Document	Document Title
US08961415B2	Methods and apparatus for assessing physiological conditions Monitoring apparatus and methods are provided for assessing a physiological condition of a subject. At least two types of physiological information are detected from a subject via a portable monitoring device associated with the subject, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject is made using the at least two types of physiological information, wherein each type of physiological information is individually insufficient to make the physiological condition assessment. Environmental information from a vicinity of a subject also may be detected, and an assessment of a physiological condition of the subject may be made using the environmental information in combination with the physiological information. Exemplary physiological information may include subject heart rate, subject activity level, subject tympanic membrane temperature, and subject breathing rate. Exemplary environmental information may include humidity level information in the vicinity of the subject. An exemplary physiological condition assessment may be subject hydration level.
US08961413B2	Wireless communications device and personal monitor The invention is a wireless communications device, such as a cellular telephone, having sensors to generate data indicative of a physiological or contextual parameters of a user. A processor on the wireless communications device is adapted derive physiological state information of the user from the contextual or physiological parameters. The apparatus may include a central monitoring unit remote from the sensors for storing data and transmitting data to a recipient.
US08961398B2	Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose and throat Methods and apparatus for treating disorders of the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, including methods and apparatus for dilating ostia, passageways and other anatomical structures, endoscopic methods and apparatus for endoscopic visualization of structures within the ear, nose, throat or paranasal sinuses, navigation devices for use in conjunction with image guidance or navigation system and hand held devices having pistol type grips and other handpieces.
US08961390B2	Sensorless flow estimation for implanted ventricle assist device A method of estimating the blood flow rate of a heart ventricle assist device which is positioned externally of, or implanted in, a patient. The assist device comprises a blood pump having a rapidly rotating, electrically powered impeller, and comprises briefly interrupting power to the impeller to cause its rotation to slow. From this, blood viscosity can be estimated, which viscosity is used to obtain real time, estimated blood flow rates and pressure heads. Apparatus for accomplishing this is disclosed.
US08961389B2	Endovascular ventricular assist device, using the mathematical objective and principal of superposition This embodiment suggests new approach for Endovascular Ventricular Assist Device, using the mathematical objective & principle of superposition allow design and calculation of the body response to VAD pump located in the Aorta. This new approach allows minimal invasive Endovascular VAD that result in similar relief to the heart as partial VAD. Using special power transfer technique will allow wireless power transformation into the aorta. This methods and technique should dramatic reduce VAD barrier
US08961388B2	Generating artificial pulse In order to produce a pulsatile blood flow pattern that includes time periods of relatively high blood flow rates and time periods of relatively low blood flow rates, the operating speed of a blood pump can be selectively controlled to produce an operating speed pattern that includes time periods of relatively high rotation speeds and periods of relatively low rotation speeds. For example, the blood pump is rotated at a first speed for a first period of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased from the first speed to a second speed and is operated at the second speed for a second amount of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased to a third speed for a third amount of time. If desired, the operating speed pattern can be repeated to continue the pulsatile blood flow pattern.
US08961386B2	Systems and methods for neuro-EEG synchronization therapy Described are methods, devices, and systems for a novel, inexpensive, easy to use therapy for a number of disorders. Described are methods and devices to treat disorders that involves no medication. Methods and devices described herein use alternating magnetic fields to gently “tune” the brain and affect mood, focus, and cognition of subjects.
US08961369B2	Torque transfer unit with integrated electric drive motor An axle assembly comprises a power transmission device including a housing having a cylindrically shaped sidewall. The power transmission device selectively communicates rotatable motion from an input member to an output member. A frictional clutch is disposed in the housing and includes a drum. A first and a second axle shaft selectively drive a first and a second drive wheel, respectively. A differential selectively transfers drive torque from the output member to at least one of the first and second axle shafts. An electric motor comprising a coil and a plurality of magnets is provided on the axle assembly. In one example, the coil is disposed on the housing and the magnets are disposed on the drum. The coil is configured to selectively energize to provide one of a positive or negative torque input to the output member.
US08961366B2	Hybrid system of engine and motor generator An engine is provided with an output shaft and a motor generator connection shaft of a crankshaft at ends of a crank case and adapted such that the output shaft can be connected with an external driven apparatus. A motor generator has stators relatively fixed to the crank case and a rotor coupled with the motor generator connection shaft and rotating relative to the stators. An external apparatus connection shaft is connected with the rotor and disposed at an end of the motor generator on the opposite side of the engine. A clutch is disposed between the motor generator connection shaft and the rotor. A power storage unit stores electric power generated by the motor generator and supplies the electric power to the motor generator. A controller switches between an electric power generation function and a motor function, and engages and disengages the clutch.
US08961364B2	Method and system to manage driveline oscillations with clutch pressure control A system and method for controlling a vehicle having an electric traction motor coupled to a transmission by a clutch include modifying torque transmitted to the driveline by modifying the clutch apply pressure in response to a difference between rotational speed of a driveline component and a filtered rotational speed of the driveline component to reduce driveline oscillation when the clutch is unlocked. The clutch pressure may be modified in response to a vehicle event that may otherwise induce driveline oscillations, such as a transmission ratio change or regenerative braking, for example.
US08961359B2	Planet carrier and clutch housing A planet carrier and clutch housing for a transmission is provided. The planet carrier and clutch housing includes a first deck, a second deck, an annulus and a plurality of planet carrier posts. The first deck has an inner rim, an outer rim, planet shaft bores and control oil bores. The second deck has an inner rim, an outer rim, a piston recess disposed between the inner and outer rims, planet shaft bores and control oil bores fluidly coupled to the piston recess. The annulus extends from the second deck. The planet carrier posts connect the first deck to the second deck, and each post has a control oil bore fluidly coupling respective control oil bores in the first and second decks. The inner surface of each second deck planet shaft bore may include a groove to receive a planet shaft seal.
US08961358B2	Electric power tool An electric power tool includes a housing, a motor disposed in the housing, a planetary gear reduction mechanism and an internal gear. The planetary gear reduction mechanism includes multi-stage planetary gears, multi-stage carriers each configured to carry a plurality of planetary gears, and a bearing assembled with a final-stage carrier from a rear side of the final-stage carrier to rotatably support the final-stage carrier. The internal gear is configured to be rotatable and axially slidable while allowing planetary motion of final-stage planetary gears supported by the final-stage carrier. A gear portion provided on the final-stage carrier is formed as a separate gear which is assembled with the final-stage carrier from the rear side of the final-stage carrier after assembling the bearing with the final-stage carrier.
US08961354B1	Infinitely variable speed amplifier An infinitely variable speed amplifier comprising a continuously variable unit (“variator”), two differential gear trains, and four shafts. Two of the shafts connect to opposite ends of the variator and to two connections of each differential gear train, respectively. The third connections of the first and second differential gear trains are connected to the input and output shafts respectively. Ratios and other parameters are chosen so that an acceptable range of transmission speeds can be achieved without the use of clutches while also minimizing the power crossing the variator. Furthermore, this invention includes a variant that is a compound infinitely variable speed amplifier that provides a wider performance range.
US08961345B2	Range-change transmission with an electric engine A group transmission device with an electric machine, a main transmission of a countershaft design, a splitter group of a countershaft design which is connected upstream of the main transmission and a range group connected downstream of the main transmission. In the area of the main transmission, the splitter group, and the range group, a gear ratio is variable by gear steps that can be engaged in, or disengaged from, the force flow by interlocking shifting elements. At least during a gearshift, torque of the electric machine can be introduced into the force flow in the area of the splitter group. The splitter group has at least three gear steps that can be engaged or disengaged, the main transmission has at least two gear steps that can be engaged or disengaged, and the range group has at least two gear steps that can be engaged and disengaged.
US08961342B2	Chain guide assembly with movable member A bicycle chain guide assembly that includes a mounting bracket adapted to be affixed to a bicycle, and a movable member movably mounted to the mounting bracket. The movable member includes a chain guide portion adapted to be positioned adjacent a chain ring of the bicycle and below a bottom bracket of the bicycle. When the assembly is mounted on a bicycle with a chain-ring, the movable member can move in a first direction such that the chain guide portion moves toward an outer circumference of the chain-ring and the movable member can move in a second direction such that the chain guide portion moves away from the outer circumference of the chain ring.
US08961337B2	Golf clubs and golf club heads having a configured shape Aspects of this disclosure relate to a golf club head which includes a wood type golf club head body including a ball striking face portion at a front side, a rear side, a crown portion, and a sole portion. Further, the sole or crown or rear portion of the club head body may be configured so that the body includes a bump portion which protrudes from the sole or crown or rear portion and an indented portion which recedes into the sole or crown or rear portion and creates a recess in the sole or crown or rear portion of the body. Further, the bump portion and the indented portion may be configured so that a center of gravity of the golf club head body is nearer to one of the heel edge of the body and the toe edge of the body.
US08961336B1	Golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads Embodiments of golf club heads and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. In one example, a golf club head may include a plurality of weight portions and a body portion. The plurality of weight portions may be associated with a total weight portion mass. The body portion may include a face portion, a toe portion, a sole portion, an interior cavity that may extend between the top and sole portions, and a back portion with a plurality of exterior weight ports having a first set of exterior weight ports and a second set of exterior weight ports. Each of the plurality of exterior weight ports is associated with a port diameter and configured to receive at least one weight portion of the plurality of weight portions. Other examples and embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08961335B2	Golf club head A hollow golf club head comprises a face portion with a face for hitting a ball on its front and a crown portion forming a top surface of the head, wherein the head comprises a face member including the face portion and made of a metallic material and a crown member attached to the face member to form the crown portion at least partially, the crown member includes a first member made of a metal material and a second member made of a fiber reinforced resin for supporting the first member so that the first member does not directly contact with the face member, the head has a primary natural frequency of from 3800 to 6500 Hz and an antinode when the head vibrates in the primary natural mode appears in the first member.
US08961329B2	Releasable and interchangeable connections for golf club heads and shafts Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the club heads and shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed. Assemblies for connecting the club head and shaft may include: a shaft adapter, a collet, a ferrule, and a club head having an interior chamber. The club head and shaft may be changed by releasing the securing system and exchanging the original parts with different parts. Furthermore, the shaft may be bent or otherwise extend at an angle from the shaft adapter so as to allow adjustment of the shaft position with respect to the club head.
US08961317B2	System gaming A method provides a player tracking system and system gaming apparatus for playing non-base games by funding the credit side of a gaming cycle. The system further includes at least one gaming device having a base game. The player tracking system and system gaming apparatus includes a player tracking user interface. The player tracking user interface provides a player with an opportunity to select and play a non-base game that may be promotional-funded or player-funded.
US08961307B2	Game system, game processing method, game apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium When a certain user is playing a game by operating a terminal device while viewing a terminal game image displayed on an LCD of the terminal device, another user can operate a controller while viewing a monitor game image displayed on a monitor, and can acquire, remove, move, or halt an object other than a player object by moving a cursor displayed on a monitor game image.
US08961306B2	Feedback to player of device connection state A gaming system compatible with patron-controlled portable electronic devices, such as smart phones or tablet computers, is described. Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) within the gaming system can be configured to allow play of wager-based games and interact with portable electronic devices. The EGMs can be configured with one or more of mechanisms that enable a user to establish and then determine a status of a communication session between a portable electronic device and the EGM. In addition, the EGMs can be configured with one or more mechanisms that enable a user to determine a status of a transaction or application involving a portable electronic device.
US08961303B2	Game apparatus and game program A game apparatus includes operation means operated by a player, selection means, player object action control means, display control means, and evaluation means. The game apparatus displays a first game image and a second game image concurrently. The player selects either one of the first game image and the second game image with the selection means. The player further operates the operation means to operate a player object related to the selected game image.
US08961297B2	System and method for tracking and rating non-gaming activities A system and method for tracking patron events at a plurality of devices is provided. The plurality of devices include electronic gaming machines and non-gaming machines. Each game device has a value associated therewith. The system includes a plurality of player tracking devices (each associated with one of the electronic gaming machines) and a server. The player tracking devices identify patrons interacting with the system, track wagers made by the patrons on the electronic gaming machines and record wager data. The server receives the wager data and stores the wager data in a database and receives transaction data associated with a transaction associated with the patrons use of the non-gaming devices and stores the transaction data in the database, and establishes a player rating associated with each player as a function of the wager data and the transaction data.
US08961292B2	System for managing wagering game content A system for managing wagering game content is described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a wagering game machine management server. The wagering game server can include a content controller configured to receive wagering game content and load the wagering game content onto a wagering game machine over the network. The wagering game server can also include a compatibility controller configured to determine whether the wagering game content is compatible with the wagering game machine. Additionally, the wagering game server can include a license controller configured to receive licensing information and to use the licensing information to activate the wagering game content.
US08961291B2	Method of gaming, a gaming system and a game controller A gaming system is disclosed which comprises a display, a symbol selector arranged to select at least a first set of normal symbols to be displayed by the display at a plurality of display positions and to cause a special symbol to be displayed at a display position, a special symbol controller arranged to replicate an aspect of the special symbol until an end condition is met, the special symbol controller arranged to maintain each previously displayed special symbol in the display position where the special symbol occurred, select at least one display position for each replicated aspect of the special symbol and cause each replicated aspect of the special symbol to be displayed at the selected position, and an outcome generator arranged to determine at least one game outcome based on the displayed special symbol, the displayed normal symbols and the replicated aspect of the special symbol. A corresponding method is also disclosed.
US08961285B2	Residue separating feed system for biomass including an impeller A feed system for a biomass collection device uses a conveyor for dropping a flow comprising a mixture of denser or heavier biomass to be collected such as cobs, and less dense or lighter biomass residue such as leaf trash, through a space, and rotary feed apparatus below for receiving the flow, operable for propelling the received flow into a collection device, in combination with a fan configured and operable for directing a flow of air along a second path intersecting the first path in a manner to divert at least a substantial portion of the less dense or lighter biomass residue away from the feed apparatus, while allowing substantially all of the denser or heavier biomass to continue along the first path to the feed apparatus for feeding into the collection device. Distribution apparatus along the second path can then be used to spread the diverted biomass.
US08961284B2	System and method for controlling spreader output from a harvester A system and method for controlling spreader output from a harvester includes a distribution chamber for receiving an agricultural material removed from a field. The harvester includes a spreader system configured to distribute the agricultural material onto the field, and an opening configured to receive the agricultural material from the distribution chamber. Moreover, the distribution chamber includes a first panel rotatably coupled to a first side of the distribution chamber, and a second panel rotatably coupled to a second side of the distribution chamber. The first and second panels are configured to direct the agricultural material toward the opening of the spreader system. An angle of the first panel is independently adjustable to control a first amount of agricultural material directed toward a first inlet portion. An angle of the second panel is independently adjustable to control a second amount of agricultural material directed toward a second inlet portion.
US08961269B2	Abrasive wheels and methods for making and using same Bonded abrasive articles and in particular organic bonded depressed center wheels with one or more reinforcements have reduced stiffness in comparison to conventional counterparts. Techniques for producing and using such wheels are described. In one example, a method for reducing the stiffness of an organically bonded abrasive wheel includes applying to a raised hub region of a reinforced depressed center wheel a force effective to irreversibly decrease the stiffness of said wheel.
US08961258B2	Interlocking building block, paving unit, tile or toy element and the construction method thereof An interlocking building block, and procedure for constructing the same, having a planar locking mechanism and a spatial locking mechanism. The planar locking mechanism being a three-clawed piece built around an equilateral triangle with protruding arms and grooves corresponding to a circular arc. The protruding claws are rotated on a plane around a center of rotation. These align with grooves of another three-clawed piece to offer a locking mechanism, where the center point of the circular arc is identical to the center of planar rotation. The spatial locking mechanism may have a hexagonal prism placed next to the three-clawed piece and connected to the corners of the equilateral triangle, into which the three-clawed piece is placed so that the protruding claws extend beyond the hexagonal prism, or the spatial locking mechanism consists of protrusions ensuring a groove/taper connection and connecting grooves, so that each piece contains protrusions and grooves.
US08961247B2	Power supply system for marine drilling vessel A power supply system for a marine drilling vessel is provided. The power supply system comprises a first power grid section coupled to a generator configured to generate electric power and further coupled to an electrically powered active heave compensator. The heave compensator is configured to raise and lower a drill string relative to the marine drilling vessel. The power supply system further comprises a second power grid section coupled to a generator configured to generate electric power and further coupled to an electrically powered thruster drive of the marine drilling vessel. The first power grid section is electrically coupled to the second power grid section.
US08961237B2	Connector assembly having power contacts which comprise a plurality of contact inserting portions A connector assembly has a plug and socket; the plug includes an insulative body, at least one first power contact, at least one second power contact and a metal shield. The insulative body has a base portion and a tongue portion extending from the base portion. The tongue portion includes a plurality of power contact grooves and penetrates through the base portion, and at least one first convex portion defined in a periphery of the tongue portion. The first power contact and the second power contact are respectively formed on the power contact grooves of the insulative body for connection to a power source in a socket of host device. The metal shield encloses the tongue portion of the insulative body to cover the tongue portion. Consequently, the charging speed can be increased, reducing charging time.
US08961224B2	Coupling system for electrical connector assembly An electrical connector assembly that comprises a first connector member supporting a first contact and has a first interface end that defines a first tapered surface, and a second connector member supporting a second contact and has a second interface end that mates with the first interface end. The second interface end has a second tapered surface. The first and second tapered surfaces have substantially the same angle of taper and taper in opposite directions to engage one another to form a friction fit. A coupling member is mounted near one of the interface ends and has an external engagement member that is configured to engage a corresponding external engagement member. A biasing member is disposed in an annular receiving area. The coupling member is movable between an unlocked position when the external engagement members are not engaged and a locked position when the external engagement members are engaged.
US08961216B2	Charging apparatus When a power supply plug 40 is inserted into a case 20, a swing pin 43 of the power supply plug 40 pushes a slidable pin 57 in the case 20. Then, when an engaging part 45 of the power supply plug 40 provided at the tip end of the swing pin 43 is engaged with an engaging part 59, the slidable pin 57 is restored to its original position at a mouth, and the periphery of the swing pin 43 abuts against the periphery of the slidable pin 57, and thus the power supply plug 40 and the case 20 are locked. In addition, a locking device 50 having the slidable pin is disposed at the back of the case 20, and a first waterproof wall 30 and a second waterproof wall 34 are provided at positions closer to the mouth than the locking device 50.
US08961210B2	Lockable electrical connector The subject matter disclosed herein relates to an electrical connector that includes a locking mechanism to securely hold devices to the electrical connector.
US08961200B2	Connector and solder sheet A connector includes a lead part configured to be connected to a board; and a solder sheet having a plate shape. The solder sheet is engaged with and fixed to the lead part with the lead part passing through a hole in the solder sheet. At least one of the lead part and the solder sheet has a structure configured to prevent the solder sheet from coming off the lead part.
US08961199B2	Electrical connector with improved contact structures An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and at least one first contact received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing includes a main body and a first mating port extending from the main body. The at least one first contact includes a first mating portion partially exposed into the first mating port, a first intermediate portion extending rearward from the first mating portion and received in the main body, and a first termination portion bending downward from the first intermediate portion and exposed beyond the insulative housing. The first intermediate portion includes a first lower horizontal section, a first upper horizontal section parallel to the first lower horizontal section, and a first connecting portion connecting the first lower horizontal section and the first upper horizontal section. The first lower horizontal section is formed with a first lower widened section, and the first upper horizontal section is formed with a first upper widened section.
US08961195B2	Socket with several mating ports A cable assembly comprises an insulative, a plurality of contacts received in the insulative housing and a cable extending beyond the insulative housing and electrically connecting with the contacts. The insulative housing has a first mating port, a second mating port and a third mating port located on two opposite sides of the first mating port, respectively. These three ports are insulated with each other. The contacts include a first contact extending into the first mating port, a power contacts extending into the second mating port and a grounding contact extending into the third mating port, by this arrangement, the cable assembly can obtain a well signal transmission quality.
US08961192B2	Electrical connectors for use with printed circuit boards A connector for electrically connecting a first printed circuit board (PCB) with a second PCB wherein, in one example, the connector includes a housing having a keyed feature adapted to mate with a correspondingly keyed feature provided to each of the first and second PCBs and at least one connecting terminal carried by the housing having at least partially exposed opposed ends each of which electrically engages a contact pad formed on an underside of the respective PCBs. The connecting terminal may be arranged to accept a conductor and to thereby electrically couple the conductor to the first and second PCBs.
US08961191B2	Electrical connector for pedal spindle An electrical connector for electronics in a pedal spindle. The electrical connector may have a plurality of concentrically-spaced electrical contact pads and a spindle connector. The electrical contact pads may fit within the pedal spindle and electrically connect to the electronics in the pedal spindle. The spindle connector may have a housing and a plurality of electrically conductive elements, such as pins, extending from the housing. The housing may be sized and shaped to mate with an end of the pedal spindle proximate to the electrical contact pads. The electrically conductive elements or pins may each contact one of the electrical contact pads when the housing is mated with the end of the pedal spindle.
US08961189B2	System for cosmetic and therapeutic training Systems and methods are disclosed for an apparatus and method for practicing injection techniques through an injectable apparatus. The injectable apparatus may contain a camera that is configured to detect the intensity and color of light attenuated from a testing tool after it is injected into a simulated human or animal body parts. A training tool may be connected to a user display device to generate a display of the injection apparatus as well as the performance parameters of a trainee.
US08961180B2	Composition and method of using medicament for endodontic irrigation, stem cell preparations and tissue regeneration A single intra-canal substance composition for tissue dissolution, disinfection, tissue degradation, tissue removal and disinfection is provided. The composition includes calcium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium thioglycolate or calcium thioglycolate, to form an effective single intra-canal substance capable of degrading a cell by disrupting its disulfide bonds. Further, the composition may incorporate mineral oil, urea, cetearyl alcohol, D&C yellow No. 8, chromium hydroxide, theobroma cocoa seed butter, iron oxides, fragrances, water fragrance, lanolin, and ceteareth-20 to enhance its functioning. Furthermore, the composition that is bactericidal against Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans, used in multiple applications in dentistry and medicine. Furthermore, the composition is a single intra-canal irrigant that eradicates microorganisms as it facilitates the chemo-mechanical debridement of the root canal system.
US08961177B2	Medical or dental handpiece A medical or dental handpiece which has an outer sleeve, a tool-holding sleeve for holding a treatment tool, wherein the tool-holding sleeve has a central axis about which the tool-holding sleeve can be rotated and wherein the tool-holding sleeve can be induced to a stroke motion by a driveshaft of the handpiece, and an adjusting device, which is designed to secure the tool-holding sleeve selectively in a rotational position or to allow a free rotatability of the tool-holding sleeve, wherein the adjusting device has a fixation element, which secures or releases the tool-holding sleeve and at least one adjusting element, which is at least operatively connected to the fixation element, wherein the adjusting element is movable substantially in parallel with the central axis of the tool-holding sleeve.
US08961163B2	Apparatus for making frozen comestibles An apparatus for making frozen comestibles including a base having a plurality of apertures formed within said first site thereof, and a plurality of molds attached to or formed integrally with the base. Each of the molds includes a receiving surface and an opening aligned with a corresponding one of the apertures of the base. Each of the molds is moveable between a first position, in which a substantial portion of at least one mold is positioned within the interior portion of the base and said receiving surface forms a molding cavity that is adapted to receive a comestible to be frozen, and a second position, in which a substantial portion of the mold extends outwardly from the first side of the base and the receiving surface of the mold is exposed externally.
US08961162B2	Powder press A powder press in which seals of cylinder/piston units that can hydraulically activate or apply pressure to additional plates with reference to a die plate, the upper yoke and/or the lower yoke are kept free of powder to the greatest possible extent disposes a cylinder of a cylinder/piston unit facing away from a die plate and/or an additional plate, preferably below the additional plate.
US08961144B2	Turbine disk preform, welded turbine rotor made therewith and methods of making the same A method of making a turbine rotor is disclosed. The method includes forming a last stage disk preform having a disk axis, the preform having a rotor face and an opposed shaft face, the rotor face having a circumferential, axially-extending rotor rib protruding therefrom, the shaft face having a circumferential, axially-extending shaft rib protruding therefrom, the disk preform comprising a disk preform material. The method also includes joining the rotor rib to a rotor preform to form a rotor joint, the rotor preform comprising a rotor preform material. The method further includes joining the shaft rib to a shaft to form a shaft joint, the shaft comprising a shaft material, wherein the disk preform material is different than the rotor preform material and the shaft material.
US08961143B2	Rotor blade of a wind power plant and method for fabricating a rotor blade of a wind power plant A rotor blade of a wind power plant in which the rotor blade has a longitudinal extension that extends from a rotor blade root substantially to a rotor blade tip. At least in one region of the rotor blade, an aerodynamic cross-sectional profile is provided, which has a leading edge (nose) and a trailing edge, which are connected via a suction side and a pressure side of the cross-sectional profile. The rotor blade is subdivided at least in a longitudinally extended section into a front rotor blade section with the leading edge and a rear rotor blade section with the trailing edge. The rear region of the front rotor blade section and the adjacent front region of the rear rotor blade section are connected through an I-beam.
US08961114B2	Integrated variable geometry flow restrictor and heat exchanger One or more heat exchangers mounted in a duct have heat transfer cooling passages therein and a variable geometry flow restrictor is integral with each of the heat exchangers. An annular slide valve axially translatable within the duct is operable to open and close or vary a variable area between the heat exchangers and one of inner and outer casings bounding the duct. The heat exchangers may be being circumferentially distributed around an annular duct and include radial or circumferentially curved heat transfer tubes or vanes.
US08961109B2	Fan A fan includes a frame, rotor supported by this frame and having a central hub and a number of blades and a drive mechanism for rotatably driving the rotor, in addition to a ring to which the end zones of the blades are connected. The ring is assembled from two part-rings of the same form which each include a circular strip of sheet material, the free ends of which are mutually connected to form the outer surface of a truncated cone, and a third part-ring which mutually connects the inner edges of the first two part-rings. The end zones of the blades are connected to the third part-ring. The ring has a diameter of more than about 1.50 m. The number of blades amounts to at least eight. The blades are hollow and include a framework structure which is provided with a skin connected thereto.
US08961106B2	Turbomolecular pump and connector device therefor A connector device for coupling a turbomolecular pump to an apparatus to be pumped. The connector device can suppress transmission of vibrations of relatively low frequencies. The pump has a rotor, a casing accommodating the rotor therein, and an intake port and an outlet port formed in the casing. The pump operates to suck gas from the intake port and to expel the gas from the outlet port by rotating the rotor within the casing at high speed. The connecting device has a connecting exhaust tube for connecting the intake port of the turbomolecular pump with the outlet port of the apparatus (such as a vacuum vessel) to be pumped. An annular weight is disposed around the outer periphery of the connecting exhaust tube. A viscoelastic member is interposed between the connecting exhaust tube and the weight to form a vibration absorber.
US08961094B2	Method and device for aligning substrates The invention relates to a method and a device for aligning substrates (2) in an XY-plane. A polygonal, flat substrate (2), the substrate plane of which is parallel to the XY-plane or lies in the XY-plane, is aligned with respect to reference coordinates and a reference angular position in the XY-plane. A corner (12) of the substrate (2) is detected using image detecting means (9). In addition, the position coordinates of the substrate (2) are determined. Using evaluating means (10), the angular position of the corner (12) of the substrate (2) in the XY-plane is determined, and the position differences between the reference coordinates and the position coordinates as well as the angle difference between the reference angular position and the angular position of the substrate corner (12) are calculated. The substrate (2) is moved and/or rotated in the XY-plane according to the determined position difference or the angle difference. By rotating the substrate (2) several times, each corner (12) and edge (13, 14) of the substrate (2) can be detected using the image detecting means (9). This enables an edge inspection during the substrate transport so that additional process steps such as laying the substrate (2) down and picking the substrate back up can be omitted.
US08961089B2	Fastener assembly A fastener assembly comprises: an insertion-extraction tool comprising a lever with a sleeve passing through one end from a front surface to a back surface and protruding from the back surface, a first ramp that circumscribes about one-half of the sleeve and a second ramp that circumscribes about one-half of the sleeve opposite the first ramp, the first ramp with a ramped surface that faces away from the back surface of the lever and the second ramp with a ramped surface that faces toward the back surface of the lever; and a wedge lock assembly comprising multiple wedges and a captive screw passing there through, the captive screw having a shank that passes through the sleeve of the insertion-extraction tool and a head on the distal end of the shank adjacent to the front surface of the lever of the insertion-extraction tool.
US08961084B1	Auto-rack railroad car vehicle restraint apparatus A vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which includes an active chock and an anchor chock configured to co-act to secure a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. In various embodiments, each chock has a chock body including a substantially diamond shaped elongated tube which includes four integrally connected elongated walls. In various embodiments, for each chock, various components of that chock extend substantially along longitudinal axis that lie in the same or substantially the same vertical plane as the apex and trough of the substantially diamond shaped elongated tube of the chock body. The active and anchor chocks: (a) have a lower height than known commercially available vehicle restraints; (b) have a smaller width than known commercially available vehicle restraints; (c) position the strap and the torque tube closer to the tire of the wheel than any known commercially available vehicle restraints; (d) take up a smaller area of each safe zone adjacent to the wheel than known commercially available vehicle restraints; (e) provide a greater strength to size ratio than known commercially available vehicle restraints; and (f) are easy to operate, install, and remove.
US08961083B2	System and method for restraining a vehicle with a collision release mechanism A vehicle restraint system includes a strap assembly configured to be positioned on a portion of a tire of a vehicle to secure the vehicle to a deck of a transport. The strap assembly is also configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport on a first side of the tire of the vehicle. The system also includes a mandrel assembly operable to be coupled to the strap assembly on a second side of the tire of the vehicle, opposite the first side. The system further includes a winch assembly configured to be coupled to the deck of the transport and the mandrel assembly on the second side of the tire of the vehicle, the winch assembly configured to rotate the mandrel assembly to produce a tightening force to tighten the strap assembly around the portion of the tire. The system still further includes a release mechanism disposed between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly and configured to create a coupling between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly in a manner that transmits the tightening force from the winch assembly to the mandrel assembly. The release mechanism is configured to release the coupling between the winch assembly and the mandrel assembly when a force greater than or equal to a predetermined force is produced against the release mechanism.
US08961082B2	One-touch chamfering-amount adjustment device for a chamfering machine The present invention relates to a one-touch chamfering-amount adjustment device for a chamfering machine which specifically carries out a chamfering process on the welding bead surfaces of objects to be processed (such as metal sheet materials and pipes). In the present invention, the moment after a chamfering-amount-adjustment piece has been manipulated so as to rotate, a position-setting pin is inserted into a securing recess in the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece and as this happens the chamfering amount is precisely adjusted in units and at the same time locking to the predetermined chamfering amount is automatically maintained, yet nevertheless the adjustment of the chamfering amount is achieved in a straightforward fashion with one touch, and, when the chamfering-amount-adjustment piece is manipulated, a cutter shaft moves vertically and as it does so the chamfering amount is adjusted in such a way that the chamfering amount can be immediately and rapidly adjusted even during working regardless of any cutter rotating action.
US08961077B2	Severing and beveling tool A tool for both severing the end of a pipe and beveling the cut end includes a spiral cutting mill having an elongate end received in the bore of a frustoconical shell cutter. The shell cutter is locked for rotation with the cutting mill such that a single tool has two cutting surfaces, one for severing a length of pipe and one for beveling the outer edge thereof.
US08961069B2	Subsea hanging device A subsea hanging device comprises a hanging frame 1 adapted to support an assembly (such as a gooseneck 3 and a subsea connector 4 being used to attach a heavy pipe 7 to a pipe hub 11 on the seabed), a hanging eye 8 which slides on said frame when a shaft 10 threaded through it is axially rotated, and a ROV drive bucket 12 attached to one end of the shaft. A guide funnel 13, 16 pivoted to the frame and adapted to fit over a guide post 17 on the seabed actuates a pointer 15 which indicates on a scale 14 whether the hanging angle needs adjustment to enable the connector 4 to be engaged with the hub 11.
US08961068B2	Device, system, and method of irrigation An irrigation system for irrigating a plant having a root comprises: a valve to begin irrigation from a water source at a first time-point; a moisture sensor to sense moisture at a second, subsequent, time-point, said moisture sensor being located underground at an insertion depth between ground surface and a maximum depth of the root; a water drainage speed calculator to calculate a water drainage speed based on the first time-point, the second time-point, and the insertion depth of the moisture sensor; and a target drainage time calculator to calculate a remaining time for irrigation, based on the calculated water drainage speed and further based on a difference between the insertion depth and the maximum depth of the root.
US08961063B2	Hub clamp assembly A hub clamp assembly includes a hub that has a flange portion and an annular sleeve portion. The sleeve portion has a plurality of substantially longitudinal slits therein extending from a distal end toward the flange portion to form a plurality of sleeve segments. The sleeve portion further has an outer surface that includes a first set of surface features. The assembly also includes an annular collar that has one or more sleeve engagement pieces each having a first surface and an opposing second surface. The first surface of the sleeve engagement piece contains a second set of surface features configured to correspond to and engage the first set of surface features of the sleeve portion of the hub. A support ring surrounds the sleeve portion of the hub and overlies the second surface of the sleeve engagement pieces.
US08961060B2	Corner assembly A corner piece is provided for interconnecting frame members. The corner piece includes a first plate member defining an inner face, an opposite outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The first plate member including a bolt-receiving bore therethrough. A second plate member defines an inner face contiguous with the inner face of the first plate member, an outer face, a first side face, an opposite second side face, and an end face. The second plate member includes a bolt-receiving bore extending between the inner face and the outer face thereof along a first axis generally parallel to the inner face of the first plate member.
US08961055B2	Actuating lever for a binder mechanism An actuating lever for a binding mechanism includes a body formed of a first molded material. The body defines oppositely-facing surfaces, with at least one of the surfaces having a recess formed therein. The actuating lever further includes a grip member formed of a second molded material that is different from the first molded material. The grip member is molded at least partially into the recess.
