US08342734B2
A vehicular light source unit includes: an LED element integrated with a pair of plate-like feeding terminals; and an LED socket including a pair of plate spring-like conductive terminals in which movable portions and supporting portions that are integrally formed by a conductive member hold the pair of feeding terminals from both sides, and a resin housing integrated with the pair of conductive terminals. The LED element is detachably supported by the plate spring-like conductive terminals through the feeding terminals and receives a power supply from both sides of the feeding terminals.
US08342731B2
The present invention relates to a lighting device including a plurality of light source units U including at least LEDs 16 and light guide plates 18. The light source units U are arranged in one direction such that gaps S are provided between the adjacent light guide plates 18. Each light guide plate 18 has a first light exit surface 36A. The light guide plate 18 receives light from the LED 16. Light L1 exits from the first light exit surface 36A. A diffuser 15b that receives the light L1 from the first light exit surface 36A is disposed so as to face the first light exit surface 36A. Reflection sheets 24 that reflect light are disposed on an opposite side from the diffuser 15b so as to cover the gaps S. Each light guide plate 18 has a second light exit surface 36B in an edge portion that faces the gap S on the opposite side from the diffuser 15b. The second light exit surface 36B is formed such that light L2 exits therethrough, reflects off the reflection sheet 24 and travels to the diffuser 15b via the gap S.
US08342728B2
An arrangement for cooling semiconductor light sources (5), wherein the semiconductor light sources (5) are arranged on a heat-conducting module (11), which is operatively connected to an evaporator zone (27) of a heat pipe (20), wherein a first condensation zone (23) of the heat pipe (20) is connected to a first heat sink (33), wherein the heat pipe (20) is connected to at least one second condensation zone (25) with at least one second heat sink (25), and a heat flow can be switched over between the condensation zones (23, 25) or the second condensation zone (25) can be switched in.
US08342719B2
In an LED light bulb, an LED module and a lens are disposed on a fixing stage provided to a housing. The lens has a concave portion at its top end. The concave portion forms a reflecting surface which reflects part of outgoing light from the LED module to (i) first directions perpendicular to a front emission direction of the outgoing light or (ii) second directions leaning to a cap beyond the first directions. Due to diffusion effect of an optical cover, part of the light reflected by the lens is emitted backward (toward the cap). This realizes an LED light bulb that distributes light over an entire circumference and has high output as well as high light output ratio.
US08342716B2
A LED head sink module includes a LED module, which comprises a circuit substrate, a LED chip installed in the circuit substrate, a packing cup molded on the circuit substrate around the LED chip and a lens molded on the packing cup over the LED chip, a heat sink, which has a base and a flat mounting block located on the bottom side of the base for stopping against the circuit substrate of the LED module for absorbing waste heat, a bracket, which has a center opening that receives the circuit substrate of the LED module, first retaining members for fastening to a retaining portion at the periphery of the packing cup and second retaining members for fastening to the flat mounting block of the heat sink, and a water seal sandwiched between the LED module and the bracket to seal off outside moisture and dust.
US08342708B2
A light emitting device that provides white light of various color temperatures by using a double-sided light emitting element, a light emitting system comprising the same, and a method of fabricating thereof are provided. The light emitting device includes a double-sided light emitting element including a first light emitting element on one side of a substrate and emits light having a first wavelength and a second light emitting element on the other side of the substrate and emits light having a second wavelength, wherein the first wavelength and the second wavelength are different each other, a first variable resistor coupled to the first light emitting element and adjusting a first driving power applied to the first light emitting element, and a second variable resistor coupled to the second light emitting element and adjusting a second driving power applied to the second light emitting element.
US08342707B2
A multi-wavelength light-emitting module that includes a PCB, a drive IC structure, a conductive structure, a multi-wavelength LED array set, a plurality of conductive elements, and an optical amplifier structure. The PCB has at least one input/output pad. The drive IC structure is disposed on the PCB and having at least one concave groove formed on top surface thereof. The conductive structure is electrically connected between the drive IC structure and the at least one input/output pad. The multi-wavelength LED array set is received in the at least one concave groove. The conductive elements are electrically connected between drive IC structure and the multi-wavelength LED array set, respectively. The optical amplifier structure is disposed over the multi-wavelength LED array set for receiving light sources from the multi-wavelength LED array set.
US08342704B2
A lighting device 12 of the present invention includes a light output portion 15z from which light is output, a light source 17, and an optical member 15b provided on the light output portion 15z side with respect to the light source 17. The optical member 15b is held by a pair of holding members. The holding members include a first holding member 15a that holds the optical member 15b from the light source 17 side and a second holding member 16 that holds the optical member 15b from an opposite side from the light source 17 side. A buffer 70 is provided in at least one of a space between the optical member 15b and the first holding member 15a and a space between the optical member 15b and the second holding member 16. The buffer 70 has at least one rough surface on a side that abuts the optical member 15b.
US08342696B2
A multi projector imaging system is provided. The system includes a plurality of projectors and a computing device in communication with the plurality of projectors. The computing device includes a projector platform module providing output to the plurality of projectors such that the plurality of projectors display partially overlapping output as a cohesive display. The projector platform module includes a projection player module having media drawers for preparing frames of data that are drawn into a frame buffer for eventual display through the plurality of projectors. The projection platform also includes a remote desktop controller. The remote desktop controller manages remote computing devices communicating with the projector platform, wherein the remote desktop controller specifies a resolution and aspect ratio for image data provided by the remote computing devices, and wherein the provided image data is stored in the frame buffer. A method for displaying content through the multi-projector system is also included.
US08342686B2
Methods, devices, and systems establish an optical surface shape that mitigates or treats a vision condition in a patient. An optical surface shape for a particular patient can be determined using a set of patient parameters for the specific patient by using a compound modulation transfer function (CMTF). The compound modulation transfer function can include a combination of modulation transfer functions (MTF's) at a plurality of distinct frequencies.
US08342684B2
A method or process for providing an anti-myopia lens or treatment for a patient's eye with progressive myopia, which involves (in one form) generating biometric data relating to the central and peripheral refractive errors of the eye, optionally together with data relating to the patient's visual or lifestyle needs and the patient's predisposition to progressive myopia. This data is input to a processor or algorithm that generates a basic lens design, a customised design or a program for reshaping the cornea of the eye. The selected modality is applied to the patient and its suitability is assessed with the result of the assessment feedback to the algorithm to generate a refined output design, which is applied to the patient. The process is repeated at intervals to check continued myopia progression and adjust the design of the selected modality after further measurement.
US08342679B2
A metal detectable lens carrier that includes a polymeric material and metal particulate dispersed throughout the polymeric material. The metal detectable lens carrier is configured to hold one or more lenses. Eyewear including such lens carriers and methods of detecting thereof are also disclosed.
US08342667B2
An auxiliary passage apparatus, an attachment, a liquid discharge head, and a ink jet head are provided. The auxiliary passage apparatus is detachably attached to a liquid discharge head and includes a main body portion including, a first surface, a second surface, a supply passage formed in the first surface and through which liquid passes to a discharge head, and an ejection passage formed in the second surface and through which liquid which is ejected from the discharge head passes. A part of the supply passage includes a first annular projection formed so as to protrude in a direction orthogonal to the first surface and a first flexible film adhered to a distal end of the first annular projection. A part of the ejection passage crosses an area on the second surface which is opposed to an area surrounded by the first annular projection.
US08342665B2
A protector for a print head chip and an ink cartridge used by the same are provided. The protector (1, 8) for a print head chip is independent from an ink cartridge (9) for storing ink. A contact surface (3) of the protector for a print head chip facing a print head contact is provided with contacts (6) for contacting corresponding contacts of the print head chip. The contact is connected to a memory (5) and sealed between the contacts of the print head chip and the protector for a print head chip. The protector has no structural relation to the ink cartridge, especially an ink supply port (11) and an ink supply needle of the ink cartridge. Therefore, even if the ink cartridge oscillates or moves horizontally to deviate from a centerline of the ink supply port, a communication effect is not influenced.
US08342659B2
A liquid discharge head includes a substrate and a flow path wall member provided on the substrate and having a wall defining a flow path connected to a discharge port for discharging liquid. The flow path wall member is provided with a cavity not connected to the flow path, when viewed in a direction from the discharge port toward the substrate, the cavity has a shape of a character, and the character corresponds to information regarding the liquid discharge head.
US08342657B2
An inkjet nozzle assembly has a chamber with a nozzle opening for ejecting a liquid, a heater element disposed in the chamber, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the heater element and a wall of the chamber. The dielectric layer has a thermal product of less than 1495 Jm−2K−1s−1/2. The thermal product is defined as (ρCk)1/2, where ρ is the density of the layer, C is specific heat of the layer and k is thermal conductivity of the layer.
US08342655B2
A liquid discharge head includes a recording element substrate including an energy generating element, a wiring substrate including wiring, a support substrate for supporting the recording element substrate and the wiring substrate so that a side end portion of the recording element substrate and a side end portion of the wiring substrate are adjacent to each other, and a sealing member, wherein the side end portion of the wiring substrate has a step portion, a distance between a second portion of the step portion on the side opposite to the support substrate and the side end portion of the recording element substrate is larger than a distance between a first portion of the step portion on the side of the support substrate and the side end portion of the recording element substrate, and a part of the wiring is formed in the first portion.
