Document Document Title
US08876805B2 Medical instrument
A transmission adapter for a medical instrument having a shaft, a transmission element that can move within the shaft and an operating device with a first part, which can be mechanically rigidly coupled with a proximal end of the shaft, and a second part, which can move with respect to the first part, includes a first coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with the second part of the operating device and a second coupling for releasable mechanical coupling with a proximal end of the transmission element.
US08876802B2 Methods and devices for programmable delivery of microdoses of liquid drugs
Devices of this invention include replaceable cartridges for delivery of doses of fluids. Cartridges having a fluid supply reservoir comprising an expandable element are designed to be connected with non-disposable actuating module supplied with a sensor, a mechanism to apply a force to the fluid, thereby forcing a predetermined dose out of the reservoir, and a processor providing control outputs from a sensor system according to preprogrammed instructions. Methods of this invention include delivery of microdoses of fluids using devices of this invention.
US08876789B1 Withdrawal catheter and method
A withdrawal catheter and method for removing a material from a specific area includes a first tubing positioned within a second tubing. The first and second tubing has a plurality of holes for withdrawal of the material, such as fluid and small particulates. The first and second tubing may have different wall thicknesses, and the holes may be positioned staggered and have different diameters. At least one of the first and second open ends of the first tubing is connected to a fastener, having a bore for passage of material therethrough. A third tubing is attachable to the fastener for providing a path for the flow of the material from the first and second tubing. The material is aspirated through the first tubing for withdrawing the material. The second tubing substantially prevents larger pieces of material from contacting the first tubing and clogging the holes of the first tubing.
US08876786B2 Flow control device for medical liquid
A flow control device for medical liquid including a housing having an inlet and an outlet, and a channel formed in an inner surface of the housing, the channel extending at least partly in axial direction; a rotatable member rotatable in relation to the housing without being axially displaced, the rotatable member having at least two apertures; and a core member arranged inside the rotatable member, fixedly connected to the rotatable member. A helical flow path is formed between the lateral surface of the core member and the inner surface of the rotatable member, the at least two apertures of the rotatable member being in communication with said helical flow path, and wherein each of the apertures debouches into the channel in at least one rotational position of the rotatable member.
US08876776B2 Engagement catheter systems and devices and methods of using the same
An engagement catheter for use with a vacuum source for engaging a tissue. An embodiment of the engagement catheter includes a first lumen extending between a proximal end and a distal end, a skirt operatively connected to the distal end, the skirt having a distal end with a circumference larger than the outer circumference of the engagement catheter, a suction port located at or near the distal end of the engagement catheter, the suction port configured to allow the distal end of the skirt to removably engage a surface of a bodily tissue, and a vacuum port located at the proximal end of the engagement catheter and capable of operative connection to a vacuum source, wherein when a vacuum source is operatively attached to the vacuum port, the skirt is capable of forming a reversible seal with the surface of the bodily tissue.
US08876770B2 Cartridge adapter for use in an infusion system
Infusion systems for pumping fluid into a body of a user, and methods for providing infusion systems, are disclosed. The infusion systems include an infusion pump, wherein the infusion pump comprises an infusion pump housing including a cavity. A fluid storage is removably inserted into the cavity of the infusion pump housing wherein, the fluid storage comprises a cartridge and an adapter connected to the cartridge such that the adapter encases the cartridge, and an infusion set is removably connected to the fluid storage.
US08876753B2 Peritoneal dialysis methods and apparatus
A peritoneal-based artificial kidney processes peritoneal fluid without need for additional fluids. Spent dialysate is separated into a protein-rich stream and a protein-free stream. The protein-rich stream is regenerated using a sorbent assembly, and its protein composition can be modified by removal of selected protein(s). Alternatively, the spent dialysate is first processed in a sorbent assembly and then separated into the protein-rich and protein-free streams. Immobilization of urease allows more protein rich fluid to be regenerated and re-circulated into the peritoneal cavity for toxin removal and allows practicable development of portable and wearable artificial kidneys.
US08876744B2 Systems and methods for controlling cerebrospinal fluid in a subject's ventricular system
A system for draining excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the head of a subject includes a drainage shunt and a valve assembly that selectively permits the shunt to drain CSF. The valve assembly also compensates for multiple factors that can affect the subject's intracranial pressure (ICP) and compliance, and could otherwise lead to CSF over-drainage or other undesirable conditions.
US08876741B2 Body weight support device
A coil spring 14 is provided in a leg link 3. In the case where an extent of flexion of the leg link 3 is not more than a predetermined extent, the coil spring 14 applies, to a third joint 8, a first biasing force for preventing the extent of flexion of the leg link 3 from decreasing due to gravity acting on a body weight support device A. In the case where the extent of flexion of the leg link 3 exceeds the predetermined extent, the coil spring 14 applies, to the third joint 8, a second biasing force for decreasing the extent of flexion, where the second biasing force is larger than the first biasing force and increases with an increase of the extent of flexion. This enables a sufficient support force to be generated when standing up from a half-sitting posture or a crouching posture, without significantly interfering with walking.
US08876734B2 Systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination
The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.
US08876721B2 Ultrasound diagnostic apparatus
An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus comprises: an ultrasound probe that has a transducer array transmitting an ultrasonic beam toward a subject and receiving an ultrasonic echo by the subject to output reception signals; a diagnostic apparatus body that is connected to the ultrasound probe by wireless communication and generates an ultrasound image on the basis of the reception signal output from the transducer array; at least one power receiving terminal that is arranged at the ultrasound probe and electrically connected to respective parts in the ultrasound probe; and a power supply unit that is capable of being attached to an operator's body and is detachably connected to the power receiving terminal so as to perform power supply to the respective parts in the ultrasound probe.
US08876715B2 Method and system for correcting ultrasound data
A method for correcting ultrasound data includes acquiring ultrasound data using an ultrasound probe having a plurality of transducer elements associated with a plurality of channels that include conductive pathways and communicating the ultrasound data as received ultrasound signals along the conductive pathways of the channels. The method further includes determining a crosstalk signal that is generated in one or more of the channels by at least one of communication of the received ultrasound signals along the channels or vibration of one or more of the transducer elements. In one aspect, the method also includes modifying one or more subsequently acquired ultrasound signals that are communicated along the channels based on the crosstalk signal.
US08876712B2 Intracardiac sheath stabilizer
A surgical stabilizer for use with a surgical site retractor has a base, a bendable arm, and a distal cuff adapted to resiliently hold a tube of an elongated port-access device. The cuff may have a body defining a partial enclosure within which is held a highly flexible gasket having a slit for resiliently receiving the tube. The surgical site retractor may have a collapsible ring and a flexible outer portion attached thereto, the ring being sized to pass through an intercostal incision and expand therein under adjacent ribs to prevent removal, and the flexible outer portion extending out of the incision and drawing over the stabilizer base to mutually secure the retractor and base. The port-access tube may be for a heart valve delivery system using an elongated port-access device for transapically delivering a prosthetic heart valve to the aortic valve annulus. A method involves partly installing the surgical site retractor, anchoring the base of the stabilizer with the flexible outer portion, deploying the port-access tube from outside the body through the incision and through a puncture in the heart wall, and resiliently capturing a tube of the port-access within the partial enclosure of the stabilizer cuff. A second bendable arm on the base having a clip may be used to hold still a proximal end of the port-access device.
US08876704B2 Medical device
Apparatuses of the type broadly applicable to numerous medical applications in which it is desirable to insert one or more steerable or non-steerable catheters or similar devices into a working channel of an associated device, such as an endoscope, catheter, etc., or passageway of a patient, are disclosed. The apparatuses may include catheters having a dedicated guide wire channel and one or more of the following: viewing capabilities, a working channel, and auxiliary channels, such as insufflation/irrigation channels. The catheters may include a guide wire channel that is configured to provide the catheter or other device with rapid exchange capabilities.
US08876699B2 Fistulectomy method of forming a fistula between a first duct and a second duct
A fistulectomy method of forming a fistula between a first duct and a second duct is provided. The method including: inserting an insertion portion of an endoscope having a channel into the first duct; inserting a treatment instrument into the channel; feeding a distal end of the treatment instrument into the second duct through the first duct; discharging a first magnet from the distal end of the treatment instrument to the second duct; pulling the treatment instrument from the second duct; discharging a second magnet to the first duct; and attaching the first magnet and the second magnet magnetically when the first and second ducts are between the first and second magnets.
US08876688B2 Combination treatment modification methods and systems
Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting at least one indication of bioactive agent use by an individual and/or modifying an artificial sensory experience to alter at least one effect of the bioactive agent.
US08876687B2 Surgical retractor and retractor assembly
Retractor for insertion in an incision of a patient includes a frame defining a central opening and a reference plane, and at least one blade disposed within the central opening. The blade operatively coupled to the frame by a support structure for movement in a first direction generally laterally with the reference plane between an unretracted position and a retracted position, a second direction at an angle extending through and relative to the reference plane for adjustment of the blade depth, and a third direction rotationally relative to the reference plane. Additionally, the frame includes a track in mating relationship with the support structure for sliding movement therebetween in a defined relationship relative to the reference plane. Retractor assembly includes the retractor as previously described, in combination with an adjustment tool or an insertion tool.
US08876681B2 Counter ejector and carton former
A counter ejector has: a ledge that moves toward an inner side of a hopper to receive boxes S in the hopper when the boxes accumulated in the hopper reach the predetermined number; a press bar that is disposed so as to move vertically relative to the ledge, and presses the batch on the elevator by moving vertically downward relative to the ledge; and a relative movement servo motor that moves the press bar vertically relative to the ledge. The press bar is driven by the relative movement servo motor to vertically move relative to the ledge.
US08876669B2 Exercise cycle with planetary gear system and rolling recoiled lateral motion system
A planetary gear system in an exercise machine featuring a flywheel; an axle shaft positioned through the center of the flywheel, a sun gear disposed on the axle shaft and fixedly attached to the flywheel, a housing disposed on the axle shaft, a planet carrier fixedly attached to the axle shaft and disposed in the housing, and a ring gear fixedly attached in the housing. One or more planet gear wheels are rotatably attached to the planet carrier. The planet gear wheels can rotate independently of the planet carrier. Rotation of the axle shaft in a first direction rotates the planet carrier in the first direction, thereby causing the planet gear wheel to rotate in a second direction within the ring gear. Rotation of the planet gear wheel in the second direction causes the sun gear and the flywheel to together rotate in the first direction.
US08876666B1 Exercising assembly
An exercising assembly includes a support that is configured to support a person over a floor a surface. The support includes a platform having an upper surface, a lower surface and a perimeter edge extending between the upper and lower surfaces. A plurality of apertures extends through the platform and a frame abuts the lower surface. A plurality of legs is attached to and extends downwardly from the frame. A plurality of resiliently stretchable tethers each has a first end and a second end, each of the first ends is attached to the support and is positioned beneath the lower surface, each of the tethers extending into one of the apertures such that each of the second ends is positioned above the lower surface. Each of the second ends comprises a mating member configured to be releasably coupled to or gripped by a person.
US08876659B2 Engine start control device
An engine start control device includes a mechanical pump supplying hydraulic pressure; an electric pump connected in parallel to the mechanical pump and independently driven; a device for stopping the engine when an idling stop condition is satisfied and starting the engine when a restart condition and a fuel injection condition are satisfied; a device for driving the electric pump when the hydraulic pressure is less than a first hydraulic pressure when the engine is stopped by idling stop; and a device for driving a motor at a target speed and for performing control so that the change in the target speed is small compared with the change exhibited when the hydraulic pressure is equal or higher than a second hydraulic pressure, when the hydraulic pressure is less than the second hydraulic pressure, and the restart condition is satisfied after the idling stop.
US08876657B1 Automatic gear bike
The automatic gear bike includes a control system for selectively operating in an automatic mode, providing power to the bike or a manual mode. The control system includes a control assembly, a motor assembly operatively in communication with the control assembly, and a gear assembly in operative engagement with the motor assembly. The gear assembly includes a ration gear, a hub, and hub embedded gear. The ration gear is operatively connected to the beam gear, and the hub embedded gear is connected to the hub. The controller receives detects the real-time bike speed, and compares the bike speed to a pre-selected bike speed. Based on the comparison the controller sends a signal to the motor assembly to selectively transfer power to the beam gear and operatively connected gear assembly, to increase or decrease the bike speed such that the real-time bike speed is substantially equal to the pre-selected speed.
US08876644B2 Pump unit with a pump and a hybrid drive
The pump unit has a pump and a hybrid drive. The pump comprises a pump housing and a pump shaft. The hybrid drive comprises an electric motor and a driveshaft connection to a driveshaft. The electric motor and the driveshaft connection are each in driving mechanical functional connection with the pump shaft by way of a planetary gearset for driving the pump shaft. A stator of the electric motor is at least partially integrated in the pump housing. A rotor of the electric motor is mechanically connected fixed to a sun gear of the planetary gearset. The driveshaft connection is mechanically connected fixed to a ring gear of the planetary gearset. The pump shaft is mechanically connected fixed to a planetary carrier of the planetary gearset.
US08876641B2 Chain tensioner device
A chain tensioner device includes a main arm, tensioner lifter, and a sub-arm. The main arm is pivotally supported by a first shaft. The main arm slidably contacts an endless chain to apply a tension to the endless chain. The tensioner lifter includes a housing, a plunger, and a spring. The plunger is slidably held by the housing. The spring is to press the plunger such that the plunger projects from the housing. The sub-arm is disposed between the main arm and the tensioner lifter. The sub-arm is pivotally supported by a second shaft to transmit a biasing force applied by the plunger of the tensioner lifter to the main arm. A moving direction of the plunger is substantially orthogonal to a direction of a tangent at a contact portion between the plunger and the sub-arm when an elongation of the endless chain reaches a maximum elongation.
US08876638B2 Real time pitch classification
A method for performing pitch classification includes receiving, at a computing device, one or more pitch properties corresponding to a ball thrown by a pitcher. Pitcher information corresponding to the pitcher is also received. The pitcher information includes at least an identification of one or more pitches that are in a repertoire of the pitcher. A classification of the pitch is determined using at least a pitch classification algorithm, where the classification of the pitch is based at least in part on the one or more pitch properties and at least in part on the pitcher information.
US08876637B2 Basketball return apparatus
A basketball return apparatus for use with a basketball goal assembly having a backboard attached to a post with a frame member in elevation above a ground surface and a rim coupled to the backboard includes a net member having upper and lower ends. A mounting assembly includes a first end coupled to the net member upper end and a second end configured to couple the net member to the frame member of the basketball goal assembly. A support member is pivotally coupled to the net member second end, the support member movable between a retracted configuration generally adjacent and parallel to the net member and an extended configuration extending away from the second end of the net member. The support assembly may include a swivel member configured so that the net member and support member may be rotated side to side relative to the basketball goal assembly.
US08876632B2 Multi-piece golf club heads formed from titanium and zirconium alloys
A golf club head and a method for forming a golf club head are disclosed. The golf club head may include multiple components with varying densities to manipulate the weight, volume, and properties of the golf club head.
US08876623B2 Golf club head and system
A golf club head system and a golf club head for inclusion into a golf club are provided. The golf club head system includes two or more rear or secondary body members, each configured for interchangeable attachment to a front or main body member. Each rear body member may have a different external shape, and each rear body member may have a different combination of center-of-gravity and moment-of-inertia characteristics. The system further includes a detachable attachment element for interchangeably and detachably attaching the rear body members to the front body member. The system may further include the front body member, wherein the front body member has a striking surface.
US08876620B2 Sporting equipment handle grip improvement apparatus
An apparatus for improving a user's grip on a sports equipment handle is made of a single substantially resilient deformable planar sheet of non-slip material. The planar sheet has a narrower first end in which a finger hole is disposed, and a wider second cad. To use the apparatus, a user places the apparatus on a finger with the wider end oriented toward the finger tips. A handle is placed on the wider end, and rolled toward a user's palm, thereby securing the apparatus to the user's hand. The apparatus may be disengaged by simply relaxing the grip on the handle and allowing it to rotate out of the apparatus.
US08876617B2 Child swing with versatile seat assembly
A child swing has a frame with a base, a support extending up from the base, a hub carried by the support above the base, and a seat assembly having a swing arm with a seat carried at a lower end. The seat assembly moves in a swinging direction. The seat assembly is configured to be selectively removable from and connectable to the hub. The orientation of the seat assembly relative to the swinging direction is also selectively adjustable between a forward facing orientation and a side facing orientation.
US08876615B2 Playground equipment driving motor-placement device and rotating playground equipment
Provided are a driving motor-placement device to be used in rotating playground equipment that is superior in terms of maintenance, and rotating playground equipment. The disclosed playground equipment driving motor-placement device is characterized in that it is provided with a lower stationary component and an upper rotator; the lower stationary component is provided with a stationary plate that can be removed from the playground equipment and a shaft that stands upright on said stationary plate; the upper rotator is configured to be able to rotate around the shaft of said lower stationary component and is provided with a handle support that supports handles that users can grasp, and a driving motor support that supports the driving motor; said driving motor support is provided above the handle support; and a coupling that transmits the rotation of the driving motor to the shaft of the lower stationary component is fixed to the top of said shaft.
US08876612B2 Replaceable cosmetic panels for machine cabinets
A machine cabinet system is provided. The system includes a machine cabinet with a top face and a front face. In one embodiment, a removable panel is included that is removably coupled to at least one of the top face and the front face of the machine cabinet. In another embodiment, the removable panel is removably coupled to the machine cabinet without use of a tool.
US08876611B2 Customizable, adaptable, multiuser computer-based role-playing method and apparatus therefor
Game client, game server, Web application server, and database server including database with data representative of a virtual world. Game client or server, or both, includes motifs, motif manager, character manager, scenes-a-faire manager, and display manager coupled to display, all in communication with game manager, and pseudorandomizer, which can instigate changing of a motif. Motifs are representative of a game character or environment. A user interface has mass sensor, accelerometer, haptic device, first device for visual input, output, or both, second device for audio input, output, or both, and tactile sensor, effector or both. Included may be automatic translator, or TTS/STT module. The online game can be virtual world representative of at least two of a northern continent, a western continent, a southern continent, a central continent, and an eastern continent. Methods provide game client, game server, and a database that manipulate character or environment motifs and scenes-a-faire.
US08876605B2 Gaming system having dynamically changing image reel symbols
A system for dynamically changing the graphical content on video reel displays of video gaming machines is disclosed herein. The system includes video reel displays and data transmission techniques which provide for dynamically updating or changing the graphics on the video reel displays. In one system for dynamically changing graphical video reel content, new image content is placed on the video reel displays at any time, even while the video reel displays are spinning The system may even be used to give the appearance of rotation to a stationary video reel display.
US08876596B2 Virtualized magnetic player card
A patron registered with a player tracking system (loyalty program) of a casino can use an app on a mobile device to log into the player tracking system, receive a virtual player card PIN from the system, and enter the PIN at a gaming machine at the casino to begin player tracked game play with the use of a physical player tracking card. The patron can log into the player tracking system from any location that has cellular data network coverage or Internet access. Once at the casino, the patron retrieves the virtual player card PIN from the app and enters it using a service window interface on the gaming machine to begin game play that credits the patron's loyalty program account. This is done without having to insert a physical card into the card bezel at the machine.
US08876590B2 Gaming system, gaming device, and method for enabling a player to select volatility using game symbols
Various embodiments of the gaming system, gaming device, and gaming method disclosed herein provide a primary game and a free activation bonus sequence, wherein the gaming system enables the player to select one or more of a plurality of different volatility options for use in the free activation bonus sequence. Each option is associated with a different number of free activations and a different pool of symbols or different symbol functionality. The gaming system provides this variation in the pool of symbols or symbol functionality in various embodiments by enabling the player to replace one or more symbols of a pool or set of symbols of the primary game (i.e., the primary set of symbols) with the symbol associated with a player selected option. The symbols of this modified set of symbols (i.e., the secondary set of symbols) are used in the free activation bonus sequence).
US08876588B2 Gaming machine with a fixed wild symbol
A gaming machine has a display and a game controller arranged to control images displayed on the display. The game controller is arranged to play a spinning reel game wherein one or more random events are caused to be displayed on the display and, if a predefined winning event occurs, the machine awards a prize. When at least one special symbol appears on the display, the special symbol is held in a superimposed representation in that position for at least one further game while at least that reel carrying the special symbol is re-spun for the at least one further game.
US08876570B2 Method for producing an electrode for a high-pressure discharge lamp and high-pressure discharge lamp comprising at least one electrode thus produced
A method for producing an electrode (16) for a high-pressure discharge lamp (10), comprising the following steps: a) scanning at least part of the electrode surface for producing an oxide layer (step 120); b) at least partially sublimating the oxide layer formed in step a) (step 120); and c) reducing the rest of the oxide layer.
US08876560B2 Stackable cable reel with field data distribution system
A cable reel assembly comprises a hub configured to house a field communication distribution box with front and rear flanges projecting radially outward from front and rear edges of the hub. A cable receiving trough is formed between the flanges in which a communications cable may be wound. A nesting ring which is smaller in diameter that the front and rear flanges projects outward from the second flange. The nesting ring of a first cable reel assembly is positionable within an area surrounded by the first flange of a second cable reel to facilitate stacking of the cable reels.
US08876556B2 Light head and lamp using the same and assembling method of light head
A light head, a lamp using the light head, and an assembling method of the light head are provided. The lamp includes the light head, a circuit board, a light source, and a light cover. The circuit board is disposed on the light head and electrically connected to the light source. The light cover is assembled to the light head. The circuit board and the light source are located in the light cover. The light head includes a first assembling element, a second assembling element, first pins, and a second pin. The first assembling element has an axial direction and a radial direction. The second and first assembling elements are telescoped and are coaxial. The first pins pass through the first assembling element along the axial direction, and the second pin passes through the first and second assembling elements along the radial direction.
US08876554B2 Shielding terminal clamp
A shielding terminal clamp including a first side piece having a first guide device disposed along the first side piece, a second side piece, a U-shaped yoke having a base part having a second guide means disposed along the second side piece, an elastic element is disposed between the first side piece and the second side piece such that a compressive force is exerted onto a pressure piece that is movably mounted between the first and second guide means, and a first wing and second wing disposed on the pressure piece, wherein the first and second wings are configured to generate a counterforce with the fingers of a human hand against the compressive force and thereby compress the elastic element.
US08876553B2 Aluminum tube coaxial cable connector
An aluminum tube coaxial cable connector for CATV applications is disclosed to include a tubular screw member having locating notches at the rear end, a T-shaped insulative stopper and an insulative insert mounted in the tubular screw member to hold a conducting core, an inner tube having lugs protruded from a front rim thereof and engaged into the locating notches of the tubular screw member to prohibit relative rotation between the tubular screw member and the inner tube, a packing component set mounted around the inner tube, and a casing threaded onto the tubular screw member to compress the packing component set and to further lock an inserted aluminum tube coaxial cable to the aluminum tube coaxial cable connector.
US08876552B2 Coaxial connector
A coaxial connector includes a contact, a housing, and a ground shell. The contact includes a first wall portion in which an insertion groove into which an inner conductor of a coaxial cable is to be inserted is formed. The housing includes a body portion in which an accommodation hole which accommodates the contact is formed and a middle cover portion which closes the housing hole. A surface on the rear-end side of the middle cover portion and a surface on the rear-end side of the first wall portion substantially overlap with each other in a plan view thereof.
US08876547B1 Socket for LED light string
A socket is provided for an LED light string and is formed by jointing two unsymmetrical casing members through thermal fusion by application of ultrasonic wave to thereby securely combine with electrical wires and a luminous element. The first and second casing members are provided with raised-and-recessed inter-engageable structures including holes and protrusions and multiple tiny bosses that is thermally fusible through application of ultrasonic wave for adhesion purposes. The first casing member includes a receiving channel for receiving electrical wires therein and the second casing member includes hold-down blocks and holding blocks for holding the electrical wires in position.
US08876527B2 Electronic register device for recording jaw movements
An electronic register device for recording movements of the lower jaw of a person relative to the upper jaw of the person, the device having a bite fork for recording a position of the upper jaw relative to reference points on the head of the person, wherein the bite fork is designed to receive a plastic compound for recording an impression of the dentition of the upper jaw.
US08876521B2 Method and apparatus for making centre-filled shaped food products
The present invention relates to an apparatus for making a food product (2), said product having a solid outer shell (3) with top (4), bottom (5) and side (6) walls, and optionally an inner core (7) filled with liquid, semi-solid and/or solid filling, characterized in that said apparatus comprises: (i) a support frame (8) holding at least one matrix (9) that goes through said support frame (8) and has opposed openings, (ii) two punches (11a, 11b) disposed respectively each side of said matrix (9) and facing said openings, said punches having a cross section that corresponds to the cross section of said openings, and being movable along a common axis that corresponds to the longitudinal axis of said matrix, said matrix and said pair of punches defining respectively the side and the end walls of a mold (12), (iii) filling means for filling the mold (12), with a predetermined quantity of food product in a liquid or semi-solid form, (iv) actuating means for moving said punches (11a, 11b) and exerting a longitudinal pressure onto said punches when said mold (12), is filled with food product and closed so that said product contained into said mold is compressed, (v) ejecting means for ejecting a molded food product (2), out of the mold (12), once the latter is in the open position.
US08876520B2 Fabric wrap
A dimpled fabric creation system and method is provided to form a dimpled fabric using a mold or machine having a plurality of protrusions and grooves, while avoiding the repetitive steps to manually shape each protrusion individually by tying portions of fabric individually. The protrusions may be of complex three dimensional shapes to form dimples in the fabric having corresponding complex three dimensional shapes. The system and method provide for creation of a dimpled fabric container, wherein the dimpled fabric container may be utilized in gift wrapping.
US08876519B2 Process for knotting a dough strand into a desired form, especially knotting a dough strand into a pretzel form, plus related apparatus
An apparatus for the knotting of a dough strand into a desired form, particularly for the knotting of a dough strand into a pretzel form, wherein the dough strand subject to stretching of the dough strand length is knotted around a form element that provides the desired form for a dough strand with larger starting length than the actual length of the dough strand and/or the desired form with an increased form size, whereupon the form element that establishes the desired form is removed, at least partially, so that the dough strand that was placed into the desired form contracts into a final size.
US08876518B2 Forming apparatus
A forming apparatus for forming a formable material. Each forming tool of a second forming tool set is adapted to co-act with one or more forming tools of a first forming tool set, or vice versa, to form a co-acting forming tool in a pressure forming zone. There is a first forming tool set guide or guides about which the first forming tool set can be moved about a first circuit. There is also a second forming tool set guide or guides about which the second forming tool set can be moved about a second circuit. A drive drives the tools in a machine direction. At least on part of the circuit, adjacent forming tools of one the forming tool sets are movably supported such that the only relative movement of the adjacent forming tools is towards or away from the forming tools of the other forming tool set.
US08876517B2 Filtration apparatus with a sealing device
A polymer filtration apparatus for sealing a slide plate translatable across a bore of an extrusion or mold machine, includes an annular seal having a sealing surface which is biased against the slide plate by a spring mechanism. The annular seal has a thrust surface which is angled relative to the sealing surface and the thrust surface is located at an opposite axial end of the annular seal from the sealing surface. The spring mechanism can be a single spring with overlapping tangs or a multiple spring assembly in overlapping relationship, with or without tangs, to form a continuous barrier. The spring assembly is used to exert a radial force against the thrust surface of the annular seal to bias the seal in an axial direction against the downstream slide plate. In operation, pressurized polymer melt in the extrusion bore further biases the spring against the annular seal which is then transferred to the seal and the slide plate.
US08876511B2 Metering feeder, and system and method for kneading and extruding material
A system for kneading and extruding a material includes a crusher for crushing the material into coarse particles, an extruder for conveying and extruding the material crushed by the crusher, a gear pump for receiving and discharging the material extruded from the extruder, and a kneading and extruding apparatus for kneading the material discharged from the gear pump and continuously extruding the kneaded material. Therefore, a material is accurately quantified and highly uniform, resulting in reduced product variations and ensured consistent quality.
US08876510B2 Molded body production device, molded body production method, and molded body
In a molded body production device, a release agent injection means applies a release agent onto an upper punch surface by injecting the release agent toward the upper punch surface in a state that an upper punch is located above an upper end surface of a molding die, and applies the release agent onto a lower punch surface and an inner circumferential surface exposing above the lower punch surface by injecting the release agent toward the lower punch surface in a state that the lower punch surface is located into the cavity and below the upper end surface of the molding die, before the molding material is filled into the cavity. This makes it possible to prevent the molding material from bonding to the upper punch surface, the lower punch surface and the inner circumferential surface defining the cavity.
US08876507B2 Tire mold
A tire mold comprising a pair of side plates, a pair of bead rings abutting on the side plates, and a gas venting passage, wherein each of the bead rings has: a cavity surface; an outer side surface; and an outer peripheral surface having two regions, wherein a first and second outer peripheral surface adjoins the cavity surface. A first gap is lying between the first outer peripheral surface and the side plate by the presence of a knurled groove. A second gap is lying between the second outer peripheral surface and the side plate. A third gap is lying between the outer side surface and the side plate by the presence of a plurality of vent grooves. The first to third gaps function as the gas venting passage.
US08876505B2 Rotor for a screw compressor
Rotor for a screw compressor includes a rotor body (2) and a shaft (6), whereby said shaft extends at least with a part into or through a central or approximately central axial bored hole or passage (5) in the rotor body (2). The shaft (6) has a stretch element (7), whereby the rotor body (2) or at least a part thereof is held on the shaft (6) by means of tension elements (11 and 12) which are locked or can be locked axially with respect to the shaft and which are connected with each other by means of the stretch element (7). During the mounting of the rotor body (2) on the shaft (6), the stretch element is pre-tensioned by means of a tensile load and after locking the tension elements (11 and 12) and removal of the tensile load, is kept under an axial pretension which, in case the rotor (1) is not built in, amounts to at least thirty percent of the yield strength of the material of the stretch element (7), and this by means of the tension elements (11 and 12) which are kept apart from each other by the rotor body (2) or a part thereof.
US08876504B2 Pump rotor combining and eccentrically disposing an inner and outer rotor
An object is to meet the demands for increasing the number of teeth of a rotor in an internal gear pump while maintaining a theoretical discharge amount by using an equivalent body configuration so as to enhance the pump performance relating to discharge pulsation due to the increased number of teeth. In a pump rotor 1 formed by combining of an inner rotor (2) having N teeth and an outer rotor (3) having (N+1) teeth and disposing the rotors eccentrically relative to each other, the relational expression φDmax<1.7e·sin(π/180)/sin {π/(180·N)} is satisfied, φDmax being a maximum value of a working pitch diameter of the inner rotor (2) and the outer rotor (3), and a working position (G) of the inner rotor (2) and the outer rotor (3) is always located rearward of an eccentric axis (CL) in a rotating direction of the rotor.
US08876500B2 Centering coupling for splined shafts submersible pumping systems and electrical submersible pumps
A submersible pumping system, electrical submersible pump, and method of providing enhanced alignment of motor and driven shafts of submersible pumping systems and electrical submersible pumps, are provided. An example of an electrical submersible pump system includes a pump, a pump motor, and a seal section. The motor drives the pump via motor and driven shafts rotatingly coupled with a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly maintains the shaft ends in coaxial alignment with an alignment device. The alignment device is profiled on opposite ends for mating engagement with the centering guides extending from the shaft ends.
US08876492B2 Method and system for operating an ejector
A selectively operable vacuum source is disclosed. In one example, vacuum source supplies as much air to an engine as is drawn by the vacuum source from a vacuum reservoir. The approach may provide vacuum to a vehicle vacuum system efficiently and with less weight than other vacuum sources.
US08876488B2 Positive air shut off device for bag-in-box pump
The present invention provides a device for turning off a pump. In operation, when the device is activated there is vacuum pressure in a syrup chamber. A diaphragm acting in response to the vacuum causes a piston assembly in the syrup chamber to move in the one direction (e.g. right), thus compressing a W-shaped spring in the air chamber. As the piston assembly moves, a spring holder of the W-shaped spring also moves to the one direction. As the W-shaped spring is compressed over and passed the most compressed position, the W-shaped spring moves a valve assembly in the air chamber to an opposite direction (e.g. left) and blocks a hole in a spool that otherwise allows air to pass through the air chamber to activate the pump. When the air is stopped, this turns off the pump.
US08876486B2 Marine wind turbine having a pylon vertically adjusted by setting
An off-shore wind turbine with a base supporting a pylon and a wind engine, the wind turbine being characterized in that the said base includes a tubular cavity, a bottom portion of said pylon being fixed in embedded manner inside said tubular cavity using a device that enables the angle of inclination of the axis (ZZ′) of the pylon to be adjusted relative to the axis (Z1Z′1) of the tubular cavity; and the adjustment device includes independent chocking mechanism interposed between the pylon bottom portion and the tubular cavity; and a centering mechanism secured to the pylon bottom portion and/or to the tubular cavity, the centering mechanism being situated inside the tubular cavity below at least some of the chocking mechanism and suitable for holding the point of intersection of the axis (ZZ′) of the pylon bottom portion with the axis (Z1Z′1) of the tubular cavity in a fixed position.
US08876480B2 Reinforcing element for use with a ventilator hub
In order to provide a ventilator hub having coupling elements for connecting to a ventilator spindle and an essentially cylindrical fastening section having radial adapters for a number of ventilator blades, whereby the fastening section has an inner casing surface that ensures fastening of the ventilator blades with sufficient tensile strength, even at high temperatures, such as they can occur in tunnel fires, without thereby having an undesirably high mass, it is proposed to provide the ventilator hub with an essentially annular, closed reinforcement element having coupling elements for fastening the ventilator blades with high tensile strength, that is designed essentially separate from the fastening section.