US08961053B1	Lipstick blotting system The present invention features a lipstick blotting system for use after lipstick application featuring a tubular stationary base with a first guide rod. The system features a rotating base with a threaded rod. The stationary base is located inside the rotating base. The system features a carrier with an internally threaded tube. The carrier features a first guide aperture. The carrier is placed on the rotating base via the internally threaded tube placed onto the threaded rod. The carrier is inhibited from rotation via the first guide rod slid through the first guide aperture. The system features a linear blotter located on a carrier anterior surface. The blotter features a linear channel for placing over the tube. The system features a solution located in the rotating base and a cap adapted to attach and seal to a stationary base anterior end.
US08961048B2	Dispenser for a composition in stick form An oval dispenser for stick material suitable for being filled through its base comprises a skeletal platform (30) having a threaded hub (32), a rim wall (31), a circular wall intermediate between the hub and the rim defining a filling zone, and a rotor wheel (3) having a hollow boss (13) that defines with the filling ring (34) a continuous passage for stick material to be charged into the dispenser interior.
US08961043B2	Light emitting device package and backlight unit using the same A light emitting device package including light emitting devices, and optical lenses respectively disposed over the light emitting devices. Further, a respective optical lens includes an extending member extending from a body of the respective optical lens, and including a first portion laterally extending in a first direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis of the respective light emitting device, and a second portion extending towards the substrate in a second direction substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device. A vertical cross section of the second portion is substantially symmetrical with respect to an axis that is spaced apart in the first direction from and substantially parallel with the central axis of the respective light emitting device.
US08961040B2	Modular surgical laser systems Laser emission systems for surgical and other therapeutic uses are herein disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, different laser control systems are disclosed each capable of multiple, simultaneous emission of lasers of different wavelengths in a single beam. The embodiments feature a handheld wireless laser module or a portable console with a laser tip extending therefrom. The laser module is controlled by wireless footswitch. Fiber extension modules may be used with the later embodiment.
US08961039B2	Optical-electric conversion connector An optical-electric conversion connector configured to be connected to a mating connector. The optical-electric conversion connector includes an optical semiconductor element for converting between an optical signal and an electrical signal; a supporting member for supporting the optical semiconductor element; a contact member connected to the optical semiconductor element for contacting with a mating contact member of the mating connector; a first resin member formed of a transparent resin for integrally holding the optical semiconductor element, the supporting member, and the contact member, and a second resin member mounted on an outer surface of the first resin member. The first resin member is arranged to seal at least the optical semiconductor element. A method of producing the optical-electric conversion connector includes an element arrangement step, a conductive member connecting step, a first resin molding step, and a second resin molding step.
US08961036B2	Ferrule assembly A method for preparing a ferrule assembly avoids polishing while providing adequate control over fiber end protrusion and co-planarity. A distal end of the fiber is prepared before securing the fiber in a ferrule, and before or after inserting the fiber into the ferrule. The prepared fiber is manipulated to provide a desired spatial relationship between the fiber end and the ferrule's end face, and then secured to maintain the desired spatial relationship. Preferably, the fiber end is prepared using a laser cleaving technique to provide a suitable end without abrasive polishing. An interferometer may be used to obtain measurements, during manipulation of the prepared fiber within the ferrule, that indicate whether the prepared fiber is satisfactorily positioned. In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a ferrule assembly prepared in accordance with the method, and a connector or other optical package including such a ferrule assembly are provided.
US08961028B2	Bearing assembly A bearing assembly includes a hub element or housing element which has an accommodating bore for at least one rolling-element bearing, the rolling-element bearing being disposed with its outer ring in a press-fit arrangement in the accommodating bore, and the outer ring having at least one first axial region along at least one raceway of the outer ring and at least one second axial region extending outside the raceway. To ensure a proper fit of the bearing ring in the hub or housing element over a wide range of operating temperatures, the receiving bore and the outer circumference of the outer ring are configured such that at the ambient temperature the radial clamping force between accommodating bore and outer ring in the first region is smaller than in the second region.
US08961026B2	Flanged bearing ring for a motor vehicle wheel bearing unit A flanged bearing ring is made up of two different materials joined together as a single piece, namely a radially inner annular insert and a flanged, radially outer lightweight body formed around the insert. The insert forms one or more raceways and is made of a hard material, such as bearing steel. The outer body is made of a lightweight material, such as aluminium alloy, with a higher thermal expansion coefficient higher than that of the hard material which the inner insert is made of. A relief formed by the insert extends into a groove of the outer body. Another relief, formed by the outer body, extends into a further groove of the insert. These reliefs and grooves interlock the insert and the outer body together against relative movement under all temperature conditions.
US08961024B2	Center bearing support A center bearing support (1) is provided which prevents a vibration absorbing function from being lowered on the basis of an increase of a dynamic spring constant by a resonance of an elastic body (13), at the time of an input of a vibration of a propeller shaft and a vibration. An inner periphery of an outer ring (11) fixed to a vehicle body side is provided with an inner ring (12) retaining a center bearing (2) via the elastic body (13) formed as a bent shape which is convex to one side in an axial direction and made of a rubber-like elastic material, the elastic body (13) has flexible portions (132, 133) in an inner diameter side and an outer diameter side than the bent portion (131) as a spring, and a resonance frequency thereof is equal to or more than 1500 Hz.
US08961023B2	Ball bearing retainer and ball bearing A ball bearing retainer includes two annular members that face each other in an axial direction. The two annular members have opposed surfaces each including hemispherical pockets that are formed at a plurality of positions in a circumferential direction and configured to receive balls. The opposed surfaces are snap-fitted to each other so as to couple the two annular members to each other with coupling portions provided at both circumferential end portions of each of the hemispherical pockets Inner peripheral surfaces of the hemispherical pockets of the two annular members and the opposed surfaces of the two annular members have recessed grooves that are opened by extending from radially inner surfaces of the two annular members and reaching radially outer surfaces of the two annular members.
US08961019B2	Flow control through thrust bearing assembly A bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts, and a lip disposed adjacent the second set of inserts. Also, a bearing assembly comprising a frame; a rotating disc disposed in the frame, the rotating disc comprising a first set of inserts and at least one groove disposed axially above at least one of the inserts; and a fixed disc disposed in the frame, the fixed disc comprising a second set of inserts, the second set of inserts configured to interact with the first set of inserts.
US08961008B2	Modular dual-compartment temperature transmitter A temperature transmitter includes a dual-compartment housing and a head-mount temperature transmitter electronics module. The dual-compartment housing has a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is configured to receive field wiring at a terminal block through at least one conduit. The first and second compartments are separated except for an electrical feedthrough therebetween. A head-mount temperature transmitter electronics module is disposed in the second compartment and is operably coupled to the terminal block in the first compartment.
US08961004B2	Battery phase meter to determine internal temperatures of lithium-ion rechargeable cells under charge and discharge Methods and systems to determine an internal temperature of a rechargeable lithium-ion cell based on a phase shift of the cell. Internal cell temperature may be determined with respect to an internal anode temperature and/or an internal cathode temperature. Internal anode temperature may be determined based on a phase shift of a frequency within a range of approximately 40 Hertz (Hz) to 500 Hz. Internal cathode temperature may be determined based on a phase shift of a frequency of up to approximately 30 Hz. A temperature sensor as disclosed herein may be powered by a monitored cell with relatively little impact on cell charge, may be electrically coupled to cell but housed physically separate from the cell, and/or may monitor multiple cells in a multiplex fashion. A rate of change in phase shift may be used to initiate pre-emptive action, without determining corresponding temperatures.
US08961000B2	Stirring system with interspaced stirring elements and baffles, and method for homogenizing glass melts A stirring system for molten glass having a stirring vessel and a stirrer; and a method for homogenizing glass melts. The stirrer has a shaft and at least one stirring element, and the stirring vessel has at least two baffles extending from an inner circumferential surface. The stirring element and baffles are formed in such a way that insertion of the stirrer into the stirring vessel requires at least one translatory movement of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel, at least one subsequent or simultaneous relative rotation of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel, and a further translatory movement of the stirrer in relation to the stirring vessel. In an operating state, the stirrer is rotatable in the stirring vessel.
US08960996B2	Method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of animal feed from a set of ingredients, and a system for producing the animal feed A method and apparatus for determining a mixing regime for use in the preparation of an animal feed in which a main computer is programmed to store a master list of ingredients which are available to farmers and from which a farmer can select a specific set of ingredients for the preparation of animal feed. The main computer is programmed to store the ingredients in a look-up table cross-referenced with standard mixing periods to which the respective ingredients should be subjected during the mixing regime to produce an animal feed. Additionally, the look-up table contains mixing factors by which the standard mixing periods may be altered in order to take account of non-standard conditions, such as variations of the ingredients, the proportion of the particular ingredient, the average size or weight of the animals and the mixing apparatus and condition thereof in which the animal feed is to be mixed. The computer is programmed to determine the mixing period to which each ingredient is to be subjected in the mixing apparatus based on the corresponding standard mixing periods and any mixing factors which should be taken into account. The computer is programmed to then produce a sequence in which the ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing apparatus and the instants at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing apparatus, so that each ingredient is subjected to the appropriate mixing period for that ingredient during the mixing cycle of the mixing regime, in order to avoid over-mixing and under-mixing of ingredients.
US08960995B2	Mixer/feeder apparatus and a device for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder apparatus A mixer/feeder wagon (1) for mixing and dispensing batches of animal feed comprises a device (50) for monitoring operation of the mixer/feeder wagon (1) and for determining instants during a mixing cycle during which ingredients of the animal feed are to be loaded into the mixer/feeder wagon (1). The mixer/feeder wagon (1) comprises a mixing compartment (14) within which a paddle mixer (17) is rotatable for mixing the ingredients of the batch of animal feed therein. Load sensors (9) produce signals indicative of the current weight of the ingredients in the mixing compartment (14) which are read by a microprocessor (55) of the device (50). A proximity sensor (38) counts the number of revolutions of the paddle mixer 17. Particulars of the ingredients of the batch of animal feed together with the weights of the respective ingredients are stored in a RAM (56) in the device (50) as well as the instants during a mixing cycle at which the respective ingredients are to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) based on the count of revolutions of the paddle mixer (17) from the commencement of the mixing cycle. The microprocessor (55) in response to signals from the proximity sensor (38) outputs a signal to activate a siren (67) to indicate when the next ingredient is to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14). The identities of the respective ingredients as they are to be loaded into the mixing compartment (14) are displayed on a visual display screen (54) together with the weights thereof.
US08960985B2	Back frame, method for manufacturing back frame, and backlight system The present invention provides a back frame of flat panel display device, which includes primary assembling pieces and secondary assembling pieces; the primary assembling pieces are of a number of at least two, the at least two primary assembling pieces being joined to form a main frame structure of the back frame; the secondary assembling pieces are arranged inside the back frame and joined to the back frame; some of the primary assembling pieces and the secondary assembling pieces are of first density and first strength and others are of second density and second strength; the first density is greater than the second density and the first strength is greater than the second strength. The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a back frame of flat panel display device and a backlight system. The back frame, the method for manufacturing back frame, and the backlight system have a back frame mold that is of a simple structure and can reduce the expenditure of the back frame mold, and can also save the material used for back frame so as to lower down the cost of flat panel display device.
US08960984B2	Backlight unit including COB type light emitting diode module A backlight unit (BLU) is disclosed. The BLU may include a light emitting diode (LED) module including at least one LED chip mounted on a substrate in a chip-on-board (COB) type, and a light guide panel including an incidence surface configured to receive light emitted from an emission surface of the LED chip and to include at least one insertion recess disposed corresponding to the LED chip, such that the LED chip is bonded to the LED module to be inserted in the insertion recess.
US08960975B2	Light-transmitting candle structure The present invention provides a light-transmitting candle structure, which includes a main body, which has a power section for supplying electrical power; a light-emitting unit, which includes two light-emitting element that are mounted on the main body and spaced from each other in a vertical direction and are electrically connected with the power section; a patterned film, which is circumferentially arranged outside and surrounds the light-emitting unit and is coupled to the main body, the patterned film having a surface on which patterns are formed; and a cover, which is a hollow light-transmitting casing having an end forming an opening, the cover having a wall on which a pattern layer is formed, the pattern layer comprising patterns, the cover being set to enclose outside the patterned film and coupled to the main body.
US08960972B2	Lighting system with thermal management system Lighting systems having unique configurations are provided. For instance, the lighting system may include a light source, a thermal management system and driver electronics, each contained within a housing structure. The light source is configured to provide illumination visible through an opening in the housing structure. The thermal management system is configured to provide an air flow, such as a unidirectional air flow, through the housing structure in order to cool the light source. The driver electronics are configured to provide power to each of the light source and the thermal management system.
US08960961B2	Lamps with functions of adjusting illumination directions A lamp with functions of adjusting an illumination direction is disclosed. A substrate is disposed on a base and includes a through groove. At least one light source is disposed on the substrate. An electronic control unit is disposed in the base. A telescopic member is disposed in the base and is connected to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit drives the telescopic member to elongate and shorten. A flexible light guiding sheet is connected to the telescopic member. When the electronic control unit drives the telescopic member to elongate, the flexible light guiding sheet protrudes onto the substrate via the through groove of the substrate and deflects toward a specific direction, changing the illumination direction of the light source.
US08960950B2	Surface mount luminaire A lighting fixture includes a housing formed from walls that are connected by corner posts that are inserted into the ends of the walls eliminate light leaks and external fasteners. The corner posts include barbs or screw holes for receiving screws from the inside of the walls. The housing can be used as a retrofit for a recessed lighting fixture where the housing can surround the lighting fixture and attach thereto. The assembly can then be mounted by a suitable support.
US08960946B2	Lotus light A multifunctional device is disclosed for facilitating plant growth by shining a solar-powered light over plants, and can provide other functions. The multifunctional device comprises a center post, a ground stake, and solar panels. The center post telescopically expands and retracts. The ground stake tapers to a point on one end and can be secured in the ground. Further, the solar panels fold down against the center post for storage, unfold perpendicular to the center post, and are locked in place when in use via a locking collar. The solar panels comprise an underside and a topside, with solar cells secured to the topside and lights secured to the underside. The solar cells absorb sunlight, and turn the sunlight into electrical energy which is used to charge the solar batteries housed in the center post. The solar batteries power the lights located on the solar panels.
US08960938B2	Rotational game decorative device A rotational game decorative device is disclosed, including: a aquatic lamp main body, a magnet-driven element, a buoy and a bottom base. The magnetic-driven element and the buoy are disposed inside the aquatic lamp main body. The top and the bottom of the buoy are disposed with a plurality of rotational plates disposed with interval. The bottom base is fixedly engaged to the aquatic lamp main body with a magnetic rotational axis for correspondingly attaching to the magnet-driven element, and driven by a driving element to rotate. When the magnetic rotational axis rotates, the magnet-driven element also rotates because of attachment to the magnetic rotational axis so as to wave the fluid inside the aquatic lamp main body, which leading to pushing to rotational plats to rotate the buoy.
US08960933B2	LED housing An LED housing unit is described wherein the housing unit will have a chambered section connected to a mounting section. The mounting section will be mountable onto a base, such as a PCB mounting in a light fixture. The chambered section will have a plurality of chambers that have separating walls and each chamber will be able to hold an LED chip and liquid. The housing unit will also have a heat sink within the housing that extends outside of the housing. Electrical conduits will lead to the LED chips within each chamber and will lead to locations outside of the housing. All the positive leads will lead to one side of the housing while the negative leads will lead to the other side of the housing.
US08960931B2	Luminous keyboard device A luminous keyboard device includes plural keys, a supporting plate, a light-emitting element, and a light guide plate. The supporting plate has a supporting plate opening, and the supporting plate opening has a light-guiding slant surface. The light-emitting element is inserted into the supporting plate opening for emitting plural light beams. When the plural light beams are emitted by the light-emitting element, the plural light beams are guided by the light-guiding slant surface to be introduced into the light guide plate, and the plural light beams are directed to the plural keys to illuminate the plural keys. Consequently, the light amount of the light beams to be introduced into the light guide plate will be increased.
US08960929B2	Device for correcting optical defects of a telescope mirror A device for correcting optical defects of a telescope mirror, compatible with use in a space environment, is provided, where the criteria of weight, reliability, service life, cost and resistance to extreme temperatures are fundamental. The device comprises at least one controllable-length element, means for controlling the length of this element, this element being connected to the mirror by its ends in zones that are diametrically or diagonally opposed and close to the periphery of this mirror, the connection between the controllable-length element and the mirror comprising attachments that are rigid on the axis joining these two attachment zones and flexible in the other degrees of freedom.
US08960925B2	Projector display module and power saving method thereof A projector display module and its power saving method are provided. The projector display module includes a signal source, an analog-to-digital converter, a display control unit, a ballast, and a light source. The display control unit retrieves signal from the signal source and outputs a control signal to the ballast to adjust the power of light source. The display control unit includes a comparison module and a control signal generation module. The power saving method includes the following steps: retrieving the first pixel data of a preset position of the first frame and the second pixel data of the preset position of the second frame from the signal source. The display control unit compares the first pixel data and the second data to produce a comparison result. According to the comparison result, the display control unit produces a control signal to adjust the power of light source.
US08960918B2	Light source system for a stereoscopic projection apparatus A light source system for a stereoscopic projection apparatus is provided. The light source system has a light source module, a first lens unit, a light splitting element, a color wheel module and a light integration element. The light source module provides a light beam, which is transferred by the first lens unit to the light splitting element. Then, the light beam is split by the light splitting element into a first light beam with a first bandwidth and a second light beam with a second bandwidth. The first and the second light beams are then received and transformed by the color wheel into a third light beam and a fourth light beam which are then transmitted to the light integration element. With the above arrangement, the light source system can be applied on a projection apparatus to provide a stereoscopic image.
US08960917B2	Digital light processing projector using laser and light emitting diode A digital light processing projector includes a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, a rotatable optical element, a reflector, a first filter, a second filter, a digital micro-mirror device (DMD), and a projection lens. The LED and the laser respectively emit a first and second homogeneous lights. The rotatable optical element converts a first portion of the second homogeneous light to a third homogeneous light, reflects the third homogeneous light, and transmits a second portion of the second homogeneous light. The reflector reflects the third homogeneous light. The first filter transmits the first homogeneous light, and reflects the second portion to the second filter. The second filter transmits the second portion and the first homogeneous light, and reflects the third homogeneous light to the DMD. The DMD modulates the first, second and third homogeneous lights to obtain optical images. The projection lens projects the optical images on a screen.
US08960915B2	Optical element, light source device, and projection display device Optical element 10 according to the present invention comprises light guide body 11, surface plasmon excitation means 14 that is provided on the interface with light guide body 11 and that allows surface plasmon to be excited by a specific polarization component of light whose polarization direction is orthogonal to the first direction y in the surface of light guide body 11, from among light entering from light guide body 11, and a light generation means that includes metal layer 12 and cover layer 13, and that generates light having the same polarization component as the specific polarization component of light, from surface plasmon produced in the interface between metal layer 12 and cover layer 13 in response to surface plasmon excited by the specific polarization component in surface plasmon excitation means 14. Surface plasmon excitation means 14 includes a plurality of protrusions 14a, each of which extends in the first direction y and is periodically arrayed along the second direction x orthogonal to the first direction y.
US08960914B2	Laser projection apparatus with speckle reduction Provided is a laser projection apparatus which forms each one frame by performing two-dimensional scanning with laser light and projects images on a screen (201) with blanking periods inserted between frames, the laser light having been outputted from a laser light source (110). The laser projection apparatus is provided with a chive controlling device (132) which, in each of the blanking periods, changes the polarization state of the laser light having been outputted from the laser light source. This configuration enables speckle reduction by having the polarization state changed from one frame to another, and also enables favorable image projection since there is no change in luminance within each one of the frames. Thus, it is made possible to obtain image quality more favorable than that obtained conventionally.
US08960913B2	Three dimensional image projector with two color imaging A system is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The system includes a first light source, emitting a light of a first color and a second light source emitting light of a second color. At least one polarizing beam splitter (PBS) is disposed adjacent the first light and the second light source, and at least one imaging device is disposed adjacent the at least one PBS.
US08960912B2	Three dimensional image projector A method is provided for projecting a three-dimensional image. The method includes providing a first light source that emits first eye images and a second light source that emits second eye images. A polarization of the first light source is orthogonal to a polarization of the second light source. A first eye image of a first color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of the same first color is projected from the second light source. A first eye image of a second color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of the same second color is projected from the second light source. A first eye image of a third color is projected from the first light source. A second eye image of a third color is projected from the second light source.
US08960909B2	Control apparatus and control method A control apparatus includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate a measurement object with a measuring beam, a restriction unit configured to restrict the measuring beam from being incident on the measurement object and to reflect or scatter the measuring beam, and a polarization control unit configured to control, based on the measuring beam reflected or scattered by the restriction unit, polarization of the measuring beam.
US08960906B2	Image processing apparatus, ophthalmologic imaging apparatus, image processing method, and storage medium An image processing apparatus includes an identification unit configured to identify periodicity of a fundus image obtained by capturing an image of a fundus of an eye, and an information acquisition unit configured to acquire information indicating an imaging state of photoreceptor cells in the fundus image based on the periodicity.
US08960893B2	Conveying apparatus and image recording apparatus The disclosure relates generally to a conveying apparatus and an image recording apparatus including the conveying apparatus. The conveying apparatus may include a plurality of first rollers and a second roller configured to form a nip point with each of the first rollers so that a sheet may be conveyed. The conveying apparatus may also include a roller holder configured to support the first roller and allow the plurality of first rollers to move toward and away from the second roller. The roller holder may include a shaft pressing portion configured to press shafts of the first rollers, and a sliding portion configured to move in a width direction between a third position and a fourth position to cause the shaft pressing portion to move between a first position and a second position, respectively.
US08960891B2	Printing machine The invention relates to a printing machine, wherein the printing machine has at least one first printing unit and at least one first dryer, wherein the at least one first printing unit has at least one inkjet print head, at least one first central cylinder, and an integral first drive motor dedicated to the at least one first central cylinder, and wherein the at least one first dryer is embodied as a radiation dryer, and wherein the at least one first dryer has at least one ventilating device, which has at least one air infeed line and at least one air removal line, and wherein at least one first cooling unit is arranged downstream of the at least one first dryer along a transport path of a printing material through the printing machine.
US08960890B2	Printing apparatus, printing method, and program A printing apparatus includes a nozzle that ejects, onto a medium, photo-curing ink cured when irradiated with light, and an irradiation unit that irradiates, with the light, the photo-curing ink landed on the medium. Here, when printing an image on the medium by coating with the photo-curing ink, the photo-curing ink is ejected from the nozzle so that the photo-curing ink is coated on the medium with a smaller amount of ink than normally coated in a region inside an outer border of the image, and the photo-curing ink is cured by irradiating the image with the light from the irradiation unit.
US08960883B2	Aqueous ink for inkjet and inkjet recording method Disclosed is an aqueous ink for inkjet that contains water, pigment, organic or inorganic acid (A) and ammonia or amines (B) or ammonium salts of organic or inorganic acids, a resin having anionic groups (C), and an amphoteric resin having both anionic and cationic groups (D). The aqueous ink for inkjet is characterized by fulfilling the relationship pKa(A)
US08960881B2	Image forming apparatus and image forming method A head unit that ejects ink and a control unit that forms a metallic image by ejecting metallic ink that includes metallic particles from the head unit onto a medium are provided, wherein the control unit changes the amount of the metallic ink that is ejected per unit area of the medium based on information that represents the angle between the line of view of a user and an image when the user views the formed metallic image.
US08960877B2	Black ink composition Provided is a black ink composition containing a pigment, wherein the value calculated from the average particle diameter and the particle size distribution width of the pigment and the ink viscosity is regulated within a certain range, and the number of coarse particles contained in the ink composition is regulated to a certain value or less. The ink composition is excellent in ink storage stability and can give an image realized with good balance between color development, in particular, in high-speed printing and inhibition of a time-dependent change in printing density due to pigment sedimentation.
US08960875B2	Insert method of negative-pressure generating member and insert device of negative-pressure generating member There is provided an insert method of a negative-pressure generating member where, upon inserting a negative-pressure generating member 130 into a negative-pressure generating member accommodating chamber, the negative-pressure generating member 130 is inserted while being rotated to a predetermined rotation angle, is inserted to the bottom portion in the negative-pressure generating member accommodating chamber while retaining the rotated angle, and further, is inserted by rotating the negative-pressure member 130 in a reverse direction to the previous rotation direction, thereby increasing a density of the negative-pressure generating member in the partition wall adjacent section.
US08960864B2	Nozzle unit for printer and printer having the same A nozzle unit for a printer that includes a sleeve having a guide path formed in the sleeve and through which ink passes, a nozzle hole seat arranged at one end of the sleeve and having a nozzle hole corresponding to the guide path, and a nozzle holder accommodating the sleeve and the nozzle hole seat, having an opening whose diameter is larger than a diameter of the nozzle hole of the nozzle hole seat so that the ink passing through the nozzle hole is externally discharged through the opening, and including a paramagnetic material.
US08960853B2	Image forming apparatus and exposure device An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that rotates; and an exposure unit that includes multiple light emitters, a holding unit, and first contact portions, the multiple light emitters being arranged along a rotation axis direction of the image carrier, the holding unit holding the multiple light emitters, the first contact portions being positioned on the holding unit so as to sandwich the multiple light emitters therebetween, the exposure unit exposing the image carrier to light. While the image carrier is being mounted on an apparatus body, the exposure unit is moved away from the image carrier in an optical axis direction of the exposure unit as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier, and the exposure unit and the image carrier are positioned as a result of the first contact portions coming into contact with the image carrier.
US08960852B2	Recording apparatus There is provided a recording apparatus including a support stage which support a recording medium, a recording processing section which includes a recording unit for performing recording on the supported recording medium and is bridged so as to cross over the support stage in an X-axis direction, a Y-axis moving section which moves the recording processing section in a Y-axis direction with respect to the support stage, a rear bumper section which is arranged on the rear side of the recording processing section in the Y-axis direction and absorbs impact from collision with a foreign matter, and a first detection section which detects whether or not a distance between the recording medium A and the recording unit is less than a predetermined value, in which at least a part of the first detection section is arranged inside the rear bumper section.
US08960844B2	Discharge rate control method for ink-jet printer, ink spread inspecting method, and oriented film forming method An ink-jet type print head discharge inspecting apparatus comprises an inspecting area in which an anomaly in an ink-jet nozzle is inspected according to an impacted droplet pattern of an oriented film material discharged using the ink-jet nozzle, a film forming area in which an oriented film is formed by discharging and impacting the oriented film material using the ink-jet nozzle, and a moving means configured to move the ink-jet nozzle from the inspecting area to the film forming area, or move a position of the inspecting area and a position of the film forming area to a position opposing the ink-jet nozzle, when the impacted droplet pattern is within a predetermined range.
US08960840B2	Image recording apparatus and tray An image recording apparatus includes a tray including a loading portion for holding a recording medium. The tray has first and second openings. A recording portion is positioned in spaced relation to a platen supporting member having a platen and defining a transportation path therebetween. A transportation portion transports the tray along the transportation path to a position between the platen and the recording portion. A sensor is part of the recording portion and opposes the platen. The sensor outputting a signal based on a detection result obtained using a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion. A control section controls the transportation portion and the sensor to perform detection using the light emitting and light receiving portions. A determination section that determines whether the recording medium is loaded in the loading portion of the tray in accordance with a first output value, and a second output value.
US08960838B2	Printer A printer includes a print unit that ejects ink droplets of at least one ink color onto the sheet, at least one roller that feeds the printed sheet, and a controller that controls the print unit to print the sheet based on image data that defines an ink provision amount of each ink color for every dot according to a print resolution. The controller detects, based on the image data, a broad solid area, and carries out a print setting change with respect to the broad solid area by making the print resolution in the image data lower and making the ink provision amount of each ink color in the image data larger according to the print resolution that is made lower. According to the printer, stains on the printed sheet can be restricted.
US08960835B2	Image forming apparatus, pattern position determining method, and image forming system A disclosed image forming apparatus includes a reading unit including a light emitting element for emitting light to a record medium, and a light receiving element for receiving reflected light; a print data storing unit storing print data of a uniform pattern which has a color different from a color of the test pattern and is provided in an area including the test pattern, a pattern forming unit printing the test pattern on the uniform pattern after the uniform pattern is printed, a relatively moving unit moving the record medium or the reading unit relatively at a constant speed, a first detection data obtaining unit obtaining first detection data received as the reflection light while the light moves and impinges on the test pattern, and a position detecting unit providing a calculation for determining a position of a line of the test pattern to detect the test pattern.
US08960822B1	Drawer track with anti-slip structure A drawer track with an anti-slip structure may include four connecting units; two rails horizontally installed on both sides of a receiving space formed by said connecting units at four corners, said rail having multiple through holes and a slide sheet on each inner portion of the rails; a drawer; and at least one anti-slip member. The drawer is placed onto and slides along the slide sheets of the rail. The rail has multiple through holes and is connected with the L-shaped anti-slip member to limit the movement of the drawer. The drawer track with an anti-slip structure can be quickly and conveniently installed and safely operated, and provide sufficient structural stability.
US08960818B2	Compact ejectable component assemblies in electronic devices Electronic devices are provided with ejectable component assemblies. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray that can be loaded with one or more removable modules, wafers coupled to circuit boards, cages and retaining plates to assist in retaining the tray within the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include springs operative to engage detents in the tray to retain the tray in the assembly. The ejectable component assembly may include a tray ejector mechanism for ejecting the tray from the assembly.
US08960813B2	Method and brake system for controlling the driving stability of a vehicle The invention relates to a method in which the driving stability of a vehicle is controlled, wherein a yaw rate difference is influenced by an additional yaw moment which is generated at least partially by building up braking torque independently of the driver at one or more wheels. According to the invention, the braking torque which influences the additional yaw moment is variably apportioned between the front axle and the rear axle of the vehicle in an oversteering situation.
US08960798B2	Reclining apparatus A reclining apparatus, in which a force causes an operating shaft to incline with respect to an axis of the relative rotation thereof, provides a reclining apparatus having good operability. More specifically, an operating shaft 77 is formed with a flange portion 75 so as to protrude in the radial direction of the operating shaft 77 so as to abut against a bottom portion 21a of a ratchet (first member) 21, and restrict the operating shaft 77 from inclining in any direction with respect to the bottom portion 21a of the ratchet 21 over the entire area of the outer peripheral surface in the circumferential direction on an outer peripheral surface thereof.
US08960791B2	Trim attachment apparatus for vehicle seating assembly A vehicle seating assembly that includes a frame structure and a panel coupled with the frame structure that has an occupant support surface. A connection element protrudes from the occupant support surface and borders a predefined area of the occupant support surface. A trim module covers the predefined area and includes an attachment feature extending inward and engaging the connection element to form a seal around the predefined area. A ventilation aperture extends through the panel within the predefined area and an air movement device is coupled with the panel to draw air through the ventilation aperture from an exterior surface of the trim module.
US08960775B2	Structure for side portion of vehicle body The center pillar outer member (36) of a center pillar (22) which supports a roof (17) is halved into a center pillar outer upper section (37) and a center pillar outer lower section (38). The center pillar outer member (36) is provided with a connection recess (41) at which the center pillar outer lower section (38) is joined to the center pillar outer upper section (37), and is also provided with a seal member (42) which covers the connection recess (41). The seal member (42) continues to the front upper seal (43) and the rear upper seal (44), respectively, of a front door opening seal (31) and a rear door opening seal (33), the front and rear upper seals (43, 44) extending along a roof side rail (24).
US08960774B2	Impact absorbing body for a vehicle door trim An impact absorbing body for attachment to a door trim is capable of bearing a collision load from an exterior panel at the time of a side collision. The impact absorbing body has a top face portion with linear edge portions and sidewall portions extending from the linear edge portions toward the door trim to provide a hollow box. The impact absorbing body also includes base portions connected to edge portions of the sidewall portions. The base portions are open toward the door trim and are attached to the door trim. The impact absorbing body also includes slits between adjacent sidewall portions, and the sidewall portions have outwardly slanted portions. In addition, rib members extend from the top face portion toward the base portion, toward the inside of the hollow box, and connect the adjacent sidewall portions.
US08960772B2	Heavy goods vehicles A heavy goods vehicle has a dropped frame that includes an upper skin, a lower skin and lateral beams between the skins. The frame is self-supporting. In a vehicle independent real wheel motors are provided. The vehicle may be a diesel-electric hybrid. The dropped body is suitable for delivery and collection vehicles, and particularly refuse vehicles.
US08960770B2	Rear spoiler with adjustable aerodynamic profiles for a high performance road vehicle A rear spoiler with adjustable aerodynamic profiles for a high performance road vehicle, the rear spoiler including: at least one fin-shaped support, a first adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support and that rotates around a first rotational axis, and a second adjustable aerodynamic profile that is mounted onto the fin-shaped support at a different height than the first aerodynamic profile and that rotates around a second rotational axis, that is parallel to the first rotational axis, and in an opposite direction with respect to the rotation of the first aerodynamic profile, wherein the first rotational axis is located close to a trailing edge of the first aerodynamic profile and the second rotational axis is located close to a leading edge of the second aerodynamic profile.
US08960767B1	Mechanism for latching a vehicle convertible top A mechanism for latching a convertible top to a vehicle header includes a screw, and a screw receiver sized such that the screw is threadable to the screw receiver. The mechanism also includes a drive motor operable to rotate either the screw or the screw receiver to thread the screw into the receiver. The other one of the screw and the screw receiver is nonrotatable. The screw and the screw receiver are each configured to be operatively connectable to a different one of the convertible top and the vehicle header such that the convertible top is latched to the vehicle header when the screw is threaded to the receiver. The latching occurs via the threads as the screw moves with the convertible top to the closed position.
