Document Document Title
US08936982B2 Semiconductor device with buried bit line and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes etching a semiconductor substrate to form bulb-type trenches that define a plurality of active regions in the semiconductor substrate; forming a supporter in each of the bulb-type trenches; dividing each active region, of the plurality of active regions, into a pair of body lines by forming a trench through each active region; and forming a bit line in each body line of the pair of body lines.
US08936972B2 Epitaxially thickened doped or undoped core nanowire FET structure and method for increasing effective device width
Techniques for increasing effective device width of a nanowire FET device are provided. In one aspect, a method of fabricating a FET device is provided. The method includes the following steps. A SOI wafer is provided having an SOI layer over a BOX, wherein the SOI layer is present between a buried nitride layer and a nitride cap. The SOI layer, the buried nitride layer and the nitride cap are etched to form nanowire cores and pads in the SOI layer in a ladder-like configuration. The nanowire cores are suspended over the BOX. Epitaxial sidewalls are formed over the sidewalls of the nanowires cores. The buried nitride layer and the nitride cap are removed from the nanowire cores. A gate stack is formed that surrounds at least a portion of each of the nanowire cores and the epitaxial sidewalls.
US08936966B2 Packaging methods for semiconductor devices
Methods of packaging semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a packaging method for semiconductor devices includes providing a workpiece including a plurality of first dies, and coupling a plurality of second dies to the plurality of first dies. The plurality of second dies and the plurality of first dies are partially packaged and separated. Top surfaces of the second dies are coupled to a carrier, and the partially packaged plurality of second dies and plurality of first dies are fully packaged. The carrier is removed, and the fully packaged plurality of second dies and plurality of first dies are separated.
US08936945B2 Compositions and methods for liquid metering in microchannels
The movement and mixing of microdroplets through microchannels is described employing microscale devices, comprising microdroplet transport channels, reaction regions, electrophoresis modules, and radiation detectors. Microdroplets are metered into defined volumes and are subsequently incorporated into a variety of biological assays. Electronic components are fabricated on the same substrate material, allowing sensors and controlling circuitry to be incorporated in the same device.
US08936934B2 Bioreactor assembly and associated methods
A bioreactor assembly, including: a housing internally defining a plurality of reaction chambers; a medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein the medium flow supply line associated with each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for delivering a medium flow to each of the plurality of reaction chambers; and one or more framed membrane cartridges selectively disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers, wherein each of the one or more framed membrane cartridges disposed within each of the plurality of reaction chambers is operable for holding a biochemically active material that is reacted when exposed to the medium flow.
US08936932B2 Magnetic and/or electric label assisted detection system and method
A detection system (100) is described for detecting analytes in a fluid sample. The detection system (100) comprises a transporting means (6) for transporting magnetic and/or electric labels (5) after interaction between the sample fluid and the reagents towards a detection receptacle (1). The detection receptacle (1) is initially substantially magnetic and/or electric label (5) free. By transporting the magnetic and/or electric labels (5) after reaction, interference between unreacted reagents and magnetic and/or electric label-assisted detection can be reduced.
US08936923B2 Production of biodiesel
The invention relates to the production of biodiesel feedstock and biodiesel. A process for producing a biodiesel utilizing a thraustochytrid is provided.
US08936920B2 Primers for detecting plasmodium
The present invention provides an easy and rapid method for detecting/identifying the presence or absence of specific Plasmodium parasites and four species of malaria parasites in a human specimen, an anti-malaria measure support system, and a malaria infection-prevention/treatment system, which can contribute to practical diagnosis in a malaria endemic area. According to the present invention, using a genus-specific primer set that can detect four Plasmodium parasites that infect humans at a time, and the primer sets each specific to each of four species of Plasmodium parasites (P. falciparum, P. vivax, P. malariae, and P. ovale), the presence or absence of infection with these parasites can be detected/identified easily and rapidly.
US08936919B2 Method for the detection and diagnosis of cancer involving primers and probes for the specific detection of the MAGE-A3-marker
The present invention relates to MAGE-3 specific primers and probes for use new diagnostic kits and methods. The invention further relates to immunotherapeutic treatment of specific populations of cancer patients, suffering from MAGE-3 expressing tumors.
US08936918B2 Yeast strain for the production of proteins with modified O-glycosylation
Lower eukaryotic host cells have been recombinantly engineered to produce glycoprotein having human-like O-glycosylation. The glycoproteins are useful for the production of glycoprotein compositions with advantages for the production of human therapeutics.
US08936916B2 Polypeptides for microbial detection
Polypeptides which can be activated to cause the formation of pores in a lipid membrane are disclosed. Also disclosed are polypeptide compositions for the detection of target microorganisms and methods of using said compositions.
US08936908B2 Method for the production of permanent human cell lines
The present invention relates to a method for the production of a permanent human cell line, wherein isolated primary human cells are transfected simultaneously with a sequence allowing the expression of at least one cell transforming factor and a sequence allowing the expression of at least one recombinant polypeptide.
US08936902B2 Positive-working imageable elements and method of use
An infrared radiation-sensitive positive-working imageable element has a substrate and single imageable layer that includes a first polymeric binder having urethane or urea moieties in its backbone. The first polymeric binder is also insoluble in water and soluble in a weakly alkaline solution. This imageable element can be imaged and processed using weakly alkaline processing solutions that are free of silicates and metasilicates, which processing solutions may also be used to “gum” the imaged and developed printing surface.
US08936900B2 Calixarene and photoresist composition comprising same
A molecular glass compound comprises a vinyl ether adduct of an aromatic vinyl ether of formula C(R1)2═C(R2)—O-(L)n-Ar1, and a calix[4]arene, wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a single bond, H, C1-20 alkyl, C1-20 haloalkyl, C6-20 aryl, C6-20 haloaryl, C7-20 aralkyl, or C7-20 haloaralkyl, L is a C1-20 linking group, n is 0 or 1, and Ar1 is a halo-containing monocyclic, or substituted or unsubstituted polycyclic or fused polycyclic C6-20 aromatic-containing moiety, wherein R1 and R2 are connected to Ar1 when either or both of R1 and R2 is a single bond and n is 0. A photoresist, comprising the molecular glass compound, a solvent, and a photoacid generator, a coated substrate, comprising (a) a substrate having one or more layers to be patterned on a surface thereof; and (b) a layer of a photoresist composition over the one or more layers to be patterned, and a method of forming the molecular glass compound, are also disclosed.
US08936899B2 Positive-working lithographic printing plate precursors and use
A thermally-sensitive, positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor can be used to prepare lithographic printing plates using high pH, silicate-free processing solutions. The precursor has a grained an anodized aluminum-containing substrate including a poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. A first ink receptive layer, and optionally a second ink receptive layer, is disposed directly on the poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) interlayer. This first ink receptive layer comprises an aromatic acid dye that comprises at least two aromatic groups in an amount of least 0.5 weight %. In addition, the precursor comprises an infrared radiation absorber in one of the layers.
US08936895B2 Toner, developer, and image forming method
To provide a toner, which contains: base particles each having a core-shell structure, where a core of the base particle contains crystalline polyester, non-crystalline polyester, a colorant, and a releasing agent, and a shell of the base particle contain a resin, wherein the toner has thermal hardness of 0.5 to 1.8, wherein the toner has a softening index of 80° C. to 95° C., and wherein the toner has thermal retentiveness of 30° C. to 50° C.
US08936892B2 Electrophotographic photosensitive member, method of producing electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic apparatus
In order to provide an electrophotographic photosensitive member in which the dark-area potential does not easily change even when repeatedly used for a long period of time under a normal temperature/low humidity environment, a method of producing the electrophotographic photosensitive member, and a process cartridge and an electrophotographic apparatus, each comprising the electrophotographic photosensitive member, an undercoat layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member is incorporated with an organic resin, a metal oxide particle, and a specific compound (phosphine oxide compound).
US08936888B2 Fuel cell system with flame protection member
A solid oxide fuel cell system includes a first fuel cell tube, a flame tip protection member and a current conduction member. The first fuel cell tube has a flame end. The flame end has exit opening. The fuel cell tube is configured to deliver combustible gas to the flame tip region generating a flame kernel. The flame protection member is configured to inhibit at least one of mass transfer and heat transfer between the fuel cell tube and the flame tip region. The current conduction member is disposed through the exit opening of the flame end of the first fuel cell tube.
US08936875B2 Negative electrode containing graphite for lithium ion secondary battery
In a lithium ion secondary battery, an electrode assembly, in which a positive electrode sheet having a positive electrode mixture layer and a negative electrode sheet having a negative electrode mixture layer are overlain each other, is housed in a container together with a nonaqueous electrolyte solution. The negative electrode mixture layer includes a carbon material having at least in part a graphite structure as a negative active material. When S (m2) represents a value obtained by calculating a total surface area of the negative electrode active material included in a region of the negative electrode mixture layer lying opposite the positive electrode mixture layer per 1 Ah of capacity of the battery, V represents a value obtained by calculating a total volume of pores included in the region of the negative electrode mixture layer per 1 Ah of capacity of the battery, and N represents the number of lithium ions included within the volume V of the nonaqueous electrolyte solution, the value α computed by the formula α=S×N is from 1×1022 to 2.5×1022.
US08936874B2 Conductive nanocomposite-based electrodes for lithium batteries
This invention provides a nanocomposite-based lithium battery electrode comprising: (a) A porous aggregate of electrically conductive nano-filaments that are substantially interconnected, intersected, physically contacted, or chemically bonded to form a three-dimensional network of electron-conducting paths, wherein the nano-filaments have a diameter or thickness less than 1 μm (preferably less than 500 nm); and (b) Sub-micron or nanometer-scale electro-active particles that are bonded to a surface of the nano-filaments with a conductive binder material, wherein the particles comprise an electro-active material capable of absorbing and desorbing lithium ions and wherein the electro-active material content is no less than 25% by weight based on the total weight of the particles, the binder material, and the filaments. Preferably, these electro-active particles are coated with a thin carbon layer. This electrode can be an anode or a cathode. The battery featuring such an anode or cathode exhibits an exceptionally high specific capacity, an excellent reversible capacity, and a long cycle life.
US08936870B2 Electrode structure and method for making the same
Electrode structures, and more specifically, electrode structures for use in electrochemical cells, are provided. The electrode structures described herein may include one or more protective layers. In one set of embodiments, a protective layer may be formed by exposing a lithium metal surface to a plasma comprising ions of a gas to form a ceramic layer on top of the lithium metal. The ceramic layer may be highly conductive to lithium ions and may protect the underlying lithium metal surface from reaction with components in the electrolyte. In some cases, the ions may be nitrogen ions and a lithium nitride layer may be formed on the lithium metal surface. In other embodiments, the protective layer may be formed by converting lithium to lithium nitride at high pressures. Other methods for forming protective layers are also provided.
US08936862B2 Cylindrical nonaqueous electrolyte battery
A cylindrical nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes: a wound electrode unit as a wound electrode laminate of belt-like positive and negative electrodes laminated via a separator, the positive electrode including a positive electrode collector and a positive electrode active material layer, and the negative electrode including a negative electrode collector and a negative electrode active material layer; an adhesive member provided to cover the wound electrode laminate at a terminating end portion lying on an outer side of the wound electrode unit; and a battery canister housing the wound electrode unit, the adhesive member including a base material, and an adhesive layer provided on a whole surface or on at least a part of the surface on one side of the base material, and the base material being a mixture of a resin material of high swellability and a resin material of high melting point.
US08936859B2 Cyclophosphazene compound, lubricant comprising same, and magnetic disk
A cyclophosphazene compound of the formula (I), and lubricants and magnetic disks using the compound wherein n is 2, 3 or 4, m is an integer of 1 to 12, R is C1-4 fluoroalkyl and Rf is —CF2O(CF2CF2O)x(CF2O)yCF2— or —CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2O)zCF2CF2— in which x, y and z are each 0 or a positive real number to give a number average molecular weight of 500 to 4000 to a fluoropolyether of the formula HOCH2—Rf—CH2OH including said Rf, the fluoropolyether having a molecular weight distribution (PD) of 1.0 to 1.5.
US08936854B2 Method of forming antifouling coating film
Provided is a method of forming an antifouling coating film including the steps of [1] preparing a colored antifouling paint containing a prescribed Si-containing hydrolyzable resin and a color pigment such that a coating film having a target dry film thickness T completely hides a surface of an object to be coated, the colored antifouling paint has a color difference ΔE1 between the coating film having the thickness T and a coating film having a dry film thickness of 0.8 T, at least 2.0, and preferably the colored antifouling paint has a color difference ΔE2 between the coating film having the thickness T and a coating film having a dry film thickness of 1.2 T, less than 1, and [2] coating a surface of the object with the colored antifouling paint until the surface of the object is completely hidden by the coating film formed from the colored antifouling paint.
US08936853B2 Adhesive agents for plastisols
The invention relates to plastisols which even without the addition of adhesion promoters exhibit high adhesion to metallic and cathodically deposition-coated substrates.
US08936843B2 Thin, smooth nitrile rubber gloves
A nitrile-rubber medical exam glove composed of a glove body which is a flexible layer of nitrile-butadiene rubber having a chlorinated first surface forming a donning side and an un-chlorinated second surface forming a grip side. The elastomeric glove also includes a substantially uniform distribution of a release agent distributed over the un-chlorinated second surface of the glove body. The elastomeric glove has: (a) an average thickness of between about 0.03 to 0.12 mm in a palm region of the glove body as measured in accordance with ASTM D3767, procedure A; (b) an un-chlorinated second surface of the glove body characterized by a Surface Root Mean Square Roughness of from about 3.00 μm to about 6.55 μm; and (c) a failure rate of less than about 1 percent when the elastomeric glove is subjected to pinhole leak testing generally in accordance with ASTM D5151-06.
US08936832B2 Device and method for wet treating plate-like-articles
A method for wet treatment of plate-like articles includes, a chuck for holding a single plate-like article having an upwardly facing surface for receiving liquid running off a plate-like article when being treated with liquid, wherein the chuck is outwardly bordered by a circumferential annular lip. The chuck has an outer diameter greater than the greatest diameter of the plate-like article to be treated, and a rotatable part with an upwardly facing ring-shaped surface for receiving liquid running off the circumferential lip of the chuck. The rotatable part is rotatable with respect to the chuck, the ring-shaped surface is coaxially arranged with respect to the circumferential annular lip, the inner diameter of the ring-shaped surface is smaller than the outer diameter of the chuck, and the distance d between the lip and the upwardly facing ring-shaped surface is in a range from 0.1 mm to 5 mm.
US08936830B2 Apparatus and method for continuous powder coating
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus by which powder is evenly dispersed and is coated on a substrate uniformly and continuously so that a uniform layer may be formed. More specifically the present invention provides a method and an apparatus for forming a coating layer that powder is coated on an entire surface of a substrate uniformly and continuously, regardless of the material or the size of the substrate, as a uniform amount of powder entrained on the carrier air which is generated by carrier air and powder transported to a carrier pipe at a certain rate is consistently fed in to a nozzle, regardless of the size, morphology, and specific weight of the powder particles.
US08936828B2 Method of fabricating substrate where patterns are formed
Provided is a method of fabricating a substrate where patterns are formed, the method including: preparing a solution in which a plurality of oxide beads are dispersed; forming patterns on a substrate; installing a provisional structure in an upper portion of the substrate so that a micro-channel is formed on the substrate; injecting the solution in which the oxide beads are dispersed, into the micro-channel and fixing the oxide beads at the substrate; and thermally processing the substrate. A plurality of low-priced oxide beads can be patterned on a substrate to have a desired shape so that damages can be prevented from occurring in the substrate during dry etching, and an etching process is not performed so that a yield of a device is not reduced and mass production of the device increases.
US08936823B2 Food product containing ethylcellulose
The present invention has as an objective to provide an emulsion for shallow flying which has reduced spattering. This objective has been met by an emulsion which contains ethylcellulose particles.
US08936822B2 Process for manufacturing an animal feed or food and product obtained by that process
The present invention relates to a process for manufacturing an animal feed or a foodstuff, comprising the steps of (i) preparing at least one first stream of material and at least one second stream of material, (ii) dispersing the second stream of material in the first stream of material in a laminar fashion in a device for at least partially incompletely blending the first and second streams of material, so that the second stream of material is distributed in the first stream of material preferably in the form of droplets ranging in size from 0.3 mm to 8 mm, (iii) discharging the first stream of material containing the second stream of material in the form of droplets through a nozzle, and (iv) solidifying the first stream of material containing the second stream of material in the form of droplets.
US08936818B2 Compositions and methods using pomegranate extracts
A pomegranate beverage including a pomegranate juice component prepared by crushing and squeezing whole fruits of pomegranate including inner and outer peels and seeds to yield a juice component and an insoluble by-product component, where the juice component separated from the insoluble by-product component to obtain the pomegranate juice component, and an amount of a pomegranate extract component including at least 30 to 3000 μmols of polyphenols, where the beverage is prepared by a process including re-suspending the insoluble by-product component in an aqueous medium, mixing the re-suspended insoluble by-product component and the aqueous medium, and separating an aqueous extract from the insoluble by-product component to obtain the pomegranate extract component, where the aqueous extract includes polyphenols resulting from the insoluble by-product component.
US08936805B2 Bone regeneration using biodegradable polymeric nanocomposite materials and applications of the same
A structure of, and a method of producing, a biocompatible structure for bone and tissue regeneration are disclosed. The method includes dissolving a polyurethane polymer in methanol, adding hydroxyapatite (HAP) nanoparticles to form a uniformly distributed mixture, applying the mixture to a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) surface to form a polymer film, cutting the polymer film into strips, stacking the strips with layers of bone particles disposed therebetween, coating the stacked strips and layers by the mixture and allowing it to dry, adding bone particles to the coating, and plasma treating the structure to form the biocompatible structure. A weight percentage of the HAP nanoparticles to the polymer is about 5-50% such that a resorption rate of the biocompatible structure substantially matches a rate of tissue generation in the biocompatible structure.
US08936802B2 Polymer composition and molded articles shaped of the same
The present invention relates to a molded article which is shaped of a polymer composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin-based polymer, and 0.01 to 100 parts by weight of a C10-90 saturated chain hydrocarbon and/or liquid paraffin and 0.01 to 200 parts by weight of a releasable active compound per 100 parts by weight of said olefin-based polymer, and which is drawn at a draw ratio of 2 or more.
US08936800B2 Gel composition for treatment of common acne comprising a combination of benzoyl peroxide and adapalene and/or adapalene salt
Dermatological/cosmetic compositions suited for preventing or treating cell differentiation and/or proliferation and/or keratinization disorders, including preventing or treating common acne, comprise, in a physiologically acceptable medium, (i) at least one dispersed retinoid, (ii) dispersed benzoyl peroxide, in free or encapsulated form, and (iii) at least one pH-independent gelling agent, selected from the group consisting of (a) polyacrylamide gelling agents, (b) gelling agents which are acrylic polymers coupled to hydrophobic chains, (c) modified starch gelling agents, and mixture thereof, said composition maintaining good chemical stability of (i) and (ii) without their degradation over time at a temperature of between 4° C. and 40° C.
US08936789B2 Immunoenhancer-linked oligomeric HIV envelope peptides
Provided herein are immunogenic compositions comprising fusion proteins, the fusion proteins comprising lentivirus gp41 or a fragment thereof, a trimerization or oligomerization motif and an immunoenhancer that elicit potent and broad HIV neutralizing antibody responses in the immunized hosts. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the immunogenic compositions.
US08936786B2 Methods and compositions for oral administration of protein and peptide therapeutic agents
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition formulated for oral delivery, comprising a particulate non-covalently associated mixture of pharmacologically inert silica nanoparticles having a hydrophobic surface, a polysaccharide, and a biologically active protein or peptide suspended in an oil. The present invention further provides methods of manufacturing same and therapeutic methods utilizing same for oral delivery of a therapeutic protein or peptide.
US08936782B2 Interferon beta as antibacterial agents
The present invention describes method of treating bacterial infections, including MRSA. In various embodiments, the methods can use interferon beta, which is found to have antimicrobial activity. In certain embodiments, the interferon beta can be human interferon beta. In other embodiments, the interferon beta can be mouse interferon beta. In further embodiments, the interferon beta can be human interferon beta containing amino acid substitutions to make the human interferon beta more cationic in neutral pH.
US08936776B2 Metallophosphate molecular sieves, method of preparation and use
A new family of crystalline microporous metallophosphates designated AlPO-67 has been synthesized. These metallophosphates are represented by the empirical formula R+rMm2+EPxSiyOz where R is an organoammonium cation such as the ETMA+ or DEDMA+, M is a framework metal alkaline earth or transition metal of valence 2+, and E is a trivalent framework element such as aluminum or gallium. The AlPO-67 compositions exhibit the LEV framework topology and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for separating at least one component.
US08936775B2 Cathode active material (higher oxides of silver)
The present invention provides novel cathodes having a reduced resistivity and electrochemical cells using these cathodes. Furthermore, this invention also presents methods of manufacturing novel electrochemical cells and novel cathodes.
US08936767B2 Oxidation system with sidedraw secondary reactor
Disclosed are process and apparatus for vertical splitting of the oxygen supply to a post-oxidation reactor. Further disclosed are process and apparatus for supplying reaction medium to a post-oxidation reactor at a mid-level inlet. Such apparatus and process can assist in reducing oxygen pinch throughout the post-oxidation reactor.
US08936761B1 Apparatuses and risers for reacting feedstock in the presence of catalyst and methods for fabricating risers
Embodiments of apparatuses and risers for reacting a feedstock in the presence of a catalyst and methods for fabricating such risers are provided. In one example, a riser comprises a sidewall that defines a cylindrical housing surrounding an interior. The sidewall has a groove formed therein disposed about the interior. A plurality of baffle sections is disposed in the groove. The baffle sections are configured to be packed together in the groove to define a packed condition and to be moved in the groove so as to spread out the baffle sections from the packed condition to define an expanded condition and form a baffle ring. The baffle ring extends inwardly in the interior.
US08936756B2 Apparatus for venting a catalyst cooler
The apparatus herein provide a catalyst cooler with a vent that communicates fluidizing gas to a lower chamber of a regenerator. Air that is used as fluidizing gas can then be consumed in the regenerator without promoting after burn in the upper chamber.
US08936744B2 Photocurable resin composition containing fluorine and method for producing a resin mold using same
There are provided a fluorine-containing photocurable resin composition and a method of preparing a mold comprising the same and more particularly, a photocurable resin composition having chemical resistance, mechanical properties and high transmittance, etc. as well as being easily wetted with and released from thermosetting or photocurable resins for pattern formation regardless of additional surface treatment, as opposed to the existing polymer resin materials used for resin molds, and a method of preparing a resin mold using the same.
US08936739B2 Reciprocating apparatus, method of controlling reciprocating apparatus, and injection molding apparatus
A reciprocating apparatus comprises a reciprocating member, a drive mechanism, an input device, a work-switch position calculating unit configured to calculate a work-switch position for the drive mechanism, a direction-switch position calculating unit configured to calculate a direction-switch position, a remaining-distance calculating unit configured to calculate a remaining distance that is a difference between the direction-switch position calculated by the direction-switch position calculating unit and a direction-switch position input at the input device, a target direction-switch position calculating unit configured to add the remaining distance, to the direction-switch position calculated by the direction-switch position calculating unit, thereby to calculate a target direction-switch position, and a corrected position calculating unit configured to calculates a corrected work-switch position for the drive mechanism so that the drive mechanism may cause the reciprocating member to start moving in the opposite direction at the target direction-switch position calculated by the target direction-switch position calculating unit.
US08936735B2 Polymer coatings with improved heat stability
The present invention relates to coatings comprising electrically conductive polymers and esters of gallic acid and sugars, their production and use, and dispersions for the production of such coatings.
US08936730B2 Methods for forming apparatus for stud bump formation
An apparatus used for forming stud bumps may be formed by providing a first clamp plate comprising a clamping surface, forming a notcher on the clamping surface, and forming a contact stopper on the clamping surface. The apparatus may include a clamp that includes at least two opposing plates, and at least one of the opposing plates includes a protruding feature that intersects the wire when the wire is clamped forming a first notch in the wire. The method for forming stud bumps includes bonding wire to a bonding surface, releasing the wire from the clamp, passing the wire a notch pitch distance through the clamp, clamping the wire with the clamp forming a second notch in the wire, and breaking the wire leaving a bonded portion of the wire on the bonding surface.
US08936724B2 Filtration cartridge formed of stacked plates
A filtration cartridge is provided comprising one or a stack of filtration units sealed to each other at their outer periphery and to end caps thereby eliminating the need for a housing surrounding the stack. Fluid pathways are provided so that filtration of all incoming feed is assured prior to passing from the cartridge as filtrate. Two permeate pathways are provided to direct permeate to an outlet from the filtration cartridge.
US08936723B2 Chromatography column with large diameter end fitting openings
A column for use in chromatography, the column having a tube with a bore that can contain a packing medium captured between two porous plugs positioned at opposite ends. End fittings are attached to the tube ends, the end fittings having a duct with a duct opening having a diameter at least as large as the diameter of the tube bore which it faces. The duct opening may be positioned within a recess in spaced apart relation to the porous plugs to prevent the end fitting from contacting the plug and burnishing its surface.
US08936717B2 IZM-2 zeolite-based catalyst and process for hydroconversion/hydrocracking of hydrocarbonated feedstocks
The present invention relates to a catalyst comprising at least one IZM-2 zeolite, at least one amorphous matrix, at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element selected from the group formed by the elements from group VIB and from group VIII of the periodic table and excluding platinum and palladium. The catalyst also optionally contains a controlled quantity of at least one doping element selected from phosphorus, boron and silicon, optionally at least one element from group VB of the periodic table of the elements, and optionally a group VIIA element. The invention also relates to hydrocracking and hydrotreatment processes implementing this catalyst.
US08936716B2 Process for recovering hydroprocessed hydrocarbons with two strippers in series
A process is disclosed for recovering hydroprocessing effluent from a hydroprocessing unit utilizing a hot stripper and a cold stripper. A net overhead stream from the hot stripper is forwarded to the cold stripper for further stripping. The invention is particularly suitable for hydrotreating residue feed streams. The hot stripped stream may be subjected to fluid catalytic cracking. The apparatus and process eliminates the need for a fired heater in the product recovery unit.
US08936714B2 Process for producing diesel
A process is disclosed for hydrocracking a primary hydrocarbon feed and a diesel co-feed in a hydrocracking unit and hydrotreating a diesel product from the hydrocracking unit in a hydrotreating unit. The diesel stream fed through the hydrocracking unit is pretreated to reduce sulfur and ammonia and can be upgraded with noble metal catalyst.
US08936713B2 Fill sufficiency method and system
Described and illustrated herein are one exemplary method and a measurement system having a meter and a test strip. The test strip has a first working electrode, reference electrode and second working electrode. In this method, acceptable fill data from known first current and known second current are used to predict an estimated second current at proximate the second time period (for a given batch of test strips) during the test sequence. The estimated second current at proximate the second time interval is then compared with a measured actual second current at proximate the second time interval during an actual test to determine if the measured actual second current is substantially equal to or within an acceptable percent deviation from the estimated second current so as to determine sufficient volume of a physiological fluid sample in the test strip.
US08936709B2 Adaptable free-standing metallic article for semiconductors
A free-standing metallic article, and method of making, is disclosed in which the metallic article is electroformed on an electrically conductive mandrel. The metallic article has a plurality of electroformed elements that are configured to serve as an electrical conduit for a photovoltaic cell. A first electroformed element has at least one of: a) a non-uniform width along a first length of the first element, b) a change in conduit direction along the first length of the first element, c) an expansion segment along the first length of the first element, d) a first width that is different from a second width of a second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, e) a first height that is different from a second height of the second element in the plurality of electroformed elements, and f) a top surface that is textured.
US08936707B2 Sputtering target of nonmagnetic-particle-dispersed ferromagnetic material
A sputtering target of nonmagnetic-particle-dispersed ferromagnetic material is provided having a phase (A) such that nonmagnetic particles are dispersed in a ferromagnetic material formed from a Co—Cr alloy containing 5 at % or more and 20 at % or less of Cr and Co as the remainder thereof, and schistose textures (B) with a short side of 30 to 100 μm and a long side of 50 to 300 μm formed from a Co—Cr alloy phase in the phase (A); wherein each of the foregoing nonmagnetic particles has such a shape and size that the particle is smaller than all hypothetical circles with a radius of 1 μm around an arbitrary point within the nonmagnetic particle, or a shape and size with at least two contact points or intersection points between the respective hypothetical circles and the interface of the ferromagnetic material and the nonmagnetic material.
US08936691B2 Magnetic property retention
A method and an apparatus for retaining magnetic properties of a magnet while undergoing manufacturing processes are presented. Ferrous materials with relatively good magnetic permeability are disposed adjacent to poles of magnet substantially containing magnetic field lines from the magnet within the ferrous materials. When the magnetic field lines are thereby substantially contained, the magnet can be exposed to elevated temperatures without losing magnetization strength. Adhesives, particularly adhesives that cure when exposed to elevated temperatures can be used with magnets configured to contain magnetic field lines without having the magnets lose magnetic strength.
US08936687B2 Method for manufacturing grain oriented electrical steel sheets
In a method for manufacturing grain oriented electrical steel sheets from a slab, controlling the steel sheet temperature so as to satisfy T (t)
US08936684B2 Vitreous silica crucible
The present invention provides a vitreous silica crucible which can suppress buckling and sidewall lowering of the crucible and the generation of cracks. According to the present invention, a vitreous silica crucible is provided for pulling a silicon single crystal having a wall, the wall including a non-doped inner surface layer made of natural vitreous silica or synthetic vitreous silica, a mineralizing element-maldistributed vitreous silica layer containing dispersed island regions each containing a mineralizing element, and wherein the vitreous silica of the island regions and the vitreous silica of a surrounding region of the island regions is a combination of mineralizing element-doped natural vitreous silica and non-doped synthetic vitreous silica, or a combination of mineralizing element-doped synthetic vitreous silica and non-doped natural vitreous silica, and the inner surface layer is made of vitreous silica of a different kind from that of the island region.
US08936679B2 Single crystal pulling-up apparatus of pulling-up silicon single crystal and single crystal pulling-up method of pulling-up silicon single crystal
According to one exemplary embodiment, a single crystal pulling-up apparatus of pulling-up silicon single crystals by a Czochralski method, is provided with: a neck diameter measuring portion which measures a diameter of a grown neck portion; a first compensation portion which outputs a first compensated pulling-up speed for the seed crystals based on a difference between a measured value of the diameter of the neck portion and a target value of the neck portion diameter previously stored; a second compensation portion which outputs a second pulling-up speed while limiting an upper limit of the first pulling-up speed to a first limit value; and a crucible rotation number compensation portion which lowers the number of a rotation of a crucible at least in a period where the upper limit of the first pulling-up speed is limited to the first limit value.
US08936676B2 Compositions and methods for coloration and/or staining of galvanized metal surfaces
An aqueous liquid solution containing soluble salts of coloring metals—particularly manganese and ferric iron along with a sugar source and fulvic and/or humic acid can be readily applied to galvanized metal surfaces impart a natural color tone to such surfaces. In this manner the visibility manmade structures like fences and guardrails is quickly and easily reduced and readily blended into the natural background. The liquid solution can be readily sprayed on galvanized surfaces. When the ambient temperature is warm natural color will develop two-three weeks.
US08936674B2 Conductive silica sol composition, and molded article produced using the same
The present invention provides a conductive silica sol composition containing at least a silica sol composition, and at least one selected from perfluoroalkyl sulfonates perfluoroalkyl sulfone imide salts, and bis(fluorosulfonyl) imide salts.
US08936670B2 Spray type deaerator
The invention relates to a device for treating water of the spray type, such as a deaerator or preheater. According to the invention the connection between the vessel (12) and the sprayer (34) and the supply of water to be treated comprises a pipe section (40) having a first open end in fluid communication with a treatment chamber and a second open end provided with a first flange (60) for connecting to a sprayer (34), the sprayer (34) comprising a sprayer flange (68) connected to said first flange (60), the sprayer flange (68) carrying the sprayer (34), which is in fluid communication with a connecting pipe (72) at one end thereof, the connecting pipe (72) extending through the first flange (60) to a coupling flange (74) for connection to the supply of water to be treated.
US08936669B2 Temperature swing adsorption systems and methods for purifying fluids using the same
A temperature swing adsorption system includes a first adsorption bed configured to receive a feed stream and adsorb a contaminant from the feed stream to produce a product stream, a second adsorption bed configured to receive a portion of the product stream and a cooling stream to reduce a temperature of the second adsorption bed, a third adsorption bed configured to receive the heated product stream to increase a temperature of the third adsorption bed; a separation system to separate the cooled product stream into a first component stream and a second component stream, and a fourth adsorption bed configured to receive the first component stream and to enrich an adsorptive concentration of the first component stream. The enriched first component stream is directed to the second adsorption bed to provide the cooling stream.
US08936662B2 Apparatus and methods for large particle ash separation from flue gas using screens having semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces
Apparatus for separating ash particles from a flue gas. The apparatus includes a screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces. The semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces having holes through which said flue gas flows and through which the ash particles will not pass. The screen has a single layer for performing the separation in a manner such that the ash particles fall away from the screen and collect outside of the screen. A method of reducing velocity of a flue gas passing through screening apparatus for separating flue gas from ash particles. The method includes replacing a first screen of the screening apparatus with a second screen that has a plurality of semi-elliptical cylinder surfaces.
