Document Document Title
US08864627B2 Power generating manually operated treadmill
The present invention relates to a manually operated treadmill adapted to generate electrical power comprising a treadmill frame, a running belt supported upon the treadmill frame and adapted for manual rotation, and an electrical power generator mechanically interconnected to the running belt and adapted to convert the manual rotational motion of the running belt into electrical power.
US08864624B2 Method for shifting a semi-automatic powershift transmission
A method for shifting a semi-automatic powershift transmission used in a motor vehicle during a manually triggered traction upshift involves the shift phases of the charging of an actuator of a clutch to be engaged, an overlap of the charging of the actuator of the clutch to be engaged and the emptying of an actuator of a clutch to be disengaged, and also involves an engine rotational speed alignment. The charging, the overlap and the engine rotational speed alignment are carried out simultaneously. In the shift process during a manually triggered shift, the driver perceives a change in engine rotational speed with only a minimal delay after the shift command.
US08864621B2 Roadheader gearbox
A gearbox includes a shaft input spherical bearing and a shaft output spherical bearing enabling the ring gear to float within the housing and not engage the housing. The shaft output spherical bearing permits angular displacement of the output shaft with respect to the longitudinal axis of said output shaft. A spline connection enables the ring gear to pivot with respect to the cover. Loads transmitted to the housing of the gearbox are not transferred to the gear systems and the gear systems self-align within the housing.
US08864611B2 Front derailleur
A front derailleur basically includes a fixed member, a main body, a movable member and a support member. The fixing member is configured to be fixed to a bicycle frame. The main body is attached to the fixing member. The movable member is movably supported to the main body with respect to the fixing member. The support member is movably attached to one of the fixing member and the main body. The support member including an operated portion selectively operated by an operating element and positioned between the fixing member and the main body.
US08864597B2 Feedback apparatus and method for improving weight shift
A weight shift feedback apparatus senses a weight shift in a golf swing motion of the user, collects, synchronizes and stores the sensed weight shift information, analyzes a weight value applied to each foot of the user with respect to time based on the stored data, and extracts important points of a swing. The weight shift of the user may be evaluated based on an address point, a backswing top point, an impact point, and a point where the weight value applied to each foot has a maximum value, and the feedback information for the evaluation may be provided to the user.
US08864585B2 Gaming terminal with a light dissipating push-button
A player-input device for a gaming system includes a light-transmissive button lens comprising interior and exterior surfaces extending to an outside perimeter. A textured surface is located along the outside perimeter of the button lens. A light source is disposed below a bottom edge of the button lens. The light source is operative to transmit light into the button lens such that the outside perimeter is illuminated at the textured surface. The textured surface is configured to dissipate the light over a substantial portion of the textured surface.
US08864580B2 Remote input device for a wagering game
An input device dedicated for use with a wagering game is displayed on a display device. The display device is remote from the input device and includes outcome images of a randomly selected outcome and input images associated with player inputs for the wagering game. The input device includes a player input-receiving area and an interface. The player input-receiving area has a plurality of input elements associated with respective functions of the wagering game. The input elements replicate the input images of the player inputs. The interface is coupled to the input elements and transmits signals in response to the player activating the input elements.
US08864579B2 Gaming device having a multi-trigger bonus
A gaming device having one or more primary games. The primary games may be played simultaneously. Each primary game has a triggering event which corresponds to an award or bonus game. If multiple triggering events occur in the same play, the player receives a multi-trigger bonus or bonus game.
US08864577B2 Wagering game with episodic feature determined by player
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a game display and a controller. The game display is operable to display a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in response to receiving a wager from a player. The wagering game has a game-play progression that includes a plurality of game episodes, at least one of the plurality of game episodes having a plurality of episode features. The controller is in communication with the game display and is programmable to cause, in response to a manual selection received from the player, the start of the wagering game from any previously played feature of the plurality of episode features.
US08864571B2 Wagering game having free spin feature with variable quantities of reel arrays
A gaming system for conducting a wagering game includes at least one input device, at least one display device, at least one processor, and at least one memory device storing instructions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the gaming system to receive a wager for playing the wagering game, and trigger a free-spin event in which a plurality of free spins is awarded. For a first spin, a first number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. For a second spin, a second number of arrays is randomly determined, displayed, and evaluated to determine whether an award condition is present. The second number of arrays is non-equal to the first number of arrays. Any awards associated with each determined award condition are provided.
US08864560B2 Water-blocking vent panel and air filter therefor
A housing includes a wall having an aperture and a vented panel, the vented panel including a first wall having a first side and a second side and an opening, a second wall having a first side, a second side facing the first wall first side and an opening, and a panel interior, the housing further including an air filter having an inner side and an outer side relative to the interior mounted against the second wall first side over the second wall opening with the filter inner side facing the housing interior, a water dam mounted along the filter bottom portion at the filter inner side, the water dam being higher than any water barrier mounted along the filter bottom portion outer side, whereby, any water reaching the filter bottom is substantially prevented from draining into the housing interior. Also an air filter usable in the housing.
US08864557B1 Multiple-bird poultry shackle and related methods
A multi-bird poultry shackle includes a stanchion having a connection point adapted to couple to a conveyor; a first shackle coupled to the stanchion, the first shackle having a first pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a first bird, and a second pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a second bird; a second shackle coupled to the stanchion below the first shackle, the second shackle having a third pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a third bird, and a fourth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a fourth bird; and a third shackle coupled to the stanchion below the second shackle, the third shackle having a fifth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a fifth bird, and a sixth pair of leg loops adapted to hold the legs of a sixth bird. A method of conveying poultry carcasses is also described.
US08864550B2 Uplift bra
The bra comprises a breast containment zone defined by two breast cups engaged to a perimeter element. The perimeter element has a base and two peripheral sides extending from each side of the base, forming a “U” shape that extends about each breast cup. A chest band is engaged to and extends bilaterally away from each breast cup, to encompass the torso of a wearer. The chest band has a lower elongate zone to apply a first force to the perimeter element at the base of the perimeter element, and an upper elongate zone to apply a second force adjacent each breast cup to the perimeter element at the each peripheral side of the perimeter element and at a distance away from the base of the perimeter element.
US08864548B2 Toy with viscous skeleton
A toy figure has a loosely held skeleton with multiple structural elements resembling or simulating bones of the skeleton. The skeleton also includes a fluid or liquid material that resembles a soft tissue coupled to a portion of the structural elements. In addition, a play set includes a receptacle in which a viscous fluid is located so that a portion of the skeleton can be moved to engage the fluid. A child can move a portion of the skeleton away from the receptacle, thereby displaying the fluid on the structural elements.
US08864544B2 Hooded blanket and stuffed toy combination
A hooded blanket and stuffed toy combination device that includes a blanket having a perimeter defining an area, a hood attached to the perimeter and positioned externally to the area, and an ornamental surface comprising an outer surface of the hood, wherein the hood comprises an outer shell and an interior volume whereby the blanket is stored within the interior volume of the hood to provide a stuffed toy.
US08864536B2 Implementing hybrid molded solder-embedded pin contacts and connectors
A method and structures for implementing hybrid molded solder-embedded pin contacts and connectors. An injection molded solder (IMS) mold cavity receives a Pin-In-Hole (PIH) connector pin. A lead-free solder is injection molded into the IMS mold cavity embedding and surrounding the PIH connector pin and forming a predefined molded solder shape defined by the PIH connector pin and the IMS mold cavity.
US08864530B2 Jack with a switch mechanism having a movable insulation separator
The invention relates to a jack having a switch mechanism SW of the single-butt contact type in which an ON/OFF operation is performed by insertion/extraction of a plug P. When the plug is inserted, a displacement load is applied by the separator to a middle portion in the length direction of the movable contact piece to flex the movable contact piece while setting a basal end portion of the movable contact piece as a fulcrum, whereby a tip end portion thereof is contacted with the stationary contact piece. Thereafter, the middle portion in the length direction of the movable contact piece is flexed while setting the tip end portion as a fulcrum, to apply a contact pressure on a contact. As a result, miniaturization of the jack, and reduction of the production cost can be realized.
US08864527B2 Universal serial bus memory device and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed are a universal serial bus (USB) memory device having a 5 pin USB connector which may be directly used for a portable terminal and a method of manufacturing the same. The USB memory device includes: at least one 5 pin USB connector; a memory to write data received from the 5 pin USB connector or reading out stored data to transmit the data to the 5 pin USB connector; and a controller electrically connected to the 5 pin USB connector and the memory to control data transmission between the 5 pin USB connector and the memory, wherein the 5 pin USB connector comprises a power terminal, a ground terminal, a D+ terminal, a D− terminal, and an ID terminal, and the ID terminal is connected to the ground terminal so that the 5 pin USB connector is grounded.
US08864524B2 Connector
A connector capable of improving the durability and the contact reliability of a contact. In the contact, a pair of spring portions for pressing a contact portion against a card-type electronic component are formed continuous with the contact portion that is brought into contact with the card-type electronic component. A holding portion held by a housing is formed continuous with the spring portions A connection portion connected to a printed board is formed continuous with the holding portion. The spring portions are made elastically deformable independently of each other, and are bent such that part and the other part of each spring portion do not interfere with each other in a direction of height of the housing when the spring portion is elastically deformed.
US08864498B1 Apparatus and method for drawing an object
A device for aiding a user in drawing an image of an object includes a clear plate and a frame fitting over the shoulders of the user and holding the plate at a location where the object can be drawn on a clear drawing medium attached to the plate while it is viewed through the clear plate and through the clear drawing medium.
US08864495B2 Quick dental implant kit
A quick dental implant kit includes a fixture having an upper fine thread portion, a lower coarse thread portion and a diameter gradually reducing in direction from the top side toward the bottom side and exhibiting a long arc-shaped contour, and a drill bit having a shank connectable to and rotatable by a dental handpiece and a stepped cutter body formed integral with the bottom end of the shank and defining a plurality of stepped cutting edges for drilling a stepped hole in a jawbone of a patient for the implant of the fixture. Each stepped cutting edge defines at least five steps and at least four risers alternatively connected in a longitudinal series to fit the long arc-shaped contour of the fixture.
US08864490B2 Device for injecting at least two pressurized fluids into the neck of a container in order to form said container
A device (24) for injecting at least two pressurized fluids into the axially oriented neck (20) of a container (18) in the preform state in order to form a final container by deforming the container (18) by successively injecting a first pressurized fluid and then a second pressurized fluid, the device (24) including: a first duct for supplying a first pressurized fluid; a second duct (30) for supplying a second pressurized fluid; and an axial nozzle (32) into which the second supply duct (30) opens, the nozzle being intended to be placed concentrically inside the neck (20) with a radial gap (j) so as to allow the first pressurized fluid to be injected into the container (18) through the radial gap (j), characterized in that the second pressurized fluid used for forming the container (18) consists of an incompressible filling liquid.
US08864489B2 Thermal nanoimprint lithography mould, process for producing it, and thermal nanoimprint process employing it
A heating mould for thermal nanoimprint lithography, a process of producing the heating mould, and a process for producing a nanostructured substrate which include the heating mould. The heating mould includes the heating mould. The heating mould includes a substrate having a first principal surface and a second principal surface, and a through-cavity extending from a first orifice in the first principal surface up to a second orifice in the second principal surface. The mould also includes a heating layer, an electrically and thermally insulating layer which covers the heating layer and, at least partially, imprint patterns, and leads for supplying an electric current to the heating layer.
US08864483B2 Machine for manufacturing electrode tape
A machine for manufacturing an electrode tape is disclosed. The machine includes a conveyor, a conductive structure coil, an adhesive material supply unit and a curing unit. The conveyor includes a molding belt with at least one groove and a roller used to drive the molding belt. The conductive structure coil is adapted to provide a conductive structure to the at least one groove of the molding belt. The adhesive material supply unit is adapted to provide an adhesive material to a surface of the molding belt. The curing unit is adapted to cure the adhesive material provided on the surface of the molding belt into a film.
US08864438B1 Flow control insert in cooling passage for turbine vane
A flow control insert for a turbine vane is disclosed. The flow control insert is designed to be placed in a trailing edge cooling passage of the turbine vane to simultaneously reduce cooling air flow and increase heat transfer from the vane to the cooling air, thereby improving efficiency of the turbine via reduced cooling air flow requirement while maintaining vane temperature within a specified range. Two different flow control insert designs are disclosed, where either design fits inside the cooling passage opening and allows an existing vane casting design to be used.
US08864435B2 Turnover device of liquid crystal panel
A turnover device of a liquid crystal panel which comprises: a panel holding portion including a base, a panel face supporting portion having plural pairs of panel face touching portions to support both panel faces of a liquid crystal panel, a supporting arm of a panel long edge having a long edge touching portion to support a long edge of the panel, and a supporting arm of a panel short edge having a short edge touching portion to support a short edge of the panel; and a driving portion including a rotation shift to form a right angle with a bisector to divide an angle formed by the long edge touching portion and the short edge touching portion, and an actuator for turnover to rotate and drive the rotation shaft.
US08864430B2 Screw with low drilling resistance
A screw with low drilling resistance comprises a head portion, a shank portion, a plurality of first threads, a drilling portion, and a plurality of second threads. Wherein, a plurality of opening slots are correspondingly defined on the second threads, and a first included angle of the first threads is smaller than a second included angle of the second threads. Thereby, the opening slots on the second threads efficiently provide the first threads with an auxiliary cutting effect and preferably offers a debris accommodating room. The first threads including the smaller first included angle favorably reinforce the bearing force of the second threads including the larger second included angle, thereby promoting the cutting effect of the screw and allowing a speedy screwing.
US08864419B2 Foundation support system for an offshore wind energy convertor, corresponding to an offshore wind power generating facility
A foundation system for supporting an offshore wind energy convertor is provided and includes a foundation base resting on the seabed and a column supporting the wind energy convertor which is linked to the foundation base. The column and the base are linked by an articulated joint connection, allowing tilt motions of the column in all directions from a vertical axis. A wind power generator facility including such a support, and a method of erecting such a foundation system, are also provided.
US08864417B2 Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe
Methods of reel-laying a mechanically lined pipe (MLP) are described. These include the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure in the MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the spooled off MLP, in the complete or substantial absence of internal pressure above ambient pressure, to provide an MLP for laying; and/or the steps of: spooling the MLP (12) onto a reel (10) resulting in the formation of wrinkles in the spooled MLP; spooling off the MLP from the reel; aligning and straightening the unspooled MLP to provide an MLP for laying having wrinkles <4 mm high, removing wrinkles, if any, while performing the hydrotest which is used to check fluid tightness of the line. By minimizing the size of the wrinkles and/or particularly selecting the liner of the MLP, the methods of the present invention allow safer, faster spooling and spooling off to be effected to provide safer, faster and more economical laying of an MLP.
US08864411B2 Water management barriers, systems, and methods of using the same
In an embodiment, a water management barrier may include a hollow body at least partially defined by a front wall, a back wall, a top portion, a bottom portion, a first end, and a second end. The front wall may include a plurality of raised portions spaced from each other and extending substantially between the top portion and the bottom portion. The raised portions may at least partially define a plurality of channels extending substantially between said top portion and said bottom portion. The raised portions and/or the channels may be configured to help the front wall resist deformation due to one or more forces being exerted on the front wall. The barrier may also include an elongated connection member connection to the first end and a connection recess formed in the second end. The barrier may also include an elongated foot member attached to the bottom portion.
US08864393B2 Media advance
Calibrating a media drive, comprising advancing media with a media drive while detecting media advances within the printer, determining an error in the media advances, and calibrating the media drive so as to at least partly compensate for the determined error.
US08864390B2 Optical fiber connector
An optical fiber connector includes a housing with at least one elongated cylindrical cavity, a fiber holder within the cavity including a ferrule which secures an optical fiber therein and a biasing member engaging the fiber holder to bias the ferrule towards an unmated position. A resilient metal latch is mounted on the housing for releasably securing the optical fiber connector to another component. A latch travel limiting structure prevents the latch from deflecting outside a desired predetermined path. Improved structures for mounting the latch on the housing and for creating a duplex connector assembly are also provided.
US08864380B2 Fluid dynamic bearing device
A fluid dynamic bearing device 1 has a bearing sleeve 8, a shaft member 2 which is inserted in the inner periphery of the bearing sleeve, a housing 7 which is formed by pressing, has the bearing sleeve 8 press-fitted in the inner periphery thereof, and has a stepped section 7d which engages with the end surface of the bearing sleeve and is located ahead in the direction of press-fitting of the bearing sleeve 8, a thrust receiver 9 which is in contact with and supports an end of the shaft member 2, and a seal portion 10 which prevents oil from leaking from the inside of the housing. A dynamic pressure generating groove 8a1 for generating fluid dynamic pressure in a radial bearing gap between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 2 and the inner peripheral surface of the bearing sleeve 8 is formed in the inner peripheral surface of the bearing sleeve 8.
US08864377B2 CMOS temperature sensor with sensitivity set by current-mirror and resistor ratios without limiting DC bias
An on-chip temperature sensor circuit can be implemented in a standard complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process using PNP transistors. A pair of transistors have collector currents that are sensitive to voltage, both directly and due to saturation currents. A scaling resistor connects to the emitter of one transistor and its voltage compared to the other transistor's emitter voltage by an error amplifier that generates a bias voltage to current sources that are proportional to absolute temperature since the saturation current sensitivity is subtracted out. The current is mirrored to sink current through a multiplier resistor from an output. An amplifier connected across the multiplier resistor compares a reference voltage to set the DC bias independent of temperature sensitivity. The temperature sensitivity is proportional to the ratio of the multiplier resistor and the scaling resistor, and is multiplied by a mirroring factor. A differential output may also be provided.
US08864371B2 Wireless lance
A system for wirelessly obtaining a measurement of a characteristic of a molten metal is disclosed. The system includes a contact block configured to be operatively coupled to a first end of a substantially hollow lance holder. The contact block is detachably and electrically coupled to and receives analog signals from a measurement sensor. The contact block converts the received analog signals into ultrasonic signals and transmits the ultrasonic signals through the hollow of the lance holder. A receiver block is configured to be operatively coupled to a second end of the lance holder. The second end is opposite the first end of the lance holder. The receiver block receives the ultrasonic signals from the contact block and converts the received ultrasonic signals into a digital voltage signal.
US08864368B2 Indicator of the power reserve of a timepiece
Watch movement of a mechanical or automatic watch comprising an indicator device for the power reserve which is configured to enable the power reserve to be indicated on demand. The device includes means to produce an acoustic signal that indicates the amplitude of the power reserve when said means are actuated.
US08864365B2 Chemical mixer
A chemical mixing apparatus has a mixing tank having an inlet and an outlet, means for introducing a liquid into the mixing tank, and a tubular conveyor assembly having a first end and a second end. The second end of the conveyor assembly is sealably connected to the inlet of the mixing tank. A portable hopper having a sealable inlet and a sealable discharge conduit is detachably and sealably connected to the first end of the conveyor assembly such that a solid chemical contained in the chemical storage chamber of the portable hopper may be transported within the portable hopper from a remote location and conveyed from the portable hopper to the mixing tank without exposing the area surrounding the mixing tank to the solid chemical.
US08864352B2 Lighting device for vehicles
A lighting device for vehicles with a plurality of light sources arranged like a matrix in a light generation level, with one light forming optic unit being arranged in the primary direction of emission in front of the light source, and with a pre-optic unit arranged between the light forming optic unit and the light sources, comprising a plurality of pre-optic elements, characterized in that the pre-optic elements are embodied as planar band elements provided with reflective flat sides and that the plurality of pre-optic elements form a band grid with a plurality of recesses, each allocated to the light sources.
US08864341B2 Reflective nanofiber lighting devices
A fiber-based reflective lighting device. The lighting device includes a source configured to generate a primary light, a substrate including a mat of reflective nanofibers, and a light exit configured to emanate the reflected light. The fibers have an average fiber diameter AFD less than 500 nm which diffusively reflects visible light upon illumination with at least the primary light. The mat has a basis weight less than 40 gram per square meter (gsm) and a reflectance greater than 80%.
US08864325B2 Power transmission device
A power transmission device which is free from a possibility of breakage of a driving member is provided. A stepping motor (driving member) 61a configured to be driven on the basis of a command signal from a controller 70, a lead screw portion 61c configured to be rotationally driven in association with the drive of the stepping motor 61a, and a power transmitting member 65 configured to move along an axial direction X of the lead screw portion 61c in accordance with the rotation of the lead screw portion 61c and transmit a power to a power transmitted member 42e are provided, and the controller 70 is configured to control the output of the command signal to the stepping motor 61a to be stopped when the power transmitting member 65 is not moved along the axial direction X.
US08864322B2 Shaped rearview mirror assembly
A rearview mirror assembly is provided that includes a front substrate having a first surface and a second surface, a rear substrate having a third surface and a fourth surface, wherein the front substrate and the rear substrate define a cavity, a perimeter seal between the front substrate and the rear substrate, an electro-optic medium disposed in the cavity between the front substrate and the second substrate and bounded by the perimeter seal, wherein the front substrate and the second substrate have a shaped edge having continuously arcuate shape, and wherein an interface the first substrate and the second substrate is approximately 1 mm or less from an outermost portion of the rearview mirror assembly.
US08864319B2 Imaging optical system, lens unit, and image projection apparatus
An imaging optical system includes a lens unit that includes a plurality of optical elements, and an optical path combining portion that includes a flat plate disposed so as to be inclined with respect to an optical axis of the lens unit, and the lens unit includes a correction portion that has a shape asymmetric with respect to the optical axis in a cross section that is parallel to both a normal of the flat plate and the optical axis.
US08864317B2 Projection display
A projection display satisfies formulas {(4FR′)/(W′TphR)}≧0.015 and W′≦0.5, where: F is an F-number of a projection lens; W′ is a diagonal size (inch number) of a light modulation element; ph is a pixel count in one side direction of the light modulation element; T is a throw ratio of the projection display (=a projection distance s/a distance L in the one side direction of a projected image on a projection plane); R is a radius of an exit pupil of the projection lens; I is an integrated light quantity obtained by, in a light quantity distribution in the exit pupil, radially integrating the light quantity up to the radius R; and I′(=I/2) is an integrated light quantity obtained by, in the light quantity distribution in the exit pupil, radially integrating the light quantity up to a predetermined radius R′ about barycenter of the light quantity distribution.
US08864312B2 Adaptive visual performance testing system
A method of testing visual performance includes determining a difficulty rating for each of a plurality of visual recognition tests. The method further includes displaying one of the visual recognition tests to a subject and receiving from the subject a response to the visual recognition test. After receiving the response to the visual recognition test, a subsequent visual recognition test is selected to have a difficulty rating determined based on the response received from the subject, the subsequent visual recognition test is displayed, and a response is received from the subject. The subsequent visual recognition tests are repeated until a predetermined number of responses is reached. A visual performance score is determined based on the set of responses received from the subject and the difficulty ratings for the visual recognition tests displayed to the subject is then output.
US08864307B2 Soft contact lenses for treating ametropia
A soft contact lens for treating ametropia having an optical zone, a pressure control zone, an alignment zone, and a peripheral zone.
US08864306B2 Eye covering and refractive correction methods and apparatus having improved tear flow, comfort, and/or applicability
An eye covering such as a contact lens may comprise one or more structures to pump tear liquid under the covering such that the covering can remain in the eye and correct vision for an extended amount of time. In many embodiments, the covering comprises a material having fenestrations to draw tear liquid under the covering and an outer portion shaped to contact the conjunctiva over the sclera, such that when the eye closes pressure of one or more eyelids urges tear liquid through one or more fenestrations and under the outer portion shaped to contact the conjunctiva. When the eye blinks, the pressure of the one or more eyelids can urge the covering toward the cornea such that tear liquid can pass through the fenestrations.
US08864291B2 Ink cartridge assembly, cartridge assembly kit, and printer
A cartridge assembly includes a plurality of ink cartridges each having a cartridge case that holds ink therein, and at least one connecting member that connects the plurality of ink cartridges together in a connection direction. The ink cartridges connected by the at least one connecting member are movable relative to each other in the connection direction of the ink cartridges.
US08864287B2 Fluid ejection using MEMS composite transducer
A method of ejecting a drop of fluid includes providing a fluid ejector. The fluid ejector includes a substrate, a MEMS transducing member, a compliant membrane, walls, and a nozzle. The substrate includes a cavity and a fluidic feed. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the cavity and is free to move relative to the cavity. The compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member, A second portion of the compliant membrane being anchored to the substrate. Walls define a chamber that is fluidically connected to the fluidic feed. At least the second portion of the MEMS transducing member is enclosed within the chamber. A quantity of fluid is supplied to the chamber through the fluidic feed. An electrical pulse is applied to the MEMS transducing member to eject a drop of fluid through the nozzle.
US08864285B2 System and method for cleaning a nozzleplate
A system and a method for cleaning a printhead by providing from a first slit a laminar flow of cleaning fluid that flows through a pretensioned brush for brushing the nozzle plate and collecting debris. The cleaning fluid with the debris is drained by a first slit having a first under pressure and next by a second slit that has a second under pressure that is greater than the first under pressure.
US08864281B2 Printing device and printing method
To make it possible to print a binocular vision image that is suitably visible in 3D according to the width of the convex lens during printing.
US08864268B2 Printing apparatus and printing method
To prevent uneven gloss on a printed image in a printing apparatus in which light-curable ink is used, a printing apparatus is provided. The printing apparatus includes a controller controls medium-conveying parts for conveying a medium so that the medium supplied from an upstream side is released on a downstream side; nozzles for discharging ink droplets cured by light irradiation onto the medium; a light-irradiation part for irradiating the medium with light; and medium-deforming parts arranged on the downstream side of the nozzles, holding the medium from the front and back, and deforming the medium so that an irregular shape is formed in cross section; the medium is conveyed downstream by the medium-conveying parts after the medium is deformed by the medium-deforming parts; droplets of ink are discharged from the nozzles to form an image on the surface of the medium; and the ink droplets discharged onto the medium are irradiated with light by the light-irradiation part to cure the droplets.
US08864266B2 Printing device and printing method
A printing device using a print head ejecting ink from a plurality of nozzles to print ink dots of a plurality of dot diameters, includes a print-characteristic acquisition unit obtaining print characteristic information on dot diameters of ink dots to be printed per each predetermined portion of the plurality of nozzles, a distribution ratio determination unit determining a distribution ratio for distributing image data to the predetermined portions of the plurality of nozzles based on the information, a dot print position determination unit quantizing the image data to determine a dot print position based on the image data and sizes and an array of thresholds; and a plurality of masks based on dot distribution order determined according to the distribution ratio, distributing printing of each of the ink dots of the plurality of dot diameters to the dot print position determined by the dot print position determination unit.
US08864254B2 Multi-function system for erasing media printed with thermo-reactive ink
What is disclosed is a multi-function system which receives media printed with ink having thermo-reactive properties and which processes the received media such that the ink becomes visually transparent. One embodiment of the present system comprises an input tray for receiving printed media into a transport path along which the media travels. A heating element resides in proximity to that transport path for changing a temperature T of the media to T≧TH. In various embodiments, a temp-normalizing element is positioned along the transport path downstream of the heating element for changing a temperature of the media such that the media's temperature T can be normalized back to a temperature range TL<
US08864247B2 Braking system for a utility vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer, and method for operating such a braking system in the event of defects
A braking system is provided for a commercial vehicle that can be pneumatically coupled to a trailer. The system includes at least one electronic control unit, and a valve device that can be electrically connected by the at least one electronic control unit. The at least one valve device builds up pressure for the trailer braking system when connected, causing the trailer to brake. A throttle is arranged in a trailer control line. The throttle limits a pressure drop at the control inlet of a relay valve in the event of a leakage downstream of the throttle. A method for controlling a brake system is also provided.
US08864242B2 Vehicle wheel with decorative attachments
A vehicle wheel includes a rim portion, a hub portion, a plurality of spokes and a plurality of decorative attachments. Each pair of adjacent spokes defines a window therebetween. The plurality of decorative attachments are secured to the wheel and each define a plurality of rearwardly extending boss portions. Each boss portion abuts the wheel. In certain applications, the boss portions may be received within a respective countersunk hole in the wheel and engaged by a fastener for securing the decorative attachment to the wheel. A free end of each of the boss portions abuts a bottom of its respective countersunk hole and the decorative attachment is otherwise spaced from the wheel to reduce noise issues. Alternatively, the ends of the boss portion may be spaced from the wheel and drawn toward the wheel with the threaded fasteners.
US08864241B2 Oral care implement having a head insert
A method of forming an oral care implement. In one aspect, the invention can be a method that includes molding a head platform having an opening extending between a first face and a second face, a first cavity defined between the first face and an upper support ledge, a second cavity defined between the second face and a lower support ledge, a channel defined between the upper and lower support ledges, an area circumscribed within the upper support ledge greater than an area circumscribed within the lower support ledge; providing a first plate having a first shoulder and cleaning elements; providing a second plate having a second shoulder and cleaning elements; inserting the second plate through the first cavity until the second shoulder is received on the lower support ledge; inserting and affixing the first plate within the first cavity, the first shoulder received on the upper support ledge.
US08864233B2 Tattoo chair
A tattoo chair includes a backrest, a seat, a brace for supporting the seat, and a base for allowing the chair to stand stably. The lower end of the backrest is rotatably attached to the inner side of the seat. A supporting fixed plate is provided under the bottom surface of the seat. At least one fixed gear rack is mounted from top to bottom on the rear surface of the backrest. A supporting rod is provided on the supporting fixed plate. One end of the supporting rod is rotatably attached to the supporting fixed plate, and the other end is put into one of grooves of the gear rack on the rear surface of the backrest.
US08864231B2 Bearing assembly for worm drive and worm gear for use in a seat sliding mechanism for an automobile power seat
A bearing assembly for a worm drive supporting the worm of the worm drive with washer-shaped thrust slide bearings and bush-shaped radial slide (sintered oil-containing bearings) bearings. The thrust slide bearings are made of a resin containing 95 to 99.9 wt % of polyetheretherketone resin, which is an aromatic polyetherketone resin. Wear of the thrust slide bearings is reduced and its durability is improved, thereby preventing vibration and noise of the worm drive as well as improving its durability.
US08864228B2 Vehicle seat
A vehicle seat capable, with a simple, lightweight structure, of improving a whiplash moderation effect from a head rest. In the vehicle seat (10), when there is an impact at a rear face of the vehicle, a support frame (50) that is fixed to a reclining rod (46) separately from a seatback frame (32) supports the waist area of a seat occupant from the vehicle rearward side. Thus, a load from the seat occupant that is inputted to the seatback frame (32) is reduced. Therefore, a displacement amount (deformation amount) of the seatback frame (32) to the vehicle rearward side may be suppressed. Thus, a duration until the head area of the seat occupant abuts against a headrest (16) may be shortened. Moreover, the support frame (32) that only supports the waist area of the seat occupant need only be fixed to the reclining rod (46). Therefore, a simple, lightweight structure may be formed.
US08864222B2 Unifoldable reclining chair
A unifoldable reclining chair design has a collapsible articulated frame and includes a pair of opposing side assemblies having longitudinally elongated pivotally connected side frame members that are maintained in opposing transversally spaced relation by front and rear collapsible X-shaped connector assemblies. Slidable pivot connections, or alternatively, pivotal connecting linkages, which join the rear connector assembly to associated side frame members, enable all of the frame members to move substantially in unison and in multiple directions relative to each other while simultaneously undergoing multiple changes in an angular position relative to each other to move the chair frame from a set-up condition for use to a collapsed condition for transportation and/or storage in response to a single folding action. The slidable pivot connections and pivotal connecting linkages also enable a chair occupant to change the angular position of the chair back support when seated or reclined in the set-up chair.
US08864221B1 Folding massage chair
A folding massage chair that includes a chair with attached front and rear support frames. The chair includes a seat portion and a backing portion, and also includes a massage and heating pad that is placed over the seat portion and a backing portion. The massage and heating pad includes a number of heating units and heating coils, along with a number of vibrator units. The chair also includes a cup holder and a music player holder, along with a foot rest attached to the front support frame. The chair also has a canopy that is attached to the backing portion.
US08864218B2 Vehicular ceiling assembly and vehicular roof assembly
A vehicular ceiling assembly includes a ceiling board, a functional component, a bracket including a mount and a shock absorber. The bracket is mounted to an upper surface of the ceiling board to fix the functional component to the ceiling board. The bracket is arranged such that the mount is positioned above the functional component in a vehicle height direction and the shock absorber is in contact with a lower surface of a roof of the vehicle.
US08864208B2 Panel locking structure for cargo bed of vehicle
A utility vehicle according to the invention includes a cargo bed having a panel locking mechanism. The panel locking mechanism includes a locking lever pivotably supported on a gate-type panel, a substantially U-shaped movable hook made of a spring steel and coupled to a middle of the locking lever, and a stationary hook provided on a panel adjacent to the gate-type panel and with which the movable hook is engageable. When seen from above, the middle portion of the movable hook is pressed onto a surface of the gate-type panel so as to press the gate-type panel inward of the cargo bed by a resilient force upon locking. For example, the movable hook can be formed with a straight portion.
US08864206B2 Recreational vehicle with reconfigurable floor plan
A method of making a RV and a RV made thereby having a plurality of compartments whose floorspace ratio can be selectively altered according to the usage status of the vehicle without increasing the total floorspace footprint by internal movement of structural features and user fixtures normally supported on the vehicle floorspace. For example, an RV can be made wherein the relative position of a dividing wall between compartments is movable with respect to those compartments and, at the same time, a seating fixture within one compartment can be moved along the floor between optimizable positions according to the usable floor space within that compartment.