US08960766B2	Vehicle, in particular cabriolet vehicle with a top bearing A cabriolet vehicle has a top system (2) that can be stowed in a rear-end stowage compartment (7). The top system (2) is held in the stowage compartment (7) by a support with a hinge element (9) having a horizontally pivotable hinge arm (11) and a top bearing (8) integrated in the hinge arm (11). The hinge arm (11) has a drive device (12) actuable by a roof link (30) of the top system (2) and configured to pivot the hinge arm (11) about a vertical axis (10) from a folded-in rest position (R), in which the hinge arm (11) is oriented transversely in the vehicle (1), into a folded-out bearing position (A), in which the hinge arm (11) extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction and in which the top bearing (8) receives a support (14) of a roof element (5) of the top system (2).
US08960765B2	Flexible folding cover A tonneau cover system for a cargo box of a pickup truck having a first tonneau section, a second tonneau section, a third tonneau section, and a fourth tonneau section, each being generally coplanar in an extended position. A first hinge system hingedly couples the first and second sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the first section relative to the second section. A second hinge system hingedly couples the second and third sections to permit pivotal stacked nesting of the combination of the first and second sections relative to the third section. Finally, a third hinge system hingedly couples the third section to the fourth section to permit pivotal movement of the combination of the first, second, and third tonneau sections relative to the fourth section into a retracted, stacked, and rotated upward position.
US08960761B2	Vehicle and a window visor assembly for the vehicle A vehicle and a window visor assembly for the vehicle are disclosed. The window visor assembly includes a visor adapted to be coupled to the vehicle. The visor is rotatable between a retracted position and an extended position. The visor includes a first state changing layer and a second state changing layer spaced from each other. The first state changing layer is in a first mode when the first state changing layer is energized to thereby change the visibility through the visor. The second state changing layer is in a second mode when the second state changing layer is energized to thereby change the visibility through the visor differently from the first state changing layer when energized.
US08960760B2	Reconfigurable dashboard assembly for military vehicles A modular dashboard assembly for a vehicle, such as a tactical vehicle, is described. In some cases, the dashboard assembly includes a smart back plane and removably attachable front modules. The back plane may facilitate communications between components within the front modules and systems with the vehicle, or between components.
US08960756B2	Bedliner with a collapsible storage container for a bed of a truck In an embodiment, a bedliner is configured to cover at least a floor of a bed of a truck and receive a collapsible storage container. The collapsible storage container is configured to move into and out of a collapsed position. The collapsible storage container may include a connection device that is configured to connect the collapsible storage container to the bedliner of a bed of a pickup truck. The collapsible storage container includes an enclosed area, which is accessible, when the collapsible storage container is out of the collapsed position.
US08960752B2	Interior decorative resin component and mounting method thereof There is provided an interior decorative resin component allowing mounting holes to be further precisely bored on a mounting portion thereof without using a pattern paper. This interior decorative resin component comprises a mounting portion to be fixed to a pocket section of an instrument panel inside a vehicle, and an auxiliary portion having a shape conformable to the pocket section with a three-dimensional shape. This interior decorative resin component can be applied to even more types of vehicles due to an improved merchantability thereof. Particularly, the interior decorative resin component is easily mounted in a sense that positioning procedures thereof are reduced by a significant degree by not using a pattern paper, thus minimizing variations in the precisions of positioning performed by each worker. Further, costs spent on the pattern paper and parts such as jigs or the like can thus be omitted to improve a profit ratio.
US08960749B2	Vacuum suction apparatus A vacuum suction apparatus is equipped with a body having a supply port, and a pad provided on a lower portion of the body to which a workpiece can be attracted under suction. The pad is constituted from a base plate accommodated in a space of the body, a flexible intermediate plate provided on a lower portion of the base plate, and a suction sheet body disposed on a lower portion of the intermediate plate and having a sheet that attracts the workpiece under suction. In addition, the base plate, the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are stacked along an axial direction of the body. The rigidity of the base plate is highest, whereas the rigidities of the intermediate plate and the suction sheet body are lower in this order, and the flexibilities thereof are greater in this order from the base plate.
US08960745B2	Zoned activation manufacturing vacuum tool Aspects relate to systems, methods, and apparatus for a zoned vacuum tool comprised of independently operable vacuum sources provided a vacuum force to segregated zones. A vacuum force is generated in connection with a first zone independently of an activation or deactivation of vacuum force generation associated with a second zone. Therefore, a single vacuum tool can selectively apply a vacuum force to material portions, which allows for control as to which material portions are manipulated by the vacuum tool.
US08960738B2	Door handle device for vehicle A vehicle door handle device is configured so that, after a frame is assembled to an outer panel of a slide door, a link base, a connecting link, and a hand grip are mounted to the frame. Next, a lever and a cap are mounted to the hand grip and the frame, thereby assembling each component member to the outer panel. When the hand grip is moved through a door opening operation in the same direction as a slide door opening direction, an operation force for releasing a fully closed latch mechanism, which retains the slide door in a fully closed state, is generated. In addition, when the hand grip is moved through a door closing operation in the same direction as a slide door closing direction, an operation force for releasing a fully opened latch mechanism, which retains the slide door in a fully opened state, is generated.
US08960734B2	Push responsive hold-down A latch which for example may secure a closure to an associated receptacle. The latch may comprise a collar which entraps the enlarged head of a large headed object. The collar may have a series of passages formed therein, each of which receives a spherical object such as a ball bearing. The latch may comprise a pushbutton having an annular body bearing a first portion which prevents the ball bearings from moving, and a second portion which gives each ball bearing space to occupy. The ball bearings normally interfere with the enlarged head and entrap the same within the collar. When the pushbutton is depressed, the second portion allows the ball bearings to move out of the interference position, thereby enabling the enlarged head to escape from the collar. Motion of the pushbutton also provides actuating force for moving the ball bearings.
US08960733B1	Latch device for screen door A new latch device for a screen door includes inside and outside handle assemblies. Each assembly has a lever adapted to be pivotably connected, respectively, to the inboard and outboard side of the screen door. The inboard lever has a paddle at one end and a stem at the other. The stem extends through an opening formed in the screen door. When the paddle is depressed, the stem moves along a cam surface formed in the outboard lever. This causes the outboard lever to disengage the fastener on the solid door to disconnect the solid door from the screen door. Additionally, when the screen door is in its latched position and not connected to the solid door, depressing the paddle causes the latching end of the outboard lever to disengage the doorjamb so that the screen door can be moved independently from its latched position into its open position.
US08960728B2	Conduit fitting with split torque collar A conduit fitting of the type having first and second threaded fitting components and at least one conduit gripping device, further includes a stroke limiting member that allows the fitting to be pulled up by applying a predetermined torque. In one embodiment, the stroke limiting member may be a torque collar. Alternatively, the fitting may also be pulled up by turns, hi still another embodiment, a stroke limiting member is provided that may be used to enable a fitting that is designed to be pulled up by turns to also be pulled up by torque. Different embodiments are provided for the stroke limiting member, including a visual indication as well as a torque indication.
US08960722B2	Head trailer with saddle actuator A trailer for transporting an agricultural harvesting head includes a pair of saddles for supporting the head. The saddles are adjustably mounted on the trailer frame and are simultaneously moved together by an actuator operated by a remote control. The saddles are connected by telescoping rod sections so that the spacing between the saddles is adjustable.
US08960720B2	Helmet holder attachment structure of saddle-ride type vehicle A saddle-ride type vehicle including grab rails that can be gripped by a pillion passenger seated on the pillion passenger seat and a helmet holder that allows selection between a lock state of a metal fitting of a chin strap of a helmet and an unlock state, and configured such that it is unlikely that the helmet holder prevents the pillion passenger from gripping the grab rails. A recess portion is formed in a grab rail, having its opening opened facing an attachment portion of a body frame for attachment of the grab rail. A helmet holder is provided at the position sandwiched between the grab rail and the attachment portion while having at least a part of the cylinder lock stored in the recess portion, and a key hole of the cylinder lock opened facing the outer surface of the grab rail.
US08960713B2	Knee airbag for vehicle and folding method thereof A method of folding a knee airbag includes folding a lower portion of the knee airbag perpendicularly to a vertical central axis so that a lower end of the knee airbag is placed on the front panel of the knee airbag, individually folding both sides of the knee airbag toward the vertical central axis, and rolling an upper end portion of the knee airbag toward the lower portion of the knee airbag. The lower portion of the folded knee airbag is rapidly deployed toward the leg of an occupant in the initial deployment of the knee airbag, thereby minimizing time to ensure the minimum space between the instrument panel and the leg of the occupant and rapidly confining the leg of the occupant.
US08960707B2	Pivoting tow hook Disclosed is a tow adapter for coupling a device to be towed to a towing vehicle. The tow adapter includes a bracket adapted to be attached to the towing vehicle, a loop suitable to support a tether to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed, the loop having a first end and a second end portion each mounted to the bracket about a pivot such that the loop pivots relative to the bracket, the bracket including stops extending outwardly there from which limit an extent of travel of the loop about the pivot when the loop makes contact with the stops, and a hook mounted to the bracket and at least a portion of the hook capable of being disposed centrally within the loop. The tether may be threaded through the loop and attached to the hook to enable the towing vehicle to tow the device to be towed.
US08960704B2	Fifth wheel hitch kingpin assembly A kingpin assembly comprises a housing having a recess located therein, a kingpin having at least a portion located within the recess of the housing, a collar member operably coupled to the kingpin, and a collet member extending about the kingpin and frictionally engaging the housing and the kingpin.
US08960693B1	Door transporting and positioning system A door transporting and positioning system for enabling a single user to safely transport or position a door for installation has a door cradle to hold a door. A cradle floor has a general shape of a “U”. The door cradle has a generally planar first side surface interface component, second side surface interface component, and a floor surface interface component each constructed from compressible, non-marring material. The system has a clamping device located close to a cradle anterior end on a cradle bottom with a spanning bar. A spanning bar first end has a first side clamping member and a spanning bar second end has a second side clamping member. The system has a first axle perpendicularly located on the cradle first side with a first wheel, and a second axle perpendicularly located on the cradle second side with a second wheel.
US08960680B2	Static-dynamic seal assembly with hysteresis-inducing passages A seal assembly is for sealing a clearance space about a shaft, the shaft being rotatable about a central axis, and includes a generally annular sealing member disposed about the shaft. The sealing member is radially deflectable between an inner position and an outer position, the sealing member sealing the clearance space when located at the inner position. A generally annular rotor is disposed about and rotatably coupled with the shaft, the rotor having a generally annular cavity sized to receive the sealing member and at least one and preferably a plurality of lift passages extending at least partially radially through the rotor. Each lift passage has an inner port fluidly coupled with the cavity and an outer port fluidly coupled with an exterior atmosphere such that suction generated within the lift passages when the rotor angularly displaces about the axis generally retains the sealing member at the outer position.
US08960679B2	Sealing device In a sealing device (1) for sealing the through hole of an electrode, the pressurizing medium that generates the pressure of mechanical sealings against a rod electrode structure is an inert gas, such as nitrogen. The means for pressing the created sealing ring (6) against the rod electrode structure (4) include a gas distribution chamber (8) surrounding the sealing ring (6); a first channel (9) that is arranged to provide a flow path for the inert gas in between the hose (14) and the gas distribution chamber (8); an annular groove (10) in the sealing surface (7) of the sealing ring (6); and a second channel (11), which is placed in the sealing ring (6) and is arranged to provide a flow path for the gas from the gas distribution chamber to the groove (10) for extruding the gas in between the sealing surface (7) and the rod electrode structure (4).
US08960672B2	Sheet feeder control method, sheet feeder, and image forming apparatus A sheet feeder control method for controlling a sheet feeder of an image forming apparatus includes feeding a sheet through a sheet feed path exposable to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the feeding of the sheet at at least a first position on the sheet feed path, discharging the fed sheet to the exterior of the sheet feeder, detecting the discharge of the sheet at a second position downstream of the first position in a sheet feeding direction, detecting a sheet jam during the feeding and discharging of the sheet, and if the jammed sheet is detected at the second position but not at the first position, cancelling a malfunction state due to the sheet jam when the sheet stops being detected at the second position, irrespective of whether the sheet feed path is covered or exposed.
US08960670B2	Image forming apparatus including sheet conveyer conveying a sheet and guide guiding the sheet An image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveyer, a main body, a movable unit movable with respect to a guide position at which the sheet is guided, a position detector outputting a position detection signal, and a controller configured to determine whether the movable unit is in the guide position based on the position detection signal, perform a feeding execution process in which controlling the conveyer to feed the sheet by a feeding amount and stop the sheet if the sheet is in a feeding area and if determining that the movable unit is not in the guide position, and perform a feeding inexecution process in which controlling the conveyer not to feed the sheet by the feeding amount and stop the sheet if the sheet is in the feeding area and if determining that the movable unit is in the guide position.
US08960663B2	Sheet feeder with two suction wheels A sheet feeder for separating sheets from a stack and for feeding the sheets to a downstream sheet processing machine includes a first suction wheel and a second suction wheel. The first suction wheel is disposed above the stack and the second suction wheel is disposed downstream of the stack and below a sheet travel plane. The first suction wheel separates a respective sheet from the stack and the second suction wheel accelerates the sheet.
US08960661B2	Stacker device for flat articles stacked on edge, and a postal sorting machine A stacker device (1) for flat articles (2) stacked on edge, said device including a retaining paddle (6) mounted to be moveable along the stacking path (E) between an upstream position and a downstream position, and between a working position in which it interferes with said stacking path (E) and a resting position in which it does not interfere with said stacking path (E), a holding finger (7) suitable for being in a deployed position in which it interferes with said stacking path (E) so as to receive the foot of a flat article (2) bearing against it, and mounted to be moveable along said stacking path (E) between a rear position and a front position, said holding finger (7) and said retaining paddle (6) being independent from each other so that said holding finger (7) retains said foot of the flat article (2) even when said retaining paddle (6) is in its resting position.
US08960660B2	Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system According to an embodiment, there is provided a sheet processing apparatus includes a stacking unit that stacks a sheet conveyed thereto; a first alignment unit that aligns the sheet or a bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a sheet conveying direction; a second alignment unit that aligns the sheet or the bundle of sheets stacked in the stacking unit in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction; a pressing unit that presses the bundle of sheets at an end portion thereof on a predetermined one side; and a control unit that causes at least one of the first and second alignment units to execute an alignment operation during a press operation of the sheet or the bundle of sheets performed by the pressing unit.
US08960654B2	Vibration isolation device Provided is a vibration isolation device including: a first attachment member formed in a tubular shape; a second attachment member disposed at the inner peripheral side of the first attachment member; a resilient body coupled to the first attachment member and the second attachment member; a partitioning member configuring a first main liquid chamber between the partitioning member and the resilient body; a diaphragm member configuring an auxiliary liquid chamber between the diaphragm member and the partitioning member; a first restricting through path enabling liquid to move between the first main liquid chamber and the auxiliary liquid chamber; a recess portion provided to the resilient body and configuring a liquid chamber between the recess portion and the first attachment member; a separating wall sectioning the liquid chamber into a plurality of second main liquid chambers; a second restricting through path; and pressure difference reduction portion.
US08960651B2	Vessel for cooling syngas A vessel for cooling syngas comprising a syngas collection chamber and a quench chamber, wherein the syngas collection chamber has a syngas outlet which is fluidly connected with the quench chamber via a tubular diptube, wherein the syngas outlet comprises of a tubular part having a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the tubular diptube and is co-axial with the diptube, and wherein the tubular part terminates at a point within the diptube such that an annular space is formed between the tubular part and the diptube, and wherein in the annular space a discharge conduit for a liquid water is present having a discharge opening located such to direct the liquid water along the inner wall of the diptube.
US08960648B2	Wet dust suppression floor cleaning system An arrangement for removing dust from the atmosphere during cleaning of a generally flat surface, such as floor, includes a reservoir for providing water to a nozzle. Also included is an air compressor and a compressed air tank. Compressed air is provided in a controlled manner at an elevated pressure to the nozzle to reduce the water to minute droplets which absorb/encapsulate the dust particles and deposit them on the floor surface under the influence of gravity. A manual or automatic pressure regulator coupled to the outlet of the compressed air tank allows for selecting the air velocity and the size of the water droplets to match the size of the dust particles to increase the extent of dust removal. This dust removal approach can be used with virtually any type of generally flat surface and the compressed air has a siphoning effect to increase the water droplets produced and the dust particles removed.
US08960643B2	Double offset ball member usable in ball valves and other flow control applications Ball valves and ball valve components usable to control the flow of fluids and methods for manufacturing said ball valve components. Ball valves include a ball member comprising two curved segments of like shape and size, which are integrally joined and disposed symmetrically to one another relative to the axis of rotation of the ball member. A bore extends through the joined first and the second curved segments, wherein the first end of the bore is located on the first curved segment and the second end of the bore is located on the second curved segment. Each curved segment is disposed symmetrically to one another, relative to the axis of rotation. The area of separation, between the curved segments, defines shoulders of like configuration, wherein each shoulder is located symmetrically with respect to the other relative to the ball member's axis of rotation.
US08960634B2	Holder for electronic device with support Cases or holders for cell phones, personal digital assistants, portable video/music players, electronic books, electronic tablets and other handheld and/or free-standing display devices, as well as the devices themselves are disclosed. In different embodiments, a versatile protective holder that can allow placement on any surface for hands-free viewing, with full adjustment of viewing angle in landscape and/or portrait orientations; directional sound reflecting and baffling; easier cleaning and viewing of the device's screen; easier grasping by the user; wearing of the device using a belt clip or arm or waist band; as well as attachment to an automobile, bicycle, or other vehicle are disclosed.
US08960629B2	Rearview mounting device A rearview device mounting assembly includes a bracket having a windshield engagement surface. The bracket further includes a neck with a ball. The ball has at least one of either a knurled patch or a striation and the ball is configured to engage a socket in the rearview device. The socket of the rearview device includes fingerlike projections and a ball engaging surface. The ball engaging surface has raised features to frictionally engage the ball and minimize or eliminate droop of the rearview device.
US08960624B2	Medical device mounting system A medical device mounting system is disclosed for connecting a medical device suite to ceiling support structure. The system includes a plurality of portions connected to form a box beam structure that has high strength and high rigidity to withstand substantial bending loads associated with heavy medical device suites. The system includes a structure connection portion for engaging ceiling structure, a central mounting panel portion, and a base plate portion for engaging the medical device suite at or above the ceiling panel level. The mounting panel portion includes multiple mounting panels formed into a box beam shape. The base plate portion forms an egg-crate structure. The structure connection portion includes a plurality of tubular members that connect to longitudinal members of the mounting panel portion, and a plurality of plate portions that facilitate fixation of the assembly to ceiling structure. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
US08960618B2	Detachable hanger and supporting stand with hanger A detachable hanger and a supporting stand with the detachable hanger are disclosed. The supporting stand includes a mount, a support member, an object-fixing structure, and the detachable hanger. The support member is disposed on the mount and includes an engagement structure. The object-fixing structure is disposed on the support member for fixing an object. The detachable hanger includes a hanger part and an engagement part. The engagement part is connected to the hanger part and engaged with the engagement structure in a rotary way. Thereby, the detachable hanger can be detached for storage of the supporting stand; when the supporting stand needs to be used again, the detachable hanger can be engaged onto the support member simply and firmly. Therefore, the invention solves the problem of the inconvenient storage for a conventional supporting stand with an undetachable hanger.
US08960612B2	Non-metallic support stanchion A cable rack arm and support system suitable for underground power and communication service is made from a non-metallic polymer that will not rust or corrode. The cable rack arm is adapted for mounting to existing underground stanchions or for stanchions of a more modern design. Each cable rack arm is securely mounted to the stanchion. Each cable rack arm then supports one or more cables in cable rests or saddles molded atop the arm, thus keeping the cables accessibly organized in a manhole, tunnel or vault. Plastic cable ties may be used to secure the cables to the cable rack arms. Nonmetallic pins may also be used to secure the cable rack arms to the stanchions. The stanchions may be made of nonmetallic composite material that includes a fiberglass cross-layered knitted apertured mat for increased strength.
US08960610B2	High-lift system of an aircraft A high-lift system of an aircraft has at least one drive unit, at least one load station as well as one or more transmissions for transmitting the drive energy of the drive unit to the at least one load station. One or more of the transmissions are made as transmission shafts from a material containing titanium or include a material containing titanium.
US08960607B2	Container delivery system rapid deployment device A pneumatic deployment device (“PDD”) assists in ejecting containerized cargo bundles from a cargo aircraft during an airdrop. The PDD includes a first structure affixed to the aircraft and a second moveable structure, and which is positioned against a cargo bundle, referred to as a CDS bundle. Typically, a series of CDS bundles are positioned along a line in the cargo hold of the aircraft. A pressurized tank provides compress gas to an airbag that is positioned between the first structure and the second structure. Upon reaching the drop location, the gas is release from the tank to the airbag via a hose, inflating the airbag. The airbag pushes the second structure against the CDS bundle, so that the cargo bundles are ejected faster from the aircraft than would otherwise occur.
US08960606B2	Circumference splice for joining shell structures The disclosed shell structure splice and method may include a first panel having a first edge, a second panel having a second edge, the second edge being positioned in edgewise alignment with the first edge to form a splice joint, a strap bridging the splice joint and attached to the first panel and the second panel, the strap having a first tapered region and a second tapered region, a first fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the first tapered region of the strap, and a second fitting having a tapered section and a flat section, the tapered section being attached to the second tapered region of the strap.
US08960591B2	Tilt-rotor aircraft A convertiplane having a fuselage with a first axis; and two rotors having respective shafts and fitted to a wing having a fixed portion connected to the fuselage, and a movable portion which supports the rotors, is connected to the fixed portion to rotate about a second axis crosswise to the first axis and to the shafts of the rotors, and is formed in one piece defined by two half-wings located on opposite sides of the fixed portion and each supporting a respective rotor, and by an elongated member extending along the whole wing and connecting the two half-wings; the rotors being powered by a motor via a transmission comprising a transmission shaft connecting the shafts of the rotors and coaxial with the second axis.
US08960590B2	Pressure-equalizing cradle for booster rocket mounting A launch system and method improve the launch efficiency of a booster rocket and payload. A launch aircraft atop which the booster rocket is mounted in a cradle, is flown or towed to an elevation at which the booster rocket is released. The cradle provides for reduced structural requirements for the booster rocket by including a compressible layer, that may be provided by a plurality of gas or liquid-filled flexible chambers. The compressible layer contacts the booster rocket along most of the length of the booster rocket to distribute applied pressure, nearly eliminating bending loads. Distributing the pressure eliminates point loading conditions and bending moments that would otherwise be generated in the booster rocket structure during carrying. The chambers may be balloons distributed in rows and columns within the cradle or cylindrical chambers extending along a length of the cradle. The cradle may include a manifold communicating gas between chambers.
US08960575B2	Electrostatic spray system and method In accordance with one embodiment a system is provided that includes an aerosol spray can, a receiver configured to electrically insulate the commercially available aerosol spray can, and a nozzle headpiece configured to couple to a neck portion of the aerosol spray can. Further, the nozzle headpiece is configured to electrostatically charge the aerosol spray can, and the nozzle headpiece includes an electrostatically charged passage.
US08960567B2	Systems and methods for portable multi-component mixing of materials for spray application of same Methods, systems and an apparatus for multi-component mixing and spray application, including a portable, balanced frame having uniformly distributed weight over the wheels, and insulated chemical container holders for receiving replaceable materials containers therein.
US08960563B1	System and method for freight refrigeration power control A mobile refrigerator unit is operated remotely via wireless technology using a system with a local maintenance switch. A local override switch turns the refrigerator unit on and off, but keeps it on in the event of failure of the maintenance switch.
US08960558B1	MOS electronic article surveillance, RF and/or RF identification tag/device, and methods for making and using the same A RF MOS- or nonlinear device-based surveillance identification tag, and methods for its manufacture and use. The tag includes an inductor, a capacitor plate coupled to the inductor, a dielectric film on the capacitor plate, a semiconductor component on the dielectric film, and a conductor providing electrical communication between the semiconductor component and the inductor. The method of manufacture includes depositing a semiconductor material/precursor on a dielectric film; forming a semiconductor component from the semiconductor material/precursor; forming a conductive structure at least partly on the semiconductor component; and etching the electrically functional substrate to form an inductor and/or a second capacitor plate. The method of use includes causing/inducing a current in the tag sufficient to generate detectable electromagnetic radiation; detecting the radiation; and selectively deactivating the tag. The present invention provides a low cost tag capable of operating at MHz frequencies and in frequency division and/or multiplication modes.
US08960557B2	Wireless IC device A wireless IC device includes a wireless IC chip arranged to process a radio signal, a power-supply circuit board that is connected to the wireless IC chip and that includes a power supply circuit including at least one coil pattern, and a radiation plate arranged to radiate a transmission signal supplied from the power-supply circuit board and/or receiving a reception signal to supply the reception signal to the power-supply circuit board. The radiation plate includes an opening provided in a portion thereof and a slit connected to the opening. When viewed in plan from the direction of the winding axis of the coil pattern, the opening in the radiation plate overlaps with an inner area of the coil pattern and the area of the inner area is approximately the same as that of opening.
US08960552B2	Hand-held data collector with detachable scanner Disclosed is data collection apparatus for hand use. The apparatus comprises a body and a bar code scanner. The body has: a central portion adapted to be and gripped in the manner of a joystick; a switch positioned on the central portion and positioned in the manner of a pistol trigger, for finger actuation; a first data entry portion to which the central portion extends, the first data entry portion having at least a 10-digit numeric keypad, each key of said keypad being adapted for and actuable in use by the thumb of said hand; and a second data entry portion from which the central portion extends. The scanner is: adapted for actuation by said switch; has a configuration in which the bar code scanner defines a protuberance extending from the first data entry portion; and is detachable from the body for use in tight spaces.
US08960546B2	Extended range EMF antenna An antenna for use in an asset-identification system. The antenna includes a plurality of electrically conductive coils electrically connected in parallel. The coils are physically aligned along a common axis. The coils are offset along the common axis by a distance selected to reduce the mutual inductance between the electrically conductive coils, while allowing the signals from the electrically conductive coils to add together.
US08960532B2	Coded business card on badge In various example embodiments, a system and method for providing a coded business card on a badge is provided. In example embodiments, a code from the badge of a user is detected. The user data associated with the user based on the code is retrieved. The user data is automatically stored to an address book of a receiving party.
US08960520B2	Method and apparatus for determining parameters of linear motion in a surgical instrument A surgical instrument and method of controlling the surgical instrument are disclosed. The surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft that extends distally from the housing and defines a first longitudinal axis. The surgical instrument also includes a firing rod disposed in the elongated shaft and a drive mechanism disposed at least partially within the housing. The drive mechanism mechanically cooperates with the firing rod to move the firing rod. A motion sensor senses a change in the electric field (e.g., capacitance, impedance, or admittance) between the firing rod and the elongated shaft. The measurement unit determines a parameter of the motion of the firing rod, such as the position, speed, and direction of the firing rod, based on the sensed change in the electric field. A controller uses the measured parameter of the motion of the firing rod to control the drive mechanism.
US08960516B2	Fastener driving tool A fastener driving tool is capable of not only linearly driving but also rotationally fastening a fastener into a workpiece P. The fastener driving tool includes a housing 2, a nose portion 40 formed with an injection passage 40a through which a fastener 41 is driven, a magazine 4 accommodating fasteners 41 and supplying a fastener 41 to the nose portion 40, a push lever 5 movable relative to the housing 2 upon depression against the workpiece P, combustion chamber frames 12, 22 movable in the housing 2 in accordance with the movement of the push lever 5, and first and second cylinders 7, 8 fixed to the housing 2. First and second pistons 71, 81 are movably disposed in the first and second cylinders 7,8, respectively, and a bit 9 extends from the first piston 71. A rod 14 formed with a rack 14A extends from the second piston 72. The rack 14A is engageable with a motion conversion mechanism 6 for converting a linear motion of the rod 14 into rotational motion of the bit 9.
US08960513B2	Infield backpack for carrying a spotting scope attached to a tripod A backpack is disclosed for carrying a spotting scope or other optic device attached to a tripod. The backpack includes an optics storage compartment having an interior that is accessible from a front of the backpack and first and second tripod leg attachment structures positioned below the optics storage compartment for securing first and second legs of the tripod against a corresponding first and second side of the backpack. When the tripod is attached to the backpack by the first and second tripod leg attachment structures, the spotting scope is positioned to be rotatable into and out of the interior of the optics storage compartment by a user.
US08960507B2	Pump dispenser with an inclined nozzle A pump dispenser for dispensing a liquid product from a container includes an inlet valving arrangement, a plunger and piston arrangement, an outlet valving arrangement and a dispensing nozzle. The dispensing nozzle is a snap-together combination of a unitary, molded plastic nozzle body and a unitary, molded plastic outlet member. The nozzle body defines an exit passageway for the liquid product being dispensed from the container. The outlet member includes an outlet opening and a weir which is positioned between the outlet opening and the exit passageway. Use of the weir affects the exit velocity of the product being dispensed and also provides a barrier so as to prevent remainder or residual product from seeping into or around the outlet opening where it might coagulate.
US08960501B2	Dispensing assembly and method for dispensing a mixed fluid A dispensing assembly and method for preventing a lead-lag condition between first and second fluid components forming a mixed fluid includes a nozzle and a mixer insert connected to first and second barrels respectively containing the first and second fluid components. The nozzle has a nozzle inlet that includes first and second cavity portions. The mixer insert is positioned at least partially within the nozzle inlet to collectively define respective first and second passages. The first and second passages are adapted for directing the first and second fluid components into a nozzle bore of the nozzle for forming a pre-mixed fluid according to a predetermined ratio. The nozzle is further adapted to mix the pre-mixed fluid for dispensing the mixed fluid from the nozzle.
US08960500B2	Dispenser for beverages including juices A beverage dispenser for combining a number of micro-ingredients, one or more macro-ingredients, and one or more water streams. The beverage dispenser may include a micro-mixing chamber for mixing a number of the micro-ingredients and the water into a micro-ingredient stream and a macro-mixing chamber for mixing the micro-ingredient stream, the macro-ingredients, and the water into a combined stream.
US08960498B2	Touch-free dispenser with single cell operation and battery banking An electrically powered device includes at least one electrically powered component and a power source having at least two cells. One cell powers the electrically powered component and the remaining cells are held in reserve. A control circuit is connected to the electrically powered component and the power source. The control circuit includes a controller which generates a charge signal, a boost regulator circuit connected to the controller which receives power from the power source and generates a boost signal for conversion into a charge signal. A capacitor is connected to the controller and receives the charge signal and provides a predetermined voltage to the electrically powered component. A boost regulator circuit and the controller monitor the power source and draw power from one of the remaining cells held in reserve when the cell is fully depleted.
US08960494B1	Disposable anti-viral tissue dispenser and disposal structure An integrated tissue dispensing apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow dispensing container configured to hold at least one tissue, the hollow dispensing container comprising a front face, a top face, a back face positioned opposite to the front face, a left side face, a bottom face, and a right side face positioned opposite to the left side face, and a foldable trash disposal receptacle formed with and fixedly adjoined to the hollow dispensing container and comprising a receptacle bottom wall connected to the back face of the dispensing container. The foldable trash receptacle is configured to fold between a closed position and an open position relative to the dispensing container. Also provided are embodiments including a multi-panel single semi-rigid foldable piece that when assembled forms a dispensing container and trash disposal receptacle. The device may be constructed of cardboard, for example.
US08960483B2	Slosh pot The invention relates to a reservoir tank, particularly for receiving a reducing agent for metering into the exhaust gas tract of an internal combustion engine. A spill basin is accommodated in the hollow space of the reservoir tank. At the base region, the spill basin is radially and axially guided into a recess of the reservoir tank base.
US08960476B2	Germ free beverage lid system A germ-free beverage lid system; a protective covering specially designed for the plastic lids that are used for beverages sold in coffee house chains, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, and similar outlets. The intent is to provide a more hygienic means of offering these type of lids to consumers, helping to create a sterile cup lid to stop the spread of germs and bacteria.
US08960473B2	Fuel tank The invention relates to a fuel tank having at least one filler pipe (2) enclosing a refueling duct (13), at least one operational venting valve (11), at least one refueling venting valve (8) and at least one venting line (9), which is connected to a filler head (3) of the filler pipe (2). The filler head (3) comprises a valve, which when refueling closes a flow path from the venting line (9) into the refueling duct (13). One of outstanding features of the fuel tank is that the venting line (9) is embodied as a collective venting line for the refueling and operational venting and that in any switching position of the valve it communicates with a downstream fuel vapor filter (10) connected to the filler head (3).
US08960468B2	Collapsible container A collapsible container having an expanded storage configuration and a collapsed storage configuration is provided, the collapsible container comprising a floor portion; a ceiling portion opposed to the floor portion; at least one wall portion disposed between the floor portion and the ceiling portion; at least one door portion disposed between the floor portion and the ceiling portion; and at least two posts having a collapsed length configuration and an expanded length configuration, the at least two posts, in the collapsed length configuration, being adapted to interconnect the ceiling portion to the floor portion when the container is in the collapsed configuration and, in the expanded length configuration, being adapted to interconnect the ceiling portion to the floor portion when the container is in the expanded configuration. A collapsible container kit and a method of using the collapsible container is also provided.
US08960452B2	Drying rack assembly A drying rack assembly for countertop placement has a drip pan and a drying rack positionable on the drip pan for holding one or more objects to be dried above the drip pan. The drying rack includes a base seatable on the drip pan, with at least a portion of the base being configured for disposition above the drip pan upon seating the drying rack on the drip pan. At least one panel is pivotably connected to the base for positioning relative to the base between a standing position for supporting the one or more objects to be dried and a collapsed position in which the at least one panel is generally laid down against the base.
US08960439B2	Wet tissue package and production method for same A wet tissue package that is easily to manufacture with a used wet tissue storage receptacle disposed on a package body. Configured is a wet tissue package equipped with a package body and a used wet tissue storage receptacle, wherein the package body is equipped with a first seal portion formed by joining a pair of first side edges of a sheet member, and a pair of second seal portions formed by joining a pair of second side edges, and a wet tissue housing. The used wet tissue storage receptacle is composed of a first seal extension portion formed by extending in a direction that intersects a direction that the first side edges extend from the first seal, and a sheet member that composes the package body.