US08936659B2 Methods of forming diamond particles having organic compounds attached thereto and compositions thereof
A substance includes diamond particles having a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 μm and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond particles. The organic compound may include a surfactant or a polymer. A method of forming a substance includes exposing diamond particles to an organic compound, and exposing the diamond particles in the presence of the organic compound to ultrasonic energy. The diamond particles may have a maximum linear dimension of less than about 1 μm. A composition includes a liquid, a plurality of diamond nanoparticles dispersed within the liquid, and an organic compound attached to surfaces of the diamond nanoparticles. A method includes mixing a plurality of diamond particles with a solution comprising a liquid solvent and an organic compound, and exposing the mixture including the plurality of diamond nanoparticles and the solution to ultrasonic energy.
US08936657B2 Process and plant or refining raw materials containing organic constituents
A process for refining raw materials containing at least one of oil and bitumen includes supplying the raw materials to a reactor and volatilizing fuel gas in the reactor at a temperature of from 300 to 1000° C. and a pressure of from 0.001 to 1 bar. Solids remaining in the reactor, including non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons, are introduced into a furnace. A staged combustion of the non-evaporated fractions of heavy hydrocarbons is performed in a substoichiometric stage and in a superstoichiometric stage in the furnace at a furnace temperature of from 600 to 1500° C. as to obtain hot solids in the furnace. The hot solids are recirculated from the furnace into the reactor. A sealing device separates an oxidizing atmosphere of the furnace from an atmosphere of the reactor.
US08936656B2 Hydrogen generator using steam-reforming reaction
Disclosed herein is a hydrogen generator for producing hydrogen by the steam-reforming reaction of hydrocarbons, in which a pressure loss induction structure for artificially reducing the pressure of exhaust gas is provided between a combustion unit and an exhaust gas discharge pipe, thus improving the uneven distribution of exhaust gas.
US08936651B2 Decellularized omentum matrix and uses thereof
Methods for defatting omentum and processes for preparing an acellular omentum, i.e., devitalized or decellularized omentum, comprising extracellular matrix for implantation into a mammalian system. Constructs for medical applications comprising decellularized omentum are also described. More specifically, mesh reinforced omentum biomatrix for soft tissue repair is described.
US08936647B2 Elbow prosthesis
An elbow prosthesis can include a humeral component having a yoke, an ulnar component having a head, a humeral bearing positionable in a base of the humeral component, an ulnar bearing assembly configured to engage with the head, and a pin extendable through the bearing assembly and the head. The pin can be extendable into first and second ears of the yoke to enable pivotable movement of the ulnar component relative to the humeral component. The elbow prosthesis can include a first fastener insertable through the first ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin, and a second fastener insertable through the second ear of the yoke and configured to engage with the pin.
US08936631B2 Apparatus and methods for treating hollow anatomical structures
A method of performing therapy on tissue using a medical apparatus. The apparatus includes a shaft configured for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure (HAS) and has a tissue sensor and a therapeutic energy application device both located on the shaft. The method comprises: receiving electrical power at a first power level and directing the first-level power to the tissue sensor and not to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling tissue sensing with the tissue sensor; receiving electrical power at a second power level higher than the first-level power; and, in response to receipt of the second-level power, directing the second-level power to the therapeutic energy application device, thereby enabling performance of therapy on the tissue with the therapeutic energy application device. Additional methods and apparatus are disclosed as well.
US08936630B2 Optical stimulation therapy
Methods of delivering optical stimulation to a target tissue from an optical stimulation device are provided. One method comprises sensing a temperature at the optical stimulation device or proximate to the optical stimulation device, and adjusting the delivery of light to the target tissue based on the sensed temperature. Another method comprises delivering the light to the target tissue with an optical light guide and sensing bioelectric signals with a sense electrode, wherein the optical light guide and the sense electrode each comprise a material that produces substantially no induced current in an electromagnetic field. Another method comprises delivering light from a light source of an optical stimulation device to a window of the optical stimulation device, delivering the light from the window to an optical light guide optically connected to the window, and delivering the light to a target tissue via the optical light guide.
US08936625B2 Device for fixing a bony structure to a support member
A device for fixing a bony structure to a support member. The device includes a main body with first and second members, the second member being movable in rotation with respect to the first member, around a first axis. A flexible member passes between the members and forms a loop around a bony structure. A clamping mechanism moves the first and second members into a clamping position. A support member and the flexible member are secured between the members in the clamping position. The first axis is movable in translation along a first direction and the second member is movable in translation along the first direction. The clamping mechanism cooperates with the first and second members to move the second member in translation in the first direction.
US08936612B2 Medical treatment tool
A medical treatment tool includes: an insert portion at least a part of which is provided by a flexing portion that is adapted to be flexed, the insert portion being adapted to be inserted into a human body of a patient; and an inflatable body provided on an outer circumference of the flexing portion, the inflatable body being inflated in a radial direction of the flexing portion. An axial distal end portion of the inflatable body is fixed to the insert portion while a proximal end portion of the inflatable body is axially movable relative to the insert portion.
US08936611B2 Apparatus and methods for achilles tendon repair
Apparatus and methods for Achilles tendon repair are described where an elongate tendon repair assembly may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. The assembly may define a channel for receiving a portion of the tendon and which may provide support to the tissue during repair. One or more retractable needles each carrying a length of suture may be deployed within the channel for piercing through the tendon and a cinching member may secure each of the suture lengths for tensioning the suture against the damaged tendon. Once the suture lengths have been deployed, the needles may be retracted and the device removed from the incision.
US08936610B2 Multiple hemoclip system for an endoscope
Spring clips are arranged end to end in a cavity of an inner shaft. Such shaft slides within an outer shaft, and a pusher member slides in the cavity behind the clips. The clips have jaws biased together, but which are wedged apart by an opener as the pusher is moved distally. An opened clip is ejected by relative movement of the inner and outer shafts to clamp body tissue at a desired site.
US08936604B2 Pneumatic surgical instrument and corresponding methods for implanting, extracting and reorienting orthopedic implants
Various embodiments of components, devices, systems and methods are provided for a pneumatic surgical instrument having a probe or an impactor disposed at a distal end thereof and configured to make contact with a selected portion of an orthopedic implant or device. The instrument is configured to generate a shock wave, which is then transferred to the distal end of the probe or impactor, and then into the orthopedic implant or probe.
US08936591B2 Apparatus for the cross-linking of ocular tissue with electromagnetic radiation
An apparatus for generating an alteration of biomechanical properties of ocular tissue, into which a photosensitizer (14) has been introduced, contains means (18, 20) for radiating into the tissue electromagnetic radiation (12′) which reacts with the photosensitizer for the purpose of generating a cross-linking. The setting means permit an inhomogeneous distribution of the irradiance in the tissue and a setting of the depth of action (16′).
US08936577B2 Methods and devices for autoflush syringes
Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.
US08936571B2 Illuminated syringe
The invention is an apparatus comprising of a syringe, a plunger and a circuit for the purpose of activating a light source to illuminate a target area for application of the contents of the syringe in low-light or no-light situations.
US08936550B2 Eyelids opening device with drape
An eyelids opening device with a drape comprising a flexible upper ring (1) applied in contact with the face while surrounding eyelids, a lower ring (2) inserted into a conjunctiva sac and applied in contact with the eyelids conjunctiva side, and an elastic sheet (3) of soft tubular thin film located to extend from the face side to the eyelids conjunctiva side and used to fix one end to the upper ring and to fix the other end to the lower ring by expanding, wherein the outside diameter at the smallest portion of the elastic sheet is substantially equal to or longer than the interpalpebral length (between upper and lower eyelids). Difference in size of conjunctiva sac or interpalpebral length of individuals is absorbed even by an appliance of one size, the eyelids can be opened by fitting the eyelids opening device to the eyelids or the face while burden on the eyeball is reduced and high safety is ensured.
US08936542B1 Cyclomagnetic therapy
A cyclomagnetic device for use in cyclomagnetic therapy. The device has a head and tail connected by a handgrip and is housed in housing in the shape of a showerhead. Inside the head end, a variable speed DC motor turns a rotor to which magnets are attached in a unipolar and unbalanced arrangement so that the rotor vibrates when the rotor turns. Inside the tail end is a pressure/trigger point massage tool. A battery pack that provides power to the motor is located in the handgrip. A dual switch attached to an electronic card connects the batteries to the motor that operates the device. To provide comfort when the device is used on the body, a soft rubber cushioned band is provided around the edge of the head and a soft rubber boot covers the tail of the device.
US08936536B2 Exercise apparatus
The invention concerns an exercise apparatus including a movable implement, the implement consisting of a number of movable parts that are mutually connected with at least one further movable part, where the apparatus is a mobile unit, and where the apparatus further includes a base. The new feature of the apparatus according to the invention is that an implement in the form of at least one set of discs consisting of at least a first and a second movable disc is connected to the base, where the first movable disc in a set of discs is rotatably connected to the base via a first rotary connection, and where the second movable disc in the set of discs is rotatably connected to the first disc. The apparatus may furthermore include more than two movable discs, for example three, four, five or more discs. By joining the individual movable parts in this way, free movement of the individual discs is achieved in this way, the individual discs obviously being dependent on the movements and actions of the other discs. An exercise apparatus with a base and with e.g. three additional discs, where an implement is mounted on the third disc, provides a totally unpredictable and challenging movement pattern.
US08936531B2 Stop-in-park control for micro-hybrid vehicles
A stop/start system of a micro-hybrid vehicle may selectively initiate an engine auto start in response to a PRNDL gear lever/transmission being moved/shifted out of DRIVE after an engine auto stop and a determination that the vehicle is located, for example, in an intersection or railroad crossing prior to the PRNDL gear lever/transmission being moved/shifted into REVERSE.
US08936525B2 Gear system and driver
A gear system 1 includes: an internal gear 12; an external gear 11; an input shaft 10 rotatably inserted into a center hole 11a formed in the external gear 11; and an anti-rotation section 19 configured to block rotation of the external gear 11. The input shaft 10 has an eccentric part 10a. The anti-rotation section 19 is formed such that the input shaft 10 is inserted into the anti-rotation section 19, and is rotatable about a center line of the input shaft 10. The gear system 1 includes: a brake 15 configured to disable movement of the anti-rotation section 19 about the input shaft 10; and a clutch system 16 configured to select one of a coupling state in which the anti-rotation section 19 and the input shaft 10 are coupled together to rotate together, and a non-coupling state in which the anti-rotation section 19 and the input shaft 10 are rotatable relative to each other.
US08936522B2 Batting swing training device
A batting swing training device is provided to train a batter in bat and ball sports to properly swing a bat. The device includes three weighted portions, one near the knob of the bat, one near the distal end of the bat, and one near the center of the bat. The weights near the knob and center of the bat force the batter to lead the swing with the knob. The weight near the distal end of the bat trains the batter to properly snap the bat through or release the bat at the time of contact. Each weighted portion may include cavities to accept the weights. The handle may have an oval-shaped cross-section to reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment and a plurality of finger grooves, which also reinforce the proper grip and knuckle alignment.
US08936521B2 Foldable golf tee
Disclosed is a golf tee foldable, through rotation, in a direction of a drive swing to prevent breakages and loss and increase the drive shot distance. The golf tee comprises a ball platform; a supporting pillar connecting the ball platform to a coupling ball; and a ball coupling portion having a fixation pin. The ball is coupled to the ball coupling portion via an elongate burrow circumferentially defined on the outer surface of the ball, which mates with an elongate ridge formed on a hemispherical inner surface of the ball coupling portion. At the stroke of a drive swing, the burrow slides over the relatively shorter ridge to allow rotation of the coupling ball and supporting pillar, causing the golf tee be fold in a direction of the drive swing.
US08936520B2 Multilayer golf ball with resin inner core and specified hardness relationships between the various layers
A high performance golf ball includes a resin inner core, a rubber outer core, and a cover. The resin inner core is made of a blend of highly neutralized polymers and a low flexural modulus ionomer, and may include a blend of different highly neutralized polymers. A hardness relationship between the layers of the ball is specified to achieve particular performance characteristics. The cover is a single layer ionomer cover, and may be made from a blend of different grades of the ionomer. The ball as a whole has properties to maximize performance and aesthetic properties, such as backspin off the irons, feel, and sound.
US08936516B2 Golf club shaft
A section where the tip side partial bias layer exists in an axis direction of the shaft is defined as a section T; a section where the back end side partial bias layer exists in the axis direction of the shaft is defined as a section B; and a shaft section inserted into a hosel of a head in the axis direction of the shaft is defined as a section H. A part of the section T overlaps with the section H. An overlapping section TB in which the section T overlaps with the section B exists. The whole overlapping section TB is located on a back end Bt side of the shaft from the section H. A center position Px of the overlapping section TB is located on a tip side of the shaft from a center position Pc of the shaft.
US08936515B2 Golf club shaft
A golf club shaft is manufactured using a plurality of prepreg sheets a1 to a8. The plurality of prepreg sheets a1 to a8 includes full length sheets a2 to a7 disposed all over in a shaft axis direction and partial sheets a1 and a8 partially disposed in the shaft axis direction. The number of plies is substantially an integer in all the full length sheets a2 to a7. The full length sheets a2 to a7 include four or more bias sheets a2 to a5. Circumferential winding start positions of the bias sheets a2 to a5 are dispersed in four or more positions. Preferably, the circumferential winding start positions of the full length sheets a2 to a7 are dispersed in five or more positions.
US08936491B2 Connector
The invention provides a connector including a body of insulating material; a fourth signal terminal provided in the body; and fifth and sixth signal terminals arranged in a line along a first direction in the body, at a height position that is different from that of the fourth signal terminal. The sixth signal terminal is located in a region between the fourth signal terminal and the fifth signal terminal in the first direction. A frequency of a signal transmitted by the sixth signal terminal is about one tenth or lower of a frequency of a signal transmitted by the fourth signal terminal.
US08936490B2 Adustable power plug, electronic device having the same, and holder thereof
The instant disclosure relates to an adjustable power plug, which includes an insulating base, a pair of first pins, and a second pin. The insulating base has a main portion and a central portion movably engaged thereto. The main portion and the central portion are linearly movable with respect to each other. The first pins are disposed on the main portion, while the second pin is disposed on the central portion. When the main portion and the central portion are displaced with respect to each other, the second pin remains parallel to the first pins. The first and second pins may be arranged in an operating state or a non-operating state. The instant disclosure also discusses an electronic device having the adjustable power plug and a holder for accommodating the plug.
US08936484B2 High voltage connector interfaces
An electrical connector interface comprises a plug connector assembly, a receptacle connector assembly, and an anti-rotation fastener receiving post. A plurality of spaced apart conductive contact sockets each have a mating end retained in a monolithic mating portion of a nonconductive plug connector shell body. A plurality of spaced apart conductive contact pins extend into a mating portion of a nonconductive receptacle connector shell body. The nonconductive plug and receptacle connector shell bodies each have an external mounting flange with a anti-rotation aperture. The anti-rotation fastener post has a first anti-rotation end insertable into either the plug anti-rotation aperture or the receptacle anti-rotation aperture.
US08936478B2 Electrical plug
This invention relates to an electrical plug (1; 100; 154; 160; 200; 300) comprising: a plug main body (3; 103; 204; 302); and a plurality of electrical pins (21, 23; 156, 158; 164, 166; 210, 212; 310; 312), the pins being carried by an arm (17; 208; 308) that is coupled to said plug main body (3; 103; 204; 302) and is rotatable relative thereto between a stowed position where the arm (17; 208; 308) is generally linearly aligned with the plug main body (3; 103; 204; 302), and a deployed position where the arm (17; 208; 308) has rotated relative to the plug main body (3; 103; 204; 302) so as to be generally perpendicular thereto. A multi-plug adaptor for use with the plug is also disclosed.
US08936466B2 Dental implantation system and method
Drilling of an implant shaft is carried out with a handpiece tool whose location and angular orientation with respect to a radiographic working guide is updated in real time with respect to the radiographic working guide and anatomical structures of the patient, free of viewing obstructions. Prior to the drilling, the radiographic working guide is fitted to a particular patient. Real-time imaging support is provided on a display of a computer, wherein the radiographic workpiece guide includes a plurality of fiducial markers that define a substantially planar reference surface of the radiographic workpiece guide. The radiographic workpiece guide also includes an alignment structure located a predetermined distance from a pilot hole proximate the work site. The image is updated based on an initial radiographic scan and updated position information from the handpiece tool as to location and angular orientation of the handpiece tool relative to the workpiece guide.
US08936459B2 Method and apparatus for in-mold finishing of blow molded parts
An apparatus for creating a blow molded article is provided, including a mold having first and second mold portions that, when located adjacent each other along a seam, at least partially enclose a mold cavity, wherein the mold cavity at least partially defines a molding surface against which a wall of the blow molded article is blown during blow molding, a first cutting device moveably disposed in the first mold portion, and a second cutting device moveably disposed in the second mold portion, wherein the first and second cutting devices, when in an activated position, each have a cutting surface that extends into the mold cavity by an amount substantially equal to a desired wall thickness of the blow molded article.
US08936456B2 Process and apparatus for molding a filter
The invention provides a method for forming a fibrous layer within a tubular support, which comprises the steps of: (a) providing the tubular support; (b) providing forming mesh over the curved surface of the support and closing its ends against escape of fluid; and (c) introducing fibrous slurry (e.g. an aqueous slurry of borosilicate glass microfibers and water dispersible heat curable acrylic resin at a pH of about 3) from a pressurized source into an annular molding space between a rotary molding torpedo and an inner surface of the support, the torpedo having at least one channel for slurry opening along a curved surface thereof, fibers in the slurry collecting within the forming mesh to form the layer. The invention also provides apparatus for forming a fibrous layer within a tubular support, which comprises: (a) a mold having a molding space for the tubular support; (b) forming mesh in the molding space for covering an exterior curved surface of the support, the forming mesh being configured to collect fibers and permit liquid to pass through it; (c) headstock and tailstock end closures for closing headstock and tailstock ends of the support against escape of fluid; (d) a rotary molding torpedo extendible into and retractable from the molding space for defining with an internal curved surface of the support an annular space for formation of the fibrous layer, the torpedo having at least one channel for slurry opening along a curved surface thereof; (e) a drive coupled to the torpedo for rotation thereof during molding; and (f) a supply line for supplying fibrous slurry from a pressurized source to the torpedo for flow into and through the molding space; and (g) suction means for withdrawing fluid from the molding space.
US08936455B2 Blow molding machine with clean room and sterilizably connected components
A device for transforming parisons into containers with a plurality of transforming stations which are disposed on a movable carrier, wherein the transforming stations each have blow molds, within which the parisons can be transformed into containers by a supply of a flowable medium, and blow mold supports for holding these blow molds, wherein the blow mold supports have at least two blow mold support parts which are movable relative to one another for opening and closing the blow molds, with a clean room which is demarcated with respect to the surroundings by means of at least one wall and which at least partially surrounds the individual transforming stations, so that the transforming stations are movable within this clean room, and with at least one supply unit in order to supply flowable sterilizing medium to at least one region of the transforming stations which are movable within the clean room.
US08936438B2 Rotor blade pitch adjusting device and turbomachine containing the same
An adjusting device is provided for pivoting blades of a rotor via a transmission that is actuatable by a co-rotating, axially-displaceable actuating shaft. The adjusting device includes a roller bearing having a first side or ring that is attachable to the actuating shaft and a second side or ring connected with an actuating body that is non-rotatably supported in a support body. The adjusting device further includes a screw drive that axially displaces the actuating body within the support body to thereby linearly actuate the transmission.
US08936429B2 Control unit and a method for controlling blade tip clearance
A method and system for controlling clearance between the tips of blades of a turbine rotor in a gas turbine airplane engine and a turbine ring of a casing surrounding the blades. A valve is controlled to act on a flow rate and/or a temperature of air directed against the casing. The valve is of the on/off type for switching between an open state and a closed state in a determined reaction time, the valve control module including a corrector for determining a first binary control signal that can take a first value corresponding to an open state and a second value corresponding to a closed state of the valve. The corrector includes a time-delay module for determining a binary control signal, with the duration between two successive changes of state in the control signal being not less than the reaction time of the valve.
US08936428B1 Bucket mounting system
A bucket mounting system for efficiently attaching and removing a bucket attachment to a variety of different vehicles. The bucket mounting system generally includes a bucket configured with a pair of mounting bars extending parallel with respect to each other across the rear surface of the bucket. A pair of mounting brackets are provided which may be secured to the mounting bars via use of a pair of U-shaped locking members. Thus, the mounting brackets may be removably secured in a variety of positions on the rear face of the bucket to allow its mounting on a wide range of different vehicles such as loaders.
US08936427B2 Spare tire handling device with a wheel retainer
A spare tire handling device mounted on a vehicle and adapted for moving a spare tire between a stored and an accessible position relative to the vehicle, and including a winch and a flexible member attached to the winch at one end and the other end to the spare tire. The device includes a tire carrier with a housing and one extending portion pivotally connected to the housing. The extending portion being movable from a retracted to an extended position. Additionally a biasing member urges the extending portion to an extended position. A secondary lock assembly and a rim spacer are also disclosed.
US08936425B2 Ancillary apparatus and method for loading glass substrates into a bracket
An ancillary apparatus for loading glass substrates into a bracket through a robotic arm includes a holding rack to hold a bracket, a guiding mechanism located above the bracket and a glass lifting mechanism located below the bracket. The robotic arm grips the glass substrate and moves the glass substrate above the bracket to be guided by the guiding mechanism and held by the glass lifting mechanism, and then the glass substrate is released from the robotic arm. The glass substrate is guided by the guiding mechanism and braced by the glass lifting mechanism, and then is lowered slowly into the bracket. Hence the robotic arm does not need to be entered the bracket to load the glass substrate, extra space to receive the robotic arm can be saved and thus more glass substrates can be loaded. The cost is reduced and productivity is improved to meet production requirements.
US08936420B2 Collapsible retainer
A press-in fastener adapted to join a first component to a second component. The fastener includes a proximal head and a distal base clip portion below the head. The base clip portion includes an axially displaceable post structure and a pair of opposing wings extending in upwardly angled relation away from the travel path defined by the post structure. Collapsible legs engage the wings in operative connection to the post structure. As the fastener is pressed inwardly, upon encountering resistance from the second component, the legs collapse in folded relation as the post structure travels axially between the wings.
US08936413B2 Apparatus and method for installing a pipeline structure at sea
Methods and apparatus for deploying pipeline from a vessel are described in relation to pipelines with installed accessories. One or more accessory support structures are installed at appropriate bedding locations on the seabed. In deploying pipeline from a vessel, an accessory is then attached at a position along the pipeline to correspond with the pre-installed accessory support structure bedding location. The pipeline and attached accessory are deployed and guided into engagement with the pre-installed accessory support structure on the seabed such that the pipeline is deployed substantially horizontally through the accessory support structure, and the accessory is supported by the pre-installed accessory support structure at the bedding location.
US08936412B1 Cover for a liquid reservoir
A seismic-resistant fluid reservoir cover includes a plurality of panels and a network of flexible membranes coupled to adjacent panels. The flexible membranes are made of a potable water approved material, and the panels and the membranes create a fluid tight seal. Each panel in the reservoir cover is able to move along three directional axes independently of the adjacent panels while maintaining the fluid tight seal, at least in part because of the flexibility or the slack in the flexible membrane. A support member, such as a backer rod, may also be positioned in the spaces between the panels.
US08936406B2 Camera reading apparatus with document alignment guide
A camera reading apparatus having an alignment guide is presented. The alignment guide may have a rigid platform having a substantially flat bottom surface, a substantially flat top surface that is parallel to the bottom surface, and an aperture through the top surface and the bottom surface. The bottom surface may have a first portion and may have a second portion that forms a ledge projecting from the first portion. The first portion may have a front edge, and the second portion may have a side edge. The front edge and the side edge may intersect to form a right angle.
US08936402B2 Method and apparatus for mounting and positioning parallel optical transceiver modules in a mid-plane mounting configuration with improved mounting density and alignment accuracy
An optical communications system is provided in which module locating pins of the system mate with inwardly-shaped corners formed on parallel optical transceiver modules of the system when the parallel optical transceiver modules are mounted on a mid-plane mounting structure of the system. The inwardly-shaped corners of the parallel optical transceiver modules are complementary in shape to portions of the module locating pins. The mating of the module locating pins with the inwardly-shaped corners of the modules operates to passively position the modules at intended spatial locations relative to each other and relative to the mid-plane mounting structure. The inwardly-shaped corners consume very little space in the modules and the pins consume very little space in the optical communications system. Consequently, the pitch between adjacent parallel optical transceiver modules can be kept very small and the mounting density of the modules on the mid-plane mounting structure can be very high.
US08936391B2 Static mixer
The static mixer has a coupling section and a mixer housing in which mixer elements are arranged consecutively in the flow direction so as to be offset relative to one another by an angle, and are designed so as to apply an alternatingly directed rotation to the mixed material during the mixing operation. A mixer element has two transversal walls that are divided into sectors, the first transversal wall comprising sectors that are separated by an inflow separating wall directed to the inlet, and a separating wall directed to the outlet, the transitions between the sectors and the separating wall forming respective breakaway edges, the separating wall being arranged at an angle relative to the inflow separating wall, and the second transversal wall, which is divided into sectors, having an outflow separating wall directed to the outlet. Such a mixer allows a more efficient mixture particularly of very quickly reacting components and is also suitable for small dimensions as used in medicine.
US08936388B2 Disposable beverage cup
A disposable beverage cup, comprising: a wall, in a form of a rolled foil; a bottom; and a mixing device made of substantially the same material as the wall, the mixing device comprising: an adherent strip adhered at a relatively low portion of the wall; a movable flap, extending from the adherent strip, for mixing a beverage; and a tab, extending from the flap substantially to a top of the cup, for moving said flap, wherein a mixing capability of the movable flap disposed at a low portion of the cup is significantly larger than a mixing capability other portions of said mixing device, thereby without tearing the mixing device, mixing substantially the bottom only of the beverage, thereby not splashing thereof.
US08936384B2 Planar light guide and lighting device
A planar light guide includes a main body with a back face and a radiation outcoupling face opposite thereto, a main direction of light guidance parallel to the radiation outcoupling face, at least one plurality of identically shaped and identically oriented outcoupling structures formed on at least one of the main faces, and at least one structure main face per outcoupling structure, wherein an angle-dependent emission characteristic is provided asymmetrically in a first plane parallel to the main direction of light guidance and perpendicular to the radiation outcoupling face.
US08936382B2 Attachment system for light-conducting fibers
In an embodiment, an attachment system for communicating light energy from a light source to a light-conducting fiber includes a light pipe body sufficiently designed to engage a distal end of a light pipe, the light pipe body comprising at least one opening configured to dissipate heat buildup from light energy; a front assembly sufficiently designed to engage the light pipe body, the front assembly comprising an orifice and at least one opening configured to dissipate heat buildup from light energy; a light-conducting fiber body sufficiently designed to engage the front assembly and to hold a proximal portion of a light-conducting fiber, the light-conducting fiber body positioned in the orifice of the front assembly; and an optical taper assembly sufficiently designed to hold an optical taper, the optical taper assembly positioned between and spaced apart from the front assembly, and positioned between and spaced apart from the light pipe.
US08936377B2 Apparatus for enhancing brightness of a wavelength converting element
Disclosed is an exemplary illumination device for enhancing the brightness of wavelength converting element. The illumination device includes a wavelength converting element operable for receiving light from a light source at a first wavelength range and converting the light to a second wavelength range. The wavelength converting element includes a first face, a second face opposite the first face, and a side edge extending between the first and second faces. A reflective optical element is arranged adjacent the side edge of the wave converting element. The reflective optical element is configured to reflect light in at least the first wavelength range toward the wavelength converting element.
US08936354B2 Digital drop patterning device and method
A liquid dispensing system includes a liquid dispenser array structure. A first liquid supply provides a carrier liquid that flows continuously through an outlet of a liquid dispensing channel during a drop dispensing operation. A plurality of liquid dispensers, located on a common substrate, includes a second liquid supply that provides a functional liquid, immiscible in the carrier liquid, to the liquid dispensing channel through a liquid supply channel. A drop formation device, associated with an interface of the liquid supply channel and the liquid dispensing channel, is selectively actuated to form discrete drops of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel. A receiver conveyance mechanism and the liquid dispenser array structure are positioned relative to each other such that the discrete drops of the functional liquid are applied to a receiver.
US08936351B2 Nozzle plate, liquid ejecting head, and liquid ejecting apparatus
A silicon nozzle plate has excellent liquid resistance on an inner surface of a nozzle opening and a discharge surface. A plurality of the nozzle openings are disposed in a silicon substrate of the nozzle plate. A first tantalum oxide film is disposed by atomic layer deposition on both surfaces of the silicon substrate and the inner surface of the nozzle opening, and a second tantalum oxide film that is formed by plasma CVD is stacked on the first tantalum oxide film of the discharge surface.
US08936342B2 Image recording apparatus and recording defect inspection method for same
An aspect of a recording defect inspection method for an image recording apparatus includes: a recording step of sequentially recording test patterns of respective recording heads onto a recording medium, an image capturing step of capturing an image of a test pattern recorded on the recording medium by means of a scanner, an analysis step of analyzing the captured test pattern and detecting a recording defect of the recording head which has recorded the test pattern, an evaluation frequency setting step of setting an evaluation frequency for each of the recording heads on the basis of a recording defect occurrence frequency for each recording head, and a control step of setting a frequency of each of the recording heads in the test patterns to the set evaluation frequency.
US08936333B2 Appliance and a rack assembly for the same
A rack assembly for an appliance includes a geared rack and a pair of gears. The gears of the pair of gears mesh with each other and the geared rack. The rack assembly also includes a shelf and a support link that couples that shelf to at least one of the pair of gears. The geared rack and pair of gears can assist with selectively adjusting a vertical height of the shelf.
US08936330B2 Laundry treating apparatus
A laundry treating apparatus is provided that includes a cabinet configured to define a profile thereof, the cabinet including a laundry introduction opening formed therein, a door configured to open and close the laundry introduction opening, a hinge including a first pivot to rotate the door along a first rotational direction and a second pivot to rotate the door along a second rotational direction that is different from the first rotational direction, a guide part installed in the cabinet having a guide groove recessed a predetermined depth therein, and a connection part installed in the door, the connection part including a guide projection received in the guide groove of which a moving path is guided, and an opening angle of the opening being variable based on positions of the guide projection.
US08936309B1 Booster seat and table
An apparatus for use with a chair is described. The apparatus comprises a booster seat, a table, and mounting hardware. The booster seat is adapted to be positioned on a seat of the chair and to act as a seat for a user. The table, in turn, includes a tabletop, a frontal sidewall, and a device mount. The frontal sidewall is oriented at an oblique angle relative to the tabletop, while the device mount is adapted to attach an electronic display device to the tabletop. Lastly, the mounting hardware is adapted to removably mount the table to the booster seat such that the tabletop is tilted towards the user when the user is seated in the booster seat.
US08936301B2 Vehicle load floor assembly for a seatback
A vehicle load floor assembly includes a vehicle seat that has a seatback that pivots between upright and stowed positions. A cargo floor extends rearward from the seat. A first panel pivotally couples with a rear portion of the seatback and pivots to a raised position away from the seatback in the stowed position. A second panel couples with the first panel and is deployable rearward to engage the cargo floor with the first panel in the raised position to define a support surface.
US08936289B1 Robotic finger assemblies
A plurality of interconnected phalanges form robotic fingers configured to grasp an object. The phalanges interact with a resilient compliant element for adjustable resilient cushioning of movement of the phalanges.
US08936281B2 Press fitting for a tube
The press fitting for a tube, particularly for a plastic tube or a plastic/metal compound tube, comprises a fitting body (12) including a support shell (14) for mounting thereon one end of a tube (20) which is to be connected, a press shell (16) which is plastically deformable for pressing against the support shell (14) the end of a tube (20) to be connected that has been mounted on the support shell (14), an abutment element (30) arranged on the press shell (16) and having an abutment face (34) to be abutted by a pressing tool (26) for plastically deforming the press shell (16), and at least one press indication portion (40) projecting from the abutment face (34) of the abutment element (30) and extending externally on the press shell (16) into an acting region (38) within which the pressing tool (26) encloses the press shell (16) during deformation of the press shell (16), the press indication portion (40) being separable from the abutment element (30) by means of the pressing tool (26) during the deformation of the press shell (16). For axial fixation of the press shell (16) relative to the pressing tool (26) during the deformation of the press shell (16), the press indication portion (40) comprises a guidance recess (44) for accommodating a guidance projection (48) of the pressing tool (26), and/or a guidance projection (48) to be accommodated in a guidance recess (44) of the pressing tool (26).