US08342652B2
An ink jet print head includes a molded nozzle plate, the molded nozzle plate further including molded die alignment features. The molded die alignment features can be registered to the apertures of the print head die.
US08342645B2
A printing apparatus prints on a printing medium by scanning a printhead having a plurality of nozzle arrays in a first direction and a second direction opposite to the first direction, and has a structure in which an air flow entering the nozzle array in the scan of the printhead in the first direction becomes larger than an air flow entering the nozzle array in the scan of the printhead in the second direction. The apparatus increases, in scanning in the second direction, discharge speed of ink discharged from at least one nozzle array arranged leeward in the scanning direction of the printhead from a predetermined position on the printhead in the scanning direction to be higher than or equal to the discharge speed of ink discharged from at least one nozzle array arranged windward in the scanning direction of the printhead from the predetermined position.
US08342642B2
The invention describes a method and latching assembly for securing a replaceable unit in a carriage assembly of an image forming device. The latching assembly receives the replaceable unit in the carriage assembly. As the replaceable unit gets loaded in the carriage assembly, the latching assembly may automatically apply, using a power source in the image forming device, a force on the replaceable unit in a direction towards the carriage assembly until the replaceable unit is latched therein.
US08342628B2
An image forming apparatus including a carriage including image forming units, the carriage driven reciprocally in a main scanning direction; a conveyance unit to convey a sheet of recording media to a position where the image forming units perform image formation; a first detector provided to the carriage, the first detector including a light emitting part and a light receiving part to periodically detect a surface of the sheet; a calculation unit to calculate a relative amount of movement between the sheet and the image forming units by comparing patterns periodically detected by the first detector; and a control unit to control a timing to perform image formation by the image forming units and an amount of conveyance of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit based on a result calculated by the calculation unit.
US08342611B2
In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus for degrading natural and man-made formations includes a pick with an axially spring loaded pick comprising a central axis and being attached to a holder secured to a driving mechanism. The pick comprising a steel body with an axial shank disposed within a bore of the holder.
US08342603B2
A seating pad assembly is provided for use by travelers to increase the comfort for a seat on a public transportation vehicle or at a public transit terminal. A system and method for ordering the seating pad assembly for a transportation seat includes at least one terminal configured for entering an identifier indicative of a type of transportation seat purchased, e.g., a class of service; a server configured for receiving the identifier, determining dimensions of the seating pad assembly based on the identifier, and generating an order to acquire the determined seating pad assembly; and a communications network for coupling the at least one terminal and the server. The terminal may be configured in the form of a computer, a kiosk or a mobile terminal. The system will allow a purchaser of a transportation seat to either purchase or rent the seating pad assembly.
US08342596B2
A deformation element, a motor vehicle fender bracket with the deformation element, and a method for producing a deformation element are provided. The deformation element serves to receive external impulses introduced into the deformation element and includes, but is not limited to at least two sleeves that are displaceable relative to one another, and a spring-elastic pressure element that is supported in each case on the at least two sleeves that are displaceable relative to one another. In this case, it is provided that at least one of the sleeves has at least one embossing that forms a sliding surface for the other sleeve. The at least one embossing is preferably introduced by electromagnetic pulse forming.
US08342588B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide an insulated structural panel including a superinsulating, desiccant-filled, vacuum-sealed insulating panel sandwiched between a pair of composite panels. The composite panels are configured to impart structural strength to the panel without introducing heat transfer pathways through the vacuum-sealed insulating panel. The desiccant material disposed within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel is capable of absorbing moisture within the vacuum established within the vacuum-sealed insulating panel and thereby reducing the degradation of the vacuum-sealed panel's insulating capacity.
US08342576B2
A scratch-off document may include a substrate bearing a toner image and a scratch-off layer covering the printed content. The scratch-off layer may include a mass of a first solid ink and a mass of a second solid ink printed over the first solid ink in a distraction pattern. The toner image is formed of a toner that adheres to the substrate, while the scratch-off layer is made of a wax-based or other solid ink that may be removed from the substrate by scratching without removing the toner image. The distraction pattern includes varying pile heights that distract a viewer from any pile height variations that may exist in the toner image.
US08342567B2
In an airbag-equipped steering wheel, a plurality of horn switch mechanisms assembled to a bag holder each have a securing pin, which is inserted into a corresponding one of through holes formed in a metal core. A clip is engaged with a locking groove of each securing pin, so that each horn switch mechanism is fastened to the metal core. The through holes include one or more normal through holes that restrict inclination of the corresponding securing pins, and a special through hole that has an inclination permitting portion. The inclination permitting portion permits the corresponding securing pin to be inclined about the corresponding clip 13 serving as a fulcrum. In the special through hole, the securing pin is permitted to be inclined about the clip serving as a fulcrum only when the clips are disengaged from the securing pin in all the normal through holes.
US08342556B2
A truck for towing a trailer includes a vehicle frame spine, a pair of suspension assemblies extending from either side of the vehicle frame spine and each supports a drive assembly at an end distal to the vehicle frame spine. Extensible struts are positioned between the vehicle frame spine and the drive assemblies allowing selection of vehicle drive height from a driving surface. A fifth wheel assembly is supported from the vehicle frame spine located above the drive assemblies. The fifth wheel assembly includes a fifth wheel and a fifth wheel lift which varies spacing of the fifth wheel from the vehicle frame spine. Control system selects strut extension based on a selected vehicle drive height and operates the lift assembly to counteract changes in vehicle drive height and maintain a constant fifth wheel drive height relative to the driving surface.
US08342553B2
A mounting device for a bicycle having a bottom bracket planetary gear system with a sun gear or ring gear, and a bottom bracket shell positioned at the convergence of a plurality of frame parts of a bicycle frame is disclosed herein. The mounting device preferably has a control plate, a drive side bearing flange, a control input and control pawl. The control pawl blocks the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier of the planetary system of the bicycle transmission thereby transferring the sun gear, ring gear or planet carrier force to the control pawl then to the control plate and then to the bicycle frame.
US08342544B1
An adjustable cart, comprising in combination a base supported by wheels at least one of which is swiveled to allow cart steering travel, two frames carried by the base to pivot from active upright positions to stored down positions, one above the other, there being upright supports carried by the cart at or proximate cart corners, there being mechanism associated with the frame and certain of the supports to releasably lock the frames in upright extended positions relative to the supports in response to frame pivoting to upright positions, and there being lengthwise adjustable means, associated with each frame, whereby said mechanism is un-blocked to allow frame folding.
US08342543B2
A method for draining and transporting large diameter hoses includes providing a frame that is movable by virtue of a pair of wheels. The center of gravity of the frame, and of the frame and a coiled hose situated on it, is located directly above the wheels. The frame includes a front toe for facilitating the rolling of a coiled segment of hose up and onto the frame. The frame includes horizontally disposed rollers that facilitate removal of the coil from the frame. The frame also includes a guide bar to assist in maintaining the coil in an upright position during transport. An attachment is removably secured to the frame to allow a portion of the hose to drape over an elevated roller to extract water from the hose and, alternatively, to allow a power-driven winding rod wind the hose into a coil.
US08342534B2
The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.
US08342532B1
An educational game where cards with academic subjects written on them are drawn from a deck and where players try to guess the subject by viewing drawings made by the person who has drawn the card and where the academic subjects are discussed by the players during the process.
US08342529B2
A system for enabling play of a casino table card game is disclosed. At least one of a rank and suit of a set of playing cards is automatically determined. Multiple randomized sets of playing cards of known composition are formed and delivered to a game, and are set by following automatically generated house way instructions. The components of the system include an automatic card shuffler configured to deliver randomized sets of physical cards, the shuffler equipped with a playing card reading system that reads at least one of a rank and suit of markings on each of the playing cards. The automatic card shuffler has a processor that receives the read card information from the playing card reading system and determines a composition of each individual set of playing cards dispensed. Other components of the system include a gaming table with a gaming surface and at least one display on or proximate the gaming surface in communication with a processor programmed with house way rules for displaying instructions on how to set hands from a distributed set of cards a house way; wherein the monitor displays information on how to set a hand according to programmed house way rules. A method of operating a casino table card game using physical playing cards that are distributed in sets to multiple play positions and set according to automatically generated house way instructions is also disclosed.
US08342524B2
A gaming method includes repetitive plays simulating rolls of virtual dice by a player and at least one of a bonus feature and a progressive feature. A gaming method includes scoring dice.
US08342518B2
The sheet conveying apparatus includes first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers conveying a sheet, a reference portion, in which the reference portion corrects a skew feeding of the sheet by abutting a side edge of the sheet conveyed by the first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers against a reference surface placed in parallel with the sheet conveying direction, and a guide groove provided on the reference portion, which guides the side edge of the sheet skew-conveyed by the first to third pairs of skew conveying rollers to the reference surface, wherein a vertical width of an opening portion of the guide groove in an upstream area of the reference portion is wider than that of the guide groove in a downstream area of the reference portion, in the sheet conveying direction.