US08864198B2 Tubular back beam for vehicle
A tubular back beam for a vehicle is provided to effectively cope with crashes, including a head-on crash, an offset crash, etc., thus promoting excellent crashworthiness, and thereby maximally reducing damage to a vehicle body, in addition to maximally mitigating injuries to a pedestrian and a passenger.
US08864194B2 Adjustable strike
The invention relates to an adjustable strike having a striker plate, an end cap removably attached to an end of the striker plate, and the end cap having a first protrusion and a second protrusion, each for attaching the end cap with a door frame. The end cap also has a tab for removably attaching the striker plate with the end cap. The invention also relates to a method of providing the adjustable strike.
US08864192B2 Safety device for vehicle handles and vehicle handle comprising this safety device
Safety device comprising an inertial mass (1) pivoted to a frame (2) for rotating around an axis (4), wherein elastic means (6) act on the inertial mass (1) for opposing its rotation, a wedge (12) being arranged in the frame (2) so that the inertial mass (1), when it rotates around this axis (4), slides along the inclined wall of the wedge (12), so as to axially move the inertial mass (1) along this axis (4).
US08864184B2 Backrest lid
A pivotable vehicle component is usable as a load or pass-through in a vehicle seat and include a pivotable latch which prevents the pivotable component from being unlatched from a force being applied by luggage (or other objects) during rapid decelerations such as in a crash.
US08864167B2 Gas bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system and method for manufacturing such gas bag arrangement
A gas bag arrangement for a vehicle occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle. The gas bag arrangement comprising a gas bag package which includes a folded gas bag and a wrapping which at least partly surrounds the folded gas bag, at least one connecting strap for connecting the gas bag to a holding structure of the motor vehicle, wherein the connecting strap is attached to a fastening portion of the gas bag and a deflection device arranged at the wrapping or formed by the wrapping, at which the connecting strap—relative to the condition of the gas bag arrangement as mounted in the vehicle—is deflected in direction of the holding structure. A section of the connecting strap coming from the fastening portion extends up to the deflection device away from the holding structure and at the deflection device again is deflected towards the holding structure.
US08864163B1 Cart assembly for fence netting
A fence netting cart assembly, suitable for both deploying and picking up a length of fence netting, including fence netting with integral posts fastened to the fence netting at regular intervals. The fence netting cart assembly includes a frame member with a pair of wheel members each on opposite sides thereof, with each wheel member rotatably attached to the frame member. The frame member includes a support section between the wheel members and a tongue section extending from the frame member. A pair of spaced apart rod members are secured to the support section. The support section with spaced apart rod members is adapted for removably supporting folded fence netting.
US08864154B2 Actuator that can be decoupled, in particular having an electromechanical drive
An actuator having an electromechanical drive and a housing is provided. The driving torque provided by an electric motor is transmitted by gear train to two actuator outputs connected to two parts of a stabilizer. The gear train is an eccentric gear train, the drive shaft of which is driven by the electric motor. An overall eccentric driven by the drive shaft has on its circumference a drive gear having a first outer profile and a second outer profile different therefrom. In the operating state the drive gear first outer profile is connected to a first inner profile of a first one of the outputs and the drive gear second outer profile is connected to a second inner profile of the second one of the outputs, and the connection can be eliminated by changing the eccentricity of the eccentric such that both outputs can rotate freely relative to each other.
US08864151B1 Foldable walker apparatus
There is provided a mounting assembly including a frame portion of the walker apparatus having a first bore and a second bore extending in a direction generally perpendicular to the first bore. The mounting assembly includes a shaft assembly rotatably connected to a wheel fork. The shaft assembly also is partially disposed within the first bore. The shaft assembly has a recess configured to align with the second bore. The mounting assembly includes a securing member threadably engageable with and at least partially disposed within the second bore. The securing member couples to the frame portion of the walker apparatus. The securing member has a tapered end that engages with portions of the shaft assembly surrounding the recess and is a set screw according to one aspect. The shaft assembly is a bolt according another aspect.
US08864146B2 Vehicle height control device for motorcycle
An object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle height control device for a motorcycle which enables a vehicle height to be retained at any intermediate position and which implements instantaneously switchover of the vehicle height. A vehicle height control device for a motorcycle has vehicle height detection means for detecting the vehicle height, a selector valve that connects, by switching, a jack chamber in a hydraulic jack to an oil reservoir chamber that communicates with oil chambers in a damper tube, and control means for controlling the switching of the selector valve based on a detection result from the vehicle height detection means in order to retain the vehicle height at any position.
US08864141B2 Blade seal
A blade seal comprising: a base; a tip; a first part formed from an elastomeric material which extends continuously from the base to the tip; and a second part formed from an elastomeric material mixed with conductive filler which extends continuously from the base to the tip. The blade seal is manufactured by compressing the first and second parts together; and curing one or both of the parts as they are compressed together.
US08864138B2 Sealing system with annular brush seal
The invention concerns a system for providing a seal between two volumes (V1, V2) delimited by a part (2A) mounted to rotate about an axis (A) and a stator (6), said system (S) including an annular brush seal (7) that comprises: a brush body (8) pivotally mounted in the stator; and fibers (10) fixed to the brush body and inclined at an angle α relative to a plane (P) orthogonal to the rotation axis (A), wherein it includes means (11, 12) for adjusting the angle α of the fibers (10) so as to be able to adjust precisely the clearance between the free end (10A) of the fibers and the rotary part (2A).
US08864133B2 Device for correcting an edge portion of a sheet material and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
Disclosed is a device for correcting an edge portion of a sheet material, including a first roller provided in a sheet material conveying path, a second roller including a center shaft and side rollers provided at both sides thereof, the center shaft having an outer diameter less than a minimum diameter of the side rollers, each of the side rollers having an outer diameter increasing from a center side to an outer side thereof, and a pressing unit configured to cause the second roller to bend toward the first roller to press the side rollers of the second roller against the first roller.
US08864125B2 Sheet feed device and image forming apparatus
A sheet feed device includes a second detection unit which detects a state of a detection switch unit whose state is switched due to the change of state of the sheet feed device; a signal conversion unit which converts a detection signal obtained in accordance with a state of the detection switch unit into a serial signal; a communication line which connects a first detection unit of an image forming device to the second detection unit; and a signal line configured to connect the first detection unit to the signal conversion unit. When the sheet feed device is in a first state, the first detection unit receives information indicating the state detected by the second detection unit via the communication line, and thereby detects the change of state of the sheet feed device.
US08864122B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes: a sheet supplier configured to supply a recording medium; a first conveyor configured to convey the recording medium supplied from the sheet supplier in a conveying direction; a recording portion configured to record an image on the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor; and a controller configured to detect an orientation of the recording medium with respect to the conveying direction while the recording medium is conveyed and change a conveying speed of the recording medium conveyed by the first conveyor depending on the detected orientation of the recording medium.
US08864121B2 Adaptive clamp width adjusting device
The present invention describes an adaptive clamp width adjusting device (200) for use in an integrated circuit package process machine. The device (200) includes a travel component (210) and a fixed component (310). The travel component (210) carries a clamp (220a,220b) with an adjustable width and a rotary screw (230a) operable for such adjustment by a driven wheel (232). The fixed component (310), mounted on a base plate (312), includes a motor (320) and a drive wheel (324) attached to the motor shaft. When the device (200) is in a clamp width conversion station (40a), the travel component (210) is aligned above the fixed component (310) so that when the base plate (312) is raised and the drive wheel (324) engages the driven wheel (232), the clamp width is operable to be adjusted by the motor (320) according to a width of a workpiece (W).
US08864116B2 Vibration insulator
A vibration insulator apparatus may include a vibration insulating bush having a body having a head housing groove therethrough, a top surface contact portion extending from the body, a vibration distribution flange formed under the body and spaced from the top surface portion, and a vehicle frame contact portion formed under the vibration distribution flange and configured to contact with the vehicle frame, and a coupling bolt coupled to the vehicle frame and including a head housed in the head housing groove of the vibration insulating bush, wherein a flange of an air duct may be disposed between the top surface contact portion and the vibration distribution flange.
US08864115B2 Vibration isolation structure
A vibration isolation structure is provided with a stress reduction section that can reduce the hydrostatic stress from tensional load along a stacking direction of portions of a composite laminated member corresponding to a first end side and a second end side in a shear direction orthogonal to the stacking direction to lower than the hydrostatic stress from tensional load along the stacking direction of other portions of the composite laminated member.
US08864110B2 Fence post and fence formed therefrom
In some embodiments, a fence post comprises a first body provided with first left hook parts and first right hook parts that are respectively positioned in front of the corresponding side wing. A fence body may be installed between two fence posts. In some embodiments, a second body conceals openings of the first left hook parts and the first right hook parts.
US08864109B2 Fence panel
A fence panel includes a sheet (12, 52) of mesh material with a first side (16) and an opposed second side (20) and, secured at least to the first side, a plurality of elongate reinforcing members (14, 18). The elongate reinforcing members (14, 18) are spaced from one another and are made from or include a material which has a hardness which is greater than the hardness of the material from which the sheet (12) is made.
US08864106B2 Valve seat apparatus having positive retention for use with fluid control devices
Valve seat apparatus having positive retention for use with fluid control devices are described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a metallic ring and an elastomeric ring coupled to the metallic ring and having a sealing surface to sealingly engage a flow control member of the fluid control device. At least a portion of an outer surface of the elastomeric ring includes an annular lip to sealingly engage an annular recess of a body of the fluid control device.
US08864105B2 Ball valve seats and ball valves designed with equilateral triangle section methods
It is inevitable for the tight closure of a ball valve to be disturbed by its ball's wedging action, and its ball seat is an upset impulse amplifier with an inherent disturbance resistance index or a sealing maintaining factor m. The ball valve seat designed with equilateral triangle section methods of the invention can positively ensure itself a resistance to ball-wedged disturbance from eccentric drive to make a ball valve realize its tight closure by the floated pressure of balls or seats onto each other and ensure that the ultimate rotational resistance to the ball only relates to the ultimate pressure from/on one seat. Because the seat of the prior art can not ensure balls or seats against each other a floated pressure sufficient to resist to the ball-wedged disturbance from eccentric drive, the tight closure of the ball valve has to be realized by either larger preclamping force or larger spring preload between seats and balls so as for the ultimate rotational resistance to balls to be from larger ball-clamping forces from two seats. Therefore, the ball valve in accordance with the invention is a real floating or mounted ball valve, whose operation torque can be at most half of that of a formal or false floating ball valve of the prior art.
US08864096B1 Anchor device for a wooden post
An anchoring device for supporting a post from a support surface. The anchoring device comprises a base, at least one stanchion extending from the base, and a plate attached to the stanchion opposite the base. A plurality of side supports is included with each side support attached to and extending from the base. The side supports are also attached to the plate and extend past the plate. First and second guides are included with each guide attached to the plate and each side support. Each guide extends away from the base.
US08864094B2 Fender mount for mirror
A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a fender of a vehicle includes a base member having a first end generally vertical when the base member is affixed to a fender and arranged to receive a fastener passing through the first end, through the fender, and into the base member so as to fasten the base member to the fender, a second end, a side portion extending between the first end and the second end and having a contour that follows an exterior profile of the fender, and a reinforcement reinforcing the first end.
US08864075B2 Elongate composite structural members and improvements therein
A composite material elongate structural member, such as a spar, for use in an aerospace structure, comprises a web disposed between upper and lower flanges. The web may include a clockwise twist about an axis parallel to the length L at a first portion towards the wing-root-end of the spar and a counter-twist in the anticlockwise direction at a second portion towards the wing-tip-end of the spar. The geometry of the spar may vary non-linearly along its length (L) so that the developed width of the spar as measured from a distal edge of the upper flange via the web to a distal edge of the lower flange varies linearly with increasing distance along the length (L). The risk of causing, during fabrication of the spar, undesirable creasing, stressing or stretching of composite material layers in a region in which the geometry of the member varies non-linearly may be reduced by means of such an arrangement.
US08864073B1 Aeroshell thermal protection system and method
A thermal protection system for a vehicle may include a substantially rigid, relatively thin outer aeroshell, a relatively low density insulation layer, and a resiliently compressible conformal layer. The vehicle may include a substructure. The aeroshell may be configured to be fastened to the substructure. The insulation layer may be disposed against the aeroshell. The conformal layer may be disposable against the insulation layer. The conformal layer may be compressively preloaded against the substructure when the aeroshell is fastened to the substructure.
US08864068B1 Multi-chamber landing system for an air vehicle
A landing system for an air vehicle with vertical takeoff and landing capability is provided that comprises a set of selectively pressurizeable upper and lower air chambers surrounded by a connecting curtain assembly. The upper and lower air chambers are each continuous having elongated right and left cylindrical center sections interconnected by semicircular sections at each end. The landing system is connected to the air vehicle by a catenary system connected to the upper air chamber. The landing system can adjust pressure in each individual set of landing chambers such that the attitude of the vehicle can be adjusted to clear uneven ground or assist with loading and offloading. The system is capable of absorbing energy during vertical landings. After landing, the system is capable of providing suction between the air vehicle and the ground to stabilize the air vehicle.
US08864064B2 Wind power generation system for lighter than air (LTA) platforms
An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.
US08864062B2 Aircraft with integrated lift and propulsion system
A vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed to be so efficient that it can be commercially competitive with runway dependent aircraft operating in a range of 100 to 1000 miles or more, with glide ratios of at least 24. Improvements include a combination of high efficiency tilting rotor and wing design that enable both vertical takeoff and efficient high speed cruising, a high aspect ratio wing, and a variable speed propulsion system efficient in both hover and cruise flight. Preferred aircraft use narrow chord inboard and outboard wings, and use efficient lightweight design to achieve unusually low empty weight fraction. In some embodiments, the rotors use medium rather than high modulus fibers, with wider blades of lower taper ratio, to provide the stiffness and mass properties required for high performance OSTR rotor blades. Also disclosed are VTOL aircraft with glide ratios from approximately 26 to over 40.
US08864060B2 Coil component, powder-compacted inductor and winding method for coil component
A coil component includes an air-core winding wire portion wound by a wire with a plurality of wound layers by alignment winding, a spiral shaped wound portion in which the wire wound in a spiral shape from an inner edge of an end surface toward an outer edge thereof along the end surface while in contact with the end surface on one side in the axis direction of the winding wire portion, a first lead portion extended and extracted outward from a winding first end point of the spiral shaped wound portion, and a second lead portion extended and extracted outward from a winding second end point at the outer circumference of the winding wire portion.
US08864053B2 Spray head for a mobile fluid distribution system
A spray head for a fluid distribution system that includes a spray head base defining a fluid inlet passage connected to a spray head body, a pair of deflectors extending outwardly from the base and the body, respectively, defining a fluid outlet passage, a piston disposed in a chamber of the body defining a variable orifice between the inlet and outlet, and a deflector plate positioned on an inner surface of the deflector of the base having a deflector plate surface opposing the variable orifice.
US08864048B1 Agricultural sprayer breakaway boom assembly
According to one embodiment, there is provided a breakaway hinge for an expandable boom on an agricultural vehicle. The boom includes of a first and a second section combined in a manner to allow the second section to move with respect to the first section when the second section encounters an obstruction. A breakaway hinge is provided between the first and the second section, and includes a first pivot member attached to the first section at an angle α with respect to a vertical line and a second pivot member attached to the second section at an angle θ with respect to the vertical line. A connecting member holds the first pivot member with respect to the second pivot member.
US08864040B2 Method of fabricating a microcircuit device
A fabrication method for a device having a body having a cavity of dimensions suitable for receiving a module having a microcircuit, the cavity having a bottom and a peripheral wall surrounding the bottom, the method including a step of putting the module into place in the cavity. More precisely, the method comprises, prior to the step of putting the module into place, a step of depositing an adhesive strip at least on a surface of the module that is designed to face the bottom of the cavity, the adhesive strip being suitable for enabling the module to adhere at least to the bottom of the cavity and for limiting a deformation stroke of the module that could occur under the effect of a mechanical compression force urging the module against the bottom of the cavity.
US08864026B2 Ballot image processing system and method for voting machines
A ballot processing system and method processes paper ballots, such as by optically scanning or optically reading those ballots. The ballot image processing system corrects for, or is able to differentiate valid voting marks from, ballot printing errors such as skewed printing, incorrect sizing, and speckling. Further, the ballot image processing system, after determining whether each of the voting marks is valid or not, associates audit data with the ballot that corresponds to the decision regarding each voting mark.
US08864012B2 Method and apparatus for the welding of pipes
Two pipes are arranged end to end, the pipes being shaped such that a groove is defined between the ends of the pipe. A plurality of welding torches are used to weld in the groove, such that at least some of the welding torches perform a first welding pass, the welding characteristics of the torches are adjusted and at least some of the welding torches are used to perform a second welding pass. At least one torch welds in a first sector in the first welding pass and a second sector in the second welding pass, the second sector being different to the first. The sectors might overlap or might not overlap.
US08864009B2 Tissue thickness compensator for a surgical stapler comprising an adjustable anvil
A fastener cartridge can comprise a support portion, a tissue thickness compensator positioned relative to the support portion, and a plurality of fasteners positioned within the support portion and/or the tissue thickness compensator which can be utilized to fasten tissue. In use, the fastener cartridge can be positioned in a first jaw of a surgical fastening device, wherein a second jaw, or anvil, can be positioned opposite the first jaw. To deploy the fasteners, a staple-deploying member is advanced through the fastener cartridge to move the fasteners toward the anvil. As the fasteners are deployed, the fasteners can capture at least a portion of the tissue thickness compensator therein along with at least a portion of the tissue being fastened.
US08864008B2 Endoscopic stapling devices and methods
Described herein are endoscopic staplers and methods used to apply one or more fasteners to body tissue. In one embodiment, a fastener-applying device, which is preferably a stapler, is passed transorally into the stomach to plicate stomach tissue by engaging tissue from inside the stomach and drawing it inwardly. In the disclosed embodiments, the tissue is drawn into a tissue chamber, causing sections of serosal tissue to be positioned facing one another. The disclosed staplers allow opposed sections of tissue to be moved into contact with another, and preferably deliver staples for maintaining contact between tissue sections at least until serosal bonds form. Each of these steps may be performed wholly from the inside of the stomach and thus can eliminate the need for any surgical or laparoscopic intervention, After one or more plications are formed, medical devices may optionally be coupled to the plication(s) for retention within the stomach.
US08864006B1 Container puncturing device
A container puncturing device for efficiently and safely emptying the contents of a container into a storage tank or other structure. The container puncturing device generally includes a cross bar having a pair of tank attachment assemblies, a pair of bucket attachment assemblies and a puncturing member secured thereto. The bucket attachment assemblies are adapted to allow the present invention to be lifted and moved by a loader bucket such as one attached to a skid steer loader. The tank attachment assemblies are utilized to secure the present invention to the upper end of a tank. When a container is lowered onto the puncturing member, any particulate materials stored therein will be dispensed into the tank through the punctured opening. The present invention may then be lifted off and away from the tank through use of the bucket attachment assemblies and a loader bucket.
US08864003B2 Motorcycle windshield bag
The present invention is a vehicle accessory and specifically a removable bag that can be securely fastened to a windshield frame of a motorcycle. The motorcycle windshield bag further includes a back wall, having at least four holes positioned approximately in each corner of the bag and a metal grommet; two side walls; a top portion having a flap; and a front wall defined by a curved surface having a first part and a second part of equal elevation relative to an indented portion, wherein the indented portion provides a space that conforms to a motorcycle handlebar clamp while still maximizing internal bag space.
US08864001B2 Adaptable support arrangement for a pickup truck
A variable load support system for enhancing the load carrying capabilities of a bed of any one of a variety of variously sized pickup trucks, the support system comprising a first pair of elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup truck sidewall engageable side rails, a forwardly arranged first and a rearwardly arranged second, elongated, longitudinally-extendable pickup-truck-bed-traversing transverse rails, and a roller member housingly arranged about the rearwardly arranged pickup truck bed traversing transverse rail so as to permit the widthwise adaptability of the second transverse rail to a pickup truck side wall.
US08863998B2 Liquid dispensing device
A liquid dispenser device including a valve with a valve member-forming portion for blocking and passing liquid out from the device, and a fastener edge for permanently fastening the valve relative to a container, the fastener edge including a tubular fastener wall sandwiched between an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall.
US08863994B2 Dispensing device
The invention relates to a dispensing device, particularly a dispensing head proposed for preferably cosmetic liquid. A simple, tightly closing structure of an outlet valve is achieved in that a valve element is injected onto a wall and/or lies thereon with its entire surface or flat surface when the valve is closed and/or the valve element covers an outlet opening on the flat side. Alternatively or in addition, the valve element is pretensioned into a closed position when the valve is closed.
US08863992B2 Method and system for a beverage dispensing assembly
An ice portion control module is provided that includes an ice bin for storing ice having a base in the ice bin having one or more portion control compartments and one or more magnets associated with the one or more portion control compartments, the one or more portion control compartments having an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice, an actuator which moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments, and a sensor outside of the ice bin that detects the one or more magnets.
US08863989B2 Soap dispenser including actuator with spring arm
A soap dispensing assembly includes a soap container and a universal dispenser. The soap container is capable of having a liquid pump or a foaming pump attached to it. The universal dispenser is adapted to house and dispense soap from the soap container regardless of whether the container has a liquid pump or a foaming pump. Using this assembly, a manufacturer may sell the universal dispenser and offer to sell the consumer liquid and foamable soap for use with the same dispenser.
US08863984B2 Product dispenser and cover member for a product dispenser
A product dispensing device including at least a part of a dispenser housing and a cover member. The dispenser housing defines a product reservoir for containing dispensable products. The part of the dispenser housing defines an opening through which products are dispensed from the product housing and through which the product housing is refillable. The cover member is positionable between an open position in which the opening of the dispenser housing part is revealed for refilling the product reservoir with dispensable products and a closed position in which the opening of the dispenser housing is covered for dispensing. The cover member comprises a dispensing opening through which products are dispensed when the cover member is in the closed position. The cover member is moveable relative to the part of the dispenser housing by way of a mechanism in which a projection rides along a guide between a first position in which the cover member is held closed to the part of the housing to resist opening of the cover member and a second position in which the cover member is openable relative to the part of the dispenser housing to the open position.
US08863978B2 Pallet container
The present invention relates to a pallet container (10), with a thin-walled, rigid inner container (12) composed of thermoplastic material for the storage and transport of liquid or pourable contents, with a trellis tube support casing (14) tightly enclosing the plastic container (12), and with a base pallet (16), on which the plastic container (12) rests and to which the support casing (14) is rigidly connected, wherein the trellis tube support casing (14) is constructed of vertical and horizontal tubes (18, 20) that are welded to each other, with the peripheral horizontal tubes (18) being rigidly connected to each other. The connection of the horizontal tubes (18) is accomplished by a positive clinched joint (24) disposed on the inside of the horizontal tubes (18), wherein the outside of the horizontal tubes (18) is free from any clinched joint deformations.
US08863974B2 Floating roof support legs with vapor seals
A column assembly for supporting a floating roof used with a storage tank for containing a volatile fluid, including an inner pipe, an outer pipe securable to the floating roof to extend below and generally perpendicular to the roof, the outer pipe surrounding and being movable axially on the inner pipe with a generally annular space defined between them, a pin extendable transversely through the overlapping walls of the inner and outer pipes to releasably fix the axial position of one pipe relative to the other, and a cylindrical sleeve seal having an upper part to slidably engage the inner pipe outer surface, a lower part bore surface to engage the top end outer surface of the outer pipe, and a radially inward extending rib situated axially between the upper and lower parts and extending transversely across and closing the top end of the annular space between the pipes.
US08863970B2 Plastic container with anti-bulge panel
A plastic container includes a finish portion defining an opening and a main body portion having a shape that is substantially polygonal in transverse cross-section. The main body portion has a maximum lateral dimension. At least one of the side panels includes a substantially flat portion for receiving a label and a concave portion having an average radius. A ratio of the average radius to the maximum lateral dimension is substantially within a range of about 1.0 to about 2.0. The side panel having the concave portion further has an inwardmost portion and an outwardmost portion, with a first maximum lateral distance being defined between the inwardmost portion and the outwardmost portion. A second maximum lateral distance is defined between the inwardmost portion and one of the substantially flat portions. A ratio of the first distance to the second distance is substantially within a range of about 0.8 to about 1.2.
US08863967B2 Pouring port, method for producing same and container for liquid provided with the pouring port
A pouring port of a container for liquid at one end of which a rubber stopper allowing the penetration of an injection needle therethrough is embedded, wherein: the pouring port is formed by welding a port part, at least the innermost layer of which forming the discharge channel thereof comprises a resin containing a COP-based resin as the main component, with a stopper body part, which holds the rubber stopper and comprises a resin containing a COP-based resin as the main component, via the resin layers containing the respective COP-based resins as the main component; and at least the resin constituting the stopper body part contains a rubber component in an amount of not more than 30% by mass, or has, in the main chain, a molecular structure represented by general formula (1) [wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or an organic group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; and n represents an integer equal to or greater than 1] and contains a PE-based resin in an amount of 30% by mass or less, and/or contains an antioxidant in an amount of 0.1% by mass or more and not more than 1.0% by mass.
US08863964B2 Crane
A crane includes: a boom; a jib that is provided on a leading end side of the boom; and a strut that is provided at one or both of a leading end portion of the boom and a base end portion of the jib, and to which a jib support pendant is connected, the strut, to which the pendant is connected, being provided with strut rotationally moving means having: a first bar-like member rotationally connected, at a first end portion thereof on one side, to a leading end portion of the strut on an opposite side thereof to a side, on which the pendant is connected; and a direct acting apparatus that applies, to the first bar-like member, a force pulling the first bar-like member toward the other side along a longitudinal direction of the first bar-like member.
US08863958B2 Apparatus for separating particles utilizing engineered acoustic contrast capture particles
An apparatus for separating particles from a medium includes a capillary defining a flow path therein that is in fluid communication with a medium source. The medium source includes engineered acoustic contrast capture particle having a predetermined acoustic contrast. The apparatus includes a vibration generator that is operable to produce at least one acoustic field within the flow path. The acoustic field produces a force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles and a force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles in the flow path and drives the engineered acoustic contrast capture particles to either the force potential minima for positive acoustic contrast particles or the force potential minima for negative acoustic contrast particles.
US08863945B2 Jewelry organizer and method for organizing and storing jewelry
A jewelry organizer, a jewelry organizing system, and a method for organizing jewelry are provided. The jewelry organizer includes a storage unit and storage compartments that are both removable and interchangeable, and are used for storing jewelry, fashion accessories or other small items. The jewelry organizing system includes a compact unit, and storage compartments are removable and interchangeable between the storage unit and the compact unit.
US08863936B2 Apparatus for transporting packagings that are not freely stackable, in particular stickpacks, to a transport container
An apparatus is disclosed for transporting packagings from a packaging apparatus having two dropping channels to a transport container. A first transport element has compartments, the center-to-center distance of which corresponds to a center-to-center distance of the dropping channels, receives the packagings from the packaging producing apparatus. A second transport element has compartments for transporting the packagings to the transport container, wherein the center-to-center distance of the compartments of the second transport element corresponds to half of the center-to-center distance of the dropping channels. The apparatus has a transfer unit for transferring the packaging from the first transport element to the second transport element, and to which a positioning device is assigned for positioning the compartments of the first transport element relative to the compartments of the second transport element.
US08863934B2 Data generating device for bulk vending machines
A data generating device for use with a coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, is provided. In all of the embodiments, the invention uses a standard coin mechanism of a bulk vending machine, which in its normal operation is received into an opening in the bulk vending machine, and a data generating device in working relation with the coin mechanism. The data generating device, will be able to receive, store and generate various types of information relevant to owners/operators of bulk vending machines, including but not limited to, day and/or time of particular vends, particular machine from which the vend took place, particular location/owner/operator of machine from which each vend originated, and the identity of the person collecting the money from the machine, while also allowing for the multiple hook-up of numerous data generating devices positioned on numerous machines found in one location so as to achieve a report on all vends from all machines.
US08863926B2 Integrated starter generator and input clutch assembly for hybrid electric vehicle
An apparatus for transmitting power to a transmission input includes first and second sources of rotary power, first and second transmission input shafts, a clutch hub driveably connected to the first and second power sources, and first and second clutches secured to the clutch hub, for alternately closing and opening a drive connection between the first and second transmission input shafts and the clutch hub.
US08863924B2 Hybrid overrunning clutch assembly and method of making same
A hybrid overrunning clutch includes a metal outer race and a composite outer ring that are each sized and configured such that the metal race generates a preload on the composite outer race throughout the operational temperature of the clutch. The composite outer ring significantly reduces that total weight of the clutch, as compared to a completely metal outer race. The present application further includes a method of assembling the metal outer race and composite outer ring so that thermal expansion of the metal outer race creates the preload in the composite outer ring. The present application also includes a method of designing a hybrid overrunning clutch.
US08863922B2 Bearing centering plate centered on a piston
An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having an annular portion with a first substantially circumferentially aligned surface, and a bearing centering plate including at least one second substantially circumferentially aligned surface engaged with the first surface, the bearing centering plate arranged to retain a thrust bearing or bushing. An assembly for a clutch, including a piston plate having a first surface aligned with an axis of rotation for the clutch, at a first substantially uniform distance from the axis, and facing radially outward, a thrust bearing or bushing, and a bearing centering plate. The bearing centering plate including at least one second surface arranged to contact the first surface, and at least one third surface aligned with the axis, at a second substantially uniform distance from the axis, facing radially inward or radially outward, and arranged to contact a circumference of the thrust bearing or the bushing.
US08863912B2 Brake control apparatus and control lever therefor
A control lever including a body portion, a mounting portion, at least one mounting screw, and a lever portion. The body portion has a first section configured to fit within an interior of a bar opening, where the first section is configured to house at least a portion of a control mechanism and has an inclined surface on an outer surface thereof. The mounting portion is configured to slide on the inclined surface, and the mounting screw connects the mounting portion to the body portion. The lever portion is connected to the body portion and is configured to actuate the control mechanism. The mounting screw is configured to slide the mounting portion along the inclined surface so as to push the mounting portion and a side of the first section against an inner surface of the bar opening in order to mount the body portion to the bar opening.
US08863911B2 Device for moving and attaching a component between two positions
A device for moving and attaching a component between an operating position in which the component is rigidly connected to a structure and a non-operating position below the operating position and in which the component is detached from the structure. The device includes: a frame rigidly secured to the ground and including vertical guiding columns; a lifting table for moving the component from the operating position to the non-operating position and vice versa, the lifting table being guided vertically along the guiding columns; a mechanism locking and unlocking the component on and outside the structure and rigidly connected to the lifting table; and an assembly of four cables associated with return pulleys, wherein one end of the cables is mounted to a winch that can raise and lower the lifting table between the non-operating position and the operating position, while the other cable end is rigidly connected to the lifting table.
US08863908B2 Controlling a drive motor of an elevator installation
A movement of an elevator cage is detected by an elevator control on the basis of signals of a rotary encoder, coupled with a rotational movement of the drive motor or the drive pulley. Before movement of the cage begins, a movement plot in the form of a trip/speed profile is calculated for travel of the elevator cage from an instantaneous elevator cage position to a destination stopping point position. An anticipated slip between the drive pulley and a support means is included in the calculation of the trip/speed profile, and during the travel of the elevator cage a rotational movement of the drive motor and thus of the drive pulley is controlled by the elevator control in dependence on the calculated trip/speed profile and on signals of the rotary encoder.
US08863904B2 Scaffold structure
A lightweight, portable scaffold system has at least two support members which bear a platform. The support members have a Y-shaped base. Independently, adjustable legs attach to the arms of the Y and allow the support member to stand level on uneven ground. A support arm cantilevers from the stem of the Y. The support arm of each support member contacts a vertical surface and bears the platform. The scaffold structure is constructed of hollow stock to reduce its weight and can be dismantled and stored in a duffle bag.
US08863900B1 Tree step
A tree climbing system, the system comprising a tree climbing apparatus, the tree climbing apparatus including a handle portion, the handle portion including a first end portion, a second end portion and a ring portion including a top member, a bottom member, a first side member and a second side member, the ring portion defining an open interior portion, a threaded support member secured adjacent the first side member and the top member and a step member secured adjacent the second side member and the bottom member an installation tool, the installation tool including a first end, a second end and a handle near the first end and a carrier, the carrier including a carrier body sized to correspond with the open interior portion of the tree climbing apparatus.
US08863897B2 Automotive noise attenuating trim part
A sound attenuating trim part, including at least one insulating area with an acoustic mass-spring characteristics having at least a mass layer and a decoupling layer adjacent to the mass layer, whereby the mass layer consists of a porous fibrous layer and a barrier layer, with the barrier layer being located between the porous fibrous layer and the decoupling layer and all layers are laminated together, and whereby the porous fibrous layer at least in the insulating area has adjusted dynamic Young's modulus (Pa) such that the radiation frequency of is at least 3000 (Hz).
US08863896B1 Vectorized jet fan
A vectorized jet fan device for ventilation which is capable of directing high speed air stream discharged from the fan by a small angle at a higher flow speed for the primary purposes of efficiently meeting and utilizing space clearance and improving aerodynamic performance. The inventive device includes a splitter, through which an end silencer and a silencer is securely connected to the end of a fan. The splitter is formed so that the end silencer of a smaller diameter than the silencer can be fittingly engaged at a small degree of angle from the longitudinal axis of the fan.
US08863886B2 Hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly
An exhaust module made of a thermoplastic material which is connected to a fascia or bumper of a vehicle. In one embodiment, the hybrid fascia mounted exhaust tip assembly includes a bracket. The bracket has a large diameter portion which surrounds, but is not in contact with, an exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is free to move around as a result of the vehicle traveling over bumps in the road and around turns. The bracket also has a small diameter portion which is connected to the large diameter portion. A ring tip has a portion that slides onto a bezel portion of the small diameter portion.