US08936273B1 Weld seam stress relief for active bolster with plastic-molded bladder
An active bolster at an interior trim surface of an automotive vehicle has a plastic-molded outer trim panel and a plastic-molded expandable bladder member. The bladder member has a central attachment section configured to attach to a support structure of the vehicle, a welding flange welded to the trim panel, and a baffle section between the attachment section and the welding flange. An inflator couples an inflation gas into a space between the trim panel and bladder member to expand the bladder member in response to a crash event of the vehicle. The welding flange has a generally-rectangular profile with a pair of long edges and a pair of short edges. The baffle section includes circumferential pleats providing an expansion length of the bladder member that is greater at the long edges than at the short edges to reduce stress on the weld along its weakest point.
US08936272B1 Gas generating system
A base assembly is provided for a gas generating system. The assembly includes a base having at least one opening formed therein, and an initiator assembly attached to the base so as to form a gas-tight seal surrounding the at least one opening. A retainer is attached to the base and includes an opening into which a portion of the initiator assembly extends. The retainer is attached to the initiator assembly along the retainer opening.
US08936270B2 Disposition structure for curtain airbag system
A disposition structure for a curtain airbag system in which the airbag, when deployed, deforms an end of a roof trim toward the inside of a passenger compartment. An airbag guide support retains an airbag guide in a normal position in which an end of the airbag guide is kept away from an upper end of a pillar trim and a top surface of the airbag guide faces the under surface of the folded airbag. When the airbag is inflated and deployed, the airbag guide receives a downward pressing force from the inflating airbag on the top surface of the airbag guide and moves to a position of action in which the airbag guide covers the upper end of the pillar trim from above.
US08936269B1 Retractable frame structure for tandem trailer
A retractable frame structure for tandem trailer includes a bottom frame, which allows adjustment between an extended position for two-seat seating arrangement in a fore-to-aft manner and a retracted position for one-seat seating arrangement, a front frame and a rear frame detachably coupled together and respectively pivotally connected to the front and rear sides of the bottom frame for allowing collapsing of the tandem trailer to reduce space occupation when the tandem trailer is not in use, two wheel brackets respectively bilaterally mounted at the rear side of the bottom frame for supporting a respective wheel, and a trailer bar pivotally connected to one lateral side of the bottom frame for coupling to a bicycle.
US08936263B2 Extruded adjustable skateboard
Embodiments are provided of skateboard decks and skateboard assemblies each having a unitary body of extruded aluminum, the body having a top surface, a bottom surface, a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. Each embodiment can have a handle portion formed in the unitary body and configured to receive one or more fingers, the handle portion positioned proximate one of the first longitudinal edge and the second longitudinal edge. Each of the embodiments disclosed herein can also comprise a first truck rail and a second truck rail extruded with the unitary body on the bottom surface, the first truck rail and the second truck rail running along at least a portion of a length of the unitary body and forming a track configured to movably receive a plurality of truck assemblies.
US08936254B2 Integrated carrier and carriage
An integrated carrier and support system for supporting and moving a child that includes a carrier assembly and a support assembly. The support assembly may collapse and expand and, when collapsed, may fit cooperatively adjacent to the carrier.
US08936250B2 Telescoping cylinder device and vehicle
A telescoping cylinder device including double-walled cylinders is disclosed. By way of a pressure medium, the cylinders are displaceable relative to each other by moving inside the space formed between the two walls. A central through hole extends axially through the cylinders and provide a passage for transmission. A vehicle including a plurality of telescoping cylinder devices is also disclosed.
US08936242B1 Re-time sheet buffering system for digital print finishers
A re-time sheet buffering system is used in connection with a finisher for a digital printing system and a plurality of media sheets arranged in sets. A path loop between a sheet path entrance and exit provides space for buffering. A registration nip decelerates, registers and accelerates sheets 1 through N. A first retime nip holds sheets 1 and 2 of the set at registration speed for a longer time than remaining sheets, to gain time for finishing, and then accelerates sheets 1 and 2. A second retime nip accelerates sheets 1 and 2 of the set to compiling speed. Sheets are transported, compiled, stapled, and ejected.
US08936238B2 Sheet conveying apparatus, and sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus provided with the same
A sheet conveying apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a housing, a sheet storage portion, a sheet conveying path, and a guide member. Housing is mounted to apparatus body that includes bottom portion having opening portion, and main sheet conveying path extending upward from opening portion to convey sheets, and includes top face portion arranged opposing bottom portion. Sheet conveying path extends from sheet storage portion to top face portion, and is configured to be capable of communicating with main sheet conveying path. Sheets are conveyed on sheet conveying path. Guide member is pivotably supported by housing, and is configured to be capable of changing its position between a first position where guide member follows along top face portion and a second position where guide member projects upward from top face portion to guide sheet toward main sheet conveying path from sheet conveying path.
US08936236B2 Coil spring for automobile suspension and method of manufacturing the same
A manufacturing method of a coil spring for an automobile suspension includes forming a material into a coil shape; performing a heat treatment step on the material; performing a warm shot peening step on the material, and performing a hot setting step on the material. By performing the warm shot peening step prior to the hot setting step, a stronger compressive residual stress is imparted in a direction along which a large tensile stress acts during actual use of the coil spring, thereby improving sag resistance and durability of the coil spring. A coil spring is also manufactured according to this method.
US08936231B2 High vacuum ball valve
A ball valve having a valve stem assembly disposed within a valve body through-hole. The valve body through-hole is encircled with secondary bores to accommodate components of the valve stem assembly. The valve stem assembly includes an upper bearing and lower bearing, which are seated into corresponding secondary bores and a stem seal that seats within a stem seal gland. The upper bearing further includes a step that interdigitates with the stem seal gland to form a stem seal groove when the valve stem assembly is disposed within the through-hole.
US08936219B2 Performance-enhancing winglet system and method
A winglet system for an aircraft wing may include an upper winglet and a lower winglet mounted to a wing tip. The lower winglet may have a static position when the wing is subject to a ground static loading. The lower winglet may be configured such that upward deflection of the wing under an approximate 1-g flight loading causes the lower winglet to move from the static position to an in-flight position and resulting in a relative span increase of the wing.
US08936215B2 Aircraft including floor support cross-members with bearings including a flexible material connecting the cross-member to the support
An aircraft including: at least one floor cross-member; at least one support carrying the cross-member; and at least one bearing including at least one flexible material and connecting the cross-member to the support.
US08936214B2 Passenger seating arrangements
Passenger seating arrangements are detailed. At least some arrangements permit each passenger to access an aisle of a vessel without contacting an adjacent passenger. Movable footwells may be utilized to floor-level access when retracted and function as steps when extended as a seat is converted to a bed. This structure authorizes decrease in seat pitch without decrease of bed length, permitting additional seating to be included in a cabin of a vessel without diminishment of passenger comfort.
US08936210B2 Floating dispensing mechanism for drum packed welding wire
A dispenser for drum packed welding wire comprised of numerous coils includes a circular lid having an upper surface and a lower surface. The lower surface is floatingly positionable on top of the packed welding wire. A frame extends from the upper surface. The frame includes a hub and a radially extending support extending from the hub to the upper surface. The hub includes an aperture. The dispenser also includes a de-coil conduit having inlet and outlet ends for guiding welding wire therethrough. The inlet end and outlet end are generally at 90° to one another. The inlet end is disposed to receive welding wire in the drum parallel to the coils, and the inlet end is moveable relative to the circular lid as the wire is fed into the de-coil conduit. The outlet end directs the fed welding wire to the aperture in the hub.
US08936206B1 Protective cover for a sprinkler
In order to protect the operation of and insure the life of a sprinkler system, this device will be placed in the ground and will provide a protective cover for an individual sprinkler mechanism. The device will prevent the entry of debris into the sprinkler mechanism but also not interfere with the normal operation of the sprinkler. Additionally this will also allow the performance of routine maintenance on the sprinkler heads without the necessity of removing the entire sprinkler assembly.
US08936205B2 Dual trajectory nozzle for rotor-type sprinkler
A sprinkler includes a turbine, a gear drive, a nozzle turret, and a nozzle that is installed in the turret. The gear drive rotatably couples the turbine and the nozzle. The nozzle has an exit angle which is different from its entry angle to change the trajectory of the water as it passes through the nozzle. The nozzle can be installed in an orientation to increase the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler, or installed in an orientation to decrease the trajectory of the water leaving the sprinkler.
US08936202B2 Hyper-condensate recycler
A system for heating a facility is provided. The system includes a first inlet from a district heating system. A heating system is arranged having a condensate outlet. A hyper-condensate recycler is provided having a second inlet coupled to the condensate outlet and a third inlet coupled to the first inlet. The hyper-condensate recycler includes a first outlet. A separator having a fourth inlet is coupled to the first outlet, the separator further having a second outlet fluidly coupled to the first inlet.
US08936191B2 Field-portable impedance reader and methods of making the same
A field-portable impedance reader is provided. The impedance reader comprises a reader antenna, an impedance compensator, a calibrator, and a synchronous sampler. The impedance reader further comprises a digital processor that receives and processes signals from the synchronous sampler. Further, a wireless system comprising the impedance reader of the invention is provided.
US08936187B2 Connecting method of single core electric wire to stranded electric wire
A connecting method of a single core electric wire to a stranded electric wire which can prevent a contact resistance from increasing is provided. The connecting method includes a tube inserting process that a single core wire and a twisted wire are respectively inserted from openings and of a tubular joint terminal having a single core wire inserting part from an end part to a prescribed position in an interior side and a twisted wire inserting part from the other end part to the single core wire inserting part in the interior side, and a metallic bond process that an end face contacts under pressure with an end face and the single core electric wire is rotated in a twisting direction of the twisted wire to metallically bond the end faces.
US08936185B2 Surgical instrument with sequential clamping and cutting
A surgical fastening instrument including a handle portion, an elongated portion, an end effector and a clamp is disclosed. The elongated portion extends distally from the handle portion. The end effector includes a pair of jaws having a tissue contacting surface disposed substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the elongated portion. The end effector is disposed adjacent a distal end of the elongated portion, and at least one of the jaw members is movable with respect to the other between an open position and an approximated position for engaging body tissue therebetween. The clamp has a clamping surface extending substantially transversely from an elongated member and has a height exceeding a height of the elongated member to extend adjacent a side surface of the jaw containing the plurality of fasteners. The clamp is movable from a proximal position to a distal position for engaging body tissue.
US08936184B2 Plastic fastener dispensing hand tool having a novel anvil design
An improved hand tool for dispensing plastic fasteners having a novel anvil design that prevents inadvertent user needle sticks during operation of the hand tool and a needle having a novel casing that further prevents inadvertent user needle sticks during the replacement of the hand tool needle. The casing has a needle assembly opening at the front of the barrel portion and a trigger slot at the front of the handle portion. The hand tool further has a hollow needle disposed on one end of a needle assembly. The hand tool further has a trigger that is pivotally mounted within the casing that extends out from the trigger slot. The trigger is capable of moving the needle assembly between the retracted and extended positions. The anvil has a needle guard, a main portion, and a fabric slot. The fabric slot separates the needle guard from the main portion.
US08936169B2 Vacuumized container box
A vacuumized container box having a box body opened at its upper end and constructed in a shape of a container; a box cover is provided at the upper end of the box body; an air outlet opening is provided on the box cover; a vacuumizing device is provided on the air outlet opening for vacuumizing the box body; the vacuumizing device comprises a vacuum operation button and air pumps; the vacuum operation button is provided at an upper end of the box cover; the air pumps are actuated by the vacuum operation button and are provided at a bottom end of the box cover. Since the vacuumized container box is configured to incorporate the vacuumizing device, no other extra vacuumizing devices are required. The vacuumized container box is therefore convenient to use and attains good vacuumization.
US08936159B2 Use of quaternary ammonium compounds as collectors in froth flotation processes
The present invention relates to the use of a polymeric quaternary ester product as a collector in a froth flotation process, to a method for froth flotation utilizing the polymeric quaternary ester, to the polymeric quaternary ester as such, and to methods for the production of the polymeric quaternary ester.
US08936152B2 Condensation control film
A film that can be used in packaging applications includes one or more layers, wherein the layers include an anti-fog additive and/or an IR additive and the resulting film has greater than about a 50% prestretch capability.
US08936151B2 Dental instrument securing system
A tray assembly for use with dental instruments is disclosed herein having a tray, a plate having a top plane and a bottom plane and apertures, the apertures being horizontally configured to receive a plurality of receiver assemblies supported on a top plane via a receiver assembly support, a plurality of semi-cylindrical Radel® instrument supports, a biasing instrument stationer whereby the instrument is friction held in stasis between the stationer and the instrument support, and a plurality of instrument stationers. The plate includes a plurality of aperture(s), at least one receiver assembly for receiving at least one medical/dental instrument inserted between the instrument support and the biasing instrument stationer, suspended within the tray. A kit is also disclosed for the present invention.
US08936139B2 Methods and apparatus for suspension adjustment
A shock absorber includes a gas spring cylinder containing a piston moveable between an extended position and a compressed position within the gas spring cylinder. A mechanical actuator is arranged whereby a bleed port is automatically closed when the gas spring is compressed to a predetermined position corresponding to a desired sag setting. In one embodiment, the position corresponds to a predetermined sag setting whereby the gas spring is partially compressed. In another embodiment, a proper sag setting is determined through the use of a processor and sensor that in one instance measure a position of shock absorber components to dictate a proper sag setting and in another instance calculate a pressure corresponding to a preferred sag setting.
US08936130B2 Electric forklift
An electric forklift includes: a drive unit including a unit case including a gear housing supporting a motor with an output shaft in a right and left direction and housing a gear train; and shaft housings protruding in the right and left direction from the gear housing, each of which houses a drive shaft, and each of which supports a wheel, wherein the drive shafts rotate via the gear train; support members, base end portions of which are rotatably engaged with outer peripheral portions of the shaft housings, and tip end portions of which are connected to a body frame so that the shaft housings are supported by the body frame via the support members; and a link portion between the gear housing and the body frame for preventing relative rotation of the unit case and the body frame about shaft centers of the drive shafts.
US08936124B2 Fastening device
A fixing device for releasable fixing an electrical energy accumulator to a carrying structure of a motor vehicle includes a retaining protrusion and a locking catch which are provided on the energy accumulator and on the carrying structure (or vice versa). To fix the energy accumulator to the carrying structure, a relative movement of the retaining protrusion to the locking catch is provided along a movement track in the direction of an end position, in which the locking catch can be swiveled between a release position and a locked position such that in the release position the locking catch is outside the movement track of the retaining protrusion and in the locked position the locking catch protrudes into the movement track of the retaining protrusion and there engages behind the retaining protrusion when the retaining protrusion is in the end position.
US08936110B2 Under reamer
An under-reamer includes a body and extendable cutters mounted on the body. The under-reamer is configured to be cycled between a first configuration in which the cutters are retracted and a second configuration in which the cutters are movable between retracted and extended positions. A control mechanism is provided and is configurable to prevent the under-reamer cycling between the first and second configurations and thus maintains the under-reamer in a selected one of the first and second configurations.
US08936102B2 Packer assembly having barrel slips that divert axial loading to the wellbore
A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.
US08936098B2 System and method for remediating a wellbore annulus
A casing annulus remediation hose assembly having a hose with an inlet in selective fluid communication with a fluid supply and an exit connected to a nozzle. On the nozzle is an insertion tip for facilitating insertion and retrieval of the hose assembly in and out of an annulus in a wellhead assembly. The insertion tip has an outer annular flexible housing that is coaxially attached to the nozzle and spherical weighted members arranged in series in the housing. A cable extends coaxially from a downstream end of the nozzle and through each weighted member.
US08936095B2 Methods of magnetic particle delivery for oil and gas wells
An apparatus and method of conveying magnetic particles into a wellbore is disclosed. A plurality of particles which are magnetically attracted to one another in response to exposure to a magnetic field are delivered downhole via a degradable material. The degradable material confines the particles and conveys the particles to a desired location downhole. The structure comprising the degradable material and the confined particles can be lowered into a subterranean well by a cable or wire, or alternatively released into the well under the influence of gravity and flow induced forces. The material degrades in response to conditions encountered in a subterranean environment thus releasing the particles.
US08936093B2 Controlled rise velocity bouyant ball assisted hydrocarbon lift system and method
A hydrocarbon lift system and method for increasing petroleum production from an enclosed subterranean reservoir to the earth's surface comprises a column of buoyant balls in an outer pipe configured to entrain the buoyant balls into a first fluid in an annulus formed with an inner pipe drill string. A pressure differential in the inner pipe with respect to the reservoir via the entrained buoyant balls in a second fluid therein lifts the second fluid and the entrained balls via the inner pipe to increase petroleum production to the to earth's surface. A controlled rise velocity of the buoyant balls and the second fluid is predetermined by a ratio of a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the second fluid being greater than a mass density of the buoyant balls to a mass density of the first fluid for an increase over time in oil production.
US08936090B2 Inline RF heating for SAGD operations
A method is described for accelerating start-up for SAGD-type operation by providing radio frequency heating devices inside the lateral wells that can re-heat the injected steam after losing heat energy during the initial injection. The method also extends the lateral wells such that the drilling of vertical wells can be reduced to save capital expenses.
US08936083B2 Methods of forming pillars and channels in propped fractures
Methods of forming channels within propped fractures that are essentially free of proppants and more spacious than the interstitial spaces within traditional proppant packs. Specifically, various proppant-laden fluids may be placed within a fracture in a subterranean formation, the proppants in the proppant-laden fluids having at least two distinct ranges of density. Once placed inside the fracture, the proppants can settle, separate, and consolidate into at least two distinct permeable masses according to their densities. Consequently, the high-density and low-density proppants can separate and form separate proppant masses when the fracture closes on the proppants. Through this process, a highly conductive channel can form inside the fracture through which production fluids can flow.
US08936080B2 Method of direct steam generation using an oxyfuel combustor
A gas generator is provided with a combustion chamber into which oxygen and a hydrogen containing fuel are directed for combustion therein. The gas generator also includes water inlets and an outlet for a steam and CO2 mixture generated within the gas generator. The steam and CO2 mixture can be used for various different processes, with some such processes resulting in recirculation of water from the processor back to the water inlets of the gas generator. In one process a hydrocarbon containing subterranean space is accessed by a well and the steam and CO2 mixture is directed into the well to enhance removability of hydrocarbons within the subterranean space. Fluids are then removed from the subterranean space include hydrocarbons and water, with a portion of the hydrocarbons then removed in a separator/recovery step. The resulting hydrocarbon removal system can operate with no polluting emissions and with no water requirements.
US08936076B2 Subterranean vibrator with lateral vibration feature
A vibratory tool for use in a tubular string to prevent sticking or to release a stuck string features a fluid operated dart valve working in conjunction with an impact sleeve to deliver continuous axial jarring blows in opposed directions as long as flow is maintained. Movement of one of those components axially in opposed directions opens and closes access to opposed lateral ports so that a lateral vibration is also established as flow cyclically occurs and stops sequentially at opposed lateral outlets.
US08936074B2 Apparatus for distributing carbon dioxide with advanced function of adjusting pressure and temperature of carbon dioxide for geologic injection of carbon dioxide
An apparatus for distributing CO2 with an advanced function of adjusting the pressure and temperature of CO2 for geologic injection includes a manifold including a plurality of branching pipes to receive carbon dioxide for geologic injection from a plurality of storage tanks, a distribution chamber having an inlet communicating with the manifold and an outlet connected to an injection pipe extending to an underground tubular well, so that the carbon dioxide, which has been received through the manifold, is supplied through the injection pipe, a temperature adjusting part to adjust the temperature of the carbon dioxide introduced into the distribution chamber, and a flow rate and hydraulic pressure adjusting part to adjust a flow rate and a hydraulic pressure of the carbon dioxide injected into an underground through the distribution chamber. The temperature and pressure conditions of CO2 on geologic injection are controlled through a user interface.
US08936071B2 Hybrid cooling system for aircraft applications
An aircraft cooling system includes a refrigerant cycle including a first heat exchanger. A liquid cycle passes a liquid through the first heat exchanger, at which it is cooled by a refrigerant in the refrigerant cycle. An air cycle compresses air and delivers the compressed air into a second heat exchanger. The liquid passes through the second heat exchanger at a location downstream of the first heat exchanger. The liquid cools the air in the second heat exchanger. Air downstream of the second heat exchanger passes to be utilized by a use on an aircraft.
US08936065B1 Reverse action corner embedment for stretched canvas
A canvas tensioning frame corner having adjoining stretcher bar ends; each stretcher bar end having a tapered expanding groove from the inside of the corner to the tip of the corner; a corner embedment nested in the grooves; the corner embedment having tapered edges matching the grooves; wherein a movement of the corner embedment inward away from the tip of the corner urges the stretcher bars apart to stretch the canvas affixed to each stretcher bar, side and corner; a corner embedment brace attached across the corner to support a bolt attached to the corner embedment; and wherein a wing nut attached to the bolt urges the corner embedment toward the brace.
US08936062B2 Curtain structure without drawstring
A curtain structure without drawstring may include a curtain unit, a string scrolling base and an upper cover. The string scrolling base has a shell disposed in the base of the curtain unit, center portion of the shell having a shaft, both sides of which having a positioning shaft, and a line slot formed on both side walls of the positioning shaft, wherein upper periphery of rotating base has driving teeth having at least one groove, restricting guiding groove and arc rail groove on top surface thereof, and a driving unit is disposed on the positioning shafts, the driving unit having a rod to secure the string collecting bodies, and conjugating teeth are linked with the driving teeth of the rotating base; and an upper cover having a restricting groove corresponding to the rotating base, and a ball restricted in the groove of the restricting groove and the rotating base.
US08936061B2 Method and machine for making foam cushions
A machine for forming foam cushions comprises a web of film comprising a pair of film panels positioned face to face and having first and second lengthwise edges, and first and second foam dispensing assemblies positioned to dispense foam between the film panels, each foam dispensing assembly comprising first and second valves that dispense first and second foam components, respectively, the valves positioned so that respective foam component streams exiting the valves intersect.
US08936056B2 Heavy vehicle treads/undertread
Heavy vehicle tire treads and/or undertread constituted at least in part from a rubber composition comprising between 80 and 100 phr of a natural rubber and between 0 and 20 phr of a synthetic polyisoprene rubber, a reinforcement filler comprising a) between 30 and 50 phr of a highly dispersible silica and b) a carbon black in an amount of between (0.75)C phr and (1.25)C phr as determined by the equation C=−0.8Si+44.3, wherein Si is the amount of the highly dispersible silica, a silane coupling agent and a sulfur curing system comprising between 1.5 and 3 phr of free sulfur and between (0.9)A phr and (L 1)A phr of a sulfenamide accelerator, wherein A is determined by a formula that is a function of the sulfur quantity and the silica weight fraction of the total reinforcement filler.
US08936052B2 Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a beverage, a container filling plant for filling bottles, cans, bags, or similar containers with a liquid, and a container filling machine for filling containers in a container filling plant
A filling machine for the filling of containers with a liquid product, with a plurality of filling elements provided on a rotor or a rotor segment that can be driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis. The surfaces of the filling machine that come into contact with the liquid product between a product storage and a dispensing opening are made of a material which is of a higher grade, such as stainless steel, than the elements of the rotor or rotor segment that support the product bowl and the filling elements.
US08936051B2 Non-overflow liquid delivery system
A non-overflow liquid delivery system comprises a pumping apparatus having a liquid delivery pumping portion and a liquid recovery pumping portion fluidically isolated one from the other. A nozzle has a liquid delivery conduit and a liquid recovery conduit. A liquid delivery hose connects the liquid delivery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid delivery conduit. A liquid recovery hose connects the liquid recovery pumping portion of the pumping apparatus in fluid communication with the liquid recovery conduit. A valve has a first movable valve portion for opening and closing the liquid delivery conduit. A manually operable valve control mechanism is connected to the valve for controlling the first movable valve portion, and has a liquid sensor responsive to a threshold condition of liquid in the liquid recovery conduit to thereby cause the first movable valve portion to close the liquid delivery conduit.
US08936049B2 Power tool for stainless steel metal locking ties
A power tool for installing a metal locking tie is disclosed. The power tool includes a body and a power chassis. The body of the tool includes a gear carrier, a tensioning mechanism and a cutting mechanism. The gear carrier is positioned in the tool body and the tensioning mechanism is mounted in the gear carrier. The cutting mechanism engages the gear carrier. As the tie is tensioned, the gear carrier moves linearly in the tool body to cut the tensioned tie.
US08936048B2 Copper and zinc elution preventing method of copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument including valve and pipe joint, copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument using the method, and film-forming agent
A method is provided for preventing copper and zinc from being eluted from a copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument that includes valves and pipe joints and suppresses copper and zinc from being eluted from the copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument while using for the plumbing instrument copper alloy as-is that includes bronze and brass, to provide a copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument using the method and to provide a film-forming agent. The method forms on at least a liquid-contact portion of the copper-alloy-made plumbing instrument a film of an organic substance comprising unsaturated fatty acid and coating with the film both copper and zinc in the surface layer of the liquid-contact portion of the plumbing instrument, thereby suppressing the elution of copper and zinc.
US08936041B2 Latch valve and flow control device using the same
There are provided a latch valve consuming less power, having a simpler structure, and guaranteeing reliable valve operation, there is provided a flow control device comprising a plurality of latch valves connected in series, and the second to the last latch valves, among the latch valves connected in series, include an additional outflow path constantly communicating with a space part between a support body and a plunger, respectively, to allow water from an inlet to constantly flow out to the additional outflow paths.
US08936031B2 Adjustable flossing mouthpiece
A method and device for flossing teeth utilizing positionally adjustable floss picks holding strands of dental floss. The floss picks fit into a retainer component and are positioned to insert the floss strands into the interproximal spaces between the user's teeth. The position of individual floss picks can be adjusted to achieve the correct fit.
US08936026B2 Orthodontic appliance shield
A protective shield is removably mounted over an orthodontic appliance in a user's mouth and includes an outer resilient compressible material layer joined to an inner adhesive layer. The shield is flexible for easy installation over all exposed surfaces of the orthodontic appliance; but is removable after a period of use. The outer resilient material layer of the shield can be formed of closed cell foam or a gelatinous material.
US08936023B2 Reservoir system for gas delivery to a patient
A breathing system is provided that employs a reservoir for holding oxygen or an oxygen and medicine mixture while the patient is not inhaling. The reservoir generally prevents waste and reduces cost and helps prevent the patient from re-inhaling the previously exhaled gases. The reservoir also may include a flange extending from an inlet thereof that allows the reservoir to be positioned in an inverted position.
US08936011B2 Method for imposing variable load on the internal combustion engine used in vapor destruction applications
A method of imposing a variable load upon the internal combustion engine as it is typically used in the performance of degassing operations includes coupling a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine to a secondary internal combustion engine.
US08936006B2 Combined engine braking and positive power engine lost motion valve actuation system
A system for actuating one or more engine valves for positive power operation and engine braking operation is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, an exhaust valve bridge and intake valve bridge each receive valve actuations from two sets of rocker arms. Each valve bridge includes a sliding pin for actuating a single engine valve and an outer plunger disposed in the center of the valve bridge to actuate two engine valves through the bridge. The outer plunger of each valve bridge may be selectively locked to its valve bridge to provide positive power valve actuation. During engine braking, application of hydraulic pressure to the outer plungers may cause the respective valve bridges and outer plungers to unlock so that all engine braking valve actuations are provided from a rocker arm acting on one engine valve through the sliding pin.
US08936003B2 Piston
A piston for a free piston engine generator, comprising one or more elements arranged coaxially along a piston shaft wherein the length of the piston is at least five times its maximum diameter, wherein at least one of the elements is formed from a magnetically permeable composite material having isotropic electrical resistivity at least twice that of electrical steel this arrangement providing improved free piston position control, more consistent combustion and improved electrical conversion efficiency.
US08936001B2 Valve train device and cylinder head provided with same
A valve train device installed in a cylinder head of an engine and driven by a camshaft including a valve unit having an intake valve and an exhaust valve communicated with a combustion chamber of an engine, each of the intake valve and exhaust valve having a linearly extending stem portion and driven in an extending direction of the stem portion; a valve lifter disposed between one end side of the stem portion located apart from the combustion chamber and the camshaft to transmit power from the camshaft to the valve unit; a lost motion unit that interrupts power transmission from the valve lifter to the valve unit; a first spring urging the valve unit in a direction to close the intake valve or exhaust valve; and a second spring having a diameter lager than that of the first spring and urging the lost motion unit against the valve lifter.
US08936000B2 Head cover having lubrication structure
A head cover having a lubrication structure, and having a box shape, the head cover includes: a side wall; a lower surface side which is opened, and which includes a lower surface circumference portion that is fixed to an upper portion of an engine; a lubrication opening which is opened in an upward direction, and which is disposed on an outer side of the head cover; and a lubrication passage extending from the side wall in an outward direction, and connecting the lubrication opening and an inside of the head cover.
US08935995B1 Wheeled, manually moveable electric generator
A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered electric generator is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted to each opposite side of the frame, and one pair has a locking mechanism. The electricity generating components are mounted to the bottom of the frame. The battery and trickle charger are carried above the engine in a locked compartment. The engine's muffler is disposed beneath the upper outline of the engine to free space for accommodating the battery and the fuel tank, which is completely within the outline of the frame and holds more than 12 gallons of diesel fuel. The frame also supports and contains a locked compartment that houses the electric connector that is used to connect the electric output of the generator to the load.
US08935990B2 Low contamination components for semiconductor processing apparatus and methods for making components
Components of semiconductor processing apparatus axe formed at least partially of erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistant ceramic materials. Exemplary ceramic materials can include at least one oxide, nitride, boride, carbide and/or fluoride of hafnium, strontium, lanthanum oxide and/or dysprosium. The ceramic materials can be applied as coatings over substrates to form composite components, or formed into monolithic bodies. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack. The ceramic materials can be used to form plasma exposed components of semiconductor processing apparatus to provide extended service lives.
US08935988B1 Emergency balloon system for roads
An emergency balloon system for alerting motorists to a stopped vehicle on a roadway featuring a base with a fan and lights, and a balloon component attached to the top of the base. The balloon has a reflective coating, a distress message, and reflective bars on its outer surface. When activated, the fan blows air into the balloon component to extend it upwardly. The system can be placed on a roadway or on a vehicle or any other appropriate location.
US08935985B2 Power distribution control of a furniture arrangement
Example embodiments relate to a furniture arrangement including a piece of furniture and a control unit adapted to control a power supply to at least one power consuming device. The piece of furniture may include an interface for connection to a mobile device, wherein the control unit is adapted to disconnect the power supply to the at least one power consuming device when a mobile device is not connected to the furniture arrangement via the interface.
US08935978B2 Mixing, heating and/or whipping device for preparing hot beverages
A frothing device including a central body which is detachably associable with a steam delivery tube and an outer casing which fits over the central body. The central body forms channels for the passage of air and of liquid to be frothed, in order to mix them with the steam and consequently mix the three flows. The device further includes a first mixing region for forming a mixture composed of the air and the liquid to be frothed, which arrive respectively from an air intake channel and a liquid rising channel, which are formed by the central body and by the outer casing, the formed mixture then converges in a second mixing region with the steam that is injected in the second mixing region and arrives from the delivery tube and then enters the beverage by means of a discharge channel that extends from the second mixing region.
US08935971B2 Micro-electro-mechanical-systems based hydraulic control for a powertrain
An automatic transmission for a vehicle includes a hydraulically-controlled component and a pilot valve. The pilot valve includes at least one micro-electrical-mechanical systems (MEMS) based device. The pilot valve is operably connected to and is configured for actuating the hydraulically-controlled component. The pilot valve additionally includes a regulating valve operably connected to the pilot valve and to the hydraulically-controlled component. The regulating valve is configured to direct fluid to the hydraulically-controlled component when actuated by the pilot valve.
US08935964B2 Transducer for and method of measuring normal force of a compliant pin
A transducer for measuring normal force of a compliant pin includes a fixture having a base. A supporting beam extends from the base. A sensing beam is positioned proximate to the sensing beam and supported at at least one end thereof. The fixture has a slot positioned between the supporting beam and the sensing beam and configured to receive the compliant pin. A strain gauge array is provided on the sensing beam for sensing strain of the sensing beam. The strain of the sensing beam corresponds to normal force imparted on the sensing beam by the compliant pin. The sensing beam is configured to be deformed when the compliant pin is loaded into the slot and the deformation corresponds to strain of the sensing beam configured to be sensed by the strain gauge array.
US08935963B2 Gas gun fixture to evaluate blast wave on target sample
A test fixture is provided for mounting a sample to a gas gun. The fixture includes a gun barrel mount including an annular enclosure with first and second axial ends, and a sample platform. The mount connects to the gas gun at the first end. The sample platform includes a tubular component having third and fourth axial ends, a pusher disk, an end plate, and a flange. The disk supports the sample and mounts to the end plate. The flange removably attaches to the component at the third end. The end plate removably attaches to the component at the fourth end and to the enclosure at the second end.
US08935960B2 Method and kit for stand-off detection of explosives
A kit for detecting the presence of an explosive includes a pulsed focused energy source located at a target distance away from a substrate, the energy having a magnitude sufficient to release the internal energy of an explosive if present on the substrate and thereby generate an acoustic wave. The kit also includes a detector adapted to detect the acoustic wave at a detection distance away from the substrate.