US08342511B2
Disclosed is a sheet feeding device capable of prolonging the durability life span of the retard roller with a simple structure with ease and an image forming apparatus which includes the sheet feeding device. The sheet feeding device includes a feed roller 102 which rotates in a sheet feed direction, a retard roller 103 which is able to rotate in a reverse direction to the sheet feed direction which forms a separation nip portion. A torque limiter 202 which is interposed between a drive shaft 202b and a roller shaft 103b of the retard roller 103 to transfer a predetermined torque of the reverse direction to the retard roller 103; and a speed changing device 301 which is interposed between an output shaft 202a of the torque limiter 202 and the roller shaft 103b to change a magnitude of the predetermined torque transferred to the retard roller 103.
US08342509B2
At a start of sheet feeding operation, a feed cam starts to rotate in association with rotation of a feed shaft and a feed roller starts to rotate from a time when the feed shaft has passed an idle zone, so as to send out each of sheets on a rising and lowering plate. After that, the feed roller is returned to a feed initial position by a return mechanism including a conveyance roller and a feed rotatable member. A cam curve of the feed cam reduces a rising speed as compared to a rising speed of a conventional rising and lowering plate, and reduces generation of noise at the time of collision between the sheets on the rising and lowering plate and the feed rotatable member. Thus, an image forming apparatus having lower noise level can be provided.
US08342497B2
A sheet processing apparatus includes: a holding portion which holds a booklet containing a two-folded sheet; and a pressing portion which presses a spine of a booklet into shapes during movement along the spine of the booklet held by the holding portion. The pressing portion can decrease, or release a pressing force to be applied to the booklet spine within a predetermined area of a moving range in which the pressing roller moves along the booklet spine.
US08342494B2
An apparatus includes a first jaw (108) coupled to a second jaw (110) to form an opening (114) when the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110) are closed. An aligning structure couples to at least one of the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110). A portion of the aligning structure may be disposed within the opening (114) and aligns a power line (128) to a sensor (418) disposed within the first jaw (108) and the second jaw (110).
US08342478B1
Valve systems include a valve and a valve actuator assembly for operating the valve. The valve actuator assembly includes a controller that uses stored information and signals from a sensor to open and close the valve. The controller can manipulate, analyze, evaluate, store, and communicate information related to the history of the valve, performance of the valve, valve settings, and the like. The controller can send information to a replacement controller or a replacement valve actuator assembly. Various types of wired and wireless connections can establish communication between the controller and the replacement controller or replacement valve actuator assembly.
US08342470B2
Hangers and methods for supporting an item from a structure. In some examples, the hanger includes a body configured to support the item and lines configured to bear tension, the lines supporting the body from corners of the structure. In some examples, the hanger includes an adjustment mechanism mounted to the body and coupled to the lines, wherein the adjustment mechanism is configured to selectively adjust the position of the body relative to the structure.In some examples, the method includes forming a portion of a first line into a first loop, forming a portion of a second line into a second loop, placing the first loop over the first corner of the structure, placing the second loop over the second corner of the structure, securing the item to the first line, and securing the item to the second line.
US08342462B2
A support apparatus includes a first substantially horizontal member positioned adjacent to first and second elongated substantially vertical member members. The first substantially horizontal member has a channel formed in its rear side. The channel is sized and configured to receive wiring for display devices. The first substantially horizontal member is supported or attached to first and second collars positioned on the first and second elongated substantially vertical members such that movement of the first and second collars adjusts a vertical position of the first substantially horizontal member. One or more display devices, such as LCD screens or computer monitors, may be positioned on the first substantially horizontal member. Preferably, each display device positioned on the first substantially horizontal member is connected to the first substantially horizontal member via a connector that utilizes a releasable attachment mechanism that permits an easy removal or connection to the first substantially horizontal member.
US08342456B2
An aircraft includes a wing having a positive dihedral, the wing having a tip and a wing tip device mounted in the region of the tip. The wing tip device is generally downwardly extending and has a region inclined at a cant of more than 180 degrees. The region is arranged to generate lift during flight. The region inclined at a cant of more than 180 degrees may be located at the distal end of the wing tip device. The wing tip may be swept and may aeroelastically deform during flight.
US08342454B1
A portable thermal-control system adapted to support space-related research and exploration. Embodiments of the present invention assist in preventing overheating of small payloads being transported from an orbiting space vehicle to a planetary surface by small atmospheric-entry vehicles. Other embodiments of the present invention provide thermal control within an extra-vehicular activity (EVA) suit. Each embodiment utilizes at least one phase-change material, cooled significantly below the freezing temperature, to absorb heat.
US08342451B1
An apparatus may comprise an inflatable control surface for an aircraft and an end of the inflatable control surface configured for attachment to a fuselage of the aircraft. The end of the inflatable control surface may be configured to be rotated about an axis to control movement of the aircraft during flight.
US08342448B2
Floor modules of a cargo deck in a hull of an aircraft which comprise support devices for carrying functional elements, e.g. panels, roller conveyors or ball mats, are provided. The support devices are attachable in the hull of the aircraft directly or by way of intermediate elements. To improve stability at reduced weight, end support devices, as seen in the aircraft's longitudinal direction, have a thickness reduced in such a way compared to the other support devices of the floor module that only together with the end support devices of a floor module installed adjacently in the hull do they ensure a loading capacity that corresponds to at least the loading capacity of the other support devices.
US08342446B2
An aircraft has a vertical fin fastened to the rear and above a fuselage of elongated form, essentially in a vertical plane of symmetry of the aircraft. The vertical fin has at least two stable positions, an extended position and a returned position, such that a surface of the vertical fin, subjected to an aerodynamic flow when the aircraft is in flight, is modified in position or in surface between the returned position and the extended position, so that the aerodynamic drag of the vertical fin is reduced in the returned position under given flight conditions compared to the extended position. The change from one surface to another of the vertical fin is accomplished by modifying the geometry of the vertical fin or by displacing the vertical fin relative to the fuselage so that the vertical fin, for example, is more or less inside the fuselage, or more or less immersed in the wake zone of the fuselage in which the local dynamic pressure Pd is reduced relative to the infinitely upstream dynamic pressure Pd0.
US08342443B2
A wing-engine combination includes: a wing with a main wing and an engine with a premixing chamber, a combustion chamber and a hot-air space, which includes: an engine bleed-air duct, which extends along the wingspan direction and along the leading edge of the main wing, including an engine bleed-air inlet device that is coupled to an engine hot-air space, and including an engine bleed-air outlet device having a discharge orifice on the main wing or a connecting part for coupling the engine bleed-air duct to a consumer of the engine bleed-air, an ambient-air duct, which extends along the engine bleed-air duct, including an ambient-air inlet device which is arranged on an aircraft component of the aircraft, which aircraft component faces the intended flow-around direction of the aircraft and includes an aperture for letting ambient air into the ambient-air duct, and including an ambient-air outlet device with a passage between the ambient-air duct and a premixing chamber of the engine so that the arrangement including the engine bleed-air duct and the ambient-air duct forms a heat exchanger device for cooling the air flowing in the engine bleed-air duct and so that the ambient air conveyed in the ambient-air duct is supplied for combustion in the engine; and an aircraft and a wing section of an aircraft including an engine bleed-air duct arrangement.
US08342442B1
An airship is disclosed in the form of a spherical hull having a venting duct extending diagonally therethrough from an entrance end at the forward facing surface of the hull to an exit end at the rearward facing surface of the hull. A propeller is disposed in the duct to direct an air flow through the duct for expulsion at the exit end and the exiting flow is vectored by a set of controllable louvers at the exit end. The expulsed airflow reduces drag normally associated with a spherical airship by disturbing the wake at the trailing surface of the airship. A mooring method and apparatus also is disclosed for minimizing wind induced loads on the airship, or indeed on any body such as a gas storage tank, by supporting the airship or other body a predetermined distance above the ground.
US08342439B2
In a media storing and feeding device for winding up or rewinding the tapes between reels attached to reel shafts and a drum 120 by torque limiters to feed or store the medium, at the time of feeding the medium, the reel shafts are rotated at a speed faster than a speed at which the drum rewinds the tapes, and at the time of storing the medium, the reel shafts are rotated at a speed slower than a speed at which the drum winds up the tapes. A difference between the rotational speeds of the reel shafts and the reels is absorbed by the torque limiters. The media storing and feeding device is thus implemented by inexpensive torque limiters which operate at low speed in place of expensive torque limiters supporting high speed.
US08342433B2
Apparatus and method are disclosed for processing recyclable asphalt material. A drum has a polygonal cross-sectional configuration providing a plurality of substantially flat wall sides. Tubular breaker members within the drum are juxtaposed with corresponding flat wall sides. The relative location of the breaker members and the flat wall sides effects a cascading of recyclable asphalt material over the breaker members and between the breaker members and the flat wall sides as the drum is rotated so that recyclable asphalt material is tumbled within the drum, thereby simultaneously reducing the size of relatively large pieces to aggregate-sized pieces and heating the mass containing the desired aggregate-sized pieces for delivery of the heated mass from the drum.
