a second constant. The node having a desired weighted distance is selected and information from the selected node is returned to the computer application as the variable value.
US08700632B2 Managing heterogeneous data
Methods of managing data. A master catalog of properties may be generated. An object model catalog containing a plurality of object models may be generated, each object model including at least one property listed in the master catalog. A data set including a plurality of data objects may be defined, each data object an instantiation of a respective object model from the object model catalog. Data may be collected in accordance with the data set definition. Data collection may be performed, at least in part, by an automatic data collection system.
US08700630B2 Algorithmically generated topic pages with interactive advertisements
A method and system for generating a topic page for a search query on a search webpage includes receiving a query at the search webpage on a client. The query is transmitted from the search webpage on the client to a search engine on a server. A topic page generator available to the search engine analyzes the query to identify a plurality of dimensions. One or more content modules, including at least one interactive advertising module, that match one or more of the dimensions are selected from a plurality of sources based on a weight associated with each of the content modules. The weight defines the ranking of a content module. The content modules for the plurality of dimensions are glued together and presented on the topic page in the order of the corresponding weight of the content modules. The order of presentation identifies the relevancy of the content modules to the query. The presented topic page provides the most relevant content modules for the query, and for a user located in a specific geo location.
US08700629B2 Automatic identification of abstract online groups
Online abstract groups, in which members aren't explicitly connected, can be automatically identified by computer-implemented methods. The methods involve harvesting records from social media and extracting content-based and structure-based features from each record. Each record includes a social-media posting and is associated with one or more entities. Each feature is stored on a data storage device and includes a computer-readable representation of an attribute of one or more records. The methods further involve grouping records into record groups according to the features of each record. Further still the methods involve calculating an n-dimensional surface representing each record group and defining an outlier as a record having feature-based distances measured from every n-dimensional surface that exceed a threshold value. Each of the n-dimensional surfaces is described by a footprint that characterizes the respective record group as an online abstract group.
US08700628B1 Personalized aggregation of annotations
A server system receives an annotation of a respective entity by an author. The respective entity has an entity identifier, and the annotation has a scope that identifies a range of access to the annotation. The system identifies one or more database entries in a database. A respective database entry includes a first value and a second value. Each database entry corresponds to a respective index key comprising an entity-scope combination. The entity-scope combination corresponds to a respective entity and a respective scope. The system updates the first value in each of the one or more identified entries, without updating the second value in each of the one or more identified entries. The system receives a request for one or more annotations, and sends information corresponding to an annotation value in response to the request.
US08700625B1 Identifying alternative products
A product catalog system includes a product catalog having information regarding products for sale online by various merchants. The product catalog system transmits information regarding products in response to queries for a target product and also transmits information regarding products that serve as alternatives to the target product. The product catalog system includes a product alternatives module that identifies product alternatives based on information regarding a multitude of received queries and information regarding products that were selected from other products presented in response to the queries. The alternatives module computes an association weight for pairs of products that indicates the likelihood that the two products are alternatives. This association weight is based on the query and product information and further based on the number of times that the two products were the subject of a comparison query.
US08700622B2 Activities based dynamic data prioritization
A system, and computer program product for activity based dynamic data prioritization are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A user activity corresponding to a user is selected. A query is constructed corresponding to the user activity. The query is executed on a data source to obtain a result set of data. A prioritization rule is constructed using a feature of the query and a policy. Data items in the result set of data are prioritized according to the prioritization rule to form prioritized data. The prioritized data is presented relative to the user activity.
US08700618B2 Tracking implicit trajectory of content sharing
A facility for tracking the sharing of distinguished content is described. When a user seeks to access the distinguished content from a client computer system using a URL associated with the distinguished content, the facility determines whether a user identifier is represented in the URL. If a user identifier is represented in the URL that is different from a user identifier that is persistently stored by the client computer system, the facility determines that the distinguished content has been shared with a user identified by the user identifier that is persistently stored by the client computer system by a user identified by the identifier represented in the URL.
US08700617B2 Managing feedback in a group resource environment
A system, method and computer program for managing resources within an integrated development environment for multiple users. The resources include both content resources and people resources. The method comprises: managing a plurality of nodes representing resources, the nodes including content nodes and person nodes, wherein the node contains a resource reference for referencing the resource; managing one or more links representing one or more relationships between the resources, the links including links between content nodes, between person nodes and between content and person nodes, each link comprising node references to identify the nodes in the relationships and an importance value to identify the importance of the relationship; providing an interface for selecting one of the plurality of content nodes or person nodes; adapting, in response to the user selected node, one or more importance values of certain links.
US08700610B1 Systems and methods for providing news alerts
A system provides news alerts. For example, the system may receive topics of interest to users and periodically obtain news articles that originate from multiple sources of news articles and relate to the topics of interest to the users. The system may generate news alerts that include information associated with one or more of the news articles and provide the news alerts to the users.
US08700609B2 Advertising in an online community
An online advertising method which may allow advertisers to recruit a user of a websites to become an advertisement carrier, who may carry the advertiser's advertisements and display the advertisements to his fellow users in an online community. Since users in the advertisement carrier's online community have similar browsing interests, if an advertisement is related to the browsing interests of the online community, it may be better targeted at the users in the online community. The method may be used in, e.g., eCommerce, social networking and online photo albums.
US08700604B2 NLP-based content recommender
Methods, techniques, and systems for using natural language processing to recommend related content to an associated text segment or document. Example embodiments provide a NLP-based content recommender (“NCR”) which uses NLP-based search techniques, potentially in conjunction with context or other related information, to locate and provide content related to entities that are recognized in the associated material. NCRs may be embedded as widgets, for example on Web pages to assist users in their perusal and search for information, provided by means of browser plug-ins or other application plug-ins, provided in libraries or in standalone environments, or otherwise integrated into other code, programs, or devices. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.
US08700601B2 Methods, systems, and products for managing electronic files
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for managing electronic files in a document repository. An electronic file is associated to the document repository, and data is extracted from the electronic file. A document repository index is created. An overwrite protection function is implemented that appends a date and time to the electronic file when the electronic file already exists within the document repository, such that the date and time distinguishes the electronic file from other electronic files. The document repository index is stored in memory that points to a subfolder within an unchangeable primary folder.
US08700600B2 Web forum crawling using skeletal links
A method and system for identifying informative links of a web site for use in crawling the web site is provided. A forum crawler analyzes sample web pages of a web forum to identify informative links and then crawls the web forum by following links determined to be informative and not following other links. The forum crawler system determines whether links are informative based on whether they are part of the overall structure of the web site or are used to select sequential information that has been split onto multiple web pages.
US08700590B2 Grouping multimedia and streaming media search results
A method and system for grouping metadata search results associated with media on a computer network, such as multimedia and streaming media include binning and iterative masking. The media metadata has an associated media file, which has an associated uniform resource locator (URL). Each URL has at least one field, and each field has at least one character. Binning includes selecting, sorting, and putting URLs having a common attribute into the same bin. Masking includes creating a mask of masking characters. Each field in each URL in each bin is compare with the mask. If a masking character matches a character in a field, the character in the field is removed from the field. This produces at least one resultant URL. Identical resultant URLs are collapsing into one URL. Redundant and variant URLs are collapsed into a single URL.
US08700586B2 Clickable map interface
A method is disclosed for providing a map for displaying inventory. A clickable map interface allows users to view or purchase the inventory of a product at a particular location. A user can view the inventory of a product from retail stores within a particular region. Alternatively, a user can view a map with the inventory of advertisements available within a particular geographic region.
US08700585B2 Optimistic locking method and system for committing transactions on a file system
In a file system shared by multiple servers, reservation of a data storage unit such as a LUN of a disk array to acquire locks in order to commit a transaction acting on data stored in the data storage unit is deferred until the transaction is completed in RAM and the locks can be acquired in parallel during a single instance of reserving the data storage unit.
US08700579B2 Method and system for data compression in a relational database
A method for applying adaptive data compression in a relational database system using a filter cascade having at least one compression filter stage in the filter cascade. The method comprises applying a data filter associated with the compression filter stage to the data input to produce reconstruction information and filtered data, then compressing the reconstruction information to be included in a filter stream. The filtered data is provided as a compression filter stage output. The method may comprise evaluating whether the compression filter stage provides improved compression compared to the data input. The filter stage output may be used as the input of a subsequent compression filter stage.
US08700577B2 Method and system for accelerated data quality enhancement
Embodiments of the present invention solve the technical problem of identifying, collecting, and managing rules that improve poor quality data on enterprise initiatives ranging from data governance to business intelligence. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for producing data quality rules for a data set. A set of candidate conditional functional dependencies are generated comprised of candidate seeds of attributes that are within a certain degree of relatedness in the ontology of the data set. The candidate conditional functional dependencies are then applied to the data refined until they reach a quiescent state where they have not been refined even though the data they have been applied to has been stable. The resulting refined candidate conditional functional dependencies are the data enhancement rules for the data set and other related data sets. In another specific embodiment of the present invention, a computer system for the development of data quality rules is provided having a rule repository, a data quality rules discovery engine, and a user interface.
US08700570B1 Online storage migration of replicated storage arrays
Various systems and methods for migrating replicated storage arrays. For example, one method can involve transferring a set of data from a first storage device to a second storage device. The method also involves terminating a replication relationship between the first storage device and establishing a new replication relationship between the second storage device and either the third storage device or a fourth storage device. Between the time that the replication relationship with the first storage device is terminated and the new replication relationship with the second storage device is established, the second storage device receives a plurality of change operations. The method involves applying the change operations to either the third storage device or fourth storage device.
US08700568B2 Entity normalization via name normalization
A system and method identifying duplicate objects from a plurality of objects. The system and method normalizes name values of objects, groups objects into buckets based at least in part on the normalized name values, matches objects within the same bucket based on a selected matcher, and identifies the matching objects as duplicate objects.
US08700566B2 Offline restructuring of DEDB databases
An IMS DEDB database restructure operation creates an empty offline DEDB having the desired structure. The offline database is populated with data from a source (online) database while keeping the source database online (i.e., available for access and update operations). Updates to the source database made during this process are selectively processed in parallel with the offline DEDB load operation. When the contents of the offline database is substantially the same as the source or online database, the source database is taken offline, final updates to the offline database are applied whereafter the offline database is brought online, thereby replacing the source database. It is significant to note that updates occurring to the source or online DEDB are applied to the offline DEDB.
US08700557B2 Method and system for association and decision fusion of multimodal inputs
A computer-based system and method to improve the multimodal fusion output at the decision level is disclosed. The method proposes computation of a confidence weighted measure for the individual score values obtained for each modality and fuse these new updated scores to get the final decision. These confidence weights are the performance parameters (measured in terms of F-measure) during the offline training step. The process significantly increases the accuracy of the multimodal system.
US08700555B1 Systems and methods for pairing of a semantic network and a knowledge sharing repository
Systems and methods for facilitating pairing of semantic networks with knowledge sharing repositories, such as wikis, are described. Information from a semantic network may be transferred to a knowledge sharing repository, and either automatically or manually updated based on changes in the semantic network information. Likewise, information in a knowledge sharing repository may be transferred to a semantic network and automatically or manually updated based in changes in the knowledge sharing repository.
US08700553B2 Operation support apparatus and operation support method
An operation support apparatus includes: an operation record storage unit (303) in which an operation record of a user is stored; a target function candidate storage unit (309) which defines and stores target function candidates; an operation strategy determination unit (305) which determines that the user's operation strategy is an operation strategy which originates from content selection, in the case where the operation included in the operation record is a predetermined operation performed when the appliance is in a status in which content can be displayed or selected; a target function inference unit (308) which infers the target function according to a method suited to the operation strategy determined by the operation strategy determination unit (305); and an operation support determination unit (310) which determines an operation support method for the user, using the inferred target function.
US08700551B2 Systems and methods for identifying provider noncustomers as likely acquisition targets
The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for predicting one or more desired properties of external nodes or properties of their relations with internal nodes, based on a selected group of nodes about which it is known whether the nodes have the desired properties, or it is known whether they have a desired relation property with an internal node. The method comprises storing in one or more data structures a first data set regarding external nodes and a second data set regarding nodes with known properties in a selected group, each data set having one or more data items representing one or more events relating to or attributes of each node in the data set, the second data set including one or more types of data items not included in the first data set. The method then models the second data set to identify from the second data one or more modeled events or attributes of internal nodes in the selected group that are statistically likely to identify the nodes or their relations, that have the desired properties and predicts which of the external nodes are statistically likely to have the one or more desired properties, or desired relation property with internal node, based on the identified plurality of modeled events or attributes and the events or attributes in the first data set.
US08700541B2 Modeling method of neuro-fuzzy system
A modeling method of neuro-fuzzy system including a rule-defining process and a network-building process is disclosed. The rule-defining process divides a plurality of training data into a plurality of groups to accordingly define a plurality of fuzzy rules, and the network-building process constructs a fuzzy neural network based on the fuzzy rules obtained by the rule-defining process. The provided modeling method of neuro-fuzzy system is capable of building a neuro-fuzzy system extremely similar to an original function that generates training data of the neuro-fuzzy system.
US08700538B2 Media exchange system and method
A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for permitting subscribers to exchange playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable titles, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.
US08700536B2 System for managing digital interactions
A system for managing digital interactions comprising an identity module for creating an identity, wherein the identity includes a unique identifier associated with a first party and a plurality of proposed terms for a relationship with a second party; and a relationship module, in communication with the identity module, for receiving and evaluating the plurality of proposed terms, including accepting or rejecting the plurality of proposed terms and, if accepted, for allowing the first party to communicate with the second party in accordance with the plurality of proposed terms.
US08700530B2 Systems and methods to process user initiated transactions
Systems and methods are provided to process transactions initiated by users of mobile devices. In one aspect, a system includes a data storage facility to store phone numbers of users, and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with a plurality of different controllers of mobile communications. The converters are configured to communicate with the common format processor in a common format and to communicate with the controllers in different formats. The interchange uses the converters to transmit at least one premium message to a mobile phone at a first telephone number to provide an amount to the mobile phone using funds associated with a second telephone number, in response to a request initiated from a mobile phone at the second telephone number.
US08700526B1 Methods for discovering and paying debts owed by a group
Ranking payment requests includes a peer-to-peer payment system that employs a server configured for receiving a payment request from a requester computing device; receiving location data of the requester network device; receiving a request for a ranking of payment requests; searching social network information of the payor for occurrences of the requester of the payment request; receiving location data of the payor network device, the location data comprising a location of the payor computing device and a location history of the payor computing device; searching a transaction history of the payor; ranking the payment requests based at least in part on one or more of the location of the requester, a strength of social network connections to the payor for each of the payment requesters, and number of previous transactions between the payor and the requester; and providing the ranking of the payment requests to the payor.
US08700525B1 Systems, methods and apparatus for variable settlement accounts
Systems and methods for settling funds from an account to one or more settlement accounts of a merchant. The merchant can have a plurality of settlement accounts, which may be the same or different settlement account types. The settling of the funds can be directed by one or more settlement rules defined by the merchant.
US08700524B2 Systems and methods to restrict payment transactions
Systems and methods are provided to selectively restrict payment transactions. In one aspect, a system includes: a data storage facility to store restriction data in association with a phone number; and an interchange coupled with the data storage facility. The interchange includes a common format processor and a plurality of converters to interface with mobile controllers. The converters are configured to communicate with the controllers in different formats and to communicate with the common format processor in a common format. In response to a payment request identifying the phone number and a merchant, the common format processor determines whether to reject the payment request based at least in part on the restriction data and the identity of the merchant. If the request is not rejected, the common format processor uses one of the converters to communicate with a telephonic apparatus at the phone number to confirm the payment request.
US08700516B2 Methods and apparatus for improving factor risk model responsiveness
Construction of factor risk models that better predict the future volatility of returns of a portfolio of securities such as stocks, bonds, or the like is addressed. More specifically, improved factor-factor covariance estimation is made even when the covariances change rapidly over time. Methods and techniques for achieving better accuracy, responsiveness, and stability of factor risk models are addressed.
US08700505B2 System and method for improved time reporting and billing
The present invention provides an integrated time reporting and billing solution that facilitates billing and payment for time-related activities and manages contract workflow from end to end. The present invention can be employed in any industry for any employment relationship where in-house or supplemental contract labor is tracked by time. In one embodiment, the invention includes a contractor submission and tracking system (CSTS) and back office workflow management system (BOSS) to track and report vendor activity and contractor spend. The present invention can be used by employer-clients, contractors and contractor suppliers to facilitate contractor requisition, contract creation and modification, document tracking, business rule implementation, reporting, communications, timesheet entry, timesheet approval, and billing presentment, payment and other aspects of contract workflow management.
US08700501B2 Method and system for storage and retrieval of track and trace information
A system and method for tracking and tracing items that in one aspect comprises generating a group of unique codes, where a unique code is a unique encrypted reference, transferring the group of unique codes to an item marking location, marking items with the unique codes. Further, for tracking the items, decrypting the unique codes of a marked item to obtain the unique reference, and creating and storing the tracking records in a unique storage location, where the unique reference refers to the unique storage location. A tree structure resembling the packaging hierarchy is disclosed, where the nodes are referenced by the unique reference, and tracing of entire sub-trees may be performed by entering a unique code. Storage locations and sub-trees may be assigned to tracking cells in a distributed system architecture.
US08700500B2 System and method for providing a price quotation for a transportation service providing equipment selection capability
A method and system for computing the price for shipping goods. The method includes causing a computer to deliver first information to a user prompting the user to enter at the computer information about a rail transportation service for shipment of goods by one or more railcars. Information about a basic pool of railcars is received and filtered based on one or more filtering criteria to produce a filtered pool of railcars. The computer is then caused to deliver second information to the user prompting the user to select at the computer one or more railcars among the filtered pool of railcars for the shipment of goods. A price for the shipment of the goods is then computed at least in part on the basis of the rail transportation service and the one or more characteristics of the railcars in the filtered pool of railcars selected by the user.
US08700499B2 Apparatus and method for controlling inventory
A system for providing products to a customer operates with an open purchase order having an acceptable inventory range bounded by a lower and an upper limit for each product supplied to the customer. The system includes a storage unit, a first processing unit that maintains a product inventory count, and a second processing unit that monitors the product inventory count. A system for transferring electronic files includes a first processing unit that stores and transfers the electronic file, generates a pointer associated with the transferred electronic file, generates a reference electronic file and thereafter includes the pointer in the reference electronic file. A second processing unit then displays the reference electronic file. A system for generating composite electronic files includes a first processing unit having composite locations including component electronic files, and generating the composite electronic files when the respective composite location is accessed from a second processing unit.
US08700495B2 Systems and methods for mapping records in a manufacturer line, series, model hierarchy
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer-readable media for mapping product records according to attributes in a standard schema, the standard schema mapping product records from a plurality of content providers according to a product hierarchy from each respective content provider, the method including: receiving product data from a plurality of feeds including feeds from one or more content providers; identifying a plurality of product records received from each of the plurality of feeds; identifying a taxonomy of products received in each of the plurality of feeds; and storing product records and corresponding product attributes in a standard schema in a data set for each feed according to the taxonomy identified for each respective feed.
US08700494B2 Identifying product variants
A product catalog system includes a product catalog having product offers received from various merchants. The product catalog system includes an analysis module that determines, for each merchant that provides product offers, which product offers are for products that are likely to be variants of one another based in part on titles of the products and assigns sets of product offers that are likely to be variants a merchant cluster identifier. The analysis module groups the product offers into product catalog entries based on the particular product that the offers are for. The analysis module determines which products are variants based on associations between the product catalog entries and the merchant cluster identifiers of the product offers included in the product catalog entries.