US08935959B2 Thermal type flow rate sensor
To reduce a signal variation of a bridge circuit connected with a temperature sensing resistor that is caused by a strain even when the strain is generated at a diaphragm portion of a substrate installed with a heater resistor and the temperature sensing resistor. In a thermal type flow rate resistor including a substrate, a diaphragm 13 formed at the substrate, and a heat generating resistor 2 and temperature detecting resistors 7 through 10 formed on the diaphragm for detecting a flow rate of a measured fluid by heating the heat generating resistor, strain detecting resistors 11 and 12 are formed on an upstream side and on a downstream side of a flow of the measured fluid relative to the heat generating resistor on the diaphragm, an amount of a strain generated on the diaphragm is detected by the strain detecting resistors, and a flow rate signal detected by the heat generating resistor and the temperature detecting resistors is compensated for the strain based on the detected amount of the strain.
US08935958B2 Muzzle velocity sensor
Embodiments of the present technology are directed to systems and methods for measuring projectile muzzle velocity. A muzzle velocity sensor measures an acceleration as well as a set of events occurring within the barrel of the firearm upon a shot being fired. Using the measured data, a muzzle velocity is calculated. The muzzle velocity sensor is used externally to the firearm, requiring no changes to the firearm or the projectile.
US08935957B2 Methods of designing a drilling fluid having suspendable loss circulation material
Methods including providing a wellbore in a subterranean formation having at least one pore opening; providing a proposed wellbore operation; providing a proposed treatment fluid; providing proposed FLCM particulates; calculating the suspendability of the proposed FLCM particulates in the proposed treatment fluid as determined by a yield gravity function based on properties of the proposed treatment fluid and properties of the proposed FLCM particulates or as determined by an experimental FLCM function; manipulating at least one of the properties of the proposed treatment fluid, the properties of the proposed FLCM particulates, or the proposed wellbore operation based on the yield gravity function or the experimental FLCM function so as to produce a FLCM-suspension treatment fluid; and introducing the FLCM-suspension treatment fluid into the wellbore in the subterranean formation so as to contact the at least one pore opening.
US08935950B2 Sensor for measuring hydrocarbon content in a flow of gas in a purge line
A sensor for the measurement of the hydrocarbon content in a flow of gas in a purge line. The sensor can measure the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas in the purge line from a hydrocarbon storage device to an internal combustion engine. The sensor has at least one heating element and at least one thermal detector, with the heating element heating the flow of gas while the thermal detector determines the temperature of the flow of gas, which temperature is evaluated as a measurement of the hydrocarbon content in the flow of gas.
US08935949B2 C frame structure configured to provide deflection compensation and associated method
A C frame structure, a robotic system and an associated method are provided respond to and accommodate the loads placed upon the C frame structure during actuation of a working tool. The C frame structure includes a plurality of links and a plurality of pins interconnecting the links to form a pinned truss configuration. The pinned truss configuration is responsive to loads imparted in response to actuation of the tool such that each link is placed in compression or tension. The C frame structure also includes a plurality of hydraulic cylinders connected to the links such that each hydraulic cylinder extends in parallel to a respective link. A first hydraulic cylinder operates in a compression mode in response to strain attributable to actuation of the tool. A second hydraulic cylinder operates in an extension mode in response to the first hydraulic cylinder operating in the compression mode.
US08935945B2 Control system
A certain embodiment includes a predictive temperature calculator (101a) for dividing a steel sheet (14) to be heated and rolled in a hot rolling mill (20) into elements shaped annular for each space cutting width from an outer periphery to a center in a section thereof, and changing a time increment width in accordance with boundary conditions, for use of a difference method to calculate a predictive temperature for each of the divided elements, and a controller (101b) for operating on bases of predictive temperatures calculated by the predictive temperature calculator (101a), to determine control amounts for the hot rolling mill (20) to perform heating and rolling the steel sheet (14).
US08935939B2 Refrigerator and rapid fluid cooling apparatus
Provided is a chilling device or cooling apparatus that quickly chills a beverage. The chilling device or cooling apparatus may be provided to a refrigerator or a refrigerating storage.
US08935930B2 Use of a mixture of carbon dioxide snow and liquid nitrogen in quick freezing applications
Method for cooling a product, all or part of the cooling being carried out by contact of the product with a mixture of carbon dioxide snow (CO2) and liquid nitrogen.
US08935925B2 Stress reduction feature to improve fuel nozzle sheath durability
A fuel nozzle sheath has a lateral opening for admitting air about a nozzle stem. The stress distribution along the perimeter of the window is smoothed out by increasing the corner radius of the window corner presenting higher stress concentration.
US08935922B2 Steam generation device
The present invention in several embodiments is an apparatus for producing potable distilled water and solar-thermal energy, as co-products of the generation of steam from sea water by concentrated solar radiation. This apparatus would be comprised of an array an Fresnel lenses of the same or substantially the same focal length which preferably each have an area of approximately 1 square meter, which are oriented in the appropriate 3-dimensional plane in relation to the sun to collect the maximum amount of solar energy over the area of the lens; the lens array would follow or “track” the sun across the horizon in two dimensions. The lens array would focus the collected and concentrated solar radiation in one discrete area of a boiling of several square centimeters, in order to produce steam which is then used to create power and is condensed to provide distilled water.
US08935921B2 Thermal engine capable of utilizing low temperature sources of heat
A heat-driven engine includes a thermally conductive path into the engine, from a heat source and a working medium of a thermostrictive material, having a first temperature of transformation, positioned adjacent to the thermally conductive path. Also, a heat pump of phase change material is positioned adjacent to the working medium and an actuator is controlled to apply stimulus to the heat pump, causing a phase change and an associated release of thermal energy, to drive the working medium above its low-to-high temperature of transformation and controlled to alternatingly remove the stimulus from the heat pump, causing the phase change to reverse, and an associated intake of thermal energy, to drive the working medium below its high-to-low temperature of transformation. Also, heat flow through the thermally conductive path maintains the working medium at a temperature range permitting the heat pump to drive the working medium temperature, in the manner noted.
US08935915B2 Ammonia storage on an SCR catalyst
A system and method for calculating quantity of ammonia stored on an SCR catalyst at various times during an interval of time by processing certain data, including the aggregate quantity of ammonia introduced into an exhaust flow during the interval of time, calculating the efficiency of catalytic conversion of NOx to N2 and H2O by ammonia at each of the various times by processing certain data, including NOx measurements obtained from upstream and downstream NOx sensors, and establishing a correlation between efficiency of catalytic conversion of NOx to N2 and H2O by ammonia and quantity of ammonia stored on the SCR catalyst over the interval of time which comprises calculated efficiency of catalytic conversion of NOx and calculated quantity of ammonia stored on the SCR catalyst at each of the various times.
US08935914B2 Exhaust device
An exhaust device includes: an exhaust manifold, an upstream-side cone of a catalyst, an exhaust gas sensor, an outer shell, and a sensor chamber. Between the upstream-side cone and the outer shell, an inflow channel is formed. The inflow channel has an opening that opens inside the exhaust manifold so as to communicate with the sensor chamber.
US08935906B2 Method and apparatus for distributing articles in a storage compartment
A system for distributing articles into an internal compartment of a storage unit has a longitudinally displaceable support or platform above the compartment which is movable longitudinally between a plurality of spaced discharge areas over corresponding storage positions. The support has at least one free edge, and is moved until an article carried on the support is displaced by a pusher moved into the path of the article and pushed over the edge to drop into the selected storage position. In one example, the support has opposite free edges and articles are selectively pushed over the edges into different storage positions. The process is repeated to dispense articles into different storage positions for uniform filling, and to control movement of the support and deployment of the pusher so that articles are dispensed into the storage positions with available space.
US08935904B2 Method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container
A plastic aerosol container includes a main body portion that is constructed and arranged to withstand aerosol pressurization within a range that is about 50-300 psig. The plastic aerosol container also includes a finish portion that is unitary with the main body portion. The finish portion may be threaded or unthreaded. The finish portion has a side wall, an upper sealing surface, at least one helical thread and a support ledge beneath the helical thread. Reinforcement structure is positioned beneath the support ledge for reinforcing the finish portion against deformation due to the pressurization. A method of stabilizing a plastic aerosol container is also disclosed.
US08935901B2 Self-elevating mast employing draw works
A method comprising attaching a first mast section to a support structure using a first plurality of fasteners located on the support structure, wherein a lower portion of the support structure is connected to and located above an opening in the platform comprising a platform floor, and wherein the first mast section has a line, a hook, and a pulley, with the line operably coupled to the pulley and connected to a hoist attached to the platform. The method also comprises lowering the hook, using the hoist, in a downward direction away from the pulley and through the opening, attaching the hook to a second mast section located below the platform floor, raising the hook and the second mast section, using the hoist, in an upward direction towards the pulley and through the opening, and connecting the first mast section to the second mast section. Additionally, the method comprises securing the first mast section and the second mast section with an overhead support located above the first mast section and connected to the first mast section, detaching the first mast section from the support structure, raising the first mast section and the second mast section away from the platform floor, using the overhead support, and attaching the second mast section to the first plurality of fasteners.
US08935900B2 Reinforcement retainer
A reinforcement retainer in the form of a resilient insert for maintaining at least one construction reinforcement member within an aperture in a construction component such as a building block or a brick. The insert is an elongate body with distal ends and is proportioned to be received within the opening. Flexible feet are located at the distal ends and are capable of deformation to press on inner faces of the aperture to adjust the location of one or more reinforcement members prior to setting in concrete slurry. The insert defines at least one stay arranged in use to support one of the reinforcement members.
US08935894B1 Concrete step
A concrete step has a trough with a base and two side walls. The side walls project upwardly from the base and are positioned at opposite ends of the base. At least one of the sidewalls has an inwardly projecting flange spaced away from the base by approximately the height of the step. Concrete fills the trough at least up to the inwardly projecting flange, and together a top surface of the concrete and at least a portion of the inwardly projecting flange form a top surface/tread of the step.
US08935893B2 Direct rooftop mounting apparatus for solar panels
Disclosed is an apparatus for mounting solar panels and other rooftop objects to a shingle roof or other roof structures. The apparatus includes a panel-mount and a base-plate. The base-plate is securable to the roof structures. The panel-mount can be secured to the base-plate and intermediary flashing plate. The panel-mount includes vertical sidewalls adapted to receive and hold wires, and panel-mount top surface adapted to seat solar panels. In one aspect, the panel-mount top surface includes an alignment projection adapted to align solar panels in one of two orthogonal directions. Grounding pins are arranged in a square pattern and aligned with the corners of the alignment projection in order to assure that the solar panel frame will make contact with at least two of the grounding pins in either of the two possible alignments.
US08935892B2 Engineered wood construction system for high performance structures
A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replaceably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element may be a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading. The building may be prefabricated.
US08935887B2 Linear actuator particularly for sliding doors and for sliding doors and windows in general
A linear actuator, particularly for sliding doors and for sliding doors and windows in general, comprising a supporting body, to be fixed by corresponding fixing elements between the two jambs of a door or of a door or window frame, motor drive elements being accommodated and fixed within the supporting body and being adapted for the rotation of a driving gear, which is intended to mesh with a driven rack, which in turn is fixed to a leaf of the door to be moved in translation.
US08935878B2 Spacer device for vine support wires, methods for its operation and vine support assemblies comprising the same
A spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post is described. Methods for operating a spacer device for vine support wires adapted to be fixed to a vine post are also described.
US08935877B2 Apparatus for combatting or trapping nocturnal insects
The apparatus for disposing of individual nocturnal insects sitting on a base or for trapping them comprises a portable lamp (1) and a translucent attachment (2), which is arranged at the light exit of the lamp (1) and can preferably move relative thereto, with a means (11) for preventing the insect from escaping.
US08935871B2 Hand gun
A handgun configured with a hammer insert retained within a rear portion of a frame of the handgun, said hammer insert configured for bearing loads imparted thereto during cocking and firing sequence. And a hammer insert for use in conjunction with a frame of a handheld firearm, the hammer insert configured for sliding insertion into the frame from a rear face thereof, and configured for pivotally supporting a hammer.
US08935862B1 V-plow
A snow plow is provided with a first V-plow blade and a second V-plow blade each pivotably coupled to a plow tower with a horizontal pivot pin. The snow plow includes a hitch frame nose assembly configured to couple to a vehicle by securing each of a chassis coupler to the vehicle chassis. The two V-plow blades are coupled to a plow tower configured to support each of the V-plow blades for movement about a blade vertical pivot pin disposed in each of the first and second V-plow blades and the plow tower. A tower adjustment assembly is coupled to the plow tower and a plow frame which is configured to couple to the hitch frame nose assembly. A lift bar assembly is coupled to the rear portion of the plow frame and couples to the hitch frame nose assembly wherein the snow plow is pivotably coupled to the vehicle.
US08935850B2 Method of manufacturing printed wiring board
A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board includes forming a removable layer on a support substrate, forming an interlayer resin insulation layer on the removable layer, forming a penetrating hole in the interlayer resin insulation layer, forming a first conductive layer on the interlayer resin insulation layer and on a side wall of the penetrating hole, forming a conductive circuit on the interlayer resin insulation layer, forming a via conductor in the penetrating hole, removing the support substrate from the interlayer resin insulation layer by using the removable layer, forming a protruding portion of the via conductor protruding from a surface of the interlayer resin insulation layer, and forming a surface-treatment coating on a surface of the protruding portion of the via conductor.
US08935843B2 Temperature sensor and method for its manufacture
A thermal, flow measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube. The thermal, flow measuring device includes: a first pin-shaped shell and at least a second pin-shaped shell; a first resistance thermometer and at least a second resistance thermometer. At least the first resistance thermometer is embodied so as to be heatable, wherein the resistance thermometers, in each case, have a first surface, and at least a second surface, which lies opposite the first surface. The first pin-shaped shell surrounds the first resistance thermometer, and the second pin-shaped shell surrounds the second resistance thermometer. The pin-shaped shells are fillable with a fill material. In each case, at least one spacer is placeable between the pin-shaped shell and the first surface of the resistance thermometer, and the second surface of the resistance thermometer is at least partially covered with fill material.
US08935839B2 Ballistic enhanced battering ram
A ballistic battering ram device that uses gun powder to produce a striking force. The ballistic battering ram includes a hollow casing, a bolt piston housing housed within the hollow casing, a bolt housed within the bolt piston housing and configured to slide back and forth, and a firing pin attached to the bolt and configured to strike the primer on the explosive casing. When the user strikes the door with the ballistic battering ram a front plate makes contact with the door pushing the bolt piston housing towards a chamber piston. Simultaneously, a retention pin timing spring pushes against a retention pin withdrawing the retention pin from inside the hollow casing. This action may allow the chamber piston to move backwards after firing which may be important for recoil management.
US08935836B2 Connection element for forming the male portion of an automatic fastener
A sheet having fastening elements, including a base strip made of thermoplastic material and at least one element made from the strip, the element including a stem extending in a transverse, in particular vertical, direction to the plane of the base strip, and having a cross section which is substantially uniform or decreases from the base strip towards the apex of the stem, in particular as far as the apex of the stem, and a part forming a head which protrudes laterally from the apex of the stem.
US08935832B2 Structure to secure curtain rope
A structure to secure a curtain rope includes a base and an engaging body. The bases engages with the engaging body to secure the curtain rope, and a securing unit is provided to secure the structure to a wall surface, so that the curtain rope is restricted to the wall by the securing unit, which increases the convenience for the user to control the curtain rope, and prevents small children from being tripped over and strangulation accidents.
US08935830B2 Downspout hinge systems and methods
A downspout hinge system where a plurality of downspout hinges are used as a one-size-fits-all solution for downspouts of a variety of sizes. The system of hinges utilize a first downspout hinge and a second downspout hinge coupling a downspout to a downspout extension. The downspout hinges are coupled to opposing surfaces of the downspout, including opposing sides of the same horizontal surface. Alternatively the downspout hinge may be coupled to opposing lateral sides of a downspout. Alternatively a downspout hinge may couple to more than one surface of the downspout.
US08935826B2 Surface treating appliance
An upright surface treating appliance includes a main body having a user operable handle, and a support assembly for allowing the appliance to be rolled along a surface using the handle. The support assembly includes a pair of dome-shaped wheels rotatably connected to a yoke, and a stand pivotable relative to the main body. The appliance also includes a surface treating head having at least one support member. A stand retaining mechanism is provided for releasably retaining the stand in a supporting position relative to the main body in which the wheels are raised above the surface and the main body is supported by the stand and the support member of the surface treating head. The stand is moveable relative to the main body from the supporting position to a retracted position in which the main body is supported by at least the wheels to allow the appliance to be maneuvered over the surface during treatment thereof.
US08935822B2 Modular ramp construction and wedge elements herefore
The present invention relates to a modular ramp constructions that facilitate the passage of objects over obstacles on a surface such as a doorstep or a flight of stairs. Specifically the present invention relates to a construction that facilitates the passage of a wheelchair or other appliances used by physically handicapped persons over such obstacles. The construction comprises wedge elements (1) that can be adapted to the given dimensions and requirements of a ramp construction, to which purpose the length of the wedge elements (1) can easily be shortened and where the wedge elements (1) are provided with means (6) for releasable attachment to adjacent tile elements (8) of the modular ramp construction, thereby making it possible quite easily to assemble and afterwards dismantle the construction when it is to be adapted to another application.
US08935819B1 Mattress foundations, kits and related methods
Mattress foundations and kits include a first side rail, a second side rail, a first end rail, a second end rail, and at least one center rail. The foundations and kits further include a plurality of slats of varying lengths. The invention may further include a method of assembling a foundation kit.
US08935817B2 Motorized foldable bed frame assembly
A motorized foldable bed frame assembly configured to fold from an open co-planar assembly to a closed parallel assembly. An embodiment of the present disclosure is a dual-actuating adjustable bed frame that is collapsible and foldable for ease of shipping, and may be configured for use by extending pivoting frame sections and engaging collapsible support legs. A motorized foldable bed frame assembly may include a head adjustable frame, or a head and foot adjustable frame.
US08935815B2 Operating table
An operating table comprises a patient support carried by a column, wherein the column has a foot having at least two base arms which are arranged next to one another and which extend with variable spacing in the longitudinal direction of the patient support.
US08938810B2 User account creation involving a mobile device
Mobile devices may often communicate with network (“cloud”) services that require an account. Because it may be undesirable to require user interaction when creating an account, it may be desirable to create an account associating a mobile device to a network service without requiring a user to explicitly enter authentication information, such as a username and password. In an embodiment, data corresponding to a mobile device is obtained to generate authentication information which is then sent to messaging address of a user. In another embodiment, in response to an event, a mobile device obtains an identifier for a user, sends the identifier to a server, where the server transmits one set of authentication information to a messaging address associated with the user and another set of authentication information to the device.
US08938809B2 Retrieval of data across multiple partitions of a storage device using digital signatures
A system and method for exchanging data among partitions of a storage device is disclosed. For example, data stored in a first partition is exchanged with an application included in the first partition or with a second application included in a second partition. In one embodiment, the second application is associated with a global certificate while the first application is associated with a different platform certificate. A verification module included in the first partition receives a request for data and determines if the request for data is received from the first application. If the request for data is not received from the first application, the verification module determines whether the request is received from the second application and whether the global certificate is an authorized certificate. For example, the verification module determines whether the global certificate is included in a listing of authorized certificates.
US08938807B1 Malware removal without virus pattern
Antivirus software detects malware on a computer and the landing time of the malware is determined; a time window around the landing time is determined. Optionally requiring the landing time of the malware to be before the installation time of the antivirus software eliminates false positives. Any files of the computer systems that have a creation time within the time window are suspect. If the prevalence value and the maturity value of the suspect file are below respective thresholds then it is concluded that the file is malware and it is deleted. No virus signature or virus pattern that matches the deleted file need be relied upon or used. The detected malware may be the original mother file or a dropped file. An online prevalence and maturity database is used. The launching time of the malware may be used instead of the landing time.
US08938806B1 Partial pattern detection with commonality factoring
The disclosure relates to a method and system for processing objects stored as blocks on a storage system. The blocks are in deduplicated form. The blocks are scanned for a pattern, and if a pattern is found in a block, objects associated with the block are identified. The pattern may be a malware signature. The block is remediated, and the associated objects may be remediated as well, in the storage system and on host systems where copies of the objects reside. Partial matching may be used to identify the pattern. If a first block contains a partial match to the pattern, logically adjacent blocks are scanned to determine whether the partial match of the first block is completed in logically adjacent blocks. Logically adjacent blocks can be associated with different objects.
US08938804B2 System and method for creating BGP route-based network traffic profiles to detect spoofed traffic
An inventive system and method for creating source profiles to detect spoofed traffic comprises obtaining a routing path for data to traverse nodes using traffic profiles, each routing path comprising at least a target AS, initializing one or more AS sets with last hop ASes, enhancing the AS sets by connecting the AS sets to routers, for each enhanced AS set, filtering observed traffic flows, and using the filtered flows to associate enhanced AS sets with network monitoring points to create the source profiles. In one aspect, filtering flows comprise TCP session filtering and/or destination bogon filtering. In one aspect, the routers are border gateway protocol routers. In one aspect, the last hop ASes are one hop away from the target AS.
US08938801B2 Managing domain name abuse
A method for providing an abuse sentry service for responding to domain name abuse is described. The method comprises the following steps. A plurality of disparate abuse feeds is received, each comprising data relating to a subset of potential domain name abuse. Filters are applied to the data to create a custom abuse feed. Data from the custom abuse feed is grouped based on priority levels. For each of the groups, one or more corresponding workflows are executed as a response to the potential domain name abuse. A computer readable medium including instructions for implementing the method is also described.
US08938793B2 System and method for secure management of transactions
Secure management of electronic transactions is provided by a system server that is communicatively coupled to terminals configured as thin client devices (TCD) and to one or more application servers. A TCD completes a secure communications link with the system server, and transfers information concerning the identity of a user and account information from a secure transaction card (STC). Upon authentication, the system server drives the display of available applications at the TCD, allowing the user to select and engage in a desired transaction with the application server hosting the selected application. During the transaction, the system server brokers communications according to the different security schemes used by the TCD and the application server and, ultimately, stores a transaction ticket that memorializes the transaction. The transaction ticket can later be retrieved by presenting appropriate authentication information.
US08938791B2 System and method to control display of a realm name
A method for dynamically assigning a displayable realm name begins upon receipt of an authentication request to an application, such as a web application, being executed by an application server. In response, a determination is made whether an application realm name has been set in a configuration file associated with the application. If not, a custom display property is then evaluated. If the custom display property is set true, a realm name associated with an active authentication mechanism is retrieved and provided for display in an authentication panel. If the custom display property is set false, a default string is provided for display in the authentication panel. In this manner, an application server administrator can control what realm name is displayed to an end user in the event an application developer has not specified the realm name in the application configuration.
US08938790B2 System and method for providing secure access to a remote file
A method and system for providing secure access to a remote file is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a portable memory device containing a secure desktop is provided to a user. The user has a user device that removably accepts the portable memory device. The user is allowed to securely access a dedicated storage of the cloud storage system that is created at a request from an administrator. The secure desktop runs independently from a user desktop of the user device. The user's access to a local storage of the user device is blocked while the secure desktop is running.
US08938787B2 System, device, and method of detecting identity of a user of a mobile electronic device
A method for confirming identity of a user of a mobile electronic device, the method including: receiving touch data from a touch-screen of the mobile electronic device; receiving acceleration data from an accelerometer of the mobile electronic device; correlating between the touch data and the acceleration data; based on the correlating, generating a user-specific trait indicative of said user. The method further includes storing a reference value of the user-specific trait, indicative of said user; in a subsequent usage session of the mobile electronic device, generating a current value of the user-specific trait correlating between touch data and acceleration data; and based on a comparison between the current value of the user-specific trait and the reference value of the user-specific trait, determining whether or not a current user of the mobile electronic device is an authorized user of the mobile electronic device.
US08938784B2 Authorization of server operations
An authorization device for authorizing operations of a remote server requested from user computers via a data communications network includes a computer interface configured to connect to a local user computer for facilitating communication with the remote server via a data communications network, a user interface configured to present information to a user, and control logic. The control logic is adapted to use security data accessible to the control logic to establish, via the local user computer, a mutually-authenticated connection for encrypted end-to-end communications with the server; collect from the server, via the connection, information indicative of any operation requested via a different connection to the server and requiring authorization by the user; and present the information to the user via the user interface to prompt for authorization of the operation.
US08938782B2 Systems and methods for providing network access control in virtual environments
A computer-implemented method for providing network access control in virtual environments. The method may include: 1) injecting a transient security agent into a virtual machine that is running on a host machine; 2) receiving, from the transient security agent, an indication of whether the virtual machine complies with one or more network access control policies; and 3) controlling network access of the virtual machine based on the indication of whether the virtual machine complies with the one or more network access control policies. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed herein.
US08938781B1 Systems and methods for managing user permissions
Multi-tiered systems and methods for identifying and monitoring user permissions in a computer network are described. A data structure, such as an index, for each network device identifies all the security identifiers (SIDs) and their associated permissions for accessing the resources on the network device. Each data structure can be initially populated by scanning access control lists (ACLs) of the respective network device. A collection server in communication with the network devices stores an aggregate index that identifies the SIDs in the network and the network devices on which each SID is granted, denied or revoked one or more permissions. The individual data structures and/or aggregate index are updated based on permission changes detected through real-time or periodic monitoring. The aggregate index can also be replicated to multiple servers. In certain examples, the multi-tiered arrangement facilitates identifying the network resources for which a user has been granted, denied or revoked a permission.
US08938775B1 Dynamic data loss prevention in a multi-tenant environment
The usage of data in a multi-tenant environment can be controlled by utilizing functionality at the hypervisor level of various resources in the environment. Data can be associated with various tags, security levels, and/or compartments. The ability of resources or entities to access the data can depend at least in part upon whether the resources or entities are also associated with the tags, security levels, and/or compartments. Limitations on the usage of the data can be controlled by one or more policies associated with the tags, security levels, and/or compartments. A control service can monitor traffic to enforce the appropriate rules or policies, and in some cases can prevent encrypted traffic from passing beyond a specified egress point unless the encryption was performed by a trusted resource with the appropriate permissions.
US08938769B2 Virtual converged cable access platforms for HFC cable networks
A virtual converged cable access platform (CCAP) system and method for hybrid fiber CATV (HFC) cable networks. The system uses a new type of digital optical fiber node configured to receive optical fiber data packets, and reconstitute the optical data packets into RF waveforms suitable for injection into the system's CATV cable. The system replaces the legacy HFC head end with a simplified “virtual head end”. The system's virtual head end operates using a new type of virtual CCAP controller and virtual CCAP software that in turn controls high performance edge routers. Much of the intelligence of running the HFC cable system is managed by the controller software, while the edge router manages the interface between the CATV portion of the system and outside networks. The system can handle even legacy CATV RF signals by appropriate conversion operations, while reducing power and space needs, and improving operational flexibility.
US08938765B2 Methods, apparatus and user interface for providing content on demand
Methods and apparatus for supporting content delivery service are described. In accordance with the invention content can be supplied to temporary storage of a regional or local server used to supply the content to a customer's premises when the requested content is not already available in the regional or local server. A content server hierarchy may be implemented with servers higher up in the hierarchy including more content, e.g., titles, than the number of titles stored in the lower level servers. By storing less frequently accessed content in servers higher in the hierarchy and frequently requested titles lower in the hierarchy, a vast number of titles can be supported without overburdening the storage available at local and regional servers. In addition, a national or other server high in the hierarchy can be used to store, move, and distribute local or other content as part of an on demand service.
US08938763B2 Personal content server apparatus and methods
Personal content server apparatus and associated methods that allow a user (e.g., cable or satellite network subscriber) to access content, such as a video program, from a location outside the subscriber's network. In one embodiment, a personal content server streams the content to the subscriber over a network connection from the local e.g., (subscription) network to a remote network upon authorization by a content manager process. Various access, business or operational rules are applied depending on the content and delivery mode; e.g., to live video broadcast, video-on-demand (VOD), or archived content from the subscriber's digital video recorder (DVR) or networked PVR. In another variant, reservation information (for example program or asset ID information) is cached at a headend or hub server, thereby obviating the subscriber (or the network) having to access the subscriber's premises device. In yet another variant, a “virtual” CPE experience is provided for the remote user.
US08938761B2 System and method of analyzing internet protocol television content credits information
An Internet Protocol television (IPTV) system is disclosed. The system includes a selector module that is adapted to select a content item based upon metadata information associated with the content item and send the content item to a first set-top box. The content is recorded and video information associated with the content item is analyzed using a video interpretation algorithm, and credits information associated with the content item is obtained from the set-top-box.
US08938748B1 Determining content consumption metrics using display device power status information
A method, performed at a computer system having one or more processors and memory storing one or more programs executed by the one or more processors, includes receiving respective first set-top box (STB) information from a first plurality of STBs. The first STB information received from a respective STB in the first plurality of STBs includes tuning information for the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs, and power status information for a respective display device coupled to the respective STB in the first plurality of STBs. The method also includes storing the first STB information, and determining a viewership metric for the first plurality of STBs based on the tuning information and the power status information in the first STB information.
US08938740B2 Resource allocation apparatus, resource allocation method, and computer readable medium
A parameter determination unit 110 substitutes, for each of a plurality of applications, a recommended amount of resources and a quality of experience corresponding to the recommended amount of resources, and a minimum amount of resources and a quality of experience corresponding to the minimum amount of resources into a quality function f in expression (1) indicating a relation between an amount of resources R and a quality of experience Q, to determine parameters a and b. A resource amount determination unit 120 determines an amount of resources to be allocated to the plurality of applications using the quality function f for each application in which the parameters a and b are determined. The quality function f(x) is a monotonically increasing function having an inverse function f−1, connects (−∞,0) and (+∞,1), and is symmetrical with respect to x=0. Q=f(x)=f((R−a)/b)  (1)
US08938738B2 Shared user-mode for controlling synchronized access to a shared resource
Technologies are described herein for implementing shared locks for controlling synchronized access to a shared resource. In one method, in a user mode of an operating system, a notification is received indicating that a first process begins execution. The first process is adapted to acquire the shared lock during execution of the first process. Upon receiving the notification, it is determined whether the first process terminates execution without releasing the shared lock. Upon determining that the first process terminates execution without releasing the shared lock, the shared lock is released for access by a second process.
US08938735B2 Bootstrapper and software download manager
The present invention provides a bootstrapper and download manager for handling the download and installation of one or more software products to a computer. The invention determines system requirements and whether any prerequisite software is required by a software product to be downloaded. Any necessary prerequisite software is installed on the computer and if more than one software product has a shared prerequisite, then the invention recognizes that and prevents downloading multiple ones of the shared prerequisites. Also, in the event of an interruption or error during download, the invention can resume downloading or installation based on the download successfully stored on the local machine without requiring the download all over again. This saves considerable time during the download and install process and enhances user productivity and experience. A download manager provides a user interface to efficiently select from multiple software products for download and negotiate issues such as multiple and different product licenses.
US08938731B2 Cost optimization for firmware updates for globally mobile machine-to-machine devices
A firmware control management device and a method implemented by the firmware control management device are described herein which are configured to determine whether or not to push a firmware update to a machine-to-machine (M2M) device.
US08938730B2 Utilizing a multi-system set configuration to update a utility node system set
A system set of a utility node device, such as a kernel and/or root file system, may be updated by utilizing a multi-system set configuration. For example, the multi-system set configuration may include a first system set that is generally configured to act as an “active” set, a second system set (e.g., “idle” set) that is configured to operate when the first system set is non-operational or in an “idle” state, and a third system set that is configured to operate when the first and second system sets are non-operational. During an update of a system set, an update package may be applied to the second “idle” system set, while the first “active” system set remains operational. The utility node device may comprise a smart utility meter, sensor, control device, transformer, switch, relay, or the like.
US08938724B2 Delivering customized content to mobile devices
The illustrative embodiment of the present invention provides a platform that enables a content developer to distribute uniform content to multiple types of requesting mobile devices. By authoring content in a generic markup language and using the technologies included in the Mobile Content Framework (MCF), the content developer is able to provide content to multiple types devices without providing different versions of the content. The content may be authored originally in the generic markup language or translated from other languages into the generic markup language by the MCF. The MCF exploits the capabilities and accommodates the limitations of different types of wireless devices by converting generic markup language content to device-specific content. The MCF interacts with device registries holding records of the device attributes in order to provide the device-specific content. The MCF handles these issues for current mobile devices while also being extensible for future mobile devices.
US08938718B2 Managing window focus while debugging a graphical user interface program
An embodiment of the present invention utilizes the abilities of an operating system to manage the window focus while debugging a graphical user interface program. In an example, a debugger program intercepts a breakpoint in the code of a graphical user interface computer program undergoing automated testing by a separate computer program. The debugger program instructs the operating system to save states of the window focus. Responsive to determining the breakpoint condition has ended, the debugger program instructs the operating system to restore saved states of the window that had focus prior to the breakpoint condition. Another embodiment of the present invention arranges similar window focus management where an operating system on its own is unable to save and restore states of the window that had focus prior to the breakpoint condition.