US08863867B1 Combination motorcycle cargo and motorcycle hauling trailer
A lightweight trailer suitable for towing behind a motorcycle is convertible to a trailer operative to transport the motorcycle behind another towing vehicle. An axle slider employs a parallel linkage to easily adjust trailer axle width. The design also shifts the center of gravity of the trailer to provide a balanced load as a motorcycle cargo trailer and as a motorcycle-hauling trailer. To attain the additional length and trailer hitch height necessary for hauling the motorcycle, a frame extension and an offset tongue extension are provided. This offset tongue also provides attachment points for conventional motorcycle tie-down straps. A loading ramp is provided to allow for easy loading of the motorcycle.
US08863845B2 Gooseneck conduit system
A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a gooseneck conduit extending radially from the tube, and a tenon projecting from a rear face of the gooseneck conduit. The width of the tenon increases with distance from the rear face. The riser telescoping joint also includes a mortise channel extending along the length of the tube. The mortise channel is interlocks with the tenon and laterally secures the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube.
US08863843B2 Hydraulic actuation of a downhole tool assembly
A downhole tool assembly is configured for repeated and selective hydraulic actuation and deactuation. A piston assembly is configured to reciprocate axially in a downhole tool body. The piston assembly reciprocates between a first axial position and second and third axial positions that axially oppose the first position. The downhole tool is actuated when the piston assembly is in the third axial position and deactuated when the piston assembly is in either of the first or second axial positions. A spring member biases the piston assembly towards the first axial position while drilling fluid pressure in the tool body urges the piston assembly towards the second and third axial positions. Downhole tool actuation and deactuation may be controlled from the surface, for example, via cycling the drilling fluid flow rate.
US08863838B2 Use of hexose oxidases to create hydrogen peroxide in aqueous well treatment fluids
A hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation may be treated with an aqueous well treatment fluid which contains a hexose oxidase, such as glucose oxidase, mannose oxidase or galactose oxidase. The aqueous well treatment fluid further may contain a viscosifying polymer and an aldohexose. The aldohexose reacts in-situ with the hexose oxidase and molecular oxygen to produce hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide may then act as a breaker.
US08863836B2 Systems and methods for logging cased wellbores
The present invention is directed to methods and systems for obtaining log data on a cased wellbore concurrently with wellbore cleanout operations. In some such embodiments, a combination of at least one cleaning means and at least one logging tool are integrated or otherwise affixed to a common workstring, such that both wellbore cleanout and logging operations can be accomplished without having to remove the workstring from the well between such operations. In some such embodiments, the one or more logging tool(s) transmit information about the cased wellbore to the surface wirelessly. In some or other such embodiments, such information is transmitted via cable, in real-time or in batch mode. In some or still other such embodiments, such information is stored in memory and accessed subsequent to the workstring being extracted from the wellbore.
US08863835B2 Variable frequency fluid oscillators for use with a subterranean well
A well tool can include a first oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid, and a second oscillator which discharges the fluid received from the first oscillator at a variable frequency. A method can include flowing a fluid through a first oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the first oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include a first oscillator including a vortex chamber, and a second oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.
US08863831B2 Free mandrel system, protected casing
The Free Mandrel System, Protected Casing is to be applied in the petroleum industry for selective injection of fluids, liquids or gases, in different formations while keeping the casing isolated from fluid pressure. As it is hydraulically driven by the injection fluid, an operator can handle the provided surface valves. The system includes five assemblies: Surface, Transport, Free Mandrel, Fixed Bottom Hole and Complementary. The Free Mandrel Assembly is the dynamic main device that carries all the Injection valves together, one for each formation, from the Fixed Bottom Hole to the surface in 30′ and vice versa. As this operation is performed many times in the well lifetime, it allows a cumulative time and money saving. Workover equipment is only used for installing the system and for fixing the required packers. Formation Pressure is kept at any time when the system is either operated, set up, or pulled up.
US08863824B2 Downhole sensor interface
An interface to provide coupling between a downhole sensor and wiring to other electrical equipment. The interface is configured to obtain voltage from a single power line and provide it to the downhole sensor while simultaneously converting sensor data to frequency form for transmission right back over the same power line. In this manner a substantial reduction in downhole wiring may be obtained. This may be particularly beneficial for sensors to be incorporated into downhole equipment where size and space issues are prevalent, particularly in the circumstance of equipment requiring a retrofit in order to accommodate the sensor capacity.
US08863817B2 System and method for high temperature die casting tooling
A casting die includes a main cavity, a first reservoir and a first vent. The main cavity has a first interior volume for receiving a first molten volume of metal. The first reservoir is in serial fluid communication with the main cavity for storing a first molten backfill volume of metal to accommodate solidification shrinkage in the main cavity. The first vent is in serial fluid communication with the first reservoir.
US08863815B2 Track and guide system for a door
A vertically operating door and its drive system can be configured to push a door panel along a track to various overhead storage configurations including vertical, horizontal, inclined and coiled. Semi-flexible drive strips extend continuously along lateral edges of the curtain. The system includes a drive gear that engages a series of projections on at least one drive strip so that the gear can push the door between its open and closed positions. To protect the door from being damaged by collisions, the track can include a breakaway feature that allows at least a portion of the panel with its drive strip to separate from the track without permanent distortion. The drive strip and panel remain together as they break away from the track. The threshold of the breakaway force can be changed by selecting a retention strip from a plurality of interchangeable strips having different degrees of flexibility.
US08863814B2 Structures and methods for securing insulation to partitions
Movable partitions comprise a plurality of interconnected panels, at least one sheet of insulation adjacent the plurality of interconnected panels, and at least one hinge member connecting adjacent panels of the plurality of interconnected panels. The at least one hinge member comprises at least one pointed member that extends therefrom. The pointed member is at least partially inserted into the at least one sheet of insulation, and the at least one sheet of insulation is supported by a surface of the at least one pointed member that has a width that is greater than a thickness of the at least one pointed member.
US08863812B2 Window blind assembly and cord guiding device thereof
A window blind assembly includes a securing seat, a blind unit, a blind control device and two cord guiding devices interposing the blind control device. Each of the cord guiding devices includes a wheel holder and a guiding wheel. The wheel holder includes a resilient arm unit and two holder walls. Each of the holder walls is formed with an engaging groove having a receiving portion and a constricted portion. The guiding wheel includes two axle portions rotatably and respectively received in the receiving portions of the engaging grooves in the holder walls, and a cord winding portion interconnecting the axle portions and permitting winding of a corresponding cord thereon.
US08863797B2 Winter tire tread siping pattern
A vehicle wheel tire includes a tire tread having a circumferential center tread region in which block elements are arranged in a symmetric pattern on opposite sides of a tire circumferential equatorial centerplane. Symmetrically disposed block elements on opposite sides of the centerplane have a plurality of spaced apart and laterally extending wavy sipes extending across the block element. Selective pairs of adjacent sipes are interconnected by one or more circumferentially oriented notches. The wavy sipes have regions of varying depth and include one or more recessed region(s) and one or more non-recessed region(s). A circumferentially disposed notch interconnecting a pair of adjacent wavy sipes at opposite notch ends intersects the wavy sipes at non-recessed sipe regions.
US08863792B2 Filling port structure for fuel tank
A filling port structure for a fuel tank includes a filling port member that defines a filling port, an open/close valve that opens and closes the filling port, a rotary member that attaches the open/close valve to the filling port member in a manner such that the open/close valve is rotatable between an open position and a closed position, a locking member that is provided in the filling port member and is movable between a locking position to lock the open/close valve in the closed position and an unlocking position to unlock the open/close valve, an unlocking member that moves the locking member to the unlocking position when pressed by a fuel gun, and a retention portion that holds the locking member in the unlocking position at least when the open/close valve is in the open position.
US08863791B2 Hose fuel nozzle
A fuel hose nozzle for filling a tank having a filler the tank with liquefied petroleum gas has a tubular valve housing extending along an axis and having an outer end, a tubular valve guide axially shiftable in the valve housing between a front position and a rear position and forming an outlet port adjacent the outer end, and a valve in the housing movable between an open position permitting fluid flow into the valve guide toward the outlet end and a closed position preventing such flow. A valve piston in the valve guide and axially fixed in the valve housing is engaged in the front position of the valve guide with the port to block flow through same. A fitting sleeve surrounding and axially shiftable on the valve housing has at the outer end an end fitting complementary to the tank filler neck.
US08863790B2 Sterilization with β-radiation
An apparatus for filling containers, has an entrance through which open containers can be introduced into the apparatus, including at least one transport device which conveys the containers along a predefined transport path, and an exit via which the containers can be discharged from the apparatus. The speed at which the transport device conveys the containers is variable, and the apparatus comprises at least one filling device which fills the containers at least partially with a liquid medium on the transport path between the entrance and the exit. The apparatus includes a housing, and arranged in the interior of the housing is at least one sterilization device in the form of a β-radiation unit which sterilizes components of the apparatus.
US08863787B2 Paint dispensing nozzle arrangement
A paint dispensing nozzle arrangement for dispensing paint into a paint applicator, the paint applicator having a base plate, an interface material to allow the paint to adhere to the base plate, and a removable paint mold, the nozzle arrangement comprising a dispensing nozzle for dispensing paint into the paint mold, and a displacement member, the displacement member arranged relative to the dispensing nozzle such that the nozzle can dispense paint into the paint mold without coming into contact with the interface material.
US08863786B2 Propellant filling device
A propellant filling device that reliably fills a prescribed amount of propellant into an aerosol container without variations in amount while also preventing backflow to a supply unit side even when the pressure in the aerosol container is higher than a supply unit side pressure. The propellant filling device includes a valve opening member that continuously presses a valve to open a valve system. On the upper end side of the valve opening member, a flow conduit is provided. A valve member in the flow conduit allows a flow channel of the flow conduit to be closed. The valve system is kept in an open state. When the pressure in the aerosol container is higher than the supply unit side pressure, the propellant flows into the aerosol container with backflow of aerosol content being prevented.
US08863781B2 Constricting pressure valve apparatus and methods thereof
A valve apparatus and methods associated thereof are provided. The valve apparatus includes a valve housing structure. A first valve portion is connected to the valve housing structure, wherein the first valve portion has a sealing edge. A second valve portion is positioned at least partially within the valve housing structure. A constrictable membrane has a pressurizable interior compartment, wherein the constrictable membrane supported by the second valve portion and positioned proximate to the first valve portion, wherein at least a portion of the constrictable membrane is movable to engageable with the sealing edge of the first valve portion.
US08863777B2 Product dispensing system
A flow control device is disclosed. The flow control device includes a solenoid, the solenoid including an armature. Also, a piston connected to the armature. The piston includes a primary orifice. The piston having an open position and a closed position. A piston spring connected to the piston is also includes and at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the piston to the open position at least partially opens the at least one secondary orifice and the movement of the piston to the closed position at least partially closes the at least one secondary orifice. The movement of the armature actuates the piston movement and controls fluid flow from the primary orifice through the at least one secondary orifice.
US08863771B2 Inflating module for use with an inflatable object
An inflating module adapted to an inflatable object includes an air pump assembly selectively operable to deflate and inflate the inflatable object and a supplemental air pressure providing device automatically activated to provide supplemental air pressure to the inflatable object when the air pressure of the inflatable object is down and below a predetermined level so as to maintain air pressure of the inflatable object in a predetermined range.
US08863770B2 Flow adjustment valve
The invention relates to a flow adjustment valve (1) comprising a valve housing (2) having a flow channel (3) and a pipe stub (10), disposed at an angle to the flow channel (3). A throttle unit (6) is arranged in the flow channel (3) and comprises a throttle element (8) that can be actuated through the pipe stub (10). The flow adjustment valve also comprises two measuring points (14, 15) for detecting the pressure in the flow channel (3) at both sides of a throttle arrangement, each of which measuring points being connected to a pressure measuring connection (17) via a pressure measuring channel (26, 27). The aim of the invention is to improve the design options for a flow adjustment valve of the aforementioned type. For this purpose, at least one pressure measuring channel (26) is guided through the pipe stub (10).
US08863758B1 Removable adaptive device for a clipper instrument
Invention generally includes a ring with a slit for removably positioning clippers and an aperture for positioning a finger and wherein the ring is made from a semi elastic material that allows wedging of the clipper in the slit as well as positioning a finger in the aperture.
US08863757B2 Smoking articles with reduced ignition proclivity characteristics
A process for reducing the permeability of a paper wrapper used in the construction of a smoking article is disclosed. The paper wrapper is treated with a film-forming composition that forms treated discrete areas on the wrapper. The treated discrete areas have a permeability within a predetermined range sufficient to reduce the ignition proclivity properties of a smoking article made with the wrapper. In accordance with the present invention, the film-forming composition contains a film-forming material. The film-forming material has a relatively low viscosity. In this manner, the film-forming composition can have a relatively high solids content and still be applied to the wrapper using conventional techniques, such as by using a gravure printer.
US08863748B2 Endoscopic surgical operation method
Endoscopic surgical operation method includes: a step of lifting a living tissue including an diseased tissue located distally relative to an operation channel of an endoscope inserted through a natural orifice; a step of suturing a proximal region and a distal region of the living tissue positioned basal relative to the diseased tissue lifted by a suturing means section projecting distally from the operation channel of the endoscope after the lifting; and a step of resecting the living tissue between the sutured regions and the diseased tissue endoscopically after suturing the proximal region and the distal region of the living tissue surrounding the diseased tissue.
US08863747B1 Triple access drape and method of using same
A medical drape, including a main sheet having at least one opening for access to a patient's femoral artery, and at least one adjustable arm board cover substantially located at one end of the main sheet wherein the adjustable arm board cover includes at least one opening for access to the patient's brachial artery and at least one opening for access to the patient's radial artery.
US08863741B2 Solar air heating device
A solar air heating module is provided including an air entrance situated proximate to a bottom of the module and an air exit situated proximate to the top of the module; a back film, having a plurality of conical solar collectors extending perpendicularly therefrom; a front film in contact with the collectors to prevent air from escaping between the entrance and the exit; wherein air, when entering the entrance, passes by the collectors to mix with heated air before reaching the exit. Alternatively the collectors may be aligned wherein each collector is secured to adjacent collectors by plates or a strap to allow the module to be folded or rolled up for storage.
US08863740B2 Heat pipe for a solar collector
A heat pipe comprises an evaporator section 5 having a radiation absorbing plate 6 a portion of an elongate tube 7, and a condenser section 10 at a distal end of the elongate tube 7 remote from the evaporator section 5. A flow control valve 20 is provided between the evaporator section 5 and the condenser section 10 to selectively interrupt communication between said sections when the temperature within the condenser section 10 exceeds a predetermined maximum. A temperature sensitive member, (coil of memory metal 34′, or discs 34′) acts between a support plate 26 and a seat 36 located on a valve pintle 30 to urge the valve head 22 towards the valve seat 24 when the temperature of the temperature sensitive member 34 exceeds a predetermined limit. A return spring 38 is provided to bias the valve head 22 away from the valve seat 24.
US08863733B2 Projectile accelerator that expels multiple projectiles at controlled varying energy levels in an inconsistent manner
A projectile accelerating system that includes a projectile accelerator and/or associated projectile equipment configured to allow an informed user to more effectively engage opponents. The accelerating system includes an automatic and/or automated energy adjustment mechanism and/or method, configured to allow the projectile accelerator to effectively expel a plurality of projectiles at varying energy levels and/or settings. The adjustment mechanism and/or method includes a controller configured to allow the selective selection of energy levels and/or settings falling below an upper energy level or setting.
US08863723B2 Hybrid cycle rotary engine
An internal combustion engine includes in one aspect a source of a pressurized working medium and an expander. The expander has a housing and a piston, movably mounted within and with respect to the housing, to perform one of rotation and reciprocation, each complete rotation or reciprocation defining at least a part of a cycle of the engine. The expander also includes a septum, mounted within the housing and movable with respect to the housing and the piston so as to define in conjunction therewith, over first and second angular ranges of the cycle, a working chamber that is isolated from an intake port and an exhaust port. Combustion occurs at least over the first angular range of the cycle to provide heat to the working medium and so as to increase its pressure. The working chamber over a second angular range of the cycle expands in volume while the piston receives, from the working medium as a result of its increased pressure, a force relative to the housing that causes motion of the piston relative to the housing.
US08863719B2 Pin bosses of a piston for an internal combustion engine
Pin bosses of a piston for an internal combustion engine each have a pin bore for supporting a piston pin. In order to reduce the tangential stresses in the zenith area of the pin bores, and thus to extend the service life of the piston, the inner areas of the pin bores as viewed in the direction of the bore axis have areas on both sides of the zenith that have a greater distance from the bore axis than the zenith of the pin bore, and the outer areas of the pin bores, as viewed in the direction of the bore axis, are transversely oval relative to the piston axis.
US08863713B2 Camshaft adjuster having a non-return valve
A camshaft adjustor (4), for an internal combustion engine (2), the camshaft adjustor having a stator (20), a rotor (22) which is rotatably accommodated in the stator (20), a pressure chamber (44) for adjusting the rotor (22) in relation to the stator (20) and a volume reservoir (70) for equalizing a negative pressure in the pressure chamber (44) via a channel (88) between the pressure chamber (44) and the volume reservoir (70). A non-return valve (72) having a closure part (102) for blocking a channel (88) which opens a volume reservoir (70) into a pressure chamber (44) in a camshaft adjustor (4), wherein the non-return valve (72) is formed of a metal sheet and the closure part (102) is realized so as to be movable in a recess (98) of the metal sheet (92) with two oppositely situated ends (94, 96) which are bent toward each other.
US08863712B2 Configuration of a tank connection in a camshaft adjuster with volume accumulator
A camshaft adjuster (4) for a camshaft (12) of an internal combustion engine (2). The camshaft adjuster (4) includes a stator (20), a rotor (22) housed concentrically in the stator (20) and mounted rotatably about a rotational axis (78) relative to the stator (20), and a volume accumulator (70) for receiving a hydraulic fluid from a pressure chamber (44) formed between the rotor (22) and the stator (20). The volume accumulator (70) has an outlet (76) in a direction of the rotational axis (78).
US08863709B2 Valve timing adjuster
A valve timing adjuster is mounted to a driving force transmission system, wherein the driving force transmission system transmits a driving force through a timing belt from a drive shaft to a driven shaft. The timing belt is rotatable synchronously with rotation of the drive shaft. The valve timing adjuster includes a pulley part, a housing, and a vane rotor. The pulley part is rotatable synchronously with the drive shaft through engagement with the timing belt. The housing is formed integrally with the pulley part. The vane rotor is received within the housing. The vane rotor is rotatable synchronously with the driven shaft. The vane rotor has a plurality of vane parts that is rotatable relative to the housing within a predetermined angular range.
US08863701B2 Emission reduction from mobile sources by on-board carbon dioxide conversion to fuel
An apparatus and process for reducing vehicle emissions by converting exhaust gases to hydrocarbon fuel. The apparatus and process supplement conventional emission control techniques to further reduce vehicle emissions of harmful substances. The apparatus includes a heat exchanger to extract thermal energy from exhaust gases of a combustion engine that powers propulsion of a vehicle, a membrane separator to separate water and carbon dioxide from the exhaust gases, and a catalytic reactor comprising a nano catalyst. The catalytic reactor receives the water and the carbon dioxide from the membrane separator, contains a reaction of the water and the carbon dioxide that produces hydrocarbon fuel and is facilitated by the nano catalyst, and uses the thermal energy from the heat exchanger to stimulate the reaction. The catalytic reactor is contained within a body of the heat exchanger to facilitate the transfer of thermal energy.
US08863698B2 Two dog leash
The present invention is a two dog leash that includes a handle with an aperture, a casing and a retractable device disposed in the casing, a first nylon line portion that is released and retracted by the retractable device and a clasp that is attached to the distal end of the first line portion. The leash also includes a triangular-shaped retractable mechanism and is adjacently disposed below the clasp, a second nylon line portion with the proximal end being integral to the retractable mechanism and a third nylon line portion with the proximal end being integral to the retractable mechanism.
US08863697B2 Pet toy sound module
A sound module for insertion within a pet toy. The sound module is in the form of a shell housing an integrated circuit, power source and speaker, the integrated circuit being programmed to generate a signal to the speaker for creating an audible sound. The shell is in the form of a sphere, oval, square or rectangle ideally having a wall for thickness of between 2 mm and 5 mm and composed of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene.
US08863694B2 Upgradeable control system for aquarium lighting
An LED-based aquarium lighting system having upgradeable control system and a method thereof are provided. The system includes an LED source having a plurality of LED lights, a marine habitat for housing a marine habitat life, a control system which comprises a motherboard, a control panel, and a control module. The control module is replaceable with a new control module to provide upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system. Accordingly, to perform an upgrade of the control system, a user replaces the control module with a new control module by removing the control module from the motherboard and plugging the new control module in the motherboard, thereby readily making upgrades of operational modes and features of the aquarium lighting system without requiring the entire aquarium lighting system be replaced.
US08863689B2 Animal feeding system
Systems and methods associated with feeding animals from multiple feeders are described. Example systems include a first feeder configured to allow access by a first animal when a condition allowing access is met, and a communication logic configured to communicate with at least one other feeder. At least one other feeder is configured to allow access by at least one other animal when a condition allowing access by the at least one other animal is met. The feeders may be separated to prevent the first animal from simultaneously eating from the first feeder and interfering with other animals eating from at least one other feeder. The system may include detection logic configured to detect the proximity of an animal, and to determine if a condition allowing access is met. The detection logic may include an RFID device attached to the animal and an RFID transceiver in the first feeder.
US08863688B2 Milking liner
A milking liner for an automated milking machine includes a barrel that moves between an uncollapsed position and a collapsed condition when it is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. The barrel defines at least three parallel channels open to the inner surface of the barrel. The configuration of the sidewall of the barrel and the channels cause the barrel to uniformly collapse when the barrel is subjected to a vacuum milking condition. In one configuration, ribs protrude from the barrel sidewall and define channels with the same wall thickness as the sidewall segments disposed between the ribs.
US08863675B2 Steam generator for producing superheated steam in a waste incineration plant
A steam generator for producing superheated steam in a waste incineration plant, includes a boiler housing having a combustion chamber with walls having an evaporator. The evaporator has tubes carrying water and being acted upon by heat energy released during incineration of waste, for producing superheated steam. A wall superheater for increasing temperature of the superheated steam includes a plurality of tubes in a wall of the boiler housing for carrying superheated steam being protected against flue gas from an incineration process by plate-like elements formed of a corrosion-proof material. The boiler housing includes an evaporator housing section having the water-carrying tubes and a wall-superheater housing section spatially separated from the evaporator housing section and having the superheated steam-carrying tubes. The wall-superheater housing section is movable relative to and disposed downstream of the evaporator housing section in flue gas flow direction.
US08863672B1 Tray system and method
A modular activity tray system is provided for elderly, infirmed and other users whereby a variety of tops can be interchangeably positioned in the tray for entertainment, crafts, hobby work, eating or other uses. The tray system and method provides advantages over conventional devices as a cushion, tray and top combine in easy to assemble manner. The tray system features a variety of tops which can be removed and exchanged for other tops to allow the user to practice various manual skills. A cushioned base can be releasably fastened to the tray for use in the lap or removed for use of the tray system on a table or the like. Playing games, writing letters of the alphabet, completing jigsaw puzzles and other activities can be selected to allow each user to practice various physical and mental skills.
US08863669B2 Versatile control of a linear synchronous motor propulsion system
Control of Linear Synchronous Motors involves a number of low level issues of motor control—such as sensing precise position, controlling current in stator windings, and obeying commands from high level controllers—and high level vehicle control—such as stopping and starting, switching and merging, limiting speed and acceleration, synchronizing relative motion, preventing collisions and accidents, and dealing with failures. In most cases there is a master controller that directs vehicles based on simple commands but in other cases it is desirable to allow an external agent to provide more detailed control—such as synchronizing motion between a vehicle and a robot or allowing human operator control. This patent describes a versatile control scheme that allows both simplified high level control and, when or where necessary, control by an external agent. The result is a transport system and method that provides efficient and precise movement of vehicles on a guideway.
US08863661B2 System and method for layer-to-layer compensation and error correction
A system and method for reducing and/or eliminating the printed layer-over-layer registration error.
US08863652B2 Cooking apparatus and method with product recognition
Cooking apparatus having first and second platens with product recognition. A positioning mechanism moves the second platen toward the first. A detector senses the second platen making contact with a food product disposed on the first platen and provides a signal. A controller uses the signal to measure the travel distance of the second platen. The product thickness is a function of the travel distance, which is used to select a cooking procedure for the food product. The controller then executes the selected cooking procedure to cook the food product. The detector can include a micro switch, proximity sensor, touch sensor, strain sensor, thermal sensor, optical sensor, sonar sensor or positioning load change sensor.
US08863650B2 Infusion press lid assembly
An infusion press lid assembly is taught consisting of a lid body having a configuration capable of attaching to a straight walled beverage containing vessel. An actuator lever (44) pivotally engages a lid body (20) with a pouring valve (56) embraced by the actuator lever. A plunger rod (70) is disposed within the lid body and a plunger knob (76) is attached to the plunger rod for manually pushing the rod away from the lid body. A piston (82) is attached to the plunger rod, with the piston having bottom screen (84); a hub (86), an outer ring (88) and a number of reinforcing spokes (90). A seal retainer (92) is disposed within a groove (94) around the piston's periphery and a lip seal (96) is positioned within seal retainer. When an infusible media is placed within a beverage containing vessel and hot water is poured over the media and the lid body is attached, after steeping a brewed beverage is formed. The piston is depressed passing through the beverage which includes media residual debris that is captured by the screen under the piston, when completely depressed the pouring valve may be released allowing the purified beverage to be sipped or poured from the container.
US08863649B1 Intelligent beverage and culinary appliances
A networking system, method and apparatus for real time management, operation, command and control of various intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for the preparation, storage and serving/dispensing of hot and cold beverages and food items. The intelligent beverage appliances and intelligent culinary appliances enabled for personalized/customized preparation, storage and dispensing of selected beverage/food items in accordance with user/customer preference profiles maintained within said intelligent appliances and or in conjunction with a central server, a mobile device, a stationary device or a combination thereof; including the maintenance of user/customer information in secure databases for evaluation and analysis by the customer, vendor and an authorized health care professional for personal health management and other utility.
US08863645B2 Piston support portion for a piston assembly of a rodless cylinder
A piston support portion (146) for a piston assembly (140) of a rodless cylinder (100) is provided according to the invention. The piston support portion (146) includes a support body (147) substantially matching a shape of the piston assembly (140) and configured to be positioned between a piston center portion (126) and a piston end portion (160). The piston support portion (146) further includes a plurality of guidance portions (152) extending from a circumference of the support body (147). The plurality of guidance portions (152) are configured to contact or nearly contact a piston bore (107) of the rodless cylinder (100) and guide the piston assembly (140) as it reciprocates in the piston bore (107).
US08863643B2 Co-axial crankless engine
A co-axial crankless engine (1) having at least one cylinder (3) defining a longitudinally extending axis (XX). A pair of pistons (5, 6) are positioned to reciprocate in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A space (7) between the pistons defines a common combustion chamber (70). A first shaft (10) is positioned substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. A second shaft (12) is positioned substantially parallel to and spaced laterally from the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The second shaft (12) has a longitudinally extending bore (14) through which the first shaft can extend and rotate. Each piston is connected to an axially spaced cam (16, 17). A first cam being supported by the first shaft, a second cam being supported by the second shaft. In use, reciprocation of the pistons imparts on respective shafts rotating motion in opposite directions to drive the engine.
US08863642B2 Device for controlling the stroke of an actuator
This invention relates to a feedback control device for controlling the stroke of an actuator stroke driven by a working fluid. The feedback control device for controlling the stroke correctly controls the stroke using a simple means by compensating secular changes in the flow rate control valve that controls the working fluid. The device for controlling the stroke of an actuator 110 is provided with a single flow rate control valve 1 for controlling the feed and discharge of the working fluid, and the flow rate control valve is operated to control the stroke by feedback. The flow rate control valve 1 has a neutral position where the working fluid is neither fed nor discharged, and a flow rate control valve control device 9 is provided with a learning device 91 for learning variations in the neutral position. The feedback control is executed, i.e., the flow rate control valve 1 is operated by adding a value of the neutral position learned by the learning device 91 to the feedback operation amount output by a PID operation unit 94, whereby a change in the flow rate characteristics caused by secular change is compensated.
US08863637B2 Adjustable gas cyclic regulator for an autoloading firearm
The invention includes a gas valve having an annular body with an inner surface defining a gas chamber and first and second annular end surfaces defining first and second openings of said gas chamber, the gas valve further having outer surface and at least one gas channel extending between the inner surface and the outer surface providing a gas communication path from the outer surface to the gas chamber, wherein said at least one gas channel is orientated to direct fluid egressing from the channel into the chamber along the inner surface. The invention further includes a regulator occupying a portion of the chamber to define a chamber operating volume and flowrate, the regulator having a at least one outer diameter corresponding to an inner diameter of the passage to substantially inhibit gas flow from passing through the second opening.
US08863636B2 Soft recoil system and cannon having the same
Disclosed are a soft recoil system and a cannon having the same. The soft recoil system includes: a cannon barrel returning device mounted to a recoil device for absorbing a recoil force occurring when ammunition is fired, and configured to backward press a breech ring, such that the cannon barrel is fixed to a preset position; a cannon barrel fixing device installed at the recoil device, and configured to fix the cannon barrel when the cannon barrel returns to the fixed position; and a forward momentum generator connected to the recoil device and the breech ring, respectively, configured to forward move the cannon barrel by applying a force to the breech ring, such that the ammunition is fired while the cannon barrel forward moves, and configured to reduce a recoil force by partially attenuating recoil momentum resulting from the firing of the ammunition, by forward momentum.
US08863635B2 Tools for use with robotic systems
Systems are described herein for remotely aligning and placing disruptive devices at or near suspicious targets such as suspected improvised explosive devices (IEDs). In particular, tools connected to remotely controllable robots include disruptor guns for firing disruptive materials at the targets and disruptive devices filled with explosive materials, e.g., water, for controllably detonating or disrupting the detonation of the targets when placed in close proximity thereto.
US08863632B1 Charging handle
A charging handle assembly for an assault rifle includes a bolt engagement arm having an axially elongated shaft extending between a forward end and a rear end, a manual operator adapted to be manipulated by a user for effecting sliding movement of the bolt engagement arm, an operator extension elongated in the axial direction, connecting the manual operator with the rear end of bolt engagement arm and holding the manual operator forwardly thereof and laterally separated from the bolt engagement arm, an engagement latch mounted to the manual operator so as to be movable between an engagement position and an disengagement position, a biasing element extending between the manual operator and the engagement latch and biasing the engagement latch into the engagement position. A latch retainer can be attached to a mounting rail for receiving the engagement latch.
US08863626B2 Nibbler assembly for punch press and method of forming elongated hole in sheet material
A nibbler assembly includes a punch and a die. The die includes a through opening formed therein, which opening has an oblong configuration as viewed along a vertical direction. The die includes an upper surface including a recess extending from an upper peripheral portion of the through opening at an upstream side of a feed direction towards the upstream of the feed direction. The recess is dented downwardly relative to other portions of the upper surface. The punch includes a blade substantially matching in shape with the through opening. The blade includes an upstream end portion in the feed direction provided with opposite corners each having an arcuate shape as viewed along the vertical direction. The punch and the die are operable to punch successive holes that at least partially overlap along the feed direction so as to form an elongated hole in a sheet material.
US08863615B2 Roller lifter, roller lifter production method and liquid pump
A roller lifter including a roller that is rotatably supported and a body that supports the roller, the body including: a base portion in the form of a flat plate; a roller holding portion in the form of a pair of opposing plate-shaped portions that are formed by bending towards one of plate surfaces of the base portion, the roller holding portion being configured to hold the roller between the plate-shaped portions; and a guide portion in the form of a plate-shaped portion formed by bending towards the other one of the plate surfaces of the base portion and also formed by curving so that the plate-shaped portion follows a cylindrical surface shape in which a direction perpendicular to the plate surface of the base portion is the axial direction of the cylinder, the guide portion being configured to form a guide surface in a shape that follows the cylindrical surface shape.
US08863611B2 Bicycle control device
A bicycle control device includes a lever for actuating a brake control mechanism and a shift control mechanism in a cable-release direction and a cable-pull direction. The lever is rotatable about a brake axis to actuate the brake control mechanism and rotatable about a shift axis to actuate the shift control mechanism in the cable-release direction and in the cable-pull direction. The bicycle control device is configured to not displace the shift control mechanism upon actuation of the brake control mechanism.
US08863604B2 Drive unit for entrance and exit systems
A drive apparatus for boarding and unboarding devices, in particular for passenger doors, boarding ramps, retractable steps and the like on public transport vehicles having an electric drive motor the driven element of which is connected to the input element of a first reduction gear the output element of which is coupled to the actuation devices for the boarding and unboarding devices where the drive apparatus is constructed as a compact drive where the electric drive motor, the first reduction gear and a second reduction gear as well as an energizable clutch are disposed axially behind each other inside a tubular housing between the first reduction gear and the second reduction gear.
US08863595B2 Sample extraction device
The automated sample extraction device is a device for the automatic extraction of chemical samples. The device includes a housing defining an open interior region. A rotating carousel is disposed within the housing, and a plurality of sample holders are mounted thereon. A plurality of sample storage tanks each contain a unique chemical sample, and a desired volume of at least one chemical sample is drawn from a respective one of the sample storage tanks to a respective at least one of the plurality of sample holders. The carousel is rotated so that the desired volume of the at least one chemical sample may be dispensed into a receptacle positioned adjacent the carousel. The at least one chemical sample may then be mixed, heated, cooled, shaken and/or vibrated within the receptacle prior to dispensing.