US08960433B2	Dual activation package for readable card A package is configured to hold an information carrying card. The package includes a first panel connected to a second panel via a first fold line. The first panel includes a first opening. A third panel is connected to the second panel via a second fold line, the third panel includes a second opening. In a state where the first panel has been folded to overlap the second panel via the first fold line and the second panel has been folded to overlap the third panel via the second fold line, the first opening at least partially overlaps the second opening. The package may include a card on which data is stored. The data is exposed through the first and second opening to an environment outside the package.
US08960422B2	Packaged antimicrobial medical device and method of preparing same A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture. The method includes the steps of providing a containment compartment molded from a polymeric resin comprising a polymeric material and an antimicrobial agent, positioning a suture within the containment compartment, the suture comprising one or more surfaces; covering the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package cover having an inner surface, and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the containment compartment to the suture, while retaining an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent on the containment compartment, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment. A packaged antimicrobial suture is also provided.
US08960421B1	Foldable front cover for electronic tablet A foldable cover has panels or sections and hinges that allow the cover to be folded into a stand for an electronic tablet or other electronic device. The front cover protects the front screen of the electronic tablet. The front cover can be folded into a stand to provide multiple viewing angles for the tablet, without needing to carry a separate standalone stand device. The foldable cover can be part of case that houses and protects the electronic tablet. Due to the foldable cover, this case has additional functionality and usability. Since the stand can be formed from the front cover, the stand will be available wherever the case is and is harder to lose than having a separate standalone stand.
US08960419B2	Box check for conveyor belt and method of installation A conveyor belt box check for installation in a mine is disclosed. The box check includes first and second generally parallel spaced-apart walls extending across a mine passage. Each of the walls has a conveyor belt aperture sized for receiving the conveyor. In some embodiments, access doors are provided in the first and second walls, and a partition extends between the first and second walls for separating the access doors from the conveyor belt apertures and for forming an air lock between the walls. A method of installing the box check is also disclosed.
US08960403B2	Device for processing banknote and method for detecting the conveyance of banknote The disclosure provides a method for detecting the conveyance status of a banknote, comprising; detecting whether the banknote reaches a first position in a banknote passage within a first predetermined time; detecting whether the banknote reaches a second position in the banknote passage within a second predetermined time when it is determined that the banknote has reached the first position (S14); determining whether the status of the banknote at the first position is changed from Banknote Detected to Banknote Undetected when it is determined that the banknote is withdrawn when it is determined that the status of the banknote at the first position has changed from Banknote Detected to Banknote Undetected (S18). This application can increase the possibility of the banknote processing device in detecting whether the banknote is withdrawn. Meanwhile, the disclosure provides a device for processing a banknote.
US08960402B2	Financial device, method of controlling the same, and medium processing apparatus Provided is a financial device, which comprises a medium entrance, a medium processing apparatus, and a control unit. A medium is deposited or withdrawn through the medium entrance. The medium processing apparatus processes the medium. The control unit controls the medium processing apparatus. The medium processing apparatus comprises a front guider, a rear guider behind the front guider, a pushing member pushing a medium disposed in a medium processing space, and a supporting guider supporting the medium in the medium processing space. The control unit controls an operation of the medium processing apparatus such that states of the front guider, the rear guider, the pushing member, and the supporting guider when moving of a medium is completed in the medium processing space to deposit the medium are the same as states of the front guider, the rear guider, the pushing member, and the supporting guider when moving of a medium is completed in the medium processing space to withdraw or return the medium.
US08960396B2	Torsional vibration damping arrangement, particularly for the power train of a vehicle A torsional vibration damper arrangement including a torsional vibration damper with a primary side and a secondary side rotatable with respect to the primary side around an axis of rotation against the action of a damper spring arrangement. One side of the primary side and secondary side includes two cover disk elements and a central disk element arranged between the cover disk elements. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by first connection elements radially inside the damper spring arrangement so as to be fixed axially and so as to transmit torque. The cover disk elements are connected to one another by second connection elements in such a way that they are prevented from moving axially away from one another. No torque can be transmitted between the cover disk elements by the second connection elements.
US08960381B2	Disc brake pad mounting and retention system and method A system and method are provided for mounting, removing and retaining brake pads in disc brakes, such as air-operated disc brakes utilized on commercial vehicles, in a manner which does not require the use of separate brake pad retaining devices while providing positive retention of the brake pad. A preferred embodiment includes a brake caliper mount having brake pad abutment surfaces having radially-oriented and lateral grooves which permit a brake pad with corresponding projections on is lateral sides to be inserted through an opening of the brake caliper into the radially-oriented grooves until the backing plate projections are aligned with the lateral groove, and advancing the brake actuator behind the brake pad to place the brake pad in an operating position in which the actuator prevents the brake pad from realigning with the radially-oriented grooves until the actuator is retracted to permit brake pad extraction.
US08960377B2	Non-linear spring isolation device An elevator system includes a car assembly, a drive assembly, and a vibration-damping device (16) arranged at a connection between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The vibration-damping device (16), which includes springs (32, 34, 36) that have varying spring stiffnesses and varying heights, is configured to provide a total spring stiffness between the top of the car assembly and the drive assembly. The total spring stiffness varies as a function of a mass of the car assembly.
US08960375B2	Elevator monitoring and control method and apparatus that set and execute control patterns An elevator monitoring and control method which involves indicating the condition of a plurality of elevators in indicators and controlling the plurality of elevators on the basis of a prescribed input. Since in control setting processing, it is possible to set a plurality of control items as a control pattern, in control execution processing, elevator control by a plurality of control items is made possible simply by executing the control pattern, with the result that it becomes possible to improve operability and to reduce the frequency of wrong operations. Furthermore, control execution processing can be performed after isolating part of the control patterns set in the control setting processing, with the result that it becomes possible to take speedy and flexible steps even in an emergency and to improve operability.
US08960368B2	Tank farm system A tank farm system with improved ingress and egress that includes a tank configured to hold a volume of fluid; a barrier constructed at least partially around the tank, the barrier comprising a first surface contour and a second surface contour; and a portable pathway configured to conform to the first surface contour and the second surface contour. The pathway further having a frame member; at least one step; and a mount for movingly coupling the at least one step to the frame member.
US08960367B1	Acoustic panel An acoustic panel for diffusing sound waves, the acoustic panel comprising: a panel front surface and a substantially opposed panel back surface; the panel front surface defining a plurality of front surface regions each delimited by a respective front surface region perimeter, each of the front surface regions being curved. The sound waves incoming at the panel front surface are diffused by the panel front surface.
US08960366B2	Foam cushion for headphones A composite foam cushion for a sound control device. The cushion includes a core formed of a polymeric foam material and a polymeric coating overlying at least a portion of the core of polymeric foam material. The polymeric coating includes an outer coating layer and an inner polymeric coating layer bonded to the core of polymeric foam material. The inner coating layer may provide the cushion with strength, while providing a high degree of flexibility and suppleness to closely conform around contours and obstructions. The outer coating layer may provide the cushion with enhanced abrasion resistance and/or chemical resistance while having an aesthetically pleasing feel and appearance.
US08960365B2	Acoustic and vibrational energy absorption metamaterials An acoustic/vibrational energy absorption metamaterial includes at least one enclosed planar frame with an elastic membrane attached having one or more rigid plates are attached. The rigid plates have asymmetric shapes, with a substantially straight edge at the attachment to said elastic membrane, so that the rigid plate establishes a cell having a predetermined mass. Vibrational motions of the structure contain a number of resonant modes with tunable resonant frequencies.
US08960364B2	Pinion sensor assembly, pinion sensor cover assembly, and electronic power steering apparatus having the same pipe Disclosed are a pinion sensor assembly and an electric power steering apparatus having the same. According to the present invention, it is possible to substantially reduce the number of constitutional elements to be assembled when assembling a torque sensor and neighboring elements, to reduce an error in change of torque caused by accumulation of assembling errors of the constitutional elements, thereby preventing a malfunction, and to enhance assemblability.
US08960363B2	Electric power steering device Disclosed is an electric power steering device capable of applying a prescribed steering assist force to a steering assembly, even when a torque sensor is out of order and the electric power steering device is in a state of being unable to sense steering torque by the torque sensor. Using an angle of rotation of a rotating element, which is detected by a resolver that serves as a rotating element angle of rotation sensing unit of a motor, a steering angle and a steering angular velocity are estimated, and a prescribed steering assist force is applied to a steering assembly by the motor, on the basis of an estimated steering angle and/or an estimated steering angular velocity.
US08960357B2	Motor vehicle with an electric drive unit A motor vehicle has a body (1) having a plurality of bearings (5, 6, 7). The bearings (5, 6, 7) are disposed and configured for mounting a supporting structure (14) that houses an electric drive unit (11) that includes an electric drive motor (12) and a high-voltage battery (13) for providing electric energy. The bearings (5, 6, 7) also are disposed and configured for mounting an internal combustion engine (8) and a transmission (9) connected to the internal combustion engine (8). Thus, the motor vehicle does not have to be redesigned depending on whether the motor vehicle is powered by an electric drive unit (11) or an internal combustion engine (8).
US08960353B2	Foot-controlled powered vehicle A motorized vehicle for a rider standing with one foot in front of the other, having at least one front wheel and at least one rear wheel. Load sensing means for sensing the amount of weight on each of the rider's feet are attached to or incorporated into the surfaces upon which the rider stands. An electronic control system detects when the distribution of weight between the rider's front and rear feet deviates from a certain ratio, and directs the motor to accelerate or decelerate in order to correct the change and restore the desired weight ratio. In this way the rider can control the speed of the vehicle by shifting her weight forward or backward. The front wheel is steerable by the rider's front foot. Leg contact surfaces facilitate stability as well as precision and control. Another control method is also described.
US08960340B2	Power add-on device for manual wheelchair A power add-on device for powering a manual wheelchair includes a motorized component including dual electric motors and a power source electrically coupled to the electric motors, wherein each of the motors is configured to turn a respective one of a set of drive wheels. The power add-on device includes a latching mechanism adapted to attach the power add-on device to the camber tube of the manual wheelchair; and a controller, reachable by a person sitting in the manual wheelchair, that controls the latching mechanism, the motors, and a swing arm that allows the rear wheels of the manual wheelchair to be lifted off the ground. The front wheels of the manual wheelchair are allowed to be lifted several inches off the ground to avoid obstacles, or can be lifted by the user leaning back. Advantageously, the power add-on device can be detached from the manual wheelchair and loaded into the trunk of a car when travelling or may be checked in as baggage when flying.
US08960339B2	Mecanum wheel A Mecanum wheel having a circular plate with a plurality of peripheral flanges formed thereon, the flanges having tab portions bent at an angle of less than 90° from said plate; a roller being mounted to and cantilevering off of each of said tab portions such that the axis of rotation of each roller is at corresponding angle of less than 90° from said plate. In some cases, the angles are approximately the same, being approximately 45°. By cantilevering the rollers, more space is available for use by machines using this Mecanum wheel design.
US08960329B2	Steerable piloted drill bit, drill system, and method of drilling curved boreholes The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlled steering. One embodiment of the invention provides a bit body comprising a trailing end, a pilot section, and a reaming section. The trailing end is adapted to be detachably secured to a drill string. The pilot section is located on a leading, opposite end of the bit body. The reaming section is located intermediate to the leading and trailing ends. The pilot section comprises at least one steering device for steering the pilot section of the bit body, thereby steering the entire bit body. Another embodiment of the invention provides a wellsite system comprising a drill string; a kelly coupled to the drill string; and a bit body as described above. Another embodiment of the invention provides a method of drilling a curved borehole in a subsurface formation.
US08960327B2	System for monitoring coring operations A system (10) for monitoring coring operations including a core sample marker (24) to rest in use on the top of a drilled core sample (14) within a core barrel (16). A cable (26) is connected at a first thereof to the core sample marker (24) and a cable tensioner (30) is provided above the core sample marker (24) to apply tension to the cable (26). A cable movement detector (32) is provided such that as the drilled sample (14) moves up the core barrel (16), the cable tensioner (30) draws the cable (26) up the core barrel (16) and the cable movement detector (32) determines the length of cable (26) drawn up the core barrel (16), thereby providing information regarding the distance traveled by the core sample marker (24).
US08960325B2	Free-mass and interface configurations of hammering mechanisms The design of the free-mass in an ultrasonic driller/corer (USDC) has been refined in order to improve the performance and operational reliability of the system. In one embodiment, the improvements in performance and operational reliability include decreasing the impact surface area of the free-mass to increase the transfer of impact energy from the piezoelectric transducer and reductions in the likelihood that the system will jam.
US08960320B2	Inline plug flame arrestors Example inline plug flame arrestors are disclosed. A disclosed example flame arrestor includes a body having a passage to enable fluid communication between a first end of the passage and a second end of the passage, wherein the first end of the passage includes a shoulder and a plug disposed within the passage to substantially fill a cross-sectional area of the passage, wherein a first end of the plug engages the shoulder, wherein the plug is configured to provide a gap between an exterior surface of the plug and a wall of the passage to fluidly couple the first and the second ends of the passage, and wherein the plug includes at least one slot at the first end of the plug extending along an exterior surface of the first end of the plug to a peripheral edge of the first end of the plug to direct fluid flow in the slot toward the wall of the passage and along the gap and the exterior surface of the plug toward the second end of the passage.
US08960305B2	Monitoring system for pipelines or risers in floating production installations A method of monitoring a subsea pipeline system connecting one or more wells to a floating production system, wherein the pipeline system is at least partially flexible, the method comprises installing a continuous optical fiber distributed sensor as part of the pipeline system, the sensor capable of providing a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure or strain, or any combination thereof; using the sensor to obtain a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration, pressure and/or strain along at least part of the pipeline system indexed to a length thereof; and using the distributed measurement to predict the actual condition of the fluid, the pipeline system and/or the adjacent sea water using a model. A subsea pipeline system for connecting one or more wells to a floating production system, wherein the pipeline system comprises at least one partially flexible pipeline; a continuous optical fiber distributed sensor installed as part of the pipeline capable of providing a distributed measurement of temperature and/or strain; means for obtaining a distributed measurement of temperature, vibration or strain, or combinations thereof, along at least part of the pipeline system indexed to a length thereof from the sensor; and means for using the distributed measurement to manage operation of the system. Preferably, the system comprises means for modelling expected pipeline behavior using the distributed measurement as an input; and means for using the modelled behavior to manage operation of the system.
US08960303B2	Gooseneck conduit system A gooseneck conduit system for use with a telescoping joint of a subsea riser. In one embodiment, a riser telescoping joint includes a tube, and a gooseneck conduit assembly affixed to the tube. The gooseneck conduit assembly includes a plurality of gooseneck conduits and a locking mechanism. The gooseneck conduits extend radially from the tube. The locking mechanism engages a locking pin affixed to the tube to secure the gooseneck conduit assembly to the tube. Each gooseneck conduit couples to an auxiliary fluid line secured to the telescoping joint.
US08960302B2	Marine subsea free-standing riser systems and methods A free-standing riser system connects a subsea source to a surface structure. The system includes a concentric free-standing riser comprising inner and outer risers defining an annulus there between. A lower end of the riser is fluidly coupled to the subsea source through a lower riser assembly (LRA) and one or more subsea flexible conduits. An upper end of the riser is connected to a buoyancy assembly and the surface structure through an upper riser assembly (URA) and one or more upper flexible conduits, the riser also mechanically connected to a buoyancy assembly that applies upward tension to the riser. The riser may be insulated for flow assurance, either by a flow assurance fluid in the annulus, insulation of the outside of the outer riser, or both. The system may include a hydrate inhibition system and/or a subsea dispersant system. The surface structure may be dynamically positioned.
US08960295B2	Fracture valve tools and related methods Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.
US08960294B2	Methods for monitoring fluids within or produced from a subterranean formation during fracturing operations using opticoanalytical devices In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one fracturing fluid component; introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, thereby performing a fracturing operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the fracturing fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the fracturing fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both.
US08960292B2	High rate stimulation method for deep, large bore completions A method of servicing a wellbore comprising inserting a first tubing member into the wellbore, wherein a manipulatable fracturing tool is coupled to the first tubing member and comprises one or more ports configured to alter a flow of fluid through the manipulatable fracturing tool, positioning the manipulatable fracturing tool proximate to a formation zone, manipulating the manipulatable fracturing tool to establish fluid communication between the flowbore of the first tubing member and the wellbore, introducing a first component of a composite fluid into the wellbore via the flowbore of the first tubing member, introducing a second component of the composite fluid into the wellbore via an annular space formed by the first tubing member and the wellbore, mixing the first component with the second component within the wellbore, and causing a fracture to form or be extended within the formation zone.
US08960286B2	Heavy oil recovery using SF6 and RF heating A method of producing heavy oil by first injecting water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules into a region. The method then introduces electromagnetic waves such as microwaves and/or radio frequencies into the region at a frequency sufficient to excite the water and the sulfur hexafluoride molecules and increase the temperature of at least a portion of the water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules within the region to produce heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules. At least a portion of the heavy oil is heated in the region by contact with the heated water and sulfur hexafluoride molecules to produce heated heavy oil. The heated heavy oil is then produced.
US08960285B2	Method of processing a hydrocarbon resource including supplying RF energy using an extended well portion A method for hydrocarbon resource recovery in a subterranean formation including a laterally extending injector well having a tubular conductor therein, and a laterally extending producer well adjacent the injector well, may include drilling outwardly from a distal end of the injector well beyond a distal end of the tubular conductor to define an extended injector well portion. The method may further include advancing a radio frequency (RF) conductor through the tubular conductor so as to extend beyond the distal end of the tubular conductor and into the extended injector well portion. The method may further include supplying RF energy into adjacent portions of the subterranean formation from the RF conductor, and recovering hydrocarbon resources utilizing the producer well.
US08960280B2	Method for determining fracture plane orientation using passive seismic signals A method for determining fracture plane orientation from seismic signals detected above a subsurface formation of interest includes detecting seismic signals using an array of seismic sensors deployed above the subsurface formation during pumping of a hydraulic fracture treatment of the subsurface formation. A time of origin and a spatial position of origin (hypocenter) of microseismic events resulting from the hydraulic fracture treatment are determined. Time consecutively occurring ones of the hypocenters falling within a selected temporal sampling window are selected. A best fit line through the selected hypocenters using a preselected linear regression coefficient is determined. The selecting hypocenters and determining best fit lines is repeated for a selected number of windows.
US08960272B2	RF applicator having a bendable tubular dielectric coupler and related methods A radio frequency (RF) applicator may be rotated during positioning within a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The wellbore may have at least one bend therein. The RF applicator may include a series of tubular conductors, and a respective bendable tubular dielectric coupler rotationally interlocking opposing ends of adjacent ones of the series of tubular conductors to define a tubular antenna. The RF applicator may include at least one RF feed conductor extending within the tubular antenna and connected to the series of tubular conductors.
US08960264B2	Method and apparatus for controlling variable shell thickness in cast strip Apparatus and method for continuously casting metal strip includes a pair of casting rolls having casting surfaces with a center portion, edge portions each having average surface roughness between 3 and 7 Ra, and intermediate portion between each edge portion and the center portion, the center portion average surface roughness between 1.2 and 4.0 times the edge portion surface roughness, and the intermediate portions average surface roughness between that of the edge and center portions. The surface roughness of the center portion is tapered across its width, and may be tapered across its width is in stepped zones. The center portion may have surface roughness varied across the surface to correspond to a desired variation in metal shell thickness across the cast strip. The center portion may be at least 60% of the casting roll width, and each edge portion may be up to 7% of the casting roll width.
US08960263B2	Centrifugal casting method and apparatus A method and apparatus for centrifugal casting, in which transfer functions are developed relating the fluidity of molten metal, for example iron of varying composition, to casting machine movement for a particular mold in order to cast objects, for example pipe, having desired and uniform characteristics, including wall thickness. Fluidity is calculated for each pour of molten metal based on the measured pour temperature and measured liquidus arrest temperature. A drive system controlled by a programmable logic controller moves the casting machine in accordance with the output of the transfer functions based on the calculated fluidity.
US08960261B1	Vehicle window shade system A vehicle window shade system for providing shade to the interior of a vehicle. A first guide rail and a second guide rail are attached to a vehicle window frame. The shade is supported by a top support bar and a bottom support bar. At least a part of the top support bar and/or the bottom support bar is made from elastic materials or telescoping parts such that the support bars may be extended to reach the varying distances between the first side rail and the second side rail. The shade expands by pressing a switch that triggers a motor to uncoil a cable and move the top support bar up the first and second guide rails.
US08960252B2	Tire with radial carcass reinforcement A passenger vehicle tire, the crown reinforcement of which has three distinct elements, the three distinct elements comprising: a radial carcass reinforcement formed of reinforcing elements connecting the two beads of the tire, a crown belt comprising reinforcing elements parallel to the circumferential direction of the tire, and a crown triangulation layer comprising reinforcing elements making an angle of between 10 degrees and 80 degrees with the circumferential direction of the tire, the reinforcing elements of the triangulation layer having a flattened cross section.
US08960247B2	Pneumatic tire This invention relates to a pneumatic tire in which an appearance during a final stage of running is good and a heat buildup is low, and more particularly to a pneumatic tire comprising a tread portion (3) having a cap rubber (8) and a base rubber (7), characterized in that a rubber composition comprising not less than 30 parts by mass of carbon black and not less than 2 parts by mass of silica based on 100 parts by mass of a rubber component is used in the base rubber (7), and the base rubber (7) has a tensile stress at 300% elongation (M300) of 10-14 MPa and a loss tangent (tan δ) of 0.1 or lower.
US08960245B2	Pneumatic tire and manufacturing method of pneumatic tire A pneumatic tire has a tread rubber formed by a nonconductive rubber and a side wall rubber formed by the nonconductive rubber. An outer surface of the side wall rubber is provided with a band-like diametrical conductive portion which is formed by a conductive rubber and extends along a tire diametrical direction. An outer end of the diametrical conductive portion is exposed to a ground-contacting surface or is connected to a conductive rubber member which is exposed to the ground-contacting surface. An inner end of the diametrical conductive portion is exposed to a rim contact region or is connected to a rim strip rubber formed by the conductive rubber. A narrow groove is formed by depressing an outer surface of the diametrical conductive portion and extends in a tire diametrical direction in a side wall portion.
US08960243B2	Gouging machine for double reeds A gouging machine for cane includes: (a) a base; (b) a cane bed, having a trough disposed parallel to a bottom surface of the cane bed, and having grooves on opposing sides thereof that slope at a groove angle with respect to the bottom surface of the cane bed, the cane bed being affixed to the base so that the trough is parallel to a top surface of the base and to a predetermined line; and (c) clamps, disposed on the opposing sides of the cane bed, each clamp having a tongue that slopes at the groove angle with respect to a clamping surface thereof, which clamping surface is adapted to grip edges of cane placed in the trough of the cane bed, and wherein the tongues of the clamps slidably engage the grooves of the cane bed so that the clamping surface of the clamps are parallel to a bottom of the trough.
US08960242B2	Sealed containers and methods of filling and resealing same A container and method for filling same. The container includes a penetrable and resealable portion that is resealable, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the penetrable and resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the penetrable and resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent upward movement of the body, and applying energy to the penetrable and resealable portion to form a gas-tight seal.
US08960240B2	Twisted ribbon wire guidewire coil A medical guidewire having distal tip coil that includes a twisted ribbon wire construction. The distal tip coil is mounted to the distal end of the distal core section of the guidewire. The coil is made from a flat ribbon wire with a polygonal, preferably rectangular, cross-section that is twisted along the length of the wire. The twisted, flat ribbon wire creates a tip coil that has a roughened, undulating surface at the outer circumference that, whether coated or bare, is perceptible to the physician or cardiologist when pushing or torquing the guidewire in an interventional procedure.
US08960237B2	Fuel tank installation A fuel tank installation comprising: a fuel tank for holding fuel, the fuel tank comprising a fuel tank wall formed with a hole; a fuel pump assembly fitted into the hole in the fuel tank wall with an inner part of the fuel pump assembly protruding from an inner side of the hole and an outer part of the fuel pump assembly protruding from an outer side of the hole; a cage surrounding the outer part of the fuel pump assembly; and a mounting piece which attaches both the cage and the fuel pump assembly to the fuel tank wall.
US08960231B2	Multi-mode injection valve A multi-mode injection valve includes a stator having an outer stator face and an inner stator face; a plurality of fluid ports in the outer stator face; a plurality of fluid orifices in the inner stator face, the fluid orifices disposed in fluid communication with the fluid ports, respectively; a rotor having a rotor surface engaging the inner stator face of the stator; a plurality of rotor grooves in the rotor surface of the rotor, each of the rotor grooves adapted for fluid communication with a pair of the fluid orifices depending upon a rotational or angular position of the rotor with respect to the stator; and an actuator unit engaging the rotor, the actuator unit adapted to rotate the rotor relative to the stator.
US08960229B2	Sleeve valve with sync cam Sleeve valves include a valve body having an inner surface and outer surface, the inner surface and the outer surface defining an inlet, an outlet, and a body cavity between the inlet and the outlet; a sleeve disposed at least partially within the body cavity, the sleeve including at least one opening fluidly connecting the inlet to the outlet; a gate proximate to the sleeve and movable over a portion of the sleeve including the at least one opening, the gate including at least one front stop and at least one back stop connected to the gate; and a drive assembly including at least one drive line having a drive shaft and a sync cam, the sync cam of each at least one drive line movably positioned on the drive shaft and between one of the at least one front stop and one of the at least one back stop.
US08960221B2	Gas pressure regulating valve An electromagnetic pressure regulating valve includes a valve body and causes a valve body to move by an electromagnetic proportional solenoid to adjust an opening degree of a valve passage, thereby regulating secondary pressure to target pressure. A pressure return chamber is formed in the housing, and a diaphragm seal is provided at the valve body. The diaphragm seal receives the secondary pressure of the pressure return chamber to cause the valve body to move toward a closed position. A bearing member is provided between the valve body and the housing. In a gap between the valve body and the housing, a high-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the valve passage than the bearing member, and a low-pressure sealing member is provided closer to the bearing member than the high-pressure sealing member. A buffer chamber connected to a secondary port is formed between the sealing members.
US08960217B2	Pilot relay A spool is provided with a first discharge air duct connecting the first opening to the first discharge air chamber, and a second discharge air duct connecting the second opening to the second discharge air chamber, where the first discharge air duct and the second discharge air duct are divided by a non-duct part. A first output air pressure chamber is adjacent to a first discharge air chamber with a first diaphragm interposed therebetween, the first discharge air chamber is adjacent to a bias chamber with a second diaphragm interposed therebetween, the bias chamber is adjacent to an input air pressure chamber with a third diaphragm interposed therebetween, the input air pressure chamber is adjacent to a second discharge air chamber with a fourth diaphragm interposed therebetween, and the second discharge air chamber is adjacent to a second output air pressure chamber with a fifth diaphragm interposed therebetween.
US08960214B2	Tire pressure release apparatus and method An apparatus includes a housing, a passageway, a pressure release mechanism, and at least one seal. The housing includes a longitudinal axis. The passageway extends through the housing and along the longitudinal axis and has a first end and a second end. The first end is configured to be threadably coupled and to be in fluid communication with a Presta valve of a tire. The second end is configured to be in fluid communication with a hose. The pressure release mechanism communicates with the passageway. The seal communicates with the pressure release mechanism and seals the pressure release mechanism and the passageway.
US08960206B2	Flossing device Provided is a flossing device comprising a dental floss in the shape of two round members and one straight member in a junction area between them, the device not only entering between the teeth, but cleaning the whole teeth-surface surrounding the inter proximal space. The floss of the device may be impregnated with cosmetic or medical agents.
US08960203B2	Hair implement with rotational bearing A hair implement, such as a comb, brush, or pick, is disclosed that includes a handle section containing a rotational bearing within an annular opening in the handle section. When the hair implement is not in use, it may be held on a user's finger and rotate out of the way without the need for the user to disengage his or her finger from the hair implement.
US08960200B2	Artificial nails including application tabs A kit including a package containing a plurality of preformed artificial nails having an application tab that removably clings to a surface of the nail, the application tab assembly including a body protruding from the nail, an attachment portion, and, optionally, an adhesive disposed between the body and the artificial nail. The clinging portion of the attachment portion, and the adhesive, if utilized, leaves substantially no residue on the artificial nail when the application tab assembly is removed from the surface of the artificial nail.
US08960196B2	Mask system with interchangeable headgear connectors A mask system for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a common frame provided without built-in or integral headgear attachment points and at least first and second headgear connectors adapted to be provided to the frame. Each of the at least first and second headgear connectors are adapted to attach headgear straps of headgear. The at least first and second headgear connectors are different from one another in at least one aspect.
US08960194B2	Ventilator for rapid response to respiratory disease conditions The present specification discloses a ventilator system that can be manufactured quickly with minimal skill requirements and rapidly deployed in response to epidemic respiratory disease conditions. In one embodiment, the ventilator, having a minimal number of controls, is used to give ventilation or mechanical breathing to a patient suffering ARDS. The mechanical ventilation is based on pressure control and has variable pressure, breathing rate, and oxygenation. Preferably, the ventilator is rapidly deployable, easy and intuitive to operate, and capable of sustaining at least 75% of epidemic respiratory distress victims who require assisted ventilation until resuming normal breathing.
US08960192B2	System and method for quantifying lung compliance in a self-ventilating subject The lung compliance of a subject that is at least partially self-ventilating is determined. The quantification of lung compliance may be an estimation, a measurement, and/or an approximate measurement. The quantification of lung compliance may be enhanced over conventional techniques and/or systems for quantifying lung compliance of self-ventilating subjects in the lung compliance may be quantified relatively accurately without an effort belt or other external sensing device that directly measures diaphragmatic muscle pressure, and without requiring the subject to manually control diaphragmatic muscle pressure. Quantification of lung compliance may be a useful tool in evaluating the health of the subject, including detection of fluid retention associated with developing acute congestive heart failure.
US08960189B2	System and method for monitoring a metered dose inhaler A system and method for dispensing metered doses of medicament to a subject that monitors one or more aspects of the dispensation. The medicament is aerosolized for dispensation to the subject so that the subject can inhale the medicament into his airway. The one or more aspects of the dispensation that are monitored based on ultrasonic energy generated by the aerosolization of the medicament. The one or more aspects of the dispensation that are monitored may include one or more of a number of doses dispensed, a number of doses remaining, whether any medicament remains to be dispensed, and/or other aspects of the dispensation of the medicament.
US08960179B2	Air treatment module An air treatment module includes an air plenum, a heat exchanger tube and a bypass duct. The bypass duct has an inlet opening in flow communication with the air plenum in juxtaposition with a selected region of the heat exchanger and an outlet opening in flow communication with a zone of lower air pressure. The presence of the bypass duct improves air flow over the heat exchanger tube in the selected region.
US08960177B2	Wiresaw cutting method The present invention provides a wiresaw cutting method comprising cutting a workpiece with a wiresaw while applying an aqueous cutting fluid to the wiresaw from a recirculating reservoir of cutting fluid, monitoring at least one of a chemical property, a physical property, or both, and adjusting the chemical composition of the cutting fluid while cutting the workpiece to maintain the property being monitored. The present invention additionally provides an apparatus to perform the inventive method.
US08960176B2	Metered ball delivery Methods and apparatus, for metered ball delivery. An apparatus includes a secure enclosure housing a reservoir of tennis balls, a battery power supply and a battery powered portable tennis ball machine, the secure enclosure and tennis ball machine communicating via a wireless network to determine a location of the portable tennis ball machine.
US08960175B2	Paintball marker with advanced gas release mechanism A projectile launching device has a knock-open valve that is opened when forced by a hammer to release compressed air and launch a projectile from the device. The projectile launching device has a force control device between the hammer and the knock-open valve that is configured and positioned to provide force translation and control, allowing forces acting on a knock-open valve to be manipulated independently of the speed profile and mass of the hammer. A bolt is used to load a projectile into the barrel before it is launched. Where the hammer is configured to move with the bolt, the force control device allows forces acting on a knock-open valve to be manipulated independently of the speed profile and mass of the hammer and the bolt. The force control device can be a cam surface or a lever, or a lever having a cam surface.
US08960158B2	Method and device for determining a fuel pressure present at a direct injection valve A method for determining a fuel pressure present at a direct injection valve comprising a solenoid drive comprises (a) detecting a voltage induced in the solenoid drive within a time span comprising a closing point in time of the direct injection valve, and (b) determining the fuel pressure based on the detected induced voltage. Further, a corresponding device, a common rail system, a motor vehicle, and a computer program for determining the fuel pressure of a valve comprising a solenoid drive are provided.
US08960154B2	Electronic fuel control system The present invention is concerned with an electronic fuel control system including a carburettor having a throttle bore, a fuel chamber, and at least one fuel circuit extending between the fuel chamber and the throttle bore and controlled by an adjustment member such as a needle, the control system further including an actuator operable to automatically adjust the adjustment member in response to one or more engine operating parameters.
US08960152B1	Manually actuated automotive engine throttle override One embodiment of an independent engine throttle override comprised of an override switch in conjunction with of an override module which houses a fixed resistor and switching relay to provide the capability to return a runaway automotive engine to idle speed without impacting operability of other vehicle control systems.
US08960139B2	Engine assembly having camshaft with non-magnetic journal An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a camshaft, a timing wheel and a camshaft position sensor. The camshaft may be rotationally supported within the engine structure and may have a non-magnetic journal rotationally fixed thereto. The timing wheel may be rotationally fixed to the camshaft proximate the non-magnetic journal. The camshaft position sensor may be coupled to the engine structure and configured to determine the rotational position of the camshaft based on a magnetic impulse from the timing wheel.
US08960138B2	Dual crankshaft engine A dual-crankshaft engine is presented. In one embodiment, the engine includes a first crankshaft and a second crankshaft. The second crankshaft is coupled with the first crankshaft such that the first crankshaft and the second crankshaft are horizontally coplanar. The engine further includes a first piston that is operable to reciprocate in a first horizontal cylinder via coupling with the first crankshaft, and a second piston that is operable to reciprocate in a second horizontal cylinder via coupling with the second crankshaft. The second horizontal cylinder is horizontally collinear with and opposing the first horizontal cylinder.