US08700489B2 Apparatuses and method for recommending items based on determined trend leaders and trend followers
A server apparatus includes: a trend leader detecting portion that acquires purchaser identifying information for identifying a purchaser who purchased the product at an early stage satisfying a predetermined time condition, from at least two pieces of purchase history information; a recommended product acquiring portion that acquires at least one piece of product identifying information for identifying a product purchased by at least one purchaser identified with at least one piece of purchaser identifying information that has been acquired by the trend leader detecting portion; and a recommended product transmitting portion that transmits the at least one piece of product identifying information that has been acquired by the recommended product acquiring portion, to an information output apparatus. With this server apparatus, recommendation of a product can be provided based on the behavior in which a trend leader purchases a product.
US08700482B2 Customized virtual catalog
Various embodiments include an apparatus comprising a server operable to generate a customized virtual catalog including a plurality of composite images, wherein at least one of the plurality of composite images includes an image of a promotional product decorated using a decorative image associated with a client requesting access to the customized virtual catalog.
US08700481B2 Conditional purchase offer management system
A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers.
US08700466B2 Methods and systems for providing child-oriented computer network applications, advertising, and user feedback
Exemplary methods and devices in accordance with the disclosure relate generally to networked provisioning of content to young users such as children, as well as providing user monitoring and customized feedback and other information to parents and others. More particularly, but not exclusively, embodiments in accordance with the disclosure relate to systems, methods, devices, and computer media for receiving user input associated with provided or available content, processing the input, and providing information such as text, video, audio, other media, advertising, and feedback associated with user inputs and preferences to a person associated with the user.
US08700461B2 Method and apparatus to allocate and recycle telephone numbers in a call-tracking system
In one embodiment, the invention provides a method. The method includes dynamically allocating a telephone number to an advertisement on a just-in-time basis; and if the telephone number is not called for a predefined period of time, then unallocating the telephone number.
US08700455B2 Advertising rewards and referrals
Advertising rewards and referrals are described, including detecting an interaction with an advertisement, recording the interaction, the interaction including an input being provided in response to the advertisement, generating a reward for the interaction, the reward being an action taken to provide a benefit in response to the interaction, analyzing data associated with the advertisement, the data including a plurality of documented interactions, and providing a result from analyzing the data.
US08700454B2 Interactive privilege supply system
An interactive privilege supply system in which a user terminal device, a privilege supply device, and a product supply device are connected via a network, wherein the product supply device generates privilege data in which a privilege is interlocked with time; the user terminal device generates entry data within a predetermined period of time in accordance with the privilege data and with contingency data, which is contained in program data transmitted from the privilege supply device; and the privilege supply device generates result data, which contains validity period information about product privilege purchase, in accordance with the relationship between the contingency data and the entry data.
US08700449B2 Targeted advertisement in the digital television environment
A method for targeted advertisement includes storing a profile tag associated with each user in a device maintained by that user. Each profile tag includes the demographic information of its associated user. A multitude of target tags are also transmitted to the users. Each target tag is associated with an advertiser and includes the demographic information of the users. The advertisements and their corresponding target tags are transmitted and cached in the devices maintained by the users. The number of matches between the target tags and the user profiles are supplied to their respective advertisers. The advertisers use the matching number to modify the prices they are willing to offer for the commercial break. The target tags include information that is used to select one of the cached advertisement for playing during the commercial break.
US08700443B1 Supply risk detection
Systems and methods for supply risk detection are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method includes identifying fulfillment-related features corresponding to an item to be stored in inventory. The method also includes selecting a subset of the fulfillment-related features that is correlated with a supply constraint associated with the item. For example, in some cases the correlation is based on historical supply constraint data. The method further includes building a supply risk early detection model based, at least in part, upon the subset fulfillment-related features and evaluating the model to determine a probability that a third-party vendor will suffer a shortage of the item, as well as an expected duration of the shortage. Upon evaluation of the model, the method may include creating a purchasing plan for the item that takes into account the probability of the shortage and the expected duration of the shortage.
US08700435B2 System and method for redemption and exchange of unused tickets
A method of facilitating and performing the redemption and exchange of unused tickets includes steps of determining the availability of unused tickets, calculating a redemption value of an available unused ticket, and updating a status of the unused ticket. The availability is determined by querying a database containing information pertaining to unused tickets. The redemption value is calculated based on the application of validation rules. The status is updated after a decision as to whether to redeem the unused ticket has been made. The redemption value is obtainable by exchanging the unused ticket for a new ticket. The tickets may be for air travel.
US08700432B2 Method and system for cutaneous medicine diagnostics
There is provided a system for cutaneous diagnosis including a first access device. The first access device includes a camera, a processor and a display of digital body map having an anatomical marker. The camera captures image data of a lesion and the processor tags a location of the lesion captured from the camera with the anatomical marker, yielding a first record. The first record is transmitted by the first access device via a network to the first database. The first database receives and stores the first record. The second access device is in communication with the database. The second access device retrieves the first record from the database via the network and attaches physician data to the first record, thus yielding a second record. The second record is transmitted via the network to a second database and is stored therein.
US08700425B2 Dynamically predicting patient influx into an emergency department
Current patients in an emergency department of a hospital are described according to their quantity, their triage classification levels, and their wait times to calculate a current patient backlog. A sum of weight-adjusted triage classification levels of all of the current patients is calculated. Current patient arrival rates in the emergency department are tracked to calculate a current change in patient arrival rates, which are compared with historical changes in patient arrival rates. A size of an imminent influx of arriving patients into the emergency department is then predicted based on the current patient backlog, the sum of weight-adjusted triage classification levels of patients currently in the emergency department, and the current change in patient arrival rates.
US08700420B2 Method of dispensing and tracking the giving of medical items to patients
A method of tracking dispensed medical items for use by patients associated with a health care institution. The method includes storing in a data store in connection with a computer, data representative of patients and medical items prescribed for the patients. A record is included in the data store of prescribed medical items for patients that have been dispensed. The dispensed medical items are tracked to the point of giving the item to the patients using portable terminals that are carried to the bedside of the patients. The activity of giving the appropriate medical item to each respective patient is recorded in the portable terminal as the medical items are given to the patients. The data stored in the portable terminal is communicated to the data store to provide a record that the medical items dispensed for a patient were actually administered.
US08700419B2 Methods, systems, and products for tailored content
Methods, systems, and products tailor content to users. Clickstream data is merged with a user attribute and content information. A merged record is compared to advertising attributes of advertisements. When the merged record matches an advertising attribute, an advertisement associated with the advertising attribute is retrieved and sent to the user.
US08700411B2 Compressed domain encoding apparatus and methods for use with media signals
Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture for encoding a compressed media stream are disclosed. A disclosed method encodes frames associated with one or more compressed media streams within the media signal on a frame-by-frame basis and releases for transmission an encoded version of the media signal containing the encoded frames on a packet-by-packet basis.
US08700393B2 Multi-stage speaker adaptation
A first gender-specific speaker adaptation technique may be selected based on characteristics of a first set of feature vectors that correspond to a first unit of input speech. The first set of feature vectors may be configured for use in automatic speech recognition (ASR) of the first unit of input speech. A second set of feature vectors, which correspond to a second unit of input speech, may be modified based on the first gender-specific speaker adaptation technique. The modified second set of feature vectors may be configured for use in ASR of the second unit of input speech. A first speaker-dependent speaker adaptation technique may be selected based on characteristics of the second set of feature vectors. A third set of feature vectors, which correspond to a third unit of speech, may be modified based on the first speaker-dependent speaker adaptation technique.
US08700382B2 Personal text assistant
A method and system of generating personalized annotated text of a core-text, the method and system directed for acquiring a personal data comprising data indicative of the reader's proficiency level for understanding text; and providing at least a gloss to accompany the requested text based on core-text and the reader's proficiency level.
US08700374B1 System and method of using an active link in a state programming environment to locate an element in a graphical programming environment
A system, method, distribution system, and computer readable medium for locating an element of a computing environment are described. The invention feature selecting a label within a state diagram associated with a graphical model and processing the selected label to generate a location identifier. The invention also features analyzing the location identifier to determine which element of a graphical model is associated with the location identifier and positioning the graphical model to display the element associated with the location identifier to a user viewing the graphical model.
US08700371B2 System and method for controlling an advancing fluid front of a reservoir
A system and method for controlling an advancing water front in a reservoir toward a wellbore is provided. The system has a production control unit. The production control unit has a reservoir unit for producing a reservoir model and a production path unit for producing a production path model that determines at least one pressure parameter about the wellbore during a life of the wellbore. The production control unit has a production optimizer unit for producing a well plan that optimizes a function of the wellsite. The production control unit may be for controlling an advancing fluid front in the reservoir with at least one control device, and wherein a production path is constructed based on the well plan.
US08700364B2 Computer based models for webs of materials
Methods of using computer based models for simulating the physical behavior of webs.
US08700363B2 ETOPS IFSD risk calculator
A system and method for analyzing a risk of extended operations (ETOPS) dual independent engine in-flight shutdown (IFSD) using an ETOPS IFSD risk calculation means is disclosed. A two-engine aircraft/engine combination performance data set is provided to obtain flight specific data, and a user input variable array is also provided. Flight times are calculated based on the flight specific data and the user input variable array. Dual independent engine shutdown total thrust loss probability values for various phases of an ETOPS flight are calculated based on the user input variable array, the flight specific data, and the flight times. A calculated risk of dual independent engine in-flight shutdown on the ETOPS flight is calculated based on a sum of the dual independent engine shutdown total thrust loss probability values.
US08700356B2 Apparatus and method sensing motion
Provided is a motion sensing apparatus that measures a first angle using at least one first rotational angle sensor, estimates a second angle using at least one second rotational angle sensor and at least one 2-axis angular velocity sensor that is different from the at least one first rotational angle sensor, and estimates a third angle using at least one third rotational angle sensor and the at least one 2-axis angular velocity sensor.
US08700354B1 Wireless motion capture test head system
A wireless motion capture test head system including at least one motion capture element, an isolator, mount and an external computer. The motion capture element(s) may include a memory, a wireless motion capture sensor, a radio and a microcontroller. The microcontroller may collect sensor values data from the wireless motion capture sensor, store the data in the memory, analyze the data, recognize an event within the data to determine event data, and transmit the event data associated with the event via the radio. The isolator may surround the at least one motion capture element to simulate physical acceleration dampening of cerebrospinal fluid around a human brain, in order to minimize translation of linear acceleration and rotational acceleration of the event data to obtain an observed linear acceleration and an observed rotational acceleration of the at least one motion capture element coupled in an inner portion of a headform.
US08700352B2 Method for determining clutch interface temperatures in dry dual clutch transmissions
A method for determining interface temperatures for a dry dual clutch mechanism includes determining that a slipping event is occurring at a friction interface of a clutch in the dry dual clutch mechanism, and determining a heat flux generated by the slipping event. The method includes determining a flux bulk temperature from the determined heat flux and determining a flux interface temperature from the determined heat flux. The flux interface temperature is the temperature at the friction interface during the slipping event. The method calculates a delta interface temperature by subtracting the flux interface temperature from the flux bulk temperature. The method executes a control action with the calculated delta interface temperature.
US08700348B2 Contact-type object water content sensing device and method and computer program product
A contact-type object water content sensing device and method and a computer program product are presented. The device includes a power unit, a sensing unit, and an calculating unit. The sensing unit includes a substrate and a copper foil, and the copper foil is configured on the substrate. The sensing unit is used to contact a target object and a power unit is used to supply power to the copper foil. The copper foil when supplied with power forms an equivalent capacitor, and the equivalent capacitor has different capacitances in correspondence to a water content of the target object. The calculating unit is electrically connected to the sensing unit and is used to analyze the capacitance of the equivalent capacitor, so as to calculate the water content of the target object.
US08700341B2 Partition defined detection methods
Methods are disclosed for resolving measurement problems such problems in measuring chromosomal copy number. Some disclosed methods involve first selecting a primary assay element characteristic to partition. Such characteristic may be a source of experimental variability such as the GC content of measured DNA sequences. Additionally, the disclosed methods may employ an abundance or copy number function to transform the assay element frequencies into an abundance, dose, copy number score, or the like. In some cases, the disclosed methods estimate an amount of certain fetal DNA in a sample. The methods can further compare the estimated amount to a measured amount of fetal DNA in the sample. The comparison can be used to determine the fetal sex or aneuploidy.
US08700340B2 Sequence calibration method and sequence calibration device
The invention provides a sequence calibration method, including: (a) obtaining a first reading sequence and a second reading sequence from an identical source by a receiving unit; (b) setting a comparison condition by a determining unit; and (c) comparing the first reading sequence with the second reading sequence according to the comparison condition to generate a sequence comparison result by the determining unit; and (d) outputting a calibrated sequence according to the sequence comparison result by the determining unit, wherein the comparison condition is set according to a first seed table of the first reading sequence and a second seed table of the second reading sequence.
US08700337B2 Method and system for computing and integrating genetic and environmental health risks for a personal genome
Methods and systems are provided for the computation and display of an individual's personalized health risk based on the genome sequence of the individual, known etiological interactions between diseases for which the individual is determined to have genetic risk factors, and environmental etiological factors associated with the same diseases that represent potentially modifiable disease risk modifiers.
US08700328B1 Better diversity for transit routing
Configurations are disclosed for providing diversity in transit routes to determine optimal public transit routes for journeys or trips between a source station and a target station. The subject technology performs a forward and backward search of a generated query graph (based on a query between the source and target stations). An arrival label set is determined according to a specified queue order and domination function that takes into account different criteria, such as a duration time and an associated penalty of a label. The arrival label set is then filtered to remove dominated labels. The subject technology then determines one or more optimal paths from the source station to the target station based on the filtered label set.
US08700325B2 Marking apparatus and methods for creating an electronic record of marking operations
A marking system may hold a container from which markers are dispensed to mark the presence or absence of an underground facility in a dig area. The container may identify a marker characteristic regarding the markers in the container. The marking system may receive activation of a trigger, dispense a marker from the container when the trigger is activated, and store the marker characteristic and time data when the trigger is activated. In other embodiments, the marking system may dispense a marker, determine location data and/or time data, and substantially simultaneously trigger the dispensing of the marker and logging of the location data and/or the time data. The location data identifies a geographic location where the marker is dispensed and the time data identifies the time when the marker is dispensed.
US08700322B2 Efficient use of expected user altitude data to aid in determining a position of a mobile station
A method and apparatus for using a predetermined portion of terrain elevation maps in a database for aiding in computing a three-dimensional position of a wireless station. Instead of using the entire terrain model of the earth or an entire country, the database consists of an incomplete model, which includes only the most populous areas or specific regions. This reduces the size of the information in the database, which in turn reduces the amount of time to compute the positions of the wireless device.
US08700321B2 Method and apparatus for evaluating an attribute of a point of interest
A method of evaluating an attribute of a point of interest 150 comprises associating a region 152 with the point of interest 150; and evaluating 148 the attribute according to a comparison of position data 154,156,158 of a plurality of users with position data defining the associated region.
US08700316B2 Optional re-routing
Disclosed herein are tools and techniques for providing optional re-routing. In one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a determination is made that a location of a computing device is not on a predetermined route between a start location and an end location. Based on the determining, a re-route option is provided. Also, while the re-route option is available, a determination is made that a subsequent location of the computing device is on the predetermined route, or a re-route is performed responsive to receiving a touch-anywhere input event on a touchscreen display.
US08700312B2 Personal communication system to send and receive voice data positioning information
A location tagged data provision and display system. A personal communication device (PCD) with electromagnetic communication capability has a GPS receiver and a display. The 10 PCD requests maps and location tagged data from data providers and other for display on the PCD. The data providers respond to requests by using searching and sorting schemes to interrogate data bases and then automatically transmitting data responsive to the requests to the requesting PCD.
US08700309B2 Multiple visual display device and vehicle-mounted navigation system
In a vehicle-mounted navigation system, an operating unit that operates the driver's seat side image and an operating unit that operates the passenger's seat side image had to be provided separately, which increased the number of operation buttons and the size of the navigation system device. In a vehicle-mounted navigation system that displays images in multiple directions, an operating direction detector detects which direction an operation was performed from, and a controller controls the vehicle-mounted navigation system based on a detection result of the operating direction detector.
US08700303B2 Navigation method, apparatus, computer program and user interface
An apparatus, method, computer program and user interface wherein the method comprises: a controller configured to determine locations of interest within a predetermined distance of a first location; a display configured to simultaneously present a map, a first bounded area of the map and a list of the determined locations of interest within the first bounded area; a user input device configured to enable a user to make a user input, wherein; the controller is configured to detect a user input and, in response to the detection of the user input, control the display to present a second bounded area of the map and update the list of the determined locations of interest so that locations of interest within the second bounded area are presented in the list.
US08700297B2 Vehicle group forming device and vehicle group forming method
Disclosed are a vehicle group forming device and a vehicle group forming method capable of effectively using a priority lane. A vehicle group forming device which forms a vehicle group with a plurality of vehicles includes vehicle group forming means for selecting vehicles forming a vehicle group or determining the order of the vehicles on the basis of the degree of conformity to the traveling condition of a priority lane.
US08700296B2 Dynamic prediction of road traffic conditions
Techniques are described for generating predictions of traffic conditions at one or more indicated times, such as by using probabilistic techniques to assess various input data while producing predictions for each of one or more road segments (e.g., in a real-time manner based on changing current conditions for a network of roads in a given geographic area). In some situations, one or more predictive Bayesian models and corresponding decision trees are automatically created for use in generating the traffic condition predictions for each geographic area of interest, such as based on observed historical traffic conditions for those geographic areas. Predicted traffic condition information may then optionally be used in a variety of ways to assist in travel and for other purposes, such as to plan optimal routes through a network of roads based on predictions about traffic conditions for the roads at multiple times.
US08700286B2 Tire localization systems and methods in tire pressure monitoring systems
Embodiments relate to tire localization in tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). In embodiments, a TPMS includes a wheel unit and a control unit. Each wheel unit collects acceleration data and transmits that data to the control unit for processing. The control unit processes the data and, using additional data received from another vehicle system, for example an antilock braking system (ABS) or electronic stability control (ESC) system, correlates the data in order to localize each wheel unit to a particular wheel of the vehicle. Advantages include increased processing power at the control unit as compared to the wheel unit.
US08700283B2 Mining truck and regenerative braking strategy therefor
Operating a trolley assist-capable mining truck having a regenerative braking mechanism and a friction braking mechanism includes receiving data indicative of a change in demand in an electrical power grid for regenerated electrical power from the mining truck, and commanding braking the mining truck such that application of the retarding torque is allocated to the regenerative braking mechanism in a manner responsive to the data. A mining truck and methodology relating to harvesting electrical power regenerated via application of retarding torque is also disclosed.
US08700278B2 Idle stop vehicle and control method thereof
An idle stop vehicle performs an idle stop to automatically stop an engine during a stop of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an idle stop condition determination unit for determining whether or not an idle stop condition holds, and an engine control unit for performing the idle stop when the idle stop condition holds before a stoppage time exceeds a specified time and prohibiting the idle stop after the stoppage time exceeds the specified time without the idle stop condition holding.
US08700276B2 Gear ratio emulation
The present disclosure provides a method for selectively controlling a work machine according to a current power device load response. The work machine includes a power device having a rotary output, a traction element, a transmission configured to provide a transmission ratio between the power device and traction element, an operator input device having a plurality of positions, and a control system. The method includes receiving selected range and a position of the operator input device, determining a no-load ground speed target as a function of selected range and input device position, and determining a desired ground speed load response as a function of the selected range. A desired transmission ratio is determined as a function of current machine ground speed and machine load. The method also includes determining a command to the power device as a function of a current transmission ratio and no-load ground speed target, determining a desired power device load response as a function of desired transmission ratio and desired ground speed load response, and selectively controlling the machine by switching between the current power device load response and the desired power device load response.