US08863589B2 Measuring transducer of vibration type and measuring system
A measuring transducer comprises a transducer housing, of which an inlet-side housing end is formed by means of an inlet-side flow divider having eight, mutually spaced flow openings and an outlet-side housing end is formed by means of an outlet-side flow divider having eight, mutually spaced flow openings as well as a tube arrangement with eight bent measuring tubes for the conveying flowing medium, which, forming flow paths connected for parallel flow, are connected to the flow dividers, wherein each of the eight measuring tubes in each case opens with an inlet-side measuring tube end into one of the flow openings of the flow divider, and in each case opens with an outlet-side measuring tube end into one of the flow openings of the flow divider. An electro-mechanical exciter mechanism of the measuring transducer serves for producing and/or maintaining mechanical oscillations of the measuring tubes.
US08863588B2 Flow sensor
In a flow sensor, a horizontal dimension Xt between short side wall portions facing respective sides of a vortex generator is longer than a vertical dimension Yt between long side wall portions facing respective ends of the vortex generator. The short side wall portions are formed linearly or in straight lines along the vortex generator, whereas the long side wall portions are curved at a predetermined radius of curvature.
US08863585B2 Reversal bending fatigue testing
Embodiments for apparatuses for testing reversal bending fatigue in an elongated beam are disclosed. Embodiments are configured to be coupled to first and second end portions of the beam and to apply a bending moment to the beam and create a pure bending condition in an intermediate portion of the beam. Embodiments are further configured to cyclically alternate the direction of the bending moment applied to the beam such that the intermediate portion of the beam cyclically bends in opposite directions in a pure bending condition.
US08863584B2 Material testing system
Provided is a material testing system that can prevent the influence of noise to obtain an adequate test result by reducing a variation in test force in a plastic region.The material testing system is provided with: a displacement meter 15 that measures a displacement in distance between gage marks on a test piece 10; measuring means adapted to measure a displacement in rotational angle of a servo motor 31 that moves a crosshead 13; a computing part 48 that successively computes a change ratio R that is a ratio between the displacement in distance and the displacement in rotational angle; and a feedback control part 49 that, on the basis of the change ration R, performs feedback control of the servo motor 31, wherein when the change ratio R exceeds a setting value, a value of a parameter K used for the feedback control is changed to a value that makes the influence of the feedback control small.
US08863570B2 Support and insert for attaching a module to a tire wall
An attachment support, which is designed for attaching a module to a wall (101) of a tyre (100), includes a substantially flexible body (11) of substantially elongate shape. The body (11) includes a connecting surface (26) capable of being placed substantially permanently against an internal wall (101) of the tyre (100), a second, free surface (28) opposite to the connecting surface (26), and at least one substantially cylindrical housing (20). The housing (20) has an axis at right angles to the second, free surface (28) of the body (11) and is open on the second, free surface (28). The housing (20) includes a first substantially cylindrical portion (22) extended by a chamber (21) of substantially cylindrical shape and coaxial with the first portion (22). The chamber (21) has a diameter greater than the diameter of the first portion (22) of the housing (20).
US08863568B1 Apparatus and procedure to characterize the surface quality of conductors by measuring the rate of cathode emission as a function of surface electric field strength
A device and method for characterizing quality of a conducting surface. The device including a gaseous ionizing chamber having centrally located inside the chamber a conducting sample to be tested to which a negative potential is applied, a plurality of anode or “sense” wires spaced regularly about the central test wire, a plurality of “field wires” at a negative potential are spaced regularly around the sense, and a plurality of “guard wires” at a positive potential are spaced regularly around the field wires in the chamber. The method utilizing the device to measure emission currents from the conductor.
US08863567B2 Method and apparatus for fluid loss measurements of wellbore fluids
The present disclosure is directed to a filter element for simulating a fracture in subterranean formations comprising a non-porous filter element configured to be disposed in a wellbore fluid testing device, the non-porous filter element having a plurality of radial perforations extending there through.
US08863563B2 Magnetic lock and key assembly
A magnetic lock and key assembly includes a magnetic lock assembly. The magnetic lock assembly includes a plunger translatable between a locked position and an unlocked position. A detent is extendable when the plunger is in the locked position and retractable when the plunger is in the unlocked position. A lock magnet is translatable with the plunger and has an end defined by a lock magnet north pole and a lock magnet south pole. The magnetic lock and key assembly further includes a magnetic key assembly having a key magnet. The key magnet has an end defined by a key magnet north pole and a key magnet south pole. At least one of the lock magnet and the key magnet is rotatably supported to facilitate automatic magnetic attractive alignment, attraction of the lock magnet toward the key magnet, and translation of the plunger to the unlocked position.
US08863555B2 Selective glass batching methods for improving melting efficiency and reducing gross segregation of glass batch components
A method of increasing efficiency in glass batch melting by controlling the reaction paths of batch constituents as they melt, preventing early formation, flow, segregation and pooling of low-viscosity liquids. The glass batch raw material components are separated into first and second portions with different respective compositions, resulting in first and second respective compositions having first and second respective reaction paths. The respective portions are combined with remaining raw materials to define a mixture which is then introduced into the melter and reacted to yield a homogeneous glass melt. The first composition has a first melting temperature having a first reaction path resulting in a first liquid having sufficient viscosity to minimize flowing. The second composition has a second melting temperature and the first liquid fluxes the second composition to yield a molten glass composition.
US08863544B2 Small-size and light-weight environmental control unit for aircraft-external stores
An environmental control apparatus includes (A) a condensation air flow loop in which a fan driven when the aircraft is moved on the ground or flies performs a thermal exchange with a condenser of a cooling/heating flow loop; (B) the cooling/heating flow loop, including an evaporator, a compressor configured to have a rotating shaft coupled to the shaft of a ram air turbine, a condenser configured to perform a thermal exchange by the condensation air flow loop, and an expansion valve configured to expand the refrigerant condensed by the condenser, wherein the evaporator, the compressor, the condenser, and the expansion valve are interconnected by a refrigerant circulation line; (C) an air circulation loop for circulating and supplying cooled or heated air to a camera/electronic unit so that the camera/electronic unit maintains a constant temperature; and (D) a controller for controlling the driving of the elements in each of the loops.
US08863538B2 Ammonia recycling still for a refrigeration system and method therefor
A method of treating a contaminated refrigeration fluid including the steps of transferring, separating, returning, moving and removing. The transferring step includes the transferring of a portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid from a refrigeration system to a first tank. The separating step includes the separating of refrigerant from the portion of the contaminated refrigeration fluid resulting in the refrigerant and a refrigerant depleted portion. The returning step includes the returning of the refrigerant to the refrigeration system. The moving step includes the moving of the refrigerant depleted portion to a second tank. The removing step includes the removing of oil from the refrigerant depleted portion.
US08863534B2 Direct drive system with booster compressor
A transport refrigeration system with a direct drive compressor arrangement is provided with a variable speed electrically driven booster compressor that operates in series with the direct drive compressor. The speed of the booster compressor is controlled to either boost or decrease the system capacity. The booster compressor also acts to regulate the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator during periods of operation in which the direct drive compressor might otherwise become overloaded.
US08863521B2 Steam turbine plant
A steam turbine plant of one embodiment includes a boiler configured to change water into steam, a high pressure turbine including a turbine or turbines connected to each other in series, and having a first inlet to supply the steam from the boiler, an extraction port located at a downstream of the first inlet, a second inlet to supply the steam extracted from the extraction port and located at a downstream of the extraction port, and an exhaust port located at a downstream of the second inlet, the high pressure turbine being configured to be driven by the steam supplied from the first and second inlets, an extraction steam heater configured to heat the steam extracted from the extraction port and to supply the heated steam to the second inlet, a reheater configured to heat the steam exhausted from the exhaust port, and a reheat turbine configured to be driven by the steam from the reheater.
US08863510B2 Electrohydraulic actuator with a pump incorporated in the piston
The invention relates to an electrohydraulic actuator comprising a body (1) that defines a cylindrical cavity (2) in which a piston (3) slides in leaktight manner and divides an inside volume of the cavity into two chambers (A, B) of variable volume, the piston being associated with at least one rod (4) passing in leaktight manner through an end wall of the cavity, the actuator including a bidirectional pump (5) having two ports (P1, P2), each connected to one of the chambers, an electric motor (8) for selectively driving the pump in one direction or the other, the pump being placed inside the piston of the actuator so as to move together therewith. According to the invention, the motor is placed at the end of the actuator and drives a shaft of non-circular section (6) extending through the cavity parallel to a sliding direction of the piston (3) and of the rod (4), the shaft passing through the piston (3) to co-operate with a complementary drive member (11; 21) of the pump that slides freely along the shaft during movements of the rod but that is driven in rotation when the shaft turns under drive from the electric motor.
US08863508B2 Hydraulic circuit having energy storage and reuse
A hydraulic circuit is disclosed. The hydraulic circuit may have a pump, a motor, a tank, and an accumulator. The hydraulic circuit may also have a valve movable between a first position at which an output of the pump is fluidly connected to the tank and the accumulator is fluidly connected to the motor, and a second position at which the output of the pump is fluidly connected to the motor.
US08863506B2 Optimized electrically heated exhaust gas treatment system
A method of sizing a light-off core supporting a fixed quantity of a light-off catalyst for an exhaust gas treatment system having an electric heater upstream of the light-off catalyst for heating the exhaust gas includes measuring the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions leaving the exhaust gas treatment system for multiple volumetric sizes of the light-off core in accordance with a heating strategy. Alternatively, a model of the treatment system may be used to predict the cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions. The method further includes selecting the volumetric size of the light-off core that is associated with the lowest cumulative hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions level from the measured or predicted hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide emissions when the exhaust gas is heated in accordance with the heating strategy. The heating strategy may include pre-crank heating, post-crank heating, or a combination of pre-crank heating and post crank heating.
US08863505B2 Start-stop hybrid exothermic catalyst heating system
A catalyst heating system includes a first monitoring module, a mode selection module and an electrically heated catalyst (EHC) control module. The first monitoring module monitors at least one of (i) a first temperature of a first catalyst of a catalyst assembly in an exhaust system of an engine and (ii) an active catalyst volume of the catalyst assembly. The mode selection module is configured to select an EHC heating mode and at least one of a fuel enrichment mode and a secondary air injection mode based on the at least one of the first temperature and the active catalyst volume. The EHC control module controls current to one of the first catalyst and a second catalyst of the catalyst assembly based on the mode signal.
US08863503B2 Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
An exhaust purification system is provided that can appropriately grasp the NOx concentration or NH3 concentration on a downstream side of a selective reduction catalyst. A separation filter of the system models a downstream NOx estimated value (NOx_DW_hat) of the catalyst with a value obtained by multiplying a coefficient (Kscr) by an output (NOx_UP) of an upstream-side NOx sensor. The separation filter includes transient extraction filters that block a stationary component and allow a frequency band corresponding to an increase-decrease request of drive power from the driver to pass from the downstream NOx sensor output (Ynox) and upstream NOx sensor output (NOx_UP), and calculate filter values (Ynox_f, NOx_UP_f) of each; and an identifier that identifies the coefficient (Kscr) so that error (eid) between the filter value (Ynox_f) and a value (NOx_DW_hat_f) obtained by multiplying the purification coefficient (Kscr) by the filter value (NOx_UP_f) becomes a minimum.
US08863502B2 Metering module for a liquid reducing agent
The present invention relates to a metering module (15) for a liquid reducing agent, in particular a urea-water solution, for mixing the reducing agent with a gas, in particular air, for further introduction into an exhaust pipe (5) of an internal combustion engine (1). The metering module (15) comprises a metering valve (31) having a conduit (33), a compressed air duct (49) and a mixing chamber (35). An outlet opening of the conduit (33) for the reducing agent is arranged in the mixing chamber (35) at a distance from the mid-axis of the metering module (36).
US08863497B1 Control methods for improved catalytic converter efficiency and diagnosis
A controlling method for adjusting concentrations of, for example, individual cylinder's exhaust gas constituents to provide engine functions such as catalytic converter diagnosis, increased overall catalytic converter efficiency and rapid catalyst heating, before and/or after initiating closed loop fuel injection control, using a selected temperature sensor location within a low thermal mass catalytic converter design.
US08863489B2 Tine drive cam for windrow merger
A windrow merger having a plurality of rotationally driven tines that rotate around a non-circular cam to vary the rotational speed of the times. The tines extend from the cam on elongated cam followers such that the tines are moved through a flicking motion as the tines are rotated around the cam. The window merger also has an internal drive assembly positioned in an internal aperture around which the rotatable tines are rotated.
US08863488B2 Windrow merging apparatus
A windrow merger has a frame supporting first, second and third pickup assemblies, with the two outside pickup assemblies foldable between an extended use position and a retracted travel position. Each of the pickup assemblies includes a reversible conveyor providing multiple windrow merging configurations. The pickup assemblies are interchangeable and aligned to define an unobstructed pickup face.
US08863479B2 Container containing fluorinated organic carbonates
A container containing a fluorinated organic carbonate and a gas atmosphere which contains a cover gas selected from the group consisting of a noble gas, e.g., argon, xenon, a gaseous fluorinated aliphatic carbon which is heavier than air and does not interfere with the fluorinated organic compound, SF6, and any mixture thereof. Fluorinated organic carbonates are highly suitable as solvents or additives for solvent in Li ion batteries and consequently, must be kept in a very pure state even during expanded times of storage. The argon or xenon gas atmosphere prevents the intrusion of air or moisture even if the container is opened and the liquid handled in an environment of common air. A method of storing one or more fluorinated organic carbonates in a safe manner.
US08863478B2 Electronic counting of sealing cycles of an ultrasonic sealing device in a packaging machine
Packaging Machine operable to produce sealed packages made of heat-seal sheet packaging material and containing a food product, and comprising an ultrasonic sealing device including an electrical power signal source operable to generate an electrical power signal; an ultrasonic transducer electrically coupled to the electrical power signal source to receive the electrical power signal and responsively heat seal the sheet packaging material; and an electronic counter operable to count the ultrasonic sealing cycles of the ultrasonic sealing device.
US08863465B2 Stackable wall block system
A segmental wall block system including one or more a face units and one or more anchoring units. The face units each have a front face and a rear face and one or more channels formed in the rear face, the channels extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the face unit along a face unit height. The anchoring units each have a first connector on a first end and a second connector on a second end. The first and second connectors are sized to slide into and be interlocked with the channels of the face unit. The distance between the upper surface and the lower surface of the anchoring unit forms its height, which is approximately uniform and is approximately one half of the height of the face unit. The anchoring units may also include one or more grooves on the connectors.
US08863463B2 Insulation building system for a building structure
The present invention concerns an insulation building system comprising an assembly having at least one frame profile, a plurality of joining profiles and insulation panels, wherein the insulation panels are retained between the joining profiles.
US08863461B2 Siding panel system
A panel for attachment to a mounting surface includes a fastener edge defined along one edge of the panel and a butt edge defined opposite the fastener edge. The fastener edge contacts the mounting surface. The panel includes a plurality of raised faces formed between the fastener edge and the butt edge. The raised faces are oriented at a first angle to the mounting surface, such that the raised faces are further from the mounting surface toward the butt edge. The panel also includes a tapered keyway linking each of the raised faces. The tapered keyway extends from the raised faces toward the mounting surface and is at a second angle to the raised faces. An offset hem is formed on the fastener edge and extends away from the mounting surface.
US08863458B2 Insulative sealing system and materials therefor
This disclosure relates to an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition disposed at the junctions of the framing and exterior sheathing. In particular, an insulative system and materials therefor comprising a polymeric composition in the form of a sealing structure in contact with both the framing and exterior sheathing of a building are described.
US08863456B2 Structural insulated panels
The present invention is directed to glass-fiber-reinforced concrete compositions that may be sprayed, methods of preparing and applying such compositions, devices used in preparing and applying such compositions, and composite structural insulated panels that may be fabricated using such compositions, related methods of manufacture, and building systems employing such panels.
US08863455B2 Unitized precast grillage foundation and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses a unitized precast grillage foundation for supporting a structure comprising: a plurality of anchoring elements defining a grid for resting on an underlying surface; a base connected on the grid, the base comprising at least a first footing and a second footing spaced apart and at least one connecting member between and connected to the at least first footing and the second footing; and a beam-column projecting upwardly from the base, and a method of making same.
US08863454B2 Pultruded part for use as a frame member for an exterior wall construction for a building
A building curtain wall is formed by vertical frame members carrying panels of glass bridging the space between the members so that edges of the panels are mounted on the members. Each frame member is a hollow pultruded member defined by a thermo-set resin reinforced by reinforcing fibers including longitudinal rovings and a mat located at an exposed surface of the inner wall and the side walls of the generally rectangular member. The exterior surface is defined by the resin which is pigmented but uncoated. In order to provide a required finish to the exterior surfaces the inner wall and the side walls have a thickness of at least 0.090 inch with a difference in thickness therebetween which is less than 20%.
US08863449B2 Substructure of a mobile drilling rig with a movable center floor section
Disclosed herein is a raisable substructure of a drilling rig that includes first and second substructure boxes. The first and second substructure boxes of the raisable substructure each include, among other things an upper box and a lower box, wherein each of the upper boxes is adapted to be raised above a respective lower box. The disclosed raisable substructure also includes a movable center floor section that is adapted to be supported by the upper boxes of the first and second substructure boxes, wherein the movable center floor section is further adapted to be slidably moved between the upper boxes during assembly of the drilling rig.
US08863447B2 Hybrid geodesic structure
A hybrid geodesic structure includes a core structure and a geodesic shell surrounding the core structure. The core structure extends from a base at a center of the geodesic shell through an upper extent of the geodesic shell opposite to the base. The core structure supports the geodesic shell at an upper extent and includes a roof.
US08863445B2 Reinforced concrete dense column structure systems
A monolithic reinforced concrete (RC) dense column structure includes RC dense columns along a structure perimeter, RC window structures along the structure perimeter, and a RC beam over the dense columns and the window structures around the structure perimeter. Each window structure includes RC window columns, a RC short window column between the window columns, and a RC window beam between the window columns and over the short window column. The structure further includes prefabricated wall panels having molds that casted the dense columns, the window structures, and the beam.
US08863438B1 Apparatus and method of construction of an overhead door
An overhead door frame apparatus having a plurality of elongated structural C-channel members. At least one of the members has a tube secured within and perpendicular to the first member and having a flat plate attached to an outside of the tube. At least an adjacent C-channel member of the plurality of members having a closed end. At least one fastener passes through the flat plate and through the tube of the first member and through the adjacent member.
US08863435B2 Architecture for symbiotic livestock and biofuel production
Methods and apparatus involve locating an algae production facility in close proximity to a livestock production facility whereby the outputs of one or both facilities promotes productivity levels in the facility. In an illustrative example, the algae production facility includes a bioreactor in fluid communication with the atmosphere inside, for example, a poultry facility. In some examples, the atmosphere inside the poultry facility may be around a substantially controlled temperature suitable for poultry. The atmosphere may further contain substantial Nitrogen-content suitable to promote algae growth. Various embodiments may symbiotically consume waste products from each facility to promote production of, for example, protein for food and algae, which may be used for animal feed, for example, and/or processed into fuel. In some examples, the algae production facility may be conveniently packaged into a module. In some examples, the module may be stored and shipped in a conventional shipping container.
US08863434B2 Electrified bird deterrent device with cavity
An animal deterrent device includes an elongated carrier having an internal cavity. A conductive trace can be coupled to the carrier by a first fastener that extends from the conductive trace to the cavity, which prevents water from contacting the fastener and shorting the conductive trace.
US08863431B2 Universal patch assembly for cleaning the bores of weapons
A universal gun cleaning patch assembly comprising a support frame having a hub and hub bore, a plurality of resiliently deformable legs, and a swab. The assembly is radially compressible to effectively wipe the bores of weapons having a wide range of bore diameters. The swab material is preferably made integral with the support frame and may include natural or synthetic fibers and/or laminates of natural and/or synthetic fibers and a metal or plastic mesh embedded in a fabric to effectively scrub the inner bore of the firearm and remove gunpowder residues and excess solvents or oils during the cleaning process. The hub bore may sized to be self-tapping on male threads of a cable or rod that is pulled and/or pushed through the bore, or the bore may be tapered and include a plurality of deformable fingers to received a quick-disconnect stem.
US08863430B2 Bipod leg mounting body and bipod comprising same
A bipod kit for a firearm has a bipod leg mounting body and a firearm structural component. The bipod leg mounting body has a substantially round central passage defining an interior side surface thereof and has two leg mounting structures on an exterior side surface thereof generally opposite the interior side surface. The firearm structural component can be mounted on the firearm at an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) mounting structure thereof. The firearm structural component includes a bipod mounting portion integral therewith. The bipod mounting portion is cylindrical and is rotatably mounted within the central passage of the bipod leg mounting body. The bipod mounting portion is configured such that a barrel of the firearm extends through a central passage thereof when the firearm structural component is mounted on the firearm at the OEM mounting structure thereof.
US08863429B2 Device for producing a gun barrel and a gun barrel
The invention relates to a device for producing a gun barrel, in which the barrel is formed from a pipe blank (1) in which barrel rifles (2) are formed against a mandrel (3) having grooves (2b) shaped as the rifles.
US08863428B2 Stock assembly with recoil suppression
A stock assembly for attachment to a firearm assembly is described. The stock assembly includes a buttstock having a longitudinal conduit and a locking member; a connector tube with, front and back ends slidable within the buttstock conduit between a fully inserted position and a fully extended position, the tube having a longitudinal conduit; an attachment member slidable within the tube conduit between a forward position and a rearward position, the attachment member having a front end attachable to the firearm assembly and a rear end; a spring within the connector tube engaging the rear end of the attachment member, the spring urging the attachment member toward its forward position; and locking means preventing rotation of the attachment member relative to the connector tube, while allowing the attachment member to move within the tube between its forward and rearward positions.
US08863422B2 Magazine with detachable feed lip element
Magazines with detachable feed lip elements have a tubular body having a lower end and an upper end that defines an elongated passage that receives a spring and a detachable feed element positioned on top of the upper end of the passage that has feed lips that retain cartridges in the magazine and permit the cartridges to be extracted forwardly. The feed element may be a U-shaped device having a main upper panel that defines a feed lip aperture. The feed element may have side walls with fasteners that connect the feed element to the body. The feed element may have opposed sides, the aperture may be defined by the opposed sides, and a spring may be attached to one of the opposed sides to provide a biasing force toward the other opposed side such that a cartridge cannot be extracted from the aperture except in a forward direction.
US08863420B2 Three-dimensional supporting frame
A three-dimensional supporting frame includes a blank. The blank includes an image receiving surface, a back surface opposed to the image receiving surface, a center portion defining a perimeter, and at least three foldable extensions extending from the perimeter. Each of the foldable extensions includes no less than four folds to be folded toward the back surface to form the three-dimensional supporting frame. A tab line is scored in one of the folds of each of the at least three foldable extensions, the tab line to be released to form a tab to be secured to the back surface when the folds are folded. An adhesion promoting layer is present on the back surface at the center portion.
US08863418B2 Folding display unit with central member
A point of sale display is disclosed. A display unit according to an embodiment includes: a first display face; a second display face; and a foldable central member positioned between the first and second display faces, the foldable central member including: a foldable L-shaped member; and a transverse member positioned within a slot of the foldable L-shaped member, wherein the foldable central member automatically expands from a storage position to a display position, such that the first and second display faces form an opening therebetween.
US08863417B2 End stand display system and side saddle display and product holder
A display system for use with an end stand or end cap shelving system is provided. The display system is formed from a first blank of material and a second blank of material. The blanks are cut and provided with fold lines, score lines and perforations necessary to fold the blanks into a set up display system. A lighting system can be incorporated into the display system. A side saddle display and product holder is also provided.
US08863409B2 Shoe having an air cushioning bed
An air cushioning system for use in a shoe is formed from a first layer of a plastic material and a second layer of plastic material both of which are sized to fit within an interior of the shoe. The periphery of the second layer is joined to the periphery of the first layer and one or more interior locations within the periphery of the second layer are also joined to correspondingly adjacent interior locations within the periphery of the first layer. The unjoined surfaces of the second layer are spaced from the first layer and thereby function to define a trapped air chamber within the joined peripheries of the second layer and the first layer.
US08863399B2 Tape measure
A tape measure includes a housing assembly defining a cavity and a tape port. A measuring tape is selectively extendable and retractable from the tape port. The measuring tape includes a spool portion disposed within the cavity and an end portion. A top surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion, and a bottom surface extends from the end portion to the spool portion opposite the top surface. A hook member is fixedly coupled to a end portion of the measuring tape. A first measurement scale is defined on the top surface and includes indicia having a first orientation relative to a longitudinal tape axis. The bottom surface includes a second measurement scale with indicia having a second orientation relative to the longitudinal tape axis. The second orientation is substantially opposite the first orientation.
US08863398B2 Feature-based coordinate reference
A method and system for creating a feature-based coordinate reference is provided. In one aspect, a system comprises a first, second, and third feature location block configured to engage a first, second, and third feature of an object, respectively. Each feature location block has a means for attachment to the object and a target placement feature. The target placement feature of each feature location block is configured to receive a respective target and guide placement of the respective target on the object. A target measuring system measures the locations of the targets on the object, and a coordinate system creates a coordinate reference based on the locations of the targets.
US08863397B2 Combination gauge for measuring the thickness of roofing shingles, metal roofing panels, and vinyl siding
A gauge is provided for measuring the thickness of roofing shingles and vinyl siding. The gauge includes a main body having at least two elongated slots, one slot functioning to receive and measure the thickness of roofing shingles and the other slot functioning to receive and measure the thickness of vinyl siding. Both slots are open from a respective edge of the main body and include a width that progressively decreases from the open edge to a terminating point in the slot.
US08863394B2 Folding knife
The present invention is to provide a folding knife having a blade pivotally connected to a handle. A resilient locking arm has a first end fixed inside to the handle and a second end extending slantingly toward the blade when the blade is received in the handle. A positioning plate is movably positioned in the handle, and has a first end extending outside to the handle. Once the blade is received in the handle, the positioning plate engages with the resilient locking arm. However, when the blade is rotated out of the handle completely, the second end of the resilient locking arm presses against the end of the blade in a locked position, and thereby the positioning plate disengages with the resilient locking arm and presses against the resilient locking arm to avoid the blade from being out of the locked position and rotated into the handle.
US08863392B2 Grafting pruner
A grafting pruner includes a first handle and a second handle pivotally connected together, a fixed cutter holder affixed to the first handle, a link affixed to the second handle, a cutter assembly mounted between the fixed cutter holder and the link. A pivot device is inserted through an arched sliding slot of the fixed cutter holder, an axle hole of the link and a longitudinal sliding slot of the cutter blade assembly to secure the fixed cutter blade, the link and the cutter blade assembly together. During relative movement between the first and second handles subject to an external force, the link will be forced by the second handle to move along the arched sliding slot, pushing the cutter blade assembly toward the first handle to cut a living shoot or bud off a plant.
US08863387B2 System for plugging heat exchanging tubes
A system and a method for plugging a heat exchanger tube or the like. The system includes a plug member having a central shaft having a compressible member mounted on the central shaft such that axial compression of the compressible member radially expands the compressible member into sealing engagement with an inner wall of a tube in which the plug member is inserted. The system further includes a drive means removably engaged with the plug member for inserting the plug member into the tube and for providing axial force on the compressible member to cause radial expansion of the compressible member into sealing engagement with the inner wall of the tube.
US08863372B1 Hard disk drive top cover removal
A hard disk drive (HDD) top cover removal tool includes a nest assembly, a clamp, a guide plate, and a purge and vacuum assembly (PAVA). The nest assembly secures an HDD and rotates it from a first to a second position. The clamp presses against a top cover of the HDD such that the top cover maintains contact with a hard drive body of the HDD. A hole defined in the guide plate is aligned with a screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body, and receives a screw driver for removing a screw fastening the top cover to the hard drive body. The PAVA purges and evacuates particles from the screw location of the top cover and the hard drive body of the HDD in the second position. The clamp releases the top cover. The PAVA removes the released top cover from the hard drive body.
US08863370B2 Windshield wiper apparatus
The invention relates to a windscreen wiper apparatus for a motor vehicle, having a wiper motor and having at least one wiper bearing in which a wiper shaft is mounted, it being possible to drive said wiper shaft by means of the wiper motor in order to operate a wiper arm which is connected to the wiper shaft, wherein the wiper bearing has a bearing pin (4) for holding a tubular support (1), it being possible for said bearing pin to be fixed to the tubular support (1) by means of a crimp, characterized in that the bearing pin (4) has an outer contour (5) which is already formed, at least in a region of overlap with the crimp, so as to correspond to an inner contour (3) of the crimped tubular support (1), before the crimp is introduced, and also to a method for producing said windscreen wiper apparatus.
US08863361B2 Door hinge for recessed installation between door edge and jamb
A door hinge for recessed installation between an edge of a door panel and a door jamb has first and second leaf assemblies that each form a cavity and are recessed in the door-panel edge and in the door jamb and a pair of U-section links pivoted centrally together about a center axis and each having a first end and a second end engaged in the cavities of the respective first and second leaf assemblies. The first end of one of the links and the second end of the other link are pivoted about respective vertical axes fixed in the respective leaf assemblies and the second end of the one link and the first end of the other link are pivotal about another respective vertical axis and horizontally shiftable in a respective guide of the respective leaf assemblies.
US08863360B2 Lockable hinge assembly
The present invention relates to a hinge joint mechanism. The hinge joint mechanism comprises a fixed component including a plurality of curved portions and at least one straight portion; a movable component including a plurality of curved portions and a plurality of straight portions; said hinge joint mechanism provides a relative rotation between the two surfaces of the hinge joints to rotate the movable component by a desired amount relative to the fixed component. The hinge joint mechanism of the invention provides a proper sealing in the joints to avoid liquid or any such kind of material to move across it.
US08863356B2 Piston device for the controlled rotatable movement of doors, shutters or like members
A piston device for the controlled rotatable movement of a closing element anchored to a stationary support structure includes a tubular body removably insertable into at least one seat of a hinge device, an actuating head external to the tubular body, a plunger member slidably movable unitarily with the actuating head between a retracted end position and an extended end position, an elastic contrast member acting on the plunger member for the returning thereof from the retracted end position to the extended end position, and a working fluid acting on the plunger member to hydraulically counteract the action thereof. A hinge device, in which a piston device according to the invention is removably insertable.
US08863353B2 Vacuum cleaner having dirt cup assembly with internal air guide
A floor cleaning apparatus includes a body having a suction inlet and an exhaust outlet. A dirt cup assembly is carried on the body. The dirt cup assembly includes a primary cyclone, a plurality of secondary cyclones and an airflow path between the primary cyclone and the plurality of secondary cyclones. A suction generator is carried on the body. The suction generator moves an airstream through the suction inlet, the airflow path of the dirt cup assembly and the suction outlet. The airflow path is characterized by a primary air guide including an airflow surface that provides for laminar airflow between the secondary cyclones.
US08863351B2 Floor cleaning machine
A floor cleaning machine includes a cleaning system, a drive mechanism, and at least one steerable front wheel driven by the drive mechanism. The floor cleaning machine also includes two independently suspended rear wheels. A platform is located along a geometrical center axis between the two rear wheels. The platform is configured to support an operator of the floor cleaning machine in a standing position. A maximum vertical distance between the platform and the floor is 200 millimeters.
US08863345B2 Oral care implement having a closed-loop arrangement of cleaning elements
A toothbrush having an arrangement of cleaning elements for improved oral care and dentifrice retention. In one aspect, the invention is a toothbrush comprising a first set of cleaning elements forming a loop that extends from the distal periphery of the head to the proximal periphery of the head. The loop has the shape of a racetrack and comprises a first par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements at the distal periphery of the head and a second par-elliptical wall of cleaning elements located at the proximal periphery of the head. The par elliptical walls are connected first and second arcuate rows of cleaning elements. In one embodiment, the first and second arcuate rows are symmetrically arranged about the longitudinal axis so that peripheral convex surfaces of the first and second arcuate rows face the longitudinal axis.
US08863344B2 Mechanically driven resonant drive power toothbrush
The power toothbrush includes a handle (12) and a workpiece assembly (18) which includes a brushhead (20) at a forward end thereof. The toothbrush further includes a drive assembly (14) which includes a DC motor (26) having a rotating output shaft (41) and a mounting assembly (28) for flexibly mounting the motor to the handle. The drive assembly includes a torsion spring member (64), an eccentric member (52), a coupling member (44) for connecting the rotating output shaft of the motor to the rear end of the eccentric and a hub member (62) forward of the eccentric, wherein the other end of the eccentric extends to and is mounted to the hub member. The torsion spring extends between the motor mount and the hub member. In operation, the rotating eccentric excites a desired resonant mode in the torsion spring, resulting in a sweeping back and forth action of the workpiece assembly and the brushhead.
US08863341B1 Dual bridge aircraft passenger boarding ramp assembly and method
A ramp assembly for deplaning passengers from and boarding passengers on an airplane includes a level deck having a front deck edge, at least one bridge connector assembly carried by the level deck at the front deck edge and at least one floating upper bridge carried by the at least one bridge connector assembly. The at least one bridge connector assembly facilitates horizontal pivoting movement, vertical pivoting movement and side-to-side movement of the at least one floating upper bridge relative to the level deck. A passenger deplaning and boarding method is also disclosed.