US08960124B2	Plasma processing apparatus and plasma processing method Provided are a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method wherein particles generated due to the inner potential of an inner cylinder disposed inside of a vacuum container are reduced. The plasma processing apparatus has, inside of a metal vacuum chamber (11), the inner cylinder (15) composed of a surface-alumited aluminum, disposes a substrate in a plasma diffusion region, and performs plasma processing. A plurality of protruding portions (15a) in point-contact with the vacuum chamber (11) are provided on the lower end portion of the inner cylinder (15), the alumite film (16) on the leading end portion (15b) of each of the protruding portion (15a) is removed, and the inner cylinder and the vacuum chamber (11) are electrically connected to each other.
US08960122B2	Apparatus and method for manufacturing absorbent body An apparatus for manufacturing an absorbent body, including a recessed form die formed on a predetermined face of a predetermined member, moving in one direction along a moving path along the predetermined face; a duct disposed in a predetermined position in the moving path, discharging a gas including fluid absorbent fibers from an opening section toward the predetermined face; and a polymer casting member disposed inside the duct, casting a superabsorbent polymer from a casting opening toward a center area of the opening section in a direction along the moving path, wherein in the case of the form die passing the duct position, by the gas being sucked through air intake holes in a bottom section of the form die, the fluid absorbent fibers and the superabsorbent polymer in the gas are stacked in the form die to form an absorbent body, wherein an air pressure inside the duct is made lower than the air pressure outside the duct because of the gas being sucked through the bottom section of the form die, wherein a duct-inner-wall section is inside the duct and is disposed facing an inner wall face of a wall section of the duct with a spacing therebetween, the wall section having a gap between the predetermined face and the opening section of the duct, and an outside air intrudes into the duct along the moving path through the gap, and the duct-inner-wall section restricts the outside air intruding into the duct through the gap flowing into the center area of the duct.
US08960118B2	Lifting apparatus for submarine-atmospheric interface devices and submarine comprising the lifting apparatus A lifting apparatus for devices used for detection, observation, air intake or communication on a submarine comprises a first movable mounting unit and a second movable mounting unit equipped at the top of them with at least one detection or communication device and at least one actuator associated with the first movable mounting unit and/or with the second movable mounting unit to move them along a main direction of movement. The apparatus further comprises a supporting member extending along the main direction and interposed between the first movable mounting unit and the second movable mounting unit and also having a pair of guides, each extending along the main direction and slidably coupled to a respective movable mounting unit to guide its movement along the selfsame main direction.
US08960111B2	Apparatus and lower thread winding-spool for detecting the ending region of lower thread of sewing machine A lower thread ending region detection apparatus prevents problems associated with false stitchings occurring from inability to detect lower thread's exhaustion during sewing operation. The lower thread ending region detection apparatus comprises: light control unit, which contacts a part of lower thread wound on a thread bobbin and activates or inactivates at least one of the functions of emitting light, reflecting light, passing light and blocking light, due to the effect of the physical movement force generated depending on whether the lower thread of the ending region is unwound; light receiving unit, which receives the light transferred out by the light control unit and outputs a detection signal; and control and notification unit, which analyzes the detection signal output from the light receiving unit to determine whether the lower thread has reached the ending region and outputs the result to the user.
US08960101B2	Ski-chair-lift display apparatus and method A display system is easily attached to the safety bar of a chair on a chair lift system at the beginning of a season. The display system includes brackets formed of rails holding clamp portions that may be fastened together to clamp the display system to a chair, such as to the safety bar across the lap of a rider. At the end of a season, the display system may be removed from each chair, the clamp portions removed, and the display systems stacked. In one simplified system, adjacent displays may be stacked back to back, and such adjacent pairs may be stacked with the displays in adjacent pairs positioned face-to-face. Thus, metal brackets on the backs need not scratch up the reading faces or surfaces. Meanwhile, the displays may be stored in minimal space, with great stability, while minimizing wear and damage.
US08960100B2	Energy recovery system for a mobile machine The disclosure is directed to an energy recovery system for a mobile machine. The mobile machine may include a locomotive and a tender car. The recovery system may include a tank located on the tender car. The tank may be configured to store a liquid fuel for combustion within a main engine located on the locomotive. The recovery system may also include a fuel delivery circuit connecting the tank to the main engine, and an auxiliary engine located on the locomotive. The auxiliary engine may be selectively connectable to receive gaseous fuel formed in the tank. The energy recovery system may also include a boil-off circuit connecting the tank to the auxiliary engine.
US08960097B2	Dynamic loading system for a ride vehicle A ride vehicle loading interface system to allow guests in wheelchairs to access a ride vehicle and enjoy a ride attraction. The loading interface system includes a plurality of associated ride vehicles moving on a track. At least one ride vehicle including a tray extendable from and retractable into the ride vehicle through an opening, the tray for receiving a wheelchair and for allowing the wheelchair to be positioned in the ride vehicle. The ride vehicle loading interface system including a loading platform moving at about the same rate as the ride vehicle during loading and unloading.
US08960096B2	Chair-lift station having a high flow and small dimensions Disengageable chair-lift station having a transfer way made up of a first longitudinal part extending in alignment with the line of the carrying-hauling cable, and of a second transversal part extending perpendicular to the first part. The driving or return pulley is placed between the sections of the first part, and the disembarkation and embarkation platforms are shifted from one another in the second part, so that the disembarkation and embarkation of the skiers are performed on the same side of the station, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the line.
US08960086B2	Systems and methods for varying the repeat pitch distance of a substrate for use with absorbent articles Apparatuses and methods for producing an absorbent article are provided. Graphics are printed on a substrate, where consecutive graphics are separated in the machine direction by a first repeat pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in a first direction to define a second repeat pitch distance. The second repeat pitch distance is substantially equal to the pitch length of the absorbent article pitch length. The substrate is activated, or incrementally stretched, in the machine direction subsequent to printing to increase the repeat pitch distance. The substrate may be activated in the cross direction to increase the width of the substrate. Only portions of the substrate may undergo activation. The activation may be performed with rollers and/or stamping.
US08960085B2	Camera for monitoring functions of a round baler A system is provided to utilize one or more video cameras placed proximal to one or more operating systems of a round baler and one or more signals on the baler to switch screens on a display to display video during bale ejection, crop feeding, twine or net wrapping and back up. The display switches screens back to other baler application when for example the ejection cycle is completed, the wrapping cycle is completed etc. This allows an operator to visually monitor various baler functions while facing forward and without the need to manually change setting on the display.
US08960079B2	Device and method for producing a frothed liquid from soluble ingredients and diluent Device for producing a frothed liquid comprising a chamber 13 opened to atmosphere with a transverse bottom wall 14 and a longitudinal upward wall 15, at least one diluent inlet 18, at least one liquid delivery outlet 20, wherein the diluent inlet is provided through the upward wall and is dimensioned and oriented for directing a thin jet of diluent in the chamber, and wherein the at least one liquid delivery outlet is configured in the bottom wall for liquid to rise up along the side of the upward wall by the jet of diluent entering the chamber as a result of the direction and dimension of the diluent inlet in the chamber.
US08960077B2	Double piston apparatus for controlling the preparation of beverages A dispensing apparatus for hot beverages is provided with a device (4,5) to filter hot, pressurized water through ground edible ingredients such as coffee, tea or herbal remedies in a chamber, a controlling unit (16) storing data, and two pistons operated independently by two motors to control the volume and/or the position of the brewing chamber.
US08960076B2	Cartridge for preparation of a liquid comprising puncturable delivery wall A cartridge (1) containing a food substance adapted to interact with water injected in the cartridge to produce a food liquid comprising: a cup (2) having a chamber for holding the food substance (10) and a lid (7), a puncturable delivery wall (8) that holds the substance in the chamber, a puncturing structure (11) to puncture at least one opening in the delivery wall as a response of water filling the chamber, a collecting area (5) for collecting the liquid passing through the delivery wall in a substantially axial direction; said collecting area being placed downstream the puncturable delivery wall (8), at least one liquid outlet (15) in the collecting area for allowing the liquid to leave the collecting area, wherein the cartridge comprises a support structure (12) comprising at least one support surface (14, 17, 18, 19) configured to support at least one portion of the delivery wall to maintain a flow gap between the puncture structure (11) and the at least one outlet (15).
US08960075B2	Dispensing system and method A system and method for dispensing a final fluid product using optimal parameters are disclosed. The dispensing system includes a pumping system and a capsule holder operatively coupled to the pumping system, the capsule holder configured to receive a capsule containing a product to be dissolved, the capsule holder further configured to receive a fluid through the capsule from the pumping system. The capsule holder includes one or more encoding recognition systems configured to interact with encoding means of the capsule, and the encoding recognition systems determine parameters based on the encoding means. The parameters control the pumping system and are used for dispensing of the fluid through the capsule holder and through the capsule to produce the final fluid product by dissolving the product to be dissolved using the parameters. The dispensing system may further use user information to adjust the parameters.
US08960067B2	Method and apparatus for launch recoil abatement Recoil forces of a launched missile and the moment force imposed on the launch platform can be reduced by use of a recoil abatement element in communication with a launch tube. The recoil abatement element includes at least one nozzle configured to receive therethrough exhaust gasses from a missile when launched. The nozzle can be canted or otherwise configured to direct the exhaust gasses in a desired direction to thereby offset moment force imposed on the platform by the exhaust gasses.
US08960060B1	Sharpening element for a cutting table A cutting table has a planar table surface with a linear cutting edge that is engaged by a moveable cutting blade that progressively contacts the cutting edge to make a cut. An elongate sharpening element extends along the cutting edge wherein the sharpening element will be progressively contacted by the blade with each cut, thereby sharpening the blade.
US08960039B2	Auto transmission lever mouse device for shift by wire system A mouse AT lever includes a pair of A/B buttons generating control signals when being pressed and an operation dial turning to implement P, R, N, D, and M shift ranges, and can implement a basic function of outputting operation signals for the positions of the selected shift ranges and implementing operation feeling according to the shifting in various ways using the pressing time of A/B buttons, a function of preventing mis-operation in the shifting by using H-MATIC functions, a shift-lock function that prevents the ranges from being switched under a predetermined condition, a function of starting the engine by using a button, a customer-directional safety control function that is set by the customer, and an interface function for communicating with an DIS (Driver Information System) controlling the devices mounted in the vehicle.
US08960020B2	Non-contacting torque sensor with injection molded magnets A non-contacting torque sensor comprises a magnetic flux generating rotor and a magnetic flux detecting probe. The magnetic flux generating rotor is disposed axially between a first stator and a second stator and has a radially outboard surface and plurality of N pole magnets and S pole magnets alternatingly disposed proximate the radially outboard surface. Each stator has a plurality of stator teeth, with each one of said plurality of stator teeth corresponding to a unique one of said plurality of N pole magnets and S pole magnets. The magnetic flux detecting probe is disposed at a distance from the radially outboard surface and configured for detecting variations in magnetic flux produced by the magnetic flux generating rotor to detect a change of a relative twist between the magnetic flux generating rotor and the first stator and second stator. The N pole magnets and S pole magnets are injection molded.
US08960017B2	System and method for ultrasonic metering using an orifice meter fitting A method of retrofitting an orifice meter includes providing an orifice fitting body having a bore, an orifice plate, a plurality of tap holes, and a plurality of pressure sensors installed in the plurality of tap holes. The method further includes removing the orifice plate and the plurality of pressure sensors from the orifice fitting body and installing a plurality of transducers into the plurality of tap holes. At least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to generate a signal and at least one of the plurality of transducers is configured to receive the signal. Additionally, the method includes measuring a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the bore based on an output of each of the plurality of transducers.
US08960009B2	Apparatus and method for measuring vibration characteristics A vibration characteristic measuring apparatus includes a magnetic bearing that generates magnetic force on the rotating body of a multi-stage centrifugal compressor, a displacement sensor that measures the vibration amplitude of the rotating body, a current amplifier that supplies a current to the magnetic bearing, and an excitation controller which outputs an excitation control signal for applying vibration to the rotating body and which measures the response characteristics of the vibration of the rotating body to the excitation control signal. The excitation controller outputs a rotating body control signal obtained by adding a vibration eliminating signal for eliminating unbalance vibration of the rotating body to the excitation control signal when measuring the response characteristics, and the current amplifier supplies a current that generates magnetic force in accordance with the rotating body control signal to the magnetic bearing.
US08960008B1	System for measuring vibrations occuring on a surface A device and system is provided for amplifying vibrations resulting from underwater acoustic signals. In operation, a laser interrogation beam is directed along an axis at the retro-reflector device and is responsive to reflections directed along the axis of the interrogation beam. The retro-reflector device reflects a signal back to a source and a tracking signal superimposed on an interrogation beam enables continuous sensing of the reflected signal to reduce signal dropout. A glint tracker is provided for steering the tracking beam on the surface. A tracker system superimposes the tracking and interrogation beams and is responsive to reflected glints in order to establish a directional location. An interferometer responsive to the reflected interrogation beam produces an interference signal for enabling continuous measurement of surface vibrations.
US08960001B2	Microelectromechanical device having an oscillating mass and method for controlling a microelectromechanical device having an oscillating mass A microelectromechanical device includes a body, a movable mass, elastically connected to the body and movable in accordance with a degree of freedom, and a driving device, coupled to the movable mass and configured to maintain the movable mass in oscillation at a steady working frequency in a normal operating mode. The microelectromechanical device moreover includes a start-up device, which is activatable in a start-up operating mode and is configured to compare a current oscillation frequency of a first signal correlated to oscillation of the movable mass with a reference frequency, and for deciding, on the basis of the comparison between the current oscillation frequency and the reference frequency, whether to supply to the movable mass a forcing signal packet so as to transfer energy to the movable mass.
US08960000B2	Sensor device, and electronic apparatus A sensor device includes a mounting member having fixation surfaces inside, and at least one electronic component directly or indirectly fixed to the fixation surfaces of the mounting member, and the mounting member constitutes a part of a casing for housing the electronic component. Further, the fixation surfaces are perpendicular to each other.
US08959999B2	Particulate material monitoring system A particulate material monitoring system for efficiently monitoring the level of particulate material within a container. The particulate material monitoring system generally includes a flange defining a front opening, a viewing cover attached to the flange covering the front opening, a viewing wall connected to the flange and a rear opening extending through the viewing wall.
US08959994B2	Thermal sensor with temperature control In a thermal sensor. a capacitor voltage of a capacitor is compared with a reference voltage, and an output voltage is generated based on the comparison. The output voltage has a pulse density indicative of a temperature detected by the thermal sensor. The capacitor is charged or discharged using at least one of a first current signal or a second current signal based on a logic level of the output voltage. The first current signal is a temperature-independent signal, and the second current signal is a temperature-dependent signal dependent on the temperature detected by the thermal sensor. In some embodiments, a clock rate of a clock signal is varied in accordance with the detected temperature to control a timing operation for supplying the first current signal to the capacitor and/or the reference voltage is varied in accordance with the detected temperature.
US08959981B2	Motion state of impacting and impacted object measuring apparatus and method A measurement apparatus includes a first Doppler sensor which outputs a first transmission signal and receives a first Doppler signal, that is the first transmission signal returned after being reflected by an impacting object, a timing detection unit that detects an impact timing which is a moment when an impacted object is impacted by the impacting object, an impacting object speed computing unit that computes a speed of the impacting object based on the first Doppler signals obtained from the detected impact timing to a timing before a predetermined period, and an imaging unit that images the impacted object immediately after the impact so as to be used for computing a motion state of the impacted object, based on the computed speed of the impacting object.
US08959978B2	Forging press and method of controlling same A forging press includes a slide configured to have a die attached thereto; a drive shaft configured to cause the slide to rise and lower by rotating; a flywheel connected to the drive shaft via a clutch; a servomotor connected to the drive shaft; and a control part configured to control respective operations of the clutch and the servomotor, wherein the control part is configured to perform such control as to cause the drive shaft to rotate with the driving of the flywheel in at least one of a rising process, in which the slide is caused to rise, to cause the slide to rise and a lowering process, in which the slide is caused to lower, to cause the slide to lower.
US08959971B2	Corner cam assembly and method of using the same A corner cam assembly for use with a forming die and including a generally cylindrical inner cam component, an outer cam component, a base, and a retainer unit. Contoured contact surfaces on the inner and outer cam components enable the components to slide past one another during transitions between retracted and extended positions. Some features of the corner cam assembly include helical contact surfaces, guide features that control movement of the cam components, removable work steels, standardized cam components, and being able to form negative and other tight angles, multiple corners and edges, to name but a few.
US08959964B2	Outer handle device for vehicle door An outer handle device is provided in which a cylinder lock placed adjacent to an opposite end portion of an outer handle and operatively connected with a latch mechanism is attached to an outer panel, the outer handle having one end portion pivotally supported by the panel. The device includes a base member sandwiched between an outer surface of the panel and the cylinder lock and a bracket which sandwiches the panel between the bracket and the base member, and is fastened to the cylinder lock. In a temporarily mounted state where the base member and the bracket are held by the panel by engagement of the bracket with the base member, the cylinder lock can be inserted from the outer side of the panel into the base member and the bracket.
US08959954B2	Proppants from mineralogical material A process for producing proppants from waste mineralogical material. The process can include providing the waste mineralogical material in a form such as particles, fines, dust, powders, and the like, and forming a plurality of “green” pellets from the waste mineralogical material. Thereafter, the plurality of green pellets are fed into a provided flame drop tower that has a combustion flame, a hot zone, and a collection basin located downstream from the hot zone. The plurality of green pellets pass through the hot zone, are melted and subsequently solidified in the shape of a sphere downstream from the hot zone to form vitrified glass spheres. In some instances, the vitrified glass spheres are subjected to a devitrification step.
US08959953B2	Method for making strengthened glass There is a method for making. The method includes providing an untreated alkali aluminosilicate glass having an annealing point temperature that is at least about 580° C. The method also includes providing a mixed potassium and sodium salt bath having greater than about 50 mole % potassium salt and less than about 50 mole % sodium salt. The method also includes immersing the untreated glass in the mixed salt bath and maintaining the mixed salt bath with the immersed untreated glass within a temperature range from about 450° C. to less than the annealing point temperature of the untreated glass for a period greater than about 2 hours to produce a strengthened glass. The produced strengthened glass has a surface compression of at least about 100,000 psi and a compression case depth of at least about 600 microns.
US08959952B2	Method for separating a mixture of carbon monoxide, methane, hydrogen and optionally nitrogen by cryogenic distillation The invention relates to a method for separating a mixture comprising at least carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane. According to said method, the mixture is separated by a first separating means, at least one liquid fraction of the chamber of the separating means is sent to a product stripper, and at least part of the liquid fraction is sent from the product stripper to a CO/CH4 separating column in order to produce a methane-enriched liquid flow and a gaseous flow enriched with carbon monoxide. The process is carried out under cold conditions at least partially as a result of a carbon monoxide cycle, said cycle at least partially ensuring the condensation at the top of the CO/CH4 separating column and/or the reboiling in the chamber of the product stripper and/or the reboiling in the chamber of the CO/CH4 separating column and/or the cooling of the mixture for the first separating means.
US08959948B2	Receiver dryer A receiver dryer for a motor vehicle air conditioning system includes an elongate housing, the housing having opposite ends and an external wall that extends between the ends, an inlet positioned in a first section of the housing for receiving condensed refrigerant from the condenser unit, an outlet positioned in a second section of the housing for providing dried condensed refrigerant to the condenser unit with a partition dividing the first section from the second section such that the second section is above the first section, a first chamber in the first section containing a desiccant for drying the refrigerant received from the inlet, a second chamber in the second section containing a filter for filtering the dried condensed refrigerant provided to the outlet, and a conduit.
US08959942B2	Outdoor unit for air conditioner The present invention aims to prevent freezing of water droplets, etc. between a fan and a bell mouth. An outdoor unit for an air conditioner includes an eaves member that is placed above an air outlet formed by a bell mouth in close adherence with a front panel, and that protrudes toward a side of an outlet grille. Particularly, the eaves member is placed with a space from the outlet grille.
US08959939B2	Refrigerator and ice maker with optical sensor to detect ice level An ice detecting apparatus for a refrigerator the apparatus includes an ice maker, an ice container to collect ice made by the ice maker, and an ice detecting sensor to detect an amount of ice stored in the ice container. The ice detecting sensor has a transmitter module provided on one side of the ice maker and a receiver module provided on another side of the ice maker. The transmitter module is separated by a prescribed distance from the receiver module. At least one of the transmitter module or receiver module includes at least one optical element and at least one heater, and the heater is made of an electroconductive heating material.
US08959938B2	Cooling system and method for controlling cooling system A cooling system includes an evaporator for evaporating a refrigerant to cool an object to be cooled; a refrigerant-supply-flow-rate regulator for regulating a flow rate of the refrigerant to be supplied to the evaporator; a condenser for condensing the refrigerant by cooling the refrigerant by use of a chilled fluid; and a chilled-fluid-flow-rate regulator for regulating a flow rate of the chilled fluid to be supplied to the condenser, the refrigerant condensed by the condenser being to be pressurized to be supplied to the evaporator. The chilled-fluid-flow-rate regulator regulates a flow rate of the fluid, to be supplied to the evaporator, for a temperature of the refrigerant condensed to come to a predetermined target refrigerant-liquid temperature, and the refrigerant-supply-flow-rate regulator regulates a flow rate of the refrigerant, to be supplied to the evaporator, for a temperature of the object cooled to come to a predetermined target cooling temperature.
US08959935B2	Freezing microtome and method for producing microscopable thin sections A freezing microtome for the production of microscopable thin sections of tissue samples (60), comprising a cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) for freezing the tissue samples (60), a cutting device for cutting the frozen tissue samples (60) and a working chamber, in which the cutting device and at least a part of the cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) are arranged is described. The part of the cooling device (24, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 46, 48, 50, 52) arranged in the working chamber contains a liquid coolant (70), in which the tissue samples (60) can be inserted for freezing.
US08959934B2	Supercooling system The present invention relates to a supercooling system and a method for displaying a supercooled state which can accurately display a supercooled state of a stored object in spite of the external influence. The supercooling system includes a cooling apparatus including a storing unit storing a stored object, a cooling means cooling the storing unit, and a main control unit receiving external commercial power and controlling the cooling means to maintain the temperature in the storing unit at a temperature below at least the maximum ice crystal formation zone, and a supercooling apparatus including an independent storage room having a storing space therein to store an object and mounted and cooled in the storing unit, a temperature sensing unit sensing the temperature of the independent storage room, a temperature control means mounted in the independent storage room and controlling the internal temperature, a display unit displaying the state of the current control, and a sub-control unit controlling the temperature control means based on the sensed temperature from the temperature sensing unit to store the object received in the independent storage room in a supercooled state, and displaying the state of the stored object on the display unit with the proceeding of the cooling of the stored object or the storing space.
US08959930B2	Method and apparatus for treating boil-off gas in an LNG carrier having a reliquefaction plant, and LNG carrier having said apparatus for treating boil-off gas Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for treating boil-off gas generated in an LNG storage tank of an LNG carrier for transporting LNG in a cryogenic liquid state, the LNG carrier having a boil-off gas reliquefaction plant, wherein an amount of boil-off gas corresponding to a treatment capacity of the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated during the voyage of the LNG carrier is discharged from the LNG storage tank and reliquefied by the reliquefaction plant. The boil-off gas treating method and apparatus can maintain an amount of boil-off gas discharged from an LNG storage tank at a constant level by storing in the LNG storage tank, instead of discharging and burning, surplus boil-off gas which has not been returned to the LNG storage tank through the reliquefaction plant among the total amount of boil-off gas generated in the LNG storage tank, and can prevent waste of boil-off gas and save energy by allowing an internal pressure of the LNG storage tank to be increased.
US08959928B2	Positioning arrangement for components of a pressure vessel and method The positioning arrangement comprises at least one pair of complimentary rounded recesses, each recess being provided on the mating face of the corresponding component. One ball is positioned between each pair of complementary recesses.
US08959922B2	Fuel nozzle with flower shaped nozzle tube A fuel nozzle including a nozzle tube and a nozzle outlet opening is provided. The nozzle tube is connected to a fuel feed line for feeding a fuel to the nozzle tube, wherein the fuel is fed from the nozzle outlet opening to an annular air stream surrounding the fuel nozzle, wherein a first nozzle tube section that extends up to the nozzle outlet opening is designed in a floral pattern in such a way that the fuel may be fed substantially coaxially into the air stream.
US08959920B2	Aircraft engine fuel pump bearing flow and associated system and method An assembly or system is provided for selectively regulating journal bearing lubrication between at least first and second levels in an aircraft engine. A high pressure pump includes movable portions at least in part supported by a journal bearing. A selector valve is configured to selectively supply lubrication flow to the journal bearing. In addition, a relief valve is configured to receive a signal from the selector valve defining a pressure level at which the relief valve should relieve pressure.
US08959915B2	Waste heat steam generator A waste heat steam generator for a gas and steam turbine power plant is provided. The generator has economizer, evaporator and superheater heating surfaces which form a flow path and through which a flow medium flows. An overflow line branches off from the flow path and leads to injection valves arranged downstream at a flow side of a superheater heating surface in the flow path. The overflow line permits a brief power increase of a downstream steam turbine without resulting in an excessive loss in efficiency of the steam process. The brief power increase is permitted independently of the type of waste heat steam generator. The branch location of the overflow line is arranged upstream of an evaporator heating surface at the flow medium side and downstream of an economizer heating surface.
US08959908B2	Brake controller Provided is a brake controller which can be made smaller. The brake controller (100) has a hydraulic control mechanism (150), which comprises a master cylinder (250) which generates a hydraulic fluid pressure on the basis of an input piston (182) and a control piston (190) that move when a braking operation is performed, motors (290, 296), and a moving mechanism (200) which moves the aforementioned control piston as the aforementioned motors turn, and a motor control unit (300) for regulating the turning of the aforementioned motors. The brake controller is characterized in that the aforementioned motor control unit (300) has a metal case (302) with a built-in control circuit, the aforementioned metal case (302) is affixed to the housing (160) of the aforementioned moving mechanism (200), one end of the aforementioned case (302) is placed at approximately the same position as an end of the aforementioned moving mechanism (200) in the axial direction of the aforementioned input piston (182), and the other end of the aforementioned case (302) is placed at approximately the same position as an end of the aforementioned master cylinder (250).
US08959897B2	Exhaust gas purification apparatus in an internal combustion engine An apparatus that raises temperature of a post-catalyst at an early time while suppressing reducing agent poisoning of the post-catalyst and discharge of a reducing agent into the outside when a pre-catalyst and the post-catalyst are arranged in series in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine in order from an upstream side thereof. The pre-catalyst is arranged to allow an exhaust gas to flow between an outer peripheral surface thereof and an inner peripheral surface of the exhaust passage. A reducing agent addition valve adding a reducing agent to allow the reducing agent to pass through the pre-catalyst is arranged immediately upstream of the pre-catalyst in the exhaust passage. Further, a retention catalyst is arranged in the exhaust passage between the pre-catalyst and the post-catalyst, to temporarily retain the reducing agent in the exhaust gas.
US08959891B2	Selective catalytic reduction system A selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system that can detect whether or not a float is stuck even where a water level sensor that detects a liquid level in a stepwise manner is used, including: an urea injection quantity integrating unit that integrates an injected quantity of urea to calculate an urea injection quantity integrated value; an integrated value resetting unit that, if a detected value from detection means changes, resets the urea injection quantity integrated value; and an abnormality determination unit that, if the urea injection quantity integrated value exceeds a predetermined threshold value for determination, determines a level sensor as having an abnormality.
US08959890B2	SCR thawing control system A selective catalytic reduction thawing control system that can distinguish between a thawing failure and a malfunction and can prevent a malfunction of a supply module (“SM”) pump. The thawing control system includes a thawing control unit that detects a pressure inside the supply module when the SM pump is operated, and stops the operation of the SM pump and continues thawing of urea water when the pressure is less than a predetermined value.
US08959886B2	Mesh cooled conduit for conveying combustion gases A conduit through which hot combustion gases pass in a gas turbine engine. The conduit includes a wall structure having an inner surface, an outer surface, a region, an inlet, and an outlet. The inner surface defines an inner volume of the conduit. The region extends between the inner and outer surfaces and includes cooling fluid structure defining a plurality of cooling passageways. The inlet extends inwardly from the outer surface and provides fluid communication between the inlet and the passageways. The outlet extends from the passageways to the inner surface to provide fluid communication between the passageways and the inner volume. At least one first cooling passageway intersects with at least one second cooling passageway such that cooling fluid flowing through the first cooling passageway interacts with cooling fluid flowing through the second cooling passageway.
US08959880B2	Film-dispensing cassette and rimmed bag for waste-disposal unit A film-supporting device is used with a waste-disposal unit. The device comprises an annular body. The annular body has an annular wall. The inward radial surface of the wall defines a central opening of the body. The outline of the central opening in a transverse plane of the device has variable diametrical dimensions with a first diameter of greater dimension than the second diameter. The outline has two of the first diameter of generally equal dimension and two of the second diameter of generally equal dimension. The device has tubular film about an outward radial surface of the annular body. A free annular end is dispensed outwardly from the annular wall. The free annular end is closed to form a bag. The opening of the bag is accessible through the central opening and is of optimized shape via the central opening for the disposal of waste. A method for disposing of waste on a scooping tool is also provided.
US08959875B2	Shingle with reinforcement layer A shingle, a method of making it, and a roof embodying the shingle is provided, in which an exterior surface of the shingle is provided with an attached reinforcement layer through which fasteners may be applied when the shingle is applied to a roof.
US08959862B1	Thixotropic concrete forming system The present invention discloses a method and a forming system that reduces the hydrostatic pressure caused by casting freshly mixed concrete or other cementicious material into vertical forms. Reducing the hydrostatic pressure in forms enables relatively weak materials to be used as form boards and minimizes the amount of bracing necessary to support the form boards—both of which lead to lower construction costs. The method uses the highly thixotropic properties of no-slump or low-slump concrete which enable the concrete to be quickly changed from a semi-solid state to a liquid and back to a semi-solid state numerous times before it hardens and without affecting the concrete's quality. Since hydrostatic pressure is only present when a liquid state exists, minimizing the amount of liquid concrete in vertical forms will also minimize the hydrostatic pressure present.
US08959860B2	Expansion joint cover assembly for structural members A bendable cover assembly for an expansion joint gap in a tread and riser application includes an elongated resilient cover for bridging a gap between underlying structural members. A plurality of spaced-apart rigid plate members are encapsulated within, or otherwise are engaged with, the elongated cover of the cover assembly. Additional bendable plate members may be positioned on opposite lateral sides of the plurality of spaced-apart rigid plate members. The cover has a thickness and sufficient elasticity to elastically deform for establishing supporting contact between the marginal support areas of the cover and the underlying structural members. Fasteners may be engaged with the cover at spaced apart sites along at least one lateral side portion thereof for elastically anchoring the elongated resilient cover to at least one of the underlying structural members.
US08959859B2	Floor-to-ceiling partition wall assembly A panel wall system includes a frame assembly adapted to support a plurality of skin assemblies in a floor-to-ceiling relationship, wherein the skin assemblies include solid panel assemblies as well as captured glass skin assemblies. The solid panel assemblies are coupled to the frame assembly with seal members disposed between the panel assemblies and the frame assembly. The seal members are unitary seal members able to seal adjacent panel assemblies on the frame assembly.
US08959857B1	Single-piece standoff post base for retrofit A post to foundation connection made with a connector that can be installed as a retrofit after the post is already in place, with fastener attachments that are made to either side of the post rather than under it. The connector can be slid into place below the post, between it and the foundation, after which it can be attached to the foundation and the post.
US08959854B1	Weatherproof fabric-covered building system A weatherproof fabric-covered building system for preventing water damage and leakage. The weatherproof fabric-covered building system generally includes a plurality of connecting members attached to a corresponding plurality of trusses, a plurality of fabric panels connected between the connecting members and a plurality of cap members connected to the connecting members to prevent water from entering the interior of the building structure.
US08959849B1	Light steel frame structure for deck A metal deck kit for erecting a metal deck appurtenant a residential structure. The kit includes a plurality of metal components including support posts, girders, joists, bridging elements, rim tracks, ledgers, along with various connectors, stiffeners, adapters, and brackets for connecting the components together to form a metal deck. Vibration or shock absorbing pads are included for use between various components to reduce shock and vibration transmission through portions of the metal deck. A method of forming a metal deck using these components is also provided.
US08959847B2	Method and apparatus for attaching temporary lifting members to an existing lifting anchor A hoisting assembly for precast concrete structures is provided. A shackle is joined to an embedded anchor member by a pin or bolt, and the shackle is provided with load bearing members to accommodate various loads in a manner that reduces risk of damage to concrete and provides for a more efficient anchor.
US08959839B1	Foam-filled, membrane-covered barrier for raising flat roof low areas A low cost method for constructing barriers to eliminate a flat or low pitch roof's low spots. Puddles, if allowed to stand there, shorten the roof's life and can do structural damage to the roof deck. Each barrier includes a flexible membrane initially sized and shaped and then positioned to cover at least one low spot and substantially overlap the latter's edges. So positioned, the membrane is heat welded or otherwise joined to form a continuous watertight seal, along its outer periphery, between the membrane and an existing roof deck covering and, when the low spot is next to a parapet, the existing parapet covering as well. Filled with a solidified plastic foam sandwiched between the membrane and the existing covering(s), such barriers, once they have been mechanically fastened to the roof deck and, if necessary, to the parapet, permanently direct storm water away from each of the roof's barrier-covered low spots.
