Document Document Title
US08753696B1 Methods for preparing cannabis and related products
A method for preparing a medical marijuana mixture includes combining prepared medical marijuana and an alkaline substance in a pulverizing device. The alkaline substance may be coconut, cinnamon, or the like. The pulverizing device may be a coffee grinder, a food processor, a blender, or the like. The mixture may optionally include a sweetener, such as sugar, stevia, or the like.
US08753693B2 Cosmetic composition containing an extract from lotus and method of cosmetic care using said composition
The invention relates to a cosmetic composition containing at least one extract from at least one part of the Sacred Lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) in a cosmetically acceptable vehicle compatible with topical application on the skin, wherein said composition contains an aqueous extract of Sacred Lotus root and it additionally contains at least one active agent selected from the group comprising active agents with energizing or revitalizing activity, preferably diguanosine polyphosphate or an extract containing it; active agents stimulating the secretion of beta-endorphins, preferably an N-acetyl-Tyr-Arg-hexadecyl ester dipeptide; anti-radical agents such as tocopherol, and plant extracts containing them as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins and plant extracts containing them, in particular extracts of Sacred Lotus flower and anti-inflammatory agents, in particular those having a phospholipase A2 inhibitory action.
US08753690B2 Methods and compositions for delivering interleukin-1 receptor antagonist
Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating adipose tissue and/or adipocytes with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.
US08753674B2 Liposomal mitigation of drug-induced long QT syndrome and potassium delayed-rectifier current
Compositions and methods for the treatment of drug-induced long QT syndrome and other cardiac channelopathies are disclosed herein. The compositions and methods of the present invention comprise binding one or more QT prolonging drugs with a liposome prior to parenteral (intravenous or subcutaneous) administration, or administration of an empty liposome prior to or concomitantly with therapeutic agents known to have a high risk of QT prolongation, or immediately following an envenomation. The results presented show an abrogation of the adverse effects of QT prolonging drugs in a dose-dependent manner by the compositions of the present invention.
US08753673B2 Liposome composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent to eyes
The invention provides a liposome composition for delivering high pay-load of a therapeutic agent to neovascularization sites of the eyes in a patient in need thereof. The liposome composition for entrapping the therapeutic agent comprises a particle forming component composed of a variety of vesicle-forming lipids, and an agent-carrying component able to form a complex with the therapeutic agent via electrostatic charge-charge interaction or hydrophobic-hydrophobic interaction; wherein the liposome composition comprising the therapeutic agent has a mean particle diameter of about 30 to 200 nm and may accumulate at the neovascularization sites of the eyes 24 hours after the intravenous administration of the liposome composition comprising the therapeutic agent to the patient. A method for delivering the therapeutic agent to the eyes in a patient with this liposome composition is also provided.
US08753668B2 Production of beta-glucans and mannans
Disclosed are methods for producing yeast β-glucan and mannan preparations. The methods employ an autolysis process, followed by enzymatic treatment with one or more of a protease, glucanase or lipase. The preparations produced may be used in food supplements, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, animal feeds, and neutraceuticals.
US08753667B2 Multi-layered gradient vaginal ring
Multi-layered vaginal rings 2 comprising silicone elastomers and pharmaceutically active ingredients are disclosed. The rings comprise a number of layers, at least one of which contains a pharmaceutically active ingredient, and each of which is a silicone elastomer. The multiple layers preferably are produced from these layers of different compositions, including an inner layer 4, a middle layer 5, and an outer layer 6. After extrusion and simultaneous curing, however, the ring 2 includes a contiguous body which comprises a continuous silicone body providing unimpeded diffusion of the pharmaceutically active ingredient from the inner layer (s) 4 to the outer layer (s) 6. Methods of producing these vaginal rings and of using them are also disclosed.
US08753658B2 Bait materials, pest monitoring devices and other pest control devices that include polyurethane foam
A termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces palatable to termites embedded within a water resistant polyurethane foam matrix. Another termite bait includes a plurality of cellulosic food material pieces embedded within a water-absorbent polyurethane foam matrix. Yet another termite bait includes at least one cellulosic food material piece encapsulated within a water resistant polyurethane foam coating. Such termite baits can be used alone or in a monitoring device or other termite control device. Another termite control device includes a container, a cellulosic food material within the container and a water resistant polyurethane foam positioned to separate the food material from its environment. The container can contain a termite bait as described above or can include a chamber containing a cellulosic food material and at least one pocket containing a polyurethane foam barrier to reduce intrusion of water through the pocket to the food material.
US08753656B2 Controlling zoonotic disease vectors from insects and arthropods using preconidial mycelium and extracts of preconidial mycelium from entomopathogenic fungi
The present invention utilizes extracts of the pre-sporulation (preconidial) mycelial stage of entomopathogenic fungi as insect and arthropod attractants and/or pathogens and can be employed to limit the zoonotic diseases they transmit. The fungus can be cultivated on grain, wood, agricultural wastes or other cellulosic material and extracts can be made thereof. More than one fungus and substrate can be used in combination with one or more antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, antiviral, and genetically modified agents that result in reduced spread of contagions and lessens the damage they inflict on animals, and plants.
US08753649B2 Polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines
Methods for synthesis and manufacture of polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccines at high yield are provided. The methods involve reaction of a hydrazide group on one reactant with an aldehyde or cyanate ester group on the other reactant. The reaction proceeds rapidly with a high conjugation efficiency, such that a simplified purification process can be employed to separate the conjugate product from the unconjugated protein and polysaccharide and other small molecule by-products.
US08753637B2 Binding partners for the thyrotropin receptor and uses thereof
A binding partner for the TSH receptor, which binding partner comprises, or is derived from, a human monoclonal or recombinant antibody, or one or more fragments thereof, reactive with the TSH receptor, uses thereof, methods of diagnosis and therapy employing the same, and anti-idiotypic antibodies thereto.
US08753634B2 Anti-IL-6 receptor antibodies and methods of use
The present invention provides anti-IL-6R monoclonal antibodies and related compositions, which may be used in any of a variety of therapeutic methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases.
US08753618B2 Method, composition and package for bowel cleansing
The present invention provides a highly palatable colon cleansing formulation that utilizes a low chloride electrolyte-replenishing base solution. When formulated with polyethylene glycol and a selected sugar alcohol, the formulation offers the advantages of superior palatability without undesirable concomitant side effects or a decrease in cleansing efficacy.
US08753607B2 Methods and kits for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease versus frontotemporal dementia and for the diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia, comprising FAS-L and CK 18 as biomarkers
The invention relates to methods and kits for the differential diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) versus frontotemporal dementia (FTD), using biomarkers TNF-α, FAS-L and CK18, taken from a biological sample. Differences in biomarker levels can be used to distinguish between AD and FTD The invention is based on a discovered correlation between FTD and markers FAS-L and CK18. Therefore the invention also relates to the diagnosis of FTD using FAS-L and CK18. The serum concentrations of these biomarkers can further be used as an index of the severity of disease, and may occur in conjunction with clinical-based diagnostic testing and neuro-imaging assessment.
US08753606B2 Multimodal imaging method using nano-emulsion comprising optical nano-particles and perfluorocarbons
The present invention relates to a multimodal imaging method using a nano-emulsion comprising optical nano-particles and perfluorocarbons, and more particularly, to a method of obtaining multimodal images using a nano-emulsion consisted of perfluorocarbons for multispectral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nano-particles for multicolor fluorescent detection. In the multimodal imaging method, various multispectral MRI images and multicolor fluorescent rays can be obtained by varying the kind and combination of perfluorocarbons and the kind and combination of optical nano-particles, so that multiplexed analysis is possible. Accordingly, the multimodal imaging method can be applied to various fields, including biological and medical fields in which studies on cell molecular imaging has been conducted.
US08753605B2 Imaging probes, methods of making imaging probes, and methods of imaging
In accordance with the purpose(s) of the present disclosure, as embodied and broadly described herein, embodiments of the present disclosure, in one aspect, relate to methods of detecting the over-expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in a subject or sample, methods of diagnosing the presence of one or more angiogenesis related diseases or related biological events in a subject or sample, method of monitoring the progress of one or more angiogenesis related diseases or related biological events in a subject or sample, a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe, compositions including a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe, and pharmaceutical compositions including a 18F-FBEM-CYS-ZEGFR:1907 probe and the like.
US08753593B2 Processing nickel bearing sulphides
A method of separating nickel bearing sulphides from mined ores or concentrates of mined ores that contain talc is disclosed. The method comprises treating a slurry of mined ores or concentrates of mined ores in at least one flotation stage and in at least one cleaner circuit. The method further comprises sequenced re-grinding, as described herein, of particles in the slurry.
US08753583B2 Apparatus for handling specimen slides
An apparatus (10) for handling specimen slides (32, 78, 80) has at least one coverslipping module (14) for coverslipping thin sections arranged on specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The apparatus (10) further encompasses a drying unit (16, 70, 90) for extracting solvent from the mounting medium applied onto the specimen slides (32, 78, 80). The drying unit (16, 70, 90) has an air delivery unit (40) for delivering an air flow to the specimen slides (32, 78, 80).
US08753580B2 Intracavity ultrasound probe disinfectant system
A disinfectant system for intracavity ultrasound probes in disclosed generally including a housing, a disinfectant chamber positioned in the housing and receiving at least one ultrasound probe, a container for containing a disinfectant solution fluidly coupled to the disinfectant chamber, at least one pump for supplying the disinfection solution from the container to the disinfection chamber and from the disinfection chamber to the container, and a controller for automated operation of the disinfectant system, wherein the disinfectant solution is a multi-use disinfectant solution. A method for disinfecting intracavity ultrasound probes is also disclosed generally including placing at least one ultrasound probe into a disinfectant chamber, supplying a disinfectant solution from a container to the disinfectant chamber via a pump, and returning the solution to the container via the pump, wherein the steps of supplying and returning the disinfectant solution are controlled by a controller.
US08753574B2 Systems for immunoassay tests
This invention relates to a cartridge for an immunoassay test. The cartridge comprises (a) a probe well comprising a probe and a cap, the cap being in a closed position to enclose the probe in the probe well, wherein the probe has a bottom tip coated with analyte-binding molecules; (b) a sample well to receive a sample; (c) one or more reagent wells; (d) a plurality of wash wells each containing a first aqueous solution; and (e) a measurement well having a light transmissive bottom, the measurement well containing a second aqueous solution; wherein the openings of the sample well, reagent well, measurement well and wash wells are sealed. The present invention also relates to an apparatus for loading and releasing a probe. The apparatus comprises a push pin and a groove to load and transfer the probe to a plurality of locations, such as different wells in the above-mentioned cartridge, to conduct the immunoassay test.
US08753571B2 System and method for sanitizing touch screen of electronic devices
In a method for sanitizing a touch screen of an electronic device, the electronic device includes a first motor roller and a second motor roller and a screen sanitization system. The first motor roller connects to the second motor roller through a flexible pipe that is filled with a sanitizer. The first motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize a first protective film using sanitizer when the first protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and a second protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen. The second motor roller is scrolled to clean and sanitize the second protective film using the sanitizer when the second protective film is overlaid on the surface of the touch screen, and the first protective film is drawn to overlay on the surface of the touch screen.
US08753569B2 Temperature hardened pharmaceutical devices
A system and method for implementing embedded electronics in environments where radiation or extreme temperatures are used is disclosed. Embedded electronics are affixed to various components of a pharmaceutical system, thereby enabling the customer to download pertinent information about the component, such as lot number, date of manufacturer, test parameters, etc. Additionally, these electronics allow an array of functions and features to be implemented, such as integrity tests and diagnostics. The electronics in the pharmaceutical components utilize a technology that is not as susceptible to radiation and extreme temperatures as traditional electronics.
US08753565B2 Hadfield steel
Hadfield steel and a method for obtaining the same, which steel has better mechanical properties than basic Hadfield steel, without detriment to any of them, which has a homogenous grain size distribution, thus allowing new applications, having the following chemical composition: 0.90 to 1.35% by weight of C, 11.00 to 14.00% by weight of Mn, 0.80% maximum by weight of Si, 0.07% maximum by weight of P, 0.05% maximum by weight of S and an amount of hafnium greater than or equal to 0.01% and less than 0.1% by weight, the rest being iron and impurities associated with iron, and where the percentages are expressed by weight with respect to the total weight of the steel.
US08753559B2 Fabrication method of nanoparticle
A fabrication method of nanoparticles is provided. A substrate having a plurality of pillar structures is provided and then a plurality of ring structures is formed to surround the plurality of the pillar structures. The inner wall of each ring structure surrounds the sidewall of each pillar structure. A portion of each pillar structure is removed to reduce the height of each pillar structure and to expose the inner wall of each ring structure. The ring structures are separated from the pillar structures to form a plurality of nanoparticles. Surface modifications are applied to the ring structures before the ring structures are separated from the pillar structures on the substrate.
US08753557B2 Imprint lithography
An imprint lithography apparatus is disclosed that has a first array of template holders, a second array of template holders, and a substrate table arranged to support a substrate to be imprinted, wherein the first array of template holders is arranged to hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a first array of patterns onto the substrate, and the second array of template holders is arranged hold an array of imprint templates that can be used to imprint a second array of patterns onto the substrate, the patterns imprinted by the second array being interspersed between the patterns imprinted by the first array.
US08753550B2 Surface-modified pigment compositions
Pigment compositions containing organic pigments with an outstanding migration-free property and an excellent rheology at high concentration, and derivatives thereof containing heterocyclic substituents. The pigment compositions contains (a) carbon black or an organic pigment containing a chromophore Q1 of the following formula, wherein Z1 and Z2 are O or N—, C· is a carbon atom with an electron in a p orbital, and n is an integer from 1 to 4; and (b) a compound containing a chromophore of the following formula (II), wherein Q2 is an m-valent residue of carbon black or of the chromophore Q1; G1 is preferably and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R8 are preferably all H; m is an integer from 1 to 4. The pigment compositions can be used as rheology modifiers, preferably for pigmented coating compositions.
US08753544B2 Conductive ink and conductor
Ink is manufactured by mixing unoxidized metallic particles to a binder. The ink is printed on an object (502) and hardened for forming a conductor. The process is performed in an inert atmosphere or in vacuum for maintaining the electrical conductivity of the conductor (500).
US08753536B2 Method of preparation of surface coating of variable transmittance and electro-optical appliance including the same
Method of preparation of surface coating of variable transmittance and an electro-optical layered appliance including the same comprises dispersing of liquid crystal microdroplets in hydrolyzable and polymerizable precursors and applying obtained mixture on a surface by spraying. Applying the material to the surface by spraying is intrinsically related to the synthesis processes because the properties of the surrounding environment (i.e. content of water and acidity, UV radiation) and the chemical reactions that take place during spraying have considerable influence on the properties (i.e. driving voltage, thickness of obtained layer). Obtained layered appliance comprises of a matrix material with dispersed microdroplets of liquid crystal obtained by the described method, electrically conductive transparent electrodes with contacts, a dielectric material, substrate and covering layers.
US08753532B2 Positive electrode materials combining high safety and high power in a Li rechargeable battery
The invention relates to a LiaNixCoyMny′M′zO2 composite oxide for use as a cathode material in a rechargeable battery, with a non-homogenous Ni/M′ ratio in the particles, allowing excellent power and safety properties when used as positive electrode material in Li battery. More particularly, in the formula 0.9
US08753531B1 Product and method for enhancing the biophysical effects of water
A product-by-process produces a product having a vibrational frequency to balance the chemistry of water when untreated water is exposed to the product to thereby enhance the biophysical properties of water, without adding any compound to the water. The result of the exposure is that the physical properties of specific gravity, conductivity, and resistivity of water are modified, and the biophysical properties of the treated water in organisms such as humans, including but not limited to hydration, oxygenation, and detoxification, are enhanced as verified by human clinical tests.
US08753515B2 Dialysis system with ultrafiltration control
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing hemodialysis that include fluid handling systems that provide accurate control over the type and level of hemodialysis being performed. The system includes a first pump for pumping dialysate into a dialyzer and a second pump for pumping dialysate out of the dialyzer. The system also includes a third pump that provides improved control of a level of ultrafiltration, hemodiafiltration, or both.
US08753514B2 Osmotic desalination process
An energy efficient desalination process that does not produce waste products involves the extraction of water from a first solution, such as seawater, by using a second concentrated solution to draw the water from the first solution across a semi-permeable membrane. By manipulating the equilibrium of the soluble and insoluble species of solute within the second solution in favor of the soluble species of the solute, a saturated second solution can be used to generate osmotic pressure on the first solution. Also, by adjusting the equilibrium in favor of the less soluble species after the water has been drawn from the first solution, a portion of the solute can easily be precipitated out. Heating the second solution decomposes the solute into its constituent gases. The constituent gases and precipitated solute may be recycled through the process to affect the changes in equilibrium and eliminate waste products. Additionally, by using the waste steam from industrial sources and a heat pump to effectively distribute heat through the present method, the present method exhibits greater energy efficiency than prior art methods.
US08753513B2 Ammonia-peroxide wastewater treatment system
A method of treating wastewater containing peroxide and ammonia includes performing a first stage peroxide pretreatment of the wastewater with a catalyst, and performing a second stage ammonia separation of the peroxide treated wastewater by a distillation process, thereby producing a concentrated ammonium hydroxide end product that is separated from the wastewater.
US08753495B2 Electrochemical half cell, electrochemical sensor and method for measuring at least one measured variable of a measured medium with an electrochemical sensor
An electrochemical half cell for application in an electrochemical sensor, wherein a fill electrolyte of the half cell is in contact with an external medium via a liquid junction, characterized in that the liquid junction is controllable as regards its permeability and/or its flow.
US08753492B2 Method for enhancing current throughput in an electrochemical system
An electrochemical system with reduced limiting-current behavior is disclosed. The electrochemical system is useful for fuel cells and bio-sensors. In part, the invention relates a method of reducing or eliminating limiting-current behavior in the operation electrochemical systems, in particular those with ion-selective membrane or electrochemical electrodes, by spatially reducing the convection near the membrane or the electrode. The invention further relates to electrochemical systems in which micropores, microarrays or pillar arrays are used to reduce convection in comparison to conventional systems without microarrays, micropores or pillar arrays.
US08753483B2 Systems and methods for making fiber webs
Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods involve designs which allow improved control of the fiber web forming process. For example, in certain embodiments involving the flowing of more than one fiber mixtures, the amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.
US08753476B2 Methods for producing high-freeness pulp
Methods of producing mechanical pulps from lignocellulosic material including partial defibration of lignocellulosic material in a chip press followed by liquid impregnation, preheating the lignocellulosic material for 20 seconds or less at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge) prior to mechanically refining the lignocellulosic material in a primary mechanical refiner at a pressure between 7.5 and 12 bar (gauge), thus obtaining a high freeness pulp.
US08753469B2 Method of vacuum-assisted RTM
A method of vacuum-assisted RTM includes disposing a resin distribution medium on one surface of a reinforcing-fiber substrate, covering the whole with a bag material, reducing the pressure inside the bag material, and injecting a resin into the resin distribution medium to distribute the resin substantially in in-plane directions and then impregnate the resin into the reinforcing-fiber substrate in the thickness direction. The method is characterized in that the flow resistance of the resin distribution medium itself during resin distribution is changed in in-plane directions of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, in accordance with a difference in fiber weight per unit area or density between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate, or in accordance with a difference in distance from a resin impregnation initiation part to a resin impregnation completion part between parts to be impregnated with resin of the reinforcing-fiber substrate present in a plane direction of the reinforcing-fiber substrate.
US08753464B2 Transparent composites and laminates and methods for making
An exemplary method for making a transparent composite includes steps of combining a refractive index modifier with a precursor solution to provide a modified polymer precursor solution, combining glass with the modified precursor solution, and curing the modified precursor solution to create a transparent glass reinforced polymer composite. An example refractive index modifier comprises a monofunctional compound or monofunctional monomer, a polyfunctional compound or polyfunctional monomer or polymer, which is combined with the polymer precursor solution to increase the crosslinking density of the chain in the cured modified polymer precursor solution, and thus increase the refractive index. An exemplary transparent composite comprises a glass reinforced thermosetting polymer composite layer sandwiched between glass layers.
US08753460B2 Reduction of edge chipping during wafer handling
Methods and systems for reinforcing the periphery of a semiconductor wafer bonded to a carrier are disclosed. In one embodiment, additional adhesive is applied to the semiconductor wafer prior to bonding. The additional adhesive seeps into a crevice between the carrier and wafer and provides reinforcement. In another embodiment, adhesive is applied to the crevice by a dispenser after the wafer is bonded to the glass carrier.
US08753459B2 Needling loops into carrier sheets
Methods of making a sheet-form loop product are provided. One method includes placing a layer of staple fibers against a first side of a substrate comprising a nonwoven web; needling fibers of the layer through the substrate by penetrating the substrate with needles that drag portions of the fibers through the substrate, leaving exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate; and anchoring fibers forming the loops by fusing the fibers to each other and to filaments of the nonwoven web on the first side of the substrate, while substantially preventing fusion of the fibers on the second side of the substrate. Sheet-form loop products are also provided, including for example a flexible nonwoven substrate and a layer of staple fibers disposed on a first side of the substrate, exposed loops of the fibers extending from a second side of the substrate, with bases of the loops being anchored on the first side of the substrate, wherein the fibers on the first side of the substrate are fused together to a relatively greater extent than the fibers on the second side of the substrate.
US08753440B2 System and method for cooling a solvent for gas treatment
The present embodiments are directed towards the cooling of a solvent of a gas treatment system using a fluid flow from an air separation unit. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes an air separation unit. The air separation unit has an air inlet configured to receive an air flow, an oxygen outlet configured to output an oxygen flow, a nitrogen outlet configured to output a nitrogen flow and a cooling system configured to cool the air flow to enable separation of the air flow into the oxygen flow and the nitrogen flow, wherein the cooling system is configured to cool a first solvent of a first gas treatment system.
US08753436B1 Oil coalescing device
An external oil coalescing adapter fitted to a desiccant breather with an adapter housing with a coalescing chamber for receiving an air flow containing oil; oil coalescing media contained within the coalescing chamber for coalescing oil contained in the air flow; a first end cap for attaching to one end of the housing, the first end cap also attachable to a breather; and a second end cap for attaching to the opposite end of the housing from the first end cap, the second end cap attachable to a system.
US08753435B2 Portable oxygen concentrator
A portable oxygen concentrator includes a pressure swing absorption system defined by a relatively rigid housing adapted to generate a flow of oxygen enriched gas and a battery adapted to provide power to the pressure swing absorption system. The oxygen concentrator has a total weight of less than about 10 lbs, has a maximum flow of 100% O2 equivalent gas of about 0.9 lpm, has a total volume less than about 800 in3, and gas a battery life of at least about 8 hours. The present invention also using a liquefaction or transfill system in combination with such an oxygen concentrator.
US08753421B2 Method for cyclically preparing titanium sponge and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluotitanate as intermediate material
A method for cyclically preparing titanium sponge and coproducing potassium cryolite using potassium fluotitanate as an intermediate material, which includes the following steps: A) adding hydrofluoric acid to titaniferous iron concentrate to enable a reaction to form fluotitanic acid; B) adding potassium sulphate to the fluotitanic acid to enable a reaction to form the potassium fluotitanate; C) putting the potassium fluotitanate into a reactor, adding aluminum to react with the potassium fluotitanate to form the titanium sponge and potassium cryolite; D) extracting the potassium cryolite and sending it to a rotary reaction kettle together with concentrated sulphuric acid to enable a reaction to form hydrogen fluoride gas and potassium sulphate, aluminum potassium sulphate; collecting the hydrogen fluoride gas and dissolving it into water to obtain a hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution; E) recycling the obtained hydrofluoric acid aqueous solution to Step A to leach the titaniferous iron concentrate.
US08753420B2 Method for selectively recovering americium from a nitric aqueous phase
A method with which americium may be selectively recovered from a nitric aqueous phase containing americium, curium and fission products including lanthanides and yttrium, but which is free of uranium, plutonium and neptunium or which only contains these three last elements in trace amounts. The method is applicable for treatment and recycling of irradiated nuclear fuels, in particular for removing americium from raffinates stemming from methods for extracting and purifying uranium and plutonium such as the PUREX and COEX™ methods.
US08753416B2 Quick drying polymeric coating
Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.
US08753411B2 Methods for reforming carbonaceous matter using a high temperature reformer
A method of gasifying organic materials (carbonaceous compounds) such as coal and fossil fuel and their mixtures including gasifying wastes into syngas, and an apparatus thereof. The apparatus is suitable to gasify carbonaceous wastes without secondary pollutants formed from oxidation. Further, the apparatus can be used in a system to drive a fuel cell.
US08753404B2 Hip prostheses
Bipolar prostheses which include various structures and other techniques for optimizing material wear and mechanical strength properties. Such prostheses feature, for example, improved resistance to polyethylene wear while also reducing potential for dislocation of the femoral stem from the prosthesis. Such techniques and structures include varying wear resistance and mechanical strength treatment in various components of the prostheses or portions of those components as desired to improve, accentuate or optimize wear performance and dislocation reduction, locking ring structural features, structures for retaining locking rings in the bipolar prosthesis shell, and structures for limiting or reducing movement or rotation of locking rings and liners in bipolar prosthesis shells.
US08753401B2 Joint support and subchondral support system
A joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same for providing structural and dampening support to damaged subchondral bone adjacent to a body joint are disclosed. The joint support and subchondral support system and method of use of same are applicable to many parts of the joint as any area with cartilage disease has an adjoining subchondral component.
US08753400B2 Prosthesis of anterior spinal column, instrument guiding the prosthesis and method for installation thereof
A prosthesis of an anterior spinal column, comprising a perforated sleeve body (1) with at least one anchoring element, teeth and overgrowth holes and a positioner (2) situated within the body (1). The body (1) has in its wall at least one manipulative hole (6) and at least one positioning hole (7), whose longitudinal axes are parallel with each other. The positioner (2) comprises at least one situating element (8) cooperating with at least one positioning hole (7) of the body (1) and at least one hole (12) formed therethrough, which may be situated radially inward relative to the manipulative hole (6). At least one end face (3) of the body (1) or/and body's wall are provided with at least one pair of opposite guidelines (14,20). For introducing the prosthesis into the intervertebral space, a guiding instrument is used in the form of a rod with a shaped working element (24) at one end. The prosthesis may be implanted with the use of the prosthesis guiding instrument.
US08753395B2 Monorail system
Systems providing improved methods of performing a spinal fusion procedure and including a monorail instrument that protects the medial neural structures, includes a sliding platform for additional instrumentation and allows controlled delivery of various instruments for disc preparation and implant insertion. The monorail instrument engages other instruments, including various instruments utilized to prepare the disc space as well as spinal fusion implants, for guided and controlled insertion into the disc space. The monorail instrument may be a distractor, and may include flutes for preparation of the disc space.
US08753393B2 Method for detoxifying a biological tissue
Biological tissues may be prepared for use in biological prostheses. The biological tissue may be fixated with glutaraldehyde and may be subjected to successive treatment of the tissue with a solution containing taurine to neutralize excess aldehyde groups that remain free after fixation.
US08753392B2 Elements for versatility of a prosthetic anchor
A prosthetic anchor to be attached to a natural or prosthetic structure of a human or animal. The anchor includes a central layer with first and second surface. A plurality of fiber bundles, each with a medial portion, are concentrically embedded within the central layer to substantially define a horseshoe-shaped pattern. A substrate element is configured to be secured to the natural or prosthetic structure and to receive the second surface of the central layer. A securing element operably coupled to the second surface of the central layer is configured to secure the central layer to the substrate element in at least two positions.
US08753375B2 Z-shaped button for tissue repair
Techniques and reconstruction systems for tissue repairs employing a Z-shaped button with a flexible strand or loop (which may have a fixed or adjustable length). The Z-shaped button has a distinctive Z-shape or an S-shape configuration, that allows a smaller length button to achieve comparable contact area as with a longer length button. The Z-shaped button allows for truncated flipping distance yet permits maximum cortical bone contact. The continuous loop/Z-shaped button construct may be used for fixation of bone to bone, or of soft tissue to bone.
US08753370B2 Dual endovascular filter and methods of use
Blood filter devices and methods of use is describe herein. Present invention pertains to a method of filtering and capturing particles in a vasculature of a patient that comprises steps of introducing a delivery device, which has a filter assembly placed therein, through a first vessel. The filter assembly comprises a first filter portion and second filter portion that open and closes with respect to each other via a pivot axis extending perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of delivery catheter. Upon deployment of the filter assembly the first filter portion is positioned relative to the first vessel such that particles traveling into the first vessel will be trapped in the first filter portion, and positioning the second filter portion relative to the second vessel such that particles traveling into the second vessel will be trapped in the second filter portion. After capturing the particles in the respective filters, first and second filter portions pivot towards one another to close the filter assembly in order to be retrieved back into the delivery device for removal from the vasculature of the patient.
US08753367B1 Device and method for attaching hair
A fitting and a method for utilizing one or more of such fittings are described for securing supplemental hair to a person's head, along the outer surface of the person's scalp, to create an enhanced, natural appearance independent of the population and location of any natural hair on the person's head. Each fitting includes a base member having a resiliently flexible flange, and a post rising from the flange and carrying a flexible filament establishing a loop providing a lateral path for a ligature. Each base member is embedded beneath the outer surface of the person's scalp to secure the corresponding fitting at a selected strategic location on the person's head with the filament projecting from the outer surface to provide a corresponding attachment site. Supplemental hair is juxtaposed with and secured to each filament with a corresponding ligature passed through the loop of each corresponding filament.
US08753355B2 Umbilical cord tab
The present invention relates to a device and method for cleaning an infant's navel and umbilical cord stump. In particular, the present invention provides a device that eliminates the need for a user to physically hold the umbilical cord stump and allows trapped dirt and moisture to be accessed and removed easily, avoiding premature detachment of the umbilical cord stump and minimizing the risk of infection. The device of the present invention also protects the skin surrounding an infant's navel from cleaning solutions while the infant' navel and umbilical cord stump is being cleaned.
US08753347B2 Vertebral joint implants and delivery tools
A spinal joint distraction system for treating a facet joint including articular surfaces having a contour is disclosed and may include a delivery device including a generally tubular structure adapted to engage a facet joint, an implant adapted to be delivered through the delivery device and into the facet joint, the implant comprising two members arranged in opposed position, and an implant distractor comprising a generally elongate member adapted to advance between the two members of the implant causing separation of the members and distraction of the facet joint, wherein the implant is adapted to conform to the shape of the implant distractor and/or the articular surfaces of the facet upon being delivered to the facet joint. Several embodiments of a system, several embodiments of an implant, and several methods are disclosed including a method for interbody fusion.
US08753341B2 Thermal barrier for suction coagulator
An electrosurgical suction coagulator includes a housing having proximal and distal ends and a substantially malleable elongated tube-like shaft extending longitudinally from the distal end of the housing. The elongated tube-like shaft includes a tube-like dielectric sheath and a tube-like electrode disposed coaxially through the tube-like dielectric sheath. The tube-like electrode is configured to operably couple to a source of electrosurgical energy and a proximal end of the tube-like electrode is adapted to operably couple to a source of suction. The tube-like shaft also includes a thermally conductive member. The thermally conductive member is disposed concentrically about the tube-like shaft and at least partially along a longitudinal length of the tube-like shaft. The thermally conductive member is configured to increase a surface area of the tube-like shaft to dissipate thermal energy about the increased surface area.
US08753339B2 Dissection handpiece and method for reducing the appearance of cellulite
A dermatological skin treatment device is provided. The device comprises a handpiece and a cutting tool, wherein the tool is inserted through the conduit and percutaneously inserted into a tissue disposed within a recessed area of the handpiece. The device and method cut the fibrous structures under the skin that cause cellulite at an angle substantially parallel to the surface of the skin and replace these structures with a non-cellulite forming structure by deploying a highly fibrous mesh through a single needle hole to create a highly fibrous layer directly or through wound healing processes.
US08753334B2 System and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator
A system and method for reducing leakage current in an electrosurgical generator are disclosed. The system includes an electrosurgical generator configured to provide high frequency electrosurgical energy at a fundamental frequency. The generator includes one or more circuit boards having a board ground. The generator further includes a inductor-capacitor filter connected in series with the board ground and an earth ground. The inductor capacitor filter includes a capacitor connected in parallel with an inductor and is tuned to be at an operational frequency which is resonant at or near the fundamental frequency.
US08753332B2 Laser device and method for ablating biological tissue
A laser device (10) for ablating a biological tissue (1), comprising: a) a laser source (7) that is configured to emit a laser beam (4); b) optics (8a, 8b, 8x) configured to modify the laser beam (4) such as to direct the laser beam (4) on the biological tissue (1); d) a controller (11) that is configured to control the laser source (7) to emit the laser beam (4) to create an ablation in biological tissue (1), whereby e) a sensor (19) being configured to receive back scattered light from the biological tissue (1); f) a tissue controller (18) that is operationally coupled to the sensor (19) to receive a sensor signal (Ri) of the sensor (19); and g) the tissue controller (18) being configured to compare a series of at least two consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) and being configured to generate a tissue control signal (TCS) when the value of the series of consecutive sensor signals (R1, R2, R3, . . . ) decreases in a predetermined amount.
US08753328B2 Intravascular catheter comprising a reinforcing micro-tape
A catheter, such as an intravascular catheter, includes a longitudinally pre-oriented tubular substrate and reinforcing means surrounding and in contact with the substrate, the reinforcing means wound over the substrate, and a tubular superstrate surrounding the reinforcing means forcing the reinforcing means against the substrate and maintaining the reinforcing means wound over the substrate. The reinforcing means is a micro-tape having a width less than 0.5 mm and includes a filament layer having a cross sectional aspect ratio (width/height) of 2 to 20, wherein the filaments are fixated by a cured or solidified resin or wax, which constitutes 2 to 40 wt % of the micro-tape.