US08342430B2
A fuel injection valve has a valve body, a valve seat member having a valve seat and an opening portion formed at a downstream side of the valve seat member, a swirl chamber providing swirl to fuel, an orifice nozzle formed at a bottom of the swirl chamber and jetting the fuel, a communication conduit connecting the swirl chamber and the opening portion of the valve seat member, and a fuel inflow prevention wall provided at a connecting area between the communication conduit and the swirl chamber. The fuel inflow prevention wall is formed so as to prevent an incoming fuel from the communication conduit from directly flowing into the orifice nozzle and to suppresse a collision between a flow of the fuel that swirls and comes to the connecting area and a fuel flow coming from the communication conduit.
US08342425B2
A fuel injector (10) includes an inlet tube (20). A valve body (12) is associated with the inlet tube to define a fuel passage (23). A valve seat (14) is associated with the valve body and defines an outlet opening (18). An armature (42) is movable with respect to the valve body between a first position and a second position. The armature is associated with a closure member (18) that opens and closes the outlet opening. An electromagnetic coil (40) is energizable to provide magnetic flux that moves the armature between the first and second positions to control fuel flow through the outlet opening. A heat exchanger (50) is provided in the inlet tube and a secondary coil (46) is energizable to provide a magnetic field to inductively heat the heat exchanger and thus fuel prior to exiting the outlet opening.
US08342423B2
A fuel injection apparatus for an internal combustion engine includes a fuel supply passage and a valve arrangement for controlling fuel pressure within the fuel supply passage. The valve arrangement includes a valve member movable between an open position in which the fuel supply passage communicates with a low pressure fuel drain and a closed position in which communication between the fuel supply passage and the low pressure fuel drain is prevented. The valve arrangement comprises damping means for controlling and/or damping movement of the valve member between the closed and open positions.
US08342421B2
A texture material formulated substantially to match a pre-existing texture pattern. The texture material comprises a carrier, a binder, a filler, and a pH change material. The texture material changes from a wet form to a solidified form when exposed to air. A pH of the texture material changes as the texture material changes from the wet form to the solidified form. An appearance of at least one appearance characteristic of the at least one material forming the pH change material changes as the pH of the texture material changes. An appearance characteristic of the texture material associated with the at least one material forming the pH change material in at least one of the wet form and the solidified form differs from a similar appearance characteristic of the pre-existing texture pattern.
US08342417B2
The invention relates to a method for reading electronic certificates positioned in a document, each certificate comprising a support bearing an antenna linked to a microcircuit. The document has sheets of a determined format articulated around a hinge. The antennas are dimensioned to a format less than that of a half-sheet. The certificates are arranged at most in pairs on a sheet so that the antennas are spaced apart along a longitudinal axis of the sheet. The invention also relates to a set of certificates and the document containing the certificates.
US08342416B2
A wireless IC module that can function as a component of an RFID system even when mounted on a metal article includes a loop-shaped electrode that is constructed such that a plane of a loop of the loop-shaped electrode is substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface of a wireless IC module. The loop-shaped electrode functions as a magnetic field antenna and is electromagnetically coupled with a metal article so that the surface of the metal article functions as a radiator antenna.
US08342410B2
A method and apparatus for using in a barcode reader. The apparatus includes an aiming lens assembly including an irregular-shape lens, an aiming light source positioned behind the aiming lens assembly, and an aperture with the desired aiming pattern shape placed in close proximity to the aiming source for generating a visible aiming light pattern towards the target object. The irregular-shape lens includes at least a recess for accommodating the imaging lens when the irregular-shaped lens is assembled into the apparatus with other components.
US08342409B2
An electro-optical imaging reader includes a chassis mounted in a housing, a window spaced from a rear wall of the chassis, an imaging module for capturing return light from a target through the window over an imaging field of view, a controller for operating the reader in a standby state in which no target is read, and for processing the captured return light to read the target during a reading state, and an object sensing assembly supported by the rear chassis wall and spaced from the window. The object sensing assembly senses the presence of an object bearing the target in front of the window by detecting return sensing light from the object through the window over a sensing field of view that at least partially overlaps the imaging field of view, and triggers the controller to change from the standby state to the reading state upon such detection.
US08342402B2
A magnetic-guiding laminate is used to improve wireless communication between a transmitter and a receptor disposed on a substrate, regardless of the substrate materials. The laminate can comprise one or more layers of magnetic or non-magnetic material with different magnetic property. For example, the laminate can comprise a paramagnetic layer disposed on a diamagnetic layer, where the paramagnetic layer attracts the magnetic field toward the RFID antenna, and the diamagnetic layer prevents the magnetic field from dispersing in the substrate. Alternatively, the laminate can comprise multiple paramagnetic layers, wherein at least two layers have different magnetic properties, such as different permeability values.
US08342399B1
In one embodiment, non-negotiable credits from a user interaction with a credit providing entity can be identified. The credits can be associated with an entity with which a user has previously interacted. The previous interactions can earn the credits, which are non-negotiable credits. The credit providing entity can present the user with indicia indicating credit redemption opportunities. Responsive to a user request, a conversion agency can convert a quantity of the non-negotiable credits to a quantity of negotiable funds, wherein the conversion agency is not directly associated with the entity. The user can be permitted to access the quantity of negotiable funds, wherein the quantity of negotiable funds are able to be applied to user specified purchases, wherein at least a portion of the user specified purchases involve at least one vender that does not honor the non-negotiable credits.
US08342394B2
A system for registering an electrical appliance, including a storage housed within an electrical appliance for storing identifying information about the electrical appliance, and for storing address information usable o obtain an address of a remote recipient corresponding o the electrical appliance, and a wireless communicator including a memory for storing identifying information about a user, and a wireless modem for ransmiWng data, wherein when the wireless communicator is first connected with the electrical appliance, the wireless communicator executes program code o register the electrical appliance with the remote recipient, wherein the program code includes insrucions that cause the wireless modem o ransmi a lease a portion of the identifying information about the electrical appliance and the identifying information about the user o the address of the remote recipient, the address obtained using the address information.
US08342390B2
Two-way disc mailers for mailing DVDs, CDs, video game discs, or other discs from a sender to a recipient via first class mail. The disc mailer provides improved automated mail processing while weighing less than or equal to 1 ounce, including the weight of the disc.
US08342388B2
A wrapper for wrapping on a roll of length L having two opposed roll ends is described. The wrapper comprises an interior layer of a length Wi and of an interior layer basis weight, adapted to be adjacent the roll when the wrapper is wrapped on the roll; an exterior layer of a length We longer than the length Wi of the interior layer forming at least one end strip of width S and of an exterior layer basis weight, adapted to be outside of the roll when the wrapper is wrapped on the roll. The interior layer basis weight is different from the exterior layer basis weight. The end strip of the exterior layer is adapted to be folded on a corresponding one of the roll ends during crimping following wrapping of the wrapper on the roll.
US08342386B2
Braze materials and processes for using braze materials, such as for use in the manufacturing, coating, repair, and build-up of superalloy components. The braze material contains a plurality of first particles of a metallic material having a melting point, and a plurality of second particles comprising at least one nonmetallic material chosen from the group consisting of oxides, carbides, and nitrides of at least one metal. The nonmetallic material is more susceptible to heating by microwave radiation than the metallic material of the first particles, and the nonmetallic material is present in the braze material in an amount sufficient to enable the first particles to completely melt when the first and second particles are subjected to heating by microwave radiation.
US08342379B2
A surgical device is provided, the surgical device including a first driver for performing a first movement function; a second driver for performing a second movement function; a first rotatable drive shaft configured, upon actuation, to cause selective engagement of one of the first and second drivers with a second rotatable drive shaft, wherein the second rotatable drive shaft is configured to drive the selectively engaged one of the first and second drivers. Third and fourth drivers may also be included. The drivers may function to rotate a shaft portion of the surgical device relative to, and about the longitudinal axis of, a handle; move a jaw portion relative to the shaft portion; move a first jaw relative to a second jaw; and/or move a surgical member within the second jaw.
US08342376B2
A stapler for delivering a staple formed from a shape memory material is disclosed. The staple includes a first tine and a second tine connected by a bridge. The staple may be disposed within the stapler in an open position with the first tine distal of the second tine. The stapler is configured to sequentially deliver the first tine and the second tine, respectively, to opposing body tissues. The stapler includes an elongate shaft (e.g., a catheter) having a working lumen and a control mechanism for delivering the staple. A drive cable extends along the working lumen of the elongate shaft. Upon warming up to a temperature at or above a transformation temperature of the shape memory material, the staple may assume a closed position, thus drawing together opposing body tissues and closing an incision.