US08959821B1	Firearm barrel-modification system A system for firearm barrel modification includes a firearm, a collar and an auxiliary barrel. The firearm has a barrel with holes extending inward from the first muzzle end. The barrel has rifling. The collar surrounds the barrel to serve as a securing anchor for an auxiliary barrel. A sleeve slidably engages onto the firearm from the muzzle. The sleeve contains a tubular component, serving as a barrel extension. The tubular component extends from within the sleeve to form a second muzzle at the opposite end. The mating end of the barrel extension is situated within the sleeve. It butts up against the muzzle and is aligned with the rifling of the gun. Alignment rods protrude from the mating end of the tubular component and insert into corresponding holes at the muzzle end of the firearm. A spring member attached to the sleeve sets in place over the collar.
US08959816B1	Sign and display systems A sign and display system including a faceplate, lens, backing plate, and at least one magnet is described. The faceplate includes a viewing aperture and the back of the faceplate includes a recess in which the at least one magnet is mounted. The recess in the faceplate is configured to receive the lens and backing plate. The lens may include one or more edge protrusions configured to enter one or more small recesses in the side of the faceplate recess to secure the lens to the faceplate. When the lens and backing plate are positioned in the recess of the faceplate, the one or more magnets exert a force on the backing plate to secure the faceplate and lens to the backing plate. An insert capable of displaying text and/or graphics can also be positioned between the lens and backing plate in the recess of the faceplate.
US08959813B2	Display system including convertible fixture A convertible fixture includes a support structure and a vertical extender. The support structure includes a pair of vertical supports, each defining an open top end. The vertical extender is adjustably coupled with the support structure and includes side arms and a middle bar. The side arms extend substantially parallel to each other and each defines a top end. Each side arm is formed with a single closed shape cross section and is slidably received within a different vertical support of the pair of vertical supports. The middle bar extends between the side arms and includes two substantially parallel rails defining an elongated slot between the substantially parallel rails. The elongated slot extends along a majority of a length of the middle bar. The side arms and the middle bar are formed as a single, unitary component.
US08959812B2	Image display An image display including an image substrate and a support structure. The image substrate has an image printed on a first surface. The support structure can include a front sheet, a back sheet and a plurality of side strips secured between the front sheet and the back sheet for forming a closed support structure. An internal support can be provided in an internal cavity of the support structure for enhancing the rigidity of the support structure. The image substrate can be adhered to an external surface of the front sheet so that the front sheet forms a rigid backing for the image substrate. A variety of image substrates are provided.
US08959797B2	Custom article of footwear and method of making the same The present invention teaches a method of making a custom article of footwear. Further, the article of footwear can include a spring element that can provide improved cushioning, stability, and running economy. In addition, the components of the article of footwear can be selected from a wide range of options, and can be easily removed and replaced, as desired.
US08959795B2	Flip flop and slipper in one/convertible sandal slipper A combination apparatus for footwear including a first apparatus into which an individual's foot can be inserted, and a second apparatus into which the individual's foot can be inserted. The second apparatus is adapted to be inserted into the first apparatus. The first apparatus includes a first attachment device, and the second apparatus includes a second attachment device. In at least one embodiment the second apparatus and the first apparatus can be attached, while the second apparatus is inserted into the first apparatus by attaching the first attachment device to the second attachment device. The first apparatus may be a flip-flop or a sandal and the second apparatus may be a slipper and may be made of water proof material.
US08959792B2	Dryers that adjust power based on non-linear profiles Systems and methods are provided for controlling a dryer of a printing system. The system comprises a controller and a sensor. The controller is operable to determine a speed of a web of print media traveling through a dryer, and to apply power to a heating element of the dryer based on a power profile that models a non-linear relationship between power applied to the heating element and speed of the web. The controller is further able to determine a type of media for the web, and to select the power profile based on the type of media.
US08959789B2	Tunnel-type rotary-drum tumble dryer A tunnel-type rotary drum tumble dryer includes a cabinet (1) with a loading door (2) and an unloading door (3) on opposite sides, and a drum (4) arranged inside the cabinet (1) for rotating with respect to a horizontal or inclined geometric axis (E). The drum (4) has a revolution wall (5) around the axis (E), and end openings (5a, 5b) at opposite ends facing said loading and unloading doors (2, 3). The tumble dryer also includes an air circulator that includes an air inlet (8) facing one of the end openings (5a, 5b) of the drum (4) and an air outlet (9) adjacent to the other end opening (5a, 5b) of the drum (4) for creating an axial flow of drying air inside and from one end to another of the drum (4) through the clothing tumbling inside the drum (4).
US08959763B2	Electrical jack connector and fabrication method thereof An electrical jack connector and fabrication method thereof. The connector includes an resilient conductive leaf spring roll (1) which mates with a plug, a conductive inner sleeve (2) and a conductive outer sleeve (3) sleeved outside of the roll from inside to outside. Bending and protruding terminals of the resilient conductive leaf spring roll (1), which protrude out of two ends of the conductive inner sleeve (2), are fixedly clamped between a through-hole in the conductive outer sleeve (3) and the outside surface of the conductive inner sleeve (2).
US08959760B2	Printed wiring board and method for manufacturing same A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board, including providing a support board having a metal foil secured to the support board, forming a resin insulation layer on the metal foil, forming openings in the resin insulation layer, forming a conductive circuit on the resin insulation layer, forming in the openings via conductors to electrically connect the conductive circuit and the metal foil, separating the support board and the metal foil, and forming from the metal foil external terminals to electrically connect to another substrate or electronic component.
US08959759B2	Method for assembling computer modules small in thickness Computer modules with small thicknesses and associated methods of manufacturing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the computer modules can include a module substrate having a module material and an aperture extending at least partially into the module material. The computer modules can also include a microelectronic package carried by the module substrate. The microelectronic package includes a semiconductor die carried by a package substrate. At least a portion of the semiconductor die extends into the substrate material via the aperture.
US08959756B2	Method of manufacturing a printed circuit board having an embedded electronic component A method of manufacturing a core substrate having an electronic component, including providing a core substrate having a first surface and a second surface on an opposite side of the first surface, forming a through hole extending from the first surface to the second surface in the core substrate, attaching an adhesive tape to the second surface of the core substrate such that the through hole formed in the core substrate is closed on the second surface, attaching an electronic component to the adhesive tape inside the through hole, filling the through hole with a filler, and removing the adhesive tape from the second surface of the core substrate.
US08959750B2	Method and apparatus for complete machining of a shaft-shaped workpiece A machining apparatus has a frame defining an input station, an output station, and first and second machining stations. Respective first and second workpiece holders in the first and second machining stations can retain a workpiece therein. A first pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the input station and the first machining station and carries at least one machining tool and a first grab, and a second pivotal turret is movable vertically and horizontally on the frame between the first and second machining stations and the output station and carries at least one machining tool and second and third grabs.
US08959748B2	Method for assembling panels of dissimilar materials A fastening system for attaching cladding panels to a carrier panel and allowing for differential thermal expansion. The system fastens the two panels together at points in the direction perpendicular to the panel planes. A combination of different carrier panel hole sizes and slots fix the panels together at one point and allow the panels to expand and contract relative to each other while maintaining rectangular alignment. Wall panels and buildings constructed using the fastener are disclosed.
US08959747B2	Structural coupler In the present disclosure, a structural coupler is disclosed for coupling together structural members, such as trusses. The structural coupler is dimensioned such that it can be installed at an end and within an inner channel of the structural member. The structural member includes a gusset member, a face member and a reinforcing member. The face member is connected to the gusset member and the reinforcing member is connected to both the gusset member and the face member. To couple structural members together, the face member of the structural member installed at an end of a first structural member is mated with the face member of the structural member installed at an end of a second structural member. The structural couplers are then joined together using a coupling mechanism.
US08959743B2	Retaining ring removal tool An example retaining ring removal tool includes a shaft extending along an axis from a first end to a second end, and at least one tapered tab extending axially from the first end of the shaft at a radially outer perimeter of the shaft.
US08959742B2	Method for demounting a tensioned cable, a system and associated devices The invention provides a method for demounting a cable tensioned between a first and second anchorage points on a structure. The method comprises the following steps: slackening the cable so that a running part of the cable is freed from one of said first and second anchorage points; freeing said running part of the cable from the other said first and second anchorage points; supporting said running part of the cable; and removing said running part of the cable away from at least one of said first and second anchorage points.
US08959739B1	Pool cleaning system with incremental partial rotating head and aiming tool An alignment kit for aiming a variable rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly in a pool is disclosed. The alignment kit includes an aiming tool and a locking tool. The aiming tool includes a tray that includes a plurality of aiming reference figures, a cleaning arc indicator coupled to the tray, and a base rotatably coupled to the tray. The cleaning arc indicator includes an adjustable visual area representing a cleaning arc of a variably rotating pool cleaning nozzle assembly. The cleaning arc indicator may include a first ring and a second ring interleaved together and the adjustable visual area may include an area of the second ring not covered by the first ring. The base includes an aiming reference marker adjacent the tray and one or more indexing lugs. The locking tool includes a plurality of aiming symbols and one or more locking lugs.
US08959734B2	Method of fabricating a card with piezo-powered indicator by printed electronics processes An interactive card or the like employs a piezoelectric charge generator (piezo-strip) for temporarily driving an indicator. The piezo-strip may be displaced (bent) in order to generate charge to drive the indicator. Printed electronic processes are utilized to produce the indicator and/or the piezoelectric charge generator. An indicator is formed on a substrate by way of a printed electronics process. A displaceable region of piezoelectric material associated with the said substrate is formed by way of a printed electronics process. Electrical interconnections are formed on said substrate by way of a printed electronics process. The electrical interconnections connecting said indicator and said first region of piezoelectric material such that displacement of said first region of piezoelectric material generates a voltage therein that is provided to said indicator in order to actuate said indicator and thereby indicate the displacement of said first region of piezoelectric material.
US08959729B2	Slider for slide fastener A slider for a slide fastener is provided which is capable of quickly fastening and unfastening the slide fastener in a remote operation manner. A string having pull tabs on longitudinally opposite sides is fixed to a body of the slider for a slide fastener such that the string is not moved in the longitudinal direction.
US08959723B2	Adjustable and vented apparel closure assembly A closure assembly that is infinitely adjustable within an operating range of the closure assembly and includes a vent port therethrough. The closure assembly includes a housing and an operator that rotationally cooperates with the housing. A flexible member is movably supported by the housing and cooperates with the operator so that manipulation of the operator alters the amount of the flexible member that extends beyond the housing. A biasing means cooperates with the operator and interacts with the housing to maintain a desired orientation of the operator, and thereby a desired orientation of the flexible member, relative to the housing to define a shape of a closure of the item of apparel. A vent port is formed through the housing and the operator and mitigates heat collection therebehind.
US08959716B2	Double-shaft type rotary shaft pivotal positioning structure A double-shaft type rotary shaft pivotal positioning structure includes an elastic guide assembly and two pivot shafts. The elastic guide assembly includes two containing portions which are outwardly communicated and formed with two opposite elastic arms and two corresponding planed press-contact sides. The pivot shafts are respectively centrally provided with center section portions that are utilized to respectively enter the containing portions of the elastic guide assembly and each of which includes a periphery provided with two center section planed surfaces capable of being pressingly contacted with the press-contact sides of the elastic guide assembly. When the pivot shafts are synchronously pivoted close to a preset positioning angle, the center section planed surfaces of the pivot shafts are capable of rotatably attaching toward the press-contact sides of the elastic guide assembly, thereby enabling the pivot shafts to approach and be positioned at the preset positioning angle.
US08959714B2	Dual-shaft synchronous motion device A dual-shaft synchronous motion device includes a first shaft and a second shaft; a first rotor and a third rotor disposed on the first shaft and turned synchronously; a second rotor and a fourth rotor disposed on the second shaft and turned synchronously; and a tractive member disposed between the first rotor (the third rotor) and the second rotor (the fourth rotor). When the first shaft drives the first and third rotors to turn, the tractive member brings the second rotor to turn reversely relative to the first rotor. The fourth rotor makes the tractive member drive the third rotor so that the first and second shafts are turned synchronously.
US08959708B2	Handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance A handle for a wand of a vacuum cleaning appliance includes a handgrip portion and a conduit for receiving an air flow. The handle includes an aperture for admitting ambient air into the conduit. A first valve occludes a first portion of the aperture, and a second valve occludes a second portion of the aperture. A control mechanism moves the first and second valves away from the aperture to admit ambient air into the conduit. The second valve is supported at least partially by the first valve to occlude the second portion of the aperture.
US08959701B2	Multi-adapter for a vehicle wiper A multi-adaptor for a vehicle wiper, which interconnects an arm and a blade for wiping window glass, wherein both side walls of the arm have stopper pieces and a free end, wherein a selective hook protrudes from the free end. The multi-adaptor for a vehicle wiper includes: a main body, a coupling portion formed at one end of the main body so as to enable the free end of the arm to be coupled thereto, and support portions formed at both side walls of the other end of the main body to support the stopper pieces of the arm. Accordingly, the multi-adaptor significantly increases arm-coupling force as compared to conventional adaptors, and thus preemptively prevents the arm from being separated from the adaptor.
US08959697B2	Mop with spinning device A mop includes a handle connected to one end of a first rod. The other end of the first rod is connected to a second rod. A driving unit includes a spiral member disposed in one end of the second rod. A clutch unit is disposed in the first rod. A mopping unit is pivotably connected to the other end of the second rod. The clutch unit includes a sleeve disposed in the first rod and having a crown teeth defined in a lower end thereof. A bearing is connected to an opening of the sleeve, which is rotatable relative to the bearing. A crown gear is disposed in the sleeve and separably engaged with the crown teeth. A spring is disposed between the crown gear and the bearing. The spiral rod inserts through the bearing and the spring and is fixed to the crown gear.
US08959687B2	String line multipurpose tool A multipurpose string line tool having an inner tube slideable within an outer tube provided with an attached bottom end cap and a removable upper end cap whereby a storage space for small construction implements can be stored within the inner tube. A line string is wrapped around the outer tube. The outer tube with the line string wrapped there-around is designed so that it can easily spin around the inner tube thereby providing a free release of the line string. The free end of the line string can be locked within an annular space between the outer tube and a cylindrical stopper by the upper end cap at the upper end of the multipurpose tool. A small opening can be provided in the upper end cap and a pencil sharpener fixed to an inner surface of said upper end cap in alignment with the small opening.
US08959686B2	Tunable spring mattress and method of making same A mattress includes a spring extending between first and second points to provide a first spring rate in a first direction. A polymer fiber structure is provided between the first and second points and adjoins the spring. The polymer fiber structure includes fibers interlinked with one another to provide the second spring rate in the first direction. An example method of manufacturing a mattress is provided that includes arranging springs to provide a mattress innerspring. A polymer fiber structure is introduced in a first state to the innerspring to provide an assembly. The assembly is further processed and the polymer fiber structure is simultaneously altered from the first state to a second state.
US08959684B2	Wall hung slipcover headboard to incorporate art into a bed A wall-mounted slipcover headboard for a bed combines comfort of an upholstered headboard with the ease of removable covers while it solves the problem of hanging art above the bed by incorporating art into the bed. The headboard has a modular, frame, a cushioning pad and a removable slipcover. For example, the removable slipcover features printed art. The headboard's back side has horizontal dowels that slide on to a hanging medium, allowing for flexibility in mounting the hanging medium in the strongest place on a wall with the least amount of damage to the wall, while allowing the headboard to slide horizontally to be centered above a bed.
US08959678B2	All truss foundation unit, method of making the same and foundation unit kit An all truss foundation unit, method of making the foundation unit, and a foundation unit kit. The foundation unit is formed of multiple cross trusses interconnected by bridging top and bottom side rails. This results in a flat surface on both the top and the bottom of the foundation unit. The kit is formed of a plurality of the trusses and four side rails, with the trusses and side rails being oriented together with their longitudinal dimensions aligned in a generally parallel orientation and with at least some of their flat sides in contact with one another. When the foundation unit is constructed, a truss locator guide is provided on at least two of the side rails, and the cross trusses are oriented in a parallel, spaced relationship in accordance with the truss locator guide.
US08959675B2	Passive mattress spinner A system is disclosed for facilitating rotation of a mattress. Covers with slick surfaces are selectively placed in engagement with each other between the mattress and the box spring or platform . One cover is provided with a slick and non-slick surface. The other cover may be the same as the first cover or may have slick surfaces on two sides. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, one cover may is a protective cover that encapsulates the entire mattress. In another alternate embodiment, one cover cooperates with a slick surface that is integrally provided on one or the other of the mattress or box spring or platform. In yet another alternate embodiment of the invention, slick surfaces are provided on both the mattress and the box spring or platform. The mattress is secured relative to the box spring or platform by removable fasteners in a normal mode of operation.
US08959665B1	Bottom garment having improved tummy control A bottom garment for providing improved appearance to the wearer. The garment includes a front panel; a back panel; and at least one tummy control panel formed of a low-stretch, high pre-tensioned fabric attached to the inside of the front panel beneath the waistband of the front panel. In one embodiment, the low-stretch, high pre-tension fabric is formed of a mesh construction. The front panel may further include at least one pocket assembly.
US08966651B2	Digital rights management (DRM) locker Methods, apparatuses and storage medium associated digital rights management (DRM) using DRM locker is disclosed herein. In embodiments, a DRM locker is provided to a client device. The DRM locker may be configured to store a number of DRM licenses or keys for a number of DRM protected contents. The DRM locker, on presentation of an associated locker key, may respond to a request for one or more of the stored DRM licenses or keys, to enable consumption of the corresponding DRM protected contents using the client device. Other embodiments may be disclosed or claimed.
US08966643B2	Content security in a social network Members of a social network (SNET) circle can share content with other members of SNET circle, members of the same SNET that are not members of the same circle, or send content to people or devices outside of SNET. Different levels of content security can be applied to the shared content, depending on who requests the content, the destination of the content, user preferences, content type, SNET, SNET circle, or other security parameters. Content can be tagged to limit the number of times it can be accessed, the length of time access is allowed, and to otherwise control redistribution. Content can also be protected by limiting host network access to the content, implementing SNET circle firewalls and virtual private networks, or transcoding content before allowing transmission to non-SNET circle or SNET members. Docking of devices into an SNET security circle can be restricted to properly secured devices.
US08966634B2	System and method for correcting antivirus records and using corrected antivirus records for malware detection Disclose are system, method and computer program product for correcting antivirus records. In an example aspect, an antivirus application analyzes a software object for a presence of malware. The antivirus application includes an antivirus database and an antivirus cache. The antivirus application retrieves from the antivirus database an antivirus record associated with the analyzed object. The antivirus record indicates whether the object is clean or malicious and further includes at least a test antivirus record status indicator. The antivirus application checks at least in the antivirus cache for correction of the test antivirus record. The correction includes a change in the test status of the antivirus record. When a correction for the retrieved antivirus record is found in the antivirus cache, the antivirus application uses said correction for the antivirus record for a further processing of the software object.
US08966630B2	Generating and distributing a malware countermeasure Embodiments include a system, an apparatus, a device, computer-program product, and a method. An embodiment provides a network device. The network device includes a countermeasure engine operable to generate a countermeasure useable in at least substantially reducing a harm caused by a malware (hereafter “malware countermeasure”). The network device also includes a decision module operable to determine if a criterion is met for distribution of the generated malware countermeasure to a plurality of networked nodes. The network device further includes a distribution module operable to transmit the generated malware countermeasure to a first set of nodes of the plurality of networked nodes if the criterion is met.
US08966628B2	Native code module security for arm instruction set architectures Some embodiments provide a system that executes a native code module. During operation, the system obtains the native code module. Next, the system loads the native code module into a secure runtime environment. Finally, the system safely executes the native code module in the secure runtime environment by using a set of software fault isolation (SFI) mechanisms that constrain store instructions in the native code module. The SFI mechanisms also maintain control flow integrity for the native code module by dividing a code region associated with the native code module into equally sized code blocks and data blocks and starting each of the data blocks with an illegal instruction.
US08966626B2	Router for communicating data in a dynamic computer network A router and methods for its use are disclosed. The router includes input and output circuitry for receiving and routing data packets to computing devices connected to the network. The router also includes a memory configured to store a number of tables relating the destinations of particular packets with routes for the packets to follow. The router is capable of correctly routing data packets which specify false identity parameters. The router is also capable of dynamically varying routing protocols used to route data packets. The router is also capable of routing data packets to one of a number of output ports based on a comparison of at least one of the identity parameters that specifies false information to a table stored in the router's memory.
US08966621B1	Out-of-band authentication of e-mail messages Technologies are described herein for providing out-of-band authentication of an e-mail message. A recipient of an e-mail message purporting to be from an organization forwards the e-mail message or submits its content to that organization for authentication. The authenticity of the e-mail message is determined based on authentication data, such as outgoing message logs or authentication keys, maintained at the source of the e-mail message. Upon authenticating the e-mail message, the recipient is informed of the authenticity of the e-mail message.
US08966616B2	Leveraging biometrics for authentication and touch differentiation Biometric authentication and touch differentiation embodiments are described which use a handheld mobile computing device having a signal injection site that injects a signal into a user's hand for a prescribed period of time, and at least one signal sensing site each of which captures a signal emanating from a finger of either of the user's hands that is touching the signal sensing site during at least the period of time the signal is injected. The captured signal or signals are analyzed to determine whether they match, to a prescribed degree, a pre-established signal model that is indicative of a signal or signals expected to be captured. The signal matching determination can be employed to authenticate a user, or identify which finger of a user's hand is touching the computing device.
US08966610B2	Method and system for securing data from a non-point of sale device over an external network A data control system prevents non-point of sale devices (135, 155) from sending data over an external network (160) via a secure connection reserved for point of sale devices (125, 145), but allows non-point of sale devices (135, 155) to send data over the external network (160) other than via the secure connection. The secure connection is, for example, a virtual private network connection. The data control system may allow the data from non-point of sale devices (135, 155) to be sent only if it is not destined for a restricted destination. The restricted destination may be, for example, a payment host (170) or secure host (180) on the external network (160).
US08966609B2	Authentication method and apparatus for detecting and preventing source address spoofing packets An authentication apparatus for detecting and preventing a source address spoofing packet, includes a packet reception unit configured to receive a packet from a previous node or a user host; a self-assurance type ID generation unit configured to generate a self-assurance type ID of a source node of the received packet; and a self-assurance type ID verification unit configured to determine whether the source address of the received packet has been spoofed. Further, the authentication apparatus includes a white list storage unit configured to store a reliable source node; a black list storage unit configured to store an unreliable source node; and a packet transmission unit configured to transmit the packet whose source has been verified through the self-assurance type ID verification unit to a next network node.
US08966603B2	Systems and methods for intercepting and automatically filling in forms by the appliance for single-sign on The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for form-based single sign-on by a user desiring access to one or more protected resources, e.g., protected web pages, protected web-served applications, etc. In various embodiments, a single sign-on (SSO) module is in operation on an intermediary device, which is disposed in a network to manage internet traffic between a plurality of clients and a plurality of servers. The intermediary device can identify an authentication response from a server and forward the authentication response to the SSO module. The SSO module can complete a login form in the authentication response with a client's authentication data, return the completed login form to the server and forward cookies associated with the authentication response to the client. In various embodiments, multiple login forms can be completed, transparently to the client, by the SSO module on a client's behalf and reduce time expended by a client in obtaining access to protected resources.
US08966592B1	Authenticating access to a private account at a public computing device A computer-implemented technique is presented. The technique can include selectively initiating, at a mobile computing device including one or more processors, communication between the mobile computing device and a public computing device. The technique can include transmitting, from the mobile computing device, authentication information to the public computing device. The authentication information can indicate access privileges to a private account associated with a user of the mobile computing device. The technique can include receiving, at the mobile computing device, an access inquiry from the public computing device. The access inquiry can indicate an inquiry as to whether the user wishes to login to the private account at the public computing device. The technique can also include transmitting, from the mobile computing device, an access response to the public computing device. The access response can cause the public computing device to provide the user with access to the private account.
US08966590B2	Managing social network accessibility based on age When a user having an age less than a threshold age (a child user) attempts to access an online service or perform actions using the online service, the online service obtains parental authorization from an additional user having a parental relationship to the user. The child user may identify the user having the parental relationship and the online service verifies the validity of the identified user's account, the age of the identified user, and/or a connection between the identified user and the child user having a parental relationship type. The online service may make these verifications based in part social and transactional information associated with the identified user's account. Upon successful verification, the online service allows the identified user to authorize account creation for the child user, and/or manage the account and actions of the child user.
US08966586B2	Authentication within OpenFlow network An OpenFlow network controller controls an OpenFlow network. A networking connection is established between the OpenFlow network controller and an OpenFlow network device attempting to become part of the OpenFlow network. After establishing the networking connection with the OpenFlow network device, the OpenFlow network controller attempts to authenticate the OpenFlow network device. Where authentication of the OpenFlow network device is successful, the OpenFlow network controller sends a message to the OpenFlow network device to indicate that the authentication was successful and permits the OpenFlow network device to join and perform OpenFlow messaging.
US08966585B2	Unlimited access to media and applications over wireless infrastructure Methods, systems, and apparatus are presented for providing unlimited access to either or both of media content, such as music, and applications. A media server environment can be provided, which maintains an instance of each subscriber account, a central archive of media content, and an application catalog. Selected media content can be downloaded to, and stored locally at, a subscriber device, such as on a secure storage device. Also, selected applications can be locally installed on the subscriber device. Access to the local media content and locally installed applications can be controlled through the media server environment based on the status of the subscriber's account. If the subscriber's account becomes inactive, access to the downloaded media content and installed applications can be disabled. Once the subscriber's account is reactivated, access to the downloaded media content and applications can be restored.
US08966584B2	Dynamic authentication gateway A dynamic authentication broker is configured to process authentication requests received from a network access server formatted in any of a plurality of protocols and received over any of a plurality of ports. Processing authentication requests may include authenticating and/or authorizing a particular user, user device and/or network access server.
US08966576B2	Provisioning access control using SDDL on the basis of a XACML policy A method is disclosed, and a corresponding data carrier and policy converter, for producing at least one Security Descriptor Definition Language, SDDL, rule from an eXtensible Access Control Markup Language, XACML, policy (P), wherein said at least one SDDL rule is enforceable for controlling access to one or more resources in a computer network. A reverse query is produced indicating a given decision (d), which is one of permit access and deny access, and a set (R) of admissible access requests. Based on the reverse query, the XACML policy (P) and the given decision (d) are translated into a satisfiable logic proposition in Boolean variables (vi, i=1, 2, . . . ) From said ROBDD, variable assignments (RCj=[ARCj1: v1=xj1, ARCj2: v2=xj2, . . . ], j=1, 2, . . . ) satisfying the logic proposition are derived and at least one SDDL rule is created based on said variable assignments (RCj=[ARCj1: v1=xj1, ARCj2: v2=xj2, . . . ], j=1, 2, . . . ) satisfying the logic proposition.
US08966573B2	Self-generation of virtual machine security clusters A method of operating a virtual computing system includes receiving at a security controller security data corresponding to a candidate virtual machine that is proposed to be included in a virtualization environment managed by a virtualization environment manager, comparing the security data of the candidate virtual machine to security data of other virtual machines in the virtualization environment, and in response to the comparison, recommending that the virtualization environment manager exclude the candidate virtual machine from the virtualization environment. Related systems and computer program products are disclosed.
US08966572B2	Dynamic identity context propagation Techniques are provided for dynamically propagating identity context for a user in a Service-Oriented Architecture. Methods and apparatus are provided that include receiving a request to invoke a web service, retrieving first security claims from application identity context information pertaining to a user, generating second security claims at runtime, packaging the first and second security claims into an authentication token, and transmitting the authentication token to a second computer system in a service request. The second computer system can be configured to extract the first and second security claims from the authentication token, validate the extracted first and second security claims, generate identity context information based upon the extracted first and second security claims, and publish and propagate the identity content information in an identity context object. The second computer system can verify that the security claims conform to corresponding security claim schemas stored in a claims dictionary.
US08966570B1	Entity to authorize delegation of permissions Systems and methods are described for delegating permissions to enable account access. The systems utilize a delegation profile that can be created within a secured account of at least one user. The delegation profile includes a name, a validation policy that specifies principals which may be external to the account and which are permitted to assume the delegation profile, and an authorization policy that indicates the permitted actions within the account for those principals which are acting within the delegation profile. Once the delegation profile is created, it can be provided to external principals or services. These external principals or services can use the delegation profile to obtain credentials for performing various actions in the account using the credentials of the delegation profile.
US08966565B2	Mitigating potential video traffic interference A method includes detecting, at a video head-end of a video distribution network, a signal populating an ultra high frequency white space frequency. The method includes determining that the ultra high frequency white space frequency is one of a plurality of ultra high frequency white space frequencies with a potential to interfere with video traffic at the video head-end. The method also includes sending an alert from the video head-end to a network management system. The alert indicates the potential of the signal to interfere with video traffic delivered via the video head-end.
US08966563B2	System and method to provide a unified video signal for diverse receiving platforms A system includes a signal-processing engine configured to generate a video data stream including a plurality of data packets based on a received video signal. A first subset of the plurality of data packets is usable to generate a video display of content having a first quality and all of the plurality of data packets are usable to generate a second video display of the content having a second quality. The second quality is higher than the first quality. The signal-processing engine is further configured to distinguish the first subset of the plurality of data packets from other data packets of the plurality of data packets by applying a tag to particular data packets to form tagged data packets. The system also includes a transmitter coupled to the signal-processing engine and configured to transmit the plurality of data packets of the video data stream.
US08966558B2	Content processing apparatus and control method thereof for performing transmission and control of content through a communication path An image processing apparatus includes a reception unit configured to receive a transmission request of information on a directory for managing contents from a display apparatus, a transmission unit configured to transmit a response to the transmission request received by the reception unit, and a notification unit configured to notify the display apparatus of a change in a predetermined directory, thereby causing the display apparatus to transmit a transmission request of information on the predetermined directory again. When a new directory is formed on the same layer as that of the directory for managing the contents as a result of addition of the contents in the storage medium, the notification unit notifies the display apparatus of a change in a directory located on a layer above the directory for managing the contents.
US08966555B2	Method and system for performance monitoring of network terminal devices A method and system for performance monitoring of a multimedia content distribution network (MCDN) includes a probe device configured to capture input and output data with respect to a network terminal device at an MCDN client premises. The input data, representing network data sent to the MCDN client for display, may be buffered along with the output data, representing audio and video data generated using the input data. When an anomaly event, such as a display error, occurs, the probe device may record the buffered input and output data, including data acquired prior to the anomaly event. The input and output data may be analyzed to determine a source or origin of the anomaly event. The probe device may also certify that the MCDN and/or the network terminal device was operating normally.
US08966548B2	Alternative media presentation device recommendation A first user device receives, from a service provider network, digital media content and presents the digital media content to a user. The first user device receives, from the service provider network, an indication that a second user device, associated with an account of the user and providing a higher quality presentation, is available to present the digital media content. The first user device presents a notice to the user that the second user device is available. In one aspect, the notice to the user is be selected by the user to initiate a switch to the second user device.
US08966546B2	Method and apparatus for reproducing content through integrated channel management Provided are a method and apparatus for reproducing at least one piece of content received via at least one interface. The method includes classifying the at least one piece of content respectively received via the at least one interface according to a reference attribute, allocating the classified at least one piece of content to a virtual channel, and selecting a channel from among set channels that include the virtual channel and an occupied basic channel.
US08966543B2	Method and system to enable adaptation between physical bearers and OMA-BCAST Systems and methods are provided that combine Open Mobile Alliance Mobile Broadcast Services (OMA BCAST) with different bearers, such as China Multimedia Mobile Broadcasting (CMMB) by associating service-related identifiers within an OMA BCAST Electronic Service Guide (ESG) with CMMB bearer-specific parameters. Furthermore, associating IP source and/or destination address pairs of a service with the location of the service within the CMMB bearer can be achieved and used with unicast, multicast, and broadcast environments. Further still, systems and methods are provided that allow for ESG bootstrapping, where a desired electronic service guide can be discovered by bootstrapping, e.g., OMA BCAST ESG.
US08966541B2	Digital television signal, digital television receiver, and method of processing digital television signal A digital television (DTV) receiver for processing a DTV signal, a receiver to receive a digital television signal including a plurality of extended text table (ETT) instances that appear in transport stream packets with common PID values, the ETT instances having common table ID values, each ETT instance comprising a section header and a message body, the section header containing a table identification (ID) extension field that serves to establish uniqueness of each ETT instance, the message body containing an extended text message (ETM) which provides detailed descriptions of a virtual channel or an event associated with each ETT instance, wherein the section header further contains a protocol version field indicating a protocol version and a current next indicator field; a demodulator to demodulate the digital television signal; and an identifier to identify at least one pertinent ETT instance from the plurality of ETT instances.
US08966539B2	Differentiated PSIP table update interval technology An apparatus, method and data structure for generating at least one table in a broadcast environment, are provided. The apparatus includes a generator to generate an event information table (EIT) and an extended text table (ETT). The ETT has program guide information for an n-hour span and has a transmission interval. The ETT has a transmission interval and program description information according to the EIT. The transmission interval of the EIT is shorter than the transmission interval of the ETT.
US08966536B2	Display control system, display control device, and display control method Provided is a display control device including a display control unit that, when display information of one content among a plurality of contents is selected on a display screen, creates a next display screen containing display information of at least any of a plurality of contents relevant to the one content, wherein the display information contained in the next display screen is display information of contents according to a selection sequence of a plurality of display information having been selected before among the plurality of contents relevant to the one content.
US08966526B2	Internet-based submission of cable network content A cable network content delivery system providing advertising information via a cable network and an advertising content interface are described. An advertiser submits advertising content over an internet which is then adapted for a cable network. A data gateway stores the advertising information. The system processes a user command received via the cable network, including an advertising information search command, and provides advertising information retrieved via the cable network.
US08966521B2	Methods and apparatus to present supplemental media on a second screen Methods and apparatus to present supplemental media on a second screen are disclosed. An example method includes obtaining, at a digital media device, media identifying data from audio data of a portion of first media being presented via the digital media device; determining that the portion of the first media is an advertisement based on the media identifying data; detecting, at the digital media device, a command to cause the digital media device to skip the portion of the first media; and providing an indication to a second device in response to detecting the command, the indication to cause the second device to present second media.