US08700273B2 Implement control system for a machine
This disclosure relates to a control system for a machine. The control system includes a sensor configured to provide an implement measurement signal indicative of a velocity of a machine implement, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the implement measurement signal, determine whether a main threshold condition is met, and to determine an adjusted implement command based at least in part on the implement measurement signal.
US08700257B2 Control methodology of pedestrian kinematics using the active hood lift system
A method and device for use in pedestrian-vehicular collisions in which an active hood lift system is deployed to a first elevated lift position and maintained at the deployed position for an interval after which it is lowered, thereby controlling pedestrian impact kinetics and reducing forces that can result pedestrian injuries.
US08700247B1 Hybrid engine operation selection strategy for mitigation of driveline disturbance
A hybrid powertrain includes an engine, an electric machine, and a transmission. A method to control the powertrain includes monitoring operation of the powertrain, determining whether conditions necessary for growl to occur excluding motor torque and engine torque are present, and if the conditions are present controlling the powertrain based upon avoiding a powertrain operating region wherein the growl is enabled.
US08700246B2 Electrically-operated construction machine
An electrically-operated construction machine with a battery charging operation. A lock switch provides a closed contact when a lock lever in a cab is placed in an unlock position. A feed port is disposed outside the cab to accept a cable from a commercial power source. The feed port is provided with a charge start switch. A control device has a motor control function for driving an electric motor with electrical power of a main battery when a signal is input from the lock switch. A charge control function is for charging the main battery with electrical power of the commercial power source when dictated by the charge start switch. The lock switch is wire-connected so as not to output the signal to the control device even if the closed contact is provided by the lock switch when the control device exercises charge control.
US08700245B2 Method for operating a motor vehicle having at least two drives and a motor vehicle having at least two drives
In a motor vehicle having two, in particular electrical, drives, a partial torque is in each case intended to be assigned to the individual drives from a demanded total torque, to be precise taking account of the energy efficiency on the one hand and the stability of the vehicle on the other hand. A first controller is responsible for taking account of the energy efficiency, and predetermines a bandwidth of possible partial torques for an individual drive. This bandwidth may be restricted by a second controller, when driving stability requires this. The second controller is coupled to appropriate sensors (yaw rate sensor, lateral acceleration sensor, longitudinal acceleration sensor) and knows the steering angle φ. In the course of interchanging data signals with a first control device, the partial torques are defined with the involvement of the second control device, for which purpose the first control device emits control commands.
US08700243B2 Vehicle control device
It is provided a vehicle control device stopping an engine in operation when an automatic stop request is made and restarting the stopping engine when a restart request is made, wherein when the restart request is made while the engine is in transition to a rotation stop state in association with the automatic stop request, the engine is restarted if a crank position of the engine corresponds to a stroke other than a compression stroke while the engine is continuously stopped if the crank position of the engine corresponds to the compression stroke.
US08700234B2 System and method for communicating intent of aircraft
A method of an aircraft communicating a current position status, a current movement status, a current intent, and/or an intended future path, position, or intent of the aircraft may include the aircraft generating explicit first ownship information related to the current position status and/or the current movement status, or current intent of the aircraft, and/or a flight management or other aircraft system of the aircraft generating information related to the intended future path, position, or intent of the aircraft. The aircraft may transmit the explicit first ownship information and/or the second information using an automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system transmitter. An airborne and/or ground receiver may receive the transmitted information related to the explicit first ownship information and/or the second information.
US08700230B1 Cart containment system with integrated cart display unit
A system is disclosed for tracking and controlling shopping carts and other types of human propelled vehicles. The system includes a wheel assembly that attaches to a cart. The wheel assembly includes a brake unit for inhibiting cart motion, and includes wireless communication circuitry. The wheel assembly is capable of activating the brake unit in response to one or more conditions, such as the receipt of an RF signal or command. In some embodiments, the system also includes a display unit that displays information to a user of the cart, including information regarding the cart's proximity to a lock zone in which the brake unit will become activated.
US08700228B2 Beam scheduler and beam allocation method of beam scheduler
A beam scheduler adds the maximum allowable waiting time until a beam is allocated to an irradiation chamber corresponding to an irradiation request when the irradiation request is received from one irradiation chamber of a plurality of irradiation chambers A to D; adds the irradiation request to the end of the order of a waiting list; determines whether or not the predicted waiting time until the beam is allocated to the one irradiation chamber exceeds the maximum allowable waiting time; and advances the order of the irradiation request on the waiting list, thereby allocating the beam to the irradiation chamber corresponding to the top irradiation request in the order of the waiting list, if it is determined that the predicted waiting time exceeds the maximum allowable waiting time.
US08700227B2 Room thermal comfort monitor
A system for monitoring thermal comfort of a room. Sensor data concerning temperature, relative humidity, air speed and air flow may be collected from the room. The sensor data may provide thermal comfort level information about the room. The level information may be quantified in terms of a thermal comfort level index, such as a predicted mean vote, which can be used to identify one or more thermal comfort levels in the room with a numerical measure. The one or more levels may be portrayed as a visualization in terms of a 3D plot of temperature, humidity and air speed, several 2D plots, a dashboard, or other items. The visualization may easily enable one to see where setpoint adjustment is possible in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to save energy while maintaining thermal comfort acceptable to occupants in the room, whether during a heating season or a cooling season.
US08700224B2 System for a single point plug-in, connection of any combination of electric energy supply sources combined with smart load management and control of both supply and consumption of electric energy by a home or small business
A standardized system, method and apparatus for connection of any combination of electric energy supply source including the Utility Power Grid, Auxiliary Generator, Wind Turbine, Fuel Cell, Storage Battery, Solar Panel Array, and an Electric Car which are collectively aggregated to feed into the main Service Panel of the Home or Small Business through a single plug-in connection to the Home or Small Business's electrical service entrance and provide for collective operational monitoring and management through an IP Networked Communication Link, commonly referred to as IP Networked Communication across the Internet, thereby providing bidirectional communication and control between the GTC and the Smart Load Management functionality resident on the Internet Cloud.
US08700220B2 Methods and apparatuses for optimizing wells
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for optimizing oil and gas wells. Some embodiments may include optimizing a gas well based upon continuous measurements of the well's operating parameters, such as casing pressure draw down and/or line pressure surges. These continuous measurements of the well's parameters may be utilized to derive an empirical model of the well's behavior that is more accurate than conventional approaches with respect to the various stages of well production. In other words, by measuring the well's operating parameters continuously and measuring certain well parameters (like casing pressure draw down and/or surges in line pressure from opening the well), the empirical model derived therefrom may provide more accurate control of turn on criteria of the well than conventional approaches, such as during the mature production stage of production of the well.
US08700218B2 Test head vertical support system
A manipulator for translating a load along an axis of translation is provided. The manipulator comprises an outer column and a telescoping column positioned adjacent the outer column. The telescoping column is attached to the load and configured to translate the load along the axis of translation. At least one guiding member is mounted between the outer column and the telescoping column, wherein the guiding member is configured to guide the telescoping column as the telescoping column translates along the axis of translation.
US08700207B2 Pneumatic tube carrier tracking system
A system and method provides for a pneumatic tube carrier tracking system having a system control module that captures and presents tracking information associated with sending and receiving carriers. The pneumatic tube carrier tracking system comprises sending and receiving stations connected by pneumatic tubing, and which are configured to securely send carriers, with receiving users optionally being restricted from unauthorized access of carriers. The sending and receiving stations have identifying tag readers configured to scan identifier tags to read carrier delivery, carrier receipt and receiving user information. Destination and intended recipient information are entered at the sending station when sending a carrier and are transmitted to a system control module, which routably delivers and secures the carriers in response the destination and intended recipient information.
US08700198B2 Implant components and methods
Systems, devices, and methods are provided for orthopedic implants. The implants may include a base member, such as an acetabular shell or an augment, that is configured to couple with an augment, flange cup, mounting member, or any other suitable orthopedic attachment. Any of the implantable components may be include one or more porous surfaces. The porous surface may be textured by protrusions that connect to and extend from the surface. The sizes and concentration of the protrusions may be varied for specific applications to accommodate different implants and patient anatomies. A porous implant may also include one or more internal or external solid portions that strengthen the implant.
US08700197B2 Robot interaction system
In the case of a robot interaction system comprising a robot (1) having a robot controller with types of operation and operating modes which influence an associated man-robot interface, the aim is to provide a solution which allows flexible matching of a robot or robot system to different degrees of a man-robot interaction. This is achieved in that the robot controller is equipped with types of operation and operating modes which influence an associated man-robot interface and are designed to be matched and/or to be capable of being matched to different automation degrees of the robot (1) and/or to different time and/or physical positions of the man and robot as interaction partners in a working area.
US08700189B2 Coupling of ERP systems with process control systems for the automated transmission of plant structures and plant data
A method for maintaining a technical plant including several components is provided. The method provides a system for planning the use of an enterprise resources system and a control system, with the enterprise resource system connected to the control system and structures of the technical plant are automatically set up in the enterprise resource system.
US08700182B2 Medical pacing wires
A medical pacing wire comprising a clamp that is adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position and further adapted to allow a user to attach an electrode to a living tissue. In particular embodiments, the medical pacing wire may include a memory shape alloy having a memory state, which is adapted to cause the clamp to move from the closed position toward the open position when the memory shape alloy is caused to move from a non-memory state to the memory state. Also, in some embodiments, the clamp may comprise a superelastic material, and the medical pacing wire may be adapted to allow a user to remotely cause the clamp to substantially release the living tissue that has been closed within the clamp without substantially damaging the living tissue.
US08700170B2 External speech processor unit for an auditory prosthesis
A cochlear implant system comprising an external component having an external speech processor unit, and an internal component. The speech processor unit monitors one or more parameters, and the speech processor unit is configured to reduce the power consumption of the cochlear implant system in the absence of one or more parameters.
US08700162B2 Devices and methods for treatment of heart failure and associated conditions
Devices and methods of use for identification, treatment and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. An exemplary device may include a first sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation of a patient, and a control system coupled to the first sensor and second sensor. The control system is configured to provide a baroreflex therapy to the patient based at least in part on the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation and the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation. The baroreflex therapy adjusts at least one of the fluid level in the pulmonary circulation and the fluid level in the non-pulmonary circulation.
US08700158B2 Regulatory compliant transmission of medical data employing a patient implantable medical device and a generic network access
An interface device for facilitating transfer of medical information between a patient implantable medical device (PIMD) and a remote network server via public network infrastructure is disclosed, the interface device using any of a plurality of generic network access devices having disparate communication protocols. First communication circuitry is configured to receive medical information from a patient implantable medical device (PIMD), and second communication circuitry configured to effect communication with the first communication circuitry and a generic network access device. A processor is coupled the first communication circuitry and the second communication circuitry. The processor is configured to control transmission of the medical information to the generic network access device and condition the medical device data in compliance with a predetermined medical information regulatory standard governing the PIMD. A method is also disclosed.
US08700142B2 Brain function scan system
A portable EEG (electroencephalograph) instrument, especially for use in emergencies and brain assessments in physicians' offices, detects and amplifies brain waves and converts then into digital data for analysis by comparison with data from normal groups. In one embodiment, the EEG electrodes are in a headband which broadcasts the data, by radio or cellular phone, to a local receiver for re-transmission and/or analysis. In another embodiment, the subject is stimulated in two modes, i.e., aural and sensory, at two different frequencies to provide the subject's EPs (Evoked Potentials), assessing transmission through the brainstem and thalamus.
US08700141B2 Method and apparatus for automatic evoked potentials assessment
Systems and methods for assessing a patient's neurologic state based on auditory evoked responses are provided.
US08700139B2 Late potential detection
A late potential detecting system has an implantable medical device connected to at least one cardiac lead having implantable electrodes positioned at different sites of a ventricle myocardium. A sampling unit of the implantable medical device records electrogram samples for the different implantable electrodes to get different sample sets. The electrogram samples of the sample sets are time synchronized and magnitude potential representations of the potential data of the electrogram samples are determined. The magnitude potential representations of the time synchronized electrogram samples are then co-processed and used for determining a parameter that is indicative of any late potentials of the monitored ventricle.
US08700130B2 Stepwise advancement of a medical tool
Apparatus is provided, including a sensor for sensing a phase of cyclic activity of a subject's body system. A tool modulator includes a gate configured: in a first cycle of the cyclic activity, to allow movement of a tool, in response to the cyclic activity being at a first given phase thereof, following the given phase in the first cycle and prior to an occurrence of the given phase in a subsequent cycle of the cyclic activity, to inhibit the movement of the tool, and in a second cycle of the cyclic activity, subsequent to the inhibiting of the movement, to allow movement of the tool, in response to the second cycle of the cyclic activity being at the given phase thereof. An accumulation facilitator facilitates an accumulation of the tool in the tool modulator, and/or an accumulation of energy in the tool.
US08700106B2 System and method for provision of infrared signalling in smart phone devices
A smart phone device is fitted with a dual mode communications interface device having a housing wherein the housing provides access via an exterior of the smart phone device to both an infrared communications pathway and an electrical communications pathway each of which are coupled to one or more processing devices carried within the smart phone device. To this end, the communications interface device may be in the form of an audio jack having a plug receiving opening wherein the plug receiving opening is in communication with the electrical communications pathway and wherein at least a portion of the housing surrounding the plug receiving opening forms a light pipe for the infrared communications pathway.
US08700100B2 Headset, operating method and system thereof, and portable terminal supporting the same
A headset, a method and a system for operating the headset, and a portable terminal using the same are provided. A method for operating a headset, includes: receiving one of a voice call connection request message or an image call connection request message requested from another portable terminal through a mobile communication system by a portable terminal; generating a call connection request signal corresponding to the received call connection request message by the portable terminal; transmitting the generated call connection request signal to a headset connected through a near distance communication channel by the portable terminal; receiving the call connection request signal indicating a voice call or an image call from the portable terminal through the near distance communication channel by the headset; and outputting an alarm specified according to a type of the received call connection request signal by the headset.
US08700098B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal includes a terminal body; a window coupled to the terminal body, including a display region for displaying an image, and including a print region which encompasses the display region; a display unit including a display panel disposed in the terminal body and having a first touch detection layer therein, and including a driver integrated circuit (IC) mounted to the display panel so as to face the print region of the window; and a second touch detection layer formed on the print region of the window facing the driver IC, and configured to detect a touch signal. The mobile terminal may have a small size and an enhanced design.
US08700097B2 Method and system for controlling dual-processing of screen data in mobile terminal having projector function
A method of controlling a screen of a mobile terminal having a projector function and an apparatus permits outputs of common screen data and dual-processed data output by a display screen and an external screen. A method of outputting screen data in a mobile terminal having a projector function includes: activating a projector module; generating screen data for a display unit displayed on a display unit and screen data for a projector based on the projector module; and performing dual-processing of the generated screen data and outputting the dual-processed screen data to the display unit and the projector module.
US08700096B2 Advanced system and method for dynamically discovering, provisioning and accessing host services on wireless data communication devices
A system and method for pushing a service book to a mobile device is provided. A service book includes a plurality of fields relating to a host service. At least one mobile device is identified that is to receive the service book. Wireless propagation information is provided that identifies an address for the mobile device to receive the service book. The service book is transmitted over a wireless network using the address for the mobile device, and is received by the mobile device.
US08700092B2 Method and subscriber identification card for using a service through a mobile telephone terminal using resources of another mobile telephone terminal
A method is provided which allows a service to be enjoyed through a mobile telephone terminal without the need of paying for this service. This can be achieved by allowing a first subscriber to use the credit or subscription of a second subscriber. The subscriber identification cards at least of the two subscribers involved are provided with short range radio communication transceivers and establish a short range communication channel between them so that one card may request the other card to pay for this service and the other card may grant this request through this channel. Then the mobile telephone networks of the cards are informed of the granted request. Before, during and after the grant of the request, the subscriber identification cards remain active and operative in communicating together and with the associated terminals.
US08700091B2 Data transmission device, data transmission method, data communication system, program, and recording medium
A mobile phone (1) in accordance with the present invention includes: a transmission setting database (50); a transmission setting section (21) for registering, on the transmission setting database (50), a piece of image data to be transmitted to a data receiving device; and an image data transmitting section (12) for transmitting, to the data receiving device, the piece of image data registered on the transmission setting database (50), the image data transmitting section (12) transmitting the piece of image data to the data receiving device in response to a transmission request received from the data receiving device. Therefore, according to a data transmission device in accordance with the present invention, it is possible to transmit a desired piece of additional-information-containing data to the data receiving device without forcing a user to again carry out operation of transmitting the piece of additional-information-containing data to the data receiving device, even in a case where the user cannot transmit the desired piece of additional-information-containing data to the data receiving device.
US08700090B2 Radio accessory for a mobile device
A system for enhancing functionality of a mobile device comprising: the mobile device, wherein the mobile device includes: a radio subsystem; a processor adapted to interact with the radio subsystem; a user interface; a short range communications system; and a battery adapted to power the mobile device; and an accessory adapted to communicate with the mobile device, the accessory including: at least one processor; a radio subsystem communicating with the processor; and a short range communications system adapted to communicate with the short range communications system of the mobile device, wherein the radio subsystem of the mobile device differs from the radio subsystem of the accessory.
US08700089B2 Mobile device configured to operate on multiple different networks
An apparatus includes a code division multiple access (CDMA) antenna that is configured to transmit and receive communication signals. The apparatus includes a memory that is configured to store multiple mobile equipment identifiers (MEIDs), multiple activation protocols and instructions, where each MEID includes an identifier that is uniquely recognizable on one of multiple networks and where the activation protocols include protocols for uniquely activating the apparatus on one of multiple different networks each of which have different communication protocols. The apparatus includes a processor that is coupled to the CDMA antenna and to the memory and that is configured to execute the instructions to enable a user to select a network from the multiple different networks on which to activate and operate the apparatus and activate and operate the apparatus on a selected network using an MEID recognizable by the selected network and the activation protocol for the selected network.
US08700081B2 Determining whether to switch between group calls based on priority within a wireless communications system
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to determining whether to switch between group calls based on priority within a wireless communications system. In an embodiment, an announce message is received at a given access terminal that announces a second group session when the given access terminal is participating in the first group session. The given access terminal acquires one or more priority levels associated with one or more of the first and second group sessions. The access terminal determines whether to switch from the first group session to the second group session based on the one or more priority levels. The access terminal selectively switches from the first group session to the second group session based on the determination.
US08700079B2 Method and apparatus for increasing the rate of peer discovery in a synchronized peer to peer wireless network
Various methods and apparatus are directed to communicating peer discovery information in an efficient manner. A wireless device which has received peer discovery information from multiple peer devices in its vicinity combines received peer discovery information and transmits a signal communicating the combined information. In some embodiments, the combining includes performing a linear combination. The transmitted signal including the combined peer discovery information corresponding to multiple devices facilitates the recovery of peer discovery information by peer devices which may be out of direct peer to peer communications range to one of the devices whose information was used to produce the combined signal. Different peer devices may be able to recover different peer discovery information from the same combined signal. Thus the wireless device may effectively relay a first peer discovery message to one peer device and a second peer discovery message to another peer device via the same combined signal.
US08700073B2 Method and apparatus for providing mobile messaging enabled event planning, scheduling and tracking service
A method and computer readable medium for providing a mobile messaging event planning service in a communications network are disclosed. For example, the method assigns a mobile messaging identification code for an event, receives a text message including the mobile messaging identification code for the event and provides information associated with the event in response to the text message.