US08342373B2
A valve for controlling a flow of granular material and fluid comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and defining an interior surface. An inlet is formed proximate the first end for receiving the granular material and fluid. An outlet is formed downstream of the inlet for selectively discharging the granular material and fluid. A first member is slideably captured within the body and a resilient member is operationally coupled to the first member. The first member is moveable between an open position at which the granular material and fluid flow through the outlet, and a closed position upstream of the outlet at which the granular material is substantially prevented from flowing through the outlet. The resilient member is moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position at which it is engaged with the interior surface to substantially prevent the fluid from flowing through the outlet.
US08342367B2
An apparatus for mixing and distributing sauce is disclosed. The apparatus may include a mixing-pump device coupled a linear arm for distributing sauce over a rotating turntable. The turntable may include an improved gripping device for coupling to a pan. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce vat which couples to the mixing-pump device. The apparatus may also include a self-expelling concentrated sauce cassette which couples to the mixing-pump device.
US08342362B2
A dose counter for counting the number of doses of fluid or powder that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from a fluid dispenser device, said counter including a first rotary counter element (110) forming a units wheel, and a second rotary counter element (120) forming a tens wheel, said first and second counter elements co-operating with each other to define and to display, in a viewing window, said number of doses, said first counter element co-operating with an actuator member (130) that is adapted to cause said first counter element to turn each time said actuator member is actuated, said counter including an intermediate rotary element (140) that is adapted to cause said second counter element to turn on every tenth actuation of said actuator member, said first and second counter elements turning about a common first pivot pin (161), and said intermediate element turning about a second pivot pin (162) that is offset and parallel to said first pivot pin.
US08342353B2
An interlock vessel has an air-tight body having open opposing ends. A portion of the body is designed to fit into a decompression (hyperbaric) chamber, wherein a diver or a patient undergoing a decompression treatment is positioned. The opposing ends are closed by pivotally moveable doors and latching assemblies that retain the door in a closed position until the pressure inside the decompression chamber and the exterior of the chamber is equalized. Both latching assemblies are manually operated.
US08342351B2
A cap adapted for sealing a caulking cartridge. The cap may include a first member and a second member. The first member may have the shape of a frustum. The second member may be longer than the first member and extend through the first member. The second member may include an elongated portion, a planar member and a ring portion. The elongated portion may include a plurality of shoulders.
US08342343B2
A free-standing, point-of-purchase display includes a base portion and a display portion. The display portion upwardly extends from the base portion and includes a frame having a plurality of upright members and at least one display element for supporting product for retail display. The display further includes first and second advertising panels carried by first and second upright members of the plurality of uprights, respectively.
US08342338B2
A separator 2 for separating solids, such as grit, from an influent, such as water, the tray assembly 4 comprising a plurality of nested tray units 14 which are spaced apart from one another along a vertical separator axis 16. Each tray unit 14 comprises a substantially conical tray 18, an aperture 20 in the apex of the tray 18, and a means for restricting flow through the respective aperture 20, such as a baffle 22 disposed at or adjacent the aperture 20. In use, grit is separated from water circulating among the trays 18 and falls through successive apertures 20 in each of the trays to exit through the bottom of the tray assembly 4. The baffles 22 restrict upward flow through the apertures 20 in the trays 18 thereby reducing agitation of the grit.
US08342337B1
A water sampling device and method for use with a radiation probe. The device includes a base, filtrate reservoir, filter media support disc, and sample reservoir. The sample reservoir may be interchanged with a radiation probe adaptor. The device and method provide a simple and convenient means to separate particulate solids from a water sample prior to measuring radioactivity without the need for a heat source or electrical power to evaporate the water. The device and method can be used with a variety of commercially available radiation probes and is suitable for field applications.
US08342335B2
A shelf-ready shipper display system having a tray portion, a hood portion, and one or more zones of weakness that enable the hood portion to be separated from the tray portion so that the shipper display system can be converted from a shipping configuration to a display configuration. In certain embodiments, the shipper display system is made from a single blank. In some embodiments, the shipper display system includes a reinforcement panel that is also capable of being separated from the tray portion as the shipper display system is converted from the shipping configuration and to the display configuration.
US08342334B2
An improved cornerboard that is usable to protect a corner of a shipping container is provided. The cornerboard reduces workforce required to secure the cornerboard to a plurality of shipping containers, such as a pallet of shipping containers. For example, the cornerboard permits a single individual to position cornerboards about the pallet of shipping containers and shrink wrap or otherwise secure the shipping containers with the cornerboards. In an embodiment, the cornerboard has a tab portion that is partially separable form the cornerboard and positionable between two shipping containers to prevent movement of the cornerboard and eliminate the need for an individual to hold the cornerboard.
US08342328B2
A fastener system includes a toy product, a support platform, and a plug that engages a keyhole formed into the product. The plug includes a base and a pronged key extending from the base. The support platform includes a through-hole that permits the passage of the key into the packaging. One or more integrally-formed biasing members are located on the base of the plug to draw the key toward the product and create a secure connection. The pronged key may be formed from a plastic material and configured such that it plastically deforms but remains attached to the key when and predetermined force is applied to the key to pull the key from a misaligned position with respect to the key hole.
US08342326B1
A plunger caddy providing for discreet storage, sanitary handling and transport of and ease of access to a toilet plunger. A feature of the invention is that the bulb portion of the plunger never has to pass by or go near where the handle of the plunger is stored. With either three sides (with no door on the back side) or four sides (with a door on the back side) enclosing the plunger, the plunger caddy can be positioned so that the plunger is out of view.
US08342325B2
This disclosure relates generally to an apparatus and/or system for housing a device. The apparatus includes a housing that is configured such that a device may be fitted within the housing and thereby be protected, such as from shocks and/or liquid. The housing may include top and bottom members that may be removably coupled together so as to form the housing. Each top and bottom member optionally includes front and back surfaces surrounded by a perimeter. The perimeter is defined by proximal and distal ends as well as opposing sides. The top and bottom members may include respective clasping mechanisms that extend along the perimeter of the top and bottom members. The clasping mechanisms are configured for coupling the top and bottom members with one another thereby sealing the housing, for instance, in a shock-proof and/or water tight seal.
US08342320B2
A conveyor chain (1), comprising a series of sheet metal chain links (2) which are each provided with a basically rectangular conveying body part (3) and with a hinge assembly (4), which hinge assembly comprises a centrally located hinge loop (7) and comprises a pair of hinge loops (10) spaced apart with an intermediate distance (9) on the opposite longitudinal side of the chain link, wherein the central loop is located in the intermediate space of a successive module (2′), wherein the hinge assembly (4) further comprises two auxiliary hinge loops (12), wherein the cooperating hinge loops of successive modules are connected by means of hinge pins (14), the thickness of the sheet metal of the conveying body part being between approximately 2.0 mm and approximately 2.8 mm, and wherein the diameter of the hinge pin is between approximately 3.0 and 5.0 mm.
US08342318B2
Suspension devices for suspending strings of sausages in loops. The suspension device may include hooks configured for carrying a loop of the string of sausages and a guide and drive device coupled with the hooks. The guide and drive device is configured for guiding and driving the hooks along a path of movement. The guide and drive device has a drivable circulating drive element for spaced receiving of the hooks and for driving the hooks. The suspension device may include a height-altering device that alters the height of the hooks during the movement of the hooks along the path of movement.
US08342316B2
A conveying system for plastic material container preforms for conveying the preforms to a blow molding machine, comprising angular orientation systems for the containers with respect to a predetermined reference system, capable of orienting the preforms from the step of loading onto a conveying line to the step of blowing the containers in a blowing machine. A corresponding method of orienting the containers is further described, which may be implemented in this system.
US08342298B2
The invention relates to a connecting device for connection between a brake disc and a hub. The brake disc is fitted on the hub via splined connection with recesses on the brake disc and protrusions on the hub. The connecting device is made of non-rusting material and intended to be fitted between a side surface of a recess and an adjacent side surface of a protrusion. According to the invention, the connecting device has two mutually abutting layers. These are connected to one another and separable from one another by only an axial relative movement between the layers. The invention also relates to a method for fitting a brake disc on a hub.
US08342291B2
A checkout system for handling sales or payment transactions with a computer module for electronically processing payment-related data, with at least one peripheral module which is connected electrically and mechanically to the computer module, wherein a housing wall of at least one peripheral device adjoins a housing wall of the computer module such that the mutually facing housing walls of said computer module and said peripheral module are arranged parallel, characterized in that the peripheral module (3) is in electrical contact with the computer module (2) and/or with a further peripheral module (4) by means of an electrical plug device (23, 28), wherein the electrical plug device (23, 28) has at least corresponding plug/connection elements (24, 29) which are respectively arranged on the mutually facing housing walls (14, 15) of the adjacent modules (2, 3, 4), and wherein the peripheral module (3) can be mechanically locked to the computer module (2) and/or to at least the further peripheral module (4) by means of a latching device (18, 25).
US08342283B2
A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, a heat exchanger to heat the compressed air, and an air motor driven by the heated air and connected to at least one wheel. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, a compressed air tank, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to a wheel. The vehicle also has a ventilation system for the passenger compartment, a heat exchanger, and a restrictive solenoid valve for directing ventilation system air to the heat exchanger. A pneumatic vehicle is provided with a chassis, wheels, an aluminum compressed air tank, a carbon filament reinforced plastic layer over the tank, a fiberglass and aramid-fiber layer over the carbon filament reinforced plastic layer, and an air motor driven by the compressed air and connected to at least one wheel.