US08938711B2 Healthcare service integration software development system and method therefor
A method includes providing a graphical user interface to an automated software development system, and providing a customized software application to an enterprise. The application comprises a collection of codesets that together are configured to perform an integration process. The system provides a configuration dialog interface for soliciting, from a user, information indicating a Health Level Seven (HL7) version and an HL7 message type. The system determines an HL7 electronic data interchange document profile defining a document schema and a set of data elements included at an HL7 message document corresponding to the HL7 version and the HL7 message type. The system generates a profile codeset based on the HL7 document profile. The system provides the customized software application for installation at an enterprise, the application comprising a collection of codesets including the profile codeset.
US08938708B2 Determining project status in a development environment
A method and program product to monitor the activities of a named person for developing a computer program. The method comprises the steps of logging operations performed by a software build tool or software test tool, a record in the log for each of the operations comprising an identity of a person that requested the operation and a time stamp of the operation; identifying the activities of the named person; determining that the named person is currently accessing the software build tool or software test tool; querying the log records with a time stamp within a predetermined period to determine that the named person has used the software build tool or software test tool to develop the computer program within the predetermined period; and reporting to the user that the named person used the tool to develop the computer program within the predetermined period.
US08938705B1 Systems and methods for partial retention synthesis
A retention synthesis application provides a means of analyzing a circuit design, functional test sequences, and the associated power specification to identify registers that do not need retention when a block is powered down. Reducing the number of retention registers reduces power consumption and chip area. The retention synthesis application is based, at least in part, upon symbolic simulation. In symbolic simulation, a symbol is used to represent a value that can be either 0 or 1 and the propagation of symbols is traced through the simulation.
US08938697B1 Method of performing optical proximity correction for preparing mask projected onto wafer by photolithography
A method of performing optical proximity correction for preparing a mask projected onto a wafer by photolithography includes the following steps. An integrated circuit layout design comprising a first feature and a second feature is obtained, wherein the first feature overlaps a first boundary of two structures in the wafer. An edge of the first feature close to the second feature pertaining to a specific trend section of an experimental chart having trend sections is recognized. An optical proximity correction value is evaluated for the edge through a computer system by a rule corresponding to the specific trend section. The layout design is compensated with the optical proximity correction value.
US08938676B2 System for adjusting a combination of control parameters
A method of enabling a user to adjust at least first and second control parameters for controlling an electronic system includes displaying a coordinate system on a display screen, where a first coordinate represents a range of values of the first control parameter, and a second coordinate represents a range of values of the second control parameter. The method further included visually indicating a position in coordinate system corresponding to a currently selected combination of values of the first and second control parameters, and enabling the user to select a new combination of values of the first and second control parameters by indicating a position within the coordinate system.
US08938675B2 System for automated generation of audio/video control interfaces
A system for automating generation of an audio/video (AV) control interface includes a computing device having a processor to enable a user, with a user interface of the computing device, to configure the AV system. The processor may enable the user to draw output zones to create a representation of a geographical layout of a venue in which the AV system is located. The processor may enable the user to place transmitting and receiving AV devices within the output zones that substantially represent physical locations thereof within the venue. The processor may enable the user to logically associate receiving AV device channels of receiving AV devices within an output zone. The processor assigns parameters of the associated AV devices to a control interface for user control thereof. To do so, the processor identifies controllable parameters associated with the AV devices associated with the output zone. The processor assigns a data storage structure associated with each respective controllable parameter to the control interface. The processor launches the control interface in an application window having integrated therewith the controllable parameters and a menu selection of a source AV signal.
US08938666B2 Support selective graphical display of system configurations using view filters
A user enters a selection of system components to be included within a configurable system. An initial top-level system diagram is then generated and displayed to the user. The user can then input a designation specifying one or more logical groups, functional groups, or other specified system components that the user wishes to display as a filtered system diagram. Other system components are examined to determine which, if any, of the system components have attributes matching the designation. A filtered system diagram is then generated highlighting the included system components having attributes matching the designation. Alternatively, the filtered system diagram can exclude those system components not having attributes matching the designation.
US08938663B2 Modem architecture for joint source channel decoding
A modem architecture that supports the application of joint source channel decoding (JSCD). The modem architecture includes two channel decoders, one of which is modified to provide improved signal quality. The modem architecture further includes transparent network layers that enable the passage of data from one layer to another layer. For example, the modem architecture enables the passage soft bits, when available, from a physical layer to an application layer. The soft bits may be utilized for JSCD, packet loss concealment, or other applications. The modem architecture enables encryption and decryption of data to incorporate extrinsic information in operating JSCD.
US08938659B2 Low-density parity-check decoder disparity preprocessing
Described embodiments provide a media controller that performs error correction on data read from a solid-state media. The media controller receives a read operation from a host device to read one or more given read units of the solid-state media. The media controller reads the data for the corresponding read units from the solid-state media employing initial values for one or more read threshold voltages. Only if a disparity between an actual number of bits at a given logic level included in the read data and an expected number of bits at the given logic level included in the read data has not reached a predetermined threshold, the media controller decodes the read data and provides the decoded data to the host device.
US08938657B2 Data and error correction code mixing device and method
Memory devices and methods are described such as those that mix data and associated error correction code blocks between multiple memory device locations. Examples include mixing between multiple memory blocks, mixing between memory pages, mixing between memory chips and mixing between memory modules. In selected examples, memory blocks and associated error correction code are mixed between multiple levels of memory device hierarchy.
US08938643B1 Cloning using streaming restore
Various systems and methods for creating a clone using streaming restore. For example, one method can involve receiving a set of storage blocks that include data associated with a state of a source computing entity. The method then involves creating a clone of the source computer system at an endpoint computer system. The endpoint computer system creates the clone by restoring the storage blocks, which involves storing the storage blocks to a memory at the endpoint computer system. The created clone has a state that corresponds to the state of the source computer system.
US08938640B2 Tunnel management method, tunnel management apparatus, and communications system
The present invention relates to communications technologies and discloses a tunnel management method, a tunnel management apparatus, and a communications system so that a node that causes failure of a tunnel management request can be determined. According to the present invention, a response returned by a tunnel management node to an initiating node includes not only a cause value of tunnel management request failure but also information of the node that causes failure of the tunnel management request, so that the initiating node can find the node that causes failure of the tunnel management request and determine the error checking direction. The present invention is applicable to network devices in a communications network.
US08938636B1 Generating globally coherent timestamps
The present technology proposes techniques for generating globally coherent timestamps. This technology may allow distributed systems to causally order transactions without incurring various types of communication delays inherent in explicit synchronization. By globally deploying a number of time masters that are based on various types of time references, the time masters may serve as primary time references. Through an interactive interface, the techniques may track, calculate and record data relative to each time master thus providing the distributed systems with causal timestamps.
US08938635B2 Host detection circuit powered from primary side of the alternating current adaptor for detecting changes to a power level pulse of an information handling system
A method for managing an alternating current adaptor system is disclosed. A direct current voltage is received at a high impedance power delivery network from a primary side of an alternating current adaptor system. An isolated voltage is output from the high impedance power delivery network to components of a secondary side of the alternating current adaptor system. A transition in a power state identification of an information handling system associated with the alternating current adaptor system is detected. An output voltage level of the alternating current adaptor system is alternated in response to the transition in the power state identification of the information handling system.
US08938634B2 User generated data center power savings
Technologies are described herein for providing power savings in a data center. Some example technologies may identify some user-provided hardware independent power saving codes from multiple virtual machines within the data center. The technologies may convert at least a portion of the user-provided hardware independent power saving codes into a device power management message specific to a computing system in the data center. The technologies may provide the device power management message to the computing system. The computing system may be configured to enable or disable one or more devices within the computing system according to the device power management message.
US08938628B2 Staggered power-up and synchronized reset for a large ASIC or FPGA
Methods and apparatus for controlling the power-on current transients and for providing a gradual current draw in an ASIC or FPGA having a high gate count and a number of physical blocks are disclosed. Additionally, method(s) are disclosed which ensure related blocks emerge from a reset state on a common clock cycle even when the related blocks are geographically dispersed over a large area producing multiple clock cycle latency periods for signals between blocks. Complete flexibility of physical block start up is achieved by software control which permits the sequence and number of physical blocks started simultaneously.
US08938616B2 Authentication method
According to one embodiment, a authentication method comprising: generating a second key by the first key, the first key being stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; generating a session key by the second key; generating first authentication information, the secret identification information stored in a memory and being prohibited from being read from outside; transmitting encrypted secret identification information to an external device and receiving second authentication information from the external device, the encrypted secret identification information stored in a memory and readable, the second authentication information generated based on the encrypted secret identification information; and determining whether the first authentication information and the second authentication information match.
US08938615B2 System and method for authenticating radio frequency identification (RFID) tags
An authenticated RFID system is provided that uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC) to reduce the signature size and read/write times when compared to traditional public key implementations such as RSA. Either ECDSA or ECPVS can be used to reduce the signature size and ECPVS can be used to hide a portion of the RFID tag that contains sensitive product identifying information. As a result, smaller tags can be used or multiple signatures can be written at different stages in a manufacturing or supply chain. A key management system is used to distribute the verification keys and aggregate signature schemes are also provided for adding multiple signatures to the RFID tags, for example in a supply chain.
US08938611B1 Enterprise cloud security gateway
A security virtual machine is provided in a network including a resource shared among two or more virtual machines. All data traffic from each virtual machine to or from the shared resource is transmitted over an encrypted channel to the security virtual machine. Each connection between a virtual machine and the security virtual machine is maintained as a separate encrypted channel, preventing one virtual machine from accessing data sent to or from another virtual machine, even though the virtual machines are all sharing the same resource.
US08938610B2 Computing device and method for wireless remote boot in a networked environment
In some embodiments, a secure authenticated remote boot of computing device over a wireless network is performed in a pre-boot execution environment (PXE) using active management technology (AMT) for remote discovery. In these embodiments, a management engine (ME) may maintain full control of a wireless interface and a wireless connection as booting begins. The ME may relinquish control of the wireless interface after a PXE timeout, in response to a shutdown command, or once the device has booted. The ME controls the use of an operating system received from a remote location.
US08938608B2 Enabling portions of programs to be executed on system z integrated information processor (zIIP) without requiring programs to be entirely restructured
A method for allowing portions of programs to be executed on a System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP). A service call is inserted at the beginning of the zIIP eligible code to enable enclave Service Request Block (SRB)-mode execution on the zIIP processor. An additional service call is inserted at the end of the zIIP eligible code to disable the enclave SRB-mode execution. A module in the operating system, referred to herein as the “zIIP shifter module,” is configured to detect these service calls thereby implementing and terminating the SRB-mode execution so that the zIIP processor executes the zIIP eligible code for the appropriate duration of time. In this manner, only a portion of the programs that contain eligible zIIP executable code is executed on the zIIP processor without requiring the programs to be entirely restructured thereby reducing development cost and improving software development productivity.
US08938607B2 Data packet arithmetic logic devices and methods
New instruction definitions for a packet add (PADD) operation and for a single instruction multiple add (SMAD) operation are disclosed. In addition, a new dedicated PADD logic device that performs the PADD operation in about one to two processor clock cycles is disclosed. Also, a new dedicated SMAD logic device that performs a single instruction multiple data add (SMAD) operation in about one to two clock cycles is disclosed.
US08938603B2 Cache system optimized for cache miss detection
According to an embodiment of the invention, cache management comprises maintaining a cache comprising a hash table including rows of data items in the cache, wherein each row in the hash table is associated with a hash value representing a logical block address (LBA) of each data item in that row. Searching for a target data item in the cache includes calculating a hash value representing a LBA of the target data item, and using the hash value to index into a counting Bloom filter that indicates that the target data item is either not in the cache, indicating a cache miss, or that the target data item may be in the cache. If a cache miss is not indicated, using the hash value to select a row in the hash table, and indicating a cache miss if the target data item is not found in the selected row.
US08938597B2 Restoring virtualized GCU state information
Method and apparatus for managing a memory, such as but not limited to a flash memory. In accordance with some embodiments, initial state information is stored which identifies an actual state of a garbage collection unit (GCU) of a memory during a normal operational mode. During a restoration mode after a memory power cycle event, a virtualized state of the GCU is determined responsive to the initial state information and to data read from the GCU. The memory is transitioned from the restoration mode to the normal operational mode once the virtualized state for the GCU is determined.
US08938594B2 Method and system for metadata-based resilvering
A method for resilvering a storage pool includes determining whether any of a first plurality of blocks in the storage pool, comprising metadata, require resilvering, determining whether any of a second plurality of blocks in the storage pool, comprising data, require resilvering, resilvering all of the first plurality of blocks that require resilvering, and resilvering all of the second plurality of blocks that require resilvering, wherein all of the first plurality of blocks that require resilvering are resilvered prior to resilvering any of the second plurality of blocks.
US08938590B2 Indirect register access method and system
Systems and methods are provided for managing access to registers. In one embodiment, a system may include a processor and a plurality of registers. The processor and the plurality of registers may be integrated into a single device, or may be in separate devices. The plurality of registers may include a first set of registers that are directly accessible by the processor, and a second set of registers that are not directly accessible by the processor. The second set of registers may, however, be accessed indirectly by the processor via the first set of registers. In one embodiment, the first set of registers may include a register for selecting a register bank from the second set of registers, and a register for selecting a particular address within the register bank, to allow indirect access by the processor to the registers of the second set.
US08938587B2 Data recovery for coherent attached processor proxy
A coherent attached processor proxy (CAPP) that participates in coherence communication in a primary coherent system on behalf of an attached processor external to the primary coherent system tracks delivery of data to destinations in the primary coherent system via one or more entries in a data structure. Each of the one or more entries specifies with a destination tag a destination in the primary coherent system to which data is to be delivered from the attached processor. In response to initiation of recovery operations for the CAPP, the CAPP performs data recovery operations, including transmitting, to at least one destination indicated by the destination tag of one or more entries, an indication of a data error in data to be delivered to that destination from the attached processor.
US08938575B2 Minimized half-select current in multi-state memories
A multi-state memory system with encoding that minimizes half-select currents. The system includes an array of row and column conductors with a plurality of storage cells each capable of being placed into any of three or more physical states. An encoder is connected to receive data bits for storage and to apply activation signals to the row and column conductors to write information to the storage cells. The encoder is programmed to encode the data bits into entries in an array having one row corresponding with each row conductor and one column corresponding with each column conductor; select entries in the array according to half-select currents of the storage cells; apply a predetermined one-dimensional mapping that increases the value of at most one entry in the array to obtain a mapped array; and write entries of the mapped array into the storage cells.
US08938574B2 Methods and systems using solid-state drives as storage controller cache memory
Methods and systems for using one or more solid-state drives (SSDs) as a shared cache memory for a plurality of storage controllers coupled with the SSDs and coupled with a plurality of storage devices through a common switched fabric communication medium. All controllers share access to the SSDs through the switched fabric and thus can assume control for a failed controller by, in part, accessing cached data of the failed controller in the shared SSDs.
US08938572B1 Virtual machine memory page sharing system
Various embodiments disclosed herein including systems and methods for improving allocation of computing resources in a virtual machine (VM) environment. Embodiments maintain data relating to how VM image data is stored in storage devices and loaded into volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM). The data is then used to identify common content in the volatile memory that can be shared across VM instances. In some embodiments, multiple VM instances can share at least a portion of a single common VM image loaded into a shared volatile memory.
US08938568B2 Multi-processor electronic systems
Disclosed herein is a system having a multi-processor configuration for electronics devices and systems, such as, computing and communication devices like laptop, notebook, tablets, smartphones, etc. In accordance with one embodiment of the subject matter the system comprises a plurality of processors and a multi protocol multi-root input output virtualization (MPMRIOV) switch communicatively coupled to at least one of the plurality of processors. The system further includes a peripheral and interface virtualization unit (PIVU) coupled to the MPMRIOV switch. In said embodiment, the PIVU is configured to communicatively couple at least one of the plurality of processors with at least one of a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) compliant peripheral, a Peripheral Component Interconnect express (PCIe) compliant peripheral, a non PCI compliant peripheral, and a non PCIe compliant peripheral.
US08938559B2 Isochronous data transfer between memory-mapped domains of a memory-mapped fabric
Techniques for isochronous data transfer between different memory-mapped domains in a distributed system. A method includes configuring an isochronous engine with an isochronous period. The method further includes transferring data over a memory-mapped fabric from a first memory to a second memory during a specified portion of a cycle of the isochronous period. The first memory is comprised in a first device in a first memory-mapped domain of the memory-mapped fabric and the second memory is comprised in a second device in a second memory-mapped domain of the memory-mapped fabric. The method may further comprise translating one or more addresses related to the transferring. The memory-mapped fabric may be a PCI-Express fabric. The transferring may be performed by a DMA controller. A non-transparent bridge may separate the first and the second memory-mapped domains and may perform the translating.
US08938554B2 Mechanism for enabling a network address to be shared by multiple labeled containers
A mechanism is disclosed for enabling a network address to be shared by multiple containers. By allowing multiple containers to share a network address, a limit on network addresses does not limit the number of containers that can be implemented. Despite the fact that the network address is shared by multiple containers, the uniqueness and isolation of each container is still maintained. In one implementation, this is achieved by associating a unique label with each container. With this unique label, it is possible to forward a packet destined for the shared network address to a specific container despite the fact that multiple containers share the same network address. Thus, with this mechanism, it is possible to achieve container isolation and uniqueness without limiting container scalability.
US08938552B2 Resolving a protocol issue within a dispersed storage network
A method begins by a processing module detecting a potential dispersed storage network (DSN) protocol issue that effects access of dispersed storage error encoded data within a DSN. The method continues with the processing module identifying a DSN entity based on the DSN protocol issue and generating a DSN protocol inquiry frame. The method continues with the processing module transmitting the DSN protocol inquiry frame to the DSN entity. The method continues with the processing module receiving a DSN protocol response frame from the DSN entity and resolving the DSN protocol issue based on the DSN protocol response frame.
US08938532B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for network server performance anomaly detection
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for network server performance anomaly detection are disclosed. According to one aspect of the subject matter disclosed, a method is disclosed for real-time computation of an endpoint performance measure based on transport and network layer header information. The method includes passively collecting transport and network layer header information from packet traffic in a network. Connections in the network are modeled using an abstract syntax for characterizing a sequence of application-level bidirectional interactions between endpoints of each connection and delays between the interactions. Application-level characteristics of the packet traffic are determined based on the modeled connections. A performance measure of at least one endpoint is computed based on the application-level characteristics and the modeled connections.
US08938531B1 Apparatus, system and method for multi-context event streaming network vulnerability scanner
An apparatus, systems, and methods for multi-context event streaming network vulnerability scanners. A method is disclosed for scanning a network by executing a first test program, receiving data from one or more devices on a network in response to the data sent by the first test program, determining one or more context findings from the first test program, and reporting the one or more context findings from the first test program to the scanner engine while the first test program is executing.
US08938529B2 Hardware management communication protocol
A simplified hardware management communication protocol comprises defined request packets, which are utilized to transmit requests to lower layers of management functionality or to managed resources, and it also comprises defined response packets, which are utilized to transmit responses back to the source of the request. A request packet comprises an identification of a type of device, an identifier of that device, an address of the sending entity, a session identifier, a sequence number, a function identifier, and a payload that comprises encapsulated communications or data directed to the request target. A response packet can comprise an identification of the sender of the request, a session identifier, a sequence number, a completion code identifying whether and how the request was completed, and a payload. Managed asset type specific drivers translate into communications utilizing communicational protocols that are specific to the managed assets.
US08938527B2 Method and device for data processing in a communication network
A method and a device for data processing in a communication network. The method includes the following steps: (i) at least one filter applicable for a first type of connection is provided in front of at least one filter that is applicable for a second type of connection; and (ii) the order of the at least on filter applicable for the first type of connection and the at least one filter applicable for the second type of connection is inverted in case that the number of filters required for the second type of connection increases.
US08938521B2 Bi-directional synchronization enabling active-active redundancy for load-balancing switches
A network element within a data center comprises a master switch, a slave switch, a plurality of servers in communication with the master and slave switches, and an inter-switch link connected between the master switch and the slave switch. The master switch and the slave switch are configured to bi-directionally synchronize both server status and application hash table information through the inter-switch link.
US08938519B1 Device configuration
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with configuring devices are described. In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a remote device, a search input for an adjustment parameter. The method searches for the adjustment parameter in a television device based, at least in part, on the search input, wherein the adjustment parameter is a setting in the television device that controls how content is displayed. After the adjustment parameter is found, the adjustment parameter is returned to the remote device, which is caused to display the adjustment parameter. An input parameter value for changing the adjustment parameter is received from the remote device. The television device is reconfigured by locally changing the adjustment parameter based at least in part on the input parameter value, wherein a content is displayed on the television device based on at least the changed adjustment parameter.
US08938518B2 Transferring applications and session state to a secondary device
A first device transfers a running application to a second device. A first device sends a request to transfer a running application to a second device. The second device determines whether the application is presently installed on the second device. The second device determines whether the application is an application designed to run on a platform of the second device. The second device then receives state information for the application from the first device. In response to receiving the state information, the second device executes a counterpart application utilizing the state information received from the first device.
US08938512B2 Recommending groups to create in a social networking system
Based on information associated with users, a social networking system recommends one or more groups for a target user to join or to create. Characteristics of the target user, characteristics of users connected to the target user, characteristics of candidate groups in the social networking system may be used to identify groups for recommendation. The social networking system may provide questions to the target user and recommend a group to the target user based on received answers to the questions. For example, the answers to the provided question identify one or more characteristics of the target user, which are used to select a group for recommendation. Additionally, the social networking system may recommend additional users for the target user to add or invite to a group based on characteristics of the target user, the additional users, and/or the group.
US08938509B2 Methods and apparatus for supporting sharing of privileges in a peer to peer system
Various methods and apparatus relate to sharing QoS privileges between devices having a higher service level subscription and devices having lower service level subscription. QoS privileges are associated with a QoS service level which is in turn tied to devices, e.g., based on a service level subscription of the device. Devices with higher service level subscription are entitled to superior QoS privileges than the devices with lower service level subscription. In various embodiments a first device with higher QoS service level provides, to a second device having lower QoS service level, information used to obtain a QoS privilege to which the first device is entitled. Thus the second device entitled to lower QoS privileges is provided with the superior QoS privileges on a limited basis, e.g., for communicating with the first device corresponding to the higher QoS service level.
US08938498B2 Uninterruptable group communication sessions within a wireless communications system
A call request message is sent from an access terminal to an application server in order to request initiation of a group communication session to a communication group and to request that an allocation of the floor to the given access terminal for the duration of the given group communication session remain uninterrupted by call targets of the session. The application server announces the session, and sends a floor-grant to the access terminal after the session is accepted by at least one target. The access terminal forwards media to the application server which is then forwarded to the at least one target. The floor is not transferred away from the access terminal during the session. For example, floor requests are suppressed at the at least one target, or floor requests are sent by the at least one target but are then ignored or denied by the application server.
US08938493B2 Simulation system
Provided is a simulation system capable of reducing a deviation that occurs in simulation results between a client and a server. In the simulation system, a server (2) notifies a client (3) of event information regarding behaviors of one or a plurality of objects, which is obtained as results of executing simulations, along with timing information indicating timings of the behaviors, and the client (3) executes, based on the event information notified from the server (2), a simulation regarding behaviors of at least part of the objects. Also in the simulation system, the client (3) executes the simulation at a timing delayed from the execution of the simulation by the server (2), and causes the behavior of the object corresponding to the event information to occur at a timing determined according to the timing information.
US08938492B1 Enabling efficient review of media objects associated with a client device
A method and system for enabling efficient review of media objects associated with a client device is described. In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method includes detecting a media object associated with the client device, automatically generating a reduced version of the detected media object, and transmitting the reduced version to a remote data storage location over a network connection from the client device to be reviewed by a user.
US08938490B2 System and method for accessing mainframe system automation from a process automation application
A system and computer-implemented method communicatively interfaces a Process Automation (PA) application executing on a mainframe computer with a mainframe automation function executing on the mainframe computer. The PA application executes within a services layer, which runs on top of a base Operating System (OS) layer of the mainframe computer. Some automation functions execute within the base OS layer, while other automation functions within the services layer. Therefore, an interface executing within the services layer determines which of the two disparate execution environments is needed to execute a given mainframe automation function, and invokes the function within the appropriate environment.
US08938483B1 Filter parallelization for high data throughput
A filter can include a first channel and a second channel. The first channel can be configured to process a first term and a second term of an input vector using a first coefficient and a second coefficient of the filter. The first channel can be configured to generate a first term of an output vector. The second channel can be configured to process the first term and the second term of the input vector using the first coefficient and the second coefficient of the filter. The second channel can be configured to generate a second term of the output vector. The first and second channels can be configured to operate in parallel.
US08938475B2 Managing business objects data sources
Methods, non-transitory computer-readable media, and systems for managing business objects data sources. Multiple business objects data sources, each storing multiple data items, are accessed. For each data source, multiple computer-searchable index documents and multiple metadata tables, including master tables and mapping tables, are generated. The multiple computer-searchable index documents and the multiple metadata tables are provided to perform a search for data items in the multiple business objects data sources.
US08938474B2 Securing application information in system-wide search engines
A system for securing application information in a shared, system-wide search service. Each application can register a security filtering module that is to be used at search time to filter data associated with that application. When a user performs a search, initial, unfiltered search results are obtained based the contents of the shared search index. The unfiltered search results are organized by application, and previously registered filter modules are called to perform user specific, per-application filtering on the initial results. The filter modules cause data to which the user issuing the search request does not have access to be removed from the search results, on a per application basis. Those of the initial search results that are determined in this way to not be accessible to the user issuing the search request are removed, resulting in a set of filtered search results that are presented to the user. The filtered search results thus contain indications only of data that is accessible to the user. In this way, the system-wide search service filters search results to remove indications of data which match the search criteria provided by the user, but to which the user does not have access, based on a conveniently extensible, per-application search result filtering process.
US08938473B2 Secure windowing for labeled containers
A secure windowing service is disclosed. When the windowing service receives an indication that a second client (executing in a second container) wishes to be given access to a set of windowing information provided by a first client (executing in a first container), the windowing service determines, based upon sensitivity labels associated with the first and second containers, whether the second client should be given access to the windowing information provided by the first client. By making this determination, the windowing service in effect implements information access control. This information access control helps to ensure that windowing information is not improperly passed from container to container.
US08938471B2 Method for setting up an array of technical units
A method for setting up an array of technical units and such an array are presented. The method is used for the independent setup and operation of an array of technical units, the technical units being connected to one another via a system communication bus, a query for a system resource being transmitted from a querying unit to all other units, all other units checking whether the resource has already been assigned to this unit itself, and all querying units transmitting an appropriate response to the querying units and the system resource being assigned thereto if it is not already assigned to one of the other units.
US08938468B2 Methods and apparatus for facilitating design, selection and/or customization of lighting effects or lighting shows
Methods and apparatus for facilitating a process of designing, selecting, and/or customizing lighting effects or lighting shows. A library of indexed (tagged) predefined lighting effects or shows is searched by a search engine, based upon information provided by a user/designer, to identify a set of effects or shows having attributes that are in some way related to the information provided by the user. The user is then presented with search results, i.e., a manageable subset of intelligently chosen lighting effects or shows, which may be ranked in terms of relevance, any one or more of which may be readily selected by the user. The user may select one or more effects or shows from the search results “as is” for execution by a lighting system, may combine one or more effects or shows from the search results, or may modify one or more effects or shows from the search results to refine some aspect of the effect(s)/show(s) in accordance with user preferences. In one exemplary implementation, the library of lighting effects/shows and/or the search engine may be hosted by a web site and accessible via the Internet.
US08938465B2 Method and system for utilizing packaged content sources to identify and provide information based on contextual information
A method and system for providing access to content on an electronic device is provided. One embodiment includes receiving contextual information and querying a packaged content source for content related to the contextual information. Available content relating to the contextual information from the packaged content source is then indicated for user access.
US08938463B1 Modifying search result ranking based on implicit user feedback and a model of presentation bias
The present disclosure includes systems and techniques relating to ranking search results of a search query. In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a computer-implemented method that includes: receiving multiple features, including a first feature indicative of presentation bias that affects document result selection for search results presented in a user interface of a document search service; obtaining, based on the multiple features, information regarding document result selections for searches performed using the document search service; generating a prior model using the information, the prior model representing a background probability of document result selection given values of the multiple features; and outputting the prior model to a ranking engine for ranking of search results to reduce influence of the presentation bias.
US08938455B2 System and method for determining a homepage on the world-wide web
A method and search engine for classifying a source publishing a document on a portion of a network, includes steps of electronically receiving a document, based on the document, determining a source which published the document, and assigning a code to the document based on whether data associated with the document published by the source matches with data contained in a database. An intelligent geographic- and business topic-specific resource discovery system facilitates local commerce on the World-Wide Web and also reduces search time by accurately isolating information for end-users. Distinguishing and classifying business pages on the Web by business categories using Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes is achieved through an automatic iterative process.
US08938446B2 System and method of transmitting search results based on arbitrary queries
A system and method is provided of generating a map. In one aspect, the map is transmitted by a server as an image. Listings are selected based on both their proximity to the location and whether they match arbitrary words provided by a user, with one set being transmitted as text and another set being transmitted as image data representing icons on a transparent background. In response, a user's computer displays the image of the second set as an overlay on the map, and processes the text to display the first set as icons on the map.
US08938436B2 System for and method of providing reusable software service information based on natural language queries
A system for and method of providing reusable software service information based on natural language queries. The system and method may include receiving, from a user system, query data in a natural language format that indicates a request for a plurality of reusable software service applications that are configured to perform a particular task, processing the query data to generate search criteria that include query values, and searching, a database, for the plurality of reusable software service applications based on the query values.
US08938426B2 System, method and computer readable medium for effieicnt snapshot-based mirroring operations
A storage system that may include a management module, a communication module and a storage module; wherein the management module is arranged to receive, at an intermediate point in time that occurs between the first point in time and a second point in time, a first request that indicates that a certain extent of the second logical volume is irrelevant; participate in a creation of second point in time snapshots of the first and second logical volumes; select, in response to the first request, out of all data deltas generated between the first and second point in time, selected data deltas to be transmitted to the other storage system; wherein the selected data deltas exclude data deltas associated with the certain extent that were generated between the first point in time and the intermediate point in time.
US08938422B1 Delay retrieval of synchronization information
A computer-implemented method for delaying synchronization of a computing device is disclosed according to one aspect of the subject technology. The method comprises receiving an update notification at the computing device, determining whether the computing device is idle, and, if the computing device is idle, then delaying retrieval of synchronization information corresponding to the update notification. The method also comprises determining whether a user has started using the computing device, and, if the user has started using the computing device, then retrieving the synchronization information corresponding to the update notification.
US08938421B2 Method and a system for synchronizing data
A computer implemented system and method for synchronizing a plurality of changes from a source computing device to a destination computing device, have been disclosed. The method involves, determining an initial polling time and a last polled time, checking for an elapse of a preset polling interval from a maximum poll time, polling a source for fetching data after an elapse of a polling interval from the maximum poll time, selecting a plurality of changes from the source computing device, processing the fetched data, writing the processed data at a destination computing device and reporting a status of a synchronization process.
US08938410B2 Open information extraction from the web
To implement open information extraction, a new extraction paradigm has been developed in which a system makes a single data-driven pass over a corpus of text, extracting a large set of relational tuples without requiring any human input. Using training data, a Self-Supervised Learner employs a parser and heuristics to determine criteria that will be used by an extraction classifier (or other ranking model) for evaluating the trustworthiness of candidate tuples that have been extracted from the corpus of text, by applying heuristics to the corpus of text. The classifier retains tuples with a sufficiently high probability of being trustworthy. A redundancy-based assessor assigns a probability to each retained tuple to indicate a likelihood that the retained tuple is an actual instance of a relationship between a plurality of objects comprising the retained tuple. The retained tuples comprise an extraction graph that can be queried for information.
US08938405B2 Classifying activity using probabilistic models
A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for classifying customer activity in an automated customer support system. The method includes obtaining input from the automated customer support system, wherein the input comprises an observable measurement of customer activity in the automated customer support system, computing a probability that the input corresponds to one of one or more probabilistic models, and using the computed probability to classify the customer activity in the automated customer support system by considering the probabilistic model corresponding to a highest computed probability.
US08938401B2 Systems and methods for signaling content rights through release windows life cycle
Systems and methods for controlling the use of audio, video and audiovisual content are provided. A data structure includes content usage rights for multiple release windows. The usage rights may be encoded in the content or otherwise bound to the content. Playback devices are configured to access the appropriate usage rights and control usage in accordance with the usage rights.
US08938397B2 Systems and methods of facilitating trading of instruments
Systems and methods of facilitating trades of instruments are provided. A master node and a plurality of intermediate nodes store counterparty credit matrices. Trades are executed based on the information stored in these matrices. The systems and methods allow selection of trading options that not only accept or reject a trade, but also can indicate a credit status to be assigned to a counterparty to the trade.
US08938387B2 Audio encoder and decoder
The present invention teaches a new audio coding system that can code both general audio and speech signals well at low bit rates. A proposed audio coding system comprises linear prediction unit for filtering an input signal based on an adaptive filter; a transformation unit for transforming a frame of the filtered input signal into a transform domain; and a quantization unit for quantizing the transform domain signal. The quantization unit decides, based on input signal characteristics, to encode the transform domain signal with a model-based quantizer or a non-model-based quantizer. Preferably, the decision is based on the frame size applied by the transformation unit.