US08700062B1 Enhancing geo-location precision in wireless systems
A system may be configured to compute an estimated location of a user device based on an estimation coefficient and a measured distance between the user device and a base station. The estimation coefficient may be based on: an actual distance between a reference device and the base station, and a measured distance between the reference device and the base station. The system may store or output the information regarding the estimated location of the device.
US08700059B1 Selecting a carrier
In systems and methods of selecting a carrier, tracking area update messages for a wireless device communicating over a first carrier are monitored to determine that a number of tracking update messages meets a traffic threshold. A first tracking area configuration for the first carrier and a second tracking area configuration for a second carrier are determined, and a location and a mobility of the wireless device relative to the first tracking area configuration and the second tracking area configuration are ascertained. Based on the first tracking area configuration, the second tracking area configuration, the determined location, and the determined mobility a handover of the wireless device from the first carrier to the second carrier is performed.
US08700056B2 Systems and methods for real-time location
An embodiment concerns the field of real-time location systems (RTLS) based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indication) measurements. An embodiment is based on determining the distances between wireless device of a network based on a model that describes the relation of the RSSI value relative to the packet exchanged between nodes as a function of the distance, wherein said model depends on at least one characteristic parameter of the transmission channel and wherein at least said characteristic parameter of the transmission channel is determined periodically and automatically, exploiting the known distances among fixed nodes. In this way, the errors relative to possible time-variability of the transmission channel are reduced and the accuracy and stability of the location measurements are increased.
US08700055B2 Maintaining location based service session continuity during inter-RAT mobility
When a user equipment engaged in mobile communications transfers from a network with one radio access technology (RAT) to another network with a different radio access technology, maintaining continuity of location based services can improve system performance. A user equipment may perform a series of checks when undergoing inter-RAT transfer to determine if a location based services protocol used with the source network is operable on the target network. The UE also determines if location based services sessions are at a point where they can be continued following inter-RAT transfer. Where possible, protocols and sessions are maintained to preserve location based services continuity.
US08700054B2 Prediction of indoor level and location using a three stage process
A mobile computing device may be localized in an indoor area based on the strength of wireless network signals accessible in the indoor area from different access points. For efficiency, the localization may be performed in stages. In a first stage, a general geographic area, such as an “island” as will be described below, in which the mobile device is located is identified. In a second stage, an altitude or building level of the mobile device is identified. In a third stage, a position of the mobile device on the identified building level is determined. At least some of these stages of localization may utilize information received at the mobile device from surrounding access points. For example, the island on which the user is located may be determined by identifying at least one access point on that island. Further, decision trees may be executed using input related to a received signal strength from the surrounding access points, and outputs of the decision trees may indicate the device's location.
US08700053B2 Systems for and methods of determining likelihood of relocation of reference points in a positioning system
Systems and methods are provided for determining a measure of likelihood that an estimated geographic location of a designated wireless device is not its accurate present location includes determining a set of reference points associated with the device, which are a geographic position at which signals from the device were detected and/or other devices having a relationship with the designated device. The existence of the relationship is based on the devices being within signal reception range of a same position within a selected period of time. The method includes retrieving attributes of the reference points and/or of the relationships and determining a measure of likelihood that an estimated geographic location associated with the designated device is not its present location based on the attributes of the reference points of the set and/or of the relationships.
US08700047B2 Method and system for customizable flow management in a cellular basestation
A method for customizable flow management in a cellular basestation is disclosed. The method includes configuring a framework on a cellular basestation; and executing customized flow management functions through the framework by an external entity. Other methods, apparatuses, and systems also are disclosed.
US08700043B2 Apparatus and method for connecting radio link in wireless communication system having private network cell
Disclosed is a method of connecting a radio link of a UE in a wireless communication system including a first cell and a second cell partially or completely overlapping the first cell, the method including the steps of, when the UE fails in connecting a radio link to the first cell for a given time, performing measurement for the second cell by using prestored radio link connection information for the second cell; and if a result of the measurement satisfies given cell selection conditions, selecting the second cell.
US08700037B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for a user terminal
A method including detecting a preference of a user terminal for a predetermined service, detecting that the current RAT does not provide the predetermined service; monitoring whether another PLMN or RAT of the first PLMN is available; upon detecting that no other PLMN or RAT of the first PLMN is available, maintaining connection to the first RAT of the first PLMN until another PLMN or RAT in the first PLMN becomes available; upon detecting that another PLMN or RAT is available, considering the first RAT of the first PLMN as disabled, and generating an information element to a memory according to which the first RAT of the first PLMN has been marked as disabled, wherein the information element is valid until a predetermined criterion is met and at least beyond a point of time when the user terminal switches to another PLMN and/or to another RAT.
US08700036B2 Method for resolving conflict between network searching and traffic and multi-card multi-standby mobile phone
A method for resolving conflict between network searching and traffic includes: determining if a service request corresponds to mobile originated traffic or mobile terminated traffic, when a second user card receives the service request during a process of the network searching of a first user card; temporarily suspending the mobile originated traffic and continuing to perform the network searching of the first user card, when the service request corresponds to the mobile originated traffic; and temporarily suspending the network searching of the first user card, firstly processing the mobile terminated traffic, and continuing to perform the network searching of the first user card after completing the mobile terminated traffic, when the service request corresponds to the mobile terminated traffic. A multi-card multi-standby mobile phone of the present invention includes at least two types of user card, a communication unit for transmitting communication information, a microcontroller unit and a determining unit. The present invention avoids impact of the network searching to the mobile originated traffic and the mobile terminated traffic.
US08700023B2 Relays in telecommunications networks
In a telecommunications network including a mobile terminal in communication with a network base station, and at least one relay node that assists the base station with downlink data transmissions towards the mobile terminal, a method is provided of enabling coherent demodulation of a scheduled data block transmitted in the downlink by the base station and the at least one relay node. A reference signal is provided in the scheduled data block which is configured to change the mobile terminal from using cell specific reference signalling to using mobile terminal specific reference signalling to enable the mobile terminal to demodulate the scheduled data block transmitted in the downlink by the at least one relay node and the base station. Further, a method of performing synchronous retransmission of data includes transmitting pre-scheduling information for any required synchronous retransmission of a first data transmission by the relay node and the transmitting entity.
US08700018B2 Method and apparatus for adapting a telephony component to operate in a different telephony
A method for modifying an application framework devised for network-based telephony to operate in a local telephony, comprising adapting the application framework to interact with a communication device operable cooperatively with a local base, and emulating a functionally of the network related to the application framework according to an operation of the local base, at least partially, and an apparatus for using the modified application framework.
US08700017B2 System and method for transmitting and receiving an event message
A system for transmitting and receiving an event message is provided. The system comprises a transmitting terminal that generates an event message, and that transmits the event message and caller information, an event message service server that stores phonebook data after receiving the phonebook data transmitted from at least one terminal, that searches for a receiving terminal including the caller information in the phonebook data among receiving terminals included in the phonebook data of the transmitting terminal when receiving the event message, and that transmits the event message to the searched receiving terminal, and a receiving terminal that receives an event message transmitted by the event message service server, and informs its user of reception of the event message.
US08700012B2 Handheld electronic device using status awareness
Through status awareness, a handheld communications device may determine the location, activity, and/or physical or emotional state of the user. This information may in turn be used for various purposes, such as 1) determining how to alert the user of an incoming communication, 2) determining what format to use for communicating with the user, and 3) determining how to present the user's status to another person's communication device.
US08700010B2 Communications device with secure data path processing agents
A communications device comprising one or more communication input/output (I/O) ports, at least one of the one or more communication I/O ports being a wide area network port configured to connect the communications device to a wide area network; one or more secure data path processing agents configured to execute in a secure execution environment, monitor a device data communications activity through at least one of the one or more communication I/O ports, generate a device data record comprising information about the device data communications activity through at least one of the one or more communication I/O ports, and send the device data record to the network element over a trusted communication link between the one or more secure data path processing agents and the network element; and a trusted data path between the one or more secure data path processing agents and the wide area network port.
US08700008B2 Providing data service options in push-to-talk using voice recognition
Voice enabling mobile services leverage existing PTT infrastructure. Initiation of a service request and navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clicking through options. A mobile phone includes a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled service session, a speaker and microphone for transducing sounds and electrical signals, a display for displaying visual information to a user, memory for storing data, a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data and a processor. The processor receives a signal generated by the PTT service button for initiating a voice enabled service session, communicates a prompt to a user to begin speaking, stores voice data from a user and transmits the stored voice data to a service server for transforming the voice data to a result satisfying the spoken voice service request.
US08700003B2 Geographical location authentication method
A system and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for authenticating votes or transactions received from a mobile device comprising a computer programmed with a set of computer-readable instructions and a database accessed by mobile device reading a durable computer readable medium stored in a computer server or mobile communications device module, the database comprising a registered geographical location and corresponding postal mail delivery address, means to receive a vote in an election or a transaction over a wireless carrier network, means to determine geographical location of a device which transmitted the transaction over the wireless network comprising cell tower triangulation or Assisted-GPS and means to reject vote or transaction if geographical location of the device which transmitted the vote or transaction is not within a predetermined distance range from the geographical location for the registered postal mail delivery address latitude or longitude coordinates embodied and executable in a physical medium.
US08699993B2 Device initiated replenishment procedures for wireless devices
A method, device and system are provided for wireless device-initiated automatic replenishment of internally-stored account parameters associated with an amount of authorization for usage of the wireless device (e.g., prepaid amount of airtime minutes, data usage, messages, etc.). Upon determining within the wireless device that the account parameter(s) should be replenished, the wireless device transmits a message to a control server indicating that the wireless device intends to perform the determined replenishment according to the replenishment parameters stored within the wireless device. The wireless device delays performance of the replenishment for a predetermined period of time to determine whether the control server provides a response containing updated replenishment parameters. Depending upon whether the wireless device receives a response from the control server during the time period, the wireless device then replenishes the internally-stored account parameter(s) using either the previously stored replenishment parameters or the updated replenishment parameters.
US08699982B2 Systems and methods for implementing a distributed antenna system in a radio frequency integrated circuit
A remote antenna unit includes an uplink integrated circuit (IC) and a downlink IC. The uplink IC includes an uplink synthesizer that provides an uplink oscillating signal; an uplink mixer stage that mixes an uplink radio frequency signal with the uplink oscillating signal to produce an uplink intermediate frequency signal; and an uplink control interface that receives uplink commands that control the frequency of the uplink oscillating signal. The downlink IC includes a downlink synthesizer that provides a downlink oscillating signal; a downlink mixer stage that mixes the downlink intermediate frequency signal with a downlink oscillating signal to produce a down link radio frequency signal; a downlink control interface that receives downlink commands that control the frequency of the downlink oscillating signal. The antenna unit also includes a clock that provides a reference frequency to the uplink and downlink synthesizers.
US08699981B2 Receiver
A receiver (10) for a telecommunications system, the receiver (10) comprising a channel impulse response estimator (12) for producing an initial estimated channel impulse response of an overall multipath channel of the telecommunications system and a processing unit (16) for calculating, from the initial estimated channel impulse response, an estimate of the gain of each component of a propagation channel impulse response represented by the initial estimated channel impulse response.
US08699969B2 Reverse link mobile transmit diversity
An access network is wirelessly coupled to an access terminal. The access network comprises a plurality of communication modules, a transmitter and a channel estimator. The plurality of communication modules coupled to the access terminal and configured to transmit a plurality of signals. The transmitter coupled to the access terminal and configured to send an index which indicates number of the plurality of signals. The channel estimator, configured to adjust and modulate a channel state information into the plurality of signals.
US08699964B2 Antenna apparatus and communication apparatus
According to one embodiment, an antenna apparatus comprises a first antenna element, a first lumped constant element, a first lumped constant element, a switch and at least one second lumped constant element. The first antenna element comprises a forward part, a folded part and a backward part, the forward part includes a start point connected to a feeding point, and the backward part includes an end point connected to ground. The first lumped constant element is inserted in the backward part. The switch is configured to select a current path in accordance with a control signal. The at least one second lumped constant element is to be selectively connected in parallel to the first lumped constant element through the switch.
US08699956B2 Polyphase sequences for wireless communications
Polyphase sequence generation is provided for sequences having good aperiodic correlation properties. The sequences can allow lengths not attainable by other types of sequences (such as Frank sequences) and can yield increase merit factors and more desirable peak-to-side-peak ratios (and therefore decreased sidelobe energy) than other sequences (such as Chu sequences). Perfect root-of-unity sequences of lengths up to 32, achieving the minimum phase alphabets and the maximum merit factors and/or peak-to-side-peak ratios, are searched, and the results are tabulated. Comparing the merit factors and peak-to-side-peak ratios of the best search results to other sequences, a common construction pattern of the improved sequences of length 2m2 are obtained. The improved sequences can be utilized in a variety of configurations, including spread spectrum communication, radar, channel estimation, system identification, and/or the like.
US08699953B2 Low-latency interface-based networking
A network of processing devices includes a medium for low-latency interfaces for providing point-to-point connections between each of the processing devices. A switch within each processing device is arranged to facilitate communications in any combination between the processing resources and the local point-to-point interfaces within each processing device. A networking layer is provided above the low-latency interface stack, which facilitates re-use of software and exploits existing protocols for providing the point-to-point connections. Higher speeds are achieved for switching between the relatively low numbers of processor resources within each processing device, while low-latency point-to-point communications are achieved using the low-latency interfaces for accessing processor resources that are external to a processing device.
US08699945B2 Dual mode funk
The invention relates to the establishment of a radio link using at least two spatial modes (in other words at least horizontal and vertical or right and left circular modes) by means of corresponding antennae or a line link using at least three conductors and the use of at least one transmission oscillator and no oscillator on the reception side, wherein the transmitter has amplitude and/or phase and/or frequency modulation and the at least two different polarized modes are received by means of at least two antennae and processed by one or more multipliers, mixers, phase comparators, frequency comparators, or power detectors.
US08699943B2 Mobile repeater system and method having geophysical location awareness without use of GPS
A repeater system and method for implementing within a mobile platform includes repeater circuitry configured for repeating signals between devices and signal sources such as base transceiver stations. The repeater circuitry has a plurality of configurable settings for controlling operation of the repeater circuitry. Movement sensors sense the movement of the mobile platform and controller circuitry is configured to use inputs from the movement sensors to determine a current path of the mobile platform and to compare the determined current path to the known path information for the mobile platform for determining the location of the mobile platform and repeater system to vary the configurable settings of the repeater system based upon the determined location. Other information such as identification information from a signal source or information from the mobile platform are also used to vary the configuration and configurable settings of the repeater system.
US08699941B1 Interactive learning map
One or more learning map interfaces are displayed. The learning map interfaces include a selection control configured to allow a user to select a subset of assessments from a set of assessments. The subset includes less assessments than the set. Performance information for a student is determined based on the subset of assessments. A learning map is populated with the performance information for the student. The learning map includes a plurality of cells. Each cell corresponds to a learning objective. The plurality of cells is arranged in a manner that reflects a relationship between the learning objectives corresponding to the cells. One or more learning map interfaces are displayed. The learning map interfaces are configured to display the learning map populated with the performance information.
US08699939B2 System and method for recommending educational resources
An educational recommender system and a method are provided. The method includes receiving a request to recommend a course of action related to a plurality of current students; accessing a computer database storing student data that corresponds to the plurality of current students; clustering in a computer process the plurality of current students into at least two clusters based at least on granular assessment data associated with student data corresponding to respective current students; and outputting the results of the clustering to a user. The granular assessment data includes a result of an assessment administered to respective students of the plurality of current students, and each assessment includes a plurality of questions for assessing one of the current students. The associated result includes an independent evaluation of each respective question of the plurality of questions.
US08699917B2 Image forming apparatus and cartridge for the use therewith
An image forming apparatus and a cartridge for use therewith are provided. The image forming apparatus includes a main body; a cartridge that stores a developer; a supporting member that receives the cartridge; and a side cover that covers the supporting member, where the supporting member is rotatably supported by the main body. The supporting member pivots between a reception position at which the cartridge is received into the main body and an exposure position at which the cartridge is exposed from the main body.
US08699912B2 Developing cartridge and image forming apparatus having the same
A developing cartridge having a simplified mounting/separation configuration and an image forming apparatus having the same. The image forming apparatus includes a main body, a developing cartridge unit provided in the main body to form an image, a tray unit configured to accommodate the developing cartridge unit and movably mounted in the main body, a first link member movably coupled to the tray unit, and a second link member provided in the main body to be moved simultaneously with the first link member. The first link member includes a pressure piece to press the second link member such that the second link member does not interfere with the developing cartridge unit during movement of the first link member.
US08699911B2 Image forming apparatus with first and second abutting portions for a cartridge
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording material, wherein a cartridge including at least a photosensitive drum is detachably mountable to said image forming apparatus, said image forming apparatus includes a first abutting portion, provided in an upstream side with respect to a mounting direction in which the cartridge is moved in its longitudinal direction to be mounted to said apparatus; a first urging means, provided in an upstream side with respect to the mounting direction, for urging, when the cartridge is mounted to said apparatus, the cartridge, in a direction crossing with a center axis of the photosensitive drum to position the cartridge in the crossing direction; a second abutting portion, provided in a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction; and a second urging means, provided in a downstream side with respect to the mounting direction, for urging, when the cartridge is mounted to said apparatus, the cartridge, in a direction crossing with the center axis of the photosensitive drum to position the cartridge in the crossing direction, wherein said first abutting portion and said second abutting portion are disposed opposite from each other with respect to a plane including the center axis.
US08699909B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus having an image carrier that carries a toner image; an opposed member that is provided so as to be opposed to the image carrier; an application device that applies a bias to the opposed member; and a control device that controls the application device to apply a first bias and thereafter a second bias to the opposed member so as to remove toner from the opposed member. The first bias has an absolute value that is large enough to cause discharge from the opposed member into air. The second bias has an absolute value that is too small to cause discharge from the opposed member into the air, and has a reverse polarity to the first bias.
US08699908B2 Cleaning device and image forming apparatus including same
A cleaning device including a rotatable cleaning member contacting a rotatable image carrier bearing a toner image to electrostatically remove toner from the image carrier while rotating, and a control unit to control rotation of the cleaning member to satisfy a relation of (60/R)>(L/V) during removal of a toner pattern formed on the image carrier at a predetermined timing and remaining attached to the image carrier without being transferred from the image carrier onto a transfer member using the cleaning member, where R (rpm) is a number of rotations of the cleaning member, L (mm) is a length of the toner pattern in a direction of rotation of the image carrier, and V (mm/s) is a speed of the image carrier.
US08699906B2 Printing system provided with preheaters
A printing system includes a first printing apparatus, a second printing apparatus, and a control device. The second printing apparatus is provided at a rear stage of the first printing apparatus, and includes a second preheating unit that preheats a recording medium from one surface before thermally fixing a toner image to another surface, and a temperature control unit that increase the temperature of the second preheating unit from a normal temperature to a target temperature, in response to a printing preparation instruction received in a temporary printing stop state from the control device. The control device starts printing, when the temperature of the second preheating unit reaches the target temperature. The temperature control unit decreases the temperature of the second preheating unit from the target temperature to the normal temperature, when the recording medium is conveyed by a length from a deformed portion to the second preheating unit.
US08699905B2 Toner coverage determination
A toner coverage determination system and method are described. The toner coverage determination system may include a memory storing a module comprising machine readable instructions to receive an input image, and generate a grid including a plurality of points corresponding to pixels to be sampled on the input image. The machine readable instructions may further sample the pixels corresponding to the plurality of points, evaluate pixel intensity values for the sampled pixels, and determine a toner coverage value based on the evaluated pixel intensity values.