US08863337B2 Child sleeping restraint
The present invention relates to a sleeping restraint for a child that can be used to secure the child to the chest of an adult who is in a substantially horizontal position as well as to methods of using a sleeping restraint. In certain embodiments, the sleeping restraint comprises at least one chest strap for at least partially encircling the chest of an adult, first and second child restraining walls connected to the at least one chest strap, and a restraining strap connected to the chest strap for restraining a child in place on the adult's chest between the walls when the adult is lying on his back.
US08863323B2 Wall-entry bathtub
A wall-entry bathtub includes an entry wall movable between a raised position and a lowered position to provide convenient ingress and egress. A handle assembly is coupled to a pair of latches and brackets to selectively restrain the wall-entry bathtub in the raised position. A counterweight assembly is coupled to the entry wall and reduces the force required to move the entry wall between the lowered and raised positions. The entry wall also includes a seal member that is expandable to inhibit water from leaking past the entry wall when the wall-entry bathtub is in use. Dual drains are provided to reduce the time required to drain water from the wall-entry bathtub. And, a controller, in combination with a variety of sensors, applies predetermined logic to control the water filling, entry wall sealing, and water draining of the wall-entry bathtub.
US08863322B2 Jet apparatus for toilet
A jet apparatus for a toilet includes a base, a fixed support provided with a longitudinal opening, and a mobile support including a longitudinal support body and an installation portion disposed on the support body. The support body is received inside the opening and is capable of moving inside the opening. A jet pipe is rotatably installed on the installation portion of the mobile support and includes a jet pipe body, a nozzle formed at the front end of the jet pipe body, a rotation portion disposed at the rear end of the jet pipe body, and an inlet pipe connected with a cleaning water pipe. A drive motor for driving the mobile support to move is also included, and the jet apparatus further includes a fan-shaped engaging gear disposed on the rotation portion. A matching gear for engaging with the fan-shaped engaging gear is disposed on the fixed support.
US08863321B2 Toilet chair assembly
A chair assembly including a toilet seat, a chair seat lid and a backrest. The toilet seat, the lid and the backrest are connected relative to one another such that they are positionable in alternative chair and toilet-use modes. The lid is behind the generally upright backrest when the assembly is in the toilet-use mode and is on the toilet seat when the assembly is in the chair mode. The assembly can have self-supporting legs whereby it can form a standalone chair remote from the toilet. When in a male urination mode, the toilet seat is lifted and the backrest is in a lifted, generally horizontal position.
US08869300B2 Redirection of information from secure virtual machines to unsecure virtual machines
The present invention is directed towards methods and systems for redirecting an access request to an unsecure virtual machine. A computing device may execute a hypervisor hosting a secure virtual machine and an unsecure virtual machine. A control virtual machine, hosted by a hypervisor executing on the computing device, may intercept a request to access an unsecure resource. The unsecure resource may include one of: a file, an application and an uniform resource locator (URL). The control virtual machine may further determine that the request originates from a secure virtual machine executing on the computing device. The control virtual machine may redirect, responsive to the determination, the request to an unsecure virtual machine executing on the computing device, whereupon the unsecure virtual machine may provide access to the requested unsecure resource.
US08869290B2 Method and system for secure content distribution by a broadband gateway
A broadband gateway, which enables communication with a plurality of devices, handles at least one physical layer connection to at least one corresponding network access service provider. Security boundaries such as conditional access (CA) and/or digital right management (DRM) boundaries associated with the broadband gateway are identified based on security profiles associated with the plurality of devices and/or a service from networks. The identified security boundaries are utilized to determine or negotiate CA information for content access for the service. The received content may be distributed according to the determined CA information and the security profiles of the corresponding devices. The broadband gateway may be automatically and dynamically configured based on the identified security boundaries to secure content distribution to the devices. Content distribution security schemes, for example, super encryption, simul-crypt, IPSec and/or watermarking, may be selected by matching the CA information with corresponding device security profiles.
US08869289B2 Software application verification
Various embodiments for software application verification are disclosed. Software application verification applies digital rights management to applications that run protected content on a playback device. In this way, protected content may be provided to approved applications and withheld from applications that have not been approved to run the protected content.
US08869282B1 Anti-malware support for firmware
Technologies are described herein for anti-malware support within firmware. Through the utilization of the technologies and concepts presented herein, malicious software protection may be extended down to the firmware level. Detecting malicious firmware or software, removing it from firmware, and actively preventing it from exploiting known security vulnerabilities may be supported. Application level anti-malware software may interface with, and be supported by, one or more firmware level anti-malware modules. Firmware level anti-malware modules can actively prevent malicious software from affecting the system firmware. For example, the anti-malware modules may monitor or block access to the firmware. Anti-malware modules may be available at both boot-time and run-time. Thus, a wider range of malicious software attacks or infiltrations may be mitigated.
US08869270B2 System and method for implementing content and network security inside a chip
Systems and methods for implementing content, streaming, and network security inside a chip or inside a computing device are disclosed. In exemplary embodiments, a system comprises a communication chip and a second processor. The communication chip comprises a router and security instructions. The router is configured to intercept untrusted data between a network, and a first router. The second processor is configured to receive the untrusted data from the router, process the untrusted data with the security instructions to produce trusted data, and provide the trusted data to the router.
US08869268B1 Method and apparatus for disrupting the command and control infrastructure of hostile programs
A method and apparatus for securing a computer is described. The method and apparatus comprise detecting one or more hostile programs residing upon a computer using a command and control infrastructure library and disrupting a command and control infrastructure of the one or more hostile programs.
US08869261B1 Securing access to touch-screen devices
A method is disclosed for adjusting a security interface display on an electronic device. The method comprises a user of an electronic device requesting a change in the display of an interface for entering security code information on the device. The device presents to the user a variety of options related to the manner in which the graphical elements of the security interface may be displayed. The user may select any one or more of the display options. The electronic device thereafter displays a security interface with graphical elements displayed according to the user's selection.
US08869260B2 Computer or microchip with a master controller connected by a secure control bus to networked microprocessors or cores
A computer or microchip securely controlled through a private network including a connection to a network of computers including the Internet; a separate connection to at least a private network of computers located in a hardware protected area of said computer or microchip, a first microprocessor, core or processing unit configured to connect to the connection to the network of computers including the Internet; a master controlling device for the computer or microchip located in the hardware protected area; and a secure control bus configured to connect at least said master controlling device with said microprocessor, core or processing unit, and isolated from input from the network and components other than said master controlling device. The master controlling device securely controls an operation executed by the microprocessor, core or processing unit, with secure control being provided through the private network to the private network connection through the secure control bus.
US08869252B2 Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for bootstrapping device and user authentication
An apparatus may include a processor configured to receive a security certificate request from a remote device comprising a public key of the remote device and an authentication credential based upon a legacy authentication mechanism of the remote device. The processor may be further configured to validate the received authentication credential in accordance with the legacy authentication mechanism. The processor may be additionally configured to generate a security certificate for the public key. The processor may be further configured to provide the generated security certificate to the remote device.
US08869249B2 Protecting information on a computer system using multiple authentication methods
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, for a user, first user authentication information for a first authentication method and receiving, for the user, second user authentication information for a second authentication method. The second authentication method is different from the first authentication method. Upon authenticating the first user authentication information and the second user authentication information, the method moves a subset of data stored on a back-end storage device to a front-end storage device. The front-end storage device is directly connected to the user via a network and the back-end storage device not being directly connected to the network. The method then allows access to the subset of data for a period of time, wherein after the period of time expires, the subset of data is removed from the front-end storage device.
US08869242B2 Authentication in heterogeneous IP networks
The invention proposes a system for authenticating and authorizing network services comprising: a mobile device being adapted to, upon receipt of an information message indicating at least one network access type, determine the network access type, to create a start message containing at least a user identity, and to encapsulate the start message in an authentication message compatible with the access network identified in the information message, and an access controller for reading the encapsulated message from the mobile and forwarding the encapsulated message to an authentication server identified in the encapsulated message. The invention also proposes a corresponding method for authenticating and authorizing network services, and an access control device, a subscriber device and a router device.
US08869223B2 Increased cable television tap bandwidth utilizing existing tap housings
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes a resonance restricting material in communication with a bypass line of a cable television tap. The bypass line generates resonances at a defined frequency in response to RF parameters in the tap and the resonances increase insertion losses at the defined frequency and precludes bandwidth of the tap being increased above the defined frequency. The resonance restricting material may attenuate the resonances generated by the bypass line at the defined frequency (e.g., approximately 1.2 GHz) and reduce insertion losses at the defined frequency and enable the bandwidth of the tap to be increased (e.g., from 1.0 GHz to 1.8 GHz).
US08869207B1 Method and system for delivering video content from multiple platforms to subscribers
An integrated content delivery interface enables a user to access content from a multi-channel service provider (such as a cable television service) and over-the-top sources. The system displays a set of cable channels and over-the-top channels based on a combination of the user's subscription status for the various services, personalization criteria, and device type. The system may provide the user with a playlist of available videos for each channel. For videos from over-the-top sources, when a user selects the video for on-demand play the user's device will directly access the video as served by the over-the-top source. Before including any video in the playlist, the system will ensure that the video is available to the user based on subscription status and/or device type, and it will ensure that the over-the-top source serves the video in a format that is compatible with the user's device.
US08869200B2 Selection list of thumbnails
A method and system to view a selection of thumbnails are described herein. A plurality of content channels, which are most recently tuned into by a user, are stored. Further, a display presents a selection array for a plurality of thumbnails that represent the plurality of content channels.
US08869198B2 Producing video bits for space time video summary
A computer-assisted method for producing a space time summary for one or more original videos includes automatically recognizing a key element in an original video, extracting pixels related to the key element from a series of video frames of the original video, producing a video bit comprising a series of video frames comprising the pixels and audio information extracted from the original video, wherein at least one video frame of the video bit is formed by a subset of pixels of the corresponding video frame in the original video, automatically displaying a plurality of video bits in a user interface, wherein the plurality of video bits are extracted from one or more original videos, and provide a space time summary for the one or more original videos, and allowing two of the plurality of video bits to be played simultaneously with audio and motion in the user interface.
US08869196B2 Programming based interactive content
A method may include receiving an identification of a device; receiving at least one of device information, which includes a location of the device or a viewing history for the device, or preference information, which includes preferences by a user or a third party, associated with the identification of the device from the device; identifying interactive content based on the at least one of the device information or the preference information; and receiving trigger information, which includes a time and a place for a trigger, the trigger information to identify an event relating to a provisioning of video content. The method may further include mapping the identification of the device and the identified interactive content with the trigger information; detecting that the event has occurred; and sending the identified interactive content based on the mapping and the trigger information.
US08869195B2 Apparatus and method for managing voice communications
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive a call request from a set top box that is remote from the server where the call request identifies a telephone number that is displayed in video content presented by the set top box where the telephone number was detected based on at least one of image pattern recognition and voice recognition and where the telephone number is associated with a marketing entity of the video content, establish a voice communication with a first telephone device associated with the set top box, and establish the voice communication with a second telephone device associated with the telephone number and the marketing entity if the first telephone device accepts the voice communication. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08869190B2 Enablement of premium content for internet video client
A device is enabled to display Internet TV by accessing a management server and receiving back from the server a user token and a service list of predefined content servers. A user can select a content server on the service list which causes the device to upload its user token to the management server, which in turn sends back the network path to the content server along with a content server-user-unique service token (SUIT) that the device uses to access the content on the content server, in some embodiments on per-title PPV access, per-content category PPV access, or per-service PPV access.
US08869176B2 Exposing host operating system services to an auxillary processor
Aspect methods, systems and devices may be configured to perform two-way and/or reverse procedure calls in a computing device or across a network to offload the bulk of processing operations from a general purpose processor to an auxiliary processor, while perform operations that require access to context information locally on the general purpose processor (e.g., application processor, CPU, etc.). The two-way and/or reverse procedure calls allow an auxiliary processor to perform operations that include subroutines that require access to an application processor's or a calling process's context information, without requiring the calling process to send the context information to the auxiliary processor (e.g., as part of the procedure call/method invocation, etc.).
US08869170B2 System and method for a process broker and backend adapter based process integration
Embodiments of the present invention may provide a local process integration component to facilitate process integration. The local process integration component may include an adapter, a process broker and a process broker handler. The process broker may collaborate with the business logic and adapter to perform business-centric integration logic. The architecture is based on is a toolkit and generator approach. For inbound communication, the adapter is responsible for control flow while the process broker handler provides generic services. For outbound communication, the process broker is responsible for control flow while the process broker handler provides generic services. The control flow orchestration is uniformed by code generation.
US08869166B2 Effective management of blocked-tasks in preemptible read-copy update
A technique for managing read-copy update readers that have been preempted while executing in a read-copy update read-side critical section. A single blocked-tasks list is used to track preempted reader tasks that are blocking an asynchronous grace period, preempted reader tasks that are blocking an expedited grace period, and preempted reader tasks that require priority boosting. In example embodiments, a first pointer may be used to segregate the blocked-tasks list into preempted reader tasks that are and are not blocking a current asynchronous grace period. A second pointer may be used to segregate the blocked-tasks list into preempted reader tasks that are and are not blocking an expedited grace period. A third pointer may be used to segregate the blocked-tasks list into preempted reader tasks that do and do not require priority boosting.
US08869158B2 Job scheduling to balance energy consumption and schedule performance
An energy-aware backfill scheduling method combines overestimation of job run-times and processor adjustments, such as dynamic voltage and frequency scaling, to balance overall schedule performance and energy consumption. Accordingly, some scheduled jobs are executed in a manner reducing energy consumption. A computer-implemented method comprises identifying job performance data for a plurality of representative jobs and running a simulation of backfill-based job scheduling of the jobs at various combinations of run-time over-estimation values and processor adjustment values. The simulation generates data including energy consumption and job delay. The method further identifies one of the combinations of values that optimizes the mathematical product of an energy consumption parameter and a job delay parameter using the simulation generated data for the plurality of jobs. Jobs submitted to a processor are then scheduled using the identified combination of a run-time over-estimation value and a processor adjustment value.
US08869156B2 Speculative task reading in a traffic manager of a network processor
Described embodiments provide for scheduling packets for transmission by a network processor. The network processor generates tasks corresponding to received packets associated with a data flow. A traffic manager of the network processor receives tasks provided by a processing module of the network processor and generates a tree scheduling hierarchy having one or more scheduling levels. Each received task is queued in a queue of the scheduling hierarchy associated with the received task, the queue having a corresponding parent scheduler in each level of the scheduling hierarchy, forming a branch of the scheduling hierarchy. A parent scheduler selects a child node to transmit a task. A task read module determines a thread corresponding to the selected child node to read corresponding packet data from a shared memory. The traffic manager forms one or more output tasks for transmission based on the packet data corresponding to the thread.
US08869152B1 Methods and procedures to dynamically adjust processor frequency
A method for altering an operating frequency of a processor. The method includes monitoring a real-time performance indicator of a system, and determining a desired frequency in response to the indicator. The indicator may be an amount of idle time of a processor of the system. The method also includes selectively altering an operating frequency of the processor in response to a comparison of the desired frequency and the operating frequency, including increasing the operating frequency in response to the desired frequency being greater than the operating frequency, and decreasing the operating frequency only in response to the desired frequency being less than the operating frequency by more than a predetermined value.
US08869148B2 Concurrency identification for processing of multistage workflows
A system and method may be utilized to identify concurrency levels of processing stages in a distributed system, identify common resources and bottlenecks in the distributed system using the identified concurrency levels, and allocate resources in the distributed system using the identified concurrency levels.
US08869147B2 Multi-threaded processor with deferred thread output control
A multi-threaded processor is provided that internally reorders output threads thereby avoiding the need for an external output reorder buffer. The multi-threaded processor writes its thread results back to an internal memory buffer to guarantee that thread results are outputted in the same order in which the threads are received. A thread scheduler within the multi-threaded processor manages thread ordering control to avoid the need for an external reorder buffer. A compiler for the multi-threaded processor converts instructions that would normally send processed results directly to an external reorder buffer so that the processed thread results are instead sent to the internal memory buffer of the multi-threaded processor.
US08869145B1 Method and system for managing storage for virtual machines
Method and system is provided to correlate a virtual hard disk file or a pass through disk to a storage drive that is presented to a user via a virtual machine. A data structure is generated that associates a virtual hard disk path or a pass through disk identifier with a unique identifier of a virtual storage controller and a location of the drive as maintained by an operating system of a computing system where the virtual machine is executed. The unique identifier and the location are then used to correlate a storage drive to a virtual hard disk path or a pass through disk.
US08869137B2 Information processing apparatus that automatically and sequentially displays graphical user interface images and recording medium storing program
An information processing apparatus includes a display device; a storage device storing a program that includes a main program and N subsequent programs, and a subsequent processing code; and a processor displaying a GUI screen on the display device in accordance with the programs and writing program termination information in the storage device. The processor (a) terminates the main program after displaying a first GUI screen in accordance with the main program and executing the subsequent processing code, (b) displays a second GUI screen in accordance with a first subsequent program that is specified by the subsequent processing code on the basis of the program termination information and that is executed after the main program, and (c) sequentially displays third and subsequent GUI screens, in accordance with N−1 subsequent programs subsequent to the second subsequent program that is executed after the first subsequent program, until a termination condition is satisfied.
US08869134B2 Updating firmware on mobile electronice devices
A system for updating firmware on electronic devices, including an electronic device including a processor, a storage for storing a current image of firmware that includes a baseline image of firmware, an update utility for updating the firmware stored in the storage, and a connector for connecting the electronic device to a jacket, and a jacket including a storage for storing a firmware difference image for updating the firmware in the electronic device to a newer version, and a port for connecting the electronic device connector thereto, wherein the update utility instructs the electronic device processor (i) to apply the firmware difference image to the baseline image of the firmware to generate a newer version image of the firmware, and (ii) to replace the current image of the firmware in the electronic device storage with the thus generated newer version image of the firmware.
US08869129B2 Apparatus and method for scheduling instruction
An apparatus and method for scheduling an instruction are provided. The apparatus includes an analyzer configured to analyze dependency of a plurality of recurrence loops and a scheduler configured to schedule the recurrence loops based the analyzed dependencies. When scheduling a plurality of recurrence loops, the apparatus first schedules a dominant loop whose loop head has no dependency on another loop among the recurrence loops.
US08869123B2 System and method for applying a sequence of operations code to program configurable logic circuitry
A method and system are provided for deriving a resultant software program from an originating software program that may include overlapping branch logic. The method may include deriving a plurality of software objects from a sequence of processor instructions; associating software objects in accordance with an original logic of the sequence of processor instructions; determining and resolving memory precedence conflicts within the associated plurality of software objects; de-overlapping the execution of the associated plurality of software objects by replacing all overlapping branch logic instructions of the associated series of software objects with equivalent and non-overlapping branch logic instructions; and/or applying the de-overlapped associated plurality of software objects in a programming operation by a parallel execution logic circuitry. The resultant software is more easily converted into programming reconfigurable logic than the originating software program, computers or processors, or by means of a computer or a communications network.
US08869120B2 Multi language software code analysis
The invention concerns a method, a computer, and software for analysis of software code that includes code written in multiple languages. A static analysis on source code of an embedded system that has source code written in a low-level language embedded within a high level language is accompanied by transforming the embedded low level language source code to a common high level representation for performing the static analysis. This transformation only retains sufficient semantic meaning of the low level source code necessary to perform the static analysis.
US08869116B2 Software testing capability assessment framework
An improved testing assessment tool and methodology maps the Testing Maturity Model (TMM) structure to individual test areas, thereby enabling comprehensive and targeted improvement. In this way, the present invention uses the five TMM maturity levels to assess individual areas, rather than merely assigning a single maturity level to the entire organization. Embodiments of the present invention include a quick assessment that includes a relatively small number of questions to be subjectively answered using the TMM hierarchy. Embodiments of the present invention further include a full assessment that includes a relatively large number of questions to be discretely answered, with these results being use to evaluate various testing areas using the TMM hierarchy.
US08869115B2 Systems and methods for emotive software usability
Systems and methods are disclosed for emotive healthcare software usability. A method to improve software usability is described, the method comprising presenting a software application to a user. The method also including logging activities of the user with respect to the software application, wherein the logging includes recording the user using the software application, and wherein the activities include user action with respect to the software application and mouse location on a user interface displaying the software application. The method also including interpreting user emotion from the recording, and tracking an emotive index based on a combination of user emotion and user action with respect to the software application and mouse location. The method also including providing feedback based on the emotive index.
US08869109B2 Disassembling an executable binary
A method for disassembling an executable binary (binary). In one implementation, a plurality of potential address references may be identified based on the binary and a plurality of storage addresses containing the binary. A plurality of assembler source code instructions (instructions) may be generated by disassembling the binary. The binary may be disassembled at one or more sequential addresses starting at each of the plurality of potential address references.
US08869108B2 Techniques related to customizations for composite applications
A framework is provided for enabling and managing customizations to an application. In one embodiment, techniques are provided that enable the customizability of an application to be controlled based upon hierarchical relations between elements of the application.
US08869105B2 Extensibility integrated development environment for business object extension development
In one aspect, there is provided a computer-implemented method. The method may including selecting an existing business object for extension in an extensibility integrated development system; generating, in the extensibility integrated development system, a page highlighting one or more nodes of the existing business object to allow selection of the one or more nodes for modification; selecting, in the extensibility integrated development system, at least one of the one or more nodes, when highlighted; modifying, in the extensibility integrated development system, the selected one or more nodes by adding at least one attribute to the at least one of the selected one or more nodes; and storing, in a repository, the modified node including the added at least one attribute. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.
US08869102B2 Continuous time mode-driven simulations in a graphical modeling environment
A system, computer-readable medium, and method includes providing a control flow graph including at least one condition. An update control flow graph is automatically generated based on the provided control flow graph, where execution of the update control flow graph includes an evaluation of the condition. The update control flow graph and a value corresponding to the evaluated condition is stored. An output control flow graph based on the provided control flow graph is automatically generated, where execution of the output control flow graph is based on the stored value corresponding to the evaluated condition. A mode transition control flow graph configured to identify mode transitions for the control flow graph at one or more time intervals is automatically generated and the update control flow graph is re-executed based on the generated mode transition control flow graph.
US08869097B2 Online integrated development environment with code assist
An online integrated development environment (IDE) providing code assist is described. A method for providing code assist within the online IDE comprises receiving a request from a client device to access a software development project, storing code assist information related to the software development project, and sending code assist information to the client device. The client device stores the received code assist information and uses it for local code assist operations at the client device. The client device can receive a subset of a database of code assist information stored at a server environment providing the online IDE. The client device accesses the online IDE via a web browser.
US08869094B2 Standard cells having transistors annotated for gate-length biasing
A standard cell library is disclosed. The standard cell library contains cells wherein at least one transistor in at least one cell is annotated for gate length biasing. Gate length biasing includes the modification of the gate length, so as to change the speed or power consumption of the modified gate length. The standard cell library is one used in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices (e.g., that result as semiconductor chips), by way of fabricating features defined on one or more layouts of geometric shapes. The annotations serve to identify which ones of the transistor gate features are to be modified before using the geometric shapes for manufacturing the semiconductor device.
US08869085B2 Multi-finger transistor layout for reducing cross-finger electric variations and for fully utilizing available breakdown voltages
Structure and methods for a semiconductor transistor design. The transistor structure comprises a field effect transistor having a multi-finger gate and three or more diffusion regions. Each diffusion region is identified as either a source region or a drain region, and each diffusion region is further identified as either an inner diffusion region or an outer diffusion region. Electrical contacts are established in the inner diffusion regions and the outer diffusion regions. There are approximately twice as many contacts in an inner source region as in the outer source region. There are approximately twice as many contacts in an inner drain region as in the outer drain region. The number and locations of contacts in each diffusion region are adjusted to reduce the difference among source node voltages of all fingers and the difference among drain node voltages of all fingers.
US08869079B2 Semiconductor device and layout design method for the same
A semiconductor device includes: a plurality of line features including at least one real feature which includes a gate electrode portion, and at least one dummy feature. Two of multiple ones of the dummy feature, and at least one of the line features interposed between the two dummy features and including the at least one real feature form parallel running line features which are evenly spaced. The parallel running line features have an identical width, and line end portions of the parallel running line features are substantially flush. Line end portion uniformization dummy features are formed on extensions of the line end portions of the parallel running line features. The line end portion uniformization dummy features include a plurality of linear features each having a same width as each of the line features and spaced at intervals equal to an interval between each adjacent pair of the line features.
US08869077B1 Selection of replacement patterns for reducing manufacturing hotspots and constraint violations of IC designs
Methodologies and an apparatus enabling an improvement of a manufacturing yield of an IC design are disclosed. Embodiments include: determining a portion of a layout of an IC design, the portion including a first pattern including a plurality of design connections; determining a function performed by the first pattern based, at least in part, on the design connections; and selecting, by a processor, a second pattern based on the function.
US08869074B2 Mobile terminal
A mobile terminal and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are disclosed. In the mobile terminal, at least one second application executable in a second operating system different from a first operating system can be searched and provided among at least one first application executable in the first operating system. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a user interface for efficiently managing applications so as to be appropriate for various operating systems.
US08869073B2 Hand pose interaction
Provided is a method of hand pose interaction. The method recognizes a user input related to selection of an object displayed on a computing device and displays a graphical user interface (GUI) corresponding to the object. The graphical user interface comprises at least one representation of a hand pose, wherein each representation of a hand pose corresponds to a unique function associated with the object. Upon recognition of a user hand pose corresponding to a hand pose representation in the graphical user interface, the function associated with the hand pose representation is executed.
US08869070B2 Handwriting manipulation for conducting a search over multiple databases
A method and system is provided for allowing a user of a multifunctional device to search information without going through several menu/button manipulations. More specifically, a multifunctional device comprises a user screen area including a touch sensitive layer to receive user input in order to initiate a search over several local and/or remote databases. The user is allowed to input a free-style handwriting query on a screen of a device to look up information, such as contact information, available applications, wallpapers, ringtones, photos, call logs, etc. After conducting a search, the device presents the search results to the user in such a way that the user can start an intended operation by selecting a search result, such as making a call, starting an application, etc.
US08869069B2 Method for selecting one or more functions of an implementation guide
A computer-implemented method for selecting one or more functions for display is provided. The selection may be performed via an implementation guide that is a hierarchy comprising nodes. A node may represent one function. The method may comprise retrieving a first list of switches in response to selection of a function, extracting one or more switches from the first list such that the extracted switches include function switches and/or conflict switches, determining whether each of the extracted switch is an active conflict switch and, if yes, adding the active conflict switch to a second list of switches. After removing all switches from the first list or having added all of them to the second list, the method processes the second list to determine which functions can be executed on the processor without conflicts and presenting a function GUI element representing a function determined to be executable without conflicts.
US08869067B2 Operating device, control panel, and image forming apparatus including same
An operating device included in an control panel for an image forming apparatus, the operating device that includes multiple input keys to operate independently from each other, disposed on the control panel, surrounding a center portion; and at least one indicator comprising at least one of letters and marks representing a function of one at least of the multiple input keys, located in the center portion adjacent to the one of the multiple input keys.
US08869066B2 Generic content collection systems
The invention generally relates to a universal, generic content collection method and system for collecting, storing, and sharing content on the Internet using computers, mobile and/or electronic devices. In one aspect, the invention relates to methods and systems for collecting multiple types of content using a user interface. The method includes activating the user interface associated with the content, wherein the user interface is configurable to be associated with at least two types of content; optionally, providing a list of one or more content collections services, wherein a first content collection service is configured to collect a first type of content and a second content collection service is configured to collect a second type of content; and directing the content to one or more content collection services. The user interface may be a virtual button on a webpage, browser or other screen device, or a physical button on a piece of hardware such as a PDA, mobile phone, watch, etc.
US08869065B2 Segment ring menu
A segment ring menu is provided that is used to easily access menu items. The segment ring menu includes a number of menus that are located equidistant from an initial mouse position from where the segment ring menu is evoked. Hovering over any of the sections of the segment ring menu displays the menu items hosted in that section. The segment ring menu layout is directed at making it easy for the user to reach any of the menu items with a small amount of mouse movement.
US08869061B1 User interface for searching an electronic document
A graphical user interface (GUI) capable of presenting a display that indicates that navigation controls can be used for navigating through results of a search using a search engine. The GUI highlights the GUI control that accepts text characters for indicating a search term such that the area contrasts with the display of an adjacent display area in response to entering the search term. Once the search is initiated, such as by actuating a search initiation control, the GUI may change to highlight navigation controls to indicate that those controls can be used to navigate between search result hits. Additional icons or controls may be displayed to further indicate the function of navigation controls and actions that may be taken to further modify the display of controls, such as collapsing some of the controls.
US08869052B2 Context-dependent object types in an integrated development environment
A method is provided to display indicia of an object type for a service within a user interface of a software development system that runs on a computer, the method comprising: obtaining runtime context information that includes an identification of a respective service and an indication of a user role; providing a plurality of corresponding object types; using context dependent rules to determine which respective object types are within scope of a service; and generating a user interface that includes respective indicia of respective object types determined to be within the scope of the service.
US08869050B2 Showing calendar events not visible on screen
Methods, systems, and graphical user interfaces are provided for showing calendar events that are not visible on screen. Event objects are shown when an event is within a viewable time range, but the event object is partially drawn on screen (e.g. clipped) when the event is not within a viewable time range. The displayed parts of event objects indicating off-screen event can stack on top of each other to provide information about a number of off-screen events for a particular day. With the events clipped and stacked, a user has a visual indicator that there are events off screen for a particular day. As a user scrolls to the time of the event, the event can completely reveals itself.
US08869046B2 System and method for online rating of electronic content
A system and method are provided for rating online electronic content. A compilation of information or other item of electronic content is presented to a user, along with comments. The comments may target discrete portions of the content item (e.g., a sentence, a statement, an assertion), the content as a whole, or another comment. A user is able to identify a specific portion of the content item as a target for a new comment, which will automatically be associated with that portion. Users may rate the content item, a portion of the item and/or other users' comments based on credibility and/or other traits (e.g., bias, accuracy, violence, enjoyability, prurience). Users' ratings are tallied to produce an overall rating for comments, commentators, portions of content item, entire content items, a program or series or other source of the content item, etc.
US08869043B2 System for presenting applications on instant messaging clients
The present invention is a system for accessing applications from even the most basic Instant Message (IM) enabled mobile device. The system utilizes the IM infrastructure of a mobile device to deliver application interfaces and manage the user experience. The invention is particularly applicable to applications with graphical user interfaces (GUI), even typical desktop or web applications. The system performs a direct transformation of application user interfaces into an IM messaging model with minimal functional distortions. The users own application knowledge and experience is leveraged, reducing application customization in the system architecture. The system also incorporates presence-driven mechanisms in the architecture.
US08869034B2 Network-management device, network-management method, and computer program product
A network-management device includes a map storing unit and a map state storing unit. The map storing unit stores therein a map created based on information on network devices. The map state storing unit stores therein a creation state indicating that creation of the map is in process or completed in association with the map. When creation of the map is in process, disclosure of the map is prohibited, and all the network devices are notified that creation of the map is in process. When creation of the map is completed, it is checked whether all the network devices are laid out on the map. When all the network devices are laid out on the map, disclosure of the map is permitted.
US08869029B2 Handheld device graphical user interfaces for displaying patient medical records
Ergonomic graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for displaying medical record information obtained from various sources within handheld devices are provided. A GUI for display within a touch screen display of a handheld device includes adjacent first and second portions. A list of patient names is displayed within the first portion of the GUI, along with medical facility location information, means for indicating when new clinical data for a patient is available, means for removing patient names from the displayed list, and means for sorting the displayed list of patient names. A plurality of ergonomically designed GUI controls are displayed within the second portion of the GUI. Each of these GUI controls has a width that is between about 15% and 75% of a width of the display, and a height that is between about 15% and 75% of a height of the display. According to embodiments, a GUI for display within a touch screen display of a handheld device includes adjacent first and second portions, wherein the second portion has a height that is between about 30% and 70% of a height of the GUI. Information for a respective patient is displayed within the first portion and includes patient identification and location information. At least some of the displayed information is responsive to user touching for displaying additional patient information. Various GUI controls are displayed within the second portion, and is responsive to user touching for performing various functions. Each of the GUI controls in the second portion has a width that is between about 15% and 75% of a width of the second portion, and a height that is between about 15% and 75% of a height of the second portion.
US08869028B2 Interface structures and associated method for automated mining of legacy systems using visual configuration tools
Disclosed are embodiments of an interface structure and a method for automated data mining of a legacy system. A GUI is employed to navigate through the legacy system interface application and access a data field. Once the data field is displayed, the GUI can receive a tag from the user labeling the data field. Additionally, a screen tracing device can trace the sequence of events that ultimately results in the data field being displayed. The traced sequence and its corresponding tag are then stored in a data storage device. These processes can be repeated for multiple different data fields. Subsequently, a sequence applying device can retrieve one or more previously stored sequences in response to a request referencing the corresponding tag(s) and can apply the sequence(s) in order to access, for processing, data from the corresponding data field(s).
US08869027B2 Management and generation of dashboards
A dashboard manager can be used to create, manage and deploy dashboards. Each dashboard can include one or more user interface elements (“widgets”). The dashboard manager can be invoked for providing a variety of management functions. In another aspect, dashboards, widgets and other content can be bundled together and distributed to users over a distribution channel. Users can created custom bundles using a tool that is provided for such purpose.
US08869026B2 Using a layout engine to display an overflowed textbox
A method for managing electronic documents (EDs), including obtaining an ED defining an overflowed textbox with a vertical justification, a paragraph for the overflowed textbox, and a horizontal justification of the paragraph, where the paragraph comprises a plurality of characters, generating, based on the ED, an intermediate document (ID) defining an enlarged textbox encapsulating the paragraph with the horizontal justification, calculating, using the layout engine and based on the ID, a plurality of positions of the plurality of characters within the enlarged textbox by generating an intermediate page including the enlarged textbox, calculating, based on a vertical justification of the overflowed textbox, a transformation between a point of interest (POI) associated with the enlarged textbox on the intermediate page and a reference point associated with the overflowed textbox, and generating a rendered page of the ED by applying the transformation to the plurality of positions of the plurality of characters.
