Document Document Title
US08882918B2 Vapor deposition apparatus
A vapor deposition apparatus (50) includes: a mask unit (54) including a vapor deposition source (70), a vapor deposition mask (60), and a mask holding member (80); a substrate holder (52); and at least either a mask unit moving mechanism (55) or a substrate moving mechanism (53), with a roller (83) provided in a surface of one of (A) the substrate holder (52) and (B) the mask holding member (80) which faces the other one of (A) the substrate holder (52) and (B) the mask holding member (80).
US08882911B2 Apparatus for manufacturing silicon carbide single crystal
An apparatus for manufacturing a silicon carbide single crystal grows the silicon carbide single crystal on a seed crystal by supplying a material gas from below the seed crystal. The apparatus includes a heating container and a base located in the heating container. The seed crystal is mounded on the base. The apparatus further includes a first inlet for causing a purge gas to flow along an inner wall surface of the heating container, a purge gas source for supplying the purge gas to the first inlet, a second inlet for causing the purge gas to flow along an outer wall surface of the base, and a mechanism for supporting the base and for supplying the purge gas to the base from below the base.
US08882906B2 Method for recycling waste water from a stainless steel slag treatment process
The present invention relates to a method for recycling waste water from a stainless steel slag treatment process wherein stainless steel slag is brought into contact with water, in particular to neutralize the free lime contained therein, thereby producing said waste water. This waste water contains heavy metals, including at least chromium, and has a pH higher than or equal to 11. In accordance with the invention, it is used as production water for manufacturing mortar and/or concrete. In this way, the heavy metals, which are dissolved in the waste water and thus readily available, become bound in the newly formed cement phases so that they are prevented from leaching. Moreover, it has been found that the workability of the fresh mortar or concrete and also the quality of the final mortar or concrete materials is not negatively affected by the use of this alkaline waste water and that an accelerated setting could be achieved during the first hours.
US08882905B1 Recycled compositions for construction, and methods of utilizing and producing the same
A low density annular grout composition for filling voids. The composition may consist of cementitious fly ash, water, set retarder and cellular foam. The composition may have a compressive strength of between 100 and 600 psi at seven days and less than 1500 psi at 28 days. The composition may have a density between 20 and 75 pcf. Also disclosed is a method of filling a void with a low density annular grout composition. The method can include determining the time necessary to fill the void, adding water and set retarder to a cementitious fly ash to make a wet mixture, adding air to the wet mixture, and adding the composition to the void.
US08882883B2 Apparatus and methods to monitor and control cyclic process units in a steady plant environment
Apparatus and methods are disclosed that allow for the monitoring and analysis of production process data for a multi-step asynchronous cyclic production process (e.g. pressure swing adsorption) in a steady state plant (such as a steam methane reforming plant). Data collected from cooperating sensors is processed applying a moving window discrete Fourier transform (DFT). The transformed data can be further analyzed in the broader steady-state plant environment to accurately detect any process anomalies and avoid false alarms.
US08882876B2 Fiber webs including synthetic fibers
Filter media suitable for various applications and related components, systems, and methods associated therewith are described. The filter media may include a fiber web having a mixture comprising non-fibrillated synthetic fibers and fibrillated fibers, such as lyocell. The fiber web may also include multi-component fibers (e.g., bi-component fibers). In some embodiments, glass fibers are not incorporated into the fiber web.
US08882875B2 Waved filter media and elements
Various high performance, high efficiency filter media are provided that are cost effective and easy to manufacture. In particular, various filter media are provided having at least one layer with a waved configuration that results in an increased surface area, thereby enhancing various properties of the filter media. The filter media can be used to form a variety of filter elements for use in various applications.
US08882867B2 Gasification reactor with double wall cooling
It is supposed to be possible to achieve an essentially uniform water film protecting the corresponding metal panels, in a gasification reactor for producing crude gas containing CO or H2, by gasification of ash-containing fuel with oxygen-containing gas, at temperatures above the melting temperature of the ash, wherein a reaction chamber formed by a membrane wall through which cooling medium flows, a transition area as well as a quench chamber with a slag collection container that follows in the direction of gravity are provided within a pressure container. This is achieved in that, in addition to a device (14, 15) forming a water film (16) in the quench chamber (11), at least a part of the cylinder forming the quench chamber wall (17) is designed with a double wall and with a coolant overflow (21) for additionally wetting (18) the inner surface of the quench chamber wall (17), and a tangential coolant supply (20) in the bottom area of the double walled cylinder (19) which is closed at the bottom.
US08882861B2 Oleaginous compounds from biomass
Disclosed herein are methods and processes for the recovery of oleaginous compounds from biomass and in particular biomass comprises photosynthetic microorganisms. Also disclosure are oleaginous compounds obtained using the disclosed methods.
US08882858B2 Apparatus and method for the production of electric energy storage devices
Production apparatus and method for producing devices for storing electric energy are disclosed, wherein stacks of flat cathodes and anodes that face one another alternately with the interposition of a separator are produced, and in which the separator is formed by a single continuous strip folded several times in a single folding direction.
US08882853B2 Environmentally-friendly solvent for washing and dry-cleaning, and laundry composition including the same
The present invention relates to a solvent for cleaning textiles or clothes. The present invention provides a solvent for cleaning which has a specified formula that is safe on the human body and environment, as well as good cleaning ability against oil-based and water-based contaminants and can be quickly dried. The solvent of the present invention and a composition comprising the same can be effectively used to water clean or dry clean textiles or clothes at home.
US08882847B2 Patient selectable knee joint arthroplasty devices
Disclosed herein are methods and devices for repairing articular surfaces in a knee joint. The articular surface repairs are customizable or highly selectable for each patient and geared toward providing optimal fit and function. Kits are also provided to enable customized repairs to be performed.
US08882846B1 Surgical process for affixing an elbow implant into the ulna
A surgical process for affixing an elbow implant into the ulna has the steps of separating the olecranon process from the ulna so as to expose an end of an intermedullary canal of the ulna, inserting a stem of the elbow implanted into the intermedullary canal such that an end of the stem extends outwardly of the end of the ulna, and affixing the olecranon process onto the exposed end of the ulna. A hole is drilled through the olecranon process such that the hole is axially aligned with the intermedullary canal of the ulna. This hole is drilled prior to the step of separating.
US08882843B2 Interbody spinal fusion implant having a trailing end with at least one stabilization element
A flanged interbody spinal fusion implant for insertion at least in part between adjacent vertebral bodies has opposed upper and lower surfaces adapted to contact each of the adjacent vertebral bodies from within the disc space, a leading end for insertion between the adjacent vertebral bodies, and a trailing end opposite the leading end. The trailing end has a height greater than the maximum height of the disc space forming a flanged portion adapted to overlie a part of the anterior aspects of the vertebral bodies adjacent and proximate the disc space to be fused. The flanged portion has at least two bone screw receiving holes, at least one each adapted to overlie each of the adjacent vertebral bodies at least in part. The implant has at least one locking element to lock one or more of the bone screws inserted in the bone screw receiving holes. Instrumentation for inserting the implant, forming screw holes in the vertebral body, and for locking the locking elements are disclosed.
US08882841B2 Steerable interbody fusion cage
An interbody vertebral cage facilitates minimally invasive approaches to the intervertebral disc for corrective restoration of disc height, stabilization between vertebra, and fusion. The preferred embodiment provides a streamlined, slender straight contour with a central hinge or other articulating apparatus that allows the introduction of the cage into the operative field and disc space in a minimally invasive, bone-sparing manner. After partial insertion, the hinge component is activated, allowing the operator to steer the cage anterior-medially within the disc space to an anterior-central position within the intervertebral space. In this state the cage is shaped like a crescent, chevron or boomerang.
US08882837B2 High precision manufacture of polyurethane products such as spinal disc implants having gradual modulus variation
A process for making a polymeric product having a gradual variation in modulus through at least a portion of the product is disclosed together with an artificial spinal disc formed using the process.
US08882836B2 Apparatus and method for treating bone
A bone tamp for creating channels within bone tissue. The bone tamp includes an elongated member that is deformable from a first generally non-linear configuration to a second generally linear configuration for insertion into bone tissue. As the elongated member is deployed into bone tissue, it transitions from the linear configuration into the non-linear configuration within the bone tissue. The elongated member is capable of being deformed back into the generally linear configuration for withdrawal from the bone tissue.
US08882835B2 Interbody spinal fusion implant having an anatomically conformed trailing end
An interbody spinal fusion implant adapted for placement at least in part across an intervertebral space formed across a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies and for penetrating engagement into each of those vertebral bodies, the implant having a trailing end adapted to sit upon and not protrude from the anterolateral peripheral rim of bone of the vertebral body.
US08882833B2 Drill pin for fixation of ligaments using button/loop construct
A technique and reconstruction system for ligament employing a button/loop construct with a drill pin. The drill pin has a shaft with a proximal and a distal end. A pin tip provided at the distal end of the shaft has a width greater than the shaft diameter. The pin tip helps cut a wider tunnel for fixation of ligaments/grafts in reconstructive surgeries. The shaft of the drill pin is provided with a laser marks for measurement of intraosseous length.
US08882827B2 Stent
The stent comprises a tubular body comprising a plurality of ring units arranged in the axis direction and bridged by a connecting element. Each of the units comprises a plurality of cells connected with each other, each of the cells having a U-shaped form comprising two linear parts and a circular arc part therebetween, and opening toward one end. The ring units comprise first and second units alternatively arranged and the oppositely disposed cells of the first and second units are only partly bridged by the connecting elements. The shapes of the cells of the first and second units are axisymmetrical about the connecting element. The curvature radius of the top of the arc constituting the arc part is 1.1 and 1.5 times larger than that of each of the tangent circles formed at the edges of two linear parts of the cell on the circular arc part side.
US08882826B2 Intravascular stent
An expandable stent for implanting in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen. In one aspect, the stent includes a butterfly pattern to which connecting links are attached. In another aspect, the stent embodies a non-directional structure. One embodiment is a stent in which one or both ends are more flexible than the center portion. Also, the stent may have a non-uniform drug coating. Another embodiment relates to a stent having ends that are more radiopaque than the center portion.
US08882825B2 Stents including poly(L-lactide) formulations that minimize molecular weight drop during processing
A stent scaffolding including a polymer formulation comprising PLLA and polymandelide is disclosed. The polymandelide reduces the molecular weight drop during processing, particularly during sterilization. The stent scaffolding can further include one or more additional stabilizing agents that additionally reduce the molecular weight drop during processing.
US08882818B1 Method for deploying a fusion device for sacroiliac joint fusion
A method for fusing a spinal sacroiliac joint and a surgical kit. The kit includes a bone-void filler, stabilization device or implant, a guide pin, a joint locator, a set of dilation tubes, a reamer, a novel directional cannula, a novel tapping cap, a novel drill guide, a drill bit, and a novel implant positioner. The method includes the steps of locating the sacroiliac joint, retracting the soft tissue exposing the graft site, removing any bone obstructions and preparing a relatively smooth graft site horizontal to the immediate sacroiliac joint, creating a cavity in the ilium and sacrum to a predetermined depth that spans the sacroiliac joint, inserting a novel stabilization implant into the cavity, and seating the implant within the cavity at a predetermined depth.
US08882816B2 Fixation and alignment device and method used in orthopaedic surgery
Surgical anchoring systems and methods are employed for the correction of bone deformities. The anchoring system and its associated instrument may be suitable for surgical repair of hallux valgus, tarsometatarsal sprains, ankle ligament reconstruction, spring ligament repair, knee ligament reinforcement, acromioclavicular sprains, coracoclavicular sprains, elbow ligament repair, wrist and hand ligamentous stabilization or similar conditions. The anchoring system may include a fixation system for anchoring two or more sections of bone or other body parts and a system for aligning of one section relative to another section.
US08882813B2 Locking mechanisms and associated methods
A method and apparatus is provided for use with a surgical implant to secure fasteners, such as bone screws or pins. An anti-backout mechanism is used to preventing migration of the fasteners after the implant is installed. In one example, an anti-backout mechanism includes a locking plate having a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking plate has one or more protrusions that are configured to prevent migration the fasteners when the locking plate is in the locked position.
US08882812B2 Bone plate assembly with plates that ratchet together
A bone plate assembly is disclosed which includes at least one plate segment having at least one aperture extending therethrough for receiving a head portion of a bone screw, and a structure supported by the plate segment and intersecting the aperture for retaining the head portion of the bone screw with respect to the plate segment.
US08882807B2 Minimally invasive surgery pedicle screw system
The present invention provides a minimally invasive surgery pedicle screw system, including: a plurality of slotted guides that are selectively inserted through one or more surgical incisions; a plurality of pedicle screws selectively coupled to the plurality of slotted guides that are selectively secured to one or more bony anatomical structures; a pendulum mechanism selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; and a connecting rod selectively translatably and pivotably coupled to one of the plurality of slotted guides; wherein the pendulum mechanism is selectively coupled to the connecting rod. The connecting rod is selectively secured to one or more of the plurality of pedicle screws.
US08882797B2 Methods of embolic filtering
Methods of providing embolic protection during treatment of a vessel include advancing a microcatheter in the vessel, inserting a textile structure in a collapsed state into the microcatheter, and advancing the textile structure through the microcatheter. The methods may include, after advancing the textile structure and retracting the microcatheter to unsheathe a self-expanding bulb of the textile structure from the microcatheter, thereby allowing the self-expanding bulb to self-expand from the collapsed state to an expanded state. The methods may include performing a vascular procedure. In the expanded state, the self-expanding bulb may filter emboli released during performing the vascular procedure.
US08882795B2 Frontal sinus dilation catheter
A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.
US08882793B2 Devices and methods for cutting tissue
Various medical devices and methods for cutting, evacuating and/or performing work on tissue are provided. The devices and methods may utilize a reciprocating mechanism or motor powered by suction from a vacuum source. The medical devices and methods may be used on tissue in various regions of a patient's body and for treating various conditions, e.g., for performing a polypectomy.
US08882786B2 System for closure of a physical anomaly
Systems for closure of a physical anomaly. Closure is accomplished by a closure body with an exterior surface. The exterior surface contacts the opening of the anomaly and closes the anomaly. The closure body has a primary shape for closing the anomaly and a secondary shape for being positioned in the physical anomaly. The closure body preferably comprises a shape memory polymer.
US08882785B2 Endoscopic suturing device
An endoscopic suturing device that can be employed to suture tissue using endoscopic techniques to place one or more stitches in tissue during a single intubation of an endoscope. The suturing device may include a suturing capsule with a suction chamber that is configured to capture tissue that is to be sutured. A needle is movable along a pathway across the suction chamber to penetrate and place stitches in the captured tissue. A catch is located distal to the suction chamber to receive and retain the suture during a stitching sequence. The catch may be movable along the needle pathway and configured to release the suture when the catch moves a predetermined distance along the pathway. The catch may be configured so that a predetermined amount of force is required to move the catch the predetermined distance required to release the suture.
US08882771B2 Method for manipulating intervertebral tissue
A method for manipulating intervertebral tissue in one embodiment includes inserting at least one abrading member for abrading tissue into an area to be cleared, expanding at least one expandable member from a first condition to a second condition, wherein the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the second condition is greater than the volume defined by the at least one expandable member in the first condition, moving the inserted at least one abrading member from a first position to a second position by the expansion of the at least one expandable member, manipulating the inserted at least one abrading member to loosen tissue, and removing the loosened tissue from the area to be cleared.
US08882757B2 Eye therapy system
Systems and methods improve operation of an applicator that delivers heat-generating energy to an eye as a part of an eye therapy. For example, reflected power may be measured to determine whether sufficient contact has been established between the applicator and the eye for accurate and precise delivery of energy to the eye. In addition, at least one of forward and reflected power may be measured to monitor the application of coolant pulses that control the generation of heat in the eye when the applicator delivers energy to the eye. Further, the forward and reflected power may be measured to determine an efficiency of energy transfer or an impedance mismatch. Based on the efficiency of energy transfer or the impedance mismatch, an adjustable parameter of a tuning element may be modified.
US08882743B2 Apparatus and method for application of a pharmaceutical to the tympanic membrane for photodynamic laser myringotomy
A packaged kit for performing a photodynamic laser myringotomy includes a plurality of ear needles having different shaped absorbent applicators on distal ends of the needles, a vial of a single dose of an otologic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe. The component parts of the kit are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the syringe. A selected one of the plurality of ear needles is then communicated with the syringe. The syringe and needle are then used to inject the reconstituted drug into the absorbent pad at the end of the needle, and the absorbent pad containing the drug is used to apply the drug to the tympanic membrane. The application of the drug to the tympanic membrane prepares the membrane for a myringotomy procedure, and in particular, a photodynamic laser myringotomy.
US08882737B2 Container filled with a liquid concentrate for making dialysate
A self standing bag having two side wall sheets and a bottom sheet. To flatten the bag, the bottom sheet is sandwiched between the two side wall sheets and symmetrically folded along a line parallel to its bottom edge, separating the bag into a four-layer part and a two-layer part. In the two-layer part, the bag includes first sloped sealing lines extending between a first two points on the top edges of the side wall sheets and spaced from the vertical side wall edges by a first distance, to a second two points spaced from the vertical edges of the side wall sheets by a second distance less than the first distance. The four-layer part includes second sloped sealing lines extending between the second two points and a third two points on the bottom edges of the side wall sheets.
US08882729B2 Transdermal therapeutic system having stabilized membrane
The invention relates to a transdermal therapeutic system made of the following layers: a carrier layer (T), an active ingredient layer (R), a membrane layer (M) and optionally an adhesive layer (K), wherein the carrier layer (T) is impenetrable to the active substance and to water, the active substance layer (R) comprises as an active substance component the salt of an alkali reactive active substance, such as a CNS-active amine in combination with at least one alkali reactive further component, and a polymer component (P1), wherein the active substance is released from the active substance layer (R) only by the moisture entering from the exterior through the membrane layer (M), and the membrane layer (M) is made of a polymer component (P2), allowing a uniform delivery of basic active substances to the skin.
US08882712B2 Neural injection system and related methods
A neural injection system and related methods are herein disclosed. Various embodiments of a neural injection system of the present invention provide for at least one benefit of enhanced injection characteristics, increased operational efficiency, reduced cost per unit, reduced incidence of injury through intraneural/intravascular injection, reduced incidence of injury through pricking/piercing, and/or the like.
US08882708B2 Mating mechanism for a pressurizing unit and corresponding sleeve in a medical fluid injection device
In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for providing a mating mechanism between at least one pressurizing unit and at least one corresponding sleeve in a powered medical fluid injection device. An example powered medical fluid injection device includes a sleeve and an injector head coupled to the sleeve. The sleeve has a notch with a predefined shape and size. The sleeve is configured to receive a pressurizing unit (such as a syringe) having an external tab with a predefined shape and size that are substantially identical to the predefined shape and size of the notch in the sleeve, such that the tab mates with the notch when the sleeve receives the pressurizing unit. The injector head is configured to inject a quantity of a medical fluid from the pressurizing unit during operation.
US08882707B2 Fluids exchanging system for medical use
A fluids exchanging system for medical use is provided. The system comprises an infusion pumping system, an aspiration pump, and an implantable catheter comprising a perforated dialysis cavity communicating with infusion and aspiration tubes in a communicating vessel manner. The implantable catheter further includes elastic holes.
US08882706B2 Pen needle removal device for a drug delivery device
A removal device (121, 221) for removing and disposing of a pen needle (113, 213) connectable to a drug delivery device (111, 211) includes a body (123, 223) having a cavity (141, 241) for receiving the pen needle of the drug delivery device such that a patient end (116, 216) of a needle (115, 215) of the pen needle is covered by the body. An ejector (151, 251) is movably connected to the body (123, 223) for engaging the received pen needle (113, 213) and selectively ejecting the engaged pen needle from the body. The pen needle (113, 213) is securely retained within the removal device (121, 221) without exposing the needle (115, 215) of the pen needle until the pen needle (113, 213) can be properly disposed of, such as in a sharps container, thereby substantially preventing an accidental needle stick.
US08882701B2 Advanced step therapy delivery for an ambulatory infusion pump and system
Embodiments relate to systems, methods and devices for delivering a drug or other therapy to a patient with an ambulatory infusion pump configured to provide a series of tolerance-building steps leading up to a plateau delivery rate. The plateau delivery rate is maintained until the prescribed amount of drug or therapy fluid is delivered to the patient. Embodiments of the invention include providing the patient or other user with a mechanism to decrease, or step down, the therapy delivery rate if a tolerance was not achieved at a lower rate, and providing notifications prior to a step up in a dosage delivery rate.
US08882698B2 Anti-obesity devices
Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.
US08882697B2 Apparatus and methods to create and maintain an intra-atrial pressure relief opening
The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening.
US08882696B2 Blood reservoir with a separate vent and a sucker chambers
The present invention consists of a venous blood reservoir that has a separate blood chamber to filter vent blood and a separate chamber to filter sucker blood. The two blood chambers are separated by a common wall and are in fluid communication along their top assuring that vacuum applied to the top of either is equally applied to the other. A mean to form communication across the wall allows the user to either accumulate sucker blood in its chamber while letting vent blood to flow freely to the venous blood chamber. Alternately, user can let the blood in the sucker chamber to combine with the venous blood freely too.
US08882692B2 Hemodialysis system with multiple cassette interference
A hemodialysis system for operation with a blood source and a dialysate source, the system including: (i) a first machine portion including a blood pump; (ii) a blood cassette operatively connected to the blood pump such that the blood pump can pump blood through the blood cassette when the blood cassette is in fluid communication with the blood source; (iii) a dialyzer fluidly connected to the blood cassette; (iv) a second machine portion separate from the first machine portion, the second machine portion including a dialysate pump; and (v) a dialysate cassette separate from the blood cassette, the dialysate cassette operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate cassette when the dialysate cassette is in fluid communication with the dialysate source, the dialysate cassette being fluidly connected to the dialyzer.
US08882686B2 Movable massage device
A movable massage device is capable of overcoming the fixed-point type massage device and is provided with an outer housing, a toothed bar, an inner housing, a driven assembly, a drive assembly, a first massage head and a second massage head. With the cooperation of the driven and drive assemblies, the inner housing is able to drive the first and second massage heads to reciprocate transversely within the outer housing, to perform a local massage in a non-fixed-point manner.
US08882685B2 Apparatus and methods for phototherapy
There is provided a phototherapy apparatus, in which the therapeutic light is delivered through one or more massage components. The massage component provides mechanical massage to the subject biological tissue and modifies the properties of the subject tissue in thickness, density, etc. to facilitate the absorption of the therapeutic light and enhance the effect of the phototherapy procedure. The light source of the phototherapy apparatus is actively cooled by a synthetic jet cooler.
US08882671B2 Ultrasonic diagnostic device, ultrasonic image processing apparatus, ultrasonic image acquiring method and ultrasonic diagnosis display method
Volume data are collected by swing scanning in which frames in different field angle settings are mixed by a wide scan set at a wide field angle to image a diagnostic target and an index part for recognizing the position of the diagnostic target and by a narrow scan set at a field angle θ2 narrower than the field angle in the wide scan to image the diagnostic target with high time resolution. Then, the wide ultrasonic image is used to set spatial coordinates based on the index part. The spatial coordinates are used to align the narrow ultrasonic image. While this positional relation is being maintained, the wide ultrasonic image, the narrow ultrasonic image and a given ultrasonic image are displayed in a predetermined form.
US08882667B2 Accessories for remote monitoring
An accessory for remote monitoring, including: a body capable of being placed on a human body; a measurement unit installed in the body and measuring a change in surroundings; a signal processing unit for processing a signal acquired from the measurement unit; and a wireless communication unit including a monopole antenna transmitting the signal processed by the signal processing unit and a ground installed along the body, corresponding to the monopole antenna. The signal processing unit and the monopole antenna are manufactured in a small size to be formed in the accessories body or periphery of the accessories body, and a space for wiring the ground may be obtained by using a band or the accessories body in an extended shape.
US08882657B2 Instrument having radio frequency identification systems and methods for use
One RFID equipped instrument includes an elongate body with a plurality of uniquely identified radio frequency identification chips spaced along the length of the elongate body. One system used for determining the position of an instrument includes an instrument; a plurality of radio frequency identification chips attached to the instrument; a reader connected to an antenna and adapted to communicate with each radio frequency identification chip using the antenna. One method for determining the position of an instrument using radio frequency identification chips includes providing a radio frequency identification chip reader and antenna; providing an instrument having a longitudinal axis and comprising a plurality of radio frequency identification chips placed along the longitudinal axis; moving the instrument relative to the antenna; and using information about a radio frequency identification chip detected by the antenna to determine the position of the instrument.
US08882655B2 Implantable access port system
An implantable injection port comprises a base. A first gear is coupled to the base, and a first anchor is coupled to the first gear. A second gear is coupled to the base, and a second anchor is coupled to the second gear. A top portion of the injection port is spaced apart from the base of the port and has a first plurality of top teeth that engage with a first plurality of gear teeth on the first gear. This engagement occurs prior to rotation of the second gear. The top portion rotates, which causes rotation of the first gear, which in turn causes movement of the first anchor through the anchor opening of the base and into the tissue of the patient. The first gear and the second gear rotate non-simultaneously.
US08882649B2 Folding device and sheet folding method
The folding device includes a folding unit and a prior moving unit. The folding unit performs the folding process on the paper aligned by the alignment member positioned at the folding position. The prior moving unit moves the alignment member from the folding position to the home position or the alignment position according to a position of the end of the paper being moved in the folding process. This can put ahead the starting time for moving the alignment members and reduce the time required for a subsequent folding process, thereby improving efficiency (productivity) of the folding process as a whole.
US08882646B2 Semiconductive roller, charging roller and electrophotographic apparatus
The semiconductive roller according to the present invention includes: a roller body having an outer peripheral surface made of a semiconductive rubber composition; and an oxide film covering the outer peripheral surface of the roller body, while the semiconductive rubber composition contains a base polymer and a crosslinking component for crosslinking the base polymer, the base polymer is a mixture of a bicopolymer E containing epichlorohydrin and nitrile-butadiene rubber N, the mass ratio E/N of the bicopolymer E and the nitrile-butadiene rubber N in the mixture is 50/50 to 80/20, and the crosslinking component includes a thiourea-based crosslinking component for crosslinking the bicopolymer E and a sulfur-based vulcanizing component for vulcanizing the nitrile-butadiene rubber N.
US08882645B2 Partially stabilized exercise device mounted with elastic resistance members
An exercise device for developing strength, balance coordination and flexibility of the arms, legs, back, abdominals and stabilizer muscles of the user. The exercise device includes a large, spherically-shaped, resilient exercise ball having a flat planar base insert with a set of elastic resistance members to perform various resistance training exercises.
US08882641B2 Exercise apparatus and method of using
An exercise apparatus and method of use for a total body workout. The exercise apparatus includes at least one stationary exercise equipment directed for lower body exercise, and at least one resistance device for upper body exercise deployed over the at least one stationary exercise equipment. Also included is a system adapted for providing a total body workout for an indoor cycling class that includes a plurality of stationary indoor cycling bikes and a plurality of resistance bands, one set of resistance bands deployed over each of the plurality of stationary indoor cycling bikes. The system enables users of the plurality of stationary indoor cycling bikes and resistance devices to simultaneously exercise the upper and lower body.
US08882636B2 Adjusting clutch slip based on sensed parameter of transmission shaft to control NVH level in vehicle powertrain
A vehicle powertrain includes a transmission and a clutch. The slip of the clutch is adjusted to a target where a magnitude of a sensed parameter of a shaft of the transmission corresponds to a desired noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) level in the powertrain. The sensed parameter of the transmission shaft may be one of acceleration, speed, and torque of the transmission shaft. The transmission shaft may be one of the input shaft and output shaft of the transmission.
US08882635B2 Controlling an automatic vehicle restart on a hill
A method for controlling a vehicle on an uphill incline includes automatically shifting a transmission to first gear, automatically stopping the engine, using wheel torque to maintain a one-way clutch engaged and to hold a transmission component against rotation, preventing vehicle rollback by automatically engaging a target gear and tying-up the transmission automatically restarting the engine, and automatically reengaging first gear.
US08882632B2 Control device of vehicle power transmission device
It is provided a control device of a vehicle power transmission device having an automatic transmission shifted by engagement and release of hydraulic friction engagement devices to selectively establish a plurality of gear stages and an electric motor coupled to an input shaft of the automatic transmission in a power transmittable manner, the control device executing a clutch-to-clutch shift while performing regeneration through the electric motor at the time of a coast down shift of the automatic transmission, the control device completing regenerative torque reduction control to reduce a regenerative torque of the electric motor in a torque phase of the coast down shift before start of the torque phase in accordance with a drop-off of an output torque of the vehicle power transmission device.
US08882630B2 Transmission
A racing transmission. The racing transmission has a low gear, reverse gear, neutral and a direct drive gear. The transmission utilizes a drive shaft and two sets of planetary and sun gears. The transmission does not use a countershaft to accomplish low and reverse.
US08882626B2 Continuously variable ratio transmission
A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission has a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and a ratio varying unit having a rotating input and a rotating output, the rotational axes of the input and the output being coaxial. A shunt having first and second epicyclic gear sets is connected across the ratio varying unit. One gear set has an input driven by the input shaft and an input driven by one side of the ratio varying unit and the other gear set has an input from the first gear set and an input from one side of the ratio varying unit. The gear sets rotate about a common axis and are offset with respect to, and parallel to, the rotational axes of the input and output of the ratio varying unit. A clutch is operable to selectively connect the output of the second gear set to the output shaft.
US08882620B2 V-belt for transmitting high load
On each block side face of the blocks of a V-belt for transmitting high load, a ratio of a dimension extending in a belt thickness direction from a buried cord center line of a corresponding tension band to an upper end of an upper pulley-contact face to a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a lower end of the upper pulley-contact face is larger than or equal to 4.0, and a dimension extending in the belt thickness direction from the buried cord center line to a middle of the upper pulley-contact face is smaller than or equal to 2.3 mm.
US08882612B2 Soccer passing trainer apparatus and games
We disclose an apparatus for improving passing skills in soccer, consisting of one or more triangles that can be placed on the ground to demarcate regions and boundaries on a playing field within which player movement is constrained or otherwise guided. The triangle edges are made from a flexible or extensible material and are attached at the triangle vertices by some type of joining device. The triangles can be placed on any surface suitable for soccer and held in place with stakes or other means. Multiple triangles can be placed on the ground to create a variety of demarcated regions and boundaries. This apparatus can be used for basic practice or to play various skill-enhancing games in which the ball is passed into and out of, or between, a triangle or a set of triangles.
US08882606B2 Golf swing data gathering method and system
A method and system for capturing, transmitting, and displaying golf swing data uses data capture elements in golf balls or golf clubs to capture data and transmission elements to transmit the golf swing data to a mobile computing auxiliary device. The mobile computing auxiliary device relays the captured and transmitted golf swing data to a mobile computing device. The mobile computing device transmits the golf swing data to a database. A server associated with the database generates web pages to make the golf swing data available over the internet.
US08882603B2 Playground safety surface
A safety surface for use over a supporting base in a designated area of a playground includes a bottom layer arranged for placement over the supporting base, a plurality of mesh bags, each of the mesh bags filled with a plurality of pieces of a shock absorbent material, and a border arranged for placement along selected edges of the designated area. The mesh bags are sized and shaped to abut adjacent mesh bags, with a portion of the mesh bags arranged to abut the border. And internal divider is positioned in an interior of the mesh bags, with the internal divider arranged to divide the interior of the mesh bags into a plurality of interior compartments. A top layer is arranged to overlie the mesh bags and arranged for securement to the border.
US08882594B2 Control scheme for real time strategy game
A control scheme for a real time strategy game using a game controller includes maintaining a cursor in a known, fixed position of the monitor in a manner so that it appears the game space if moving behind a cursor even during changing viewing positions such as tilting movements. The control scheme further includes other aspects including a technique for selecting units using the game controller and interacting with menus using the game controller.
US08882592B2 Game system, game apparatus, computer-readable storage medium having stored therein game program, and game processing method
An example game apparatus calculates the attitude of a terminal device on the basis of a value of a gyro sensor of the terminal device. The game apparatus sets the position of an aim in a game image on the basis of the calculated attitude of the terminal device, and also sets the attitude of a virtual camera. The game apparatus sets the firing direction of an arrow on the basis of the position of the aim, and causes the arrow to be fired in the firing direction in accordance with the cessation of a touch operation on a touch panel of the terminal device.
US08882586B2 Enriched game play environment (single and/or multi-player) for casino applications
A gaming system is provided. The gaming system provides players a rich (i.e. akin to leading home and arcade-based video games) single-player, multi-player cooperative and/or head to head environment in which the participant(s) win cash and credits as a result of their play activity within the environment, based on the wagers which they make entering and playing a game of the gaming system.
US08882580B2 Gaming system and a method of gaming
A gaming system comprising: a display; a symbol selector arranged to select a plurality of symbols from a set of symbols for display in a display area on the display; a plural special symbol determiner arranged to determine whether a plural special symbol representing a number (N) of special symbols is to be activated; a symbol modifier arranged to operate in response to a determination that a plural special symbol is to be activated so as to modify display of at least one symbol selected by the symbol selector so that the symbols displayed in the display area after modification include N singular special symbols; and an outcome generator arranged to determine a game outcome based on the displayed symbols as modified by the symbol modifier.
US08882575B2 Gaming machine having display with sensory feedback
A method of conducting a wagering game on a gaming machine includes the steps of displaying a selectable game element on a display and associating each potential outcome associated with the selectable game element with a predetermined haptic output selected from a plurality of predetermined haptic device outputs. The method also includes the steps of selecting the selectable game element to reveal an outcome associated therewith and causing a haptic device to output the predetermined haptic output corresponding to the outcome of the selectable game element.