US08876479B2 Damper pin
A damper pin for coupling platforms of adjacent turbine blades includes a first flat longitudinal end region, a second flat longitudinal end region and a reduced cross sectional area. The reduced cross sectional area is separated from the first flat longitudinal end region by a first main body region and the reduced cross sectional area is separated from the second flat longitudinal end region by a second main body region. The cross sectional area of the reduced cross sectional area is less than the cross sectional area of each of the first and second main body regions.
US08876475B1 Turbine blade with radial cooling passage having continuous discrete turbulence air mixers
A large span industrial engine turbine rotor blade with a radial extending cooling air passage having a series of turbulence air mixers along the passage, where the turbulence mixers each have an inlet end and a curved and tapered surface such that cooling air is drawn into the inlet end of the mixer and then discharged from the curved and tapered surface into a middle of the passage. The cooling air flows through the passage along a series of these turbulence mixers from one mixer to another mixer along the spanwise length of the passage.
US08876467B2 Inner wall for a turbomachine nacelle
An inner wall for a nacelle of a turbomachine, the inner wall including an outer annular fan casing for surrounding the fan blades and including at its upstream end a flange for fastening to a ring in axial alignment therewith, and a soundproofing inner annular structure for extending upstream from the fan blades, the fan casing extending substantially as far as an upstream end of the soundproofing structure such that the upstream flange of the fan casing is situated in a vicinity of the upstream end of the soundproofing structure.
US08876465B2 Gas turbine engine
A heat exchanger arrangement for a gas turbine engine. The arrangement including a flow path within an outer cowl, which flow path locates a heat exchanger part way therealong. A valve is provided at an inlet end of the flow path to selectively receive fluid into the flow path from outside of the cowl and/or from a pressurized fluid flow. An exit from the flow path includes a plenum chamber to receive exhausted coolant flows from the heat exchanger and possibly other exhaust flows. The heat exchanger exhaust flow is then utilized to provide cooling to engine structures.
US08876463B2 Interturbine vane with multiple air chambers
A gas turbine engine has a mid turbine frame disposed between turbine rotor assemblies. The mid turbine frame includes hollow airfoils radially extending through an annular gas path duct. The airfoils each include a double-walled leading edge structure to define a front chamber separated from a rear chamber defined in the remaining space within the airfoil.
US08876457B1 Apparatus and method for stacking railroad ties
A railroad tie stacker arrangement includes means for conveying ties to a tie accumulation deck to form a layer of parallel ties, means for conveying the layer of parallel ties onto a stack accumulation lift, and means for lowering the stack accumulation lift as each successive layer of ties is deposited onto the lift.
US08876456B2 Agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container
An agricultural system for conveying product to a holding container is provided. One agricultural system includes a product conveying system having a conveyor and a hopper. The conveyor is configured to move product from the hopper to a holding container. The hopper has an opening for receiving product, and the opening includes a first side adjacent to the conveyor, and a second side opposite the first side. The second side is substantially v-shaped, and configured to channel the product to exit the hopper through the opening while the opening is directed downwardly.
US08876449B2 Plug with fixing element and sleeve
The invention relates to a fixing device for anchoring in a building material, comprising a fixing element with an axial conical anchoring region and a fixing region and a radially flexible clamping sleeve which may be clamped between the anchoring region and the building material. The invention further relates to a method for anchoring the fixing device.
US08876447B2 Tool holder comprising a cooling means
A tool holder for a machining tool includes a cooling means for a compressed air blowing tool and a device for cooling air compressed by a vortex tube device. The tool holder is generally cylindrical and the vortex tube device advantageously includes a plurality of vortex tubes placed annularly around the axis of the cylinder and the cold air outputs of which are directed at the tool held by the tool holder.
US08876442B2 Rotary cutter
The object of the invention is to stably spray cutting fluid in a good mist form, when cutting fluid and air are supplied from the surrounding area and cutting fluid is sprayed in a mist form from the tip end section of a rotary cutting tool. The rotary cutter of the present invention sequentially feeds a mixture of cutting fluid and air through a supply pipe 4, first supply path b in a cover 3, second supply paths c, d in a chuck 2, a hollow center cavity (front throttle chamber d, throttle 24a, and rear throttle chamber e) in the chuck, and a third supply path g in a rotary cutting tool 1. The first supply path and second supply path are intermittently connected when the respective openings thereof face each other as the cover and chuck turn relative to each other; the second supply path sprays fluid toward the throttle; the front throttle chamber is formed such the diameter thereof expands from the second supply path; the throttle is formed such that the diameter thereof is less than the smallest diameter of the second supply path; the rear throttle chamber is formed by the rear end surface of the rotary cutting tool and the inner conical surface on the down-flow side of the throttle when that rear end surface and inner conical surface on the down-flow side come in close contact with each other; and the front throttle chamber is formed such that the capacity thereof is greater than that of the rear throttle chamber.
US08876440B2 Cutting insert
A cutting insert, and more particularly, an improved double-sided cutting insert is provided, which provides improved machinability obtained due to increased rake angle, without compromising coupling state. The double-sided cutting insert includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a plurality of lateral relief surfaces connecting the top and bottom surfaces, and a cutting edge formed by the top and bottom surfaces and the plurality of lateral relief surfaces, in which one or more lateral relief surfaces of the plurality of lateral relief surfaces are formed into three stages in sequence which are a first positive surface, a negative surface and a second positive surface in a direction from the top surface to the bottom surface.
US08876438B2 Process for casting concrete wall blocks for use with geogrid
In casting concrete retaining wall blocks, a plurality of mold inserts form a passage between top and bottom surfaces of the block, a recess in the block top between the passage and the back of the block and a recess in the bottom of the block between the passage and the back of the block. The recesses and the passage are formed by a plurality of mold inserts. When the blocks are used in a retaining wall, geogrid fabric passes from the rear of the wall through one of the recesses in a block, through the passage in the block and through the other recess in the block into backfill for stabilizing the wall. The recesses and passage are designed so that any concrete flashing formed between abutting mold inserts is not contacted by the geogrid fabric.
US08876437B2 Use of elastomers to produce gels for treating a wellbore
A method of treating an earth formation that includes introducing at least one blocked isocyanate in a liquid phase into the earthen formation; introducing at least one active hydrogen compound into the earthen formation; and contacting the blocked isocyante and the active hydrogen compound form an elastomeric gel is disclosed.
US08876434B2 Method and device for installing a tidal power plant
There is provided a method for the installation of a tidal power plant having a water turbine, which is mounted so it is rotatable on a nacelle, the nacelle being assigned to a coupling device for placement of the tidal power plant on a coupling counterpart on a tower, which carries the tidal power plant during operation.
US08876432B2 Method for manufacturing geological gradation featuring disaster prevention and ecologic function
Provided is a method for manufacturing geological gradation layer featuring disaster prevention and ecologic function, which uses on-site earth or gradation materials commonly adopted in road construction, including aggregates, soils, gravels, or a mixture of water permeable concrete, and most importantly, added with uniquely arranged hollow bodies, all constituents being mixed and laid on soil stratum, and subjected to ramming, to form an ecological gradation layer. The ecological gradation layer provides an effect of supporting and also provides the functions of water storage, water preservation, and improving earth, whereby earth microorganisms and earth protozoa may establish a beneficial survival environment in earth, making the gradation layer exhibiting the characteristics of high water content and prompting breeding of microorganisms. When the atmosphere gets hot, water is released from the soil as vapor to alleviate the heat island effect and when rainwater precipitates, the rainwater can be stored for use in draughts.
US08876431B1 Submersible bulkhead system and method of operating same
A bulkhead system and a method of implementing such a bulkhead system in relation to a dam are disclosed herein. In one example embodiment, such a method includes providing a plurality of bulkhead sections assembled together as a bulkhead assembly, and coupling first and second side assemblies to first and second ends of the bulkhead assembly. Further, the method includes causing a first of the bulkhead sections to receive a respective amount of ballast within an internal cavity therewithin, receiving water pressure at an upstream surface of the bulkhead assembly such that the bulkhead system is forced against the dam and substantially sealed in relation thereto, and operating to counteract the water pressure and thereby prevent or limit the flow of water past the dam, where the operating is performed at least in part by one or more brace members of the side assemblies.
US08876425B2 Union between dissimilar materials
A sleeve is placed between a first body and second body, where the first body and the second body are different materials. The sleeve is a third material that is at least similar to the material of the first body, and a mechanical connection is made between the sleeve and the second body. The mechanical connection has a locking abutment where the surface of the sleeve is angled toward the end of the second body that is in the union, and this angled surface of the sleeve abuts the second body. A first connection substance is positioned between the sleeve and the first body, and a second connection substance is positioned between the sleeve and the second body.
US08876422B2 Airless pumping type cosmetic container having an applicator
An airless pump includes a storage unit having inner and outer shells. A head is fastened to the storage unit, wherein the head has a fastening groove and a nozzle. An application unit has the form of a brush and is fastened into the fastening groove so as to allow the content to be applied onto the skin. An airless pump is provided inside the head and connects the storage unit and the nozzle. The airless pump converts the direction of power that has been produced when an operation button is pushed, from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction in order to pump the content from the inner shell. A nozzle opening/closing unit is disposed between the airless pump and the nozzle in order to open/close the nozzle in the same stroke as an operation of the airless pump.
US08876420B2 Image forming apparatus with openable interlocking guide flaps
There is provided an image recording apparatus including: a first transporting portion with a first transporting path formed to guide a sheet with its recording surface facing upward, a recording portion, a transporting roller, a second transporting portion with a second transporting path, a first flap, a sandwiching member sandwich the sheet between itself and the first flap, and a second flap. The first flap turn between a first position being able to guide the sheet along the first transporting path and a second position spaced downward from the sandwiching member farther than in the first position, and the second flap change between a third position for a third surface to define a guide surface of the second transporting path and a fourth position to open up the second transporting path.
US08876418B2 Printing system, sheet processing system, and sheet-path switching apparatus
In a printing system capable of selectively performing duplex printing and simplex printing, a switching unit switches a sheet travel path between a first path and a second path parallel to each other, and reverses the sides of a sheet that passes along the first path. In the duplex printing, a sheet is printed on a first side by a first printing apparatus, reversed by the switching unit, and printed on a second side reverse of the first side by a second printing apparatus. In the simplex printing, only one side of a sheet is printed by the first printing apparatus and/or second printing apparatus. First and second input units introduce sheets into the first and second paths, respectively; and first and second output units receive printed sheets that have traveled along the first and/or second paths.
US08876417B2 Paper sensing in printers
A paper sensor comprises a moveable grill. The paper sensor is arranged for location within an air flow in a printer, and comprises the grill as a paper-engaging body provided with a plurality of through holes such that air can flow freely through the grill. The grill is operable to move between a first position and a second position. The paper sensor is arranged so that in use a sheet of paper introduced adjacent the grill engages the grill and reduces the air flow through one or more of the holes in the grill, creating a pressure differential across the grill, that pressure differential causing the grill to move from the first position to the second position, and thereby indicating the presence of paper. A printer comprising a paper sensor, and a method of sensing paper is also disclosed.
US08876405B2 Field terminable optical connector with splice element for jacketed cable
An LC format optical connector for terminating an optical fiber includes a housing configured to mate with an LC receptacle. A backbone is configured to engage an outer surface of the outer shell of the housing and includes a mounting structure that is configured to engage a boot. A collar body is retained between the outer shell and the backbone and includes a fiber stub disposed in a first portion of the collar body, the fiber stub being mounted in a ferrule. A mechanical splice is disposed in a second portion of the collar body, the mechanical splice configured to splice the fiber stub to the optical fiber. The backbone also includes a fiber jacket clamping portion to clamp a jacket portion that surrounds a portion of the optical fiber upon actuation.
US08876389B2 Segmented coast-down bearing for magnetic bearing systems
Coast-down bearing apparatus and methods are provided. The coast-down bearing includes a plurality of segments each having a radius of curvature substantially equal to an outer radius of a shaft and spaced radially therefrom to define a clearance, with the plurality of segments being configured to receive the shaft when a magnetic bearing drops the shaft. The coast-down bearing also includes a plurality of slots disposed between adjacent ones of the plurality of segments.
US08876382B2 Embossed draw tape bag
The plastic bag with a hem and draw tape may include flexible thermoplastic sidewalls that have a network pattern imparted onto them across the side seams. In one embodiment, the network pattern is below the hem seal. In another embodiment, the network pattern covers the hem seal. The bag may also include a ribbed pattern below the network pattern. The network pattern may be continuous or discontinuous.
US08876381B2 Tbag bottom cushioning structure for inflated air cushion bag
A bag bottom cushioning structure for an inflated air cushion bag is provided at the bottom of the bag and has air columns rendered into a bent configuration to form an extended curved-surface cushioning space. The bag has a first wall, a second wall, and a bottom wall connecting the bottoms of the first and second walls. The three walls form a receiving space therebetween. The tops of the first and second walls form a bag opening therebetween in communication with the receiving space. The bottom wall is provided at intervals with air columns extending toward the bag opening along the first and second walls respectively. The two inner lateral surfaces of the bottom wall are bonded together by one or more fixedly connecting portions such that the air columns on the bottom wall are bent, and thus protrude, away from the bag opening, forming the extended curved-surface cushioning space.
US08876378B2 X-ray diagnostic apparatus
According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnostic apparatus includes at least a tabletop support, an arm, a position storing unit, and a mechanism controlling unit. The tabletop support supports a tabletop movably in a longitudinal direction, a raising/reclining direction, and an upper/lower direction of the tabletop. The arm holds an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector movably in an approaching/separating direction with respect to the tabletop support. The position storing unit stores a photographing position of the arm and a photographing position of the tabletop in association with each other. When the arm is at a retraction position, the mechanism controlling unit moves the tabletop in the raising/reclining direction and the upper/lower direction to maintain a position in at least the upper/lower direction of a region of the object corresponding to a photographing position of the arm stored by the position storing unit.
US08876368B2 Powder treating apparatus
There is provided a powder treating apparatus which can uniformly and successively combine and grow powders having different specific gravities or sizes together with a simple structure. The apparatus comprises a rotating container 20 into which plural kinds of powders P having different specific gravities or sizes are supplied and which rotates in a predetermined direction, a fixed container 30 retaining the rotating container 20, primary treating means M1 which is so arranged as to face an inner periphery surface 20S of the rotating container 20 and to extend in an axial direction, generates turbulence flow including eddying flow together with a rotational motion of the rotating container 20, and stirs and mixes the powders P having different specific gravities or sizes, a communicating hole 25 for ejecting the powders P stirred and mixed by the primary treating means M1 to a predetermined treatment space around the rotating container 20, and secondary treating means M2 which applies planar compressive shear force to the powders P ejected from the communicating hole 25 with an inner periphery surface 30S of the fixed container 30 to carry out a composite treatment, and causes the powders P having undergone a composite treatment to flow back in the rotating container.
US08876349B2 Display and electronic unit
A display includes: a display section including pixels, and grouping the pixels into pixel groups to assign, in a predetermined assignment pattern, perspective images to the groups, respectively, thereby displaying the perspective images; and a light source device including a light guide plate and one or more first light sources, and emitting light, the light guide plate having a first internal reflection face and a second internal reflection face and having one or more side faces, and the first light sources applying first illumination light into the light guide plate. One or both of the first and second internal reflection faces each have scattering regions arranged in a predetermined arrangement pattern corresponding to the predetermined assignment pattern, the scattering regions allowing the first illumination light from the first light source to be scattered and to exit to the outside of the light guide plate through the first internal reflection face.
US08876338B2 Driveway marking device
A marking device includes a frame which supports a reflector member therein for being supported on a stake to be penetrated into the ground, for example for marking driveways. The frame is operable between open and closed positions to readily release the reflector member therefrom. Several frames can be stacked on a common stake by modular interconnection between adjacent frames in which some frame may support reflectors and other frames are suitable for retaining a cable extending therethrough. In this instance when a plurality of marking devices are penetrated into the ground at spaced positions in a row, a common cable, for example an electrical extension cord or a string of lights can be threaded through empty frames in the row to be supported spaced above the ground.
US08876326B1 Multi-mode LED edge-light for NVIS compatible operation
A night vision compatible edge-light is disclosed. The edge-light may include high efficiency white LEDs alternated with filtered multi-die or compact clustered color LEDs to provide a dual-mode configuration. For example, the filtered color LED modules may be energized in order to provide a night vision compatible mode of operation. That is, the filtered color LED modules may provide illumination so that the display is not only visible to unaided eyes, but also compatible with night vision equipment (e.g., night vision goggles) without adversely affecting the operation of the night vision equipment. On the other hand, the unfiltered white LED modules may be energized to provide illumination suitable for relatively bright operation conditions (e.g., in daylight or when sufficient ambient lights are available). Furthermore, both the white LEDs and the color LEDs may be energized simultaneously to enhance the day mode if so desired.
US08876323B2 Fluorescent lamp holder assembly
Fluorescent lamp holder assembly (10) comprising a lamp holder (15) and a socket (20). The holder (15) houses one pair of electrical terminals, and includes one pair of openings (30) located at a position corresponding to the position of the electrical terminals. The lamp holder (15) includes one pair of parallel spaced-apart legs (35) with one end connected to the terminal and the free end protruding from the body of the holder (15). The socket (20) has one pair of spaced-apart electrical terminals defining insertion inlets (45). The holder (15) can be coupled to the socket (20) by inserting the legs (35) into the corresponding terminals of the socket (20). The holder assembly (10) further comprises releasable, resiliently biased locking means (60) movable between an opening position, in which holder (15) and socket (20) can be unplugged and a locking position, in which holder (15) and socket (20) are held together.
US08876315B2 Lighting apparatus and display apparatus using the same
Disclosed are a backlight unit and a display apparatus using the same. The backlight unit includes a bottom chassis, and a panel guide module coupled to a corner region of the bottom chassis so as to support a display panel. The panel guide module includes a support plate to support a corner region of the display panel, a reinforcing rib disposed on the support plate, and a fixing rib disposed under the support plate and configured to be coupled to the bottom chassis.
US08876313B2 Light sources adapted to spectral sensitivity of diurnal avians and humans
A method of illuminating livestock with artificial light sources. The method includes generating a first light having a first light output that provides white light at typical lumen levels for workers. Then by using a dimming device the light source can be dimmed to provide a blue light at under 3 lumen in order to provide artificial light to the diurnal avians representative of moonlight to cause the occurrence of a predetermined characteristic visual spectral response of the diurnal avian substantially enclosed habitat for diurnal avians.
US08876308B2 Display module and electronic device
A display module includes a display panel, a first polarized plate, a second polarized plate, a backlight module, a frame and an adhesive tape. The display panel has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first polarized plate is disposed on the first surface, in which the first end of the first polarized plate extends beyond the display panel. The second polarized plate is disposed on the second surface. The backlight module is disposed under the second polarized plate. The frame surrounds the display panel and carries the backlight module. The adhesive tape is adhered to the first end of the first polarized plate and a side surface of the frame. In addition, an electronic device with the above-mentioned display module is also disclosed.
US08876307B2 Webcam illumination frame
An illumination frame attaches to a laptop computer, computer notebook, table or other communications device having a camera. The frame has a series of light arrays that illuminate an object placed before the camera so that it is more easily and clearly viewed. The arrays provide lighting from many different angles. The lights include diffuse lenses to soften the light applied of an object being viewed.
US08876302B2 Projector
A projector includes: a light modulation unit that modulates illumination light; a projection unit that projects image light modulated by the light modulation unit; and a holder that holds an optical filter and a cover in such a way that the optical filter and the cover can be alternately switched and positioned in an optical path on the light-exiting side of the projection unit.
US08876296B2 Portable electronic apparatus and display control method
To carry out display control with a projector unit and a display unit in further consideration of user needs, a portable electronic apparatus of the invention includes the display unit that displays given display data, the projector unit that projects at least a part of the display data, a storage unit that stores therein the display data including at least self-state information indicative of a state of the own apparatus, and a control unit that makes the display unit display the display data stored in the storage unit including the self-state information and makes the projector unit project the display data stored in the storage unit without including the self-state information.
US08876295B2 Method for displaying images and/or other information on aircraft blades
A method for displaying information via a light source on rotating helicopter blades of an aircraft such as a helicopter is provided. The light source may be a laser light source and the light therefrom may be directed onto the aircraft blade by one or more motion controlled mirrors and a computer controller. A sensor is capable of determining the position of helicopter blades during rotation, such that light may be projected upon only the moving blade at precisely timed intervals, so as to form perceivable graphics and/or messages thereon. In addition, the method may be utilized for displaying graphics and/or messages on rotating propellers of fixed wing aircraft.
US08876285B2 Wearable high resolution audio visual interface
An adjustable visual optical element is provided, which may be supported, for example, by an eyeglass. The optical element is preferably adjustable in each of the X, Y, and Z axes to allow the wearer to optimize projection of the optical element. A view axis of the display is preferably also angularly adjustable with respect to a wearer's straight ahead normal line of sight. Source electronics may be carried onboard the eyeglasses, or may be connectable to the eyeglasses via either a hardwire, optical guide, or radiofrequency link.
US08876282B2 Eyewear system
An eyewear system for supporting one or more lenses on the face. Each lens is supported by receipt between a pair of suction cups on opposing prongs extending from an arm having a ball-end, the ball end received within a socket/cavity in a bridge piece engaged to the nose. The cavities may be formed with multiple apertures to opposing surfaces such that the arm can be rotated about the ball so as to permit the lens to be moved out of the line of site of the wearer. Multiple lenses may be supported in series within the prongs of a lens clip, in which case a double-sided suction cup is positioned between them to properly secure and space them. Removable temple pieces are optionally provided to support the lens over the ear, the temple pieces being engaged to the outside edges of the lens(es) with suction cup enabled lens clips as at the bridge piece.
US08876276B2 Recording method, recording apparatus, and ink set
In a recording method, a first ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head onto a recording medium; light is emitted from a light source to the first ink composition that has adhered to the recording medium with the result that the first ink composition is cured at a cure rate that is in the range from 70 to 95%; a second ink composition containing a colorant, a photopolymerizable compound, and a photopolymerization initiator is ejected from a recording head to the first ink composition that has been cured on the recording medium; and light is emitted from a light source to the second ink composition.
US08876275B2 Transfer ink jet recording method
An image recording method includes applying a liquid composition containing a reaction agent to a region of an intermediate transfer member, applying an ink containing a coloring material to at least part of the region to form an intermediate image, and transferring the intermediate image to a recording medium. The intermediate transfer member has a surface on which water forms a contact angle of 40 degrees or more with the surface. The reaction agent precipitates or aggregates the coloring material. The liquid composition has a pH of 6.0 or less and contains a polyether siloxane compound expressed by the following general formula:
US08876273B2 Ink composition, ink jet recording method using the same and recorded material
Disclosed are an ink composition containing at least one of a porphyrazine compound or a salt thereof and an aromatic compound having a sulfo group or a salt thereof, an ink jet recording method using the ink composition and a recorded material recorded by the recording method.
US08876270B2 Liquid ejection apparatus
A liquid ejection apparatus includes a liquid ejecting head having a head body that ejects liquid from nozzle openings and a flow path member that includes a liquid flow path through which the liquid is supplied to the head body, the liquid flow path being provided with a filter chamber disposed at a position in the liquid flow path with a filter disposed inside the filter chamber, and a portion of the filter chamber which opposes the filter being made of an elastic member; a pressing unit that presses the elastic member toward the filter; and a suction unit that suctions the liquid in the liquid flow path from the nozzle openings.
US08876260B2 Liquid ejection head
A liquid ejection head includes a plurality of recording element substrates that each include an energy generating element generating energy utilized for ejecting a liquid and that each have a supply port through which the liquid is supplied to the energy generating element, a plurality of support members that each have a flow passage communicating with a corresponding one of the supply ports and that each support a corresponding one of the plurality of recording element substrates, a base substrate that supports the plurality of support members, and a heat insulating member disposed between the flow passages and the base substrate. In the liquid ejection head, a thermal conductivity of the support members is equal to or greater than a thermal conductivity of the recording element substrates, and a thermal conductivity of the heat insulating member is less than a thermal conductivity of the base substrate.
US08876257B2 Sealant, inkjet recording head using sealant, and method for manufacturing the same
A sealant contains a dicyclopentadiene type epoxy resin represented by formula 1 below, a hydrogenated bisphenol A epoxy resin, and a photo-induced cationic polymerization initiator, in which the content of the dicyclopentadiene type epoxy resin is 15 to 40 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of the total mass of epoxy resins contained in the sealant. where n represents an integer of 0 to 2.
US08876253B2 Image recording apparatus
An image recording apparatus includes a carriage which moves in a main scanning direction, a recording head which is installed on the carriage, and which records an image on a sheet, a drive section which has a motor, and which applies a driving force to the carriage, a guide member which guides the carriage in the main scanning direction, a first contact portion which is provided to the carriage and which contacts with the guide member, a second contact portion which is provided to sandwich a center of gravity of the carriage between the first contact portion and the second contact portion and which contacts with the guide member, and a friction-force adjusting section which adjusts a friction force acting between the guide member and the first contact portion in accordance with an acceleration of the carriage.
US08876238B2 Image recording apparatus, method for producing test pattern in the same, and nontransitory storage medium storing program
An image recording apparatus, including: a first head for ejecting first liquid for recording; a second head for ejecting second liquid; and a controller. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of waveforms for ejecting the first liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the first-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller selects, based on the image data, one of the of waveforms for ejecting the second liquid for each pixel and supplies, to the second-liquid ejection head, a drive signal based on the selected waveform. The controller determines whether recording of a test pattern using the second liquid is required, and when the recording of the test pattern using the second liquid is required, selects the waveform such that the first liquid is not ejected.
US08876233B2 Refrigeration device
A refrigeration device including a body and a first and a second door which jointly define an inner chamber. The first door bears an upright member which engages in the inner chamber and comes in contact with the first and the second door on their inner side in the closed position of the doors and which may be pivoted on opening the first door to pass the second door. The upright member is adjustable in height relative to the body.
US08876232B2 Drawer glide mechanism
A drawer glide mechanism can include a first elongate guide member, a second elongate glide member, a ball bearing component, and a v-notch socket. The first elongate guide member includes a distal end that is configured to fit within an opening in the v-notch socket. The drawer glide mechanism can further include one or more floating members and fixed members.
US08876231B2 Adapter kit of slide module
An adapter kit of a slide module includes a fixing rack and an external frame coupled with an inner rail and an outer rail respectively and is installed between a drawer and a cabinet. First and second side boards are disposed on both sides of the fixing rack respectively, and the second side board has at least one folded portion and at least one level difference portion. First and second bent portions corresponding to the first and second side boards are disposed on both sides of the external frame respectively, thus the first bent portion and the folded portion can be latched with each other, and an inner surface of the second bent portion abuts the level difference portion to form two support structures to enhance the strength. The adapter kit can be used with various slide modules to provide a hidden slide design and lower the development cost.
US08876229B2 Device for attaching a functional part to a rail of a drawer pull-out guide
A device (20) for attaching a functional part (14) to a rail (5,6) of a drawer pull-out guide (3) includes a first bearing element (11) and at least one second bearing element (12), wherein the bearing elements (11, 12) are arranged in the front end area of the rail (5) and in the rear end area of the rail (5), wherein at least one clamping device (13) is provided, by means of which the at least two bearing elements (11, 12), in the installed position thereof on the rail (5), can be connected to each other and braced relative to each other.
US08876225B2 Actuator control unit and electric-mechanical brake unit
The invention achieves a further downsizing of an actuator control unit. The actuator control unit has a control circuit controlling an actuator, and a bus bar electrically connected to the control circuit and arranged such as to be partially embedded in an inner portion of a resin case and be partially exposed to an outer portion of the resin case. It is preferable to have a projection portion extending in a wiring direction of the bus bar between two bus bars wired adjacently, having a greater height than an embedded plane of the bus bar in the resin case, and made of an insulating material.
US08876223B2 Brake system for motor vehicles
A motor vehicle “brake-by-wire” system having an actuating unit, including a brake master cylinder, actuatable by a brake pedal, has a housing and a piston, arranged displaceably in the housing and, with the housing, delimits a pressure space. The brake master cylinder piston is a stepped piston with two differing size hydraulic active surfaces; a first, small active surface assigned to the pressure space, and a second, large active surface assigned to a filling space. In the “brake-by-wire” operating mode, the filling space is connected to the travel simulator via a pressure medium line such that, in the “brake-by-wire” operating mode, the first small active surface is effective, and, in the recoil plane after a closing travel has been overcome, the second, large hydraulic active surface is effective and the active surfaces are switched over depending on a hydraulic pressure in the pressure space and on the pedal force, respectively.
US08876219B2 Self-propelled surface milling cutter
The present disclosure relates to a self-propelled surface milling cutter, with a working assembly comprising a rotatingly drivable drum body, and at least one drum drive unit which is accommodated in the interior of the drum body and forms at least part of a rotatable bearing of the drum body on a drum supporting frame, wherein the at least one drum drive unit includes a stationary drive part attached to the drum supporting frame and a rotatable drive part connected with the drum body. The rotatable drive part of the drum drive unit is mounted on the drum body by a positive entrainment connection in a torque-transmitting, but longitudinally movable manner. The entrainment connection rotatorily entrains the drum body, in order to be able to transmit the rotary drive movements of the drive part to the drum body.
US08876216B2 Dump trailer
A towable dump trailer is provided. The towable dump trailer comprises a first, second and third frame. The first frame comprises one or more sets of wheels. The second frame is attached to the tow vehicle and can be displaced horizontally relative to the first frame by the towing vehicle moving rearward or forward. The third frame provides a support frame for the trailer bed. The dump trailer is operated by immobilizing the first frame and causing the second frame to move horizontally relative to the first frame. This horizontal displacement causes the third frame to rotate as a result of one or more rear torque arms translating the horizontal movement to rotational movement. The dump trailer can be configured to provide a dumping action by either forward or rearward horizontal displacement of the second frame relative to the first frame.
US08876207B1 Adjustable booster seat
An adjustable booster seat can raise and lower to provide a variable height so that a seat belt can properly fit a child as they grow. Therefore, as the child grows, the booster seat height can be adjusted, providing the shoulder strap of the seat belt a proper, safe, and non-irritating fit about the child. The adjustable booster seat could include a knob for manual adjustment of the height of the seat, or could include a motor to provide for motorized adjustment of the height of the seat.
US08876205B2 Safety seat, suspended in a mounting frame, for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft
A safety seat for land vehicles, aircraft and watercraft, having a seat part frame, and a backrest frame suspended on a restraint or suspension strap firmly attached to the vehicle, wherein the backrest frame has a lateral or transverse strut, and an additional holding strap clamps the lateral strut in. A separate mounting frame is provided to fix the restraint strap and the holding strap, and can be mounted in the vehicle, wherein bushing or guide-through eyes and attachment eyes for stretching the restraint strap and the holding strap are provided on the oppositely disposed lateral or transverse supports of the mounting frame, and wherein the holding strap is formed integrally, is fixed by its two ends to two attachment eyes, and is looped through, and passed back and forth between, a plurality of bushing eyes.
US08876198B2 Device and method for fastening, clamping, or adjusting two components to one another
A device and a method for fastening, clamping, or adjusting a molding part to a body-mounted part are provided. To allow the absorption of large tensile forces, a tensioning element designed as a tension strut is provided, which includes at least one oblong element made of fiber-reinforced plastic. The length of the tensioning element is adjustable between two end positions via a bracing device.
US08876196B2 Cab frame structure for construction machine
ObjectIn a cab frame structure for a construction machine in which a front pillar and a roof pillar are configured by one tubular material, the cab frame structure for the construction machine in which an attachment position of a front header can be reversibly raised and an upward viewing angle of a driver is enlarged is provided.Solving MeansA front pillar 1 and a roof pillar 2, which constitute a cab frame of the construction machine, are configured by one tubular material 9 having a curved portion 10 at a joint between them, and by making a curvature radius of a curve outer side 10a in the curved portion 10 smaller than a curvature radius of a curve inner side 10b, a space 12 to raise an accommodation position of a top end 7x of a front window unit 7 is formed in the curved portion 10. A front header 4 is arranged at the position of the top end 7x of the front window unit 7 accommodated in the space 12. With this configuration, the attachment of the front header 4 can be reversibly raised, and an upward viewing angle θ2 of a driver can be expanded.
US08876194B2 Vehicle front body structure
A vehicle front body structure includes a front side member, an A-pillar and a strut tower. The front side member extends in a vehicle longitudinal direction. The A-pillar is coupled to the front side member. The strut tower is positioned forward of the A-pillar and has an inboard side fixedly attached to an outboard section of the front side member. The strut tower also defines a force receiving surface extending between the inboard side and an outboard side. The force receiving surface of the strut tower is configured and arranged to receive a force directed rearward in the vehicle longitudinal direction and redirect at least a portion of the force in a vehicle lateral direction toward the front side member.
US08876184B2 Package tray with cargo catchment
A vehicle is provided that includes a traction battery housing located rearward of a rear seat. The rear seat is foldable between a seating position and a storage position. A package tray is provided that is attachable to the vehicle in a first position generally vertically spaced from the battery housing, and a second position generally abutting and forward of the battery housing. The package tray includes a pair of rotatable posts and a net connecting the posts. The package tray further includes receptacles formed on the package tray for receiving the posts when the posts are rotated downward towards the package tray.
US08876169B2 Cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members
A cam-lock actuating device for use in a locking coupling assembly that couples two tubular members, includes an actuatable lever having a head pivotally mounted on a female tubular coupler, an angularly positioning member coupled to be turned with the head, and leading and trailing releasably retaining members independently disposed on at least one of the head and the angularly positioning member such that, during turning of the actuatable lever to an unlocked position, the trailing releasably retaining member can be held in partially locking engagement with a male tubular coupler to prevent complete removal of the male tubular coupler from the female tubular coupler while permitting gradual relief of internal pressure.