US08699904B2 Fixing device and image forming apparatus capable of suppressing variation image density
A fixing device includes a rotatable first nip formation member, a rotatable second nip formation member, a first heater, a second heater, and a controller. The second nip formation member is provided under the first nip formation member to contact the first nip formation member to form a fixing nip portion between the first nip formation member and the second nip formation member. The first heater heats the first nip formation member. The second heater heats the second nip formation member. The controller supplies a portion of power to the second heater and the remainder of power to the first heater when a plurality of sheets having a sheet weight not greater than about 100 g/m2 passes through the fixing nip portion continuously.
US08699903B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
An image forming apparatus includes a first forming unit that forms a color image on a first image-carrier using a color toner, a first transfer unit that transfers the color image formed on the first image-carrier to a transfer medium at a first transfer bias, a second forming unit that, using an invisible toner absorbing infrared light or ultraviolet light, forms on a second image-carrier a code image representing information by an arrangement of dots, and a second transfer unit that transfers the code image formed on the second image-carrier to the transfer medium at a second transfer bias higher than the first transfer bias.
US08699898B2 Apparatus and method for changing a voltage setting for an image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus including a setting memory storing multiple voltage settings; two or more voltage applying members each contacting a voltage applied member at respective contact positions close to each other, which are simultaneously being applied with respective voltages selected from the voltage settings; two or more current detectors each detecting a current flowing in the respective contact positions; and a setting changer performing a setting changing processing in which the voltage applied to one of the voltage applying members is changed based on the current detected by the corresponding current detector while a predetermined voltage is applied to the other voltage applying members, so that an optimum current flows in the corresponding contact position.
US08699897B2 Image forming apparatus capable of saving energy, method of controlling the same, and storage medium
An image forming apparatus which makes it possible to save energy during the operation of a temperature rise control mode, and is capable of realizing energy saving without degrading performance by making the image forming apparatus ready for printing when returning from the temperature rise control mode. A temperature sensor detects internal temperature of the image forming apparatus. When the internal temperature of the image forming apparatus has reached a temperature at which the apparatus should shift to the temperature rise control mode during execution of printing, the printing operation is stopped. In stopping the printing operation, the image forming apparatus is shifted to an energy saving mode.
US08699895B2 Image forming apparatus, control method and computer-readable medium
An image forming apparatus including a developing device corresponding to a color component, comprises: a conversion unit configured to accumulate, for each color component, values of respective pixels for each color component that fall within a predetermined range of image data, and to convert the accumulated value into a count value of the color component; an addition unit configured to add, to the image data, the count value of each color component that has been converted by the conversion unit; and a control unit configured, when forming an image based on the image data, to supply toner to the developing device of each color component in accordance with the count value of the color component that has been added by the addition unit.
US08699889B2 Polarization demultiplexing using independent component analysis
Systems and methods of polarization demultiplexing are disclosed. One such method receives a transmitted polarization-multiplexed optical signal The polarization-multiplexed has multiple polarizations, each of which represents an independent data stream. The method converts the polarization-multiplexed optical signal to a corresponding polarization-multiplexed electrical signal. The method determines an inverse transformation matrix that meets an independent component analysis (ICA) criterion. The method applies the inverse transformation matrix to the polarization-multiplexed electrical signal, which produces a polarization-demultiplexed electrical signal. The method phase estimates the polarization-demultiplexed electrical signal to recover the data stream.
US08699885B2 Power control in an optical network unit
There are disclosed techniques for power control in an Optical Network Unit (ONU) of a Passive Optical Network (PON). In one embodiment, the supply of power to an optical transmitter is controlled in accordance with information defining a plurality of transmission windows during which data can be transmitted from the ONU, in order to achieve the following: (1) to provide power to the optical transmitter beginning at a predetermined time in advance of a transmission window to ensure a laser in the optical transmitter is ready to begin transmitting the data at the start of the transmission window; and (2) to refrain from providing full power to the optical transmitter between transmission windows when the duration of time between the transmission windows is greater than a predetermined length.
US08699877B2 Wavelength division multiplex terminal with automatic configuration and supervision of switch connections
A wavelength division multiplexer terminal with a multiplexer arrangement with a first switching matrix, and a demultiplexer arrangement with a second switching matrix allows flexibility for connection transceivers to ports of the wavelength division multiplexer and wavelength division demultiplexer respectively. Optical monitoring receivers are connected upstream the wavelength division multiplexer and downstream the wavelength division demultiplexer for managing and supervising connections.
US08699874B2 Optical signal shutoff mechanism and associated system
A mechanism for adjusting or shutting off an optical signal within a network system is provided. The system may include a generating element for providing an optical signal and a bi-directional coupler for transmitting the optical signal to downstream components and fiber links and for transmitting a reflected optical signal based on the reflection characteristics of the downstream components to a converter element. The converter element converts the reflected optical signal to an electrical trigger signal that is used by a processing element to monitor the degradation or operational conditions within the network system. Based on the electrical trigger signal the processing element may adjust or shut off the optical signal at the generating element or at another element within the network system or another network system. The processing element may also send a communication signal to other elements or an operator to indicate unacceptable noise within the network system.
US08699871B2 Optical network with shared laser array
Method and apparatus for operating for operating an optical network including a shared laser array are disclosed. An example apparatus includes include a first plurality of N lasers. Each laser of the first plurality of N lasers is configured to output a respective optical seed signal having a respective wavelength. The example apparatus further includes a first optical coupler coupled with the first plurality of N lasers. In the example embodiment, the first optical coupler is configured to multiplex the respective optical seed signals of the first plurality of N lasers onto a plurality of N optical fibers. In this example, each optical fiber of first plurality of N optical fibers transmits each of the respective optical seed signals produced by the plurality of N lasers to a respective distribution node for distribution to N respective optical network units, where the optical network units use the optical seed signals to seed respective optical transmitters located at the N optical network units.
US08699867B2 Aerial digital camera and method of controlling the same
An aerial digital camera comprises a housing 15, a lens, a frame 45, an image sensor 35 mounted on the frame, at least three flexure bearings 51 connecting the frame and the housing, the flexure bearings allowing a displacement of the frame relative to the housing in a displacement direction 67 parallel to a light receiving surface of the image sensor, a spring 69 providing a biasing force between the housing and the frame oriented in the displacement direction; and an actuator 71 for displacing the frame relative to the housing against the biasing force of the spring.
US08699861B2 Recorded content management
A recorded content management system determines when recorded content maintained in a television-based entertainment and information system has been watched by a viewer. When a segment or percentage of the recorded content for a particular program is displayed for viewing, it is determined whether the program has been watched so that the recorded content, or a portion of the recorded content, can be queued for deletion, or maintained for additional viewing.
US08699859B2 Information storage medium including application for providing metadata, and apparatus for and method of providing metadata
An information storage medium includes application information for performing reproduction with reference to metadata stored in a reproduction apparatus; and additional information for providing the metadata as a user interface provided by a content producer.
US08699849B2 Systems, methods, and apparatus for recording multi-dimensional audio
Certain embodiments of the invention may include systems, methods, and apparatus for recording three dimensional audio. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the method may include orienting a three-dimensional (3-D) microphone with respect to a predetermined spatial direction, selectively receiving sounds from one or more directions corresponding to directional receiving elements, recording the selectively received sounds in a 3-D recorder having a plurality of recording channels, recording time code in at least one channel of the 3-D recorder; and mapping the recorded channels to a plurality of output channels.
US08699833B2 Microstructured optical fiber and a device for generating broadband white light
A microstructured optical fiber for generating broadband white light having a core doped with germanium and silica cladding surrounding the core, the cladding including a plurality of holes arranged in the form of a regular mesh, wherein the diameter F of a hole in the cladding, the pitch L between the respective centers of two neighboring holes in the cladding, and the refractive index difference Dn between the germanium-doped fiber core and the silica of the cladding are such that the fiber can generate white light on the fundamental mode over a wavelength band having a width of at least 1000 nm.
US08699831B2 Process poling for material configuration
A method includes fabricating a circuit element and a connection to the circuit element for a photonic integrated circuit. The method includes associating a configurable material with the circuit element and activating the configurable material via a poling rail and the connection to the circuit element during production of the integrated circuit.
US08699826B2 Finding and structuring images based on a color search
Displaying objects from a search is disclosed, including receiving a search color, using a processor to search through a collection of one or more objects to obtain a resulting set of one or more objects based at least in part on the search color, determining, for each of the resulting set of objects, a display parameter based at least in part on an amount of the search color in the object, and displaying the resulting set of objects in a collage based at least in part on the display parameters, wherein the objects are sized and placed such that they substantially fill a predefined collage area.
US08699824B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing multi-feature based sampling for relevance feedback
An apparatus for providing multi-feature based sampling for relevance feedback may include a user interface element. The user interface element may be configured to receive a query image, provide a first set of images determined to be relevant with respect to the query image, and provide a second set of images in which each image of the second set of images comprises a first relevance determination with respect to a first feature of an image and a second relevance determination for at least a second feature of the image. Each image of at least the second set of images may include an associated user interface item to enable a user to provide relevance feedback with respect to each image of the second set of images.
US08699821B2 Aligning images
Some embodiments provide a method of aligning a pair of images. The method defines multiple different pairs of images at multiple different resolutions. The method hierarchically aligns the original pair of images by first aligning the pair of images at the lowest resolution and then aligning each pair of images at each higher resolution based on the alignments of the pair of images at the lower resolutions. For some of the resolutions, to perform the hierarchically alignment, the method identifies, for at least one image at each resolution, portions that are suitable for performing the alignment and portions that are not suitable for performing the alignment. The method compares each pair of images at a particular resolution by using the suitable portions while excluding the unsuitable portions from the comparison.
US08699819B1 Mosaicing documents for translation using video streams
Aspects of the present disclosure propose techniques for reconstructing a document mosaic using video streams of the document. The streams provide information identifying a layout that relates sequential frames of a video to each other. Once the streams are captured using a mobile device, it is then possible to reconstruct a virtual view of the entire document as though it were taken with a single camera shot. The reconstructed virtual view of the document will be suitable as input to an optical character recognition engine, which can be used for translating the document.
US08699812B2 System and method for quality improvement in CT imaging
A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by a computer, cause the computer to acquire an image comprising image data reconstructed from an imaging device. The instructions further cause the computer to apply a bloom reduction algorithm to the image configured to iteratively reduce a blooming of high-density objects in the image.
US08699811B2 Adaptive gradient weighting technique for detector bad cell correction
An imaging system includes a two-dimensional detector having a plurality of cells wherein each cell is configured to detect energy or signal passing through an object. The imaging system includes a computer programmed to acquire imaging data for the plurality of cells, identify a cell to be corrected, based on the imaging data, interpolate Ix and Iy for the identified cell based on neighbor cells, and calculate local gradients gx and gy between the identified cell and its neighbor cells based on the interpolation. The computer is further programmed to calculate weighting factors wx and wy based on the local gradients, calculate a corrected final value I(0,0) for the identified cell, and correct the identified cell with the corrected final value.
US08699809B2 Image processing apparatus, image conversion method, and recording medium
A labeling unit that extracts a character included in raster format image data and finds the size of the extracted character, and an approximation method determination unit that determines whether or not to use curve approximation to convert the character based on the found size, are provided. In the case where it has been determined to use curve approximation, the character is converted into a vector format by performing straight-line approximation or curve approximation on each of the various parts of the contour of the character, whereas in the case where it has been determined not to use curve approximation, the character is converted into a vector format by performing straight-line approximation and not performing curve approximation on each of the various parts of the contour of the character.
US08699786B2 3D model generating apparatus, method and CRM by line pattern imaging
An image processing apparatus comprising: an input unit configured to input a plurality of images obtained by capturing a target object from different viewpoints; a detection unit configured to detect a plurality of line segments from each of the plurality of input images; a setting unit configured to set, for each of the plurality of detected line segments, a reference line which intersects with the line segment; an array derivation unit configured to obtain a pattern array in which a plurality of pixel value change patterns on the set reference line are aligned; and a decision unit configured to decide association of the detected line segments between the plurality of images by comparing the pixel value change patterns, contained in the obtained pattern array, between the plurality of images.
US08699782B2 Component presence/absence judging apparatus and method
A component presence/absence judging apparatus judges the presence/absence of components through a registration step and an inspection step. The registration step includes an ante-mounting feature acquisition step, a post-mounting feature acquisition step and a classifier configuration step. At the ante-mounting and post-mounting feature acquisition steps, ante-mounting features and post-mounting features are respectively acquired from an ante-mounting image and a post-mounting image taken at each of predetermined places on an ante-mounting board and a post-mounting board. At the classifier configuration step, a classifier is configured by registering the ante-mounting features and the post-mounting features as training data to a support vector machine. Then, at the inspection step, the presence/absence of a component at each of the predetermined places on each post-mounting operation board to be inspected is judged by inputting post-mounting operation features acquired from each of the predetermined places on each post-mounting operation board to the support vector machine configured as the classifier.
US08699776B2 Methods and apparatuses for quantitatively determining the likelihood of a disease
The invention described provides a method of quantitatively evaluating one or more of the likelihood. severity and progression of a disease from medical images comprising processing medical images of a test subject to derive one or more feature space values characteristic of a disease-dependent image attributes, comparing the feature space values to those of a previously established database from medical images of known health} and known diseased subjects, wherein the comparing is based on feature space values that best discriminate between health and diseased subjects, summing a weighted distance of discriminant feature space values of the test subject to those of at least one of the mean feature space value of the healthy subjects and the mean feature space value of the diseased subjects, and providing from the summing a single number which is indicative of at least one of disease likelihood. severity and progression.
US08699774B2 Image processing apparatus, control method thereof, and program
An image processing apparatus includes: a storage unit configured to store tomographic images in relation to the fundus of an examined eye; a detection unit configured to detect a boundary of retinal pigment epithelium and an inner limiting membrane from each of the images and to detect a part where the boundary is discontinuous; a determination unit configured to determine a surface of a sclera model for each of the images by use of the detected boundary and the inner limiting membrane; a generation unit configured to generate a sclera model including an optic papilla periphery by use of the surface of the sclera model and the part where the boundary is discontinuous; a combining unit configured to combine each of the images and the sclera model to generate a combined image; and a display unit configured to display the combined image generated by the combining unit.
US08699767B1 System for optimal rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) from user-specific neural brain signals
Described is a system for optimizing rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP). A similarity metric is computed for RSVP images, and the images are sequenced according to the similarity metrics. The sequenced images are presented to a user, and neural signals are received to detect a P300 signal. A neural score for each image is computed, and the system is optimized to model the neural scores. The images are resequenced according a predictive model to output a sequence prediction which does not cause a false P300 signal. Additionally, the present invention describes computing a set of motion surprise maps from image chips. The image chips are labeled as static or moving and prepared into RSVP datasets. Neural signals are recorded in response to the RSVP datasets, and an EEG score is computed from the neural signals. Each image chip is then classified as containing or not containing an item of interest.
US08699763B2 Biometric information processing device, biometric information processing method and computer-readable storage medium storing a biometric information processing program
A biometric information processing device includes, a biometric sensor configured to acquire a plurality of different biometric information elements; an authentication feature extracting unit configured to extract an authentication feature for use in authentication for each of the plurality of different biometric information elements acquired by the biometric sensor; a supplemental feature extracting unit configured to extract a supplemental feature relating to the authentication feature for each of the plurality of different biometric information elements; and a combined feature extracting unit configured to extract a combined feature in which a plurality of the supplemental features extracted by the supplemental feature extracting unit are reflected.
US08699761B2 Method for evaluating quality of image representing a fingerprint pattern
A method for evaluating quality of image representing a fingerprint pattern is provided, the method including performing a filtering process on a region of the image including a digital filtering of the selected region successively performed a certain number of times. According to the method, convergence of said filtering process is determined, and the image within the region is classified as an image with identifiable pattern if the filtering process is convergent, whereas the image within the region is classified as an image with unidentifiable pattern if the filtering process is nonconvergent. The digital filtering is performed using a filter adapted to at least one of the following local image parameters: curvature of dermal ridges, scale and tilt angle of dermal ridges.
US08699760B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and program
An image processing apparatus comprises an image processing unit configured to execute image processing which involves a change in a boundary shape of image data; a face detection unit configured to detect a face region included in the image data; a setting unit configured to set a parameter of the image processing; and a determination unit configured to determine whether or not to execute the image processing or whether or not to output a warning in accordance with the parameter of the image processing set by the setting unit and a position of the face region detected by the face detection unit.
US08699753B2 Object detecting device, image dividing device, integrated circuit, method of detecting object, object detecting program, and recording medium
An object detection device is provided with a plurality of processor units each detecting an object included in an image. The object detection device generates divided images by dividing the image, taking into consideration both the processing load for detection of an object by each processor element and the transfer load for transfer of the divided images to the processor elements. Independently of each other, the processor elements detect an object in each of the divided images.
US08699735B2 Identification element for a hearing device unit
The invention relates to an identification element for a hearing device unit of a hearing device system, with the hearing device system comprising a hearing device unit provided for the left ear of a wearer and a hearing device unit provided for the right ear of a wearer, with the identification element) visibly identifying the hearing device unit from the outside, characterized in that the identification element visibly identifies the hearing device unit as a left or right hearing device unit and comprising a means for assigning a function as a left or right hearing device unit to a signal processing facility of the hearing device unit. The assigning means can be mechanical, electrical and/or magnetic assigning means.
US08699728B2 Acoustic sensor
A vibrating electrode plate 24 that senses a sound pressure faces a counter electrode plate 25 to form a capacitance type acoustic sensor. Acoustic perforations are opened in the counter electrode plate 25 in order to allow vibration to pass through. The acoustic perforations opened in the counter electrode plate 25 include plural acoustic perforations 31 having a relatively small opening area and one acoustic perforation 36 having a relatively large opening area. The acoustic perforations 31 and 36 are disposed into a lattice shape at equal intervals. Assuming that L is a width of a diaphragm 28, in the counter electrode plate 25, the acoustic perforation 36 having the large opening area is provided within a circular region a having a radius r=L/4 around a position facing a center of the diaphragm 28.
US08699725B2 Acoustic processing apparatus
An acoustic processing apparatus includes: a connecting unit to which an instructing device is connected; a situation obtaining unit obtaining information indicative of whether a number of apparatuses connected to the instructing device is a plural number or not, from the instructing device; a receiving unit receiving an instruction value from the instructing device; a storage unit in which a set value is stored; a determining unit, in a case where the information indicates that the number of apparatuses connected to the instructing device is a plural number, comparing the instruction and set values, and determines correspondence relationship between the values in accordance with a result of comparison; a changing unit, when the receiving unit receives a instruction value after the correspondence relationship is determined, specifying a set value which corresponds to the instruction value, based on the correspondence relationship, and changes the set value stored in the storage unit to the specified set value; and an acoustic processing unit which applies an acoustic process on an input audio data in accordance with the set value.
US08699722B2 Low cost noise floor reduction
A method and system to reduce the noise floor of a communications system is disclosed. The system may be incorporated into any device that provides binary samples from a datastream, such as a cordless telephone system. The system is configured to determine a number of bits of the binary samples that are affected by noise. The system is then able to remove the noise by setting those bits to a fixed value. The fixed value may depend on whether the sample is positive or negative. The value to set may be chosen so that the least significant bits of each sample come as close as possible to 0 for that particular numerical representation system. The system can be integrated with other known signal processing methods.