US08938383B2 Enabling test script play back in different locales
Apparatus and method for allowing a test script to be played back correctly in a locale of different test language. The invention uses a synonymy dictionary storing the different appearances of the property value of a property in an object of a software product to be tested in different test locales; and compares the property value of the property in the object of the software product to be tested to the corresponding property value pre-recorded in a test script to detect whether they match each other.
US08938372B1 Simulating signal integrity structures
Disclosed are system and methods for simulating signal integrity structures using stable processed modes (e.g., matched traveling-wave power modes), and/or for creating response surfaces from stable response parameters.
US08938363B2 Active seismic monitoring of fracturing operations and determining characteristics of a subterranean body using pressure data and seismic data
A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning one or more sources and one or more receivers near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a survey with the sources and the receivers during the fracturing operation; comparing the baseline survey to the survey performed during the fracturing operation; analyzing one or more differences between the baseline survey and the survey performed during the fracturing operation; and modifying the fracturing operation based on the differences.
US08938360B2 Guidance apparatus and guidance method
A guidance apparatus for guiding to a predetermined orientation includes a detection section configured to detect a contact of an object via a contact surface; a measurement section configured to measure an orientation of the guidance apparatus; a calculation section configured to calculate a direction of the predetermined orientation relative to the orientation measured by the measurement section; and a vibration section configured to generate vibration if the contact of the object is detected by the detection section either within an area including the direction, or within another area other than the area including the direction, among a plurality of areas partitioning the contact surface.
US08938355B2 Human assisted techniques for providing local maps and location-specific annotated data
Methods and apparatuses are provided that may be implemented in various electronic devices to allow for location, navigation, and/or other like information and/or services to be provided to a user based, at least in part, on audio input information corresponding one or more environmental features which are near by the user of the portable electronic device.
US08938354B2 Driving support apparatus for vehicle
There is provided a driving support apparatus for a vehicle. A driving control unit determines whether or not a three-dimensional object ahead is a three-dimensional object having high reliability as a control object for an automatic brake control based on a condition set beforehand, when possibility of collision between the vehicle and the three-dimensional object ahead is determined to be high. When the reliability of the three-dimensional object ahead as the control object is determined to be low and the amount of increase in the accelerator opening degree is equal to or larger than a set value, the driving control unit cancels the execution of the automatic brake control.
US08938349B2 Method and device for operating a fuel injection system
A method is described for operating a fuel injection system, in particular of an internal combustion engine, in which fuel under pressure is made available in a pressure reservoir and a fuel pressure prevailing in the pressure reservoir is ascertainable with the aid of a pressure sensor. Fuel is removed from the pressure reservoir over a predefinable pressure reduction time period, measured pressure values are ascertained (determined) with the aid of the pressure sensor at least two different points in time during the pressure reduction period, and an actual fuel pressure at the beginning of the pressure reduction period is inferred from the measured pressure values ascertained (determined) during the pressure reduction period.
US08938348B2 Method for optimizing run curve of vehicles
A method determines a run-curve of a motion of a vehicle as a function of at least a speed of the vehicle and a position of the vehicle in a continuous space. First, the method determines Markov decision process (MDP) with respect to a set of anchor states selected from the continuous space, such that a control moving the vehicle to a state transitions the MDP to an anchor state with a probability determined as a function of a distance between the anchor state and the state in the continuous space, and solves the MDP subject to constraints to determine an MDP policy optimizing a cost function representing a cost of the motion of the vehicle. Next, the method determines the run-curve based on the MDP policy.
US08938347B2 Method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake
In a method for adjusting the clamping force exerted by a parking brake, which force is applied by an electric-motor braking apparatus and by a hydraulic braking apparatus, the hydraulic inlet pressure generated by the driver and existing in the hydraulic braking apparatus is utilized to generate a hydraulic clamping force; and for the case in which the hydraulic clamping force is not sufficient to reach a target clamping force, an electric clamping force is generated in supplementary fashion.
US08938346B2 Method for protecting a vehicle with an automatic parking brake
A method for holding a vehicle at a standstill includes a first phase in which the brake pressure at the wheel brakes is retained so that the vehicle is held automatically by the service brake, and the braking force is then transferred to a parking brake so that in a second phase the vehicle is held solely by the parking brake. A risk inherent in this transfer is that the vehicle may begin to slip. The distance over which the vehicle slides in uncontrolled fashion can be made substantially shorter if, in the second phase in which the vehicle is being held by the parking brake, the movement of the vehicle is monitored by sensors, and brake pressure is automatically built up by way of an actuator as soon as the fact that the vehicle is rolling away has been detected.
US08938345B2 Left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus for a vehicle
A vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus is provided for improving the handling of a vehicle when a steering wheel of the vehicle is being returned toward a center position. The vehicle left-right wheel drive force distribution control apparatus executes a distributed output of a wheel drive force to left and right drive wheels in accordance with a control. The apparatus has a left-right drive force transient control amount computing section that computes a left-right drive force difference transient control amount based on a driver transient turn response. This control amount computed is used in the aforementioned control and is made smaller as the steering wheel is being turned away from a center position than as the steering wheel is being returned toward the center position.
US08938343B2 Automatic sequential accessory machine retarding on a grade
A method of dissipating power on a propelled machine includes setting a target ground speed for the machine, and, if the throttle position is less than a first predetermined minimum and if the machine is on a negative grade in the direction of travel no greater than a second predetermined minimum, and the calculated machine resistance power is less than the calculated grade power, the method include engaging at least a portion of the energy-dissipating electrically or electrohydraulically controlled accessories to retard the machine to maintain the machine within a set range of a target speed.
US08938337B2 Vehicle door control apparatus and method for controlling vehicle door
A laser sensor is located close to a rotation axis of a vehicle door and configured to emit a laser beam to a surface of the vehicle door and accept reflected light reflected from an obstacle for scanning a scanning plane shifted in a door-opening direction, in which the vehicle door is openable. A determination section determines whether an obstacle, which is possible to make contact with the vehicle door, exists in the door-opening direction of the vehicle door, based on a result of emission and acceptance of the laser beam of the laser sensor. An opening regulating section regulates an opening of the vehicle door in response to determination of the determination section that the obstacle exists.
US08938334B2 Vehicular steering angle estimating apparatus and electric power steering apparatus mounted therewith
A vehicular steering angle estimating apparatus including wheel rotational speed sensors for detecting rotational speeds of left and right wheels of a vehicle, provided with a steering angle estimating portion for estimating and outputting a estimated steering angle 1 from the wheel rotational speeds detected by the wheel rotational speed sensors, and a estimated steering angle outputting portion for outputting a estimated steering angle 2 on the basis of the estimated steering angle 1 and an SAT detected value or an SAT estimated value.
US08938331B2 Interface and monitoring system and method for a vehicle idling control system
An idle control system for a vehicle is provided.
US08938323B2 Power storage system and method of controlling the same
A method of controlling a power storage system for supplying power to a load from a power generation system, a battery, and a grid includes: when power failure occurs in the grid, determining whether duration of the power failure is more than a standard duration; if the duration of the power failure is more than the standard duration, determining a state of charge of the battery; and when the power failure of the grid has ended, if the duration of the power failure is less than the standard duration or if the state of charge of the battery is equal or more than a standard value, performing a first power failure returning mode; and if the charging condition of the battery is less than the standard value, performing a second power failure returning mode. Accordingly, the power storage system performs a stable operation and prevents lifespan shortening of the battery.
US08938322B2 Apparatus and method for controlling consumer electric power consumption
A computer-based electrical power management and allocation system is provided that collects demand for electric power usage and allocates electric power supply in satisfaction thereof. A load control server is used to collect and schedule electrical power start requests according to policies established by either or both of the electric power consumers and electric power suppliers. The energy system collects electrical power start requests and holds them in a reservation pool for later satisfaction according to prescribed customer and supplier policies and according to an overall optimization criterion of the energy system. Start messages are then subsequently issued to begin device operation once the energy system's operational criterion is relaxed and the devices are then removed from the reservation pool. Similar queuing for later satisfaction may also be applied to the distribution of other utilities, such as water, natural gas, or guaranteed interne bandwidth.
US08938321B2 Method and apparatus for multiple control screens
A system for protecting, monitoring, and controlling multiple elements of a high voltage power transmission and distribution system. An intelligent electronic device includes at least one display including a human machine interface configured to display information regarding the multiple elements of the high voltage power transmission and distribution system over a plurality of control screens of the intelligent electronic device and to control the multiple elements of the high voltage power transmission and distribution system.
US08938310B2 Coronary sinus cannula with left ventricle lead and pressure tent
Techniques for biventricular pacing include a rigid shaped stylet approximating curves of a coronary sinus and branch vein. Some techniques include a parasternal coronary sinus cannula comprising an outer sheath and an obturator. The obturator is removeably disposed inside the outer sheath from a device end of the hollow shaft. The obturator includes a flexible stem that fits snugly inside the hollow shaft, a malleable core disposed inside the flexible stem, a tapered tip that extends beyond a cardiac end of the shaft when the obturator is disposed inside the outer sheath, and a sensor for determining properties of the subject in a vicinity of the tapered tip. An optional pressure-seal, such as a tent, connected to suction maintains negative intrepleural pressure for insertion under local anesthesia.
US08938308B2 Devices and methods for brain stimulation
A device for brain stimulation that includes n lead having a longitudinal surface; at least one stimulation electrode disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead; and at least one recording electrode, separate from the at least one stimulation electrode, disposed along she longitudinal surface of the lead.
US08938305B2 Medical transceiver device and method
A medical transceiver device for radio-based communication with an implantable medical device has circuitry for transmitting radio-frequency signals to, and/or receiving radio-frequency signals from, the implantable medical device, first and second electrically conductive structures, and an antenna feed network operatively interconnected between the circuitry and the first and second conductive structures. Each of the first and second conductive structures is operable as a transmitting and/or receiving antenna for the radio-frequency signals. The first and second conductive structures emit and/or receive radio waves of different polarizations, and the first and second conductive structures are disposed adjacent each other at a single location in space, thereby providing spatial diversity that is independent of the polarization diversity.
US08938298B2 Header design for implantable pulse generator
In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator for electrically stimulating a patient comprises: a metallic housing enclosing pulse generating circuitry; a header mechanically coupled to the metallic housing, the header adapted to seal terminals of one or more stimulation leads within the header and to provide electrical connections for the terminals; the header comprising an inner compliant component for holding a plurality of electrical connectors, the plurality of electrical connectors electrically coupled to the pulse generating circuitry through feedthrough conductors, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are held in place in recesses within the compliant inner component, the header further comprising an outer shield component adapted to resist punctures, the outer shield component fitting over at least a portion of the inner compliant component.
US08938293B2 Method and apparatus for a small power source for an implantable device
An example includes apparatus including a non-thin-film battery, that can include an implantable housing, electronics disposed in the implantable housing, and a battery disposed in the implantable housing, the battery comprising: a plurality of cells electrically connected to one another, with at least one cell including a stack including at least one substantially planar anode having a thickness greater than 1 micrometer and at least one substantially planar cathode having a thickness greater than 1 micrometer, and a cell housing enclosing the stack of substantially planar anodes and cathodes and displacing less than approximately 0.024 cubic centimeters, wherein the plurality of cells are interconnected in at least one of series and parallel, and terminals interconnecting the battery and the electronics.
US08938289B2 Motor training with brain plasticity
A rehabilitation device, comprising a movement element capable of controlling at least one motion parameter of a portion of a patient; a brain monitor which generates a signal indicative of brain activity; and circuitry including a memory having stored therein rehabilitation information and which inter-relates said signal and movement of said movement element as part of a rehabilitation process which utilizes said rehabilitation information.
US08938287B2 Computer-implemented electrocardiograhic data processor with time stamp correlation
A computer-implemented electrocardiographic data processor with time stamp correlation is provided. A monitoring circuit includes a persistent memory and power supply that powers an encoder that determines a differential voltage between a current discrete digital voltage value and a prior voltage value. The differential voltage is stored into the persistent memory in a digitized data stream representative of analog cardiac action potential signals. Digitally-encoded voltage values and time stamps are retrieved from the persistent memory. A post-processing application executes. A set of output voltages and voltage differences that each correspond to lower and upper bounds of voltage is stored. Each retrieved voltage value is compared to the voltage bounds and the voltage differences within which each retrieved voltage value falls is identified. The output voltages corresponding to the voltage differences is selected. A display depicts the output voltages as reproduced analog cardiac action potential signals and correlates the time stamps.
US08938279B1 Multidepth tissue oximeter
An oximeter measures oxygen saturation for two or more different tissue depths and shows these results on a screen. A probe of the oximeter has multiple different distances between source and detector sensors. One probe implementation has fixed sensor positions. Other implementations include sensors on a moveable platform or openings to accept sensors, which allow a user to vary a distance between sensors.
US08938272B2 Channel reporting for television whitespace
Various technologies described herein pertain to providing spectrum utilization feedback from a whitespace device. A database query for a set of available channels in a spectrum (e.g., broadcast spectrum, etc.) during a time period can be transmitted from the whitespace device to a regulatory authorized database system. The database query includes data that specifies a set of channels used by the whitespace device during a previous time period prior to the time period. Responsive to the database query, a response can be received at the whitespace device from the regulatory authorized database. The response indicates the set of available channels in the spectrum during the time period, where the available channels are unassigned to licensees at a location of the whitespace device during the time period. Moreover, the whitespace device is configured to opportunistically communicate in the spectrum over one or more of the available channels.
US08938271B2 Operator and third party cloud spectrum services for efficient spectrum usage
A cloud spectrum manager (CSM) for managing the sharing of spectrum among multiple operators in a distributed computing environment. The cloud spectrum manager comprises an allocation service component which applies a resource allocation policy to determine whether the requested spectrum from an operator may be allocated. The allocation of spectrum allows the operator to get spectrum from the CSM at wholesale prices and then the operator manages the rented spectrum with its associated client devices. The operator manages the rented spectrum, perform their own analytics & optimization and offer spectrum services to the clients. The demands on the CSM are alleviated since it can manage spectrum at whole sale quantities and leave the finer grain device to device management to the operator.
US08938268B2 Method and apparatus for facilitating a layered cell search for Long Term Evolution systems
A method for ranking signals isolates and cancels neighboring cells using layering. Received signals from various cells are grouped into layers, with each layer comprised of received signals which are comparable within a particular metric (such as signal strength). The signals within a particular layer may also be ranked according to a desired metric. At the beginning of a cancellation cycle the UE may perform the layering and ranking. Once the layering and ranking has been performed the UE may continue to use the layering and ranking for later rounds of cancellation, freeing up processing resources that would otherwise be dedicated to repeated ranking of received signals. After a period of time, the cancellation cycle may repeat and the layering and ranking may be performed again.
US08938266B1 Method and system for base station repeat paging
Disclosed are a method, apparatus, and system for managing repeat-paging processes within a radio access network. When a base station receives a paging directive, the base station begins broadcasting a first series of page messages destined to a mobile station. Response to the first base station receiving no response from the mobile station to the first series of page messages, the first base station sends a repeat-paging directive to a second base station. The repeat-paging directive directs the second base station to begin broadcasting a second series of page messages destined to the mobile station.
US08938258B2 Reference based location information for a wireless network
Determining referenced based location information for a wireless radio network is described. Referenced based location information can include determining location reference information and corresponding location offset information based on location information. In an aspect, location information can be timed fingerprint location information. Location offset information can be communicated in a wireless network at a lower operational cost than the associated location information. As such, use of referenced based location information for a wireless network can reduce bandwidth consumption as compared to location information communicated at similar intervals. This is particularly true in large wireless networks. Moreover, the use of referenced based location information for determining timed fingerprint location information can be highly attractive in light of timed fingerprint location information facilitating location information for many non-GPS enabled devices and being associated with significant increases in the frequency and density of location event requests.
US08938246B2 Method for scheduling terminals in a radio communication network, and corresponding base station
The present invention relates to a method for scheduling transmissions in a radio communication system comprising a plurality of base stations and a plurality of terminals, a base station being associated to a sector and transmitting/receiving data to/from terminals located in said sector. According to the present invention, the method comprises the steps of: —determining an area around each given sector, said area comprising a set of sectors, —allocating to said sectors in said area a scheduling priority chosen among at least two different scheduling priorities, —scheduling decisions in a sector having a lower scheduling priority than a sector belonging to said area depending on scheduling decisions made for said sector with higher scheduling priority, said scheduling decisions made in said sector with higher scheduling priority being reported by said base station associated to said sector with higher scheduling priority to said base station associated to said sector with lower scheduling priority.
US08938243B2 Radio receiver apparatus of a cellular radio network
A radio receiver apparatus of a cellular network, wherein the network allocates one or more cells to a particular connection of the radio receiver apparatus based on a feedback signal received from the radio receiver apparatus. The radio receiver apparatus includes a first measurement unit configured to measure at least one cell-specific first quantity indicative of a channel quality of a dedicated downlink channel. Further, the radio receiver apparatus includes a feedback signal generating unit configured to generate the feedback signal on the basis of the first quantity.
US08938240B2 Systems and methods for spectrum handoff management in white spaces
Systems and methods for managing spectrum handoff in a plurality of radio networks are disclosed. These may include gathering a plurality of data about each of the first and second locations; determining a load level associated with each of the first and second set of radio networks; determining a bandwidth allocation value; and reserving a plurality of channel slices from the first channel set among the first of radio networks.
US08938237B2 Stamping mechanism for beacon message transmission
The invention concerns a method for transmitting beacon services to a User Equipment (UE) roaming in an area covered by several Radio Access Technologies (RAT's), the area comprising a plurality of geographical zones, each geographical zone comprising at least one network base station using several frequencies and at least one RAT among the plurality of RAT's, the User Equipment (UE) having various RAT capabilities and preferences and supporting several frequencies, the method comprising the step of periodically transmitting to the UE at least a beacon message M comprising information about the RAT's and the frequencies deployed in each zone of the area, and data indicating at least a validity period of the RAT's and the frequencies information.
US08938219B2 Flow computers having wireless communication protocol interfaces and related methods
Flow computers having wireless communication protocol interfaces and related methods are disclosed. In one example, a method involves receiving a request to be sent to a wireless device in a network of wireless devices, the request to be received via a remote terminal unit application executed on a processor within a flow computer, and communicating the request to the wireless device via a communications interface module, the communications interface module to be communicatively coupled to the processor via a backplane contained within a housing of the flow computer, the backplane to provide communications according to a high speed data bus communications protocol.
US08938218B2 Mobile based advisory system and a method thereof
A system and method for mobile based advising is provided. The system and method involve the user with his mobile terminal formulating a query based on his own input and external sensor input and then sending the query to a remote server, which sends it to an expert group who devise an expert advice, which is then sent back to the user.
US08938214B2 Wireless communication device
A wireless communication device may receive a first signal from an external device, the first signal being a signal for establishing a wireless connection between the wireless communication device and the external device according to a specific wireless communication scheme. The wireless communication device may judge whether the first signal includes a first type of information or a second type of information. The wireless communication device may cause a display unit to display a displaying screen indicating the authentication information in a case where it is judged that the first signal includes the first type of information, and cause the display unit to display an inputting screen in which the authentication information is to be inputted in a case where it is judged that the first signal includes the second type of information.
US08938211B2 Providing and utilizing maps in location determination based on RSSI and RTT data
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to utilizing location information, such as maps, in location determination based on Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) and Round-Trip Time (RTT) data. Weighting information can be determined from and/or provided in the location information. The weighting information associated with an area in which a mobile device is located can impact how RSSI and RTT data is weighted in a calculation of the mobile device's location.
US08938199B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing mobile ad hoc cooperative communication systems and related devices
A method of operating a mobile electronic device includes detecting at least one other mobile electronic device within a predetermined distance of the mobile electronic device, and determining a spatial relationship of the at least one other mobile electronic device relative to the mobile electronic device. An ad hoc wireless connection is established with the at least one other mobile electronic device based on the determined spatial relationship. Data may be transmitted to and/or received from the at least one other mobile electronic device over the ad hoc wireless connection based on the determined spatial relationship. Related systems, devices, and computer program products are also discussed.
US08938191B2 Image forming apparatus
The image forming apparatus according to the present invention has a fixing member and a paper separation part. The fixing member fixes an image by heating and applying a pressure to a sheet of printing paper S on which a toner image is transferred, while transferring the paper S. The paper separation part has a blower part and an air ejecting part that ejects the air sent out from the blower part against a paper outlet port of a nipping part N of the fixing member. The air ejection part has ribs that divide the air flow sent out from said blower part.
US08938183B2 Doctor blade assembly and alignment method
There is provided a doctor blade assembly and method for alignment in a toner hopper of a toner printer cartridge. The doctor blade assembly has a holder portion. The holder portion has a first mounting end and a second mounting end. The holder portion further has a pair of recessed openings formed in the first mounting end and the second mounting end, respectively. The holder portion further has a pair of alignment elements each having an alignment through hole and each configured to fit in and correspond to each respective recessed opening. The doctor blade assembly further has a blade portion attached to the holder portion. The doctor blade assembly further has a pair of fastener members each configured for insertion through the alignment through hole and through the recessed opening.
US08938182B2 Stand of image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same
A stand of the image forming apparatus includes at least one plate unit including a first plate member which includes a first surface unit which forms an external appearance and a first bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the first surface unit, and a second plate member which includes a second surface unit and a second bent unit which is provided to at least one of the opposite end parts of the second surface unit, and is capable of being inserted into the first plate member, at least one of the first bent unit and the second bent unit being bent so that each bending direction thereof may start from at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface unit, and then bend toward at least one of the first surface unit and the second surface.
US08938178B2 Heater control device, fixing device, and image forming apparatus
A heater control device that performs phase control of AC power and supplies phase-controlled power to a heater, the heater control device including: a control unit configured to, in the phase control, gradually increase an on-duty ratio until a target power amount is supplied to the heater; and a judgment unit configured to judge whether or not the on-duty ratio is within a predetermined range of on-duty ratios including a 50% on-duty ratio. The control unit (i) increases the on-duty ratio by a first amount while the on-duty ratio is within the predetermined range, and (ii) increases the on-duty ratio by a second amount while the on-duty ratio is not within the predetermined range. The first amount is greater than the second amount.
US08938177B2 Tilt panel apparatus and electronic device
A tilt panel apparatus includes a tilt panel capable of pivoting between a first orientation and a second orientation, and an apparatus main body that supports the tilt panel in a pivotable state. The tilt panel has an external housing surface around the pivot center of the tilt panel, the external housing surface being exposed on the outer side of an apparatus when the tilt panel is in the first orientation and entering into a gap formed between the tilt panel and the apparatus main body as the tilt panel pivots from the first orientation toward the second orientation; and a stepped portion is formed in the apparatus main body adjacent to an edge portion that forms the opening of the gap, the stepped portion being a step higher than the edge portion.
US08938170B2 Handheld identification and communication systems
In one aspect, identification and communication systems are described herein. In some embodiments, an identification and communication system comprises one or more query units and one or more response units, wherein at least one query unit is a handheld device. In some embodiments, the handheld device does not comprise a weapon and is not mounted on a weapon. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a flashlight. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a smart device in communication with the stylus. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a display screen. In some embodiments, the handheld device comprises a query controller and the display screen is operable to display data provided by the query controller.
US08938164B2 Optical link auto-setting
A system includes two optical modules that perform auto-setting of the optical links between the optical modules. One optical module sends an optical signal with a test pattern to the other optical module. If the receiving module determines that the test pattern is successfully received, it sends a pass indication to the transmitting module, and the transmitting module can configure its driver path in accordance with a transmit current setting used to transmit the test pattern. If the test pattern is not successfully received, the receiving module sends a fail indication, and the transmitting module can increase the transmit current setting and resend the test pattern. When the system includes multiple optical channels, one channel can be tested while feedback is provided on another channel. The system can iterate through all optical channels until they are all configured.
US08938157B2 Digital chip and method of operation thereof
A digital chip system, digital chip, methods for embedding data and methods for extracting data are provided. In some embodiments, a digital chip includes: a watermark encoder digital chip configured to receive one or more watermark bits and generate a stego-video; and a watermark decoder digital chip configured to receive the stego-video and extract the one or more watermark bits from the stego-video. In some embodiments, the digital chip also includes: a video decoder controller digital chip configured to receive raw video data, wherein the raw video data is received from a video decoder; a configuration controller digital chip configured to configure the video decoder; a memory management unit digital chip configured to store at least one of the raw video frame, the raw video data or the stego-video; and an Ethernet controller unit digital chip configured to store or access the raw video or stego-video.
US08938152B2 Recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium
The present invention relates to a recording medium containing moving picture data and additional information thereof and to reproducing method and apparatus of the recording medium. The present recording medium has script files including additional information about moving picture data, e.g., scene descriptive text and introduction of characters, etc. In addition, information linking each script file with a section of moving picture data to be presented with contents of the script file is included in a link data file or is contained in a filename of the script file. In reproduction of the recording medium, a script file linked with presently reproduced moving picture data section is determined and searched for based on the link data file or every filename of the script files, and contents of the found script file are presented together with the presently reproduced moving picture data. Furthermore, previously presented additional information is removed depending on data or filename of the found script file.
US08938149B2 Method and apparatus for video image data recording and playback
A video data recoding method suitable for recording computer sessions. Each video image frame is divided into multiple blocks. A server processes the video frames and transmits only changed blocks for each frame to a video log server. The video log server stores the changed blocks with block indices in a data file. The video log server also maintains a virtual frame table which stores, for each block of the frame, the data location within the data file where the most recent occurrence of that block is stored. The virtual frame table is continuously updated as changed blocks are stored in the data file. The video log server further stores a snapshot file containing snapshots of the virtual frame table at predetermined time points, along with time stamps and a next changed frame location. The data file and the snapshot file are used to reproduce the video images.
US08938141B2 Tunable resonant leaky-mode N/MEMS elements and uses in optical devices
Mechanically tunable electromagnetic and photonic devices featuring enhanced spectral tunability with minimal mechanical movement are provided. These nano/micro-electromechanically (N/MEMS) tunable elements, including filters and pixels, rely on leaky-mode resonance effects in subwavelength photonic lattices that constitute periodic wavelengths. Such elements can operate in reflection (bandstop) or transmission (bandpass) modes, and can be arranged in one-dimensional or two-dimensional arrays, or operated as single units, and their spectral regions are controlled by the element design. Input electromagnetic radiation illuminates the element and is then filtered, modulated, analyzed or tuned by the element. Mechanical motion alters the structural symmetry, and therefore, the tuning properties, of the nanostructured subwavelength resonance elements. Further, incorporating metals and dielectrics to generate coexisting plasmonic and leaky-mode resonance effects adds to the versatility of the potential applications.
US08938136B2 Opto-electronic system having flip-chip substrate mounting
An opto-electronic system includes a system substrate, a lens, a bridging device, and an opto-electronic chip mounted in a cavity in the system substrate. The bridging device, which can be another chip, a lens block, or an interposer, is mounted in flip-chip orientation to the opto-electronic chip and provides electrical interconnection with signal conductors of the system substrate.
US08938133B2 Image resizing apparatus and method that interpolates image blocks with abuttal regions
An image processing apparatus includes a first storage section and a second storage section, a storage control section, and a computation section. The storage control section sequentially acquires block images obtained as a result of dividing an input image, and stores the block image as a target block image in the first storage section, while storing, in the second storage section, image data of, in a region of the target block image, a region abutting un-inputted block images in the input image, as image data of an abuttal region. The computation section implements a resizing process for changing the size of the target block image by performing an interpolation calculation using image data of the target block image stored in the first storage section and the image data of the abuttal region stored in the second storage section.
US08938127B2 Hybrid encoding/decoding for remote gaming
Rendered image data is encoded by a server computing device and transmitted to a remote client device that executes an interactive application program. The client device decodes and displays the image data and, when the user interacts with the application program, the client device provides input control signals to the server computing device. When input control signals are received by the server, the latency incurred for encoding and/or decoding the image data is reduced. Therefore, the user does not experience inconsistencies in the frame rate of images displayed on the client when the user interacts with the application program. The reduction in latency is achieved by dynamically switching from a hardware implemented encoding technique to a software implemented encoding technique. Latency may also be reduced by dynamically switching from a hardware implemented decoding technique to a software implemented decoding technique.
US08938123B2 Electronic device and handwritten document search method
According to one embodiment, a device includes a search module configured to search handwriting information stored in a storage medium for a first handwriting information part whose degree of a similarity with a specific handwriting information part specified as a search key is greater than or equal to a reference value, the handwriting information includes a plurality of stroke data corresponding to a plurality of strokes, and a display processing module configured to display, on a touchscreen display, one or more thumbnail corresponding to handwriting information includes the first handwriting information part and a first user interface for changing the reference value.
US08938119B1 Facade illumination removal
An image comprising color pixels with varying illumination is selected. Instances of a repeating pattern in the image are determined. Illumination values for illuminated pixels at locations within instances of the repeating pattern are calculated based on pixel intensities of non-illuminated pixels at corresponding locations in other instances of the repeating pattern. The illumination variation is removed from the illuminated pixels based on the calculated illumination values to produce enhanced pixels. Color from the non-illuminated pixels at the corresponding locations in other instances of the repeating pattern is propagated to the enhanced pixels.
US08938113B2 Adaptive visualization for direct physician use
A method of modifying a three dimensional (3D) volume visualization image of an anatomical structure in real time to separate desired portions thereof. The method includes providing a two dimensional (2D) image slice of a 3D volume visualization image of an anatomical structure, identifying portions of the anatomical structure of interest, and providing a prototype image of desired portions of the anatomical structure. The method then includes using an evolver to evolve parameters of an algorithm that employs a transfer function to map optical properties to intensity values coinciding with the portions of the anatomical structure of interest to generate an image that sufficiently matches the prototype image. If the parameters match the prototype image, the method then includes applying the transfer function to additional 2D image slices of the 3D volume visualization image to generate a modified 3D volume visualization image of the anatomical structure. The method includes using a pattern recognizer to assist the evolver, to classify whether a view is normal or abnormal, and to extract the characteristic of an abnormality if and when detected.
US08938110B2 Enhanced image data/dose reduction
A method includes generating enhanced image data based on lower dose image data and a predetermined image quality threshold, wherein an image quality of the enhanced image data is substantially similar to an image quality of higher dose image data, and a system includes an image quality enhancer (128) that generates enhanced image data based on lower dose image data and a predetermined image quality threshold, wherein an image quality of the enhanced image data is substantially similar to an image quality of higher dose image data.
US08938104B2 Systems and methods for adaptive filtering
A system for obtaining an image includes a processor for receiving a projection image, processing the projection image to obtain a filtered image, applying a first factor for the projection image to obtain a first weighted image, applying a second factor for the filtered image to obtain a second weighted image, and obtaining a corrected image using the first and second weighted images, and a medium for storing the corrected image. A method of processing an image includes receiving a projection image, processing the projection image to obtain a filtered image, and determining a corrected image by applying a first factor for the projection image and applying a second factor for the filtered image. A method for obtaining an image includes determining a factor, using the factor to control a radiation source, and using the factor to reduce noise in an image generated using the radiation source.
US08938098B2 Faulty cart wheel detection
A system and method of identifying carts exhibiting tendencies that are indicative of damaged or defective wheels. A shopping cart may be identified and tracked visually through one or more surveillance cameras. By comparing the cart's tracked movement to known symptomatic movement patterns, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by analyzing movement and positioning of a cart's swiveling wheels, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. Alternatively, by identifying if a customer has abandoned a cart, the system may identify defective or damaged carts. A notification message may be transmitted to an associate to repair or replace the identified problematic cart. The notification may be displayed on a mobile computing device, a workstation, or other like systems.
US08938092B2 Image processing system, image capture apparatus, image processing apparatus, control method therefor, and program
There is provided an image processing system in which an image capture apparatus and an image processing apparatus are connected to each other via a network. When a likelihood indicating the probability that a detection target object detected from a captured image is a predetermined type of object does not meet a designated criterion, the image capture apparatus generates tentative object information for the detection target object, and transmits it to the image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus detects, from detection targets designated by the tentative object information, a detection target as the predetermined type of object.
US08938089B1 Detection of inactive broadcasts during live stream ingestion
Systems and methods are provided herein relating to real-time detection of inactive broadcasts during live stream ingestion. Both audio fingerprints and video fingerprints can be dynamically and continuously generated for a live stream ingestion. Sets of video fingerprints and sets of audio fingerprints can be continuously generated based on common successive overlapping time windows. A set of audio fingerprints and a set of video fingerprints can be associated with each time window. Video similarity scores and audio similarity scores can be generates for each time window to determine whether the stream is inactive or static during the time window. Only fingerprints relating to an active broadcast can be indexed in a fingerprint index.
US08938074B2 Systems and methods for secure communication using a communication encryption bios based upon a message specific identifier
An apparatus and methods of securely communicating a message between a first device and a second device using a message specific identifier is disclosed. The method begins by assembling the message specific identifier from one or more attributes associated with the message and the first device. An encryption key request is transmitted to a server, wherein the encryption key request is based upon the message specific identifier. An encryption key is received from the server, wherein the encryption key is based on the message specific identifier and a random character set. The message is encrypted using the received encryption key and the encrypted message is sent to the second device.