US08753326B2 Reservoir pressure equalization systems and methods
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.
US08753322B2 Controlled negative pressure apparatus and alarm mechanism
Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. The devices are capable of generating a substantially constant reduced pressure with low tolerance for pressure fluctuations. Also disclosed herein are reduced pressure therapy systems that comprise an alarm system to detect the depleted state of the suction device and provide an alert to the patient and/or practitioner.
US08753315B2 Manual basal bolus drug delivery device
A fully manually powered infusion device provides both basal and bolus delivery of a liquid medicament to a patient. In some embodiments, the device includes a main reservoir that supplies the liquid medicament, an outlet port that delivers the liquid medicament to the patient, a basal dispenser that delivers a substantially constant flow of the liquid medicament to the outlet port, and a manually actuated bolus pump that delivers a bolus dose of the liquid medicament from the main reservoir to the outlet when actuated. The basal medicament supply delivers a volume of the liquid medicament from the main reservoir to the basal dispenser consonant with each actuation of the bolus pump.
US08753306B2 Tissue resection device and method
Among other things, embodiments of devices (and parts thereof) are disclosed that can be used in treating Barrett's esophagus. Embodiments may have a suction cavity or window portion having elongated planar floor and ramped end surfaces with suction holes on one or both end surfaces. Examples include one or more fluid injection needles and parts for controlling fluid injection rate based on the rate of needle withdrawal. Embodiments can include one or more injection needles and receiving holes, with the ability to allow injectate to flow into tissue before withdrawing the needle(s), and/or lockout mechanism to prevent resection of tissue by a cutting mechanism prior to injection of fluid. Methods for treatment are also disclosed, and can include inserting a needle completely through tissue, and injecting fluid into tissue while withdrawing the needle back through the tissue, and/or injecting fluid into tissue while moving the needle forward through tissue.
US08753304B2 Systems, devices, and methods including catheters having acoustically actuatable waveguide components for delivering a sterilizing stimulus to a region proximate a surface of the catheter
Systems, devices, methods, and compositions are described for providing an actively-controllable disinfecting implantable device configured to, for example, treat or prevent an infection in a biological subject.
US08753302B2 Indwelling heat exchange catheter and method of using same
A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.
US08753299B1 Therapeutic joint cover apparatus
A therapeutic joint cover apparatus for massaging a knee while also providing compression that includes a tapered support body having an oval cutout centrally disposed therein which is surrounded by vibrating motors. A trio of length adjustable straps engages respective rings on the opposite side of the support body and a hook portion of hook and loop fastener disposed the straps' outer ends removably attach to an outer side of the support body to secure the support body to a user's knee. An interior lining disposed on the support body inner side provides a cool comfortable fit between the vibrating nodes and the user's knee. The apparatus is self-contained, including an on-off pressure-switched rechargeable battery housed in a pocket proximal to the top end so that no assembly or other preparations are required.
US08753297B2 Public access CPR and AED device
A system for resuscitation of a heart attack victim. The system includes CPR device which compresses the victim's chest, a defibrillator which may be used to defibrillate the patient, and an identification system for identifying the person operating the system. Depending on the identity of the operator, the system permits varying degrees of access to components and enablement of the functions of the various subsystems.
US08753293B2 Control system for childbirth and method thereof
A childbirth control system is provided to control the labor process of a patient. The patient's physical information of the patient and her fetus is continuously obtained during the labor via a plurality of diagnosis devices connected to a user terminal. The system includes an analysis module, which generates a childbirth progress data by continuously comparing the series of patient's measurement data with a series of reference measurement data. The childbirth progress data is provided on the user terminal to show the current progress of the childbirth as well as suggestions as to alternative childbirth method and medical treatment options. The system also provides the childbirth progress data to the user terminal of remotely located medical service providers, and allows them to remotely assist the childbirth process.
US08753291B2 High-modulus superelastic alloy wire for medical and dental purposes
A wire used in the medical field for guiding purposes, as well as in other fields, such as in the field of orthodontics for teeth aligning purposes. The wire, when prepared for use in such applications, exhibits an innovative blend of advantageous properties, including enhanced kink resistance over stainless steel wires and enhanced stiffness over Nitinol wires, which enhance its use as a medical guidewire or stylet, and further, as an arch wire in orthodontia applications.
US08753278B2 Pressure control in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging
Contact pressure from a transducer is controlled in medical diagnostic ultrasound imaging. Rather than measuring pressure directly using a pressure sensor on the transducer, the compression of tissue within the patient may be measured using ultrasound scanning. The desired amount of compression in the region of interest for diagnosis may be obtained. For example in breast imaging, the desired compression for imaging a portion of the breast is compared to compression measured from ultrasound data. Once the desired tissue compression is achieved, the pressure applied by the transducer is maintained while the diagnosis scan occurs. For example, a robotic arm locks or otherwise maintains the pressure during scanning.
US08753269B2 Minimally invasive access device for heart valve procedures
A surgical access device including a lower portion having a central opening spaced from a lower portion outer wall, an upper portion adjacent to the lower portion and having a central opening spaced from an upper portion outer wall, and at least one flange portion extending outwardly from the upper and lower portions. The device can further include a gap extending from the central openings of the lower and upper portions and through their outer walls.
US08753267B2 Access assembly insertion device
An improved access assembly is provided. The access assembly includes an inflatable port and an inflation cannula operably connected to the inflatable port to provide inflation fluid to the inflatable port. The inflatable port may be tapered in a first configuration to facilitate insertion through tissue. The inflation port defines a substantially hour-glass shape when in a second configuration to create a seal within an opening in the tissue.
US08753266B2 Device to permit offpump beating heart coronary bypass surgery
A heart retractor links lifting of the heart and regional immobilization which stops one part of the heart from moving to allow expeditious suturing while permitting other parts of the heart to continue to function whereby coronary surgery can be performed on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the heart retractor of the present invention. The retractor includes a plurality of flexible arms and a plurality of rigid arms as well as a surgery target immobilizing element. One form of the retractor can be sued in minimally invasive surgery, while other forms of the retractor can accommodate variations in heart size and paracardial spacing.
US08753240B2 Power transmitting device
Disclosed is a power transmitting device capable of streamlined structure and control, as well as alleviating energy loss. The device comprises a planetary gear device wherein motive power of an engine and a motor is inputted from a first element and a second element; and a first clutch that transmits, in an interruptible manner, motive power from a second shaft that is linked to the second element, to a first shaft that is linked to a third element and an input shaft, while interrupting motive power from the first shaft or the input shaft to the second shaft. It is possible to switch motive power of the engine and the motor with motive power transmission switching by the first clutch, thus allowing streamlining of structure and control.
US08753238B2 Belt detachment tool
A belt detachment tool 10 includes a detacher 11 and a pulley engagement portion 12. The detacher 11 includes a belt-climbing surface 11a′, a belt-sliding surface 11b′, and a belt-transferring surface 11c′ disposed therebetween. At least a belt contact portion of the belt-transferring surface 11c′ has a radius of curvature of 5-11 mm in plan view.
US08753234B1 Portable goal post and method
A portable and collapsible goal post including a tubular base defining a T-shape perpendicularly and vertically affixed to an upright. A post is pivotably attached to the upright, and pivots between a position parallel to the base and a position perpendicular to the base. The goal post further includes a tubular cross bar perpendicularly affixed to the post in opposing relation to the upright with a pair of tubular arms pivotably attached in opposing relation to different ones of the cross bar ends, each of the arms defining an L-shape and a cup, each of the cups defining a square cross-section. The goal post also includes a pair of poles, wherein the poles are inserted into different ones of the cups and the post is pivoted into a vertical position in line with the upright. A method of using the goal post is also included.
US08753223B2 Golf club face with spin strip
A golf club head (such as a putter head), has a face that includes a ball-contacting region. The ball-contacting region has an inset containing an elastically deformable material and at least one rigid element disposed within the elastically deformable material. When a golf ball is struck, the elastically deformable material compresses and the rigid element imparts overspin to the ball that causes it to roll more accurately.
US08753222B2 Fairway wood center of gravity projection
A golf club head includes a body defining an interior cavity. The body includes a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion, and a skirt positioned around a periphery between the sole and crown. The body has a forward portion and a rearward portion. The club head includes a face positioned at the forward portion of the body. The face defines a striking surface having an ideal impact location at a golf club head origin. Embodiments include club heads for a fairway wood that at least one of a high moment of inertia, a low center-of-gravity, a thin crown and a high coefficient of restitution.
US08753221B1 Adjustable golf club shaft and hosel assembly
A golf club comprising a hosel and a shaft that is fastened to the hosel at the heel-side of the club is disclosed herein. The golf club includes a wedge inserted into an opening on the heel-side of the hosel, which and retains the shaft within the hosel. In an alternative embodiment, a lever is inserted into an opening in the heel side of the hosel to retain the shaft within the hosel.
US08753216B2 Mist producing device for playground with sun shade apparatus
A play set with a mist device which includes a mist frame unit supported through a framework of the play set. The mist frame unit has a hollow body allowing water passage and comprises a flexible hose member mounted onto the framework, wherein a portion of the flexible hose member is constructed into a hose ring encircling a slide unit; a water inlet provided at a first end of the mist frame unit for connecting to a water source; and a plurality of mist producing units provided along the mist frame unit arranged for producing mist such that a preset mist surrounding area is defined within which the play set is located, therefore the mist can reach all play units of the play set, including the slide unit through the hose ring at an angle which is greater than 270°, thereby providing a cooling effect to the mist surrounding area.
US08753214B2 Game device, method for controlling game device, program and information memory medium
A game device is provided. The game device includes a first execution section, a game screen updating section, and a game situation data acquiring section. In the case where a first execution time which comes every first time period is reached, the first execution section generates game situation data. In the case where a second execution time which comes every second time period is reached, the game screen updating section updates a game screen based on game situation data corresponding to an attention time which comes a time period before the second execution time. The game situation data acquiring section acquires the game situation data corresponding to the attention time by executing interpolation processing based on first game situation data corresponding to a time which comes before the attention time and second game situation data corresponding to a time which comes after the attention time.
US08753210B2 Game system and controller
A game system is provided in which a plurality of pairs, each consisting of: a first input device provided with a first operation section; and a second input device provided with a second operation section, are wirelessly connected to a game apparatus, and in which a game process is executed based on operation data obtained from the first input device and the second input device. As an example, each of the first input device and the second input device includes a display section, wireless communication means for performing communication for the operation data and information regarding each pair, and a display control section for controlling a display form of the display section. The display control section controls the display form of the display section so as to be a display form corresponding to each pair. The game apparatus executes the game process based on the operation data for each pair.
US08753202B2 Wagering game, gaming machine, gaming system and method with real-time position updates
A wagering game, gaming machine, networked gaming system, and associated methods are disclosed including a bank of gaming machines connected to an overhead display enabling players at the respective gaming machines to qualify to play a community feature game displayed on the overhead display wherein each qualified player may view general and personalized real-time position updates.
US08753197B2 Gaming system having multiple gaming machines which provide bonus awards
A gaming system including a central server linked to a plurality of gaming machines and a plurality of bonus awards. The central server monitors wagers on the gaming machines. Based at least in part on the wagers the central server determines when bonus events will occur and which gaming machine(s) will provide the bonus awards. In one embodiment, the central server determines which gaming machine will provide a primary bonus award and any secondary bonus awards, wherein at least one gaming machine may be provided a plurality of bonus awards.
US08753190B2 Gaming device having a re-triggering symbol bonus scheme
A gaming device having a bonus scheme wherein a combination of bonus symbols trigger a bonus game and any one of the bonus symbols in the bonus game provides a player with an award. The award may be an extension of the bonus game by providing the player with additional spins or games. Also, the award may modify the combination and type of bonus symbols needed to enter the bonus game. Furthermore, the award may modify the award values in the bonus game. Therefore, a combination of bonus symbols triggers the bonus game and also triggers the gaming device to provide bonus awards in the bonus game. The re-triggering symbol award bonus scheme changes the probability of winning for the player and therefore creates a higher level of excitement and enjoyment of the game.
US08753189B2 Gaming device having different sets of primary and secondary reel symbols
An apparatus and method for a gaming device having a bonus game that provides a player with a primary set of reel symbols having a primary probability of winning and a secondary set of reel symbols having a secondary probability of winning, where the secondary probability of winning is greater than the primary probability of winning.
US08753188B2 Multi-player bingo game with multi-level award amount pattern mapping
The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a multi-player wagering game in which at least one of the players may win the occurrence of the wagering game by matching a predetermined game winning pattern of game indicia on a game array having a unique combination of game indicia based on matching the game indicia on the game array to game indicia randomly selected for the occurrence of the wagering game. The wagering game may include a plurality of game awards that may be awarded to the players. The game awards may be divided into pay groups, with each pay group being associated with a primary pattern on the game array, and with each game award within a pay group being associated with a secondary pattern on the game array. A gaming award may be awarded to a player in response to determining that the primary pattern and the secondary pattern associated with the gaming award are matched by patterns formed by the game indicia of the game array matching the randomly selected game indicia.
US08753180B2 Methods and apparatus for stripping leaves from a stalk cured tobacco plant
A machine which provides for both leaf stripping and grading can be used to process plants, such as burley tobacco plants, by continuously moving the plants in a first direction while simultaneously varying the position of the plants in a second direction relative to a defoliating apparatus. The plants may be moved horizontally through a machine by a transporter engaging the plant stalks while the vertical distance between the transporter (and thus the plants) is varied relative to the defoliating apparatus. The transporter and defoliating apparatus may be positioned at an angle to one another. Due to the changing amount of vertical distance, leaves from different sections of the plants, such as leaves at different stalk heights, can be contacted and removed at different corresponding horizontal locations in the machine. Accordingly, leaves can be graded based on the location(s) from which they are retrieved after removal.
US08753177B2 Apparatus and method for removing a surface layer from a food product
An apparatus for removing a surface layer from food products includes a product feed which feeds a product to be processed along a product conveying direction to a removal tool. The product is pressed with a component perpendicular to the product conveying direction toward an operative surface of the removal tool. The relative position between the product feed and the removal tool is adjustable by means of an adjustment apparatus, with a control unit associated with the adjustment apparatus designed to adjust the position of the removal tool relative to the product feed in dependence on the contour of the product.
US08753169B2 Adjustable breast positioning systems for women's garments and related methods
An improvement for an adjustable breast positioning system for a breast received within a breast cup of a woman's garment, and related methods.
US08753168B2 Pinwheel with lightup electronic head
A pinwheel toy having a handle, a shaft engaged to the handle and blades which spin about the shaft in response to wind pressure, has blades formed of holographic film having a three-dimensional appearance of a hologram, an electronic module within a capsule, and having a plurality of lights facing backward toward front faces of the blades, the electronic module being engaged with the shaft, and an impact switch engaged by tapping a front face of the capsule.
US08753159B1 Watercraft hull member
A watercraft includes a hull having an inside and an outside surface. A deck is disposed on the hull. The deck and the hull define an engine compartment. A power pack is disposed in the engine compartment. A propulsion unit is operatively connected to the power pack. At least one elongated member is disposed on the outside surface of the hull. The at least one elongated member is disposed at least in part forwardly of the propulsion unit. At least one connector joining a portion of the power pack to the at least one elongated member, the at least one connector extending through the hull. A member adapted to be disposed on an outside surface of a hull of the watercraft is also presented.
US08753149B2 Universal plug adaptor
The universal plug adaptor contains a face plate and a casing joined to the face plate. The casing contains a first track element, a terminal set, two platform elements, and a first sliding element in the casing. Each platform element has a first limiting piece for locking the first sliding element when it is pressured from a side. The platform elements, the first tack element, and the first sliding element engage with each other. The universal plug adaptor is able to prevent the hazard when only a prong is inserted and a prong is left outside the universal plug adaptor, and the first ground piece allows proper grounding to plugs conforming to German and French specifications.
US08753141B2 Adapter for connecting a harness to magnet wires
An adapter for connecting magnet wires to a harness. A first housing of the adapter is secured to a housing of a motor assembly. The first housing has first terminals which are secured in terminal receiving passages of the first housing. The first terminals have insulation displacing slots and mating portions, with the insulation displacing slots configured for receiving magnet wires therein and the mating portions configured to mate with contacts of a mateable connector attached to the harness. A second housing of the adapter has contact receiving passages with receiving portions which configured to receive the mating portions of the first terminals and mateable connector receiving passages extending from the receiving portions. The mateable connector receiving passages dimensioned to receive the contacts of a mateable connector therein.
US08753139B2 Device for fastening and contacting actuators
A device for the mechanical fastening and electrical contact with at least one control element (2), having first electrical contacts (9a, 9b), within a housing (3). Mating second electrical contacts (11a, 11b) are arranged on a connecting element (4) which can also be plugged into the housing (3). During assembly, the at least one control element (2) and the connecting element (4) are both plugged into the housing (3) so that such plugging engagement achieves electrical connection between the first electrical contacts (9a, 9b) and the second electrical contacts (11a, 11b) and, at the same time, an interlocked fastening of the at least one control element (2) with the housing (3).
US08753128B2 Method and apparatus for coupling portable communication devices
A method and apparatus couple portable communication devices. The apparatus (100) can include a coupling mechanism (130) including a first coupling mechanism connector (131) and a second coupling mechanism connector (132) mechanically coupled to the first coupling mechanism connector. The second coupling mechanism connector can be movable relative to the first coupling mechanism connector. The apparatus can include a first portable communication device (110) including a first portable communication device connector (112) detachably coupled to the first coupling mechanism connector. The apparatus can include a second portable communication device (120) including a second portable communication device connector (122) detachably coupled to the second coupling mechanism connector. The second portable communication device can be configured to communicate with the first portable communication device and move relative to the first portable communication device when coupled to the coupling mechanism. The first portable communication device can be adapted to be used independent from the second portable communication device.
US08753126B2 Method of forming a taxidermy mannequin
The present invention is a taxidermy mannequin having a mounting portion generally in the shape of an animal body, and a display portion generally in the shape of an animal head, wherein the mounting portion and display portion are secured together through a universal connection, thereby the taxidermist may choose different display portions to secure to the mount portion. The present invention further includes a plurality of selectively interchangeable features which are secured to the display portion. The features include a nose, a jaw, an eye, an ear liner, and a nictitating membrane.
US08753123B2 Driving support system and driving support managing device
A driving support system for giving a support to a driving operation of a vehicle includes a drive history database and a drive teaching unit for specifying a travel route of a vehicle subjected to a driving support. Vehicle information including information about vehicle operation is associated with pertinent route information and is registered as a drive history in the drive history database. The drive teaching unit is configured to extract a drive history corresponding to the specified travel route from the drive history database. The drive teaching unit is further configured as a guide for the driving support to teach information about the extracted drive history to a driver of the vehicle subjected to the driving support.
US08753120B2 Endodontic procedure using self-adhesive resin cements and sealers or self etching adhesives and chemically bondable obturators
A method of filling and sealing a root canal during an endodontic procedure involves: a) filling the root canal with a combination of: i) an obturator composed at least in part of a chemically-bondable material; and ii) a self-etching adhesive or self-adhesive resin-based cement or sealer; and b) curing the combination to seal the root canal. Also disclosed is a kit for carrying out the method, the kit having as components: a) an obturator composed at least in part of a chemically-bondable material; and b) a self-adhesive resin-based cement or sealer.
US08753117B2 Non-pressurized system for creating liquid droplets in a dental cleaning appliance
The appliance (10, FIG. 1) includes a body portion (27) and a nozzle portion (30) through which a spray of liquid droplets exits from a distal end thereof for cleaning of dental regions. The nozzle includes an orifice (36) at a proximal end thereof adjacent the body portion, as well as a pump (38) for moving liquid into an area of the nozzle just forward of the orifice. A mechanical system (12, 13, 14) is provided for moving a plunger or piston element (16) first away from the orifice under tension, such as a compression spring (24), and then controllably releasing the plunger or piston toward the orifice, the plunger/piston moving with sufficient force that atmospheric air which has been drawn into the appliance between the plunger or piston is forced through the orifice at a sufficiently high rate of speed to produce a spray of fluid droplets for dental cleaning when the moving air comes into contact with the liquid in the nozzle.
US08753108B2 Method and apparatus for treatment of unburnts
A method and apparatus for treatment of unburnts in a flue stream 9 of a chemical looping combustion system. Unburnts present in the flue stream 9 are treated after CO2 is removed from the flue stream in a gas processing unit 13. As shown in FIG. 2, oxidation of the unburnts occurs primarily in an air reactor 2 in the presence of air 1, allowing the system to maintain CO2 capture effectiveness and removing the need for creation of enriched or pure oxygen 11.
US08753102B2 Coinjection hot runner injection molding system
A coinjection molding apparatus is disclosed that provides first and second material melt streams to a nozzle. The nozzle defines a first material melt channel for receiving the first material melt stream and a second material melt channel for receiving the second material melt stream. The nozzle includes a sleeve and a nozzle tip having a tip divider. The sleeve is disposed within a longitudinal bore of the nozzle to divide the nozzle bore into the first material melt channel and the second material melt channel. The nozzle tip is coupled to a downstream end of the nozzle and defines a first material melt passage for receiving the first material melt stream from the first material melt channel of the nozzle and a second material melt passage for receiving the second material melt stream from the second material melt channel of the nozzle. The tip divider includes an upstream segment that is engaged with a downstream end of the sleeve to provide fluid communication between the first material melt passage of the nozzle tip and the first material melt channel of the nozzle.
US08753095B2 Pumping system and method of operation
A pumping system includes a pumping mechanism, a motor for driving the pumping mechanism, a device for supplying power of a variable frequency to the motor, a control device for setting a maximum value for a current in the motor, and a device for supplying to the control device data indicative of the temperature of gas exhaust from the pumping mechanism and a temperature of the stator of the pumping mechanism, wherein the control device is configured to use the received data to adjust the maximum value during operation of the pumping system.
US08753093B2 Bonded turbine bucket tip shroud and related method
A turbine bucket includes an airfoil portion and a tip shroud at a radially outer end of the airfoil portion. The tip shroud includes a first radially inner tip shroud component formed integrally with the airfoil portion and composed of a first metal material, and a second radially outer structural tip shroud component composed of a second metal material bonded to the first radially inner tip shroud component.
US08753090B2 Bladed disk assembly
A bladed disk assembly includes a disk, a blade, and a retaining clip. The disk is centered on an axis. The disk has at least one groove extending along the axis. The blade is received in the groove. The retaining clip contacts the blade and limits movement of the blade along the axis. The retaining clip is engaged with the disk through a snap-fit.
US08753089B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine moving blade cascade 30 of a turbine rotor assembly 35 has root portions of plural moving blades 13 fitted and held in a root groove circumferentially formed on the outer circumferential portion of a rotor disk 15 of a turbine rotor 14 and has a notch blade 40 fixed in a cutout portion formed in the rotor disk 15. The plural moving blades 13 are comprised of three types of moving blades which include regular blades 50 having a circumferential width determined through theoretical calculation, wide blades 51 having a circumferential width larger than the regular blades 50, and narrow blades 52 having a circumferential width smaller than the regular blades 50.
US08753087B2 Turbine rotor assembly and steam turbine
A turbine rotor assembly 10 comprises a turbine rotor and a plurality of moving blades 20 implanted in a circumferential direction of the rotor. A flow passage is formed between each of the moving blades 20 and a circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20. Each of the moving blades 20 comprises a suction side connecting member 22 protruded on a blade suction surface 21 and a pressure side connecting member 24 protruded on a blade pressure surface 23, wherein the suction side connecting member 22 of each of the moving blades 20 is configured to be connected with the pressure side connecting member 24 of the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 to form an intermediate connecting member 30 between the moving blade 20 and the circumferentially adjacent moving blade 20 during a rotation of the turbine rotor. A downstream side end edge 32 of the intermediate connecting member 30 is positioned at an upstream side of a throat S of the flow passage.
US08753083B2 Curved cooling passages for a turbine component
A turbine component having a curved cooling passage is disclosed. The turbine component may generally comprise an airfoil having a base and a tip disposed opposite the base. The airfoil may further include a pressure side and a suction side extending between a leading edge and a trailing edge. An airfoil cooling circuit may be at least partially disposed within the airfoil and may be configured to direct a cooling medium through the airfoil. The curved cooling passage may generally be in flow communication with the airfoil cooling circuit such that the cooling medium flowing through the airfoil cooling circuit may be directed into the cooling passage. Additionally, the curved cooling passage may generally extend lengthwise within the airfoil between the leading and trialing edges along at least a portion of one of the pressure side and the suction side of the airfoil.
US08753082B2 Gear box of a wind power plant
A multi-stage gear box (122) of a wind power plant, wherein the gear box (122) includes a gear box housing (125). The gear box (122) includes at least one access opening for the insertion of a work instrument into the gear box housing (125) or respectively into the interior of the gear box housing (125) is provided on the outside of the gear box housing (125) and in that at least one guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205) is provided for the work instrument inside the gear box housing (125) so that the work instrument is moveable and/or positionable within the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205). Parts of the gear box (122) in the gear box housing (125) are checked and/or worked by a work instrument inserted or arranged or arrangeable in the guiding device (201, 202, 203, 204, 205).
US08753080B2 Upwind wind turbine and operation method thereof
An upwind wind turbine includes a tilting coupling mechanism configured to couple base end portions of blades to a hub such that the blades can tilt between a normal position and a retracted position in which the blades are tilted in a downwind direction relative to the normal position. The upwind wind turbine also includes a tilting drive operating in association with the tilting coupling mechanism to switch the positions of the blades and a rotation stop to stop the rotation of the rotor. When the blades are switched to the retracted position, the rotation stop is actuated to stop the rotor in a predetermined rotational position in which the blades can tilt without interference with the tower, and the tilting drive is actuated to tilt the blades to the retracted position after stop of the rotation of the rotor.
US08753060B2 Article transfer device
An article transfer device with a simpler structure is provided which can transfer an article to a proper position. Operation of a first projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the first projecting and retracting motor when a first article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the first projecting and retracting motor. And operation of a second projecting and retracting motor is stopped when torque that is greater than or equal to a first preset value occurs in the second projecting and retracting motor when a second article holder is being projected toward a projected position by operation of the second projecting and retracting motor.
US08753059B2 Automated robotic system for surgical instrument storage and retrieval
A robotic system that identifies surgical instruments, sorts them by type, stores them, and retrieves them for packaging in surgical containers. The system is comprised of robotic components, a surgical instrument input mechanism, a surgical instrument identification system, a machine-vision system to assist in locating and identifying these items, a set of surgical instrument storage bins or stacks, a set of robotically accessible mechanisms for organizing surgical instruments within their containers, and a software control system that allows the device to perform its functions autonomously.
US08753057B2 Method and member for tightening threaded fasteners, and fixing and tightening device
This method of tightening a threaded fastener (6) to a predetermined torque comprises steps in which: axial and rotational coupling is begun, by surface shrinking to a tight fit, of the threaded fastener (6) to a tightening member (2) capable of turning the threaded fastener (6) and thereby tightening it, the tightening member (2) and the threaded fastener (6) being able, from an initial coupled configuration between the tightening member and the threaded fastener, to remain rotationally coupled at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is less than the predetermined tightening torque, and to be rotationally decoupled from each other at a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member to the threaded fastener, that is equal to the predetermined tightening torque; and from this initial coupled configuration, a rotary movement is applied to the tightening member (2) up to a rotary drive torque, transmitted by the tightening member (2) to the threaded fastener (6), that causes rotational decoupling of the tightening member (2) from the threaded fastener (6).
US08753054B2 Hollow element for attachment to a component comprising a composite material
A hollow element such as a hollow rivet or a nut element for attachment to a component consisting of a composite material such as a fiber reinforced plastic part or a fabric reinforced plastic part is presented. The element has a flange part and a shaft part extending away from the flange part and/or a rivet section, wherein the rivet section, is present, can also be formed at the free end of the shaft part, with the a hollow element furthermore having a central passage, which is optionally provided with a thread cylinder. The hollow element is used in combination with an auxiliary tip which is either inserted from the flange side of the element through the passage, or from the side of the free end of the shaft part of the rivet section into the passage, such that a conically converging region of the auxiliary tip projects from the free end of the shaft part or of the rivet section.
US08753053B2 Method for anchoring a joining element in an object and joining element to be used in the method
A joining element to be anchored in an object with the aid of a thermoplastic material and mechanical vibration includes a proximal end and a distal end that are spaced from one another along an axis of the joining element. A contact face is in the area of the proximal end, the contact face being suitable for being contacted with a vibrating tool for applying, to the joining element, mechanical vibration and a force parallel to the axis. The wall anchoring portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end, and has a circumferential surface being equipped with a plurality of recesses and radially protruding energy concentrating elements between the recesses. A tubular portion is situated between the proximal end and the distal end and extends distally from the wall anchoring portion.
US08753048B2 Hole saw
A hole saw that includes a saw body including a circular cutting edge having a cutting edge diameter, and the saw body is coupled to a guide member for rotation with the guide member. A pilot is coupled to the guide member for movement relative to the guide member and the saw body, and the pilot includes an outer guide surface having a diameter that increases in a direction from a second end portion of the guide member toward a first end portion of the guide member. The pilot is coupled to the guide member such that at least a portion of the outer guide surface extends past the circular cutting edge of the saw body in a direction from the first end portion of the guide member toward the second end portion of the guide member.
US08753045B2 Cutting insert having abutment bars and cutting tool therefor
A cutting tool has a cutting insert secured in an insert pocket. The cutting insert has two abutment bars located on its opposing side surfaces. The abutment bars of a respective side surface have generally coplanar outer surfaces which define an imaginary plane that does not intersect any portion of the respective side surface apart from the outer surfaces. The outer surfaces of one set of abutment bars engage a major wall of the insert pocket.
US08753039B2 Device for transporting and placing a bridge of an offshore oil rig for sea operation onto a floating or stationary structure
A device for transporting and placing a bridge (1) of an offshore oil rig onto a floating or stationary mounting structure (3). The device has two parallel floating barges (10) for mounting the bridge (1). Each barge has a set of vertical movement rams (11) that move the bridge between a position of bearing on the barges (10) and a position of bearing on the structure (3). Each barge (10) has at least one assembly (15) for controlling the roll of each barge (10) in relation to the bridge (1) during the placement of the bridge onto the mounting structure (3). The assembly includes at least two rams (16) that are carried by the barge (10) and are located on both sides of the longitudinal axis of the barge (10). Each ram (16) is connected to the bridge (1) by a connecting member (17) that has rigid pull and flexible compression.
US08753035B2 Asphalt concrete pavement containing wave absorbing material and maintenance process thereof
An asphalt concrete pavement containing a wave absorbing material and a maintenance process thereof are provided. The asphalt concrete pavement includes: 1. a coarse materials consisted of small stone with a grain size of 10-15 mm, macadam with a grain size of 5-10 mm and stone chip with a grain size of 0.1-5 mm; 2. fine materials consisted of sand; 3. a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material which accounts for 10%-100% of the mineral powder by weight percentage. Furthermore, an asphalt concrete material for making asphalt concrete pavement, a mineral powder containing a wave absorbing material, and a use of the mineral powder or wave absorbing material in making the asphalt concrete pavement are provided.
US08753027B2 Liquid applicator device
A liquid applicator device for dispensing an applicator liquid from an applicator liquid container comprising a closure for sealing with the applicator liquid container. A sealing surface is defined in the closure and a valve is disposed within the closure. A spring is located within the closure between a spring retaining step defined in the closure and the valve for biasing the valve into sealing engagement with the sealing surface of the closure for inhibiting the flow of the applicator liquid from the applicator liquid container. A passageway defined in the closure for slidably receiving an applicator tip for engaging with the valve to enable a depression of the applicator tip to displace the valve from the sealing surface of the closure to flow applicator liquid from the applicator liquid container to the applicator tip.
US08753022B2 LC connector and method of assembly
A fiber optic connector includes a front housing having sidewalls each defining a slot and a rear insert with a pair of locking flanges extending radially away, the locking flanges configured to snap-fit into the slots, each locking flange defining a front face and a rear face, the radially outermost portion of the rear face defining an edge, the edge being the rearmost extending portion of the locking flange. Another fiber optic connector includes a front housing defining a front opening at a front end, a circular rear opening at a rear end, and an internal cavity extending therebetween. A rear insert including a generally cylindrical front portion is inserted into the front housing through the circular rear opening, the front portion defining at least one longitudinal flat configured to reduce the overall diameter of the generally cylindrical front portion configured to be inserted into the front housing.
US08753011B2 Easily openable fastener tape, packaging bag with easily openable fastener tape, and method of manufacturing easily openable fastener tape
A belt-shaped base of a male member of a zipper tape attached on an inner surface of a bag body includes a main body provided with an engagement portion, a thin portion connected to an opening-side of the main body, a thick portion connected to an opening-side of the thin portion and a projecting portion provided on the thick portion. A female member is also provided with the same arrangement. When the zipper tape is fused with the bag body, a gap is provided between the thin portion and a film of the bag body and between the thin portion and a film of the bag body, so that the thin portions are easily bent.
US08753005B2 Apparatus for mixing the contents of a container
An apparatus for mixing materials is disclosed. The apparatus includes a support. A mixing container is disposed in the support, where the mixing container is configured to retain materials. A driver assembly is configured to protrude through the support and into the mixing container. The mixing container includes a paddle, the driver assembly is configured to be attached to the paddle, where the driver assembly is configured to oscillate the paddle in a back and forth direction at a set angle in order to mix the materials in the mixing container.