US08966519B2	Method and apparatus for providing parental control using a playlist A method for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. A playlist is received from a control server. One or more channel change control messages are sent to a client in accordance with a playlist. The one or more channel change control messages include tuning information for tuning to one or more programs or channels at times indicated in the playlist.An apparatus for providing parental control via a playlist is disclosed. The apparatus may be a content delivery system headend. The content delivery system headend system may have a Switched Digital Video (SDV) manager for coordinating SDV sessions requested by subscribers over an access network. The headend may have an input for receiving content to be broadcast during the SDV sessions. The headend may also have a subscriber control unit for sending one or more channel change control messages to a client device in accordance with a playlist, the one or more channel change control messages including tuning information for tuning to one or more programs or channels at times indicated in the playlist.
US08966514B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and program Provided is an information processing apparatus including a communication unit for receiving, from an external device, degree-of-attention information including information on a degree of attention, for each part of first content, calculated based on a state of viewing of a user, and a priority information generation unit for generating, using the degree-of-attention information, priority information including information on a priority for viewing for each part of second content. The communication unit transmits the priority information to the external device.
US08966513B2	System and method for processing media highlights Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for processing media highlights. A first method includes displaying a real-time media event to a user, and, upon receiving a first indication from the user at a first time, generating a highlight of the real-time media event based on the first time, the highlight being associated with a portion of the real-time media event at the first time, and associating, in a highlight database, the highlight with an individual profile of the user. The highlight can include parameters for media content and/or duration. The highlight duration can be based on an analysis of content of the real-time media event. Highlights can be assigned to specific highlight categories. Other aspects disclosed herein apply to playback of media highlights during playback of a recorded media event, and managing stored highlights.
US08966509B2	Client-side web service provider To facilitate client access to web services, a server may be configured to package or bundle a function call for a web service with associated information. The resulting function call package may be distributed to multiple clients. Such a package may include parameters for the function call and/or software code that can facilitate a client web site to make the function call. The package may also include branding information associated with the web service. Results of the function call can be presented through the client web site with the branding information associated with the web service, allowing a third party to retain branding for their web service provided through the client web site.
US08966507B2	Information processing device, information processing method, information processing program, and recording medium In an information processing device adapted for performing an application program, a displaying unit causes a display device to display information related to a state transition of the application program. A generation unit receives an input updating request for updating information related to a displayed state transition, and generates an application program which realizes a state transition according to the updating request.
US08966503B1	System and method for correlating anomalous events The method includes monitoring a plurality of information handling systems. The method further includes receiving an anomalous event with respect to at least one information handling system of the plurality of information handling systems. In addition, the method includes performing, via at least one correlation handler, at least one correlation algorithm on the anomalous event. Further, the method includes, responsive to the performing, creating, via the correlation handler, at least one composite event. Additionally, the method includes sending the at least one composite event to an event handler. The method also includes issuing, via the event handler, an alert for the at least one composite event.
US08966501B2	Method and system for time-based correlation of events A method includes receiving event information corresponding to an event associated with the operation of a system. The method also includes identifying related event information corresponding to a plurality of events that occurred before the event, wherein the event is related to the plurality of events. The method also includes storing the event information and the related event information as a group of events. The method further includes determining whether the group of events occurred within a first specified amount of time by identifying a time window ending at the occurrence of the event and beginning the first specified amount of time before the occurrence of the event and determining whether each event of the group of events occurred during the identified time window. The method further includes identifying an incident associated with the group of events upon determining that the group of events occurred within the first specified amount of time.
US08966496B2	Lock free use of non-preemptive system resource A computer-implemented method for lock-free use of a non-preemptive system resource by a preemptive thread, which may be interrupted. The method comprises registering a non-preemptive system resource and a first level reclaim handler for the non-preemptive system resource with the kernel of an operating system, registering a second level reclaim handler with the kernel, wherein the second level reclaim handler is included in an application program, and running the application program as a preemptive thread using the non-preemptive system resource. The first level reclaim handler is code that is a part of the implementation of the non-preemptive system resource in the kernel. The second level reclaim handler is code that is part of the application and is registered with the kernel before the application uses the non-preemptive system resource. The method enables a preemptive thread using a non-preemptive system resource to be preempted without crashing.
US08966491B2	System and method for implementing NUMA-aware reader-writer locks NUMA-aware reader-writer locks may leverage lock cohorting techniques to band together writer requests from a single NUMA node. The locks may relax the order in which the lock schedules the execution of critical sections of code by reader threads and writer threads, allowing lock ownership to remain resident on a single NUMA node for long periods, while also taking advantage of parallelism between reader threads. Threads may contend on node-level structures to get permission to acquire a globally shared reader-writer lock. Writer threads may follow a lock cohorting strategy of passing ownership of the lock in write mode from one thread to a cohort writer thread without releasing the shared lock, while reader threads from multiple NUMA nodes may simultaneously acquire the shared lock in read mode. The reader-writer lock may follow a writer-preference policy, a reader-preference policy or a hybrid policy.
US08966488B2	Synchronising groups of threads with dedicated hardware logic The invention provides a processor comprising an execution unit arranged to execute multiple program threads, each thread comprising a sequence of instructions, and a plurality of synchronisers for synchronising threads. Each synchroniser is operable, in response to execution by the execution unit of one or more synchroniser association instructions, to associate with a group of at least two threads. Each synchroniser is also operable, when thus associated, to synchronise the threads of the group by pausing execution of a thread in the group pending a synchronisation point in another thread of that group.
US08966479B2	Application-specific data in-flight services along a communication path selected based on a DIF services policy associated with a VM Embodiments provide data in-flight (DIF) services to software applications such as virtual machines (VMs) at an application level without requiring modification to established storage protocols. In exemplary embodiments, a software application is associated with a DIF services policy indicating one or more DIF services to apply to the software application. Data transmitted by the software application to a destination is tagged based on the DIF services policy associated with the software application and transmitted to the destination.
US08966472B2	Image forming apparatus, method of preinstalling application, and non-transitory computer-readable medium An image forming apparatus, which is configured to install application software that runs on an operation environment, comprises: a storage unit which stores a data file of system software, a data file of application software required to extend a function of the image forming apparatus, a license file required to install the application software, and a control file which defines a state after preinstall with respect to the application software; a preinstall unit which preinstalls application software stored in the storage unit using the license file upon activation of the image forming apparatus; and a changing unit which changes the preinstalled application software to a state defined by the control file.
US08966465B2	Customization creation and update for multi-layer XML customization Embodiments of the present invention provide techniques for customizing aspects of a metadata-driven software application. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide (1) a self-contained metadata engine for generating customized metadata documents from base metadata documents and customizations; (2) a customization syntax for defining customizations; (3) a customization creation/update component for creating and updating customizations; (4) a customization restriction mechanism for restricting the creation of new customizations by specific users or groups of users; and (5) memory and caching optimizations for optimizing the storage and lookup of customized metadata documents.
US08966463B2	Eliminating redundant function calls A computer-implemented method for removing redundant function calls in a computer program includes identifying a first set of equivalent function calls appearing in the computer program. For each of the equivalent function calls, the method identifies whether the function call is partially available or partially anticipable. When a function call is identified as being partially anticipable, a result of the function call is stored in a temporary variable. When a function call is identified as being partially available, the function call is removed and replaced with use of the temporary variable.
US08966459B2	Processors and compiling methods for processors A compiling method compiles an object program to be executed by a processor having a plurality of execution units operable in parallel. In the method a first availability chain is created from a producer instruction (p1), scheduled for execution by a first one of the execution units (20: AGU), to a first consumer instruction (c1), scheduled for execution by a second one of the execution units (22: EXU) and requiring a value produced by the said producer instruction. The first availability chain comprises at least one move instruction (mv1-mv3) for moving the required value from a first point (20: ARF) accessible by the first execution unit to a second point (22: DRF) accessible by the second execution unit. When a second consumer instruction (c2), also requiring the same value, is scheduled for execution by an execution unit (23: EXU) other than the first execution unit, at least part of the first availability chain is reused to move the required value to a point (23: DRF) accessible by that other execution unit.In other compiling methods (FIG. 8), the object program includes a loop kernel block and a basic block preceding the loop kernel block, and the basic block includes a producer instruction (p1) and the loop kernel block includes a consumer instruction (c1, c2) requiring a value produced by the producer instruction. The loop kernel block is scheduled first, after which the basic block is scheduled. These methods can put additional move instructions between producer and consumer instructions in the basic block instead of the loop kernel block, or eliminate the move instructions altogether.
US08966457B2	Method and system for converting a single-threaded software program into an application-specific supercomputer The invention comprises (i) a compilation method for automatically converting a single-threaded software program into an application-specific supercomputer, and (ii) the supercomputer system structure generated as a result of applying this method. The compilation method comprises: (a) Converting an arbitrary code fragment from the application into customized hardware whose execution is functionally equivalent to the software execution of the code fragment; and (b) Generating interfaces on the hardware and software parts of the application, which (i) Perform a software-to-hardware program state transfer at the entries of the code fragment; (ii) Perform a hardware-to-software program state transfer at the exits of the code fragment; and (iii) Maintain memory coherence between the software and hardware memories. If the resulting hardware design is large, it is divided into partitions such that each partition can fit into a single chip. Then, a single union chip is created which can realize any of the partitions.
US08966454B1	Modeling and testing of interactions between components of a software system A first set of information is identified, collected by a first agent during monitoring of a first software component. A second set of information is identified, that was collected by a second agent during monitoring of a second software component. It can be determined that the first and second sets of information each include characteristics of a particular transaction involving the first and second software components. A model is generated of the particular transaction based at least in part on the first and second sets of information. The model includes a representation of the involvement of the first and second software components within the particular transaction. In some aspects, characteristics included in the first and second set of information can include timing information for use, for example, in generating a model representing ordering of software components' involvement in one or more transactions.
US08966452B2	User interaction analysis of tracer data for configuring an application tracer A tracing system may be updated to include, exclude, or modify tracing configurations for functions based on how a user consumes tracing results. The user's interactions with graphical representations, inspections of data, and other interactions may indicate which functions may be interesting and which functions may not be. The user's interactions may be classified by use, such as during debugging, performance testing, and ongoing monitoring, and multiple user's interactions with the same function, library, module, source code file, or other groups of functions may be combined to predict a user's interest in a function.
US08966449B2	Test case pattern matching A method of providing feedback on source code being created includes receiving source code and processing the received source code according to a predefined rule set to create a representation of the received source code. A source code repository is accessed that includes source code fragments. Each source code fragment in the repository has been processed according to the predefined rule set to create representations of the respective source code fragments. The representation of the received source code is compared to each representation of the source code fragments. A matching score is calculated for the representation of the received source code with respect to each representation of the source code fragments based upon an output of the comparison step. An output derived from the calculated matching scores is presented.
US08966447B2	Capturing and displaying state of automated user-level testing of a graphical user interface application In one embodiment, an automated user-level testing tool is enhanced to capture additional information about the state of the automated testing, beyond just a screenshot of the application-under-test. In another embodiment, an automated user-level testing tool is enhanced to capture testing state information for multiple points in time (referred to as “snapshots”), beyond just when the application-under-test crashes. This captured information from one execution of an automated test (one “test run”) is stored in one test log, which can then be viewed using a test log viewer. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface (GUI) for the test log viewer includes four areas: a screenshot area, a test script area, a stack trace area, and a timing area. The content shown in the screenshot area, the test script area, and the stack trace area is specific to a particular point in time during a test (e.g., a particular snapshot).
US08966446B1	Systems and methods of live experimentation on content provided by a web site Techniques for experimentation on live content in a production environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for live experimentation comprises receiving a first request from a client computing device for an instance of content, sending a second request for an instance of content to a content provider, receiving the instance of content from the content provider in response to the second request, associating a test script with the received instance of content, and sending the instance of content with the associated test script to the client computing device. The client computing device is configured to execute the test script on the instance of content without modifying content executed by the content provider.
US08966439B2	Method and system for determining an answer to a query In a method to help a user determine a formula, (e.g., a fact, rule, or principle expressed in scientific, mathematical, technical, etc. symbols), a user may input an indication of the formula in an imprecise syntax. The inputted indication may be in ASCII text, for example, and may include technical shorthand, technical abbreviations, pseudocode, etc. In response, one or more formulas corresponding to the user's input are determined. Optionally, other outputs related to the determined formula (s) may be generated. In one implementation, software programming code corresponding to the formula is generated. Then, the formula (s) and the output(s) are presented to the user.
US08966438B2	System and methods for end-users to graphically program and manage computers and devices A system that enables end-users who are not skilled in the art of traditional computer programming to intuitively program, configure and manage computers and devices and/or systems that contain many computers and devices. End-users connect graphical parts using graphical wires using a graphical user interface. The timing of the messages that are carried in the wires that connect the parts is deterministic, consistent and intuitive to the end-user. Parts and their user-configurable features are typically designed, fully tested and certified by the original equipment manufacturer or independent software vendor. This invention relates to ubiquitous computing, a model of human-computer interaction in which information processing has been thoroughly integrated into everyday objects and activities associated with those objects.
US08966428B2	Fixed-outline floorplanning approach for mixed-size modules A fixed-outline floorplanning approach for mixed-size modules is disclosed. Firstly, evenly distribute mixed-size circuit modules to whole chip area based on different requirements such as wire-length, routability, or thermal in the global distribution stage. To maintain the global distribution result and satisfy the fixed-outline constraint, generate a slicing tree by recursively applying partition algorithm to divide modules distributed in a given region into several sub-regions. Then, to remove overlap between circuit modules and find a best solution, use bottom-up shape curve merging and top-down back tracing procedure to generate a slicing tree. The shape curve for each leaf in the tree is built first by enumerated packing. Then, the curves in the tree are merged iteratively from bottom to top, and feasible solutions in the shape curve of the root node are identified according to the fixed-outline constraint. Finally, the best solution is determined by a top-down back tracing procedure.
US08966427B2	Systems and methods for integrated circuit C4 ball placement Methods and systems for improving the reliability of C4 solder ball contacts performed at the design stage to reduce the incidence of thermally-induced failures, including those due to electromigration and thermal cycling.
US08966417B2	Method and system for estimating a diffusion potential of a diffusive property Methods, systems, and techniques for estimating a transient diffusion potential of a diffusive property involve modeling, as a circuit, diffusive behavior of a diffusion region and then simulating operation of the circuit to estimate the transient diffusion potential at a location in the diffusion region by determining circuit potential at a node in the circuit that corresponds to the location in the diffusion region. The circuit has steady-state and transient portions that model the steady-state and transient behavior of the diffusion region, respectively. The transient behavior is modeled using a capacitive circuit element. The diffusive property diffuses linearly within the diffusion region and generation of the diffusive property is distributed within the diffusion region.
US08966408B2	Removable clip with user interface Various embodiments of removable user interfaces, electronic computing devices, and systems are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a body having a bend and a user interface area, a connector adapted to couple to a corresponding connector on an electronic device, and a plurality of conductive elements. The bend enables the user interface area to wrap around a portion of the electronic device when the connector is coupled to the corresponding connector on the electronic device. In another embodiment, a portable electronic system includes a removable user interface and an electronic computing device having a display surface, where the removable user interface is couplable to the electronic computing device such that the removable user interface is disposed over at least a part of the display surface.
US08966407B2	Expandable homepage modules A computer-implemented method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a command generated by selection of a control on a web page displayed on a user device, identifying a registered account associated with the user device, and adding display content associated with the control to a personalized page associated with the registered account based on the selection of the control, without requiring the user device to navigate to a configuration screen.
US08966401B2	Electronic device and methods of sending information with the electronic device, controlling the electronic device, and transmitting and receiving information in an information system An electronic device includes a display unit, a communication unit communicating with one or more external electronic devices, and a controller controlling a display unit to display information about the one or more external electronic devices in a first region, corresponding to a first side of a plurality of sides of the display unit, and displaying detailed information related to an image, displayed in a middle region of the display unit, in a second region corresponding to a second side different from the first side from among the plurality of sides.
US08966398B2	System and method for visualizing connected temporal and spatial information as an integrated visual representation on a user interface A system and method for configuring the presentation of a plurality of presentation elements in a visual representation on a user interface, the presentation elements having both temporal and spatial parameters, the method comprising the steps of: defining a time bar with a time scale having time indicators as subdivisions of the time scale and having a first global temporal limit and a second temporal global limit of the time scale for defining a temporal domain of the presentation elements, defining a focus range of the time bar such that the focus range has a first local temporal limit and a second local temporal limit wherein the first local temporal limit is greater than or equal to the first global temporal limit and the second local temporal limit is less than or equal to the second global temporal limit; defining a focus bar having a focus time scale having focus time indicators as subdivisions of the focus time scale and having the first and second local temporal limits as the extents of the focus time scale, such that the focus time scale is an expansion of the time scale; and displaying a set of presentation elements selected from the plurality of presentation elements based on the respective temporal parameter of each of the set of presentation elements is within the first and second local temporal limits.
US08966389B2	Visual interface for identifying positions of interest within a sequentially ordered information encoding Embodiments of the present invention provide intuitive, easily used, and efficient visual representation of positions of interest to a user within a sequentially ordered information encoding. In particular, various embodiments of the present invention provide a heat-map-like representation of the relatedness, at each location or position within a sequentially ordered information encoding, of the contents of the information encoding at or near the position to a specified search criterion. The heat-map visual representation allows a user to identify positions of particular interest, with respect to the specified search criterion, and to directly access the information at those positions, allowing the user to avoid time-consuming and inefficient hit-or-miss searching techniques.
US08966385B2	Radiation imaging apparatus, display processing method of the same, and computer-readable storage medium A radiation imaging apparatus for imaging a radiation image inputs an operation instruction from a user and performs display control of a screen that has an input region in which one or more information input regions for having various types of information input thereto are disposed, and a workflow region in which workflow information related to imaging of the radiation image is disposed. Here, when a confirmation instruction indicating confirmation of an operation is input, the radiation imaging apparatus moves the one or more information input regions of the input region toward a prescribed region of the workflow region, and performs display using animation that sequences the movement of the one or more information input regions.
US08966381B2	Time intelligence for application programs Techniques to implement time intelligence for application program are described. An apparatus may include a calendar application module. The calendar application module may be arranged to define and generate a calendar for an application program, the calendar application module to define time members for a time dimension of a multidimensional data model, assign a monotonically increasing unique identifier to each time member, and generate the calendar with time members from the time dimension using the unique identifiers. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08966364B2	Image editing apparatus allowing easy edition of page arrangement order on a scrollable preview display of page images An image editing apparatus allowing easy edition of page arrangement order on the preview display of page images includes a display device having a display screen and a preview display device configured to display image data in a scrollable manner. If any page is selected from the images of preview display, the selected page is displayed as a reduced image at a position different from the preview images. By drag-and-dropping the reduced image to an arrangement of preview images, the selected page moves to the drag-and-dropped position in the image data.
US08966358B2	Document generation based on referral A document machine may detect a request for provision of a document while that document is available for provisioning. The document machine may update a count of referrals to the document and, based on the count of referrals transgressing a threshold value, generate a substitute document based on the original document. This substitute document may then be provided in response to further requests for the original document after the original document is no longer available for provision. The updating of the count of referrals is based on the identifier of a network that referred a request detected while the first document was still available for provision. The document machine may then provide the substitute document in lieu of the original document in response to a further request for provision of the first document.
US08966350B2	Providing reliability metrics for decoding data in non-volatile storage A set of reliability metrics is provided for use by an iterative probabilistic decoding process for non-volatile storage. A plurality of sense operations are performed on at least one set of non-volatile storage elements which are programmed to a plurality of programming states. A set of reliability metrics such as logarithmic likelihood ratios is provided based on the sense operations. The set of reliability metrics is can be used by an iterative probabilistic decoding process in determining a programming state of at least one non-volatile storage element based on at least one subsequent sense operation involving the at least one non-volatile storage element. The plurality of sense operations can be performed at different ages (e.g., number of program/erase cycles) of the at least one set of non-volatile storage elements and the set of reliability metrics can be based on an average over the different ages.
US08966349B2	DTV transmitting system and receiving system and method of processing broadcast signal A television transmitting system includes an encoder, a data randomizing and expanding unit, a group formatter, a deinterleaver, and a packet formatter. The encoder codes enhanced data for error correction, permutes the coded data, and further codes the permuted data for error detection. The randomizing and expanding unit randomizes the error-detection-coded data and expands the randomized data. The group formatter forms a group of enhanced data having one or more data regions and inserts the expanded enhanced data into at least one of the regions. The deinterleaver deinterleaves the group of enhanced data, and the packet formatter generates enhanced data packets.
US08966344B2	Data protecting method, memory controller and memory storage device A data protecting method, a memory controller, and a memory storage device are provided. The data protecting method includes following steps. A first flush command and a first write command instructing to write a first data are received from a host system. A first error correcting code and a corresponding second error correcting code having different protection capabilities are generated according to the first data. A second write command instructing to write a second data is received. After the first write command is received, a second flush command is received from the host system, and the second error correcting code corresponding to the first data is then written into a rewritable non-volatile memory module. A second error correcting code corresponding to the second data is not generated or is generated but not written into the rewritable non-volatile memory module. Thereby, data from the host system is protected.
US08966343B2	Solid-state drive retention monitor using reference blocks A solid-state storage retention monitor determines whether user data in a solid-state device is in need of a scrubbing operation. One or more reference blocks may be programmed with a known data pattern, wherein the reference block(s) experiences substantially similar P/E cycling, storage temperature, storage time, and other conditions as the user blocks. The reference blocks may therefore effectively represent data retention properties of the user blocks and provide information regarding whether/when a data refreshing operation is needed.
US08966335B2	Method for performing error corrections of digital information codified as a symbol sequence A method and system for making error corrections on digital information coded as symbol sequences, for example digital information stored in electronic memory systems or transmitted from and to these systems is described, provides the transmission of sequences incorporating a portion of error corrector code allowing the sequence which is more probably the original transmitted through the calculation of an error syndrome using a parity matrix to be restored when received. Advantageously according to embodiments of the invention, the error code incorporated in the original sequence belongs to a non Boolean group.
US08966333B2	Method and arrangement for retransmission using HARQ The present invention relates to a method and device for enhancing coverage of a power-limited mobile terminal by sending information relating to a single Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) process from the mobile terminal to a base station using several transmission time intervals.
US08966328B2	Detecting a memory device defect A technique includes receiving data indicative of a time varying count of errors, which are attributable to at least one memory device. The technique includes filtering the indicated count and detecting a defect in the memory device(s), where the detecting includes selectively generating an indicator to represent that the memory device(s) is defective based at least in part on a result of the filtering.
US08966324B2	Transactional execution branch indications Transactional execution branch indications are placed into one or more transaction diagnostic blocks when a transaction is aborted. Each branch indication specifies whether a branch was taken, as a result of executing a branch instruction within the transaction. As the transaction executes and a branch instruction is encountered, a branch indication is set in a vector indicating whether the branch was taken. Then, if the transaction aborts, the indicators are stored in one or more transaction diagnostic blocks providing a branch history usable in diagnosing the failure.
US08966313B2	Systems and methods for a shared debug pin In some examples, a computer system includes a first component associated with a first power domain and a second component associated with a second power domain. The computer system also includes a debug port with a debug port pin shared by a debug operation pin of the first component and a corresponding debug operation pin of the second component. The computer system also includes a switch associated with the debug port pin to selectively isolate the debug operation pin of the first component from leakage current of the corresponding debug operation pin of the second component.
US08966311B2	Maintenance free storage container storage module access A method begins by a processing module determining failure mode information for a plurality of storage modules of a maintenance-free storage container. The method continues with the processing module managing storage mapping information of data content within the plurality of storage modules based on the failure mode information and receiving a data access request. The method continues with the processing module interpreting the data access request based on the storage mapping information to identify one or more of the plurality of storage modules to produce one or more identified storage modules and generating an in-container data access request based on the data access request and the one or more identified storage modules. The method continues with the processing module sending the in-container data access request to the one or more identified storage modules.
US08966307B2	Multiple-speed interface The present invention provides a security module having a communication interface being capable of operating according to any from a selection from a plurality of predetermined operation modes or communication protocols. The security module further comprises a voltage detector to detect the voltage on the module's power supply connection. Depending on the value of the detected voltage or to which of a plurality of predetermined voltage ranges the detected voltage may be categorized, the security module is made to function according to one from the plurality of predetermined communication protocols. According to an embodiment of the present invention the plurality of communication protocols require that the security module operate at a plurality of different frequencies.
US08966304B1	Periodic system wakeup to update state Methods and apparatus for updating state of computing devices are disclosed. An example method includes automatically scheduling, in a computing device, an update-process trigger. In the example method, occurrence of the update-process trigger causes the computing device to transition from a low power state to a first active power state and perform an update process. The update-process trigger may be scheduled based on one or more heuristics association with a given computing device. The example method further includes initiating, after scheduling the update-process trigger, a transition of the computing device from a second active power state to the low power state. In response to occurrence of the update-process trigger, the example method includes initiating the transition of the computing device from the low power state to the first active power state and performing the update process after the transition from the low power state to the first active power state.
US08966297B2	Bidirectional inline power port A method and apparatus for bidirectional provision of inline power over data telecommunications cabling permits power to be received at a local powered device (PD) from remote power sourcing equipment (PSE) via at least one conductor at a first time and power to be provided by the local device to a remote device or another device at a second different time.
US08966287B2	Systems and methods for secure third-party data storage A computer-implemented method for secure third-party data storage may include 1) identifying, at a server-side computing device, a request from a client system to access an encrypted file stored under a user account, 2) identifying, in response to the request, an asymmetric key pair designated for the user account that includes an encryption key and a decryption key that has been encrypted with a client-side key, 3) receiving, from the client system, the client-side key, 4) decrypting the decryption key with the client-side key, and 5) using the decryption key to access an unencrypted version of the encrypted file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08966284B2	Hardware driver integrity check of memory card controller firmware A memory system comprises an encryption engine implemented in the hardware of a controller. In starting up the memory system, a boot strapping mechanism is implemented wherein a first portion of firmware when executed pulls in another portion of firmware to be executed. The hardware of the encryption engine is used to verify the integrity of at least the first portion of the firmware. Therefore, only the firmware that is intended to run the system will be executed.
US08966269B2	Integrity protected smart card transaction Systems, methods, and technologies for configuring a conventional smart card and client machine, and for performing a smart card authorization using the configured smart card and client. Further, the combination of methods provides for mutual authentication—authentication of the client to the user, and authentication of the user to the client. The authentication methods include presenting a specified token to the user sufficient to authenticate the client to the user and thus protect the user-provided PIN. Security is strengthened by using an integrity key based on approved client system configurations. Security is further strengthened by calculating a PIN′ value based on a user-specified PIN and a modifier and using the PIN′ value for unlocking the smart card.
US08966267B1	Secure session capability using public-key cryptography without access to the private key A server establishes a secure session with a client device where a private key used in the handshake when establishing the secure session is stored in a different server. During the handshake procedure, the server proxies messages to/from the different server including a set of signed cryptographic parameters signed using the private key on the different server. The different server generates the master secret, and generates and transmits the session keys to the server that are to be used in the secure session for encrypting and decrypting communication between the client device and the server.
US08966264B2	Signature generation apparatus, signature method, non-transitory computer readable medium storing signature generation program A signature generation apparatus includes basic operation execution units each executing a basic operation included in a signature generation procedure; and a whole operation controller connected to the basic operation execution units to control operations in the basic operation execution units and monitor operation states of the basic operation execution units, in which when there is a basic operation execution unit among the basic operation execution units which is executing a secret operation which uses data to be concealed as an argument, the whole operation controller causes basic operation execution units other than the basic operation execution unit to simultaneously execute a random number operation which uses a random number originally used for signature generation as an argument.
US08966262B2	Methods and apparatus for delivering electronic identification components over a wireless network Methods and apparatus enabling programming of electronic identification information of a wireless apparatus. In one embodiment, a previously purchased or deployed wireless apparatus is activated by a cellular network. The wireless apparatus connects to the cellular network using an access module to download operating system components and/or access control client components. The described methods and apparatus enable updates, additions and replacement of various components including Electronic Subscriber Identity Module (eSIM) data, OS components. One exemplary implementation of the invention utilizes a trusted key exchange between the device and the cellular network to maintain security.
US08966257B2	Method and system for secret communication between nodes The present invention discloses a method and system for secret communication between nodes in a wired Local Area Network (LAN). The method of secret communication between nodes in the wired LAN includes the following steps: 1) a sharing key is established; 2) the route probe is exchanged; 3) the data communication is classified; 4) the secret communication is processed among the nodes. According to the different communication situations among the nodes, the method of secret communication between nodes provided in the present invention can process the classification and select an appropriate secret communication strategy; compared with per-hop encryption, the calculation load of the exchange equipment is reduced, and the transmission delay of data packets is shortened; compared with the method that inter-station keys are established in pairs of nodes in order to protect the communication secret, the key number is reduced, and the key management is simplified.
US08966256B2	Transmitting a document A method of transmitting a document from a computing device to a printing device using a document server comprising, at the server, receiving user credentials from a user of an authorized computing device, receiving encrypted data defining the document from the authorized computing device, receiving information indicating the intended recipients of the data, receiving user credentials from an authorized printing device, and delivering the encrypted data to an authorized recipient.
US08966254B2	Keyless challenge and response system A confidential information exchange between a sender and a receiver may be conducted without the use of encryption keys. The information is coded with a Challenge-Response Table that is shared between the sender and the receiver. Rather than sending a challenge and then waiting for a response, the challenge and response are both sent by the sender of the information. The information sent comprises an index with a challenge and a response from the Challenge-Response Table. Upon receiving the coded information, the receiver uses the Challenge-Response Table to decode the information by using the index to locate the challenge and its valid response. Upon determining that the challenge and the response are correct, a first decoded answer is determined. Upon determining that either the challenge or the response, or both, are incorrect, a second decoded answer is determined.
US08966252B2	Private entity authentication for pervasive computing environments A method is provided for authenticating an entity having a plurality of keys in a digital form residing on a claimant computing device. The method comprises: generating a first code word by applying a hash function to a first key residing on the claimant computing device; encoding the first code word into an array of bits having a Bloom filter format; generating a second code word by applying a hash function to a second key residing on the claimant computing device; encoding the second code word into the array of bits; and broadcasting an authentication message having the array of bits therein from the claimant computing device.
US08966240B2	Enabling packet handling information in the clear for MACSEC protected frames Techniques are provided to append packet handling information “in the clear” ahead of security related information in a packet to be routed over a network to optimize wide area network deployments of security-configured equipment. In one form, at a network device that performs connectionless secure communication and network routing of packets, data is received from a source device to be sent through a network to a destination device. Packet handling information is inserted in a packet that is to be used to transport the data. The packet handling information is configured to enable controlled handling of the packet in the network and is inserted in an unprotected portion of the packet. Encrypted payload data is generated from the data received from the source device. The encrypted payload data and security information are inserted in a protected portion of the packet and the packet is sent to the network.
US08966237B2	Operating system switching method in information processing system including a switcher checking wakeup status in the processor An OS switching method for switching an OS within several seconds in an information processing system is provided. In the information processing system which includes a processor, a main memory, a nonvolatile memory, and a plurality of input/output apparatuses, an OS switcher is executed when power is applied to the information processing system. When a first OS acquires an OS switch command that indicates a switch to a second OS while the first OS is activated and running, the first OS stores identification information of the second OS and information indicating an OS switch in the nonvolatile memory, and performs STR. The OS switcher switches an OS from the first OS to the second OS after the STR is completed. Accordingly, in the system, one OS can be quickly switched to another OS within several seconds, and a previous working environment can be maintained.
US08966226B2	State machine for monitoring a trace port and verifying proper execution of a secure mode entry sequence instruction A method and system of verifying proper execution of a secure mode entry sequence. At least some of the exemplary embodiments may be a method comprising delivering an instruction from a memory to a processor across an instruction bus (the instruction at least partially configures the processor for secure mode of operation different that privilege modes of the processor), verifying delivery of the instruction across the instruction bus, and checking for proper execution of the instruction using a trace port of the processor.
US08966217B2	Lightweight random memory allocation In response to a memory allocation request received from an application thread, a random number is obtained (e.g., from a random number list previously populated with multiple random numbers). A starting location in at least a portion of a bitmap associated with a region including multiple blocks of the memory is determined based on the random number. A portion of the bitmap is scanned, beginning at the starting location, to identify a location in the bitmap corresponding to an available block of the multiple blocks, and an indication of this available block is returned to the application thread.
US08966216B1	Techniques for automated evaluation and movement of data between storage tiers Described are techniques for configuring data storage. A plurality of devices is selected. It is determined, for each of the plurality of devices, whether data for said each device should be located in a first storage tier or another storage tier. The first storage tier is higher performance storage tier than the other storage tier. For each of the plurality of devices that the determining step determines should be located in the first storage tier, data of said each device is automatically located on a physical storage device of the first storage tier.
US08966212B2	Memory management method, computer system and computer readable medium It is provided a memory management method for releasing an unnecessary area in a memory area used by a program stored in the memory and executed by the computing device. The memory management method including the step of: setting in the memory, a first memory area which is used to execute the program; setting in the memory, a second memory area which can be operated by the program; setting a utilized area in the second memory area based on an instruction from the program; storing objects including data in the utilized area of the second memory area based on an instruction from the program; determining whether the program uses the objects stored in the utilized area within the second memory area; and releasing, by the computing device, the utilized area occupied by an object that is not used by the program among the objects stored in the utilized area.
US08966206B2	Computer system, storage management computer, and storage management method A memory stores first configuration information indicating a plurality of logical storage areas and a first condition defining a state of a storage apparatus as a trigger for the storage apparatus to move data. A CPU acquires: a second condition defining a state of a computer as a trigger for the computer to move a first object, which is stored in a first logical storage area among the plurality of logical storage areas and performed by the computer, to another one of the plurality of logical storage areas; second configuration information associating the first object and the first logical storage area; first state information indicating a state of the plurality of logical storage areas; and second state information indicating a state of the first object. If a state of performing data movement is set, the CPU identifies a cause of the state of performing the data movement.