US08938072B2 Cryptographic key derivation device and method therefor
A data processing system includes a cryptographic processing module providing for cryptographic key generation. A method entails computing derived keys one time, during a first execution of a key generation process, such that they may subsequently be utilized for processing large quantities of data without being re-computed. The derived keys provide for the efficient cryptographic processing of data, including data frames.
US08938070B2 Encryption using real-world objects
Technologies are generally described for providing an encryption method using real-world objects. In some examples, a method may include capturing, by a first electronic device, an external object, generating an object signal associated with the external object, generating an encryption key based on the object signal, and transmitting data encrypted by the encryption key to a second electronic device.
US08938069B2 Physically unclonable functions based on non-linearity of sub-threshold operation
An electronic circuit for implementing a physically unclonable function. The electronic circuit includes duplicate circuits, referred to as “circuit primitives,” that generate a first and a second output voltage based on the received input, referred to as a “challenge.” The electronic circuit further includes a comparator coupled to the circuit primitives and generates an output based on the difference between the first and second output voltages. While the circuit primitives contain duplicate circuitry, the circuit primitives may generate a different output voltage due to a particular set of transistors in the circuit primitives operating in the sub-threshold region whose gates are tied to ground and whose sub-threshold current, the magnitude of which is random based on the threshold voltage variation of the set of transistors, is used to affect the value of the output voltage.
US08938065B1 Real time feedback of script logic
A system, method, and computer readable medium for real time feedback of script logic that comprises counting at least one agent utilizing at least one panel associated with at least one caller, establishing an average length of time required to utilize the at least one panel associated with the at least one caller, tallying a number of callers terminating interaction during utilization of the at least one panel, calculating statistics associated with the counted agents per panel, the established average length of time required per panel and the tallied number of callers terminating interaction per panel, and displaying the calculated statistics.
US08938053B2 System and method for triggering on platform usage
A system and method for triggering on platform usage can include at a platform, receiving and storing a trigger configuration of an account; operating a platform comprising internally executing a process on behalf of an account and publishing at least one event when executing the process; at the platform, incrementing a counter in response to the at least one event and if the stored trigger configuration species a usage key associated with a category of counted events of the at least one event; monitoring counters in a context of an associated trigger; and processing the trigger upon the counter satisfying condition of an associated trigger.
US08938051B2 Multi-leaf collimators
A multi-leaf collimator for a radiotherapy apparatus comprises at least one array of laterally-spaced elongate leaves, each leaf being driven by an associated motor connected to the leaf via a drive means so as to extend or retract the leaf in its longitudinal direction, the drive means comprising a sub-frame on which at least a subset of the motors are mounted, the sub-frame being mounted at a location spaced from the leaf array in a direction transverse to the lateral and longitudinal directions, and including a plurality of threaded drives disposed longitudinally, each being driven by a motor and being operatively connected to a leaf thereby to drive that leaf.
US08938047B2 Sequencing sector fields
A method for planning a treatment session of a patient and optimizing the treatment time for a treatment using a radiation therapy system includes a radiation therapy unit having a fixed radiation focus point. During an optimization of a treatment plan for a patient, a set of shots to be delivered to a plurality of isocenter positions within a target volume of a patient during a treatment session are determined and a beam-on time for each respective sector and state for each isocenter during which radiation is to be delivered are determined based on the treatment plan. For each isocenter position, sectors and states of respective sector are grouped in accordance predetermined rules with respect to beam-on times for respective state of the sectors, wherein sectors and respective states are aggregated for simultaneous delivery of radiation during a predetermined period of time.
US08938046B2 System and method for underwater radiography
A system for subsea imaging comprises a first plate having an inner surface, an outer surface, and a cavity formed in the inner surface. In addition, the system comprises a phosphor imaging plate disposed in the cavity. Further, the system comprises a second plate having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first plate and an outer surface facing away from the outer surface of the first plate. Still further, the system comprises a seal member disposed between the inner surface of the first plate and the inner surface of the second plate. The seal member extends around the perimeter of the cavity and is configured to seal the phosphor imaging plate and the cavity from intrusion water.
US08938044B2 Tubesheet walker for heat exchanger inspections
A robotic tubesheet walker having two rails connected by a central hinge, wherein the central hinge can be opened or closed by an actuation device. Upon each rail is mounted a carriage, wherein each carriage can move along its respective rail toward or away from the central hinge by means of a drive mechanism. Each carriage further contains at least two “gripper” attachment mechanisms, such as camlocks, to grip the tubesheet. The grippers either insert into tube holes within the tubesheet to fasten the respective carriage to the tubesheet, or retract to disengage. Further attached to the central hinge is a tool support fixture, and attached to the tool support fixture is a coupler that holds maintenance or inspection tools.
US08938041B2 Techniques for managing interference in multiple channel communications system
An apparatus may include a processor circuit, and a dynamic filter adjustment component for execution on the processor. The dynamic filter adjustment component may identify in a wideband communications signal a set of one or more interferer frequencies for one or more respective interferer channels of a set of communications channels to be filtered, select a kernel filter comprising a low pass filter having a channel width corresponding to a channel of the one or more interferer channels, and generate a co-channel interference (CCI) filter to stop the one or more interferer channels by inverting the kernel filter. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08938037B1 High speed gain and phase recovery in presence of phase noise
A circuit for reducing phase errors in a digital communication systems signal is provided. The circuit comprises a demodulator block, a feed-forward path, a feed-back path, and a slicer. The demodulator block generates a plurality of samples from the signal and determines for each sample a corresponding phase error. The feed-forward path is configured to reduce in the signal a high frequency component of the phase errors. The feed-back path configured to reduce in the signal a low frequency component of the phase errors. The slicer selectively forwards phase errors to the feed-forward path or the feed-back path based on a respective magnitude of the phase error when operating in a decision-directed mode.
US08938035B1 System and method for transferring data over a two-pair communication system
Systems and methods for transferring data over a 2-pair communication system. Two input data streams are received at a Viterbi detector. The two input data streams are converted into an output signal at the Viterbi detector. Each of the input data streams includes a first data symbol interleaved with a second data symbol. A first set of branch metric values is computed for the first data symbols of the two input data streams. A second set of branch metric values is computed for the second data symbols of the two input data streams, where the computing of the second set is based on the first set. Each of the two input data streams is de-interleaved and downsampled to generate the output signal, where the output signal includes four channels of data generated based on the first and second sets of branch metric values. Each of the four channels is of a lower data rate than each of the two input data streams.
US08938026B2 System and method for tuning an antenna in a wireless communication device
In accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure, a control path for a wireless communication device may include a radio frequency coupler having a coupled port and a terminated port, the radio frequency coupler configured to couple at least a portion of a transmission power of a transmission line coupled to the antenna tuner such that the coupled port carries a first signal indicative of an incident power transmitted to an antenna coupled to the antenna tuner and the terminated port carries a second signal indicative of a reflected power reflected by the antenna. the control path may also include a control module configured to communicate the one or more control signals to the antenna tuner for controlling the impedance of the antenna tuner based at least on the first signal and the second signal.
US08938021B1 Outbound interference reduction in a broadband powerline system
Disclosed is a method and apparatus for reducing outbound interference in a broadband powerline communication system. Data is modulated on first and second carrier frequencies and is transmitted via respective first and second lines of the powerline system. A characteristic of at least one of the carrier signals (e.g., phase or amplitude) is adjusted in order to improve the electrical balance of the lines of the transmission system. This improvement in electrical balance reduces the radiated interference of the powerline system. Also disclosed is the use of a line balancing element on or more lines of the powerline system for altering the characteristics of at least one of the power lines in order to compensate for a known imbalance of the transmission system.
US08938018B2 Method and system for reducing inter carrier interference for OFDM
According to one embodiment, a method of encoding a plurality of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals is disclosed. The method includes: modulating the plurality of OFDM signals according to a modulation scheme, wherein the modulated OFDM signals are mapped to a first axis and a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and correspond to a first constellation having a plurality of points symmetric with respect to the first axis and the second axis; and differentially encoding the plurality of OFDM signals according to a second constellation plurality of points defined by shifting a position of one of the first constellation plurality of points toward an origin located at an intersection of the first axis and the second axis.
US08937994B2 Partial response decision feedback equalizer with selection circuitry having hold state
A partial response decision feedback equalizer (PrDFE) includes a receiver including at least first and second comparators operative to compare an input signal representing a sequence of symbols against respective thresholds and to respectively generate first and second receiver outputs. A first selection stage is provided to select (a) between the first comparator output and a first resolved symbol according to a first timing signal, and (b) between the second comparator output and the first resolved symbol according to the first timing signal, to produce respective first and second selection outputs. A second selection stage selects between the first and second selection outputs according to a selection signal. The selection signal is dependent on a prior resolved symbol that precedes the first resolved symbol in the sequence.
US08937984B2 Method and device for eliminating interference in mobile communication system
The present invention relates to the field of communication technology, and provides a method and a device for eliminating interference in a mobile communication system. The method comprises: step 1: re-constructing signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}MAI+ISI of inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference in accordance with an output signal {circumflex over (d)}esb from an equalizer; and step 2: performing interference elimination on the inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference in an output signal êMF from a matched filter in accordance with the signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}MAI+ISI of inter-symbol interference and multi-access interference, to obtain signal estimation {circumflex over (d)}JD+IC with the interference eliminated. According to the present invention, it is able to eliminate the impact of an interference signal and improve the receptivity of a receiver for a useful signal.
US08937983B2 Device for transformation of concentrated solar energy
A device for transformation of concentrated solar energy including a photovoltaic cell and laser device, which includes a first reflecting mirror adapted for entry of a beam of solar rays and a second reflecting mirror adapted for an outlet of a laser beam, with the first reflecting mirror reflective on an outlet wavelength of the laser beam and transparent to a totality of a solar spectrum and the second reflecting mirror partially reflective on the wavelength of the laser beam, reflective in an interval of the solar spectrum which is absorbed and transparent in other wavelengths different to these, and at the outlet of the laser beam. The device includes a nucleus doped with substances for total or partial absorption of the solar spectrum and coatings.
US08937980B2 Distributed feedback-laser diodes
Distributed feedback-laser diodes are provided. The distributed feedback-laser diode may include a substrate, a lower cladding layer having a grating on the substrate, an active layer disposed on the lower cladding layer, a first upper cladding layer disposed on the active layer, a phase-shift region extending in a first direction on the first upper cladding layer, and a ridge waveguide layer extending in a second direction crossing the first direction on the phase-shift region.
US08937975B1 Apparatus and method for providing pre-emphasis to a signal
A circuit including delay stages, gain stages, and a summer. The delay stages are configured to provide delayed versions of a first signal. The gain stages are configured to receive the delayed versions of the first signal. Each of the gain stages provides an amount of gain for a corresponding one of the delayed versions of the first signal. The delay stages and the gain stages are configured to provide pre-emphasis to the first signal. The summer is configured to output a second signal based on the delayed versions of the first signal. The second signal includes the pre-emphasis.
US08937969B2 Enhanced inter-cell interference control
In an example embodiment, a serving cell is configured to serve a plurality of user equipments (UEs). The serving cell includes a detector, a receiver and a processor. The detector may measure interference on a physical resource block (PRB) at the serving cell. The receiver may receive measurements of interference on the PRB from neighbor cells of the serving cell. The processor may estimate a contribution from each UE of the plurality of UEs to each of the interference measurements received from the neighbor cells, determine for each UE of the plurality of UEs a respective enhanced priority ratio and assign the PRB to one of the plurality of UEs based on the determined enhanced priority ratio. The enhanced priority ratio may be a function of the interference measurement at the serving cell, the interference measurements received from the neighbor cells and the respective estimated contribution of the UE.
US08937967B2 System and method for storing/caching, searching for, and accessing data
A system for persistently maintaining data using a network for data packets is provided. The system includes a transmission medium associated with the network, a plurality of switches operatively connected to the transmission medium. Each switch has an intelligent network controller adapted for delivering the data packets to a device operatively connected to the intelligent network controller in response to a request for the data packets from the device and further adapted for re-transmitting unexpired data packets over the network.
US08937966B2 System and method for industrial control using a high availability backplane
Base modules are provided over a backplane network for high availability control of industrial processes or machines. The base modules may include, for example, an I/O base module, which may control the industrial processes or machines and which may releasably receive an I/O function card, an adapter base module, which may communicate with an industrial controller over a separate control network, and a bus expansion base module, which may provide coupling to another bank of base modules. The base modules may be arranged side-by-side via electrical and mechanical connections. Logic of the I/O base module may detect the presence or absence of the I/O function card to allow coupling or bypassing of the I/O function card with respect to the backplane network.
US08937960B2 Managing communications for modified computer networks
Techniques are described for managing communications between multiple computing nodes, such as computing nodes that are part of a virtual computer network. In some situations, various types of modifications may be made to one or more computing nodes of an existing virtual computer network, and the described techniques include managing ongoing communications for those computing nodes so as to accommodate the modifications. Such modifications may include, for example, migrating or otherwise moving a particular computing node that is part of a virtual network to a new physical network location, or modifying other aspects of how the computing node participates in the virtual network (e.g., changing one or more virtual network addresses used by the computing node). In some situations, the computing nodes may include virtual machine nodes hosted on one or more physical computing machines or systems, such as by or on behalf of one or more users.
US08937957B2 Intelligent media gateway selection for multimedia communication sessions
A method of operating a packet network includes the step of selecting one of a plurality of candidate gateways to connect a multimedia communication session between the packet network and a TDM network. The packet network has a source node of the multimedia communication session, and the TDM network has a destination of the multimedia communication session. The candidate gateways interconnect the packet network and the TDM network. The selecting step includes comparing end-to-end congestions for bearer traffic between the source node and different candidate gateways of the plurality.
US08937944B2 Scaling egress network traffic
In an embodiment, a method is provided. The method of this embodiment provides generating one or more packets of data, the one or more packets of data being associated with a connection; and associating the one or more packets with one of a plurality of transmit queues based, at least in part, on the connection associated with the one or more packets.
US08937928B2 Frequency hopping in 5GHz WLAN via dynamic frequency selection
Disclosed is a method and system for dynamically selecting a communication channel between an access point (AP) and a plurality of mobile terminals (MTs) in a wireless local area network (WLAN), the method having the steps of (a) measuring a channel quality of a plurality of frequency channels, (b) reporting to the AP from the plurality of MTs of the candidate channels including a received signal strength indication (RSSI) of all channels measured and, (c) selecting one of the channels based on the channel quality report for use in communication between the AP and the plurality of MTs.
US08937914B2 Method and apparatus for transceiving data in a wireless communication system
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for transceiving data in a wireless communication system. A method for receiving data in a wireless communication system according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that a base station receives, from a mobile station, a signal including information and data on the transmission mode which the mobile station has selected in accordance with a channel status, and decodes the data in accordance with the transmission mode.
US08937905B2 Base station apparatus, wireless terminal, communication system and method for controlling communication system
A base station apparatus that wirelessly communicates with a wireless terminal, including: a determination portion that determines a mode of the wireless terminal that exists in a service area of the base station apparatus; and a setting portion that sets a first mode in which a first period in which the base station apparatus is communicable with the wireless terminal and a second period in which the base station apparatus is incommunicable with the wireless terminal are provided alternately, based on a result of the determination of the determination portion, and sets a length of the second period based on the result of the determination of the determination portion.
US08937902B2 Method for transmitting common reference signal in downlink MIMO system
The present invention relates to a method for transmitting reference signals for measuring a channel in a downlink MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) system. The method comprises the steps of: configuring, by a base station at which Nt transmit antennas are configured, Nt reference signals for channel measurement, where Nt≧1; and transmitting, by the base station, the Nt reference signals to a use equipment in subframes at a specific cycle. The specific cycle is configured to include more than one subframe.
US08937898B2 Wireless multicast proxy
An access point including a snoop circuit to generate a table including a plurality of entries, each entry associating a MAC address of a wireless client with a multicast IP address; to enable multicast traffic for a first wireless client in response to receiving a first message from the first wireless client by i) adding an entry to the table for the first wireless client in response to the entry not existing in the table, and ii) starting a timeout timer for the first wireless client, or by restarting the timeout timer in response to the entry for the first wireless client existing in the table; and to keep the multicast traffic for the first wireless client enabled as long as the timeout timer is reset before expiring. An output circuit transmits a packet to the first wireless client if the multicast traffic for the first wireless client is enabled.
US08937892B2 Method and device for scheduling downlink subframes
A method and device for scheduling downlink subframes are disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, in which a control section of one subframe schedules data sections of one or more other subframes, making it possible to greatly save an overhead of control signaling to thereby have more resources for transmission of data and improve the performance of a system as compared with traditional scheduling of a single subframe.
US08937891B2 Dynamic adjustment of downlink/uplink allocation ratio in TDD wireless systems
Techniques, apparatuses, and systems for dynamically changing downlink and uplink allocations can include operating a base station under time division duplexing to communicate with one or more mobile devices using a frame structure, adjusting a downlink-uplink ratio to change an allocation between uplink and downlink data capacities in the frame structure, determining a mute interval based on the adjusted downlink-uplink ratio, generating mute information based on the mute interval to identify the one or more areas of the frame structure effected by the allocation change, and transmitting the mute information to the one or more mobile devices.
US08937882B2 Methods, systems, and computer readable media for automatically decoding uplink data
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for decoding uplink control information are disclosed. According to one method, bit widths for possible valid configurations of uplink control information parameters are stored. Uplink data generated by receiving uplink data generated by at least one user equipment (UE) or simulated UE is received. The uplink data is decoded by iteratively utilizing the bit widths for the possible valid configurations.
US08937878B2 Power saving mechanism in a radio access network
The present invention relates to providing methods and apparatus for determining whether a cell in a radio access network could have been powered down during at least one time slot in a predetermined period of time. Measurement data relating to the cell is used to determine whether the neighbouring cells had sufficient spare capacity to handle the network traffic originating from cell during the time slots in the predetermined period of time.
US08937869B2 Communication device, communication system, and communication fault detection method
The communication device has a frame transfer unit that executes frame transfer via the first communication link and the second communication link, a link confirmation frame sending unit, and a return link confirmation frame monitoring unit. The link confirmation frame sending unit causes the frame transfer processing unit to send a link confirmation frame for use in confirming a normal link status via the first communication link from the communication device to the counterpart communication device. The return link confirmation frame monitoring unit performs fault detection of the first and second communication links by monitoring a return link confirmation frame which is to be returned from the counterpart communication device to the communication device via the second communication link when the counterpart communication device receives the link confirmation frame via the first communication link.
US08937864B2 Channel quality aware transport flow compensation
Channel quality of an airlink is assessed at an edge router of a radio-access communication network. Based on the assessment, the cause of lost data is determined to be due to traffic congestion or due to poor channel quality. In the latter case, congestion recovery/avoidance processes of a transport protocol of over a spliced transport connection can be overridden to avoid unnecessary limitations to data flow.
US08937861B1 Adding different channel pseudo-noise codes of different carriers for a wireless communication device
A wireless access node to add different channel pseudo-noise (PN) codes of different carriers to a neighbor list for a wireless communication device communicating over a first carrier frequency provided by the wireless access node comprises a processing system. The processing system is configured to start a loading timer if first communication loading on a second carrier frequency of the wireless access node falls below a first loading threshold, and during the loading timer, compare second communication loading on hand down carriers of a highest priority neighbor to a second loading threshold, and if the second communication loading on at least one of the hand down carriers of the highest priority neighbor falls below the second loading threshold during the loading timer, then add a different channel PN code of the second carrier frequency of the wireless access node to the neighbor list for the wireless communication device.
US08937860B2 Handoff of a mobile station between packet-switched and circuit-switched wireless domains
A first mobility management entity (MME) is configured to cooperate with a first access network controller to provide a circuit switched service to a mobile station while the mobile station is attached to a packet switched wireless access network in a first coverage area. A second MME is configured to cooperate with the first access network controller to provide a circuit switched service to the mobile station when the mobile station has moved from the first coverage area to the second coverage area. A home subscriber system is configured to provide, to the second MME, information identifying the first access network controller as serving the mobile station to enable the second MME to initiate handoff of the mobile station from the packet switched wireless access network to the circuit switched wireless access network.
US08937851B2 Electronic timepiece
An electronic timepiece includes: a radio-wave receiving unit; a time acquiring unit that acquires time information and daylight-saving-time implementation information; a storage unit that stores predetermined information associated with a time in a preset area; and a calculation unit that calculates a current time in the preset area, wherein the predetermined information includes daylight-saving-time setting information; and when the time of switching to/from daylight saving time comes during a radio-wave reception process, the calculation unit determines whether a first or second condition is satisfied, wherein the first condition is that radio-wave reception has failed; and the second condition is that the daylight-saving-time implementation information is information provided before the time of switching; and when the first or second condition is satisfied, the calculation unit switches the time to calculate current time.
US08937850B2 Timepiece displaying the current time and including at least first and second devices displaying a time-related quantity
Timepiece displaying the current time and including at least first and second display devices for a time-related quantity, the first and second display devices each being driven by a drive mechanism including a drive wheel (2; 2a), which is itself driven by the movement of the timepiece (3), at least the drive wheel (2; 2a) of one of the drive mechanisms carrying a finger (4; 4a) via which the wheel drives the corresponding display device, the timepiece (3) being characterized in that the finger (4; 4a) is friction fitted onto the drive wheel (2; 2a).
US08937846B2 Write level training using dual frequencies in a double data-rate memory device interface
A write leveling calibration system and method for double data-rate dynamic random access memory includes performing write leveling at two different frequencies to determine to which of two successive rising clock cycle edges each data strobe signal would be aligned as a result of applying the write leveling delay determined by the write-leveling procedure. The determination can then be used to ensure that the data strobe signals of all source synchronous groups are aligned with the same edge of the clock signal.
US08937840B2 Digital voltage boost circuit
A digital voltage boost circuit, optionally working in parallel with an analog voltage regulator, periodically injects a constant amount of current each cycle into the bit line of a high density memory array to eliminate the bias voltage reduction which would otherwise occur. This results in a much faster recovery time and reduces the semiconductor real estate required. A pulse generator in the boost circuit generates one or more current modulation signals which control corresponding current supply devices in a current source. The boost circuit drives a constant amount of current to the bias voltage node each memory cycle.
US08937839B2 Data paths using a first signal to capture data and a second signal to output data and methods for providing data
Data paths, memories, and methods for providing data from memory are disclosed. An example read data path includes a delay path, and a clocked data register. The data path has a data propagation delay and is configured to receive data and propagate the data therethrough. The delay path is configured to receive a clock signal and provide a delayed clock signal having a delay relative to the clock signal that models the data propagation delay. The clocked data register is configured to clock in data responsive at least in part to the delayed clock signal. The clocked data register is further configured to clock out data responsive at least in part to the clock signal.
US08937830B2 Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device according to an embodiment includes a memory cell array including memory cells, the memory cells each configured having a current rectifier element and a variable resistance element connected in series therein. Each of the memory cells has formed on aside surface thereof: a first insulating film provided on aside surface of the current rectifier element and the variable resistance element and having a composition ratio of a non-silicon element to silicon which is a first value; a silicon oxide film provided on a side surface of the first insulating film; and a second insulating film provided on aside surface of the silicon oxide film and having a composition ratio of a non-silicon element to silicon which is a second value. The first value is smaller than the second value.
US08937815B2 Multifunction monitor support
A monitor support for use in multiple configurations including a base portion; a monitor; and a multilink arm coupling the monitor to the base portion is provided. The multilink arm includes a first beam coupled to the base portion by a first pivot; a second beam coupled to the base portion by a second pivot; the first and second beams move in parallel as they rotate about the first and second pivots. The multilink arm may include a connector coupling the monitor to the arm, having a connector axis for rotating the monitor by approximately 180° about the connector axis. Also provided is a cart for carrying instrumentation including a monitor support as above, and a method for using it. The cart includes a bottom portion for holding a desktop instrument, the bottom portion including wheels for rolling the cart; and a top portion for holding the monitor support.
US08937814B2 Positioning structure, positioning securing structure and electronic device
A positioning structure for positioning a plate-shaped structure having at least one positioning hole is disclosed. The positioning structure includes at least one positioning element corresponding to the positioning hole, and the positioning element includes a placement portion for supporting the plate-shaped structure and a positioning portion extending toward a direction far away from the placement portion to form a hollow cylinder shape, and the positioning portion has an outer surrounding surface and a plurality of inner threads. Hence, when the outer surrounding surface of the positioning portion of the positioning element is inserted into the positioning hole to contact with the inner surface of the positioning hole, the positioning portion of the position element can be positioned in the positioning hole, thus the instant disclosure can be used to accurately position and secure the plate-shaped structure.
US08937806B2 Flow diversion apparatuses and methods
Flow diversion apparatuses and methods are provided. A flow diversion apparatus can include a vent configured to permit the flow of a fluid therethrough. The apparatus can also include an electronic device capable of a range of motion across at least a portion of the vent disposed proximate at least a portion of the vent. The apparatus can include a shutter disposed proximate at least a portion of the vent opposite the electronic device. The shutter can be capable of a range of motion across at least a portion of the vent in conjunction with the electronic device. The shutter can prevent at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the vent from impinging on the electronic device.
US08937796B2 Variable frequency drive and methods for filter capacitor fault detection
Variable frequency motor drives and control techniques are presented in which filter capacitor faults are detected by measuring filter neutral node currents and/or voltages and detecting changes in a frequency component of the measured neutral condition and/or based on input current unbalance.
US08937794B2 Sort probe over current protection mechanism
An apparatus includes a probe card, a plurality of sort probes coupled to the probe card and detector circuitry to detect a real time over current occurrence at the sort probes.
US08937793B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device comprises a first power supply system, a second power supply system, an output circuit, a first driving circuit and a first protection. The first power supply system is configured with a first power supply voltage and a first ground voltage. The second power supply system is configured with a second power supply voltage and a second ground voltage. The output circuit receives a power supply from the second power supply system. The first driving circuit receives a power supply from the first power supply system and outputs a signal for driving the output circuit. One end of the first protection element is connected to an output node of the output circuit and the other end is connected to the first ground voltage.
US08937792B2 Buck circuit
A buck circuit includes a first inductor, a second inductor, a first capacitor, a second capacitor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first electronic switch, a second electronic switch, a controller, a voltage input terminal, and a voltage output terminal. The relationship of the capacitance C of the first capacitor, the resistance R of the first resistor, the inductance L of the first inductor, and the equivalent impedance Z of the first inductor is R*C=L/Z. The controller detects voltage of the first capacitor, determines whether current of the first inductor is more than a preset value according to the voltage of the first capacitor, and executes over-current protection when the current of the first inductor is more than the preset value.
US08937790B2 Commonly-poled piezoelectric device
A system for poling piezoelectric devices comprises a plurality of thin-film components, a plurality of piezoelectric devices, a poling pad for poling the piezoelectric devices, a plurality of traces, and a plurality of current-limiting elements. The thin-film components are separated by dice lanes to form an array, and the piezoelectric devices are formed on the thin-film components. The traces connect the piezoelectric devices across the dice lanes in parallel to the poling pad. Each current-limiting element is connected in series with one of the piezoelectric devices, in order to limit current to individual piezoelectric devices that experience current-related failure.
US08937786B1 Tape servo track write compensation
Setting a servo write head spacing for writing servo tracks on a magnetic tape in a manufacturing environment. One or more processors receive one or more environmental condition measurements of the manufacturing environment. The processors determine a spacing for a pair of servo write heads based at least on a nominal spacing for the pair of servo tracks, and a product of a difference between the nominal environmental conditions associated with the nominal spacing and the corresponding environmental condition measurements of the manufacturing environment, and coefficients of expansion for the magnetic tape. Spacing for the pair of servo write heads is set to the determined spacing, such that the spacing of the pair of servo write heads is substantially the nominal spacing when the one or more manufacturing environment environmental condition measurements are the one or more nominal environmental conditions.
US08937781B1 Constant false alarm resonance detector
A contact detection system includes a comparator operable to compare a signal derived from a contact sensor with a threshold and to indicate contact when the signal is greater than the threshold, a parameter estimation circuit operable to estimate parameters of a probability density function based on the signal derived from the contact sensor, and a threshold calculator operable to calculate the threshold based at least in part on the parameters of the probability density function.
US08937780B2 Error recovery procedure (ERP) using estimated best setting in first run
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes logic configured to count each data set read and/or write access that used error recovery procedure (ERP) and each data set read and/or write access that did not use ERP, and logic configured to access subsequent data sets to read from and/or write to a data storage medium, wherein any subsequent data set read and/or write access that uses ERP is accessed using an initial ERP step characterized by a first speed of the data storage medium, and wherein the first speed is selected at least partially based on the count. Other systems and methods for ERP data access are described according to more embodiments.
US08937777B2 Variable stopwrite threshold with variable smoothing factor
In one embodiment, a method includes updating a standard deviation or a variance based on a current position error signal sample, where a smoothing factor applied to a subsequent calculation of the standard deviation or variance is dynamically altered based at least in part on whether a current value of the standard deviation or the variance is above or below a specified value. A determination is made as to whether the standard deviation or the variance exceeds a predetermined threshold. A stopwrite threshold is determined based on the standard deviation or the variance when the standard deviation or the variance exceeds the predetermined threshold. A determination is made as to whether the current position error signal sample exceeds the stopwrite threshold. Writing is disabled when the current position error signal sample exceeds the stopwrite threshold. Writing is enabled when the current position error signal sample does not exceed the stopwrite threshold.
US08937774B2 Method for making paired lenses with an opaque barrier between, and product made
A method comprises depositing an optical filter layer on a glass wafer, then cutting the wafer into dice. The dice are positioned on a carrier and encapsulated in a molding compound to form a reconstituted wafer, and the wafer is back-ground and polished. Lens faces are positioned on opposing surfaces of the glass dice and spacers are positioned on one side of the wafer. The wafer is then cut into lens modules, each having two side-by-side lenses with an opaque molding compound barrier between. The individual modules are attached to devices that require dual lenses, such as, e.g., proximity sensors that use a light source and a light receiver or detector.
US08937768B2 Optical components with optical lenses having embedded elements
An optical component has a lens including a further optical component therein. The further optical component acts upon light propagating within a portion of the lens but not on light propagating within a second other portion of the lens. A simple configuration involves a lens having a slot for having the optical component inserted therein. Optical components including the lens with further optical component include beam splitters and beam combiners.
US08937763B2 Vertical microcavity with curved surface defects
A vertical microcavity having a layer structure perpendicular to a vertical axis z, includes a first reflector and a second reflector, each comprising one or more material layers; a confinement layer between the reflectors, wherein an electromagnetic wave can be substantially confined, the confinement layer having a body and a defect delimited by first and second surfaces, perpendicular to the vertical axis z; wherein one of the two surfaces is contiguous with the body, the other one contiguous with a layer of the first or second reflector, and wherein one of the two surfaces has a curved profile in at least a plane section perpendicular to the layer structure, the curved profile having a vertex, which defines a maximal thickness h0 of the defect between the first surface and the second surface in the plane section, the maximal thickness h0 being less than a thickness of the contiguous layer.
US08937755B2 Image recording device
A first feeder contacts a first surface of a first sheet held in a first tray and feeds the first sheet toward a recording unit. A second feeder contacts a first surface of a second sheet held in a second tray and feeds the second sheet toward the recording unit. An inner member is disposed above a standing plate. An outer member comprises an upstream portion opposing the standing plate, and a downstream portion opposing the inner member. The inner member guides the first surface of the first sheet and the first surface of the second sheet. The standing plate guides the first surface of the second sheet. The upstream portion of the outer member guides a second surface of the second sheet, and the downstream portion guides a second surface of the first sheet and the second surface of the second sheet. The standing plate moves relative to the outer member.
US08937752B2 Image reading device capable of detecting abnormal pixels in white reference data
An image reading device includes a white reference member, reading device, and processor. The reading device includes lenses and light-receiving elements. The light-receiving elements output a plurality of pixel values based on a light reflected from the white reference member. Each lens corresponds to at least two light-receiving elements. Each light-receiving element is configured to receive a light reflected from the white reference member and passing through the corresponding lens and to output one pixel value. The processor acquires the pixel values by using the reading device, sets a target pixel, and determines that the target pixel is an abnormal pixel when an absolute value of difference between a pixel value of the target pixel and a pixel value of a first pixel is greater than a prescribed threshold. The first pixel is separated from the target pixel by an integer multiple of the predetermined lens-to-lens distance.
US08937750B2 Inter-block data management
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may divide data into a first of set of blocks and a second set of blocks, and data may be stored from non-overlapping frames surrounding the first set of blocks in memory. The data may be grouped from the non-overlapping frames surrounding the second set of blocks, and the data may be absorbed from the non-overlapping frames surrounding the first set of blocks into the second set of blocks. The data may be processed the first set of blocks and the second set of blocks in parallel.
US08937744B1 Modifying electronic data layout for efficient printing of electronic data
A system and a method are disclosed for modifying a layout associated with data to reduce the amount of paper used when generating a paper copy of the data. Responsive to receiving an input to modify a layout associated with data presented on a computing device for printing, the layout is modified. In one embodiment, a type associated with the data is determined, and a modified layout is generated based on the type. For example, the layout is differently modified if the data is an electronic document, a spreadsheet, a Web page or another type of data. In one embodiment, the modified layout is displayed on a display and the data and the modified layout are transmitted to a printer responsive to an input confirming the modified layout.