US08753004B2 Container for a blender
A container (15) for a blender (10) includes a bottom surface (16) having a non-symmetrically shaped perimeter. A side wall (17) extends upwardly from the perimeter of the bottom surface (16). A mixing blade assembly (20) having a plurality of blades (21) is located above the bottom surface (16) and is rotatable on an axis which is displaced from the center of the bottom surface (10). Nonuniform spaces (25, 26) are thus created between the ends of the blades (21) and the side wall (17). The bottom surface (16) is inclined at an angle relative to the plane normal to the axis of rotation of the blade assembly (20), and it, as well as the side wall (17), may be provided with a plurality of spaced vanes (31, 32).
US08752998B2 Display device
A display device includes: a first chassis including a bottom surface, and a side wall which extends from an edge of the bottom surface; a light guide plate in the first chassis; a first fixing member which overlaps the side wall of the first chassis and contacts an upper surface of the light guide plate; and a first fastening member which fastens the first fixing member to the side wall of the first chassis. The first chassis includes a groove which extends through the side wall of the first chassis, the light guide plate includes a first protrusion which protrudes from an edge of the light guide plate and extends into the groove, and the first fixing member contacts an upper surface of the first protrusion of the light guide plate.
US08752973B2 Lighting device, display device and television receiver
A thickness of a backlight unit is reduced and brightness in a middle portion of a display device is improved. The backlight unit includes a first LED unit 23; a first light guide plate 20 including a light entering surface 20b, and a light exiting surface 20a; and a second light guide plate 21 including a light entering surface 21b, and a light exiting surface 21a. The light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 is disposed to overlap at least a portion F of the light existing surface 20a of the first light guide plate 20 that is farthest from the first LED unit 23. Light outputted from the light exiting surface 21a of the second light guide plate 21 enters the first light guide plate 20 at least through a surface of the first light guide plate 20 opposite to the light exiting surface 20a thereof.
US08752956B2 Nail print apparatus
A nail print apparatus includes a print head which performs printing on a finger nail, a printing finger positioning unit which holds a fingertip of the finger nail on which the print head performs printing, non-printing finger receiving units which are provided respectively at sides of the printing finger positioning unit and which receive fingers other than the finger held by the printing finger positioning unit, and a placement unit on which at least the fingertip of the finger received by the printing finger positioning unit is placed.
US08752951B2 Inkjet ink comprising dynamic surface tension agent
An inkjet ink comprising water, colorant, and a dynamic surface active agent at an effective concentration such that dynamic surface tension DST20 min at 20 minutes universal surface age is less than each of dynamic surface tension DST1 sec at 1 second universal surface age and dynamic surface tension DST10 sec at 10 seconds universal surface age, and the difference between DST10 sec and DST20 min is greater than 9.2 mN/m at 21° C. or the difference between DST1 sec and DST20 min is greater than 15.5 mN/m at 21° C., and static surface tension of the ink is less than 50 mN/m. Large dynamic surface tension differences between the indicated time scales yield an optical density improvement in printed images. Anionic fluorosurfactant comprising a phosphate group at concentrations up to about 1 weight percent enables a combination of high optical density and good felt wetting in inkjet cartridges.
US08752940B2 Method of manufacturing a light emitting device
A technique capable of efficient, high speed processing for the formation of an organic compound layer by using an ink jet method is provided. In the method of forming an organic compound layer by using the ink jet method, a composition containing an organic compound having light emitting characteristics is discharged from an ink head, forming a continuous organic compound layer. The organic compound layer is formed on pixel electrodes aligned in a matrix shape, and is formed in a continuous manner over a plurality of pixel electrodes. A light emitting device is manufactured using organic light emitting elements in accordance with this manufacturing method.
US08752939B2 Printhead and method of making the printhead
A printhead assembly comprises a plurality of plates stacked together. The plates form a flow path having an inlet and a nozzle. An ejection chamber is in fluid connection with the flow path. A diaphragm is in operable connection with the ejection chamber. A micro actuator is in operable connection with the diaphragm, the micro actuator being configured to actuate the diaphragm. An adhesive layer bonds at least two of the plurality of plates together. The adhesive comprises silicone.
US08752935B2 Liquid ejection device
A liquid ejection device includes a transport unit, a medium support unit, a liquid ejection head and a negative pressure generating unit. The medium support unit is arranged on a downstream side of the transport unit, and has a medium support surface on which the ejection medium is supported by suction using negative pressure. The medium support unit includes a plurality of first and second recesses arranged on the medium support surface and aligned in a width direction orthogonal to a transport direction. The first recesses are in communication with the negative pressure generating unit. The second recesses are configured and arranged to accept the liquid ejected from the liquid ejection head. Each of the second recesses includes a communication unit communicating with one of the first recesses and a vent hole configured and arranged to allow ventilation without being in communication with the negative pressure generating unit.
US08752933B2 Liquid discharge apparatus
A liquid discharge apparatus includes a discharge head including a discharge surface, a receiving surface which receives discharged liquid, a wiper which wipes the receiving surface, a moving device which moves the wiper, a cleaning device which cleans the wiper, and a control device which controls the moving device to move the wiper while contacting the receiving surface, from a wiping start position at one end of the receiving surface to a wiping end position at the other end and to move the wiper from a cleaning position to the wiping start position. The cleaning position is located at an opposite side to the wiping end position with respect to the wiping start position, and a distance from the cleaning position to the wiping start position is smaller than a distance from the wiping end position to the wiping start position.
US08752917B1 Ball bushing positioning structure of a sliding rail assembly for server
A ball bushing positioning structure formed of a sliding rail, a carrier rail, a ball bushing, a release hook and a release control member is disclosed. When inserting the sliding rail with an affixed server into the ball bushing to a certain distance to release stop edges of upright guide walls of a retaining flange of the release hook from the stop walls of the ball bushing subject to the effect of the release control member, the ball bushing is moved with the sliding rail backwardly relative to the carrier rail, preventing falling of the server with the sliding rail out of the carrier rail and avoiding impact between the sliding rail and the ball bushing.
US08752916B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided that may include a refrigerator body having at least one cooling chamber, and at least one cooling chamber door that opens or closes the at least one cooling chamber. The cooling chamber door may include a first door configured to open or close the at least one cooling chamber, a second door configured to open or close an open portion formed in the first door, and a support provided at the open portion that supports articles or food. The second door may be rotated around a rotational shaft that extends in a substantially vertical direction with respect to the at least one cooling chamber door. With this structure, food may be supported using the support when the second door is opened, thereby facilitating the putting in and taking out of food from the open portion.
US08752911B2 Electronic apparatus and associated disassembly release tool
An apparatus comprises an enclosure having exterior walls defining an interior space; a top (10) having an interior surface (12) and a plurality of coupling clips (30) extending from the interior surface; and a base (5) having an inner surface (14). The base has a plurality of clip receiving members extending from the inner surface and reversibly engaging the coupling clips to secure the top to the base. The base further includes at least one aperture (7) adapted to permit a release fixture (50) having a plurality of decoupling members (40) extending from a plate (51) to simultaneously disengage the clip receiving members.
US08752908B2 Parking brake system for motor vehicles
A parking brake system for a motor vehicle comprising a control element and at least two electromechanical actuators. Each electromechanical actuator is configured for generating a parking brake force at one wheel of the motor vehicle. The electromechanical actuators are each provided with wheel electronic systems. The control element is connected via a brake controller to the wheel electronic system of a first electromechanical actuator by at least a first signal line. The control element is connected via a brake controller to the wheel electronic system of a second electromechanical actuator by a second signal line. At least a third signal line connects the control element directly to the wheel electronic systems or to one of the electromechanical actuators to convey a driver's request.
US08752906B2 Mining plough for plough systems and plough system for inclined formation
A mining plough for plough systems for the exploiting of minerals in inclined formations. In order to provide a mining plough and a plough system, with which coal seams, in particular seams in steep formation can be exploited economically and with high operating safety, the mining plough includes a separable plough body having two plough body basic elements each being provided with a fixture for a separate traction means and with a guide means for moving the coal plough by means of at least two traction means and for guiding the coal plough on at least two mutually spaced guide mechanisms.
US08752899B2 Backrest for a motor vehicle
A backrest for a motor vehicle seat has a head restraint that is height adjustable with the aid of a guide. A transverse strut connected fixedly at an upper region of the backrest. The guide has a guiding device that is attached fixedly to the transverse strut and guides a guiding element that is attached to and integrated in the head restraint. The guide (22) is assigned a locking unit (50), with a first locking part (51) that is fastened to the transverse strut (18), and a second locking part (52) that is fastened to the head restraint (4). The two locking parts (51, 52) interact according to a latch and hole principle.
US08752898B2 Main pivot assembly for incorporating into a seatback pivotly secured between first and second support plates
A seat assembly including a pair of spaced apart lower sectors, each exhibiting an annular extending inner surface defining first and second aligning apertures, and an upper sector interposed between the spaced apart lower sectors and exhibiting a further annular extending inner surface defining a further aperture positioned between the aligning apertures of the lower sectors and defining a pivot point of the upper sector. A bushing and collar spacer are incorporated into the pivot point to maintain a desired spacing between the upper and lower sectors. A bushing exhibits male and female subassemblies, each further exhibiting an outer annular projecting perimeter lip such that the male bushing is installed through the aligning apertures in the upper and lower sector plates from the exterior side of a first selected lower sector, whereas the female bushing is installed from an exterior side of the other lower sector.
US08752891B2 Planar heating device and seat with same
A planar heating device and a seat equipped with the device include: first and second warming heaters connected in parallel with electric power source; thermistor; thermostat connected in series with second warming heater; a heating part, i.e., first warming heater, that heats thermistor and thermostat; and controller to control temperatures of first and second warming heaters in accordance with temperature information from thermistor. For a period until thermostat turns off, quick-heating property is improved by energizing first and second warming heaters.
US08752890B2 Reclining seating unit with extendable footrest
A reclining seating unit includes: a frame; a backrest; a seat; main and auxiliary footrests; and a reclining linkage connected between the frame, backrest, seat, main footrest and auxiliary footrest. The reclining mechanism comprises a series of pivotally interconnected links and is configured to move the seating unit between an upright position, a TV position, and a fully reclined position. The reclining mechanism includes a footrest linkage that includes: an upper footrest extension link; a lower footrest extension link; a main footrest bracket on which the main footrest is mounted, the upper footrest extension link and the lower footrest extension link being pivotally connected to the main footrest bracket; a control link pivotally interconnected to the lower footrest extension link; a rear auxiliary footrest swing link pivotally attached to the main footrest bracket and to the control link; a front auxiliary footrest swing link pivotally attached to the main footrest bracket; and an auxiliary footrest bracket to which the auxiliary footrest is mounted, the rear and front auxiliary footrest swing links being pivotally attached to the auxiliary footrest bracket. This configuration can enable the footrest to extend a significant distance in front of the seat in the TV and fully reclined positions.
US08752888B2 Sunroof glass lifting prevention device and sunroof assembly including the same
A sunroof glass lifting prevention device may include at least one holder that may be provided to corresponding to a front end portion of a sunroof glass and that supports the front end portion of the sunroof glass.
US08752859B2 Fastening arrangement for an airbag module housing
A fastening arrangement has an airbag module housing for receiving an airbag and a gas generator, and a firing channel (3) to which the airbag module housing can be fixed via form-fitting elements (21). The form-fitting elements (21) enter into engagement with correspondingly designed receiving devices (311), and a flange (20) with passage openings (200) for the passage of fasteners for the final fastening of the airbag module housing (2) to the firing channel (3) or an instrument panel is arranged on the airbag module housing (2).
US08752856B2 Hitch cover including adapter
A hitch cover for use with a first hitch receiver having a first size and a second hitch receiver having a second size larger than the first size. The hitch cover includes a faceplate, a shaft that extends from the faceplate, the shaft configured to be received in the first hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the first hitch receiver. The cover further includes an adapter including a first end, a second end, and an aperture extending through the first end, and a fastener that removably couples the adapter and the shaft. The shaft is received in the aperture of the adapter and the shaft and the adapter are configured to be received in the second hitch receiver to couple the faceplate to the second hitch receiver.
US08752855B2 Accessory mounting systems for non-highway vehicles
A height adjustable multiple implement mounting system for use with off-road vehicles such as zero-turn lawnmowers. A mount assembly is secured at a forward portion of the vehicle. A space frame extends from the mount assembly and supports one or more ground care implements at a location forward of the vehicle. An electric actuator has a first end that is pivotably connected to the mount assembly and a second end that is attached to the space frame. Operation of the actuator alters the elevation of the implement such that the implement can be moved between in-use and out-of-use positions relative to a ground surface. In a preferred aspect, the mount assembly allows lateral or side-to-side rotation of the space frame and actuator so that the implement can be laterally inclined or pitched with respect to the vehicle.
US08752854B2 Gooseneck trailer with coupling link and latch actuators
Trailer with a detachable gooseneck having a deck supported toward the rear by ground engaging wheels, mating surfaces on the gooseneck and the deck which abut against each other when the gooseneck is attached to the deck, coupling pins extending along spaced apart, parallel axes from the gooseneck and the deck on opposite sides of the abutting surfaces, a coupling link movable along the pin on the gooseneck between a first position in which the link engages the pin on the deck and a second position in which the link is disengaged from the pin on the deck, and an actuator for moving the coupling link between the first and second positions. A latch hook is rotatively mounted on the deck to the rear of the abutting surfaces for engagement with a laterally extending latch bar which depends from the gooseneck, and a pneumatic actuator is operatively connected to the latch hook for moving the latch hook into and out of engagement with the latch bar.
US08752849B1 Damping system for skateboards
A damping system that incorporates a base plate and a hanger with an axle for receiving at least one wheel and a damping element coupling a skateboard deck or the base plate to the hanger and operable to retain the hanger in a normal alignment by introducing a resistance to the motion of the deck or base plate toward or away from the hanger for delaying, reducing, or preventing a speed wobble condition commonly encountered in skateboarding when traveling at a high rate of speed.
US08752845B2 Snowboard binding
A snowboard binding includes a base plate and a heel support attached directly or indirectly to this base plate so that it can pivot. Intermediate elements mount the heel support and can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the snowboard binding. Thus, the effective length of the snowboard binding can be adapted to the respective boot. Also, through different positioning of the intermediate elements, the heel support can be arranged diagonally relative to the longitudinal axis of the snowboard binding.
US08752837B2 Sheet storage device and image forming apparatus
A sheet storage device is equipped with sheet storage portions which are provided in an upper portion of a copying machine body and receive sheets, conveyed in sequence from the copying machine body, from downward and store the sheets in such a state that the sheets stand. The sheet storage portions are relatively rotatably supported in sequence and parallel. Each sheet storage portion receiving the sheet from the copying machine body is rotated to be held in the rotational position.
US08752815B2 System and method for processing multi-page mail pieces
Systems and methods for processing multi-page mail pieces include a first unwinder that produces single width web and a second unwinder that produces a double width web. A merger/aligner having a slitter is located downstream from the second unwinder, and a cutter is located downstream from the merger/aligner. The slitter slits the double width web into two single width webs, and all of the single width webs are fed into the cutter. The cutter cuts the webs cross-wise at appropriate locations to separate the webs into individual sheets of a desired length.
US08752814B1 Device to facilitate clasping of jewelry
A device and method to facilitate wearing of jewelry items which have hoop and clasp closures, comprising: a base or clamp for stabilizing the device on a surface; a wire guide member protruding from the base and affixed securely thereto, the wire guide having hook at its opposite end for engaging a distal hoop or link on an unclasped jewelry item, thereby permitting a person to: a. engage one end of a jewelry object with a device, b. open a complementary jewelry clasp with one or both free hands, c. position a wrist or neck within the bight of the jewelry item, d. close the clasp upon the hoop link, and e. slidably remove the clasped jewelry item from the device.
US08752811B2 Symmetrical head mounted tuned mass damper
A tuned mass damper is designed for a machine tool head that moves in the X, Y, and Z directions and rotates around a C-axis that is coincident with the axis of an arm that supports the head. The damper comprises a pair of damper masses symmetrically arranged around the head. Each damper mass has a center of gravity which is approximately in the geometric center of the mass. A resilient mounting is provided for each of the damper masses allowing the damper masses to damp out vibration in the X and Y directions regardless of the orientation of the head.
US08752803B2 Standoff adaptor for push pin
A standoff adaptor for a push pin. A spacer has a hole formed in one end to complementarily receive a push pin with the pin of the push pin extending outwardly therefrom. A head is threadedly mounted to the opposite end of the spacer and may be adjusted to tightly grip an item between a spacer and head.
US08752801B2 Apparatus and kit for supporting inclined structures
The present invention relates to an apparatus and kit for use in supporting inclined objects and structures. Specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus and kit useful for extending platforms on a roof in which scaffolding can be built upon. More specifically, the apparatus relates to an interconnected anchoring section designed to support the weight of equipment and individuals working on an inclined surface. The apparatus includes, generally, an anchoring section to attach to the peak of a rooftop or other inclined surface, and an attaching surface to connect the anchoring section to the platform section. The platform section allows equipment to be built thereon without damaging the roof or surface beneath.
US08752800B2 Board mount
A board mount which can be utilized to position a board relative to a building element. In various embodiments, the board mount can include a holder for receiving at least a portion of a drywall board and, in addition, a flexible member which can be inserted intermediate first and second building elements to retain the board holder relative to one of the first and second building elements. The flexible member can be configured to be deflected, or flexed, between a first configuration and a second configuration when the flexible member is positioned intermediate the building elements. In use, the flexible member can hold the board mount in place while a laborer inserts the drywall board into the board holder. In such circumstances, an additional laborer may not be required to hold the drywall board in position as it is fastened, or otherwise secured, to the frame of the building.
US08752798B2 Golf club bag support mechanisms and related methods
Embodiments of golf bag support mechanisms are disclosed herein. Other examples and related methods are also generally described herein.
US08752797B2 Rail line sensing and safety system
A rail line sensing and safety system adapted to reliably sense the presence, and optionally the direction and speed, of vehicles traveling on a rail line, and when a vehicle is sensed, to indicate whether a safety device, such as crossing gates, lights, bells, etc., should be activated. The system comprises at least one detection module typically mounted on a rail, at least one remote module typically located near a detection module, and at least one control module typically located near a safety device. In operation, a detection module senses a vehicle traveling on a rail line and sends signals to a remote module. The remote module then processes signals received from the detection module and transmits signals to the control module. The control module then directs, either directly or indirectly as a backup or supplement to an existing sensing and safety system, whether a safety device should be activated.
US08752795B2 Inlet nose cowl with a locally thickened fastening portion to enable an uninterrupted airflow surface
An aircraft component includes an exterior surface exposed to external airflow during flight, an interior surface, and a locally thickened fastening portion between the exterior and interior surfaces. An area of the interior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion is substantially parallel to an area of the exterior surface on the locally thickened fastening portion. The thickness of the aircraft component between the exterior surface and the interior surface is greater at the fastening portion than at an area surrounding the fastening portion. When the additional component is fastened to the substantially parallel area of the interior surface on the fastening portion with mechanical fasteners, the mechanical fasteners do not penetrate the exterior surface.
US08752791B2 Fuselage employing multifunctional crown and method of making the same
A fuselage structure includes a fuselage body and framework for stiffening the body. The framework includes at least one frame member having a duct therein for routing a utility through the body.
US08752776B2 Apparatus and method for the processing of cellulose fibres
The invention according to the present invention relates to the manufacture of paper and or boards and/or binding agents and a method and apparatus related to the same by providing for the defibrillation of cellulose fibers into a form in which the same can be subsequently sued to form the finished product directly or can be used to bind other materials together and then be formed into the finished product. The apparatus includes a twin screw conveyor through the material and liquid passes to be processed.
US08752775B2 Method and apparatus for reducing acoustic noise in a synthetic jet
A synthetic jet includes a first backer structure, one and only one actuator, a wall member coupled to and positioned between the first backer structure and the one and only one actuator to form a cavity, and wherein the wall member has an orifice formed therethrough, and wherein the orifice fluidically couples the cavity to an environment external to the cavity.
US08752769B2 Intelligent multimedia content synchronization
An intelligent synchronization tool ensures access to desired content in a manner that automatically keeps the content current on the portable media device. A variation threshold or user-specified degree of content variation may be introduced among content downloaded to a user's mobile device to prevent the user from becoming bored. Furthermore, intelligent synchronization may automatically populate the portable media device with popular content to save a user time and/or use passive monitoring techniques to ascertain a user's preferences for subsequent population.
US08752757B2 Device pairing using digital barcoding
Systems, apparatus, and methods are disclosed to pair devices via digital barcode. An example device is arranged to capture an image of a digital barcode. The example device is arranged to decode the digital barcode to determine a device identifier for each of one or more monitoring devices represented by the digital barcode, each of the one or more monitoring devices associated with a patient. The example device is arranged to request data from each of the one or more monitoring devices based on the one or more device identifiers. The example device is arranged to display the requested data.
US08752745B2 Enclosed weatherproof firearm case
A firearm case which is attachable to a motorcycle comprises a frame the holds and encloses a firearm. The frame includes a firearm lock and latch that securely locks the firearm in place. A housing surrounds the frame as to enclose the frame and firearm, safe from the weather, theft and minor damage. An optional remotely operated control system unlocks the firearm case and the firearm lock simultaneously for quick and easy access to the firearm.
US08752744B2 Portable tools
The present invention includes a portable tool including a tool body having a handle, a hook including a hook body, and a mounting device. The mounting device enables the hook body to be mounted to the handle with the hook body oriented in any one of a plurality of different directions and positioned at any one of a plurality of different positions along the oriented direction.
US08752739B2 Baby carrier
A baby carrier adapted for carrying a child either face-to face or in forward-facing position includes chest straps, which are arranged to extend around both shoulder regions of the wearer, a waist belt connected to the chest straps, and a carrier bag mounted on the chest straps and the waist belt and including a front piece which together with at least the chest straps forms a carrier pouch, having leg openings. At least the lower portion of the front piece is connected to the waist belt and forms a first seat support, and the front piece is at an upper portion detachably connected to respective chest strap by a connecting device. A second wider seat support is at least partially detachably arranged between the waist belt and a region of the front piece at a level corresponding to the waist belt.
US08752738B2 Dispenser and methods
A chamber member is mounted to a bottle body and has an opening and partially bounds a first chamber and a second chamber. A selector is mounted to the chamber body for relative rotation between a first dosing condition and a second dosing condition. In the first dosing condition: flow is not blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber. In the second dosing condition: flow is blocked from the first chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the second chamber out the opening; flow is not blocked from the bottle interior to the first chamber; and flow is blocked from the bottle interior to the second chamber.
US08752732B2 Fluid dispensing system
An apparatus including a fluid reservoir and a compressible metering chamber including a first end coupled to the fluid reservoir and a second end. The apparatus further including a valve coupled to the second end of the metering chamber and a nozzle coupled to the valve. A system including linearly translatable cartridge mounting assembly having a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations and a plurality of fluid dispensing cartridges mounted to respective fluid dispensing cartridge mounting stations. The system further including a plurality of compression assemblies coupled to respective fluid dispensing cartridges and a receiving assembly positioned beneath the mounting assembly. A method includes positioning a fluid dispensing cartridge comprising a fluid reservoir and a metering chamber over a sample retaining member, applying a compressive force to the metering chamber to eject a predetermined amount of fluid and removing the compressive force to refill the metering chamber.
US08752730B2 Viscous material selective packet method
A viscous material dispenser comprises a container having at least two opposing sidewalls; a first closure end; and a second closure end; the sidewalls and closure ends defining an enclosure, and at least one closure end comprising an expressing shape and at least one sidewall comprising a crease running from the expressing shaped closure end to the other closure end to permit folding the container at the crease to express a content from an interior of the container through the expressing shaped closure end to an exterior.
US08752720B1 Molded tether for a vessel cover system and a method of forming
A molded tether for coupling a cover to a bottle includes a primary ring, a flexible strap, and a bent portion. The primary ring is configured to be attached to a neck of the bottle. The flexible strap is configured to be coupled to the cover. The bent portion extends from the primary ring and couples the primary ring to the flexible strap. The bent portion has a higher level of rigidity than the flexible strap. The bent portion includes a flange and a depending tab. The flange extends radially outwardly from the primary ring. The depending tab extends from an end of the flange opposite the primary ring at a downwardly extending angle away from a plane containing the primary ring and toward the flexible strap. When the molded tether is coupled to the bottle and the cover is removed from the bottle, the strap hangs from the primary ring with an initially non-vertical orientation due to the bent portion.
US08752716B2 Export rack for sheet-like articles
The present invention is directed to an export rack for shipping sheet-like articles. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an export rack that includes at least one support, a removable gate and at least one top restraint. The removable gate includes at least one wedge that is configured to secure sheet-like articles loaded in the export rack.
US08752711B2 System and method of sorting elongated wood boards for preparing rows
This invention concerns a system for sorting elongated random width wood boards and preparing board rows having a row width within a predetermined width range. The system comprises a main longitudinal surface, a conveyor for conveying the boards on the main surface, a width detector, and accumulating compartments located one after the other under the main surface, controllable traps located on the main surface providing access to the accumulating compartments, controllable gates for retaining or releasing the boards accumulated therein and a controller. The controller selectively distributes each of the boards into the accumulating compartments, and controls the gates of the accumulating compartments to release the boards accumulated therein when the sum of the widths of the boards accumulated is within the predetermined width range.
US08752709B2 Sorting mined material
A method of sorting mined material to separate the mined material into at least two categories is disclosed. The method comprises exposing particles of the mined material to microwave energy and heating the particles depending on the susceptibility of the material in the particles. The method also comprises thermally analyzing the particles using the temperatures of the particles as a basis for the analysis to indicate composition differences between particles and then sorting the particles on the basis of the results of the thermal analysis. The method also comprises compensating for temperature variations in the mined material that is supplied to the method.
US08752702B2 Sterile bandage wrappers
One embodiment of the present disclosure may be directed to a wrapped bandage. The wrapped bandage may include a wrapper having a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion and the bottom portion each may include a first longitudinal edge, a second longitudinal edge, a third edge, and a fourth edge. Each edge may be continuous and straight along its entire length. The wrapped bandage may also include a bandage including an adhesive area and a pad. The wrapped bandage may also include a cover covering the adhesive area and a portion of the pad. The wrapper may surround the bandage and the cover. The edges of the top portion may be sealed to the edges of the bottom portion providing substantially no separation between the edges of the top and bottom portions.
US08752701B2 Packaging system for brachytherapy devices
A brachytherapy packaging system is disclosed including an inner tray containing a plurality of recesses, each recess for holding a strand of linked radiological seeds separated by spacers. An inner tray cover may also contain a plurality of recesses that coincide with the recesses of the inner tray when placed over the inner tray. The inner tray and inner tray cover may be supported by and enclosed in a container made out of a metal such as pewter. A retainer may also be supportable on the top of the container, shaped for holding a forceps or tweezers. An outer tray may be used for supporting and enclosing the container and optional retainer. The outer tray may be sealed with a removable sheet adhesively attached to a rim of the outer tray. Different configurations of the inner tray and inner tray cover may be used for different packaging configurations.
US08752694B2 Auger hopper with enhanced overflow trapping ability
The invention is an auger hopper attachment that can be positioned immediately adjacent a grain hopper outlet to reduce grain loss during transfer. The hopper comprises an adjustable stand that can be used to adjust the vertical position of the hopper to raise it toward the grain hopper outlet.
US08752691B2 Switcher
A vertical switcher includes a first conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a first tilting axis and a second conveyor belt mobile in rotation about a second tilting axis. A movement device moves the first and the second conveyor belt between an aligned condition in which the mobile ends thereof (opposite the inlet end and the outlet end) are substantially flanked and a switching condition in which the mobile ends are distanced from one another in order to enable passage of one or more objects crossing between them. The movement device exhibits a main oscillating arm that is mobile about a rotation axis coupled slidably to respective surfaces of the first and the second conveyor element such as to define a resting relation with the respective conveyor element.
US08752688B2 Device for handling value notes
The invention relates to a device for handling notes of value, comprising at least one shaft (12) on which at least one transport element (16) for transporting the notes of value is arranged. The transport element (16) comprises a first segment (32a) and a second segment (32b) separated from the first segment (32a) in an unmounted state. In a mounted state the first segment (32a) and the second segment (32b) are firmly connected to each other and enclose the shaft (12).
US08752675B2 Vehicle elevator and lift therein
The invention relates to a vehicle elevator, comprising: at least one carrier with a length direction for carrying a load thereon, such as a vehicle, and a lift under the carrier, which lift comprises at least two rotating components in a single line of assembly, wherein the rotating shaft extends along the line of assembly. The invention also relates to a lift for assembly in a vehicle elevator.
US08752669B2 Adaptor for scaffolding
An adaptor for attaching a first scaffold having a stack pin to a second scaffold having an opening includes a sleeve having an orifice adapted for receiving the stack pin. An exterior surface of the sleeve includes a tapered section to facilitate insertion of the sleeve into the opening so that the second scaffold can be stacked on top of the first scaffold.
US08752661B2 Saddle seat type vehicle
A technique for suppressing the stay of liquefied fuel in a purge pipe in a saddle seat type vehicle having a canister for adsorbing fuel gas. A motorcycle includes a center tunnel above which a foot passage space for allowing the passage of an operator's foot in riding the vehicle is formed and a fuel tank located inside the center tunnel on the front side of an engine. The center tunnel is provided so that a lowermost point of the foot passage space is higher in level than a connection point where a purge pipe is connected to an intake pipe, and the center tunnel has an inclined portion inclined upward from the lowermost point toward the front end of the vehicle. A purge control valve is located at a position on the front side of the lowermost point and higher in level than a canister.
US08752654B2 Drill bits with bearing elements for reducing exposure of cutters
A bearing element for a rotary, earth boring drag bit effectively reduces an exposure of at least one adjacent cutting element by a readily predictable amount, as well as a depth-of-cut (DOC) of the cutter. The bearing element has a substantially uniform thickness across substantially an entire area thereof. The bearing element also limits the amount of unit force applied to a formation so that the formation does not fail. The bearing element may prevent damage to cutters associated therewith, as well as possibly limit problems associated with bit balling, motor stalling and related drilling difficulties. Bits including the bearing elements, molds for forming the bearing elements and portions of bodies of bits that carry the bearing elements, methods for designing and fabricating the bearing elements and bits including the same, and methods for drilling subterranean formations are also disclosed.
US08752652B2 Coring apparatus and methods to use the same
An apparatus for conveyance via wireline or drillstring in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising a coring bit assembly, a first motor operatively coupled to the coring bit assembly via a gear box to rotationally drive the coring bit assembly, and a second motor to drive the coring bit assembly into the formation while the coring bit assembly is rotated by the first motor, wherein the coring bit assembly comprises a feature to permit the coring bit assembly to be broken when the coring bit assembly becomes stuck in the formation.
US08752646B2 Operating motor switch for electric power tool
An electric power tool includes: a motor; a housing receiving the motor; a power transmission mechanism configured to transmit a driving force of the motor to rotate a top tool; a snap switch including a swing type lever configured to turn on or off rotation of the motor, the snap switch being received inside the housing; a switch lever configured to move in a direction substantially vertical to a surface of the housing; a push bar configured to move the swing type lever in conjunction with the movement of the switch lever; and an urging unit configured to urge the push bar in a direction in which the switch is turned off.
US08752639B2 Fire suppression system and method thereof
A fire suppression system and method thereof is provided. The fire suppression system includes at least one inlet pipe, at least one outlet pipe, and a valve. The inlet pipe is at least partially filled with a fluid substance, wherein the fluid substance creates a first pressure in the inlet pipe. The outlet pipe is in fluid communication with the inlet pipe and contains a gaseous fluid, wherein the gaseous fluid creates a second pressure in the outlet pipe. The valve is in fluid communication between the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe, wherein the fluid substance enters the outlet pipe through the valve when the second pressure is altered to a predetermined pressure.
US08752631B2 Annular circulation valve and methods of using same
Valves comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as wellbore annulus, through a port. Operatively associated with the piston on the other side is a sleeve in sliding engagement with an inner mandrel. The inner mandrel comprises a port that is initially blocked by the sleeve. Upon an increase in pressure within the annulus, the piston is moved causing the port in the sleeve to align with the port in the inner mandrel thereby allowing fluid to flow from the annulus into the bore of the inner mandrel. As a result, fluid can be circulated through the valve, or pressure within the annulus can be reduced. A return member is operatively associated with the piston to urge the piston toward the closed position after pressure within the wellbore annulus is reduced.
US08752626B2 Compositions and methods for treatment of well bore tar
Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, one method includes contacting tar resident in a well bore with a tar stabilizer comprising an acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer; and allowing the tar stabilizer to interact with the tar to at least partially reduce the tendency of the tar to adhere to a surface.
US08752619B2 Apparatus for suspending a downhole well string
A clamping device for supporting a well string in a borehole includes a base plate with a central opening and primary clamp body clamp body supported for linear motion relative to the base plate. The clamping device further includes other clamp bodies supported for independent linear motion relative to the base plate. In certain embodiments, the clamping bodies are supported for pivoting motion to open and close the central opening. Each of the clamp bodies carries a gripping member on a face thereof for engaging a well string component received in the central opening. A drive mechanism is coupled to the clamp bodies and configured to move the clamp bodies relative to the base plate.