US08869017B2 Aggregating social networking system user information for display via stories
The invention provides a display interface in a social networking system that enables the presentation of information related to a user in a timeline or map view. The system accesses information about a user of a social networking system, including both data about the user and social network activities related to the user. The system then selects one or more of these pieces of data and/or activities from a certain time period and gathers them into timeline units based on their relatedness and their relevance to users. These timeline units are ranked by relevance to the user, and are used to generate a timeline or map view for the user containing visual representations of the timeline units organized by location or time. The timeline or map view is then provided to other users of the social networking system that wish to view information about the user.
US08869007B2 Three dimensional (3D) memory device sparing
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for operating a three dimensional (“3D”) memory device includes detecting, by a memory controller, a first error on the 3D memory device and detecting, by the memory controller, a second error in a first chip in a first rank of the 3D memory device, wherein the first chip has an associated first chip select. The method also includes powering up a second chip in a second rank, sending a command from the memory controller to the 3D memory device to replace the first chip in the first chip select with the second chip and correcting the first error using an error control code.
US08869006B2 Partial-maximum distance separable (PMDS) erasure correcting codes for storage arrays
Embodiments of the invention relate to correcting erasures in a storage array. A read stripe is received from a plurality of n storage devices. The read stripe includes an array of entries arranged in m rows and n columns with each column corresponding to one of the storage devices. The entries include data entries and mr+s parity entries. Each row contains at least r parity entries generated from the data entries according to a partial maximum distance separable (PMDS) code. It is determined that the read stripe includes at least one erased entry, at most mr+s erased entries and that no row has more than r+s erased entries. The erased entries are reconstructed from the non-erased entries, resulting in a recovered read stripe.
US08868994B2 High performance virtual Converged Enhanced Ethernet with persistent state flow control
Maintaining bandwidth in links between servers and storage arrays comprising a device. The device establishes the links. The device identifies a first link from the links. The first link has a high response time. The device transmits a plurality of data packets on the first link. Each data packet is associated with a corresponding acknowledgment (ACK). The transmission is performed without waiting for the corresponding ACK to be received. The device tracks the ACK received in response to each of the transmitted data packets. The device detects a failure of the first link. In response to the detection, the device identifies invalid data packets. The invalid data packets comprise data packets transmitted on the first link after the detected failure.
US08868986B2 Relevant alert delivery in a distributed processing system with event listeners and alert listeners
Relevant alert delivery including determining, by an events listener associated with an event queue, whether one or more events in an events queue have not been assigned to any events pool by any event analyzer; and if one or more events in the events queue have not been assigned to any events pool, identifying by the events listener in dependence upon the event analysis rules one or more alerts; sending by the event listener to an alerts queue all the alerts identified by the event listener; the alerts queue having an associated alerts listener; determining whether one or more alerts in the alerts queue have not been assigned to any alert pool; if one or more alerts in the alerts queue have not been assigned to any alerts pool, and determining in dependence upon alert analysis rules whether to suppress the alerts; and transmitting the unsuppressed alerts.
US08868984B2 Relevant alert delivery in a distributed processing system with event listeners and alert listeners
Relevant alert delivery including determining, by an events listener associated with an event queue, whether one or more events in an events queue have not been assigned to any events pool by any event analyzer; and if one or more events in the events queue have not been assigned to any events pool, identifying by the events listener in dependence upon the event analysis rules one or more alerts; sending by the event listener to an alerts queue all the alerts identified by the event listener; the alerts queue having an associated alerts listener; determining whether one or more alerts in the alerts queue have not been assigned to any alert pool; if one or more alerts in the alerts queue have not been assigned to any alerts pool, and determining in dependence upon alert analysis rules whether to suppress the alerts; and transmitting the unsuppressed alerts.
US08868974B2 Memory-based trigger generation scheme in an emulation environment
A system and method are disclosed for generating triggers within a hardware emulator. The system allows for dynamic reconfiguration of the trigger generation scheme during emulation. In one aspect, input probe signals are received on an address port to a memory from an integrated circuit within the emulator. The memory outputs from a data port, data, which is addressed, at least in part, by the input probe signals. The data output from the data port may be sent through further combinatorial logic or directly connected to a logic analyzer and represents trigger information. In another aspect, the trigger generation scheme may be reconfigured dynamically during emulation. For example, where the memory is a dual-port RAM, an emulation host can write to the memory to perform the reconfiguration.
US08868966B2 SVC cluster configuration node failover
Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for failover responses to configuration node failures in SVC clusters. An SVC cluster manages a plurality of storage devices and includes a plurality of SVCs interconnected via a network, each SVC acting as a separate node. A storage device event log is saved, with an original configuration node. An entry is made in the storage device event log each time the original configuration node receives storage device events and setting the entry to a negative value indicating a storage device event has not been handled. The entry is set to a positive value indicating the storage device event has been handled after the original configuration node notifies respective subscribed clients about those of the storage device events the original configuration node receives. A new configuration node is activated in response to configuration node failures.
US08868960B2 Synchronous clock stop in a multi nodal computer system
A computer system is provided which includes a plurality of nodes, which include chips of different types. In each node, one of the chips is configured as a master chip, which is connected to one or more slave chips via two or more multi-drop nets (e.g., checkstop, clockrun). The master chip and the slave chips are connected to a reference clock, and event triggering information is transmitted via the multi-drop nets (checkstop, clockrun) to the slave chips. Event trigger commands are submitted by the master chip when it receives a request, and internal offset counters are used to adjust both the receiving cycle and the cycle when the command is propagated to the units on the chips. In operation, the offset counters are synchronized by a reference clock.
US08868949B2 Method and apparatus for power control
Embodiments of the present invention relate to limiting maximum power dissipation occurred in a processor. Therefore, when an application that requires excessive amounts of power is being executed, the execution of the application may be prevented to reduce dissipated or consumed power.
US08868945B2 Device having multiple graphics subsystems and reduced power consumption mode, software and methods
Many computing device may now include two or more graphics subsystems. The multiple graphics subsystems may have different abilities, and may, for example, consume differing amount of electrical power, with one subsystem consuming more average power than the others. The higher power consuming graphics subsystem may be coupled to the device and used instead of, or in addition to, the lower power consuming graphics subsystem, resulting in higher performance or additional capabilities, but increased overall power consumption. By transitioning from the use of the higher power consuming graphics subsystem to the lower power consuming graphics subsystem, while placing the higher power consuming graphics subsystem in a lower power consumption mode, overall power consumption is reduced.
US08868941B2 Apparatus and methods for an interconnect power manager
An interconnect-power-manager (IPM) cooperates and communicates signals with an integrated-circuit-system-power-manager (SPM) in the integrated-circuit. The interconnect network (IN) is partitioned into multiple power domains and has hardware circuitry integrated into the IN to manage a quiescent state for all components in each power domain in the IN when a routing pathway for transactions in the IN spans across one or more power domain boundaries and causes interdependencies of power domains within the IN other than where the power domains of the initiator agent and final target agent of the transaction are located within. The SPM is configured to cooperate and communicate with the IPM to quiesce, to wake up, and any combination of the two, one or more of the multiple power domains within the IN.
US08868929B2 Method of mass storage memory management for large capacity universal integrated circuit cards
In one embodiment, a method for managing information in a large capacity UICC is provided comprising storing content of a file in a mass storage file system of the large capacity UICC, associating the file in the mass storage file system with a file in an ISO file system of the large capacity UICC, wherein the ISO file is associated with a security configuration defining security requirements for allowing its access; and hiding the content of the file in the mass storage file system in order to make it inaccessible. The method can further comprise requesting access from the mass storage file system to content of a file in the mass storage file system; and, if hidden, delivering security requirements to the ISO file system and determining whether the delivered security requirements agree with the security configuration of the file in the ISO file system associated with the file in the mass storage file system; and, if so, revealing the content to make it accessible.
US08868923B1 Multi-factor authentication
Detection and deterrence of spoofing of user authentication may be achieved by including a cryptographic fingerprint unit within a hardware device for authenticating a user of the hardware device. The cryptographic fingerprint unit includes an internal physically unclonable function (“PUF”) circuit disposed in or on the hardware device, which generates a PUF value. Combining logic is coupled to receive the PUF value, combines the PUF value with one or more other authentication factors to generate a multi-factor authentication value. A key generator is coupled to generate a private key and a public key based on the multi-factor authentication value while a decryptor is coupled to receive an authentication challenge posed to the hardware device and encrypted with the public key and coupled to output a response to the authentication challenge decrypted with the private key.
US08868911B2 Method for key generation, member authentication, and communication security in dynamic group
The present invention provides a method for keys generation, member authentication and communication security in a dynamic group, which comprises steps: assigning each member an identification vector containing common group identification vector elements and an individual identification vector element, and generating an authentication vector and an access control vector for each member according to the identification vector; using the identification vector elements to generate public key elements and establish an authentication public key and an access control public key; and using a polynomial and the identification vector to generate a private key. The present invention uses these public keys and private keys, which are generated from the identification vectors, to implement serverless member authentication and data access control, whereby is protected privacy of members and promoted security of communication.
US08868907B2 Device, method, and system for processing communications for secure operation of industrial control system field devices
A device, method, and system for processing communications for secure operation of industrial control system field devices, includes: a processing device to be placed in-line between a Master Telemetry Unit (MTU) and a field device. A software verified microkernel includes instructions for the processing device to provide a secure partitioning of memory between a communication network interface address space, a security cell address space, and a field device interface address space. The security cell address space includes instructions to: receive communication messages from the MTU via the communication network interface address space; authenticate a user identification of each communication message; verify that an operation requested in each message is authorized for the user identification; and send each communication message having an authenticated user identification and a verified operation to the field network interface address space for communication with the field device.
US08868901B2 Mobile terminal supporting dual operating systems and a method for controlling thereof
A mobile terminal including a communication unit configured to communicate with at least one external terminal; a memory configure to store at least first and second operating systems including at least first and second modes, respectively; and a controller configured to execute the first operating system and to activate the first mode corresponding to the first operating system, to display a first information screen on a display unit corresponding to the activated first mode, to receive a switching signal indicating the first mode is to be switched to the second mode, to activate the second mode and deactivate the first mode, and to display a second information screen on the display unit corresponding to the second mode and that is different than the first information screen.
US08868898B1 Bootable covert communications module
A method for a covert communication system comprising a pair of flash memory devices having encrypted boot instructions and communication software thereon whereby the flash memory devices once plugged into a computer's USB ports and the computer is powered on, the flash memory boot load tests for the presence of a flash memory device dongle having an encrypted key that that once validated starts the encrypted communication software designed to create, edit, send and receive a report comprising data files forming a data package, which can only be transmitted by restarting the computer.
US08868896B2 Method and device for simulating a reset signal in a simulated system on chip
A method and system for simulating a reset signal in a modeled system comprises a reset control module and a module to be reset. Operations of the system include emitting by a control thread of the control module a reset signal, receiving by the module to be reset the reset signal, waking up a thread of the module to be reset, and waiting for a reset signal. If the thread is woken up by the reset signal further operations include activating a reset exception by the thread, and if a reset exception is raised, making the thread wait for a reboot signal, transmitting the reboot signal by the control thread to the module to be reset, and after receiving the reboot signal, activating the thread which executes and waits for a reset signal.
US08868894B2 Computing system with hardware scheduled reconfiguration mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of manufacture of a computing system includes: executing a first application, active and implemented as hardware within a hardware component having of one or more of reconfigurable hardware devices; detecting a trigger event in a first microkernel; generating a first hardware descriptor based on the trigger event, the first hardware descriptor to configure a portion of the hardware component for the first application or a second application; and configuring the portion of the hardware component with the first hardware descriptor while the first application executes concurrently.
US08868887B2 Programmable event driven yield mechanism which may activate other threads
Method, apparatus, and program means for a programmable event driven yield mechanism that may activate other threads. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes execution resources to execute a plurality of instructions and a monitor to detect a condition indicating a low level of progress. The monitor can disrupt processing of a program by transferring to a handler in response to detecting the condition indicating a low level of progress. In another embodiment, thread switch logic may be coupled to a plurality of event monitors which monitor events within the multithreading execution logic. The thread switch logic switches threads based at least partially on a programmable condition of one or more of the performance monitors.
US08868884B2 Method and apparatus for servicing read and write requests using a cache replacement catalog
Methods and systems to intelligently cache content in a virtualization environment using virtualization software such as VMWare ESX or Citrix XenServer or Microsoft HyperV or Redhat KVM or their variants are disclosed. Storage IO operations (reads from and writes to disk) are analyzed (or characterized) for their overall value and pinned to cache if their value exceeds a certain defined threshold based on criteria specific to the New Technology File System (NTFS) file-system. Analysis/characterization of NTFS file systems for intelligent dynamic caching include analyzing storage block data associated with a Virtual Machine of interest in accordance with a pre-determined data model to determine the value of the block under analysis for long term or short term caching. Integer values assigned to different types of NTFS objects in a white list data structure called a catalog that can be used to analyze the storage block data.
US08868883B1 Virtual memory management for real-time embedded devices
An apparatus comprising an arbiter circuit, a translation circuit and a controller circuit. The arbiter circuit may be configured to generate one or more first control signals and a data write signal in response to an input signal and a read data signal. The translation circuit may be configured to generate a one or more second control signals in response to the one or more first control signals and the write address signal. The controller circuit may be configured to generate an address signal in response to the one or more second control signals.
US08868880B2 Virtualization with multiple shadow page tables
A computing system includes virtualization software including a guest operating system (OS). A method maintains, by the virtualization software layer, a first shadow page table for use in a kernel mode and a second shadow page table for use in a user mode. The virtualization software switches between using the first shadow page table and the second shadow page table when the guest OS switches between operating in the kernel mode and the user mode.
US08868875B2 Enabling throttling on average write throughput for solid state storage devices
A mechanism is provided for enabling throttling on average write throughput instead of peak write throughput for solid-state storage devices. The mechanism assures an average write throughput within a range but allows excursions of high throughput with periods of low throughput offsetting against those of heavy usage. The mechanism periodically determines average throughput and determines whether average throughput exceeds a high throughput threshold for a certain amount of time without being offset by periods of low throughput.
US08868873B2 Reconfigurable memory system data strobes
In a reconfigurable data strobe-based memory system, data strobes may be re-tasked in different modes of operation. For example, in one mode of operation a differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a given set of data signals. In a second mode of operation, one of the components of the differential data strobe may be used as a timing reference for a first portion of the set of data signals and the other component used as a timing reference for a second portion of the set of data signals. Different data mask-related schemes also may be invoked for different modes of operation. For example, in a first mode of operation a memory controller may generate a data mask signal to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array. Then, in a second mode of operation the memory controller may invoke a coded value replacement scheme or a data strobe transition inhibition scheme to prevent a portion of a set of data from being written to a memory array.
US08868867B2 Method for reducing latency of accessing data stored in a file system on a computer storage device by caching file system permission information in the computer storage device
Systems and methods of storage device access are provided, where the operating system copies permission and mapping information to the storage array and/or to the application program's memory. The application program can then access the storage device without the operating system's intervention and the storage device will check whether the application has permission to access the data. As a result, in most cases, neither the operating system nor the file system needs to be invoked, and since both of them increase the amount of time required to access the data in the file system, considerable performance improvements are possible.
US08868862B2 Method and apparatus for synchronization in primary-backup replication schemes
A primary-backup replication capability is disclosed. A primary process and a backup process participate in a synchronization process configured to synchronize state information of the primary and backup processes. The synchronization process operates in periods of time referred to as epochs. During the current epoch, the primary process computes state update information representing changes to the state information of the primary process since a previous epoch, and also buffers output messages generated during the current epoch in an associated output buffer dedicated for use in the current epoch. The primary process initiates a new epoch independent of receiving, from the backup process, a state update acknowledgement for the previous epoch. The output messages buffered for the current epoch are released from the associated output buffer after the primary process receives a state update acknowledgment for the current epoch and all output buffers of all previous epochs are empty.
US08868861B2 Information recording apparatus and copy management program for caching content data of digital content
In an information recording apparatus, when it is determined to perform a copy process, a copy processor copies content data cached in a first storage section to an information recording medium as copy destination. A process-result sender sends, to a copy-count management server, a result of the copy process. A cached-data abandoning unit abandons the content data cached in the first storage section if information regarding an allowable number of copies on which the result of the copy process has been reflected represents that a next copy process is disallowed.
US08868854B2 Systems and methods for handling out of order reporting in a storage device
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for handling out of order reporting in a storage device.
US08868853B2 Data processing device, data recording method and data recording program
A data processing device has plural kinds of recording media and a data block management device. The data block management device classifies data blocks into plural groups and records each group on an appropriate recording medium. The data block management device has a memory unit, a group reconfiguration unit and a medium selection unit. Access trend information representing a trend of combinations of former groups and latter groups is stored in the memory unit. The group reconfiguration unit performs group reconfiguration processing by reference to the access trend information. Specifically, if a sequential access trend between two different groups is increased, they are integrated to generate a new group. If a sequential access trend within a certain group is decreased, the certain group is divided to generate a new group. The medium selection unit records the new group obtained as a result of the group reconfiguration on a corresponding recording medium.
US08868848B2 Sharing virtual memory-based multi-version data between the heterogenous processors of a computer platform
A computer system may comprise a computer platform and input-output devices. The computer platform may include a plurality of heterogeneous processors comprising a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU) and a shared virtual memory supported by a physical private memory space of at least one heterogeneous processor or a physical shared memory shared by the heterogeneous processor. The CPU (producer) may create shared multi-version data and store such shared multi-version data in the physical private memory space or the physical shared memory. The GPU (consumer) may acquire or access the shared multi-version data.
US08868847B2 Multi-core processor snoop filtering
Systems, methods, and devices for reducing snoop traffic in a central processing unit are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an electronic device includes a central processing unit having a plurality of cores. A cache memory management system may be associated with each core that includes a cache memory device configured to store a plurality of cache lines, a page status table configured to track pages of memory stored in the cache memory device and to indicate a status of each of the tracked pages of memory, and a cache controller configured to determine, upon a cache miss, whether to broadcast a snoop request based at least in part on the status of one of the tracked pages in the page status table.
US08868846B2 Method and system for maintaining data coherency across a network
Disclosed is a coherent storage system. A network interface device (NIC) receives network storage commands from a host. The NIC may cache the data to/from the storage commands in a solid-state disk. The NIC may respond to future network storage command by supplying the data from the solid-state disk rather than initiating a network transaction. Other NIC's on other hosts may also cache network storage data. These NICs may respond to transactions from the first NIC by supplying data, or changing the state of data in their caches.
US08868843B2 Hardware filter for tracking block presence in large caches
A system and method for efficiently determining whether a requested memory location is in a large row-based memory of a computing system. A computing system includes a processing unit that generates memory requests on a first chip and a cache (LLC) on a second chip connected to the first chip. The processing unit includes an access filter that determines whether to access the cache. The cache is fabricated on top of the processing unit. The processing unit determines whether to access the access filter for a given memory request. The processing unit accesses the access filter to determine whether given data associated with a given memory request is stored within the cache. In response to determining the access filter indicates the given data is not stored within the cache, the processing unit generates a memory request to send to off-package memory.
US08868834B2 Efficient cache validation and content retrieval in a content delivery network
Some embodiments provide systems and methods for validating cached content based on changes in the content instead of an expiration interval. One method involves caching content and a first checksum in response to a first request for that content. The caching produces a cached instance of the content representative of a form of the content at the time of caching. The first checksum identifies the cached instance. In response to receiving a second request for the content, the method submits a request for a second checksum representing a current instance of the content and a request for the current instance. Upon receiving the second checksum, the method serves the cached instance of the content when the first checksum matches the second checksum and serves the current instance of the content upon completion of the transfer of the current instance when the first checksum does not match the second checksum.
US08868828B2 Implementing storage adapter performance optimization with cache data/directory mirroring
A method and controller for implementing storage adapter performance optimization with cache data and cache directory mirroring between dual adapters minimizing firmware operations, and a design structure on which the subject controller circuit resides are provided. One of the first controller or the second controller operates in a first initiator mode includes firmware to set up an initiator write operation building a data frame for transferring data and a respective cache line (CL) for each page index to the other controller operating in a second target mode. Respective initiator hardware engines transfers data, reading CLs from an initiator control store, and writing updated CLs to an initiator data store, and simultaneously sends data and updated CLs to the other controller. Respective target hardware engines write data and updated CLs to the target data store, eliminating firmware operations of the controller operating in the second target mode.
US08868819B2 Storage system group including scale-out storage system and management method therefor
A management system is coupled to a storage system group including a scale-out storage system (a virtual storage system). The management system has storage management information, which includes information denoting, for each storage system, whether or not a storage system is a component of a virtual storage system. The management system, based on the storage management information, determines whether or not a first storage system is a component of a virtual storage system, and in a case where the result of this determination is affirmative, identifies, based on the storage management information, a second storage system, which is a storage system other than the virtual storage system that includes the first storage system, and allows a user to perform a specific operation only with respect to this second storage system.
US08868816B2 Integration connecting apparatus in mobile terminal and method for operating the same
An apparatus and method for operating a connector of a mobile terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a connector including a plurality of pins, a plug of a peripheral device, a display unit for displaying a menu for setting a connector mode, an input unit for receiving selection of one connector mode from the menu for setting a connector mode, a main processor for connecting with a switch unit through a data line, a sound line, a microphone line, and a control line, for receiving connector mode selection information from the input unit, and for transferring switching information through the control line, and the switch unit for connecting with a subset of the pins of the connector, and selectively connecting the subset of the pins to at least one of the data line, the sound line, and the microphone line.
US08868814B2 I/O system, downstream PCI express bridge, interface sharing method, and program
Fault tolerance is improved, a functional limitation at the time of start-up of an I/O system is avoided, and a start-up time is shortened. A downstream PCI Express bridge sets a PCI Express device connected to the downstream PCI Express bridge itself, among a plurality of single root-compatible PCI Express devices shared by a plurality of root complexes connected to a plurality of upstream PCI Express bridges that exchange data with the downstream PC Express bridge itself through a network, controls and monitors a state of a physical link with the PCI Express device connected to the downstream PCI Express bridge itself, and performs monitoring and notification of an error of the PCI Express device connected to the downstream PCI Express bridge itself.
US08868809B2 Interrupt queuing in a media controller architecture
Described embodiments provide a media controller for servicing contexts corresponding to data transfer requests from host devices. The media controller includes a context generator for generating contexts corresponding to the data transfer requests and a buffer for storing one or more context pointers, each pointer corresponding to a context and an action by a system module associated with the context. A context processor is configured to complete a context when the action by a media controller module associated with the context is complete, remove each pointer from the buffer associated with the completed context, and determine whether an interrupt corresponds to the completed context and removed pointer. If no interrupt corresponds to the completed context, the completed context is cleared. If an interrupt corresponds to the completed context, the interrupt is provided to a master processor and a completed context recycler for recycling the completed context pointer to the context generator.
US08868806B2 Methods and structure for hardware management of serial advanced technology attachment (SATA) DMA Non-Zero Offsets in a serial attached SCSI (SAS) expander
Methods and structure for enhanced SAS expander functionality to store and forward buffered information transmitted from a SATA end device to an STP initiator device while managing use of Non-Zero Offset (“NZO”) field values in DMA Setup FISs transmitted by the SATA end device. The enhanced expander establishes a connection between an STP initiator and a SATA end device. The expander forwards a read command from the initiator to the end device. If NZO use is supported and enabled in the end device, the end device may return read data in any order by use of the NZO field values in multiple DMA Setup FISs. The expander is further adapted to store received data and the associated multiple DMA Setup FISs from the end device in its buffer and forwards the stored data to the initiator device. In another embodiment, use of NZO in the end device is disabled.
US08868803B2 Managing data communication between a peripheral device and a host
Management of data communication between a peripheral device and host computer system is provided. A peripheral device exposes to a host computer system multiple interfaces for data communication between the peripheral device and the host computer system. The multiple interfaces are exposed over a single physical interface between the peripheral device and the host computer system, for communicating data between the peripheral device and multiple applications executing on the host computer system. The multiple interfaces can include a data collection interface facilitating collection of data from the peripheral device by an application of the multiple applications executing on the host computer system.
US08868801B2 System and method for creating a scalable monolithic packet processing engine
A novel and efficient method is described that creates a monolithic high capacity Packet Engine (PE) by connecting N lower capacity Packet Engines (PEs) via a novel Chip-to-Chip (C2C) interface. The C2C interface is used to perform functions, such as memory bit slicing and to communicate shared information, and enqueue/dequeue operations between individual PEs.
US08868799B2 Trace data transfer system having burst and minimum threshold inputs
This invention controls data transmission from a data source to a sink. The data source buffers the data. The data source signaling to transmit data upon storing a burst amount of data. The data source may include a plurality of data sources. A merge unit merges data by receiving and retransmitting data from each data source which signals to transmit and inserting a source identity block each time the merged data is received from a different source.
US08868795B2 Data processing device for multiple hardware systems, switching method and computer program product
A data processing device with multiple hardware systems and a switching method thereof are provided. The device comprises a first hardware system, a second hardware system, a shared device and a switcher, wherein the first hardware system is connected to the shared device through the switcher, and includes a first inquiry module for inquiring information on applications currently executed in the first hardware system so as to obtain an inquiry result, a first control module for triggering the first inquiry module to perform inquiry when it is required to switch from the first hardware system to the second hardware system, and a first communication module for transmitting the inquiry result to the second hardware system; and the second hardware system includes a second communication module for receiving the inquiry result, a second control module for, in accordance with the inquiry result, activating corresponding applications in the second hardware system so as to generate a first message, and transmitting the first message to the first hardware system through the second communication module; wherein the first control module instructs the switcher to switch the shared device into connection with the second hardware system when the first message is received by the first hardware system through the first communication module.
US08868794B2 Application limitations for a medical communication module and host device
System and method for interfacing with a medical device having a host device and a communication module. The host device has a user interface configured to input and display information relating to the interfacing with the medical device. The communication module is locally coupled to the host device and configured to communicate wirelessly with the medical device. The system, implemented by the host device and the communication module, is configured to communicate with the medical device with functions. The system, implemented by at least one of the host device and the communication module, has a security condition. At least one of the functions is disabled, at least in part, from operating on the system based upon the security condition.
US08868792B2 Devices and methods for enabling USB communication over extension media
USB extension devices that transmit USB 3.0 differential signaling over an extension medium that supports serial communication are provided. In some embodiments, an electrical idle or suspend is detected from a transmit conductor of a USB host or device, and a corresponding USB extension device is reconfigured to couple a receive conductor of the USB host or device to a null data source instead of an extension medium transceiver. Once the electrical idle or suspend state ceases, the receive conductor of the USB host or device is reconnected to the extension medium transceiver. In some embodiments, a transmit input of the extension medium transceiver is coupled to a null data source upon detection of electrical idle or suspend from the USB host or device.
US08868784B2 Sticky IP prioritization based on IP pool and subnet by DHCP
A method, apparatus, and machine readable storage medium is disclosed for handling Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) at a first DHCP server, assigning a priority to each of a plurality of subnets and assigning to a client, a previously assigned IP address if the previously assigned IP address is still available and if the previously assigned IP address is in a subnet having a highest priority.
US08868778B2 Transmission bandwidth and memory requirements reduction in a portable image capture device
Storage and network transmission bandwidth requirements of a portable image capture device are reduced. An online service using at least one hardware server on a network provides action information for an image capture device, the action information corresponding to an action that can be performed on images by the online service. A captured image is received uploaded from the image capture device to the online service. A request is received from the image capture device to perform the action for the uploaded image. The request includes an image identifier assigned by the online service.
US08868774B2 Method and apparatus for integrating and managing information of mobile terminal
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for integrating and managing information of mobile terminal which provide content in accordance with an efficiency of a mobile terminal. Method comprises the steps of A) adjusting whether a mobile terminal supports a user agent profile and requesting an information of the mobile terminal; B) deciding an approval on the information of the mobile terminal after identifying a registration content of the information of the mobile terminal; C) extracting a subscriber information and a device ID from a log file generated in the case that the mobile terminal accesses a wireless internet network, comparing the same with pre-stored data and updating the subscriber information and the device ID in accordance with the result of the comparison; D) inquiring and requesting the information of the mobile terminal from a content providing unit based on the subscriber information in the case that the mobile terminal accesses the content providing unit through the wireless internet network; and (E) transmitting an inquiring result of the information of the mobile terminal to the content providing unit.
US08868771B2 Method for transmitting data, and network element for a data network
The invention relates to a method for transmitting data in a data network using virtual containers, which are combined to form a virtual concatenated group by means of the Link Capacity Adjustment Scheme, LCAS. The virtual concatenated group is sub-divided on the send side into a first virtual concatenated group and a second virtual concatenated group. Data of a first type is inserted on the send side into the first virtual concatenated group and data of the second type is inserted into the second virtual concatenated group. Said data is then transmitted via the data network.
US08868770B2 System and method for communication protocol mapping
Systems and methods are provided for protocol mapping. According to an embodiment of the application, the protocol mapping is based on a non-compiled editable file (e.g. XML file) that describes the protocol mapping. Therefore, the protocol mapping can be updated by updating the non-compiled editable file without updating any compiled software. This allows the protocol mapping to be updated to reflect any changes to communication protocols that may occur without having to update any compiled software. Difficulties traditionally associated with updating protocol mappings can be avoided by not having to update compiled software.
US08868768B2 Secure medical data transmission
A system may include a first network in which user device(s) and a HIP server are communicably coupled. The first network may include a secure data administrator, such as a medical data system, that stores secure data. In some implementations, at least one of the user devices may include a web module and communicate with a web server through a second network. At least one of the user device may be restricted from communicating with the secure data administrator, so the user device may request data stored in the secure data administrator through the HIP server. The user device may base the requests for the data on information received from the web server.
US08868767B2 System and method for enabling IP marketplace APIs
A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
US08868766B1 Optimizing communication among collections of computing resources
Techniques for provisioning computing resources utilize colorings of collections of resources. The collections may be networks of resources hosted by a computing resource provider that are operated under the direction of one or more customers of the resource provider. Colors may be applied to the collections of resources, such as by a customer of the resource provider. The same customer or another customer may request that resources be provisioned according to at least one relationship with one or more collections of resources having one or more colors. Resources may then be provisioned according to the request.
US08868762B1 Efficient proximity detection
In general, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to techniques for detecting proximity between computing devices. A first computing device may query a server device. Subsequent to querying, the first computing device may receive instructions from the server device to re-query the server device at a first specified time. The first computing device may re-query the server device at the first specified time. Subsequent to re-querying, the first computing device may receive an address associated with a second computing device and instructions from the server device to connect to the second computing device at a second specified time. The first computing device may connect with the second computing device at the second specified time based at least in part on the address associated with the second computing device.
US08868755B2 Two-level management of locks on shared resources
In a shared data system comprising one or more primary nodes and a plurality of secondary nodes, global lock manager on a primary node manages locks for shared resources by exchanging an abstract lock state with local lock managers on the secondary nodes. The abstract lock state includes a particular representation of all of the applications on the nodes that are requesting or are granted locks. The exchange of these particular lock states instead of individual requests improves performance by increasing concurrency and reducing off-machine communication. A global deadlock detector on a node detects and resolves global deadlocks, in conjunction with local deadlock detectors on the secondary nodes.
US08868744B2 Transactional messaging support in connected messaging networks
A method and system are provided for transactional messaging support in connected messaging networks. A first messaging network is provided which does not support transactional processing and a second messaging network is provided which does support transactional processing. A proxy application is provided between the first and second messaging networks. The proxy application receives messages from a first application on the first messaging network, the messages including instructions regarding transactional processing of the messages, and forwards the messages to the second messaging network using a transactional processing supported by the second messaging network.
US08868742B2 Method for communication between a terminal and a server
The invention relates to a method for the communication of a terminal (10) with a server (14), the terminal including an application and computer software capable of communicating with the server (14). The method comprises: the step of sending (42) a request (RLoc) by the application (26) to the software (34), and the step of obtaining (44) by the software (34) and from the application (26) data (DAutor) necessary for the software (34) to communicate with the server (14) so that the request can be executed. This method enables access to GPS assistance servers to be limited only to users who have paid the localization service to the owner operator of the localization assistance server.
US08868740B2 Systems and methods for injecting content
Aspects of the present disclosure include systems and methods for injecting content into a webpage at or local to a network access gateway. For example, in an embodiment, a network access gateway is provided for accessing the internet. A user logs onto the internet through the network access gateway and request a webpage. The gateway requests the webpage from the webpage provider. Before the gateway delivers the webpage to the user, the gateway, or a content injection engine local to the gateway, injects content, such as, for example, advertisements or other useful information, into the webpage and then sends the altered webpage to the user.
US08868739B2 Filtering recorded interactions by age
Systems and methods for the forming of user device groups are presented. First, logical relationship information can be recorded, the logical relationship information describing logical relationships between a first user and other users, the logical relationship information associated with a social networking service. Communications between the first user and the other users, the communications being of at least two different types of communications, may be monitored. A first user group in which to add the first user is determined based on the logical relationship information, a first factor and a second factor, the first factor corresponding to a first of the different types of communications and the second factor corresponding to a second of the different types of communications, the determining including applying a first time-varying function to the first factor and a second time-varying function to the second factor to represent an effect of passage of time, the first time-varying function being different than the second time-varying function.