US08937743B1 Paper sheet processing apparatus and paper sheet processing method
A paper sheet processing apparatus includes a transport path for transporting paper sheets one at a time, a line sensor unit that includes a light source that irradiates the paper sheet being transported through the transport path with light and a line sensor that receives light reflected from the paper sheet and processes a signal representing the received light to generate pixel data, and a control unit that performs an image thinning process on the pixel data and almost simultaneously generates a first image data and a second image data having different resolutions.
US08937731B2 Image processing apparatus for receiving a request relating to image processing from an external source and executing the received request
Disclosed is an image processing apparatus composed in a hierarchical architecture of a hardware resource, a first control program over the hardware resource, a second control program and an application program over the first control program. The first control program includes a first API for receiving a first request relating to image processing from the second control program and a second request relating to image processing from the application program, and controls, on receiving either of the first and second requests, the hardware resource to perform image processing based on the received request. The second control program includes a second API publicly released in advance for receiving a third request relating to image processing from an external source, converts the received third request to a command supported by the first API, and passes the command as the first request to the first control program.
US08937727B2 Portable handheld device with multi-core image processor
A portable handheld device includes an image sensor for capturing an image; an orientation sensor for determining a rotation of the image sensor; and a system-on-chip processor having integrated on a common wafer a CPU for processing a script language, a multi-core processor for processing an image captured by the image sensor, and a common synchronization register. The multi-core processor includes multiple processing units connected in parallel by a crossbar switch. Each processing unit stores one or more synchronization bits for identifying which of the other processing units are functioning as a single process therewith. The common synchronization register contains therein synchronization bits from each of the processing units.
US08937724B2 Systems and methods for extending imaging depth range of optical coherence tomography through optical sub-sampling
Exemplary embodiments of systems and methods can be provided which can generate data associated with at least one sample. For example, using at least one first arrangement, it is possible to forward at least one first radiation to the sample(s) so as to cause at least one second radiation to be provided from the sample(s) that can be based on the first radiation(s). In addition, using at least one second arrangement, it is possible to receive the second radiation from the sample(s), generate a plurality of distinct measurements regarding at least one portion of the sample(s) based the second radiation(s), and characterize the portion(s) over a plurality of continuous resolvable depth points thereof which are associated with the distinct measurements. Further, the characterization of the at least one portion can be resolved and distinctly characterized at a number of the depth points which is greater than a number of the distinct measurements.
US08937713B2 Long distance optical fiber sensing system and method
A long-distance fiber optic monitoring system having a sensing unit and an analyzer that is remotely located from the sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit comprises a source of optical energy for injecting optical energy into the fiber optical cable and an optical detector configured to detect an optical return signal from the optical fiber. The detected optical return signal is associated with an acoustic signal impinging on the optical fiber. The analyzer receives a signal from the remote sensing unit via the optical fiber that is representative of the optical return signal, and determines a location of a disturbance based at least on the received signal. The representative signal can be transmitted from the remote sensing unit to the analyzer as an optical signal or via a metallic wired included with the optical fiber.
US08937711B2 Sensor and method using the same
A sensor, including a plurality of photo gate pairs on a semiconductor substrate, each of the photo gate pairs including a first photo gate and a second photo gate, a first shared floating diffusion region in the semiconductor substrate, and a plurality of first transmission transistors on the semiconductor substrate, wherein each of the plurality of first transmission transistors is adapted to transmit charges to the first shared floating diffusion region in response to a first transmission control signal, the charges being generated in the semiconductor substrate under the first photo gate of each of the plurality of photo gate pairs.
US08937708B2 Illumination optics for microlithography
An illumination optics for microlithography includes an optical assembly for guiding illumination light to an object field to be illuminated in an object plane. The illumination optics can divide an illumination light radiation bundle into a plurality of radiation sub-bundles which are assigned to different illumination angles of the object field illumination. The illumination optics is configured so that at least some of the radiation sub-bundles are superimposed in a superposition plane which is spaced from the object plane and which is not imaged into the object plane in which superposition takes place. This superposition is such that edges of the superimposed radiation sub-bundles coincide at least partially. In some embodiments, a field intensity setting device includes a plurality of adjacent individual diaphragms which at least attenuate illumination light when exposed thereon. These individual diaphragms are insertable into an illumination light radiation bundle in a direction parallel to an object displacement direction. All individual diaphragms of the field intensity setting device are insertable into the illumination light radiation bundle from one and the same side.
US08937703B2 Liquid immersion member, immersion exposure apparatus, liquid recovering method, device fabricating method, program, and storage medium
A liquid immersion member is disposed inside an immersion exposure apparatus and at least partly around an optical member and around an optical path of exposure light that passes through a liquid between the optical member and an object. The liquid immersion member comprises: a first member, which has a first surface, a second surface that faces a direction other than that faced by the first surface, and a plurality of holes that connects the first surface and the second surface, that recovers at least some of the liquid from the space above the object opposing the first surface via the holes; a recovery passageway, wherethrough the liquid recovered via the holes of the first member flows; and a discharge part, which separately discharges a liquid and a gas from the recovery passageway. The first member comprises a first portion and a second portion. The second portion hinders a gas flowing from a space between the object and the first surface into the recovery passageway via the holes more than the first portion does.
US08937702B2 Method of making a panoramic print
A method of making a panoramic image includes capturing a first image (30) defining a first overlap region (115) capturing a second image (40), and defining a second overlap region (215). Two points (150, 151) in the first overlap region are identified and a first vector (175) overlap region connecting the two points is defined. Two points (250, 251) in the second overlap region which correspond to the two points in the first overlap region are identified and a second vector (275) the two points is defined. If points in the first vector match points in the second vector, determine if the first and second vectors are parallel. If the vectors are not parallel, rotate the second vector image until the second vector is parallel to the first vector.
US08937695B2 Backplane and liquid crystal module having same
The present invention provides a backplane and a liquid crystal module having the backplane. The backplane includes a main body, a plurality of raised ribs formed on the main body, and a plurality of wall mounting members rotatably attached to the raised ribs. Each of the wall mounting members is selectively set, through rotation, at a retracted position or a wall-mountable position with respect to the corresponding raised rib. The wall mounting members provided on the backplane of the liquid crystal module are made in a foldable arrangement, whereby in packaging, the wall mounting members are rotated to a retracted position located inside the backplane and in an operation of assembling a complete device, the wall mounting members are expanded to a wall-mountable position for use.
US08937692B2 Color mixing lens with light receiving portion, color mixing portion, and light emission portion, and liquid crystal display device having the same
The present invention provides a color mixing lens which can improve color reproducibility, be made slim and adjust an emission pattern; and a liquid crystal display device having the same. The color mixing lens includes a light receiving portion having at least two light emission diodes positioned at a side for emitting color lights different from each other and light receiving recesses for placing the light emission diodes therein respectively, a color mixing portion formed on the light receiving portion for mixing the lights from the light emission diodes into a white color light, and a light emission portion formed on the color mixing portion for emitting the white light from the color mixing portion through a side thereof.
US08937686B2 Ultra low latency video fusion
Methods and systems for processing video are provided. A method includes receiving first and second video signals and generating a mask as a function of the second video signal, the mask having mask and peripheral areas. The method displays the first video signal in the peripheral area and processes the second video signal in the mask area. The method displays the processed second video signal in the mask area. A system includes a processor and a memory with stored instructions, that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive first and second video signals and generate a mask as a function of the second video signal, wherein the mask has a mask area and a peripheral area. The system displays the first video signal in the peripheral area, processes the second video signal in the mask area, and displays the processed second video signal in the mask area.
US08937682B2 Focusing device
The present invention relates to a focusing device comprising: a lens, a lens plate, an image sensor, an image sensor plate, at least two rotatable structures, and at least two strips, wherein the lens is connected to the lens plate, the image sensor is connected to the image sensor plate, wherein each strip is arranged to be wound onto one of the rotatable structures, respectively, the rotatable structures and the strips are arranged between the lens plate and the image sensor plate, the rotatable structures and/or the strips are arranged in contact with the lens plate and the image sensor plate, and wherein a distance between the lens and the image sensor is adjusted by winding the strips onto or off the rotatable structures.
US08937681B2 Camera module back-focal length adjustment method and ultra compact components packaging
The present invention relates to methods of manufacturing ultra-compact camera modules, adjusting them, post production, to precise focal point settings, and sealing the precisely aligned assembly to maintain the focal point. Also, the invention specifically relates to ultra-compact camera module apparatuses.
US08937676B2 Video processing apparatus, imaging apparatus, video processing method, and storage medium
A video processing method includes calculating mean values with respect to x coordinate value and y coordinate value of vertices that define a corresponding area, which is obtained when a designated area in spherical coordinates is projected on an xy coordinate plane that represents a captured image, and superimposing a mask image R on the captured image in such a way as to bring a point G having an x coordinate value and a y coordinate value identical to the calculated mean values with respect to the x coordinate value and the y coordinate value into coincidence with a point defined by a midpoint in the height direction and a midpoint in the width direction of the mask image.
US08937660B2 Profiling and tracking vehicles using cameras
Profiling and tracking vehicles using cameras is disclosed. Initially, two or more first images from a first camera having a first field of view are received. A first static characteristic of a first vehicle is determined based on at least one of the two or more first images. Next, a desired static characteristic of a vehicle of interest is received. The desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is compared with the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response to the comparison, it is determined that the desired static characteristic of the vehicle of interest is approximately equal to the first static characteristic of the first vehicle. In response, it is determined that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view of the first camera. Finally, it is indicated that the vehicle of interest is present in the first field of view.
US08937658B2 Methods, systems, and products for security services
Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for notification of alarms in security systems. An alarm is detected in a security system. An alarm code is associated to a camera, and video data is retrieved from the camera. An alarm notification address is retrieved and the video data is sent to the IP alarm notification address.
US08937654B2 Machine vision inspection system comprising two cameras having a rotational offset
A machine vision inspection system comprises an optical portion providing an image of a field of view of a workpiece which may be a magnified image. A first camera and a second camera provide first and second images of a shared or common field of view of the workpiece and are arranged such that the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the first camera is rotated relative to the orientation of the common field of view imaged in the second camera. Signal processing provides an edge measurement of an edge feature within the common field of view and determines which of the first and second images is used as a basis for the edge measurement based on whether their respective edge orientation (with respect to the pixel array of each camera) differs from the pixel array orientation of their associated camera by an orientation difference threshold amount.
US08937652B2 Endoscope apparatus and deterioration detection method of polarization element of endoscope
An endoscope apparatus includes a flash memory that stores a reference value of a color balance adjustment value of an endoscopic image of an endoscope that picks up an object through a polarizer. The endoscope calculates, from the reference value and the color balance adjustment value of the endoscope after elapse of a predetermined time period, an amount of change in the color balance adjustment value; judges whether or not the calculated amount of change is equal to or larger than a predetermined threshold; and, when the amount of change is equal to or larger than the predetermined threshold, outputs a predetermined output.
US08937649B2 Method of displaying a three-dimensional image
A method of displaying a three-dimensional image is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving a left-eye gray level image array and a right-eye gray level image array; converting the left-eye gray level image array and the right-eye gray level image array into a left-eye luminance image array and a right-eye luminance image array respectively; receiving a left-eye compensation array; adjusting the right-eye luminance image array in accordance with the left-eye luminance array and the left-eye compensation array; converting the adjusted right-eye luminance image array into an adjusted right-eye gray level image array; displaying the adjusted right-eye gray level image array.
US08937644B2 Stereoscopic image capture
Stereoscopic image capture is provided. A blur value expected for multiple pixels in left and right images is predicted. The blur value is predicted based on designated capture settings. A disparity value expected for multiple pixels in the left and right images is predicted. The disparity value is predicted based on the designated capture settings. Stressed pixels are identified by comparing the predicted disparity value to a lower bound of disparity value determined from the predicted blur value using a predetermined model. A pixel with predicted disparity value less than the lower bound is identified as a stressed pixel. The predicted disparity is adjusted by modifying the designated capture settings to reduce the number of stressed pixels, or an alert to the presence of stressed pixels is given to the user.
US08937640B2 Digital 3D/360 degree camera system
The digital 3D/360° camera system is an omnidirectional stereoscopic device for capturing image data that may be used to create a 3-dimensional model for presenting a 3D image, a 3D movie, or 3D animation. The device uses multiple digital cameras, arranged with overlapping fields of view, to capture image data covering an entire 360° scene. The data collected by one, or several, digital 3D/360° camera systems can be used to create a 3D model of a 360° scene by using triangulation of the image data within the overlapping fields of view.
US08937633B2 Lighting apparatus, control method therefor and backlight apparatus
A lighting apparatus includes a plurality of light sources of which emissions of light are able to be controlled independently of one another, a control unit configured to control brightness of each light source, and a measurement unit configured to measure the brightness of each light source. In cases where the brightness of each light source is measured, the control unit carries out a first control which causes a measurement target light source to turn on and at the same time light sources other than the measurement target light source to turn off, and a second control which decreases the brightness of each of the light sources in a stepwise manner immediately before a turn-off period of time thereof, and which increases the brightness of each of the light sources in a stepwise manner immediately after the turn-off period of time.
US08937632B2 Driving system for active-matrix displays
Raw grayscale image data, representing images to be displayed in successive frames, is used to drive a display having pixels that include a drive transistor and an organic light emitting device by dividing each frame into at least first and second-frames, and supplying each pixel with a drive current that is higher in the first sub-frame than in the second sub-frame for raw grayscale values in a first preselected range, and higher in the second sub-frame than in the first sub-frame for raw grayscale values in a second preselected range. The display may be an active matrix display, such as an AMOLED display.
US08937621B2 Method and system for display output stutter
Apparatus and methods for reducing power consumption of a data transfer interface in a computer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for reducing power consumption of a data transfer interface between a first device and a second device, includes, identifying a free interval between a first data and a second data, disabling the data transfer interface during the free interval, enabling the data transfer interface at the end of the free interval, and transmitting the second data. The method may also include a step of notifying the second device that the data transfer interface is being temporarily disabled. Another embodiment, for example, includes the transfer of display data (or video frames) over an interface, such as, a DisplayPort interface, between a graphics controller device and a timing controller device in a computer system.
US08937616B2 Electro-optical apparatus, method for driving electro-optical apparatus, apparatus for controlling electro-optical apparatus, and electronic apparatus
When a first data line becomes an H level and a second data line becomes an L level at the time that a scan line is at the H level, a first TFT is turned on and a second TFT is turned off. When the first TFT is turned on, a voltage higher than the voltage of a common electrode is applied to a pixel electrode, so that a pixel is displayed in black. When the first data line becomes the L level and the second data line becomes the H level at the time that the scan line is at the H level, the first TFT is turned off and the second TFT is turned on. When the second TFT is turned on, a voltage lower than the voltage of the common electrode is applied to the pixel electrode, so that a pixel is displayed in white.
US08937615B2 Pixel and organic light emitting display using the same
A pixel capable of compensating for the deterioration of an organic light emitting diode (OLED). The pixel includes an OLED coupled between first and second power sources, a pixel circuit including a driving transistor coupled between the first power source and the OLED and having a gate electrode coupled to a first node so that driving current corresponding to a voltage applied to the first node is supplied to the OLED, and a compensation circuit for controlling the voltage of the first node in accordance with deterioration of the OLED to compensate for the deterioration of the OLED. The compensation circuit includes first and second transistors coupled between the OLED and a third power source, first and second feedback capacitors coupled between the first node and a second node that is between the first transistor and the second transistor, and a third transistor coupled to the third power source.
US08937604B2 Touch-responsive capacitor with polarizing dielectric structure
A touch-responsive capacitive apparatus includes means for defining first and second surfaces, a first micro-wire layer formed on the first surface, the first micro-wire layer including a plurality of electrically connected first micro-wires, a second micro-wire layer formed on the second surface, the second micro-wire layer including a plurality of electrically connected second micro-wires, and a polarizing dielectric structure located between the first and second micro-wire layers.
US08937587B2 Temperature estimating apparatus, method for controlling the same, and image display apparatus
A temperature estimating apparatus, which is provided for a backlight having a plurality of light source blocks each having one light source or a plurality of light sources so that light emission of the light source of each of the light source blocks can be regulated independently, comprises an acquiring unit which acquires a luminance of the light source for each of the light source blocks; a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of at least any one of an internal and external temperature of a casing of the image display apparatus having the backlight; and an estimating unit which estimates a temperature of the light source for each of the light source blocks on the basis of a measured value obtained by the temperature sensor and a luminance value of the light source of each of the light source blocks acquired by the acquiring unit.
US08937586B2 Device for reducing flickers of a liquid crystal display panel and method for reducing flickers of a liquid crystal display panel
A device for reducing flickers of a liquid crystal display panel is disclosed. The liquid crystal display panel is divided into a plurality of blocks. The device includes a memory, a common voltage generation unit, and a controller. The memory is used for storing a plurality of initial codes. Each initial code corresponds to a block of the plurality of blocks and a common voltage. The controller is used for generating a control signal to the common voltage generation unit when the controller starts to count scan start signals corresponding to the block. The common voltage generation unit is used for reading the initial code from the memory according to the control signal, and generating the common voltage to the block according to the initial code.
US08937578B2 High isolation antenna system
An antenna system supports a common resonance mode and differential resonance mode, each with approximately equal radiation resistance and bandwidth at a given operating frequency band. The antenna system includes a resonant antenna section, a counterpoise, and two antenna ports. The resonant antenna section includes two spaced-apart poles and a distributed network therebetween. Each of the poles has a proximal end connected to the distributed network and an opposite distal end. The distal ends of the poles are separated from each other by a distance of ⅓ to ⅔ of the electrical wavelength at the given operating frequency. Each of the two antenna ports is defined by a pair of feed terminals with one feed terminal located on the counterpoise and the other feed terminal located on a different one of the poles of the resonant antenna section. The resonant antenna section, counterpoise, and ports are configured such that a signal within the given operating frequency band applied to one port is isolated from the other port.
US08937574B2 Lightweight air-cooled transmit/receive unit and active phased array including same
A light-weight, air-cooled transmit/receive unit is provided, including a first external cover member, an opposed second external cover member, and a central housing unit, including thermal management means, interposed between the first and second external cover members. A transmit/receive circuit board, including components and an integrated and common radiating element for at least one channel, is interposed between a first surface of the central housing unit and the first external cover member, and a controller circuit board and a power converter circuit board are interposed between an opposed second surface of the central housing unit and the second external cover member.
US08937571B2 Method and apparatus for detecting vehicle wheels
A method for detecting the wheels of a vehicle that is traveling on a roadway in a travel direction and whose wheels project downward from the vehicle body and are at least partially exposed laterally at the level of the vehicle body, with the steps: emitting a concentrated electromagnetic measurement beam with a known temporal progression of frequency from the side of the roadway onto an area a predetermined distance above the roadway and at a slant with respect to the travel direction, receiving the measurement beam reflected by a passing vehicle and recording the temporal progression, relative to the known progression, of its frequency, and detecting a rectangular pulse occurring in the recorded progression within the time period when the vehicle body passes, as a wheel.
US08937567B2 Delta-sigma modulator, integrator, and wireless communication device
A delta-sigma modulator includes: an integrator having an operational amplifier; a quantizer quantizing an output of the integrator; a first D-A converter converting an output of the quantizer to a current signal to provide negative feedback to the operational amplifier; a feedforward path feeding forward an input of the integrator to the quantizer; and a second D-A converter converting the output of the quantizer to a current signal to provide negative feedback to the quantizer. The integrator includes a resistive element having a first end connected to the input of the integrator and a second end connected to an inverting input of the operational amplifier, n capacitive circuits connected in series between the inverting input and an output of the operational amplifier, and (n−1) resistive elements each having a first end connected to an interconnecting node of the capacitive circuits and a second end connected to a common node.
US08937565B2 Impedance matched transmission circuit with analog-to-digital converter
An impedance matching transmission circuit for a transducer has a transmission medium connected to the transducer. A transmitting circuit is connected to the transmission medium with the transmitting circuit terminating in a reference circuit element. The transmitting circuit comprises an analog to digital converter having an analog input connected to the reference circuit element, and having a digital output. A digital to analog converter receives the digital output and generates an analog output signal in response thereto. A driver circuit is connected to the transmission medium and receives the analog output signal and supplies a driver signal to the transmission medium.
US08937561B2 System and method for control of medical equipment using multiple wireless devices
A system and method for controlling a body-scanning device using multiple wireless devices is disclosed. The method includes communicating a secure wireless signal from a footswitch enclosure to a footswitch receiver coupled to the body scanning device in response to an actuation of a footswitch zone carried on a footswitch enclosure. Additionally, a wireless signal is communicated from a handswitch enclosure in response to an actuation of a handswitch zone and communicated to a handswitch receiver located in the footswitch enclosure. The wireless signal is then communicated from the footswitch enclosure to the footswitch receiver coupled to the body-scanning device to enable an operator to control the body-scanning device using the handswitch or the footswitch.
US08937558B2 Image generating apparatus and image display system
A technology that does not require complicated operation to select a display mode is provided. In an image display system, a back mode stores a display mode that has been recently set as a current mode. When the display mode becomes the back mode next time, the display mode that has been recently set as a current mode is set as a current mode immediately after the display mode becomes the back mode. Accordingly, the driver does not need to perform the complicated operation to select a desired display mode each time the vehicle is reversed.
US08937550B2 Container seal with radio frequency identification tag, and method of making same
A container defines an interior volume, an opening into the interior volume, and a sealing surface bordering the opening. A closure assembly for the container comprises an imperforate sealable metal liner for covering a container opening in its entirety. A radio frequency identification tag includes a microprocessor electrically coupled with an antenna through mounting contacts extending from the microprocessor to the antenna for receiving, storing, and transmitting digitized information. Electromagnetic interference with receiving, storing, or transmitting of digitized information to or from the radio frequency identification tag is controllable by restricting electrical coupling of the microprocessor with the imperforate metal liner to the mounting contacts. When sealed over a container opening to cover a container opening in its entirety, the imperforate metal liner abates migration of fluids between a container interior volume and an exterior of a container.
US08937545B2 System and method for situational awareness
A non-transitory computer readable medium containing computer program instructions for monitoring whether persons in a group are each away from an associated vehicle. In one embodiment, the computer system receives an association between each of multiple persons in the group with one of multiple vehicles and automatically receives digital information, derived from measured rf signal strength, indicating whether any one of multiple persons in the group has moved from a first relatively close position with respect to an associated vehicle and farther away from the associated vehicle than the first position. A notification is sent from the computer system to at least one device associated with a person in the group based on received information that a first of said multiple persons is farther away from the associated vehicle than the first relatively close position is from the associated vehicle.
US08937533B2 Contactless IC card reader and data reading method
A contactless IC card reader and a data reading method which are capable of improving data reading accuracy while preventing a decrease in processing speed. Specifically, in a contactless IC card reader which transmits signals composed of amplitude modulated carrier signals to a contactless IC card, the contactless IC card and reader communicate by means of an NRZ encoding method and an ASK modulating method for which the modulation depth has an arbitrary value. The contactless IC card reader is provided with a contactless control means which modulates/demodulates signals transmitted to/received from the contactless IC card, and a main control means which is electrically connected to the contactless control means and that controls the entire card reader. The modulation depth that is varied by the contactless control means based on the command sent from the main control means has multiple range widths with an arbitral value as the standard.
US08937531B2 RFID system with multiple tag transmit frequencies
An RFID system has an active tag with one antenna inside, and one outside, an RF-blocking enclosure having a port with a selected shortest dimension. The RFID reader is located outside the enclosure and uses a selected RF read frequency range. The RFID tag simultaneously transmits on a plurality of frequencies corresponding to respective wavelengths smaller than the selected shortest dimension, so that a respective beat frequency is defined between two of the frequencies. The beat frequency is within the selected RF uplink frequency range. The tag transmits a first signal at a first one of the plurality of frequencies using the interior antenna and a second signal at a second, different one of the plurality of frequencies using the exterior antenna.
US08937530B2 Radio frequency identification tags adapted for localization and state indication
An embodiment of the present invention provides a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) that is controlled by the RFID's logic and powered by the RFID's power harvesting circuit, wherein the RFID tag is capable of being interrogated by an RFID reader and reporting its unique identification number by RF backscatter and/or controlling the illumination state of the at least one LED.
US08937528B2 Apparatus and method for registering users and managing biometric data thereof in a vehicle
An apparatus for managing biometric information for a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprising a first key, a second key, and a vehicle controller. The first and the second key each for transmitting an access signal to the vehicle. The vehicle controller for receiving the access signal from one of the first key and the second key to enable operation of the vehicle. The vehicle controller being operably coupled to a biometric database for storing first data indicative of an administrator and second data indicative of at least one of a member and biometric information for the member. The vehicle controller being configured to receive the access signal from each of the first key and the second key and to determine that a user is the administrator in response to receiving the access signal from each of the first key and the second key.
US08937524B2 Solderless surface mount fuse
A surface mount fuse in one embodiment includes an insulative body, first and second conductive and caps attached to the insulative body, each end cap defining an aperture, and a fuse element extending (i) through the insulative body and the apertures and (ii) along outside surfaces of the first and second conductive end caps in such a way that solder used to attach the first and second conductive end caps to an external medium also fastens the fuse element to the first and second end caps.
US08937517B2 Splitter
A splitter includes an input terminal, a first output terminal, a second output terminal, a first transmitting unit including a first microstrip coupled between the input terminal and a first node, a second microstrip coupled between the input terminal and a second node, and a first resistor coupled between the first node and the second node, and a second transmitting unit including a third microstrip coupled between the first node and the first output terminal, a fourth microstrip coupled between the second node and the second output terminal, and a second resistor coupled between the first output terminal and the second output terminal, wherein lengths of the first microstrip and the second microstrip are related to a first frequency, and lengths of the third microstrip and the fourth microstrip are related to a second frequency.
US08937514B2 Local oscillator (LO) driver circuit for a mixer
An improved local oscillator (LO) driver circuit for a mixer, the LO driver circuit includes a gain circuit responsive to LO input signals at a predetermined LO frequency range. At least a first pair of a parallel combination of a resistor and a capacitor is coupled to the gain circuit and to LO inputs of the mixer. The resistor configured to increase impedance at low frequencies of the frequency range and the capacitor is configured to reduce the impedance of the first parallel combination at high frequencies of the frequency range to reduce resistive impendence of the resistor. At least a second pair of a parallel combination of a low quality factor inductor and a high quality factor inductor is connected to the first pair. The second pair in serial combination with the first pair is tuned to provide a constant desired load impedance and a constant desired voltage swing at the LO inputs of the mixer over the predetermined LO frequency range.
US08937511B2 Frequency scaling of variable speed systems for fast response and power reduction
A system including a plurality of amplifiers configured to generate a clock signal having a frequency. The clock signal is input to a processor. The amplifiers are connected in series. An output of a last one of the amplifiers is fed back to an input of a first one of the amplifiers. Each of the amplifiers has a transconductance. A frequency adjustment module is configured to adjust, based on an activity level of the processor, the frequency of the clock signal by adjusting the transconductance of the amplifiers.
US08937508B2 Differential amplifier
Aspects of the disclosure provide a differential amplifier. The differential amplifier includes a first pair of complementary transistors, a second pair of complementary transistors, and a current source. First control terminals of the first pair of complementary transistors are coupled to a first input node of the differential amplifier and first driving terminals of the first pair of complementary transistors are coupled to a first output node of the differential amplifier for driving a load. Second control terminals of the second pair of complementary transistors are coupled to a second input node of the differential amplifier and second driving terminals of the second pair of complementary transistors coupled to a second output node of the differential amplifier for driving the load. The current source is configured to maintain a substantially constant total current flow through the first pair of complementary transistors and the second pair of complementary transistors.
US08937507B2 Self oscillating modulator
There is described a self oscillating modulator circuit comprising at least two coupled self oscillating loop modules, that achieved a good efficiency and a good linearity.
US08937500B2 Delay method, circuit and integrated circuit
This document discusses, among other things, a delay circuit, in which a first register is written with a delay reference code, a second register is written with a delay factor, a control unit determines a corresponding delay ratio in a storage unit based on the delay factor in the second register, and sends the determined delay ratio to a first digital timing unit, the first digital timing unit determines a delay reference time based on the delay reference code in the first register, multiplies the delay reference time by the delay ratio to result in a desired delay time, and generates a delay.
US08937495B1 Frequency enhanced emitter coupled logic topology
Emitter-coupled logic circuits and systems that include such circuits are provided. Some emitter-coupled logic circuits include a plurality of fT-doubler circuits. Each fT-doubler circuit includes a plurality of transistors coupled to one another in an arrangement such that the plurality of transistors are configured to behave as a single enhanced transistor that has an effective unity current gain frequency that is higher than if a single transistor were used in its place. The fT-doubler circuits are configured to increase an operating frequency capability of the emitter-coupled logic circuit. Some emitter-coupled logic circuits include a plurality of cascode amplifier circuits. Each cascode amplifier circuit includes multiple transistors. An emitter of at least one first transistor of the plurality of transistors is coupled to a collector of at least one second transistor of the plurality of transistors Some emitter-coupled logic circuits may include both fT-doubler circuits and cascode amplifier circuits.
US08937490B2 Output driver, devices having the same, and ground termination
An integrated circuit comprising an output driver including an output terminal, and a receiving circuit including a termination resistor connected between the output terminal and a ground. The output driver comprising a first NMOS transistor configured to pull up a voltage of the output terminal to a pull-up voltage in response to a pull-up signal, and a second NMOS transistor configured to pull down the output terminal to a ground voltage in response to a pull-down signal.
US08937473B2 Angular position sensor and assembly comprising a rotary system and such a sensor
Sensor for continuously measuring the angular position of a shaft rotatably mounted relative to a housing. The sensor includes a stator, a rotor attachable to the shaft, and permanent magnets having alternating polarities located on a stator or a rotor capable of creating magnetic induction during the rotation of the rotor. A magnetic circuit channels the magnetic induction such that it is proportional to a sinusoidal function of the angle of the rotor. At least two electric transducers having linear output, each angularly offset one from the other relative to the stator, are located in the gaps arranged in the circuit. The magnetic circuit is toothed and includes at least one measuring unit having three teeth per pair of magnets, each tooth including a gap with a transducer.
US08937470B2 Active power factor correction circuit and related PFC controller
An active power factor correction (PFC) circuit for calibrating a power factor of an AC-to-DC converter when the active PFC circuit is coupled with the AC-to-DC converter is disclosed including: a piecewise linear gain circuit, an error amplifier, a PWM controller, and a PWM signal generator. The piecewise linear gain circuit is for receiving a feed forward signal and generating a corresponding gain signal, wherein the gain signal and the feed forward signal have a broken line relation with respect to magnitude. The error amplifier is for generating an error signal according to an output voltage of the AC-to-DC converter. The PWM controller is for generating a control signal according to the gain signal and the error signal. The PWM signal generator is for generating a PWM signal for controlling a power switch of the AC-to-DC converter according to the control signal.
US08937461B2 System for controlling charging of battery and battery pack comprising the same
A system for controlling charging of a battery and a battery pack including the system are disclosed. The system includes a comparison unit that compares an actual output voltage value of a charger with an expected supply voltage value of the charger, and a control unit that resets a taper current value according to the comparison result.
US08937452B2 Method of controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery
A system and method for controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery, such as a high-voltage battery used by a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for vehicle propulsion, so that the SOC is maintained within a desired SOC range that is temperature-dependent. In an exemplary embodiment, the system and method use a battery temperature prediction to determine a desired SOC range, and then control the amount of charge on the vehicle battery such that the SOC is maintained within the desired SOC range. As the battery temperature prediction goes lower (i.e., as it gets colder), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted upwards in order to account for increased internal battery resistance and to ensure that the vehicle battery has enough power to start the vehicle. Similarly, as the battery temperature prediction goes higher (i.e., as it gets warmer), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted downwards in order to reduce degradation effects and improve battery. The exemplary system and method control the SOC of the vehicle battery and may seek to optimize a number of different parameters, including battery life, battery performance and/or vehicle fuel economy.
US08937446B2 Control of a brushless permanent-magnet motor
A method of controlling a brushless permanent-magnet motor that includes rectifying an alternating voltage to provide a rectified voltage having a ripple of at least 50%, and exciting a winding of the motor with the rectified voltage. The winding is excited in advance of zero-crossings of back EMF by an advance period and is excited for a conduction period over each electrical half-cycle of the motor. The advance period and/or the conduction period are then adjusted in response to changes in the speed of the motor and/or the RMS value of the alternating voltage so as to maintain constant average power. Additionally, a control system that implements the method, and a motor system that incorporates the control system.
US08937443B2 Systems and methods for controlling light sources
A system for controlling a set of light sources may include a set of light sources, at least one optical conduit arranged relative to the set of light sources so as to collect excess light from the set of light sources, and at least one sensor coupled to the optical conduit and configured to sense light collected by the optical conduit. The system may also include a controller configured to control the emittance of the set of light sources based on the light sensed by the sensor. A method for controlling a set of light sources may comprise individually varying power supplied to at least some of the light sources in an imperceptible manner, sensing light emitted by a light source for which the power has been varied, and controlling the emittance of the set of light sources based on the sensed light.