US08752605B2 Device for the automatic demounting of a tire from a rim and machine equipped with such device
A device for automatic demounting of a tire from a rim having: a support arm (4); a demounting tool (10) articulated to the support arm (4); an attachment member (12) having one end articulated to the demounting tool (10) by a first articulation pin (13) and the other end thereof pivoted to the support arm (4) around a second articulation pin (14) extending substantially parallel to the first articulation pin (13); at least one extension appendage of the support arm (4) or a section (17) of the support arm (4), which extends beyond the second articulation pin (14); and at least one tie rod member (18) that is articulated on one side to the tool, and on the other side to the extension appendage or section (17) of the support arm (4).
US08752604B2 Jet assisted tubeless tire seating device
A nozzle for seating a tubeless tire on a rim using pressurized gas includes an outlet, a jet configured to accept pressurized gas and emit a stream of gas through an orifice into a chamber. As the stream of gas enters the chamber, the Venturi effect causes air to enter the chamber through air intake ports and the stream of gas and air from the air intake ports is blown out of the outlet of the nozzle. A system for seating a tubeless tire on a rim includes the nozzle, a tank and a valve configured to control the flow of pressurized gas from the tank to the nozzle. The tire may be seated on the rim by positioning the system so that the air from the nozzle blows into the tire between the bead of the tire and the rim if the valve is opened.
US08752601B2 Pneumatic tire with specified carcass curvature
In a cross section in a tire width direction when a tire is mounted on a prescribed rim (7), a belt has a flat shape in the tire width direction, the height (SWh) of the position where the tire width is the maximum is more than half the cross-sectional height (SH) of the tire, and a path length (CSR1) of the carcass from an intersection (I1) to an intersection (I2), is longer than a path length (CSR2) of the carcass from the intersection (I1) to an intersection (I3).
US08752596B2 Hydrogen filling system and hydrogen filling method
A hydrogen filling system includes: a hydrogen tank that is filled with hydrogen; a determination unit that determines whether to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank; and a temperature regulating unit that regulates a temperature of the hydrogen tank, wherein, when the determination unit determines to fill hydrogen into the hydrogen tank, the temperature regulating unit starts cooling the hydrogen tank before filling of hydrogen into the hydrogen tank is started.
US08752594B2 In-store tintable non-infrared-absorptive paint and stain system
A custom color paint or stain tinting system employs at least one light-colored non-infrared-absorptive base paint or stain packaged in a point-of-sale container and an array of colorants including an infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, a non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant, and one or more additional liquid colorants made with non-infrared-absorptive pigments. The infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant or non-infrared-absorptive black liquid colorant may respectively be used to make custom-tinted interior or exterior paints and stains.
US08752593B2 Reinforcing bar binding machine
A reinforcing bar binding machine is provided with a cutting die having a wire through hole which penetrates through the die along a direction in which a wire is fed out, a blade portion adapted to move along an open plane of an opening at one end of the wire through hole to cut a terminating end portion of the wire which has passed through the wire through hole and an engagement portion adapted to be brought into engagement with a portion of the wire which lies in the vicinity of the terminating end portion thereof when the blade portion is rotated so as to bend to hold the portion lying in the vicinity of the terminating end portion.
US08752592B2 Method for manufacturing a turf reinforcement mat
A turf reinforcement fabric and a method for producing such a fabric by weaving a plurality of filaments in a predetermined pattern to form a three-dimensional structure formed to have a loft thickness without the application of heat to heat shrink the fibers, and/or formed with one or more fibers of increased thickness at peaks and valleys of the woven structure, and/or incorporating flame retardant and/or UV stabilizing fiber additives.
US08752591B2 Kink, crush, and burst resistant flexible hose
The flexible hose of the present invention is crush resistant, burst resistant, and virtually impossible to kink in normal use and is applicable to hoses that are designed for delivering virtually any kind of fluid including water, organic liquids, aqueous based herbicides, aqueous based insecticides, industrial chemicals, beverages, air, industrial gases, vacuum, and the like. The hose design of the present invention is particularly applicable to garden hoses for the delivery of water. In fact, garden hoses having the construction of the present invention are highly resistant to kinking and almost never kink when being used in conventional lawn, garden, and cleaning applications.
US08752587B1 Apparatus and method for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line
An ice blocking apparatus for preventing ice blockage of a sump pump discharge line. The apparatus is mounted to an external wall of a building and includes a housing having lower and upper openings, a discharge line connection segment fluidly coupled with the sump pump discharge line, an expeller segment including lower and upper pipe segments fluidly coupled with discharge segment, and first and second doors pivotably mounted to the housing and covering the lower and upper openings of the housing. The lower pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the lower opening in the housing, and the upper pipe segment is fluidly coupled with the upper opening in the housing. When ice is not blocking the lower opening of the housing, fluid from a sump pump flows through the lower opening, and when ice is blocking the lower opening, fluid flows through the upper opening of the housing.
US08752583B2 Multi-way valve of a fuel system of a gas turbine
A multi-way valve of a fuel system of a gas turbine is provided. The multi-way valve includes a valve body provided with a cylindrical housing, the wall bounding the housing includes a plurality of openings for supplying and/or removing fluids, wherein a movably supported insert including at least one channel having two additional openings is provided in the housing, whereby two adjoining openings may be fluidically connected to each other.
US08752569B2 Shutoff fitting
A shutoff fitting as protection device for blocking a fluid flow through a conduit includes a pneumatic adjustment device, and a hybrid gas generator operably connected to the adjustment device. The hybrid gas generator has a reaction chamber with a gas generator and a pressure gas chamber containing compressed gas and arranged adjacent to the reaction chamber. An inlet diaphragm separates the reaction chamber from the pressure gas chamber and can be penetrated, when the gas generator is activated, so that a passage is established from the reaction chamber to the pressure gas chamber. An outlet diaphragm closes the pressure gas chamber and is rendered ineffective through destruction when the gas generator is activated to enable compressed gas to flow into the adjustment device.
US08752567B2 Rupture protection device for a frost-free hydrant
A fitment for providing leak protection at a frost-free hydrant has a protective sheath having a bore of a first diameter. An escutcheon plate is formed at an outer end of the sheath to define an aperture for receiving a frost-free hydrant into the sheath. The sheath is made longer than any of a range of frost-free hydrants to be received therein and has an end cap sealingly connected to an inner end of the sheath. The end cap has a reducing section and an end section having a bore of a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and dimensioned to receive a link pipe in a sealing connection, the link pipe being of a length to bridge the distance between an inner end of the hydrant and building water supply equipment. In use, the hydrant with link pipe attached is inserted into the protective sheath and the combination of the hydrant and sheath is fully into the wall through a hole in the wall. The link pipe is then sealingly connected at the second diameter bore and to the building water supply equipment.
US08752564B1 System for covering a camper
The present invention features a system for covering a camper including a base frame and a support frame. The base frame lies on the ground and is secured to a pair of wheels of the camper. A launch pole is used to lift the cover from one side of the camper. The support frame is slidably secured to the base frame and used to support the cover when the support frame is pulled toward to the other side of the camper. Two soft star wheels are attached to the support frame on each side to provide protection to the camper by preventing the support frame or the camper cover from scratching the camper surface.
US08752561B1 Apparatus for adorning ponytail and associated methods
A ponytail holder includes an outer covering with a front surface and a hook fabric with a hook surface. The ponytail holder may include a tube with inner and outer surfaces and a longitudinal slit forming opposing longitudinal edges. The ponytail holder may also include end caps. A storage device for storage a plurality of the ponytail holders is described along with a kit for making the ponytail holder and a method of manufacturing the ponytail holder. Various embodiments of the ponytail holder, storage device, kit, and method of manufacturing the ponytail holder are described. The ponytail holder is configured for placement around a constricted area of a bundle of hair and over an existing elastic band that surrounds the bundle and forms the constricted area. The hook fabric is configured to mate with the existing elastic band such that the outer covering adorns the bundle of hair.
US08752551B2 Hybrid ventilation mask with nasal interface and method for configuring such a mask
A nasal ventilation interface and method for providing nasal ventilation to a patient includes a hybrid face mask, covering only the mouth, coupled with removable nasal inserts extending from the upper surface of the mask. The nasal interface has modular, removable, and disposable nasal pillows connecting the upper surface of the mouth-portion of the mask to the user's nares. Each part of the hybrid mask is modular and can be formed in various shapes and sizes. The ventilation interface has differing gas line entry ports and can be shallow with a relatively deep soft facial interface or deep with a relatively shallow facial interface. In either case, the upper surface receives the nasal interface. The upper surface can have a removable ceiling in which is defined a nasal interface connector. The nasal interface can be integral with a removable ceiling. The entire hybrid mask can be made in one piece.
US08752550B2 Internal nose filter mounting device, method, and kit
Internal nose filter mounting devices, methods and kits are provided. The nose filter mounting device includes two substantially parallel elongated members having first and second ends, a first connecting member joining the two elongated members at or near the first ends, a second connecting member joining the two elongated members at or near the second ends, and first and second magnets connected to the first and second connecting members, wherein the first and second magnets are configured to mate with filter elements in the nostrils of a user. The device may be implanted in the nasal septum of a patient.
US08752542B2 Direct solar steam generation
Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.
US08752528B2 Fuel injection device
A fuel injection device for smooth discharge of a gas accumulated therein comprising a fuel pump, a solenoid valve for injecting pressurized fuel into the intake passage of an engine, a high-pressure fuel passage extending from the fuel pump to the solenoid valve and has a medially positioned constant-pressure chamber, and a fuel return passage (38) connected to a fuel return pipe, with the fuel return passage extending from the constant- pressure chamber and having a medially positioned priming pump. The constant-pressure chamber is configured with the top wall in the upper space thereof disposed above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage opposite the solenoid valve, the fuel return passage opens into the upper space at a position above the opening of the high-pressure fuel passage, and the gas accumulating in the constant-pressure chamber is discharged from the upper space toward the fuel tank via the fuel return passage.
US08752517B2 Impeller of a device for variable adjustment of the control times of gas exchange valves of an internal combustion engine
An impeller (15) of a device (11) for variable adjustment of the control times of gas exchange valves (9, 10) of an internal combustion engine (1) having a substantially cylindrical hub element (17) and at least one blade (18) which extends radially to the outside proceeding from the hub element (17), wherein at least the hub element (17) is produced from a non-metallic material.
US08752516B2 Hydraulic control unit for use in valve timing control apparatus and controller for hydraulic control unit
A hydraulic control unit is configured to switch among a first state where a discharge passage of a pump driven by an internal combustion engine communicates with both a phase-advance passage and a lock passage and simultaneously a phase-retard passage communicates with a drain passage, a second state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-retard passage and the lock passage and simultaneously the phase-advance passage communicates with the drain passage, and a third state where the phase-advance passage, the phase-retard passage, and the lock passage all communicate with the discharge passage. The hydraulic control unit is further switchable to a fourth state where the discharge passage communicates with both the phase-advance passage and the phase-retard passage and simultaneously the lock passage communicates with the drain passage.
US08752506B2 Aquatic feeding device
An aquatic feeding device includes a hollow body having an exterior wall, the exterior wall including an exterior surface defining an external shape of the feeding device and an interior surface defining an inner cavity of the feeding device. The hollow body includes an upper end and a lower end. An air tight chamber is formed within the inner cavity of the feeding device adjacent the upper end of the hollow body. A plurality of feeding apertures are formed within the exterior wall adjacent the air tight chamber. The plurality of feeding apertures are shaped and dimensioned to permit pets with access to the inner cavity of the feeding device.
US08752498B1 Automatic bimini top
An adjustable watercraft awning includes a first base, a second base, a first frame member, a second frame member, an actuator, and a flexible cover. The first base is adapted to mount on a first side of a watercraft, and the second base is adapted to mount on a second side of the watercraft. The first frame member is pivotally coupled to a rear region of each of the first and second bases, and is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The second frame member is pivotally coupled to a front region of each of the first and second bases, and is continuously movable between a lowered position and a first raised position and also between the first raised position and a second raised position. The actuator is coupled to transmit mechanical power to the second frame member only.
US08752495B2 Floating foundation for mass production
A floating structure has an annular support as an underwater support with a buoyant body. A tower penetrates the annular support centrally and is connected to the annular support at a location underneath the annular support by slantedly outwardly ascending tension spokes and at a location above the annular support by slantedly outwardly descending tension spokes. Anchors on the ocean floor are connected by tension elements with the annular support. The structure is built by the steps of supporting by auxiliary devices the annular support on a floor of a basin that can be flooded; positioning the tower at the center of the annular support in vertical position; attaching the tension spokes at the annular support and at the tower; flooding the basin; towing the structure to its desired final position; and lowering and anchoring the structure in a submerged floating position.
US08752491B2 Sewing machine
A sewing machine is disclosed that includes a needle bar allowing attachment of a sewing needle including a needle eye to a lower end of thereof; a needle-bar lifting/lowering mechanism that moves the needle bar up and down; a presser foot; a presser foot lifting/lowering mechanism that moves the presser foot up and down; a hook that is provided with a beak for seizing a needle thread loop formed at the needle eye and that rotates in coordination with the up and down movement of the needle bar; and a controller that controls the presser foot lifting/lowering mechanism so as to resize a needle thread loop by lifting the presser foot to a predetermined height in coordination with a swing position of the needle bar and a predetermined height of the needle bar where the beak meets the needle thread loop.
US08752487B2 Low profile discharge gate assembly for a railroad hopper car
A low profile discharge gate assembly having a frame defining a discharge opening and including a gate slidably mounted on the frame for controlling the discharge of commodity through the gate assembly. Structure carried by and extending inwardly from three sides of the frame is arranged beneath a lower surface on the gate and boot flanges defined by the gate assembly frame further restrict the flow of commodity from the gate assembly. Less than 7.5 vertical inches separates a lower surface on the boot flanges from an upper surface on the mounting flanges of the gate assembly frame. An operating shaft assembly selectively controls movement of the gate between open an closed positions. Support structure further enhances rigidity and support for an end frame member through which the gate slidably moves.
US08752485B2 Re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator
A re-locking device for a rocker arm detonator (1) of an armament, such as a hand grenade, irritation body etc., is formed by a security mechanism (3), which facilitates a repeat locking after activation of the armament. The re-locking device includes at least one profile part (4, 4′), which is pivotably arranged and able to engage with the armament by means of an expedient (9), especially with the ignition head (5, 5′) and the rocker arm (2).
US08752478B2 Machine for the production of coffee
A machine for the preparation of drinks in capsules, particularly coffee, more particularly “Americano type coffee” or filter coffee or filtered coffee, of the type includes a boiler with a resistance for heating a liquid for the preparation of drinks, a pump for putting under pressure the liquid for the preparation of drinks, a hydraulic group for the feed of the liquid from the boiler through the capsule containing a portion of preparation for drinks with formation of the drink, and conveying means of the drink from the capsule to a collection container in which the hydraulic group includes a distribution valve blocking the distribution of the liquid for the preparation of drinks until a second operating threshold value is exceeded by the hydraulic pressure applied by the liquid for the preparation of drinks, this second operating threshold value being between 4 and 10 bar, preferably 4 and 6 bar.
US08752471B2 Concentric cylinder gas-operated automatic firearm
A fixed-barrel, gas-operated firearm having its barrel concentrically mounted within a pressure tube enclosing substantially all of the moving parts of the firearm's action. A gas cup reciprocates under the influence of propellant gas pressure when the firearm is fired, driving slide members that link the pressure cup to the firearm's bolt rearward within the pressure tube, unlocking the breech, rotating and retracting the bolt, discharging the spent cartridge casing and then advancing the bolt to chamber a new cartridge.
US08752470B2 Reduced size, symmetrical and asymmetrical crew compartment vehicle construction
A vehicle construction in which a survivability capsule and underbody V-deflector plate are located off-center relative to the vehicle providing desirable survivability and size characteristics, and minimizing overall vehicle width providing desirable maneuverability characteristics. The survivability capsule is constructed around occupants oriented to minimize capsule width and may incorporate traditional or spaced frame construction. The location of the capsule provides the ability to incorporate a large amount of storage area into the construction of the vehicle, or to use a spaced armor array on one side of the capsule providing protection from road-side threats including EFPs, RPGs, and RKG-3s.
US08752461B2 Hinge connections and power miter saw with hinge linkage linear guide including such hinge connections
A hinge connection between first and second links, including a shaft; a threaded aperture formed within an end portion of the shaft; and a pair of bearings. The hinge connection may optionally include a spacer surrounding the shaft. In addition, there is also a bushing surrounding the end portion of the shaft. A threaded fastening member is inserted into the threaded aperture of the shaft. Upon insertion and tightening of the threaded fastening member, any axial gap between the first bearing and the bushing is eliminated. Also disclosed is a hinge connection with a split shaft, including two cantilever shafts, where a main axial portion of each cantilever shaft is seated within a bore of the first link; and a pair of bearings, where an inner portion of each of the cantilever shafts is rotatably seated within one of the bearings.
US08752456B1 Device for deployment of alternate tool heads
Device for deployment of alternate tool heads having a tool bar, bias element, tool bar case, tool bar case removable cap, and tool bar locking pin.
US08752444B2 Electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission with at least five forward gears and one reverse gear
An electro-hydraulic control apparatus for a motor-vehicle transmission having at least five forward gears and one reverse gear, including first, second and third shift forks, each movable in at least one engagement position to engage a respective gear, first, second and third hydraulic actuators each arranged to control the movement of a respective shift fork in the respective at least one engagement position, and a slide valve selectively movable into one of at least three operating positions in each of which the slide valve selects a respective hydraulic actuator, wherein a first operating position is an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the first hydraulic actuator, and wherein a second operating position is also an end-of-travel position and corresponds to the selection of the second hydraulic actuator.
US08752443B2 Gear selector apparatus and control for a vehicle transmission
A gear selector apparatus for a transmission having a first gear and a second gear selectively engageable to a shaft through a synchronizer. The gear selector apparatus includes a hydraulic actuator, a gear selection fork engaged with the actuator, a guide bar fixed for common movement to the gear selection fork, a detent mechanism disposed in contact with a first edge of the guide bar, a position sensor disposed in contact with a second edge of the guide bar, a first and a second pressure control valve in communication with the hydraulic actuator, a controller in electrical communication with the position sensor and the first and second pressure control valve. The controller includes a control logic sequence.
US08752435B2 Miniature high sensitivity pressure sensor
There is described a miniature fiber optic pressure sensor design where sensitivity around specific biased pressure is optimized. In an embodiment, the pressure sensor is a Fabry-Perot (FP) sensor which comprises a substrate; and a diaphragm mounted on the substrate. The diaphragm has a center and comprises: a first layer comprising a first material; and a second layer comprising a second material. The second layer forms a dot or a ring. The dot or ring is mounted on the first layer and is centered about the center of the diaphragm. The second material comprises internal pre-stresses to cause the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a dot) or the peripheral area about the center of the diaphragm (in the case of a ring) to camber away from the substrate upon relaxing the internal pre-stresses.
US08752434B2 Fibre optical system and use thereof
A fiber optical system for pressure measurement has a pressure sensor element (4) with at least two parallel partially reflecting surfaces (5, 7), one of which is arranged on a diaphragm (6) movable with respect to another fixed said surface as a consequence of pressure differences across said diaphragm. Said surfaces are arranged so as to cause interference phenomena of light inciding substantially perpendicularly onto and reflected by the two surfaces depending upon the actual 10 distance between these surfaces. The pressure sensor element is made of material being stable at a continuous temperature up to at least 800° C. At least said diaphragm (6) of the sensor element is made of Si C, and at least a part (23) of the optical fiber (3) connecting to said sensor element is made of a material able to withstand a continuous temperature of at least 800° C.
US08752426B2 Fill-level measuring device
A fill-level measuring device with a membrane, which is placed in such a manner on one of the two end region of a tubular housing that it seals the housing on such end region. An oscillatable unit is placed on the side of the membrane facing away from the housing, with a driver/receiver unit, which is composed of a plurality of piezoelectric elements arranged in a stack. The driver/receiver unit is placed via a pressure screw unit in such a manner in the housing that it oscillates in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the housing between the membrane and the pressure screw unit. The driver/receiver unit excites the oscillatable unit via the membrane to execute oscillations, with a control/evaluation unit, which evaluates amplitude, frequency and/or phase of the oscillations of the oscillatable unit and with a temperature sensor for determining temperature of the medium. The temperature sensor is integrated in a fill-level measuring device element, which is in thermal contact with the medium via the membrane or the housing, wherein the element is so selected that the oscillatable unit oscillates unimpaired by the temperature sensor.
US08752425B2 Flow meter with hollow blocking rotor
A flow meter is disclosed with a hollow blocking rotor. The flow meter includes a housing that has a cavity with an inlet and an outlet. The flow meter also includes a pair of displacement rotors with a blocking rotor disposed between the displacement rotors. The blocking rotor includes a pair of convex walls and a pair of concave walls. The blocking rotor further includes a shaft coupled to the pair of concave walls. Each concave wall is disposed between and coupled to a pair of opposing convex walls. The concave walls provide clearance for rotation of the displacement rotors when the displacement rotors sweep along the concave walls. The hollow configuration of the blocking rotor reduces the impedance of the flow meter.
US08752422B2 Brake wear sensor of a disc brake
A brake wear sensor of a disc brake includes a sensor unit, a gearbox cooperating with the sensor unit, and a central drive element which is engaged with the gearbox for an input variable or characteristic variable associated with brake wear. The brake wear sensor also includes at least one additional input for a further input variable or characteristic variable.
US08752421B2 Flaw detection testing device for hub unit
A flaw detection testing device that carries out a flaw detection test on an outer peripheral surface of a clinched portion used to fix an inner ring member of a hub unit to a hub spindle includes: a flaw detection sensor; a clearance setting member that contacts the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion to set a clearance between the flaw detection sensor and the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion at a predetermined value; a fixing device that fixes a position of the flaw detection sensor with the clearance between the flaw detection sensor and the outer peripheral surface kept at the predetermined value; and an actuating device that moves the clearance setting member in such a direction that the clearance setting member is separated from the outer peripheral surface of the clinched portion with the position of the flaw detection sensor fixed by the fixing device.
US08752414B2 Methods to characterize sag in fluids
Systems and methods for direct and indirect measurement of the density of a fluid which exhibits sag characteristics is disclosed. The sag measurement system includes a test container for holding a fluid mixture to be analyzed and a suction port on the test container. A pump is coupled to the suction port for circulating the fluid mixture from the test container through a circulation loop. A measurement device is coupled to the circulation loop and a return port directs the fluid mixture from the circulation loop back to the test container at substantially the same vertical location as the suction port. The fluid mixture flowing through the circulation loop passes through the measurement device before returning to the test container through the return port. The measurement device is operable to monitor the particle distribution of the fluid mixture as it changes due to gravity.
US08752407B2 Cable lock
The invention relates to a cable lock, which consists of a lock body combined with a traversing part, wherein a slider and a holder are set inside the lock body, at least an upper bead hole is set on the slider, the at least an upper bead hole is set corresponding to at least a lower bead hole set on the holder, the upper bead hole and the lower bead hole may be glided and corresponding to each other by shifting the slider, to control at least a lock ball gliding in and out, hereby perform unlocking and locking spacing on an inserting slice set on one end of the traversing part, to thereby achieve the burglarproof and prized-proof effect.
US08752404B2 Drum for a laundry treatment machine
A drum for a laundry treatment machine that is rotatably mounted within the housing of the laundry treatment machine, and wherein the drum includes a bottom disk and a jacket which are individually or jointly provided with a curved structure. The curved structure includes at least two rows of prism-type embossings that have substantially rectangular base, and the at least two rows encompass at least partially the drum. A surface of embossings that is directed in a circumferential direction of the drum is arranged at a steep angle to the jacket; an opposing surface of the embossings is arranged at a flat angle to the jacket; and lateral surfaces of the embossings are arranged at least nearly at a right angle to the jacket.
US08752401B2 Method for producing a flow which is rich in methane and a cut which is rich in C2+ hydrocarbons from a flow of feed natural gas and an associated installation
This method comprises cooling the feed natural gas in a first heat exchanger and introducing the cooled, feed natural gas into a first separation flask.It comprises the dynamic expansion of a turbine supply flow in a first expansion turbine and introducing the expanded flow into a separation column. This method comprises removing, at the head of the separation column, a head flow rich in methane and removing a first recirculation flow from the compressed head flow rich in methane.The method comprises forming at least a second recirculation flow obtained from the head flow rich in methane downstream of the separation column and forming a dynamic expansion flow from the second recirculation flow.
US08752397B2 Air-conditioning apparatus
In an air-conditioning apparatus, a heat source side heat exchanger 12, intermediate heat exchangers 15a and 15b, and use side heat exchangers 26a to 26d are separately formed and adapted to be disposed at separate locations, respectively. There are provided a defrosting operation function to melt frost attached around the heat source side heat exchanger 12, and a heating function during defrosting operation that drives a pump 21a to circulate a heat medium and supply heating energy to the use side heat exchangers 26a to 26d in need of heating to perform heating operation. The defrosting operation function can be executed by switching a four-way valve 11 to cooling side to introduce a high-temperature high-pressure refrigerant flowed out of the compressor 10 into the heat source side heat exchanger 12.
US08752391B2 Integrated turbomachine oxygen plant
An integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes a turbomachine and an air separation unit. One or more compressor pathways flow compressed air from a compressor through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. An air separation unit is operably connected to the one or more compressor pathways and is configured to separate the compressed air into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air. A method of air separation in an integrated turbomachine oxygen plant includes compressing a flow of air in a compressor of a turbomachine. The compressed flow of air is flowed through one or more of a combustor and a turbine expander of the turbomachine to cool the combustor and/or the turbine expander. The compressed flow of air is directed to an air separation unit and is separated into oxygen and oxygen-depleted air.
US08752389B2 Fuel nozzle assembly for use with a gas turbine engine and method of assembling same
A fuel nozzle configured to channel fluid toward a combustion chamber within a gas turbine engine and a method for assembling the same are provided. The fuel nozzle includes a first hollow tube fabricated from a first material that has a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second tube fabricated from a second material that has a second coefficient of thermal expansion that is different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion. The second tube is coupled within the first tube such that the first tube substantially circumscribes the second tube, and the second tube thermally expands approximately at a same rate as the first tube during fuel nozzle operation.
US08752385B2 Heat recovery system of the boiler with CO2 capture system
A boiler system including an electric power generation system having a boiler, a steam turbine for generating electric power by steams which received heat at a boiler, a condenser provided at the downstream thereof for condensing the steams, and a heater for heating condensed water by steams extracted from the steam turbine and, further, a CO2 capture system of sorbing and capturing a CO2 gas in an exhausted gas exhausted from the boiler by using a solid CO2 sorbent, and a chimney of exhausting an exhaust gas in the CO2 capture system after recovery of CO2 or an exhaust gas exhausted from the boiler, in which the temperature of a fluid concerned with the boiler system is increased by using the exhaust gas exhausted from the CO2 capture system.
US08752384B2 Carbon dioxide capture interface and power generation facility
An interface for a pressurized fluidized bed combustion facility is disclosed that enables future addition of carbon dioxide capture technology to capture facility flue gas emissions. The interface includes a gas to water pressurized heat recovery steam generator to cool facility flue gas and provide steam to the facility steam turbine generator. A VFD motor and flue gas expander are coupled to a combustion air compressor to energize the facility. The expander is synchronized over a SSS-clutch to drive the compressor. The interface in combination with carbon capture technology and methods for conditioning flue gas are also disclosed.
US08752383B2 Module-based oxy-fuel boiler
A boiler system for producing steam from water includes a plurality of serially arranged oxy fuel boilers. Each boiler has an inlet in flow communication with a plurality of tubes. The tubes of each boiler form at least one water wall. Each of the boilers is configured to substantially prevent the introduction of air. Each boiler includes an oxy fuel combustion system including an oxygen supply for supplying oxygen having a purity of greater than 21 percent, a carbon based fuel supply for supplying a carbon based fuel and at least one oxy-fuel burner system for feeding the oxygen and the carbon based fuel into its respective boiler in a near stoichiometric proportion. The oxy fuel system is configured to limit an excess of either the oxygen or the carbon based fuel to a predetermined tolerance. The boiler tubes of each boiler are configured for direct, radiant energy exposure for energy transfer. Each of the boilers is independent of each of the other boilers.
US08752369B2 Latent heat storage catalyst for an exhaust system in an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a latent heat storage catalyst (3) for an exhaust system (1) in an internal combustion engine, in particular of a motor vehicle, comprising a member (5) that includes several parallel ducts (6). First ducts (6′) contain a phase change material (7), and second ducts (6″) have a catalytic coating (14). In order to be able to produce said latent heat storage catalyst at a low cost, the member (5) is formed by at least one layered structure (9) comprising two metal sheets (10, 11), at least one of which is corrugated and which rest against each other and are attached to one another such that the ridges of the at least one corrugated metal sheet (10) form the ducts (6).
US08752360B2 Variable length header truss for harvesting header
A harvesting header frame has a top beam, a bottom beam, and a diagonal truss member. A first end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the top beam and an opposing second end of said diagonal truss member is structurally connected to the bottom beam. The header frame also has a diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism that adjusts the length of the diagonal truss member to selectively lengthen or shorten the effective length of the diagonal truss member to modify the concavity of the header frame after the top and bottom beams and diagonal truss member have been connected. In one embodiment, the diagonal truss length adjustment mechanism is a telescoping compression member.
US08752358B2 Threading a saddle latigo strap to secure a saddle
A saddle latigo strap is threaded to secure a saddle. A body portion of a saddle latigo is looped through a permanent saddle rigging. A first end of the saddle latigo having a tapered portion is inserted through a second end. Notches of the body portion are engaged with holes of the first end to secure the saddle.
US08752354B2 Frame assembly for sheet material
A frame assembly for sheet material. A plurality of inner frame sections have at least one recess for receiving the sheet material. The inner frame sections can be fitted around at least part of the periphery of the sheet material. A first outer frame for receiving the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon is provided, together with a second outer frame to be applied to the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to connect the first and second external frames together is provided, with the inner frame sections therebetween. The first and second outer frames together define a space whose shape corresponds to that of the outer cross-sectional shape of the inner frame sections. Thus, the first and second outer frames capture the sheet material with the inner frame sections fitted thereon. A mechanism to hold the inner frame section in place is included.
US08752352B2 Covering from mechanically interconnectable elements
A covering from mechanically interconnectable elements, wherein at least one of the elements is a panel, wherein the elements have on their confronting sides a complementary profiling and can be locked together via said profiling. The locking is caused by at least one tongue element which is connected to one of the elements in an articulated manner and which can be pivoted during the joining motion behind a locking edge of the adjacent element, said locking edge extending essentially in the horizontal direction. The tongue element is in part connected to a core of the element by means of an elastic material and is a one-piece component of the element prior to the joining motion, wherein the one-piece connection between the tongue element and the element is configured as a predetermined breaking site which is provided to fail, in particular break, when the tongue element is pivoted.
US08752327B2 Oxygen availability-based irrigation system
Irrigation systems (36) and methods are provided that are based on measurements of oxygen levels and availability to the root of the plant. The irrigation management system comprises at least one sensor (24) deducing data indicating the level of oxygen wherein the data collected from the sensors is used to determine irrigation amounts and timing.
US08752319B2 Gap seal for gun
A gun or other projectile launching device includes a frame, and a barrel, including a bore therethrough, held in position by the frame. A cylinder is rotatable attached to the frame in close proximity to an inner end portion of the barrel, the cylinder having multiple chambers and configured to sequentially and longitudinally align a chamber with the bore of the barrel. A sleeve is slidingly positioned over the inner end portion of the barrel. The sleeve has a front face with a central opening therethrough, that has a size less than an inner diameter of the sleeve, but no smaller than a diameter of the bore through the barrel. The sleeve is configured to slide back, substantially in response to gas pressure, until the front face of the sleeve is forcibly maintained in contact with the cylinder to eliminate a gap between the cylinder and the barrel.
US08752314B2 Catheter information ring
An information ring for use with a catheter is disclosed. The information ring includes a body having a first end and a second end. The body has a first body face extending between the first end and the second end, and a second, generally convex face extending between the first end and the second end. The body has an opening extending therethrough between the first body face and the second face. A first indicia portion is located at the first end. The first indicia portion has a first indicia face sized to allow indicia to be printed on the first indicia face.
US08752312B2 Canvas stretching system with corner clamps
A stretching system to stretch a canvas or material on a frame without the use of stretching pliers and staples. Special purpose corner clamps are used to secure the stretcher bars into an initial open miter frame to orient the double sided adhesive strip on the side of the stretchers towards the canvas or material while maintaining the adhesive strip from touching the canvas or material. After alignment, the stretching bars are pressed down and attached onto the canvas or material and the corners are released. The corner clamps are removed and canvas or material corners are cut and folded into the open miter ends which also have adhesive strips. By rotating the stretchers axially 90 degrees into the final frame, thus closing the miters, and upon inserting U-shaped fasteners into the grooves placed on the back of the stretcher, the canvas or material is stretched and ready to display.
US08752310B1 Internally illuminated footwear component
The sole section of a shoe includes a midsole and an outsole, with the midsole being made from a translucent material. An illumination system is located inside the translucent midsole, causing the translucent midsole to be internally illuminated when the illumination system is active. Due to the translucent nature of the midsole light from the illumination system reflects internally throughout the midsole, increasing illumination. The light will also illuminate adjacent translucent components, such as the outsole if it is also made from a translucent material. Light from the illumination system can be blocked, such as by an opaque outsole or colored mold injection, and used to form an illuminated design or logo. By blacking out or covering sections of the translucent midsole, shapes and letters of visible light can be created in the negative space of the obstruction sections. This allows illuminated designs to easily be incorporated into footwear.