US08342279B1
A modular vehicle and an associated method of constructing a modular vehicle are provided. A modular vehicle includes a chassis and a plurality of docking fixtures carried by the chassis. The docking fixtures may include an electrical power connection and optionally a fluid connection. The docking fixtures may provide for data communications via data communication connections or via the electrical power connections. The modular vehicle may also include a plurality of modules removably connected to respective ones of the docking fixtures. The plurality of modules may include at least one of an energy supply module an energy storage module or a cooling module. At least one module may include an electrical power connection coupled to the electrical power connection of a docking fixture and optionally a fluid connection coupled to the fluid connection of a docking fixture. At least one module may also provide for data communications with a docking fixture.
US08342268B2
A drill bit that includes a bit body having a plurality of blades extending radially therefrom, wherein at least a portion of the bit body comprises a first matrix region comprising a plurality of primary carbide particles having an average mean free path of at least about 10 microns; and at least one cutting element for engaging a formation disposed on at least one of the plurality of blades is disclosed.
US08342267B1
An apparatus is for use by an operator in forming boreholes in a mine passage including a rib and a roof. The apparatus includes a boom having a proximal end mounted to a base, such as a vehicle. A drill supported by the boom near a distal end thereof is adapted for drilling into the rib of the mine passage. An operator's station carried by the boom adjacent the drill includes a platform for supporting the operator arranged at least partially between a generally vertical plane aligned with the second lateral side and the rib. Accordingly, the operator can access the rib when positioned on the operator's station without interference from the boom.
US08342264B1
An apparatus abates noise from the operation of a drill head including a drilling element for engaging a face of a mine passage during a drilling cycle in which the drill head moves from a first position farther from the face to a second position closer to the face. The apparatus includes a collapsible barrier capable of moving between an extended condition to cover a portion of the drilling element during the formation of the borehole and a retracted condition in which the portion of the drilling element covered in the extended condition is exposed. A holder is adapted for releasably coupling with the barrier in the extended condition. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08342263B2
A mobile drill rig has a drill mast, a carriage mounted to the drill mast for vertical movement, and a vibratory drill head having a sine generator and a rotation mechanism for imparting vibration and rotation to a drill rod string. An elastomeric torsion coupler couples the rotation mechanism to the sine generator to transmit rotational force to the drill rod string while isolating vibrations of the sine generator from the rotation mechanism. Another coupler connects the drill head to the carriage in a manner that allows floating vertical movement of the drill head relative to the carriage while isolating vibrations of the sine generator from the carriage. Elastomeric bumpers limit the vertical movement of the drill head relative to the carriage. Elastomeric spacers located between the rotation mechanism and the sine generator handle the vertical loading and maintain the proper spacing between the sine generator and the rotation mechanism.
US08342247B2
A safety valve having a mono spring closure mechanism. The closure mechanism may be free of any spiral wound spring. The closure mechanism may include a spring having a beam which bends along its length to apply a biasing force to the closure member at its fully closed position and at its fully open position. The closure mechanism may include only a single spring, with the spring having at least two legs, the legs being joined to each other at an end of each leg, and each leg including at least one beam.
US08342242B2
A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to detect a location of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensor in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, and using the MEMS sensor to monitor a condition of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation, placing a wellbore composition in the subterranean formation, using the one or more MEMS sensors to detect a location of at least a portion of the wellbore composition, and using the one or more MEMS sensors to monitor at least a portion of the wellbore composition. A method comprising placing one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) sensors in a subterranean formation using a wellbore composition, and monitoring a condition using the one or more MEMS sensors.
US08342239B2
A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.
US08342236B2
A drill bit carousel for use on a blast hole drill includes a base structure that movably supports a plurality of drill receptacles. The drill bit carousel is movable between a storage position and at least one exchange position. In the exchange position, one of the drill receptacles is aligned with a centerline of a drill pipe string. In the storage position, the drill bit carousel is clear of the centerline of the drill pipe string.
US08342229B1
A method of making a sputtering target includes providing a backing structure, and forming a die cast copper indium gallium sputtering target material on the backing structure.
US08342215B2
Provided is a tire sealant liquid container that accommodates a tire sealant liquid, and that includes: an air inlet guiding therein a compressed air outputted by a compressor; and a tire sealant liquid outlet guiding the tire sealant liquid into a tire. The air inlet is provided at a position above a liquid level of the tire sealant liquid, and the tire sealant liquid outlet is provided at a position below the air inlet.
US08342214B2
A reservoir assembly for containing a non-corrosive liquid and a gas containing an evaporated liquid. The reservoir assembly includes a main reservoir having a main reservoir bottom wall, a main reservoir top wall and a main reservoir peripheral wall extending therebetween. An auxiliary reservoir, is provided having an auxiliary reservoir bottom wall and an auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall extending therefrom defining a peripheral wall top edge. The auxiliary reservoir located inside the main reservoir with the auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall adjacent the main reservoir peripheral wall to allow an infiltration of the non-corrosive liquid therebetween when the auxiliary reservoir is filled and the non-corrosive liquid overflows over the peripheral wall top edge. A deflector, is mounted inside the main reservoir to the main reservoir peripheral wall, having a deflector free end located above the auxiliary reservoir.
US08342212B2
A fluid conduit with layered and partial covering material thereon is disclosed. The fluid conduit may be used for processing and treatment of fluids which must be treated to remove materials so that the resultant treated fluid may be reused and/or returned to the earth and particularly to the water table. The fluid conduit may be of many forms and types and may have attached thereto and configured thereon covering material in partial form and a selected number of layers. The fluid conduit may be a septic pipe of smooth wall, of corrugated form, and/or of any form of cross-sectional configuration including circular, elliptical, rectangular, triangular, or any other geometric shape. The fluid conduit may be used in combination with conduit in a drainage field or leaching system usually associated with a septic tank or septic system.
US08342206B2
A valve for a plenum or pipe is disclosed. The valve includes a large butterfly valve element pivotally supported in the plenum by at least one rod. The large butterfly valve element includes an opening for accommodating a small butterfly valve element. The small butterfly valve element is coupled to the rod by a shaft. The shaft includes a recess that accommodates the small butterfly valve element but which includes a clearance between the small butterfly valve element and the shaft to permit limited rotation of the shaft before the small butterfly valve element engages at least one wall of the recess of the shaft. Thus, the combination of the shaft and the small butterfly valve element provide limited flow through the plenum. Further rotation of the shaft, however, results in rotation of the large butterfly valve element to provide greater flow through the plenum.
US08342204B2
In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a rotary valve including a valve body having a curved portion and two side portions, wherein a line extending through the respective centers of the side portions defines an axis of rotation of the rotary valve. The valve body may include a first fluid connection arranged in the body to fluidly connect at least one of the side portions and the curved portion, via a first opening in at least one of the side portions and a second opening in the curved portion. The valve body may also include a second fluid connection arranged in the body to fluidly connect at least one of the side portions and the curved portion, via a third opening in at least one of the side portions and a fourth opening in the curved portion, respectively.
US08342203B2
A degassing valve in a flexible container is disclosed. The valve includes a generally flat valve seat on a truncated generally dome shaped structure, and the valve seat is raised a height above the valve chamber base surface. A resilient, non-perforated, non-spring-biased diaphragm is inter-engaged upon the valve seat and overlaps the valve seat outer periphery. The valve seat engages a central area of the diaphragm that is not proximate the perimeter of the diaphragm, and the dome shaped structure has a sectional radius greater than the diaphragm radius. A well is recessed into the valve seat in a direction away from the diaphragm by a depth less than the height of the valve seat above the valve chamber base surface.
US08342199B2
An apparatus for dispensing liquid fuel comprises a plurality of inlet valves, each connected in-line with a respective inlet pipe in fluid communication with a respective source of a specific liquid fuel. A plurality of outlet valves are also provided, each connected in-line with a respective outlet pipe. A respective fuel hose is in fluid communication with each of the outlet pipes. The apparatus further comprises a coriolis flow meter located between the inlet valves and outlet valves, the coriolis flow meter providing a flow signal indicative of flow therethrough. A controller is operative to receive the flow signal and control the valves such that selected inputs of specific liquid fuels are dispensed to at least one of the fuel hoses. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the selected inputs of specific liquid fuels may include individual liquid fuels and blended combinations thereof. For example, the specific liquid fuels may include at least two of the following: a first octane gasoline, a second octane gasoline, diesel fuel, biodiesel and ethanol.
US08342198B2
A drag reducing additive for heavy oil, such as crude oil, includes a polymeric alkyl-substituted phenol formaldehyde resin and a solvent having at least one of an ester (e.g. ethyl acetate), an aldehyde (e.g. butyraldehyde), and an aromatic hydrocarbon (e.g. toluene, xylene, and the like), or mixtures thereof. When used together with a diluent (e.g. condensate, naphtha, or the like), the additive may reduce viscosity of the combined oil, diluent, and additive by at least 20%, increase throughput by at least 6%, reduce power consumption by at least 3%, reduce the diluent proportion by at least 3%, or some combination of these effects, as compared with an otherwise identical heavy oil without the additive.