US08876168B2 Adapter ring for pre-filter in chemical, biological and radiological environments
An axi-symmetric adapter is provided for attaching to a pre-filter bag as a pre-filter assembly for use with chemical, biological, and radiological filtration systems. The bag has an annular retention ring, with the assembly being insertable into a cavity of an M98 Filter Bank or other Navy-designated Collective Protection System filter housing. The adapter includes tang, groove, flange mezzanine rings. The tang ring has an exterior bevel edge and terminates a reverse side of the adapter. The groove ring possesses inner and outer cylindrical walls that define a circular channel and terminate an obverse side of adapter. The flange ring extends radially inward from the inner cylindrical wall for engaging the retention ring. The mezzanine ring connects the flange and groove rings together.
US08876167B2 Anti-counterfeit printed matter
This invention relates to an anti-counterfeit printed matter, including securities such as banknotes, stock certificates, and bonds, various kinds of certificates, and important documents, which requires anti-counterfeit or anti-copy.[Solving Means] A visible image is formed by a first object group arrayed in a first direction at a predetermined pitch and a second object group arranged in the non-imaging area of the first object group. The second object group forms the negative and positive images of a first invisible image by arbitrarily arranging two kinds of objects in pairs in the on/off relationship. Addition, in the anti-counterfeit printed matter, the first object group includes object portions that are formed in at least two height levels from the surface of the printed matter so as to have a predetermined difference in height, thereby forming a second invisible image.
US08876165B1 Clipboard with mounting accessories
A clipboard having a board assembly with a front face and a rear face. A clip assembly is mounted onto the board assembly. The board assembly docks onto a docking assembly. The front face is defined by a top edge, a bottom edge, and first and second lateral edges. The rear face has first and second lower interior channel guide edges and first and second higher interior channel guide edges. The board assembly tapers from the top edge towards the bottom edge. The first and second higher interior channel guide edges terminate forming a channel neck. The channel neck is a channel to receive the docking assembly. The rear face further has at least one grip section that extends from the first or second lateral edge. The front face has a recessed face, and the clip assembly has a docking station, a spring assembly, and a writing instrument holder.
US08876162B2 Vehicle
A vehicle includes a pair of front wheels, a pair of rear wheels, a frame portion, a first seat portion, a second seat portion, a third seat portion, a roll-over protection cage, and a three-point type seat belt unit for the second seat portion. The first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion are supported by the frame portion and disposed side by side in this order in a width direction of the vehicle. The roll-over protection cage is supported by the frame portion to provide covering above the first seat portion, the second seat portion and the third seat portion.
US08876160B2 Vehicle chassis with anti-camber
A vehicle chassis for motor homes, busses and similar vehicles is provided. In an embodiment, the chassis includes anti-camber to counteract the bending action provided by the engine being mounted rear ward of the rear axle(s) of the vehicle such that the rear axle(s) act as a fulcrum causing crowning of the chassis. Further, embodiments of the invention utilize through the frame construction for lateral support members to increase storage space of a basement region and to increase strength of the welded joints of the various structural members.
US08876156B2 Reduced volume air bag
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) includes an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) having a deflated condition and an inflated condition. The protection device (14) includes a front portion (70) that has a panel (72) presented toward the occupant (20) when the protection device (14) is in the inflated condition and a rear portion (80) spaced from the front portion (70) when the protection device (14) is in the inflated condition. A lower connecting portion (90) connects the front portion (70) to the rear portion (80) and defines the lower extent of the protection device (14). A space (100) is positioned outside the inflatable volume (60) of the protection device (14) and is defined between the front portion (70), the connecting portion (90), and the rear portion (80). The space (100) extends from an upper extent of the protection device (14) down to below a midline of the protection device (14).
US08876153B2 Airbag assembly
An airbag includes a rear panel, a front panel, and an extension panel. The rear panel has an inflation aperture for receiving an inflation gas. The front panel has at least one communication aperture, and the front panel is connected to the rear panel at a peripheral seam to define a primary inflatable portion having a central axis. The extension panel has an inner edge that is connected to the front panel at a location that is offset from the central axis of the primary inflatable portion and an outer edge that is connected to at least one of the front panel or the rear panel to define a secondary inflatable portion that is in communication with the primary inflatable portion through the at least one communication aperture. When inflated by the inflation gas, the secondary inflatable portion extends outward with respect to the front panel toward a vehicle occupant.
US08876152B1 Inflatable restraint deployment ramp
An inflatable restraint assembly includes a vehicle pillar and a pillar trim component that is attached to the vehicle pillar, the pillar trim component having an upper end. A curtain airbag module has an inflatable curtain portion that is disposed in a stowed configuration prior to deployment and moves to a deployed configuration subsequent to deployment. A guide ramp is disposed between the inflatable curtain portion of the curtain airbag module and the upper end of the pillar trim component. A headliner has an outboard portion that is sandwiched between the guide ramp and the upper end of the pillar trim component prior to deployment of the inflatable curtain portion of the curtain airbag module.
US08876143B1 Locking mechanism for trailer hitch
A nut member having a groove is used to replace the existing nut that holds a ball mount for a trailer to the mounting location. A sleeve is positioned over the nut member and a locking mechanism in the sleeve is engaged so that a locking arm is positioned within the groove of the nut member thereby inhibiting removal of the sleeve when the lock is engaged. Access to the nut member is inhibited by being enclosed by the sleeve.
US08876141B1 Self-tracking vehicle trailer
A self-tracking trailer is disclosed for towing by a vehicle which tracks the movement of the vehicle for ease of maneuvering comprising a trailer frame having a front frame member extending generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of said trailer. A vehicle trailer hitch assembly includes a pivotal cross-bar carried by said front frame member; a trailer hitch tongue carried by the cross-bar insertable into a vehicle hitch receiver affixed to the vehicle. The cross-bar is pivotally carried by said front frame member for rotation about a pitch axis. A swivel connector is disposed between said pivotal cross-bar and said vehicle providing rotation about a trailer roll axis.
US08876136B2 Easy riding bicycle
A bicycle design includes a seat tube affixed to the chain stay at a fixed distance rearward of the bottom bracket so that the rider sitting on the saddle can comfortably fully extend one leg to place a foot flat on the ground or to use the proper full leg extension for pedaling. The rider sits comfortably upright on the saddle while pedaling and can pedal while standing up. The fixed distance may be on the order of about the height above ground of a heel of the rider's foot sitting on a properly adjusted conventional frame when the foot is outstretched to reach the ground and/or on the order of about a radius of a circle through which the pedals are moved during pedaling of the bicycle.
US08876135B2 Combined-drive bicycle
There is disclosed a combined-drive bicycle which can increase a driving speed and the beneficial effects of exercise and simultaneously to give fun to a rider. The combined-drive bicycle includes a handle assembly configured to steer a front wheel, the handle assembly comprising a crank handle to generate a handle motive force and a first gear rotated by the rotation of the crank handle, a pedal assembly configured to transmit the handle motive force and a pedal motive force generated by pedals to a rear wheel selectively or simultaneously, and a motive force transmission part to transmit the handle motive force to the pedal assembly, irrelevant to the steering of the handle assembly.
US08876133B2 Valve for a vehicle suspension system
A valve assembly for a suspension system includes a housing having a control port, a first accessory port, and a second accessory port. The housing defines a first flow path extending between the control port and the first accessory port and a second flow path extending between the control port and the second accessory port. The valve assembly also includes a first check valve having a first crack pressure positioned within the housing along the first flow path and a second check valve having a second crack pressure positioned within the housing along the second flow path. A difference between the first crack pressure and the second crack pressure provides a corresponding difference in pressures at the first accessory port and the second accessory port.
US08876131B1 Exercising skateboard
The exercising skateboard is a wheeled apparatus capable of use in connection with a plurality of exercises involving kneeling, standing, or sitting. The skateboard is mounted atop of a plurality of caster wheels, which may be capable of rotational movement. A detachable seat back may be secured at different locations along a top surface of the exercising skateboard, and used in conjunction with riding the skateboard. The exercising skateboard further includes a pair of knee pads adjacent foot straps such that the exercising skateboard can be ridden in a standing or kneeling position. The foot straps may be further used in conjunction with the performance of sit-ups by an end user. A pair of attachable handles each extends upwardly from a pivot point, and provide handles for use in conjunction with propelling or riding of the exercising skateboard.
US08876128B2 Carry-on bicycle contained by a single channel in a chassis
The teachings provided herein are generally directed to compact vehicle drive mechanisms that can be used in the design of a foldable, carry-on vehicle. The compact drive mechanisms presented herein, for example, have contributed to the advent of the compact, carry-on bicycles set-forth in the teachings which include drive-and-steering units and drive-and-chassis units.
US08876127B1 Castor supported dolly assembly capable of being made from lightweight materials and so as to be disposable or severable
A castor supported dolly assembly comprising a plurality of dolly members formed of a lightweight, disposable and/or severable material may be interconnected into interchangeable operative positions to define supporting orientations. Each dolly member includes and at least one connecting segment comprising a slot and a base. A connected orientation, of any two of the dolly members, comprises a confronting relation of the bases of engaging connecting segments and an aligned orientation of corresponding passages formed therein, so as to concurrently and removably receive and retain a castor in interconnecting relation to the confronting bases. Each dolly member may also include at least one supporting segment structured to receive a castor therein.
US08876123B2 Exoskeleton and footwear attachment system
An exoskeleton (E) for connecting footwear to sporting equipment. The exoskeleton has an underfoot base (7), an ankle cuff (3) connected to a heel portion of the underfoot base, a first restraining brace (2a) having an anterior end connected to the medial side of a forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the lateral side of the ankle cuff, and a second restraining brace (2b) having an anterior end connected to the lateral side of the forefoot portion of the underfoot base (7), and extending rearwardly and diagonally at least to the medial side of the ankle cuff. The first and second restraining braces (2a, 2b) are configured such that when an item of footwear is enclosed by the exoskeleton (E), the restraining braces extend over and support a portion of the item of footwear.
US08876122B2 Level control for vehicles having at least one air spring
A level control for vehicles has at least one air spring cushioning a vehicle body relative to a vehicle axle. A compressed air generator is connected to the air spring by an air dryer and to the atmosphere by a check valve opening in the intake direction of the generator. The air spring can be connected to the atmosphere for discharge via a pneumatically controllable first directional valve. The air spring pressure is applied to a pneumatic control input of the first directional valve via a second controllable directional valve. The input of the first directional valve can be connected to the atmosphere for ending discharge of the spring. A line with a compressed air accumulator branches off from the air spring supply line via a first changeover valve. The accumulator is connected to the intake side of the generator via a second changeover valve.
US08876112B2 Dry-erasable game board
A travel game-board activity kit is provided. The activity kit includes a plurality of dry-erase marking instruments, a plurality of magnetic game pieces, and a plurality of pages having game-board images printed thereon. The plurality of pages includes one or more magnetic sections, and a surface configured to accept markings from the plurality of dry-erase marking instruments and to allow erasure of the markings. The surface of the plurality of pages that accepts dry-erase markings may also include one or more dry-erase sections configured to aid players in tracking game progress, such as on a dry-erase scoreboard. The activity kit may also include a storage container attached to the plurality of pages, which holds the dry-erase marking instruments and/or the magnetic game pieces. In some embodiments, the activity kit includes an electronic component coupled to the plurality of pages for providing desired information, lights, and/or sounds usable for play.
US08876110B2 Credential manufacturing device substrate shuttle
One embodiment of a credential manufacturing device comprises a first hopper, a first processing path, a first processing device, a substrate shuttle and a shuttle drive. The first hopper is configured to contain a plurality of card substrates and includes an output port. The first processing device is in the first processing path and is configured to perform a first process on individual card substrates in the first processing path. The substrate shuttle is positioned between the first hopper and the first processing path and is configured to receive individual card substrates from the output port of the first hopper, transport received card substrates along a shuttle path, and deliver received card substrates to the first processing path. The shuttle drive is configured to drive movement of the substrate shuttle along the shuttle path.
US08876102B2 Paper sheet takeout device with air supply port directed differently than negative pressure chamber opening
In one embodiment, a supply mechanism is provided. The supply mechanism supplies accumulated paper sheets to a takeout position sequentially. A takeout belt having adsorption hole runs along a surface of the takeout position. An opening of a negative pressure chamber is arranged so as to face the takeout belt. A suction unit sucks air existing at the takeout position via the opening and the adsorption holes. The suction unit causes a negative pressure to act on each of the paper sheets so that each is adsorbed onto an adsorption surface of the takeout belt. The suction unit has an air supply port to supply air into the negative pressure chamber. The air supply port is arranged so that the air supplied via the air supply port is directed to a position and in a direction different from those of the opening.
US08876092B2 Motor mounting assembly with tunable vibration and noise reduction capabilities
A mounting assembly comprising an inner mounting sleeve having a cylindrical shank, wherein an end of the mounting sleeve is configured to be mounted to a support structure of a motorized device. The assembly comprises an inner grommet having a cylindrical shank, an axial opening of the inner grommet shank configured to accommodate the mounting sleeve shank there-through. The assembly comprises an outer ring sleeve having a cylindrical shank, the outer ring sleeve disposed around a portion of the inner grommet shank, the outer ring sleeve shank configured to accommodate an eyelet of a mounting arm there-around. The assembly comprises an outer grommet having a cylindrical shank, an axial opening of the outer grommet shank configured to accommodate the inner grommet shank there-in.
US08876087B1 Water tank system
A water tank system having a tank with an inner cavity adapted to hold water, with a filling aperture in a top surface of the tank and a spout is in a first side near a bottom surface, with an air pump external to the tank, an air stone in the inner cavity of the tank which is connected to the air pump via a tube, the air stone is adapted to gradually diffuse oxygen into the water in the tank, and an air water trap that is S-shaped and generally hollow and has an open first end and an open second end, the first end penetrates the top surface of the tank, the air water trap allows condensation to collect and air to be exhausted from the tank.
US08876086B2 Fragrance emitter
An apparatus for emitting a fragrance includes an enclosure that has at least one inlet and at least one outlet. The at least one outlet has a cross-sectional area smaller than a cross-sectional area of the at least one inlet. The enclosure further includes a Venturi-type nozzle that defines the at least one outlet. The apparatus also includes a fragrance source positioned within the enclosure and an air mover positioned within the enclosure. The air mover is operable to draw fresh air into the enclosure through the at least one inlet and drive the drawn fresh air across the fragrance source to transfer fragrance material from the fragrance source to the fresh air to form an air-fragrance mixture. The Venturi-type nozzle of the enclosure accelerates the air-fragrance mixture through the at least one outlet.
US08876082B1 Bottle fill valve actuator
An actuator for operating a fill valve of a bottle filling machine, said actuator having a camshaft provided with a cam fork on its inner end adapted to engage cam follower means on a fill valve, and having a trip lever on its outer end adapted to engage a rotating shoulder means on a turntable of the machine, the camshaft being rotatable within a sleeve bearing, wherein a braking means comprising a helical wave spring is mounted over the camshaft to provide a desired frictional resistance to rotation of the camshaft within the bearing for preventing rotational drift of the cam fork from its desired operating position.
US08876076B2 Cradle for portable terminal
A cradle for stably cradling a portable terminal on a support surface in one of a plurality of possible orientations includes a case member having an open surface on which the portable terminal is to be cradled, a weighting member case disposed in an inner side of the case member along an edge of the open and a weighting member received movably inside the weighting member case, so that the weighting member is able to move under the influence of gravity to a lowest point inside the weighting member case irrespective of the orientation in which the case member is supported on the support surface. As the weighting member moves, the center of gravity of the cradle coupled with the portable terminal is moved to a position closest to the support surface on which the cradle is disposed, thereby maintaining a stable cradling state for the portable terminal.
US08876072B2 Holder and sucker thereof
A holder and a sucker thereof for mounting onto the surface of an object are provided. The sucker has an adhesive layer and a deformable body which is disposed on the edge of the adhesive layer. The holder further includes a rod and a locking module. An end of the rod is connected to the sucker. The locking module is disposed on the sucker and is adapted to lift the rod to form a low pressure space. Thus, the holder and the sucker can be positioned onto the surface of the object.
US08876068B2 Low EMF compact duct spacer
Conduit spacers useful in preparing duct banks with reduced electromagnetic fields (EMF) are disclosed. The conduit spacers are designed to maximize phase cancellation of EMF from a closely-spaced series of electric power cables placed in conduits supported underground by the conduit spacers. The spacers are also designed to minimize the EMF above ground by reducing the distance needed to bury the cables for a given EMF above ground. In one embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation of a single three-phase cable installation. In another embodiment, the spacers place conduits adjacent one another for maximum cancellation for a dual three-phase cable installation, including cross-phase cancellation, e.g., A-B-C and C-B-A.
US08876054B2 De-icing device comprising means for detection of a leakage in a hot air supply system
A device for defrosting a leading edge of an aircraft, includes at least one opening (52) for ejecting hot air, a pipe (56) for directing the hot air from a power plant to the ejection opening (52), and elements (58) for measuring the pressure inside the pipe (56), characterized in that the pipe (56) includes at least one cross-section reduction called a chokepoint (62) upstream from the elements (58) for measuring pressure.
US08876051B2 Bridging seal
A bridging seal comprising a stack of two or more layers of elastomer, the bridging seal having a first edge and a second edge opposite the first edge, adjacent layers being attached to each other at the first and second edges, wherein adjacent layers of the bridging seal have opposing surfaces and a substantial portion of the opposing surfaces is unbonded. The bridging seal may be used to seal a gap between two aerodynamic surfaces on an aircraft.
US08876046B2 Remotely actuated wind tunnel model rudder using shape memory alloy
A rotational actuator assembly employs a first torsion actuator having a shape memory alloy (SMA) tube with a first trained twist direction and a second torsion actuator having a SMA tube with an opposite trained twist direction collinear with the first torsion actuator with abutting proximal ends. A central fitting joins the proximal ends. A control system for temperature control of the first torsion actuator and second torsion actuator about an average temperature provides combined antagonistic rotation of the central fitting.
US08876044B2 Aircraft with yaw control by differential drag
An aircraft having an elongated fuselage and a lifting surface fastened to the fuselage. The aircraft has a device for controlling the torque around the yaw axis GZ of the aircraft in which aerodynamic forms that have devices to generate aerodynamic drag are fastened to each end of the lifting surface at non-zero distances from each side of a vertical plane of symmetry XZ of the aircraft. The drag-generating devices are commanded to produce a different aerodynamic drag at each of the two ends to generate a yaw torque on the aircraft. The aerodynamic forms, for example, have winglets improving the aerodynamics of the lifting surface, and are provided with aerodynamic drag generators.
US08876032B1 Weed barrier removal assembly
A weed barrier removal assembly facilitates removal of weed barrier material. The assembly includes a mounting plate configured for coupling to a motorized vehicle. First and second arms are coupled to and extend from the mounting plate in spaced relationship to each other. A first coupler is rotatably coupled to the first arm and a second coupler is rotatably coupled to the second arm. The first and second couplers are configured for coupling to an elongated member wherein the elongated member extends between the first and second arms. A motivator is operationally coupled to the first coupler wherein the first coupler is selectively rotated by activating the motivator.
US08876027B2 Upgraded combustion ash and its method of production
Described and claimed herein is a method of producing enhanced combustion ash for use in pozzolanic applications or cement clinker manufacture. The method employs a primary process in which wet or dry feedstock is pulverized with sonication using one or more grinding media having a maximum component size of about 2 mm. Alternatively, the media may have a true grinding medium volume to chamber volume ratio of at least 0.29. Also disclosed an claimed is an enhanced combustion ash produced by the method, whereby the enhanced combustion ash has one or more qualities that make it particularly suitable in pozzolanic applications or cement clinker manufacture.
US08876014B2 Polyurethane ballast layer, the method for preparing the same and the use thereof
The present invention relates to a polyurethane ballast layer, the method for preparing the same and a railway comprising the polyurethane ballast layer. The polyurethane ballast layer provided in this invention comprises a polyurethane-filled ballast layer and a polyurethane external protective layer, wherein the polyurethane-filled ballast layer comprises ballasts and polyurethane foam filled in the space among the ballasts. The polyurethane ballast layer provided in this invention can reduce the probability of ballast crashing, shifting and cracking under heavy load, and separate the ballast track from the outside environment to prevent rain, snow and wastes from entering into the internal space of the ballast track bed. Furthermore, the polyurethane ballast layer can keep the polyurethane foam filled in the ballasts layer away from water in the outside environment to avoid hydrolysis. The polyurethane ballast layer presented in this invention can be used in the railway ballast track bed to extend the track bed maintenance cycle, and save maintenance cost significantly.
US08876012B2 Water saver system
A water saver system that includes a temperature and touch sensitive valve, connected between the shower water control valves and the shower head, that diverts water to an accumulator tank until the water warms up. The temperature sensitive valve opens when the water reaches a preset temperature. The water stored in the accumulator tank flows back through a metering orifice and mixes with the warm water over the course of the shower so little water is wasted. The accumulator tank could be placed on the floor of the shower or outside the tub (under sink) in a retrofit or built into the wall stud cavity in new construction.
US08876007B2 RFID tag
An RFID tag includes a first flexible sheet covering a surface of a base part, an antenna and an IC chip; a second flexible sheet covering an another surface of the base part; a first reinforcing member including third and fourth sheets and covering the chip and a connecting portion of the chip and the antenna, the third sheet having flexibility and elasticity and being disposed on the first sheet, the fourth sheet having flexibility and being disposed on the third sheet; a second reinforcing member including fifth and sixth sheets and covering the chip and the connecting portion, the fifth sheet having flexibility and elasticity and being disposed on the second sheet, the sixth sheet having flexibility and being disposed on the fifth sheet; and an outer member having flexibility and elasticity and covering the first and the second sheets and the first and the second reinforcing members.
US08875996B2 Biometrically activated radio frequency identification tag
A biometrically activated radio frequency identification (RFID) tag including a fingerprint detection matrix, an antenna control circuit, and a biometric identification chip. The fingerprint detection matrix acquires biometric data indicative of a user's identity and passes it to the biometric identification chip. The biometric identification chip compares the biometric data acquired by the fingerprint detection matrix to biometric data stored thereupon. The antenna control circuit activates the RFID tag selectively dependent upon the result of the comparison of the acquired and stored biometric data.
US08875992B2 Automated teller machines, methods of making and using automated teller machines
Automated teller machines (ATMs) and ATM components are disclosed. Methods of making and using ATMs and ATM components are also disclosed.
US08875987B2 Extension mailbox
An extension mailbox which includes a main mailbox housing mounted onto a vertical support extending from the ground. A plurality of auxiliary mailbox housings, are nested concentrically within the main mailbox housing. A rail system allows the auxiliary mailbox housings to project outwardly away from the main mailbox housing in a telescopic horizontal manner.
US08875983B2 Self-sealing box for trash compactors
Embodiments of the present invention provide boxes that are particularly useful in connection with trash collection and trash compaction. The boxes are designed as having a single-piece board construction with a strength that can contain mixed types of trash, including solids and liquids, and to effectively contain the trash during the pressure of a compaction process without tearing, splitting and/or leaking. They are also designed to use a waterproof coating for adhering seams, reducing the extra step and expense of using a glue or an adhesive to secure the box seams. The trash compaction boxes provided herein are particularly useful on aircraft and other passenger transport vehicles, where weight and performance are of primary concern.
US08875982B2 Container for piece goods
A container for holding a product, preferably a product in pieces, in particular an edible product, such as sweets, chocolates and the like. The container consists of a container body and comprises product side and base retaining means and at least one outlet opening through which the product comes out. The container body has a polygonal base and there are container closing means, consisting of a lid for closing the product outlet opening, which is suitably connected to the container body.
US08875978B2 Forming constant diameter spherical metal balls
A process and tools for forming spherical metal balls is described incorporating molds, injection molded solder, a liquid or gaseous environment to reduce or remove metal oxides and an unconstrained reflow of metal in a heated liquid or gas and solidification of molten metal in a cooler liquid or gas.
US08875975B2 Device for friction stir welding with a tension rod
The invention relates to a device for producing a weld seam on work pieces by means of friction stir welding, said device having a welding head (5) with a rotating friction stir welding tool (4), the welding head being guided along the joining region and supported with respect to the work piece (1). In said device an irrecoverable tension rod (3) is provided for support, said rod being able to penetrate the welding region, being supported with its lower end on the work piece (1) in a tensioned manner, and carrying a rail (3b) on its upper end for supporting a counter piece (6) that is mechanically connected to the welding head (5) or to the friction stir welding tool (4). An additional supplementary tool (9) working, when seen in the direction of welding, in front of the friction stir welding tool (4) is provided for removing the upper section (3e) of the tension rod protruding above the welding plane from the welding region.
US08875971B2 Surgical stapling apparatus with interlockable firing system
A surgical stapling apparatus. Various embodiments include a handle assembly that has a movable handle that is movable through actuation strokes relative to a stationary handle housing. An actuation is shaft supported at least in part within the stationary handle housing and is movable in response to manipulation of the movable handle. Various embodiments further include a firing lock out assembly that is configured to selectively prevent longitudinal movement of the actuation shaft in a distal direction. A firing release trigger is supported on the movable handle for travel therewith and is configured to interface with the firing lockout assembly to selectively release the firing lockout assembly to permit the actuation shaft to move longitudinally in the distal direction upon manipulation of the movable handle.
US08875970B2 Structure containing wound treatment material
According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an anvil assembly for a circular stapling apparatus, is disclosed. The anvil assembly includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon; a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a connection member of the circular stapling apparatus; an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, the anvil plate defining a plurality of staple forming pockets therein; and a wound treatment material disposed in each staple forming pocket of the anvil plate. The wound treatment material is at least one of an adhesive, a sealant, a hemostat and a medicament.
US08875969B2 Fastener driving apparatus
A fastener driving apparatus for driving fasteners into a substrate. The fastener driving apparatus is a combination of a motor driven linear motion converter; a compression cylinder; an expansion cylinder and a valve arrangement. The linear motion converter converts a rotational motion of a motor to a linear motion of a compression piston within the compression cylinder causing a gas within the compression cylinder to be compressed. The compressed gas is communicated to the expansion cylinder through the valve arrangement wherein the compressed gas expands causing an anvil coupled to an expansion piston within the expansion cylinder to move axially. The axial movement of the anvil causes a fastener to be driven into the substrate. The fastener driving apparatus is an ergonomically designed portable hand held tool providing comfort to a user, meeting safety standards and performance efficiency requirements.
US08875941B2 Flexible sheet material dispenser
A novel sheet material dispenser package includes a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a collapsible top wall, a collapsible bottom wall, a first hinge feature, and a second hinge feature. A first side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a first region of the second sidewall via the first hinge feature and a second side region of the first sidewall is coupled to a second side region of the second sidewall via the second hinge feature. The top wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. The bottom wall includes a first region coupled to the first sidewall and a second region coupled to the second sidewall. In a particular embodiment, the sheet material dispenser is a collapsible tissue dispenser adapted to sit in a cup holder when in a non-collapsed state and in a pocket when in a collapsed state.
US08875940B2 Prophylactic kit apparatus
A prophylactic kit apparatus configured to be used with only a single patient includes a plurality of sealed modules and a housing configured to contain those sealed modules such that only one of the plurality of sealed modules can be removed from the housing at a time. Each of the plurality of sealed modules contains at least one prophylactic agent to be used in service of the patient. These sealed modules are to be used in a particular order and the housing is further configured to facilitate the removal of the sealed modules in only that particular order.
US08875939B2 Storage device with hinged lid
A storage unit having sidewalls and a lid hinged to a sidewall. A support device has one end mounted to the lid and one end received in a track recessed in a sidewall and operable to follow in a travel path defined by the track when the lid is raised and lowered. The track having a rest surface on which the end of the support device in the track can rest to support the lid in the open position. The storage unit can include a latch assembly associated with a sidewall and the lid to selectively secure the lid in a closed position.
US08875934B2 Heavy duty cooler
An ice chest or portable cooler is disclosed which includes a unique construction which enables the cooler to maintain the contents therein at or below a desired temperature for an extended period of time. The top, walls, and bottom of the cooler utilize a shell which includes an inner and outer layer of a plastic and a relatively thick layer of an insulation material between the layers of plastic. The construction adds strength and rigidity to the cooler, while not increasing the weight as a result of the relatively light insulation material.
US08875925B2 Teacup cover
Disclosed herein is an improved cup cover that includes a base having a slit extending from an edge, and a protrusion extending from the base. The slit can be configured to receive a string associated with a teabag. The protrusion can be divided into a first half and a second half by a through-slot which may be configured to receive the string associated with the teabag. The first half and the second half of the protrusion may be configured to releaseably secure the string associated with the teabag therebetween.
US08875920B2 Beverage container including a cap and collar
A beverage container (1) comprises a container body (3) including an opening, a cap (5) to close the opening, and a collar (7), mountable on the container body (3). The cap (5) and the collar (7) include cooperating securement means (19, 21) by which the cap (5) may be secured to the collar (7), thereby securing the cap (5) to the container body (3) when the collar (7) is mounted on the container body (3). The cap (5), the collar (7) and the container body (3) are configured such that removal of the cap (5) from the container body (3) causes removal of the collar (7) from the container body (3).
US08875915B2 Container having a programmable combination locking cap
Disclosed is a bottle having a programmable combination locking cap. The locking cap has an upper cap, which locks onto a canister. The locking cap has various layers of rings so that the rings can be aligned in a combination code in order to remove the locked cap from the canister.
US08875909B2 Device for transporting objects
A device for transporting objects, in particular fittings, having a frame includes outer walls (2, 3) protruding upwards from a floor at opposite end faces, on which a plurality of receiving hoppers (4) are provided for placing a first end section of an object, and at least one middle wall section (5, 5′) protruding from the floor. A plurality of receiving hoppers (4) is provided thereon for placing a second end section of an object opposite the first end section. At least one middle wall section (5, 5′) is displaceably mounted on a floor guide and can be fixed at different distances from an outer wall (2, 3).
US08875907B2 Storage cell and magazine
The deep cell (300) of the present invention is capable of accommodating two data cartridges (100) in a row. In addition, the deep cell (300) includes a regulating member (301) for regulating the storage of two data cartridges (100) and for regulating storage to just one data cartridge (100).
US08875903B2 Vortex structure for high throughput continuous flow separation
A system to facilitate separation and concentration of particles based on centrifugal force on suspended particles, including biological matter, which are made to flow in a vortex structure is provided. The centrifugal force urges larger particles to collect along outer portions of the vortex flow. Conversely, within a vortex structure, a radial hydrodynamic pressure drop is also amplified to urge smaller particles toward inner portions of the vortex flow. This force created by the pressure can reach magnitudes that encourage a sharp cut-off and improved resolution discrimination between particle sizes. Thus, separated streams of particles can be collected with both increased concentration and purification.
US08875902B2 Fastener sorting device and processing thereof
A machine for sorting fasteners that have a shaft with a head attached thereto from fasteners that only have a shaft. The machine can have a plurality of rollers that are rotatably attached to a frame, the plurality of rollers having a gap between each other and generally aligned parallel to each other. In addition, the plurality of rollers can be oriented at an angle relative to horizontal. The gap between each roller is dimensioned such that the shaft of a fastener can fit or fall therethrough and yet prevent the head of the fastener to fit or fall therethrough. The plurality of rollers can have an elevated end and an exit end, the exit end having an opening proximate thereto and dimensioned for the head of the fastener to fit therethrough.
US08875900B2 Replaceable screen panel seal strip
A T shaped screen panel seal strip for use in spanning between screen support rails in a vibrating screen is disclosed, which has a plurality of notches therein in registration with the screen support rails so that the strip can be placed over either new or existing screen support rails (after having been cleaned of any cushioning cap material). The strip can be metallic or a plastic material. The method includes retrofitting existing screens with a new sealing strip by first removing any cushion cap material and then placing the T shaped seal strip over the support rails.
US08875897B2 Trash separator
An apparatus for processing a sample including fibers and trash, having a cylinder rotating in a first direction for receiving the sample. The cylinder has a surface with rigid pins. The pins engage and retain the fibers of the sample. A collection surface receives the trash that falls from the cylinder. A counter-flow of air moves in a separation region between the cylinder and the collection surface in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to and towards the underside of the cylinder. The counter-flow of air has at each position within the separation region an air-flow velocity that is sufficient for the counter-flow of air to blow the fibers that are not originally retained by the pins up toward the cylinder and thereby engaging the fibers with the cylinder, and yet insufficient to prevent gravity from pulling the trash downward through the counter-flow of air.
US08875896B2 Installation guide
In one embodiment, a guide for installing a photoconductive film on to a photo imaging plate includes a movable channel located near the photo imaging plate, for example in a digital printing press. The channel has a bed and a pair of sidewalls extending parallel to one another along opposite sides of the bed such that the lateral movement and skew of a photoconductive film lying on the bed is constrained by the sidewalls. The channel movable between a first position in which an open end of the channel is away from the photo imaging plate and a second position in which the open end of the channel is immediately adjacent to and aligned with the photo imaging plate for installing a photoconductive film on to the photo imaging plate.
US08875887B2 Cover for wrapping at least one article, the cover being of the type constituted by a sleeve of heat-shrinkable plastics material
The present invention relates to a cover for wrapping at least one article, the cover being of the type constituted by a sleeve of heat-shrinkable plastics material suitable for closely surrounding at least a portion of the article or a group of articles. In accordance with the invention, the sleeve is constituted by superposing at least two walls secured to each another by detachable adhesive means, said walls having shrinkage characteristics that are essentially identical, and the outermost wall of the sleeve also presenting, through its entire thickness, at least one cut defining a detachable circumferential strip, said circumferential strip being printed so as to present respective patterns of printing that appear on each of its sides, the other wall(s) also presenting a pattern of printing behind the detachable circumferential strip that appears after said circumferential strip has been detached.