US08882574B2 Gaming system and method of providing an electronic game
A gaming machine and a method provide primary and secondary games. The gaming machine includes first and second adjacent displays, a lighting device, and a controller. The lighting device is located between the first and second displays. The controller is coupled to the first and second displays and the lighting device. The primary game is played and if a triggering conditioning occurred in the primary game, the secondary game is initiated. The secondary game includes a rotating selector device. A first portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the first display and a second portion of the rotating selector device is displayed on the second display. The lighting device defines a selector. An outcome of the secondary game is randomly selected and the rotating selector device is rotated and stopped such that the selector is associated with a symbol associated with the outcome of the secondary game.
US08882571B2 Method of deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting meat therefrom and apparatus for performing the method
A method and apparatus are disclosed for mechanically deboning animal thighs for separating and collecting the meat therefrom. The method includes the steps of grasping a thigh bone of an animal thigh at a hip knuckle with a bone holder, cutting tissue adjacent a knee knuckle, cutting tissue near the hip knuckle, and engaging the thigh bone adjacent the bone holder with a meat stripper. The method also includes moving the bone holder and meat stripper away from one another in a direction substantially coextensive with the longitudinal extent of the thigh bone, allowing the meat stripper to pass over the knee knuckle, and collecting the meat separated from the bone. The apparatus includes a plurality of processing stations for carrying out the individual steps, with the processing stations being arranged along a path of conveyance defined by a conveyor chain moving through a predefined path.
US08882569B2 Gear grinding machine
Provided is a gear grinding machine the maintainability of which can be improved and which is capable of being miniaturized. More specifically, provided is a gear grinding machine wherein a threaded grinding stone (17) and a workpiece (W) are engaged with each other and are rotated in this state, resulting in the workpiece (W) being ground, and wherein between a dressing position (P2) where the threaded grinding stone (17) can be dressed and a retreat position (P1) to which a retreat is made from the dressing position (P2) during grinding, a disk dresser (66) which, by being driven into rotation, dresses the threaded grinding stone (17) is swung about an axis (C2) which is parallel to an axis (C1) that is the rotational axis for the workpiece (W) and which intersects, at right angles, the direction in which the threaded grinding stone (17) is fed toward the workpiece (W).
US08882567B2 Polishing mechanism and manipulator using the polishing mechanism
A polishing mechanism includes a support base, a pair of magnetic valves, a first polishing assembly and a second polishing assembly. The pair of magnetic valves are mounted in the support base. The first polishing assembly and the second polishing assembly are mounted on the support base and connected to the pair of magnetic valves respectively. The second polishing assembly is arranged perpendicular to the first polishing assembly. The first and the second polishing assemblies are respectively controlled by the pair of magnetic valves to polish one or more workpieces. The present disclosure further discloses a manipulator using the polishing mechanism.
US08882560B2 Integration of a robotic system with one or more mobile computing devices
A robotic system is integrated with one or more mobile computing devices. Physical configurations of individual components of the system in physical space, or agents, under control of a user or users, are duplicated in a representation in virtual space. Some degree of real-time parity is maintained between the physical and virtual spaces, so as to implement a virtual environment that mirrors the physical one. Events occurring within one environment can directly influence and bear consequence on the course of events occurring within the other environment. Elements of virtual space thereby become truly interdependent and unified on a peer footing with elements in physical space. In at least one embodiment, the system of the present invention is implemented as an application in entertainment, such as the manifestation of a video game in physical space.
US08882557B2 Baby holding and entertaining apparatus
A child play gym system includes a canopy that may be formed by a number of rods. A canopy track may be fixedly coupled to a particular rod, and a canopy clip may be slidingly coupled with the canopy track. A base may be coupled to the canopy so that the canopy arches over the base. A base track may be fixedly coupled to the base, and a base clip may be slidingly coupled with the base track. An item may include a body and a coupling member and may be coupled to the body by a tether. The coupling member may be resilient so that the item may be coupled to the canopy clip or the pad clip when the coupling member is compressed and inserted within an opening of the one of the clips so that the tether extends at least partially through the opening.
US08882550B2 Ship propulsion device
A ship propulsion device is configured so that a control device operates an engine at a first engine speed when a clutch is in a disengaged state; so that, based on the input of an input device, the control device changes the state of the clutch from the disengaged state to a partially engaged state and operates the engine at a second engine speed that is higher than the first engine speed; so that, based on the detection of a rotational speed detection device, the control device operates the engine at an engine speed that is lower than the second engine speed; and so that, based on the input of an input device, the control device changes the state of the clutch from the partially engaged state to an engaged state.
US08882533B2 Electrical connector having poke-in wire contact
An electrical connector includes a housing having a receptacle that is configured to receive an electrical wire therein along an insertion axis. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes a contact beam that includes a wire interface that is configured to engage the electrical wire. The contact beam is movable between a closed position and an open position. The wire interface is configured to engage the electrical wire when the contact beam is in the closed position. The wire interface is configured to be disengaged from the electrical wire when the contact beam is in the open position. The contact beam is configured to be slidably engaged by an actuator along an actuation direction that is non-perpendicular to the insertion axis to move the contact beam from the closed position to the open position.
US08882532B1 Driver box for an improved lighting system
A driver box includes a housing and a connection mechanism disposed in the housing. The housing is adapted to removably receive a driver adapted to supply electric power to at least one luminaire. The connection mechanism includes an actuator, a first electrical connector configured to be connected to the driver, and a second electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to the at least one luminaire. The actuator is operatively coupled to the second electrical connector. The actuator is movable between an unlocked position, in which the second electrical connector is disengaged from the first electrical connector, and a locked position in which the second electrical connector is in mating engagement with the first electrical connector.
US08882531B2 Retaining element for securing a plug to a connector mounted on a printed circuit board
This disclosure relates to an electrical connector module and an electronic device including the same. The electrical connector module includes: a circuit board formed with two lateral notches and a main notch interposed therebetween; an electrical connector mounted on the circuit board and including an insulating housing; and a retaining element including: two support arms respectively formed on the circuit board relative to the lateral notches; two flexible connecting arms respectively extending from the support arms through the lateral notches; and an engaging seat connected between the flexible connecting arms and suspended under the main notch so as to cooperate with the insulating housing to define a plugging space.
US08882527B1 Cable connector
Disclosed is a cable connector comprising a male connector and a female connector, wherein the male connector includes a male base and a plurality of male terminals received in the male base, a rear end of the male base defining a resilient arm protruded beyond the back of the male base, a substantial middle of a top of the resilient arm protruding upward to form a locking block, a guiding ramp being formed at a rear end of the locking block and slantwise connecting the back and a top face of the locking block; a female connector includes a female base and a plurality of female terminals, a front face of the female base being concaved rearward to form a receiving chamber. The design is ensure that the male connector with the parent is not easy to quit after the engagement of the connector to avoid functional failure.
US08882526B2 Electrical connector with connecting member for improving assembling efficiency
An electrical connector compatible to USB 3.0 standard includes an insulative housing, a number of contacts, a fixing member and a connecting member. The insulative housing includes a mating portion and a receiving slot. Each contact includes a tail section and a resilient arm. The connecting member is received in the receiving slot of the insulative housing. The connecting member includes a number of first pads and a number of second pads electrically connecting with the first pads. With the arrangement of the connecting member, the first pads for constituting the USB 3.0 contact group are needless of being directly insert-molded with the insulative housing as a result that the assembling efficiency of the electrical connector can be improved.
US08882521B2 Lever type connector with enviromental cover
An electrical connector assembly for mating with a mating connector includes a housing having spaced apart sidewalls and first and second slides slide slideably supported in the housing. The first and second slides each include at least one mating slot adapted to receive a mating portion of the mating connector and slideable with respect to the housing between a pre-staged position where the electrical connector is removable from the mating connector and an engaged position where said electrical connector assembly is locked to said mating connector. A slide assist lever is pivotally interconnected with the housing and each of the slides to move the slides between the pre-staged position and the engaged position such that recesses are formed in the housing with the slides when said slides are in the engaged position. The electrical connector assembly also includes an environmental cover positionable to substantially prevent debris from entering the recesses.
US08882519B2 Dust cap for a telecommunications connector
A dust cap (100) for covering a jack recess (206) in a telecommunications jack (200) is disclosed. In one embodiment, the dust cap (100) includes a cover portion (110) attached to a hinge base (150). The cover portion (110) is rotatable from a closed position, wherein the cover portion (110) covers the jack recess (206), to an open position, wherein the jack recess (206) is exposed. The cover portion (110) may include a securing feature (114, 116) configured to engage with the jack recess (206) to retain the cover portion (110) in the closed position. The front face (110a) of the cover portion (110) may also include a handle (112). The dust cap (100) may also include an adhesive (156) located on a rear face (150b) of the hinge base (150) that is configured to engage with a front face (204) of the telecommunications jack (200) to secure the dust cap (100) to the telecommunications jack (200).
US08882509B1 Method and kit for teaching financial literacy and civic engagement
The present invention relates to methods and materials, particularly in kit form, associated therewith for imparting civic responsibility and financial literacy within an educational setting. The present invention more particularly relates to methods of teaching via implementation of a teacher-guided, student-selected free market economy, including teacher run and student run businesses, and accompanying representative government, including a peer court system.
US08882500B2 Integrated dental care apparatus
An integrated dental care apparatus includes a patient chair and a dental care unit. The dental care unit is mounted on a floor while the dental care unit and the patient chair are structurally connected by a structure which supports the patient chair. Both the dental care unit and the patient chair have means for enabling them to be turned in relation to a vertical axis.
US08882493B2 Control of syngas temperature using a booster burner
A method and system for fueling of a burner in a direct-fired device using syngas. A gasifier produces syngas from a carbonaceous feedstock such as biomass. The syngas is fed to a syngas burner. A booster burner disposed between the gasifier and the syngas burner increases the temperature of the syngas. The booster burner may be provided with an approximately stoichiometric or sub-stoichiometric amount of oxidant. Operation of the booster burner may be regulated based on the temperature of the syngas. The syngas burner may be used to direct-fire a device requiring a relatively high flame temperature, such as, for example, a lime kiln.
US08882489B1 Ice shaping device
An ice shaping device with upper and lower mold parts with a mold cavity, the upper mold part being configured to move toward the lower mold part by gravity. The mold parts are formed of a material capable of rapidly conducting heat and together having a mass such that, starting at room temperature, the mold parts possess sufficient transferable heat to melt away portions of an ice chunk blank in contact with the upper and lower mold parts, the upper mold part having sufficient mass to apply a significant amount of pressure, under the force of gravity, to portions of the ice chunk blank in contact with the mold parts. One of the mold parts has a predetermined exterior periphery and the other of the mold parts has an extension configured to substantially surround and slidably receive the external periphery of the first mold part.
US08882480B2 Oil pump with air vent structure
In an oil pump for an automatic transmission, a suction port is adapted to be connected to a first suction passage. The first suction passage is arranged in parallel with a second suction passage connected to an auxiliary pump. The first and second suction passages branch from an upstream suction passage leading to an oil strainer. A discharge outlet is adapted to be connected to a first discharge passage. An air vent hole is disposed downstream of the suction port and upstream of the discharge outlet. A communication passage is connected to the air vent hole and adapted to reach a predetermined oil level in an oil pan so as to communicate the air vent hole with inside of oil in the oil pan.
US08882474B2 Variable displacement type compressor with displacement control mechanism
A variable displacement type compressor has a supply passage for supplying refrigerant gas to a pressure control chamber, a release passage for releasing the refrigerant gas from the pressure control chamber, a first control valve for controlling the amount of the refrigerant gas flowing through the supply passage, a check valve provided between the first control valve and the pressure control chamber and preventing the refrigerant gas from flowing from the pressure control chamber to the first control valve by closing the supply passage and a second control valve for adjusting a cross-sectional area of the release passage from minimum to maximum. The second control valve has a back pressure chamber communicating with the supply passage, a valve chamber forming a part of the release passage and communicating with a suction-pressure region, a valve hole forming a part of the release passage and communicating with the valve chamber and a spool having a valve portion located in the valve chamber. When a pressure in the back pressure chamber increases, the valve portion decreases the degree of opening of the valve hole.
US08882473B2 Liquid dispenser
A liquid dispensing mechanism adapted to achieve an increased inflow and an increased outflow rate and consisting of an inlet line adapted to receive liquid from an external reservoir, and adapted to release aid liquid via an outlet line, said mechanism comprising a pressure chamber adapted to store liquid and provide liquid level to fall or rise as a function of pressure, before release; a buffer chamber adapted to connect with said pressure chamber by means of non-return valves, and further adapted to store liquid before it flows into said pressure chamber, in order to increase flow coefficient of inlet line; float member in said pressure chamber, adapted to sense level of liquid in said pressure chamber by means of position of said float member; multiple valve actuator assembly adapted to actuate a pre-defined configuration of valves, with a time-delay between engaging or disengaging subsequent valves, for controlled engaging or disengaging pressure in a predetermined format; snap action valve actuating mechanism comprising fastener elements adapted to actuate said multiple valve actuator assembly in correlation with position of said float member.
US08882469B2 Structural element for an aircraft or spacecraft and method for producing such a structural element
The present invention provides a structural element, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising a core, the material density of which varies, at least in portions, in order to optimize the natural vibration behavior of the structural element. The present invention further provides a method for producing a structural element, in particular for an aircraft or spacecraft, comprising the following steps: providing a structural element which has a core; determining the natural vibration behavior of the structural element; and varying the material density of the core of the structural element, at least in portions, in such a way that the natural vibration behavior of the structural element is optimized. The present invention provides still further an aircraft or spacecraft and a rotor blade, in particular for a wind turbine, comprising such a structural element.
US08882465B2 Dual-mode wind machine
A hybrid wind machine includes a fan shaft to drive a fan, and an electrical motor/generator combination, coupled to the first shaft, so as to allow the electrical motor/generator to drive the fan shaft when the wind machine is operating in a wind generating mode. Further, the coupling of the electrical motor/generator combination to the fan shaft allows the fan shaft to drive the electrical motor/generator combination as an electrical generator when the wind machine is operating in a power generating mode.
US08882463B2 Turbo-machine with blade wheels
A turbo-machine with blade wheels, comprises a body, a rotor which is held in a rotatable manner by the body, at least two rotatably arranged blades which are distributed uniformly along a circular line of the rotor and which are mounted with their axis parallel to the axis of the rotor, transmission members between each axis of the blade and a sleeve which is rotatable on the shaft of the blade wheel. The first rotor is assigned a second rotor which is held in a rotatable manner by the first rotor, wherein the second rotor comprises at least two rotatably arranged blades which are distributed uniformly along a circular line of the rotor and which are mounted with their axis parallel to the rotor, transmission members between each axis of the blade and the sleeve which is rotatable on the shaft of the rotor.
US08882462B2 Lead stop for rotor system with fluid-elastomeric lead/lag damper
A rotor system includes a lead stop mounted to a spindle and a lead stop plate mounted to a rotor hub arm, the lead stop operable to contact the lead stop plate over a lead angle range.
US08882457B2 Multistage radial turbocompressor
A multistage radial turbocompressor has at least first, second, and third intake parts each forming a respective intake spaced along an axis and first, second, and third output parts each forming a respective output axially juxtaposed with the respective intakes. Respective first, second, and third fans having axially directed vanes are rotatable in the housing formed by the parts between the intakes and outputs. A shaft centered on the axis carries the first, second, and third fans. One of the fans is back-to-back with another of the fans with the vanes of the one fan facing axially oppositely away from the vanes of the other of the fans. Radial bearings support the shaft in the housing, and an axial bearing between the one fan and the other fan supports the shaft in the housing.
US08882450B2 Device for supporting and securing a piece of equipment on an aircraft engine or nacelle case
A device for supporting and securing a piece of equipment on an aircraft engine or nacelle case, including a vibration damper including a first part secured to the case and a second coaxial part rigidly connected to the piece of equipment, the damper associated with a safety member configured to hold the damper in place on the case in the event of damper failure or breakage. The safety member, which is independent of the damper, is mounted astride the damper and secured to the case.
US08882445B2 Hydraulic machine, an energy conversion installation including such a machine, and a method of adjusting such a machine
A hydraulic machine including an impeller which rotates with respect to a fixed structure and about an axis of rotation by a forced flow of water passing through it and at least one device for limiting water leaks is positioned between the impeller and the fixed structure so as to define an operating clearance between the impeller and the fixed structure and including at least one member that can be deformed or moved, while the impeller is rotating and being fed with water, in a redial direction with respect to the axis of rotation of the impeller.
US08882428B2 Proppant transfer system
A transfer system includes a conduit, a support, and a conveyor. The conduit has a first end and a second end and is configured to transfer dry material from the first end to the second end. The support is in contact with at least a portion of the conduit and is configured to maintain the second end of the conduit in a desired position relative to the first end of the conduit during transfer of the dry material from the first end to the second end. The conveyor is adjacent to the conduit and is configured to deliver the dry material to the first end of the conduit from a floating vessel configured to transport the dry material.
US08882420B2 Tire puncture repair tool
A tire puncture repair apparatus may include a handle, a puncture repair screw, and an integral neck between the handle and the puncture repair screw. The puncture repair screw may include a screw head, a cylindrical shaft extending from the screw head opposite the neck, a partially threaded and solid cone that uniformly narrows from the shaft to a tip opposite the shaft, and a conic-helical thread coiled about the cone between the tip and the shaft. The diameter of the shaft may be approximately equal to the diameter of the cone at the widest point of the cone. The thread on the cone may include an angled ridge and may be coiled around the cone from the intersection of the shaft and the cone to before tip of the cone.
US08882411B2 Drill and method of cutting workpiece using the same
A drill of the present invention includes a first cutting edge and a second cutting edge each located at a front end of a cylindrical cutting part; a first flute and a second flute connected to the first cutting edge and the second cutting edge, respectively, in which the first and second flutes are positioned helically from a front end to a rear end on a peripheral section of the cutting part; and a first land and a second land each extended from the front end to the rear end on the peripheral section of the cutting part, in which the first and second lands are being located portions between the first flute and the second flute, respectively. The first flute and the second flute are separately extended from the front end to the rear end. The cutting part includes a first region in which a diameter of an inscribed circle in a cross section perpendicular to a rotation axis of the cutting part increases in a direction away from the front end and toward the rear end. A method of cutting a workpiece using the drill is also provided.
US08882405B2 Double-sided indexable face milling insert
A double-sided, indexable face milling insert, including an upperside, an underside, and a neutral plane (NP) parallel to the upperside and the underside, the neutral plane forming a right angle with a geometrical center axis (C2). A plurality of indexable cutting edges are formed along circumferential borderlines in transitions between a number of clearance surfaces and the upperside as well as the underside. Each cutting edge includes a chip-removing main edge and a surface-wiping secondary edge, the secondary edge forming an obtuse angle with the main edge in planar view. A corner clearance surface extends between and connects each pair of upper and lower secondary edges, the corner clearance surface including first and second part surfaces which each form an acute angle (η) in side elevation view with respective reference planes (RP) parallel to the neutral plane.
US08882402B2 Anti-rotation mounting mechanism for a round insert
An anti-rotation mounting mechanism is provided between an indexable insert and an insert-receiving pocket in the body of a machine tool, such as a milling cutter. The mechanism includes a plurality of curved stop surfaces uniformly disposed around the side surface of the insert, a portion of which is obliquely oriented with respect to the side surface of the insert, and an anti-rotation feature in the pocket of the tool body having a pair of engagement portions that are substantially complementary in shape to that of the stop surfaces for forming an interference joint between the pocket and the insert. The anti-rotation feature further includes a central planar portion that does not engage the stop surfaces. The mechanism effectively prevents rotation between the insert and pocket without the formation of point-type, localized stresses which can chip or break the insert.
US08882400B2 Solids feeder discharge port
The present application provides a solids feeder in communication with a flow of solids and a flow of a conveying fluid. The solids feeder may include an outlet channel with the flow of the solids therein and a discharge port in communication with the outlet channel. The discharge port further may include an inlet in communication with the flow of the conveying fluid and a flow channel. The flow channel may include a reduced cross-sectional area about the outlet channel as compared to the inlet.
US08882396B2 Method of consolidating foundation soils and/or building sites
There is described a method of consolidating foundation soils and/or building sites in general, which comprises injections of expanding chemical products which are projected and carried out by means of monitoring the effects which are progressively measured in the soil in the course of treatment by means of sequential tomographies of the electrical resistivity. Those consolidating injections will be carried out until the percentage variation of the electrical resistivity Δρ(%), measured in quasi-real time in the soil being treated and always with respect to the initial condition before the injection will not constitute sequential gradients (Nth) which differ from the preceding one (N−1) for variations contained in the range ±5%.
US08882388B2 Underwater oil and gas collection system
A device for collection of oil and gas from an underwater source comprising a balloon-like structure (1) defined by an envelope having an opening (18), which, in operation, is on the underside of the balloon-like structure, which balloon-like structure includes: a vent (23) adapted to vent gas in the envelope, and control means (2) for controlling the oil upper level having a closure valve (3) adapted to control flow of gas in the envelope through the vent, the valve being closable by a valve closure member operable by a float (8) adapted to float on the oil to determine the minimum volume of gas in the envelope, wherein, in use, the balloon-like structure is adapted to be placed over the source to collect oil and gasses from said underwater source. The balloon-like structure further includes buoyancy means (10, 12, 14, 16, 17) adapted to control the buoyancy of the structure to enable ascent to the surface of the water in a controlled manner. The envelope may be formed of a flexible material to enable it to be collapsed or folded for storage and/or transportation.
US08882386B2 Mechanized asphalt comb
A mechanized asphalt comb device and method of mechanized asphalt raking that can integrate infrared heating elements to seamlessly repair asphalt deterioration.
US08882382B2 Device for applying epilation wax with precision
A device for applying epilation wax, allowing for a precise application from the stand-point of thickness as well as dimensions of the application, comprising a body (10) containing wax, a head comprising an open housing provided with longitudinal and transverse lateral walls, the housing receiving a movable applicator (28) mounted in rotation in the housing, characterized in that the movable applicator (28) is a wheel (50) whose lateral surfaces (54-1 and 54-2) are domed.
US08882381B2 Case for cosmetics or other products
A container or case for cosmetics or other products that are applied by an applicator tool, the container or case comprising a housing adapted to receive an exchangeable cartridge and a handle adapted to receive an exchangeable applicator tool. In some embodiments, the housing comprises a window for viewing the substance contained in the exchangeable cartridge.
US08882375B2 Print apparatus
A print apparatus includes a print-medium sender configured to send out a print medium, a print-medium transportation unit disposed downstream of the print-medium sender in a print-medium transportation direction, and configured to transport the print medium, a print unit disposed between the print-medium sender and the print-medium transportation unit, and configured to perform printing on the print medium while moving in a direction perpendicular to the print-medium transportation direction, and a transport-amount correction controller configured to correct the amount of transportation of the print medium by the print-medium sender or the print-medium transportation unit in accordance with the position of an end of the print medium.
US08882373B2 Image processing device and sheet feeding mechanism
Factory adjustment and repairs are simplified while assuring the accuracy of a multifeed prevention function. A main unit has a conveyance path that conveys sheets, and a processing unit that applies a specific process to the sheets conveyed through the conveyance path, and a multifeed detection unit is removably disposed to the main unit. The multifeed detection unit has a sheet-passing unit disposed contiguously to the conveyance path, an ultrasonic transmitter disposed facing the sheet-passing unit, and an ultrasonic receiver disposed opposite the ultrasonic transmitter with the sheet-passing unit therebetween.
US08882369B1 Integrated gimbal assembly
A gimbal assembly including a gimbal housing having opposed first and second yoke portions dimensioned and configured to receive a surveillance device therebetween, the yoke portions defining a gimbal axis about which the surveillance device can rotate relative to the gimbal housing, and a drive assembly disposed within the first yoke portion of the gimbal housing for driving the surveillance device about the gimbal axis, the drive assembly having a connector adapted and configured to mate with and pass electrical signals to and from a corresponding connector on the surveillance device, wherein the second yoke portion is detachable from the gimbal housing to gain access to the surveillance device and the surveillance device is removably connected to the drive assembly.
US08882353B2 Gas bearing and method of manufacturing the same
A gas bearing (100) having pressurized axially extending chambers (110) in a housing (102) having a shaft bore (104) therein, the axially chambers (110) being in fluid communication with a bearing surface (108) that defines the bore via laser-drilled capillaries (118). The end (122) of each laser-drilled capillary at the bearing surface (108) is flared such that the narrowest portion of the capillary is set back from the bearing surface (108). This shape can ensure that the load carrying function of the bearing (100) does not fail during shaft eccentricity by ensuring that pressure restriction must happen within the capillary and not the gap being shaft and bearing surface. The bearing surface may face in an axial and/or radial direction with respect to the shaft. The axial chambers may be pressurized axially such that the outer circumference of the housing is unbroken and hence usable for other purposes.
US08882341B2 Stress-relief elastic structure of hairspring collet
A hairspring collet for a hairspring for interference engagement and an interference fit with the cylindrical outer surface of the staff of a balance wheel for a timepiece movement, the hairspring collet portion comprising a plurality of circumferentially extending elastically deformable interconnected arm portions, the arm portions forming an annulus having a central axis and providing an aperture therebetween, wherein each arm portion including a curved concave engagement portion for engagement with the outer surface of a staff of a balance wheel, wherein each engagement portion has substantially the same radius of curvature as each other and are equally spaced from the central axis at a first distance and wherein the first distance is less than the radius of the staff of the balance wheel; the engagement portions have a radius of curvature such that upon deformation of the arm portions and engagement with the outer surface of the staff the engagement portions substantially conform with the outer surface of the staff and an interference fit is formed therebetween, wherein stress induced from said interference fit is transferred and distributed from along the engagement portions to the arm portions adjacent the engagement portions and distributed therein; and wherein the interference fit of the engagement portions with the staff substantially prevents relative movement between the hairspring collet and the staff of the balance wheel upon application of load from a hairspring in use in a timepiece movement.
US08882324B2 Lighting device, display device and liquid crystal display device
A lighting device includes a light source 30, a light guide 20 provided adjacent to the light source 30 and including a light source light incident surface 21 on which light emitted by the light source 30 enters and a planar light emission surface 22 from which planar light is emitted, and an optical sheet 50 including a planar light incident surface 53 on which the planar light enters, and configured to change a traveling direction of the planar light because a light emission side of the optical sheet 50 has a shape in which plural columnar prisms 51 extending in parallel to the light source light incident surface 21 are arranged side by side. In each of the prisms 51, a distal surface has at least different two kinds of inclination angles.
US08882322B2 Backlight unit
A backlight unit is provided. The backlight unit may include a light emitting device package, a light guide plate including a first region and a second region extending from the first region, with upper surfaces of the first and second regions being spaced apart so as to form a stepped surface. A recess may be formed in a lateral surface of the second region to receive the light emitting device package, and an optical sheet may be received on the upper surface of the second region of the light guide plate.
US08882308B2 Recessed LED downlighting apparatus
Disclosed is a recessed LED downlighting apparatus comprising a LED downlight fixture assembly 100, a mounting frame 300 for supporting the LED downlight fixture assembly 100 on a ceiling panel 1, an electric junction box 400 mounted on the mounting frame 300, at least one electric wire 210 for electrically connecting the LED drive 170 and the junction box 400, including a first electric wire element 210A extended from the LED drive 170 and a second electric wire element 210B extended from the junction box 170, an electric connector 230 for electrically connecting the first electric wire element 210A and the second electric wire element 210B, a flexible metal conduit 220 including for sheltering the electric wire 210, a first conduit element 220A for sheltering the first electric wire element 210A and a second conduit element 220B for sheltering the second electric wire element 210B, the first conduit element 220A being secured at one end to the plate of the heat sink 120 with a clip element, and the second conduit element 220B secured at one end to the junction box 400 and a connector cover 500 for connecting the first conduit element 210A and the second conduit element 210B and sheltering the electric connector 230.
US08882305B2 Bulb-type lamp and luminaire
According to one embodiment, in a constricted part of a globe, one end is set to a minimum diameter, the other end is set to a maximum diameter, and a diameter thereof increases from the one end side to the other end side. The constricted part of the globe is concaved into the inside of an imaginary straight line connecting an outer edge of the one end and an outer edge of the other end when viewed in section. A light source part includes a semiconductor light-emitting element and is contained in the globe so that a light-emitting part is positioned between both the ends of the constricted part of the globe. A cap is positioned on one end side of the globe.
US08882304B2 Illuminating device and packaging method thereof
An illuminating device includes a substrate, an illuminating element, at least one barricade and at least one cover layer. The illuminating element is disposed on the substrate. The barricade is protruded from a surface of the substrate and disposed around the illuminating element continuously or discontinuously to form a first accommodating area. The cover layer is disposed in the first accommodating area for covering the illuminating element.
US08882302B2 Coined optic fixture for LED illumination
An optic for use with LED illumination sources, incorporates multiple facets in rows along its length. The facets are formed by coining (cold forming) the shapes into a suitable malleable material. By selecting the malleable material to have high heat conductivity and mounting the optic in contact with the circuit board that drives the LED, the optic serves both light dispersion and heat sink functions. Since the facets are formed with high precision they can be selected to direct light to an illuminated surface (actual or virtual). The use of multiple facet shapes (e.g. linear, radius and parabolic) the light can be reflected (multiple times if desired) to provide a highly selectable illuminated field. In the most common installation the different facets are used to uniformly illuminate a surface.
US08882301B2 Method for low temperature bonding of electronic components
A method for bonding an LED assembly (71) or other electronic package (31) to a substrate PCB containing a heat-sink (52), which utilizes layers of reactive multilayer foil (51) disposed between contacts (32, 34) of the electronic package 31 and the associated contact pads (55) on the supporting substrate PCB. By initiating an exothermic reaction in the reactive multilayer foil (51), together with an application of pressure, sufficient heat is generated between the contacts (32, 34) and the associated contact pads (55) to melt adjacent bonding material (54) to obtain good electrically and thermally conductive bonds between the contacts 32, 34 and contact pads (55) without thermally damaging the electronic package (31), heat-sensitive components (35) associated with the electronic package (31), or other the supporting substrate PCB.
US08882295B2 Lamp device and luminaire
According to one embodiment, a lamp device includes a main body, a light-emitting module, a lighting device and a support member. The main body includes an opening and a heat radiating part provided at an opposite side of the opening. The support member is thermally coupled to the light-emitting module and the heat radiating part. The support member holds the light-emitting module in the main body to cause the light-emitting module to be positioned in a direction closer to the opening than the lighting device.
US08882287B2 Recreational or occupational headlamp using modulated light corollary to human persistence of vision for optimized path illumination
The invention relates to a novel recreational or occupational modulating light headlamp which works in conjunction with the mechanics of human vision to provide effective path lighting in very low light or dark. Applying flicker fusion rate and factoring in the acuity of the eye's rods and cones, lighting is applied to the range and capability of the ocular abilities and optimized for low light or dark.
US08882284B2 LED lamp or bulb with remote phosphor and diffuser configuration with enhanced scattering properties
An LED lamp or bulb is disclosed that comprises a light source, a heat sink structure and an optical cavity. The optical cavity comprises a phosphor carrier having a conversions material and arranged over an opening to the cavity. The phosphor carrier comprises a thermally conductive transparent material and is thermally coupled to the heat sink structure. An LED based light source is mounted in the optical cavity remote to the phosphor carrier with light from the light source passing through the phosphor carrier. A diffuser dome is included that is mounted over the optical cavity, with light from the optical cavity passing through the diffuser dome. The properties of the diffuser, such as geometry, scattering properties of the scattering layer, surface roughness or smoothness, and spatial distribution of the scattering layer properties may be used to control various lamp properties such as color uniformity and light intensity distribution as a function of viewing angle.
US08882278B1 Projected display
A reprojection system which allows a projection to be displayed onto a display screen, and reprojected by that display screen. The display is received on the surface that itself displays, and it is then redisplayed on the surface. The redisplay can be at the same size or at a different size as the original projection. Preferably the redisplay is at the same relative intensity but a brighter actual intensity than the original display. The information is can be received and redisplayed in a number of different ways.
US08882268B2 Optical function determining method
A method implemented by computer means for determining a virtual wearer-ophthalmic lens-ergorama system associated with an optical function of an ophthalmic lens for a given wearer, comprising: a prescription data providing step, an optical reference surface data providing step, a virtual wearer-ophthalmic lens-ergorama system determining step, a criteria selecting step, a target value defining step, an evaluation step, and a modification step, in which at least one parameter of the virtual wearer-ophthalmic lens-ergorama system different from the base curve of the ophthalmic lens is modified, in order to minimize the difference between the target value and the evaluation criterion value.
US08882266B2 Bifocal lens and bifocal glasses
Disclosed is a bifocal lens constructed such that the lens is not easily damaged when hit by flying fragments and, moreover, able to obtain a consistent focal length with a simple construction. The lens is equipped with a transparent substrate having transparency and rigidity, a transparent resilient body having transparency and elasticity, a transparent fluid enclosed in the space between the aforementioned transparent substrate and the aforementioned transparent resilient body, and a mechanism that induces changes in the shape of the aforementioned transparent resilient body. Changes are induced in the shape of the transparent resilient body to form the desired shape in the two states of the lens which comprises the transparent fluid enclosed in the space between the transparent substrate and the transparent resilient body, making it possible to obtain the desired characteristics (accurate optical characteristics) in either of the two states.