US08699716B2 Conference device and method for multi-point communication
The conference device (EMCU) according to the invention has several monaural HRTF filters (HRTF1, . . . , HRTFN), each of which is to be allocated to a conference participant. The abbreviation HRTF stands for “Head Related Transfer Function”. A corresponding HRTF filter (HRTF1, . . . , HRTFN) is used for filtering a monaural audio signal coming from the conference participant to whom it is allocated. An individual, monaural HRTF filter coefficient set is responsible in this case for defining the filter characteristics of a particular HRTF filter. The conference device (EMCU) also has a conference mixing device (MP) coupled to the HRTF filters (HRTF1, . . . , HRTFN), for mixing the individually filtered audio signals from various conference participants and for transferring the mixed audio signals to conference participants.
US08699701B2 Method of performing XZ-elliptic curve cryptography for use with network security protocols
The method of performing XZ-elliptic curve cryptography for use with network security protocols provides a computerized method that allows for the encryption of messages through elliptic polynomial cryptography and, particularly, with the embedding of either a symmetric secret key or a public key in the message bit string. The method of performing XZ-elliptic polynomial cryptography is based on the elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem. It is well known that an elliptic polynomial discrete logarithm problem is a computationally “difficult” or “hard” problem.
US08699698B2 Agent selectable process for managing contact center communications
Communication requests (i.e., voice, video, text) are received at a contact center. The communication requests are presented to a contact center agent. The agent selects one of the communication requests. In response to the agent selecting the communication request, a communication is established between the agent and an initiator of the communication request. The communication requests can also be presented to multiple agents to allow each agent to select a specific communication to handle. Alternatively, in an out-bound call center, communication requests are generated in the call center. The communication requests are presented to the agent and the agent selects one of the communication requests. In response to the agent selecting the communication request, a communication is initiated to an address of the communication request. The out-bound communication requests can also be presented to multiple agents to allow each agent to select a specific communication to handle.
US08699690B2 Call routing
An inbound traffic allocation module is configured to store, in a database, data received from a plurality of site-services, and to determine a route capacity based at least in part on the received data, data received from each of the site-services including data related to at least one of a health and a busyness of the site-service. A traffic manager module is configured to retrieve the data from the site-services and to provide the data to the inbound traffic allocation module. A service selection engine module is configured to receive a request to route a call, and to route the call to one of the site-services based at least in part on the route capacity associated with the site-service.
US08699689B2 Method and system for monitoring and managing multi-sourced call centers
A mid-point call management node subject to monitoring through a workstation communicatively coupled thereto, provides call services (e.g., through extensible markup language (XML), and in particular call control extensible markup language (CCXML) and/or voice extensible markup language (VXML), instructions) for an inbound call received from an originating network at an originating point-of-presence (POP) associated with multiple, disparate call centers, the call services being provided in response to call management application instructions issued according to enterprise-specific strategies for optimizing call handling between the originating POP and domestic and/or international ones of the disparate call centers communicatively coupled thereto. Call center information (e.g., call load information) received at the management node from the multiple call centers may be used in connection with providing the call services. The enterprise-specific strategies may be instantiated as processes for: call routing, load balancing, work force management, and/or customer relationship management.
US08699685B2 Method for managing communication events in a communication system
The present invention relates to managing communication events in a Communication System at least comprising a first communication device (1), associated with a first user named Caller; a second communication device (2), associated with a second user named Callee; a central component, named Gatekeeper (3), being connected to said first and second communication devices (1, 2) to mediate communication connections between the Caller and the Callee, wherein said Gatekeeper (3) is also connected to said users' workstations (1, 2). A method is provided for reducing or preventing a negative impact of communication-based interruptions on a user's work.The invention relates to the case that a communication connection is established and, therefor, proposes to initiate state-saving actions on the workstation (1, 2) of at least one user involved in said communication.
US08699684B2 Method, system, and program product for contacting conference call participants
The present invention provides a method, system, and program product for managing conference calls. Specifically, prospective conference call participants (e.g., moderators and/or invitees) will initially provide user profiles. A participant's profile will include, among other things, a set of contact numbers at which the participant can be reached. Thereafter, a moderator and a set of invitees of a conference call to be held are identified. This is typically done based on synchronization with a calendar application used to send and accept an invitation to the conference call. When the moderator later initiates the conference call, the present invention will access the profile of each invitee that accepted the invitation, and then call the invitees at the respective contact numbers set forth therein. When contact is made with an invitee, the call will be merged into the conference call with the moderator.
US08699675B2 Method and apparatus for exchanging information in a voice communication system
The present invention provides a method for exchanging information in a voice communication system, which includes a first communication device establishing a communication connection with a second communication device, and the first communication device exchanging digital data with the second communication device for achieving a specific function in a specific interval; wherein the specific interval is an interval that the first communication device does not exchange voice signals with the second communication device.
US08699670B2 Method for geometrically correct association of 3D image data of a patient
In a method for geometrically correct association of at least two 3D image data of a patient, a marker field that defines a reference and is dimensionally stable and can be imaged in an x-ray image, is fixed in a stationary position relative to the patient. An x-ray apparatus is brought into first and second 3D acquisition positions. In each of the 3D acquisition positions, the x-ray apparatus acquires first 2D x-ray images for the associated 3D image data in various positions. The first and second 3D acquisition positions are selected such that a second 2D x-ray image that includes an image of at least a portion of the marker field is acquired in at least one respective position. The respective attitudes of the 3D acquisition position and the 3D image data in the reference system are determined from the image of the marker field in the second 2D x-ray image. First and second image data are geometrically correctly associated with one another according to their respective attitude.
US08699667B2 Apparatus for x-ray generation and method of making same
A system for applying a target track material to an x-ray tube target includes a controller configured to direct a beam of energy toward an x-ray tube target, and direct a solid stock material toward the beam of energy to cause the solid stock material to melt and deposit as a melted material on the x-ray tube target.
US08699666B2 Mechanoluminescent X-ray generator
A device for generating x-rays has an enclosing vessel having a structure suitable to provide an enclosed space at a predetermined fluid pressure, wherein the enclosing vessel has a window portion and a shielding portion in which the shielding portion is more optically dense to x-rays than the window portion; a mechanoluminescent component disposed at least partially within the enclosing vessel; and a mechanical assembly connected to the mechanoluminescent component. The mechanical assembly provides mechanical energy to the mechanoluminescent component while in operation, and at least some of the mechanical energy when provided to the mechanoluminescent component by the mechanical assembly is converted to x-rays.
US08699659B2 Systems and methods for focal spot motion correction
Systems and methods for focal spot motion correction are provided. One system includes a radiation source configured to project radiation from a first focal spot onto an object and a plurality of radiation detectors disposed around at least a portion of the object. The plurality of radiation detectors measure received radiation along a path projected from the first focal spot to the plurality of detectors. The imaging system further includes an imaging region from which the detectors provide image information for image reconstruction and a plurality of collimators positioned between the object and the plurality of radiation detectors. At least one collimator at a first end of the plurality of collimators and at least one collimator at second end of the plurality of collimators are aligned to a second focal spot different than the first focal spot and having a different location.
US08699657B2 X-ray examination apparatus and method
The present invention relates to an examination apparatus and a corresponding method to realize a Spectral x-ray imaging device through inverse-geometry CT. The proposed examination apparatus comprises: an X-ray source unit (14) comprising a plurality of X-ray sources (15) for emitting X-rays (24) at a plurality of locations, an X-ray detection unit (18) for detecting X-rays emitted from one or more of said X-ray sources (15) after penetration of an examination area (19) between said X-ray source unit (14) said X-ray detection unit (18) and for generating detection signals, a processing unit (36) for processing the generated detection signals, and—a control unit (26) for controlling said X-ray sources (15) to subsequently, alone or in groups emit X-rays at least two different energy spectra such that in the time interval, during which a particular X-ray source (15a) or said group of X-ray sources (15a,15d, 15g), is switched over to emit X-rays at a different energy spectrum, said particular X-ray source (15a) or said group of X-ray sources (15a, 15d, 15g) is switched off and one or more other X-ray sources (15b, 15c) or groups of X-ray sources (15b, 15e, 15h; 15c, 15f, 15i) are subsequently switched on to emit X-rays.
US08699655B2 Method of improving wear and corrosion resistance of rod control cluster assemblies
The present invention relates to tubular elements, such as fuel assembly tubes, which are designed to be used in high pressure and high temperature water in nuclear reactors, such as pressurized water nuclear reactors. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of improving wear resistance and corrosion resistance by depositing a protective coating having a depth of from about 5 to about 25 μm on the surface of the tubular elements. The coating is provided by nitriding the tubular element at a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 440° C. The nitridation of the tubular element can be carried out for a duration of from about 12 hours to about 40 hours.
US08699651B2 Method and system for simultaneous irradiation and elution capsule
A capsule for holding, irradiating, and eluting a material is provided. Methods of fabricating and using the capsule are also provided. The capsule may include a multidiameter tube with a first end region, a second end region, and a middle region. Washers and filters are provided in the end regions and the end regions may be sealed using various methods and materials with the end caps press fit into the end regions. The middle region is designed to store a material to be irradiated by a neutron flux source. The capsule components may be made from materials having a low nuclear cross section so that the capsule may be handled safely after an irradiation step is performed. The capsule is also designed to have a symmetric configuration as an elution and irradiation column so that the same capsule may be used to elute the material within the middle region of the capsule after an irradiation step is performed.
US08699650B2 Fractional type phase-locked loop circuit with compensation of phase errors
A fractional-type phase-locked loop circuit is proposed for synthesizing an output signal multiplying a frequency of a reference signal by a fractional conversion factor, the circuit including means for generating a modulation value, means for generating a feedback signal dividing the frequency of the output signal by a dividing ratio, the dividing ratio being modulated according to the modulation value for providing the conversion factor on the average, means for generating a control signal indicative of a phase difference between the reference signal and the feedback signal, means for controlling the frequency of the output signal according to the control signal, and means for compensating a phase error caused by the modulation of the dividing ratio; in the circuit of an embodiment of the disclosure, the means for compensating includes means for calculating an incremental value, indicative of an incremental phase error, according to the conversion factor and the modulation value, means for calculating a correction value accumulating the incremental value, and means for conditioning the control signal according to the correction value.
US08699648B1 Apparatus and methods of receiver offset calibration
One embodiment relates to a method of offset cancellation for a receiver in an integrated circuit. The receiver is set to a phase-detector offset-cancellation mode so as to determine offset cancellation settings for the phase detector. The offset cancellation settings are applied to the phase detector. The receiver is then set to a receiver-driver offset-cancellation mode so as to determine an offset cancellation setting for the receiver driver. This offset cancellation setting is applied to the receiver driver. Another embodiment relates to an integrated circuit configured to perform receiver offset cancellation. The integrated circuit including a receiver driver configured to receive a differential input signal, a phase detector including a plurality of latches, a calibration controller, a voltage source, and first and second pairs of switches. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed.
US08699645B2 Method and apparatus for a robust fractionally spaced equalizer
The described aspects include a user equipment (UE) apparatus and corresponding method of equalizing samples of received signals in wireless communication. A plurality of samples of a signal received in wireless communication can be obtained, and on-time samples and late samples of the plurality of samples are independently equalized to respectively generate equalized on-time samples and equalized late samples. In addition, a preference factor can be applied to at least the equalized on-time samples to generate preferred equalized on-time samples, which are combined with the equalized late samples to generate a set of equalized samples for decoding.
US08699639B2 Radio communication device
A signal generator outputs a signal whose frequency is uniquely decided by frequency data set therein. A control section can set first data in the frequency generator as frequency data. The control section can transition among an access unimplementing state, an access stand-by state, and an access implementing state. A signal processing section can set second data in the signal generator as frequency data. The signal processing section can transition between an access allowed state and an access inhibited state. The control section transfers, to the signal processing section, a signal indicative of a desire to transition to the access implementing state and a signal indicative of transition of the control section from the access implementing state. The signal processing section transfers, to the control section, a signal indicative of transition of the signal processing section between the access allowed state and the access inhibited state.
US08699635B2 Frame boundary detection
A method of WLAN frame detection in a received signal, wherein the frame comprises first and second training sequences and the method comprises auto-correlating the signal with a delayed version of itself to establish a first frame boundary estimate based on behavior of the autocorrelation result due to the inclusion of the first training sequence in the frame, cross-correlating the signal with a copy of the second training sequence at a range of time offsets in order to generate a first cross-correlation profile, classifying the first cross-correlation profile into one of a number of categories, establishing a second frame boundary estimate from the first cross-correlation profile in a manner dependent upon the category assigned to the first cross-correlation profile and determining a refined frame boundary estimate on the basis of a consideration of the first and second frame boundary estimates. Apparatus for performing the method is also described.
US08699634B2 Wireless communications device having map trellis decoder with partial sum tables and related methods
A wireless communications device includes a receiver, and a decoder coupled downstream from the receiver and using a modulation having memory for a received signal and to decode the received signal. The decoder decodes the received signal by at least determining a channel estimate for the received signal, generating partial sum tables based upon the channel estimate and possible values of a transmitted signal, correlating actual values of the received signal to the possible values from the partial sum tables to generate branch metrics associated with the modulation, and demodulating the received signal based upon the branch metrics using an iterative process based upon exchanging extrinsic information with an outer forward error correction (FEC) code.
US08699630B2 Systems and methods for handling data rate changes within a packet or frame
Systems and methods for handling data rate changes within a packet or frame are described. In an embodiment, a system may include a radio frequency (RF) circuit operable to receive a message having a plurality of segments, including a first segment that is modulated according to a first modulation data rate. The system may also include a demodulator circuit coupled to the RF circuit and operable to demodulate the first segment into a first demodulated segment having a demodulation data rate, wherein the demodulation data rate is greater than the first modulation data rate. The system may further include a de-mapper circuit coupled to the demodulator circuit and operable to convert the first demodulated segment into a first converted segment having the first modulation data rate.
US08699626B2 General purpose hybrid
A general purpose hybrid includes a first input port in communication with a first dual vector generator, a second input port in communication with a second dual vector generator, a first active combiner receives a first signal from the first dual vector generator and a third signal from the second dual vector generator, where the first and second dual vector generators independently apply phase shifting and amplitude control to the first and third signals; a second active combiner receives a second signal from the first dual vector generator and a fourth signal from the second dual vector generator, where the first and second dual vector generators independently apply phase shifting and amplitude control to the second and fourth signals; a first output port provides a first composite signal from the first active combiner; and a second output port provides a second composite signal from the second active combiner.
US08699620B1 Digital Predistortion for nonlinear RF power amplifiers
Systems and techniques relating to wireless communications are described. A described technique includes generating a digital transmit signal; receiving a digital receive signal that is based on an amplified analog version of the digital transmit signal, where the amplified analog version is produced by a power amplifier having a nonlinear characteristic(s); storing signal samples; determining gain coefficients based on the signal samples, the gain coefficients being associated with respective first operational ranges of the power amplifier; determining predistortion values, and using the predistortion values to predistort digital signals to compensate for the nonlinear characteristic(s) of the power amplifier. The predistortion values can include first values based on the gain coefficients, the first values being associated with the first operational ranges, and a second value(s) based on an extrapolation of at least two of the gain coefficients, the second value(s) being associated with a respective second operational range(s) of the power amplifier.
US08699619B2 Dutycycle adjustment to improve efficiency of a digital RF-PA
An amplification unit reduces a duty cycle of a digital signal at a carrier radio frequency to optimize the efficiency of the RF power amplifier that amplifies the reduced duty cycle signal. An exemplary amplification unit includes a duty cycle controller and a digital power amplifier. A delay unit in the duty cycle controller applies a delay to an input digital signal at the carrier radio frequency to generate a delayed signal at the carrier radio frequency. A logic gate in the duty cycle controller logically combines the input digital signal with the delayed signal to generate a modified digital signal at the carrier radio frequency, where the modified input digital signal has a reduced duty cycle relative to that of the input digital signal. Amplifying the modified digital signal in the digital RF power amplifier generates an amplified analog signal at the carrier radio frequency while improving amplifier efficiency.
US08699618B2 Method for generating plurality of DM-RS sequences, communication terminal device using same, and base station using same
The present invention relates to a method for generating a plurality of demodulation reference signal (DM-RS) sequences, a communication terminal device using same, and a base station using same, which generate N DM-RS sequences by adding additional parameters having N (≧2) values or N numbers of cases after designing a basic DM-RS sequence for one or more layers. Thereby, each terminal can easily obtain layer information assigned thereto except for basic precoder information from DM-RS and can further predict interference and the like among terminals by obtaining layer information of other terminals.
US08699614B2 Apparatus and method for interference mitigation
An apparatus in a wideband radio transceiver for mitigating interference between a wideband radio operating in a wide frequency band and a narrowband radio operating in a narrow frequency band within the wide frequency band. The effects of transmissions by the wideband radio on the narrowband radio are reduced by creating by the wideband radio, a transmitter notch of decreased transmit power centered at a frequency in the wide frequency band that is fixed in relation to the wideband carrier frequency. The wideband carrier frequency is then adjusted so that the transmitter notch is aligned with the second radio's narrow frequency band. The effects of transmissions by the narrowband radio on the wideband radio are reduced by creating by the wideband radio, a fixed receiver notch of decreased receiver gain in the wideband receiver, and aligning the narrowband signal with the fixed receiver notch.
US08699612B1 Unified, programmable receiver with support for multiple modes
Techniques are described herein that receive communications transmitted according to different operation modes at a multi-mode, programmable receiver system. The multi-mode, programmable receiver system may receive communication signals from transmit antennas in “cells” (e.g., base station transceivers and/or the like) according to one or more operation modes, using receive antennas. The received signals may be converted and processed by various modules of the multi-mode, programmable receiver system to produce an output signal. The multi-mode, programmable receiver system includes modules that are programmable to be selectively enabled or disabled according to an operation mode in accordance with which the multi-mode, programmable receiver system operates.
US08699603B1 Iterative precoding selection
The present invention allows a wireless communication system, such as a base station or user element to iteratively select precoding sets to apply to signals for transmission based on effective channel conditions.
US08699600B2 Method and apparatus of an 8VSB SFN distributed translator system
A frequency and data synchronization control system through the 8VSB SFN DTx modulation prevents the deterioration of the digitally broadcasted receiving sensitivity caused by a discrepancy of the frequency or data between the receiver of the digital broadcasting signal and the distributed translator or between distributed translators.
US08699594B2 Optimum interleaver design for a communication system
In a method for interleaving information bits in a physical layer (PHY) data unit, a channel bandwidth to be used for transmitting the PHY data unit is determined and a frequency rotation parameter NROT corresponding to the channel bandwidth is selected. A spatial stream constant is selected for each spatial stream from the set [0, 5, 2, 7, 3, 6, 1, 4] or a subset thereof depending on a number of spatial streams to be utilized, wherein each constant in the set corresponds to a respective spatial stream. Information bits are interleaved according to the selected frequency rotation parameter NROT and the selected spatial stream constant.
US08699593B2 Communication medium determining apparatus and method of determining communication medium
A communication medium determining apparatus determines a communication medium in use for communication between two devices on a network. The apparatus includes a communication performance obtaining unit which obtains values indicating transmission speeds in a given communication path when a device which decreases transmission speed in a specific communication medium when activated, is active and when the device is inactive. The apparatus further includes a communication medium determining unit which determines whether or not the communication through the given communication path is performed using the specific communication medium. This determination is based on a speed decrease value indicating a decrease amount of the transmission speed in the specific communication medium caused by activation of the device, and a speed difference value which is a difference in the transmission speed obtained by the communication performance obtaining unit between when the device is active and when the device is inactive.