US08752306B2 Shoes, devices for shoes, and methods of using shoes
A shoe includes a first plate and a second plate that are located in a portion of the shoe between an upper and an outsole of the shoe, and a nest formed as a bag filled with one or more gasses located between the first plate and the second plate. The shoe may further include one or more springs located in cavities in the gas filled nest for biasing the first plate and the second plate apart from each other. Pods may be located within the openings in the center of the springs, and the pods may be filled with one or more gasses. The pods may protrude from a bottom or a top surface of the nest. Spring sandwiches including one or more springs positioned between plates may be constructed and placed in various portions of a shoe. The shoe may also include piping with lights.
US08752296B2 Unitary safety scaffolding and method for one individual to install the same
A scaffold assembly permits a single individual to install the assembly on an open stud wall. The assembly includes a horizontally oriented walkway supporting member, a vertically oriented rail support member, and a support unit extending from the walkway supporting member to the ground. An attachment assembly is connected to the walkway supporting member and includes a pair of rotatable members, one of which bears against the outer edges of a pair of adjacent studs and the other of which bears against the inner edges of the adjacent pair of studs in order to secure the scaffold assembly in place.
US08752291B2 Method for marking tubes in a shell and tube heat exchanger
A method for marking a specific tube in a shell and tube heat exchanger includes inserting a marker into a second tube adjacent to the tube to be marked and directing a directional pointer on the marker toward the tube to be marked.
US08752282B2 Cable preparation tool
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of devices for preparing cables, such as devices for pulling back the shield on an end portion of a coaxial cable to prepare the end portion for attachment to a connector. A coaxial cable, with an exposed central conductor, a dielectric insulator, and a shield (e.g., a metallic shield) can be inserted into a bore of a shield pull-back device configured in accordance with the present disclosure. As the cable is inserted into the bore, one or more gripping members can engage the cable shield and pull it back evenly without damaging the central conductor or the dielectric insulator.
US08752276B2 Method of manufacturing rotating electrical machine
A method of manufacturing a rotating electrical machine has steps of a preparation step that accommodates the cap in a jig space while bringing the jig and the pulley in contact in an up-and-down direction so that an operation space is sealed, and a main step that decompresses the operation space to pressure lower than atmospheric pressure, moves the cap to an upper side in the decompressed operation space, and press-fits the cap into the pulley. By this, an inclination and a misalignment in the axial direction of the cap by the action of the reaction force can be suppressed since the reaction force acting downwardly on the cap can be weakened compared with the case where the cap is press-fit under atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the press-fit-state of the cap can be stabilized.
US08752274B2 Method for manufacturing light bar that enhances central point brightness of backlight module
The present invention provides a method for mounting light bar that enhances central point brightness of backlight module, which includes (1) providing a PCB and LED lamps of different luminous intensities among which the difference is less than 20%; (2) positioning the LED lamps on the PCB in a spaced manner and electrically connected to the PCB; (3) providing a backlight module main body; (4) positioning the PCB with the LED lamps on the backlight module main body to form a the backlight module; (5) measuring central point brightness and illumination homogeneity; (6) adjusting the spacing distance between the LED lamps according to predetermined central point brightness and illumination homogeneity so as to have the central point brightness and illumination homogeneity of the LED lamps satisfying requirements; and (7) mounting the LED lamps to the PCB so as to form an LED light bar.
US08752273B2 Manufacturing method of foreign object detection apparatus
In a manufacturing method of a foreign object detection apparatus, an elastic insulator including an attaching section and an inner peripheral portion, on which a plurality of electrodes is disposed in such a manner that each of the electrodes is away from the others, is formed, a predetermined portion of the attaching section is removed, a feeding member is coupled with the electrodes, and a coupling portion of the electrodes and the feeding member and a portion of the elastic insulator are covered with a covering part.
US08752268B2 Method of making stents with radiopaque markers
Various embodiments of stents with radiopaque markers arranged in patterns are described herein.
US08752260B2 Holding device
A holding device (10) is provided for use during the installation of a component (60) to be fastened vertically to a support structure (50) such as that of an aircraft, for example a cabin sidewall lining part. The holding device (10) includes a hook (12) and an eyelet (14) receiving the hook, the hook and eyelet being designed so that they can be fastened to the support structure (50) or the component (60). The eyelet (14) has at least one elastically resilient element for the movable mutual support of the eyelet (14) and hook (12). The holding device (10) facilitates the fastening of a perpendicularly installed component (60). The elastically resilient element allows the component (60) to be pre-positioned in a nominal position.
US08752251B2 Cord release of window covering
A cord release for a window covering includes at least two cases engaged together to form a barrel with an opening at a top thereof. The cord release is defined with a frontal plane and a sagittal plane. A left side and a right side are defined at opposite sides of the sagittal plane, and a front side and a back side are defined at opposite sides of the frontal plane. The opening has a first collecting portion at the front side of the frontal plane and the right side of the sagittal plane, and a second collecting portion at the back side of the frontal plane and the left side of the sagittal plane. Therefore, the cords will be led to the first collecting portion and the second collecting portion to disengage the cases by the struggle force.
US08752244B2 Door closing mechanism
The present invention relates to a mechanism for closing a hinged member which comprises a resilient element for effecting closure of the hinged member and a hydraulic damper 5. The hydraulic damper 5, comprising a closed cylinder cavity 20 within a cylinder barrel 19, a rotational damper shaft 22 which extends into the cylinder cavity 20, and a piston 21, placed within the cylinder barrel 19 so as to divide the cylinder cavity 20 into a first side 20a above the piston 21 and a second side 20b below the piston 21. An outer perimeter surface of the piston 21 presents a clearance fit with an inner perimeter surface 27 of the cylinder barrel 19 at 20° C. The cylinder barrel 19 is made of a first material and the piston 21 of a second material which has a higher thermal expansion coefficient than the first material. In this way variations of the viscosity of the hydraulic fluid as a result of pressure fluctuations are compensated for by an increase or a decrease of the cross-section area of the clearance.
US08752242B2 Vacuum cleaner base with nozzle height adjustment
An upright vacuum cleaner comprises a base assembly pivotally connected to an upright assembly. The base assembly comprises housing, a support, and a ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism for raising or lowering a suction nozzle on the base assembly relative to a surface to be cleaned. The ratchet-operated nozzle height adjustment mechanism includes a ratchet mechanism for raising and lowering the housing relative to the support.
US08752241B2 Vacuum cleaner nozzle with magnetic lock
A suction nozzle has a housing, a tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, a connection nozzle, a lock for the tilting bearing, actuators and a housing duct. The tilting joint has a bearing connected rigidly to the housing and a connector piece which is pivotally mounted about an axis S. The lock has a first locking element, which is mounted rotatably on the housing, and a second locking element, which is rigidly connected to the connecting piece of the tilting joint. A restoring force for the first locking element is generated by magnets.
US08752240B2 Suction nozzle with obstacle sensor
A suction nozzle for a vacuum cleaner includes one or more sensor(s) to sense an obstacle near or proximate to the suction nozzle. A side brush can be rotated or a working air path can be diverted based on a signal from the sensor(s).
US08752237B2 Floor cleaner with stowable handle
A surface cleaning apparatus comprising a base; an upright handle assembly pivotally mounted to the base and including an upright housing at a lower portion thereof, a handle tube extending upwardly from an upper end of the upright housing and a push rod that is axially slidable within the handle tube; wherein the handle tube is mounted for telescoping movement within upright housing between an extended position and a stowed position within the upright housing; a fluid delivery system including a fluid supply tank for holding a supply of a cleaning fluid; a fluid distributor for distributing the cleaning fluid from the fluid supply tank onto the surface to be cleaned; and a fluid conduit, including a fluid flow controller, between the fluid supply tank and the fluid distributor. A locking collar on the upright housing locks the handle tube in the extended and stowed positions.
US08752236B2 Steam vacuum cleaner
A steam vacuum cleaner, having a suction port assembly including a suction hole formed on a bottom surface thereof and a dust receptacle detachably attached to the suction port assembly; a pump disposed in the suction port assembly to suction dust-laden air from an object being cleaned and to transfer the dust laden air to the dust receptacle; a steam unit disposed on the suction port assembly; a floorcloth unit disposed on the suction port assembly to scrub the object using steam supplied from the steam unit; and a handle member hinged with a portion of the suction port assembly, wherein the handle member has a variable length. Floorcloth plates having a plurality of steam passages radially formed on the bottom surface thereof may be rotatably mounted on the bottom surface of the suction port assembly.
US08752232B2 Cleaning sheet
A cleaning sheet (1A) includes: a substrate sheet (2); and a plurality of long-fiber bundles (3) provided thereon, each long-fiber bundle (3) being made by aggregating long fibers (31), the long-fiber bundles (3) being arranged side-by-side and joined to the substrate sheet (2). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined together by fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) is joined to the substrate sheet (2) by sheet-joining sections (21). Each sheet-joining section (21) is provided so as to overlap one of the fiber-joining sections (32). Each long-fiber bundle (3) has been cut by linear cut sections (24), each linear cut section (24) being formed in a region between adjacent sheet-joining sections (21). Each long-fiber bundle (3) includes cut fibers (311) and uncut fibers (312).
US08752221B2 Support apparatus
A support apparatus configured to support a prone user in a position that is conducive to interacting with a media item that is also supported thereon. The apparatus includes an upper body support that is configured to support an upper body of a prone user. The upper body support includes a base support member that provides a cushioned surface. The upper body support includes a chest support member extending upwardly from the base support member. The apparatus includes a strip extending frontwardly from the upper body support. The strip is a sheet of flexible material is a width that is substantially equal to the base support member. The apparatus includes a media support member that is coupled to the strip, opposite of the upper body support. The media support member includes a media support structure that is configured to support a media item in a viewable position.
US08752219B2 Bath system
A bath environment, such as a shower or a tub enclosure, has an outer wall and an area built into the outer wall that extends out of the bath environment. The area supports a user so that a user may pivot thereon to enter into the bath environment.
US08752218B2 Waste removal system
A waste removal system is provided that includes a pipe structure of a building and a portable waste receptacle. The pipe structure has an end that forms a roof vent and another end opening toward a sewer. The portable waste receptacle is in removable fluid communication with the pipe structure of the building structure via the roof vent. The system optionally includes a privacy apparatus that has a curtain capable of at least partially surrounding the waste removal device.
US08752217B1 Multi-part, molded athletic cup
An integrally molded, multi-part athletic protector with a rigid upper core cup, a semi-rigid lower scrotal bridge joined to the lower edge of the rigid core cup and adapted for both longitudinal and lateral flexion, and a flexible marginal cushion lining the interior surfaces of the core cup and scrotal bridge with a rolled peripheral edge contoured to the user's body.
US08752212B2 Device and method for securing the position of joint pads in sports
The invention utilizes a long sleeve modified shirt for the foundation garment. A separate tubular sleeve has one end sewn about the modified sleeve approximately at the elbow. The other end, the free end, of the tubular sleeve may then extend beyond the end of the modified sleeve. The arm is inserted into the modified sleeve and through the tubular sleeve. The elbow pad is attached about the elbow joint over the modified sleeve and over the tubular sleeve end sewn at the elbow area. The free end of the tubular sleeve is pulled over the elbow pad and attaches to the area near the Biceps/Shoulders with straps having removable attachment means thereon. The straps are attached to allow for adjustment. Essentially, the tubular sleeve forms a partial pouch about the elbow pad thus holding and preventing the elbow pad from shifting.
US08756695B1 Analysis of binary code
Binary file analysis is based on a measure of suspiciousness indicating level of doubt as to whether a process executing under control of an operating system machine can access and interpret contents of a binary file safely. Various parameters of a binary file may be classified and identified to construct a set of rules for components therein. Each rule in the set may be assigned a suspiciousness score that indicates a degree of confidence as to whether safe execution of the process on the binary file can be achieved. Analysis is performed while access to the binary file excludes interpreting the contents thereof and indicates a suspicious file when the suspiciousness score meets an established criterion.
US08756694B2 Prevention of exploitation of update rollback
The exploitation of rolling back a system configuration to a previous system configuration is prevented by querying the update status of the system and comparing the received response with an expected response. If the comparison indicates that the update version of the system is older than the expected update version, the system is determined to have been rolled back. Accordingly, appropriate action is taken, such as sending a warning to the system, stopping the system from operating, disabling selected features, disconnecting the system from a network, banning the system from future connections to the network, and/or installing an update. The query can include a request for update version numbers of updates, times when updates were applied, predetermined questions, and an indication of the system (e.g., machine serial number, unique ID value).
US08756686B2 Communication protocol for a containment-aware discovery service
In general, methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for providing a discovery service in a unique identifier network are described. Said discovery service is suitable for tracking and tracing a query item represented by a unique identifier in a unique identifier network. In particular, a communication protocol for a containment-aware discovery service is described.
US08756683B2 Distributed malicious software protection in file sharing environments
Automatic file replication and scanning for malware in a sharing environment is based on detection of file system changes. Only one client of the multi-client environment needs to include malware protection software for all clients to benefit. A file replication service for each client monitors a shared directory, and synchronizes files across clients at the file system driver level. When a new file appears in the shared directory of a client system, through this driver, the new file automatically gets replicated. A malware protection component operates by monitoring the directory for new or modified files. File replication causes automatic malware scanning on the client that has protection. When the file has been cleaned and re-written to the directory, the replication service senses that the file has changed and replicates the cleaned file to the other clients. Thus, the replication behavior produces a multiparty file scanning and cleansing protection scheme.
US08756677B2 Variable-strength security based on time and/or number of partial password unlocks
An authentication scheme for unlocking a computing system may require a shortened password in some cases. For example, the computing system may be configured to determine a time that a user has been locked out of a computing device and to determine which of a plurality of time spans that the time falls within. The computing system may also prompt the user for a required password including a full password or a subset of the full password depending on the determined time span. The computing system may be further configured to display a visual indicator corresponding to the determined time span or a required password length on a visual display. A length of the required password for login may be progressively longer for each of the plurality of time spans as a time period that a respective time span covers increases.
US08756676B1 System and method for secure message reply
A system and method whereby an unregistered, anonymous user at an organization's website makes a submission/inquiry and is able to access a secure response containing private information without pre-registering or establishing an account with the organization. A response to the user is made via an unsecured e-mail notification that provides the user with an HTTPS link to an authentication page. The user then enters his/her user identification, for example, the user email address and password which was associated with the original submission/inquiry. Once the email address and password is authenticated, the secure response message is displayed on the user's web browser in SSL. Each response is provided on a per-submission basis.
US08756656B1 Systems and methods for creating and synchronizing security metadata within synchronized-data networks
A computer-implemented method for creating and synchronizing security metadata for data objects within a synchronized-data network is disclosed. This method may comprise: 1) identifying a data object, 2) determining the trustworthiness of the data object, 3) generating security metadata for the data object that identifies the trustworthiness of the data object, and 4) synchronizing the security metadata within the synchronized-data network. The method may also comprise identifying a need to perform a security operation on the data object to determine the trustworthiness of the data object and then offloading or load balancing the security operation within the synchronized-data network. Corresponding systems and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08756652B2 Automatic PIN creation using password
A PIN is automatically generated based on at least one rule when the user enters a password through a user device. In one example, the PIN is a truncated version of the password where each character in the truncated version is mapped onto a number. The mapping can be a truncation at the beginning or end of the password, or the mapping can be with any pattern or sequence of characters in the password. This PIN generation may be transparent to the user, such that the user may not even know the PIN was generated when the password was entered. When the user attempts to access restricted content, the user may enter the PIN instead of the password, where the user may be notified of the rule used to generate the PIN so that the user will know the PIN by knowing the password.
US08756648B2 Provision of marked data content to user devices of a communications network
The invention refers to a method to be used in a telecommunication network for providing individually marked digital signals (S1, S2) to be transmitted to a plurality of recipient user devices (UE1, UE2), wherein a content digital signal (SO) is received together with one or a plurality of mark signals (M1, M2), and wherein an individually marked signal (S1, S2) to be provided to one of the user devices (UE1, UE2) is generated by combining the content signal (SO) with one or a plurality of mark signals (M1, M2). The invention further refers to a program and to devices for performing the method.
US08756641B2 Method and apparatus for generating media content
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a storage medium including computer instructions to receive sensory information at a media device from a first mobile communication device where the first mobile communication device obtains at least a portion of the sensory information from at least one second mobile communication device in response to a broadcast by the first mobile communication device of a wireless signal representing a notice to obtain the sensory information, where the sensory information is associated with an environment of the first mobile communication device, and where the sensory information comprises images of the environment. The computer instructions can enable generating a plurality of personal content utilizing at least a portion of the sensory information, where each of the plurality of personal content includes some of the images captured at different perspectives. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08756638B2 Method and device for displaying images of a video sequence
A method of displaying images of a video sequence during the spatial navigation in the video sequence in order to pass from a first to a second viewing mode, in which the video sequence comprises encoded images continuously transmitted from a server (23) to a client machine. The method comprises the following steps, performed by the client machine, during the navigation between the first and second viewing mode: sending to the server at least one request for obtaining supplementary data with respect to images to be displayed (S205) which were received beforehand, and, while awaiting the reception of a response to said at least one request: processing according to the second viewing mode at least one image of current resolution RN to be displayed (S203), which was received and decoded beforehand, and displaying said at least one processed image (S204).
US08756627B2 Distributed video creation
In an example, a system for distributed video creation is provided. In an example, the system enables users to create the ideas that they and others might film and/or upload. These may be single scene ideas, or multiple scene ideas. These ideas may be as part of a broader, existing video work, or a new video work. These ideas may be manifested as text (such as descriptions or instructions) or verbal (audio), or through pictures or video.
US08756621B2 Apparatus and method for inferring seamless service plan of video contents
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for inferring a service plan for seamlessly providing an IPTV service. The present invention proposes a context inference algorithm for performing multiple-criteria decision-making using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for context element evaluation through a context inference apparatus for providing a seamless IPTV service using a context awareness technology for recognizing device change and environmental change in a ubiquitous home networking environment including various types of information terminals.
US08756617B1 Schema validation for secure development of browser extensions
An extension schema validator may be executable within an extension process of an extension of a browser application, and may be configured to validate the extension with respect to an extension application program interface (API) that is provided in conjunction with the browser application for implementation of the extension. A browser schema validator may be executable within a browser process of the browser application, and may be configured to validate the extension with respect to the extension API. Successful validation of the extension by the extension schema validator prior to attempting validation of the extension by the browser schema validator may be required.
US08756598B1 Diskless virtual machine cloning by separately cloning a virtual drive and configuration data of a source virtual machine for combination into a cloned virtual machine
One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed that provide for cloning VMs, where different parts of the same VM are cloned separately. A temporary repository directory in a datastore of a storage controller is populated with a copy of one or more source virtual drive image files, which were generated from a source virtual machine (SVM) that is being cloned. A diskless virtual machine (DVM) is created in a destination container using configurations from the SVM. The copy of the one or more source virtual drive image files is cloned a desired number of times corresponding to a desired number of virtual machine clones. The DVM is cloned a desired number of times corresponding to a desired number of virtual machine clones. The DVM clones are combined with the source virtual drive image file clones in the destination container.
US08756590B2 Binding data parallel device source code
A compile environment is provided in a computer system that allows programmers to program both CPUs and data parallel devices (e.g., GPUs) using a high level general purpose programming language that has data parallel (DP) extensions. A compilation process translates modular DP code written in the general purpose language into DP device source code in a high level DP device programming language using a set of binding descriptors for the DP device source code. A binder generates a single, self-contained DP device source code unit from the set of binding descriptors. A DP device compiler generates a DP device executable for execution on one or more data parallel devices from the DP device source code unit.
US08756586B2 System and method for automated performance testing in a dynamic production environment
The present invention relates to a system and method for automated performance testing in a dynamic production environment. More particularly the present invention relates to an automated system that enables the determination of whether a software application can meet the scalability and performance requirements in a real time use environment, wherein the performance requirement test comprises test for workload, reliability and resource usage. The system of the present invention provides an automated system for performing testing method that can convert a static environment i.e. fixed workload, one application state and one hardware representation into a dynamic one and predict accurate performance results for said constantly changing application. The system enables less effort, time and consequently money, and meets the performance scalability and requirements in real-time.
US08756579B1 Client-side and server-side unified validation
A system and method for validating code on a client-side and on a server-side in a Web environment utilizes a single validation code to validate JavaScript code on a client-side and JavaScript code on a server-side of a computer network system. The single validation code can help to correct errors in the client code and ensure the integrity of data stored on the server.
US08756567B2 Profile based version comparison
Various embodiments of systems and methods to compare different versions of a development object based on a version comparison profile are described herein. Identities of the different versions of the development object are received. Further, a version comparison profile and a corresponding profile definition associated with the development object are received. Furthermore, the different versions of the development object are compared to determine one or more differences based upon the received version comparison profile and the corresponding profile definition. The determined one or more differences between the different versions of the development object are returned.
US08756565B2 Modifying a target system configuration to utilize a different synchronization module for performing synchronization among multiple programmable hardware elements
Customizing a target system. The target system may include a first device with a first programmable hardware element (PHE) and a second device with a second PHE. Synchronization modules may be provided for implementation on the first and second PHEs. The synchronization modules may provide a standard interface for interacting with other code. A user may specify user-created code for the first and second PHEs which utilizes the synchronization modules. The user-created code may interact with the synchronization modules using the standard interface. Accordingly, hardware descriptions may be generated for the first and second PHEs of the target system. Different modules may be used for different interconnects. Additionally, multiple synchronization modules may be used, e.g., dynamically, during operation of the target system.
US08756564B2 Techniques for providing environmental impact information associated with code
A technique for providing environmental impact information associated with code includes determining, based on execution of the code on a computer system, an environmental impact of a code execution sequence included in the code. A section of the code that is associated with the code execution sequence is then annotated with environmental impact information associated with the environmental impact of the code execution sequence.
US08756562B2 Subgraph execution control in a graphical modeling environment
Exemplary embodiments allow subgraph execution control within a graphical modeling or graphical programming environment. In an embodiment, a subgraph may be identified as a subset of blocks within a graphical model, or graphical program, or both. A subgraph initiator may explicitly execute the subgraph while maintaining data dependencies within the subgraph. Explicit signatures may be defined for the subgraph initiator and the subgraph either graphically or textually. Execution control may be branched wherein the data dependencies within the subgraph are maintained. Execution control may be joined together wherein the data dependencies within the subgraph are maintained.
US08756561B2 Software model normalization and mediation
An apparatus, network and methods for software model derivation and normalization are provided. In one embodiment a meta-model is derived from a plurality of software applications. The meta-model is independent of any particular software application. A number of software models are derived each compliant with the meta-model. A customer specific software application may then be derived from the models and an enterprise resource planning software application. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US08756560B2 Method for designing dummy pattern, exposure mask, semiconductor device, method for semiconductor device, and storage medium
A method for designing a dummy pattern that is formed in a vacant section of a chip region before a semiconductor substrate including the chip region that has a device graphics data section in which a circuit element pattern is formed and the vacant section in which the circuit element pattern is not formed is planarized by a chemical mechanical polishing process, the method includes: setting an overall dummy section on the entire chip region; setting a mesh section on the entire overall dummy section; dividing the overall dummy section by the mesh section so that a plurality of rectangular dummy patterns is formed on the entire chip region after the mesh section is set; and removing or transforming a part of the rectangular dummy patterns, thereby uniformizing a density of the dummy pattern in the chip region.
US08756558B2 FRAM compiler and layout
A computer program for generating a layout for a ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) that is embodied on a non-transitory storage medium and executable by a processor is provided. FRAM specifications are received, and an FRAM floorplan and design rules are retrieved from the non-transitory storage medium. The layout for the FRAM based on the FRAM specifications and design rules is then assembled.
US08756553B2 Computer product, design support method, design support apparatus, and manufacture method
A design support apparatus acquires position information for a signal wire that is to be disposed in wiring layer stacked on an insulation layer. Subsequently, the design support apparatus acquires position information for an area obtained by projecting, in a direction for glass fiber bundles to be stacked on one another, the glass fiber bundles in an insulation layer actually used. The design support apparatus converts the position information for the signal wire that is to be disposed into position information for a position in the area of the glass fiber bundles such that the signal wire is included in the area of the glass fiber bundles in the insulation layer actually used. The design support apparatus outputs the converted position information.
US08756552B1 Multiple via connections using connectivity rings
Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems for performing design layout are provided. In an example, a design layout corresponds to a layout of a standard cell whose connectivity is described by a netlist. For example, the netlist specifies net types for respective vias of the standard cell. One or more connectivity rings are formed within the design layout to provide connectivity for one or more vias of the design layout. For example, a first connectivity ring is generated, such as from mandrel, to connect one or more ring one vias. A second connectivity ring is generated, such as from passive pattern, to connect one or more ring two vias. One or more cuts are generated within the design layout to isolate vias having different net types. In this way, the design layout is self-aligned double patterning (SADP) compliant.
US08756549B2 Integrated circuit chip incorporating embedded thermal radiators for localized, on-demand, heating and a system and method for designing such an integrated circuit chip
Disclosed are embodiments of an integrated circuit chip designed for reliability at low ambient temperatures. The chip substrate can be divided into zones, including at least one temperature-sensitive zone (TSZ) that contains one or more temperature-sensitive circuits. Temperature sensor(s) can be positioned in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the TSZ. Thermal radiator(s) can be embedded in a metal wiring layer and aligned above the TSZ. The temperature sensor(s) can be operatively connected to the thermal radiator(s) and can trigger operation of the thermal radiator(s) when the temperature in the TSZ is below a predetermined threshold temperature. Additionally, an on-chip power control system can be operatively connected to the thermal radiator(s) so that operation of the thermal radiator(s) is only triggered when a circuit within the TSZ is about to be powered up. Also disclosed are associated embodiments of a system and method for designing such an integrated circuit chip.
US08756548B2 Computing system with hardware reconfiguration mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method for operating a computing system includes: receiving an application-tree for instantiating an application in a reconfigurable hardware device; operating a kernel unit for determining an unoccupied logic-sector within a reconfigurable hardware device; calculating a layout section from the application-tree according to the unoccupied logic-sector for instantiating a fragment circuitry corresponding to the layout section; and determining a system table for connecting the fragment circuitry to other portions of the application to form the application having the fragment circuitry.
US08756545B2 Delay time calculating apparatus and method
An apparatus calculates a delay time of nets within a circuit included in design data by a processing unit. The processing unit performs a process that includes selecting a first calculation to calculate the delay time of a net when the net satisfies a first condition, when the first calculation is not selected by the selecting, selecting the first or second calculation to calculate the delay time of the net, depending on whether the net satisfies a second condition, and calculating the delay time of the net by the first or second calculation selected by the selecting.
US08756540B1 Method and apparatus for extracted synthesis gate characteristics model
Method and apparatus are described for improved circuit synthesis by EDA machinery. Circuit designs are synthesized to a target hardware platform with resulting hardware characteristics correlated back to component types in the synthesis-stage circuit design. The accumulated characteristics samples then contribute to a characteristics value for the component type. The characteristics value can be used in future synthesis runs to condition processing, e.g., choosing between alternative implementation possibilities, using the characteristics value to provide an accurate prediction of a hardware implementation for the component type.
US08756531B2 Audio-visual navigation and communication
Communicating information through a user platform by representing, on a user platform visual display, spatial publishing objects as entities static locations within a three-dimensional spatial publishing object space. Each spatial publishing object associated with information, and each presenting a subset of the associated information. Establishing a user presence at a location within the spatial publishing object space. The user presence, in conjunction with a user point-of-view, being navigable by the user in at least a two-dimensional sub-space of the spatial publishing object space.
US08756523B2 Terminal, history management method, and computer usable storage medium for history management
A terminal device which can access Web contents individually for each window, the terminal device comprising a history storing means for associating each of histories of Web contents with predetermined image information, and storing the histories of the Web contents so that the histories of the Web contents can be managed for each window, an input means for receiving user's input operations, an image retrieving means for retrieving the image information by referring to the histories of each window, when a predetermined input operation is received, an image arranging means for arranging the retrieved image information for each window in a row, which is made to be in correspondence with each window, in a time series by referring to the histories, and displaying the arranged image information on a screen, and a focusing means for focusing on one piece of the arranged image information in response to the input operation.
US08756521B1 Systems and methods for automatic visualization configuration
The invention provides systems and methods that format data based at least in part upon attributes associated with such data. Data attributes can be related to a number of various factors in a data driven architecture such as the source of the data, the data subscriber and the path employed to convey the data from the source to the subscriber. In addition, data formatting can employ various levels of complexity and data presentation can vary dependent on various factors such as display device and user to which the data is presented. For example, the format of the data can refer to the size, shape, color, and graphics associated therewith.
US08756520B2 Individual information element access for unopened objects
A copy request is received that individually identifies an information element associated with a first unopened object to copy from the first unopened object. The individually identified information element is copied from the first unopened object. The information element copied from the first unopened object is stored to a memory.
US08756518B2 Stack objects order traversal and manipulation
Techniques for stack object order traversal and manipulation are described, including presenting an object preview panel having objects, each of the objects being associated with at least one stack object presented in a document panel, and performing an operation associated with at least one of the stack objects, the operation including accessing a stack object data file and a document file, where the operation is initiated in the object preview panel and performed in the document panel.
US08756516B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for interacting simultaneously with multiple application programs
Methods, systems, and computer program products for interacting simultaneously with multiple application programs are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes allowing a first application program to be associated with a second application program. The first and second application programs are responsive to inputs received via a user interface for interacting with respective user interface components associated with the first and second application programs. Further, an input is received via the user interface when the first application program has focus within the user interface. The received input is neither for interacting with the user interface components associated with the first application program nor the second application program. The association between the first and second application programs is used to present a portion of information related to the second application program while maintaining the focus of the first application program within the user interface in response to receiving the input.
US08756509B2 Visually representing and managing access control of resources
A method and system for controlling access to a resource. Visual representations of the resource and an entity are included in a display. Assignments of an access control requirement to the resource visual representation and an attribute to the entity visual representation are received. A movement in the display of the entity visual representation to a position proximate to a boundary of the resource visual representation is detected. The attribute assigned to the entity visual representation is determined to satisfy the access control requirement assigned to the resource visual representation. The entity is permitted to access the resource based on the attribute satisfying the access control requirement. A movement in the display of the entity visual representation across the boundary and a placement of the entity visual representation within the boundary of the resource visual representation are permitted based on the entity being permitted to access the resource.
US08756502B2 Minimal and preferential option user interface
A request to display a portion of a full-screen content overlay options menu of a multiple media player device is detected by the multiple media player device that represents less than all of the full-screen content overlay options menu. A media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A current setting status of an available adjustment of the multiple media player device associated with the portion of the full-screen content overlay options menu based upon the determined media type of content media currently accessed by the multiple media player device is determined. A first graphical menu pane of the full-screen content overlay options menu, including the current setting status of the available adjustment, is displayed over full-screen content on a display. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08756501B1 Method, system, and graphical user interface for meeting-spot-related introductions
One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which a client device associated with a first user: receives from a server computer information about a plurality of other users associated with a meeting spot; displays an identifier for the meeting spot and at least some of the information for the plurality of other users; receives from the first user a selection of information that corresponds to a second user associated with the meeting spot; displays information about a third user, wherein the third user is associated with the first user and is also associated with the second user; receives from the first user a request to communicate with the third user; sends a communication to a client device associated with the third user; and participates in an online communication with the client device associated with the third user and a client device associated with the second user.
US08756498B2 Electronic apparatus with dictionary function and computer-readable medium
On a content display screen corresponding to a searched item of an arbitrary dictionary, for example, an important item, an important year, and an important event are marked with a magenta highlighter, a blue highlighter, and a yellow highlighter, respectively. Then, position information of a highlighter range in the searched item of the dictionary is registered for each color in a highlighter information database, and the item name of the dictionary is associated with highlighter existence data for each color and registered in a wordbook database of Wordbook n selected by the user. When an arbitrary Wordbook n registered in the wordbook database is selected and called up, each item name registered in the selected wordbook is associated with a color mark according to the highlighter existence data for each color and displayed in a registered wordlist screen. Accordingly, a desired registered word can be quickly selected.
US08756483B2 Receiver for reducing power consumption and digital broadcast receiving system including the same
A receiver includes a frame boundary detector and a link controller. The frame boundary detector receives a plurality of transport stream (TS) packets and generates a control signal based on boundary information of the TS packets. The link controller disables a part of the receiver to disable forwarding of subsequent TS packets in response to the control signal. Each of the TS packets is a multi protocol encapsulation (MPE) section or a multi protocol encapsulation-forward error correction (MPE-FEC) section.
US08756480B2 Prioritized deleting of slices stored in a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a dispersed storage (DS) processing module monitoring storage of data, wherein the data is encoded using a dispersed storage error coding function to produce a plurality of sets of encoded data slices and is stored as the plurality of sets of encoded data slices. The method continues with the DS processing module determining analysis priority of the data in accordance with an analysis prioritization protocol. When the analysis priority of the data compares unfavorably to a first priority threshold, the method continues with the DS processing module issuing a command to delete an encoded data slice from each set of at least some of the plurality of sets of encoded data slices.
US08756474B2 Method for initiating a refresh operation in a solid-state nonvolatile memory device
A method for initiating a refresh operation of a solid-state nonvolatile memory device coupled to a processor is disclosed. The method comprises determining an error number for a block of the solid-state nonvolatile memory. The error number corresponds to an amount of error bits in a page of the block having a greatest amount of error bits. The method further comprises comparing the error number with an error threshold and determining a reset number indicating an amount of times that the processor has been reset since a previous refresh operation was performed on the block of the solid-state nonvolatile memory. The method further includes comparing the number of resets with a reset threshold and refreshing the block of the solid-state nonvolatile memory when the number of errors exceeds the error threshold and the number of resets exceeds the reset threshold.