US08875885B2 Package for shipping hazardous material bottles and method of forming same
A package for insertion into a box to form a shipping container for hazardous material bottles, comprises a honeycomb insert having a plurality of side panels and a bottom panel, the side panels and bottom panel having channels formed therein, the insert dimensioned for placement within the box, honeycomb partition members, each member having two panels, each panel of each partition member dimensioned for insertion within a channel of a side panel and a channel of the bottom panel of the insert, the panels adjacent to each other forming a space dimensioned to receive a hazardous material bottle, and a top pad dimensioned for placement over the partition members. A shipping container comprises a box and such a package.
US08875877B2 Child resistant container
A child resistant container for nicotine products includes latching elements (8, 25) adapted to interlock with cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when a lid (3) is pushed onto a the base (2) to retain the lid (3) to the base (2). The latching elements (8, 25) are further adapted to disengage from the cooperating latching elements (9, 27) when a simultaneous force is exerted on all releasable latching arrangements (6, 7, 12, 13) by two hands of a user or the like.
US08875876B2 Stackable packages for bedding products
A stackable package for bedding includes a flexible outer container having an upper end and a lower end, a bottom panel extending along the lower end of the flexible container and side panels extending upwardly from the bottom panel toward the upper end of the flexible container for defining an open end of the flexible outer container. The stackable package includes an insert disposed inside the flexible outer container for reinforcing the bottom and side panels of the flexible outer container, and bedding disposed inside the insert. The side panels of the flexible outer container have upper ends that are joined together for sealing the bedding inside the flexible outer container. At least one of the panels has at least one vent opening formed therein for allowing air to circulate through the package after the package has been sealed.
US08875864B2 Continuous operation portable material handling system
A system and method for material handling includes a first portable conveyor for feeding material to a mobile bridge conveyor for the material to be stacked via a stacker until a discharge end of the mobile bridge conveyor is at or within a predetermined distance of a discharge end of the first portable conveyor. The first portable conveyor moves away from the mobile bridge conveyor after the discharge end of mobile bridge conveyor is at or within the predetermined distance of the discharge end of the first portable conveyor. A second portable conveyor that feeds material to the first portable conveyor rotates such that a discharge end of the second portable conveyor is moved towards the mobile bridge conveyor until reaching a feeding position for feeding material to the mobile bridge.
US08875863B2 Multi-disc frictional engagement mechanism
A multi-disc frictional engagement mechanism includes a plurality of driven plates and drive plates, a hydraulic piston, a spring which comes into contact with a pressure receiving portion of the hydraulic piston, an oil chamber which causes a hydraulic pressure to act on the pressure receiving portion, and a lock mechanism which restricts a movement of the hydraulic piston in a coupling direction toward the driven plates and the drive plates in a state where the hydraulic pressure is supplied to the oil chamber, the spring is compressed by the pressure receiving portion and the driven plates and the drive plates are not coupled.
US08875859B2 Hydraulic clutch and transmission device provided with the same
A hydraulic clutch including a clutch drum with an outer cylinder fitted with a plurality of clutch plates and a side wall; a clutch piston that defines together with the clutch drum an engagement oil chamber, and moves in an axial direction to press the clutch plates by hydraulic pressure supplied to the engagement oil chamber; and a cancel plate that defines together with the clutch piston a cancel oil chamber that cancels centrifugal hydraulic pressure. The side wall of the clutch drum is formed with a first oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the engagement oil chamber, and a second oil passage that radially extends and is in communication with the cancel oil chamber. One of the first and second oil passages is at least partially included in a range of an axial width of the other of the first and second oil passages.
US08875852B2 Flow-control passive valve and damping-adjustable shock absorber comprising same
A flow-control passive valve controls flow of fluid between an upstream space at high pressure and downstream space at low pressure. The valve comprises a valve body in fluid communication with the upstream and downstream spaces and within which are defined first and second spaces. A movable member is slidably received in a body chamber, and a force is applied to the member tending to keep it in a given “non-working” position. Metering discs meter the flow from the upstream to downstream space through the body and comprise first, second, and third fixed restrictors and first and second variable restrictors. Pressure in the first space is lower than that in the upstream space via a pressure drop through the first fixed restrictor while pressure in the second space is variable between the pressure in the first space and that in the downstream space depending on the position of the member.
US08875845B2 Safety arrangement for a lift car in a lift
A lift car securing arrangement includes a restraining arrangement having a restraint that is supported by the lift car arranged such that it can be placed into and removed from restraining interaction with an extended stationary interaction element arranged to extend along the vertical pathway of the lift car, and which restraint when placed into restraining interaction locks the lift car to the stationary interaction element, a power-interruption device that can be placed into and removed from a power-interrupting position whereby the power to a driving motor unit that is part of the lift is interrupted when the power-interruption device is placed arranged in its power-interrupting position, in which the power-interruption device is so arranged at the restraining arrangement that the said power-interruption device is located in its power-interrupting position when the restraint has been set into restraining interaction with the extended stationary interaction element.
US08875842B2 Cap for a grease nipple
The present invention relates to a protective cap (20) for a grease nipple. The protective cap comprises a removable cap portion (22) with an internal cavity (23) that is shaped to fit over and enclose a nipple head of the grease nipple, and comprises an attachment portion (24) that is adapted to remain attached to the grease nipple when the cap portion is removed. According to the invention, the attachment portion (24) of the protective cap (20) comprises a plurality of through holes (26, 27, 28, 29) each of which has a unique diameter.
US08875838B1 Acoustic and elastic flatband formation in phononic crystals:methods and devices formed therefrom
A phononic device is provided suitable for attenuating mechanical vibration, as well as acoustic vibration that propagate through a medium. Through the periodic inclusion of domains of a material in a matrix that vary in the ratio of the longitudinal speed of sound (CL) and the transverse speed of sound (CT) between the domains and the matrix of equal to or greater than 2.0 and 40, respectively; improved significant attenuation of vibration is achieved.
US08875827B2 Vehicle
A vehicle has an electric storage unit having a plurality of electric storage elements and outputting energy for use in running of the vehicle, a blower placed closer to the exterior of a vehicle body relative to the electric storage unit and supplying the electric storage unit with air for adjusting the temperature of the electric storage element, and a pedestal supporting the blower. The pedestal has a bend portion allowing movement of the blower to a position off the electric storage unit through deformation in response to an external force.
US08875819B2 Hybrid drive system for hybrid electric vehicles
A hybrid electric drive system is provided for driving a medium or heavy duty vehicle. The drive system includes an internal combustion engine configured as the primary source of motive power. The engine is coupled to a front-most axle and a first drive shaft in mechanical communication with a middle drive axle. The drive system also includes an electric motor and a clutch assembly; and a second driveshaft in mechanical communication with the electric motor and a rear-most drive axle. When the electric motor is not in active operation, the clutch assembly disengages the electric motor from the rear-most drive axle.
US08875817B2 Hitch assembly for articulated mobile machine
A hitch assembly is disclosed for use with an articulated mobile machine. The hitch assembly may have a yoke portion, a tube portion, a driveshaft, and a hitch carrier to rotationally support the driveshaft inside the tube portion and having a plurality of first holes. The hitch assembly may further have a plurality of fasteners to connect the hitch carrier to the tube portion via the plurality of first holes, and a thrust collar to threadingly engage a periphery of the hitch carrier and having a plurality of second holes. The hitch assembly may additionally have a locking plate with at least one pin to engage at least one of the plurality of second holes, and a plurality of third holes to receive at least some of the plurality of fasteners. The number of the plurality of second holes is greater than the number of the plurality of first holes.
US08875814B2 Element containing thermally stable polycrystalline diamond material and methods and assemblies for formation thereof
The disclosure provides a super abrasive element containing a substantially catalyst-free thermally stable polycrystalline diamond (TSP) body having pores and a contact surface, a base adjacent the contact surface of the TSP body; and an infiltrant material infiltrated in the base and in the pores of the TSP body at the contact surface. The disclosure additionally provides earth-boring drill bits and other devices containing such super abrasive elements. The disclosure further provides methods and mold assemblies for forming such super abrasive elements via infiltration and hot press methods.
US08875804B2 Screwdriving tool having a driving tool with a removable contact trip assembly
A screwdriving tool that includes a driving tool (driver), a sensor, a sensor target and a contact trip assembly that is coupled to the driving tool and has a nose element. The driver has a housing, a motor and an output member that is driven by the motor. One of the nose element and the output member is axially movable and biased by a spring into an extended position. The sensor and sensor target are configured to cooperate to permit the sensor to provide a sensor signal that is indicative of movement of the one of the nose element and the output member. The motor is controllable in a first operational mode and at least one rotational direction based in part on the sensor signal.
US08875790B2 Method and system for fracking and completing wells
A method for fracking and completing a well having a well bore through a formation includes packer jack fracking the formation using a packer to form a packer fractured formation moving the packer to seal the packer fractured formation, and hydraulically fracturing the packer fractured formation by injecting a fracking fluid through the packer. These steps can then be repeated through successive intervals of the formation. To complete a new well, a perforated liner can be placed in the well bore to direct the fracking fluid into the packer fractured formation. To complete an existing or a new well having a cemented liner the packer jack fracking step can also be used to break apart the liner and form at least one opening to provide a flow path for the fracking fluid. A system includes a perforated liner and a packer configured to fracture and seal successive intervals.
US08875786B2 Methods and compositions for sand control in injection wells
Methods of preventing or reducing migration of particulates in injection wells. Some embodiments of the present invention describe methods of introducing a tackifying treatment fluid through an injection well and into a portion of a subterranean formation surrounding the injection well, wherein the tackifying treatment fluid comprises a base fluid and a tackifying agent. Other embodiments include a step of introducing a resin treatment fluid to the injection well before the tackifying treatment fluid.
US08875785B2 System and method for correcting downhole speed
A method of correcting a downhole speed of a tool string moving in a wellbore. In some implementations, the method includes obtaining a downhole tool speed with an accelerometer, moving the tool string past at least two casing collars, calculating the average tool speed over the interval between collars, and comparing the downhole tool speed as calculated using the data from the accelerometer to the average tool speed calculated based on the time and the interval between the casing collars, determining a correction factor, and determining a corrected downhole tool speed. A system includes a casing collar locator, an accelerometer, and a processor adapted to compare the downhole tool speed calculated using data from the accelerometer to the average downhole tool speed calculated using the time and casing collar location, determine a correction factor and determine a corrected downhole tool speed.
US08875777B2 Strip casting apparatus for rapid set and change of casting rolls
A method of continuously casting steel strip includes steps of providing rails positioned beneath a casting position and extending in opposite directions there from to discharge stations, supporting first and second scrap receptacles movable along the rails, engaging a seal between the first scrap receptacle and an enclosure enabling support of a protective atmosphere beneath a pair of casting rolls, disengaging the seal between the first scrap receptacle and the enclosure and moving the first scrap receptacle along the rails in a direction away from the second scrap receptacle to a discharge station, and moving the second scrap receptacle into the casting position and sealingly engaging the second scrap receptacle and the enclosure.
US08875773B2 Method and device for at least partially sealing a cavity, and apparatus, in particular for repairing equipment having such a device built therein
A cover device for at least partially closing off a cavity includes at least one cover element for closing off the opening of the cavity, and a support structure in the form of an elongate body for supporting and positioning the cover element in or close to the cavity. The cover element is in the form of a pneumatic mattress equipped with return elements for urging it back into a most compact configuration in which it is rolled up about a free one of its sides and forms a spirally wound roll, the free side being formed by the side of the mattress that is opposite from the connecting side of the mattress via which side the mattress is connected to the support structure. This device includes at least one support arm for supporting the mattress while going from its rolled-up most compact configuration to its rolled-out least compact configuration.
US08875770B1 Hanger for shower curtain having same-orientation double hooks
A hanger for suspending a shower curtain and a spaced apart liner from a shower bar has a first hook for the curtain and a second hook for the liner, and the mouths or openings of both hooks face in the same direction, preferably toward the inside of the shower enclosure. A decorative medallion is preferably affixed to the outer side of the hanger and the placement and dimension thereof are sufficient to block from view of a person outside the shower the opening at the top of the curtain, by which means the curtain is hung from the outside hook of the hanger.
US08875767B2 Apparatus for coating workpieces
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for coating workpieces (2) which are preferably made at least in sections of wood, wood materials, plastic or the like, comprising a feed apparatus (10) for feeding a coating material, an activation region (20) for activating the fed coating material (2), and a pressing apparatus (40) for pressing the activated coating material (2) onto a workpiece (3). The apparatus according to the invention is characterised in that at least the activation region (20) with the pressing apparatus (40) and the workpiece (3) can be moved and/or rotated relative to one another in a plane of movement perpendicular to the coating plane in the course of the coating process.
US08875763B2 Marking offering better visibility and marking method
Article (1) having at least one visible surface (11), this surface comprising on at least part of it a pattern (2) contrasting with the surface of the article, this pattern (2) comprising a plurality of tufts (21) distributed over the entire said pattern, each tuft (21) having an average cross section between 0.003 and 0.06 mm2. Also disclosed is a moulding process for forming a high-contrast pattern on a surface of an article that can be moulded in a mould, this process consisting in producing, at the position of the pattern on the surface of the mould, a plurality of cavities of average cross section between 0.003 and 0.06 mm2.
US08875761B2 System and method of securing a pneumatic tire to a rim
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure an inner tube comprises an encasing configured to hold air. The encasing comprises a reinforcing structure configured such that, as the encasing is inflated, an overall major diameter of the inner tube is reduced. The inner tube also comprises an inflation valve coupled to the encasing and configured to allow inflation of the encasing. Further, the inner tube comprises a pressure valve coupled to the encasing. The pressure valve is configured to be biased closed and allow air to leave the encasing when a differential pressure between inside of the encasing and outside of the encasing reaches a threshold pressure level. In the same or alternative embodiments, the encasing also comprises a reinforcing structure configured such that, as the encasing is inflated, an overall major diameter of inner tube is reduced.
US08875748B2 Device for filling a filter, and method therefor
An apparatus for the filling of a medical filter has at least one first space and one second space which are semipermeably separated by one or more membranes, with the spaces each having at least one inflow and outflow. The apparatus includes a detection unit having a first element and a second element, with a liquid discharge from at least one of the first and second spaces being detectable by the first element, and the state of the filling of the filter being determinable by the second element with reference to the detected liquid discharge. A method of filling a medical filter employs the apparatus.
US08875740B2 Hydraulic accumulator, in particular bellows accumulator
A bellows accumulator has a bellows (13) serving as a movable separating element between a gas side (11) and a fluid side (21). At the movable bellows end during expansion and contraction in the accumulator housing defining a longitudinal axis (9), a closure body (25) closes off the interior space (33) of the bellows (13) in a fluid-tight manner. At its other bellows end (27), the bellows is immovably fixed to the accumulator housing (1). The immovable bellows end (27) is fixed to an end body (31) fixed to the housing, which end body (31) is in the form of a disk with region (37) projecting axially into the interior (33) of the bellows (13) from the main plane (35) of the disk. At least one fluid passage (41, 43) is formed on the projecting region (37), which fluid passage (41, 43) connects the interior space (33) associated with the fluid side (21) to a fluid connection (17) of the accumulator housing (1).
US08875738B2 Positioning structure of water supply hose for pull-out faucet
A positioning structure of a water supply hose for a pull-out faucet contains: a faucet body including an outlet; a water supply hose accommodated in the faucet body so as to supply water and including an outlet segment; a spraying head connected with the outlet segment of the water supply hose and being pulled outwardly and retracted inwardly with the water supply hose; a magnetic attraction device including a first connecting member and a second connecting member which magnetically attract with each other. The first connecting member is disposed in the outlet, the second connecting member is mounted on an outlet segment, the second connecting member retracts back to its original position with the water supply hose and the spraying head and moves into the outlet so as to magnetically attract with the first connecting member, hence the water supply hose and the spraying head are magnetically attracted and fixed.
US08875733B2 Check valve in backflow prevention device
A check valve module. The check valve module includes an orifice, where the orifice is configured to allow the water flow stream through the check valve module. The check valve module also includes a clapper. The clapper is configured to allow the water flow stream through the orifice when open and prevent the water flow stream through the orifice when in a closed position by mating with the orifice. The check valve module further includes a fulcrum apparatus about which the clapper is allowed to rotate, a rotational constraint apparatus which directs the rotation of the clapper and a lateral constraint apparatus which directs the motion of the fulcrum toward and away from the orifice.
US08875731B2 Automatic water leveler
An apparatus for automatically maintaining the water level of a body of water, such as a pool, is described herein. The present invention comprises a float body contained within a float housing chamber and selectively coupled to a float valve, a ball check valve employed as a means for isolating the pressurized water in the circulation system of a body of water from the water in the float chamber and, after pump operation has ceased, allowing the passage of supply water from the float chamber of the apparatus of the circulation system of a body of water. Flexible conduits or tubing may be provided for ease of installation. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to be conveniently located near the equipment of the circulation system for the body of water.
US08875715B2 Electronic cigarette having a flexible and soft configuration
Generally described, the present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette intended to more effectively simulate the feel of a traditional cigarette. In one illustrative embodiment, the electronic cigarette can have a flexible and resilient housing, sufficiently strong to protect internal components and sufficient flexible to provide a more realistic user experience to user's accustomed to the pliability of traditional cigarettes. A paper label may be provided, either affixed to the flexible housing or to a prior art, rigid housing. A plastic coating may be providing of the portion of the paper label intended to be inserted into a user's mouth, so as to prevent degradation of the label while at the same time preserving a realistic feel for those portions of the device not intended to be inserted into the mouth.
US08875708B2 Ventilation device and method for CPR
Embodiments are directed to a ventilation device and method to be used on a patient during CPR. In one embodiment, the ventilation device comprises a housing having at least one opening for interfacing with a patient's airway, at least one valve configured to permit outflow of respiratory gases/air from the airway to ambient, a release mechanism for opening and closing an inlet passage to permit inflow of respiratory gases/air to the airway, and a control device for controlling the opening/closing of the inlet passage.
US08875706B2 Aerosol delivery system
A ventilator assembly includes a housing defining an inhalation interior space and an exhalation interior space separate from the inhalation interior space. A ventilator port is positioned at a first location of the housing and defines a first passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A patient port is positioned at a second location of the housing and defines a second passageway in communication with the inhalation interior space and the exhalation interior space. A one-way inhalation valve permits one-way flow from the ventilator port to the patient port through the inhalation interior space and a one-way exhalation valve permits one-way flow from the patient port to the ventilator port through the exhalation interior space. A receptacle is in communication with the inhalation interior space and is operative to receive a container comprising an aerosolized medication.
US08875705B2 Protocol and methods for pulsating drug delivery
An air delivery device (ADD) for applying fluid pressure pulses (FPP) to the mouth cavity of a patient at a predetermined frequency according to a protocol The ADD, comprises: a) an air blower for blowing air into a pressure chamber via a first opening (inlet); b) airflow occluding means (AOM) provided in fluid communication with said pressure chamber; said AOM located between said first opening and a second opening (outlet) of said pressure chamber; c) a patient mouthpiece or Face Mask, in fluid communication with said second opening (outlet); and, d) means for controlling AOM, adapted to interrupt and release said airflow at a predetermined frequency and pressure, thereby applying said FPPs to the mouth cavity of a patient according to a predetermined protocol during operation.
US08875703B2 Powder inhaler
A powder inhaler includes: a housing having a port; a storage member located in the housing for storing a powder medicament; and a medicament-delivery member provided in the housing. The medicament-delivery member includes at least one concave portion for receiving medicament, and is capable of taking, relative to the storage member, a receiving position wherein the concave portion receives a predetermined amount of powder medicament from the storage member, and an inhalation position wherein the powder medicament can be inhaled through the admission port; and a stirring member for stirring the powder medicament stored in the storage member. An operation button is provided in the housing and is capable of moving between the initial position and a depressed position, while the operation button reciprocates between the initial position and the depressed position, the concave portion in the medicament-delivery member moves from the receiving position to the inhalation position and the stirring member operates.
US08875700B2 Dose information device
A device to be used with a medical administration device includes administration driver for administrating a prescribed dose of medicament; and a mechanical dose setter for setting a prescribed dose of medicament to be administered, including a mechanical indicating member fixedly connected to the administration driver for indicating the prescribed set dose. The device includes a mechanical dose information device for registering the prescribed dose of medicament to be administered including a mechanical information member adjustable to display that the prescribed dose to be administered is correct and inter-connected to said mechanical indicating member such that when the prescribed dose is set, this is indicated positively by indications on the mechanical information member.
US08875689B2 Apparatus and method for detecting the dart in a barrel of a toy gun
An apparatus for detecting the dart in a barrel of a toy gun is provided. The apparatus includes a dart sensor lever, a linkage, a transmission mechanism between the dart sensor lever and the linkage, and a pivot attached to the gun body. The dart sensor lever is linked with the pivot so that it will swing around the pivot. The transmission mechanism is linked with the linkage, which causes the linkage to move. Other modifications and features suitable for practice therewith, and methods and means of operating the device, are also disclosed.
US08875688B2 Safety valve for toy air guns
An improved safety valve for a toy air gun apparatus in which the toy air gun includes a piston and a drive spring mounted in a grip portion of the air gun. A handle extends from the bottom of the grip portion and is manipulated by the user to cock the air gun by compressing the drive spring. When the user pull a trigger the piston is released and surges upward because of the expanding drive spring. A valve element located to the rear of a barrel section of the air gun receives a blast of compressed air in a direction lateral to the longitudinal axis of the valve element and lateral to valve element movement between an open, rearward position and a closed, forward position.
US08875687B1 Tangent point arrow rest
A tangent point arrow rest preferably includes an outer housing, at least two bearing assemblies and a mounting device. The outer housing includes an arrow clearance opening for insertion of an arrow shaft. Threaded bearing holes are formed through the outer housing. The mounting device may be a mounting rod or at least one boss slot, which extend from the outer housing. Each bearing assembly preferably includes a bearing housing, a tension adjustment screw, a bearing housing cap, a contact ball bearing, an inner ball bearing and a compression spring. The inner ball bearing, the tension spring and tension adjustment screw are retained in the bearing housing. The bearing housing is threaded into one of the threaded bearing holes. The bearing housing cap is threaded on to the bearing housing to retain the contact ball bearing.
US08875683B2 Two-phase spring
An annular two-phase spring has a plurality of first waves providing a first spring rate and a plurality of second waves providing a second spring rate. The two-phase spring can be used for installing a fuel injector in a fuel injector bore to improve sound performance.
US08875680B2 Control device for internal combustion engine
At a time of start of an internal combustion engine, vaporization or atomization of a fuel for initial explosion is promoted, and thereby, discharge of HC can be restrained. The internal combustion engine includes a fuel injection valve which injects a fuel into an intake port, and an exhaust valve which can be stopped in a closed state for each cylinder. When the cylinder before initial explosion is in an exhaust stroke, the exhaust valve of the cylinder is stopped in a closed state. Subsequently, the fuel injection valve of the cylinder in which the exhaust valve is stopped in the closed state in the exhaust stroke is caused to inject the fuel for initial explosion so that an injection time is before opening timing of an intake valve or coincides with the opening timing.
US08875662B2 Breathable retrieving device
A retrieving device includes a body with at least one respiratory passageway formed in it through which a dog can breathe when holding the device in its mouth during retrieval. In some embodiments, the body is hollow and in the form of a shell defining an internal cavity that functions as a lateral respiratory passageway, with communicating respiratory passageways formed through the shell. In other embodiments, the body is solid with internal respiratory passageways formed through it. And in still other embodiments, the body has surface features (e.g., grooves or other thinned portions) that function as external respiratory passageways. In use, the respiratory passageways decrease obstructions to enable the dog to breathe more freely to avoid overheating and associated problems. In addition, one or more flotation elements can be provided in the body so provide buoyancy for the retrieving device in the event it's launched into water during retrieving activities.
US08875646B2 Mooring/shipping cover
A boat cover for a boat includes a cover section that is sized to cover the deck from bow to stern and extending over the rub rail, and a shipping section attached to the cover section and sized to cover the hull from below the rub rail toward the chine. The shipping section is removable from the cover section. The boat cover eliminates waste as a shipping cover and is usable by the boat owner as a daily or long term storage, mooring and trailering cover.
US08875640B1 Slurry applicator for an agricultural machine
A trough is cut in the ground surface by a rotating member. The rotating member displaces soil upward with respect to the ground surface and rearwardly with respect to a direction of travel of the rotating member. While the soil is in the air, slurry is deposited into the trough. The soil is then redirected downward to the trough to cover the slurry with the soil.
US08875636B2 Universal powerpack and attachments
A reconfigurable power pack, that produces rotational power and can be used with separate accessories. The housing can be mounted in a first configuration with its motor facing downward and in which the housing is energized to move along a substantially horizontal extrusion. A second configuration mounts the housing is to move along a track in a deck. Other configurations are also possible.
US08875631B2 High-G inertial igniter
A method for igniting a thermal battery upon a predetermined acceleration event. The method including: rotatably connecting a striker mass to a base; aligning a first projection on the striker mass with a second projection on the base such that when the striker mass is rotated towards the base, the first projection impacts the second projection; and preventing impact of the first and second projections unless the predetermined acceleration event is experienced.
US08875629B2 Ablation-type lithographic imaging with enhanced debris removal
Sequentially subjecting an imaged ablation-type printing member having a silicone topmost layer to, first, a cleaning liquid that is not a solvent for silicone, followed by subjecting to a second cleaning liquid that is a silicone solvent, conditions the printing member for subsequent printing with high-solids inks.
US08875624B2 Adjustable rotating blade assembly food preparation device
A rotating blade food preparation device (10) for cutting, shaving, slicing, and peeling, vegetables and fruits, cheese, tofu, bread, and other food products, includes a handle (12), a frame element (16) connected to the handle (12), and a rotating blade assembly (28) operably secured to the frame. The rotating blade assembly (28) has one or more cutting elements (30) for cutting, slicing, shaving and peeling fruits, vegetables, cheese and other foods. The rotating blade assembly (28) is operably secured to the frame (16) by a shaft (18) allowing both movement and positioning of the blade assembly at various angles in relation to the frame (16), and fixing the rotating blade assembly (28) in a desired position for use.
US08875602B2 Torque wrench for implantable medical devices
A torque wrench for implantable medical devices is disclosed. The torque wrench comprises a first and a second component. The first component has first and second ends with a bore extending between the first and second ends of the first component. The first component includes a plurality of anti-rotation members extending from an inner surface of the bore at the second end of the first component. A second component includes a middle portion having a first and second ends. A drive shaft extends from the first end and a plurality of fingers extends from an exterior surface of the second end. The second component is received in the bore of the first component such that the fingers are interdigitate with the anti-rotation members.
US08875593B2 Painting robot
A robot, such as a painting robot for painting components such as motor vehicle body components, is disclosed having a plurality of robot elements that are pivotable relative to each other. At least one flexible supply line may run from a proximal robot element to a distal robot element. The supply line may be axially displaceable in the proximal robot element relative to the longitudinal axis of the supply line, so that the supply line can perform an axial compensating motion during a pivot motion of the robot.
US08875592B2 Linear actuator
A linear actuator with a reversible electric motor (3,11,26,27,34), which over a transmission (4,12,24,25,35) drives a non-self locking spindle (5,14,22,23,36), by which a tube-shaped positioning element can be moved axially, in that it with one end is connected to a spindle nut (6,15) on a spindle (5,14,22,23,36). The actuator comprises a quick release (9,13) for releasing the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) from the electric motor (3,11,26,27,34) and the part of the transmission (4,12,24,25,35) that lies from the motor (3,11,26,27,34) to the quick release (9,13) such that the spindle (5,14,22,23,36) is set to rotate by the load on the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37). The actuator further comprises braking means for controlling the speed of the tube-shaped positioning element (7,16,28,29,37) during the outer load, when the quick release (9,13) is activated. The braking means consists of a centrifugal brake (38,60), by which it is possible to provide a construction where the lowering speed is self-controlled when the quick release (9,13) is activated.
US08875590B2 Crash simulation and crash simulation method
A crash simulation system has a parallel carriage (4) guided to move in a translatory manner and at least one camera (11-13) with an associated brake device. The brake device includes a contactless brake.
US08875588B2 Manifold sensing apparatus for steering
Provided is a complex sensing apparatus for a steering system. In the complex sensing apparatus in accordance, since an insertion projections of a first PCB are inserted into a through-holes of a second PCB to be press-fitted to each other, the first PCB is securely coupled to the second PCB. In addition, since a support member configured to surround and support an edge of the first PCB is coupled to the second PCB, the first PCB is more securely coupled to the second PCB. Accordingly, since there is no probability of separating the first PCB from the second PCB and there is no probability of occurrence of cracks in a soldered part between the first and second PCBs, reliability of products can be improved.
US08875584B2 Pressure-sensitive sensor, and grip apparatus and robot manipulator equipped with the same
A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference is provided inside a housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon. A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection is also provided inside the housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon and an external load acts thereon. A load detecting circuit applies voltage to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubbers to determine the external load based on a difference between a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference and a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection.
US08875577B2 Oscillator circuit, method for manufacturing oscillator circuit, inertial sensor using the oscillator circuit, and electronic device
An oscillator circuit includes an oscillator, a filter that filters a monitoring signal output from the oscillator and outputs the filtered signal, a driver that amplifies the filtered signal to generate a driving signal, and a controller operable to control a passing characteristic of the filter based on the monitoring signal. The oscillator performs a vibration while being driven by the driving signal, and outputs the monitoring signal according to the vibration. This oscillator circuit allows the oscillator to vibrate stably.
US08875572B2 Apparatus for rotatably mounting a rotor to be balanced
An apparatus for rotatably mounting a rotor to be balanced is provided. The apparatus include a rotatably mounted balancing spindle to which the rotor to be balanced is to be non-rotatingly connected, at least one bearing block, a plurality of spring bars aligned parallel to the spindle axis and used to mount the balancing spindle on the bearing block such that the balancing spindle is able to vibrate, and a drive mechanism for the balancing spindle. The spring bars are arranged in more than two planes at different distances from the spindle or in planes having different rotary angular positions about the spindle axis.
US08875558B2 System for determining exhaust gas volume
A system is disclosed, including: a plurality of Bragg gratings distributed in positions transversely to the direction of flow of an exhaust gas in an exhaust gas channel of the device; an optical wave guide structure including at least one optical wave guide and in which the Bragg gratings are embodied; a heating device arranged adjacently to the Bragg gratings and through which the Bragg gratings are subjected to heat, or a cooling device arranged adjacently to the Bragg gratings, through which the Bragg gratings are subjected to cold; at least one light source for irradiating light into the optical wave guide structure; and at least one signal processing device which determines, from light backscattered from Bragg gratings in the optical wave guide structure against its original direction of diffusion, the speed of the flow of the exhaust gas.
US08875556B2 Railroad spikes and methods of making the same
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to improved designs of railroad spikes and improved methods of manufacturing the same. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for manufacturing a railroad spike may have the steps of: preparing a metal blank having a substantially circular cross-section; subjecting the metal blank to at least one cold heading process and at least one cold extrusion process to form a railroad spike having (a) a circular head with a fillet at its bottom side that is angled to engage a railroad tie plate or rail base and (b) a non-threaded shank with a substantially square cross-section and a chiseled tip; and coating the railroad spike with an anti-corrosion material.
US08875549B2 Lock assembly
A lock assembly has a body, a latching device, a linking device and a locking mechanism. The linking device is connected to and driven by the latching device. The locking mechanism is moveably mounted in the body and has a bolt base, a pushing element, a lever element and a locking bolt. The bolt base is mounted slidably in the body. The locking bolt is slidably mounted on the bolt base and is driven to retract into or completely extends out from the body with the transmission of the pushing element and the lever element.
US08875546B2 Coupling structure of steam generator in washing device
A steam generator for a washing device is disclosed, in which the power supplied to a heater is cut off before a water level of water used to generate steam is lower than an end of the heater, thereby avoiding a risk of fire. The steam generator includes a case coupled with the main body of the washing device. A heater is provided inside the case. A temperature fuse is provided inside the case when a coupling portion couples the case with the main body of the temperature fuse is configured to be higher than the heater based on a horizontal line.
US08875540B2 Humidity control apparatus
A humidity control apparatus has a refrigerant circuit 20 that has a compressor 21 and a first adsorption heat exchanger 23 and a second adsorption heat exchanger 25, each of which has an adsorbent for adsorbing the moisture of air supported thereon, and that reversibly circulates refrigerant to perform a vapor compression refrigeration cycle. The refrigerant circuit 20 is provided with a sensible heat exchanger 26 in which the refrigerant after having passed through the adsorption heat exchanger 23, 25 functioning as an evaporator exchanges heat with the air having passed through the adsorption heat exchanger 23, 25 functioning as a condenser, thereby cooling the air.
US08875539B2 Refrigerator
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include two compressors and two condensers disposed in a machinery compartment. The refrigerator may employ a single fan, also provided in the machinery compartment, to blow air to the two compressors and the two condensers.
US08875537B1 Method of and system for cooling a singulation process
A system for cooling at least one singlulation saw used to singulate components from a substrate. The system is comprised of a coolant loop having at one or more coolant delivery element, a coolant collection element, one or more recycle tanks for contaminate particles to settle out of the captured coolant, a mixing tank configured after the recycle tanks within the loop to produce and replace lost coolant, and a cooling element to cool the coolant. The system can also include filters within the loop to remove particles not removed by the settling tank. Further, the system is able to be configured with a holding tank configured to prevent any bubbles from getting to the coolant delivery element.