US08699591B2 Method and device for reducing quantification noise for transmitting a multi-carrier signal
A method and apparatus to reduce the level of quantification noise when transmission power varies with frequency. Power variation is carried out in the analog domain by filtering a frequency band and attenuating a complementary band in two signal analog-processing paths. More precisely, the method for reducing the quantification noise for transmitting a multi-carrier signal comprises an IFFT conversion step, a digital-to-analog conversion step and an analog-processing step of the signal frequencies on a band having a maximal frequency. Moreover, the analog processing step includes at least two processing paths in parallel to the analog signal, in which: for at least one first path, the signal is filtered so as to retain only the frequencies of a low-frequency band and, in parallel in at least one second path, the signal is subjected to gain, amplification or gain attenuation and, in a final step, the signals from the paths are summed.
US08699590B2 Efficient OFDM peak reduction algorithm
An efficient method of OFDM peak reduction is described. In an embodiment, a set of the most significant peaks in a symbol of an OFDM signal are identified and then, for each identified peak, a shifted and scaled version of a template cancellation signal is subtracted from the OFDM signal. The template cancellation signal is shifted such that its peak aligns with the identified peak and it is scaled such that it has the opposite phase to the identified peak. No iterative peak search and cancellation is involved in peak reduction, i.e. a cancellation step is not followed by another peak search for the same OFDM symbol. The process is repeated for each symbol in turn and in some embodiments the OFDM signal is up-sampled before it is analyzed to identify the most significant peaks.
US08699589B2 System and method for multi-cell joint codebook feedback in wireless communications systems
A system and method for multi-cell joint codebook feedback in wireless communications systems are provided. A method for operations at a communications device receiving joint transmissions from a plurality of communications controllers includes estimating a channel between the communications device and each communications controller in the plurality of communications controllers, thereby producing a plurality of channel estimates, computing feedback information based on the plurality of channel estimates, transmitting the feedback information, and receiving simultaneous transmissions from the plurality of communications controllers. The computing is based on a phase adjustment for the plurality of channels or a joint optimization of the plurality of channels, and the simultaneous transmissions are precoded based on the feedback information.
US08699580B2 Method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for video compression
A method for scanning MacroBlocks in video compression and selecting alternative sized Large Macroblocks accordingly. The scanning pattern is divided into scanning fragments with a size corresponding to different possible Large Macroblocks. This allows for varying the size of the selected Macroblocks, based on minimizing distortion and/or bit rate consumption.
US08699571B2 Method and apparatus for non-linear decoding of video frames of a video stream encoded using an intra macroblock refresh process
A video decoder system receives a user request for non-linear decoding of at least one video frame from a video stream encoded using an Intra macroblock refresh process. The request includes a first frame offset corresponding to a user requested first decoding frame within the video stream for commencing the non-linear decoding. The decoder system: determines an Intra-refresh period corresponding to at least one encoded Predictive frame in the video stream during which all macroblocks in the user requested first decoding frame are Intra encoded at least once; determines a second frame offset as a function of the Intra-refresh period and the user requested first frame offset, the second frame offset corresponding to a second decoding frame within the video stream. Finally, the decoder system decodes the video stream starting at the second decoding frame and suppresses the display of the video stream until the first decoding frame.
US08699569B2 Motion picture encoding device and method, motion picture decoding device and method, motion picture recording device, program, and data structure
A CODEC compresses and encodes a motion picture captured at a high speed of 240 fps frame rate in MPEG format. The CODEC divides pictures in each frame into I pictures and the main frame P pictures and the other sub frame P pictures. In encoding P pictures of the main frame, the CODEC uses I pictures that are adjacent on the time axis or P pictures of other main frames as a reference picture. With a playback device, etc., of its motion picture playback performance of 60 fps, to perform an actual speed playback with the playback time being equal to the picture-capturing time, only the main frame alone is to be subjected to playback, in that case the decoding process of P pictures of the sub frames is not required.
US08699566B2 Adaptive and integrated visualization of spatiotemporal data from large-scale simulations
Adaptive and integrated visualization of spatiotemporal data from large-scale simulation, is provided. A simulation is performed utilizing a simulator comprising multiple processors, generating spatiotemporal data samples from the simulation. Each data sample has spatial coordinates with a time stamp at a specific time resolution, and a tag. The data samples are assembled into data streams based on at least one of a spatial relationship and the corresponding tag. Each data stream is encoded into multiple formats, and an integrated and adaptive visualization of the data streams is displayed, wherein various data streams are simultaneously and synchronously displayed.
US08699562B2 Method and an apparatus for processing a video signal with blocks in direct or skip mode
A method of processing a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining a current macroblock type, obtaining skip or direct mode indication information on a partition of the current macroblock according to the current macroblock type, deriving a motion vector of the partition according to the skip or direct mode indication information, and predicting a pixel value of the partition using the motion vector. Accordingly, the present invention obtains a pixel value of a reference block close to an original video using a motion vector, thereby enhancing a reconstruction ratio of the macroblock. As a macroblock uses skip or direct prediction indication information, it is unnecessary to separately code skip mode indication information and direct mode indication information on the macroblock, whereby an information size to be coded can be reduced.
US08699559B2 Decision feedback equalization scheme with minimum correction delay
A decision feedback equalizer includes a correction circuit to correct a sampled value of an incoming bit based on intersymbol interference of at least one preceding bit, and to generate a received bit. The correction circuit includes a first multiplexer and a first pair of latches coupled thereto. The first multiplexer is controlled by a clock signal to generate a digital level representative of a sign of a first correction coefficient to be subtracted from the sampled value of the incoming bit for deleting the intersymbol interference. The first pair of latches receives as input the received bit and is clocked in phase opposition by the clock signal to generate respective latched replicas of the received bit during respective active phases of the clock signal. The respective latched replicas are input to the first multiplexer.
US08699555B2 Adaptive equalizer
An adaptive equalizer circuit, set forth by way of example and not limitation, includes a plurality of paths receiving an input signal. One or more equalizers are each provided on one of the paths and are operative to equalize signal amplitude. An equalizer selector receives the input signal and is operative to output a selection signal based on higher-frequency content and lower-frequency content of the input signal. The selection signal is operative to select one of the paths to output an output signal that is based on the input signal.
US08699554B2 Scaling to reduce wireless signal detection complexity
In at least some embodiments, a receiver for a wireless communication system is provided. The receiver includes an equalizer that provides an equalized channel matrix. The receiver also includes scaling logic coupled to the equalizer, the scaling logic selectively scales coefficients of the equalized channel matrix. The receiver also includes a decoder coupled to the scaling logic. The decoder decodes a signal based on the equalized channel matrix with scaled coefficients.
US08699548B2 LO generation and distribution in a multi-band transceiver
A VCO of a PLL outputs a first differential signal of frequency FVCO. A first divide-by-two circuit local to the VCO divides the first differential signal and outputs a first quadrature signal of frequency FVCO/2. Two of the component signals of the first quadrature signal are routed to a second divide-by-two circuit local to a first mixer of a first device. The second divide-by-two circuit outputs a second quadrature signal of frequency FVCO/4 to the first mixer. All four signals of the first quadrature signal of frequency FVCO/2 are routed through phase mismatch correction circuitry to a second mixer of a second device. In one example, FVCO is a tunable frequency of about ten gigahertz, the first device is an IEEE802.11b/g transmitter or receiver that transmits or receives in a first band, and the second device is an IEEE802.11a transmitter or receiver that transmits or receives in a second band.
US08699544B2 System and method for wireless communications
System and method for enabling the cohabitation of licensed and unlicensed communications devices. A method comprises at a receiver, receiving transmitted data, demodulating the transmitted data to produce spread symbols, despreading the spread symbols to produce received data, wherein the despreading comprises using an orthogonal sequence selected from a list of orthogonal sequences for use by all transmissions in the wireless network, and processing the received data.
US08699525B2 Method for sending an acknowledgement to an ingress mesh point in a mesh network and a medium access control frame format
The present invention relates to a method for confirming the delivery of a data packet in a mesh network by sending an acknowledgement (ACK) to an ingress mesh point (IMP). A mesh network comprises a plurality of mesh points that are wirelessly linked together. A data packet sent by a station (STA) is received by an IMP. A MAC frame is generated for transmission of the data packet and the frame is forwarded to an egress mesh point (EMP) in order to provide a service by the mesh network. The MAC frame includes a field comprising an IMP address and an EMP address. When the EMP, (or optionally an intermediate mesh point), receives a data packet successfully, the EMP or the intermediate mesh point sends an ACK to the IMP or preceding mesh point.
US08699516B2 Method and apparatus for S.I.P./H.323 interworking
An interworking function (IWF) for a first and second protocol based network, for example, an H.323 protocol based network and an SIP protocol based network comprises an interworking gateway server including a state machine for defining each call processing state and a translation table for use in translating addresses formatted in each protocol. A method of interworking for use in interworking between said first protocol based network and said second protocol based network comprises the steps of receiving at said interworking gateway server serving said first and second protocol based networks a request from an endpoint in the first or second protocol based networks, establishing a state machine in memory whereby, for each state of said state machine, a message associated with that state is categorized as one of a triggering message, a non-triggering message and an error message, establishing a translation table in said memory whereby an address formatted in said first protocol has a one-for-one correspondence with an address formatted in said second protocol, processing said request in accordance with said translation table and said state machine and permitting communication between said first and second endpoints utilizing a realtime transport protocol. In the event media is terminated at said interworking gateway server, the interworking gateway server, in one embodiment, comprises a media switching fabric for switching media terminated at the gateway to an addressed endpoint capable of receiving it.
US08699508B2 Response scheduling for multiple receivers
A base station poll mobile devices with the same multicast poll, and the polled mobile stations may respond separately at different times based on an assigned delay period for each mobile station that was specified in the poll message.
US08699507B2 Scheduling of data transmissions in multi-carrier data transmission networks
The invention relates to a scheduling of data transmissions in multi-carrier data transmission systems, e.g. multi-carrier W-CDMA systems. A method embodiment of performing one or more data transmissions in a multi-carrier data transmission network (100) comprises, in a transmitting device (102), the steps of requesting transmission resources from a resource granting device (106); receiving, in response to the request (120), one or more transmission grants (gr1-gr3) from the resource granting device (106), wherein each transmission grant (gr1) indicates a data rate (dr1) and a data class (CI1) granted for a specific transmission carrier (Cr1); and initiating one or more transmissions (122-126) of data associated with one or more of the granted data classes on one or more of the granted transmission carriers.
US08699500B2 Method and apparatus to perform network routing
A method and apparatus to route information over a network is described.
US08699495B2 Method of performing tunnel signaling over IP tunneling path and apparatus using the method
A method and apparatus for performing tunneling signaling over an IP tunneling path connected to an end-to-end path on an IP network are provided, in which an end-to-end signaling flow is received from a sender or a receiver on the end-to-end path, a tunnel signaling flow is generated corresponding to the received end-to-end signaling flow, and the generated tunnel signaling flow is transmitted through the IP tunneling path, the end-to-end signaling flow is forwarded between an entry node and an exit node of the IP tunneling path, and the forwarded end-to-end signaling flow is transmitted to at least any one node on the end-to-end path, wherein the forwarding is simultaneously performed with the transmitting of the tunnel signaling flow, and the transmitting of the end-to-end signaling flow is suspended until the transmitting of the tunnel signaling flow is completed.
US08699491B2 Network element with shared buffers
A method for communication, in a network element that includes multiple ports, includes buffering data packets entering the network element via the ports in input buffers that are respectively associated with the ports. Storage of the data packets is shared among the input buffers by evaluating a condition related to the ports, and, when the condition is met, moving at least one data packet from a first input buffer of a first port to a second input buffer of a second port, different from the first port. Respective output ports, via which the buffered data packets are to exit the network element, are selected from among the ports. The buffered data packets are forwarded to the selected output ports.
US08699475B2 Communication system, communication apparatus and method for setting communication parameters of the apparatus
A wireless terminal which newly joins a wireless communication system transmits a message containing its identification data to an access point in the wireless communication system at a communication parameter setting start. Upon receiving the message, the access point determines whether or not the wireless terminal has been registered. If it is determined that the wireless terminal has not been registered, the access point determines whether or not the wireless terminal is a setting target device of communication parameters based on the identification data contained in the message. If it is determined that the wireless terminal is a setting target device, the access point sets communication parameters for the wireless terminal.
US08699465B2 Forward link data rate control and rate indication for satellite-enabled communications systems
In a synchronous application to control forward link (FL) data rates in a satellite system, user equipment (UE) repeatedly transmits a quality control measurement (QCM) index during a QCM period. During this QCM period, the data rate cannot change. The associated satellite transmits at a new rate corresponding to the QCM index. The UE knows that it will begin receiving new data at the new rate after a QCM delay. In an asynchronous application, a satellite transmits a rate change signal over a FL rate indication channel (RICH). A UE monitors the FL RICH for this signal. When the signal quality is to be low, the satellite sends only a single bit of the QCM index over a first orthogonal channel. When the signal quality is not low, the satellite transmits each bit of the QCM index in a separate orthogonal channel of the FL RICH.
US08699459B2 Apparatus and method for supporting handover in a multi-carrier communication system
A method for a handover in a wireless access system supporting multi-carrier operation includes transmitting a handover request message to a serving base station (BS) assigning multi-carriers to the MS through a primary carrier, the multi-carriers including the primary carrier and at least one secondary carrier; receiving, from the serving BS, a handover response message including a BS list and temporary carrier information indicating one of the at least one secondary carrier as a temporary carrier; transmitting, to a target BS selected from the BS list, a ranging request message for synchronizing with the target BS through the temporary carrier while maintaining link connection with the serving BS using the multi-carriers excluding the temporary carrier; receiving, from the target BS, a ranging response message through the temporary carrier; and transmitting, to the serving BS, a handover indication message indicating completion of the handover through the primary carrier.
US08699458B1 Method and system for forcing mobile IP home agent handoff
When a mobile node hands off to a new network access server/foreign agent (NAS/FA) and establishes a data link layer connection with the new NAS/FA, the NAS/FA will determine whether the mobile node is registered with a preferred home agent. If not, the NAS/FA will force the mobile node to hand off to the preferred home agent, while maintaining the data link layer connection with the mobile node.
US08699456B2 Methods and apparatus for use in improving network coverage for voice or data calls
To improve network coverage or reduce false handover triggering, at least one client terminal is set to operate as a virtual access point (VAP) in a first wireless network by an AP controller. If a mobile device detects that a signal quality estimate of communications via an AP of the first wireless network is below a first value, the mobile device performs a handover procedure to the VAP. While maintaining the call via the VAP, if the mobile device detects that the signal quality estimate is back above the first value, the mobile device performs a handover procedure back to the AP of the first wireless network. On the other hand, if the mobile device detects that the signal quality estimate is below a second value which is less than the first value, the mobile device performs a vertical handover procedure from the VAP to a base station of a second wireless network.
US08699453B2 Reuse of RF receive chain for hand-in assistance
A radio frequency receive chain of an access point is reused for different functions. For example, the same RF receive chain may be used to receive on a downlink at certain points in time and on an uplink at other points in time. An RF receive chain that is used to derive synchronization from downlink signals received from a macro system also may be used to receive uplink signals from an access terminal to provide assistance for hand-in of the access terminal. Accelerated searching for hand-in may be provided through the use of a relatively small search window for hand-in of an access terminal to a small coverage access point. In some aspects, the search window may be defined based on the distance between access points or calibration of synchronization error between access points.
US08699451B2 Update method of wireless relay station link relation
A method for updating a connection relationship of a wireless relay station, comprises the following steps of: (a) a wireless relay station RS1 already connecting to a wireless communication network group comprising a base station and wireless relay stations subjected to the base station, and if determining that the connection relationship of RS1 needs to be changed, selecting a target node; (b) instructing RS1 to update the connection to the target node, and after receiving the instructions, RS1 starting a connection update, establishing a wireless link to a new node and releasing no longer used resource in an existing data tunnel. The present invention can fulfill the update of the connection relationship of a wireless relay station, and can take steps to further guarantee the service suspension time of the terminals and RSs subjected to the wireless relay station is the shortest.
US08699449B2 Control and data channel radio resource configuration in an OFDM network
A base station transmits first scheduling information on a first control channel for a first packet communicated with a first wireless device. First radio resources of the first control channel start from the first OFDM symbol of each subframe. The base station transmits a radio resource control (RRC) message causing configuration of second radio resources of a second control channel in a second wireless device. The second radio resources comprise resource blocks in a subset of subframes. The base station transmits second scheduling information on the second control channel for a second packet communicated with the second wireless device.
US08699445B2 Wireless communication system
A method of operating a communication system comprises exchanging initial communications between a wireless communication device and a communication network over a wireless connection between the wireless communication device and a network access system and a network connection between the wireless communication device and the communication network. The method further comprises performing a plurality of ranging processes to monitor a status of the wireless connection. Upon successfully completing a ranging process of the plurality of ranging processes, the method comprises determining a duration elapsed since the last successful ranging process and processing the duration to determine if the duration satisfies a criteria. The method further comprises, if the duration does not satisfy the criteria, then setting the indicator to indicate that a partial entry process is required to regain the network connection, and in response to the deterioration of the wireless link, processing the indicator to determine if the partial network entry process is required to regain the network connection.
US08699444B2 Broadcast system interference protection method and apparatus
A method and transceiver in a secondary system for utilizing channel bandwidths allocated to a primary system. A secondary system transceiver receives a primary system signal, re-transmits a delayed version of the primary system signal, and communicates with secondary system equipment utilizing secondary system signals within at least part of a bandwidth of at least one channel of the primary system. The re-transmission of the primary system signal allows the use of primary system channels by the secondary system without adversely affecting the primary or secondary system users.
US08699435B2 System and method for allocating transmission resources
A method for wirelessly transmitting data and control information using a plurality of transmission layers includes determining a number of bits in one or more user data codewords to be transmitted during a subframe and calculating a number of control vector symbols to allocate to control information during the subframe. The number of control vector symbols is calculated based at least in part on the number of bits in the one or more user data codewords to be transmitted during the subframe and an estimate of the number of vector symbols onto which the one or more user data codewords will be mapped. The estimate of the number of vector symbols depends, at least in part, on the number of control vector symbols to be allocated to control information. The method also includes mapping one or more control codewords to the calculated number of control vector symbols and transmitting vector symbols carrying the one or more user data codewords and the one or more control codewords over the plurality of transmission layers during the subframe.
US08699428B2 Method and arrangement for efficiently utilizing radio resources in a communication network
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for obtaining efficient radio resource utilization over a radio interface in a communication network comprising a transmitting entity (18) transmitting data over said radio interface to a receiving entity (15), said transmitting entity (18) comprising at least an upper layer utilizing an automatic repeat request (ARQ) protocol on top of a lower layer utilizing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) protocol, whereby a timer in said upper layer is arranged to supervise operation of said upper layer. Said timer is set based on an indication of receipt status of the transmitted data in said receiving entity (15) according to said lower layer hybrid automatic repeat request protocol.
US08699419B2 Method, system and apparatus for providing access mode selection to multimode terminal
A method, system and apparatus for providing access mode selection to multimode terminal are disclosed. After selecting an access mode according to a certain policy, a routing decision entity correspondingly instructs a routing execution entity to perform a call connection in the selected access mode. The method for providing access mode selection to multimode terminal includes the following steps: (1) when establishing a registration connection, a terminal notifies related information of a current access network type to a network side; and (2) when performing a call connection to a called party, a routing decision entity on the network side selects the access mode and correspondingly instructs a routing execution entity to perform the call connection according to the related information and the selected access mode.