US08868737B2 Content delivery network
A content delivery system for providing content from a content delivery network to end users may include a plurality of delivery servers that host one or more content items and an inventory server having an inventory of content. The inventory of content can indicate which of the delivery servers host the content items. The inventory server may receive a request for a content item from an end user system and may access the inventory of content to determine one or more delivery servers that host the content item. In response to this determination, the inventory server may redirect the request for the content item to a selected one of the delivery servers. The selected delivery server can then serve the content item to the end user system.
US08868736B2 Estimating a severity level of a network fault
A method of estimating a level of severity of a network fault is provided. Performance parameters are monitored on upstream and downstream links to terminal network elements on a network to detect potential network faults. An alarm is raised with respect to a potential network fault automatically if at least one of the performance parameters as monitored crosses a preset threshold. After an alarm is raised, a level of severity is assigned to the alarm based on pre and post forward error correction (FEC) bit error rates (BER). In addition, the total number of terminal network elements that are impacted by the network fault is estimated and, when multiple alarms are raised of an equal level of severity, a higher priority is placed upon an alarm that affects service to a greatest number of terminal network elements.
US08868734B2 Network auditing tool
A method, performed by a computer device, may include scanning a network of digital cross connect devices to identify an open port and determining that the identified open port has been designated as unavailable in a provisioning database. The method may further include determining that the identified open port corresponds to a recoverable port and recovering the identified open port by designating the identified open port as available in the provisioning database, in response to determining that the identified open port corresponds to a recoverable port.
US08868733B2 Socket application program interface (API) extension
Embodiments contemplate one or more socket application program interface (API) extensions that may provide one or more Internet Protocol Address lists. Embodiments may include determining a state (or status) of one or more available Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Further, embodiments may include communicating the state (or status) of the available Internet addresses to a Multi Connection Transport Protocol.
US08868730B2 Methods of managing loads on a plurality of secondary data servers whose workflows are controlled by a primary control server
A method is provided of managing workflow loads on a plurality of secondary data servers whose workflows are controlled by a primary control server. The method comprises initially directing workflow to only an active first data server of the plurality of secondary data servers, monitoring at least one server capacity factor associated with the active first data server, after a first predetermined minimum load level of work to the active first data server has been reached, continue directing work to only the active first data server until a first predetermined maximum load level of work to the active first data server is reached, determining if a minimum load level of work can be maintained on an idle second data server of the plurality of secondary data servers based upon the monitored capacity factor associated with the active first data server, and directing workflow to the idle second data server when a determination is made that the minimum load level of work can be maintained on the idle second data server.
US08868721B2 Software appliance management using broadcast data
Systems and methods for managing software appliances using a broadcast mechanism, embodiments of which incorporate a centralized appliance monitor that collects software appliance state information from a community of clients having software appliance installations. Software appliances can include a reduced-component operating system combined with pre-configured application(s), for instance distributed via optical disc or Web download. When a software appliance instantiates on a client in the network or at other times, the identity and execution state of the application is broadcast to an appliance monitor. The appliance monitor aggregates the appliance state information for all clients in the network, and manages their deployment and execution on the network. The appliance monitor can for example transmit an appliance control instruction to a client to terminate or otherwise manage an uncertified or unapproved appliance, or take other network management action.
US08868720B1 Delegation of discovery functions in information management system
Environment and/or file discovery operations are delegated by an information management service in a network to external computing resources. The external computing resource performs discovery operations to discover objects in the network, which may include discovering every object in the network, or discovering only new, changed, and/or deleted objects in the network. Discovery information identifying the discovered objects is reported back to the information management service. The information management service uses the discovery information to perform information management, including classification of discovered objects into categories, mapping categories to service level objectives that include one or more services, and orchestrating execution of the one or more services. Optionally, the information management service can delegate classification, service level management, and/or orchestration of services to one or more additional external computing resources.
US08868714B2 Network management system, network, method and computer program product
Known network management systems for managing traffic signals in a network store node/link parameter signals and traffic parameter signals and calculate solutions defining intermediate nodes/links situated between sources and destinations for transporting said traffic signals from said sources to said destinations via said intermediate nodes/links and calculate route information per solution. By storing node/link parameter signals and traffic parameter signals for several situations (like several predictions in the future) and calculating solutions for each situation and then selecting a solution per situation, the network management system will manage the network more advantageously, especially when solutions are compared with each other, and when a solution is selected per situation in dependence of comparison results (comprising similarities/differences between solutions of different situations). Said route information may comprise link load parameters and/or resource consumption parameters and/or fairness parameters and/or throughput parameters.
US08868710B2 Virtual network interface objects
Methods and apparatus for interfaces to manage virtual network interface objects. A system may include resource instances and a network interface virtualization coordinator. Responsive to a record creation request, the coordinator creates an interface records that may include an IP address, subnet information and security properties. The coordinator may, in response to a request to attach the record to a resource instance, enable traffic directed to the IP address to flow to the resource instance. In response to a subsequent detach request, the traffic to the IP address may be disabled at the resource instance. The same interface record may be attached to another resource instance in response to another attach request, enabling traffic directed to the IP address to flow to the second resource instance.
US08868703B2 Systems and methods for dynamically configuring node behavior in a sensor network
The present disclosure generally pertains to systems and methods for controlling sensor networks. A sensor network has a plurality of sensor nodes, which have sensors for monitoring operational parameters of devices within an application-specific system. A wireless communication module is provided for each node to enable the node to wirelessly communicate with other nodes of the network. A user defines various scripts for controlling the behavior of one or more nodes, and the network distributes the scripts, as appropriate, to various nodes thereby implementing the behavior defined by the scripts. Accordingly, a user can easily and dynamically configure or re-configure the behavior of any node without having to physically access the node that is being configured or re-configured.
US08868692B1 Device configuration based content selection
Systems and methods include receiving an indication of a hardware or software configuration of a client device. Content associated with a downloadable application is identified by matching installation requirements for the application to the hardware or software configuration of the device.
US08868688B2 Outputting content from multiple devices
Technologies are generally described for outputting content from multiple devices. In some examples, a method includes receiving content from a first content output device at a processor. In some examples, the method further includes recording at least a portion of the content by the processor. In some examples, the method further includes determining an identifier of the content by the processor based on the portion. In some examples, the method further includes determining a source of the content by the processor based on the identifier. In some examples, the method further includes requesting that the content be sent from the source to a second content output device.
US08868686B1 Sharing of repository data for non-alias identities
A method for storing data in an IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) is disclosed. The method comprises: i) selecting a first user and a second user, which are not aliases; ii) analyzing first and second data sets associated with the first and second users respectively to identify common data elements in each of the first and second data sets, the first and second data sets being useable by a first application server within the IMS to satisfy service requests on behalf of the first and second users; iii) creating a data structure containing a single instance of the identified common data elements; and iv) storing the data structure in a home subscriber server (HSS) within the IMS.
US08868671B2 Method for selecting a master device in a coexistence system
Disclosed is a method of selecting a master device for coexistence, the method comprising: identifying devices to be used in at least one network capable of coexisting without cooperation; selecting a master device among the identified devices; and controlling, by the master device, other network and device.
US08868667B2 Email attachment helper
A computing device receives instructions, from a user, to send an email message and determines if the email message includes an attachment. When the email message does not include an attachment, the computing device conducts a scan of text of the email message for implications that an attachment should be included. When the email message includes an attachment, the computing device conducts a scan of the email text for implications of a particular type of attachment. The computing device provides, to the user, a notification when there is a positive result from the scan of the email text for implications that an attachment should be included or from the scan of the email text for implications of a particular type of attachment.
US08868666B1 Methods, devices and systems for content discovery, aggregation and presentment over a network
A media aggregator device includes a plurality of interfaces, at least one of which may be configured to couple to a local network and at least one processor coupled to the plurality of interfaces. The processor may be operable to access a first device coupled to the local network and catalog media content stored on the first device; access a second device and catalog media content stored on the second device; populate a media aggregator database with references to the media content cataloged in the first and second devices, and present contents of the populated media aggregator database to a client device to enable the client device to access any of the media content referred to in the media aggregator database, subject to appropriate access rights.
US08868662B2 Methods and systems for tracking shared content
Tracking content shared over a network is described. Content with a mailing identifier and a recipient identifier can be transmitted to a recipient. The mailing identifier and the content can be associated with the recipient identifier. A request from the recipient to provide an application with access to the content can be received. The request can include the mailing identifier and the recipient identifier. A web page can be generated. The web page can include the content and can be associated with a second recipient identifier and a link. The request and the second recipient identifier can be associated with the recipient identifier using a forward identifier. A request to access the web page by a recipient friend using the link and the application can be received. The request to access can be associated with the recipient identifier. Reports can be generated and outputted.
US08868661B2 Message management based on metadata
A method includes receiving a message, determining at least one of a message importance level or a message delivery alert level based on one or more message characteristics associated with the message and generating metadata that indicates the at least one of the message importance level or the message delivery alert level with the message. The method further includes transmitting the message and the metadata toward a destination, receiving the message with the metadata, and providing notification and user interface indication corresponding to the at least one of the message importance level or the message delivery alert level or a storing of the message in an inbox folder corresponding to the at least one of the message importance level or the message delivery alert level.
US08868657B2 Method and system for generating a collaboration timeline illustrating application artifacts in context
A method and apparatus for generating a collaboration timeline which illustrates application artifacts in context. A collaboration session includes a plurality of participants. Each participant collaborates via a corresponding processing device. Media streams associated with the plurality of participants are received during the collaboration session and a collaboration media stream based on the media streams is generated. A collaboration application generates an artifact during the collaboration session. A timeline entry is generated in a collaboration timeline, the timeline entry including time information identifying a time associated with the artifact, and a reference to the artifact.
US08868656B2 Pervasive realtime framework
A pervasive realtime framework supports the execution of realtime software applications with high-level functions that significantly reduce the effort and time needed to develop realtime software applications in a new operating environment paradigm in which realtime connections between network nodes are pervasive. The pervasive realtime framework handles the complex tasks of connecting to communicants, virtual areas, and other network resources, as well as switching those connections in response to user inputs and thereby enables software application developers to focus on developing high-level realtime software application functionality.
US08868651B2 Web community pre-population method and system
Populating users of a web community into groups. The users may be assigned to, or otherwise associated with, one or more groups in response to an event associated with the user, with another user, with a group, or other type of event. The users may also be removed from a group in response to an event. The population of users into groups can be controlled by a configurable set of rules. These rules can include criteria for associating a user with, or removing a user from, a group in response to an event. The criteria can include criteria based on user information and criteria based on group information. The users may be related to one another in a hierarchical structure.
US08868642B2 System and method for dynamically switching between mouse modes
A local computing device determines that multiple mouse modes are supported by both the local computing device and a remote computing device with which the local computing device is connected. The mouse modes are connection protocols for a cursor connection, the connection protocols identifying when to send cursor messages between the local computing device and the remote computing device as well as what types of information to include in the cursor messages. The local computing device detects one or more parameters of the connection between the local computing device and the remote computing device. When the one or more parameters satisfy a first criterion, the local computing device sets a first mouse mode for a cursor connection between the local computing device and the remote computing device. When the one or more parameters fail to satisfy the first criterion, the local computing device sets a second mouse mode for the cursor connection.
US08868634B2 Method and apparatus for performing multiplication in a processor
A method and apparatus are described for performing multiplication in a processor to generate a product. In one embodiment, a 64-bit multiplier and a 64-bit multiplicand may be multiplied together over four cycles by merging different partial product (PP) subsets, generated by a Booth encoder and a PP generator, with feedback sum and carry results. The logic inputs of a plurality of multiplexers may be selected on a cyclical basis to efficiently compress (i.e., merge) each PP subset with feedback sum and carry results. A pair of preliminary sum results stored during one cycle may be outputted during a subsequent cycle and processed by a logic gate (e.g., an XOR gate) to generate a feedback sum result that is merged with a feedback carry result and a PP subset. Final sum and carry results may be added to generate the product of the multiplier and the multiplicand.
US08868632B2 Methods and apparatus for predicting an underflow condition associated with a floating-point multiply-add operation
Methods and apparatus for predicting an underflow condition associated with a floating-point multiply-add operation are disclosed. An example apparatus obtains a first operand value and a second operand value. The example apparatus then determines if the second operand value subtracted from the first operand value is greater than a minimum value and determines if the first operand value is greater than a sum value associated with a minimum operand value. The example apparatus then asserts an output signal indicative of an absence of an underflow condition associated with a floating-point value based on conditions associated with determining whether the second operand value subtracted from the first operand value is greater than the minimum value and determining if the first operand value is greater than the sum value.
US08868629B2 Apparatus and method for communicating parameter of inverter
Disclosed is an apparatus for communicating parameter of an inverter, the apparatus being connected to a plurality of inverters for communication, includes a communication unit for communicating with the inverter to transmit and receive parameter of the inverter; and a controller for storing parameter of the inverter in at least one of a storage address corresponding to an inherent identification number of the inverter, a user terminal and an external storage device according to an inputted command signal, or transferring parameter of the inverter to be transmitted, to the communication unit and then to at least one of the inverter, the user terminal and the external storage device.
US08868621B2 Data extraction from HTML documents into tables for user comparison
The Computer-implemented system, method or computer program that creates a data table of rows and columns from an HTML Web page or document independent of the HTML markup tags. Data embedded in the HTML is identified using clustering of text and extracted into a data table. The generation of data tables can be performed in real-time and is not subject to problems with malformed or poorly created HTML.
US08868612B1 Attribute category enhanced search
Performing a user initiated search query is disclosed and comprises receiving user input comprising description details of at least one desired object, retrieving a plurality of objects from a database sharing one or more of the description details of the user input, constructing a tree data structure based on the description details of the plurality of objects, the tree data structure comprising one or more attributes related to each of the plurality of objects retrieved, displaying visual images associated with the retrieved plurality of objects, the visual images matching at least one of the attributes related to the plurality of objects, and receiving a user selection of one or more of the visual images.
US08868611B2 Data management system for efficient storage and retrieval of multi-level/multi-dimensional data
The present application is directed to a data management system. The data management system is implemented within a computer system that includes one or more processors, one or more electronic memories, and a memory-mapped file facility that electronically stores data. The data management system, implemented by data management system control routines that are executed by the one or more processors, retrieves a particular projection of a multi-level, multi-dimension data set stored within the ONP-tree data structure that contains the multi-level, multi-dimension data set.
US08868609B2 Tagging method and apparatus based on structured data set
Tagging methods and apparatus, including computer program products, based on a structured data set. Classification models are created for respective nodes in the structured data set of an event. Public opinions on the event are acquired. The opinions are tagged to corresponding nodes of the structured data set using the created classification models. The tagging methods and apparatus provide well-ordered, focused public opinions for each event to users, and exhibit the evolution of the public opinions along with time.
US08868607B2 Privileged user access monitoring in a computing environment
Methods and systems for monitoring privileged user access of a database using a computer having at least one processor are provided. The system monitors database transactions. If a transaction is made by a privileged user, the system records information relating to the transaction in an audit database and/or in an audit file. If a transaction is made by a terminated or otherwise unauthorized privileged user, the system can be adapted to alert management of a possible security breach.
US08868606B2 Client-based caching of remote files
A lease system is described herein that allows clients to request a lease to a remote file, wherein the lease permits access to the file across multiple applications using multiple handles without extra round trips to a server. When multiple applications on the same client (or multiple components of the same application) request access to the same file, the client specifies the same lease identifier to the server for each open request or may handle the request from the cache based on the existing lease. Because the server identifies the client's cache at the client level rather than the individual file request level, the client receives fewer break notifications and is able to cache remote files in more circumstances. Thus, by providing the ability to cache data in more circumstances common with modern applications, the lease system reduces bandwidth, improves server scalability, and provides faster access to data.
US08868605B2 System, method and computer program product for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for sharing tenant information utilizing a multi-tenant on-demand database service can allow automatic sharing of information owned by a first tenant with other tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service. In this way, collaboration among tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service may be enabled via the sharing of the tenant information.
US08868604B2 Methods and apparatus for implementing Semi-distributed Lock Management
Disclosed is an improved approach for performing lock management. A semi-distributed Lock Management (SDLM) system is provided utilizing RDMA and an acyclic time-dependent dependency graph that can lead to higher system performance while maintaining higher flexibility and autonomy for each process at each compute node in the given cluster, in particular for distributed database applications.
US08868602B2 Database manager and method and computer program for managing a database
A database manager comprises: a detector detecting a connection of an external database which comprises media files, a database file system comprising a media identifier comprising a file or directory path name and an identification on the location of the media file on the external database, and metadata for each of the media files; a database synchronizer reading and storing, as a first step, part of the database file system and, as a second step, part of the metadata when the at least a portion of the database file system is read; and a search request processor processing a search request for a media file in parallel with the second step, wherein the search request processor provides a search result based on the media identifier from the database file system, even when the metadata for the media file is not yet read and stored in the second step.
US08868593B1 User interface content view searching
Described are techniques for performing a content view search. A hierarchical structure of content views is provided. The content views are registered with an application framework. Query terms are received. The application framework determines nodes in the hierarchical structure having an associated keyword matching the query terms, determines a first list of node identifiers identifying the nodes in the hierarchical structure matching the one or more query terms, and determines a second list of descriptions corresponding to node identifiers of the first list. The second list of descriptions is displayed. Responsive to a selection of a first description from the second list, a first node identifier is determined that corresponds to the selected first description. A first content view for the first node identifier is displayed.
US08868590B1 Method and system utilizing a personalized user model to develop a search request
A method and system for developing a computer-executable query relating to a search request issued by a user includes determining whether a search term of the search request has a user-specific meaning, connotation, context, or association based on an analysis of electronic content associated with the user and/or an analysis of interactions of the user with electronic content that is accessible to the user through one or more computing devices. If the search term has a user-specific meaning, connotation, context, or association, the method and system can incorporate the user-specific meaning, connotation, context, or association into the search request and/or the computer-executable query.
US08868589B2 System and method for the transformation and canonicalization of semantically structured data
A method of transforming and canonicalizing semantically structured data includes obtaining data from a network of computers, applying text patterns to the obtained data and placing the data in a first data file, providing a second data file containing the obtained data in a uniform format, and generating interface specific sentences from the data in the second data file.
US08868582B2 Repository infrastructure for on demand platforms
In an aspect there is provided a method. The method may include providing, at a repository, storage for a plurality of tenants, providing a plurality of layers, and providing a plurality of versions; and separating, based on the plurality of layers and the plurality of versions, data for each of the plurality of tenants, wherein during runtime one of the plurality of tenants corresponds to the plurality of layers and one of the plurality of versions. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US08868579B2 Restricted web search based on user-specified source characteristics
The present invention is a method and system for searching for items on a computer network, such as the internet, based on a query and an exclusion specification comprising a specification of a characteristic of sources of the items, to create a list of identifiers of items relevant to the query that are not excluded by the exclusion specification. Such characteristics include measures of popularity of the sources of the items so that items from sources having popularity greater than the specified popularity may be excluded from the list.
US08868578B2 Building information technology services from a library of elements
Source entities with initially predefined properties for service modeling are presented in a library for user selection as service modeling entities. An automated computer process expediter copies user selected ones of the source entities from the library into a computer readable storage medium providing a services layer. The copying generates instances in the services layer of the selected service modeling source entities, such that the services layer instances at least initially include the initially predefined properties of their respective source entities. The automated computer process expediter maintains the properties of the selected ones of the source entities, including maintaining the selected source entities' properties independently of changes made in a first change mode to the properties of the service modeling entity instances, which are in the services layer, so that the user may change the properties of the layer service modeling instances.
US08868572B2 Predictive conversion systems and methods
In one embodiment, a system and method of predicting sale transaction conversion rate of an item operates through a search of information in response to a query over a network. The item can be included in a category of items. Information for other relevant items of the category is available through network query and historical data, among others. Respective information for the other items of the category is available to the method. The system and method includes discovering available information of the item of interest, extracting certain of the available information of the item, analyzing the certain information for the item by comparing the information to other item information for the category of items, weighting the information for the commercial item in comparison to other items of the category, calculating a predictive score for the commercial item of interest, and presenting the information of the commercial item of interest ranked according to the predictive score as compared to other items of the category.
US08868561B2 Electronic discovery system
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for improved electronic discovery and custodian management. Embodiments herein disclosed provide for an enterprise wide e-discovery system that provides for data to be identified, located, retrieved, preserved, searched, reviewed and produced in an efficient and cost-effective manner across the entire enterprise system. In addition, by structuring management of e-discovery based on case/matter, custodian and data and providing for linkage between the same, further efficiencies are realized in terms of identifying, locating and retrieving data and leveraging results of previous e-discoveries with current requests.
US08868559B2 Representative document selection for a set of duplicate documents
Systems and methods for indexing a representative document from a set of duplicate documents are disclosed. Disclosed systems and methods comprise selecting a first document in a plurality of documents on the basis that the first document is associated with a query independent score. Each respective document in the plurality of documents has a fingerprint that indicates that the respective document has substantially identical content to every other document in the plurality of documents. Disclosed systems and methods further comprise indexing, in accordance with the query independent score, the first document thereby producing an indexed first document. With respect to the plurality of documents, only the indexed first document is included in a document index.
US08868555B2 Computation of a recongnizability score (quality predictor) for image retrieval
A MMR system for newspaper publishing comprises a plurality of mobile devices, an MMR gateway, an MMR matching unit and an MMR publisher. The MMR matching unit receives an image query from the MMR gateway and sends it to one or more of the recognition units to identify a result including a document, the page and the location on the page. The MMR system also includes a quality predictor as a plug-in installed on the mobile device to filter images before they are included as part of a retrieval request or as part of the MMR matching unit. The quality predictor comprises an input for receiving recognition algorithm information, a vector calculator, a score generator and a scoring module. The quality predictor receives as inputs an image query, context information and device parameters, and generates an outputs a recognizability score. The present invention also includes a method for generating robustness features.
US08868551B2 Method for storing bookmarks for search results from previously submitted search queries by a user and storing links to selected documents by the user
In one embodiment, a search query is received. Information identifying a bookmark representing the search query is automatically stored in association with a set of bookmarks. Search results corresponding to the search query are automatically obtained and provided, where the search results identify one or more documents. When one of the documents is selected, a link to the selected one of the documents is automatically stored in association with the bookmark.
US08868548B2 Determining user intent from query patterns
Methods, systems and program products for identifying user intent from query patterns including, in one implementation, a method including identifying a current query including a query term, and obtaining search results responsive to the current query. Each search result identifying a document associated with a score indicating relevance. The method includes associating an intent with the session based on submission of a query containing a refining term, where each refining term was previously submitted with different unique queries. The method includes identifying prior sessions, where each prior session includes a query that matches the current query, and each prior session includes a query that contains the refining term. The method includes identifying a document selected more frequently in the prior sessions than by a general population and modifying the scores of the document in the search results. The method also includes ranking the search results based on the scores.
US08868545B2 Techniques for optimizing outer joins
Techniques for optimizing outer joins in database operations are provided. In an embodiment, a query having an outer join with a GROUP BY clause is rewritten and expanded to expand a first level partition of that GROUP BY clause to produce a modified query. In another situation, rows associated with processing a query are each row split and then hashed based at least in part on attributes of the outer join predicate. A left outer join is performed and a global aggregation processed to produce a spooled table to process the query.
US08868538B2 Information presentation system
An information presentation system that identifies information of interest to a user based on identifying tasks that may be relevant to the user given the user's current context. The user may be presented with an option to select from among relevant tasks and/or goals of completing the task. For each selected task and goal, the system may generate one or more sets of items that are relevant to completing the task. The user may be presented with the option to select from among the sets of items or to navigate among the sets of items. Such a system may be used to provide an easy-to-use interface on a portable computing device to support shopping applications.
US08868531B2 Concurrent access methods for tree data structures
In one embodiment, non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions for implementing a file system, which include operations for acquiring an exclusive lock on a first node in an ordered tree data-structure, and adding an identifier and index of the first node to a path data structure. If the value of the index in the first node is non-zero, then each exclusive lock acquired between the first node and the root of the tree data structure is released. In any case, the operation proceeds to a second node, which is addressed at the index on the first node. In one embodiment, operations further include acquiring an exclusive lock on the second node, and, if the second node is a leaf node, performing updates to the second node, and then releasing each exclusive lock in the data-structure.
US08868526B2 Parallel segmented index supporting incremental document and term indexing
Documents and search terms may be received for which an index that supports both incremental document indexing and incremental term indexing is to be generated. From this information, an index may be generated, partitioned in a first dimension by documents to create master segments and in a second dimension by search terms to create slave segments. A request to update the index to include a new document or a new search term may be received. The new document or new search term may be added to the index without modifying the entire index. Further, document identifiers may be synchronized across all segments. Synchronization refers to maintaining consistency of document identifiers across segments, despite renumbering of document identifiers during certain operations such as merging segments.
US08868525B2 Distributed information synchronization
Processing a prepared update is disclosed. A prepared update associated with a request that has been used by the sender to update a local version of a data associated with the sender is received from a sender. Based at least in part on an identifier included in the prepared update, a selected data handler is selected among a plurality of data handlers. The selected data handler is used to update a centralized version of the data at least in part by using the received prepared update. The centralized version of the data has been previously updated using a plurality of prepared updates received from a plurality of senders. The updated centralized version of the data is sent to update the local version of the data associated with the sender.
US08868524B2 Floating merge selection viewer
A method of merging different versions of a file within a software development system can include, within a first window, presenting a graphic object which indicates a difference between a base version of the file and at least one contributor version of the file. Responsive to a pointing device being located within a defined area surrounding the graphic object, the method can include displaying a floating window having a first section and at least a second section. The first section can include a portion of the base version and the second section can include a portion of the at least one contributor version, wherein the first and second sections of the floating window are selectable. The method also can include receiving a selection of one of the sections of the floating window and accepting the base version or the at least one contributor version according to the selection.
US08868513B1 Adaptive quiesce for efficient cross-host consistent CDP checkpoints
A disaster recovery system, including a target datastore for replicating data written to source datastores, and a checkpoint engine (i) for transmitting, at multiple times, quiesce commands to a plurality of host computers, each quiesce command including a timeout period that is adjusted at each of the multiple times, (ii) for determining, at each of the multiple times, whether acknowledgements indicating that a host has successfully stopped writing enterprise data to the source datastores, have been received from each of the host computers within the timeout period, (iii) for marking, at each of the multiple times, a cross-host checkpoint in the target datastore and reducing the timeout period for the quiesce commands at the next time, if the determining is affirmative, and (iv) for increasing, at each of the multiple times, the timeout period for the quiesce commands transmitted at the next time, if the determining is not affirmative.
US08868510B2 Managing data storage as an in-memory database in a database management system
System, method, computer program product embodiments and combinations and sub-combinations thereof for managing data storage as an in-memory database in a database management system (DBMS) are provided. In an embodiment, a specialized database type is provided as a parameter of a native DBMS command. A database hosted entirely in-memory of the DBMS is formed when the specialized database type is specified.
US08868502B2 Organizing versioning according to permissions
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for storing data according to permissions. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include the actions of identifying a version of a data item to be stored; determining permissions associated with the version of the data item; and storing the version of the data item at a storage location that is based on the determined permissions.
US08868492B2 Method for maximizing throughput and minimizing transactions response times on the primary system in the presence of a zero data loss standby replica
A method and system is provided for reducing delay to applications connected to a database server that guarantees no data loss during failure or disaster. After storing a log record persistently in a local primary log, the log writer returns control to the application which continues running concurrently with the database server sending the session's log records to a standby database. A separate back channel is used by the standby to communicate, out-of-band to the primary, the location of the last log record stored persistently to the standby log. An application waiting for a transaction to commit may wait until the transaction's commit record has been persisted. Also described is a technique for reducing application delay when there is contention between nodes of a multi-node cluster for updating the same block. The technique provides for an asynchronous ping protocol that guarantees zero data loss during failure or disaster.
US08868487B2 Event processing in a flash memory-based object store
Approaches for processing an event in an objects store, such as an MySQL database management system or a memcached caching system, that are maintained on one or more solid state devices. A plurality of threads may be instantiated. Each of the threads may be configured to retrieve items from a queue of items. Each item in the queue of items may be associated with a particular event occurring within the object store. Each event is a message that indicates an activity requiring work has occurred within the object store. When a particular thread retrieves an item from the queue of items, the particular thread processes the particular event associated with the item retrieved by the particular thread. In this way, event handling in object stores such as MySQL and memcached may be performed more efficiently on a solid state device.
US08868486B2 Time-sensitive cube
A time-sensitive cube data system is disclosed in which time-sensitive and/or time-series data objects are output in response to a user's operations on a time-sensitive OLAP cube. The time-sensitive and/or time-series data objects output by the time-sensitive cube data system may be displayed to the user in any way that may be advantageous to the user's understanding. The time-series objects output by the time-sensitive cube data system are more helpful than a single snapshot, as a user is able to see data trends over time.
US08868485B2 Data flow cost modeling
Techniques are disclosed for cost modeling in a data flow model. In one embodiment, a data flow model is provided that includes multiple data flow objects, each data flow object including one or more data units. Each data flow object represents a respective information asset. Quality and cost components are assigned to each data unit of a first data flow object. A cost property is determined for each data unit of the first data flow object, based on the assigned components. An object cost property is also determined for the first data flow object. The determined cost properties may be used to identify information assets that are more cost-effective to upgrade, relative to other information assets.
US08868475B2 Systems and methods for data processing using soft data shaping
The present inventions are related to systems and methods for data processing, and more particularly to systems and methods for manipulating soft data in a data processing system.
US08868473B2 Decision making with analytically combined split conditions
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with decision making with analytically combined split conditions are provided. In one embodiment, a method for classifying data is provided. An input data sample is received for classification as belonging to one of two possible classes. The input data sample includes a set of attribute values. The method includes evaluating the set of attribute values with a tree function that defines a decision boundary of a classification tree. The tree function classifies an input data sample as belonging to one of the two possible classes based, at least in part, on the attribute values of the input data sample. In another embodiment parameters of the tree function are derived by applying a gradient descent parameter update rule to the training data samples.
US08868471B1 Evaluation of task judging results
Embodiments of systems and methods can determine evaluations of the quality of task results provided by judges. Certain embodiments can determine the quality evaluations with relatively little overlap of judges (e.g., two or three judges). The quality evaluations may include determining an error rate or a confidence index for a judge or for a particular judgment made by the judge. Certain embodiments may determine the quality evaluations by intercomparing judging results from multiple judges without requiring human intervention, comparison to evaluation data known (or assumed) to be accurate, or input from an external judge review panel. In some implementations, task results can be combined with a confidence score (based at least in part on the quality evaluation of the judge who provided the task result), and this information can be used as training data to improve performance of machine learning algorithms.
US08868467B2 Method for performing transactional communication using a universal transaction account identifier assigned to a customer
Methods, systems, computer data signals, recordable media and methods of doing business for wireless or wired network communication between network resources each having a unique telephone number associated therewith, including, among other feature, forming a primary number file (PNF) comprising a uniform telephone address (UTA) which has a telephone number associated with a network resource.User-friendly and seamless payment procedure is provided wherein payer or payee only need to know accordingly the payee or payer UTA number to allow transaction and seamless payment routing between payer and payee bank accounts. Unified approach is allowed wherein financial institution also are networking Targets having UTA numbers assigned for them and the financial institution can receive Fund Transfer Agreement or Deal Agreement from networking Targets, authenticate payer using particular Target UTA and apply the payment from this particular UTA bank account.Internet Settlement Architecture provides unique implementation of a clearing routes ranging by using cost command for EEP; and the ranging in turn allows the routing management by using cost and time user preferences, thus allowing operational cost management implementation for financial institutions and their respective customers using cost tracing command. On-line, multi-tier and multi-route clearing infrastructure and payment services provide seamless and transparent payment cost and payment routing management, enabling End-to-End payment Straight Through Processing (STP). Network specific identifiers (such as UTA, ZUTA and others) and the network specific software user interfaces (phone user interface and only numeric keyboards) may be used to navigate and manage the Internet Settlement Infrastructure enabling seamless payment addressing and clearing. Users are enabled to address payments without a need to know payee's banking details and payment routing information providing End-to-End account details resolution and Straight Through Processing for payment clearing services. Payment processing is diverted into online communication. Extensive use of the PKI trusted sources enables trusted financial account mappings allowing secure payment and clearing environment. The use of Attribute Certificates containing only payer network address mapped to its DCF network address allows filling in the DNS system database with the trusted mapping information avoiding the need to disclose the real banking details of the payee to a public. The use of existing DNS technology for resolution of trusted mapping information allows seamless gathering of banking routing information enabling on-line straight through processing.
US08868466B2 System and method for transferring spectrum use rights
The present disclosure describes systems and methods that facilitate the transfer rights associated with spectrum between parties. Access to spectrum for wireless communications may be transferred from a spectrum holder to a spectrum user while minimizing their role in submitting regulatory agency compliance filings. As a result, parties may transfer spectrum with relative ease, with faster transaction time and lower expense. This leads to more efficient use of the spectrum.
US08868462B2 Hub and spokes pin verification
A method for conducting PIN authorized EMV payments using an ordinary mobile phone. The credit card payment is conducted using a merchant's device comprising a card reader and a mobile phone a payment server and a buyer's mobile phone. A PIN entry request is sent from the merchant's device to the buyer's device via the payment server. A secure application in the buyer's device is executed and a PIN code may be entered securely. The entered PIN code is either verified, via the payment server, against the credit card in said merchant's device or against a bank server. Thus, secure credit card payments can be performed using an ordinary unsecure mobile device's.
US08868442B1 System for categorizing a seller relative to a vendor
Methods for competitive pricing are implemented in software for commerce in an electronic marketplace. A vendor may identify rivals: competitors against which the vendor most directly competes by dint of having similar reputation and market positioning. Using specified pricing models applied to filtered price data periodically gathered by spider-crawling competitors on the Internet, a vendor may adjust product prices to match rivals while accounting for overall marketplace price trends.