US08342197B2
An easy to use, universal, simple, lightweight, compact, portable, dynamically configurable system of concealment and shelter. An operator configures a number of concealment blinds or shelters using shafts and covers or shells. Some embodiments include user adjustable domes. A hubless, dynamic blind or shelter comprises two or more cover shafts and an adjustable strap which provides a freestanding, flexible frame. The frame is covered with a cover or skin. The cover adjusts to the dynamic changes in the frame. In one embodiment the cover is an elastic net that changes shape but maintains tight skin. In another embodiment the cover has expansion panels and lace. Embodiments include layout blinds and boat blinds which incorporate a quick release clip 1260, and which may be used to observe or hunt waterfowl. The system includes a low cost method of tightening the skin on a cover to reduce wind movement and noise.
US08342194B2
Conveyor ware washer comprising a water treatment device (70) for treating sprayed wash liquid in such manner that the treated liquid is of potable quality of water from the microbiological point of view and hence can be used as final rinse liquid or as part of a final rinse liquid.
US08342193B2
The invention is dental floss applicator and interdental stimulator that is flexible and also includes a guard to ensure that the dental floss has not been used or otherwise tampered with. Users can adjust the angle of the dental floss applicator and stimulator into a configuration that best suits their particular needs. When flex adjusted, the applicator is able to hold its new configuration while maintaining sufficient strength to allow the user to comfortably maneuver the apparatus to properly floss the teeth or stimulate the gums. Furthermore, the invention is disposable, rendering it convenient to use after a meal when the user is away from a private bathroom setting, such as at a home or other lodging.
US08342190B2
A novel gauging device and associated stencils facilitate the shaping of eyebrows according to a Golden Ratio standard. The gauging device is adapted to be placed over a woman's face and maintained in a fixed position relative to her eyes and nose. A nosepiece and knobs are adjusted such that a lower end of a guide rod may be rotated about various points relative to the nose and held in predetermined angles relative to the nose and eyes, possibly supported magnetically on a lower track adjacent the nostrils and an upper track above the eyebrows. An eyebrow stencil is held in a desired position relative to the previously positioned guide rod, which facilitates convenient application and symmetrical shaping, preferably with frictional clamps for permitting the stencil to be shifted in place so that a particular portion of the stencil is properly aligned with the guide rod after the guide rod has been aligned with an appropriate Golden Ratio marking on the stencil. Each stencil may be provided with more than one set of such markings to accommodate not only different eyebrows of different sizes, but also to adjust the eyebrow's ideal Golden Ratio “High Point” to complement facial proportions (preferably represented by a single Facial Ratio Value or “FRV” that takes into account several different measured ratios) that deviate substantially from an ideal Golden Ratio. A slim tab between the upper and the lower edges of the stencil cut-out preferably provides a convenient reference mark for the “High Point” of the unadjusted cut-out.
US08342185B2
The present document describes a twin-chamber humidifying tube that permits an even spread of moisture on each side of a cigar for up to six months without drying out thanks to the twin chamber system in the tube. The present invention also allows the recovery of dried cigars. Apart from the humidifying role, the invention provides an advertising opportunity since cigars stored in it can be viewed from the outside.
US08342178B2
A device provided for taking and continuously analyzing and monitoring breathing gas samples from defined, current phases of breathing of a patient is equipped with a breathing gas line (1) and with a sensor (2) for recognizing the current phases of breathing. A sampling line (3) is provided from the breathing gas line (1). The sampling line (3) is connected to a first gas delivery device (44) via a sample gas loop (4); with a measuring line (8) from the sampling line (3) to a sensor system (6) with a second gas delivery device (66) for the analysis of breathing gas samples; with a valve (5) in the sampling line (3) for controlling the breathing gas sample flow from defined, current phases of breathing into the sensor system (6) and into the sample gas loop (4), and with a control unit (7), which is connected at least to the gas delivery device (44) and to the valve (5), so that a continuous volume flow of breathing gas samples can be fed to the sensor system (6) from the defined, current phases of breathing.
US08342171B2
A breath-controlled inhalation therapy device includes an obturation mechanism, obturating a nozzle opening through which a pressurised gas, preferably pressurised air, is issued when the device is in operation. An actuation mechanism actuates the obturation mechanism only in the exhalation phases of the respiration cycle of a patient. The fluid to be atomised is therefore substantially atomised only in the inhalation phases.
US08342168B2
A system for heating liquid using solar radiation, includes a plurality of solar panels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5), at least one reservoir for heated liquid and pipes for circulating liquid between the respective solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the liquid circulating by gravity circulation. The present system is characterized in that a non-return valve (17) for controlling the flow of heated liquid from the respective solar panel is placed in a portion of the circulation pipe between the upper end of the solar panel and the at least one liquid reservoir, the non-return valve (17) being adapted to open and close at a predetermined pressure in the liquid flow from the solar panel.
US08342167B2
A soft, flexible, floating solar heater for floating on liquid generally comprises an inflatable central portion and an inflatable outer ring. The central portion is constructed of upper and lower film bonded together at a central peripheral bond such that, upon inflation, the central portion contracts. A vertical band in the outer ring prevents buckling of the ring from inward contraction of the central portion upon inflation of the central portion. A non-inflated spacer ring may be positioned between the central portion and outer ring to disperse contraction forces and reduce the tendency for the outer ring to buckle.
US08342162B2
A system for delivering objects, such as soccer balls, the system including a delivery device and a methodology for training individuals that can be used with the delivery device, the delivery device including an accelerator that accepts, accelerates, and launches the balls with motion characteristics, and a control system having an electronic controller structured to store and execute a training program that includes ball service specifications and player service variables, ball speed and spin control inputs, and random selection of values within a range of values of the player service variables that include a starting position of the player relative to the device, a direction of motion of the player relative to the device, an identification of at least one location on the player's body to touch the ball, a time interval to wait before delivering the ball, and an action for the user to take with the ball.
US08342159B2
The fuel conditioner ionizer, interposed in a fuel line leading to an engine or a furnace, includes a housing, an inlet sealed to the fuel supply line and an outlet sealed to the fuel line leading to the engine or furnace. A plurality of metal wire strands from the plurality of different metals is disposed in the housing. Angular and directional fuel flow is generated by a fluid mixing device mounted in the housing. The mixer is a stationary turbine with a plurality of radially extending blades, circumferentially disposed in the housing. Improvements include an annular ring holding the blades, a central hub in the ring and additional or secondary flow directing blades. A cone or frustoconical segment may be attached or be part of the forward end of the hub to direct the fuel radially outward.
US08342158B2
In one example, a system for a vehicle travelling on a surface is described. The system includes an engine with a cylinder. The cylinder includes a fuel injector that is supplied with gaseous fuel and liquid fuel by a fuel delivery system. The fuel injector is mounted in the vehicle such that the fuel injector inlet faces at least partially toward the road surface. The orientation of the fuel injector enables a quick transition from liquid fuel to gaseous fuel because the gaseous fuel can rise to the injectors and be preferentially injected. Further, various approaches are described from transitioning operation between gaseous and liquid fuel injection.
US08342156B2
A fluid pump is disclosed. The fluid pump may comprise a housing, a tapered bearing, a drive shaft, a first fluid chamber, and a second fluid chamber. The housing defines a bore. The tapered bearing is received within the bore of the housing. The drive shaft is received within the tapered bearing. The first fluid chamber is defined between the housing and the drive shaft on a first side of the tapered bearing. The second fluid chamber is defined between the housing and the drive shaft on a second side of the tapered bearing. The second fluid chamber is separated from the first fluid chamber by the tapered bearing. The housing includes a fluid passage fluidly coupling the first fluid chamber and the second fluid chamber.
US08342146B2
A camshaft assembly, particularly for use in an internal combustion engine, having a shaft base body and a plurality of cam parts. In order to be able to selectively shut down individual cylinders, cam parts are provided with cams which are arranged so as to be rotationally fixed and axially displaceable in relation to the shaft base body. Depending on a desired sequence of axially fixed and axially displaceable cam parts, it is proposed to arrange the axially displaceable cam parts on a longitudinally extending profile in an axially displaceable manner and to push the axially fixed cam parts—insofar as these are necesary—over or across the receiving area for the axially displaceable cam parts and to secure them to the shaft.
US08342145B2
A lifter retainer including a central body portion connected to both a left bank of lifter retaining arms and a right bank of lifter retaining arms. The lifter retainer may be adapted to engage a key portion of one or more lifters to prevent the lifters from rotating during engine operation.
US08342140B2
A method for operating an engine with a fuel reformer is presented. In one embodiment a method for operating an engine by injecting a gaseous fuel and a liquid fuel to at least an engine cylinder is presented. The mixture of an engine cylinder may be diluted with EGR and a fraction of gaseous fuel may be increased relative to a fraction of liquid fuel injected to a cylinder in response to an operator tip-out.