US08756472B2 Method for selecting PMI for non-adaptive HARQ operation in a MIMO wireless communication system
A method for transmitting an uplink signal at a User Equipment (UE) in a wireless communication system includes receiving, from a Base Station (BS), an uplink scheduling grant for multi-antenna transmission; transmitting the uplink signal precoded using precoding information included in the received uplink scheduling grant to the BS; and retransmitting the uplink signal to the BS according to Acknowledgment/Negative Acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) corresponding to the transmitted uplink signal. The retransmitted uplink signal is precoded using precoding information included in a most recent uplink scheduling grant or a predetermined precoding matrix if an uplink scheduling grant for the retransmission is not received from the BS.
US08756458B2 Mount-time reconciliation of data availability
Systems and methods are disclosed for mount-time reconciliation of data availability. During system boot-up, a non-volatile memory (“NVM”) driver can be enumerated, and an NVM driver mapping can be obtained. The NVM driver mapping can include the actual availability of LBAs in the NVM. A file system can then be mounted, and a file system allocation state can be generated. The file system allocation state can indicate the file system's view of the availability of LBAs. Subsequently, data availability reconciliation can be performed. That is, the file system allocation state and the NVM driver mapping can be overlaid and compared with one another in order to expose any discrepancies.
US08756457B2 Over-current protection system of and method thereof
An over-current protection system used in a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a current supply module, a processor, and a battery. The over-current protection system commands the processor to disable its boost state if a first current generated by the current supply module when the processor is in the boost state is greater than a second current affordable by the current supply module.
US08756451B2 Frequency synthesis methods and systems
Multi-tier methods and systems to synthesize a reference frequency, and control one or more tiers in view of multiple prioritized criteria. A first tier of a frequency synthesizer may include a first phase locked loop (PLL), which may include an inductive-capacitive voltage-controlled oscillator (LC VCO). One or more subsequent tiers may each include a second PLL, which may include a self-biased (SB) VCO PLL or a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) PPL. A subsequent tier may be controllable with respect to multiple parameters. Parameters may be evaluated and selected based on multiple criteria, which may be prioritized. Parameters may be selected, for example, to minimize a frequency error equal relative to a permissible deviation from a desired frequency as a first priority, reduce jitter as a second priority, and minimize a frequency error relative to the desired frequency as a third priority.
US08756447B2 Apparatus and method for transmitting a pause frame to a link partner to establish a transmission pause period according to a low data rate being detected
A low power consumption network device includes: a data rate meter for detecting a data rate of the network device; a state machine unit for determining a state of the network device according to the data rate and for generating an instruction signal; and a power control unit for controlling a power consumption state of the network device according to the instruction signal. According to the data rate, the state machine unit controls whether the network device transmits a pause frame to a link partner, so that the link partner stops transmitting data to the network device during a pause period. During the pause period, the power control unit controls the network device into a power saving mode.
US08756446B2 Microprocessor having a low-power mode and a non-low power mode, data processing system and computer program product
A microprocessor has a low-power mode and a non-low power mode. The microprocessor includes a processor core for executing instructions provided to the microprocessor and a clock providing a clock signal, which in the non-low power mode has a first frequency and in the low power mode has a second frequency lower than the first frequency. A hardware timer is present, for scheduling an execution of an event by the microprocessor at a future point in time. The hardware timer is connected to the clock for determining a period of time between a current point in time and a point in time the event based on a number of clock cycles of the clock signal. A timer controller can determine, when the data processing system switches from the low power mode to the non-low power mode, a number of clock cycles of a clock signal with the first frequency that corresponds to a low-power mode period during which the microprocessor has been in the low power mode and adjusting the hardware timer based on the determined number.
US08756438B2 Securely field configurable device
A field configurable device, such as an FPGA, supports secure field configuration without using non-volatile storage for cryptographic keys on the device and without requiring a continuous or ongoing power source to maintain a volatile storage on the device. The approach can be used to secure the configuration data such that it can in general be used on a single or a selected set of devices and/or encryption of the configuration data so that the encrypted configuration data can be exposed without compromising information encoded in the configuration data.
US08756435B2 Obfuscation of control flow of software
Methods, media and systems that obfuscate control flow in software programs. The obfuscation can impede or prevent static flow analysis of a software program's control flow. In one embodiment, a method, performed by a data processing system, identifies each branch point in a set of branch points in a first version of software and replaces, in each branch point in the set, a representation of a target of the branch point with a computed value that depends upon at least one prior computed value in a stream of instructions in the first version of software. Other embodiments are also described.
US08756432B1 Systems and methods for detecting malicious digitally-signed applications
A computer-implemented method for detecting malicious digitally-signed applications. The method may include 1) identifying an application package file that has been digitally signed, wherein the application package file is used to distribute an application, 2) comparing the application package file to a set of known application package files, 3) determining that the application package file has been repackaged from a known application package file, 4) comparing a public key associated with a digital signature of the application package file to a public key associated with a digital signature of the known application package file, 5) determining that the public key associated with the digital signature of the application package file and the public key associated with the digital signature of the known application package file are different, and 6) performing a security action on the application. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08756422B2 System and method for secure and/or interactive dissemination of information
An interactive information dissemination system includes a media server (210) for receiving a plurality of media elements and storing the media elements in a database. A sender client (200) enables a first user to identify message data, a recipient identifier, and a media element from the database of media elements. A recipient client (202) presents the media element to a second user associated with the recipient identifier. The recipient client (202) further presents the message data to the second user when the second user performs a predetermined action, such as submitting authentication information or requesting the message data, to receive the message data. The message data may be secured by requiring sender and recipient authentication, and by encoding the data using a private encoding key and data package identifier managed by a main server (206) and a key server (208).
US08756413B2 Method and device for ensuring information integrity and non-repudiation over time
The present invention relates to a method and a device for ensuring information integrity and non-repudiation over time. A basic idea of the present invention is to provide a mechanism for secure distribution of information, which information relates to an instance in time when usage of cryptographic key pairs associated with a certain brand identity commenced, as well as when the key pairs ceased to be used, i.e. when the key pairs were revoked. The mechanism further allows a company or an organization to tie administration of cryptographic key pairs and a procedure for verifying information integrity and non-repudiation to their own brand. This can be seen as a complement or an alternative to using a certificate authority (CA) as a trusted third party, which CA guarantees an alleged relation between a public key and the identity of the company or organization using the cryptographic key pair to which that public key belongs.
US08756411B2 Application layer security proxy for automation and control system networks
Embodiments provide an application layer security proxy that protects substation automation systems. The application layer security proxy inspects a received, inbound data packet at the application layer, and either drops the data packet, forwards the data packet, or processes the data packet rather than dropping it in order to maintain the communications network connection, the later two according to a predefined role-based access control policy. The application layer security proxy calculates a round trip time for each reply to a received, inbound data packet and observes the bandwidth usage from the amount of bytes transmitted. Round trip time and bandwidth usage are used to detect abnormal communication traffic.
US08756410B2 Polynomial evaluation delegation
Shares for one or more data values in a dataset can be computed using evaluation point values and sharing polynomials. Lagrangian coefficients can also be computed for the evaluation point values. The shares and the Lagrangian coefficients may be used to evaluate the polynomials on the data values. The technique can also include encrypting the Lagrangian coefficients according to an encryption scheme that provides for addition operations between encrypted values. An operation on representations of coefficients of the evaluation polynomial, representations of the shares, and the encrypted representations of the Lagrangian coefficients can be delegated to a remote computing environment. The operation can be performed at the remote computing environment, such as by performing a map-reduce operation. Results of the delegated operation can be received from the remote computing environment and processed to produce representation(s) of evaluation(s) of the polynomial on the data value(s).
US08756407B2 Configuration rule prototyping tool
A system for automatically creating configuration rule build files. One or more feature inputs are received according to requirements for a specific product by a configuration rule prototyping tool. The one or more feature inputs are source data. A selection of a function from a list of functions defined for the configuration rule prototyping tool and a selection of one or more build types is received by the configuration rule prototyping tool. A configuration rule build process is performed by the configuration rule prototyping tool based on the function and the one or more build types selected to format the source data into a desired format. The formatted source data is transferred to a configurable transformation macro. Configuration rule build files are automatically created by the configurable transformation macro for the specific product. Then, the configuration rule build files are outputted for use by a test client.
US08756403B2 Compressed instruction format
A technique for decoding an instruction in a variable-length instruction set. In one embodiment, an instruction encoding is described, in which legacy, present, and future instruction set extensions are supported, and increased functionality is provided, without expanding the code size and, in some cases, reducing the code size.
US08756397B2 System and method for cooperative virtual machine memory scheduling
A resource scheduler for managing a distribution of host physical memory (HPM) among a plurality of virtual machines (VMs) monitors usage by each of the VMs of respective guest physical memories (GPM) to determine how much of the HPM should be allocated to each of the VMs. On determining that an amount of HPM allocated to a source VM should be reallocated to a target VM, the scheduler sends allocation parameters to a balloon application executing in the source VM causing it to reserve and write a value to a guest virtual memory (GVM) location in the source VM. The scheduler identifies the HPM location that corresponds to the reserved GVM and allocates it to the target VM by mapping a guest physical memory location of the target VM to the HPM location.
US08756389B2 Prevention of overlay of production data by point in time copy operations in a host based asynchronous mirroring environment
A primary storage controller is configured to communicate with a secondary storage controller via a system data mover. In response to receiving a command to perform a point in time copy of a source volume of the primary storage controller to a target volume of the primary storage controller, a determination is made as to whether the target volume of the primary storage controller is a source for an asynchronous data replication operation, initiated by the system data mover, between the primary storage controller and the secondary storage controller. In response to determining that the target volume of the primary storage controller is the source for the asynchronous data replication operation, initiated by the system data mover, the point in time copy of the source volume of the primary storage controller to the target volume of the primary storage controller is performed.
US08756387B2 Method and apparatus for optimizing the performance of a storage system
Methods and apparatuses for optimizing the performance of a storage system comprise a FLASH storage system, a hard drive storage system, and a storage controller. The storage controller is adapted to receive READ and WRITE requests from an external host, and is coupled to the FLASH storage system and the hard drive storage system. The storage controller receives a WRITE request from an external host containing data and an address, forwards the received WRITE request to the FLASH storage system and associates the address provided in the WRITE request with a selected alternative address, and provides an alternative WRITE request, including the selected alternative address and the data received in the WRITE request, to the hard drive storage system, wherein the alternative address is selected to promote sequential WRITE operations within the hard drive storage system.
US08756383B2 Random cache line selection in virtualization systems
A mechanism for random cache line selection in virtualization systems is disclosed. A method includes maintaining a secondary data structure representing a plurality of memory pages, the secondary data structure indexed by a subset of each memory page, determining an index of a received new memory page by utilizing a subset of the new memory page that is a same size and at a same offset as the subset of each memory page, comparing the index of the new memory page with the indices of the secondary data structure for a match, utilizing a main data structure to perform a full page memory comparison with the new memory page if a match is found in the secondary data structure, and updating at least one of the size of the subset, the number of subsets, and the offsets of the subsets used to index the memory page.
US08756375B2 Non-volatile cache
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for caching data. A method includes directly mapping a logical address of a backing store to a logical address of a non-volatile cache. A method includes mapping, in a logical-to-physical mapping structure, the logical address of the non-volatile cache to a physical location in the non-volatile cache. The physical location may store data associated with the logical address of the backing store. A method includes removing the mapping from the logical-to-physical mapping structure in response to evicting the data from the non-volatile cache so that membership in the logical-to-physical mapping structure denotes storage in the non-volatile cache.
US08756370B1 Non-disruptive drive firmware upgrades
A method, system, and computer program product for use in upgrading disk drive firmware in a data storage environment, comprising selecting a first physical disk from a set of physical disks, the first physical disk having firmware; wherein the physical disks are mapped to a set of logical disks, wherein the mapping of the physical disks to the set of logical disks includes a RAID system, removing the first physical disk, wherein based on the RAID system, removal of the first physical disk is transparent to I/O to the set of logical disks, and upgrading the firmware of the first physical disk while allowing I/O access to the set of logical disks.
US08756368B2 Memory controller with refresh logic to accommodate low-retention storage rows in a memory device
A memory controller is disclosed that provides refresh control circuitry to generate first refresh commands directed to a first row of storage cells within a memory device at a first rate. The refresh control circuitry generates second refresh commands directed to a second row of storage cells within the memory device at a second rate. Output circuitry outputs the first and second refresh commands to the memory device.
US08756366B2 Method for operating non-volatile memory and data storage system using the same
A method for operating a non-volatile memory is provided. The non-volatile memory includes a plurality of physical blocks having a plurality of data blocks and spare blocks. An index is obtained by comparing an average erase count of selected physical blocks with a first threshold. Each erase count for each physical block is the total number of the erase operations performed thereon. A performance capability status for the memory is determined according to the index. The performance capability status is set to a first status when the average erase count exceeds the first threshold. An indication is generated based on the performance capability status. A limp function is performed in response to the first status for configuring a minimum number of the at least some spare blocks reserved and used for data update operations.
US08756362B1 Methods and systems for determining a cache address
A method and system are provided for determining a next available address for writing data to a cache memory. In one implementation, a method includes receiving a request for a candidate address in the cache memory, the cache memory divided into a plurality of banks. The method further includes determining a candidate address in each of the cache memory banks using an address determination algorithm, selecting one of the candidate addresses from among the determined candidate addresses using an address selection function different from the address determination algorithm, and returning the selected candidate address in response to the request.
US08756358B2 Method and device for identifying universal serial bus (USB) insertion or charger insertion of mobile terminal
The present invention discloses a method to identify whether a USB or a charger is plugged into a mobile terminal and an identification device thereof. The identification device comprises a USB interface module connected with an external power supply device, an interface detection and control module, an electronic switch module, a charging switch module, an identification module and a baseband USB data transceiving module. With the method to identify whether a USB or a charger is plugged into a mobile terminal and an identification device thereof provided by the present invention, when an external power supply is plugged in, the identification device makes the terminal to preferentially enter a USB mode, while, according to the ultimately detected D-signal state, interrupt responses can be flexibly generated to accurately determine the presence of a USB or a charger. It can quickly and accurately identify the type of USB or charger plugged into the terminal. The technology plays a particular important role for a 3G mobile phone terminal.
US08756357B2 Data processor and control system
Provided are a data processor, and a control system, in which an interrupt controller and an event link controller are adopted. The event link controller responds to a generated event signal to output a start control signal for controlling start of an operation of a circuit module. The circuit module is able to generate an event signal. The event link controller generates the start control signal according to the correspondences between event signals and start control signals which are defined by event control information. The links between the event signals and start control signals can be prescribed by the event control information. Therefore, operations of circuit modules prescribed by such links can be controlled sequentially. The control neither involves save and return processes by CPU as in the interrupt processing, nor needs priority level control as executed on competing interrupt requests.
US08756356B2 Pipe arbitration using an arbitration circuit to select a control circuit among a plurality of control circuits and by updating state information with a data transfer of a predetermined size
Provided is an arbitration circuit included in a host controller that can be connected to a plurality of external devices via a plurality of pipe control circuits. The arbitration circuit includes an available state information storage unit that stores available state information. The available state information indicates an available state of the plurality of pipe control circuits and is updated by the pipe control circuit by a unit of data transfer of a predetermined communication size. The arbitration circuit further includes an arbitration unit that refers to the available state information storage unit, selects the arbitrary pipe control circuit from the available pipe control circuit, and allocates the selected pipe control circuit to the external device, while updating the available state information storage unit.
US08756350B2 Method and apparatus for efficiently tracking queue entries relative to a timestamp
An apparatus and method for tracking coherence event signals transmitted in a multiprocessor system. The apparatus comprises a coherence logic unit, each unit having a plurality of queue structures with each queue structure associated with a respective sender of event signals transmitted in the system. A timing circuit associated with a queue structure controls enqueuing and dequeuing of received coherence event signals, and, a counter tracks a number of coherence event signals remaining enqueued in the queue structure and dequeued since receipt of a timestamp signal. A counter mechanism generates an output signal indicating that all of the coherence event signals present in the queue structure at the time of receipt of the timestamp signal have been dequeued. In one embodiment, the timestamp signal is asserted at the start of a memory synchronization operation and, the output signal indicates that all coherence events present when the timestamp signal was asserted have completed. This signal can then be used as part of the completion condition for the memory synchronization operation.
US08756346B2 Apparatus and method for transiting terminal function between portable terminal and peripheral apparatus
An apparatus and method support transitioning a terminal function between a portable terminal and a peripheral device. A terminal function transition is requested to one or more peripheral devices. Transition data including information regarding configuration of a terminal function is transmitted to the one or more peripheral devices, such that when the terminal function cannot be performed, at least one of the one or more peripheral devices is to perform the terminal function based on the information regarding configuration of the terminal function.
US08756342B1 Method and apparatus for content synchronization
A data center (14) receives a request (22) for content from a browser (12) on a client (11). The data center determines whether the requested content is available at the data center. The content is available when the content is both present at the data center and current. The content may be expired and marked as non-available in response to an expiration command (24). When the requested content is available at the data center, the data center returns the requested content to the data center. When the requested content is locally unavailable at the data center, the requested content is retrieved from an origin server (18). The retrieval of the content from the origin server may be delayed based on the processing load at the origin server. When retrieval of the content is delayed, the request is prioritized and placed in a queue for handling by the origin server based on the priority of the request. Also, when retrieval of the content is delayed, a status page may be communicated to the browser to inform a user of the delay and provide alternate content (139) and status information related to the request determined as a function of the request or the current state of the origin server.
US08756340B2 DNS wildcard beaconing to determine client location and resolver load for global traffic load balancing
Techniques are described to determine clients residing behind LDNS resolvers. Web beacons instruct clients to retrieve zero-content images at unique hostnames. A request to the hostname is made by a client to an LDNS resolver. The LDNS sends the request to an authoritative server/beacon resolver for the hostname. The beacon resolver records the hostname with the LDNS resolver's IP address and responds with an IP address of a beacon collection server that is forwarded to the client by the LDNS. The client sends a request containing the unique hostname to the beacon collection server. The beacon collection server records the IP address of the client and the hostname. An aggregation server collects data from the beacon resolver and the beacon collection server. Using the hostnames as keys, IP addresses of clients are mapped to IP addresses of LDNS resolvers. Mapped data is exported to load balancing servers to determine routing.
US08756336B2 Automatic multimedia upload for publishing data and multimedia content
Disclosed herein is a method and system for utilizing a digital data capture device in conjunction with a Bluetooth (BT) enabled mobile device for publishing data and multimedia content on one or more websites automatically or with minimal user intervention. A client application is provided on the BT enabled mobile device. In the absence of inbuilt BT capability, a BT communication device is provided on the digital data capture device. The BT communication device is paired with the BT enabled mobile device to establish a connection. The client application detects capture of data and multimedia content on the digital data capture device and initiates transfer of the captured data, multimedia content, and associated files. The digital data capture device transfers the captured data, multimedia content, and the associated files to the client application. The client application automatically publishes the transferred data and multimedia content on one or more websites.
US08756334B2 Moving image reproducing apparatus and method
A moving image reproducing apparatus which receives moving image data transmitted through a network and reproduces the moving image data includes an analysis unit adapted to analyze first moving image data stored in a storage unit and additional information of the first moving image data, a determination unit adapted to determine a storage destination on the network which is configured to acquire second moving image data following the first moving image data on the basis of the analysis result on the additional information, an acquisition unit adapted to acquire the second moving image data from the storage destination of the second moving image data, and a reproducing unit adapted to reproduce the second moving image data acquired by the acquisition unit concurrently with finishing reproduction of the first moving image data.
US08756327B2 Peer-to-peer identity management interfaces and methods
Peer-to-peer (P2P) application programming interfaces (APIs) that allow an application to create, import, export, manage, enumerate, and delete P2P identities are presented. Further, the management of group identity information is provided. APIs abstract away from low level credential and cryptographic functions required to create and manage P2P identities. This management includes retrieval and setting of a friendly name, generation of a cryptographic public/private key pair, retrieval of security information in the form of an XML fragment, and creation of a new name based on an existing identity.
US08756316B2 Device-agnostic content management, playback and status monitoring system
A system is provided that includes a software agent, an electronic device, a display, and a content management system. The electronic device accesses the software agent and interprets it with a software application, such as a web browser. Embedded within the software agent is a playback system, which dictates content to be shown, and a monitoring system, which collects logging and status data. At least some of the content is stored on the electronic device prior to display, and at least some of the logging and status data is stored on the electronic device prior to being transferred to the content management system.
US08756315B2 Mobile gaming alert
Various embodiments of alerts on mobile devices are described. In some embodiments, one or more gaming preferences registered for a mobile device may be read. A set of games that are not implicated by any of the gaming preferences registered for the mobile device, but that have high rates of coincidence of alert registration relative to other sets of games associated in a register with the plurality of other devices, may be identified. In some embodiments, an estimate of a correlation among user interests in a subset of a plurality of games may be determined based on the number of devices registered to receive alerts for the games in the subset. One or more games of interest for which the first device is not registered to receive alerts may be identified for a first user based on the estimate. Other embodiments are described.
US08756307B1 Translating service level objectives to system metrics
Service level objectives for a multi-tier system are translated to low-level system metrics by determining component profiles. The component profiles include performance parameters calculated as a function of applied resources for each of a plurality of components of the multi-tier system. Performance models including service level parameters are also determined. The performance models are determined as a function of the performance parameters and workload characteristics. The service level objectives are translated to the low-level system metrics using the performance models.
US08756302B2 Method and system for determining computer resource usage in utility computing
A universal platform for utility computing that allows service providers to charge clients for the services rendered according to a dimensionless cross-platform universal metric. The platform measures or monitors six metrics commonly used in software computing (MHz for CPU usage, Mbytes for memory usage, Kbytes/sec for I/O, Kbytes/sec for LAN, Kbits/sec for WAN and Gbytes for storage) and applies appropriate weighting and conversion factors to each consumption value to a value in the universal metric that can be applied agnostically to any system or application. The metric can also take other controllable variables into account, such as real estate cost, tax jurisdiction and electrical power. The metric effectively a metric makes diverse computing resources comparable. The total value of the resources consumed by a user determines the cost charged for the use of the computing services.
US08756295B2 Monitor system and identifier assignment method adopted in monitor system
In a device monitor system of the invention including multiple devices, a monitor apparatus, and a terminal that are mutually connected via a network, a serial number (first identifier of physically identifying the device) and a private address of the device are sent from the terminal to the monitor apparatus by e-mail. The monitor apparatus generates an installation ID (second identifier of logically identifying the device) correlated to the received serial number (first identifier), creates a document of a link for an HTTP request including the generated installation ID, a URL of the monitor apparatus, and the received private address of the device, and sends back the document to the terminal by e-mail. The user operates the terminal to click the link for the HTTP request and send the HTTP request to the device. The device receives and analyzes the HTTP request and stores the installation ID in a preset storage location. The device monitor system of the invention enables assignment of the second identifier of logically identifying the device to the device without requiring the user to go to the installation location of the device.
US08756283B2 Integrated web portal for facilitating communications with an intended party
Described are a system and method for presenting, to a first user, information about a second user to enable the first user to select an appropriate communication means for communicating with the second user. A service node receives from a web browser executing at a communication device used by the first user a request for a web page associated with the second user. The service node collects information related to a current status of activity of the second user, determines one or more options for establishing communications with the second user, and transmits to the first user the web page having the current activity of the second user and the one or more communications options.
US08756280B1 System, method and computer program product for optimization of post-review process
In highly regulated industries, all communications with social media may need to be archived and reviewed for compliance. Embodiments disclosed herein can optimize or otherwise significantly improve the post-review process. In one embodiment, a request submitted by a user to post to a social network is processed to ensure that the request is associated with pre-approved content. The response from the social network is processed to obtain a platform post identifier. In one embodiment, a lookup table is updated to reflect that the pre-approved content is associated with the platform post identifier. An associative table containing a set of communications with the social network may be processed to obtain platform post identifiers. Communications that have platform post identifiers associated with pre-approved content identifiers are tagged. In this way, only communications that are not tagged in the associative table may need to be reviewed.
US08756276B2 Timing for providing relevant notifications for a user based on user interaction with notifications
A social networking system provides relevant third-party content objects to users by matching user location, interests, and other social information with the content, location, and timing associated with the content objects. Content objects are provided based on relevance scores specific to a user. Relevance scores may be calculated based on the user's previous interactions with content object notifications, or based on interests that are common between the user and his or her connections in the social network. Context search is also provided for a user, wherein a list of search of results is ranked according to the relevance score of content object associated with the search results. Notifications may also be priced and distributed to users based on their relevance. In this way, the system can provide notifications that are relevant to user's interests and current circumstances, increasing the likelihood that they will find content objects of interest.
US08756262B2 Approximate order statistics of real numbers in generic data
A method, system, and processor-readable storage medium are directed towards calculating approximate order statistics on a collection of real numbers. In one embodiment, the collection of real numbers is processed to create a digest comprising hierarchy of buckets. Each bucket is assigned a real number N having P digits of precision and ordinality O. The hierarchy is defined by grouping buckets into levels, where each level contains all buckets of a given ordinality. Each individual bucket in the hierarchy defines a range of numbers—all numbers that, after being truncated to that bucket's P digits of precision, are equal to that bucket's N. Each bucket additionally maintains a count of how many numbers have fallen within that bucket's range. Approximate order statistics may then be calculated by traversing the hierarchy and performing an operation on some or all of the ranges and counts associated with each bucket.
US08756257B2 Accessing different application data via a common data structure
A common data type structure can be used to correlate access requests between applications that implement data in accordance with different types or type structures. In one implementation, a common data structure includes schemes for operations, sequences, records, and atoms (i.e., undefined). The system can then map any type structure to the schemes of the common data structure. In operation, a request for data by an application can involve identifying one or more proxies used by an application to map the data to the common data structure. The proxies map the data to the common data structure based on the shape of the data (to the extent it can be identified). The proxies then can return one or more data structures that comprise the identified mapping information. The application can then perform operations directly on the received data structures.
US08756253B2 Two-level structured overlay design for cluster management in a peer-to-peer network
A method and system for designing file replication schemes in file sharing systems consider node storage constraints and node up/down statistics, file storage costs, and file transfer costs among the nodes, user request rates for the files, and user specified file availability requirements. Based on these considerations, a systematic method for designing file replication schemes can be implemented. The method first determines the number of copies of the files to be stored in the system to achieve the desired goal (e.g., to satisfy file availability requirements, or to maximize the system hit rate), and then selects the nodes at which to store the file copies to minimize the total expected cost. The file replication scheme for a peer-to-peer file sharing system in a distributed and adaptive manner can scale to a large number of nodes and files and can handle changes in the user request pattern over time.
US08756251B2 Method and apparatus for SLA profiling in process model implementation
A method and system memory to store a logical process model defining a logically structured series of process activities in a process, and Service Level Agreement (SLA) profile information defining a pre-defined plurality of SLA profiles which are potentially applicable to respective process instances. Each SLA profile comprises at least one performance metric with respect to the process and/or at least one of the process activities. A rules engine queries case data with respect to a particular process instance, and automatically determines an applicable SLA profile based on the case data. The applicable SLA profile is then applied to the particular process instance, and may be altered during performance of the process instance in response to case data changes.
US08756247B2 System and method for sharing online storage services among multiple users
A system and a method for sharing online storage services among multiple users are provided. The system includes a user communication interface, a file processing module, and an online storage communication interface. The user communication interface is configured to connect to a client end corresponding to a first user. When the user communication interface receives a file upload request and a corresponding upload file from the client end, the file processing module searches for a personal online storage of the first user and a shared online storage of at least one related user of the first user and determines to upload the upload file to a partial online storage of the personal online storage and the shared online storage. The online storage communication interface transfers the upload file to the partial online storage determined by the file processing module.
US08756243B2 Non-programmatic access to enterprise messaging administration
The present invention is directed to non-programmatic access to enterprise messaging administration. A method of operating a data processing system, wherein the data processing system includes a file system, a messaging system and a monitoring component, in accordance with an embodiment includes: monitoring the file system, detecting a change in the file system, and amending a structure of the messaging system, according to the detected change in the file system.
US08756237B2 Scalable distributed processing of RDF data
In general, techniques are described for an RDF (Resource Description Framework) database system which can scale to huge size for realistic data sets of practical interest. In some examples, a database system includes a Resource Description Framework (RDF) database that stores a plurality of data chunks to one or more storage drives, wherein each of the plurality of data chunks includes a plurality of triples of the RDF database. The database system also includes a working memory, a query interface that receives a query for the RDF database, a SPARQL engine that identifies a subset of the data chunks relevant to the query, and an index interface that includes one or more bulk loaders that load the subset of the data chunks to the working memory. The SPARQL engine executes the query only against triples included within the loaded subset of the data chunks to obtain a query result.
US08756236B1 System and method for indexing documents
A method for indexing documents may include receiving a first set of topics relating to a text of a document and a weight for each topic in the first set, where the weight represents how strongly the topic is associated with the document, and generating an update to an index by inserting a reference to the document for each of the topics in the first set. A second set of topics relating to the text of the document and a weight for each topic in the second set may be received. An update to the index may be generated by inserting the reference to the document for topics in the second set that are not in the first set and removing the reference to the document for topics in the first set that are not in the second set.
US08756232B1 Documentation system
Disclosed are various embodiments for a documentation system. Documentation topics for publishing in a node are received from a client. Embodiments of the disclosure determine whether the documentation topic has been assigned a topic identifier. Topic identifiers are assigned if the documentation topic has not been assigned a topic identifier and the documentation topic is assigned to at least one node in the documentation system. The documentation topics are stored in a data store and the topic identifiers are transmitted to the client. The topics are then published in at least one node of the documentation system.
US08756227B2 Extended user profile
A method of extending a user profile. A user specific data related to an application is received and stored for integration with a user profile. A template for the application is received and stored. The template tailors the user specific data based on aesthetic preferences of the user to generate a tailored user specific data. The user profile is extended based on the user specific data for the application and the template for the application. The user profile comprising the tailored user specific data may be provided for rendering. Local information, e.g., geographical location, of the user may be determined to tailor the user profile based on the local information. The user specific data and/or the template may be in a markup language format. Update to the user specific data and/or template may be pushed when available.
US08756223B2 Context-aware search
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique for supplementing user-specified text for a search with context information to generate search results that is more closely matched to the user's needs. A context search component maintains a snapshot of the user context and additional context-based queries are generated and corresponding searches are performed. The search results of the context-based queries are merged with the results of the user-specified text query and displayed for the user. When the user accesses a resource listed in the merged search results, the context-based terms mentioned in the resource are identified to the user.
US08756221B2 Social files
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for creating and sharing social files in a feed system. In one embodiment, a request is received to perform an action related to a social file. The social file may provide access to a first document file within a social networking system. The first document file may be capable of being displayed on a display device. A determination may be made as to whether the requested action complies with a permission configuration record associated with the social file. The permission configuration record may identify one or more user accounts permitted to access the social file.
US08756219B2 Relevant navigation with deep links into query
Methods and computer-readable media for determining relevant search categories, such as images, videos, news, health, maps, products, etc., and subcategories that are associated with the search categories based on a query submitted by a user on a search page and displaying the relevant search categories and subcategories on an initial search results page. A query may be inputted by a user and may be received. A set of suggested refinement links, which may include search categories and subcategories, may be identified as being relevant to the query. Further, the subcategories, when selected, may return narrower search results than when a selection is made of a search category. Additionally, the initial search results page may be generated and may include the set of suggested refinement links determined to be relevant to the query, as well as search results.
US08756216B1 Scalable tree builds for content descriptor search
Multiple paths of an index tree may be traversed to discover a set of content descriptors that are match candidates for a set of query descriptors. A size of the set of candidate content descriptors may be optimized, for example, to reduce false positive matching errors, query latencies and/or index tree traversal times, at least in part by determining a number of child nodes to traverse based at least in part on current traverse level and/or traverse neighborhood thresholds. Index trees for large content descriptor sets may be built in resource constrained environments with approximation and/or refining build techniques.
US08756214B2 Crawling browser-accessible applications
Crawling a browser-accessible application by causing a target application and a bridge application to run concurrently in a browser-controllable player, and iteratively receiving from the bridge application current state information of the target application, storing the state information on a data storage device if the state information is not found on the data storage device, where the state information is stored as a descendant state of an initial state of the target application, and interacting with the target application in accordance with a predefined simulation algorithm, thereby effecting a new state of the target application, until a predefined termination condition is reached.
US08756209B2 Computing resource allocation based on query response analysis in a networked computing environment
An approach for allocating computing resources based on a confidence level associated with responses to queries is provided. In a typical embodiment, a query is received from a querying user, and a search for a response to the query is conducted. A confidence level associated with the response is then determined. If the confidence level of the response does not meet a predetermined threshold, additional computing resources are allocated, and the search and corresponding response are updated (e.g., iteratively). An updated confidence level based on the updated response is then determined. Once the predetermined threshold has been met by the confidence level of the response, the response can be returned to the querying user.
US08756207B2 Systems and methods for identifying potential duplicate entries in a database
In accordance with the teachings described herein, systems and methods are provided for identifying potential duplicate entries in a database. Matchcodes are generated for a plurality of records, wherein a matchcode for a record may be generated by: receiving a character string from the record; determining whether the character string includes a non-essential character substring; if the non-essential character substring is missing from the character string, then generating the matchcode from the character string and adding a wildcard character to the matchcode in place of the missing non-essential character substring. The matchcodes for the plurality of records may be compared to identify matching pairs of matchcodes, wherein for the purpose of identifying a matching pair of matchcodes, two characters are considered the same if they are equal or if one or both are wildcard characters.