US08875535B2 Compact condenser module including a tortuous path for removing water droplets from air
A water collector is telescoped into the interior of an aircraft condenser. The condenser has a header for collecting air from the condenser and the water collector is disposed at least partially within the header.
US08875532B2 Device for regulating the temperature of a plurality of components of a vehicle and vehicle system
A device for regulating a temperature of a plurality of components of a vehicle is provided. The device has a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger, which are connected to one another in order to form a closed refrigerant circuit. The device furthermore has a first multiway valve, a second multiway valve, a third multiway valve and a fourth multiway valve for connecting the first and the second heat exchanger to a first component and a second component of the vehicle.
US08875528B2 Test chamber with temperature and humidity control
A test chamber that is capable of operating in a mode where the temperature of the chamber is efficiently cooled without removing a substantial amount of moisture from the air. In one aspect, the test chamber includes a structure defining a work space having air, and a temperature control system (e.g., a refrigeration system having a compressor, a condenser, and an evaporator valve). The temperature control system includes a heat exchanger (e.g., an evaporator) positioned to communicate with the air in the work space, a source of cold fluid (e.g., a compressed, condensed, and throttled refrigerant) coupled to the heat exchanger, a source of hot fluid (e.g., compressed refrigerant gas) coupled to the heat exchanger, and a controller for controlling a mixture of cold fluid and hot fluid entering the heat exchanger (e.g., by adjusting a cold fluid valve and/or a hot fluid valve). In order to limit the loss of humidity caused by condensation on the heat exchanger, it is preferred that the controller is programmed such that the temperature of the mixture entering the heat exchanger is controlled to limit a temperature differential between the heat exchanger and the air in the work space.
US08875515B2 Integrated generator cooling system
An expansion system is presented. One embodiment of the expansion system that includes a pump configured to pressurize a condensed working fluid received from a condenser. The expansion system further includes a heat exchanger coupled to the pump and configured to vaporize the condensed working fluid received from the pump. The expansion system also includes an expander coupled to the heat exchanger and configured to expand the vaporized working fluid flowing from an inlet side of the expander to an outlet side of the expander. In addition, the expansion system includes a generator coupled to the expander and configured to generate energy in response to the expansion of the vaporized working fluid. Further, the expansion system includes an integrated cooling unit configured to convey at least a portion of the condensed working fluid from an inlet side of the generator to an outlet side of the generator to dissipate heat generated by the generator.
US08875502B2 SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device
An SCR exhaust gas aftertreatment device in which a urea-water solution is injected into an exhaust gas line is provided. At least one component of the device (e.g., a filter element) lies in an area of an internal space, and is bounded by an elastomer membrane that is embedded in a frost equalization foam. This prevents freezing damage even over a very long period of time and a large number of freezing cycles.
US08875497B2 Exhaust purification system for internal combustion engine
An exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine is provided that can steadily maintain a NOx purification rate of a selective reduction catalyst to be high without allowing the fuel economy or marketability to deteriorate. The exhaust purification system includes a NO2—NOx ratio adjustment mechanism that causes a NO2—NOx ratio to change; and a NO2—NOx ratio perturbation controller that executes NO2—NOx ratio perturbation control so that a NO2 balance of the selective reduction catalyst in a predetermined time period, with NO2 adsorption being positive and NO2 release being negative, is 0. Herein, NO2—NOx ratio perturbation control is defined as control that alternately executes NO2 increase control to cause the NO2—NOx ratio to be greater than a reference value near 0.5, and NO2 decrease control to cause the NO2—NOx ratio to be less than the reference value.
US08875491B2 Exhaust gas aftertreatment system and method
An exhaust gas aftertreatment system and method are provided. The system comprises a controller, a pump, and a volume quantity dispensing unit. The volume quantity dispensing unit comprises a pressure transducer comprising an electric pressure sensor, at least one fine atomizing nozzle for apportioning the aqueous solution directly into an exhaust gas flow, and at least one means for changing a pressure value. The means changes the pressure value in such a way that a pressure output signal from the pressure transducer to the controller is modified from an actual pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor. A first signal provided by the controller to the pump and a second signal provided by the controller to the volume quantity dispensing unit are adapted based on the output signal from the pressure transducer and a further signal indicative of an operating state of the internal combustion engine.
US08875489B2 Reduction of particulate, NOx, and ammonia emissions
A method for controlling emissions from an engine includes reducing trapped nitrogen oxides to ammonia on an LNT catalyst while concurrently oxidizing soot accumulated on the LNT catalyst, and, flowing the ammonia so formed to an SCR catalyst.
US08875460B2 Direct laminated floor
New direct laminated floor, of the kind that contain, on their surface, cellulose sheets impregnated in polymerizable resins, on which some characteristics have been drawn and where, once pressed and mechanised, the finished strips have an offset/sunk area on the peripheral edge and the optic/tactile texture of the surface corresponds and adapts to the characteristics drawn on the cellulose sheets.For application in the construction industry.
US08875459B2 Modular building system
A modular building system uses a perimeter bond beam and prefabricated wall panels to form an exterior curtain wall. The wall panels are captured within, and may move vertically inside a channel formed in the bond beam. The wall panels are quickly erected by inserting an upper edge of each panel into the channel and swinging the panel onto the foundation where it is claimed in place on the foundation.
US08875457B2 Portable light manipulator
The invention relates to a portable light manipulator including a frame and a manipulator cloth that is stretched or can be stretched on the frame, wherein the frame includes at least one tension bar, which has at least two moving sections that can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tension bar and are connected to one another or can be connected to one another, said moving sections being spring-loaded so as to be capable of being forced apart from one another by spring force in the longitudinal direction of the tension bar.
US08875454B2 Pan tile roofing system
A plurality of pan tiles are disposed in confronting, supported relation on an underlying roof support and in underlying, at least partially supporting relation to plurality of overlapping, exteriorly exposed roof tile. Each pan tile includes a planar base and two oppositely disposed planar side segments extending outwardly from opposite peripheries of said base at a common, preferred obtuse angle. Leading and trailing ends of pan tiles have a greater and lesser transverse dimension respectively, wherein the side segments or oriented in a converging configuration extending from the leading end to the trailing end of the pan tile. Solar energy systems may also be incorporated in the pan tiles and a heat dissipating assembly and/or a stabilizing assembly may also be included.
US08875453B2 System for mounting solar modules
A system for mounting solar modules comprising a plurality of racks and clamps. Each rack has an inclined upper mounting surface to support one of the solar modules and an inclined lower mounting surface to support one of the other solar modules. Each upper mounting surface and lower mounting surface define a slot. One of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the upper mounting surfaces and configured to secure the one solar modules to the upper mounting surfaces and an other of the clamps slidably receivable by a slot of one of the lower mounting surfaces and configured to secure said one of the other solar modules to one of the lower mounting surfaces. Each rack has a tray having a first tower supporting the upper mounting surface and a second tower supporting the lower mounting surface.
US08875450B2 Solar array system for covering a body of water
Systems and methods for supporting a solar panel array are disclosed, with embodiments specifically directed to spanning bodies of water such as aqueducts, canals, or other waterways. Cable truss assemblies are used to support panel receivers and solar panels mounted over the panel receivers. The cable truss assemblies are supported on groups of columns or other vertically extending support members anchored in the ground. Cable anchor lines may supplement anchoring and support of the installed solar panel array. Embodiments of the system include various combinations of supporting cables making up the cable truss assemblies. A method is also provided for construction of the solar panel array. Lengthy and continuous spans of the solar panel array can be installed over waterways by use of the cable truss assemblies. The solar panel arrays produce power, and simultaneously reduce evaporation from the waterways, resulting in conservation of water.
US08875442B2 Method and apparatus of active dampening a powered closure system
An actuator for moving a closure between an open and a closed position. The actuator having a first mode, where the closure is free to move with respect to a closure frame, and a second mode where the actuator resists movement between the closure and the closure frame.
US08875435B2 Actuator for setting at least one optical property
An Actuator is provided for setting at least one optical property, in particular the position of a crosshair, of an aiming device, in particular of a telescopic sight, with a coupling part rotatable about an axis of rotation, onto which the at least one index element can be pushed. The actuator has a guiding device for guiding the index element onto the coupling part which makes it possible to push the index element onto the coupling part in the direction of the axis of rotation of the coupling part and to prevent a rotation of the index element relative to the coupling part when it is completely and/or partly pushed onto the coupling part at least in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation, and preferably in all directions.
US08875430B2 Display frame
An artifact frame comprised of a hollow container bordered on front, rear, left and right sides and bottom to define an interior cavity into which can be placed ornamental material. On the front or back panel, or side or bottom panels, the artifact to be displayed may be mounted. Any number of mounting configurations are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. A top panel may also be provided, which may be partially or totally removable to permit access to the interior cavity for the mounting of the artifact and placement of the ornamental material.
US08875424B2 End bit for a soil-working tool
The invention relates to a replaceable end bit for a soil-working tool, which end bit is retained by friction and wherein, at its trailing edge, the end bit is provided with one or more openings that is/are oriented rearwardly relative to the end bit and for receiving couplers from a holder part. The openings may have rounded faces, and the faces may face towards each other. The distance between the rounded faces is increased with the distance from the trailing edge of the end bit. The invention also relates to a holder part for a replaceable end bit for a soil-working tool, which end bit is retained by friction, and wherein the holder part is provided with pairs of protruding couplers, which protruding couplers are provided with a space, where the distance between the two protruding couplers is reduced with the distance from their end faces.
US08875419B2 Snow plow
A snow plow for attachment to a vehicle, the snow plow including a mounting apparatus having at least one mounting upright. The snow plow further including a plow blade including a retention apparatus constructed and arranged to slidingly and disengageably secure the plow blade to the mounting upright(s) when the plow blade is in a working orientation. The plow blade includes a limiting apparatus that limits upward movement of the retention apparatus. Preferably, the limiting apparatus includes a retention pin that can be secured within one of a plurality of vertically spaced apertures in the mounting upright(s) such that vertical positioning of the retention pin is adjustable. The snow plow further preferably includes a hoist or lifting upright having a lifting assembly, wherein the lifting assembly can raise the plow blade off of the ground.
US08875408B2 Measuring staff
A measuring staff (10) has a upper section (11) including a first elongated member (12) which can carry in a fixed position therealong a laser detector of a laser leveling system or a sighting marker of an optical measuring system, and a second elongated member (13) telescopically extendable and retractable relative to the first member (12), a graduated scale (18) on the first member (13) and a pointer (17) on the second member which indicates the extension or retraction of the second member (13) relative to the first member (12), a spring (20) for urging the second member (13) outwardly from the first member (11), the second member (13) being selectively lockable to the first member, and an extension section (14,15) at the lower end of the upper section and extendable therefrom.
US08875404B2 Pipe cutter
A power tool includes a motor, a pipe holder configured to support a pipe, and a cutting mechanism coupled to the pipe holder. The cutting mechanism is movable relative to the pipe holder. The power tool also includes a drive mechanism coupled to the cutting mechanism and the motor to move the cutting mechanism from a starting position toward the pipe holder to cut the pipe. The drive mechanism includes a first member operable to disengage a second member to allow movement of the cutting mechanism to the starting position.
US08875397B2 Vehicle wheel manufacturing method
A method for manufacturing a vehicle wheel is suggested in which the vehicle wheel can provide function and effect of preventing molding defects during molding of an outer rim portion and/or an inner rim portion having sound absorbing spaces 25 and of reducing acoustic cavity noise that occurs in a tire-internal space by use of the sound absorbing spaces. After a separation groove having a curved shape groove bottom surface 55a is formed between a ring-shaped wall portion and partition wall portions, the ring-shaped wall portion is bent toward a flange portion, and the ring-shaped wall portion and the flange portion are welded together. The sound absorbing spaces which communicate with each other via communication gaps defined according to the separation groove are thereby formed in the outer rim portion and/or the inner rim portion. In such a method, since the communication gaps can be stably formed, an increase in internal pressure caused by heat expansion of air in the sound absorbing spaces during a heat treatment step can be reduced, thus allowing prevention of molding defects due to the increase in the internal pressure.
US08875396B2 Manufacturing method for toothed part and manufacturing device for toothed part
A manufacturing method for a toothed part including a bottom surface portion and a side wall portion provided to extend upright from an outer peripheral end portion of the bottom surface portion, the side wall portion being formed with teeth. The manufacturing method includes a half drawing process of performing draw shaping on a material having a disk shape to form the bottom surface portion and the side wall portion, an inside diameter of which becomes larger in a direction away from the bottom surface portion; and a tooth shaping process of forming the teeth in the side wall portion.
US08875392B2 High-pressure turbine blade and procedure for repair of high-pressure turbine blades
The invention relates to a procedure for repair of high pressure turbine blades of an aircraft engine, with the steps:—separating a damaged section of the high pressure turbine blade; and—generating a section to replace the separated section on or upon the high pressure turbine blade by means of laser beam generation from the powder bed, as well as a high pressure turbine blade.
US08875387B2 Coaxial cable compression tool
A tool for compressing a connector onto a coaxial cable includes a pair of gates, a plunger for compressing the connector against the gates and onto the coaxial cable, and an actuator in communication with the gates and the plunger. When the actuator is moved from a first position to a second position, it causes the gates to move from an open to a closed position in which they retain the coaxial cable and brace the connector, and the plunger moves from a first position to a second position in which it engages the connector to compress the connector against the gates and onto the coaxial cable. When the actuator is moved back to its first position, the gates move to their open position thereby releasing the coaxial cable and the plunger moves to its first position thereby disengaging from the connector.
US08875374B2 Method of installing a flexible component in a U-shaped component
An installation method makes use of a tool that includes a block and a plate. The block is configured to align the installation tool with a U-shaped component. The plate extends from the block and is configured to hold a flexible component, such that the flexible component is accurately located within the U-shaped component.
US08875372B2 Braided helical wire stent
Exemplary non-woven helical stents are described that are efficient to fabricate in terms of labor and resources by being able to be manufactured by hand or machine while providing mechanical stability equivalent or close thereto of known braided or woven stents.
US08875368B2 Controlled torque fasteners and methods for using same
A controlled torque fastener for use with a substrate includes a first driver engagement feature and a primary fastener portion connected to the first driver engagement feature. The primary fastener portion includes a threaded fastening portion and a second driver engagement feature connected to the threaded fastening portion. The first driver engagement feature is configured to be engaged by a first driver to enable the first driver to tighten the controlled torque fastener onto the substrate until the first driver engagement feature breaks off from the primary fastener portion. The second driver engagement feature includes a socket configured to receive a second driver and to enable the received second driver to apply a torque to the primary fastener portion.
US08875358B2 Snap-hook
A hook forms a portion of an eye loop. A lever is pivotally movable relative to the hook. The lever forming a remaining portion of the eye loop. A thumb tab engages the lever and is positioned in an angled slot defined in a guide plate. The thumb tab is slidable in the angled slot, forming a release mechanism, such that the sliding movement of the thumb tab in the angled slot urges the lever to pivot relative to the hook to open said eye loop. The lever further includes an opening for receiving a protruding portion of the thumb tab, such that the lever can rotate to open the eye loop, essentially without sliding the thumb tab down in the slot of the hook.
US08875355B2 Buckle
A buckle designed to have the dual properties of a belt buckle and a carabiner. The buckle includes a buckle body with first and second buckle body ends and a gap therebetween. A gate extends between the first and second buckle ends, which is pivotally mounted to the first end of the buckle body. The gate is moveable between open and closed positions, such that when the gate is in a closed position it extends between the first and second buckle body ends. The buckle includes a means for holding the gate in a closed position against the second end of the buckle body. The buckle further includes a prong connected to the rear end of the buckle, which extends towards the front end of the buckle.
US08875344B2 Door closer
A door closer, in particular a hinge door closer, including a locking function or free-swing function, having a door closer housing, an output shaft to be connected to a door, a piston assembly connected to the output shaft and guided in the door closer housing, a closer spring, a piston rod adapted to connect the piston assembly to the closer spring, a hydraulic lock compartment adapted to lock the closer spring, and in particular a free-swing assembly which is adapted to enable a translational motion of the piston assembly decoupled from the closer spring when the closer spring is locked.
US08875334B1 Vacuum hose apparatus
A vacuum hose apparatus cleans a swimming pool without the use of a conventional pump. The apparatus includes a housing. A conduit extends through the housing between an inlet port and an outlet port. A suction port extends into the housing and is in environmental communication with the conduit wherein the conduit is configured for creating suction through the suction port as a fluid is passed from the inlet port to the outlet port. A bladder is positioned in the conduit between the inlet port and the suction port. A hole is positioned in the bladder wherein the bladder is configured for restricting the fluid as the fluid passes through the conduit increasing fluid pressure as the fluid passes through the hole. A supply hose is coupled to the inlet port and is configured for coupling to a fluid supply wherein fluid passes into the conduit through the inlet port.
US08875331B2 Adaptive cushion method and apparatus for minimizing force concentrations on a human body
An adaptive cushion for reducing pressure on body parts of a person positioned on a chair or bed includes an overlay cushion having a plurality of individual air bladder cells, each having thereon a force sensor. The cushion includes a controller for inflating and deflating individual air bladder cells to air pressures that tend to reduce the interface pressures sensed by the force sensors. A pressure reduction method includes varying the inflation pressure in a first air bladder cell while measuring the sum of the interface pressures exerted on all or a plurality of the air bladder cells, re-pressurizing the first cell to that air pressure for which a minimum total interface pressure was obtained, repeating this process for the remaining air bladder cells.
US08875330B2 Child safety and support pillow device
An invention designed for head, neck, chest and abdomen; providing support and protection for sleeping children while being transported. The said invention comprises of head, neck, chest and abdomen safety. It is constructed in the shape of a heart and extends between the head and abdomen of child. The invention is comprised of filling and cushion and is able to separate between sections for washing capability. It is worn over the front of the child, secured by elastic straps that slip over each arm of the child, represented on the backside of invention. It is further secured by seatbelts that are placed under confinement of the situated seatbelt safety controllers located on the front side of the invention.
US08875325B2 Graphic swaddling bedding set
A graphic swaddling bedding set that includes a bottom sheet for a mattress with a designated sleeping area located centrally and longitudinally thereon. Formed or attached to the designated sleep area is a selectively attached, pouch configured for containing the body of a child when longitudinally aligned therein when sleeping. The top edge of the pouch is detached thereby forming a top opening. Disposed over the bottom sheet and extending transversely over the pouch is a double wing-shaped top cover. Disposed between the top surface of the pouch and the bottom surface of the top cover is at least one hook and loop connector that connects the pouch and top cover. The top cover configured to extend over the sides of the mattress. Connectors or weights may be to hold the corners and lateral edges of the top cover pull the top cover tightly and hold it in place.
US08875324B2 Display systems for a mattress
Display systems for a mattress are described herein. The display systems can include a pocket configured to hold at least one pillow cover and a protective panel positioned on the top surface of a mattress. The protective panel can include an information display component.
US08875322B2 Robotic posture transfer assist devices and methods
Robotic posture transfer assist devices for assisting a posture transfer of a patient in a bed may include a device body, a stabilizer coupled with the device body and the bed, and at least one robotic arm having a plurality of degrees of freedom, wherein the robotic arm may be coupled with the device body. Robotic posture transfer assist devices may further include an end-effector removably coupled with the robotic arm, a controller module that provides a control signal to the robotic arm to control a movement of the robotic arm about the plurality of degrees of freedom, and a user input device that provides a command signal to the controller module to command the movement of the robotic arm, wherein the control signal provided by the controller module corresponds with the command signal.
US08875321B2 Multi-level sofa hinge for sofa convertible
A sofa hinge that provides easy conversion of a sofa convertible from one position to another while providing added safety by substantially reducing the risk of an injury to the operator's fingers. The sofa hinge includes a first and a second bracket rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at a bolt. The second bracket includes a semi-circular portion that covers a portion of the lever during the various positions of the sofa. The sofa hinge further includes a cover plate rotatably connected to the sofa hinge at the bolt. The cover plate includes a semi-circular portion and is adjacent to the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. The cover plate covers at least a portion of the semi-circular portion of the second bracket. By having the cover plate conceal the gear mechanism of the sofa hinge, the risk of injury to the operator's fingers is substantially reduced.
US08881309B2 Systems for finding a lost transient storage device
Processes for identifying and recovering a lost transient storage device are provided. In some processes, information regarding the owner of the device is obtained. The device ownership information may be stored on a remote service with which the device is registered and/or may be stored on the device itself. In one process, the remote service provides the device with customized device-executable code when the device is registered. The device may also contain information regarding trusted systems. The process includes obtaining status information indicating whether a device is lost when the device is connected to a host system. In some processes, the status is determined by a remote service. In other processes, the status is determined by the device. If the device is lost then a device recovery plan is executed. Portions of a device recovery plan may be executed on the remote service, the host system, and/or the device.
US08881303B2 System and method for executing web services
The subject embodiments provide a method such as a web service method. The method is used to execute two or more web services that have respective web user interfaces, and are operationally independent of each other. The method comprises: (i) executing the two or more web services under manual operation of a user; (ii) recording a script based on activities of the user in the execution; (iii) securing the recorded script; and (iv) executing the two or more web services by playing said secured script without individually executing them. The method is user friendly; highly customizable; and safe with respect to document retrieval and submission.
US08881295B2 Garbled circuit generation in a leakage-resilient manner
Methods and apparatus are provided for generating a garbled circuit for a client in a leakage-resilient manner, for use in secure function evaluation between the client and a server. The garbled circuit is generated by obtaining a token from the server, wherein said token comprises a leakage-protected area; querying the token gate-by-gate, wherein for each gate of said garbled circuit, the token interacts with the leakage-protected area to generate a garbled table for the gate; and receiving the garbled circuit from the token. The client can interact with the server to obtain garbled inputs; and then evaluate the garbled circuit on the garbled inputs to obtain a garbled output. A final output can be obtained by matching the garbled output with an output table in the garbled circuit.
US08881294B2 Methods and systems for securely uploading files onto aircraft
Methods and systems for securely uploading files onto a vehicle such as an aircraft are provided. In one embodiment, a system for transmitting files to a remote vehicle comprises: a communication system onboard the remote vehicle; at least one processor onboard the remote vehicle coupled to the communication system; and at least one storage device comprising a database, the at least one storage device further comprising computer executable instructions which when executed by the at least one processor implement a data checking functionality process comprising: generating a security file at the remote vehicle from an uplinked file received by a communication system; verifying integrity of the uplinked file using the security file; when integrity of the uplinked file is confirmed, accepting the uplinked file; and when integrity of the uplinked file is not confirmed, rejecting the uplinked file.
US08881292B2 Evaluating whether data is safe or malicious
“Known bad” data, “known good” data, or both can be stored in a database. A technique for evaluating data compares the data to the “known bad” data, “known good” data, or both. Based on the comparison, the data may or may not be allowed to be processed by a mobile device.
US08881285B2 Method and system for content distribution network security
A content delivery system includes an upload module, a content delivery module, and a monitoring module. The upload module is configured to receive content from a content provider, detect content containing malicious software or proprietary information, and provide information about the content to a monitoring module. The content delivery module is configured to detect content containing malicious software or unauthorized changes, detect operational changes to the content delivery module, provide information about the content and the operational changes to the monitoring module, receive a request for the content from a client system, and provide the content to the client system. The monitoring module is configured to monitor a network for potentially malicious traffic, receive information from the content delivery module and the upload module, correlate the information and the potentially malicious traffic to identify a security event, and trigger a response to the security event.
US08881284B1 Method and system for secure network access using a virtual machine
A method and apparatus for secure network access using a virtual machine are disclosed. The method includes provisioning a virtual machine, downloading content to the virtual machine, and sending information from the virtual machine. The information that is sent from the virtual machine is configured to allow the display of output from the virtual machine. The output from the virtual machine is based on the content. The apparatus includes a number of virtual machine servers. Each of the virtual machine servers is configured to support at least one of a number of virtual machines. A first virtual machine of the virtual machines includes an antivirus module. The first virtual machine is configured to download content. The antivirus module is configured to detect a virus by virtue of being configured to analyze the content.
US08881282B1 Systems and methods for malware attack detection and identification
Exemplary systems and methods for malware attack detection and identification are provided. A malware detection and identification system can comprise a controller. The controller can comprise an analysis environment configured to transmit network data to a virtual machine, flag input values associated with the network data from untrusted sources, monitor the flagged input values within the virtual machine, identify an outcome of one or more instructions that manipulate the flagged input values, and determine if the outcome of the one or more instructions comprise an unauthorized activity.
US08881277B2 Method and systems for collecting addresses for remotely accessible information sources
A method and system are described for collecting addresses for remotely accessible information sources. Messages, such as emails, carried by a messaging network (N1) are intercepted before reaching a destined terminal. Addresses for remotely accessible information sources (i.e. URLs) are identified from the intercepted email messages. The messages are analyzed to be classified as either a first type of message (e.g. spam or virus messages) or a second, different, type of message. If the intercepted message is classified as the first spam/virus type then data indicative of the identified address (URL) is transmitted to a filtering system (100) which controls access to the remotely accessible information sources. As a result, addresses (URLs) are gleaned from transmitted messages such as spam e-mail and supplied to a filtering system (100) which controls access to the resources accessible at those addresses.
US08881275B2 Verifying work performed by untrusted computing nodes
Techniques for verifying work performed by untrusted computing nodes are provided. A central computing system determines a first computation that is to be performed, at least in part, by a first untrusted computing node. The central computing system also determines a transformation function that is applied to the first computation to produce an equivalent second computation that is to be performed, at least in part, by a second untrusted computing node. The central computing system assigns the first computation to the first untrusted computing node and the second computation to the second untrusted computing node while keeping the transformation function secret. The central computing system receives a first result for the first computation and a second result for the second computation. The central computing system analyzes the first and second results to verify the work performed by the first and second untrusted computing nodes.
US08881271B2 System and method for forensic identification of elements within a computer system
A system and method for employing memory forensic techniques to determine operating system type, memory management configuration, and virtual machine status on a running computer system. The techniques apply advanced techniques in a fashion to make them usable and accessible by Information Technology professionals that may not necessarily be versed in the specifics of memory forensic methodologies and theory.
US08881267B2 Systems and methods for supporting pre-boot log in
A method for supporting pre-boot log in is described herein. The method includes receiving a password, via an operating system of the computer system, selected by a user for use in a pre-boot log in. The method includes determining whether the password can be entered by the user prior to completion of booting of the computer system. If the password cannot be entered by the user prior to completion of the booting, the method includes signaling that the password is unacceptable.
US08881264B2 Method for controlling the execution of an applet for an IC card
A method for controlling the execution of an applet for an IC Card including a java card platform, includes a phase for downloading the applet inside the IC Card, a phase for executing the applet through the java card platform and a phase for storing an identification platform number inside a memory portion of the IC Card. The phase for executing the applet has a first step for detecting the identification platform number to perform the phase for executing the applet with or without restrictions, respectively if the identification platform number is not or is detected by the step for detecting. The applet is a java card applet or a SIM toolkit applet.
US08881263B2 Location-based security system for portable electronic device
A location-dependent security method and system for a portable electronic device is disclosed. Without requiring that the user enter any location information, the system determines one or more familiar areas for the device based on locations where the device has received at least a threshold amount of successful user authentication entries. Thereafter, when a user attempts to access the device or an application of the device, the device will implement a first authentication process if the device is in one of the familiar areas, or a different authentication process if the device is not in one of the familiar areas.
US08881261B1 System and method for providing proactive VPN establishment
A system and method which includes monitoring an existing first connection to a secured network domain. A first network configuration is employed to access the secured network domain via the first connection. An available second connection to the network domain is detected, whereby the system and method automatically switch to the second connection to access the secured network domain upon detecting a termination with the first connection. Access to the secured network domain, via the second connection, is established by employing a second network configuration. In an aspect, the first connection is by cable and the first network configuration is associated with direct access to the secured network domain. In an aspect, the second connection is a wired or wireless signal and the second network configuration is associated with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection.
US08881253B2 Method and apparatus for accepting a digital identity of a user based on transitive trust among parties
Method and apparatus for accepting a digital identity of a user based on transitive trust among parties are described. One aspect of the invention relates to managing a digital identity of a user. The digital identity is provided to a first party, where the digital identity includes a self-asserted claim. An acceptance token is obtained from the first party. The acceptance token purports authenticity of the self-asserted claim according to the first party. The digital identity and the acceptance token are provided to a second party to request validation of the self-asserted claim by the second party based on the acceptance token.
US08881247B2 Federated mobile authentication using a network operator infrastructure
Architecture that utilizes the strong authentication mechanisms of network operators to provide authentication to mobile applications by identity federation. When a mobile client initiates request for access to an application outside the network operation infrastructure, the request is passed to an associated application secure token service. The application secure token service has an established trust and identity federation with the network operator. The application secure token service redirects the request to a network operator security token server, which then passes the request to a network operator authentication server for authentication against an operator identity service. Proof of authentication is then issued and returned from the network operator security token server to the application secure token service and the application, which allows the mobile client to access the application.
US08881243B2 Data traffic control in a communication network
A method and apparatus for controlling data traffic in a communications network. The server determines that network conditions are suitable for sending delay tolerant data traffic, and as a result of the determination, it transmits a grant message to at least one client device, the grant message informing the client device that it is permitted to send or receive delay tolerant data traffic.
US08881242B2 Information communication system, information communication method, node apparatus and recording medium
A node apparatus of an information communication system in which a content is distributed and stored by an overlay network configured by a plurality of node apparatuses and which has a center server that manages the content to be submitted to the overlay network, the node apparatus includes: a first creation unit configured to create meta-information that is used in submitting the content to the overlay network; a transmission unit configured to transmit the meta-information created by the first creation unit to the center server; a first reception unit configured to receive the meta-information and an electronic signature verifying the meta-information, which is determined to be proper by the center server, from the center server, and a permission unit configured to permit the meta-information received by the first reception unit to be acquired on the overlay network.
US08881231B2 Automatically performing an action upon a login
Techniques for automatically performing one or more actions responsive to a successful login. In one embodiment, an action automatically performed responsive to the login uses content created prior to the login.
US08881215B2 System and method for compressing video based on detected data rate of a communication channel
A system and method are described below for encoding interactive low-latency video using interframe coding. For example, one embodiment of a computer-implemented method for performing video compression comprises: detecting a maximum data rate of a communication channel between a server and a client; dynamically selecting a tile size for encoding a sequence of images based on the detected maximum data rate; logically subdividing each of the sequence of images into a plurality of tiles sized according to the selected tile size, each of the tiles having a defined position within each of the sequence of images; encoding each tile within each image of the sequence of images using a first compression format or a second compression format, wherein a tile at a particular position of a first image in the sequence of images is encoded using the first compression format and the same tile within one or more subsequent images is encoded using the second compression format.
US08881201B2 Methods and systems for providing media content listings by content provider
An interactive television program guide method and system is provided in which a viewer may direct a media guidance application to display program listings independent of scheduled broadcast time. Selectable options are presented to viewer on the screen, allowing the user to select a subset of content providers and view associated listings. The media guidance application removes duplicate listings from the listings display, in accordance with the viewer's preference. Listings may be displayed in a variety of arrangements, including alphabetical order by title, by genre, or by day scheduled for broadcast. Listings can also be sorted according to several criteria and displayed for further convenience to the viewer. The viewer may specify a broadcast time interval to further narrow the subset of listings that are displayed. Additional options displayed on the screen allow the viewer to re-sort listings on the display screen.
US08881200B2 Program information notification device, television receiver, program information notification method, program information notification program, and recording medium
A television set (100) includes a determination section (330) and a notification section (340). The determination section (330) determines, as program information to be notified to a user, a plurality of pieces of program information each of which matches a search condition set beforehand, from among a plurality of pieces of program information. The notification section (340) notifies the user of the television set (100) of the plurality of pieces of program information thus determined by the determination section (330).
US08881197B2 Apparatus and method for processing augmented broadcast content using analysis algorithm based on reference signal
An apparatus and method for processing augmented broadcast content. The apparatus includes: a broadcast content receiving unit configured to receive broadcast content and a first reference signal from a broadcast content provider, the first reference signal including information used to recognize a target object in the broadcast content and composite the broadcast content and augmented content associated with the target object; an object identifying unit configured to identify the target object in the broadcast content by analyzing the broadcast content using an image or sound analysis algorithm with reference to the first reference signal; an augmented content acquiring unit configured to acquire the augmented content associated with the target object; and an augmented content compositing unit configured to composite the acquired augmented content into an augmentation region determined based on the first reference signal.
US08881194B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium for synchronizing multicast customized content to facilitate DSLAM complexity reduction
A method, computer readable medium, and system for advertisement and content distribution are provided. Supplementary content is synchronized with advertisement slots, or commercial intervals, of a program stream and distributed via separate multicast group addresses. The program content is distributed via an alternative multicast group address during commercial intervals. Ports associated with respective users are mapped or otherwise associated with multiple multicast group addresses in a forwarding table thereby allowing distribution of supplementary content, or alternatively the program content, during commercial intervals.
US08881192B2 Television content through supplementary media channels
A method and system implements supplementary media channels to Internet-protocol television (IPTV) channels. An IPTV user may receive a selected IPTV program on an IPTV channel. The IPTV program may be correlated in time with metadata describing the content of the IPTV program. At a point in the IPTV program, the metadata may match with user configuration information for receiving supplemental content. A supplementary media channel may be used at such point to provide the supplemental content to the IPTV user during the IPTV program. Supplemental content may include additional storyline content for the IPTV program or an advertising message, a redeemable coupon, a promotional offer, or an order invitation. The supplementary media channel may include a telephone connection with the IPTV user, an email message, a text message, or an instant message sent to the IPTV user, or a voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) connection with the IPTV user.