US08966204B2	Data migration between memory locations Migrating data may include determining to copy a first data block in a first memory location to a second memory location and determining to copy a second data block in the first memory location to the second memory location based on a migration policy.
US08966196B2	Cloud management of device memory based on geographical location A method for managing memory of a device is disclosed. A computer system collects information about use, by the device, of data in the memory of the device. The information collected by the computer system includes a time and a location for which each portion of the data is used by the device. The computer system identifies patterns of use, by the device, of each portion of the data based on the information collected. The computer system then selects one or more portions of the data that are not needed in the memory of the device based on the patterns of use by the device.
US08966187B2	Flexible replication with skewed mapping in multi-core chips For a flexible replication with skewed mapping in a multi-core chip, a request for a cache line is received, at a receiver core in the multi-core chip from a requester core in the multi-core chip. The receiver and requester cores comprise electronic circuits. The multi-core chip comprises a set of cores including the receiver and the requester cores. A target core is identified from the request to which the request is targeted. A determination is made whether the target core includes the requester core in a neighborhood of the target core, the neighborhood including a first subset of cores mapped to the target core according to a skewed mapping. The cache line is replicated, responsive to the determining being negative, from the target core to a replication core. The cache line is provided from the replication core to the requester core.
US08966180B2	Scatter-gather intelligent memory architecture for unstructured streaming data on multiprocessor systems A scatter/gather technique optimizes unstructured streaming memory accesses, providing off-chip bandwidth efficiency by accessing only useful data at a fine granularity, and off-loading memory access overhead by supporting address calculation, data shuffling, and format conversion.
US08966173B1	Managing accesses to storage objects A method is used in managing accesses to storage objects. Access I/Os being directed to at least one storage object are received into a first queue that operates on a first in first out basis. In accordance with the first in first out basis, a batch of the access I/Os is created from the first queue. The batch is transferred to a second queue that is controlled by ordering logic. The batch in the second queue is ordered in accordance with the ordering logic. All of the access I/Os from the second queue are processed in order, before any additional access I/Os are added to the second queue.
US08966168B2	Memory and method for storing integrated serial data as divided data in parallel memories, performing read control based on a number of valid memories, and controlling integration of the divided data An information memory system in which data received is divided into pieces of data, which are stored in memories in parallel, includes controller configured to storing a number of the divided pieces of data and monitoring a read request and a buffer full notice, in a case where the number of read requests does not reach the number of valid memory units and the buffer full notice continues in all buffers except for one buffer which does not output the read request, performing a read control corresponding to the buffers which output the buffer full notice, and performing control of the integration of a piece of data reconstructed, after being read from the memory unit corresponding to the buffer which does not output the read request and the pieces of data read from the memory units corresponding to the buffers which output the buffer full notice.
US08966164B1	Storage processor managing NVME logically addressed solid state disk array A method of writing to one or more solid state disks (SSDs) employed by a storage processor includes receiving a command, creating sub-commands from the command based on a granularity, and assigning the sub-commands to the one or more SSDs and creating a NVMe command structure for each sub-command.
US08966162B2	Flash memory controller and method for generating a driving current for flash memories The invention provides a flash memory controller. In one embodiment, the flash memory controller is coupled to a plurality of flash memories, and comprises a driving current generator and a processor. The driving current generator generates a driving current to drive the flash memories. The processor calculates the total number of flash memories, determines a driving current value according to the total number of flash memories, and directs the driving current generator to generate the driving current with a level greater than or equal to the driving current value. The driving current value is determined by the processor to be increased with an increase of the total number of flash memories.
US08966161B2	Memory storage device and restoring method thereof A memory storage device and a repairing method thereof are provided. The memory storage device has a rewritable non-volatile memory module having multiple physical units. The physical units include at least one backup physical unit which is configured to be accessed only by a specific command set and stored with at least one customized data. The method includes receiving a specific read command from a host system for reading the backup physical unit and transmitting the customized data therein to the host system when the memory storage device is capable of receiving and processing commands from the host system, the specific read command belongs to the specific command set; and writing the customized data from the host system into a corresponding physical unit to restore the memory storage device to a factory setting when receiving the writing command from the host system for writing the customized data.
US08966148B2	Providing real-time interrupts over Ethernet In one embodiment, a method includes sending a request to one or more distributed fabric protocol (DFP) system members in order to retrieve one or more events from the one or more DFP system members, wherein the one or more events are received as data encapsulated in a packet(s), receiving one or more acknowledgements to the request from the one or more DFP system members at a local network switch of the DFP system master, upon receipt of the at least one packet: decoding the at least one packet to retrieve details of the one or more events using a dedicated processor of the DFP system master, creating and sending a message signaled interrupt (MSI) comprising the details of the one or more events to a local processor of the DFP system master using the dedicated processor, and reading the MSI using the local processor of the DFP system master.
US08966145B2	Data conversion apparatus and method A data processing apparatus may include: a data conversion unit configured to designate one-transfer data as one transfer unit and designate a predetermined number of transfer units as one conversion unit when a plurality of input data sequentially input is converted into transfer data of which the number of bits is the same as that of a data bus having a predetermined number of bits, and the transfer data is sequentially transferred, and arrange the input data in the transfer data within the conversion unit. The data conversion unit may include: a data generation unit, a first data arrangement change unit, and a first data selection unit configured to sequentially select the changed data in which the position of the input data is changed by the first data arrangement change unit and output the selected changed data as the transfer data in the data conversion unit.
US08966133B2	Determining a mapping mode for a DMA data transfer According to embodiments of the invention, methods, computer readable storage medium, and a computer system for determining a mapping mode for a DMA data transfer are disclosed. The method may include receiving a request for a DMA data transfer within a computer system. The method may also include determining a mapping mode for the DMA data transfer based on available system profile data in response to receiving the request. The method may also include mapping the memory using the determined mapping mode.
US08966131B2	System method for bi-directional tunneling via user input back channel (UIBC) for wireless displays This disclosure describes a method of establishing a bi-directional user interface back channel (UIBC) to a computing device, receiving encapsulated peripheral data from the computing device using the UIBC, and decapsulating the peripheral data, as well as a method of establishing a bi-directional user interface back channel (UIBC) to a computing device, receiving peripheral data, encapsulating the peripheral data, and transmitting the encapsulated peripheral data to the computing device using the UIBC.
US08966124B1	Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture to stream data Systems and methods for streaming data. Systems allow read/write across multiple or N device modules. Device modules on a bus ring configure at power up (during initialization process); this process informs each device module of its associated address values. Each ringed device module analyzes an address indicator word, which identifies an address at which a read/write operation is intended for, and compares the address designated by the address indicator word to its assigned addresses; when the address designated by the address indicator word is an address associated with the device module, the device module read/writes from/to the address designated by the address indicator word. Memory controller (ring controller or master bus) is not required to ‘know’ which memory chip/device module in a daisy chain the address command word is intended for. Therefore, system embodiments allow streaming without consideration of a number of memory chips/device modules on bus. The bus isolates modules like object oriented programming.
US08966123B2	Unobtrusive content compression in a telecommunications network A telecommunications network policy enforcing point operable to route IP datagrams in a two-way communication between a first endpoint in a telecommunications network and a second endpoint in the telecommunications network and operable to compress, in accordance with a data compression policy, IP datagrams of a response transmitted by the second endpoint to the first endpoint. The response is of a layer 7 protocol that supports compression, a layer level being an Open Systems Interconnection, OSI, layer in an OSI Reference Model, and each IP datagram of the response comprises a sequence of bytes of data and a header defining a sequence number of the first byte of data in the IP datagram.
US08966116B2	Managing streamed communication Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for managing streamed communication (such as video, audio, or audio-visual communication) between client devices and remote devices via a digital data communication network in situations where the data communication network comprises one or more routers operable to receive streamed data from one or more client devices and/or from one or more other routers, and to forward such streamed data to one or more remote devices and/or to one or more other routers such as to enable the client device and potentially-varying subsets of the one or more remote devices to participate in a communication session.
US08966115B2	Content protection continuity through authorized chains of components Provided is techniques for the distribution and control of digital content such that Quality of Experience (QoE) is maintained. Content is protected from when the content is encrypted to when it is used. To ensure the QoE of particular content, a content owner embeds a list of required or preferred components that must be employed to render the content. The content owner's list of required or preferred components specifies specific components “trusted” to correctly process the content. The specified chain of preferred components is compared to possible devices in the system that processes the content. If there are multiple acceptable devices for a specific link, a preference system is employed to determine the device that executed the particular part of the chain. The preference system is based upon a number of factors, such as, but not limited to, performance characteristics, user preferences, expected stability, power requirements and system preferences.
US08966114B2	System and method for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services A system and method is provided for providing privacy and limited exposure services for location based services. The system includes at least one module configured to provide fictitious location or route information of a mobile user to selected users or group of users based on a mobile user provided profile.
US08966101B2	Systems and methods for updating firmware over a network Firmware is updated over a network by providing an update server having a number of stored firmware files and a list file, the list file including entries uniquely identifying the identity and location of each of the firmware files. One networked device (e.g., a media player device) determines the current firmware version of a second networked device (e.g., a placeshifting device) via communication over the network and queries the update server as to the most recent version of the firmware file associated with the second networked device. If the most recent version is newer than the current firmware version, the first networked device downloads the most recent version of the firmware file and then uploads it to the second networked device.
US08966093B2	Seamless hand-off of combined unified communications and virtual desktop infrastructure sessions A host device receives from a user at a first client device a first login request for hosted virtual desktop (HVD) services. A first virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) session is started upon receiving a valid first login request. A first unified communications (UC) session is established between the first client device and an endpoint device. A second login request is received from the user at a second client device, the second login request configured to request HVD services. A second VDI session is started to mediate an HVD session for the user upon receiving a valid second login request. A second UC session is established between the second client device and the endpoint device. A media communication session associated with the first UC session is transferred from the first client device to the second client device after the second VDI session is started and the second UC session is established.
US08966084B2	Virtual machine load balancing A method for load balancing virtual machines includes accessing current consumption data and historical consumption data for a first virtual machine running on a host hardware platform, wherein the host hardware platform is coupled to a network and accessing specification and utilization information for networked hardware platforms published on the network by each networked hardware platform, wherein the networked hardware platforms each include a hardware platform configured to run virtual machines. The method also includes selecting a target platform from the networked hardware platforms to receive the first virtual machine based on the published specification and utilization information for the networked hardware platforms and consumption data for the first virtual machine, wherein the first virtual machine will operate on the target platform in a condition that is not over-constrained.
US08966079B2	Technique for enabling multiple actions to be performed on an active data item A record is processed, and a determination is made as to whether a data item in the record is usable by any one of a plurality of applications that are operable on the device. The detected data item is made actionable by assigning multiple actions to the data item, so that each action is programmatically initiated responsive to a designated input.
US08966078B2	Method and apparatus for detecting tethering in a communications network A method, non-transitory computer readable medium and apparatus for detecting a tethering function being performed by an endpoint device in a communications network are disclosed. For example, the method analyzes a data packet directed towards the endpoint device, detects a signature based upon analyzing the data packet, and identifies the endpoint device as performing the tethering function based upon detecting the signature.
US08966075B1	Accessing a policy server from multiple layer two networks A network device, such as a policy server, supports a plurality of different layer two (L2) networks. The network device receives a request to initiate a communication session from an endpoint device, selects an L2 network to which to assign the endpoint device, and assigns the endpoint device to the selected L2 network, selects one of a plurality of L3 network addresses for the policy server based on the selected L2 network, and sends the L3 network address to the endpoint device. The network device also includes a monitoring module that monitors activities of the endpoint device, and a plurality of L2 network interfaces, wherein each L2 network interface is associated with at least one L2 network. The L2 networks may be virtual local area networks.
US08966066B2	Application and network-based long poll request detection and cacheability assessment therefor Systems and methods for application and network-based long poll request detection and cacheability assessment therefore are disclosed. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a distributed proxy and cache system, including, determining relative timings between a first request initiated by the application, a response received responsive to the first request, and a second request initiated subsequent to the first request also by the application. The relative timings can be compared to request-response timing characteristics for other applications to determine whether the requests of the application are long poll requests.
US08966058B2	Network appliance with integrated local area network and storage area network extension services Techniques and a network appliance apparatus are provided herein to extend local area networks (LANs) and storage area networks (SANs) beyond a data center while converging the associated local area network and storage area network host layers. A service flow is received at a device in a network. It is determined if the service flow is associated with storage area network or with local area network traffic. In response to determining that the service flow is storage area network traffic, storage area network extension services are performed with respect to the service flow in order to extend the storage area network on behalf of a remote location. In response to determining that the service flow is local area network traffic, local area network extension services are performed with respect to the service flow in order to extend the local area network on behalf of the remote location.
US08966053B2	Methods and systems for performing a prefetch abort operation for network acceleration The present invention relates to systems, apparatus, and methods of determining whether to abort a prefetch operation. The method includes receiving a prefetched object downloaded from a content server, and checking the prefetched object to determine the prefetched object's size. The method further includes determining a probability of use of the prefetched object, checking a link between a server and a client to determine the link's bandwidth, and checking the link between the server and the client to determine the link's latency. In addition, the method includes, based on at least one of the size of the prefetched object, the probability of use of the prefetched object, the bandwidth of the link, and the latency of the link, determining whether to forward the prefetched object to the client.
US08966050B2	Data centre system and method for a data centre to provide service A data center system and a method for a data center to provide service are provided. The data center system comprises at least one first load balancing device, a plurality of second load balancing devices, and a plurality of servers. The first load balancing device is configured to transmit the first type network request to one of the plurality of second load balancing devices with a first scheduling strategy. The second load balancing device is configured to convert the first type network request to a second type network request, and to transmit the second type network request after the source address and destination address translation to one of the plurality of servers with a second scheduling strategy. The server is configured to generate a second type network response according to the second type network request and to return the second type network response to a corresponding second load balancing device.
US08966039B1	End-to-end communication service monitoring and reporting A system for end-to-end communication service monitoring is provided. The system comprises a processor, a memory, and a monitoring application stored in the memory. The memory also stores a resource dependency matrix, wherein the resource dependency matrix describes dependencies between a plurality of network and functional resources. When executed by the processor, the application registers a first client device for periodic notifications of a status of a network resource, monitors a metric associated with a first component of the network resource and monitors a metric associated with a second component of the network resource, determines a status of the network resource based on the metric associated with the first component, based on the metric associated with the second component, and based on the resource dependency matrix, and publishes a notification of the first status.
US08966030B1	Use of temporarily available computing nodes for dynamic scaling of a cluster Techniques are described for managing distributed execution of programs, including by dynamically scaling a cluster of multiple computing nodes performing ongoing distributed execution of a program, such as to increase and/or decrease computing node quantity. An architecture may be used that has core nodes that each participate in a distributed storage system for the distributed program execution, and that has one or more other auxiliary nodes that do not participate in the distributed storage system. Furthermore, as part of performing the dynamic scaling of a cluster, computing nodes that are only temporarily available may be selected and used, such as computing nodes that might be removed from the cluster during the ongoing program execution to be put to other uses and that may also be available for a different fee (e.g., a lower fee) than other computing nodes that are available throughout the ongoing use of the cluster.
US08966017B2	Techniques for cloud control and management Techniques for cloud control and management are provided. The control, creation, and management of workloads in distributed infrastructures are coordinated via a master Configuration Management Database (CMDB). The master CMDB is also used to unify the multiple distributed infrastructures so that the workloads are rationalized. Moreover, data centers are coordinated with the distributed infrastructures so the configuration settings and policies included in the master CMDB are enforced and synchronized throughout the network.
US08966015B2	Remote management of TV viewing options in a media exchange network A system supporting the remote management of options related to media consumption in a media exchange network. A system may comprise a set top box communicatively coupled to a television display and storage. The set top box may be used for the consumption of media via a communication network. In such a system, server software may enable the remote modification, via a communication network, of options related to the consumption of media by a user of the set top box. The media consumed may be one or more of digital audio, a digital still image, digital video, and digital data. Other aspects may be seen in a personal computer monitor and personal computer circuitry, communicatively coupled to a storage and a communication network. A system may also enable the modification of TV viewing options via a telephone voice response system.
US08966012B2	Processing data and operating a communications device Processing data in a communications system comprising a plurality of servers is provided. First data received from a communications device is directed to a given server in the plurality of servers. A server identifier identifying the given server is transmitted to the communications device. Subsequent data is received from the communications device. The subsequent data comprises the server identifier and a further parameter. The given server is selected on the basis of at least the server identifier and some of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the given server. In the event of a need to redirect subsequent data to a server other than the given server, a different server is selected on the basis of at least the further parameter and further of the subsequent data received from the communications device is directed to the selected different server.
US08966009B2	Router assisted dispersed storage network method and apparatus A method begins by a router receiving a data packet and determining a destination of the data packet. The method continues with the router determining whether the router has an affiliation with the destination. The method continues with the router determining whether to temporarily locally store the data packet when the router has the affiliation with the destination. The method continues with the router locally storing the data packet and forwarding the data packet to the destination in accordance with a transfer protocol when the determination to temporarily locally store the data packet is favorable.
US08966006B2	Data transfer apparatus and method Provided is a data transfer apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention including: a power supply unit supplying operation power; a communication unit connected with an external apparatus and downloading inverter control data from the external apparatus; a memory storing the inverter control data downloaded by the communication unit; a connection unit connected to an inverter, transferring the inverter control data stored in the memory to the inverter, and supplying the operation power supplied through the power supply unit to the inverter; and a control unit allowing the operation power to be supplied to the inverter and allowing the inverter control data to be transferred to the inverter whenever the inverter is connected.
US08966003B2	Content delivery network stream server vignette distribution A system and method for delivering content objects over the Internet to an end user system with a content delivery network (CDN) is disclosed. The system and method allow for dynamically storing and distributing a portion of content streams. When a content object is requested by an end user media player, the request is assigned to an edge server within the CDN. Characteristics of the content object are used to determine the portion of the content object where the portion is less than all of the requested content. The portion of content object is then retrieved from the content and is stored within the CDN. The portion of requested content is streamed to the end user media player. Ultimately, the whole content is streamed to the end user media player if the remainder of content is requested by the end user media player.
US08966000B2	Aggregation and re-ordering of input/output requests for better performance in remote file systems A method and system for managing remote file system requests between client and server redirectors where a set of data request packets may be aggregated and/or ordered at a server based on hint information from a client.
US08965996B2	Communication apparatus, information processing apparatus, and method for controlling communication apparatus A communication apparatus including: a receiving portion that receives alignment specifying information, the alignment specifying information indicating which of main memories included in a first information processing apparatus and a second information processing apparatus to align the requested data; a division location calculating portion that calculates a divisional location of the requested data so that the divisional location of the requested data becomes an alignment boundary on the main memory included in any one of the first and the second information processing apparatuses specified by the received alignment specifying information, the alignment boundary being integral multiples of a given data width; and a transmitting portion that divides the requested data stored into the main memory in the second information processing apparatus based on the calculated divisional location, and transmits the divided data to the first information processing apparatus.
US08965993B2	Entrusted management method for a plurality of rack systems An entrusted management method for a plurality of rack systems is provided, which includes the following steps. The rack systems are provided, in which each rack system respectively includes an integrated management module (IMM) and a plurality of internal rack devices. The rack systems are distributed into at least one rack group, and one of a plurality of IMMs in each rack group is selected to serve as a primary IMM. The primary IMM is connected to other IMMs through a network, and performs a synchronous configuration procedure to back up a plurality of pieces of configuration information of the other IMMs in the rack group. When an anomaly occurs in a specific IMM or the specific IMM submits an entrustment request, the primary IMM manages, through the network, internal rack devices originally managed by the specific IMM.
US08965982B1	Backup and restoring instant messages A wireless mobile communication device may allow a user to select one or more stored instant messages for backing up. The selected instant messages may be delivered to and stored within a computer storage system which is external to the wireless mobile communication device. Each selected instant messages may be delivered to and stored within an email server as part of an email message. One or more of the selected instant messages may be deleted from the internal computer storage system after being delivered to the external computer storage system. The user may specify a schedule for the backing up and/or the deleting. The user may select one or more of the backed-up instant messages that are stored in the external computer storage system for restoring on the wireless mobile communication device.
US08965975B2	Presenting information in a conference One conferencing system allows conference participants to share all or a portion of the display seen on their computer screens. The conferees may be at sites removed from each other, or may view a recorded presentation or archived conference at different times. Conference participants are either “presenters” who can modify the display or “attendees” who cannot modify the display. A pointer icon, which can be labeled to identify the conferee, is displayed on the shared image area. Each conferee can modify the position of his or her own pointer, even when not presenting, so that every participant can see what each conferee is pointing to, should a conferee choose to point to an element of the display. These and other features apply to other data streams shared in the conference or in meetings where there is no shared-image data stream.
US08965965B2	Generation of content creation requests for a content distribution system An assignment system and method for generating content creation requests or “assignments” that are to be fulfilled by content contributors. The assignment system is part of a content distribution system that aggregates, manages, and distributes/syndicates multimedia content that is generated by content contributors. As part of the acquisition of content, the assignment system may compensate the content contributors for the content that they provide to the system. The assignment system generates assignments that are likely to result in content that will be of interest to content consumers, such as visitors and/or subscribers to websites provided by, associated with, or using the content of the content distributor. In some embodiments, the assignment system may generate assignments based on the popularity of pre-existing content, searches for content, or requests for content. The assignment system also manages the flow of content submissions and verifies that submitted content meets the assignment's requirements.
US08965960B2	Client device with video player and client-side proxy and methods for use therewith A client device includes a video player that generates a program request for a selected video program. A client-side proxy passes the program request from the video player to the streaming video server for the video program. The client-side proxy identifies that the selected video program has been previously bookmarked by the video player at a bookmark position, intercepts a request from the video player to the streaming video server for at least one first segment of the selected video program, and in response, sending at least one corresponding fixed segment to the video player. The client-side proxy passes a request from the video player to the streaming video server for a plurality of second segments of the selected video program, wherein the plurality of second segments commence at a position corresponding to the bookmark position.
US08965958B2	File fetch from a remote client device Techniques for an electronic file fetch system are described. A method may comprise sending a request for a roaming file list to a file fetch server from a first client device and receiving the roaming file list from the file fetch server by the first client device. The roaming file list includes a unique identifier associated with an application file stored on a second client device. The unique identifier includes a machine identifier identifying the second client device and a local file path portion identifying the file path of the application file stored on the second client device. Based on the machine state of the second client device as indicated in the roaming file list, the application file stored on the second client device may be downloaded to the first client device. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08965953B2	Computer network scanning A computer network scanning system and method for fulfilling a scan order using at least one scanner node on a computer network. The computer network scanning includes at least one computer terminal adapted to receive input for the creation of the scan order, at least one order entry server computer configured to create and distribute the scan order, and at least one scanner node, each scanner node configured to process scan orders set to or received by the scanner node. The computer network scanning method includes the steps of creating a can order, submitting he scan order to a scanner node, processing he scan order at the scanner node, and updating the computer network scanning system of the completion of the scan order.
US08965952B1	Processing service requests of multiple types on a common communication port for a service that accepts only one type Web service requests, received through a common communication port in a server or network device from a variety of client applications, are analyzed to determine whether to convert one communication type request into another type. Any necessary conversions are performed, and converted and unconverted service requests of one type only are routed to a web service application that accepts only a desired communication type as input. In some circumstances, the response to the client application making the original service request is converted back into the communication type initially used although other response formats may be supported.
US08965948B2	Server apparatus and client apparatus in presence display system The presence display system of the present invention displays presences and distances between buddies.The mobile station 11 performs poling to the user data section 26 at predetermined time intervals, transmits location information of the mobile station 11 to the presence server 27, receives buddies state information and information indicating the proximity between the user and the buddies, and displays the presence of the buddies by means of an icon with a size that corresponds with the proximity. The buddy list server 28 calculates the distance between the user and the buddies from the location information of the mobile station 11 and the location information of the requested buddies in accordance with the poling by the mobile station 11, determines the proximity by comparing the distance with a threshold value that is set by the user, and transmits the proximity to the mobile station 11.
US08965945B2	Apparatus and method for performing floating point addition An apparatus and method are provided for performing an addition operation on operands A and B in order to produce a result R, the operands A and B and the result R being floating point values each having a significand and an exponent. The apparatus comprises prediction circuitry for generating a shift indication based on a prediction of the number of leading zeros that would be present in an output produced by subjecting the operands A and B to an unlike signed addition. Further, result pre-normalization circuitry performs a shift operation on the significands of both operand A and operand B prior to addition of the significands, this serving to discard a number of most significant bits of the significands of both operands as determined by the shift indication in order to produce modified significands for operands A and B. Operand analysis circuitry detects, with reference to the exponents of operands A and B, the presence of a leading bit cancellation condition, and addition circuitry is configured, in the presence of the leading bit cancellation condition, to perform an addition of the modified significands for operands A and B, in order to produce the significand of the result R. Such an approach provides a particularly simple and efficient apparatus for performing addition operations.
US08965944B2	Generation of test cases with range constraints for floating point add and subtract instructions Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for the generation of range-constrained test cases for verification of designs of arithmetic floating point units. Given three ranges of floating point numbers Rx, Ry, Rz, a floating point operation (op), and a rounding-mode (round), three floating point numbers x, y, z are generated such that xεRx, yεRy, zεRz, and z=round ( x op y). Solutions are provided for add and subtract operations. Range constraints are imposed on the input operands and on the result operand of floating point add and subtract instructions to target corner cases when generating test cases for use in verification of floating point hardware.
US08965934B2	Method and apparatus for facilitating answering a query on a database A method and apparatus for facilitating answering a query on a database. Example embodiments include: accessing a database tree having a plurality of nodes; receiving a set of input variable values, a non-empty set of output variables, and information indicative of a node in the database tree; determining a traversal cost based on the node and the set of input variable values; determining a lower bound based on the node and the set of input variable values, wherein the lower bound corresponds to an upper-bound probability estimate based on one or more of the plurality of nodes and the set of input variable values; pruning one or more of the plurality of nodes based on the traversal cost, the lower bound, and a pruning bound; and returning a result including a non-empty set of output variable values based on the set of input variable values, the node, the traversal cost, and the lower bound.
US08965918B2	Decomposed query conditions A method, article of manufacture and apparatus for decomposing an initial query into smaller conditional groups for execution on a database is disclosed. A separate database query may be generated for each of the conditional groups, and the results of executing these separate database queries may be combined and returned as the result of the initial query. Typically, the initial query may be decomposed because it is otherwise too large and/or too complex to be executed directly.
US08965902B2	Intelligent event query publish and subscribe system Indexing and routing to event data is described. Event data is assigned an identifier that identifies the data type and the contents of event data within an enterprise system. The event data may be real-time event data. With the identifier, a source of the event data is determined, and the source can be queried for the event data in real-time. The identifier is indexed along with other event data identifiers. Based on the location of the event data, the system sends out a query toward the data source to obtain the information, but also to route the query to the data source, rather than attempting to pull data towards the query source and process it at the query source.
US08965898B2	Optimizations for live event, real-time, 3D object tracking Techniques for indexing multimedia data simultaneous with its capture to convert a real world event into an accessible database in real time are provided. The present invention introduces a new paradigm of converting a real world event in real time into a rich multimedia database by processing data from multiple cameras observing the event. Real time analysis of the camera data, coupled with domain knowledge, results in instant indexing of multimedia data at capture time itself. This yields the semantic information to answer complex queries about the content, and the ability to extract portions of data that correspond to complex actions performed in the real world.
US08965890B2	Context sensitive media and information Systems and methods for creating and processing context sensitive media objects are disclosed. One method is directed to processing a context sensitive media object in a target context. The method includes receiving an object with one or more object rules embedded within the object such that the one or more object rules are propagated with the object. Further, a determination of whether the object is context sensitive is made. If the object is context sensitive, the method prioritizes between the one or more object rules and one or more context rules related to a target context. In addition, a determination of which method or methods should be executed to process the object in the target context is made based on the prioritization.
US08965886B2	System and method for providing information navigation and filtration A system and method for information navigation and filtration is provided. One or more query terms are received from a user. A preliminary relevance of one or more objects associated with an enterprise system is determined based on the query terms. The preliminary relevance may be propagated between objects. At least one rating is assigned to the one or more objects based on the preliminary relevance. An overall relevance of the one or more objects is established based on the at least one rating. The one or more objects are ranked according to the overall relevance. Data is provided as search results comprised of the one or more objects according to the ranking to the user. The search results may then be filtered based on at least one selected, dynamically generated filter. The filtered search results may be dynamically generated and provided to the user.
US08965882B1	Click or skip evaluation of synonym rules Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for click or skip evaluation of synonyms. In one aspect, a method includes accessing query log data that identifies, for an initial search query, a revised search query that includes one or more synonyms, and search results provided to a user. An indication that the user has selected a particular search result is received. A determination is made that the particular search result includes a particular synonym for a query term that occurs in the revised search query, and not (i) the query term or (ii) any other synonym for the query term that occurs in the revised search query. A crucial click count is assigned to a synonym rule that corresponds to the particular synonym.
US08965876B2	Ecosystem for manually marked searchable feeds on publisher sites Techniques for generating and publishing searchable feeds for websites are provided. An indication is received of content of interest of a selected website. The selected website is crawled to retrieve a plurality of pages. The retrieved pages are processed according to the indicated content of interest to generate structured content. The structured content is indexed to generate an index. A query interface is provided that receives queries directed to the index, applies the received queries to the index, and transmits responses to the received queries.
US08965867B2	Measuring and altering topic influence on edited and unedited media Methods and arrangements for measuring and utilizing media topic influence. A publically disseminated media transmission is received. Public influence of the media transmission is measured via: identifying one or more media sources used to disseminate the media transmission; and obtaining one or more predetermined influence values associated with the one or more media sources.
US08965862B2	Directory oplock Current file systems may implement opportunistic locks on files that allow clients to locally cache file data, while promoting data consistency when multiple clients read/write the same file. Unfortunately, when a client locally caches directory content of a directory, the file system may lack a mechanism for notifying the client of changes to the directory that would render the cached directory content “stale”. Accordingly, one or more systems and/or techniques for managing a directory oplock are disclosed herein. A directory oplock may be generated based upon an oplock request comprising a first target key and a first parent key. Subsequent access requests for access to the directory or objects therein may be compared with the directory oplock to determine whether to break the directory oplock, and notify the client (e.g., directory oplock is broken if the client submitting the access request is different than the client owning the directory oplock).
US08965859B1	Robust hashing of digital media data A robust hashing method is applied to media data (e.g., video, image, and/or audio data), producing a hash output that is robust with respect to at least one attribute of the media data. A histogram is generated for the media data and the histogram is hashed using a weighted hashing procedure. The histogram can be derived from a plurality of randomized versions of the media file, each randomized version of the media file altered to a random extent with respect to the attribute. The histogram can also be derived from a plurality of feature descriptors computed for the media data that are coarsely encoded with respect to the attribute. The weighted hashing procedure includes assigning a weight to components of the histogram and applying a plurality of hash functions to a number of versions of each component, the number of versions based on the assigned weight.
US08965837B2	Data collection framework A common data collection framework accesses data collected by an electronic commerce system in a format specific to the electronic commerce system. The common data collection framework determines a type of the data and identifies, from among multiple types of common data objects, a common data object that is independent of the electronic commerce system and that is defined to store data corresponding to the determined type. The common data collection framework stores the data collected by the electronic commerce system in an instance of the common data object and provides, to an analytics system, the instance of the common data object to enable the analytics system to perform analytics on the data collected by the electronic commerce system using the common format that is different than the format specific to the electronic commerce system and that accommodates multiple, different types of electronic commerce systems.
US08965831B2	System, method, and software program product for enabling users to create and use rule patterns to generate custom product-configuration rules A configuration system, method, and software program is provided for enabling users to create and use rule patterns to generate custom product-configuration rules. The method includes enabling a designer to submit example rules or template rules for a rule pattern. The designer is then able to select which variables will be customizable in instances of the rule pattern. A modeler is able to select the rule pattern from a rule pattern library as a basis for creating custom configuration rules for a product. In response to the modeler selecting the rule pattern from the library, a user interface is generated in which the customizable fields for each template rule in the rule pattern are displayed and the modeler is able to enter values for the customizable fields. Configuration rules are then generated for the product from the template rules and the values entered by the modeler for the customizable fields.
US08965822B2	Discovering and classifying situations that influence affective response Described herein are systems for identifying situations. The system receive samples, each comprising a temporal window of token instances to which a user was exposed and an affective response annotation. One embodiment uses a clustering algorithm to cluster the samples into a plurality of clusters utilizing a distance function that computes a distance between a pair comprising first and second samples. Another embodiment utilizes an Expectation-Maximization approach to assign situation identifiers. And another embodiment involves training, utilizing the samples, a machine learning-based classifier to assign situation identifiers.
US08965817B1	System and method for active knowledge management Systems and methods are described herein for actively managing the knowledge of a group of people, such as an organization's employees. The systems and methods are implemented in one or more software modules that receive a current alarm event and identify historical information associated with a similar previous alarm event. The historical information associated with a similar previous alarm event can be presented to a user to assist the user in resolving the current alarm event. The software modules can collect new information associated with resolving the current alarm event and store the new information in a manner so that it can be identified easily in the future.
US08965811B2	Methods and systems for using physical payment cards in secure E-commerce transactions Pursuant to some embodiments, methods, systems, apparatus, computer program code and means for conducting an online transaction by a user operating a computer are provided which include identifying, at the computer, that the user has selected a secure payment option during a transaction with a merchant. The computer is caused to enter a private session. During the private session, payment card data from a physical payment card held by the user is received, and the payment card data is forwarded to a payment provider to cause the payment provider to provide substitute payment card details to the merchant to complete the transaction.
US08965805B2	Method and system for delivering and accessing files A method and system for delivering and accessing files. The method and system may include the generation of a file for a first party by a second party. The file may be encoded in a machine readable format and may be may have its availability made known to the first party. The first party may then provide a payment to the second party via the web portal that allows them access to the document.

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