US08756200B2 Undo advisor
A method and apparatus for data recovery are disclosed. Undo tablespace size is calculated for user-specified undo retention time based on system statistics collected over a period of time specified by a history time parameter.
US08756193B2 System and method for persisting object pointers
A system and method for persisting object pointers in a computing system. Subsequent to initiating an operation to store a plurality of memory resident objects from a memory to persistent storage, a first object of the objects is accessed. Each of the objects may include pointers to other objects in memory. An object identifier is created for the object and stored within the first object. References within the first object to other objects are replaced with object identifiers created for the referenced objects. When an object identifier is created and stored within an object, existing data within the object is replaced by the identifier. The replaced data is stored in a data structure along with a pointer to the object in memory. Subsequent to storing the objects to persistent storage, the data structure is used to restore the replaced data to the objects in memory.
US08756192B2 Dispatching conflicting data changes
A method for distributing one or more conflicting data changes. The method includes extracting data changes from the source site log, and applying the data changes to the destination site. The method then includes identifying one or more constraints for each data change and generating a hash value for each identified constraint. The method then dispatches the data changes into a plurality of streams based on the hash values. The hash values are used to identify conflicting data changes and determine how the data changes should be sent through the plurality of streams such that data changes are applied in parallel in the plurality of streams without violating any causal consistency constraints. The method then includes committing data changes in the plurality of streams to the destination site in a single transaction, creating a consistent transactional view.
US08756191B2 Massively scalable reasoning architecture
Techniques for reasoning data are disclosed. The techniques may include storing data in an ontology. The data may be partitioned and/or distributed to a plurality of reasoners. Processed data from the plurality of reasoners may then be combined, the processed data having been received from the plurality of reasoners and/or having been processed by the plurality of reasoners.
US08756186B2 Systems and methods for making contextual recommendations
A method and a system for making contextual recommendations to users on a network-based system. For example, a first and second related category are selected and a relationship score is calculated representing an aspect of the relationship between the first and second related categories. A relationship type is selected to represent the relationship between the first and second categories using the relationship score. The relationship type is one of either a complement or a substitute. A complement relationship indicates a complementary relationship between the first and second related categories. While a substitute relationship indicates a substitutionary relationship between the first and second categories. The relationship type is stored associated with the first and second related categories. Using the selected relationship type, a recommendation is provided to a user on the network-based system.
US08756184B2 Predicting users' attributes based on users' behaviors
A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to predict and utilize a user's attributes. A sample user behavior and a sample user attribute are collected. A model is trained based on the sample user behavior and sample user attribute. Using the model, a probability of a predicted user attribute based on the sample user behavior is predicted. Using the model and the probability, the predicted user attribute is fuzzily determined based on a real user behavior. The predicted user attribute is used to improve a user's experience.
US08756176B2 Automatic adjustment of thermal requirement based on motion detection and frequency of disturbances
Methods and apparatuses to automatically adjust a thermal requirement of a data processing system are described. One or more conditions associated with a data processing system are detected. A temperature requirement for the data processing system is determined based on the one or more conditions. The performance of the data processing system may be throttled to maintain a temperature of the data processing system below the temperature requirement. Detecting the one or more conditions associated with the data processing system may include determining a location of the data processing system based on a measured motion, a state of a peripheral device, a position of one portion of the data processing system (e.g., a lid) relative another portion of the data processing system (e.g., a bottom portion), a type of application operating on the data processing system, or any combination thereof.
US08756173B2 Machine learning of known or unknown motion states with sensor fusion
Example methods, apparatuses, or articles of manufacture are disclosed herein that may be utilized, in whole or in part, to facilitate or support one or more operations or techniques for machine learning of known or unknown motion states with sensor fusion.
US08756166B2 System and method for storage container tracking and delivery
A method for item storage and distribution to a user, each stored item associated with a storage identifier, the user associated with a user identifier, the method including associating a set of storage identifiers with the user identifier, in response to receiving a description for a first storage identifier from a user device associated with the user identifier, storing the description as an storage description for the first storage identifier, setting a fill status of the first storage identifier to packed, and removing storage identifiers having an empty fill status from the set of storage identifiers associated with the user identifier.
US08756159B1 Method of archive retrieval of check information based on location
Embodiments of the invention include systems, methods, and computer-program products that provide for a system to receive information related to check transaction based on the location of the user. In one embodiment of the invention, the computer-implemented method determines a location of a check transaction and stores the location in an archive in association with the check transaction. The method then determines a location of a user and determines a list of check transactions associated with the location of the user. In some embodiments, the method provides the list of check transactions to the user. The method may also provide offers or recommendations to the user, such as an offer to establish a direct transfer instead of using a check in the future. The user and/or the provider of the method may also broaden or narrow the search results based on characteristics of the transaction.
US08756150B2 Credit card system and method
A credit card system is provided which has the added feature of providing additional limited use credit card numbers and/or cards. These numbers and/or cards can be used for a single or limited use transaction, thereby reducing the potential for fraudulent reuse of these numbers and/or cards. The credit card system finds application to “card remote” transactions such as by phone or Internet. Additionally, when a single use or limited use credit card is used for “card present” transactions, so called “skimming” fraud is eliminated. Various other features enhance the credit card system which will allow secure trade without the use of elaborate encryption techniques. Methods for limiting, distributing and using a limited use card number, controlling the validity of a limited use credit card number, conducting a limited use credit card number transaction and providing remote access devices for accessing a limited use credit card number are also provided.
US08756138B2 Method and system for rebalancing investment vehicles
A computer-implemented method is provided for rebalancing an exchange-traded fund. The method is performed by a computer, and includes setting a daily target return for the exchange-traded fund based on a target base index. The method also includes monitoring an actual return of the exchange-traded fund over a time period. The method also includes setting a performance band for rebalancing the exchange-traded fund. The performance band is set based on the daily target return and a volatility of the target base index. The method further includes generating signals to rebalance the exchange-traded fund based on the performance band and the actual return.
US08756131B1 System and method for integrated computerized banking
Systems and methods for integrated computerized financial management are presented. Financial information from disparate systems is made available to an operator through a user interface that presents a unified view of financial information from such disparate systems and enables the operator to make and execute upon financial decisions. The operator utilizes an operator computing platform to access the financial information, and may be directly or indirectly connected with one or more databases containing financial information through various networking modalities configured to operate together in the unified presentation schema. Portable computing devices and reduced content variations of user interfaces may be utilized to enhance accessibility.
US08756122B2 Intelligent refrigerator for storing pharmaceutical product containers
Intelligent refrigerator system for storing pharmaceutical product containers, such as vials, ampules, syringes, bottles, medication tubes, blister packs and cartons, at the point of dispensing. Embodiments of the invention use product identification technology, such as radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags and readers, to uniquely identify containers as they are added to or removed from the cold storage compartment of the refrigerator, and automatically retrieve from a local or remote database a variety of details associated with the containers and their contents, such as manufacturing data, expiration dates, time out of refrigeration, inventory levels, safety information, usage statistics, known contraindications and warnings, etc. If the details indicate that there is a problem with a particular pharmaceutical (e.g., that it is counterfeit, expired, suspect, spoiled, recalled or almost depleted), then a message or warning is automatically delivered to a human operator via an attached output device, such as a display screen, speaker or printer. Embodiments of the invention may also be configured to monitor and report temperature faults, power failures and other anomalies associated with the refrigerator or cold storage compartment.
US08756116B2 Pre-qualifying sellers during the matching phase of an electronic commerce transaction
A system providing seller pre-qualification during the matching phase of an electronic commerce transaction includes a directory structure comprising multiple hierarchically organized product classes, each product class categorizing multiple products and defining one or more attributes of the products categorized in the product class. The system also includes one or more pointers for each product class, each pointer identifying a seller database in which product data enabling a product transaction is stored for products categorized in the product class. The system further includes a search interface configured to communicate a search query for product data only to one or more seller databases associated with sellers having seller attribute values matching the specified seller attribute criteria, these seller databases being identified by the one or more pointers associated with the selected product class.
US08756106B2 Remote ordering system
A remote ordering system is provided using an electronic menu having a series of input devices associated with various menu items, and a wireless transmitter to send selected menu items to a receiving device for processing. A display to show selected menu items, an alpha-numeric keyboard, a non-cash payment device, and a printer for receipts are also contemplated for increased functionality. The menu may be remotely updated to reflect the customer's preferences or a change to the menu choices.
US08756105B2 Point of service transaction managaement for service facilities
The present invention enables the collection by credit/debit card payment of customer co-pay and self-pay charges via an integrated point-of-service transaction management system and method. The system and method of the present invention may assist health care facilities in the collection of co-pay and self-pay charges at the time service is rendered. The present invention can be implemented anywhere cash, checks, credit cards or debit cards are accepted for payment.
US08756103B1 System and method of implementing alternative redemption options for a consumer-centric advertising system
A narrowcast advertising system includes a centralized late binding application (LBA) that communicates with one or more respective LBA device components on destination devices associated with a given consumer. The LBA application receives a plurality of advertisements in accordance with ad contracts negotiated between a consumer and an advertising entity. Selected ads are distributed to the respective destination devices for integration with accessible content. Confirmation indications are received by the LBA application from the destination devices so that contract fulfillment records can be updated in accordance with the various options a consumer has for satisfying the negotiated contract.
US08756092B1 Product configuration modeling and optimization
A computerized system and related methods of identifying an optimum set of product configurations from a plurality of possible product configurations, wherein each product configuration has a plurality of features and each feature has a plurality of options, includes the steps of representing each of the possible product configurations as an ordered set or array of at least n-dimensions, each dimension of the array representing a predetermined one of the features, identifying a subset of valid product configurations, identifying which valid configurations are captured by other configurations through upgrades, conversions, or acceptance of different options, defining and solving an optimization model to identify the optimum set of valid product configurations based on a desired objective, such as to maximize profit, minimize cost, or maximizing coverage of customer demand, and then presenting the optimum set of valid product configurations that satisfy the desired objective.
US08756089B2 Transport vehicle capacity maximization logistics system and method of same
Disclosed is a system for substantially optimizing logistics for loading vehicles and transporting goods and a method of accomplishing the same.
US08756088B2 System and method for calculating an order flowthrough
An ordering system backend includes an ordering system module, an exclusion system module, an exception system module, a summary system module, and a display device. The ordering system module is configured to receive ordering data for a plurality of orders and to receive information concerning the flowthrough status of the order. The exclusion system module is configured to generate or receive a plurality of exclusions associated with a plurality of exceptions for the plurality of orders. The exception system module is configured to generate or receive exception data associated with the plurality of orders, to receive the plurality of exclusions from the exclusion system module, and to update the exception data based on the plurality of exclusions. The summary system module is configured to calculate summary level data based on the plurality of orders and the exception data, and to create summary tables based on the summary level data. The display device includes a graphical user interface configured to display the summary tables.
US08756082B1 Virtuous cycle business growth
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow an insurance company to provide awards to its agents in a manner that encourages the agents to purchase goods and services that will assist the agents in growing, branding, and/or managing his or her business. Computer systems are programmed with computer-executable instructions to determine an allocation of funds to be granted to an agent and to limit the use of the funds to goods and services identified as assisting the agent in the growth, branding, or management of his or her business.
US08756073B2 Healthcare point of service adjudication and payment system
Systems and methods are described that facilitate providing an online, automated payment architecture that aggregates funds from multiple health-related accounts (e.g., a member's HSA, an employer's advance account, etc.) and automatically transfers the aggregated funds to a healthcare provider's account to pay a bill or invoice. According to other aspects, healthcare fraud is prevented by storing electronic images of members and their dependents, wherein the images can be recalled by a healthcare provider at the point of service to verify that the member or dependent is actually a covered member. In other aspects, the described systems and methods permit members to negotiate reduced invoice payments in exchange for prompt delivery of payment funds.
US08756059B2 Method and system for considering information about an expected response when performing speech recognition
A speech recognition system receives and analyzes speech input from a user in order to recognize and accept a response from the user. Under certain conditions, information about the response expected from the user may be available. In these situations, the available information about the expected response is used to modify the behavior of the speech recognition system by taking this information into account. The modified behavior of the speech recognition system comprises adjusting the rejection threshold when speech input matches the predetermined expected response.
US08756057B2 System and method using feedback speech analysis for improving speaking ability
A speech analysis system and method for analyzing speech. The system includes: a voice recognition system for converting inputted speech to text; an analytics system for generating feedback information by analyzing the inputted speech and text; and a feedback system for outputting the feedback information.
US08756051B2 Method and communication network for providing announcements in preferred language while roaming
Communication network and method for providing communication facilities for a plurality of users. The communication network comprises an announcement generating element (14) for sending network related messages to any of the users. A further network element is connected to the announcement generating element, the further network element being arranged for determining a preferred language for a specific user (10) of the plurality of users, and sending network related messages to the specific user (10) in the preferred language.
US08756050B1 Techniques for translating content
Techniques, including systems and methods, for providing translated content are described and suggested herein. In an embodiment, translations for instances of content are received and reviewers provide votes regarding the translations' quality. Votes received for translations are utilized in order to determine scores for the translations. Reviewers and translators may be scored as well. Scores for translations are used in various processes for providing appropriate content to users.
US08756046B2 Generation of code from a graphical model
A method and system are provided for generating code from a graphical model in a graphical modeling environment. The graphical model includes at least one signal having a data size, a data dimensionality, or both that can vary from a first time instance to a second time instance as the model executes. The size and dimensionality of the signal can vary without the use of a graphically rendered connection to convey the size and dimension information to a block associated with the signal.
US08756045B2 Method, device, computer program and computer program product for determining a representation of a signal
A method for determining a representation (y) of a signal (s) comprise selecting a predetermined number (m) of row vectors (v1, . . . , vm) from a predetermined measurement matrix (M). The predetermined measurement matrix (M) is predetermined dependent on a product of a predetermined Hadamard matrix or generalized Hadamard matrix (H) and a predetermined representation matrix(B). The predetermined representation matrix (B) represents a predetermined basis for the signal(s). The method further comprises determining a respective inner product of the signal (s) and each of the predetermined number (m) of selected row vectors (v1, . . . , vm) resulting in a predetermined number (m) of measurements (y1, . . . , ym) forming the representation (y) of the signal (s).
US08756031B2 Matched filter testing of data transmission cables
In one embodiment, a method for testing a cable includes receiving a read-signal profile read at a receiving-end of a cable upon an initial test signal being input to a sending end of the cable, calculating a cross-correlation function between the read-signal profile and a matched filter output, and determining a peak value of the cross-correlation function. In another embodiment, a system includes a device, the device including logic for receiving a read-signal profile read at a receiving-end of the cable upon an initial test signal being input to a sending end of the cable, logic for calculating a cross-correlation function between the read-signal profile and a matched filter output, logic for determining a peak value of the cross-correlation function, and logic for storing the peak value to a computer readable medium. Other methods, systems, and computer program products are also described according to various embodiments.
US08756006B2 Device and method for generating route restriction information of intersection, computer program for generating route restriction information of intersection, and recording medium for recording computer program
Provided are a device for automatically generating route restriction information of intersections between main roads and narrow streets, and a method therefor. With respect to a specific intersection which is an intersection between a main road and a narrow street, firstly, it is determined to prohibit a right turn and passing through the intersection. Under these conditions, when it is sufficiently confirmed, by using external information, that the right turn and passing through the intersection can be allowed at the specific intersection, the route restriction regarding the direction is released. Probe information and traffic restriction data are used for the external information.
US08756004B2 Identification tag navigation system and method thereof
An identification tag navigation system and a method thereof are provided according to the invention. The system comprises at least an identification tag and a mobile apparatus. The method comprises steps of receiving a destination reading command, accessing a destination information of the identification tag, receiving a plurality of reference signals and computing a current position data according to the plurality of reference signals, computing and generating a navigation route data according to the destination position data and the current position data, and generating an instruction data according to the navigation route data and the current position data.
US08755991B2 Method and structure for vehicular traffic prediction with link interactions and missing real-time data
A method and apparatus for predicting traffic on a transportation network where real time data points are missing. In one embodiment, the missing data is estimated using a calibration model comprised of historical data that can be periodically updated, from select links constituting a relationship vector. The missing data can be estimated off-line whereafter it can be used to predict traffic for at least a part of the network, the traffic prediction being calculated by using a deviation from a historical traffic on the network. The invention further discloses a method for in-vehicle navigation; and a method for traffic prediction for a single lane.
US08755990B2 Collection, monitoring, analyzing and reporting of traffic data via vehicle sensor devices placed at multiple remote locations
Traffic management reports are created from data provided by vehicle sensor devices placed at different fixed locations in a region. Data of vehicles that pass each of the vehicle sensor devices are captured and communicated to a central computer database. At the central computer database, traffic management reports are periodically created from the vehicle data. Each traffic management report incorporates vehicle data from a plurality of vehicles. The vehicle data is for a plurality of previous, non-current times so as to allow for analysis of past vehicle data.
US08755987B2 System and method for torque control in a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine
A control system for a homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engine includes first and second modules. The first module determines a load on the HCCI engine when the HCCI engine is operating in an HCCI combustion mode. The second module controls torque generated by the HCCI engine based on the determined load and a predetermined threshold, wherein the second module controls the torque generated by the HCCI engine by controlling fueling of the HCCI engine.
US08755985B2 Method and a device for monitoring an engine
A method of monitoring at least one limited-lifetime part. During an identification step (STP1), storage means (40) store a list including a reference for each limited-lifetime part of an engine (3). During an information-search step (STP2), the storage means (40) communicate with a centralized data system (DB) in order to store for each identified part the corresponding maintenance data. During a monitoring step (STP3), the wear of the engine is monitored by using the information stored in the storage means (40).
US08755982B2 Distance controller with automatic stop function
A distance controller having an automatic stop and/or start function for motor vehicles, having a distance-measuring remote region sensor, a distance-measuring ultrasound sensor, and a control unit designed to intervene in the longitudinal guiding of the home vehicle as a function of the distance, measured by the remote region sensor, from a vehicle traveling ahead. If the measured distance is smaller than the range of the ultrasound sensor, on the basis of the signal of the ultrasound sensor it is verified whether this sensor is functional. If yes, the signal of the ultrasound sensor is evaluated in the context of the stop and/or start function. According to the present invention, the stop and/or start function has an operating mode in which a distance controlling takes place on the basis of the signal of the ultrasound sensor. In this way, the distance from the vehicle ahead can be reduced during stop and go operation.
US08755972B2 Rear wheel toe angle control system for a vehicle
In a rear wheel toe angle control system, the toe angle response properties of the right and left wheels are prevented from differing from each other depending on the operating condition of the vehicle, and the handling of the vehicle can be improved. The rear wheel toe angle control system (10) comprises a control command angle computing unit (83) for setting a target toe angel for each rear wheel (5) according to an operating condition of the vehicle (V), an angle-length conversion unit (87) for setting a target operating amount of each electric actuator (11) according to the target toe angle, a stroke sensor (17) for detecting an actual operating amount of each electric actuator (11), a motor position feed back duty computation unit (89) for setting a control value of each electric actuator (11) according to the difference between the actual operating amount and the target operating amount, and a compensating unit (90) for compensating the control value according to a value such as the lateral acceleration of the vehicle body (1) which is associated with the axial force of each electric actuator (11).
US08755970B2 Vehicle control device
To provide a vehicle control device capable of improving the ride comfort on the vehicle. A vehicle control device for controlling operation of a vehicle including a vehicle body, and a tire for supporting the vehicle body and contacting with a ground surface, the vehicle control device includes an operation condition detecting unit configured to detect an operation condition that influences a side vibration of the vehicle body; a suspension geometry adjusting unit configured to adjust a suspension geometry of the vehicle; and a control unit configured to control operation of the suspension geometry adjusting unit based on a detection result of the operation condition detecting unit.
US08755968B2 Context-sensitive navigational aid
A navigational aid including an intelligent display mode and a communication system communicates with a vehicle's sensor system and/or historical- or time-based information to reduce the number of businesses that are displayed on the map by filtering out unneeded or less preferred services. When the vehicle's fuel level sensor detects that the fuel tank is almost empty, a message can be sent from the sensor system to the navigational aid such that the navigational aid can then begin showing a visual indication (e.g., text or graphical information such as an icon) of the location of fuel stations on the screen. Additionally, the location receiver indicates to the filter when the navigational aid is close to the programmed destination. At that point, the filter can be informed that it should start showing garages or areas where the vehicle can be parked without having cluttered the screen with parking garages that were not close to the destination. Similarly, when in need of other services (e.g., hotel or restaurant services), the navigational aid can display preferred brands (while omitting non-preferred brands) and make reservations when a communication system is included which is capable of communicating with the service provider. Additionally, prices or relative prices for the services may also be indicated.
US08755957B2 Method for securing a piloting system of a reconfigurable multi-unit vehicle and a secure piloting system
A method for securing a control system and a secured control system of a multi-unit vehicle. The control system has a device for determining a composition of the multi-unit vehicle, that can autonomously determine the composition of the multi-unit vehicle and generate composition data. A calculator for at least one unit of the multi-unit vehicle. Each calculator is connectable to an inlet/outlet set of inlet/outlet modules for at least one unit and to the composition-determining device, in order to exchange operating data of the unit and/or the multi-unit vehicle with each inlet/outlet module, and to acquire data relating to the composition from the determination device. At least one module for dynamically securing the exclusive connection of each calculator to the inlet/outlet set determines, from the composition data, the validity of the inlet/outlet set, and controls, cyclically or sufficiently frequently, a coherence between each connection of each calculator to the inlet/outlet set.
US08755956B2 Method and device for detecting the jamming of an aircraft control surface
The detection device includes, but is not limited to a device that is configured to determine a control error corresponding to the difference between a first control instruction and a control surface position, a second device that is configured to calculate the difference between this control error and a second control instruction in such a way as to form a comparison signal, and a third device that is configured to detect a jamming of the control surface if this comparison signal is greater than a threshold value.
US08755952B2 Automatic presentation of a “when can we . . . ” message composition screen responsive to a negative response message
A system to reduce head-down time for a flight crew member is provided. The system includes a functional module that includes a set of screens used to receive and send controller pilot data link communications (CPDLC) messages between an aircraft and a ground-based system; a message composition screen communicatively coupled to the functional module; and a shortcut interface communicatively coupled to the functional module, wherein a shortcut prompt is displayed when one of a response timer expires or a negative uplink response message is received responsive to a previously-sent downlink request message, wherein an implementation of the shortcut interface generates a “when can we expect . . . ” message related to the previously-sent downlink request message.
US08755951B2 Multimedia system for vehicle with portable dash pad
A multimedia system for vehicle having a plurality of electrical accessories, including a control housing, a control module, and a dash pad. The control module includes a central processing module. The central processing module is electrically connected with the electrical accessories in such a manner that the central processing module is arranged to centrally control the electrical accessories. The dash pad is detachably mounted on the control housing and is wirelessly communicated with the central processing module, wherein a user is able wirelessly control the electrical accessories in the vehicle through the dash pad.
US08755935B2 Substrate holder positioning method and substrate processing system
A substrate holder positioning method, capable of positioning a substrate holder without using any positioning jig, includes: measuring a first position of a substrate held on a substrate holder included in a substrate carrying mechanism; carrying the substrate held on the substrate holder to a substrate rotating unit for holding and rotating the substrate; turning the substrate held by the substrate rotating unit through a predetermined angle by the substrate rotating unit; transferring the substrate turned by the substrate rotating unit from the substrate rotating unit to the substrate holder; measuring a second position of the substrate transferred from the substrate rotating unit to the substrate holder; determining the position of the center of rotation of the substrate rotating unit on the basis of the first and the second position; and positioning the substrate holder on the basis of the position of the center of rotation.
US08755931B2 Pick-to-window
A work station for manually picking of piece goods, including a window conveyor which includes a plurality of optically distinguishable window locations. Each window location includes a defined region of the conveyor which is suitable for receiving a piece good. The conveyor extends through a picking zone and a provision region where different types of piece goods are provided at access locations. At the provision region the order-picking person can grasp piece goods manually from each of the access locations and put same on the conveyor. An order-picking control controls warehouse management and order processing in order to transmit information concerning one of the access locations and a removal quantity to the order-picking person in accordance with an order line of the picking order. A device is provided for allocating an unoccupied window location to one of the order lines based on selection and entry of the order-picking person.
US08755929B2 Interactive clamp force control system for load handling clamps
Improvements are disclosed for a load-clamping system with variable clamping force control by which a wide variety of different load types in a wide variety of different load geometric configurations can be accurately clamped at respective variable optimal clamping force settings dependent on each load's respective load type and geometric configuration in combination. An operator display and input terminal cooperates with a controller to translate assortments of possible load variables into a form easily discernible visually by a clamp operator and preferably easily comparable by the operator, from his visual observation, to each particular load which he is about to engage, so that the operator can interactively guide the controller in its selection of an optimal clamping force setting for each particular load.
US08755924B2 Charged particle beam writing method and apparatus therefor
A charged particle beam writing method includes inputting layout information of a plurality of chips on which pattern formation is to be achieved, setting, using the layout information, a plurality of writing groups each being composed of at least one of the plurality of chips and each having writing conditions differing from each other, setting, for each of the plurality of writing groups, a frame which encloses a whole of all chip regions in the each of the plurality of writing groups, virtually dividing the frame into a plurality of stripe regions in a predetermined direction, with respect to the each of the plurality of writing groups, setting, using the plurality of stripe regions of all the plurality of writing groups, an order of each of the plurality of stripe regions such that a reference position of the each of the plurality of stripe regions is located in order in the predetermined direction regardless of the plurality of writing groups, and writing a pattern in the each of the plurality of stripe regions onto a target workpiece according to the order which has been set, by using a charged particle beam.
US08755911B2 Device for generating light with a variable color
An illumination system (10) comprises: a lamp assembly (14) for generating color-variable light (17); a controller (15) for generating control signals (ξ1, ξ2, ξ3) for the lamp assembly; —source color input means (20), preferably a color sensor, for inputting to the controller information defining a source color; a memory (30) associated with the controller, containing information defining at least one color harmony rule. On the basis of the input source color, and using the harmony rule from the memory, the controller calculates a target color and generates its output control signals accordingly. Thus, the light output from the lamp assembly harmoniously matches the measured color of surroundings or objects.
US08755907B2 Devices and methods for electrode implantation
Systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to treat or reduce pain and/or to cause or enhance sedation or sleep. Methods involve activating the baroreflex system to provide pain reduction, sedation, improved sleep or some combination thereof. Systems include at least one baroreflex activation device, at least one sensor for sensing physiological activity of the patient, and a processor coupled with the baroreflex activation device(s) and the sensor(s) for processing sensed data received from the sensor and for activating the baroreflex activation device. In some embodiments, the system is fully implantable within a patient, such as in an intravascular, extravascular or intramural location.
US08755904B2 Circuit arrangements for generating currents and the application thereof
Electronic circuit arrangements for generating at least two different constant currents at a load resistor, including a bridge circuit (especially an H bridge=H bridge circuit) having at least (in the case of an H bridge, precisely) four legs, and switching elements and a bridge branch between the legs, in which the load resistor is inserted, and at least two current sources which are connected to the legs of the bridge circuit in such a manner that it provides for current via one of the legs through the bridge branch and through a leg, connected to the other end of the bridge branch, with a corresponding switch position, the at least two current sources being adjustable if desired. The use of the circuit arrangement for generating such stimulation currents and corresponding procedures currents and methods.
US08755903B2 System of functional electrical stimulation
The present invention discloses a functional electrical stimulation system comprising a primary power, a boost module, an energy storage section, an output control relay, an automatic discharge circuit, a foot/hand controlled switch, a current detection chip and a current limiting fuse. The boost module comprises n DC chopper circuits connected in series, and outputs a high voltage of 100-200V. According to an enable signal and a current detection signal, the output control relay disables/enables the DC boost module. The automatic discharge circuit discharges capacitance of the energy storage section automatically when the relay turns off the power input. The Foot/hand controlled switch, the current detection chip and the current limiting fuse form a triple accident protection circuit. The functional electrical stimulation system maximizes the intensity of electrical stimulation within the range that the human body can withstand. Meanwhile, it provides multiple security protection mechanisms and enhanced reliability to avoid danger during the use.
US08755894B2 Method and device for enhanced blood flow
A non-invasive method comprising positioning a first electrode on a lower end of a lower leg, a second electrode on the lower leg, and a third electrode on an upper end of the lower leg, whereby the first and third electrodes are disposed on opposite ends of the lower leg, and the second electrode and one of the first and third electrodes are disposed on a same end of the lower leg; effecting a sequence of muscular contractions of the lower leg by (i) applying a first electrical impulse between the electrodes on the same end of the lower leg to induce a first muscular contraction and (ii) applying at least a second electrical impulse between the first and third electrodes to induce a longitudinal muscular contraction; and repeating operations (i) and (ii), to repeatedly induce the contractions, to effect the increased flow of blood.
US08755890B2 Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerve chain
The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected.
US08755885B2 Software configurable medical device platform and associated methods
The invention relates to medical devices such as pacemakers, pulse generators, cardioverter-defibrillators and the like and more particularly relates to modular and reconfigurable medical system platforms and methods of designing, testing, controlling and implementing diverse therapies, diagnostics, physiologic sensors and related instrumentation using said medical system platforms. Methods, systems and devices provide a new design platform for implantable and external medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, neurostimulators, heart monitors, etc. A real-time, highly flexible system of software and hardware modules enables both prototypes and products to respond to patient and customer needs with greater design and manufacturing efficiency. Certain embodiments integrate a general-purpose processor with interface circuitry to provide a standard platform for implementing new and conventional therapies with software models rather than custom circuitry. The platform described may be used as a simulation environment, development and test platform and/or may be used as architecture for building new medical devices.
US08755878B2 Heartbeat signal processor and heartbeat signal processing method
A heartbeat signal processor includes a first and second electrodes to obtain a first and second heartbeat signals, a DC voltage calculating unit and an AC amplitude calculating unit to calculate first and second average DC voltage values of direct-current components and first and second average AC amplitude values of alternate-current components in the first and second heartbeat signals, a correlation coefficient calculating unit to calculate a correlation coefficient between the alternate-current components in the first and second heartbeat signals, an amplification factor setting unit to set an amplification factor on the basis of the first and second average DC voltage values, the first and second average AC amplitude values, and the correlation coefficient, and a signal generating unit to generate a differential heartbeat signal by amplifying the first or second heartbeat signal on the basis of the amplification factor and calculating a difference between the first and second heartbeat signals.
US08755873B2 Evaluation of the quality of electrode contact with a skin surface
An instrument that utilizes body contact electrodes evaluates the quality of the connections made between the electrodes and the body. An electrode contact quality evaluation circuit performs the quality evaluation, such as by determining contact impedances for the electrodes. The corresponding contact quality of each electrode is conveyed to the user.
US08755872B1 Patient monitoring system for indicating an abnormal condition
A patient monitor in communication with ECG leads is configured to monitor physiological parameters over time to indicate an abnormal condition. The physiological parameters can include an ST parameter and/or action potential, and the abnormal condition can be an anaerobic state. To identify the abnormal condition, the patient monitor identifies a reference physiological parameter measurement of a patient at a first time and determines expected physiological parameter measurements based on different heart rates. The patient monitor compares an expected physiological parameter measurement of a patient at a current heart rate with an actual physiological parameter measurement at the current heart rate. The patient monitor indicates an abnormal condition if the difference between the expected and actual physiological parameter measurement is greater than a threshold amount.
US08755868B2 Adaptive sampling
A method and apparatus is disclosed for adaptively sampling an analogue signal to increase the sampling rate in the presence of high frequency content within the signal, for example, QRS complex of an ECG signal. In one aspect, a change in a derivative of the analogue signal is used to control a voltage-controlled oscillator to provide a clock signal for an analogue-to-digital converter. The change in the derivative is compared to an automatically controlled threshold value. The clock signal controls the sampling rate of the analogue-to-digital converter so that the sampling rate is increased from one level, where only P and T waves are present to another higher level when the QRS complex has been detected.
US08755867B2 Optical measurement system, portable optical measurement device used therein, and rehabilitation planning method using same
An optical measurement system has main and portable optical measurement devices. The main optical measurement device includes Ath first light sending devices and Bth first light receiving devices. The portable optical measurement device includes Cth second light sending devices for illuminating a subject, Dth second light receiving devices receiving light from the subject, a holder worn on a head of the subject and having through holes therein, a control unit acquiring measurement data relating to a brain activity while controlling the second light sending and receiving devices, and a communication device communicating with the main optical measurement device. (C+D)<(A+B) is satisfied. The communication device of the portable optical measurement device transmits the measurement data acquired by the control unit of the portable optical measurement device to the main optical measurement device.
US08755860B2 Method for displaying catheter electrode-tissue contact in electro-anatomic mapping and navigation system
An electrode coupling output system associated with an electrode catheter that provides indication to the physician via the navigation system, concerning the electrical coupling of an electrode, such as an ablative or mapping electrode, with a patient. The indication may be provided by changing the color or other display characteristics of the electrode on the navigation system display or by way of providing a waveform indicating the electrode coupling. In this manner, electrode coupling information is provided to a physician in a manner that minimizes physician distraction.
US08755852B2 One piece co-formed exterior hard shell case with an elastomeric liner for mobile electronic devices
A protective case for a handheld mobile electronic device may include an elastomeric liner formed on the interior of the exterior hard shell. This hard protective exterior shell allows the device maximum protection from impacts with sharp objects while the interior elastomeric portion that provides shock protection for the device from impacts. The exterior hard shell part is formed to fit the device closely with a small offset from the device's surface. The exterior hard shell wraps around the edges of the device. To allow the shell to be able to be mounted on the device the corners of the hard shell are cut open. This allows each sidewall to flex away when a device is inserted and snap back once it is in place. The elastomeric material fills in the gaps created at the corners of the exterior hard shell to allow flex for mounting.