US08868441B2 Non-disruptively changing a computing environment
A change to a goal specified for an IT environment is to be made. Responsive to the changed goal, the IT environment is changed. This change is performed non-disruptively. Further, during the change, management to the existing goal is continued.
US08868438B1 Web-based computer-supported work order and specification management process
A method, system, and medium are provided for automating the work order and specification processes for engineering projects. All documentation is generated, saved, and retrievable over the web according to an identifier. The application is accessible through the user's web browser and is thus available to authorized users irrespective of physical location. The method also consolidates two traditionally separate work order and specification processes.
US08868431B2 Recognition dictionary creation device and voice recognition device
A recognition dictionary creation device identifies the language of a reading of an inputted text which is a target to be registered and adds a reading with phonemes in the language identified thereby to the target text to be registered, and also converts the reading of the target text to be registered from the phonemes in the language identified thereby to phonemes in a language to be recognized which is handled in voice recognition to create a recognition dictionary in which the converted reading of the target text to be registered is registered.
US08868428B2 Integration of embedded and network speech recognizers
A method, computer program product, and system are provided for performing a voice command on a client device. The method can include translating, using a first speech recognizer located on the client device, an audio stream of a voice command to a first machine-readable voice command and generating a first query result using the first machine-readable voice command to query a client database. In addition, the audio stream can be transmitted to a remote server device that translates the audio stream to a second machine-readable voice command using a second speech recognizer. Further, the method can include receiving a second query result from the remote server device, where the second query result is generated by the remote server device using the second machine-readable voice command and displaying the first query result and the second query result on the client device.
US08868425B2 System and method for providing network coordinated conversational services
A system and method for providing automatic and coordinated sharing of conversational resources, e.g., functions and arguments, between network-connected servers and devices and their corresponding applications. In one aspect, a system for providing automatic and coordinated sharing of conversational resources includes a network having a first and second network device, the first and second network device each comprising a set of conversational resources, a dialog manager for managing a conversation and executing calls requesting a conversational service, and a communication stack for communicating messages over the network using conversational protocols, wherein the conversational protocols establish coordinated network communication between the dialog managers of the first and second network device to automatically share the set of conversational resources of the first and second network device, when necessary, to perform their respective requested conversational service.
US08868419B2 Generalizing text content summary from speech content
A text content summary is created from speech content. A focus more signal is issued by a user while receiving the speech content. The focus more signal is associated with a time window, and the time window is associated with a part of the speech content. It is determined whether to use the part of the speech content associated with the time window to generate a text content summary based on a number of the focus more signals that are associated with the time window. The user may express relative significance to different portions of speech content, so as to generate a personal text content summary.
US08868411B2 Pitch-correction of vocal performance in accord with score-coded harmonies
Despite many practical limitations imposed by mobile device platforms and application execution environments, vocal musical performances may be captured and continuously pitch-corrected for mixing and rendering with backing tracks in ways that create compelling user experiences. In some cases, the vocal performances of individual users are captured on mobile devices in the context of a karaoke-style presentation of lyrics in correspondence with audible renderings of a backing track. Such performances can be pitch-corrected in real-time at a portable computing device (such as a mobile phone, personal digital assistant, laptop computer, notebook computer, pad-type computer or netbook) in accord with pitch correction settings. In some cases, pitch correction settings include a score-coded melody and/or harmonies supplied with, or for association with, the lyrics and backing tracks. Harmonies notes or chords may be coded as explicit targets or relative to the score coded melody or even actual pitches sounded by a vocalist, if desired.
US08868407B2 Language processor
A referring expression processor which uses a probabilistic model and in which referring expressions including descriptive, anaphoric and deictic expressions are understood and generated in the course of dialogue is provided. The referring expression processor according to the present invention includes: a referring expression processing section which performs at least one of understanding and generation of referring expressions using a probabilistic model constructed with a referring expression Bayesian network, each referring expression Bayesian network representing relationships between a reference domain (D) which is a set of possible referents, a referent (X) in the reference domain, a concept (C) concerning the referent and a word (W) which represents the concept; and a memory which stores data necessary for constructing the referring expression Bayesian network.
US08868404B1 Multi-tenant translation memory management
A system, method, and computer-program product providing a customer-centric model of translation memory management including use of relevancy in an on-demand multi-tenant environment, and enabling selective multi-tenant searches for pre-existing translations.
US08868395B2 Fast simulation method for integrated circuits with power management circuitry
In a fast simulation technique, the output node of a power supply module of the integrated circuit can be designated as an ideal power node. At this point, the power supply module can be designated a fan-in block and any blocks connected to the power node can be designated fan-out blocks. Then, DC initialization and transient simulation for each time step can be performed for the circuit. During the transient simulation, any inter-relationship of the fan-out blocks can be determined and a sensitivity model can be calculated for each fan-out block. Because the power node is designated as an ideal power node, the results of the sensitivity model for each fan-out block can be added asynchronously to a total loadings of the power node. The total loadings can be loaded into a matrix, which is computed for the fan-in block, and a simulation waveform point can be output.
US08868394B2 Method for computer-aided simulation of operating parameters of a technical system
A method for computer-aided simulation of operating parameters of a technical system including a plurality of modules which each contain one or more components is provided. Failure events with associated downtimes for each component are simulated in a predetermined operating period using a first probability distribution for the moment of failure of the components and a second probability distribution for the length of the failure of the components, and a third probability distribution for a degree of reliability of the modules is determined. Based upon the probability distributions for the degrees of reliability of the modules, operating parameters of the technical system are simulated for the predetermined operating period. The method is used for any technical facilities, in particular for energy generation facilities.
US08868393B2 Algorithms for classification of disease subtypes and for prognosis with gene expression profiling
Methods for generating a normalized expression signal for microarray data based on a theoretical distribution at the unit level to produce a normalized expression signal for the single microarray that is independent of other microarrays. The method typically includes receiving microarray data representing a plurality of probe pairs for a single microarray, determining, for each probe pair, differences between intensities of perfect match (PM) probes and intensities of mismatched (MM) probes, determining a difference signal, D, based on the determined differences, and scaling the difference signal, D, to produce an expression signal, DS. The method also typically includes normalizing the expression signal based on a theoretical distribution at the unit level to produce a normalized expression signal for the single microarray that is independent of other microarrays.
US08868392B2 Method and system for predicting the effect of microbes injected into an oil-bearing reservoir
Method for predicting the effect of microbes injected into an oil-bearing reservoir which is capable of being represented by a first computer-generated grid including a first plurality of grid blocks. Measurement data representing the effect of injecting the microbes into a multiple coreflood apparatus is received. The multiple coreflood apparatus has material samples indicative of a rock formation associated with the oil-bearing reservoir, the samples being capable of being represented by a second computer-generated grid having a second plurality of grid blocks, the samples being representative of different regions of the reservoir and being connected such that microbes injected into the first sample are able to flow to the second sample. Data received is input into a computer-implemented reservoir model which simulates the effect of microbe injected in relation to the second grid. The reservoir model generates data indicating the effect of injecting the microbes into the multiple coreflood apparatus.
US08868372B2 Position detecting system and position detecting method
A position detecting system having a predicting unit for calculating a moving amount by which a detected object is predicted to move between a first time and a second time after a predetermined time from the first time, and for predicting at least one of a position and a direction of the detected object at the second time, and a control unit for controlling a position detecting unit based on the at least one of the position and the direction of the detected object at the second time predicted by the predicting unit.
US08868371B2 Method and device for determining test sets of operating parameter values for an electronic component
A method for determining test sets of operating parameter values for an electronic component, the method including: determining a first set of intermediate sets, each intermediate set containing a combination of a first number of operating parameters of the electronic component; determining a second set of reference sets, wherein the second set contains a union of sets, each set comprising all possible combinations of parameter values for the parameters of a respective intermediate set; selecting a third set with a second number of test sets out of a set of predefined sets, wherein each predefined set comprises a different combination of the parameter values for all parameters from the predefined parameter set, such that the second set is a subset of a union of a number of sets, each set comprising all possible combinations of the first number of parameter values for all parameters of a respective test set.
US08868370B2 Sample analyzing system, sample analyzer and management apparatus
The present invention is a sample analyzing system, including a sample analyzer and a management apparatus connected to the sample analyzer via a communication network. The management apparatus includes: a first memory that stores a computer program for the sample analyzer and manual data which corresponds to a version of the computer program; a first communication device; and a first controller configured to transmit, via the first communication device to the sample analyzer, the computer program and the manual data corresponding to the version of the computer program stored in the first memory. The sample analyzer includes: a second communication device; a second memory that stores the computer program and the manual data received by the second communication device; and a second controller configured to execute the computer program stored in the second memory.
US08868367B2 Method of compensating measurement errors of a measuring machine deriving from the deformations of the machine bed caused by the load exerted by the mobile unit of the machine on the machine bed, and measuring machine operating according to said method
A method of compensating the measurement errors of a measuring machine deriving from the deformations of a machine bed of the machine caused by the load exerted by a mobile unit of the machine on said machine bed, said method being characterized by comprising a first acquisition step in which first data regarding the constraint conditions of a workpiece on the machine bed are acquired, a second acquisition step in which second data regarding the deformation of the machine bed as the position of the mobile unit of the machine varies are acquired, and a third calculation step in which correction values depending upon said first and second data are calculated.
US08868365B2 System and method of generating external parameter value for separately excited motor controller
A system and a method of generating an external parameter value for a separately excited motor controller are disclosed, the system including: a digital signal processor to convert a received analog electrical signal into a digital signal and to scale the digital signal, so as to generate a parameter value in conformity with a data format of the system; an external parameter generating module to adjust the parameter value with a calibration coefficient to obtain the external parameter value; the calibration coefficient being generated by a calibration coefficient generating module and being pre-stored in a calibration coefficient storing module; and a calibration coefficient generating module to read the parameter value generated by the digital signal processor and obtain an actual measuring value as a reference parameter value, to calculate a difference value between the parameter value from the digital signal processor and the reference parameter value, and to generate the calibration coefficient from a ratio of the reference parameter value to the parameter value obtained from the digital signal processor if the difference value exceeds a preset value.
US08868355B2 Passive wireless antenna sensor for strain, temperature, crack and fatigue measurement
An apparatus and method is provided for monitoring a condition of a structure using a passive wireless antenna sensor having a known resonant frequency when mounted on the structure. A series of radio frequency signals are transmitted with sweeping frequencies around the known resonant frequency to the passive wireless antenna sensor. The passive wireless antenna sensor includes a dielectric substrate disposed between an antenna pattern and a ground plane such that a change in the condition of the structure will cause a change in one or more characteristics of the passive wireless sensor. A signal is received from the passive wireless antenna sensor and a resonant frequency of the passive wireless antenna sensor is determined based on the received signal. The determined resonant frequency is then compared to the known resonant frequency, whereby a change in the resonant frequency indicates a change in the condition of the structure.
US08868351B2 Estimation of neural response for optical stimulation
This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for estimating a volume of tissue directly influenced (VTDI) by optogenetic stimulation. The systems and methods can also enable a user to quantitatively predict the spread of stimulation (e.g., action potential) resulting from optical stimulation in a patient's tissue.
US08868350B2 Therapy prediction and optimization for renal failure blood therapy, especially home hemodialysis
A method of predicting serum phosphorus concentrations in a patient during hemodialysis includes measuring serum phosphorus concentrations of the patient over a hemodialysis treatment session time and an ultrafiltration rate calculated by a difference between pre- and post-dialytic body weight of the patient during an initial hemodialysis treatment session divided by a total treatment time of the treatment session and estimating a phosphorous mobilization clearance and a pre-dialysis distribution volume of phosphorus for the patient. Serum phosphorus concentrations of the patient can then be predicted at any time during any hemodialysis treatment session with the estimated phosphorous mobilization clearance and pre-dialysis distribution volume of phosphorus of the patient.
US08868348B2 Well constrained horizontal variable H-V curve constructing method for seismic wave velocity field construction
A well constrained transverse variable height-velocity curve constructing method for seismic wave velocity field construction involves the steps of: a) calculating interval velocity of each stratum by a sonic logging curve, and calculating the conversion horizon velocity of each horizon; b) drawing a circle to collect well points; c) calculating the characteristic parameter values of the height-velocity curve by the interval velocity and the conversion interval velocity of each well; d) calculating the characteristic parameter values by Kriging interpolation.
US08868347B2 Forward elastic scattering in borehole acoustics
A method and computer-readable medium for determining a scattered wave particle velocity for a formation is disclosed. In aspects, the method may include: defining an embedded grid of the formation, and defining a contrast grid of the formation that includes a contrast feature of the formation; calculating a Green's function over the embedded grid; calculating a first scattering vector of the contrast feature for a first offset between the embedded grid and the contrast grid; determining the scattered wave particle velocity for the contrast feature at the first offset using the calculated Green's function and the first scattering vector; calculating a second scattering vector of the contrast feature for a second offset between the embedded grid and the contrast grid; and determining the scattered wave particle velocity for the contrast feature at the second offset is determined using the calculated Green's function and the second scattering vector.
US08868343B1 Locating place of lodging along a route
Techniques for locating places of lodging along a route and for displaying information relating to the places of lodging are described. A plurality of search points on a route are selected according to various selection techniques. Performance of a plurality of point searches is caused, where each point search of the plurality of point searches is associated with a respective search point of the plurality of search points and is a search for places of lodging near the respective search point. Search result information relating to at least some point searches of the plurality of point searches is displayed in association with route information relating to the route.
US08868337B2 Vehicle navigation systems and methods for presenting information originating from a mobile device
Vehicle navigation systems and methods for presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of presenting information originating from a mobile device on a vehicle navigation system display of a vehicle includes receiving, by a vehicle navigation system, application data from an application operating on the mobile device, wherein the application data from the application represents an entity in proximity to the vehicle. The method further includes displaying an icon representing the application data from the application on a map presented on the vehicle navigation system display. The icon is positioned on the map according to a geographic location of the entity.
US08868328B1 System and method for routing decisions in a separation management system
A method comprising computer receiving at least one of time and location-referenced state data for an object of interest, determining present location of a vehicle within two presently overlapping fat paths, fat paths comprising homotopically distinct regions of travel, determining distance of vehicle from a point of divergence of fat paths, fat paths diverging to avoid object, the computer generating a decision boundary reachable prior in time to point of divergence wherein decision boundary is in advance of the present location of vehicle, computer generating a first second set of feasible headings for the vehicle, the first and second set respectively associated with a projected first and second crossing points of the decision boundary by vehicle wherein feasible headings promote positioning of vehicle in one of fat paths beyond point of divergence, and computer sending first and second sets of feasible headings to vehicle prior to vehicle reaching decision boundary.
US08868323B2 Collaborative navigation using conditional updates
A method for collaborative navigation between two or more platforms is provided. The method comprises establishing a communication link between a first platform and a second platform, making a sensor measurement from the first platform, updating state and covariance elements of the first platform, and transmitting the updated state and covariance elements from the first platform to the second platform. A conditional update is performed on the second platform to compute a new estimate of state and covariance elements on the second platform, which takes into account the measurement from the first platform. The method further comprises making a sensor measurement from the second platform, updating state and covariance elements of the second platform, and transmitting the updated state and covariance elements from the second platform to the first platform. A conditional update is performed on the first platform to compute a new estimate of state and covariance elements on the first platform, which takes into account the measurement from the second platform.
US08868322B2 Air traffic complexity reduction system utilizing multivariable models
An airspace complexity reducing system is provided. The airspace complexity reducing system has a data storage device including data describing a multivariable model of an airspace complexity, the airspace complexity being a cumulative effect of factors that influence a system user's ability to manage aircraft in an associated airspace. The airspace complexity reducing system also has a selecting module configured to select a variable from a plurality of variables of the multivariable model and determine an amount by which to modify the selected variable to achieve a predetermined airspace complexity value. In addition, the airspace complexity reducing system has a suggestion module configured to determine a modification to the airspace that results in the determined variable modification and transmit the determined course of action to the system user.
US08868318B2 Method for operating an internal combustion engine using externally supplied ignition
A method for operating an internal combustion engine using externally supplied ignition, having a manually operable transmission, in which a torque produced by the internal combustion engine is able to be influenced via at least one control variable. An impending shifting process of the manual transmission and/or another operating situation of the internal combustion engine, during which a temporary lowering of the torque produced by the internal combustion engine is required and/or desired, is detected, and, as a function of the detection, the torque is lowered by changing at least one control variable of a fuel path.
US08868316B2 Controller of valve timing control apparatus and valve timing control apparatus of internal combustion engine
In a valve timing control apparatus configured to execute phase-control via a phase converter, a controller is configured to control a phase angle of a camshaft relative to a crankshaft during an engine stopping period to a target phase angle differing from a required phase angle suited for an engine operating condition. The controller is further configured to change the phase angle of the camshaft toward the required phase angle during a time period from a point of time when cranking starts to a point of time when detection of a rotational position of the camshaft initiates during an engine restarting period. The controller is still further configured to start feedback-control for the phase angle of the camshaft from the point of time of initiation of detection of the rotational position of the camshaft for bringing the phase angle of the camshaft closer to the required phase angle.
US08868314B2 Control device for vehicle
By employing a heat source control section that controls the operating state of an internal combustion engine mounted in a vehicle, a necessary heat calculating section that calculates the engine coolant temperature needed by a heater core, which consumes the heat supplied from the engine through engine coolant water, and the time at which this engine coolant temperature becomes necessary, a heat supply estimating section that estimates engine coolant temperature at the aforementioned time in a case in which the engine is operated continuously in the current operating state, and a heat generation increase requesting section that requests the heat source control section to increase heat generation quantity of the engine when the engine coolant temperature estimated by the heat supply estimating section is less than the engine coolant temperature calculated by the necessary heat calculating section, the heat necessary for the heater core is supplied more efficiently and adequately.
US08868311B2 Method to deal with slow initial brake response for adaptive cruise control
A method of controlling braking in an adaptive cruise control (ACC) of a vehicle. The method includes determining that braking is needed, including determining an amount of braking force needed, providing an indication to the brake system that braking is needed, filling the brake system with brake fluid at a predetermined rate to reduce pump noise, setting a delay equal to the amount of time needed to fill the brake system with fluid, applying a brake pad to a brake disc at the amount of braking force needed after waiting the delay, comparing the amount of braking force needed to the amount of braking force actually occurring, and reducing the delay to zero when the amount of braking force needed is less than or equal to the amount of braking force actually occurring.
US08868307B2 Shift control method of automatic transmission
A shift control method of an automatic transmission may include detecting an end point of an inertia section during upshifting, momentarily reducing a hydraulic pressure applied to engagement side frictional elements at the detected end point of the inertia section, increasing the reduced hydraulic pressure with a predetermined gradient until reaching a synchronization point, and momentarily increasing the hydraulic pressure when the synchronization point may be reached.
US08868305B2 Apparatus for parking control of automatic transmission vehicle and method thereof
An apparatus for parking control of an automatic transmission vehicle may include a speed detector that provides a controller with a vehicle speed, a shift lever detector that provides the controller with a position of a shift lever, the controller that analyses the vehicle speed and the position of the shift lever, and supplies a predetermined hydraulic pressure to brake elements and clutch elements in order to create drag on a parking gear shaft in conversion into a parking mode, and an actuator that supplies the hydraulic pressure to the clutch elements and the brake elements or discharges the hydraulic pressure from the clutch elements and the brake elements according to the control of the controller.
US08868302B2 System for autonomous path planning and machine control
A control system is disclosed for use with a mobile loading machine operating at a first location and a plurality of mobile haul machines configured to move material received at the first location to a second location. The control system may have a plurality of control modules, each associated with one of the mobile loading machine and the plurality of mobile haul machines, and a worksite controller. The worksite controller may be configured to make a determination that a position of the mobile loading machine has changed, and to generate a new travel path for the plurality of mobile haul machines based on the determination. The worksite controller may also be configured to selectively communicate the new travel path to each of the plurality of control modules. The new travel path between the first and second locations may be automatically determined in accordance with at least one user-selected goal.
US08868301B2 Determination of remote control operator position
A system and method for controlling a work machine system having a work machine and work tool. Operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool are configured by a machine controller based upon the type of work tool attached to the work machine, the operating environment of the work machine, and the location of work site personnel or other observers relative to the machine or work tool. The operational characteristics of both the work machine and work tool may then be automatically altered during operation of the work machine system to limit or expand functions of the work machine system in response to changes in the operational environment or movement of personnel or observers relative to the work machine system.
US08868299B2 Method and device for actuating a closing element of a vehicle
In a method and a device (12) for automatically actuating a closing element (1) of a vehicle (10), the closing element is actuated when a movement of an object corresponding to a predefined movement profile is registered in an area surrounding the vehicle and when at the same time a vehicle key assigned to the vehicle is registered. In this case, it is firstly possible for the movement of the object in the area around the vehicle (10) to be monitored by the interaction between a capacitive sensor (5) and an optical sensor (4, 7), or for the movement profile first to have an approach to the vehicle (10) and a subsequent movement away from the vehicle (10), so that the closing element (1) is only actuated after the movement away from the vehicle (10).
US08868288B2 Vehicle exception event management systems
Exception event recorders and analysis systems include: vehicle mounted sensors arranged as a vehicle event recorder to capture both discrete and non-discrete data; a discretization facility; a database; and an analysis server all coupled together as a computer network. Motor vehicles with video cameras and onboard diagnostic systems capture data when the vehicle is involved in a crash or other anomaly (an ‘event’). In station where interpretation of non-discrete data is rendered, i.e. a discretization facility, captured data is used as a basis for production of supplemental discrete data to further characterize the event. Such interpreted data is joined to captured data and inserted into a database in a structure which is searchable and which supports logical or mathematical analysis by automated machines. A coupled analysis server is arranged to test stored data for prescribed conditions and upon finding such, to initiate further actions appropriate for the detected condition.
US08868285B2 Wireless diagnostic module and wireless diagnostic system using the same
A wireless diagnostic module includes a connection port connected to a connector provided in a first appliance; a first signal transceiving unit to transceive a signal corresponding to a first communication protocol by making communication with the first appliance connected through the connection port; a signal converting unit to convert the signal corresponding to the first communication protocol transmitted through the first signal transceiving unit into a signal corresponding to a second communication protocol; and a second signal transceiving unit to transmit the signal corresponding to the second communication protocol, which is converted through the signal converting unit, to a second appliance, wherein the first communication protocol comprises at least one of ISO, KWP, PWM, CAN and VWP supported by the connector provided in the first appliance, and the second communication protocol comprises a wireless communication protocol for wireless communication between the first and second appliances.
US08868283B2 Oil life monitoring system with fuel quality factor
An oil-life monitoring system includes an engine revolution counter configured to provide an output corresponding to the rotation of a component of an engine, and a controller in communication with the engine revolution counter. The controller is configured to determine the composition/properties of a fuel being combusted by the engine, and select a fuel quality penalty factor from a table, with the fuel quality penalty factor corresponding to the determined composition/properties of the fuel. Additionally, the controller is configured to compute an adjusted revolution count by multiplying the rotations of the component of the engine by the fuel quality penalty factor, and aggregate the adjusted revolution count.
US08868281B2 Understeer assessment for vehicles
Methods and systems are provided for assessing understeer for a vehicle having at least one rear wheel and at least one front wheel. Rear wheel speeds are measured from the rear wheels, and front wheel speeds are measured for the front wheels. A determination is made as to the understeer of the vehicle using a comparison of the front wheel speeds and the rear wheel speeds.
US08868268B2 System and method for navigation for unmanned undersea vehicles
System and method for navigating an unmanned undersea vehicle (UUV) using three-dimensional acoustic reflectivity data sets and a beam steered downward looking sonar capturing sub-bottom features and creating three-dimensional representations to compare with the reflectivity data sets to general navigation corrections. Acoustically senses and exploits sub-bottom features for navigation of UUVs that can provide more reliable navigation than using surface features alone, since much of the sea floor is flat (e.g. on continental shelves and abyssal plains).
US08868267B2 Remote update in locomotive distributed control systems
The present disclosure is directed to a distributed control system for a locomotive. The distributed system may include a network and a plurality of electronic modules distributed within a locomotive. The plurality of electronic modules are communicatively coupled to the network in a standardized scalable architecture and implementing distributed control of the locomotive. A first electronic module of the plurality of electronic modules may include a first configurable controller and a memory that stores a configuration file received via the network. The first configurable controller may be reconfigurable based on the configuration file stored in the memory.
US08868252B2 Control architecture and method for two-dimensional optimization of input speed and input power including search windowing
A microprocessor driven two dimensional search engine examines transmission operating points within a plurality of search range spaces and assists in determining properties associated with the driveline at various operating points within the space. The size of the space is reduced by rearrangement of data.
US08868251B2 Hot water supply system, water heater and hot water supply control method
A hot water supply system including a water heater that includes a storage unit storing at least device information of another water heater, and performs hot water supply control by which the water heater cooperates with the other water heater, these water heaters being able to supply hot water according to a hot water supply request; one or a plurality of the other water heater that is connected to the water heater in parallel, and supplies hot water according to the hot water supply control by the water heater; communication connection means that communicably connects the water heater and the other water heater; water supply means that supplies water to the water heater and the other water heater; and hot water supply means that supplies hot water heated by the water heater and the other water heater to a hot water supply destination.
US08868233B2 Control apparatus, a substrate treating method, a substrate treating system, a method of operating a substrate treating system, a load port control apparatus, and a substrate treating system having the load port control apparatus
A control apparatus in a substrate treating system with a substrate treating apparatus having a physical load port for receiving pods for storing substrates, and a carrier transport system for transporting the pods to and from the physical load port. The control apparatus includes a virtual load port control device for allotting a virtual load port to the physical load port, and instructing the carrier transport system to perform a transporting operation to and from the virtual load port on an assumption that the virtual load port really exists.
US08868228B2 Numerical controller having speed control function for multi-axis machining device
When a numerical controller executes a tool-center-point control in which a path of a tool center point with respect to a workpiece is instructed, and the workpiece is machined along the instructed path based on a speed instruction, the numerical controller sets the speed instruction so that the speed instruction is a synthesis speed with respect to a synthesis distance of a relative moving distance between the workpiece and a tool center point and a tool-direction changing distance due to a relative change in a tool direction with respect to the workpiece by a rotary axis. The numerical controller interpolates a position of a linear axis and a position of a rotary axis by the tool-center-point control according to the synthesis speed and drives the linear axis and the rotary axis to the position of the linear axis and the position of the rotary axis created by the interpolation.
US08868221B1 Adaptive neural net feed forward system and method for adaptive control of mechanical systems
A feed forward system includes an input device configured to receive a desired response of the mechanical system and a trainable system configured to generate a feed forward signal that drives the mechanical system based on the desired response. The trainable system is trained based on a plurality of measured responses of the mechanical system.
US08868207B2 Systems and methods for making and using electrical stimulation systems with improved RF compatibility
An implantable electrical stimulation lead includes a plurality of conductors that extend along a lead body and that electrically couple electrodes to terminals. A first tissue coupler is electrically coupled to a first conductor of the plurality of conductors. The first tissue coupler includes a conductive first inner member, a non-conductive member disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the first inner member, and a conductive outer member disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the non-conductive member such that at least a portion of the non-conductive member is sandwiched between the first inner member and the outer member. The first inner member is electrically coupled to the first conductor. The outer member is disposed along a portion of an outer surface of the lead body such that the conductive outer member is exposed to patient tissue when the lead is implanted in a patient.
US08868197B2 Neurostimulation system for defining ideal multipole configurations at lead boundary
A system for an neurostimulator coupled to electrodes. The system comprises a input device configured for generating directional control signals, and memory storing ideal multipole configurations. The system further comprises control circuitry configured for defining the ideal multipole configurations relative to the electrodes in response to the directional control signals, determining a spatial relationship between at least one of the defined ideal multipole configurations and the maximum extent of the electrodes, modifying the defined ideal multipole configurations based on the determined spatial relationship, such that the modified ideal multipole configurations are spatially within the maximum extent of the electrodes, generating stimulation parameter sets respectively corresponding to the modified ideal multipole configurations, each stimulation parameter set defining relative amplitude values for the electrodes that emulate the respective modified ideal multipole configuration, and instructing the neurostimulator to convey electrical energy to the electrodes in accordance with the stimulation parameter sets.
US08868192B2 Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods
Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US08868187B2 Battery depth of discharge in an implantable device
Systems and methods for determining depth of discharge for implantable device batteries are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for determining depth of discharge for a battery in an implantable medical device. Voltage recovery of the battery is measured subsequent to a predetermined event. Measured voltage recovery data is stored in a database adapted to store data for one or more devices. Measured voltage recovery data is compared with stored voltage recovery data to determine battery depth of discharge. According to various embodiments, battery capacity consumed is measured using a coulometer and using a capacity-by-voltage device. Measured battery capacity consumed is combined with measured voltage recovery data using a predetermined weighted average, and the combined data is stored in the database. The stored data is used to determine battery depth of discharge, according to an embodiment.
US08868184B2 System and method for evaluating mechanical cardiac dyssynchrony based on multiple impedance vectors using an implantable medical device
A set of cardiogenic impedance signals are detected along different sensing vectors passing through the heart of the patient, particularly vectors passing through the ventricular myocardium. A measure of mechanical dyssynchrony is detected based on differences, if any, among the cardiogenic impedance signals detected along the different vectors. In particular, differences in peak magnitude delay times, peak velocity delay times, peak magnitudes, and waveform integrals of the cardiogenic impedance signals are quantified and compared to detect abnormally contracting segments, if any, within the heart of the patient. Warnings are generated upon detection of any significant increase in mechanical dyssynchrony. Diagnostic information is recorded for clinical review. Pacing therapies such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) can be activated or controlled in response to mechanical dyssynchrony to improve the hemodynamic output of the heart.
US08868181B2 Implantable electrostimulator
An implantable cardiac electrostimulator includes an atrial sensing channel generating an atrial sense event signal upon detection of atrial activity, a ventricular sensing channel generating a ventricular sense event signal upon detection of ventricular activity, a VES detector detecting ventricular extrasystoles, atrial and ventricular stimulation pulse generators, and a stimulation control unit. The stimulation control unit determines scheduled delivery times of atrial stimulation pulses (T(A)) and/or ventricular stimulation pulses (T(V)), and triggers delivery if no atrial sense event signal arises before the end of an atrial escape interval (VAI) timing out at T(A), or if no ventricular sense event signal arises before the end of a ventricular escape interval (VEI) timing out at T(V). T(A) and T(V) depend upon detection of a ventricular extrasystole, and proper atrioventricular synchrony is maintained by setting a physiologically adequate A-V-delay between T(A) and T(V).
US08868176B2 Microelectrode-equipped subdural therapeutic agent delivery strip
An apparatus for treating the brain, comprises a first fluid delivery device including a distal end sized and shaped for placement at a first target site between a dura mater and a pia mater of the brain, the first fluid delivery device including a first fluid lumen extending to a first outlet port in the distal end to deliver fluids to a first target location and a first microelectrode mounted within the distal end of the first fluid delivery device for movement between an insertion position in which a first distal tip of the first microelectrode is received within the first fluid delivery device and a deployed position in which the first microelectrode extends out of the first fluid delivery device with the first distal tip thereof penetrating the pia mater to a first electrode target position in the cerebral cortex.
US08868173B2 Method and apparatus for assessing neural activation
Various embodiments concern sensing a LFP signal from one or more electrodes, measuring the amplitude of the signals over a period of time, and calculating a plurality of variance values from the amplitude, wherein each of the variance values correspond to the variance of the amplitude for a different interval of time of the period of time with respect to the other variance values. Such embodiments may further include assessing the relative level of neural activation of an area of the brain based on the variance values, wherein the area of the brain is assessed to have a relatively higher level of neural activation when the variance is relatively higher and the area of the brain is assessed to have a relatively lower level of neural activation when the variance is relatively lower.
US08868155B2 System and method for early detection of diabetic retinopathy using optical coherence tomography
A system for the imaging, processing and evaluation of tissues provides prognostic and diagnostic details regarding diseased tissue. A set of quantitative measures were developed and integrated in an image-base analysis software tool designed for OCT images. The system and methods in this invention is significant because it allows assessing the optical properties and structure morphology differences between normal healthy subjects and diabetic patients with retinopathy up to ETDRS level 35 and without retinopathy.
US08868148B2 Methods and systems for qualifying physiological values based on segments of a physiological signal
A physiological monitoring system may process a physiological signal such a photoplethysmograph signal from a subject. The system may determine physiological information, such as a physiological rate, from the physiological signal. The system may use search techniques and qualification techniques to determine one or more initialization parameters. The initialization parameters may be used to calculate and qualify a physiological rate. The system may use signal conditioning to reduce noise in the physiological signal and to improve the determination of physiological information. The system may use qualification techniques to confirm determined physiological parameters. The system may also use autocorrelation techniques, cross-correlation techniques, fast start techniques, and/or reference waveforms when processing the physiological signal.
US08868145B2 Portable computing device with high-speed data communication
A portable computing device includes a radio frequency (RF) wired link, a core module, and a plurality of multi-mode RF units. When one or more of the multi-mode RF units are supporting a high-speed data communication, the core module is operable to detect a blocker that is adversely affecting the high-speed data communication. The core module is further operable to determine whether a radiation pattern alternative for the high-speed data communication will reduce the adverse affects on the high-speed data communication. When the radiation pattern alternative for the high-speed data communication will reduce the adverse affects on the high-speed data communication, the core module is further operable to enable the radiation pattern alternative. The one or more multi-mode RF units are operable to adjust at least one of transmission and reception of the high-speed data communication in accordance with the radiation pattern alternative.