US08882263B2 Eyeglasses with movable temple end pieces
A pair of eyeglasses includes a pair of temple units, each including a main temple segment, a temple end piece, and an engaging mechanism. The temple end piece is disposed at an inner lateral side of the main temple segment and has a connecting segment disposed between a fastenable segment and a guide segment and swingably connected to the main temple segment. The temple end pieces of the temple units are movable between an engaging position, where the fastenable segments are fastened to the main temple segments via the engaging mechanisms, and a disengaging position, where the fastenable segments are disengaged from the main temple segments.
US08882260B2 Transfer type inkjet recording method
A transfer type inkjet recording method uses an aggregation liquid, in which the aggregation liquid contains a polymer compound having either one of a polysaccharide having an amino group or a polysaccharide salt having an amino group.
US08882259B2 Recording apparatus
A recording apparatus includes a support member that supports a recording medium, a heating device that heats the recording medium on the support member, a recording head that ejects fluid onto the recording medium on the support member and that is positioned between the support member and the heating device, a blower that has a blowing port from which gas is blown, and a carriage that moves and has the recording head mounted thereon. The carriage has an enclosing structure inside which at least part of the gas blown from the blowing port is taken and inside which a gas layer in which the gas flows is formed between the recording head and the heating device.
US08882258B2 Web inkjet printing method and apparatus using an air bar
In a method and apparatus for duplex inkjet printing on a web medium, a web medium is guided along an S-form transport path having generally horizontal top, middle and bottom spans and two turns linking the spans. One inkjet printhead is located to print onto a one surface of the web at the middle span and another inkjet printhead is located to print onto the opposite surface of the web at one of the other spans. To protect the printed surfaces before they are dried at least one of the turns in the S-form path is effected using an air bar to hold the printed web surfaces away from hard equipment surfaces.
US08882257B2 Light emitting device, method of manufacturing light emitting device, and ink jet recording apparatus
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a light emitting body, a thermally conductive member, and a heat radiation member. The substrate has a first face and a second face which is a face opposite to the first face. The light emitting body is held on a side of the first face of the substrate and emits light. The thermally conductive member is provided so as to be in contact with the second face of the substrate and contains a high thermal conductive material. The heat radiation member is provided so as to be in contact with the thermally conductive member and radiates heat conducted from the substrate through the thermally conductive member.
US08882252B2 Fluid cartridge
An ink cartridge for an inkjet printer includes a bottom face and a front face; interfaces on the front face for connection to a cartridge receiving structure, the interfaces including an ink interface; a guide interface in the bottom face for guiding the cartridge along a straight line for connecting the interfaces; and a latch stop and a latch track, disposed in the bottom face, to guide and retain a latch of the cartridge receiving structure.
US08882251B2 Inter-terminal connection structure, liquid storage container, and method of assembling liquid storage container
An inter-terminal connection structure includes: a first terminal; a second terminal which is separated from the first terminal and is mounted on a container main body for storing a liquid storage body; a first connection member which is in contact with the first terminal, is mounted on the liquid storage body, and has conductivity; and a second connection member which is for connection to the second terminal, is mounted on the container main body, and has conductivity, wherein, when the liquid storage body is accommodated in the container main body, in order to cause the first connection member to come in contact with a first contact portion of the second connection member, the container main body has a positioning member for determining a position of a first site of the first contact portion which is to come in contact with the first connection member inside the container main body.
US08882243B2 Ink jet printer
An ink jet printer for printing on a substrate comprising a first print head outputting ink and defining an ink meniscus; a platen operable to carry the substrate; a support structure; and a print head mechanism coupled to the support structure and carrying the first print head. The print head mechanism moves the first print head relative to the platen. A controller controls the print head mechanism such that at least one of a predetermined acceleration and predetermined deceleration of the print head mechanism is achieved such that the ink meniscus is operably maintained.
US08882238B2 Coating device
A coating device is provided with: a plurality of inkjet heads (31) staggered to cover an area to be coated in a width direction of a long-roll supporting body (10); a pressure adjusting mechanism (40) for adjusting the back-pressure of the coating solution to be applied from inkjet heads (31); a plurality of solution feeding pipes (43) for supplying the coating solution from the pressure adjusting mechanism (40) to inkjet heads (31); and storage tank (50) for storing the coating solution, wherein the feeding volumes of the coating solution from the solution feeding pipes (43) are adjusted equal (i.e. flow resistances of the piping are made equal), so that equal back-pressures are applied to the coating solution to be jetted from the inkjet heads.
US08882231B2 Inkjet printers
The invention describes a method of and means for reducing solvent consumption in a continuous inkjet printer that comprises cooling the ink within the printer system. Ink from the ink reservoir is preferably circulated through a heat exchanger.
US08882209B1 Corded wall assembly adapted for installation at an article storage space
A corded wall assembly is adapted for installation at an article storage space defined by at least two opposing spaced-apart structural elements. The corded wall assembly includes first and second elongated rigid frame members, and a plurality of elastic cords attached at respective opposite ends to the frame members. Mounting elements attach the first and second frame members to respective spaced-apart structural elements of the article storage space.
US08882205B2 Spinner for vehicle wheel
A vehicle wheel spinner comprising a donut shaped housing having a front and back ring forming a cavity therein. The front ring has a series of apertures formed therein. A spinning ring is rotatably mounted within said cavity. Various visual effects are produced by providing on the surface of the spinning ring facing the front ring of said housing at least one section of a contrasting color to the remainder of the surface. When the spinning ring rotates the colors show through said aperture(s) during rotation of the spinning ring. The wheel spinner is attached to the vehicle wheel in a manner that the housing rotates with the wheel and the spinning ring rotates separately from the rotation of the housing and continues to rotate for a time after the wheel stops rotating.
US08882201B2 Seat element
Seat element, comprising a frame, a seat associable to said frame, the frame and the seat being made separately from each other and being attachable and detachable from each other by the interposition of first coupling means. Advantageously, the first coupling means comprise at least one elastic hook and a protuberance, able to form a snap coupling with each other, the elastic hook being positioned so as to intercept the protuberance in a vertical assembly direction.The elastic hook has a coupling end and a hook end, flexible in relation to the coupling end, so as to snap hook onto an undercut of the protuberance in the vertical assembly direction.
US08882194B2 Aircraft seat energy absorbing device for occupant restraint
An energy absorbing device for a seat containing an occupant includes a seat frame with legs, a seat pan, and a back member. Attached to the seat is an energy absorbing device fixed to the back member of the seat frame. The energy absorbing device includes an engagement portion fixing the energy absorbing device to the seat frame and an energy absorbing extension having a fixed end integral with the engagement portion, and a protruding end extending toward the seat pan. The seat has a seat belt for the occupant and the belt is attached to a belt support device which extends parallel to the energy absorbing extension. When the occupant is using the seatbelt and the seat undergoes lateral forces, the energy absorbing extension undergoes deformation, and when the occupant is not using the seatbelt and the seat undergoes lateral forces, the energy absorbing extension does not undergo deformation.
US08882190B2 Reclining chair
A chair has a seat portion having a front, a rear and sides. The chair also has a footrest adjustable between at least two positions: a retracted position and an extended position. The footrest is cantilevered from the seat portion in the extended position. The chair also has a plurality of members connected by a plurality of linkages permitting the members to pivot with respect to each other. The plurality of members is adapted to hold the footrest in the retracted position and to support the footrest in the extended position. The chair also has a cover for hiding the plurality of linkages when viewed from a lateral position when the footrest is in the extended position.
US08882171B2 Vehicle floor mat
Provided is a vehicle floor mat that can reliably maintain a fixed state and includes a mat main body and at least one fastening device for fastening the mat main body to a vehicle. The fastening device includes a first fastening member fixed to the vehicle and a second fastening member fixed to the mat main body. The first fastening member includes a rotating knob rotating about a vertical axis and a lever pivotally provided on an upper section of the knob. The second fastening member includes an insertion receiving section for the knob to be inserted thereinto, and engaged therewith by rotating the knob inserted into the insertion receiving section. A rotation of the knob in an engaged state is restricted by laying the lever. The knob and lever allow the mat main body to be fixed to the vehicle through a two-step fixation mechanism, thus enabling strong fixation.
US08882160B2 Latch device
A latch device includes a base member that has an entering groove having a deep side wall, a latch including an engaging groove having a restraining wall, and a ratchet that meshes with the latch in a meshed position. The latch device further includes a cam member that rotates the latch to a restrained position. In the restrained position, the cam member abuts against the latch to nip a striker between the deep side wall and the restraining wall. The restraining wall includes an inclined surface approaching the deep side wall toward an inlet side of the engaging groove at least in the meshed position.
US08882147B2 Steering column for a motor vehicle
A steering column includes a steering spindle mounted rotatably about the steering-spindle longitudinal axis thereof, and a bracket unit fixed to the motor vehicle. The casing unit is held on the bracket unit so as to be displaceable in at least one direction parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis and can be locked in differing positions by a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has at least one locking element which is mounted moveably, preferably rotatably. In at least one locking position of the locking element, the casing unit is locked in the position thereof in the bracket unit and, in at least one release position of the locking element, the casing unit can be displaced relative to the bracket unit in at least one of the directions parallel to and/or transversely with respect to the steering-spindle longitudinal axis.
US08882127B2 Bicycle rear wheel suspension system
A bicycle frame assembly having a number of rotatable members configured to absorb shocks and impacts associated with operation of the bicycle. The assembly includes a frame constructed to support a rider and a chain stay having a rearward end that extends toward a wheel hub and a forward end that is pivotably connected to the frame. An absorber is pivotably connected to the forward end of the chain stay and extends to a rocker arm that is pivotably connected to the frame. A seat stay is pivotably connected to a rearward end of the rocker arm and extends to the rearward end of the chain stay. The rearward ends of the seat stay and the chain stay are pivotably connected to rotate about a common axis.
US08882119B2 Short turn radius steering system
To reduce the complexity, maintenance, and cost, and to increase the reliability of a riding lawnmower employing a short turn radius steering system, the riding lawn mower may be configured with a linkage and steering assembly that eliminates or reduces complicated gearing. A riding lawn mower may comprise a link system, pivot brackets, and spindle assemblies. The geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide a turn radius of seven inches or less. Moreover, the geometry of the steering system may be configured to provide Ackerman steering, such that, the inside wheel turns sharper than the outside wheel in a turn.
US08882116B2 Passive vehicle suspension system providing optimal camber gain
The present invention provides a passive vehicle suspension system providing optimal camber gain and avoiding the “bump camber” problem. This vehicle suspension system utilizes a conventional sway bar and a kinematic system to rotate the tire(s) of a vehicle in a direction opposite the roll of the vehicle during turning or cornering, for example. The kinematic design allows for adjustability and optimization, providing optimal camber gain. Although an automotive vehicle suspension system is illustrated and described, and, specifically, a racing or everyday automotive vehicle suspension system, the concepts of the present invention are capable of much broader applicability.
US08882112B2 Methods and apparatus for sealing automotive component pass-throughs
A sealing apparatus is provided for sealing an automotive component extending between an engine compartment and a passenger compartment of an automobile. The sealing apparatus includes a pass-through mount component configured to house the automotive component. An outer seal component is configured to rigidly mount to a wall structure separating the passenger compartment from the engine compartment and to elastically contact a platform region of one end of the pass-through mount structure. An inner seal component is configured to elastically couple to the outer seal component within the passenger compartment and to elastically couple to one end of the pass-through mount component.
US08882109B2 Paper sheet processing apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus comprises a taking-in unit 10 configured to take therein paper sheets, a transport unit 70 configured to transport the paper sheets, a recognition unit 20 configured to recognize the paper sheets, a plurality of stacking units 60a to 60d configured to stack the paper sheets, the paper sheets stacked in the stacking units 60a-60d being able to be removed from the stacking units 60a-60d, and a detection sensor 25a to 25d configured to detect whether the paper sheets have been removed from the stacking units 60a-60d. When a control unit 50 judges that the paper sheets have been removed from the stacking units 60a to 60d based on information from the detection sensor 25a to 25d, the control unit 50 outputs removal information on the removed paper sheets or the stacking units 60a to 60d from which the paper sheets have been removed.
US08882103B2 Image recording apparatus with improved outer appearance
An image recording apparatus including: a sheet tray; a drawing portion; and a first stop portion. The sheet tray is inserted into and pulled out from an accommodating portion along an inserting direction. A main tray of the sheet tray is positioned at a first position and at a second position located downstream of the first position in the inserting direction as a result of movement of the main tray in the inserting direction. An extension tray of the sheet tray is movable relative to the main tray. The drawing portion draws the main tray from the first position into the second position. The first stop portion is disposed in the accommodating portion and abuttable against the extension tray when the main tray is located downstream of the first position in the inserting direction to restrict movement of the extension tray in the inserting direction.
US08882101B2 Lever assembly, image forming apparatus having the same, and solenoid used in the same
A lever assembly controls a pickup roller, and includes a lever, a solenoid to actuate the lever, and a supporting plate on which the lever is rotatably disposed and to which the solenoid is connected at one side of the lever.
US08882099B2 System and method for inline cutting and stacking of sheets for formation of books
This invention provides a system and method for aligning, feeding, trimming, slitting, rotating, cross-slitting and stacking sheets, each containing one or more discrete page images thereon that allows for greater automation of the overall process so that reduced or no manual intervention is required to generate completed book stacks or “blocks” from a stream or stack of printed sheets. Sheets are fed to a first, upstream trimming station to remove margin edges and optionally separate the sheets relative to the discrete page images. The sheets are then rotated 90 degrees and fed to a second, downstream trimming station that trims the right-angle edges and optionally separates the sheets into a final group of full-bleed pages, removing margins and gutter strips. The sheets are fed to a stacking assembly to be tacked in page order and any rejected, defective sheets or stacks are removed from the order.
US08882095B2 Hook portion of clamp meter
A clamp meter has a main body and a stationary jaw fixed to an end of the main body. A hook portion of the clamp meter includes a movable jaw, a displacing means and a knob. The movable jaw is mounted on the main body corresponding to the position of the stationary jaw. The movable jaw and the stationary jaw together form a closed loop. The displacing means is mounted in the main body and comprises a displaceable rod connected to the movable jaw and a gear set for driving the displaceable rod. The knob is connected to the gear set for driving the displaceable rod and the movable jaw for linear displacement. The movable jaw is activated by the displaceable rod to generate a linear displacement, so that the user can operate the clamp meter more easily for measurement.
US08882094B2 Vehicle body moving cart
A vehicle body moving cart is provided which includes a base frame and first moving units that are installed at the front, rear and center of the base frame, respectively. The first moving units are configured to reciprocate first sliding plates forward and rearward on the base frame, respectively. In addition to the first moving units, second moving units are disposed perpendicular to the first moving units installed at the front and rear of the base frame, respectively, and installed on the first sliding plates to move the second sliding plates leftward and rightward on the base frame, respectively. Installed on the second sliding plates and the first sliding plate of first unit installed at the center of the base frame, are ascending and descending units. These ascending and descending units are configured to be reciprocally movable upward and downward on the base frame.
US08882088B2 Camera platform horizontal axis shock and vibration isolator
A shock and vibration isolator camera includes a top plate is attached to a bottom plate via a universal joint that allows the top plate to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes relative to the bottom plate. A camera attachment fitting, such a Mitchell mount fitting, may be provided on the top plate, for attaching a camera or camera accessory to the top plate. A threaded fitting may be provided on the bottom plate, for attaching the isolator to a supporting structure. A dampener/spring element is positioned between the top and bottom plates. The dampener/spring element may be separate springs and dampeners, such as gas or viscous dampeners. Alternatively, spring loaded shock absorbers, or a resilient material may be used.
US08882086B2 Rechargeable and resterilizable mixing device with physiological gas and solution to create foam with microbubbles, used in endovascular treatments
A mixer to create foam with microbubbles using physiological gases currently used in sclerotherapeutic treatments of varicose veins has anatomical and compact dimensions and is built with material resistant to sterilization and pressure. The device is mounted on the body around an essentially cylindrical axle comprised of a central valve support, while the top conical body portion is crossed in its center by a flow orienting duct. This axle is coupled at the center of a spinning circular reservoir constituted by the body, containing several housings for the application of solutions with different concentration levels. These parts are locked by a connector at the bottom to the gas duct with a spray nozzle. Each housing has a channel that can be aligned to communicate with the inside of the flow orienting duct of the central axle, responsible for orienting the produced mixture to a top reservoir with a foam-making nozzle.
US08882068B2 Boat transducer mounting apparatus
An apparatus for mounting a transducer on a boat includes a v-shaped body having a transducer mounting portion defined in one leg and a mounting opening defined in a second leg. The apparatus can be mounted on a boat by positioning the apparatus close to the boat and connecting the apparatus to the boat using the mounting opening and a conventional nut, bolt, and washer assembly. A transducer can be mounted to the apparatus either before or after it is mounted to the boat.
US08882064B2 Collapsible stand assembly
The present invention relates to a collapsible stand assembly. The stand includes four sets of strut members wherein each set of struts are rotationally connected at a midpoint and the lower ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to feet and the upper ends of the strut members are rotationally connected to brackets. A cross support member is rotationally connected at a first end of each bracket such that the second end of the cross support member can be secured to the other bracket on the same side of the stand at different locations to provide different widths and heights of the stand. Two sets of struts on opposite sides of the stand extend above the cross support members to create a stop to prevent structures supported by the stand, such as a cooler, from sliding off the stand when erected.
US08882043B2 Landing gear assembly
An aircraft landing gear (9) includes a wheel (1) having a wheel rim (3) on which a tire (4) is held. The gap (6) between the rim (3) and tire (4) is bridged and covered by a sealing element (7), which thereby presents a smooth surface to the air flowing over the wheel during flight of the aircraft (8). Thus, noise that would otherwise be generated by the interaction of air and the parts of the wheel (1) and/or tire (4) defining the gap (6) is reduced. Such noise reduction benefits may also be achieved by providing a tire (4) and wheel (1) so shaped that there is no gap (6) between the tire (4) and wheel rim (3).
US08882041B2 Insulation package for insulating a cabin of a vehicle
An insulation package is provided for insulating a cabin of a vehicle that includes, but is not limited to at least one wrapping foil and at least one core layer of an insulation material. The wrapping foil envelopes the core layer at least in some regions and includes, but is not limited to at least one opening for feeding-through a holding element. On the wrapping foil a fastening element is arranged that is designed to establish a mechanical connection with the holding element fed through the opening. This can be a positive-locking or a non-positive-locking connection. By integrating the fastening element in the insulation package, the expenditure for separate fasteners can be saved so that the installation time and the different components can be reduced.
US08882024B1 Rotorcraft anti-torque rotor and rudder system
According to one embodiment, a rotorcraft includes a main rotor system, an anti-torque rotor system, an anti-torque rotor enhancement system, and an anti-torque rudder system. The anti-torque rotor enhancement system includes an aerodynamic structure having an opening therethrough and a support structure coupling the aerodynamic structure to the body of the rotorcraft such that the opening is positioned proximate to a rotation path of the at least one anti-torque rotor blade. The anti-torque rudder system includes at least one rudder surface operable to provide a second force on the body in the direction of rotation of the at least one main rotor blade.
US08882021B2 Automated tissue dispenser
An automated dispenser includes a rotatable carousel including a mounting station for a primary roll of sheet product and a mounting station for a reserve roll of sheet product; mounting brackets configured for mounting the carousel such that it is movable between a locked, rearward position for dispensing and a forward position where the carousel is rotatable for reloading; a drive system including a motor coupled to a drive roller and control circuitry; a transfer mechanism adapted so as to be operable to urge a tail of the reserve roll toward a dispensing nip of the drive system upon depletion of the primary roll; a housing; and an auxiliary access aperture fitted with an access door, the auxiliary aperture and access door being configured and adapted to be manually operable to expose the reserve roll for manual dispensing.
US08882018B2 Retainer for welding wire container and welding wire container with retainer
A retainer for controlling the payout of wire from a wire container is described. The retainer has at least three segments. Each segment is connected to the adjacent segment so as to allow a relative movement of adjacent segments with respect to each other. The entirety of the segments form a contact surface adapted for contacting the wire contained in the wire container. Further, a wire container is described having a reception space for a wire coil, a wire coil arranged in the reception space, with the wire forming an annular end face of the wire coil from which the wire is withdrawn from the wire container, and a retainer for controlling the payout of wire from a wire container.
US08882009B2 Forming disc for food processing
A forming disk apparatus for processing foodstuff product that includes a plurality of holes that open into a portion of an axial side surface of the forming disk. A depression is also provided eccentrically in the side surface of the forming disk and positioned concentrically relative to the forming disk. A cutting apparatus is arranged to bear against an axial side surface of the forming disk such that the cutting apparatus is movable relative to the forming disk apparatus.
US08882005B2 Nozzle bar for a textile processing machine
A nozzle bar (10) comprising a carrier element (12) provided with several slit-shaped fluid channels (20), each associated with a foil (13) having a plurality of nozzle openings (15). In the position of use, the foil (13) is arranged over an input orifice (23) of the associate fluid channel (20) so that its nozzle openings (15) are located inside the contour of its associated fluid entry opening (19). In this position of use, each foil (13) is fastened to a plane attachment surface of the carrier element (12). The attachment surface may be the bottom (26) of a groove-like recess (25) in the carrier element (12). A separate recess (25) is provided for each foil (13). The carrier element (12) can be used for numerous different types of foils. The distance of the nozzle openings (15) of the foil (13), or the size or the form of the nozzle openings (15) may vary among various foil types, without requiring modifications on the carrier element (12).
US08881995B2 Carbon contamination resistant pressure atomizing nozzles
A pressure atomizing nozzle for injecting fuel includes an inlet housing configured to thermally isolate the interior space from external conditions and to remain relatively cool under operation so as to substantially eliminate heat soak back from the inlet housing to the interior space thereof after operation. First and second coolant conduits cool the nozzle tip region actively during operation and passively after operation. A cooling air jacket is configured to thermally isolate inboard components from exterior conditions, to provide clean air during operation to the nozzle tip region for diluting carbon to reduce carbon deposits in the nozzle tip region and for cooling the same, and to provide passive cooling to the nozzle tip region after operation.
US08881991B2 Wiring arrangement for protecting a bleed air supply system of an aircraft against overheating and bleed air supply incorporating such a wiring arrangement
A wiring arrangement for protecting a bleed air supply system of an aircraft against overheating is associated with a bleed air supply system. The bleed air supply system includes a bleed air source, a bleed air feed, a shutoff valve arranged in the bleed air feed and a leakage monitoring device with a monitoring control device, which is connected via a shutoff circuit to the shutoff valve in such a way that the shutoff valve is closed when the shutoff circuit is interrupted. The wiring arrangement includes a thermal switch, which is connected in series with the shutoff valve and the monitoring control device to the shutoff circuit and which, once a predetermined limit temperature has been exceeded, interrupts the shutoff circuit.
US08881979B1 System and method for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices
Systems and methods for issuance, use, and replacement of multi-purpose devices are disclosed. A method for providing a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include (1) a first party assigning a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in a first system; (2) the first party assigning a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in a second system; and (3) the first party issuing the multi-purpose device to a customer. A system for using a multi-purpose device for use with a plurality of systems may include a first transaction system; a second transaction system, and a multi-purpose card issued by a first party that includes a first account number to the multi-purpose device, the first account number associated with a first account with the first party for use in the first transaction system; and a second account number to the multi-purpose device, the second account number associated with a second account with a second party for use in the second transaction system.
US08881965B2 Braze alloy for high-temperature brazing and methods for repairing or producing components using a braze alloy
In a Ni-based, Co-based, or Ni—Co-based braze alloy (1) for high-temperature brazing of components (7) of modular structure and for repairing damaged components (7) which are formed of single crystal or directionally solidified superalloys using said braze alloy (1), the braze alloy has a first metallic powder component (2) having particle sizes in the nanometer range and a second metallic powder component (3) having particle sizes in the micrometer range. The surface of the particles of the second powder component (3) is thinly coated with particles of the first powder component (2). The braze alloy (1) additionally includes grain boundary stabilizing elements as alloying elements. In addition, melting point depressants can be present in the braze alloy (1) in a commercially common quantity or with a considerably increased proportion. Both the melting temperature of the braze alloy (1) and the probability of recrystallization are advantageously reduced.
US08881963B2 Enhanced pneumatic tool actuation device
The present invention is directed to a pneumatic tool actuation device comprising a housing configured to be attached to a pneumatic tool, a piston slidably moveable within a drive chamber formed within the housing and an air inlet chamber formed within housing and configured to accept a pressurized gas and direct it to the drive chamber. The piston further comprises an O-ring disposed in an annular groove formed in the piston and forming a seal between the piston and the drive chamber. The housing is removably attached to an opening near a trigger valve pin. The air inlet chamber is operably connected to a hose through which a pressurized gas travels and enters the housing to move the piston. The movement of the piston directly actuates the trigger valve pin located in the pneumatic tool.
US08881961B1 Mobile electronic device carrier assembly
A mobile electronic device carrier assembly includes a bracket that has a first arm, a second arm and a middle arm. The middle arm is coupled to and extends between each of the first and second arms. Each of the first and second arms has an adjustable length. The bracket has a U-shape so the first and second arms of the bracket are spaced apart. A collar is pivotally coupled to and extends between a free end of each of the first and second arms of the bracket. The collar may be positioned around a back of a user's neck so the bracket may be directed downwardly along the user's chest. A support is coupled to the middle arm of the bracket. A mount is coupled to the support. The mount may receive a mobile electronic device so the mount provides hands-free operation of the mobile electronic device.
US08881958B2 Fluid dose-measuring device
A fluid dose-measuring device adapted to be releasably received in a dispensing apparatus having an electromagnetic coil includes a housing with an outlet passage and a connector part defining an inlet passage, the housing forming an internal chamber which is in fluid communication with the inlet passage and the outlet passage, and the connector part being connectable to a fluid container; a piston moveably arranged in the chamber of the housing for reciprocating motion between a closed position in which a flow from the inlet passage to the outlet passage is prevented and an open position in which a flow from the inlet passage to the outlet passage is allowed, the piston comprising a ferromagnetic actuation part for electromagnetic actuation of the piston by the electromagnetic coil, where the actuation part is arranged in an outer body.
US08881957B2 Relief valve
A relief valve (60) for a liquid container, the valve comprising a substantially conical body (50) extending into the container, and tapering inwardly away from an external wall of the container, at least one air inlet passage (62) through the substantially conical body; and a flexible diaphragm (53) extending over the conical body, being attached at its outer periphery around the substantially conical body and having a central opening surrounding the substantially conical body above the air inlet passage so as to seal the air inlet passage until the pressure within the container falls below a predetermined level.
US08881956B2 Dispensing device and methods for emitting atomized spray
A device for dispensing a liquid product as an atomized spray includes a container, a depressible dispensing head for initiating emission of the spray from the device and for terminating emission of the spray from the device, and a sequential delivery valve attached to the dispensing head. The dispensing device is configured to initiate flow of gas only into the dispensing head first when the dispensing head is depressed from a first axial position to a second axial position. When the dispensing head is depressed further toward the container to a third axial position, the dispensing device allows both liquid and gas to travel from the container into the dispensing head. When the dispensing head is released from the third axial position back to the first axial position, the dispensing device first stops flow of liquid into the dispensing head before stopping flow of gas into the dispensing head.
US08881953B2 Bottle with integral dip tube
Fluid dispensing apparatus with integral dip tube. Container includes body having wall defining interior volume, a first neck top, and a fitment extending from the neck top. A dip tube integrally formed to the body, fluidly connected to interior bottom, and fluidly connected to interior volume at landing top edge at or below the neck top, wherein distance between landing top edge and neck top is equal to or less than length of the fitment. The landing may be funnel-shaped, with one or more sides of landing slanting inward towards top opening of dip tube. Dispenser may be coupled to fitment and include supply line connected with dip tube at landing. Bent connector may be provided for fluidly connecting supply line with dip tube at landing when dispenser is attached to neck top. Container may include second neck top separated from first neck top by gap.
US08881940B2 Can cover—disc with slots
A cover for a container, the container having a hollow body and a separate end joined together by a seam and the cover including a disc of resilient material having plurality of slots cut therein. Each slot is arranged to define a clip interspaced between two arms.
US08881938B2 Lid for beverage container
A lid for a beverage container is described. The lid has a basin that is designed to enhance the user's olfactory experience when drinking a beverage from the container and lid. As the user tilts the container and lid to take a drink, the beverage pours through an opening on the basin valley and flows across a sipping surface area to the user's mouth, thus allowing the beverage to aerate, evaporate, and cool. The basin is sized and dimensioned to channel and concentrate the vapor rising from the beverage towards the user's nose as the user sips the beverage. The basin and the opening are sized and dimensioned to provide a comfortable and secure feeling when drinking hot beverages. In this manner, the lid enhances the drinker's olfactory experience and provides better controllability of the flow of a hot beverage to prevent burn injuries.
US08881932B1 Adapterless closure assembly for composite pressure vessels
A pressurized-gas storage assembly has a liner defining a gas storage chamber and an end portion with a planar surface, with an access opening on the planar surface that is in fluid communication with the gas storage chamber. A raised circular ring extends from the planar surface and surrounds the access opening. The assembly also includes a polar boss having a longitudinally extending part that has a top surface with a recessed opening, and a planar bottom surface, with a channel extending through the polar boss to serve as a passageway through the polar boss. A circular groove is provided on the bottom flat surface of the polar boss, with the raised ring received inside the circular groove. An outer shell is provided around the entirety of the liner, with the outer shell having an edge-defining aperture that receives the polar boss.
US08881930B2 Refuse container
A refuse container has a container assembly. The container assembly has a bin defining a cavity, a lid, a telescopingly extensible handle assembly, a locking mechanism, a pair of wheels, and a pair of bottom handles. The lid is rotatably coupled to the bin at a pivot point, has a generally horizontal lid axis of rotation, and is movable relative to the bin between an open position providing access to the cavity and a closed position inhibiting access to the cavity. The extensible handle assembly is located adjacent the pivot point and is movable from a lower retracted position to an upper extended position above an upper surface of the lid. The locking mechanism maintains the lid in the closed position and is located opposite the extensible handle assembly. The wheels are located at the bottom of the refuse container. The bottom handles are located on opposing sides of the bin.
US08881927B2 Pinch top closure system
A closure system (100) includes a container (110) having a ridge (130), a land (140), and a groove (150) disposed between the ridge and the land. A plug (120) can be inserted into the container to create a seal between the land and the plug. The plug can have a first member (160) sized and dimensioned to rest upon the land, and a second member (170) having a catch (180) that is extendable into, and retractable from, the groove. One or more rubber layers (344, 444) can be disposed between the land and the first member to improve the seal between the first member and the land.
US08881926B2 Fuel filler pipe
A fuel filler pipe offering high anticorrosion performance and high fabrication accuracy is provided. Specifically, a tubular fuel filler pipe body 2 made of a plated steel sheet has a fuel filler port 2a at one end thereof, and is connected at the other end thereof to a fuel tank 10. A short cylindrical retainer 3 made of stainless steel is mounted into the fuel filler port 2a, and includes first and second tube members 5 and 6 each having both open ends. An inner circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube member 5 near an opening thereof at one end thereof includes an internal thread 5a threadedly connected to an external thread C1 of a fuel cap C. The second tube member 6 is inserted through an opening of the first tube member 5 at the other end thereof into the first tube member 5, and is joined to the first tube member 5 before the internal thread 5a by resistance spot welding Sw. One of the open ends of the second tube member 6 in a direction opposite to a direction of insertion of the second tube member 6 forms an insertion hole 6a through which a nozzle G1 of a fuel filler gun G is inserted. A retainer 3 is fitted into the fuel filler pipe body 2 to allow insertion of an end portion of the fuel filler pipe body 2 near the fuel filler port 2a into a space S between an outer circumferential surface of a portion of the second tube member 6 near the insertion hole 6a and an inner circumferential surface of a portion of the first tube member 5 near the opening thereof at the other end thereof, and a portion of the retainer 3 fitted into the fuel filler pipe body 2 are continuously welded to the fuel filler pipe body 2 by brazing Tw.
US08881922B2 Hot fill container having improved crush resistance
A hot fill type plastic container includes a finish portion that defines an opening and a main body portion having a sidewall that defines a plurality of vacuum panels and a plurality of creased wall portions. Each of the creased wall portions is positioned between two adjacent vacuum panels. At least one of the creased wall portions has an axis of longitudinal orientation when viewed in side elevation that has a vertical component and a circumferential component. The creased wall portions further preferably are substantially non-curved when viewed in side elevation and also preferably have a compound curvature to increase stiffness.
US08881912B2 Independent deck adjustment
A vibratory separator including a separator deck including a hinge point, and a positive displacement mechanism coupled to the separator deck and configured to displace the separator deck to an angle of inclination is disclosed. A method of separating solids form a slurry, the method including pumping a slurry onto a separator deck, vibrating the separator deck, and displacing an end of the separator deck in an upwards or downwards direction with a positive displacement mechanism to a selected angle of inclination is also disclosed.
US08881911B2 Method for improving flotation cell performance
A method of operating a flotation cell wherein a feed stream containing particles is provided to the flotation cell wherein a proportion of the particles rise in the cell and exit the cell in a concentrate stream and a proportion of the particles sink in the cell, wherein at least a portion of the particles that sink in the cell are subject to a classification process to produce classified particles and at least a portion of the classified particles are recycled to the flotation cell.
US08881909B2 Recovery and upgrading process of incineratior bottom ash from municipal solid waste
A process for the recovery of bottom ash is characterized by shredding and physical separation phases. The bottom ash undergoes an oxidation treatment of the amphoteric metals contained therein. After the process, the treated bottom ash can be employed as mineral additive for concretes or hydraulic bonding agents.