US08755849B2 Method and system for power management in a beamforming system
Aspects of a method and system for on-demand signal notching in a receiver. In this regard, power consumption in a wireless device may be managed by configuring one or more transmitters and/or receivers in the wireless device based on a directivity of a received signal and/or signal strength of a received signal. At least a portion of the transmitters and/or receivers may be disabled and/or enabled based on strength of undesired in-band components of the received signal, undesired out-of-band components of the received signal, signal to noise ratio of a desired component of the received signal, a user selected power mode, and/or a direction from said wireless device to a communication partner. A splitter and/or combiner of the wireless device may be configured based on which portion of the transmitters and/or receivers are enabled. A scaling factor and/or a phase shift of the splitter and/or combiner may be configured.
US08755836B2 Method for searching the location of multi-SIM mobile terminal and an apparatus thereof
A method, apparatus and system for determining a location of a multi-Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) mobile terminal having at least first and second SIMs mounted therein are provided. The first and second SIMs are associated with respective first and second mobile networks using different base stations. A first location is determined based on a location of at least one first base station in the first network and receive signal strength at the mobile terminal of a signal transmitted by the at least one first base station. A second location is determined based on a location of at least one second base station in the second network associated with the second SIM and receive signal strength at the mobile terminal of a signal transmitted by the at least one second base station. The location of the mobile terminal is then estimated from the first and second locations.
US08755835B2 Multi-mode handheld apparatus
A multi-mode handset apparatus may incorporate a radio element that is operative in accordance with a plurality of communication standards. A coexistence engine may arbitrate access to resources of the radio element by media access controllers and baseband components.
US08755827B2 Distributed storage and aggregation of multimedia information via a broadband access gateway
A system and method for the aggregation of multimedia information storage via a broadband access gateway is disclosed. Information about storage resources accessible to a broadband access gateway may be collected and used in selecting storage capacity used for storing multimedia information such as, for example, streaming video, broadcast video, digitized video, digitized audio, text, and digitized images. The gateway may manage storage and retrieval of the multimedia information based upon user defined criteria and characteristics of the available storage resources. Multimedia information may be parsed for storage across multiple storage resources, and the location and nature of the storage resources used for storage of multimedia information items may be unknown to the user. Storage services accessible via a broadband connection may also be used as storage resources.
US08755825B2 Method and apparatus for supporting machine-type communications with a mobile-originated-only mode
A method and apparatus for supporting machine-type communications (MTC) are disclosed. A wireless transmit/receive unit (WTRU) may configure itself to operate in a mobile-originated-only mode. The WTRU may perform no, or a subset of, radio resource control (RRC) idle and/or non-access stratum (NAS) idle/standby state procedures in the mobile-originated-only mode. For example, the WTRU may perform cell reselection but not paging monitoring in the mobile-originated-only mode. Alternatively, the WTRU may perform paging monitoring but not cell reselection and location update. The operation in the mobile-originated-only mode may be triggered explicitly or implicitly. For example, the WTRU may operate in the mobile-originated-only mode if an inactivity timer expires. The WTRU may switch the mode in accordance with a pre-configured schedule. After transition of the operation mode, the WTRU may send a message to the network indicating such mode switch.
US08755822B2 Method and system for locating a mobile terminal
A method and system locates a mobile terminal addressed in a location service request using an overlay identity. According to one aspect of the invention a location service client accesses a first subscriber database, thereby providing said overlay identity, in order to derive a cellular identity of said mobile terminal. According to another aspect of the invention the location service client accesses a location service server in order thereby providing said overlay identity. The location service server initiates a privacy check using said overlay identity and in response receives a cellular identity. The cellular identity then may be used to request a location service to enhance functionality.
US08755815B2 Use of wireless access point ID for position determination
A mobile computing device comprises a wireless transceiver and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to identify a location, to identify a wireless access point within a predetermined distance of the location, to detect a wireless access point identifier using the wireless transceiver, to compare the detected wireless access point identifier to the identified wireless access point, and to initiate location determination based on the comparison.
US08755804B2 System for providing redundant communication with mobile devices
Systems and methods for providing network access to mobile devices that travel with a vehicle, such as a train, a bus, a boat, etc. along or adjacent to a relatively fixed path that may extend over a large geographic area. Mobile devices access the network through stationary access points arranged along or adjacent to the path and communicate with a communication network. The communication network may be arranged as an asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) local area network emulation (LANE) network. One of the mobile devices may be a mobile access point which can couple other mobile devices to the network and record authentication information of other mobile devices so that fast transitions can be made from one stationary access point to another as the vehicle moves along the path.
US08755799B1 Provisioning and using wildcarded private identity to register devices for wireless services
Systems and techniques are provided for registering similar subscriber devices in a communication network. A unique Private Identity (PRID) is generated for several user devices associated together under one user account for service through the communication network. The PRID includes a group indicator identifying the PRID's association with a group of devices subject to a common service profile, a Public Identity (PUID) string of characters that uniquely identifies the one user account, and a device identifier uniquely assigned to identify the respective device within the group under the one user account. One common PRID is generated for identifying the common service profile with respect to all of the devices of the group under the one user account. The common PRID includes the group indicator, the PUID, and a wildcard in a field of the predetermined format for a device identifier.
US08755798B2 Method and apparatus for transceiving data in a wireless access system
The present invention relates to a method in which an M2M device transceives data to/from a base station in a wireless access system. The method comprises: a step of receiving, from the base station, a first message containing an available interval or an M2M device ID shared among M2M devices, and an M2M device ID use period in which said available interval periodically repeats; and a step of transceiving data to/from the base station using the M2M device ID in the available interval.
US08755797B2 Methods and apparatus for controlling provisioning of a wireless communication device
Methods and apparatus for controlling provisioning of a wireless communication device in a cellular network may include maintaining, at a network component, a provisioning status database comprising status information corresponding to provisioning in a home location register of one or more wireless communication devices for one or more cellular networks. In addition, the methods and apparatus may include initiating provisioning or de-provisioning of a wireless communication device for a cellular network in the home location register in response to a triggering event.
US08755794B2 System and method of sharing information between wireless devices
A method of receiving a user profile at a wireless device is provided. The method includes receiving a request to add the user profile at the wireless device, transmitting an acceptance of the request, receiving the user profile at the wireless device, and storing the user profile at the wireless device.
US08755793B2 Apparatus and methods to facilitate seamless handoffs between wireless communication networks
Apparatus and methods for facilitating a handover of a wireless communication device on a first wireless communication network to a second wireless communication network, wherein the first and second wireless communication networks include communications protocols that are incompatible, are disclosed. The facilitation can include establishing communications between the wireless communication device and an interworking component of the second wireless communication network using a transparent tunnel through the first wireless communication network so that a message containing session information for the second wireless communication network can be exchanged. The facilitation further includes creating a profile on the second wireless communication network for a communication session between the wireless communication device and the second wireless communication network.
US08755789B2 Method and system for determining service metrics in a wireless network
A method and system for determining service metrics in a communications network are disclosed. The method measures a speed of a wireless endpoint device in a call, and collects call performance data. The method deems the call as being associated with a user who is mobile if the speed of the wireless endpoint device exceeds a speed threshold at any time during the call, or as being associated with a user who is stationary if the speed of the wireless endpoint device does not exceed or is equal to the speed threshold over a call duration. The method adds the call performance data to an aggregate service metrics for mobile users if the call is deemed as being associated with a user who is mobile, or to an aggregate service metrics for stationary users if the call is deemed as being associated with a user who is stationary.
US08755786B2 Routing apparatus and method for multi-hop cellular systems
A routing method in a multi-hop cellular system, the method including: maintaining a signal strength in each node included in the multi-hop cellular system; receiving, in at least one neighbor node, a route-request message broadcasted by a source node; dropping or re-broadcasting, by the at least one neighbor node, the route-request message based on a hop count and the signal strength; and storing, in a base station, the route-request message which is received via the at least one neighbor node, based on an elapsed time, or transmitting a route-reply message to the source node via an optimal path which is selected via the stored route-request message.
US08755785B2 Collaborative image control
Systems and methods of conducting collaborative sessions between mobile devices may provide for determining a time delay associated with a set of participating mobile devices, and determining a command execution time based at least in part on a clock of a managing device and the time delay. One or more control messages may be transmitted to the participating mobile devices, wherein the control messages include the command and the command execution time. Upon receiving a control message, each participating mobile device may determine a local execution time based at least in part on the command execution time and an offset of the clock of the managing device relative to a local clock. Execution of the command can therefore be coordinated across the set of participating mobile devices.
US08755784B2 Detecting subscriber input via a wireless communication device for initiating network provisioning of such device
Subscriber input detected via a wireless communication device for initiating network provisioning of the wireless communication device is presented herein. A method can include receiving, via an interface of a wireless communication device, a first input from a subscriber of a wireless service associated with the wireless communication device; sending, by the wireless communication device based on the first input from the subscriber, a request for provisioning the wireless communication device via a wireless network associated with the wireless service; and outputting, via the interface of the wireless communication device, a first message including a condition for the provisioning the wireless communication device via the wireless network based on the request. In an example, the method can further include receiving, based on the request, the condition from a component of the wireless network.
US08755777B2 Identity blocking service from a wireless service provider
Identity-blocking services are provided. The current physical location of a mobile device may be disclosed to a third party without sending any identity information of the mobile subscriber to the third party. Blocking of the mobile subscriber's identity may be desirable for privacy reasons, to comply with a government regulation, or to implement a telecommunication service option selected by the mobile subscriber.
US08755775B2 Virtual number gateway
An embodiment of a communication system for associating at least one virtual phone number with a mobile device is disclosed. The mobile device is pre-associated with a real phone number and owned by a first subscriber and the at least one virtual phone number is associated with a second subscriber. The system includes a virtual phone platform configured to activate one or more communication services for the at least one virtual phone number. The one or more communication services are simultaneously available to the at least one virtual phone number and the real phone number via the mobile device subsequent to the activation.
US08755771B2 System, method, and program for generating screen
A user terminal provides a screen with favorable usability according to the terminal used by a user at low cost. Information apparatus 100 executes a process of distinguishing an access source terminal type with at least one information, acquired when accessing from a user terminal, of user agent information relating to the user terminal and communication carrier information used for the accessing, and a process of generating, when the distinguished terminal type is a mobile phone, an inline CSS style screen display information by reading screen decoration data for mobile phones from a storage to include in the screen definition and when the distinguished terminal type is a smartphone or a tablet PC, an external CSS file format screen display information by reading screen decoration data for smartphones or tablet PCs from the storage to include in the screen definition.
US08755768B1 Feature management of a communication device
A system and method for the real-time management of a device, and more particularly to the establishment and enforcement of policies or rules associated with the feature or functions that may be performed with the device, such as making and receiving calls, exchanging data, playing games and music, sending and receiving email, accessing web sites, and paying for goods and services. If a child or employee is using the device, there may be a need to regulate how that device can be used and to determine who will pay for what goods or services. In addition to providing all of the features associated with a device, service providers need to be able to establish and enforce rules (policies) regulating how and when that device can be used and who will pay for a good or service requested by the user of the device.
US08755758B2 Technique for suppressing noise in a transmitter device
A technique of suppressing noise in a transmitter device (300) is provided, wherein the transmitter device (300) comprises a baseband signal processing stage (301) operating at baseband frequency and comprising a modulator (316, 320) for converting a baseband signal into an RF signal, and an RF signal processing stage (301) operating at RF and comprising an amplifier (330). A method implementation of this technique comprises the steps performed in a feedback loop (333, 336) coupled around the amplifier (330) of tapping the RF signal processing stage downstream of the amplifier (330) to obtain an amplified RF signal comprising a baseband signal component and a noise component, downconverting the tapped RF signal to baseband frequency, removing the baseband signal component from the downconverted signal, upconverting the resulting signals still comprising the noise component to RF frequency and feeding the upconverted signal back to the RF signal processing stage upstream of the amplifier (330) thereby suppressing the noise component.
US08755749B2 Minimizing interference to non-associated users
A method for reducing interference to wireless communication devices is described. A handoff request is received from a wireless communication device. A femto access point that is a hand-in target of the handoff request is determined. A handoff information message is sent to the femto access point. The method may be performed by a core network apparatus.
US08755746B2 Method for transmitting virtualized data in cloud computing environment
The invention relates to a method for exchanging virtualized data in Cloud Computing Environment between a first User Equipment and a second User Equipment, said virtualized data being stored in a first memory area allocated to said first User Equipment in a first distant server, a second memory area is allocated to said second User Equipment in a second distant server for receiving said virtualized data, said first User Equipment and said second User Equipment exchanging specific information on said virtualized data over a short range wireless link, method characterized by the following step: the first User Equipment proposes said virtualized data to the second User Equipment by means of a message sent through the short range wireless link, the second User Equipment transmits to the first User Equipment the location in the second memory area where to transfer said virtualized data, and transmits to the first distant server its agreement to receive said virtualized data, the first User Equipment requests said first distant server to transfer said virtualized data from the first memory area to the second memory area over the radio link.
US08755742B2 Method and system for peer to peer wide area network communication among radio sites having dynamic rest channel base repeater stations
A new group call request is received from a subscriber station at a rest channel repeater at a first network location. Corresponding new group call notifications are then transmitted to each of the other network locations over a wide area network to a current one of the repeaters acting as a rest channel repeater at each of the other network locations. Subsequently, an identity of a traffic channel repeater hosting the new call is received from each of the respective other network locations. An over-the-air notification is transmitted to other subscriber stations at the first network location identifying one of the first rest channel and another available channel as a channel for the new group call. Data received from the first subscriber station is then forwarded to each of the identified traffic channel repeaters at each of the other network locations via the wide area network.
US08755740B2 Wireless repeater with arbitary programmable selectivity
The invention relates to wireless repeater systems and methods. In embodiments, such systems and methods involve receiving a wireless transmission signal; and processing the wireless transmission signal using a digital signal processing facility (DSP); wherein the DSP is adapted to filter at least one sub-band of the wireless transmission signal using a digital bandpass filter.
US08755738B2 Systems and methods for generating a selective distribution of media content feeds
Aspects relate to systems and methods for generating a selective distribution of media content feeds. A content server can identify a set of mobile video cameras or other sources for delivery to a mobile device, based on a state of motion or orientation of the mobile device. Media content can be collected from video-equipped cellular devices capable of reporting their position, bearing, speed, and other sensor data. In one aspect, the position, bearing, and speed of the mobile device along with similar data for the media sources can be taken into account to generate a media envelope, or included set of media devices, to make available to the user. In one aspect, the selected content can be based on the compass orientation of a sensor in the mobile device. In one implementation, user preferences along with other access criteria can be used to further select content feeds.
US08755736B2 Method and system for managing skills assessment
The present invention is directed to a method and skills assessment tool for managing a testing session in a clinical skills testing center comprising a plurality of assessment stations. The method according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes configuring the plurality of assessment stations by associating each of the stations with a case type prior to the beginning of the testing session, receiving electronic identification of a student at one of a plurality of assessment stations prior to the student commencing an encounter at the one assessment station during the testing session, and, in response to receiving the student's identification, automatically assigning the student to the one assessment station for the encounter, where the encounter corresponds with the case type associated with the one assessment station.
US08755733B2 Fixing device, fixing method, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
A fixing device in an image forming apparatus includes a conveyance member to convey a recording medium at a fixing nip where an image carried on the recording medium is fixed onto it; a plurality of temperature detectors to detect temperature of the conveyance member, the detectors being disposed at both end portions of the conveyance member outside an area where a maximum-sided recording medium passes through; a guide member to guide the recording medium toward the fixing nip; and a guide plate displacing unit to displace a part of the guide member in a direction orthogonal to a conveyed surface of the recording medium to be conveyed at the fixing nip, based on temperature difference detected by the plurality of temperature detectors.
US08755725B2 Fixing device having flexible fusing member
A fixing device includes a tubular flexible fusing member, a heater, a nip member, a backup member, and a restricting member. The fusing member is rotatable about a rotational axis defining an axial direction and has an inner peripheral surface defining an internal space. The heater is disposed in the internal space. The nip member is disposed in the internal space for receiving radiant heat from the heater. The nip member is in sliding contact with the inner peripheral surface. The backup member nips the fusing member in cooperation with the nip member. The restricting member restricts displacement of the fusing member in the axial direction and is tiltable about a fulcrum portion.
US08755717B2 Charging device and image forming apparatus
A charging device includes a discharge electrode that is attached to a base member and discharges electricity to supply an electric charge to a latent-image carrier that carries an electrostatic latent image, a control electrode that is located on the latent-image-carrier side of the discharge electrode attached to the base member, that is curved along the latent-image carrier, and that controls a potential of the latent-image carrier, a support member that is fixed to the base member by a fixing member and includes a curved support surface that supports both ends of the control electrode in a longitudinal direction at a side at which the discharge electrode is provided, and first and second pressing members that are provided at respective ends of the control electrode in the longitudinal direction and that press the control electrode against the support surface.
US08755716B2 Light source device, optical scanning device, and image forming apparatus
A light source device includes: a light source; a package member that holds the light source; a splitting element that is arranged on an optical path of a light beam output from the light source and splits the light beam into a first light beam and a second light beam; and a cap member that holds the splitting element so that the surface of the splitting element is inclined with respect to a plane orthogonal to a traveling direction of the light beam output from the light source and that is attached to the package member to seal the light source.
US08755712B2 Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same
A developing device includes: a first developing body that develops a developing agent image on a development surface using a developing agent; a second developing body that develops a developing agent image on the development surface using the developing agent; and a sealing member that is disposed between a region where a first delivery pole and a second delivery pole are opposed to each other and the development surface, and adjacently to the first developing body and the second developing body at distances so small that developing agents formed as magnetic brushes on a first conveyance pole and a second conveyance pole respectively can touch the sealing member to secure sealing to prevent the developing agent from leaking to the outside of a device body.
US08755711B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method
When printing, an image forming apparatus determines, based on a threshold voltage corresponding to a print speed during printing, whether or not a corona wire of a charger needs to be cleaned. On the basis of whether or not a monitoring voltage corresponding to a current value of a charged bias, which is applied to the corona wire by a charged-bias high-voltage power supply, is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold voltage corresponding to the print speed during printing, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not the corona wire needs to be cleaned.
US08755704B2 Fixing device having heat roller reinforced by coil
A fixing device includes a heat roller and an opposing component. The heat roller extends in an axial direction and includes a cylindrical-shaped roller section and a coil. The heat roller section has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface. The coil is spirally wound along the inner circumferential surface and including a first portion and a second portion other than the first portion, the first portion being configured of such a number of turns of the coil, the number being a natural number greater than zero, the first portion having a first coil pitch length in the axial direction, and the second portion being configured of at least one turn of the coil and having a second coil pitch length in the axial direction greater than the first coil pitch length. The opposing component confronts the outer circumferential surface of the roller section and is exclusively superposed with an entire first portion via the roller section.
US08755703B2 Image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus includes an image forming section, a fixing section, a mode switching section that selectively switches a fixing mode between a fast heating mode and a heat accumulation mode, a selecting section that selects the fast heating mode or heat accumulation mode based on the relationship between operation expressions F1+P1×N and W+F2+P2×N, where N is the number of sheets to process, F1 is the time from instruction of processing in fast heating mode to processing start, P1 is the per-sheet processing time in fast heating mode, W is the warm-up time for the heat accumulation mode, F2 is the time from instruction of processing in heat accumulation mode to processing start, and P2 is the per-sheet processing time in heat accumulation mode, and a switching controller that controls the mode switching section to switch to the fast heating or heat accumulation mode based on the selected mode.
US08755695B2 Burst transmission method, and receiver resetting method and apparatus in a passive optical network
A burst transmission method and a receiver resetting method and apparatus in a Passive Optical Network (PON) are provided. A burst receiver resetting method in a PON includes: receiving a preamble sequence and synchronizing data; after synchronizing the data, continuing to receive the data, and matching a Burst Terminator (BT); and resetting a receiver after successfully matching the BT. Meanwhile, an apparatus for implementing the method and a corresponding burst data transmission method are provided. By using the burst receiver resetting method and apparatus in the PON and the corresponding burst transmission method at an Optical Network Unit (ONU) burst transmission end, a Reach Extender (RE) does not need to unpack upstream burst bandwidth allocation information carried in downstream data.
US08755691B2 Wavelength real time display on the equipment for WDM optical networking systems with wavelength tunable capability
A wavelength tunable device for use in a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system comprising a display device for displaying at least one operating wavelength of the wavelength tunable device. The display device is electrically coupled to a control unit in the wavelength tunable device so as to display the tuned wavelength in real time. The wavelength tunable device may be, in exemplary embodiments, an optical transponder, wavelength division demultiplexer, or wavelength division multiplexer. In embodiments where the optical equipment has a plurality of tunable ports, the display device is adapted to display the operating wavelength of each tunable port.
US08755690B2 System and method for administration of dispersion compensation modules
An optical network contains dispersion compensation modules with Fiber Bragg Gratings. A photo detector behind the Fiber Bragg Grating detects the not reflected rest of the gratings input signal and therefore the dispersion compensation modules input signal. This information is used to reduce the expenditure and to avoid errors of configuration or administration of the dispersion compensating subsystem of the optical network.
US08755686B2 Method and device for processing failure of multi-span working channel in ring optical transmission network
The present invention discloses a method and device for processing an alarm in a ring optical transport network. The method comprises detecting alarm information in the ring network in real-time, and when generation of only an working ODUk alarm in the ring network is detected, performing a switching process of a 1+1 protection protocol on services carried on a working channel on which an alarm is generated; in the event that one working ODUk alarm has existed in the ring network, when generation of an alarm at a protection ODUk corresponding to the working ODUk on which the alarm has been generated is also detected, or when an optical multiplexed segment layer alarm is generated in the ring network, triggering a switching process of a channel shared protection protocol. The device comprises an alarm detection module and a switching triggering module.
US08755679B2 Liquid material vaporizer
A liquid material vaporizer comprises a gas-liquid mixing section for mixing a liquid material and a carrier gas to generate a gas-liquid mixture, and a heating type vaporizing section for vaporizing the gas-liquid mixture from the gas-liquid mixing section and exhausting outside the gas generated by the vaporization with assistance of the carrier gas, wherein the vaporizing section is configured with an arrangement of one or a plurality of flat plates formed in a spiral shape by an inwardly twisting path. Such an arrangement provides an excellent liquid material vaporizer capable of, even if a liquid material composed of a plurality of materials having different boiling points is vaporized, preventing a residue from being generated, and performing the vaporization in a preferable manner.
US08755674B2 Information recording apparatus and method, information processing terminal, medium and apparatus, and recording medium
New content is recorded onto a recording medium. Whether the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sufficient to record the new content is determined. When the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sufficient, the new content onto the recording medium is recorded. When the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is insufficient, a notification regarding the current free recording capacity of the recording medium is sent over a network to an information processing terminal, an instruction transmitted over the network by the information processing terminal is received, and at least a portion of prior content recorded on the recording medium is processed based on the instruction.
US08755673B2 Method, system and computer program product for editing movies in distributed scalable media environment
A movie editor converts a received movie into a proxy format, and creates a texture strip representing the frames of the movie. An editor can use the texture strip to edit the movie, rather than editing the movie directly. Deep tags and/or special effects can be defined for the texture strip using a graphical interface. The graphical interface enables movies to be combined into a playback product according to a control structure graphically presented in the graphical interface.
US08755660B1 Method and apparatus for compensating for and using mode-profile distortions caused by bending optical fibers
An apparatus and method for compensating for mode-profile distortions caused by bending optical fibers having large mode areas. In various embodiments, the invention micro-structures the index of refraction in the core and surrounding areas of the inner cladding from the inner bend radius to the outer bend radius in a manner that compensates for the index changes that are otherwise induced in the index profile by the geometry and/or stresses to the fiber caused by the bending. Some embodiments of an apparatus and method include a fiber having a plurality of substantially parallel cores, the fiber including a straight section and a curved section; guiding signal light primarily in a second core in the straight section; guiding the signal light from the second core into a first core between the straight section and the curved section; and guiding the signal light primarily in the first core in the curved section.
US08755657B2 Optical cable
An optical switch having a housing and optical fibers connectable to a light source and a light detector. The light source and light detector are located remote from the housing. The first and second light guide cables have distal ends positioned in a separator assembly and are optically aligned but separated by a gap. The switch includes a device to modify a light beam, and the device is usually adapted to removably occupy the gap. The switch may be embodied in a float.
US08755650B2 Gradient index optical waveguide coupler
A light source is coupled to an input facet that directs light from the light source to a core layer of a waveguide and a gradient index material layer disposed beside the core layer along a portion of a propagation length of the waveguide. Light is launched from the light source into the input facet. In response, the gradient index material layer directs light to the core layer at least along the portion of the propagation length.
US08755649B2 In-line forward/backward fiber-optic signal analyzer
An optical connector having a plurality of directional taps and connecting between a plurality of optical waveguides (e.g., such as a connector between a waveguide that is part of, or leads from, a seed laser and/or an initial optical-gain-fiber power amplifier, and a waveguide that is part of, or leads to, an output optical-gain-fiber power amplifier and/or a delivery fiber), wherein one of the directional taps extracts a small amount of the forward-traveling optical output signal from the seed laser or initial power amplifier (wherein this forward-tapped signal is optionally monitored using a sensor for the forward-tapped signal), and wherein another of the directional taps extracts at least some of any backward-traveling optical signal that may have been reflected (wherein this backward-tapped signal is optionally monitored using a sensor for the backward-tapped signal).
US08755648B1 Semiconductor-based plasmonic phase modulator and method
A plasmonic phase modulator and a method of phase modulation employ modulation of surface plasmons. The plasmonic phase modulator includes a semiconductor substrate configured to provide a surface charge that forms a plasmonic channel at the substrate surface. The modulator further includes an electrode and an insulator between the electrode and the semiconductor substrate. The electrode is configured to provide an electric field that influences the surface charge. The electric field includes a bias field component and a modulation field component. The surface plasmon is supported within the plasmonic channel at an interface between the semiconductor substrate surface and the insulator. A phase of the surface plasmon in the plasmonic channel is modulated by changes in the electric field. The method includes propagating the surface plasmon in the plasmonic channel and varying the modulation field component to modulate the phase of the propagating surface plasmon.
US08755647B2 Methods and apparatus for vertical coupling from dielectric waveguides
A frequency-chirped nano-antenna provides efficient sub-wavelength vertical emission from a dielectric waveguide. In one example, this nano-antenna includes a set of plasmonic dipoles on the opposite side of a SiYV4 waveguide from a ground plane. The resulting structure, which is less than half a wavelength long, emits a broadband beam (e.g., >300 nm) that can be coupled into an optical fiber. In some embodiments, a diffractive optical element with unevenly shaped regions of high- and low-index dielectric material collimates the broadband beam for higher coupling efficiency. In some cases, a negative lens element between the nano-antenna and the diffractive optical element accelerates the emitted beam's divergence (and improves coupling efficiency), allowing for more compact packaging. Like the diffractive optical element, the negative lens element includes unevenly shaped regions of high- and low-index dielectric material that can be designed to compensate for aberrations in the beam emitted by the nano-antenna.
US08755644B2 Silicon based optical vias
Method of fabricating a semiconductor die with a microlens associated therewith. More particularly, a method for fabricating a vertical channel guide optical via through a silicon substrate wherein the optical via can contain lens elements, a discrete index gradient guiding pillar and other embodiments. Also disclosed are means for transferring, coupling and or focusing light from an electronic-optical device on the top of a semiconductor substrate through the substrate to a waveguiding medium below the substrate. The high alignment accuracies afforded by standard semiconductor fabrication processes are exploited so as to obviate the need for active alignment of the optical coupling or light guiding elements.
US08755643B2 Fibre optic sensor package
A fiber-optic sensor package (10) comprises a serial array of fiber-optic sensing coils (14, 16, 18, 20, 22) each of which is comprised in a respective fiber-optic sensor. Four (14, 16, 18, 22) of the coils are housed in a protective casing (24). One of the coils (22) is comprised in a fiber-optic electromagnetic field sensor. The other coils are comprised in respective fiber-optic geophones and/or hydrophones. A single package of the invention allows detection of both seismic and electromagnetic signals. An array of packages of the invention provides detection of both seismic and electromagnetic signal at a series of positions over a long distance or wide area, thus avoiding the need for two conventional arrays. A packages of the invention, and an array of such packages, require little or no electrical power input.
US08755638B2 Image processing apparatus, non-transitory computer readable medium, and image processing method for resolution conversion using a ratio
An image processing apparatus includes a determination unit that determines a type of a provided object, a resolution conversion unit that converts a resolution of the object determined by the determination unit as an image into a resolution of an output image, an object processing unit that performs a spatial frequency processing for the object after the resolution conversion by the resolution conversion unit depending on a ratio between a resolution of the object before the resolution conversion and a resolution of the output image, and a generating unit that generates the output image based on the object subjected to the spatial frequency processing in the object processing unit.
US08755632B2 Methods and systems for creating an aligned bank of images with an iterative self-correction technique for coordinate acquisition and object detection
Methods and systems for providing an aligned bank of images (e.g. for a panoramic display obtained by a scanning or moving camera) are disclosed that allow updating of the bank of images as new images are obtained; display of the original images stored in the bank as a mosaic according to any desired zoom; determination and display of the best mosaic view for a desired zoom; recall of the original images from the bank; and production of a mosaic that is free of accumulated stitching errors without imposing limitations on the way the camera scans. The methods and systems herein disclosed further have the ability to anchor the bank of images to the actual ground coordinates. The key to the method is inclusion of an iterative self-correcting procedure that reduces the accumulated errors as new images are added to the bank.
US08755627B2 Method and system for reducing speckles in a captured image
A method for reducing specular reflection in an image. The method includes capturing a first exposure of a scan surface using a first of a plurality of light sources, capturing a second exposure of a scan surface using a second of a plurality of light sources, determining which pixels captured by the light sources are speckles, and replacing a value of at least one speckle in the image with a different pixel value.
US08755620B2 Image coding method, image decoding method, image coding apparatus, image decoding apparatus, and image coding and decoding apparatus for performing arithmetic coding and/or arithmetic decoding
An image coding method comprising: obtaining current signals to be coded of each of the processing units of the image; generating a binary signal by performing binarization on each of the current signals to be coded; selecting a context for each of the current signals to be coded from among a plurality of contexts; performing arithmetic coding of the binary signal by using coded probability information associated with the context selected in the selecting; and updating the coded probability information based on the binary signal, wherein, in the selecting, the context for the current signal to be coded is selected, as a shared context, for a signal which is included in one of a plurality of processing units and has a size different from a size of the processing unit including the current signal to be coded.
US08755618B2 Method for coding and method for reconstruction of a block of an image sequence and corresponding devices
A method for coding a current block is disclosed. The method comprises an iterative step of decomposition into atoms of a first dictionary of a vector of data comprising at least reconstructed image data associated with pixels situated in a causal neighboring area of a current block.At each iteration, the step of decomposition into atoms comprises the following steps for: selecting a first atom in the first dictionary of atoms, applying a phase correlation between a patch associated with the first atom and a current residue vector, when the first atom is a textured atom, extracting from the patch at least the part most correlated with the residue vector, the extracted part forming a second atom, selecting from among the first atom and the second atom, the atom most correlated with the current residue vector, and updating the residue vector according to the selected atom.
US08755608B2 Marker generation device, marker generation detection system, marker generation detection device, marker, marker generation method, and program therefor
Provided is a marker generation device which has a measurement means, an invariant feature conversion means, a singular feature selection means, and a marker generation means. The measurement means measures a change in posture of an object in a background image on the basis of the image. The invariant feature conversion means indicates feature points extracted from the background image in an invariant feature space by means of a predetermined conversion process in accordance with the change in posture. The singular feature selection means selects, as a singular feature, a part in which the feature points are not indicated in the invariant feature space. The marker generation means generates a marker with the use of the singular feature.
US08755602B2 Electronic apparatus and method for binarizing image
An electronic apparatus and method obtains an original image, converts the original image into gray level to determine a gray level distribution of the original image, and defines a fuzzy region and a flat region and a fuzzy region according to the gray level distribution and a binary threshold. The electronic apparatus and method compares the pixel gray values in the fuzzy region with pixel gray values in the flat region to re-define the pixel gray values in the fuzzy region according to the comparison and a formula, and binarizes the original image to output an binarized image.
US08755600B2 Method and apparatus for determining the light direction
Provided are a method and apparatus for processing a digital image signal, and a recording medium having recorded thereon the method, in which an image including a subject is generated, a subject region is formed by detecting the subject from the image, the subject region is divided into at least two regions, histograms for the at least two regions are generated, respectively, and it is determined whether a light direction is side lighting by analyzing the histograms for the at least two regions.
US08755591B2 Method, medium and apparatus classifying and collecting area feature information according to a robot's moving path, and a robot controlled by the area features
A method of classifying and collecting feature information of an area according to a robot's moving path, a robot controlled by area features, and a method and apparatus for composing a user interface using the area features are disclosed. The robot includes a plurality of sensor modules to collect feature information of a predetermined area along a moving path of the robot, and an analyzer to analyze the collected feature information of the predetermined area according to a predetermined reference range and to classify the collected feature information into a plurality of groups.
US08755589B2 Measurement of belt wear through edge detection of a raster image
Tools for determining belt wear are provided. Specifically, non-contact based systems and processes are described which enable a quick and accurate measurement of belt wear. Based on the measurements of belt wear, a wear condition for the belt can be determined. Information regarding the wear condition can then be used to determine an appropriate remedial measure for responding to the determined wear condition.