US08881188B2 Advertisement providing system, advertisement displaying apparatus, advertisement managing apparatus, advertisement displaying method, advertisement managing method, and computer product
An advertisement providing system includes a storage unit storing advertisements; a pull-type display managing unit that displays an advertisement designated by a viewer, a counting unit that counts the frequency an advertisement is displayed, a generating unit that generates a display schedule for the advertisements based on the frequency the advertisements are displayed, and a push-type display managing unit that displays the advertisements according to the display schedule.
US08881186B2 Method and system for improved media distribution
This disclosure describes methods and systems for improved media distribution. More specifically, this disclosure sets forth methods and systems for distributing video to a third party.
US08881183B2 Disc visible type disc drive apparatus
A disc-visible type disk drive apparatus is disclosed. The disk drive apparatus includes: a main body casing having a first slot provided at a first side surface to load a disc; a protection cover having a first cover provided on the first side surface of the main body casing, wherein the first cover covers a portion of the disc exposed outside the main body casing through the first slot and forms a passage through which the disc passes during loading and unloading; a disc detecting sensor disposed in the first cover which detects the disc; and a disc loading unit disposed in the main body casing and having a loading roller which is driven so as to load the disc if the disc is detected by the disc detecting sensor.
US08881181B1 Establishing a social application layer
A virtual space may be presented within a plurality of virtual environments provided by different platforms without requiring idiosyncratic APIs associated with the virtual space for each different platform. An API adaptor module may be configured to facilitate interfacing between a single virtual space API and platform APIs associated with two or more different platforms. A space module may be configured to execute an instance of a virtual space, and to implement the instance of the virtual space to determine view information defining views of the instance of the virtual space for presentation via two or more virtual environments provided by the two or more platforms. Facilitating user interactivity with the virtual space via a given virtual environment provided by a given platform may include interfacing between the virtual space API and a platform API associated with the given platform.
US08881180B1 Cross platform discovery and communication over a local network
Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems that execute a cross-platform application programming interface (API) that supports a plurality of applications are described. The cross-platform API implements a request from an application for a device to participate in a unique conversation, the unique conversation being identified by a topic and independent of a unique identifier for entities. The cross-platform API further provides the application an abstracted discovery mechanism by which the application causes the device to discover an entity that is accessible on the local network participating in the unique conversation. The cross-platform API further provides the application with a message passing mechanism by which the application causes the first device to exchange messages related to the unique conversation with the entity.
US08881166B2 Method, data processing program, and computer program product to compensate for coupling overhead in a distributed computing system, and corresponding overhead calculator for a distributed computing system and corresponding computer system
An improved method to compensate for coupling overhead in a distributed computing system offering a raw processing capacity, comprising an effective processing capacity (404) and the coupling overhead, is disclosed, wherein the distributed computing system comprises at least one computer system and at least one coupling facility. The method comprises determining a coupling efficiency, determining and adding an amount of missing processing capacity to the effective processing capacity based on the coupling efficiency in a way that the effective processing capacity of the raw processing capacity corresponds to a billable target processing capacity.
US08881165B2 Methods, computer systems, and physical computer storage media for managing resources of a storage server
For managing a storage server having improving overall system performance, a first input/output (I/O) request is received. A first priority level is dynamically assigned to the first I/O request, the first I/O request associated with a performance level for an application residing on a host in communication with the storage server. A second I/O request of a second priority level is throttled to allow at least a portion of a predetermined amount of resources previously designated for performing the second I/O request to be re-allocated to performing the first I/O request. The second priority level is different than the first priority level.
US08881162B2 Apparatus and method for managing resources in containment framework environment
Provided is an apparatus and method for managing resources in a containment framework environment, more particularly, an apparatus and method for managing resource allocation and resource de-allocation in a containment framework environment including a plurality of applications having life cycles. The apparatus includes an identifier generating unit generating a unique identifier of an application to which a predetermined resource is allocated; an application managing unit binding or unbinding the resource to or from the unique identifier; a resource managing unit that increases a counter for the use of the resource when the binding is established and decreases the counter for the use of the resource when the resource is unbound from the unique identifier; and a resource de-allocating unit de-allocating the resource when the counter is 0.
US08881145B2 System and method for generating application-level dependencies in one or more virtual machines
A technique generates application-level dependencies in one or more virtual machines (VMs). An intercepting module in a VM monitor intercepts a guest operation system (OS) at TCP send and close related operations. An introspecting module in the VM monitor performs VM introspection for TCP connection and thread information by checking running thread and processing socket kernel objects. It generates an application trajectory and exports application dependencies from the application trajectory for a selected application.
US08881141B2 Virtualization of hardware queues in self-virtualizing input/output devices
Hardware transmit and/or receive queues in a self-virtualizing IO resource are virtualized to effectively abstract away resource-specific details for the self-virtualizing IO resource. By doing so, a logical partition may be permitted to configure and access a desired number of virtual transmit and/or receive queues, and have an adjunct partition that interfaces the logical partition with the self-virtualizing IO resource handle the appropriate mappings between the hardware and virtual queues.
US08881139B1 Legacy application rehosting system
A legacy application rehosting system for operating a legacy operating system application on modern operating systems without substantially rewriting the legacy operating system application. The legacy application rehosting system generally includes transferring the source code from the legacy platform to the new platform, transferring the data from the legacy platform to an internal database of the legacy application on the new platform, execution of the legacy application on the new platform and remediating exceptions, migrating data from the internal database to a new database and deploying the system.
US08881137B2 Creating a relatively unique environment for computing platforms
Systems and methods for significantly disrupting both the execution and distribution capabilities of computer viruses across computer networks and devices are provided. According to one embodiment, a computer program is installed within a computer system in a locally unique form having altered semantics based on a diversity mechanism. Execution of the computer program will fail to perform as intended on the computer system unless the locally unique form of the computer program is first transformed into an executable form of the computer program having correct semantics using the diversity mechanism. Use of the diversity mechanism differentiates an execution or loading environment associated with the computer system from that of other computer systems by affecting operational behavior of computer programs attempting to execute on the computer system. Responsive to an attempted execution of the computer program, it is transformed into the executable form by a protected pre-execution process.
US08881130B2 Co-existing dedicated system software and read/writeable data storage space on removable media
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for mobile media with both dedicated readable and writeable user data space and dedicated readable and writeable drive device space. The mobile data storage media adapted for operatively working with a drive device comprises a data space accessible by an end user and a drive software space accessible by the drive device and inaccessible by an end user. The drive software space is adapted to accommodate firmware for use by the drive device in addition to the reading and writing of software by the drive device. The media is adapted to receive and store software from the drive device or, alternatively, is adapted to transmit software to the drive device.
US08881129B1 Updating integration metadata in a multi-tenant system
Updating integration metadata in a multi-tenant system includes determining at a multi-tenant services management platform that a service provider software code has changed in a manner that affects a canonical feature provided by the multi-tenant service management platform with respect to a service of the service provider to end users associated with one or more tenants of the multi-tenant services management platform, wherein the canonical feature is provided at least in part by interacting with the service provider on the behalf of a user; and implementing at the multi-tenant services management platform, with respect to at least a subset of said one or more tenants, an accommodation that enables the canonical feature to be provided subsequent to the service provider software code having been changed.
US08881122B1 Predicate matching library for complex program analysis
A matching library of a code analysis system defines a number of predicates applicable to an abstract syntax tree (AST) corresponding to program code being analyzed. The predicates represent whether or not nodes of the program code's AST have corresponding properties, such as representing a class that inherits from another given class. The code analysis system obtains an AST to analyze, a predicate expression query that includes predicates of the matching library, and action code. The code analysis system identifies nodes of the AST that match the predicate expression query by executing code of the matching library and executes the action code against the identified nodes.
US08881115B2 Compiling source code for debugging with expanded snapshots
Debugging source code includes: tracking, by a debugger during a debug session, duration of user examination of source code locations; providing, by the debugger to an optimizing compiler, a source code examination profile specifying source code locations examined by the user during the debug session; and receiving, by the debugger from the optimizing compiler: compiled source code for debugging, the compiled source code comprising, at each of one or more source code locations specified in the source code examination profile: a snapshot before the source code of the source code location, followed by an expanded snapshot, the expanded snapshot including computer program instructions to enable, during a debug session, examination of variable values changing during execution of the source code at the source code location; and a recording of snapshot locations and expanded snapshot locations.
US08881107B2 Automatic memory leak detection
Memory leak detection can be automated by assigning and recording an increasing sequence number to each memory allocation requested by an action. Call stacks associated with the action are also recorded. Several repetitions of the action can be executed. Allocations that occur in each action and that have similar or matching callstacks are defined as leaks. Allocations that do not have matches can be ignored.
US08881106B2 Debugging parallel software using speculatively executed code sequences in a multiple core environment
Methods and apparatus relating to debugging parallel software using speculatively executed code sequences in a multiple core environment are described. In an embodiment, occurrence of a speculative code debug event is detected and a speculative code execution debug module is executed in response to occurrence of the event. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08881105B2 Test case manager
The test case manager interfaces with an application under test via an automation tool manager and is automation tool independent. Scripts are installed from a library based on the automation tool and the application type. The scripts perform the actions of learning the application objects, play back/validation, and automate test case creation. In a preferred embodiment, the test case manager drives the actions of the scripts. Scripts can be modified by customizing application specific actions and invoking them through the test case manager format.
US08881100B2 Automated generation of bridging code to augment a legacy application using an object-oriented language
A legacy machine-oriented language interface definition of a new module to be implemented within a legacy machine-oriented language application using an object-oriented language is received at a processor. An object-oriented class definition and bridging code that interfaces the object-oriented class definition to the legacy machine-oriented language interface definition is generated by the processor. An updated version of the object-oriented class definition is received that includes object-oriented code that implements functionality of the new module. A new version of the legacy machine-oriented language application is created that includes the new module as a new object accessible using the legacy machine-oriented language interface definition and as implemented by the object-oriented code in the updated version of the object-oriented class definition.
US08881095B1 Software defect prediction
A method of software defect prediction by a computer is provided. The method comprises identifying software test organizations scheduled to perform testing on an application or applications, where the scope of the software testing varies between different test organizations, identifying the type of test cases to be executed by each test organization, where the test types comprise at least one of new functionality test and regression test, and identifying a planned number of test cases to be executed for each test type. A forecast number of defects are modeled by a computer based on the planned number of test cases to be executed and a defect rate for each test type. The development staffing level capable of fixing forecast defects by the scheduled completion of testing is calculated by the computer based on a fix capacity of a software development organization. Development resources are assigned to fix defects based on the calculated development staffing level.
US08881090B2 Method for fabrication of an integrated circuit in a technology reduced with respect to a native technology, and corresponding integrated circuit
The technological fabrication of the integrated circuit includes a fabrication of the integrated circuit in a reduced technological version of a native technology including at least a first dimensional compensation applied to the reduced channel length and to the reduced channel width of each transistor originating from a transistor, referred to as a “minimum transistor”, designed in the native technology and having in this native technology an initial channel length equal to a minimum length for the native technology and an initial channel width equal to a minimum width for the native technology. The fabrication obtains a transistor having a channel length equal, to a given precision, to the initial channel length and a channel width equal, to a given precision, to the initial channel width.
US08881088B2 Thermal analysis based circuit design
Methods and apparatuses for circuit design to reduce power usage, such as reducing temperature dependent power usage, and/or to improve timing, such as reducing temperature dependent delay or transition time. At least one embodiment of the method implemented on a data processing system for circuit design, the method comprises determining for a first design of a circuit a first temperature solution and a first power dissipation solution, the first power dissipation solution and the first temperature solution being interdependent, and transforming the first design of the circuit into a second design of the circuit using the first temperature solution to reduce leakage power of the circuit under one or more design constraints.
US08881085B1 Cell-level electrostatic discharge protection for an integrated circuit
A method of evaluating a layout cell for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection can include identifying at least one feature of the layout cell for use in implementing an integrated circuit (IC) and comparing the at least one feature of the layout cell to an ESD requirement for the IC. The method can include indicating whether the feature of the layout cell complies with the ESD requirement.
US08881083B1 Methods for improving double patterning route efficiency
A design methodology for routing for an integrated circuit is disclosed. The method includes placement of cells having double diffusion breaks, which create an extended intercell region. Metal layer prohibit zones are defined to prohibit any M1 structures in the prohibit zones. Metal layer allow zones are placed adjacent to outer metal lines, and jogs are formed in the metal layer allow zones. Vias and viabars may then be applied on the jogs.
US08881081B1 Method and apparatus for extracting delay parameter
A delay parameter extracting apparatus includes a schematic composing unit, a layout composing unit, a verification unit, and a parameter extracting unit. The schematic composing unit is configured to: facilitate design of a schematic circuit; and generate a first net list based on the design of the schematic circuit. The layout composing unit is configured to: facilitate design of a layout based on the schematic circuit; and generate a second net list based on the design of the layout. The verification unit is configured to verify the layout by comparing the first net list to the second net list. The parameter extracting unit is configured to: extract capacitance (C) values from the layout; and extract delay parameters based on the C values with respect to respective nets according to types of delay parameters associated with the respective nets.
US08881076B2 Method of predicting contention between electronic circuit drivers
Software method to identify presence of multiple digital drivers disposed in a manner that creates multiple conflicting current paths in complex electronic circuit designs. Digital drivers are analyzed by expanding backwards to build a logical tree representation of the previous predecessor circuit portions that drive the digital driver's state. The previous level of predecessor circuit node states earlier in the circuit are checked to see if they simultaneously create pull up paths to power nets and pull down paths to ground nets, thus logically determining if a contention configuration is possible. This back-trace analysis is then repeated for the next previous level of predecessor circuit portions, further seeking logical contention issues within the expanding logic tree. This is continued until either no predecessor circuit portion that causes contention is found, or until a portion that does cause logical contention is found, in which case the contention digital drivers are reported.
US08881073B1 Analysis of stress impact on transistor performance
Roughly described, a method for approximating stress-induced mobility enhancement in a channel region in an integrated circuit layout, including approximating the stress at each of a plurality of sample points in the channel, converting the stress approximation at each of the sample points to a respective mobility enhancement value, and averaging the mobility enhancement values at all the sample points. The method enables integrated circuit stress analysis that takes into account stresses contributed by multiple stress generation mechanisms, stresses having vector components other than along the length of the channel, and stress contributions (including mitigations) due to the presence of other structures in the neighborhood of the channel region under study, other than the nearest STI interfaces. The method also enables stress analysis of large layout regions and even full-chip layouts, without incurring the computation costs of a full TCAD simulation.
US08881070B1 Optical proximity correction based on edge fragment correlation
Aspects of the invention relate to techniques for applying edge fragment correlation information to optical proximity correction. Conventional edge adjustment values for the edge fragments are first derived from edge placement error values. Neighbor-aware edge adjustment values for the edge fragments are then computed based on the edge placement error values, the conventional edge adjustment values and edge fragment correlation information. The computation comprises: calculating pseudo edge placement error values by subtracting neighboring edge movement contribution values from the edge placement error values and calculating the neighbor-aware edge adjustment values based on the pseudo edge placement error values. The computed neighbor-aware edge adjustment values are combined with conventional edge adjustment values and the edge fragments are adjusted accordingly. The process may be repeated for a number of times.
US08881068B2 Optimized optical proximity correction handling for lithographic fills
An approach for providing a fragmentation scheme for lithographic fills is provided. In a typical embodiment, a plurality of shapes in a lithographic (e.g., dummy) fill will be grouped/classified into a first set of shapes (e.g., a representative set of shapes) and a second set of shapes (e.g., a similar set of shapes). A set of points will be identified along the edges of the first set of shapes (e.g., at corners of the edges and at positions along the edges that are in alignment with corners of adjacent shapes) to yield an initial mask output. This initial mask output will be copied to the second set of shapes to yield a final mask output which may then be outputted using such an optimized fragmentation scheme.
US08881064B2 Method of providing a user interface
A method of providing a user interface for controlling a system (1;27) includes observing a presence of a body or body part of a user in a certain environment of a device (6,14-17;30). At least a perceptible part (28,34) of the user interface is made available to the user in association with a particular functionality for interacting with the system (1;27) controlled by the user interface in dependence on a rate of displacement of the body or body part of the user observed in the certain environment.
US08881059B2 Object control device, object control method, computer-readable recording medium, and integrated circuit
A virtual object display determination unit identifies from real object display determination information a priority corresponding to a movement of a user indicated by user movement information notified by a state communication unit and, at the same time, identifies from real object attribute information a priority corresponding to a state change indicated by state change information notified by the state communication unit. By comparing the two identified priorities, the virtual object display determination unit determines whether or not to change a display mode of a virtual object. A UI generation unit generates a UI to be presented to the user based on a determination result of the virtual object display determination unit, and causes the UI to be displayed by a UI display unit.
US08881056B2 Dynamic view computation and display
Methods and apparatus for displaying objects in client GUI. A lead selection and scoping information is used to determine whether the object is viewable, and the object is rendered only if it is at least partially viewable. The lead selection and scoping information is used to determine whether data is needed to render the object, and data is received from a corresponding object on a server only if it is needed to render the object. Determining whether the object is viewable in the GUI can be based on declaratively marked entities within the object's view and on view calculation rules. Determining whether data is needed to render the object can be based on declaratively marked entities within the object's data model such as flags indicating whether the data field is valid or whether the binding of the data field to a data source is valid.
US08881046B2 Virtual pin pad for fuel payment systems
A method and system for displaying a virtual PIN pad and a virtual non-PIN pad on a touch screen having a screen area. Electronics in electrical communication with the touch screen are operative to provide the virtual PIN pad on the touch screen in a payment mode and provide the virtual non-PIN pad in a non-payment mode. The virtual PIN pad has a first plurality of virtual buttons and the virtual non-PIN pad has a second plurality of virtual buttons, the first plurality of virtual buttons being greater than the second plurality of virtual buttons. The electronics are operative in the payment mode to render the virtual PIN pad having the first plurality of virtual buttons and determine a numerical sequence entered by a user at the virtual PIN pad. The electronics are operative in the non-payment mode to render the virtual non-PIN pad having the second plurality of virtual buttons determine selections entered by a user at the virtual non-PIN pad.
US08881040B2 System and method for detecting, collecting, analyzing, and communicating event-related information
A system and method involves detecting operational social disruptive events on a global scale, assigning disease event staging and warnings to express data in more simplistic terms, modeling data in conjunction with linguistics analysis to establish responsive actions, generating visualization and modeling capabilities for communicating information, and modeling disease propagation for containment and forecasting purposes.
US08881039B2 Scaling composite shapes for a graphical human-machine interface
Parameters associated with sub-elements of a composite shape may determine how the sub-element is scaled during resizing of the composite shape. A graphical display editor may use the scaling parameters to calculate various scaling factors that are then applied to the sub-elements of each composite shape during resizing. The editor may apply the scaling parameters to the sub-elements for resizing in one or more axes (e.g., the length, width, and height or X, Y, and Z axes, etc.) to adjust the composite shape for a particular graphical display. The editor may apply the scaling parameters directly to each sub-element to prevent any distortion of those sub-elements. The configured scaling parameters may then be linked to the composite shape so that, at runtime, the parameters are applied to the composite shape and its sub-elements. The scaling parameters may be applied to both composite shapes and animations associated with the composite shapes.
US08881034B2 Engine for rendering widgets using platform-specific attributes
A widget engine renders widgets using operating system platform-specific attributes. A widget application written at least partly in platform non-specific code is rendered by the widget engine through a series of system calls and callbacks. Upon interpreting particular code, the widget engine issues a system call to a module for performing a particular type of action. The module, based on the operating system platform, calls a platform-specific library that specifies how to carry out the action according to the operating system platform. Thereafter, using the returned platform-specific data, the widget engine renders the widget.
US08881032B1 Grouped tab document interface
Computer-implemented methods for grouping web page viewing windows in a web browser are provided. In one aspect, a computer-implemented method includes receiving a request to open a web page viewing window within a web browser that has multiple previously opened web page viewing windows. The method also includes automatically grouping each tab indicator associated with a subset of the web page viewing windows into a group based on an amount of viewable display space within the web browser to display each tab indicator associated with each of the web page viewing windows. Systems, graphical user interfaces, and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08881028B2 Reverse metadata viewing by multiple parties
Reverse metadata viewing by multiple parties, in one aspect, determines one or more second users that share one or more concerns of the first user, enable the first user to select said one or more second users. One or more concerns of said selected one or more second users are determined based on metadata information in electronic artifacts associated with said selected one or more second users. The first user is enabled to explore said one or more concerns of said selected one or more second users.
US08881024B2 Systems and methodologies providing collaboration and display among a plurality of users
A system and methodology for collaboration and display among a plurality of users. The system is comprised of mapping logic defining a mapped structure for storing a plurality of separate layers of data in a plurality of data layers; and, storage for storing layer data in selected ones of said plurality of separate data layers, responsive to the mapping logic. The mapping logic associates user image data for each of at least two of the plurality of users for storage as respective said layer data in a respective one of the separate data layers. The system is further comprised of display definition logic controlling which of the plurality of data layers are utilized in providing a display presentation to at least one of the plurality of users. In an alternate embodiment, the system is further comprised of display mapping logic determining a hierarchial structuring for utilization within the display presentation of each respective said one of the data layers, placed within the combined display presentation according to the mapping logic, to appear atop one another within the display presentation, with a precedence of display presence, for providing a combined display presentation; and, display generation logic responsive to the display definition logic, the storage, the mapping logic, and the display mapping logic, for providing the combined display presentation comprising the display presentation associated with a first said data layer of the plurality of data layers appearing within the combined display presentation.
US08881023B2 Methods and apparatus for synchronizing virtual and physical mouse pointers on remote KVM systems
A method and system is disclosed for synchronizing the virtual and physical mouse cursors of a local computer and a remotely controlled computer. Video signals generated by a host computer are transmitted to a client computer in order to allow the user of a client computer to have a virtual presence on the host computer. However, the signals transmitted by the host computer may contain errors that can cause a physical mouse to lose synchronization with a virtual mouse. Therefore this virtual presence architecture uses USB protocol and human interface descriptors that support the movement of a mouse to an absolute position in order to synchronize a virtual mouse cursor with a physical mouse cursor.
US08881011B2 Tool for creating content for video sharing platform
A method for use in providing content includes hosting a network site on a computer network, displaying on the network site links to one or more videos, and displaying on the network site at least an on-demand preview of a first video in response to a corresponding one of the links being selected. A storage medium stores a computer program for use on a client computer. Several other methods, systems and programs are also disclosed.
US08881008B2 System and method for distributing user interface device configurations
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a computing device including a memory, a display device and a controller. The controller is programmed to provide to a first server a request for User Interface (UI) device configurations, provide to the first server configuration criteria associated with the request, receive configuration data associated with target UI device configurations from the first server, present a Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the display device based on the configuration data where the GUI displays selections for each of the target UI device configurations, provide a selection from among the selections of the target UI device configurations, and receive provisioning information from the first server that allows for implementing the selection of the target UI device configuration. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08881006B2 Managing digital signatures
A method includes searching a data instance in a modular interactive document to identify completed digital signatures, validating the identified completed digital signatures, generating a signature information table that associates nodes of the data instance with signature information including an indicator of a digital signature status associated with each of the nodes, retrieving a page of the modular interactive document, retrieving data associated with the page and identifying nodes of data associated with user interface elements of the page, retrieving the digital signature status associated with the identified nodes of data associated with the user interface elements of the page from the signature information table, and presenting the page of the modular interactive document to the user on a display, the presented page including data corresponding to the identified nodes and an indication of the digital signature status associated with the data corresponding to the identified nodes.
US08880999B1 Language notification generator
Computer-implemented methods relating to interactive graphical designs are provided. One method includes adding a widget to a graphical instantiation of a web page design that is being displayed in a graphical design environment. The method also includes generating an encoded instantiation of the web page design using a compiler and the graphical instantiation. The method also includes rendering the encoded instantiation in a player. A portion of the encoded instantiation is used by the player for an aspect of an interaction between a viewer of the web page design and the widget. The method also includes generating a notification to describe that aspect of the interaction. The notification is a more cogent description of that aspect of the interaction than the portion of the encoded instantiation.
US08880997B2 Service registry policy aggregator
A method of operating a service registry and repository based on a triplestore comprises: receiving a request to aggregate a service document; shredding elements of the service document to create logical objects within the triplestore; for each logical object, searching for all policy attachments logical objects that have a relationship with the logical object; for each located policy attachment, retrieving details of the policy and building a list of policies and associated logical objects in the repository; and returning an indication of the list of polices and associated logical objects. The list of logical objects and associated polices is used to compile a service document containing details of policies that have relationships with the selected service document logical objects. Objects that have associated polices are rendered with a hypertext policy icon next to the object and selection of the hypertext policy icon opens a new window with the policy details.
US08880990B2 Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and recording medium on which information processing program is recorded
An information processing device that acquires data constituting a Web page that is to be provided to a terminal device via a network and is designed for displaying predetermined content information. The information processing device then acquires a script that is programmed to allow reference to correspondence information associating candidate content information that is set beforehand as a candidate for content information to be displayed on the Web page, with variation information specifying variations of at least the display form of an object to be displayed on the Web page. The information processing device incorporates the script into the page data in an executable manner. In response to a request from the terminal device, the information processing device transmits the page data having the script incorporated thereinto, to the terminal device.
US08880987B2 Checksum using sums of permutation sub-matrices
A method for encoding data bits includes computing checksum parity bits based on the data bits. A set of equations satisfied by the data bits and the checksum parity bits corresponds to a dense parity-check matrix. The dense parity-check matrix comprises sums of permutation sub-matrices.
US08880985B2 High-speed long codeword QC-LDPC soft decision decoder
A Quasi-Cyclic, LDPC, large girth, soft-decision decoder and accompanying methods.
US08880979B2 Secondary memory to store a varying amount of overhead information
A method and system are disclosed in which a first non-volatile memory includes blocks that store data, and a second memory that stores overhead information related to the blocks storing the data. The amount of the second memory storing the overhead information related to the at least one block of the plurality of blocks is varied.
US08880972B2 Serial transmission apparatus, information processing apparatus, and serial transmission method
A serial transmission apparatus, which transmits data through a serial communication line, includes a transmission unit configured to transmit data stored in a transmission data buffer to a transmission destination apparatus, a time-out detector configured to detect a time out when a response to the transmitted data from the transmission destination apparatus is not received within a specified period of time, a recovery state detector configured to detect a recovery state representing that the serial communication line is in a link recovery process, and a retransmission request unit configured to request the transmission unit to transmit again the data which has been stored in the transmission data buffer when the time-out detector detects the time-out or when the recovery state detector detects the recovery state of the serial communication line.
US08880966B2 Transitioning POLL IN to set MRST and CE high states
An optimized JTAG interface is used to access JTAG Tap Domains within an integrated circuit. The interface requires fewer pins than the conventional JTAG interface and is thus more applicable than conventional JTAG interfaces on an integrated circuit where the availability of pins is limited. The interface may be used for a variety of serial communication operations such as, but not limited to, serial communication related integrated circuit test, emulation, debug, and/or trace operations.
US08880965B2 Low power scan flip-flop cell
A low power scan flip-flop cell includes a multiplexer, a master latch, a scan slave latch and a data slave latch. The master latch is connected to the multiplexer, and used for generating a first latch signal. The scan slave latch is connected to the master latch, and generates a scan output (SO) signal. The data slave latch is connected to the master latch, and generates a Q output depending on a scan enable (SE) input signal and the first latch signal. The Q output is maintained at a predetermined level during scan mode, which eliminates unnecessary switching of combinational logic connected to the scan flip-flop cell and thus reduces power consumption.
US08880959B2 Transaction diagnostic block
When an abort of a transaction occurs, a determination is made as to whether diagnostic information is to be stored in one or more transaction diagnostic blocks (TDBs). There are different types of transaction diagnostic blocks to accept diagnostic information depending on the type of abort and other considerations. As examples, there are a program-specified TDB in which information is stored if a valid TDB address is provided in a transaction begin instruction; a program interruption TDB, which is stored into when the program is aborted due to an interruption; and a program interception TDB, which is stored into when an abort results in an interception.
US08880953B2 Computer-readable recording medium, apparatus, and method for processing data
A method for processing data includes storing a type information of a configuration element of a first data process system in association with an identification information of the configuration element in a configuration information storage part, determining the type information corresponding to a message output from the first data process system, the message including the identification information, comparing a first message group including a plurality of first messages and a second message group including a plurality of second messages, the plural second messages being stored in association with the type information of a second data process system in a message group storage part, determining whether the plural first messages match the plural second messages, and determining whether the type information of the plural first messages match the type information of the plural second messages when the plural first messages do not match the plural second messages.
US08880951B2 Detection of dead widgets in software applications
In one embodiment, a user interface includes at least one instance of each of at least one widget. Recording a plurality of widget interaction instances (WIIs) for the user interface, each WII resulting from a user interaction applied to a particular instance of a particular widget. Clustering the plurality of WIIs based on a text value and a path value of each WII, such that each cluster of WIIs is associated with a particular widget. Determining, for each of at least one cluster of WIIs, whether the particular widget associated with the cluster of WIIs is erroneous based on whether user interactions corresponding to the WIIs in the cluster have produced responses from a software application that includes the user interface.
US08880948B2 Terminal diagnosis self correction method and system
Terminal diagnosis self correction is disclosed. A service inquiry is received regarding a problem with a terminal from a user. Terminal statistics are obtained remotely from the terminal and stored in a site diagnosis log. An initial diagnosis is determined with a site diagnostic tool using the terminal statistics. The initial diagnosis is stored in the site diagnosis log. A technician is dispatched to repair the terminal. Terminal statistics are obtained locally at the terminal and stored in an onsite validation tool log. An onsite diagnosis is determined using an onsite validation tool and stored the onsite validation tool log. The initial and onsite diagnoses are compared. In response to a difference between the initial and onsite diagnoses, the remotely and locally obtained terminal statistics are compared. The site diagnostic tool is adjusted based on the initial diagnosis, the onsite diagnosis, and the remote and local terminal statistics.
US08880945B2 Customer premises equipment diagnostic, recovery, and reporting systems and methods
Exemplary customer premises equipment (“CPE”) diagnostic, recovery, and reporting systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary method includes a technical support server subsystem aggregating, over time, technical support data representing technical issues of CPE devices and operations performed to resolve the technical issues, identifying a subset of the technical support data, and providing the identified subset of the technical support data to a CPE device for local storage by the CPE device, locally stored technical support data configured to be used by the CPE device to self-recover from a future technical issue associated with the CPE device. In certain embodiments, the CPE device may be configured to function as a media server device and/or as an intermediary technical support device at a customer premises. Corresponding methods and systems are also disclosed.
US08880942B2 Electronic device and method of ensuring guaranteed services
A method for ensuring guaranteed services for real-time traffic on an interconnect with errors is provided. The real-time traffic comprises a first and second traffic class (HRT, SRT). Real-time traffic of the first and/or second traffic class (HRT, SRT) is transmitted from a transmitter to a receiver. It is detected by the receiver whether an error has occurred during the transmission of the real-time traffic and the error is reported to the transmitter. At least part of the real-time traffic of the second traffic class (SRT) is re-transmitted by the transmitter if the transmitter has received an error report from the receiver within a predetermined time period.
US08880933B2 Learning signatures for application problems using trace data
The problem signature extraction technique extracts problem signatures from trace data collected from an application. The technique condenses the manifestation of a network, software or hardware problem into a compact signature, which could then be used to identify instances of the same problem in other trace data. For a network configuration, the technique uses as input a network-level packet trace of an application's communication and extracts from it a set of features. During the training phase, each application run is manually labeled as GOOD or BAD, depending on whether the run was successful or not. The technique then employs a learning technique to build a classification tree not only to distinguish between GOOD and BAD runs but to also sub-classify the BAD runs into different classes of failures. Once a classification tree has been learned, problem signatures are extracted by walking the tree, from the root to each leaf.
US08880931B2 Method, distributed system and computer program for failure recovery
A distributed system includes: nodes each having a memory, running distributed processes, and checkpointing to create checkpoint data for each process; a selection unit selecting spare nodes for future failure recovery for each process; an allocation unit allocating and transmitting the checkpoint data to the spare nodes to make the spare nodes store the checkpoint data before failure; and a recovery unit selecting one checkpoint data for recovery, activates the selected checkpoint data to run a process on the spare node, or partitions the existing stored checkpoint data, when any checkpoint data is not suitable for recovery, the partitions of the checkpoint data as a whole being integrated into a complete checkpoint data; and transmitting the partitions from the spare nodes to a new node, and reorganizing the partitions into complete data to be activated to run a process on the new node.
US08880925B2 Techniques for utilizing energy usage information
Techniques for energy consumption monitoring and analysis. Energy consumption of one or more energy consuming devices corresponding to a user is monitored. User profile information and user statistical information is utilized to analyze the monitored energy consumption to generate a personal energy usage profile for the user. The personal energy usage profile is transmitted to a computing platform associated with the user.
US08880924B2 Hot-plugging of multi-core processor
A method of hot-plugging a multi-core processor includes monitoring respective workload levels of multiple processor cores, hot-plugging off a first core among the processor cores upon determining that its workload level has fallen below a lower reference value, and hot-plugging on a second core among the processor cores upon determining that its workload level has risen above an upper reference value while the first core is hot-plugged off.