US08881904B2 Corrosion inhibiting packaging
A substrate in the form of a film is described for producing a corrosion inhibiting atmosphere for the storage and transport of exposed bare metal parts to inhibit rust or corrosion of the metal parts. In one form, the substrate is a co-extruded film having one layer for providing shape and form to the film when molded into a specific shape and the other layer containing a vapor corrosion inhibitor (VCI) for being admitted from the surface of the layer to form the corrosion inhibiting atmosphere. Other structures of the film are possible including triple layers and the like. The co-extruded film is formed by vacuum molding optionally with pressure forming assist to form the film into a semi-rigid or rigid shape for fitting over or enveloping the metal part to be protected. The advantage of the invention is to be able to provide a controlled corrosion inhibiting atmosphere for the normal duration that a metal part is being stored thereby reducing the chance that the metal part will develop rust or corrosion during storage.
US08881902B2 Packaging assembly
A packaging assembly includes a base and a divider. The base includes a bottom piece and first, second, third, and fourth walls extending from the bottom piece. The bottom piece of the base and the first, second, third, and fourth walls of the base define a product receptacle. The divider is connected to the bottom piece of the base and extends through the product receptacle. The base and the divider are jointly formed from an integral planar member having a plurality of folds therein. Other products, assemblies, and associated methods are also disclosed.
US08881901B2 Dispensing system for double stack carton
The carton of this invention is capable of carrying the plurality of containers stacked upon their ends in two tiers with a unique dispenser that permits the dispensing of containers on their sides. The dispenser is formed in a top side wall and extends into the end wall with most of the end wall being torn open but leaving a portion near the bottom side wall to prevent the bottom layer of containers from rolling out. Angled projections in the dispensing end of the carton near the top panel and bottom panel prevent the top layer of containers from rolling out. A divider may be inserted between the two tiers of containers to facilitate loading the carton and preventing the containers from accidentally rolling out when the dispenser is open.
US08881878B2 Brake device for motorcycle
A brake device for a vehicle includes a brake pedal rotatably supported on a support shaft and extending in a front ward direction from the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. A master cylinder is located on the rear side of the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for generating a braking hydraulic pressure according to the rotational operation of the brake pedal. An operational amount detector is mechanically connected to the brake pedal for detecting the rotational amount of the brake pedal. The master cylinder includes an axis that is arranged vertically and is located above the support shaft with the operational amount detector being located on the rear side of the support shaft in the longitudinal direction of the motorcycle. Thus, the master cylinder and the operational amount detector can be densely arranged in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
US08881875B2 Suspension apparatus for vehicle
A colloidal damper disposed between two members for damping a relative movement of the two members, including: (I) a cylinder device including a housing and a piston which are connected to one and the other of the two members and which define a chamber; (II) a colloidal-solution sealed body accommodated in the chamber and including: (A) a colloidal solution in which are mixed a first working fluid and porous bodies each having pores; and (B) a hermetically sealed container which has flexibility and which hermetically seals the colloidal solution contained therein; and (III) a second working fluid contained in the chamber together with the colloidal-solution sealed body, wherein the colloidal damper is configured to damp the relative movement of the two members by the inflow and the outflow of the first working fluid into and out of the pores upon the relative movement of the two members.
US08881866B1 Self-rescue device
A self-rescue device that features an escape ladder, having one or more spaced steps, a base to hold the escape ladder in an open or closed position, a locking mechanism to keep the escape ladder in the open position, and a release mechanism to release the escape ladder from the open position.
US08881852B2 Pushable frame with generators that convert kinetic energy into electric energy
A pushable frame includes a plurality of wheels to allow maneuvering due to a rolling motion of one or more wheels. A power generator is operatively connected to the wheels such that kinetic motion of the wheels caused by the frame being pushed or pulled by the user is converted into electric energy. A speed regulator is operatively connected with the plurality of wheels and the power generator such that a rolling speed of one or more wheels is controlled based on a rolling condition of the one or more wheels.
US08881845B2 Expandable window milling bit and methods of milling a window in casing
A method of milling a window through a casing in a primary well bore and drilling a sidetracked well bore into a formation including running a drilling assembly including a body having an axis defined therethrough, a piston that is movable within a cavity formed in the body, a stationary cutting structure coupled to the body, and a movable cutting structure coupled to the body, milling a window through the casing in a first trip into the primary well bore, drilling the sidetracked well bore in the first trip into the primary well bore, applying a differential pressure across the piston, and moving the movable cutting structure from the collapsed position to the expanded position. The movable cutting structure is coupled to the piston and is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position.
US08881817B2 Cutting tool
A downhole tool having a cylindrical body, a sleeve having a contact portion disposed on a distal end, and a cutter having a radiused portion on a top surface operatively engageable with the contact portion. Also, a method of cutting drill pipe, the method including disposing a cutting tool in a wellbore around the drill pip and actuating a radiused cutter of the cutting tool, wherein the actuating includes radially extending the cutter into contact with the drill pipe. The method also includes applying a substantially constant force between the cutter and the drill pipe and rotating the cutting tool. Additionally, a cutter for a drill pipe cutting tool, the cutter including a work surface located at a first end of the cutter, an attachment point located at a second end of the cutter, and a radiused surface located between the work surface and the attachment point.
US08881802B2 Debris barrier for packer setting sleeve
An annular seal for a setting tool in a packer tieback extension comprises a downhole oriented packer cup assembly. As the tool is run in the hole the packer cup flexes as the rising hydrostatic pressure equalizes across the cup into what started as a zone with atmospheric pressure inside the packer tieback extension. Once the pressure is equalized the self energizing feature of the packer cup maintains grit and debris in the mud from entering the tieback extension where the spring loaded dogs of the setting tool are held in a retracted position. If the seal fails to equalize and allows a large differential across the setting sleeve from the surrounding annulus, the rupture disc breaks inwardly into the tieback extension so that pressure is equalized. If the packer is never set after being lowered to depth and the pressure from the tieback extension is equalized into the annulus.
US08881799B2 Downhole gas generator with multiple combustion chambers
A multiple chamber gas generator system has a plurality of gas generators shaped to fit within the borehole. Each of the gas generators having an elongate combustion chamber. A gas flow control system is operably installed for supplying gas to the elongate combustion chambers of each of the gas generators. The system further includes a control computer having a control program operatively installed thereupon, the control program functioning to control the operation of the gas flow control system and to selectively turn on or off each of the gas generators to regulate the volume of gasses being generated in response to changes in pressure within the borehole.
US08881796B2 Heat exchanger
Specified is a heat exchanger for an exchange of heat between a first fluid, in particular charge air or an exhaust gas, and a second fluid, in particular a coolant, having a block for the separate and heat-exchanging guidance of the first and second fluids, which block has a number of flow ducts which can be traversed by the first fluid and a housing which holds the flow ducts and which can be traversed by the second fluid, at least one casing cover which is flow-connected to the flow ducts, a base which is fixed to the casing cover and which is provided with one or with a plurality of passage openings for the flow ducts, wherein the base is composed of at least one first base part and a second base part.
US08881788B1 Screened area water passageway
A screened area water passageway comprising a passageway frame, with the passageway frame having an open bottom. There is included a long side mounting strip coupled to the passageway frame. There is also a a passageway door frame coupled to the passageway frame. The passageway door frame has a Z-shaped facade coupled thereto so as to make the door frame more aesthetically pleasing.
US08881786B2 Device for forming and transferring a sleeve-like label to a container to be labeled
A device for forming and transferring a sleeve-like label to a container to be labeled, comprising a feeder designed to feed a portion of heat-shrink film to at least one forming spindle and means for wrapping the portion of heat-shrink film around the lateral surface of the forming spindle, feeder means being provided which are adapted to move, along an approach path that has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle, the container to be labeled to a labeling position arranged below the forming spindle and pick-up means adapted to pick up the container with the sleeve-like label fitted around the respective lateral surface along a path for removal from the labeling position which has at least one component perpendicular to the axis of the forming spindle.
US08881774B2 Apparatus, system and method for fluid delivery
A fill adapter for filling a reservoir. The fill adapter includes a button assembly actuator and a pump chamber plunger actuator hingably attached to the button assembly actuator, wherein the actuation of the button assembly actuator actuates the pump chamber plunger actuator and wherein the pump chamber plunger actuator actuates a pump chamber membrane before the at least one button assembly is actuated.
US08881773B2 Apparatus for removal of loosefill insulation
An apparatus configured to facilitate removal of existing, previously-applied loosefill insulation material from a building cavity is provided. The apparatus includes a removal hose configured for conveying the removed loosefill insulation material and an actuator connected to the removal hose. The actuator is configured to generate a removal force configured to remove the loosefill insulation material from the building cavity. A receptacle is connected to the actuator and configured for storage of the removed loosefill insulation material. The removed loosefill insulation material is configured for reuse as loosefill insulation material within the building cavity.
US08881772B2 Wellbore pipe protection device
A wellbore pipe protection device (1) comprises a covering sleeve (2) and an actuating element (3). The actuating element is arranged to change the deformation state of a sleeve wall (21) of the covering sleeve in order to realize interchangeability between a locked condition and an unlocked condition of the protection device. In the locked condition, elastic material (4) is being pressed by the sleeve wall into screw thread (8) of a wellbore pipe end (7). The actuating element comprises a handgrip (9) which, relative to the covering sleeve, is manually slidable in axial direction (5) and, in the locked condition, manually rotatable about the axial direction into a rotation position in which axial slidability of the actuating element is blocked in a direction towards the unlocked condition.
US08881769B2 Structure of a gas-valve unit
A gas valve unit for adjusting a volumetric gas flow which is fed to a gas burner of a gas device includes a valve chamber, an actuation shaft protruding out of the valve chamber, and at least two on/off valves arranged in the valve chamber. Further arranged in the valve chamber is at least one restrictor plate having at least two restrictor points, each of the restrictor points having at least one restrictor opening. The restrictor plate is accessible from a side of the valve chamber on which the actuation shaft is protruding from the valve chamber.
US08881759B1 Manual selector for hydraulic control valve
A selector with at least two settings, useful for controlling flow of fluid in a hydraulic control valve. In at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully automatic, being controlled by the valve actuator, and in at least one of the settings of the selector, control of fluid flow is fully manual, being entirely independent of the valve actuator.
US08881758B2 High-pressure valve
Disclosed in one aspect is a valve comprising (a) a valve body having a poppet valve chamber with an axis running there through; (b) a seat having a seat sealing surface, and a outer-seat surface, the seat located axially within the poppet valve chamber; and (c) a poppet having a poppet sealing surface, the poppet being located axially within the poppet valve chamber; wherein a poppet-seat interface is created between at least a portion of the seat sealing surface and at least a portion of the poppet sealing surface, the poppet-seat interface being at an angle β of from 20 to 90° to the axis. In one embodiment the seat is removable, allowing the geometry of at least the poppet head surface and/or the seat inside surface, which defines a fluid flow-path cross-section, to be tailored.
US08881755B2 Valve assembly for a two handle faucet
The present disclosure relates generally to a faucet valve cartridge 10 configured for use within a dual handle faucet 16, 18. The valve cartridge 10 includes first and second fluid flow control members 94 and 96 received within a valve housing 74 and configured to control fluid flow from an inlet 32, 36 to an outlet 29.
US08881752B1 Systems for cleaning instruments
Hand-held pumps are disclosed. In one embodiment, a hand-held pump is configured to produce a jet containing water, a sanitizing solution, or a combination thereof for the purpose of cleaning an object such as a medical device.
US08881750B2 Conveyor warewasher having an automatic wastewater removal system
A dishwasher has a wash system with a nozzle system with at least one wash nozzle for spraying wash liquid, a wash tank, and a wash pump by means of which wash liquid collected in the wash tank is fed to the at least one wash nozzle. A dirt-collecting system has at least one tank-covering screen to separate off particles of dirt from the wash liquid. The dirt-collecting system also has a dirt-collecting region arranged in the wash system and is intended for collecting the particles of dirt which have been separated off from the wash liquid with the aid of the tank-covering screen, wherein the dirt-collecting region is open at the top, but closed all the way around the sides, and wherein there is also a dirt-discharging pipe system by means of which the particles of dirt collected in the dirt-collecting region are discharged from the wash system.
US08881749B1 Systems and methods for controlling silica dust during hydraulic fracturing operations
A system for controlling silica dust generated during the transfer of frac sand from a storage container through a conveyor system includes a system of conduits having a plurality of inlets for collecting silica dust generated at selected points along the conveyor system. An air system pneumatically coupled to the system of conduits generates a negative pressure at each of the inlets to induce the collection of silica dust at the selected points along the conveyor.
US08881747B2 Method for producing hoods and arrangement of a plurality of hoods
The invention relates to a method for producing hoods in the form of hair nets having meshes, creating hoods having a first dimension over the head from front to rear and a second dimension crosswise thereto. A strand (20) of a net having a mesh (23) is created from threads (21). The strand (20) has two longitudinal sides. The number of meshes (23) of the net crosswise to the longitudinal sides corresponds to the number of meshes (11) of the hair net to be produced along the first or second dimension of the hair net. On or neighboring the two longitudinal sides of the strand (20), one elastic thread (22) each is fed into the outer meshes (23) of the net. At specified, regular distances, the two elastic threads (22) are guided together and connected to one another. The distance is chosen such that the number of meshes (23) of the net between two connection points (24) in the longitudinal direction of the strand (20) corresponds to the number of meshes (11) of the hair net to be produced along the first or second dimension of the hair net. The two elastic threads (22) are connected by joining to one another by means of a sealing and/or melting process. A weakness (25) is introduced in the connection region (24).
US08881746B2 Reusable self-heating hair roller
A reusable self-heating hair roller includes a fluid holding body containing a supercoolable fluid. The fluid holding body may be implemented in many ways, including as non-permeable, incorruptible, air-tight film, bladder or casing. The supercoolable fluid, such as sodium acetate or equivalent, uses thermochemistry to produce on command an exothermic crystallization process that generates the heat needed to style and or curl the hair. A nucleation initiator initiates a nucleation event that propagates the crystallization to harnesses the latent heat of fusion and create the heat. The nucleation initiator may be situated so that it is generally sequestered or otherwise held in a way where it is prevented from free floating within the supercoolable fluid, yet at the same time remains in full communication with the fluid.
US08881741B1 Devices, methods, and systems for dispensing and applying artificial eyelash adhesive and artificial eyelash structures
Devices and systems for dispensing artificial eyelash adhesive for attaching an artificial eyelash to a natural lash line, and to methods of applying artificial eyelashes. Disclosed is an artificial eyelash adhesive dispenser comprising a backing layer, an artificial eyelash adhesive tape layer having a bottom surface adjacent to the backing layer and a peelable protective top layer over the top surface of the eyelash adhesive tape layer. The dispenser further includes a plurality of cuts extending through at least the adhesive tape layer and the peelable protective top layer so as to form a tear line along which an individual strip may be separated from a remainder of the dispenser. The adhesive tape layer is chemically formulated so as to not irritate the skin or eyes. Wig tape is one such material that is particularly suitable.
US08881735B2 Flash vaporization surgical systems and method
A laser can produce pulses of light energy to eject a volume of the tissue, and the energy can be delivered to a treatment site through a waveguide, such as a fiber optic waveguide. The incident laser energy can be absorbed within a volume of the target tissue with a tissue penetration depth and pulse direction such that the propagation of the energy from the tissue volume is inhibited and such that the target tissue within the volume reaches the spinodal threshold of decomposition and ejects the volume, for example without substantial damage to tissue adjacent the ejected volume.
US08881728B2 System, method and ventilation interface for providing pressurized breathable gas to the mouth and nose separately
In accordance with at least one exemplary embodiment, a ventilation system for providing gas under a first pressure to the nose of a user and second pressure to the mouth of a user is disclosed. A ventilation system can include a flow generator that can be connected to a gas supply tube. The gas supply tube can be in fluid communication with a ventilation interface. At least a portion of the gas supply tube can have a divider within the channel of the tube forming a nasal passageway and an oral passageway. A nasal breathing chamber and an oral breathing chamber can be defined in the ventilation interface. The nasal breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the nasal passageway. The oral breathing chamber can be in fluid communication with the oral passageway.
US08881723B2 Breathable gas supply apparatus
A breathable gas supply apparatus for a patient features a breathable gas supply system and a respiratory mask assembly in communication with the breathable gas supply system. The breathable gas supply system provides a supply of breathable gas to the respiratory mask assembly and removes a supply of exhaled gas from the respiratory mask assembly. The breathable gas supply system includes a housing having an inspiration chamber and an exhalation chamber and a movable structure in communication with the inspiration and exhalation chambers. The movable structure moves in phase with a respiratory cycle of a patient. In one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system includes a second movable structure, which moves in response to a phase of the respiratory cycle of the patient. In another one preferred embodiment, the breathable gas supply system is powered to assist the patient's respiratory effort.
US08881703B2 Apparatus for actuating at least one outlet valve of a valve-controlled internal combustion engine
An apparatus for actuating at least one outlet valve of a valve-controlled internal combustion engine for motor vehicles, includes an actuating element which is driven by a camshaft. A first piston/cylinder unit, preferably a hydraulically loaded piston/cylinder unit, is provided between a cam of the camshaft and at least one outlet valve. The piston/cylinder unit allows at least one outlet valve to be held in a non-closed intermediate position during an engine braking mode with exhaust-gas backpressure. A second piston/cylinder unit is provided which is configured as a valve-play compensation element, preferably as a hydraulic valve-play compensation element (HVC). At least one valve train-side device is provided between the cam and the at least one outlet valve, which valve train-side device exerts a force which is directed counter to the adjusting action of the HVC but is lower than the latter.
US08881697B2 Valve timing control apparatus
A valve timing control apparatus includes a drive-side rotation member synchronously rotating with a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine, a driven-side rotation member integrally rotating with a camshaft, a rotational phase adjusting device including a retarded angle chamber and an advanced angle chamber, the rotational phase adjusting device adjusting the relative rotational phase between the drive-side rotation member and the driven-side rotation member, and a boss member provided at a portion of the driven-side rotation member facing an outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine and including a thrust surface that extends to be perpendicular to a rotational axis of the camshaft and that is exposed to the outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine. The boss member causes the drive-side rotation member to be prevented from making contact with the outer wall surface by making contact with the outer wall surface of the internal combustion engine.
US08881695B2 Variable compression ratio internal combustion engine
A variable compression ratio internal combustion engine includes a variable compression ratio mechanism, an actuator and a linking mechanism. The actuator is varies and maintains a rotational position of the first control shaft. The linking mechanism includes a second control shaft and a lever. The second control shaft is selectively turned by the actuator. The lever links the second control shaft to the first control shaft such that transference of vibration of the first control shaft to the second control shaft is suppressed. The first control shaft is pivotally linked to a first end of the lever by a first linking pin. The second control shaft is pivotally linked to a second end of the lever by a second linking pin.
US08881682B2 Submersible cage and system for fish farming
A submersible rotatable cage for fish farming comprises a central axle, a buoyant structure positioned about the central axle, and a netting attached to the buoyant structure. An actuator can be placed in operable communication with at least part of the buoyant structure to facilitate rotation of the buoyant structure about the central axle while the cage is in a submerged position. The cage can form part of a system, which includes a net cleaning apparatus, a tethering mechanism and sweep net, that forms the basis for underwater fish farming.
US08881676B2 Mask frame assembly for thin film deposition
A mask frame assembly for depositing a deposition material on a deposition substrate comprises a mask frame including an opening and frames surrounding the opening, and a mask coupled on the mask frame. A deformation prevention unit is formed on at least one region of the mask. Since the deformation prevention unit is formed on a peripheral portion of a deposition pattern in the mask, deformation of the mask in a vertical direction may be reduced. Accordingly, defective attaching of the mask to the substrate may be reduced.
US08881675B2 Stent holding fixtures
Disclosed are stent holding devices having a support mandrel and one or more stent retaining fixtures disposed on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a character identifier to facilitate tracking a stent mounted on the holding device. The retaining fixture may include a conical protrusion and a conical recess to allow any number of retaining fixtures to engage each other and be stacked on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may include a tubular member having a spiral cut that enables the diameter of the tubular member to be adjusted to allow for a frictional fit on the mandrel. The retaining fixture may have a Z-shaped or T-shaped structure configured to retain a stent. The stent retaining fixture may also have a filament for retaining a stent.
US08881662B2 Fluidized bed incinerator and fluidized bed incinerating method for sludge using the same
An inside of an incinerator body into which sludge is fed is divided into a lower portion, a portion above the lower portion, and a top portion in a height direction. The lower portion serves as a pyrolysis zone for supplying fluidizing air having an air ratio of 1.1 or less together with fuel to thermally decompose the sludge while fluidizing the sludge. The portion above the lower portion serves as an over bed combustion zone for supplying only combustion air having an air ratio of 0.1 to 0.3 to form a local high temperature place to decompose N2O. The top portion serves as a perfect combustion zone for perfectly combusting unburned contents. The quantity of N2O generated during sludge incineration can be drastically reduced while maintaining the use quantity of auxiliary fuel at the same level as that of a conventional incineration method.
US08881661B2 Foldable table
A foldable table includes a first tabletop panel, a second tabletop panel, and a reinforcing frame which includes first through fourth reinforcing members mounted along longitudinal sides of the first and second tabletop panels respectively, a first transverse member transversely extended between outer end portions of the first and second reinforcing members at the first tabletop panel, and a second transverse member transversely extended between outer end portions of the third and fourth reinforcing members at the second tabletop panel. Two ends of the first transverse member are affixed to the first and second reinforcing members in a non-rotatably movable manner. Two ends of the second transverse member are affixed to the third and fourth reinforcing members in a non-rotatably movable manner. Therefore, the first and second transverse members enhance the rigidity of the reinforcement frame to support two transverse sides of the first and second tabletop panels respectively.
US08881660B2 Shelf assembly
A shelf assembly for an appliance includes a shelf panel comprising a generally planar support surface and a rear edge including a raised profile extending away from the support surface. A frame is configured to be mounted to an appliance to support the shelf panel with the support surface extending generally along a horizontal plane. The frame includes an elongated rear support member. A support channel extends at least partially into the rear support member, and is configured to removably receive and capture the rear edge of the shelf panel to inhibit removal of the shelf panel from the frame in the direction of the horizontal plane. The shelf panel is selectively removable from the support channel by tilting a front edge of the shelf panel upwards to a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal plane. A slide latch can selectively and lockingly engage corresponding support structure of an appliance.
US08881656B2 Rail stabilizer for rail tie replacement
A stabilizer is disclosed for use in stabilizing and maintaining the spacing between a pair of railway rails during rail tie replacement. The stabilizer comprises a rod having a length and a pair of ends. A pair of rail clamps is carried by the rod, and each clamp is configured to engage one of the rails and secure the rail relative to the rod. An expanding member is carried by the rod and configured to selectively expand along the length of the rod between its ends to engage a structure proximal to the rails, wherein, upon engagement of the rails by the rail clamps and the expanding member with the structure, the rails are maintained in substantially fixed relationship to each other and to the structure, but are free to be moved vertically relative to the structure.
US08881652B2 Printing template
A template is provided to stretch socks out slightly so the surface of the socks are smooth and flat for printing. In order to make the process cost effective, the templates are designed to print either 2 or 3 pairs of socks at one time, the template comprises: a planar registration portion configured to assist a user to align the printing template with a printer tray; and first and second receiving portions orthogonally extending from the registration portion, each receiving portion configured to receive a garment opening and having a width configured to flatten a portion of the received sock for printing, wherein the first and second receiving portions extend in opposite direction of the planar registration portion.
US08881650B2 Stamp for micro contact printing and method for the production thereof
A die for the micro contact printing includes a die body and a die surface that is fixedly connected to the die body. The die surface is divided into at least two different regions. Each of the at least two regions comprises a different material having a different absorption capacity for printing ink. At least one of the at least two regions has a lateral dimension of no more than 1000 nanometers.
US08881642B2 Brewer calibration system
A beverage brewer having a water flow control system for controlling the flow water through the system during a brewing cycle. The water flow control system is related to the spray head used in the brewer. The system can be calibrated based on the spray head used with the system and the calibration information can be used during the brewing process. An information device may be provided on the spray head to communication information to the brewer to control the brewing process. The brewer may be provided with a reader to read the information from the spray head. A system which can be used with a brewer, including all of the aforementioned information associated with the spray head for use in controlling the water flow during a brewing cycle. The system can be provided with the brewer or retrofitted with an existing brewer.
US08881637B2 Door lock access control component mounting
An apparatus and method for releasably mounting access control components for a door lock to a door. A base element is adapted to be mounted to the door. A first wire connector element is mounted to the base element. A mounting element with combustible material attached is provided. A second wire connector element is mounted to the mounting element, and the second wire connector element is releasably connected to the first wire connector element to mount the mounting element to the base element. A spring is provided, and a retainer holds the spring in a loaded state, but in a fire event the retainer may melt, allowing the spring to apply force to the mounting element. Alternatively, an expanding material may apply the force. The force causes the wire connector elements to disconnect and allow the mounting element to separate from the base element.
US08881636B2 Systems and methods for deflecting objects with rocket exhaust
According to one embodiment, a system for protecting a vehicle from projectiles includes a detection component, a selection component, and an ignition component. In one embodiment, the detection component detects one or more projectiles having a first trajectory that is incident to a first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the selection component automatically selects two or more rockets mounted on the vehicle that, when ignited, produce a plurality of exhaust streams configured to deflect the one or more projectiles to a second trajectory. In one embodiment, the second trajectory is not incident to the first location on the vehicle. In one embodiment, the ignition component ignites the selected two or more rockets.
US08881630B2 Strapping material dispenser with integrated cutter
A dispenser for dispensing a selectable amount of material from an amount of stored material. The dispenser includes a housing having a material track and material storage area, a material-advancement mechanism disposed within said housing, a material-cutting, mechanism, and an actuator. The actuator has a first end being operatively engaged with said first mechanism and an opposing second opposing end being operatively engaged with said second mechanism. The actuator is spring-biased to a non-compressed position via at least first and second springs and is also selectably shiftable to a selectable, material-advancement position and a selectable, material-cutting position.
US08881626B2 Lathe for machining curved surfaces
A lathe includes a machine support, a working table positioned on the machine support, a rotating driver, a moving device, and a feeding device. The rotating driver rotates the work table. The moving device includes at least one cross beam, at least one first driving mechanism, and at least one second driving mechanism. The cross beam is movably positioned on the machine support above the working table. The feeding device is movably positioned on the at least one cross beam, and includes a feeding driving mechanism and a cutter. The first driving mechanism drives the cross beam to move along a first direction, and the second driving mechanism drives the feeding device to move along a second direction at about ninety degrees from the first direction. The feeding mechanism drives the cutter to move backwards and forwards along a third direction perpendicular to the first and second direction.
US08881623B2 Level corkscrew having a double fulcrum and method of using same
The invention relates to a corkscrew (T) including a handle (100) to which are connected a worm (200) and two separate levers (300, 400) pivotably connected in a case on a single pin (A) secured to the handle and preformed to provide the two notches or two fulcra (310, 410) that are required in order to extract a cork (B) inserted in the neck (G) of a bottle, in two steps. Said corkscrew is characterized in that the two levers include two portions, the second portion (330) of the first lever (300) being preformed such as to be inserted in the second portion (430) of the second lever (400) and create a fulcrum on the neck (G) of the bottle when the corkscrew (T) passes from the first notch (310) to the second notch (410) such that said first notch (310) does not project in relation to the second notch (410) and said first notch (310) does not prevent said passing. The invention also relates to the method for using the corkscrew described above. The invention is useful for manufacturing corkscrews.
US08881621B2 Steering wheel assembly
A steering wheel assembly having an armature, a hub, a wheel rim skeleton, and at least one spoke connecting the hub with the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may include a rim interface component attachable to the wheel rim skeleton. The assembly may further include an insert component, which is attachable to the wheel rim skeleton and/or the hub, and the rim interface component and the insert component being exchangeable independently of each other.
US08881618B2 Adjustable steering column lock
A lock for an adjustable steering column includes a rotatable locking lever to actuate the lock between an unlocked position and locked position, a lock plate including plate lock teeth and a first slot, and a slider including slider lock teeth and a second slot angled relative to the first slot. The slider teeth are received between respective plate lock teeth. A lock bolt rotates with the locking lever and extends through the first and second slots, and has a retainer on one end. A cam positioned on the lock bolt applies or releases a force to the slider in response to rotation of the locking lever to actuate the lock. In the locked position the slider lock teeth lockingly engage between the plate lock teeth, and in the unlocked position, the slider lock teeth are released from locking engagement with and are positioned between the plate lock teeth.
US08881614B2 Vehicle transmissions
A vehicle transmission includes a transmission input and output along with a main shaft and a countershaft that create a plurality of transmission ratios for providing different gears when combined. The vehicle transmission also includes a range change transmission. The vehicle transmission also has, in the direction of the propulsion power flow from the transmission input to the transmission output, a performance interface downstream of the countershaft and upstream of the range change transmission for connecting an electric motor.
US08881610B2 Water sampling device
A water sampling device includes a mounting frame including two end plates disposed parallel to one another on a shaft. A multiple magazine is configured as a rotatable drum magazine that is horizontally disposed between the two end plates of the mounting frame. The multiple magazine includes a plurality of sample containers. Each of the sample containers has a first face and a second face. The first face includes a first axially arranged conical opening and a first positive locking cone forming an inlet valve. The second face includes a. second axially arranged conical opening and a second positive locking cone forming an outlet valve. Each of the positive locking ,cones is configured to shift axially relative to the respective conical opening so as to operate the respective inlet or outlet valve and so as to form a symmetrical annular gap in an open position of the respective valve.
US08881606B2 Fluid flow rate measuring device and water meter
There is offered a water meter that requires no coil so that its cost is reduced. The water meter is formed to include an impeller, a rotation reduction unit, a first circular plate, a second circular plate, a rotation detection unit and an arithmetic unit. The rotation detection unit forms first, second and third combination capacitors with a switching circuit. The rotation detection unit detects changes in capacitances of the first, second and third combination capacitors associated with a rotation of the first circular plate. The arithmetic unit is configured so as to electrically detect the rotation angle θ of the first circular plate based on the changes in the capacitances.
US08881604B2 Measuring system having a vibration-type measuring transducer
A measuring system comprises: a measuring transducer of vibration type, through which fluid flows during operation, and which produces oscillation signals corresponding to parameters of the flowing fluid; as well as a transmitter electronics (TE), which is electrically coupled with the measuring transducer, and serves for activating the measuring transducer and for evaluating oscillation signals delivered by the measuring transducer. The measuring transducer (MT) includes: At least one measuring tube (10; 10′) for conveying flowing fluid; at least one electro-mechanical oscillation exciter (41) for actively exciting and/or maintaining bending oscillations of the at least one measuring tube in a wanted mode; and at least a first oscillation sensor (51) for registering vibrations of the at least one measuring tube, and for producing an oscillation signal (s1) of the measuring transducer, representing vibrations at least of the at least one measuring tube. The transmitter-electronics (TE), in turn, generates, by means of a signal component of the oscillation signal, which represents a bending oscillation mode, in which the at least one vibrating measuring tube executes bending oscillations with at least one oscillatory antinode more than in the case of the bending oscillations in the wanted mode, a cavitation report (XKV), which signals an occurrence of cavitation in the fluid.
US08881600B2 Apparatus and process for testing filters
In a process for testing filters (4) and (13) of treatment fluid of a hemodiafiltration apparatus (1), each filter has a wet semipermeable membrane (5, 14) which separates a gas-filled first chamber (6 and 15) from a liquid-filled second chamber (7 and 16). The first chambers are pressurised by a pump (19) supplying air, while the second chambers are placed in depression by a drainage pump (17) of used dialysis fluid. A first closed system is formed which includes the first chambers and a second closed system is formed which includes the second chambers. Two pressure gauges (P1 and P2) monitor the pressure in the two closed systems for a predetermined time. The monitoring provides indications relating to the filter integrity.
US08881596B2 Semiconductor sensing device to minimize thermal noise
An MEMS pressure sensor is designed to reduce or eliminate thermal noise, such as temperature offset voltage output. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing element having a diaphragm, and a cavity formed as part of the pressure sensing element, where the cavity receives a fluid such that the diaphragm at least partially deflects. The pressure sensing element also includes a plurality of piezoresistors, which are operable to generate a signal based on the amount of deflection in the diaphragm. At least one trench is integrally formed as part of the pressure sensing element, and an adhesive connects the pressure sensing element to the at least one substrate such that at least a portion of the adhesive is attached to the trench and redistributes thermally induced stresses on the pressure sensing element such that the thermally induced noise is substantially eliminated.
US08881594B2 Tapered spiral bellows pressure sensor
A pressure measuring device includes a resilient expandable pressure sensor element having an open end and an opposite closed end. The pressure sensor element includes spiral flutes extending between the open and closed ends defining spiral bellows. The pressure sensor element is tapered over at least a portion of its length from the open end to the closed end. The pressure measuring device also includes a supporting structure having a pressure indicating scale. The supporting structure holds the pressure sensor element such that the open end of the pressure sensor element is in communication with a fluid whose pressure is to be measured and pressure applied by the fluid causes the pressure sensor element to expand axially and be visibly displaced relative to the pressure indicating scale by a distance related to the pressure applied by the fluid.