US08699418B2 Band steering for multi-band wireless clients
Band steering for multi-band wireless clients. In a wireless digital network having at least one central controller and a plurality of access nodes connected to the central controller, and wherein some of the access nodes support a preferred wireless band and at least one non-preferred wireless band, the central controller identifies wireless client devices capable of multi-band operation, and encourages them to connect to the preferred wireless band. Client devices may be identified as multi-band capable by tracking probe requests. The central controller keeps a list of multi-band capable clients, for example in a database. This information is provided to other central controllers, and to access nodes attached to the central controller. Multi-band capable clients are encouraged to connect on the preferred wireless band for example by having the access nodes not respond to probe requests on the non-preferred wireless bands. Connections made on the non-preferred wireless bands may be moved to the preferred wireless band.
US08699410B2 Method and apparatus for automatic sub-division of areas that flood routing information
Techniques for sharing routing information over a network include determining whether the scale of a flooding domain exceeds a threshold. If so, then a router announcement message is sent over a particular link. The message indicates the local router is a flooding domain border router (FDBR). Summary routing information is determined with less than a certain level of detail used in the flooding domain for routers connected to the local router through links different from the particular link. The summary routing information is sent over the particular link in a link state message that includes type data that indicates summary routing information that crosses a FDBR. These techniques allow automatic favorable scaling of domains of shared routing information as the size of a mobile ad hoc network grows.
US08699407B2 Method and apparatus for MIMO scheduling
This invention discloses a method and apparatus for scheduling radio resources among service flows for services supported in a MIMO-OFDM wireless communication system. Preferably a portion of radio resources for allocation is expressed as bandwidth or slots in different units. The method comprises a first stage and a second stage of scheduling. The first stage guarantees supporting minimum data rates for different services. The second stage aims to satisfy a requirement of not exceeding maximum data rates for different services as well as to optimize the spectrum efficiency. Each stage comprises: selecting a primary flow according to prioritization of service flows; allocating a portion of resources for the primary flow; selecting one or more secondary flows if there is resource remaining available, so as to optimize spectrum efficiency when transmitting with the primary flow in the same SDMA region; and allocating a portion of resources to each secondary flow.
US08699404B2 Aircraft communications system with satellite selection controller and associated method
A communications system for an aircraft carrying at least some personnel having personal electronic devices (PEDs) for wireless data communications outside the aircraft includes a satellite-based communications network that includes a plurality of satellites, at least one access point in the aircraft for providing a wireless local area network (WLAN) for data communications with the PEDs, a plurality of satellite antennas in the aircraft, and a satellite transceiver. The satellite transceiver is coupled to the satellite antennas, and cooperates with the at least one access point for data communications with the satellite-based communications network to the PEDs. At least one selection controller is for selecting a satellite among the plurality of satellites, and for selecting a satellite antenna among the plurality of satellite antennas for the selected satellite.
US08699400B2 Source antenna switching scheme for non-orthogonal protocol
The present invention relates to a source antenna switching scheme for a non-orthogonal protocol; and more particularly, to a source antenna switching scheme for a non-orthogonal protocol, which transmits a signal of a source node to a destination node through a relay node. The present invention provides a source antenna switching scheme for a non-orthogonal decode-and-forward protocol that can acquire a greater diversity than the conventional NDF protocol. In other words, the present invention provides a source antenna switching scheme for a non-orthogonal decode-and-forward protocol that can increase a diversity order by adding a reasonable priced antenna instead of expensive hardware such as an RF chain when there are a plurality of antenna in the RF chain.
US08699398B2 Dynamically switching mobile stations between point-to-point and point-to-multipoint operating modes
A method and apparatus is provided for dynamically switching mobile stations between point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTM) operating modes. For example, a particular mobile station can determine whether reception of information over a downlink PTM bearer is inadequate or adequate. Upon determining that the reception of the information over the downlink PTM bearer is inadequate, the particular mobile station can generate and transmit a complaint message to a controller. It can then be determined whether the particular mobile station is to switch between the PTP operating mode and the PTM operating mode. A signal can be processed at the particular mobile station. When the signal is to switch to the PTP operating mode, the particular mobile station can switch from the PTM operating mode to the PTP operating mode and start receiving downlink transmissions over a PTP bearer.
US08699397B2 Method and apparatus for multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) service feedback
A method and apparatus are described for providing multimedia broadcast multicast services (MBMS) service feedback. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may receive an MBMS service query message over an MBMS control channel and transmit an MBMS service response. The MBMS service query message and MBMS service response message may be radio resource controller messages. The MBMS service query message may include MBMS service identifiers which identify MBMS services that the WTRU is receiving or intending to receive. The WTRU may generate a report with MBMS service identifier index values, where each MBMS service identifier index value indicates a position of a service identifier corresponding to an MBMS service in the original query list that the WTRU is currently receiving or intending to receive. The MBMS service status query message may be received alone or along with a MBSFNAreaConfiguration message. The WTRU may respond within a predetermined or configured time limit.
US08699395B2 Method and device for inverse multiplexing of multicast transmission
A stream of multicast messages is forwarded through a network to a plurality of subscriber devices (18). The stream is inverse multiplexed and transmitted distributed over a plurality of communication channels (14). A plurality of inverse demultiplexers (16) is provided, to reassemble a plurality of copies of the stream from the multiplexed streams from the communication channels at different locations. Preferably, the final communication channels to a plurality of subscribers (e.g. telephone lines to different homes) are used as communication channels for said inverse multiplexing and the inversely multiplexed data is communicated locally (17) between the subscribers to enable reassembly of copies of the stream.
US08699388B2 Bidirectional wireless communication system, wireless communication apparatus, and bidirectional wireless communication method
A bidirectional wireless communication system includes: a first wireless communication apparatus for bidirectional communication configured to multiplex a modulated signal obtained by modulating an input signal by a reference carrier signal having a predetermined carrier frequency, and transmit a resultant transmission signal; and a second wireless communication apparatus, having an oscillator configured to oscillate a signal having a free-running oscillation frequency, configured to inject a reception signal received from the first wireless communication apparatus into the oscillator, receive the reception signal while variably controlling the free-running oscillation frequency of the oscillator of the second wireless communication apparatus, detect whether the free-running oscillation frequency of the signal of the oscillator of the second wireless communication apparatus has entered the frequency range up to the injection locking to be frequency-locked with a carrier frequency of the injected reception signal, and generate a communication enable signal.
US08699387B2 Device and control procedure for FDD and non-FDD bandwidth
A device (D) dedicated to control of bandwidth used by a work station (3-j) that can be connected to a network allowing the user to access a service that doesn't require feedback, this network being a frequency division duplexing network which accommodates at least one frequency bundle branch block of the first type, dedicated to transmission of data bundles, and a second type district from the first type. This device has i) the capacity to analyze at least signalling information received from the work station on the first type block, and ii) a switchover feature which is activated if the analysis device detects signalling information signalling the availability of a service on a second type frequency block range, to receive second type data stream on the second type frequency block.
US08699375B2 Method for implicit conveying of uplink feedback information
Method and apparatus for conveying feedback reports from a data receiving party (300) for data received from a data sending party (302) in a wireless connection. A plurality of feedback resources (304) assigned to different feedback information codes are allocated to the data receiving party for transmitting feedback reports. After checking whether the data was received correctly or not, the data receiving party selects a feedback resource (FR2) with a feedback information code that corresponds to one or more feedback reports on the received data. The data receiving party then sends feedback information on the selected feedback resource to the data sending party, thereby conveying the corresponding feedback information code. In this way, multiple feedback reports can be conveyed in a single feedback resource to the data sending party while still retaining single carrier properties.
US08699355B2 Method and system for performing network diagnostics utilizing a secondary communications medium
A method, comprising detecting a problem associated with a network communications link of a primary communications medium, performing one or more actions on a first network element communicatively coupled to the network communications link in response to detection of the problem, and transmitting data associated with the problem from the first network element to a second network element utilizing a secondary communications medium.
US08699353B2 Alarm indication and suppression (AIS) mechanism in an Ethernet OAM network
A system and method for propagating fault information in an Ethernet OAM network having multiple levels of OAM domains. An Alarm Indication and Suppression (AIS) frame is generated by a Maintenance Intermediate Point (MIP) node upon detecting a fault condition in a first OAM domain, which is transmitted to one or more Maintenance End Points (MEPs) of the first OAM domain. Upon receiving the AIS frames, the MEP nodes are operable generate another AIS frame for propagating to an adjacent higher level second OAM domain. Responsive to the AIS frame from the lower level first OAM domain, any alarms caused in the second OAM domain due to the fault condition in the first OAM domain are suppressed.
US08699352B2 Timer optimization techniques for multicast to unicast conversion of internet protocol video
Multicast to unicast conversion may be provided. First, a request for a data packet may be received at a conversion device. The conversion device may determine that the requested data packet has not yet been received using a multicast transmission protocol. Next, the conversion device may wait a time period to receive the data packet using the multicast transmission protocol. When the data packet has not been received within the time period, conversion device may then request the data packet using a unicast transmission protocol.
US08699338B2 Signal processing arrangement and method with adaptable signal reproduction rate
A signal data source supplies signal data of a stored signal that is defined relative to a original time base. The signal data is processed by adding or removing samples to adapt a reproduction rate to an adapted time base. The samples of the signal with the adapted reproduction rate are passed through a delaying buffer and the signal is rendered after it emerges from the buffer. A time converter determines time values relative to the original time base and the adapted time base. Commands are provided to control the rate used for reproduction rate adaptation. Normally, each command is accepted and used to change the rate. Information is stored after the commands have been used to change the reproduction rate. Acceptance of further commands is disabled when a predetermined number of accepted commands is stored, until at least one of the stored commands have emerged from the buffer.
US08699335B1 System and method for determining data service quality index for a wireless data connection
A method for determining a quality of a wireless data connection including receiving a thruput of the wireless data connection, a data round trip time, a number of clicks needed to receive a predetermined data value and a packet loss percentage. A determination of a data quality index value for the wireless data connection is made responsive to the thruput of the wireless data connection, the data round trip time, the number of clicks needed to receive the predetermined data value and the packet loss percentage. The data quality index value for the wireless data connection is then provided.
US08699333B2 Congestion-based traffic shaping for distributed queuing in shared-media communication networks
In one embodiment, a device in a shared-media communication network determines a priority of a packet to be queued at the device, and based on the priority determines a length of time the packet is allowed to be queued before being successfully transmitted. After attempting to successfully transmit the queued packet within the shared-media communication network, in response to reaching a threshold amount of the length of time without having successfully transmitted the queued packet, the device may transmit a “shaping” request to one or more reachable neighbors in the shared-media communication network. Specifically, the shaping request is for a temporary reduction in bandwidth utilization by the reachable neighbors for traffic having a comparatively lesser priority than the priority of the packet.
US08699324B2 Method, apparatus and system for processing configuration update failure
The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus and system for processing a configuration update failure, belonging to the field of communications. The method includes: setting a times threshold for receiving an eNB configuration update failure message; sending an eNB configuration update message to an MME or a neighboring eNB after configuration information is updated; receiving, from the MME or the neighboring eNB, an eNB configuration update failure message including a Time-To-Wait IE; calculating the times for receiving the eNB configuration update failure message; comparing the calculated times for receiving the eNB configuration update failure message with the set times threshold to determine whether the calculated times exceed the set times threshold; and stopping sending the eNB configuration update message if the calculated times exceed the set times threshold. The apparatus includes: a first sending module, a first receiving module, a first counting module, a first threshold setting module, a first comparing module and a first notifying module. The present disclosure can relieve the load of the system and improve the robustness and stability of the system.
US08699322B1 Port identifier management for path failover in cluster environments
A method includes assigning a port identifier to a first port on a node and communicating data on a first path between the first port and a logical unit on an active/passive storage array. The port identifier is registered in a persistent reservation scheme for the logical unit. The method also includes detecting a failure of the first path, de-assigning the port identifier from the first port, assigning the port identifier to a second port on the first node, and resuming communications between the node and the logical unit. One implementation of a system includes a first port configured to communicate with a storage device, a second port configured to communicate with the storage device, and an identifier management block. The identifier management block executes a failover with N_Port ID Virtualization commands that transfer a world wide port name from the first port to the second port.
US08699321B2 System and method for path state determinations
A system and method for determining a state of a communications system. A determination is made whether a communications path is fully functional, impaired, or non functional. A maximum capacity available to the communications path is determined in response to deterting the communications path is impaired. The communications path is limited to a maximum capacity available in response to determining the maximum capacity of the connection as impaired.
US08699315B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving signals by using a preset frame structure in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transmitting/receiving signals by using a preset frame structure in a wireless communication system. As there are difficulties ensuring the link capacity and quality for a high speed moving object with the existing frame structure and the antenna arrangement and communication system based on the existing scheme, a new frame structure needs to be proposed. According to one example of those newly proposed frame structures, one frame is composed of 8 subframes, each of the 8 subframes being composed of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) symbols in a range of 11 to 14, and the cyclic prefix (CP) length of the frame is 1/8 or less of an effective symbol length (e.g., 1/8, 1/16, 1/31, 1/64).
US08699305B2 Solar cell electronic device
A solar cell electronic device includes a cover glass fitted into a case opening of an exterior case via a glass packing, and a solar panel disposed on the back face of the cover glass with a predetermined distance from the cover glass. The case opening has a base portion on the inner periphery thereof for mounting an outer peripheral portion of the cover glass and for positioning the solar panel in a plane direction. The glass packing includes a packing main body interposed between the case opening and the cover glass, and a flange portion that extends from an end on the base portion side of the packing main body and that is interposed between the cover glass and the base portion. The base portion has a base opening through which at least a part of the flange portion is exposed.
US08699304B2 Electronic device, electronic device control method, and electronic device control program
An electronic device includes a primary power supply portion generating power by converting a first energy into electric energy as a second energy; a secondary power supply portion storing the electric energy obtained by the power generation; a charge detection portion detecting a state where the secondary power supply portion is not charged with the electric energy; a clocking portion clocking time and stopping display of clocked time when an operation input is detected; and a low power consumption state control portion which measures a time of a state where the operation input is detected and the charging is not performed, and stops the operation of the clocking portion when the measured time exceeds a preset time.
US08699291B1 Memory circuitry with dynamic power control
Circuits and techniques for operating a memory circuit are disclosed. A disclosed circuit includes a memory circuit and a sleep circuit with an output terminal coupled to the memory circuit. The sleep circuit is operable to receive a control signal and further operable to place the memory circuit in different modes of operation. The memory circuit may be placed in either a first mode of operation, a second mode of operation or a third mode of operation based at least partly on the control signal. An input terminal of the sleep circuit is coupled to an output terminal of the control circuit. The control circuit is operable to receive an enable signal and is operable to supply the control signal to the sleep circuit at first, second and third voltage levels during the first, second and third modes of operation, respectively, based on the enable signal and a clock signal.
US08699290B2 Semiconductor device and method for forming the same
A method for forming a semiconductor device is disclosed. An anti-fuse is formed at a buried bit line such that the area occupied by the anti-fuse is smaller than that of a conventional planar-gate-type anti-fuse, and a breakdown efficiency of an insulation film is increased. This results in an increase in reliability and stability of the semiconductor device. A semiconductor device includes a line pattern formed over a semiconductor substrate, a device isolation film formed at a center part of the line pattern, a contact part formed at both sides of the line pattern, configured to include an oxide film formed over the line pattern, and a bit line formed at a bottom part between the line patterns, and connected to the contact part.
US08699288B2 Pre-charge voltage generation and power saving modes
A system includes a voltage generator to produce a pre-charge voltage signal for pre-charging one or more signals in a memory circuit. The one or more signals can be data bus lines used to access memory. The voltage generator can include an input indicating whether the memory circuit is set to a power-saving mode. According to one embodiment, the input adjusts a magnitude of the pre-charge voltage signal produced by the voltage generator. Such an embodiment is useful over conventional methods because adjusting the pre-charge voltage can result in power savings. As an example, when in the power-saving mode, the voltage generator circuit can adjust the pre-charge voltage to a value that reduces an amount of leakage current associated with a pre-charge voltage. Reducing the leakage with respect to the pre-charge voltage means that the saved power can be used for other useful purposes.
US08699272B2 Programming and/or erasing a memory device in response to its program and/or erase history
For one embodiment, a programming method includes programming one or more memory cells of a memory device during a programming operation, determining, internal to the memory device, a number of program pulses required to program a sample of the one or more memory cells of the memory device during the programming operation, and adjusting a program starting voltage level of one or more program pulses applied to the one or more memory cells during a subsequent programming operation in response, at least in part, to the number of program pulses required to program the sample of the one or more memory cells programmed during the prior programming operation.
US08699269B1 Systems and methods for improving error distributions in multi-level cell memory systems
A state set module arranges states of a memory cell in a first and a second sequence in a first and a second state set, respectively. The memory cell stores first and second bits when programmed to a state. When the states in the first and second state sets are accessed respectively in the first and the second sequence, the first and second bits of the states in the first and second state sets exhibit different number of logical transitions. A write module receives first and second sets of bits to be written as the first and second bits in a plurality of memory cells, and selects states from the first and second state sets in an alternating pattern to write the first and second sets of bits as the first and second bits in the plurality of memory cells.
US08699263B2 DRAM security erase
In a method of erasing data, a wordline of the DRAM array is set active, and signals develop on bitlines according to flows of charge between memory cells coupled to the wordline and the respective bitlines. Sense amplifiers connected to the respective bitlines can remain off such that the sense amplifiers do not amplify the signals to storable signal levels. Thereafter, when the wordline is set inactive again, insufficient charge remains in the memory cells coupled to the wordline to represent data such that the data stored in memory cells coupled to the wordline are erased. These steps can be performed using each of the wordlines of a selected range of the DRAM array or all of the DRAM array so as to erase the data stored in the selected range or in all of the DRAM array.
US08699259B2 Non-volatile storage system using opposite polarity programming signals for MIM memory cell
A reversible resistance-switching metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack is provided which can be set to a low resistance state with a first polarity signal and reset to a higher resistance state with a second polarity signal. The first polarity signal is opposite in polarity than the second polarity signal. In one approach, the MIM stack includes a carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material such as a carbon nanotube material. The MIM stack can further include one or more additional reversible resistivity switching materials such as metal oxide above and/or below the carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material. In another approach, a metal oxide layer is between separate layers of carbon-based reversible resistivity switching material.
US08699256B2 Semiconductor device having nonvolatile memory elements
A bit memory circuit of an antifuse element set includes two antifuse elements of which logical states are changed from an insulation state to a conductive state when a program voltage is applied. 1-bit data is represented by the logical states of the two antifuse elements. The two antifuse elements are collectively controlled by one decoder circuit. When writing data, the decoder circuit simultaneously performs insulation-breakdown on the two antifuse elements by simultaneously connecting the two antifuse elements to program voltage lines, respectively.
US08699255B2 Memory array with hierarchical bit line structure
A memory array includes a plurality of word lines extending along a first direction; a plurality of memory cells coupled to a first sub-bit line (SBL) extending along a second direction that is substantially orthogonal to the first direction; a first selector region disposed substantially in the middle of the first SBL thereby dividing the plurality of memory cells into two sub-groups, wherein the first selector region comprises at least one selector transistor that is coupled to the first SBL; and a main bit line (MBL) extending along the second direction and coupled to the selector transistor.
US08699246B2 Switch mode converter and a method of starting a switch mode converter
For a more stable start-up procedure, a switch mode power converter has at least one inductive component including an output inductor L1 and a synchronous rectification element, said power converter comprising a control device and being characterized in that the control device is arranged, at startup of the power converter, to determine a duty-cycle of the control signal, including a normal pulse width of the control pulse, and provide an initial control signal to the at least one switch element that is designed to balance the current in the at least one inductive component of the converter. The initial control signal preferably has a duration of 50% of the normal pulse width.