US08880920B2 Systems, methods and devices for limiting current consumption by a different ramp rate upon power-up
Embodiments are described including those for controlling peak current consumption of a multi-chip memory package during power-up. In one embodiment, each memory device of the multi-chip package includes a power level detector used to compare an internal voltage signal to a threshold. A current limiter controls the ramping rate of the internal voltage signal in response to the power level detector as the internal voltage signal ramps up towards the threshold.
US08880918B2 Method and apparatus for communication between server and Customer Premise Equipment over Internet-based network
A method and an apparatus for communication between an Automatic Configuration Server (ACS) and a Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) over an Internet-based network are provided. A CPE determines in a power standby state whether an inform request message transmission period is received. If the inform request message transmission period is received, the CPE transitions from the power standby state to an active state and transmits an inform request message to an ACS. The CPE receives an inform response message from the ACS in response to the inform request message, and upon receiving the inform response message, transitions from the active state to the power standby state.
US08880917B2 Packetized power
Methods, systems, and devices are disclosed for producing and delivering packetized power within a DC computing environment. Within the DC computing environment a power requirement or request is communicated to a power router. The power router then determines a power source capable of fulfilling the power requirement and then causes the power to be delivered in packetized form. The packetized power is appended to a message header which allows the power packet to be received by the requesting device.
US08880914B2 Information processing apparatus and judging method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a processor, a non-volatile storage unit, a receiving unit, a judging unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives from the processor an inquiry about accessibility of the storage unit. The judging unit judges, upon receipt of the inquiry, whether the storage unit is accessible on the basis of a start-up time period between starting power supply to the storage unit and activation of the storage unit. The transmitting unit transmits a judgment result obtained by the judging unit to the processor.
US08880910B2 Power management system and method
A power management system includes a plurality of electronic devices, a power distribution unit, a power management unit and a power control unit. The power distribution unit is connected with the electronic devices for providing electricity to the electronic devices. The power management unit is connected to a network and the electronic devices, so that the electronic devices are connected with the network through the power management unit. The power control unit is connected with the power management unit through the network. The power control unit is configured for controlling the power management unit, thereby sequentially starting the electronic devices.
US08880905B2 Methods for processing private metadata
According to one aspect of the invention, a file received from a first user is stored in a storage device, where the file includes private metadata encrypted by a secret key associated with a second user. A private metadata identifier is stored in a predetermined storage location, indicating that private metadata of the file has not been decrypted and indexed. In response to an inquiry subsequently received from the second user, the predetermined storage location is scanned to identify the private metadata identifier based on the inquiry. The encrypted metadata identified by the private metadata identifier is transmitted to the second user for decryption. In response to the metadata that has been decrypted by the second user, the decrypted metadata is indexed for the purpose of subsequent searches of at least one of the metadata and the file.
US08880903B2 Removable drive with data encryption
A removable drive such as a USB drive or key is provided for connecting to computer devices to provide secure and portable data storage. The drive includes a drive manager adapted to be run by an operating system of the computer device. The drive manager receives a password, generates a random key based on the password, encrypts a user-selected data file in memory of the computer device using the key, and stores the encrypted file in the memory of the removable drive. The drive manager performs the encryption of the data file without corresponding encryption applications being previously loaded on the computer system. The drive manager may include an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) cryptography algorithm. The drive manager generates a user interface that allows a user to enter passwords, select files for encryption and decryption, and create folders for storing the encrypted files on the removable drive.
US08880881B2 Secure communications between devices
A method of establishing secure communication between a first mobile computing device and a second mobile computing device includes generating a first self-signed key at the first mobile computing device, pairing the first device with a second device, the pairing including receiving user input of a passcode and after receiving the user input sending the first public key to the second mobile computing device and receiving a second public key from the second mobile computing device, storing the second public key in a database of trusted devices, the database of trusted devices being stored in the first mobile computing device, receiving in the first mobile computing device a list of mobile computing devices connected to a mobile network, matching the list of mobile computing device against the database of trusted devices, and establishing secure communication between the first mobile computing device and the second mobile computing device.
US08880880B2 Facilitating access control in peer-to-peer overlay networks
Methods and apparatuses are provided for facilitating access controls for digital objects stored within a peer-to-peer overlay network. A privacy-preserving method is provided for matching identities between a first peer node and a second peer node in a peer-to-peer network. Such identity matching may be used, for example, to ascertain whether the first peer node should provide access to certain digital object stored in the peer-to-peer overlay network. Rather than providing its identities in an unprotected format, the second peer may provide its identities to the first peer node in a concealed representation so as to prevent the first peer from learning about non-matching identities. Such concealed representation may be a data structure that cryptographically conceals one or more identities of the second peer node or a user of the second peer node within a shared data space of the data structure.
US08880876B2 Use of application identifier and encrypted password for application service access
To support authentication of a mobile device, an application server obtains an application identifier and password and creates an encrypted value by encrypting a combination of the password and a lime based value. The application server transmits the application identifier and encrypted value over a communication network to the mobile device as a credential, and the mobile device sends the credential over the network to a secure server providing an application assistance service. The secure server independently computes an encrypted value by encrypting the combination of the password and the time-based value. If the encrypted value front the received credential matches the encrypted value computed by the secure server, that server grants access to the assistance service for the mobile device.
US08880875B1 System, apparatus and method for decentralizing attribute-based encryption information
A method for secure transmission of a message encrypted under an attribute based encryption scheme is provided. A first and a second authority parameter may be received from one or more authorities. A policy is generated based on the parameters. The generated policy comprises a flexible access control structure. A ciphertext is constructed based on the policy. To decrypt the ciphertext, key components are received from one or more authorities, the key components associated with a decryptor identifier. A decryption key is generated based on the policy and the key components. A plaintext is generated by decrypting the ciphertext.
US08880867B2 Fault-tolerant privacy-preserving statistics
Disclosed is a protocol for a fault-tolerant, private distributed aggregation model that allows a data consumer to calculate unbounded statistics (weighted sums) over homomorphically encrypted sensitive data items from data producers. The data consumer can choose to calculate over an arbitrary subset of all available data items, thus providing fault tolerance; i.e., failing data producers do not prevent the statistics calculation. A key-managing authority ensures differential privacy before responding to the data consumer's decryption request for the homomorphically encrypted statistics result, thus preservation the data's producer's privacy. Security against malicious data consumers is provided along with aggregator obliviousness, differential privacy in a unidirectional communication model between data producers and data consumers.
US08880860B2 Methods and apparatus for saving conditions prior to a reset for post reset evaluation
A processor reset control circuit is configured to automatically capture a pre-reset value of processor information stored in one or more hardware registers, as part of a reset operation state machine and prior to changing the processor information to its architecturally required post reset value. Such pre-reset processor information includes, for example one or more pre-reset values of the processor program counter (PC) and one or more pre-reset values of an operating-state mode register, both of which may be captured in one or more pre-reset capture storage devices which are then made available for evaluation purposes. Such pre-reset capture storage devices store pre-reset information in response to the reset and maintain the stored pre-reset information until another reset occurs.
US08880855B2 Dual register data path architecture with registers in a data file divided into groups and sub-groups
A processor includes a first and second execution unit each of which is arranged to execute multiply instructions of a first type upon fixed point operands and to execute multiply instructions of a second type upon floating point operands. A register file of the processor stores operands in registers that are each addressable by instructions for performing the first and second types of operations. An instruction decode unit is responsive to the at least one multiply instruction of the first type and the at least one multiply instruction of the second type to at the same time enable a first data path between the first set of registers and the first execution unit and to enable a second data path between a second set of registers and the second execution unit.
US08880853B2 CAM-based wake-and-go snooping engine for waking a thread put to sleep for spinning on a target address lock
A wake-and-go mechanism is provided for a data processing system. The wake-and-go mechanism recognizes a programming idiom that indicates that a thread is spinning on a lock. The wake-and-go mechanism updates a wake-and-go array with a target address associated with the lock and sets a lock bit in the wake-and-go array. The thread then goes to sleep until the lock frees. The wake-and-go array may be a content addressable memory (CAM). When a transaction appears on the symmetric multiprocessing (SMP) fabric that modifies the value at a target address in the CAM, the CAM returns a list of storage addresses at which the target address is stored. The wake-and-go mechanism associates these storage addresses with the threads waiting for an event at the target addresses, and may wake the thread that is spinning on the lock.
US08880850B2 Low power, high performance, heterogeneous, scalable processor architecture
One embodiment of the present includes a heterogeneous, high-performance, scalable processor having at least one W-type sub-processor capable of processing W bits in parallel, W being an integer value, at least one N-type sub-processor capable of processing N bits in parallel, N being an integer value smaller than W by a factor of two. The processor further includes a shared bus coupling the at least one W-type sub-processor and at least one N-type sub-processor and memory shared coupled to the at least one W-type sub-processor and the at least one N-type sub-processor, wherein the W-type sub-processor rearranges memory to accommodate execution of applications allowing for fast operations.
US08880849B2 Apparatus, method, system and executable module for configuration and operation of adaptive integrated circuitry having fixed, application specific computational elements
The present invention concerns configuration of a new category of integrated circuitry for adaptive computing. The various embodiments provide an executable information module for an adaptive computing engine (ACE) integrated circuit and may include configuration information, operand data, and may also include routing and power control information. The ACE IC comprises a plurality of heterogeneous computational elements coupled to an interconnection network. The plurality of heterogeneous computational elements include corresponding computational elements having fixed and differing architectures, such as fixed architectures for different functions such as memory, addition, multiplication, complex multiplication, subtraction, configuration, reconfiguration, control, input, output, and field programmability. In response to configuration information, the interconnection network is operative to configure the plurality of heterogeneous computational elements for a plurality of different functional modes.
US08880848B2 Memory control and data processing using memory address generation based on differential addresses
A memory control device that transfers data from an external memory to a data processing unit having plural processing mechanisms, includes an absolute address storage unit that stores an absolute address serving as a common reference value in a given data transfer period; a differential address storage unit that stores plural differential addresses therein; a differential address selection unit that selects any one of the plurality of differential addresses in a given order; a memory address generation unit that combines any differential address selected by the differential address selection unit with the absolute address to generate a memory address; and a data transfer unit that inputs the memory address generated by the memory address generation unit to the external memory, reads the data from the memory address, and transfers the data to the data processing unit.
US08880844B1 Inter-core cooperative TLB prefetchers
A chip multiprocessor includes a plurality of cores each having a translation lookaside buffer (TLB) and a prefetch buffer (PB). Each core is configured to determine a TLB miss on the core's TLB for a virtual page address and determine whether or not there is a PB hit on a PB entry in the PB for the virtual page address. If it is determined that there is a PB hit, the PB entry is added to the TLB. If it is determined that there is not a PB hit, the virtual page address is used to perform a page walk to determine a translation entry, the translation entry is added to the TLB and the translation entry is prefetched to each other one of the plurality of cores.
US08880843B2 Providing redundancy in a virtualized storage system for a computer system
A method for providing redundancy in a virtualized storage system for a computer system is provided. The method includes determining a first set of first logical addresses to provide a virtual storage volume. A redundancy schema is then selected to provide redundancy data for primary data stored in the first set of first logical addresses. A second set of second logical addresses is determined to provide logical storage for the primary data and for the redundancy data. The first set of first logical addresses and the second set of second logical addresses are then mapped and a set of physical storage addresses is selected from a set of physical storage elements. Mapping between the second set of second logical addresses and the set of physical addresses is then performed to provide physical storage for the primary data and the redundancy data stored in the virtual storage volume.
US08880841B2 Distributing data among data storage partitions based on a forecasted demand in a networked computing environment
Embodiments of the present invention provide an approach to forecast a potential demand for partitioned/sharded data and to distribute the data among a set of data partitions based on forecasted demand to optimize network characteristics (e.g., network bandwidth) and/or expedite data retrieval. For example, the data may be distributed among the partitions based on a quantity of trends/requests/hits on the data, so that requests for the data can be balanced among the partitions geographically.
US08880834B2 Low latency and persistent data storage
Persistent data storage is provided by a computer program product that includes computer program code configured for receiving a low latency store command that includes write data. The write data is written to a first memory device that is implemented by a nonvolatile solid-state memory technology characterized by a first access speed. It is acknowledged that the write data has been successfully written to the first memory device. The write data is written to a second memory device that is implemented by a volatile memory technology. At least a portion of the data in the first memory device is written to a third memory device when a predetermined amount of data has been accumulated in the first memory device. The third memory device is implemented by a nonvolatile solid-state memory technology characterized by a second access speed that is slower than the first access speed.
US08880831B2 Method and apparatus to reduce memory read latency
A method and apparatus for training read latency of a memory are disclosed. A memory controller includes a command FIFO configured to convey commands to a memory, a data queue coupled to receive data from the memory, and a register configured to provide a value indicative of a number of cycles of a first clock signal after which data is valid. During a startup routine, the memory controller is configured to compare data received by the data queue to a known data pattern after a specified number of cycles of the first clock signal have elapsed. The memory controller is further to configured to decrement the first value and repeat conveying and comparing if the data received matches the data pattern. If the received data does not match the data pattern for any attempted read of the memory, the memory controller is configured to program a second value into the register.
US08880830B1 Storage system
A storage system monitors the first access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a first period, and the second access frequency of occurrence which is the access frequency of occurrence from a host device during a second period shorter than the first period. Along with performing data relocation among the tiers (levels) in the first period cycle based on the first access frequency of occurrence, the storage system performs a decision whether or not to perform a second relocation based on the first access frequency of occurrence and the second access frequency of occurrence, synchronously with access from a host device. Here the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the first relocation is different from the threshold value utilized in a decision on whether or not to perform the second relocation.
US08880820B2 Techniques for using sparse files during snapshots
Techniques for using sparse files during snapshots are provided. Snapshots are managed and maintained for a source volume via sparse files. Metadata defines the sparse files and operations of a file system are used to create, define, and manipulate the metadata. When a write operation is detected during a snapshot, sparse files are used to copy the write operation before the write operation is performed on the source volume; the sparse files server as the snapshot data.
US08880819B2 Memory apparatuses, computer systems and methods for ordering memory responses
Memory apparatuses that may be used for receiving commands and ordering memory responses are provided. One such memory apparatus includes response logic that is coupled to a plurality of memory units by a plurality of channels and may be configured to receiving a plurality of memory responses from the plurality of memory units. Ordering logic may be coupled to the response logic and be configured to cause the plurality of memory responses in the response logic to be provided in an order based, at least in part, on a system protocol. For example, the ordering logic may enforce bus protocol rules on the plurality of memory responses stored in the response logic to ensure that responses are provided from the memory apparatus in a correct order.
US08880810B2 Storage system comprising multiple storage apparatuses with both storage virtualization function and capacity virtualization function
A storage system includes a first storage apparatus and a second storage apparatus. The first storage apparatus includes a capacity pool that is partitioned into multiple pool pages and includes a storage area of an external logical volume provided by at least one storage apparatus. The second storage apparatus provides first virtual volume which is a virtual logical volume comprising multiple first virtual areas. In a case of receiving a write request from the computer to a virtual area in the first virtual volume to which a page is not allocated, an unallocated pool page of the external logical volume is allocated to the virtual area. An authority to allocate the unallocated pool page of the external logical volume is assigned to the first storage apparatus.
US08880803B2 Storage device and storage-device control method
A generation-code storage unit stores therein a generation code in association with identification information for identifying the block datum. A generation-code managing unit assigns a new generation code to a detected consecutive data set and any block datum included in writing data other than the consecutive data set and stores the assigned generation code in the generation-code storage unit. A data writing unit adds the new generation code to the block datum or consecutive data set included in the writing data and writes it to a storage unit. A determining unit determines whether the generation code added to a read block datum or consecutive data set is accordant with the generation code of the read block datum or consecutive data set stored in the generation-code storage unit. A data transmitting unit transmits, when the generation codes are accordant, the read block datum or consecutive data set.
US08880794B2 Populating a sparsely allocated memory in a storage array
Apparatus and associated methodology contemplating a data storage system having a memory that includes a first addressable storage space and a second differently addressable storage space. A controller selectively accesses stored instructions that when executed transfer some user data sets with the first addressable storage space in accordance with a dense allocation of the first addressable storage space, and transfer other user data sets with the second addressable storage space in accordance with a sparse allocation of the second addressable storage space that allocates a predefined reserved storage capacity between adjacent stored non-sequential user data sets.
US08880793B2 Storage management systems and methods
Storage management systems and methods are presented. In one embodiment, a storage management method comprises: establishing a cluster including one or more logical unit number storage components (LUNs) communicatively coupled to one or more host nodes, wherein one of the one or more nodes is a master host node; performing a LUN naming process wherein a master host node assigns a name to each of the one or more LUNs respectively, even if the one or more LUNS are communicatively coupled to a slave host node; and operating the cluster, wherein the one or more host nodes refer to the one or more LUNs by the name. In one embodiment, the master host node stores information associated with the name in a computer readable medium. The cluster can include one or more slave host nodes.
US08880790B2 Methods and apparatus for transferring data between memory modules
A computer-implemented method for transferring data from a computer system programmed to perform the method includes receiving in a memory buffer in a first memory module hosted by the computer system, a request for data stored in RAM of the first memory module from a host controller of the computer system, retrieving with the memory buffer, the data from the RAM, in response to the request, formatting with the memory buffer, the data from the RAM into formatted data in response to a defined software transport protocol, and initiating with the memory buffer, transfer of the formatted data to a storage destination external to the first memory module via an auxiliary interface of the memory buffer, bypassing the host controller of the computer system.
US08880784B2 Random write optimization techniques for flash disks
Disclosed is a method for managing logical block write requests for a flash drive. The method includes receiving a logical block write request from a file system; assigning a category to the logical block; and generating at least three writes from the logical block write request, a first write writes the logical block to an Erasure Unit (EU) according to the category assigned to each logical block, a second write inserts a Block Mapping Table (BMT) update entry to a BMT update log, and a third write commits the BMT update entry to an on-disk BMT, wherein the first and second writes are performed synchronously and the third write is performed asynchronously and in a batched fashion.
US08880765B2 Interface bus for utility-grade network communication devices
In one embodiment, a network device having a plurality of hardware interfaces is disclosed. The network device includes a central processing unit and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has expansion slots that receivably connect corresponding secondary circuit boards to the main circuit board. The main circuit board also has sensors for detecting predetermined parameters. A voltage regulator is operative to regulate one or more particular expansion slots, in response to detection of a predetermined parameter associated with respective slots.
US08880764B2 Pessimistic interrupt affinity for devices
A computing apparatus identifies that a first physical processor of a host has forwarded information regarding a device interrupt for a device to a second physical processor executing at least one of a virtual processor that controls the device or an application thread that controls the device. After identifying that the first physical processor has forwarded the information regarding the device interrupt to the second physical processor and in response to determining that one or more update criteria have been satisfied, the computing apparatus updates at least one of the device or an interrupt controller to cause at least one of the device or the interrupt controller to send future device interrupts for the device to the second physical processor.
US08880762B2 System and method of processing seismic data on a co-processor device
A system and method for processing seismic data on one or more co-processor devices that are operatively coupled to a host computing system via a communications channel. The compression of input data transmitted to the co-processor device and/or the size of the storage provided on the co-processor device may enhance the efficiency of the processing of the data on the peripheral device by obviating a bottleneck caused by the relatively slow transfer of data between the host computing system and the co-processor device or by the relatively slow transfer of data within the co-processor device between the co-processor information storage and the co-processor.
US08880759B2 Apparatus and method for fragmenting transmission data
An apparatus includes first, second, and spare ports, where first data having a data length less than a predetermined value is transmitted from the first port and second data having a data length not less than the predetermined value is transmitted from the second port. The apparatus obtains a first determination result indicating whether input data is the first data or the second data and a second determination result indicating whether a transmission rate of each of the first and second ports is equal to or greater than a threshold. The apparatus sorts the input data to one of the first, second, and spare ports, based on the first and second determination results. The apparatus fragments the second data and transmit the fragmented second data to the spare port when both the first data and the second data are sorted to the spare port.
US08880757B1 RDMA resource leakage detection and reporting
Mechanisms are provided for remote direct memory access (RDMA) resource leak detection. A user space context is generated comprising a user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A kernel context is generated comprising a kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. The kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure comprises nodes of the users space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A request to close a RDMA resource is received and the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure is traversed to determine whether the RDMA resource has child RDMA resources allocated in the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure. A resource leak is detected in response to determining, based on at least one of the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure or the kernel RDMA resource hierarchical data structure, that the RDMA resource has a child RDMA resource allocated in the user space RDMA resource hierarchical data structure.
US08880755B2 Transmission device and transmission method
A transmission device includes: an FPGA that configures a port processing circuit in a line interface which communicates with an XFP; and a flash memory that stores configuration information for configuring, in the FPGA, a measurement circuit that measures and acquires a transmission parameter for use in communication between the XFP and the port processing circuit; and an FPGA control unit that configures the measurement circuit in a portion of the port processing circuit based on the configuration information read from the flash memory, upon detecting a loop-back connection with the XFP. The measurement circuit measures and acquires a transmission parameter. The FPGA control unit sets the acquired transmission parameter to the line interface, and reconfigures the measurement circuit in the port processing circuit.
US08880750B2 Peripheral device, information processing system, control method, and storage medium
A multi-function peripheral (MFP) sets an enterprise number that responds to an external device regardless of a specific rule corresponding to a request when the MFP receives the request for acquiring management information base (MIB) information in which a specific object identifier (ID) is designated from an external device. The MFP receives the request for acquiring MIB information from a PC and responds the set enterprise number to the request.
US08880749B2 Apparatus for mixed signal interface circuitry and associated methods
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of pads adapted to send or receive signals, and a plurality of mixed signal interface blocks, each of which is coupled to a corresponding pad in the plurality of pads. Furthermore, each mixed signal interface block in the plurality of mixed signal interface blocks is adapted to be configurable to provide selected functionality independently of the other mixed signal interface blocks.
US08880743B2 Method for providing service executed in various service modules and home gateway using the same
A method for providing a service executed in various service modules, and a home gateway using the same are provided. The service providing method displays a function result of a service module mounted to a module port to which a variety of service modules are selectively mountable, in a display connected. Hence, various services executed in various service modules can be provided reasonably and effectively.
US08880737B1 Smart immediate leave for internet group management protocol (IGMP) system
Multicast delivery of channels of information using an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) is improved by implementing a smart immediate leave to avoid either excessive bandwidth utilization or undesired gaps in deliver of an IGMP channel to a host, such as a set top box. The smart immediate leave technique checks a channel-host list associated with a network interface of a proxy or a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM) to ensure continued delivery of IGMP channel information to remaining hosts connected to the IGMP channel on the network serviced by the network interface.
US08880736B2 Methods and systems for archiving and restoring securely installed applications on a computing device
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods and systems of backing up applications and their associated data installed on a device, such as a mobile device. In particular, data for a backed-up application is stored on a remote archive host and can be restored to dynamically managed containers of securely installed applications on the device. Upon request, the archive host may provide a package of files to the device. The device may then restore the application based on the contents of the package. The package may comprise all the files needed to install the application including the program code, data, and documents. Alternatively, the package may simply comprise just some of the files, such as just the data or documents for an application. After installation, a secure installer framework may be used to verify the applications and authorize the application's execution on the device.
US08880735B2 Mail server based application record synchronization
A solution is provided wherein standard mail servers may be used to assist the synchronization of application data across multiple devices. This allows the synchronization of application data without requiring contemporaneous operation of the synchronization partner devices. This may be accomplished by generating a record for each change to a database on a first device. Upon synchronization of the first device with the mail server, the changes since the last synchronization may be uploaded to the mail server and stored in a mailbox for a user associated with the device. If a second device associated with the user then attempts to synchronize with the mail server, the records may be downloaded and the corresponding changes implemented in the database on the second device.
US08880722B2 Dynamic media bit rates based on enterprise data transfer policies
In general, this disclosure describes techniques of dynamically selecting versions of media content based on data transfer policies of a media content provider that provides the media content. As described herein, a media content provider may establish a variety of data transfer policies for a variety of purposes. When requests are received, versions of media assets indicated by the requests are selected such that an overall bandwidth utilization of the media content provider is likely to be substantially equal to a desired bandwidth utilization established by one or more of the enterprise data transfer policies.
US08880716B2 Network streaming of a single data stream simultaneously over multiple physical interfaces
Sending a data stream from a sending endpoint to a receiving endpoint, wherein both of the sending endpoint and the receiving endpoint each have multiple physical interfaces connecting the sending endpoint and the receiving endpoint to multiple networks, respectively, is provided. The data stream is split into a series of data packets and sent over the multiple physical interfaces. A next available data packet of the series is sent over a fastest one of the multiple physical interfaces. A data packet from further back in the series is extracted in accordance with a determined expected difference in arrival time, and sent on a corresponding slower one of the multiple physical interfaces. The next available data packet is sent from the sending endpoint nearly simultaneously as the extracted data packet is sent from the sending endpoint.
US08880715B2 Remote control of a host computer
A host computer is remotely controlled by a remote client device over a network that carries transmissions in a connection-oriented protocol and a connectionless protocol. The host computer establishes a connection to the remote client device using a connection-oriented protocol, and receives commands from the remote client device over the connection-oriented protocol and implements the commands so as to affect a display of the host computer. The host computer transmits content of the display to the remote client device using the connection-oriented protocol. In addition, the host computer identifies one or more rapid-change areas in the display of the host computer in which the display is changing more quickly than a predetermined threshold rate of change, and transmits content of each rapid-change area to the remote client device using a connectionless protocol at a rate higher than the connection-oriented protocol.
US08880708B2 Service denial and termination on a wireless network
A method and system are provided for denying an application service request, such as a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) request, on wireless and wireline Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks or Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) networks. In one example, the method includes receiving a request for an application service from a user via a transport network, determining to deny the request, and providing a response corresponding to the denial of the request to the user via the transport network.
US08880701B2 System and method for supporting of network service
Disclosed are a network service architecture and a service supporting method to embody a dynamic program that allows a service provider to provide various services. The present invention suggests a network service architecture that is configured by a service producer, a service provider, a network device, and a network service store and provides a processes of making a program required for the service using an open API and an interface, notifying the service to the network service store, and dynamically installing the program in the network device based on the network service architecture. According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to diversely make and install a dynamic program, which are demanded by the service provider, in the network devices.
US08880700B2 Delivery of user-controlled resources in cloud environments via a resource specification language wrapper
Embodiments relate to systems and methods for the delivery of user-controlled resources in cloud environments via a resource specification language wrapper. In embodiments, the user of a client machine may wish to contribute resources from that machine to a cloud-based network via a network connection over a limited or defined period. To expose the user-controlled resources to one or more clouds for use the user may transmit a contribution request encoding the user-controlled resources in a specification language wrapper, such as an XML (extensible markup language) wrapper. The specification language wrapper can embed the set of user-controlled resources, such as processor time, memory, and/or other resources, in an XML or other format to transmit to a marketplace engine which can place the set of user-controlled resources into a resource pool, for selection by marketplace clouds. The specification language wrapper can indicate access controls or restrictions on the contributed resources.
US08880692B2 Method of cascading transfer of authorization rights for file access
The present invention provides a method, system, and computer program product for transferring authorization rights to access a file. A method in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: designating a location to store the file; creating a file-transfer-reference for the file based on the location; creating an authorization protocol for the file; selecting at least one recipient of the file-transfer-reference; and forwarding the file-transfer-reference to the at least one recipient according to the authorization protocol. The method may optionally include defining a validity period for which for access to the file.
US08880684B2 Method and system for measuring individual network round-trip delays in IP gateways
An IP gateway, attached to a source network and a destination network, handles an application session between a source client device and a destination client device. Application-level control messages in the existing application session may be time stamped by the IP gateway. Individual network round-trip delays (RTDs) associated with the attached networks may be calculated or determined utilizing the resulting time stamps. The IP gateway may time stamp one or more of the application-level control messages in the existing application session whenever transmission and/or reception of the application-level control messages occurs at the IP gateway. The resulting gateway related time stamps such as the gateway-to-source receive time stamp and the gateway-to-destination transmit time stamp may be stored. An individual RTD associated with the destination network may be calculated or determined utilizing the stored gateway related time stamps and processing delay measurement extracted from one of the application-level control messages from the destination client device.
US08880679B2 Techniques for web server management
Techniques for provisioning and decommissioning web servers in an automated manner. In one embodiment, a threshold value relating to an operational metric of a web server can be stored. The metric can be monitored as the web server receives requests. If the metric exceeds the threshold value, additional web servers can be automatically provisioned to handle a portion of the requests. If the metric falls below the threshold value, the additional web servers can be automatically decommissioned. In another embodiment, information can be logged pertaining to web server requests received over time. Based on this information and a threshold value, patterns of high/low server load can be determined and a policy can be generated identifying time intervals during which additional web servers should be provisioned (or existing web servers should be decommissioned). The policy can be used at server runtime to provision or decommission web servers at the identified intervals.
US08880670B1 Group membership discovery service
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing a group membership discovery service. Join requests are received from clients, including a respective group and value pair. A respective count for each received pair is updated, the count indicating a count of a join events received by servers for the pair. Notification is sent to one or more other clients that have requested such notification, wherein the notification includes a first group and value pair having a respective count that was updated for a first time. A notification is received from a server regarding a different second group and value pair received by the server and a respective count for the second group and value pair is updated.
US08880668B2 Method and system for integrating data from multiple sources
An approach is provided for integrating data. Data is collected from one or more source systems and workflow data is extracted from the collected data. One or more predetermined tasks associated with execution of a workflow based on the workflow data are identified. Status information relating to progress of the workflow towards completion is estimated by correlating the workflow data with the one or more predetermined tasks.
US08880662B1 Re-provisioning a network device
Methods, media, and network devices are provided for automatically re-provisioning a network device. The network devices include several triggers for re-provisioning the network device. When a trigger is satisfied, the network devices may switch communication networks by replacing current provisioning credentials with provisioning credentials for other communication networks. After the switch, the home address for the network devices point to the other communication networks.
US08880660B2 Information-processing device, communication system, computer readable medium, and information-processing method
An information-processing device comprises: a storage unit that stores first location data for identifying a server on a network; a conversion unit that converts a source code into an object code; a transmitting unit that, if an object code to be generated by the conversion unit is directed to a mobile communication terminal, transmits a request to upload a file, including an object code generated by the conversion unit, to the server identified by the first location data stored in the storage unit over the network; a receiving unit that receives a response to the request transmitted from the server; and a control unit that, if the receiving unit receives the response, causes a display unit that displays information to display a screen showing second location data indicating a location of the file on the network.
US08880652B2 Heuristic browser predictive pre-caching
A method and computer readable medium are disclosed for predictive caching of web pages for display through a screen of a mobile computing device. A load request is received at a mobile computing device, where the load request includes a current timestamp and an address. The address points to a remote server storing a current copy of the address content. The mobile computing device determines whether there is an existing copy of the address content is pre-cached on the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device determines whether a difference between the current timestamp and a pre-cache timestamp is greater than a heuristic timeliness value. If it is, the mobile computing device pre-caches the current copy of the address content from the remove server at the address on the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device then provides the current copy of the address content for display on its screen.
US08880647B2 Methods and systems for rapid data acquisition over the internet
The present invention includes apparatuses, methods, computer readable media and systems comprising means for rapid data acquisition from a server are discussed herein. This rapid data acquisition can be achieved using a combination of bulk data requests and small data requests. A hybrid approach that uses simultaneous bulk and small data requests can provide random access to data files while achieving the high download speeds of a large data transfer.
US08880646B2 Information distribution system, service-providing method for an information distribution system, and a program for the same
An integrated device control service acquires output data, information related to the address of a first receiver and a first style sheet for the first receiver, and information related to the address of a second receiver and a second style sheet for the second receiver from an application and a style sheet database that stores a plurality of style sheets describing information conversion rules. In accordance with the success or failure of first conversion data distribution, the integrated device control service sends second conversion data, which is the output data converted according to the second style sheet, to the second receiver.
US08880640B2 Social mode for managing communications between a mobile device and a social networking system
The automatic transmission of communications between a mobile device and a social networking system is regulated based on the communication mode of the mobile device. A communication for transmission between the mobile device and the social networking system is detected. A communication switch setting, such as a switch position, is determined for the mobile device. A communication mode for the mobile device is determined based on the communication switch setting. For example, if the switch is in a first position, the mobile device is determined to be in a social mode. Likewise, if the switch is in a second position, the mobile device is determined to be a manual mode. If the mobile device is in the social mode, the communication is automatically transmitted. If the mobile device is in the manual mode, the communication is transmitted only in response to authorization from the user of the mobile device.
US08880635B1 Selective requesting of cached resources
Methods, systems, and apparatus for selectively requesting cached versions of resources. In one aspect, a method includes transmitting, by a user device, a resource request for a resource hosted by a first server; determining whether the first server provided response data; in response to determining that the first server provided response data: determining whether a cache request condition has occurred; in response to determining that a cache request condition has occurred: transmitting a request for a cached version of the resource to a cache server; and receiving cache data that causes the user device to display the cached version of the resource; and in response to determining that the first server did not provide response data: transmitting a request for a cached version of the resource to the cache server; and receiving cache data that causes the user device to display the cached version of the resource.
US08880629B1 Dynamically providing system communications tailored to individual users responsive to trigger events in virtual spaces
System communications tailored to individual users may be dynamically provided responsive to trigger events in a virtual space. A given system communication may include one or more of a third-party advertisement, an offer for in-space products, an offer in-space services, an informative message, and/or other system communications. Trigger events may include specific user actions defined as trigger events. Current states may be obtained responsive to trigger events occurring within the virtual space. A given current state may include (1) information associated with the virtual space at a given moment, (2) information associated with a user character at a given moment, and/or (3) information associated with a user at a given moment. It may be determined whether individual current states correspond to one or more of a plurality of system communications. System communications may be provided for presentation to users via one or more communication channels.