US08881589B2 Float for displaying a fill level
A float for displaying the fill level of a medium (3) in a container (2), wherein the float (1), in the intended use, is guided by the wall of the container (2, 4) and is suitable for reflecting electromagnetic waves emitted from a transmitter (5) toward a receiver (6). The float has improved electromagnetic wave reflecting characteristics regardless of whether or not the float is tilted in that, in the intended use, at least the end of the float facing the transmitter (5) is a reflector (20) for reflecting electromagnetic waves to the receiver (6) and that a field attenuation structure (8) is located behind the reflector (20) from the perspective of the transmitter (5) in such a manner that electromagnetic waves interacting with the field attenuation structure (8) are attenuated.
US08881578B2 Fluid probe
Device and associated methods for detecting a property of a fluid. The device includes a body region and a first flexible element having a first end and a second end. The first end is fixedly located on the body region. The flexible element includes at least a first layer having a first coefficient of thermal expansion and a second layer having a second, different coefficient of thermal expansion. An electrical heater element can be arranged to heat the flexible element to induce bending of said flexible element. The resistance of a first portion of the electrical heater element adjacent the first end can be greater than the resistance of a second portion of the electrical heater element further from the first end. The device can include a heater controller arranged to supply an electrical pulse having a duration less than 5 ms to the electrical heater. The device can include a second, reference flexible element having a first end and a second end, with the first end fixedly located on the body region. Each flexible element can include a respective sensor arranged to provide a signal indicative of the movement of that flexible element. The sensor of the reference flexible element has a different configuration than the sensor of the first flexible element, with at least one of the flexible elements including at least one additional portion of material for equalizing the thermal conductivity distribution of the two flexible elements.
US08881567B2 Reset fixture for rekeyable lock assembly
A reset fixture for a rekeyable lock cylinder includes a housing with a central recess for receiving a cylinder body. A first opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a reset tool. A second opening communicating with the central recess is defined in the housing for receiving a bracing bar.
US08881559B1 Foldable lock
The present invention discloses a foldable lock. The foldable lock is constituted by a lock head which is pivoted with a foldable lock rod set. Two steel balls are used by the lock head to control unlocking and locking operations, thereby improving difficulty in prizing. The foldable lock rod set is composed of plural flexible lock rods, plural pivoting sheaths, plural protective covers and plural bolts, allowing the foldable lock to have a better circuity when twining an object. By the abovementioned structures, the foldable lock can increase convenience in the locking operation and enhance the anti-theft effect.
US08881553B2 Assembly for precision datum alignment and method of use
A calibration assembly has a base and mounting elements to mount the base to a laser. The base has a front, middle and rear portions that are used to align the calibration assembly to the laser to cleave optical fibers with the laser. The front portion has a channel to receive the optical fibers, the middle portion has openings to confirm alignment of the laser; and the rear portion has a rear opening used to adjust the pitch and roll of the laser.
US08881551B2 Method for positioning glass sheets for forming
A method for positioning glass sheets for forming includes positioners (55) that are moved slower than the speed of glass sheet conveyance to provide rotational adjustment of a glass sheet for accurate alignment above a forming mold (52). The forming mold (52) is moved upwardly for the forming in a pressing manner against a downwardly facing upper mold (58). Both preformed and flat glass sheets can be positioned by different embodiments of the apparatus.
US08881549B2 Hydrocarbon gas processing
A process and an apparatus are disclosed for a compact processing assembly to recover propane, propylene, and heavier hydrocarbon components from a hydrocarbon gas stream. The gas stream is cooled, expanded to lower pressure, and fed to an absorbing means. A first distillation liquid stream from the absorbing means is fed to a mass transfer means. A first distillation vapor stream from the mass transfer means is cooled to partially condense it, forming a residual vapor stream and a condensed stream. The condensed stream is supplied as the top feed to the absorbing means. A second distillation vapor stream from the absorbing means is heated by cooling the first distillation vapor stream, combined with the residual vapor stream, and heated by cooling the gas stream. A second distillation liquid stream from the mass transfer means is heated in a heat and mass transfer means to strip out its volatile components.
US08881540B1 Monitoring temperature-sensitive cargo with automated generation of regulatory qualification
Disclosed is a process of determining, at a point during shipment, whether the solid phase refrigerant in a shipment is sufficient to preserve the shipment cargo, which is blood or other biological products, for the remaining shipment period, by: monitoring the temperatures encountered to said point and estimating the temperatures likely to be encountered during the remaining shipment period; determining the likelihood that the remaining refrigerant can maintain the shipment cargo within a specified temperature range during the remaining shipment period; and if the risk that the remaining refrigerant cannot maintain the shipment cargo within said range during the remaining shipment period is above a cut-off level, then taking action to preserve the value of the cargo.
US08881532B2 Control method for cooling a turbine stage in a gas turbine
A control method for cooling a turbine stage of a gas turbine, whereby cooling air is bled from combustion air flowing in a compressor of the gas turbine, and is fed to a cooling circuit staring from a stator of the turbine stage; and cooling airflow is adjusted as a function of the pressure at the inlet of the cooling circuit, and as a function of the combustion air pressure at the exhaust of the compressor; more specifically, there is a feedback control setting a setpoint, which is predetermined as a function of the power output of the turbine to reduce contaminating emissions.
US08881527B2 Systems and methods for generating electricity
Power plant systems and methods are presented. The power plant includes a steam turbine configured to release exhaust steam. The power plant further includes an electro-hydrodynamic system operatively coupled to the steam turbine. The electro-hydrodynamic system is configured to receive the exhaust steam from the steam turbine and generate auxiliary electric power using the exhaust steam.
US08881516B2 One-way brake for a torque converter stator
A stator assembly for a torque converter includes a member fixed against rotation and including engagement surfaces spaced mutually about an axis, a stator formed with pockets spaced about the axis, rockers, each rocker located in a pocket, able to pivot toward and away from engagement with the engagement surfaces, and springs, each spring urging a rocker toward engagement with the engagement surfaces.
US08881513B2 Device for producing electrical energy from exhaust gas heat and motor vehicle having the device
A device for producing electrical energy from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine, includes a generator with an exhaust gas inlet connection, an exhaust gas outlet connection and at least one heat exchange section therebetween. At least one flow diversion and/or flow division is provided between the exhaust gas inlet connection and the heat exchange section. The heat exchange section has a plurality of flow paths perpendicular to the exhaust gas inlet connection, to be assigned to a plurality of heat exchange units. At least a portion of the heat exchange assembly has at least one thermoelectric element and a cooling device. The at least one thermoelectric element is captively connected to the cooling device. A motor vehicle having the device is also provided.
US08881512B2 Catalyst converter device for purifying exhaust gas and saddle-ride type vehicle
A catalyst converter having a retaining mat with a thickness wherein the apparent density during assembling becomes 0.25 g/cm3 or more and less than 0.51 g/cm3 and the outside diameter D1 of a catalyst retainer is set according to interference of the retaining mat in passing through a press-in tool and interference of the retaining mat after being pressed into a retaining tube. The retaining mat is formed of a non-expandable inorganic fiber sheet. A pressing force moves the catalyst retainer in the axial direction with respect to the retaining tube while the catalyst converter device is used with the length L2 along the longitudinal direction of the catalyst retainer in the retaining mat wound around the catalyst retainer being set longer than the winding diameter D1 of the retaining mat around the catalyst retainer so that a retaining force R greater than the pressing force F can be secured.
US08881509B2 System for purifying exhaust gas and exhaust system having the same
A system for purifying an exhaust gas and an exhaust system having the same while preventing degradation of a selective reduction catalyst may include an exhaust pipe connected to an engine, the exhaust gas generated at the engine passing through the exhaust pipe, a particulate filter mounted on the exhaust pipe, coated with a selective reduction catalyst adapted to reduce nitrogen oxides contained in the exhaust gas by an injection of a reducing agent, and adapted to trap particulate matters contained in the exhaust gas, and one or more injectors adapted to inject the reducing agent and/or oxygen storage capacity material together or separately into the exhaust gas passing through the exhaust pipe.
US08881500B2 Duplex tab obstacles for enhancement of deflagration-to-detonation transition
A detonation chamber for a pulse detonation combustor including: a plurality of duplex tab obstacles disposed on at least a portion of an inner surface of the detonation chamber wherein the plurality of duplex tab obstacles enhance a turbulence of a fluid flow through the detonation chamber.
US08881499B2 Under water hydrogen and oxygen powered hydraulic impulse engine
Apparatus includes an ignition system that repeats an ignition cycle by providing hydrogen and oxygen and also provides a control spark with a sufficient amount of energy for igniting a combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The combustion chamber is immersed in an aqueous fluid, fills with the same or other aqueous fluid, receives the hydrogen and oxygen therein, receive the control spark to ignite the combustible mixture of hydrogen and oxygen to cause a combustion reaction to occur and form steam that yields a specific amount of heat energy, and provides the aqueous fluid from the combustion chamber in response to the substantial increase in pressure on the aqueous fluid contained therein.
US08881492B2 Window buck having right trapezoid cross-section
A window buck/drywall panel assembly comprising a window buck having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the window buck includes a window buck beveled edge; and a drywall panel having a cross-section where the cross-section defines a right trapezoid, where the drywall panel includes a drywall beveled edge, and the window buck and the drywall panel are secured to one another such that the window buck beveled edge and the drywall beveled edge are in contact with one another.
US08881488B2 High-strength ribbon loop anchors and anchoring systems utilizing the same
A high-strength ribbon loop anchor and cavity wall anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The ribbon loop anchor is a wire formative construct that is cold-worked with the resultant body having substantially semicircular edges and flat surfaces therebetween. The edges are aligned to receive compressive forces transmitted from the facing wall. The ribbon loops hereof, when part of the anchoring system, interengage with the veneer tie and are dimensioned to preclude significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.
US08881487B2 Joining system arrangement for building elements
A joining system arrangement for building elements the joining system arrangement having a box element adapted for embedment in a first building element, such that an open side of the box element is flush with a surface of the building element, and arranged such that a bridge element can be inserted into the box element, the box element having four side faces arranged around an open side and a back plate, wherein, at at least one side face of the box element includes at least one load transmitting element which is arranged externally on the at least one side face, the at least one load transmitting element configured such that at least two surface portions are formed, constituting a rounded face, which are turned away from the at least one side face of the box element and from each other.
US08881485B2 Wind turbine tower system
A wind turbine tower system includes a wind turbine tower with a height of at least 100 meters, said wind turbine tower. The wind turbine tower includes a plurality of hexagonal-shaped or other shapes of vertical columns comprised of a concrete composition and a plurality of panels, each of the plurality of panels extending between adjacent vertical columns. The plurality of vertical columns and the plurality of panels are arranged to provide a hexagonal cross-section for the wind turbine tower.
US08881482B2 Modular flooring system
A modular flooring system includes a plurality of floor tiles situated about a ground surface, with each floor tile having a substantially-flat top surface and a connection interface with opposing engagement surfaces. The flooring system also includes a plurality of removable bridge connectors, with each of the bridge connectors having a plurality of tile interfaces, and with each tile interface having complimentary engagement surfaces configured to engage with the opposing engagement surfaces of the connection interfaces. The tile interfaces of the bridge connectors couple to the respective connection interfaces of any adjacent floor tiles to restrain the relative vertical movement between the adjacent floor tiles while facilitating controlled relative lateral movement between the floor tiles.
US08881474B2 Housing and mounting assembly for skylight energy management system
Disclosed is a housing and mounting assembly for a skylight module, and particularly for a skylight module that incorporates an energy management system. The housing and mounting assembly is configured to efficiently capture both direct solar and diffuse ambient light, and deliver light that is diffuse to the space below the skylight that provides even illumination and no unpleasant glare spots. The walls of the skylight module may be formed of multi-wall polycarbonate panels configured to redirect both the upward- and downward-shining light through the aperture into the space below. Moreover, the curb of the assembly may include a flexible flashing strip provided with a reflective coating configured to reflect sunlight upward through the walls of the assembly and into the skylight module, such that the advantages of collecting and using such reflected light can be achieved even in a retrofit installation on a non-reflective roofing surface.
US08881461B2 Sash window restrictor
A sash window restrictor (20) has a housing (22) which is to be let into a vertical frame member (10) of one sash (normally the upper, outer sash) of a window, at a position, say, 10 cm above the top rail of the lower sash when the windows are closed. A tab (24) is mounted in the housing and can be retracted into the housing or extended from the housing. A mechanism acts between the tab and the housing and allows the tab to be pressed into the housing and held in the housing for a period of time before the tab is released to allow the tab to extend. With the tab extended, the lower sash (12) can be lifted until it reaches the tab (24) but no further, so that a 10 cm gap will be opened at the bottom of the window.
US08881458B2 Slider window assembly
A slider window assembly for a vehicle includes a frame portion having an upper rail and a lower rail, at least one fixed window panel that is fixed relative to the frame portion, and a movable window panel that is movable along the upper and lower rails. The movable window panel is movable between a closed position and an opened position. The movable window panel may include a panel portion and a carrier element integrally formed with the panel portion, with the carrier portion slidably received in the lower rail and movable along the lower rail as the movable window panel is moved between its closed and opened positions.
US08881454B2 Agriculture production system with temperature controlled root zone
An agriculture production system includes a plurality of plant housings interconnected by conduit portions of a conduit assembly. Each plant housing has an upper housing portion that supports a plant in a growing media therein and a lower housing portion defining a chamber cavity below the upper housing portion so that roots of the plant extend into the chamber, said conduit portions fluidly interconnecting the chambers of the plant housings. A conditioned air unit is coupled to the conduit assembly and conditions air that flows through the conduit assembly into the chambers of the plant housings. A water supply assembly has a plurality of irrigation units, each associated with one of the plant housings and delivering water to the plant housing from a water supply source. The plant housings are arranged in a circuit allowing conditioned air to flow through the chambers of the plant housings to control a temperature and/or humidity in said chambers to promote root development and plant growth.
US08881453B2 Seed-borne, soil amendment method and composition
A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.
US08881444B2 Stock bedding system for firearm
A stock bedding system for a firearm is disclosed. In one embodiment, the stock bedding system includes a stock having a pair of bearing surfaces that are configured and arranged to mutually engage a mating pair of bearing surfaces formed on the barrel-receiver assembly. At least one of the four bearing surfaces has a predetermined convex surface profile which causes the barrel-receiver assembly to roll in an angular direction away from one lateral side of the stock towards the opposite lateral side when the barrel-receiver assembly is mounted to the stock. The convex surface profile acts to tighten the engagement between the opposing bearing surfaces of the barrel-receiver assembly and stock providing a secure and vibration resistant mounting. In one embodiment, the convex-shaped bearing surface is defined by a pillar lug mounted in the stock which engages a mating substantially flat bearing surface formed on the barrel-receiver assembly.
US08881438B2 Luggage tag
A luggage tag which can be easily operated for attachment of the luggage tag to a luggage is provided. A luggage tag includes a surface sheet and a peel-off sheet, and a customer's copy is provided on one end portion of the surface sheet via a separation slit. A peel-off region is provided on one end portion of the peel-off sheet via a peel-off slit. When winding the luggage tag on a handle of a luggage in a loop fashion, an attaching portion to be adhered to the peel-off sheet is covered with the peel-off region, and the customer's copy is adhered to the peel-off region. A folding line is provided on the peel-off region, and when the peel-off region is folded along the folding line, an adhesive layer of the customer's copy is exposed outside.
US08881437B1 Toy piece identification marker system
One non-limiting embodiment of the present invention includes an identification marker system including a marker base including a coupling member, wherein the coupling member is configured to couple to a toy piece, wherein the coupling member has a default closed position and the coupling member is substantially curved along its length in the closed position, wherein the coupling member has a cross section having a width dimension and a height dimension, wherein the height dimension is substantially larger than the width dimension, wherein the coupling member has an outer surface an inner surface, wherein the inner surface is opposite the outer surface.
US08881424B2 Drying installation
A drying installation (1) and method for drying of products (3). More in particular, the invention relates to a drying installation (1) and a method for drying sludge or mud, as e.g. the drying of wastewater and industrial sludge possibly contaminated with toxic or corrosive components. The dryer installation (1) comprises infrared emitters (5) which are protected and/or insulated from the evaporation products (7) exiting the drying product (3).
US08881422B2 Apparatus for drying laundry or other items using ultra-violet radiation
An apparatus for drying laundry with ultraviolet radiation is provided. One or more ultraviolet light sources emit ultraviolet radiation, which, in various embodiments, is transmitted through a UV-radiation permeable transparent drum containing the wet laundry and other wet articles to be dried. Also provided is a dryer having ultraviolet light sources centrally situated with respect to the drum, wherein the ultraviolet light sources emit ultraviolet radiation directed at laundry in the drum.
US08881402B2 Roller and method of making roller
A roller for producing optical films is disclosed. The roller includes a cylindrical main body and a micro-structured layer surrounding a circumferential surface of the main body. The microstructure layer includes a number of microstructures on its surface away from the main body. The microstructure layer is made from ethylene tetrafluoroethylene.
US08881400B2 Method for producing throttle holes having a low cavitation transmission point
A method for producing a throttle point, particularly in a channel of a valve piece of a fuel injector is disclosed. The following are performed: first, the outlet channel is created by machining. Then, the throttle point is stamped by a stamping die inserted into a guide hole. The pre-stamped throttle point is electrical-discharge machined in such a way that said throttle point has an electrical-discharge machined inlet area and comprises a stamped outlet area, which lies before a continuous cross-section expansion of the outlet channel as viewed in the flow direction.
US08881399B2 Method of manufacturing a nozzle plate for a liquid ejection head
A manufacturing method of nozzle plate for liquid ejection head includes, providing a substrate having a first base material of Si and a second base material, of which the etching rate in Si anisotropic dry etching is lower then that of Si, provided on one side of the first base material, forming a film as a second etching mask on the surface of the second base material, forming a second etching mask pattern having a small-diameter opening shape in the second etching mask film, etching until the etching part is extended through the second base material, forming a film as a first etching mask film on the surface of the first base material, forming a first etching mask pattern having a large-diameter opening shape in the first etching mask film, and Si anisotropic dry etching until the etched part is extended through the first base material.
US08881397B1 Method for testing variable cooling geometries in a turbine vane
A method for designing an air cooled turbine airfoil includes selecting a number of different internal cooling air circuits, forming a ceramic core for each of the different cooling air circuits, forming a metal airfoil over each of the ceramic cores, leaching away the ceramic cores, mounting the airfoils in a stage of a turbine, passing a hot gas stream through the turbine, passing cooling air through each of the airfoils, and measuring a pressure and temperature differential across each of the airfoils to determine which cooling air circuit has the best performance.
US08881391B2 Method for producing hollow engine valve
A method for producing a hollow engine valve is disclosed which involves gradually reducing the size of the outer diameter and inner diameter of a hollow shaft of a semi-finished product sequentially inserting the hollow shaft into a plurality of molding holes having different hole shapes so as to gradually extend the length of the hollow shaft, and forming the hollow shaft into a predetermined shape by sequentially performing a drawing process. The semi-finished product is subjected to heat treatment such that the hardness thereof is equal to or less than a predetermined hardness, and the maximum thickness between the hollow shaft and an umbrella portion connected to the bottom edge of the hollow shaft is formed to be thicker than the thickness of the hollow shaft by means of a molding hole of a die which is adjusted to have a specific length and maximum inner diameter.
US08881386B2 Power module production method, and power module produced thereby
There is provided a power module production method that is capable of stably producing a power module with highly reliable properties, and so forth. The power module production method produces a power module 1 by stacking a cooler 5, an insulating resin sheet 4, a heat sink block 3, and a semiconductor chip 2, wherein a first insulating resin sheet 41, which forms a lower layer of the insulating resin sheet 4, is first bonded to the cooler 5 by thermal compression. Next, with a second insulating resin sheet 42, which forms an upper layer of the insulating resin sheet 4, interposed between the first insulating resin sheet 41 and the heat sink block 3, the second insulating resin sheet 42 is bonded to the first insulating resin sheet 41 by thermal compression, and the heat sink block 3 is bonded to the second insulating resin sheet 42 by thermal compression. The semiconductor chip 2 is then soldered onto the heat sink block 3. Thus, bonding defects at the respective bonding interfaces are prevented, and dielectric breakdown of the insulating resin sheet 4 is prevented.
US08881381B2 Method of manufacturing printed circuit board
Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a printed circuit board, comprising: preparing a first carrier including a first pattern formed on one side thereof; preparing a second carrier including a first solder resist layer and a second pattern sequentially formed on one side thereof; pressing the first carrier and the second carrier such that the first pattern is embedded in one side of an insulation layer and the second pattern is embedded in the other side of the insulation layer and then removing the first carrier and the second carrier to fabricate two substrates; attaching the two substrates to each other using an adhesion layer such that the first solder resist layers face each other; and forming a via for connecting the first pattern with the second pattern in the insulation layer, forming a second solder resist on the insulation layer provided with the first pattern, and then removing the adhesion layer.
US08881378B2 Method to improve performance of a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor
A method is described to improve performance of a magneto-resistive (MR) sensor under conditions of high areal density. The free layer is partially etched away, the removed material being replaced by a magnetic flux guide structure that reduces the free layer's demagnetization field. This in turn reduces the stripe height of the sensor so that the resolution and the read-back signal are enhanced without increasing noise and instability.
US08881376B2 Method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording head laminated with AFM-FM phase change material
A method of manufacturing a PMR writer is disclosed that minimizes pole erasure during non-writing and maximize write field during writing by including an AFM-FM phase change material spacer that is in an AFM state during non-writing and switches to a FM state by heating during writing. The main pole layer including the write pole may be formed as a laminated structure by a sputter deposition process wherein a plurality of “n” ferromagnetic layers and “n−1” AFM-FM phase change material layers are laid down in an alternating manner. The AFM-FM phase change material is preferably a FeRh or FeRhX alloy (X=Pt, Pd, or Ir) having a Rh content >35 atomic %, and may also be used as a flux gate to prevent yoke flux from leaking into the write pole tip.
US08881370B2 Method of fabricating an inertial sensor
Inertial sensor having a body with first and second cavities on opposite sides thereof, a sensing element in the first cavity, electronic circuitry in the second cavity, electrical conductors interconnecting the sensing element and the circuitry, and leads connected electrically to the circuitry and extending from the body for mounting the sensor and making connections with the circuitry.
US08881366B2 Method of installing a quick change load wheel assembly
A load wheel assembly for a materials handling vehicle includes first and second spaced side members, at least one rotatable roller extending between the first and second side members. An interface structure provides a substantially rigid connection between the load wheel assembly and a mounting structure on the materials handling vehicle. The mounting structure includes a transverse bar and the interface structure includes a portion that engages and mates with the transverse bar to form a rigid connection between the interface structure and the transverse bar.
US08881360B2 Software and methods for automated pallet inspection and repair
An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.
US08881356B2 Method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis, and a sitting orthosis manufactured in such a manner
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sitting orthosis, which is provided with a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, from a representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis. The method comprises of manufacturing a shell part on the basis of the representation of the contact surface by machining processable material under the control of the representation of the contact surface of the sitting orthosis; and arranging a covering layer on the thus obtained shell part. The invention also relates to a sitting orthosis. The sitting orthosis comprises a contact surface where the user of the sitting orthosis makes contact with the sitting orthosis, wherein the sitting orthosis is assembled from a shell part of a material processable by machining and wherein at least the contact surface is provided with a covering layer.
US08881347B2 Vibration and pressure damping device for gripping handles and steering mechanisms
A damping device for a handgrip of an object includes a bladder disposed in said handgrip, an inflation device in fluid communication with the bladder, and a controller adapted to detect at least one of vibrations and impact pressure, and automatically adjust a cushion pressure of said bladder by causing the inflation device to inflate or deflate the bladder with a fluid as appropriate in order to attenuate the at least one of vibrations and impact pressure transmitted through said handgrip.
US08881318B2 Sanitary installation and mount for fixing a sanitary installation
Sanitary installation with basin body to be mounted in a suspended manner, wherein on the wall for fixing at least two bolt-type wall mounts are provided, wherein at least one mount is provided, which in relation to the assembled position has at least one transverse perforation (9) in the longitudinal direction of the wall mounts for receiving a wall mount and a threaded bore (8), wherein the threaded bore (8) is disposed substantially perpendicular to the transverse perforation (9) for receiving a locking screw (26) and is accessible from below in the assembled position, and wherein the mount is fixable in at least one bore (11, 14) provided in a wall of the sanitary installation.
US08887311B1 Scanning probe microscope
A scanning probe microscope that facilitates the optical axis adjustment operation at the time of initial cantilever installation and at the time of cantilever replacement. During the optical axis adjustment operation, markers are displayed on the video camera image at the cantilever and laser light center of luminance locations, and the markers, which follow the movement of the laser light location, are visually monitored and superposed. Furthermore, optical axis adjustment for a new cantilever is performed using marker location coordinate data stored after the initial optical axis adjustment. Moreover, by setting the target location coordinates, the direction of movement of laser light and the distance to the target location can be ascertained numerically.
US08887307B2 Method and system for using location information acquired from GPS for secure authentication
Secure functions may be accessed via an authentication process utilizing a password that may be generated within a chip integrated on a device. The password may be unique per chip location, per challenge and/or per chip. The location of the chip may be determined based on GPS information and securely stored and securely communicated to an external entity. Two or more of the chip location, a generated random number sample and a key from a table of keys may be passed to a hash function that may generate a password. An external entity attempting access may be challenged to respond with a password that matches the password generated by the hash function. The response may be compared with the password generated by the hash function and access to one or more secure functions may be granted based on the comparison.
US08887304B2 System and method for processing user rights
A system and method for processing entitlement rights are disclosed. The method, in one aspect, provides for storing content at a first time, receiving a request for playback of the content at a second time, and processing a user right associated with the content to authenticate the user right in response to the request for playback, wherein the user right is authenticated based upon a state of the user right at the first time.
US08887300B1 Automated message transmission prevention based on a physical reaction
Methods for preventing the transmission of sensitive information to locations outside of a secure network by a person who has legitimate access to the sensitive information are described. In some embodiments, in order for an end user of a computing device to establish a secure connection with a secure network and access data stored on the secure network, a client application running on the computing device may be required by the secure network. The client application may monitor visual cues (e.g., facial expressions and gestures) associated with the end user, detect suspicious activity performed by the end user based on the visual cues, and in response to detecting suspicious activity may perform mitigating actions to prevent the transmission of sensitive information such as alerting human resources personnel or requiring authorization prior to sending information to locations outside of the secure network.
US08887295B2 Method and system for enabling enterprises to use detachable memory devices that contain data and executable files in controlled and secure way
Secure operation of SEMDs on a client computer in a host system is obtained by controlling what applications (i.e., U3 applications) that can run on the host system and access data on the SEMD. Applications allowed to run on each host machine are identified and any access to the SEMD by an allowed application is permitted and other access are prohibited. Security and/or privacy for data that is stored on a SEMD is provided by only allowing approved USB memory card based applications to access the data stored on the SEMD. All other applications, either unapproved USB memory card based applications or non-SEMD resident cannot access the data on the SEMD. Other security is provided by preventing access to the SEMD except for computers or systems that are a part of a company's private network and maintaining the data on the SEMD in an encrypted state.
US08887293B2 Method, system, and storage medium for secure communication utilizing social networking sites
Embodiments disclosed herein provide secure communication among enterprise users utilizing social networking sites. A server computer may encrypt a post intended for a social networking site and forward the encrypted data or may save the post locally and send a placeholder to the social networking site. The server may receive a message from the social networking site containing the encrypted data or placeholder and determine that a recipient is authorized to view the original post. The server may then decrypt the data or retrieve the original post for servicing the request. In this way, authorized users of an enterprise can utilize social networking sites, which are independently owned and operated, to communicate with each other in a secure manner.
US08887291B1 Systems and methods for data loss prevention for text fields
A computer-implemented method for data loss prevention for text fields may include (1) identifying a form submission sent from a client system, the form submission including a textual field, (2) storing at least one characteristic of a value of the textual field within the form submission in connection with an identifier of a form used to generate the form submission, (3) determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the value of the textual field, that the textual field may include user-generated content, (4) intercepting a subsequent form submission derived from the form, (5) subjecting the textual field within the subsequent form submission to a data-loss-prevention analysis based at least in part on determining that the textual field may include user-generated content and (6) performing a data-loss-prevention action based on the data-loss-prevention analysis.
US08887286B2 Continuous anomaly detection based on behavior modeling and heterogeneous information analysis
The present disclosure describes a continuous anomaly detection method and system based on multi-dimensional behavior modeling and heterogeneous information analysis. A method includes collecting data, processing and categorizing a plurality of events, continuously clustering the plurality of events, continuously model building for behavior and information analysis, analyzing behavior and information based on a holistic model, detecting anomalies in the data, displaying an animated and interactive visualization of a behavioral model, and displaying an animated and interactive visualization of the detected anomalies.
US08887272B2 Medical device customization system
A medical device customization system and method comprising medical device that receives signals from a biological probe having an operational parameter and that stores data based on the signals in a memory. The medical device receives a custom application and establishes a virtual machine to run the custom application.
US08887271B2 Method and system for managing object level security using an object definition hierarchy
In one embodiment the present invention includes a computer-implemented method comprising receiving a request from a user to perform an action on a first object in a software application, accessing a predefined hierarchy of a plurality of different object definitions, accessing user authorization data, and granting the user permission to perform the action on said first object, wherein the permission is determined from the predefined hierarchy and the user authorization data, wherein determining the permission includes traversing the predefined hierarchy.
US08887270B2 Smart storage device
A smart storage device can have a smart-card portion with access control circuitry and integrated memory, a controller in selective communication with the smart-card portion, and a memory device in communication with the controller. The memory device can be separate from the smart-card portion and can store one or more smart-card applications.
US08887269B2 Method and device for authenticating a user with the aid of biometric data
Authentication system comprising an input device comprising a plurality of input elements configured for inputting respectively characters in response to an input of a sequence of at least one character carried out by a user, the input device comprising at least one determination means coupled to at least one input element in order to determine a force exerted on the said at least one input element, the system comprising a recording means for recording a series of at least one force exerted on the said at least one input element, a memory configured for storing a series of at least one reference force, and comparison means configured for comparing the series of at least one exerted force with the series of at least one reference force.
US08887268B2 Electronic device, password control method, and program
There is provided an electronic device capable of safely obtaining password information even when a password of an external storage device of any type is forgotten. An electronic device 100 includes an external memory card connection unit 108 connecting a memory card 200 capable of being locked by a card password, a password retention unit 101 retaining the password information including the card password, a device password retention unit 112 retaining a device password of the electronic device 100, an input unit 102 for inputting data, a device setting cancellation unit 111 determining whether or not the device password inputted by the input unit 102 and the device password retained in the device password retention unit 112 match with each other, and a control unit 109 outputting the password information or changing the card password of the external storage device set in the external storage device when the device passwords match with each other as a result of the determination.
US08887266B2 Method for computing network reachability
A method is provided for computing network reachability in a computer network. The method includes: identifying each of the subnetworks that comprise a computer network; determining, for each pair of subnetworks, data paths between the two subnetworks; for each identified data path, identifying access control lists implemented along a given data path and formulating a diagram that merges reachability sets derived from the access control lists along the given data path; and, deriving, for each pair of subnetworks, a set of network packets that can traverse between the subnetworks from the formulated diagrams.
US08887262B1 Configuring a computing device
A Quick Recognition (QR) code scanner is activated on a computing device. A user specific QR code is scanned using the QR code scanner. User specific data that is encoded in the QR code is extracted from the scanned QR code. The computing device is configured to access a local area network based on the user specific data extracted from the scanned QR code. The computing device is register, over the local area network, with a server using the user specific data extracted from the scanned QR code. User specific configuration information is received at the computing device from the server. The computing device is configured using the received configuration information.
US08887257B2 Electronic access client distribution apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for distributing access control clients. In one exemplary embodiment, a network infrastructure is disclosed that enables delivery of electronic subscriber identity modules (eSIMs) to secure elements (e.g., electronic Universal Integrated Circuit Cards (eUICCs), etc.) The network architecture includes one or more of: (i) eSIM appliances, (ii) secure eSIM storages, (iii) eSIM managers, (iv) eUICC appliances, (v) eUICC managers, (vi) service provider consoles, (vii) account managers, (viii) Mobile Network Operator (MNO) systems, (ix) eUICCs that are local to one or more devices, and (x) depots. Moreover, each depot may include: (xi) eSIM inventory managers, (xii) system directory services, (xiii) communications managers, and/or (xiv) pending eSIM storages. Functions of the disclosed infrastructure can be flexibly partitioned and/or adapted such that individual parties can host portions of the infrastructure. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention can provide redundancy, thus ensuring maximal uptime for the overall network (or the portion thereof).
US08887255B2 Mobile authentication by image inpainting
In some examples, a method of authenticating is described. The method may include sending first repair parameters representing one or more first repair operations applied to a first marked image to generate a first repaired image to a first entity. The method may also include receiving, from the first entity, a second repaired image. The method may also include authenticating the first entity when the second repaired image received from the first entity matches the first repaired image.
US08887249B1 Protecting against denial of service attacks using guard tables
Guard tables including absence information are used in a security system to protect a network service from a denial of service attack. A login key corresponding to a login request is hashed and the output of the hash is a bit position in a guard table. The bit value at the bit position in the guard table can be checked to determine if login information corresponding to the key is present. Further processing of the login request can be based on the indicated presence or absence of the information.
US08887248B2 JUBISM: judgement based information sharing with monitoring
A new system for information sharing is described which uses human judgement to accelerate the flow of information, while simultaneously applying brakes to restrict the velocity. This combination results in a system where information is shared judiciously while minimizing the likelihood of information leakage or information overload. A built in monitor allows for the detection over time of sharing characteristics. Information in this system is stored on a server, however, is optionally encrypted in a fashion that makes it impossible for the server to actually see the information. Further innovations are also described including the ability to overlay incentive mechanisms to facilitate appropriate information sharing, and the notion of introducing automated bots into the system to augment human filter based information sharing.