US08880615B2 Managing a workflow using an instant messaging system to gather task status information
A method and system for managing a workflow using instant messages to determine the statuses of interdependent tasks. First and second tasks of the workflow are determined to be interdependent, whereby the first task is required to be completed before the second task is started. After receiving a first instant message (IM) that responds to an IM-based first query requesting a status of the first task, the first IM is determined to include key word(s) indicating that the first task is completed. An IM-based second query requesting a status of the second task is sent. After receiving a second IM that responds to the second query, the second IM is determined to include the key word(s) indicating that the second task is completed.
US08880606B2 Multi-modal, geo-tempo communications systems
Disclosed is a flexible, multi-modal system useful in communications among users, capable of synchronizing real world and augmented reality, wherein the system is deployed in centralized and distributed computational platforms. The system comprises input devices to generate signals representing speech, gestures, pointing direction, and location of a user, and transmit the same to a multi-modal interface. A plurality of agents and one or more databases are integrated into the system, where at least some of the agents receive signals from the multi-modal interface, translate the signals into data, compare the same to a database, generate signals representing meanings as defined by the database, and transmit the signals to the multi-modal interface. Finally, a plurality of output devices are associated with the system to receive and process signals from the multi-modal interface, some of said signals representing messages to the user to be communicated by means of an output device.
US08880599B2 Collection digest for a media sharing system
A system and method are disclosed for providing a collection digest summarizing a shared media collection for presentation to a user. In one embodiment, a user device of a user joins a media sharing system including the user device and one or more other users devices, each associated with a sharing user and hosting a shared media collection of the sharing user. The user device obtains a collection digest from at least one of the other user devices that summarizes the shared media collection hosted by the at least one of the other user devices and presents the collection digest to the user. The collection digest may be used to assist the user in determining whether to access the shared media collection.
US08880594B2 Computer networking system and method with Javascript execution for pre-fetching content from dynamically-generated URL
An apparatus, method, and non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program code which when executed by an apparatus causes the apparatus to effect the method, for pre-fetching web content. Preferably, a proxy server performs the pre-fetching. Techniques such, for example, as executing Javascript in pre-fetched pages, modifying pre-fetched pages to address URL generation involving random numbers or dates, using cookie information or browser specifics when performing pre-fetching of pages, and injecting Javascript to measure response time may be performed, by way of example.
US08880591B2 Workflow management in distributed systems
The workflow management system provides automatic management and execution of workflows that include both automated and user-driven actions. The system monitors connected external systems and/or users for the occurrence of events, which trigger the execution of one or more workflow plans. Each workflow plans consists of a plurality of actions and user actions to be performed in a sequential manner. Actions are executed automatically by the system, but user actions are executed asynchronously due to the inclusion of users in the workflow plan. The system handles the asynchronous nature of user actions by maintaining a pending user action database that users can access to view pending user actions, complete user actions, and reserve user actions for subsequent completion.
US08880579B2 Monitor device for collecting audience research data
A monitor (10) for capturing audience research data from a computer (2-8) having AV presentation capability is attached to the computer by a connector (12). The connector (12) allows to download software stored in the monitor (10), The software watches AV signals played back by the computer and furnishes data the AV signals to the monitor (12). Optionally, or instead of the software, the data detectable on the connector (10) may be analyzed if they relate to AV signals played back.
US08880576B2 Systems and methods for determining respiration information from a photoplethysmograph
A patient monitoring system may receive a photoplethysmograph (PPG) signal including samples of a pulse waveform. A plurality of morphology metric signals may be generated from the PPG signal. The system may generate an autocorrelation sequence for each of the morphology metric signals. An autocorrelation metric may be generated from each of the autocorrelation sequences and may represent the regularity or periodicity of the morphology metric signal. The autocorrelation sequences may be combined to generate a combined autocorrelation sequence, with the weighting of the autocorrelation sequences based on the autocorrelation metric. The combined autocorrelation sequence may be used to determine physiological information.
US08880571B2 High dynamic range data format conversions for digital media
One or more continuous mappings are defined at a digital media encoder to convert input digital media data in a first high dynamic range format to a second format with a smaller dynamic range than the first format. The encoder converts the input digital media data to the second format with the smaller dynamic range using the continuous mapping and one or more conversion parameters relating to the continuous mapping. The encoder encodes the converted digital media data in a bitstream along with the conversion parameter(s). The conversion parameter(s) enable a digital media decoder to convert the converted digital media data back to the first high dynamic range format from the second format with the smaller dynamic range. Techniques for converting different input formats with different dynamic ranges are described.
US08880566B2 Assembler and method thereof for generating a complex signature of an input multimedia data element
An assembler for generating a complex signature of an input multimedia data element comprises a first interface for receiving a plurality of signatures respective of a plurality of minimum size multimedia data elements, wherein each of the plurality of the minimum size multimedia data elements is a minimal partition of the input multimedia data element; an assembly unit for combining the plurality of signatures respective of the plurality of minimum size multimedia data elements to generate the complex signature; and a second interface for storing at least the complex signature in a storage unit connected thereto.
US08880561B2 Computer system and computerized method for storing business objects and business mapping data
A computerized method for accessing a business object for a user defined process includes receiving at a computer system a request for generation of a user process for access to a business object, and generating via the computer system an SADL (Service Adaptation Definition Language) from a data mapping of business object data of the business object, wherein the data mapping includes a mapping of the data mapping. The computer method further includes generating via the computer system a plurality of artifacts to support the user process, wherein the SADL file is an artifact for designing the user process at a design time and for run time execution of the user process.
US08880559B2 Location activity search engine computer system
A computer system that includes a computer that couples with a database. The computer includes program code or modules to gather location and activity content from disparate sources, and through text analytics, extract associations from the content and populate the database with the associations between locations and activities. Further modules provide end user interaction through presentation of a search user interface specific to locations and activities. Additional modules provide the capability to search the database, rank the results of the search and present the results to the user.
US08880553B2 Redistribute native XML index key shipping
Techniques are described for data redistribution. Embodiments store a first set of receiver location identifiers mapped to a document identifier and assigned to a first set of receiver locations storing relational data referencing the document identifier. Embodiments store a second set of receiver location identifiers mapped to the document identifier and assigned to a second set of receiver locations storing document data corresponding to the document identifier referenced by the relational data. Sender index keys are received separately from the relational data and the document data, the sender index keys referencing the document identifier and containing sender location identifiers. Embodiments determine, from the first set of receiver location identifiers and the second set of receiver location identifiers, which receiver location identifiers are mapped to the document identifier referenced by the sender index keys. The sender location identifiers are then replaced with the determined receiver location identifiers.
US08880552B2 Database system and database control method
A database control method comprising a first main system processing in which, upon first data being stored in a second storage unit included in a second server communicably connected with the first server, the first data is stored in a first storage unit following instructions from a host computer, a first inhibiting processing in which, upon detecting an abnormality in communication with the second server, storing the first data in the first storage unit following instructions from a host computer is inhibited, a first query processing performing a first query to an arbitrating device arbitrating between the first server and the second server, and a processing executing or stopping the first main system processing in accordance with instructions from the arbitrating device.
US08880530B2 Method for searching related documents based on and guided by meaningful entities
One embodiment provides a system for searching related documents. During operation, the system receives a source document. The system then searches related documents based on semantic entities extracted from the source document. Next, the system receives user-adjusted search criteria and updates search results of related documents based on the user-adjusted search criteria.
US08880529B2 Hierarchical tags with community-based ratings
A method for generating and maintaining hierarchical tags with community-based ratings is provided. Tags for media streams are organized into a hierarchical format. Users may select tags from the hierarchical tag database that describes a particular multimedia content. If the user is unable to locate a desired tag, the user may submit a new tag. Upon submission of the new tag, a librarian approves the tag before storing and placing the tag in the hierarchical tag database. Users are also able to rate the quality of the association between the tag and the multimedia content. If a tag is rated low, the tag may be removed from the hierarchical tag database. If the tag is rated highly, display of the tag in a list of tags becomes more prominent.
US08880521B2 Collections of linked databases
This invention is generally directed to one or more methods or systems relating to collections of linked databases. This invention is further directed to methods and systems for conducting social-network analysis. Still further, this invention is generally directed to one or more systems or methods relating to personal communication networks and the analysis of personal-communication-network data.
US08880509B2 System and method for caching database reports
A method of generating predictive reports includes recording a user identification, a timestamp including a connection date, and a query associated with report requested by a user from a database system for each connection of the user identification to the database system during a predetermined period. A plurality of intervals is defined in the predetermined period. Retrieved are instances of the user identification associated with connections of the user identification to the database system during a threshold number of the plurality of intervals based on a position that a current date occupies in a current interval, such that a position of each connection date in a respective interval is the same as the position that the current date occupies in the current interval. The query is executed to generate the report from the database system on the current date prior to a request for the report from the user.
US08880508B2 Processing database queries using format conversion
Devices, methods and systems for processing database queries formatted differently than the database storage model being queried are disclosed. Processing database queries independent of the storage model of the queried database may be performed by receiving a query for one or more data items stored in a database, determining whether to use at least one query operator that uses data having a format different from the storage model format of at least one of one or more data items stored in the database and converting the format of the data used by the at least one query operator to a format that matches the storage model format of at least one of one or more data items stored in the database. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also described.
US08880506B2 Leveraging structured XML index data for evaluating database queries
A query may be rewritten to leverage information stored in a structured XML index. An operator in the query may be analyzed to determine an input source database object for the operator by traversing an operator tree rooted at the operator. The path expressions associated with the operator tree may be fused together to form an effective path expression for the operator. If the effective path expression directly matches a path expression derived from the index, the query may be rewritten using references to the index. Operators in a query that have effective paths that refer to data in the same index table may be grouped together. A single subquery may be written for a group of operators. Also, a structured XML index may be used as an implied schema for indexed XML data. This implied schema may be used to optimize queries that refer to the indexed XML data.
US08880502B2 Searching a range in a set of values in a network with distributed storage entities
Methods for searching a range in a set of values in a network with distributed storage nodes. An example of a method for searching a range in a set of values in a network with distributed storage nodes according to the invention comprises the following steps. First, the range is divided up into a set of subranges by means of a hierarchical structure. Then, a query packet is generated for said set of subranges and transmitted to the distributed storage nodes for performing the query.
US08880495B2 Search query expansion and group search
Audio information is recorded in an overwriteable circular buffer of a computing device. Construction of a search query is initiated by receiving a user input. The user input includes one or more keywords forming a user-defined portion of the search query. At least a portion of the audio information recorded in the overwriteable circular buffer is processed to obtain one or more additional keywords forming an expanded portion of the search query. The portion of the audio information containing the additional keywords is received and recorded in the overwriteable circular buffer prior to receiving the user input. The search query including the user-defined portion and the expanded portion is supplied to a search engine. A response to the search query is received from the search engine. The response is generated by the search engine based on the user-defined portion and the expanded portion of the search query.
US08880493B2 Multi-streams analytics
Multi-stream analytics is disclosed. An example method of multi-stream analytics with a query engine includes punctuating unbounded streaming data into data chunks, each of the data chunks representing a bounded data set in the unbounded streaming data. The method also includes processing one of the data chunks. The method also includes rewinding a query instance for processing another of the data chunks.
US08880490B2 Correlating transportation data
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including executable instructions encoded on one or more machine-readable storage media, for correlating transportation data are described. A transportation schedule that includes planned records for first trips and associations between the first trips and corresponding first trip IDs may be accessed. A transportation status update that includes actual records for second trips and associations between the second trips and corresponding second trip IDs may be received. Information relating one or more of the first trip IDs to one or more of the second trip IDs may be obtained. The information may be used to identify a trip that is common to both the transportation schedule and the transportation status update. An update for the trip using the transportation status update may be provided.
US08880488B1 Efficient extent-based B-tree insertion
A technique manages access to a B-tree structure within a data storage apparatus. The B-tree structure maintains mappings of data blocks of a file system to data blocks of a snapshot storage area. The technique involves imposing a lock on the B-tree structure in response to a snapshot operation which copies a contiguous range of file system data blocks to a set of snapshot data blocks to save primary data of the file system as snapshot data. The technique further involves inserting multiple objects into the B-tree structure while the lock is imposed, each object including a key value which (i) identifies a respective file system data block of the contiguous range and (ii) operates as a search key to facilitate searching of nodes of the B-tree structure. The technique further involves releasing the lock imposed on the B-tree structure after the objects have been inserted into the B-tree structure.
US08880484B1 Compression forecasting for a deduplicating storage system
A system for managing a storage system comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive storage system information from a deduplicating storage system. The processor is further configured to determine a compression forecast based at least in part on the storage system information. The processor is further configured to provide a capacity forecast. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08880482B2 Replication of deduplicated data
Various embodiments for replicating deduplicated data using a processor device are provided. A block of the deduplicated data, created in a source repository, is assigned a global block identifier (ID) unique in a grid set inclusive of the source repository. The global block ID is generated using at least one unique identification value of the block, a containing grid of the grid set, and the source repository. The global block ID is transmitted from the source repository to a target repository. If the target repository determines the global block ID is associated with an existing block of the deduplicated data located within the target repository, the block is not transmitted to the target repository during a subsequent replication process.
US08880476B2 Low-overhead enhancement of reliability of journaled file system using solid state storage and de-duplication
A mechanism is provided in a data processing system for reliable asynchronous solid-state device based de-duplication. Responsive to receiving a write request to write data to the file system, the mechanism sends the write request to the file system, and in parallel, computes a hash key for the write data. The mechanism looks up the hash key in a de-duplication table. The de-duplication table is stored in a memory or a solid-state storage device. Responsive to the hash key not existing in the de-duplication table, the mechanism writes the write data to a storage device, writes a journal transaction comprising the hash key, and updates the de-duplication table to reference the write data in the storage device.
US08880468B2 Secondary storage architecture for a network control system that utilizes a primary network information base
Some embodiments provide a system for managing several switching elements. The system includes a network information base (NIB) data structure for serving as a primary storage structure for storing data for managing the several switching elements. The system includes a secondary storage structure for storing a copy of a set of data stored in the primary storage structure for managing the several the switching elements.
US08880463B2 Standardized framework for reporting archived legacy system data
Legacy computing system archive files may have unique data structures designed for long-term data retention purposes and not particularly suited for data mining, querying, and other data collection functions needed to prepare certain types of reports. A report specific template may be created to facilitate the extract of specific legacy system data necessary to complete report that is stored in legacy system archive files. Once the data objects containing information relevant to the report have been identified, a hierarchical list of tables and fields of each table associated with each identified data object may be obtained from an external data source for further selection. Copies of the selected table and/or field data may then be extracted, compared, and merged with other data, such as other field and table data, obtained from other sources.
US08880461B2 Method and system for managing enterprise content
A method and system for providing a consistent flow documents and data content across different organizational units of a company or agency where the documents and data come from different enterprise systems and data stores but are related to linked processes that share models for organizing the content in the business context and in a format that enables a user to relate the content to the process step or steps they are performing. The system includes a network service that enables a configuration utility to automatically discover the objects and metadata and provides for a mapping of selected fields of the metadata to regions displayed in the user interface view with provision for filtering the data by mapping selected fields to a user input form. Thereby, a business analyst can create solutions without writing and maintaining complex program logic for each combination of presentation environment, enterprise system and data store.
US08880451B2 Fast algorithm for mining high utility itemsets
The present invention discloses a fast algorithm for mining high utility itemsets, wherein some transaction data and item utilities are recorded in a tree structure. The method to construct a tree structure is recording on a node the item utilities appearing from the root node to the node. Some techniques are used to reduce the mining space, whereby the fast algorithm can directly generate high utility itemsets from the tree structure without generating any candidates. The fast algorithm of the present invention is more efficient than the existing highest-efficiency algorithm. The present invention further proposes a compression method to effectively save memory space.
US08880441B1 Click stream analysis for fraud detection
An improved technique trains a fraud detection system to use mouse movement data as part of a user profile. Along these lines, a training apparatus receives sets of mouse movement datasets generated by a legitimate user and/or a fraudulent user. The training apparatus assigns each mouse movement dataset to a cluster according to one of several combinations of representations, distance metrics, and cluster metrics. By correlating the clusters with the origins of the mouse movement datasets (legitimate or fraudulent user), the training apparatus constructs a robust framework for detecting fraud at least partially based on mouse movement data.
US08880435B1 Detection and tracking of unauthorized computer access attempts
False honeytoken data is generated, stored, and disseminated to a criminal organization such as an online banking fraud ring. After dissemination of the data, access attempts using the false honeytoken data are identified at an online banking web server or other organization resource. Data associated with the fraudulent access attempt, such as a source IP address, physical address, or related customer account numbers, are retrieved and stored so that this data may be compiled, analyzed, and used for tracking fraud rings.
US08880434B2 Method and system for providing biometric authentication at a point-of-sale via a mobile device
A system and method is provided for authorizing a payment for a point of sale transaction by authenticating the user of a mobile device, such as a mobile phone. The present invention authenticates the consumer and verifies that he is authorized to conduct a transaction at the point of sale by means of the consumer's mobile device.
US08880432B2 System and method of using electronic funds transfer to complete payment for goods and services
A system and method of using Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) to complete payment for goods and services. An example method of operating a transaction terminal includes identifying items selected by a customer for purchase, determining a required payment amount for the items, obtaining identification information from the customer, obtaining contact information and payment information, including bank account information and bank routing number information, from a customer profile associated with the identification information, creating a check image, sending a request for payment message providing access to the check image and the payment information to a mobile communication device of the customer using the contact information in the customer profile, and receiving a reply message from the mobile communication device authorizing payment for the items via electronic funds transfer and including a 2D barcode containing the check image and the payment information.
US08880426B2 Methods and systems employing time and/or location data for use in transactions
A method includes obtaining data from a portable electronic device in which the data regards information obtained using the portable electronic regarding the transaction, and information obtained using the portable electronic regarding at least one of a physical location of the portable electronic device when obtaining the information regarding the transaction and the time of the day when obtaining the information regarding the transaction, and processing the transaction based on the data regarding the information regarding the transaction and the at least one of the information regarding the physical location of the portable electronic device when obtaining the information regarding the transaction and the time of the day when obtaining the information regarding the transaction. The method may be employed in a point-of-sale transaction for the purchase of products at checkout.
US08880413B2 Binaural spatialization of compression-encoded sound data utilizing phase shift and delay applied to each subband
The invention is aimed at improving the quality of the filtering by transfer functions of HRTF type of signals (L, R) compressed in a transformed domain, for binaural playing on two channels (L-BIN, R-BIN), using a combination of HRTF filters (hL,L, hL,R) including a decorrelated version (HRTF-C*, HRTF-E*) of a few of these filters. For this purpose, a decorrelation cue is given with spatialization parameters (SPAT) accompanying the compressed signals (L, R). The Decorrelation comprises applying a different phase shift to each subband of the input signal combined with addition of an overall delay. The invention makes it possible to improve the broadening in the binaural rendition of audio scenes initially in a multi-channel format.
US08880400B2 Voice recognition device
Voice recognition is realized by a pattern matching with a voice pattern model, and when a large number of paraphrased words are required for one facility, such as a name of a hotel or a tourist facility, the pattern matching needs to be performed with the voice pattern models of all the paraphrased words, resulting in an enormous amount of calculation. Further, it is difficult to generate all the paraphrased words, and a large amount of labor is required. A voice recognition device includes: voice recognition means for applying the voice recognition to an input voice by using a language model and an acoustic model, and outputting a predetermined number of recognition results each including a set of a recognition score and a text representation; and N-best candidate rearrangement means for: comparing the recognition result to a morpheme dictionary held in a morpheme dictionary memory; checking whether a representation of the recognition result can be expressed by any one of combinations of the morphemes of the morpheme dictionaries; correcting the recognition score when the representation can be expressed; and rearranging an order according to the corrected recognition score so as to acquire recognition results.
US08880392B2 Knowledge system method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for automating the acquisition, reconstruction, and generation of knowledgebases of associated ideas and using such knowledgebases in many application including machine translation of human languages, search and retrieval of unstructured text, or other data, based on concept search, voice recognition, data compression, and artificial intelligence systems.
US08880379B2 Method for evaluating performance of a system for controlling pitch of a set of blades of a wind turbine
Methods of controlling a variable speed wind turbine generator connected to a power grid. The method may include measuring the frequency, f, of the power grid, controlling the speed of the generator for optimizing the power delivered to the power grid, and setting limits for the generator speed. The setting of the limits for the generator speed is performed in dependency of the measured frequency of the power grid. This provides a dynamical set of limits providing improved possibilities of optimizing the power production.
US08880376B2 Apparatus and method for distinguishing between human being and animal using selective stimuli
An apparatus and method for identifying a human being and an animal are disclosed to properly identifying whether or not a target is a human being or an animal. The apparatus for distinguishing between a human being and an animal includes: a target stimulation unit generating a stimulation signals for selectively stimulating the senses of a human being and an animal and providing the generated stimulation signal to a target; and a target identifying unit detecting the reaction of a target to the simulation signal to identify whether or not the target is a human being or an animal.
US08880375B2 Test apparatus and test method
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test having a plurality of output terminals. The test apparatus comprises an executing section that executes a test command sequence for testing the device under test; a storage section that stores a plurality of pieces of setting data designating one or more output terminals among the plurality of output terminals; a detecting section that detects whether a value of an output signal from an output terminal designated by one of the pieces of setting data matches an expected value; and a selecting section that selects different pieces of setting data in the storage section when at least two detection commands, which change execution sequencing of the test command sequence according to the detection results of the detecting section, are executed, and supplies the selected pieces of setting data to the detecting section.
US08880369B2 Occupancy measurement and triggering in frequency domain bitmaps
A method is disclosed for triggering upon signal events occurring in frequency domain signals. The method includes repeatedly sampling a time-varying signal and generating a plurality of digital frequency domain spectrums based on the samples of the time-varying signal. A frequency domain bitmap for the time-varying signal is repeatedly updated via application of the digital frequency domain spectrums. The method further includes selecting a portion of the frequency domain bitmap, determining a signal occupancy in the selected portion, and triggering a capture of the time-varying signal based on and in response to the occupancy determination for the selected portion of the bitmap.
US08880344B2 Method for displaying images on a display device and driver assistance system
A method for displaying images (15, 18, 21) on a display device (3) of a driver assistance system (2) in a motor vehicle (1) is made available. Navigation data is received by the driver assistance system (2), and sensor data relating to the surroundings (10 to 13) of the motor vehicle (1) is acquired by at least one sensor (5a to 5d) of the driver assistance system (2). A control device (4) processes the sensor data to form a surroundings image (15, 18) which shows at least a surrounding area (16, 19) next to the motor vehicle (1′). A map image (21) which is generated while taking into account the navigation data on stored map data is displayed on the display device (3). Enlargement and/or zooming in of the map image (21) take/takes place on the display device (3). After a predetermined mapping scale (zoom factor) of the map image (21) has been reached, there is a change from the map image (21) to the surroundings image (15, 18). A driver assistance system (2) which serves to carry out the method is also made available.
US08880342B2 Moving body position detection system, moving body position detection apparatus, moving body position detection method, and computer-readable storage medium
A moving body position detection system including an unit acquiring dead reckoning navigation information including a moving body direction; a unit identifying a moving body position based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit predicting a predicted arrived position of the moving body after a predetermined interval from the position of the moving body based on the dead reckoning navigation information on the moving body; a unit calculating a difference direction angle between a direction from the position of the moving body to the predicted position and the direction of the moving body; a unit correcting the difference direction angle if it is equal to or larger than a threshold; and a unit updating the moving body position based on the difference direction angle.
US08880318B2 Vehicle controlling system
A vehicle controlling system includes an engine serving as a power source of a vehicle; an electric storage device; an assist device that assists an operation of a driver by consuming power from the electric storage device so as to operate a running device that changes the running condition of the vehicle; and a starting device that consumes power from the electric storage device so as to start the engine, wherein the starting device automatically starts the engine based upon a physical quantity concerning the engine, and the start of the engine is inhibited while the assist device operates the running device, when the execution of an inertial running in which the engine is stopped to allow the vehicle to run with inertia.
US08880304B2 Method for determination of numbers of gear steps
A method for determining numbers of gear steps N for a gearbox in a motor vehicle. The vehicle has an engine connected to drive the gearbox. The numbers of gear steps N is the number of downshifts or the number of upshifts which the gearbox effects at an upshift point or a downshift point. A downshift point represents a first engine speed at which the gearbox effects a downshift. An upshift point represents a second engine speed at which the gearbox effects an upshift. The numbers of gear steps N are determined on the basis of a predicted acceleration a for the motor vehicle during a time period T. The invention relates also to a system, a motor vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product thereof for performing the method.
US08880301B2 Torque control for front wheel drive
A front wheel power system which may enable independent control of power to each wheel as well as yield direct control over average and differential front wheel torques.
US08880299B2 Combine side shake cleaning control system
A combine side-shaking control system and a method for controlling operation of a side-shaking mechanism in a combine. The control system includes at least one sieve for separating crop material from other materials and a movable side-shaking mechanism coupled to the at least one sieve and configured to move the at least one sieve in a side-to-side motion. The control system also includes at least one sensor for sensing at least one operating condition of a combine system. The control system further includes a controller for receiving the at least one operating condition and causing the side-shaking mechanism to stop moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion or start moving the at least one sieve in the side-to-side motion based on the at least one operating condition.
US08880284B2 Vehicle data acquisition system and vehicle data acquisition method
A vehicle data acquisition system that stores, in a memory device, vehicle data acquired by way of a vehicle-mounted information processor. A data acquisition program assisting the acquisition of the vehicle data is dynamically incorporated in the vehicle-mounted information processor. A probe section, which can be replaced with another command, is positioned as an invalid command in one or a plurality of positions in an application program incorporated in advance in the information processor. The data acquisition program replaces the probe section with a vehicle data acquisition command and stores the acquired vehicle data in chronological order in the memory device. The data acquisition program re-replaces the probe section with an invalid command after the vehicle data is acquired.
US08880283B2 Deployable flight recorder
A deployable airfoil unit is disclosed. It has a housing comprising a front surface and a rear surface joined by a top surface, two opposing side surfaces, and a bottom surface. The top surface and the front surface form an acute angle, and the top surface is larger than the bottom surface. A memory is configured to store flight data or cockpit voice data. A center of mass in the unit is configurable.
US08880281B2 Event data recorder system and method
An event data recorder (EDR) system includes an event identification module, a parameter selection module, and an event recorder module. The event identification module identifies occurrences of a first event and second event of M predetermined events based on operating conditions of an automotive vehicle. The parameter selection module selects a first set of parameters to record from N predetermined parameters when the first event occurs. The parameter selection module selects a second set of parameters to record from the N predetermined parameters when the second event occurs. The event recorder module records data corresponding to the first set of parameters when the first event occurs and records data corresponding to the second set of parameters when the second event occurs. M and N are integers greater than 1 and the first set includes at least one parameter that is different from the parameters included in the second set.
US08880279B2 Memory management in event recording systems
A vehicle event recorder is provided that includes a camera for capturing a video as discrete image frames, and that further includes a managed loop memory and a management system for generating a virtual ‘timeline dilation’ effect. To overcome size limits in the buffer memory of the video event recorder, the maximum time extension of a video series is increased by enabling a reduction in temporal resolution in exchange for an increase in the temporal extension. Memory cells are overwritten in an ‘interleaved’ fashion to produce a reduced frame rate for the recording of certain time periods connected to an event moment. In time periods furthest from the event moment, the resulting frame rate is minimized while in time periods closest to the event moment, the resulting frame rate is maximized.
US08880276B2 Engine friction based oil viscosity monitor
A powertrain control module determines engine oil properties based on friction in an engine. The powertrain control module includes an engine combustion module that models engine torque based on engine speed and engine pumping losses due to intake and exhaust gasses. A transmission module models transmission torque applied to the engine based on transmission speed and gear. An accessory loads module models torque applied to the engine by accessory loads including at least one of a power steering pump, an air conditioning compressor, a water pump, and an alternator. An oil viscosity module determines engine oil viscosity based on a friction torque and predetermined engine data that coincides with reference oils. The friction torque is based on the engine torque, transmission torque, and accessory loads torque.
US08880272B1 Approach for estimating the geometry of roads and lanes by using vehicle trajectories
A method and apparatus is provided for controlling the operation of an autonomous vehicle. According to one aspect, the autonomous vehicle may track the trajectories of other vehicles on a road. Based on the other vehicle's trajectories, the autonomous vehicle may generate a representative trajectory. Afterwards, the autonomous vehicle may change at least one of its speed or direction based on the representative trajectory.
US08880265B2 Hybrid construction machine
Disclosed is a hybrid construction machine including: an engine, a generator-motor, a hydraulic pump, an electric storage device, a power control device which controls electric power between the generator-motor and the electric storage device, a temperature detector which determines a temperature of the electric storage device, an unload valve provided between a discharge port of the hydraulic pump and a tank, an unload-valve control device, and a relief valve. The power control device controls an electric power to be supplied from the electric storage device to the generator-motor, under abnormal circumstances where the temperature of the electric storage device is low, to a power obtained by adding an additional discharge power to a power to be supplied under normal circumstances. The unload-valve control device closes the unload valve, under abnormal circumstances. The relief valve controls the discharge pressure of the hydraulic pump to the set pressure, under abnormal circumstances.
US08880263B2 Control device for hybrid vehicle
A control device is provided for controlling a hybrid vehicle including an engine, a motor generator, and a battery arranged to be charged by and to discharge to the motor generator. The control device includes an abnormality judging section configured to judge whether or not an abnormality is generated in the engine. The control device further includes an assist prohibition section configured to prohibit the motor generator from being used as a power source when the abnormality is generated in the engine.
US08880262B2 System and method for incipient drive of slow charger for a vehicle with electric motor
Disclosed herein is a system and method for incipient drive of a slow charger for a vehicle. Specifically, an incipient drive entry of the slow charger used when a battery is charged in an electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) may be performed. The method includes operating, by a controller, a regulator by outputting a control pilot (CP) signal from electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Additionally, the method includes operating, by the controller, a flip-flop by outputting a driving signal from the regulator and operating a switching mode power supply (SMPS) by outputting a driving signal from the flip-flop. The method further includes resetting, by the controller, the flip-flop by outputting a reset signal from a central processing unit (CPU) turned on by the SMPS.
US08880261B2 Electrically driven vehicle
An electrically driven vehicle equipped with electric motors (1, 4) for driving or braking drive wheels (3, 6), and an electric motor controller (33) for controlling the electric motors includes: wheel speed detectors (9 to 12) for detecting the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of idler wheels (7, 8); computing means (22 to 28, 35 to 38) for computing the slip ratio of the drive wheels based on the wheel speed of the drive wheels and that of the idler wheels; and a determiner (29) for determining that the drive wheels are slipping if the slip ratio exceeds a slip ratio determination value. If the wheel speed of the idler wheels is lower than set speeds Va2, Vb2, then the determiner (29) changes the slip ratio determination value to a value having as the same sign as, and a larger absolute value than, the values λa2, λb2 used when the wheel speed of the idler wheels is higher than the set speeds Va2, Vb2. This structure shortens acceleration time during acceleration traveling and reduces braking distance during deceleration traveling while inhibiting vibrations of the electrically driven vehicle.
US08880253B2 Nonlinear adaptive observation approach to battery state of charge estimation
A method of controlling an electric vehicle including an internal combustion engine, a battery having a state of charge (SOC) and an open circuit voltage (OCV), includes establishing a system for estimating battery SOC. The system includes (i) a parameter estimation subsystem including a recursive parameter estimator for identifying battery parameters and (ii) an OCV estimation subsystem including a nonlinear adaptive observer for estimating battery OCV. Estimated battery OCV is related to estimated battery SOC by a mapping. An output is generated based on the estimated battery SOC.
US08880249B2 System, method, and computer program for an integrated human-machine interface (HMI) of an engine-generator
In one embodiment, an engine management system (EMS) can use a human machine interface (HMI) to modify operating parameters of a set of engine generators controlled by an engine control unit (ECU). The HMI can permits authorized users to adjust a plurality of operating parameters of the engine generators in accordance with an authorization level of the authorized users. The ECU can be a standalone system operable independent of the EMS. A communication network (e.g., ARCnet) can link the EMS to the ECU, wherein the changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI are maintained over a power-cycle of the EMS. Further, changes of the operating parameters input via the HMI can be maintained even when communications over the communication network linking the engine.
US08880248B2 Auxiliary power unit assembly and method of use
An auxiliary power unit and a method of providing auxiliary power to a locomotive are disclosed. The auxiliary power unit assembly for a locomotive includes an auxiliary power unit removably coupleable to a rail car chassis. The auxiliary power unit includes a housing, and an auxiliary engine-generator set positioned within the housing. The auxiliary engine-generator set is configured to provide an auxiliary power to the locomotive. The auxiliary power unit also includes an auxiliary controller electrically coupled to the auxiliary engine-generator set. The auxiliary controller is programmed to receive a command and control at least one aspect of the auxiliary power unit in response to the command.
US08880238B2 Method for assisting a person in planning a journey with an electric vehicle, and motor vehicle having a navigation device
A person is to be assisted in planning a journey with an electric vehicle. Information relating to an overall region with destinations within reach of the electric vehicle are outputted. For this purpose, a starting region is determined, from which a boundary can be reached with the electric vehicle from a current vehicle location and based on a current state of charge of the energy storage device without recharging. Locations of charging stations are then determined in the starting region. For each charging station, the boundary of a region is determined that can be reached indirectly from the respective charging station without further recharging, based on a state of charge that changed when the electric vehicle was recharged. The overall region is composed of the starting region and regions that can be reached indirectly.