US08887241B2 Virtual roles
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to access control and provide a method, system and computer program product for access control management for a composite application. In a first embodiment, a method for role-based access control management for a composite application can be provided. The method can include selecting a component for deployment in a composite application and parsing a security policy for the component to identify a mapping between a specific role for the component and a virtual role for the composite application. Binding logic can be generated from the security policy and the component can be deployed into the composite application. Finally, security access operations for the virtual role can be processed through method calls to operations defined in the binding logic.
US08887232B2 Central biometric verification service
Based on information on a biometric print of a user of a mobile device and user associated identification, the user is biometrically authenticated over a network for access to an online service. When a request from the user for access to an online service is received, a server checks the identification to determine if the user or mobile device is registered for a biometric based verification service. If registered, a sample biometric print is obtained from the user and compared to a stored template biometric print of the authorized user associated with the mobile device to determine if there is a match. When there is a match, the user is biometrically authenticated and is granted access to the online service.
US08887231B2 Femtocell access provisioning based on social network, presence, and user preferences
A system and methodology that facilitates user friendly, automatic and/or dynamic femtocell access provisioning based on social network, presence, and/or user preference information is provided. In particular, the system can includes femto access manager that can identify a list of ‘close friends’, to which the femtocell owner is likely to grant femtocell access, based on an analysis of access data (e.g., data from social networks, communication logs, calendars, address books, websites and/or blogs, transaction related data, and the like). Further, an access priority associated with each of the close friends can be determined based in part on location data, availability data, and/or predefined policies. Furthermore, the femto access control list, within the femto access point (FAP), can be populated, dynamically and/or automatically, with the highest priority friends from the close friends list.
US08887230B2 Configuring and providing profiles that manage execution of mobile applications
Various aspects of the disclosure relate to configuring and providing policies that manage execution of mobile applications. In some embodiments, a user interface may be generated that allows an IT administrator or other operator to set, change and/or add to policy settings. The policy settings can be formatted into a policy file and be made available for download to a mobile device, such as via an application store or to be pushed to the mobile device as part of a data push service. The mobile device, based on the various settings included in the policy file, may perform various actions to enforce the security constraints that are represented by the policy. The various settings that can be included in a policy are numerous and some examples and variations thereof are described in connection with the example embodiments discussed herein.
US08887220B2 Network interface devices
Network interface devices and methods are provided. A particular network interface device includes a first network interface adapted to terminate one or more communication lines and a second network interface to terminate at least one coaxial line. The network interface device also includes at least one interface connector adapted to receive a removable plug-in module. The removable plug-in module includes a video unit that is operable to receive video data from a network device via at least one of the one or more communication lines and to process the video data for communication via the at least one coaxial line or a twisted wire pair when the plug-in module is connected to the at least one interface connector. The removable plug-in module also includes a power coupling device to receive power via at least one of the one or more communication lines.
US08887216B2 System and method of delivering video content
A method includes receiving data from a set-top box device at an access system via an access network, the data indicating a selection of a channel at the set-top box device, the data including a multicast group address. The method also includes sending copies of video data packets of the channel from the access system for storage in a first-in first-out cache associated with the channel. The method further includes automatically connecting the set-top box device to a multicast stream of the selected channel after a particular number of video data packets are sent to the set-top box device from the cache. The particular number of video data packets corresponds to a time period between communicating successive random access point packets of the channel and is less than a capacity of the cache.
US08887210B2 Transmission apparatus, information transmission method, reception apparatus, and information processing method
On a reception side, display processing and the like is easily performed in synchronization with content data. A cam coder transmits reproduction content data to a television set through a TMDS line of an HDMI cable. The cam coder transmits processing information used to perform the display processing in synchronization with the reproduction content data to the television set through a bidirectional communication path included in the cable before the reproduction content data is transmitted. Index information is added to the processing information for each unit of processing. Index information corresponding to the index information added to the processing information is added to the reproduction content data at a timing when the processing information of each unit of processing is processed. The television set superposes information on a shooting location, a date and time, and the like on an image in accordance with the processing information corresponding to the index information at a timing when the index information is added to the received content data.
US08887208B1 Portable real-time video signal capturing, transforming and relay system for transmitting high fedelity video imagery by WiFi to portable video imaging devices
Disclosed is a method and system for capturing analog video broadcast, converting the analog signal to a digital signal and rebroadcasting of said digital signal so that the video stream can be accessed by wireless hand-held video imaging devices. The methodology and system includes at least one video receiver connected to a signal converter and transmitter for signal demodulation, transfer and conversion of signal for rebroadcast of signal wirelessly via WiFi.
US08887201B2 Information processing apparatus, information processing method and program
An information processing apparatus includes: an acquiring means for acquiring focused content information that is information relating to a predetermined content and includes at least any one of descriptions of the predetermined content having information displayed on a display means, a word related to the descriptions, a genre, a title, and cast of the predetermined content; a retrieving means for using content information about the other content that includes at least any one of descriptions of the other content different from the predetermined content, a genre, a title, and cast of the other content and the acquired focused content information to retrieve a content having a high degree of relation to focused content information in the other contents; and a specification information generating means for generating specification information that specifies the resulted content of retrieval based on the result of retrieval done by the retrieving means.
US08887195B2 Systems and methods for dynamic bit/bandwidth allocation
Embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods enabling the send or “push” side of a cable transmission to dynamically obtain additional and/or temporary capacity. Bits and/or bandwidth of transmitted content is restricted by the service provider allowing gaps in the capacity to be filled with value-added content such as advertising, additional supplemental data feeds, or other media content.
US08887190B2 Multimedia system generating audio trigger markers synchronized with video source data and related methods
A multimedia system may include at least one audio comment input device configured to permit at least one commentator to generate audio comment data based upon viewing video data from a video source. Furthermore, a media processor may cooperate with the at least one audio comment input device and be configured to process video source data and audio comment data and generate therefrom audio trigger markers synchronized with the video source data for predetermined audio triggers in the audio comment data, and combine the video source data, the audio comment data, and the audio trigger markers into a media data stream.
US08887188B2 System and method for television advertisement audience measurement
A system and methods to calculate ratings of television advertisements based on viewing data and to assess the effectiveness of the advertisements. In some embodiments, consumer viewing data is consolidated across a plurality of disparate channels through which content and advertisements are presented to viewers. Some of the channels may provide information directly to the system about which advertisements were presented to viewers. In some embodiments, the system may instead determine whether an advertisement was likely viewed based on scheduling data associated with the presentation of content and advertisements. The system may provide additional algorithms for rating advertisements based on the consolidated information. That is, the system may allow performance of advertisements to be compared against other advertisements across a desired population of viewers. Embodiments may further provide information for a graphical user interface to assess the ratings and results.
US08887186B2 Analysis method and system for audience rating and advertisement effects based on viewing behavior recognition
Provided are an analysis method and system for audience rating and advertisement effects based on viewing behavior recognition including a method of recognizing a viewer on the basis of image recognition through a camera and efficiently collecting data and a method of transmitting collected data on the basis of viewer recognition to an audience rating and advertisement effect measurement server. The present invention includes a viewing behavior measurement device configured to receive a viewer image obtained by imaging one or more viewers who are viewing broadcast content, recognize the one or more viewers from the received viewer image to generate viewing behavior information, and deliver the generated viewing behavior information, and an advertisement effect measurement server configured to analyze an advertisement effect for each viewer on the basis of the received viewing behavior information and generate and deliver an advertisement effect measurement result.
US08887171B2 Mechanisms to avoid inefficient core hopping and provide hardware assisted low-power state selection
An apparatus and method is described herein for avoiding inefficient core hopping and providing hardware assisted power state selection. Future idle-activity of cores is predicted. If the residency of activity patterns for efficient core hop scenarios is predicted to be large enough, a core is determined to be efficient and allowed. However, if efficient activity patterns are not predicted to be resident for long enough—inefficient patterns are instead predicted to be resident for longer—then a core hop request is denied. As a result, designers may implement a policy for avoiding core hops that weighs the potential gain of the core hop, such as alleviation of a core hop condition, against a penalty for performing the core hop, such as a temporal penalty for the core hop. Separately, idle durations associated with hardware power states for cores may be predicted in hardware. Furthermore, accuracy of the idle duration prediction is determined. Upon receipt of a request for a core to enter a power state, a power management unit may select either the hardware predicted power state, if the accuracy is high enough, or utilize the requested power state, if the accuracy of the hardware prediction is not high enough.
US08887167B2 High performance locks
Systems and methods of enhancing computing performance may provide for detecting a request to acquire a lock associated with a shared resource in a multi-threaded execution environment. A determination may be made as to whether to grant the request based on a context-based lock condition. In one example, the context-based lock condition includes a lock redundancy component and an execution context component.
US08887157B2 System and method for managing virtual machine states by restoring previously saved states based on a virtual machine application's request active with the virtual machine
Techniques for managing virtual machine (VM) states are provided. Applications executing within a processing context of a VM communicate outside that processing context with a hypervisor or VM Monitor (VMM) to have the hypervisor perform host operations for the VM.
US08887149B2 Time shift configuration management for software product installation
Systems, methods and computer program products for providing software product configuration management through a time shift responsive to software product installation content, user inputs, and software product applicability rules are disclosed. A configuration engines may be loaded on a computing device, which access installation product content related to the software product via one or more data stores. The configuration engine detects the initial configuration state of the software product and accepts a user input identifying a desired final configuration state of the software product. The configuration engine applies at least one applicability rule to determine whether the installation product content needs to be acquired from the data store to achieve the desired final configuration state. The configuration engine modifies the software product from the initial configuration state to the desired final configuration state in a succinct and efficient manner without causing inoperability of the software product.
US08887147B2 Method for supporting new network element software versions in an element management system without upgrading
A method and apparatus for configuring an element management system server (an EMS server) to support new network element service application versions without upgrading the EMS server software is provided. The EMS stores base version data that describes the data model of a first version of a service application installed on a network element. When a second version of the service application is available, incremental version data describing changes to the data model from the first version to the second version is obtained and stored. In response to receiving a client request involving a service application on a particular network element, the EMS may apply incremental version data, associated with the version of the service application installed on the particular network element, to the base version data to form merged version data that describes the data model of the version of the service application installed on the particular network element.
US08887140B2 System and method for annotation-driven function inlining
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for obfuscating using inlined functions. A system configured to practice the method receives a program listing including annotated functions for obfuscation, identifies an annotated function called more than once in the program listing, and creates an inline control flow structure in the program listing for the identified annotated function, the control flow structure being computationally equivalent to inlining the identified annotated function into the program listing for each occurrence of the identified annotated function. The program listing can include tiers of annotated functions. The system can identify annotated functions called more than once based on an optionally generated callgraph. The system can create inline control flow structures in the program listing in order of annotation importance. The system can identify how many times each annotated function is called in the program listing.
US08887137B2 Debugging a graphics application executing on a target device
Debugging a graphics application executing on a target device. The graphics application may execute CPU instructions to generate graphics commands to graphics hardware for generation of graphics on a display. A breakpoint for the graphics application may be detected at a first time. In response to detecting the breakpoint, one or more graphics commands which were executed by the graphics hardware proximate to the first time may be displayed. Additionally, source code corresponding to CPU instructions which generated the one or more graphics commands may be displayed.
US08887127B2 Web browsing apparatus and method through storing and optimizing JAVASCRIPT® code
A web browsing method and apparatus for enhancing a user's convenience in web browsing is provided in a system that uses a multi-core processor. The web browsing method and apparatus is applicable in a system, such as a smart phone that has a low computing power or that has a storage device like a flash memory operating in a rapid manner. Optimized machine codes are stored in files and incremental optimization is achieved, so the JAVASCRIPT® program of the web application has a small compilation overhead and achieves fast execution.
US08887122B2 Find and track information of interface usage of software libraries by other software
A library controller that ranks shared libraries that are available from an operating system is described. In one embodiment, the library controller receives multiple different software, where each of the different software use one or more of the shared libraries. The library controller extracts library usage details for each of the multiple different software and provisioning details from each of the shared libraries. Furthermore, the library controller ranks the shared libraries based on the library usage and provisioning details.
US08887117B1 Register clustering for clock network topology generation
In some embodiments, in a method performed by at least one processor, a physical netlist of a placed integrated circuit (IC) chip design is received by the at least one processor. The physical netlist comprises a plurality of registers. Timing criticalities of register pairs in the registers are obtained by the at least one processor. Clusters of the registers are formed by the at least one processor. When forming cluster of the registers, candidate registers that are in physical vicinity of a first cluster are identified, and a first register is selected to be added to the first cluster by giving priority to a candidate register in a register pair across a boundary of the first cluster and with a higher timing criticality over a candidate register located closer to the first cluster. The registers in the same cluster have shorter non-common clock paths than the registers in different clusters.
US08887116B2 Flexible pattern-oriented 3D profile for advanced process nodes
The present disclosure relates to a method of RC extraction that provides for a fast development time and easy maintenance. In some embodiments, the method provides a graphical representation of an integrated chip layout having a plurality of integrated chip components. A plurality of pattern based graphical features are then determined. Respective pattern based graphical features define a structural aspect of an integrated chip component. One of the plurality of integrated chip components is defined as a pattern oriented function having inputs of one or more of the pattern based graphical features. The pattern oriented function determines a shape of the one of the plurality of integrated chip components based upon a relation between the plurality of inputs. By determining a shape of an integrated chip component using a pattern oriented function, the complexity of RC profiles can be reduced.
US08887109B1 Sequential logic sensitization from structural description
A method of sensitizing a sequential circuit is described. This sensitizing generates stimuli to drive any circuit output to a predetermined value or transition. The method includes creating a directed graph of the sequential circuit. Nodes of the graphs can be topologically sorted. In one embodiment, feedback loops in the directed graph can be removed before topologically sorting the nodes. Final vectors for the sequential circuit can be generated based on the sorted nodes. Notably, the final vectors are expressed only by primary inputs to the sequential circuit. Using only primary inputs in the final vectors accurately replicates the sequential circuit under test, thereby ensuring accurate timing, power, and noise arcs are measured.
US08887107B2 Inspection method and apparatus and lithographic processing cell
A method of calculating process corrections for a lithographic tool, and associated apparatuses. The method comprises measuring process defect data on a substrate that has been previously exposed using the lithographic tool; fitting a process signature model to the measured process defect data, so as to obtain a model of the process signature for the lithographic tool; and using the process signature model to calculate the process corrections for the lithographic tool.
US08887101B2 Method for moving a cursor and display apparatus using the same
The invention provides a method for moving a cursor applied in a display apparatus, wherein the movement of the cursor and the selection of the target are achieved by pressing the Arabic numeral buttons on a remote controller by the user, so that a simple and direct operation is provided. The method according to the invention includes: in response to the first control command, displaying a plurality of first sub-regions on the display apparatus; in response to a second control command, selecting one of the first sub-regions; and moving the cursor to the selected first sub-region.
US08887085B1 Dynamic content navigation
Content displayed in a graphical user interface (GUI) such as a Web browser can be dynamically managed based on factors such as a current view or focus position, allowing a user to view information in a list of objects without having to load all the objects at one time, which could slow down operation of the GUI. Where a number of objects to be displayed is known, a page size can be set so that navigational elements of the GUI function as if all the objects are loaded, even though only a portion might be loaded at any given time. A background image can provide information where an object has not yet been loaded, providing a type of temporary content for the entire page without slowing down operation of the GUI.
US08887084B2 Letter input method
The letter input method of the present invention comprises: a first step of enabling a letter input window including an end button to be displayed on a touch screen at a location separate from a word input window, when a user applies contact pressure to the word input window of the web browser or web site displayed on the touch screen; a second step of inputting relevant letters to the word input window, when the user inputs characters to the character input window; and a third step of generating a driving signal such that the search engine associated with the word input window can be driven by using the letters input to the word input window as search data, when the user selects the end button. The letter input method of the present invention enables users to input letters on the touch screen simply by touch instead of a separate keyboard or a mouse, enables the driving of a search engine of the web browser or a web site to be performed on the letter input screen, and enables the simple selection of a search engine to be used.
US08887083B2 Generating equations based on user intent
Some embodiments provide a system that facilitates the creation of an equation. During operation, the system obtains a user selection of a function to be used in the equation. Next, the system determines a state of a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with a software program. More specifically, the system may determine a cursor position or a text selection in the equation. Finally, the system facilitates the creation of the equation by inserting the function into the equation based at least on the determined state.
US08887073B2 Reshaping interfaces using content-preserving warps
Technologies are generally described herein for reshaping a graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include one or more content elements. An interface design tool may enable users to define one or more borders with respect to the graphical user interface. The interface design tool may also perform a content-preserving warp on the graphical user interface. When the interface design tool performs the content-preserving warp, the interface design tool may preserve a shape and dimensions of any content elements defined by the borders.
US08887071B2 Collaborative information sharing system
Enables a collaborative information sharing system configured to enable distally located users to quickly, conveniently and simultaneously share information such as images of websites, applications or any other information with each other in real-time, for example to enable multiple distally located users to shop, teach, learn or otherwise view shared information and communicate in a secure and coordinated fashion that is not possible with existing co-browsing or screen sharing technologies.
US08887065B2 Systems and methodologies comprising a plurality of computing appliances having input apparatus and display apparatus and logically structured as a main team
A system and methodology for collaboration, comprising a plurality of computing appliances, and control logic for logically structuring the plurality of computing appliances as a main team. At least two of the computing appliances have input apparatus and display apparatus. The main team is comprised of a plurality of sub-teams, wherein each of the sub-teams is comprised of at least one of the plurality of computing appliances. Communications logic provides at least two levels of data communication and display presentation, a first level as between all of the plurality of computing appliances on the team, and a second set of a plurality of second levels as between those said computing appliances on each same said sub-team. Each of the computing appliances is associated with a respective one of said second set of levels. Display presentation apparatus provides a first display presentation to each of the computing appliances on the same said team, comprising a display presentation responsive to the respective first level, and provides a second display presentation to each of the computing appliances on a same sub-team, for a respective one of the second set of levels that is associated with the respective computing appliances. Communications apparatus provides audio communications among all the computing appliances that are associated with the same respective said level. In an alternate embodiment, a separate communications channel is associated with each said level and provides a separate level of audio communications among the respective computing appliances associated with a respective one of said levels.
US08887064B1 Managing calendar information among users
A method, system, and medium are disclosed for managing calendar information associated with multiple users over a network. The calendar information may relate to scheduling, events or tasks, and is shared among users or devices. Flags may be stored in order to share and provide functionality to calendar information, such as generating calendar entries, permitting searches and coordinating calendar entries.
US08887062B2 Web command prompt
A method of streamlined web site navigation includes providing a command line interface supplemental to a graphic user interface. The command line interface accepts entry of verbs and parameters from a web site-specific vocabulary. The web site-specific vocabulary allows a user to access functions of a graphic user interface page of the web site by entering at least one verb and without navigating page links to reach the graphic user interface page. The method receives data entered at the command line interface, including the at least one verb. The method continues with identifying a particular web page responsive to the verb, and sending the particular web page towards a client system. The method may further include receiving with the data entered at the command line interface at least one parameter that modifies the verb, and identifying the particular web page responsive to the verb combined with the parameter.
US08887060B2 System and method of web-based keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) redirection and application of the same
Certain aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method of performing web-based keyboard, video and mouse (KVM) redirection implemented by a baseboard management controller (BMC). The method includes: (a) receiving, at a BMC, first and second video frames redirected from a host computer, the BMC performing a management function of the host computer, (b) generating a webpage at a web server of the BMC and sending the webpage to a browser program running on a computing device in a network, the webpage being programmed to instruct the browser program to initiate a drawable area and to establish a Web Socket connection with the web server, (c) generating a processed image representing the second video frame, (d) establishing a Web Socket connection between the web server and the browser program, and (e) sending the processed image to the browser program through the Web Socket connection.
US08887051B2 Positioning a virtual sound capturing device in a three dimensional interface
A method, system, and computer-readable product for positioning a virtual sound capturing device in a graphical user interface (GUI) are disclosed. The method includes displaying a virtual sound capturing device in relation to a virtual sound producing device in a three dimensional interface and in a two dimensional graphical map. Additionally, the method includes adjusting the display of the virtual sound capturing device in relation to the virtual sound producing device in both the three dimensional interface and the two dimensional graphical map in response to commands received from an input device.
US08887049B2 Device, method and timeline user interface for controlling home devices
A device, method and timeline user interface for controlling home devices are provided. The method for controlling home devices includes displaying a virtual track on a display unit of a control device, displaying an indicator indicating operation information of a home device connected to the control device through the network along the virtual track, moving the indicator along the virtual track based on a user input; and controlling an operation time of the home device based on the location of the indicator along the virtual track.
US08887042B2 Electronic multimedia publishing systems and methods
An electronic multimedia publishing system includes an authoring system, a service provider system, and a remote computing device. The authoring system creates an enhanced electronic book comprising text, multimedia content, and interactive services. The service provider system allows execution of the interactive services, adapts the enhanced electronic book based on usage of the enhanced electronic book by a user, and interfaces the enhanced electronic book to a plurality of additional services. The remote computing device renders the enhanced electronic book to the user and manages interactions between the user, the enhanced electronic book, and the service provider system using the interactive services.
US08887039B2 Web page based program versioning
An identification of one of multiple types of Web browsers that a Web page supports, as well as an identification of one of multiple versions of that one type of Web browser that the Web page supports, is obtained. The Web page is displayed using the identified version of the identified Web browser type. A request for an identification of the identified version of the identified Web browser type can also be received from a program, such as a Web page script. In response to the request, an identification of the identified version of the identified Web browser type is being used to display the Web page is returned, and instructions of the program are executed based at least in part on the identified version of the identified Web browser type.
US08887027B2 Solid-state mass storage device and method for failure anticipation
A solid-state mass storage device and method of operating the storage device to anticipate the failure of at least one memory device thereof before a write endurance limitation is reached. The method includes assigning at least a first memory block of the memory device as a wear indicator that is excluded from use as data storage, using pages of at least a set of memory blocks of the memory device for data storage, writing data to and erasing data from each memory block of the set in program/erase (P/E) cycles, performing wear leveling on the set of memory blocks, subjecting the wear indicator to more P/E cycles than the set of memory blocks, performing integrity checks of the wear indicator and monitoring its bit error rate, and taking corrective action if the bit error rate increases.
US08887024B2 Apparatus and method for improved modulation and coding schemes for broadband satellite communications systems
Modulation and coding schemes are provided for improved performance of wireless communications systems to support services and applications for terminals with operational requirements at relatively low Es/N0 ratios and terminals at relatively high Es/N0 ratios. The new modulation and coding schemes provide new BCH codes, low density parity check (LDPC) codes and interleaving methods. The modulation and coding schemes also provide new modulation signal constellations.
US08887021B2 Continuously interleaved error correction
Continuously interleaved codewords are used in a communication system to provide error correction capability. In general, each codeword shares symbols with both preceding and subsequent codewords, when the codewords are arranged in an order, such that correction of symbols in any one codeword also corrects symbols in another codeword and correction of symbols in any codeword may allow, considering possible corrections of intermediate codewords, for further correction of any codeword in the order of codewords. In one embodiment received information may be arranged in subframes, with each subframe including terminal symbols of a plurality of codewords, each of the plurality of codewords including symbols in multiple subframes.
US08887011B2 Erased page confirmation in multilevel memory
In a multi-level cell memory array, a flag that indicates that a logical page is unwritten is subject to a two-step verification. In a first verification step, the logical page is read, and ECC decoding is applied. If the first verification step indicates that the logical page is unwritten, then a second verification step counts the number of cells that are not in an unwritten condition.
US08887008B2 Maintenance planning and failure prediction from data observed within a time window
A system for predicting a failure of equipment from prior maintenance data of the equipment collected during a time duration estimate a number of preceding failures of the equipment prior to the time duration. The system constructs a model, based on the prior maintenance data, of an impact of an external intervention on a failure of the equipment. The system constructs a model, based on the constructed model of the impact of the external intervention and the estimated number of preceding failures, of a replacement policy of the equipment and a probability of a subsequent failure of the equipment in a subsequent time period.
US08887002B2 Transactional execution branch indications
Transactional execution branch indications are placed into one or more transaction diagnostic blocks when a transaction is aborted. Each branch indication specifies whether a branch was taken, as a result of executing a branch instruction within the transaction. As the transaction executes and a branch instruction is encountered, a branch indication is set in a vector indicating whether the branch was taken. Then, if the transaction aborts, the indicators are stored in one or more transaction diagnostic blocks providing a branch history usable in diagnosing the failure.
US08887000B2 Safety device
A safety device of the invention includes at least one of an input unit having one or more input terminals and an output unit having one or more output terminals, a testing unit having one or more test terminals, a rewritable nonvolatile memory configured to store setting information of a terminal specification which can be set from outside via the tool, and wherein the terminal specification of the one or more test terminals included in the testing unit is determined in accordance with the setting information of the terminal specification.
US08886998B2 Server and power supply test method
A control server is electronically connected with a number of test servers via a number network interfaces. The control server records a network interface number and an IP address of a baseboard management controller (BMC) of each test server, sets an IP address of a network card of the control server, and generates a test command. The test command comprises information in relation to a number of times for powering on a test server, a number of times for powering off the test server, and a time interval between a power-on operation and a power-off operation. The test command is sent to each test server by the control server according to the network interface number and the IP address of the test server. After receiving the test command, the BMC of the test server performs power-on/power-off operations of the test server according to the test command.
US08886994B2 Radiation hard and fault tolerant multicore processor and method for ionizing radiation environment
A redundancy system in a fault tolerant computer comprises a multiple core processor which may support a real time operating system. The multiple core machine may be actual or virtual. Multiple identical instructions, e.g., three instructions, are executed redundantly so that the redundancy system can detect and recover from a single event upset (SEU). The instructions are also displaced in time. In one form, two non-consecutive instructions are run on one core which is virtualized into two cores. Alternatively, a second actual core may provide symmetric processing. The system prevents single event functional interrupts (SEFIs) from hanging up the processor. Each core may run a separate operating system. When a first core hangs up a first operating system, the second operating system takes over operation and the processor recovers. Embedded routines may store selected data variables in memory for later recovery and perform an SEFI “self-test” routine.
US08886993B2 Storage device replacement method, and storage sub-system adopting storage device replacement method
Based on information security rules, it is not possible to take out a failure HDD to the exterior of a facility for replacement without erasing data therefrom. According to the present storage sub-system, a slot in which failure has occurred and a slot not registered to a configuration information of a storage sub-system are used to simultaneously perform correction copy to a spare HDD and data erase of the failure HDD in parallel, so as to enable the failure HDD to be brought out to the exterior of the storage facility. Further, time required from when failure has occurred to the HDD to data recovery is shortened, so as to prevent deteriorated redundancy that may be caused by another failure occurring during data recovery and to reduce the risk of data loss.
US08886992B2 Requesting cloud data storage
A method begins by a processing module determining that a data storage request is a cloud data storage request. The method continues with the processing module determining at least one of a cloud storage access reliability indication and a cloud storage data reliability indication for the data storage request. The method continues with the processing module sending the data storage request and the at least one of cloud storage access reliability indication and cloud storage data reliability indication to a cloud storage system.
US08886990B2 Block management schemes in hybrid SLC/MLC memory
A method for data storage includes storing data in a memory including multiple analog memory cells arranged in blocks. A first subset of the blocks is defined for storing first data with a first storage density, and a second subset of the blocks is defined for storing second data with a second storage density, larger than the first storage density. In each of the first and second subsets, one or more blocks are allocated to serve as spare blocks and blocks that become faulty are replaced with the spare blocks. Upon detecting that a number of the spare blocks in the second subset has decreased below a predefined threshold, the data is copied from at least one block in the second subset to the first subset, and the at least one block is added to the spare blocks of the second subset.
US08886982B2 Power savings using dynamic storage cluster membership
A system for controlling power usage in a storage cluster by dynamically controlling membership in the storage cluster is disclosed. The storage cluster includes multiple storage servers that provide access to one or more storage subsystems. The power management system uses a power management policy to set parameters for controlling membership in the storage cluster and monitors the storage cluster based on the policy. Based on the monitoring, the system detects when the number of storage servers in the storage cluster should be reduced or increased. To reduce the number, the system selects a storage server to deactivate and directs the selected storage server to migrate storage resources (e.g., data, metadata) associated with the server to a different storage server. The system then deactivates the selected storage server by directing it to transition to a low power mode. The system may increase the number of servers in the storage cluster by reversing these steps.
US08886979B2 Methods and apparatuses for reducing step loads of processors
Methods and apparatuses for reducing step loads of processors are disclosed. Method embodiments comprise examining a number of instructions to be processed by a processor to determine the types of instructions that it has, calculating power consumption by in an execution period based on the types of instructions, and limiting the execution to a subset of instructions of the number to control the quantity of power for the execution period. Some embodiments may also create artificial activity to provide a minimum power floor for the processor. Apparatus embodiments comprise instruction type determination logic to determine types of instructions in an incoming instruction stream, a power calculator to calculate power consumption associated with processing a number of instructions in an execution period, and instruction throttling logic to control the power consumption by limiting the number of instructions to be processed in the execution period.
US08886976B2 Management of background tasks
Background tasks are managed through background task settings that allow or prevent the execution of agents associated with mobile device applications in the background of a mobile computing device. Background task management can extend the battery life of a mobile device and can be done by a user, the mobile device or a combination thereof. Agents scheduled for execution by a mobile device are executed according to the background task settings associated with the application. Background task settings can be controlled via background task control panels. Background task settings can be set on a system-wide, application or background task basis. Disabled background tasks can be enabled when the application is next launched. A user can be invited to navigate to the background task control panels when various events occur such as the battery life dropping below a threshold or the current power consumption exceeding a threshold.
US08886968B2 Method and device for controlling a dual-processor switch, and terminal associated with the method and device
A method, a device and a terminal for controlling dual-processor switch are disclosed in the present invention. The terminal may include an X86 processor system, an embedded processor system and a switch module connecting the X86 processor system with the embedded processor system. The switch module may be coupled to the peripheral device of the terminal. The method includes that the switch module is controlling the peripheral device by receiving a control signal from the X86 processor system, the switch module receiving a triggering signal for switching to the embedded processor system. The switch module wakes up the embedded processor system, switching to receive a control signal sent from the embedded processor system, and controlling the peripheral device by using the control signal from the embedded processor system. The method may enable the embedded processor system to control the peripheral device of the terminal individually through the switch module. Therefore, the embedded processor system may accomplish specific applications of the terminal without starting up the X86 processor system.
US08886967B2 Adaptive voltage positioning logic for voltage regulators
A voltage regulator may include a voltage converter to generate an output voltage based on an input voltage and a control signal. The voltage regulator may also include a control loop to adjust the control signal based on a magnitude of an error between a digital representation of the output voltage and an adaptive digital reference voltage. Additionally, the voltage regulator can have adaptive voltage positioning logic to modify the adaptive digital reference voltage based on the magnitude of the error.
US08886966B2 Information processing apparatus and operation control method
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus which includes a function of executing a predetermined task upon resuming from a power saving state at a predetermined timing, and changing to the power saving state after the task is completed, comprises an determination unit configured to determine whether the information processing apparatus satisfies a predetermined condition every predetermined timing of executing the predetermined task in the power saving state of the information processing apparatus, and a control unit configured to control to execute the predetermined task upon resuming the information processing apparatus from the power saving condition when the determination unit determines that the information processing apparatus satisfies the predetermined condition, and maintain the information processing apparatus in the power saving mode when the determination unit determines that the information processing apparatus does not satisfy the predetermined condition.
US08886962B2 Systems and methods for disk encryption with two keys
Embodiments provide for using two encryption keys to encrypt data instead of only one as is customarily used in the industry. According to various embodiments, a default encryption key is generated and is initially used to encrypt data, while a second encryption key is available for generation by an end user. Embodiments provide that data is encrypted with the default key until the user generates their own key, after this event, all data is encrypted with key generated by the user.
US08886960B2 Microprocessor that facilitates task switching between encrypted and unencrypted programs
A microprocessor includes an architected register having a bit. The microprocessor sets the bit. The microprocessor also includes a fetch unit that fetches encrypted instructions from an instruction cache and decrypts them prior to executing them, in response to the microprocessor setting the bit. The microprocessor saves the value of the bit to a stack in memory and then clears the bit, in response to receiving an interrupt. The fetch unit fetches unencrypted instructions from the instruction cache and executes them without decrypting them, after the microprocessor clears the bit. The microprocessor restores the saved value from the stack in memory to the bit in the architected register, in response to executing a return from interrupt instruction. The fetch unit resumes fetching and decrypting the encrypted instructions, in response to determining that the restored value of the bit is set.
US08886946B1 Authentication method and system
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for the production and labeling of objects in a manner suitable for the prevention and detection of counterfeiting. Thus, the system incorporates a variety of features that make unauthorized reproduction difficult. In addition, the present invention provides a system and method for providing a dynamically reconfigurable watermark, and the use of the watermark to encode a stochastically variable property of the carrier medium for self-authentication purposes.
US08886945B2 System and method for conveying session information for use in forensic watermarking
Methods for providing content session information using a content manager, streaming server, and one or more watermarking devices are disclosed. A content asset is also disclosed. The content asset may include content. In addition, the content asset may include a content data field having forensic watermark information, e.g. session or identifying information. In one aspect, the content asset is compressed and the compressed content asset has one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations. In this aspect, the forensic watermark information may be extracted, e.g. by a watermarking device, from the content data field and included in the one or more pre-processed candidate watermark locations.
US08886942B2 Augmented reality based privacy and decryption
A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for decrypting a document are disclosed. For example, the method captures a tag on an encrypted document, transmits the tag to an application server of a communication network to request a per-document decryption key, receives the per-document decryption key if the tag is authenticated, and decrypts a portion of the encrypted document using a temporary decryption key contained in the tag, the tag decrypted with the per-document decryption key.
US08886939B2 Secure authenticated distance measurement
The invention relates to a method for a first communication device to performing authenticated distance measurement between said first communication device and a second communication device, wherein the first and the second communication device share a common secret and said common secret is used for performing the distance measurement between said first and said second communication device. The invention also relates to a method of determining whether data stored on a first communication device are to be accessed by a second communication device. Moreover, the invention relates to a communication device for performing authenticated distance measurement to a second communication device. The invention also relates to an apparatus for playing back multimedia content comprising a communication device.
US08886938B1 System and method for cross-site reference forgery attack prevention using double validated tokens with time sensitivity
A method and system for validating a form, that includes providing, to a client, the form comprising a primary token, receiving, in response to the client loading the page form, a request for a secondary token, providing the secondary token in response to receiving the request, and receiving the form comprising the primary token and a secondary token from a client. The method further includes validating the form, where validating the form includes obtaining a first primary token hash from the secondary token, applying a first hash function to the primary token to obtain a second primary token hash, and determining that the first primary token hash and the second primary token hash match. The method further includes accepting the form upon validating the form.
US08886926B2 Single-pass data compression and encryption
Embodiments compress and encrypt data in a single pass to reduce inefficiencies that occur from compression and encrypting data separately. Typically, compression and encryption are implemented in separate functional units. This has a few disadvantages: 1) encryption cannot make use of compression state to further secure the message, 2) processed data is read and written twice, 3) additional space, time, and resources are consumed, and 4) it is more prone to potential cipher-attacks since the encryption stage is independent from compression. Embodiments overcome these disadvantages by structuring these operations so that both compression and encryption is executed within the same processing loop. Thus: 1) encryption is stronger due to the dependence on the compression state, 2) I/O buffers are accessed only once reducing overhead, 3) system footprint is reduced, and 4) cipher analysis is more complex since the decryption process cannot be separated from the decompression process.
US08886906B2 System for data migration using a migration policy involving access frequency and virtual logical volumes
In recent years, data life cycle management, in which data is relocated from, for example, a new storage sub-system to an older storage sub-system in accordance with how new the data is or the frequency of use of the data, has become important. One technology for achieving data life cycle management is technology for migrating the contents of a storage area (“volume”) of a storage sub-system to another volume without affecting the host computer that uses the volume. In the present invention, when an associated source volume (for example, the source volume in a copy pair association) of a pair of associated volumes is migrated, migration of an associated destination volume (for example, the target volume in the copy pair association) is also controlled. In this way, it is possible to control the migration of a pair (or a group) of associated volumes in accordance with the user's requirements.
US08886902B1 Disk backup set access
Controlling backup data access is disclosed. A request is received to access backup data in a requested mode, wherein backup data is accessed based at least in part on a restore point. It is determined if the requested mode is allowed given a currently executing mode. In the event that the mode is allowed, access to backup data is allowed.
US08886897B2 Memory system having a plurality of types of memory chips and a memory controller for controlling the memory chips
A memory controller converts controller output signals output from a controller into memory input signals according to the operation specifications of memory chips to operate, and outputs the resultant to the memory chips through a common bus. The memory controller also receives memory output signals output from the memory chips through the common bus, and converts the received signals into controller input signals receivable to the controller. This allows the single memory controller to access the plurality of types of memory chips. As a result, the memory controller can be reduced in chip size, lowering the cost of the memory system.
US08886895B2 System and method for fetching information in response to hazard indication information
A method for fetching information in response to hazard indication information, the method includes: (i) associating hazard indication information to at least one information unit that is being fetched to the cache module; (ii) receiving a request to perform a fetch operation; and (iii) determining whether to fetch at least one information unit to the cache module in response to the hazard indication information and in response to dirty information associated with the at least one information unit.
US08886872B1 Memory command dispatch in a data storage device
Methods and apparatus for dispatching memory operations are disclosed. An example memory controller for controlling operation of a data storage device includes a command dispatcher that dispatches memory operation commands for execution by a plurality of memory devices. The command dispatcher includes a command buffer that separately and respectively queues the memory operation commands by maintaining a respective linked list of memory operation commands for each memory device. The command dispatcher also includes a selection circuit with a plurality of leaf nodes. Each leaf node corresponds with one of the linked lists and indicates whether its corresponding linked list includes memory operation commands awaiting dispatch. The selection circuit also includes an OR-reduction tree that reduces the plurality of leaf node indications to a root node indication. The selection circuit iterates over the nodes of the OR-reduction tree to select memory operation commands for dispatch by the command dispatcher.
US08886868B2 Memory system and control method thereof
A memory system includes a nonvolatile memory including a plurality of blocks as data erase units, a measuring unit which measures an erase time at which data of each block is erased, and a block controller which writes data supplied from at least an exterior into a first block which is set in a free state and whose erase time is oldest.
US08886860B2 Communication of commands in a home automation network and between home automation networks
Method of communication in a home automation network allowing communication between parties consisting of command transmitters and/or communication receivers associated with equipment in a building by means of frames.
US08886859B2 USB storage device
A USB storage device includes a PCIE connector, USB flash drives, USB buses, a USB controller, and a voltage conversion unit. The PCIE connector connects to a motherboard of an electronic device and includes a power pin and at least on data pin. The USB controller includes a USB power pin, at least one USB data pin, and a number of bus ports. The USB data pin is connected to the data pin, each bus port of the USB controller is connected to one USB flash drive via a USB bus. The voltage conversion unit is connected between the power pin of the PCIE connector and the USB power pin of the USB controller, and converts a first voltage of the power pin of the PCIE connector to a second voltage to power the USB controller.
US08886858B2 Method of providing trim data for a fuel injection device
A method of providing electronic trim data for a fuel injection device to an engine system, the method comprising: reading an identifier associated with the fuel injection device; accessing a database containing trim data associated with the identifier; downloading the trim data for the fuel injection device; uploading the downloaded trim data to the engine system for use in controlling fuel injection device operation.
US08886856B1 Methods and apparatus for communicating low-latency word category over multi-lane link
One embodiment relates to an integrated circuit configured to communicate a low-latency word category over a multi-lane link. A transmitter controller is configured to transmit words belonging to the low-latency word category only over a designated lane of the multi-lane link and to transmit words belonging to non-low-latency word categories over any available lane of the multi-lane link. A receiver controller may be configured to determine a word category of a word received over the designated lane and, if the word category is determined to be the low-latency word category, then read the word from the designated lane before lane-to-lane deskew is completed. Other embodiments, aspects, and features of the invention are also disclosed.
US08886850B2 Information processing apparatus and computer-readable recording medium for displaying indication of insertion or withdrawal of an electronic device
Disclosed is an information processing apparatus including: a display unit; a connection I/F unit to receive a connection to a withdrawable electronic device; and a control unit to detect an insertion operation or a withdrawal operation; wherein when the control unit detects the insertion operation, the control unit instructs the display unit to display contents corresponding to the electronic device connected to the connection I/F unit by the insertion operation so as to move the contents in a direction which is same as a direction of the detected insertion operation, and when the control unit detects the withdrawal operation, the control unit instructs the display unit to display the contents corresponding to the electronic device withdrawn from the connection I/F unit by the withdrawal operation so as to move the contents in a direction which is same as a direction of the detected withdrawal operation.
US08886848B2 Method and device for assigning addresses in a system having a plurality of generator units positioned in parallel
A method for assigning addresses in a system having a first generator unit and at least one further generator unit positioned in parallel to the first generator unit. Each of the generator units has a control-signal input and a control-signal output. The control-signal input of each further generator unit is connected in each instance to the control-signal output of another of the generator units. Each of the further generator units receives an identification signal output at the control-signal output of a generator unit upstream of it, and assigns itself an individual address as a function of the respective identification signal received, the address depending on the length of the identification signal received.
US08886847B2 Remote control method, system and associated apparatus for smart tv
A remote control method for a smart TV is provided. The method includes: the smart TV receiving function request information from a portable device in a network based on Universal Plug and Play (UPnP); the smart TV transmitting function information to the portable device in response to the function request information; the smart TV receiving hardware information including control information replied from the portable device according to the function request information; and the smart TV performing an operation control according to the hardware information. Thus, user experiences and interests are enhanced by controlling the smart TV through somatosensory system control or touch control.
US08886841B2 Distributed computing system architecture
A computing system architecture is based upon a peer-to-peer, asynchronous model. The architecture specifies a set of infrastructure facilities that comprise an inter-prise operating system. The inter-prise operating system provides all the facilities that make application coding as easy in the peer-to-peer asynchronous model as it is in a hierarchical, synchronous model. Services, which reside in containers, are linked asynchronously by an inter-prise bus and use data from a virtual data store.
US08886838B2 Method and system for transferring packets to a guest operating system
In general, the invention relates to a method for transferring a packet. The method includes receiving the packet by a physical network interface, determining a virtual network interface card (VNIC) using a virtual switching table, where the VNIC is located on a computer operatively connected to the network express manager (NEM) via a chassis interconnect, and the VNIC is executing on a host operating system (OS) in the computer. The method further includes transferring the packet to a receive ring (RR) associated with the VNIC, wherein the RR is located on the NEM, providing the network express manager with a receive descriptor, transferring the packet to the guest OS memory using the receive descriptor, and notifying the guest OS that the packet is in the guest OS memory.
US08886835B2 Transcoding method and apparatus of media server and transcoding request method and apparatus of control point
A method and apparatus are provided for transcoding data to a format desired by a control point with the aid of a Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) media server. In the method and apparatus, the control point discovers the media server, detects one or more formats to which data can be transcoded by the media server, and selects one of the detected formats. The media server then transcodes the data to the format selected by the control point.
US08886831B2 System and methodology for fast link failover based on remote upstream failures
A method and apparatus that promote expedited fast link failover decisions by and end station with redundant multilayer switching paths to a network are disclosed. In response to detecting a change in connectivity with an upstream link to a network, an upstream switch may send a notification to an intermediate switch with a downstream link to the end station. In response to the notification, the intermediate switch may disable (“bring down”) the downstream link to the end station. Bringing the downstream link down in this manner may cause the end station to switch (“failover”) to a different downstream link, for example, allowing the end station to establish connectivity to the network via a redundant path.
US08886824B2 Media adaptation determination for wireless terminals
A method (and corresponding equipment) by which a multimedia message is sent from a sending terminal (21) via a messaging server (22)—such as a MMS Proxy-Relay in MMS or a SIP proxy server in SIP IM—to a receiving terminal (25) having limited multimedia capabilities, with the sending terminal (21) adapted to include a user agent (21a) for inserting, into the message, media characteristics of the message sufficient in detail to enable the messaging server (22) to determine whether the message should be transcoded based on actual or assumed multimedia capabilities of the receiving terminal (25), and with the messaging server (22) configured to read the media characteristics and decide whether the message should be transcoded based only on the inserted media characteristics and on actual or assumed multimedia capabilities of the receiving terminal (25). The media characteristics are advantageously inserted into the header of the message.
US08886823B2 Method of communicating between several terminals
The invention relates to a method of communicating between at least two devices, comprising in particular the following steps: a step of hooking up a first device and at least one second device, and a step of transferring a first multimedia stream from the first device to the second device, characterized in that it also comprises the following steps: a step of determining, in the course of which it is noted that the first device or a first communication network to which the first device is connected or a second network to which the second device is connected is adapted for the production or transfer of a multimedia stream comprising N channels, and that the second device comprises means for processing a multimedia stream comprising P channels, and a step of trunking a second multimedia stream to the second device, carried out in parallel with the step of transferring the first multimedia stream. The invention also relates to an associated communication system. Application to telephony or videophony over IP.
US08886816B2 Auto-detection and selection of an optimal I/O system resource virtualization protocol
A means for automatic detection and selection of an optimal I/O system resource virtualization protocol. The invention is a solution for the problem of complexity and the resulting lack of optimization in I/O system resource virtualization implementations. The invention shields the user from the complexity of network analysis and allows the engaging of multiple I/O system resource virtualization protocols—as opposed to a single protocol. The invention enables automatic detection and selection of an optimal I/O system resource virtualization protocol on a per resource basis, which is a unique capability and something that has not been accomplished in the prior art. The net result is a simplified user experience and optimized performance when using virtualized I/O system resource.
US08886799B1 Identifying a similar user identifier
Systems and methods for identifying a similar user identifier include analyzing history data indicative of webpages visited by a set of user identifiers. A product category corresponding to a specific manufacturer or a specific product from the manufacturer may be identified using the history data and associated with the set of user identifiers. A user identifier may be identified as being similar to those in the set based in part on the user identifier also being associated with the product category.
US08886795B2 Method and system for determining response time of a server
A method for determining a response time of a server may include monitoring communications to and from the server to detect a client request to the server. The method may also include detecting in the monitored communications at least one trigger signal associated with the client request. The method may further include determining a response time of the server to be the time difference between a time at which the at least one trigger signal was fully received and a beginning time of transmission of a final server response from the server, disregarding transmission periods and periods during which the client request is not processed by the server. A computer readable medium and system for determining a response time of a server are also disclosed.
US08886783B2 System and method for providing secure subnet management agent (SMA) based fencing in an infiniband (IB) network
A system and method can use a secure subnet management agent (SMA) to perform fencing operations in an InfiniBand (IB) fabric. A host channel adapter (HCA) in the fabric can be associated with a plurality of ports, wherein the HCA operates to implement a SMA in its embedded firmware. Furthermore, the SMA operates to be used as a proxy, by a port on the HCA, for updating one or more states associated with another port on the HCA. The one or more states are associated with at least one of updating a management key and resetting a link at another port on the HCA.
US08886779B2 Performance modeling for SOA security appliance
A device, system, and method are directed towards optimizing a security apparatus within a Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA). Performance data is gathered for the SOA. A plurality of queuing performance models are generated based on a plurality of components comprising a user land, a kernel, and a Central Processing Unit (CPU). The generation may be based on an incremental online training based on the gathered data, on a simulation based on the gathered data, on a probability distribution function, on an operational law, or the like. Derivative points are determined based on the plurality of queuing performance models. The derivative points are maximized by tuning at least one parameter of the user land, at least one parameter of the kernel, and/or at least one parameter of the CPU within at least another simulation and/or increment of the online training. The security apparatus is optimized based on the at least one parameters.
US08886768B2 Read-only storage device having network interface, a system including the device and a method of distributing files over a network
A Read-only storage device having network interface, a system including the device, and a method of distributing files over a network. The storage device comprises a processor communicably connected to a computer interface, a network interface, and a storage means. The processor communicates with a computer and a file server through the computer interface and the network interface, respectively. The computer may request a file from the processor and the processor responds by either (1) providing the requested file to the computer on a read-only basis if the file is cached on the storage means, (2) obtains the file from the file server if the file is available from the file server, caches the obtained file on the storage means, and provides the obtained file to the computer on a read-only basis, or (3) returns a file unavailable notice to the computer.
US08886766B2 Systems and methods for tracking responses on an online social network
Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods, and computer readable media for performing actions in response to information updates provided in an information feed such as a news feed capable of being displayed on a display device. In one implementation, an information update to be displayed in the information feed is received. The information update may be stored in a feed table for inclusion in the information feed. In some implementations, an indication of activation of a response request rule is received. The response request rule may be configured to create a response request related to an identified information update to request information from one or more recipients. The response request may be stored, accessed and presented in association with the identified information update in an information feed.
US08886758B2 Virtual computing environments
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for discovering entities in a first portion of a data center network, examining information associated with the discovered entities to determine relationships that exist between pairs of entities in the first portion of the data center network, and generating a specification of the relationships that exist between pairs of entities in the first portion of the data center network based on results of the examining.
US08886746B2 Diagnostic module for distributed industrial network including industrial control devices
A network component for an industrial automation system. The component includes a network switch processor configured to implement a networking switching function, at least one communication port configured to provide a communication channel between the network switch processor and at least one industrial control device over a network, and a diagnostic module configured to be implemented by the network switch processor and configured to retrieve diagnostic information from the at least one industrial control device.
US08886735B1 Electronic messages using predefined templates
A computer-implemented method for sending a personalized electronic message using predefined templates including personalization symbols is provided. The method includes receiving a selection of an electronic message template from a user, wherein the electronic message template is stored in a data structure and wherein the electronic message template comprises a predefined personalization symbol for personalizing the electronic message template. The method also includes obtaining the electronic message template from the data structure, and generating content for inclusion in a personalized electronic message body based on the electronic message template, the step of generating comprising replacing the personalization symbol, based on a predefined rule, with a default value associated with the personalization symbol. The method further includes providing a draft electronic message comprising the personalized electronic message body. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.
US08886732B2 Out-of-office calendar aggregator
A computing device receives and stores configuration data for out-of-office calendar events and information for an employee out-of-office event. The computing device generates, in response to the receiving the information for the employee out-of-office event, a notification message for a manager, wherein the notification message is based on the configuration data and the information for an employee out-of-office event. The computing device receives a request to present an out-of-office calendar for a portion of an organization associated with the employee and sends, to a user device, a calendar with the stored information for the employee out-of-office event that is responsive to the request to present the out-of-office calendar.
US08886727B1 Message distribution control
A method of controlling distribution of content in a message sent by a message sender comprises receiving an indication from the message sender that the message is to be protected, identifying content in the message to be protected, adding the identified content to a database of protected content, and determining whether subsequently received content in a subsequently received message is associated with the identified content. A system for controlling distribution of content in a message sent by a message sender comprises a processor configured to receive an indication from the message sender that the message is to be protected, identify content in the message to be protected, add the identified content to a database of protected content, and determine whether subsequently received content in a subsequently received message is associated with the identified content.
US08886724B2 Network-based quick connect meeting service
A network-accessible service enables participating end users to collaborate with one another over a network. End users have computing devices that include hardware and software to enable the device to access a network. The service provides a publicly-available site or a local software application from which a first participating user initiates a “meeting,” e.g., by selecting a “share” button. In response, the site or software application provides an HTTP link that includes a “meeting” code, which may be a one-time unique code. The first participating user then shares the link with whomever he or she desires to collaborate. Upon receiving the link, a second participating user joins the meeting “on-the-fly” by simply selecting the link or navigating to the site and entering the “meeting” code. The service connects the second participating user to the meeting immediately and without requiring any registration, software download, or the like.
US08886721B2 Short impromptu communications in presence-based systems
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for enabling certain types of communications to occur, even when presence information might indicate that a particular user is unavailable. In the illustrative embodiment, a first user submits a request to communicate with a second user, where the request specifies a maximum time duration for the communication, and optionally: a minimum time duration, an expected time duration, a priority, a subject, and a type of communication. A presence server receives the request and decides whether the request should be granted based on the information specified in the request, and one or both of: presence information for the second user, and the contents of a calendar. The illustrative embodiment is also capable of detecting inconsistencies between calendars and presence information, as well as events that might affect a user's presence or indicate a departure from scheduled activities.
US08886718B2 Providing personalized platform application content
A social networking website maintains a profile for each user of the website. The profile includes data associated with a user, such as a connection to one or more plurality of other users of the social networking website or user preferences. The social networking website communicates with one or more third-party application servers to provide one or more applications to social networking website users. When a social networking website user requests an application provided by a third-party application server, the social networking website communicates a subset of the user's profile to the third-party application server, allowing the third-party application server to use this profile data to personalize the application performed for the user. A privacy setting associated with a user profile allows the social networking website to limit the profile data communicated to the third-party application server.
US08886710B2 Resuming content across devices and formats
Intelligent content delivery enables content to be delivered to different devices in formats appropriate for those devices based on the capabilities of those devices. A user might access the same piece of content on two different devices, and can automatically receive a higher quality format on a device capable of playing that higher quality format. The user can purchase rights to content in any format, such that as new formats emerge or the user upgrades to devices with enhanced capabilities, the user can receive the improved formats automatically without having to repurchase the content. Further, the user can pause and resume content between devices even when those devices utilize different formats, and can access content on devices not otherwise associated with the user, receiving content in formats that are appropriate for those unknown devices even if the user has not previously accessed content in those formats.
US08886706B1 Server-based backup system for user data
In a method of archiving content, a web page corresponding to an application program is transmitted to a client computer using a network. The web page includes instructions corresponding to an embedded archiving tool. The embedded archiving tool is to store content provided to the web page by a user. The content is stored on a server remotely located from the client computer when an archiving condition is satisfied.
US08886703B2 Advertising and facilitating management access to added capabilities of intelligent devices in a system
A network interface device (NID) or management access point of a system is configured to: receive requests to register one or more additional capabilities provided by a second intelligent device integrated into the system; in response to the request, register the additional capabilities within a capabilities listing; advertise the additional capabilities as being an available within the system; and respond to a request from an external requestor for access to one of the additional capabilities by forwarding the management protocol and payload to the second intelligent device to enable the second intelligent device to perform all substantive processing required for the request. The NID establishes and maintains a network session between the second intelligent device and any external requestor requesting access to the additional capabilities. In response to receiving a response from the second intelligent device, the NID packages the response and forwards the response to the external requestor.
US08886702B2 Hardware triggering in a management system
A method operates a management system having at least one manager and one agent and said manager is provided with information containing plurality of information items for triggering. The information items are stored for triggering in the manager memory. At least one information item for triggering is transmitted by the manager to the agents in such a way that said information item for triggering effects at least one hardware unit at the agent. Afterwards the at least one information item for triggering is erased from or marked in the manager memory.
US08886699B2 Offloading the processing of signals
A server computer that is connected over a network to one or more remote client computers includes specialized hardware for handling computationally-intensive signal processing operations involving video, audio, and/or other signals. As a result, users of the client computers experience little or no delay when accessing over the network applications that are hosted on the server.
US08886694B2 S12 TX FIR architecture
A FIR transmit architecture uses multiple driver divisions to allow signals with different delays to be summed into the output signal by the driver itself. The architecture includes a first multiplexer, a plurality of delay cells, a plurality of sign blocks, a switch block, a second multiplexer, and a plurality of drivers.
US08886693B2 Efficiently update coefficients of an adaptive filter
An adaptive filter configured to filter an input signal comprises Fourier transforming unit configured to transform the input signal into a frequency domain signal upon the basis of the Fourier transform, weighting unit configured to weight at least a portion of the frequency domain signal with a filter coefficient of the dispersion filter in frequency domain to obtain a filtered signal in frequency domain, correlating unit configured to correlate the filtered signal in frequency domain to obtain a correlation value, and adaptation unit configured to adapt the filter coefficient upon the basis of the correlation value.
US08886692B2 Apparatus for generating random number
An apparatus for generating a random number has high entropy. The apparatus includes a plurality of random number generators, each of which generates a metastability signal and generates a random number by using the generated metastability signal in a first mode, and in a second mode, the plurality of random number generators are connected to one another to operate as a ring oscillator.
US08886690B2 Distributed data storage and access systems
A distributed system for content storage and access includes a storage platform having at least a first storage component, and an access platform having one or multiple access components. Each access component is associated with at least one access service. The access service may be an administrative service for receiving a service request initiated by a first user, the service request being associated with a first item of content, and for identifying a characteristic of the service request, a content management service for determining, based at least in part on the characteristic of the service request, a specification of a data transfer operation to be executed in association with the first storage component, and a directory service for maintaining information associated with the first item of content.
US08886689B2 Efficient storage of data allowing for multiple level granularity retrieval
Data series are stored at multiple resolutions in a computer-readable data storage medium. In particular, time series data values of the data series are received with associated timestamps. Corresponding storage elements in the computer-readable data storage medium are identified based on the time stamps. Aggregate values are determined by summing the time series data values. The time series data values stored in the corresponding storage elements are replaced by the aggregate values. Combined data values of the aggregate values are stored in storage elements in the computer-readable storage medium at a first resolution and second resolution, where the second resolution is half of the first resolution.
US08886687B2 Online safety deposit box
A method includes creating an electronic record of an asset, and automatically associating a predefined data structure with an electronic record of the asset that controls organization and display of user provided metadata describing the asset. The method may also include receiving the metadata describing the asset from a remote computer, populating the predefined data structure with the metadata describing the asset, and generating a graphical user interface corresponding to the electronic record of the asset with active tabs that provide a visual representation of the predefined data structure associated to the electronic record of the asset. The active tabs are respectively associated with predefined displays including the data fields provided by the predefined data structure, enabling a user to navigate through different displays corresponding to the data fields provided in the predefined data structure associated with the asset to view the metadata describing the asset.
US08886676B2 Reconstruction of lists in a document
Some embodiments provide a method for analyzing a document that includes several primitive elements. The method identifies that a set of primitive elements include an implicit list in the document based on location and appearance of the set of primitive elements. The method defines the identified implicit list as an explicit list. The method stores the explicit list as a structure associated with the document.
US08886668B2 Navigation system with search-term boundary detection mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: detecting a search string; determining a forward-element using a forward-boundary within the search string in a forward direction; determining a backward-element in a backward direction up to the forward-boundary using a backward-boundary within the search string; and determining a matching result for the search string using the forward-element and the backward-element for displaying on a device.
US08886662B1 Generating word completions based on shared suffix analysis
A technology is described herein for identifying suggested query completions for a partial query based upon unique queries which have suffixes similar to the suffix of the partial query, but have prefixes which do not contain the prefix of the partial query. The technology described herein selects suggested query completions for the partial query based on terms occurring at the ends of the unique queries, in a manner which is not limited to past queries that include all of the terms in the partial query. As a result, meaningful suggested query completions that are likely to assist the user in completing a partial query can be provided in instances where terms in the prefix of the partial query are ambiguous or uncommon.
US08886659B2 Data framework to enable rich processing of data from any arbitrary data source
Data is accessed and updated in a data store at a field granularity. A user query specifies one or more non-unique fields of a record. The query is sent to a data store to retrieve the fields of the record at a field granularity, in satisfaction of the query. The fields of the record can also be modified by transmitting a record ID along with original content, while omitting some of the record data, and by also including the modification to be made.
US08886656B2 Data processing
Data streams are stored in a non-structured arrangement in which information is defined by references in data streams identifying data elements in related data streams. A first data stream is placed in a frozen state such that the information contained the data stream is unmodifiable, and a first data element is identified within the first data stream, the first data element containing the same information as a second data element within a second data stream. The first data element is removed from the first data stream and a reference to the second data element is inserted.
US08886655B1 Visual display of topics and content in a map-like interface
This disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing a map-like interface to navigate topics and content.
US08886647B2 Hierarchy of servers for query processing of column chunks in a distributed column chunk data store
An improved system and method for query processing in a distributed column chunk data store is provided. A distributed column chunk data store may be provided by multiple storage servers operably coupled to a network. A storage server provided may include a database engine for partitioning a data table into the column chunks for distributing across multiple storage servers, a storage shared memory for storing the column chunks during processing of semantic operations performed on the column chunks, and a storage services manager for striping column chunks of a partitioned data table across multiple storage servers. Query processing may be performed by storage servers or query processing servers operably coupled by a network to storage servers in the column chunk data store. To do so, a hierarchy of servers may be dynamically determined to process execution steps of a query transformed for distributed processing.
US08886641B2 Incorporating recency in network search using machine learning
In one embodiment, access a set of recency ranking data comprising one or more recency search queries and one or more recency search results, each of the recency search queries being recency-sensitive with respect to a particular time period and being associated with a query timestamp representing the time at which the recency search query is received at a search engine, each of the recency search results being generated by the search engine for one of the recency search queries and comprising one or more recency network resources. Construct a plurality of recency features from the set of recency ranking data. Train a first ranking model via machine learning using at least the recency features.
US08886637B2 Web browser accessible search engine which adapts based on user interaction
A search engine (SE) is capable of adapting based on the user's interaction with search results/WebPages. Information, based on user interaction, is subsequently used to modify the priority of search results to create a more relevant search list that provides the user more relevant search information in a shorter period of time. The search engine adaptation takes place by calculating evaluation inputs based on user interaction with search results to compute a metric herein called as the desirability number for one or more search results. The desirability number (DN) is tagged as a search result or page attribute and is stored in the search engine server database in association with each search result or page. Based on the DN and other possible indicators, the resultant search list is modified to better prioritize search results that appear to be more meaningful to the user before continuing to present results to the user.
US08886636B2 Context transfer in search advertising
A computer-implemented method is disclosed for determining a type of landing page to which to transfer web searchers that enter a particular query, the method comprising: classifying a landing page as one of a plurality of landing page classes with a trained classifier of a computer based on textual content of the landing page; determining, by the computer, characteristics of one or more query to be associated with the landing page; and choosing, with the computer, whether to retain or to change classification of the landing page to be associated with the one or more query based on relative average conversion rates of advertisements on a plurality of manually-classified landing pages when associated with the characteristics of the one or more query.
US08886632B2 Abstract query plan
A method and apparatus, and article of manufacture are provided to process an abstract query of a database abstraction constructed over an underlying physical data storage mechanism. The database may comprise a single data source, or a federated source spanning multiple systems. Embodiments of the invention process an abstract query by generating an intermediate representation of the abstract query. In one embodiment, the intermediate representation comprises an abstract query plan. An abstract query plan includes a combination of elements from the data abstraction model and elements relating to the underlying physical data storage mechanism. Once generated, a back-end component may easily traverse the abstract query plan to generate an SQL statement (or other resolved query) corresponding to the abstract query. Further, once constructed, the abstract query plan provides a platform for many different optimizations that may be selected by a user or by the runtime component inspecting the abstract query plan prior to creating the resolved query.
US08886612B2 Method, apparatus and computer program product for providing improved data compression
An apparatus for providing improved data compression may include an encoder comprising a quantizer for encoding input data and a side model. The quantizer may be trained with respect to high priority data among the input data and may be configured to partially encode the input data by encoding the high priority data. The side model may be trained jointly with the training of the quantizer and is configured to model low priority data among the input data.
US08886606B2 File system based exchange between disk-based network attached storage and tape
Example apparatus and methods concern a file system based interface between a disk-based network attached storage device and a linear tape open (LTO) linear tape file system tape. One example method may include controlling a device (e.g., backup server) to read a file from the NAS device using a shared file system (e.g., NFS, CIFS) and controlling the device to write the file to the LTO tape device using the LTFS. Since the NAS device and the LTO device may have different information or metadata requirements, and since the shared file system and the LTFS may have different information or metadata requirements, the method may include controlling the device to remove from the file information specific to the NAS and the shared file system. Additionally, the method may include controlling the device to add to the file information specific to the LTFS or the LTO device.
US08886605B1 Method and system for improving performance with single-instance-storage volumes by leveraging data locality
A method and system for improving performance with single-instance-storage volumes by leveraging data locality is provided. A client provides a set of fingerprints generated from data segments to be saved to a single-instance storage volume and receives the information on whether a data segment exists on the single-instance storage volume and where it is stored if a data segment exists. Based on its received information, the client determines if a number of non-sequential accesses of a computer-readable medium for the said set of segments from the single-instance-storage volume exceeds a predetermined threshold. If so, the client provides the whole set of data segments for storage within the single-instance storage volume regardless of whether or not the data segments are duplicate data segments. These sent data segments will be stored contiguously within the single-instance storage volume while the duplicates will be removed from their previous stored locations.
US08886602B2 Location assignment daemon (LAD) for a distributed storage system
A system and method for generating replication requests for objects in a distributed storage system is provided. For a respective object in a distributed storage system the following is performed. Replication policies for the object that have not been satisfied are determined. Replication requests are ranked for the object whose replication policies have not been satisfied based on a number of replicas of the object that need to be created in order to satisfy the replication policies for the object. Replication requests are generated for the object based at least in part on the replication policies for the object that have not been satisfied and on a current state of the distributed storage system. At least a subset of the replication requests for the objects in the distributed storage system are distributed to respective instances of the distributed storage system corresponding to the replication requests for execution.
US08886598B1 Tag-based synchronization
In some embodiments, techniques for synchronization may include determining a tag associated with a synchronization specification, determining a content element associated with the tag; and synchronizing the content element.
US08886594B2 Systems and methods for remote deletion of contact information
An exemplary system for providing remote deletion of contact information includes a first device associated with a first user. The first device is configured to generate and send a delete request message to a second device. In some embodiments, the delete request message includes a request to delete contact information for the first user from the second device. The second device can be configured to receive the delete request message and delete the first user's contact information. A method for providing remote deletion of contact information includes a delete request message being generated at a first device, associated with a first user. The delete request message can include a request to delete contact information for the first user. The first device can send the delete request message to a second device. The delete request message can instruct the second device to delete the first user's contact information.
US08886593B2 Controlled dispersion rates for transfer swarms
A method for data transfer in a data processing system, and corresponding system and machine-readable medium. One method includes receiving by the data processing system information relating to a data structure to be transferred, where the data structure includes a plurality of elements. Each element in the structure is linked to at least one other element in the structure. The method also includes selecting by the data processing system a group of the plurality of elements, the group including at most a predetermined maximum number of elements. The method further includes transferring by the data processing system the group of elements to a destination. The method also includes assigning by the data processing system the elements of the plurality of elements that are not in the group of elements to one or more substructures. At least one substructure is assigned two or more direct child nodes of transferred nodes. The method further includes recursively performing the steps of selecting, transferring and assigning concurrently on each of the substructures until all elements have been transferred.
US08886583B2 Recommendation information evaluation apparatus using support vector machine with relative dissatisfactory feature vectors and satisfactory feature vectors
A content evaluation apparatus and a content evaluation method that can distribute contents that a user potentially needs without any omissions. A history class separation unit generates a separation plane for separating in a separation plane a characteristic vector of a selected content and characteristic vectors of non-selected contents stored in a browsing history table. A user characteristic vector calculation unit generates a user characteristic vector based on an orthogonal vector perpendicular to the separation plane thus generated and stores the user characteristic vector in a user characteristic vector management table. Subsequently, when a recommendation request receiving unit receives a recommendation request, a content evaluation unit evaluates the contents based on the stored user characteristic vector.
US08886582B2 Failure detection and locating system and engine containing the same
A system for detecting and locating failures that occur in a complex system includes elements (CAP, MODVAL, MODDP, MODFD) for detecting and locating a failure affecting at least one sub-system of the complex system. The system also includes an element (MODPD) for making a decision on any action to be taken in the event of such detection. A rocket engine can be monitored with this system.
US08886577B2 Feedback during surgical events
Technology is disclosed for communicating surgical information. The technology can receive data from one or more sensors coupled to one or more tools in operation by a user, generate a virtual model of a four-dimensional virtual real-time space, receive motion history data for the user's previous movements, generate a prediction of movement of the first tool in each of the four dimensions in relation to the first vital entity and a prediction score, and output an indication of the prediction score.
US08886574B2 Generalized pattern recognition for fault diagnosis in machine condition monitoring
A generalized pattern recognition is used to identify faults in machine condition monitoring. Pattern clusters are identified in operating data. A classifier is trained using the pattern clusters in addition to annotated training data. The operating data is also used to cluster the signals in the operating data into signal clusters. Monitored data samples are then classified by evaluating confidence vectors that include substitutions of signals contained in the training data by signals in the same signal clusters as the signals contained in the training data.
US08886563B2 Least cost routing and matching
Systems and methods are disclosed for routing a transaction based on an assessment of costs associated with multiple payment processing networks. A transaction broker server determines how to route a received authorization request message for a transaction based on a first cost associated with processing the transaction via a first payment processing network and a second cost associated with processing the transaction via a second payment processing network. If the first cost is less than or equal to the second cost, the authorization request message is routed to the first payment processing network. If the first cost exceeds the second cost, at least one rule is applied to determine whether the first cost is to be reduced. If the at least one rule is satisfied, the first cost is reduced and the authorization request message is routed to the first payment processing network.
US08886561B2 Electronic trading among principals and brokers
Electronic trading systems and methods which facilitate principal/broker trading are provided. In a first aspect of the invention, a database relating to trading participants in the trading system is designed to indicate which traders utilize a principal/broker relationship and what, if any, limitations are placed on the activity of the broker, trading commands submitted by the broker, and counterparties in a transaction with the broker. In another aspect of the invention, trading commands and executed trades involving principals/brokers may be presented to other traders using special designations. The ability to enter certain trading commands by, and in response to, brokers may be limited. In a further aspect of the invention, anonymous trading features may prevent traders from knowing whether another trader is a broker or principal, may restrict traders from being able to block trading with brokers, and may permit brokers to configure anonymous trading parameters.
US08886553B2 Visual workflow process notation and layout
In a method of a technology for visual workflow process notation and layout, a workflow process graphical user interface is generated. A plurality of activity nodes is arranged along a workflow path, with each activity node representing a work activity. The activity nodes are arranged on the workflow path in representation of an order of performance of work activities within the process of performing work. A material flow path is arranged adjacent to the workflow path. The material flow path is representative of a flow of a material through the work activities associated with the plurality of activity nodes. A resource allocation node is disposed adjacent to a portion of the material flow path and one of said activity nodes. The resource allocation node represents a resource utilized in performing a work activity, represented by the adjacent activity node, upon a material represented by the portion of the material flow path.
US08886548B2 Audio encoding device, decoding device, method, circuit, and program
Provided is an encoding device (1) including: a pitch contour analysis unit (101) which detects information, a dynamic time-warping unit (102) which generates, based on the information, pitch change ratios (Tw_ratio in FIG. 18) within a range (86) including a range (86a) of the pitch change ratios corresponding to absolute pitch differences of 42 cents or larger; a first lossless coding unit (103) which codes the generated pitch parameters (102x); a time-warping unit (104) which shifts a pitch of a signal according to the information; and a second encoding unit which codes a signal (104x) obtained by the shifting.
US08886541B2 Remote controller with position actuatated voice transmission
A method of operation of a remote controller consistent with certain implementations involves determining a spatial orientation of the remote controller based upon an output signal from a position detector; and setting a voice mode of operation of the remote controller as active or inactive based upon the spatial orientation of the remote controller as determined by the position detector, where the voice mode determines whether or not the remote controller will accept and process voice information from a microphone. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08886537B2 Method and system for text-to-speech synthesis with personalized voice
A method and system are provided for text-to-speech synthesis with personalized voice. The method includes receiving an incidental audio input (403) of speech in the form of an audio communication from an input speaker (401) and generating a voice dataset (404) for the input speaker (401). The method includes receiving a text input (411) at the same device as the audio input (403) and synthesizing (312) the text from the text input (411) to synthesized speech including using the voice dataset (404) to personalize the synthesized speech to sound like the input speaker (401). In addition, the method includes analyzing (316) the text for expression and adding the expression (315) to the synthesized speech. The audio communication may be part of a video communication (453) and the audio input (403) may have an associated visual input (455) of an image of the input speaker. The synthesis from text may include providing a synthesized image personalized to look like the image of the input speaker with expressions added from the visual input (455).
US08886531B2 Apparatus and method for generating an audio fingerprint and using a two-stage query
An audio fingerprint is generated by transforming an audio sample of a recording to a time-frequency domain and storing each time-frequency pair in a matrix array, detecting a plurality of local maxima for a predetermined number of time slices, selecting a predetermined number of largest-magnitude maxima from the plurality of local maxima detected by said detecting, and generating one or more hash values corresponding to the predetermined number of largest-magnitude maxima.
US08886530B2 Displaying text and direction of an utterance combined with an image of a sound source
An information processing device includes a display data creating unit configured to create display data including characters representing the content of an utterance based on a sound and a symbol surrounding the characters and indicating a first direction, and an image combining unit configured to determine the position of the display data based on a display position of an image representing a sound source of the utterance, and to combine the display data and the image of the sound source so that an orientation in which the sound is radiated is matched with the first direction.
US08886528B2 Audio signal processing device and method
A highlight section including an exciting scene is appropriately extracted with smaller amount of processing. A reflection coefficient calculating unit (12) calculates a parameter (reflection coefficient) representing a slope of spectrum distribution of the input audio signal for each frame. A reflection coefficient comparison unit (13) calculates an amount of change in the reflection coefficients between adjacent frames, and compares the calculation result with a predetermined threshold. An audio signal classifying unit (14) classifies the input audio signal into a background noise section and a speech section based on the comparison result. A background noise level calculating unit (15) calculates a level of a background noise in the background noise section based on signal energy in the background noise section. An event detecting unit (16) detects an event occurring point from a sharp increase in the background noise level. A highlight section determining unit (17) determines a starting point and an end point of the highlight section, based on a relationship between the classification result of the background noise section and the speech section before and after the event occurring point.
US08886523B2 Audio decoding based on audio class with control code for post-processing modes
In accordance with an embodiment, a method of generating an encoded audio signal, the method includes estimating a time-frequency energy of an input audio signal from a time-frequency filter bank, computing a global variance of the time-frequency energy, determining a post-processing method according to the global variance, and transmitting an encoded representation of the input audio signal along with an indication of the determined post-processing method.
US08886522B2 Automated extraction of bio-entity relationships from literature
Automated, standardized and accurate extraction of relationships within text. Automatic extraction of such relationships/information allows the information to be stored in structured form so that it can be easily and accurately retrieved when needed. Such information can be used to build online search engines for highly specific and accurate information retrieval. The current invention discloses a novel approach to extract such information from raw text based on natural language processing (NLP) and graph theoretic algorithm. The novel method can be applied, for example, to extract protein-protein relationships in biomedical literature. The method can be easily extended to extract other biological relationships between biological terms such as proteins, genes, pathways, diseases and drugs. The method can also be applied to other information domains to extract other relationships.
US08886518B1 System and method for capitalizing machine translated text
A system and method for capitalizing translated text is provided. A capitalized source text is automatically translated to a target text. The target text is capitalized according to information in the capitalized source text.
US08886514B2 Means and a method for training a statistical machine translation system utilizing a posterior probability in an N-best translation list
Existing statistical machine translation machines presently require the availability of a given source language text and an equivalent target language text and from target text to train a translation system. The invention proposes training a statistical machine translation system, more specifically it proposes a computer means and method for training a statistical machine translation system using unilingual source language information. The translation system relies on translations with confidence scores calculated as a posterior probability based on the similarity of a good translation hypothesis in an N-best list generated for a source sentence with N−1 other hypotheses in the said N-best list.
US08886511B2 Modeling output delay of a clocked storage element(s)
Methods, apparatuses, systems, and computer-readable mediums for modeling output delay of a clocked storage element(s) are disclosed. An output delay model is employed that includes variations in the output delays for the clocked storage element over an operating range of the clocked storage element, including during transitions from transparent operation to non-transparent operation, and vice versa. Errors in the model output delay are reduced or avoided as a result. In one embodiment, the model output delay is determined for the clocked storage element as a function of the differential timing between the arrival time of a clock signal and input data to the clocked storage element. The differential timing allows determination of a model output delay from a plurality of model output delays representing a model output delay curve for the clocked storage element. Time borrowing can also be modeled automatically without the need for a second output delay model.
US08886502B2 Simulating injection treatments from multiple wells
Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to simulating injection treatments applied to a subterranean formation from multiple well bores in the subterranean formation. A subterranean formation model representing rock blocks of a subterranean formation is received. Information on multiple injection treatments for multiple well bores in the subterranean formation is received. The subterranean formation model and the information on the injection treatments is used to predict a response of each of the rock blocks to forces acting on the rock block during the injection treatments. The injection treatments may include, for example, multiple fracture treatments for simultaneous application to the subterranean formation. In some implementations, injection treatments may be designed for a multiple-well bore system based on the predicted response of the rock blocks.
US08886500B2 Method for determining treatments using patient-specific lung models and computer methods
The disclosure relates to determining optimized parameters for mechanical ventilation comprising: obtaining data concerning a three-dimensional image of the subject's respiratory system; calculating a specific three-dimensional structural model of the subject's lung structure from the image data; calculating a specific three-dimensional structural model of the subject's airway structure from the image data; calculating a patient-specific three-dimensional structural model of the subject's lobar structure from the lung model; modeling the air flow through the airway, using the models of the airway and lobar structure of the subject at defined MV parameters; modeling the structural behavior of the airway and the interaction with the flow, using the models of the airway and lobar structure of the subject at defined MV parameters; determining the MV parameters which lead to a decrease in airway resistance and hence an increase in lobar mass flow for the same driving pressures according to the model.
US08886495B2 Diagnostic methods and apparatus for an accelerator using induction to generate an electric field with a localized curl
Methods and apparatus are described wherein a charged beam in an enclosed conducting cavity in an accelerator is monitored for position, current, and energy. One method uses induced electric signals on non-intercepting conducting electrodes. Another method uses an intercepting and moving electrode than can be moved into the beam to different degrees to monitor the beam current and vertical profile at different radial positions. Non-intercepting electrodes are also used as part of a moving diagnostic probe to monitor properties of the beam at different radial positions. Another method uses the current in the leads to a power supply, a portion of this current being equal to the beam current. Another method uses the magnetic and electric fields from the beam that penetrates a non-conducting portion of the conducting cavity. Yet another method uses the radiation emitted during acceleration of the beam by the deflecting magnets that guide the beam.
US08886494B2 Electronic device and method of optimizing measurement paths
A method of optimizing measurement paths analyzes one or more measurement points for each of the measurement elements of a product and generates relation arrays, each of the relation arrays storing the name and the one or more measurement points of one measurement element. The method selects a measurement point which is the nearest to the origin of an coordinate system of the product, computes distances between the measurement points from the selected measurement point using the relation arrays, and orders the measurement points according to the computed distances to generate a first ordered array. The method generates an optimal measurement path according to the first ordered array.
US08886493B2 Determining dipper geometry
Determining dipper geometry. A method of determining dipper geometry includes obtaining a first set of data associated with an industrial machine for a first orientation of the industrial machine, and obtaining a second set of data associated with the industrial machine for a second orientation of the industrial machine. The first set of data includes at least one of a first length associated with a hoist rope and a first angle associated with the hoist rope, and the second set of data includes at least one of a second length associated with the hoist rope and a second angle associated with the hoist rope. The value of the physical characteristic of the dipper is then determined based on the first set of data and the second set of data.
US08886492B2 Digital angle meter
An angle measuring device or system can include a wrench or a bracket, for example, and a digital angle meter. The a wrench or bracket can include a head or head plate portion for engaging a nut, a bolt, or crankshaft, a central axis about which the wrench or bracket rotates during use, and a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the central axis. The digital angle meter can be attached to the wrench or bracket and include a housing, a processor, and at least one gyrometer. The at least one gyrometer including a first axis extending parallel to the longitudinal axis for determining the rotational orientation of the wrench or bracket relative to a reference position.
US08886491B2 Auto-calibrating wheel balancer force transducer
A method and apparatus for carrying out auto-calibration of one or more piezoelectric elements in a force transducer assembly of a vehicle wheel balancing system. Output electrical signals from the piezoelectric transducers in response to application of a known imbalance force are measured and recorded. Subsequently, during an auto-calibration procedure, a known input signal is selectively applied to at least one piezoelectric element in the force transducer assembly, and at least one output electrical signal is received from the force transducer assembly. The obtained auto-calibration output signals are evaluated with respect to the output signals obtained from a previous auto-calibration, and compensation values are derived there from for application to subsequent output signals obtained during imbalance measurements.
US08886490B2 Crash detection apparatus and method
A crash detection apparatus includes a crash detection unit and first, second, and third acceleration sensors which are installed at different positions of the object whose crash is to be detected. The crash detection unit calculates expectation acceleration of the third acceleration sensor based on measurement information obtained by the first acceleration sensor and the second acceleration sensor, compares the expectation acceleration with a measured acceleration measured by the third acceleration sensor, and detects whether a shape of the object has been deformed or not.
US08886489B2 Motion detecting method and device
In some embodiments, a motion detecting device is configured to detect whether one or more movement events have occurred. The motion detecting device can include: (a) a processing module configured to run on a computational unit; and (b) a sensing device having: (1) one or more pressure sensors configured to provide two or more pressure measurements; and (2) a transmitter electrically coupled to the one or more pressure sensors and configured to transmit the two or more pressure measurements to the computational unit. The processing module is configured to use the two or more pressure measurements to determine whether the one or more movement events have occurred. The sensing device can be configured to be placed in at least one of ductwork of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system or an air handler of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08886487B2 Bridge fault removal apparatus, bridge fault removal method, and computer readable medium comprising computer program code for removing bridge fault
A bridge fault removal apparatus includes a bridge fault extraction unit configured to extract a bridge fault from layout information of a semiconductor integrated circuit, a test pattern generator configured to generate the test pattern aiming at the bridge fault extracted by the bridge fault extraction unit, a logical value information calculator configured to calculate logical value information of all the signals in the semiconductor integrated circuit by applying the test pattern generated by the test pattern generator to logical connection information of the semiconductor integrated circuit, and a bridge fault remover configured to select an exchange signal candidate for an undetected bridge fault signal corresponding to the test pattern based on the logical value information calculated by the logical value information calculator.
US08886482B2 Predictive and internet-based sampler control
Described is a system for remotely monitoring water quality at one or more locations via a web-enabled application. Embodiments of the present invention provide remote water sampler control with integrated predictive sampling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a web-hosted application that allows for remote user control of one or more water samplers in combination with predictive sampling.
US08886476B1 Multi-terminal protection using phasor measurement unit networks
At a network device of each of a plurality of generator substations that is connected to a multi-terminal transmission line, phasor measurement data produced by a phasor measurement unit at the generator substation is assigned to a multicast stream. A request is received from a network device at any of the plurality of the generator substations to join the multicast stream so that a destination device at any of the plurality of generator substations receives the phasor measurement data carried by the multicast stream. The multicast stream is sent for distribution to one or more destination devices at respective ones of the plurality of generator substations.
US08886474B2 System and apparatus for testing cable
An apparatus for testing one or more transmission lines is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a processor capable of configuring the apparatus in one of a master mode and a slave mode. The apparatus when configured in the master mode controls the testing of the one or more transmission lines of a cable. The apparatus also includes one or more test modules associated with one or more tests to be performed on the one or more transmission lines. Further, one or more transceivers of the apparatus are capable of one or more of sending and receiving a plurality of signals through the one or more transmission lines. One or more signals of the plurality of signals are associated with the one or more test modules.
US08886472B2 Method for determining a condition indicator of an apparatus
A method for determining a condition indicator of an apparatus includes providing an apparatus configured to measure at least two different technical parameters. A respective parameter value is determined for each of the at least two different technical parameters of the apparatus using at least one sensor configured to determine a respective parameter value for each of the at least two different technical parameters. A respective deviation value is determined for each of the parameter values with respect to an associated respective parameter reference value for each of the technical parameters. A respective deviation relevance value is determined from each of the deviation values using a respective parameter-specific deviation relevance function for each of the parameter values, the parameter-specific deviation relevance functions being different from each other. Using an indicator function, a condition indicator is calculated from the determined deviation relevance values. An overall condition of the apparatus is determined using the condition indicator.
US08886462B1 Systems, methods, and software for providing wayfinding orientation and wayfinding data to blind travelers
To support the independence and mobility of blind pedestrians, the present inventors devised, among other things, free systems, methods, and software for providing narrative blind-ready wayfinding information. One exemplary system receives user input identifying a starting landmark and ending landmark in a particular selected geographic region, such as a city, university campus, government building, shopping mall, or airport. The system then searches a database for the corresponding narrative wayfinding instructions, and outputs them in the form of text or audio to guide a blind pedestrian from the starting landmark to the ending landmark. In the exemplary system, blind users select the geographic region as well as the starting and ending landmark from a voice-driven telephonic menu system and receive audible wayfinding instruction via mobile telephone, in some embodiments, the system also provides access to voice-driven restaurant menus.
US08886449B2 Calibrated hardware sensors for estimating real-world distances
In some embodiments, methods and systems are provided for assisting a user in determining a real-world distance. Hardware-based sensors (e.g., present in a mobile electronic device) may allow for a fast low-power determination of distances. In one embodiment, one or more telemetry-related sensors may be incorporated into a device. For example, data detected by a frequently-calibrated integrated accelerometer may be used to determine a tilt of the device. A device height may be estimated based on empirical data or based on a time difference between a signal (e.g., a sonar signal) emitted towards the ground and a corresponding detected signal. A triangulation technique may use the estimated tilt and height to estimate other real-world distances (e.g., from the device to an endpoint or between endpoints).
US08886441B2 Method for the open-loop control and closed-loop control of an internal combustion engine
The invention relates to a method for the open-loop control and the closed-loop control of an internal combustion engine (1), the rail pressure (pCR) being controlled in a closed loop mode in the normal operating state and an emergency operation mode being activated once a defective rail pressure sensor (9) is detected, in which emergency operation the rail pressure (pCR) is controlled in an open loop mode. The invention is characterized in that in the emergency operation mode, the rail pressure (pCR) is gradually increased until a passive pressure relief valve (11) is activated which redirects fuel from the rail (6) to the fuel tank (2) when it is open.
US08886419B2 Automatic transmission apparatus and straddle-type vehicle equipped with the apparatus
An automatic transmission apparatus includes a clutch including a drive side rotator to which torque of an engine is transmitted and a driven side rotator, a multi-gear transmission mechanism including a dog clutch, at least one actuator to drive the clutch and the transmission mechanism, a torque changing device to change the torque of the engine, a gear shifting command output device to output a gear shifting command, and a transmission control system to control the at least one actuator and the torque changing device. The transmission control system includes a shock reduction control unit to execute control to, upon receiving the gear shifting command from the gear shifting command output device, reduce the engine torque by controlling the torque changing device and thereafter to start to disengage the clutch by controlling the at least one actuator.
US08886415B2 System implementing parallel lift for range of angles
A hydraulic system is disclosed. The hydraulic system may have a pump, a lift actuator, a lift valve arrangement, a tilt actuator, a tilt valve arrangement, and a tilt angle sensor configured to generate a first signal. The hydraulic system may further have at least one operator interface device movable to generate a second signal indicative of a desired lift velocity and a third signal indicative of desired tilt velocity, and a controller. The controller may be configured to command the lift valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the third signal and, when the first signal indicates that the actual tilt angle has entered a specified range of tilt angles during lifting, command the tilt valve arrangement to meter pressurized fluid based on the second signal as the actual tilt angle remains within the specified range.
US08886412B2 Steering system for an autonomously driven vehicle and methods of steering the same
A steering system for an autonomously driven vehicle and methods of steering the vehicle are disclosed. A main controller signals a secondary steering assembly to operate in a first phase when a power steering controller is in a first mode and a second phase to steer the vehicle when the power steering controller is in a second mode. The main controller signals a friction device to actuate to a disengaged position when the power steering controller is in the first mode and the secondary steering assembly is in the first phase, and to signal the friction device to actuate to an engaged position to secure a steering wheel in an initial position when the power steering controller is in the second mode and the secondary steering assembly is in the second phase to allow the secondary steering assembly to steer the vehicle.
US08886405B2 Apparatus for supplying power to transmitter of fuel cell vehicle
A power supply apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle, and provides a power supply apparatus of a fuel cell vehicle. More specifically, an InfraRed (IR) data transmitter transmits and receives data to/from a hydrogen charger and a power supply apparatus, that is connected to the IR data transmitter, selectively supplies power thereto according to the opening/closing of a fuel door. In particular, a sensing apparatus is connected to the power supply apparatus and senses opening/closing of the fuel door and a normal power source that is connected to the sensing apparatus for opening/closing the fuel door selectively supplies power to the sensing apparatus when the normal power source is off.
US08886400B2 Method for determining the drawbar length of a trailer of a tractor vehicle
In a method for determining the drawbar length of a trailer of a tractor vehicle with a front-axle steering system for adjusting a front-axle steering angle and optionally additionally a rear-axle steering system for setting a rear-axle steering angle, an estimated value for the drawbar length is determined with an estimation method from an articulation angle, as detected by a sensor, between the trailer and the tractor vehicle on the basis of the front-axle steering angle and optionally the rear-axle steering angle, and the movement variables speed and yaw rate of the tractor vehicle.
US08886398B2 In-car information system, in-car device, and information terminal
An information terminal includes: an operation assignment information storage unit that stores operation assignment information; an actuation information reception unit that receives from an in-car device actuation information; an assignment unit that, on the basis of the operation assignment information and the actuation information, assigns some among a plurality of operations in the information terminal to each of one or more actuations among a plurality of types of actuation that can be inputted with an actuation unit provided to the in-car device respectively, according to priority levels; an actuation signal reception unit that receives an actuation signal outputted from the in-car device; and a conversion unit that, on the basis of the result of assignment by the assignment unit, converts the actuation signal into an operating command that corresponds to one among the plurality of operations.
US08886397B2 Systems and methods for scheduling driver interface tasks based on driver workload
A vehicle's dynamic handling state, driver inputs to the vehicle, etc. may be examined to determine one or more measures of driver workload. Driver interface tasks may then be delayed and/or prevented from executing based on the driver workload so as to not increase the driver workload. Alternatively, driver interface tasks may be schedule for execution based on the driver workload and caused to execute according to the schedule, for example, to minimize the impact the executing driver interface tasks have on driver workload.
US08886389B2 Method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility
A method of providing directions to a vehicle service facility includes generating a vehicle service alert that includes vehicle operating data, sending the vehicle service alert to a vehicle telematics service subscriber, offering the vehicle telematics service subscriber a choice of one or more vehicle service facilities for responding to the vehicle service alert, and if the vehicle owner chooses a vehicle service facility, providing turn-by-turn directions to the chosen vehicle service facility.
US08886381B2 Electric vehicle
An electric vehicle includes a slip ratio estimator that estimates a slip ratio based on rotational frequencies of respective driven and drive wheels. The vehicle also includes a disturbance observer that determines an estimate of a torque attributable to external force. The vehicle also includes an estimator that may estimate an entire torque to the drive wheel, based on a motor torque command value and the estimate of torque. The vehicle also includes an estimator that estimates a coefficient of friction between a road surface and a tire, based on the entire torque and the slip ratio. The vehicle also includes a determiner that determines a maximum acceptable torque Tmax, based on the coefficient of friction and a vertical load component. Torque limitation is performed such that the motor torque command value does not exceed the maximum acceptable torque Tmax.
US08886380B2 Hybrid motor vehicle
A hybrid motor vehicle includes a controller configured to: control an engine and a motor so that when power required of the vehicle increases to or above a first threshold value during stop of the engine, the engine outputs the required power until the required power decreases to or below a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value; control the engine and the motor so that when the required power decreases to or below the second threshold value during operation of the engine, the engine is in a stopped state until the required power increases to or above the first threshold value; and set the second threshold value so that the second threshold value is smaller when degree of degradation of the battery exceeds a threshold value than when the degree of degradation of the batter is less than or equal to the threshold value.
US08886373B2 System and method for assisting in the decking of an aircraft
The present invention relates to a system and a method for assisting in the decking of an aircraft on a platform, more particularly on a mobile platform comprising a decking surface, said aircraft comprising a signal transmitter, the system comprising means for determining flight commands to be executed by the aircraft, said means being at least fed by locating means of the aircraft and by means of predicting movements of the platform, the locating means comprising at least two passive sensors, spaced apart, fixed in proximity to the decking surface and able to receive the signals transmitted by the aircraft. The invention applies notably to the decking of rotary wing craft and autonomous aircraft on ships.
US08886365B2 Vehicle and method for advising driver of same
A method for advising a driver of a vehicle may include monitoring driver torque requests, establishing categories of driver behavior based on a history of driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, categorizing current driver behavior into one of the established categories based on current driver torque requests and associated rates of change thereof, and initiating an alert for the driver if the categorization is of a particular type.
US08886350B2 Displacement calculation method, drawing data correction method, substrate manufacturing method, and drawing apparatus
Correction values (ΔX1 to ΔX4) at the X position (X=xe) of a target point (E (xe, ye)) are calculated by calculating the amounts of shift (ΔX) in the positions of alignment marks (M11 to M14, M21 to M24, M31 to M34, M41 to M44) in the X direction and plotting first spline curves (SL1) using the amounts of shift. Then, a first sub-spline curve (SL1S) is plotted using the correction values (ΔX1 to ΔX4) in order to calculate a correction value (ΔXe) at the Y position (Y=ye) of the target point (E (xe, ye)), and the calculated correction value is taken as the correction amount in the X direction. The correction amount in the Y direction is also calculated in the same manner.
US08886348B2 Fabrication and tracking
A method of fabrication for a component to be installed in a facility, the facility being represented by an electronic design model, the method including extracting, at a computing device and from the model, details of the component and controlling a plurality of stations with the computing device to fabricate and track the component.
US08886342B2 System for providing audio recordings
Disclosed systems provide audio recordings from digital television provider networks. Audio recordings are streamed to a customer premises equipment device of a user and, in response to user input, an identifier for the audio recording is transmitted to a music provider. A copy of the audio recording is delivered to a user designated device.
US08886339B2 Nerve cuff with pocket for leadless stimulator
An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.
US08886327B2 Selective high frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects, and associated systems and methods
Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US08886318B2 Leadless cardiac pacemaker with conducted communication
A leadless pacemaker for pacing a heart of a human includes a hermetic housing and at least two electrodes on or near the hermetic housing. The at least two electrodes are configured to deliver energy to stimulate the heart and to transfer information to or from at least one external device.
US08886310B2 System and method for controlling a heart stimulator
In a system and method for controlling an implantable stimulator capable of producing pacing pulses to be delivered to cardiac tissue, as well as vagal stimulation pulses to be delivered to vagus nerve sites, upon detection of a premature cardiac event, such as a premature ventricular or atrial contraction, a simulated heart rate turbulence (HRT) procedure is applied if the intrinsic heart rate turbulence is weakened or absent. The simulated HRT includes a first phase in which the heart rate is increased, from the existing level, for a number of heart beats, a second phase in which the heart rate is decreased for a number of heart beats, and an optional third phase in which the heart rate is returned to said existing level.
US08886297B2 Adaptive watch
A watch or other type of portable electronic console that employs a number of different functions in order to improve its usability. The watch may, for example, allow a user to connect the watch to one or more remote electronic devices, such as an electronic performance sensor or MP3 player. The watch then displays information related to the connected electronic devices. Still further, the watch may allow a user to control the operation of one or more connected remote electronic devices. Thus, if the watch is connected to a remote speed/distance monitor employing a calibration variable, then the watch may allow the user to adjust the calibration variable.
US08886287B2 Tissue-stabilization device and method for medical procedures
A method and apparatus for designing and fabricating a pantomesh. The pantomesh includes a plurality of pantomesh elements each including a pairs of links connected to one another by a revolute joint at points between their ends. Each of a plurality of the pantomesh elements is connected using spherical joints to a plurality of neighboring pantomesh elements, wherein a first line that extends along one side of a first pantomesh element forms a first variable angle with a second line that extends along an opposite side of the first pantomesh element. In some embodiments, at least some of the pantomesh elements of the pantomesh are not isosceles trapezoidal elements. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is used to compress breast tissue during an MRI procedure. In some embodiments, the pantomesh is connected to one or more actuators that facilitate remote control of the amount of compression provided.
US08886280B2 Nerve monitoring device
A nerve monitoring device, including a cannula, a sensor for monitoring a nerve, and an optional support element, can be inserted into an anatomic space. The cannula, sensor and/or support element can automatically conform to and match the geometry of the anatomic space, which can enhance desired contact between the sensor and anatomic features, such as muscles, nerves or tissue in the space in an atraumatic manner. The sensor, cannula and/or support element can include one or more strips or other elements that convert from a retracted mode to an expanded mode in which the strips or elements expand, enlarge or otherwise move to match the geometry of the space and place the sensors in precise monitoring proximity relative to the target muscles, nerves or tissues. An exemplary application of the device is in the field of laryngeal monitoring, however, the device is well suited for other applications.
US08886266B2 Superconducting coil, rotating device, and superconducting coil manufacturing method
A superconducting coil and a rotating device, the performances of which are improved, and a superconducting coil manufacturing method are provided. A superconducting coil 10 is a saddle-shaped superconducting coil formed by winding a superconducting wire so as to form a race-track-like shape. The superconducting coil includes a curved portion 10b and a straight portion 10a connected to the curved portion 10b. In the curved portion 10b, an upper edge 10c is positioned closer to an inner peripheral side than a lower edge 10d is, and in the straight portion 10a, the upper edge 10c is positioned closer to an outer peripheral side than the lower edge 10d is.
US08886264B2 Portable electronic apparatus
According to an aspect, a portable electronic apparatus includes a first housing, a second housing, a touch panel, a display, a connection mechanism, an operation unit, and a control unit. The touch panel is arranged in a first surface of the first housing. The display is arranged in a second surface of the second housing. The connection mechanism connects the first housing and the second housing so as to switch between a closed state where the first housing covers the display and the touch panel is exposed to the outside and an opened state where the touch panel and the display are exposed to the outside while being adjacent to each other. The operation unit is arranged on the second surface at a position adjacent to the display. The control unit controls an operation of each unit.
US08886248B2 Transmission power adjustment method in wireless communication system and base station
Necessary transmission power of terminals is secured while suppressing total transmission power in base station, so that FFR technology is realized with high frequency utilization efficiency to thereby realize both of compactness of base station and increase of communication capacity. Frequency resource is divided into frequency for boundary area of cell and frequency for central area of cell. Transmission power per unit frequency is fixed in the frequency for boundary area of cell and is set to be variable in the frequency for central area of cell. Transmission power per unit frequency is adjusted so as to satisfy necessary power of terminals connected to frequency for central area of cell. When it is judged that total transmission power of base station exceeds prescribed value, terminal is moved from central area to boundary area of cell, so that total transmission power is suppressed to be equal to or smaller than standard.
US08886245B2 Messaging scheme for controlling uplink transmit power of a wireless device
In a power control messaging scheme for wireless communication, a wireless node sends vectorized information to another wireless node that uses the information to control its transmit power. In some aspects, the vectorized information may relate to interference observed at a wireless node. In some aspects, the vectorized information may relate to power adjustment offsets. In some aspects, the information may be vectorized based on one or more of different quality of service classes, different assignments within a frame, different permutation zones, different channel differences, different locations of a wireless node, different channel types, different other sector interference values, and different assignment sizes. In some aspects, a wireless node transmits a power control message via an uplink map in an assignment message.
US08886243B1 Orchestrated group communication
Orchestrated group communication may facilitate communication with a group of contacts. A user may define a group of contacts reachable via different communication mechanisms. A communication framework may determine an appropriate method for communicating the information to each member of a group. The user may not know how the communication framework is communicating with each group member. A user may specify preferred communication mechanisms or a particular order of communication mechanisms for communicating with particular contacts. Orchestrated group communication may also provide a user interface allowing a user to request communication with every member of a contact group via a single user interface action. A user desiring to communicate with a group may drag a document, or other file, and drop it onto an icon for the group and a group communication framework may communicate that document to each member of the group.
US08886241B2 GSM base station identity code (BSIC) method for irat cell reselection to conserve UE battery power
A measurement reporting method reduces battery waste. A UE receives a list of GSM neighbor cells and measures the signal strength of each of the GSM cells in the list. The UE performs base station identity code (BSIC) confirm/reconfirm procedures only for the cells having a signal strength above a threshold.