US08342131B2
A recreational structure for providing a cat with adequate shelter and play area. The structure comprises a central main living unit that connects to a rectangular litter housing member by means of hollow tubes. A multi-tiered unit is disposed on top the main living unit. The top tier of this unit connects to the first tube by means of a slanted second tube. An entrance/exit member provides access to the structure. This member is connected to the bottom tier of the multi-tiered unit by a third tube. The tiers connect to one another by means of stairs.
US08342129B2
A drawer-mounted feed bowl shelf to hold an animal's food or water bowl, adapted for mounting on the edges of the sidewalls of a cabinet drawer, or for mounting between the sidewalls of a drawer is disclosed. The first embodiment includes expandable mount means to permit mounting on or in drawers of various widths. The expandable mount means include two sections one above the other, the upper one moving laterally relative to the lower section. The second fixed-width embodiment can be either mounted permanently or removably on or fixedly in a cabinet drawer. A gasket that fits over and within the opening for the bowl adds friction to prevent bowl movement when present. This invention permits the feed bowl to be out of sight when not in use.
US08342128B2
An apparatus for dispensing viscous pet food includes a rigid, downwardly curved, perforated dispensing sheet and a container having a cylindrical inner sidewall and a bottom surface that conforms to the dispensing sheet. The dispensing sheet preferably features a plurality of recesses and the container a plurality of corresponding rails that allow the sheet to stably descend within the container as downward pressure is applied to the sheet and the viscous food is dispensed and consumed.
US08342126B2
An enhanced pet bed comprises an outer cover having an inner volume, and at least one stuff sack that is preferably porous, for placement within the inner volume of the outer cover. While the inner stuff sack may be filled with a wide variety of stuffing items, the stuff sack is preferably filled with a plurality of items supplied by the owner, and may preferably inherently include a scent that is desirable or comforting to the intended animal, e.g. the scent of a known person or animal. For embodiments having permeable stuff sacks, the entire stuff sack assembly may preferably be laundered, e.g. washed and dried, as a unit, i.e. with the stuffing retained. Since the enhanced pet beds are typically provided without stuffing, the intended waste footprint of the is purchased product is significantly less than that of a conventional bed.
US08342112B2
A sewing machine includes a bed, a needle plate, an image capture device, an auxiliary optical member, a switching device, a command acquisition device, and a control device. The needle plate is provided on the bed and includes a needle hole. The image capture device is adapted to capture an image facing downward from above the needle hole. The auxiliary optical member is adapted to transmit light to an image capture device side of the auxiliary optical member. The switching device switches the auxiliary optical member to one of being used and not being used. The command acquisition device acquires a command. In a case where the command has been acquired, the control device controls the switching device to switch the auxiliary optical member to one of being used and not being used in accordance with the command.
US08342108B2
A disc hub assembly includes a shouldered spindle that is secured to a disc opener frame and to which a depth adjustment arm and a gauge wheel arm are connected. The disc hub, to which a ground opener disc is mounted, is disposed on the spindle in a manner that allows the disc to rotate around the spindle. A gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm. When the depth adjustment arm is rotated between depth setting positions the gauge wheel arm is also rotated. As the gauge wheel is connected to the gauge wheel arm, rotation of the gauge wheel arm causes rotation of the gauge wheel. The depth adjustment arm is spring biased into engagement with an arc of notches on the disc opener frame. The notches define a range of positions at which the depth adjustment arm may be positioned.
US08342106B2
A board for a modular pallet including spaced apart mating sections that include tab sections including angled portions along the edges, and inboard facing shoulders spaced from the ends of the boards and adjacent to the tab sections, and a modular pallet including the board.
US08342099B2
A marking paint ball includes a shell made of non-water-soluble polymer material and having a substantially spherical shape. A marking paint composition is contained in the shell. The shell is made of an oxo-biodegradable material. A method for making such a ball is disclosed.
US08342091B2
A portable cable marking mechanism includes a gun-like housing with a pivotally mounted trigger assembly for moving a stamping unit along a predetermined inking path to engage in sequence an inking pad of a replaceable ink cartridge for inking the stamping unit and then a cable sleeve for providing the cable sleeve with customized indicia markings.
US08342090B2
An ink roller (40) for a hand-held labelling device with a jacket-shaped ink receiving roller (42) and an ink roller axis (43), wherein the ink receiving roller (42) is disposed on the ink roller axis (43) in such a fashion that the free ends of the ink roller axis (43) project on both sides past the end faces of the ink receiving roller (42), and a hand-held labelling device having an ink roller (40) of this type. One gripping disk (46) that is spaced apart from the ink receiving roller (42) is thereby provided at each free end of the ink roller axis (43).
US08342087B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus for applying markings, particularly to springs, that are clean (ink in self contained storage units), allows quick color changes and reduces wasted ink or paint. An application means that does not dry out during short down time periods, keeps up with production rates, and is cost effective.
US08342085B2
An apparatus is provided for compensating for such deformations as occur in operation in first and second clamping surfaces intended for a tool in a press. The clamping surfaces are reciprocally moveable towards and away from one another in order to move a first and second part of the tool towards and away from one another, and the first and second tool parts have a first and second abutment surface for abutment against the first and second clamping surfaces and the deformations cause uneven pressure in at least one contact region between the tool and the clamping surfaces. According to the present invention, there is disposed, in at least one contact region between a clamping surface and an abutment surface, a power unit which, on activation, is operative to press, away from the clamping surface located in the contact region at least a part of the abutment surface of the tool located there.
US08342083B2
Method for a safety and testing control for a press, including a hydraulic system with at least one hydraulic cylinder, operated by means of a hydraulic valve controlled by a programmable processing unit where a number of electrical signal inputs and outputs are provided and into which a software program is loaded, where a position sensor is provided that indicates the position of the hydraulic cylinder and where the software application works solely on the basis of an internal timer and the aforementioned position sensor can control the motion of the press as well as a hydraulic press working according to this method and using the software and carrier.
US08342082B2
A detachable grill comprising a body, a pan detachably mounted on said body and a locking device for connecting said body with said pan, said body having a heating device for heating said pan, wherein said locking device comprises: a sleeve, a connecting nail and a deflecting device, the flange of the lower portion of said sleeve protruding outwardly to form a clamping portion, said sleeve connected to the bottom of said pan by said connecting nail, wherein said deflecting device is movably connected to said body and can abut against the clamping portion or move away the clamping portion selectively. The deflecting device abuts against the clamping portion to prevent the sleeve from sliding upwardly so as to lock and fix the pan.
US08342080B2
A programmable cooking system includes a controller, at least one of a cooking range and an oven interfacing with the controller, a set of scales interfacing with the controller, a timer interfacing with the controller and at least one data entry component interfacing with the controller.
US08342066B2
The cutting tool for machining an inner surface of a hole is provided with a cutting tool main body extending in the shape of a shaft, a cutting edge portion mounted on a head portion of the cutting tool main body so as to radially-outwardly protrude with respect to the center axis of the cutting tool main body, and a coolant hole formed at the cutting tool main body so as to have an opening at a position apart from the cutting edge portion on a circumferential surface of the head portion of the cutting tool main body, thereby flushing out a coolant from the opening to an axially orthogonal plane orthogonal to the center axis and also along a protruding direction at which the cutting edge portion protrudes. The opening of the coolant hole faces a direction different from the protruding direction of the cutting edge portion in the radial direction with respect to the center axis.
US08342059B2
A ratchet wrench includes a head having a compartment rotatably receiving a drive member. Two gaps are defined between the head and the drive member. The drive member includes a dust groove intermediate the gaps along an axis. The dust groove includes first and second faces spaced along the axis and a third face extending between the first and second faces. A dustproof seal is compressed and received in the dust groove to block communication between the gaps. The seal includes a ring having first and second surfaces spaced along the axis. An outer periphery of the seal presses against a peripheral wall of the compartment. A wing extends from one of the first and second surfaces of the ring, presses against one of the first and second faces of the dust groove, and is not in contact with the third face of the dust groove.
US08342049B2
A double clutch transmission with two clutches connected to a drive shaft and to one of two transmission input shafts. Fixed gears are coupled to the input shafts and engage idler gears. Several coupling devices connect the idler gears to a countershaft which have an output gear that couple gears of an output shaft such that at least seven power shift forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be shifted, and four gear wheel planes are positioned in a way that at least one power shift winding-path gear can be shifted via the shifting device.
US08342048B2
A dual-clutch transmission comprising clutches with input sides coupled to an input shaft and output sides respectively coupled to first and second transmission input shafts, countershafts on which toothed idler gearwheels are mounted to rotate, toothed fixed gearwheels are coupled to the first and the second transmission input shafts and engage the idler gearwheels, coupling devices connect the idler gearwheel to one of the countershafts, drive output gearwheels are fixed to countershafts and drive an output shaft, and a shifting element couples the input shafts, such that eight forward gears and at least one reverse gear can be engaged. Five wheel planes are arranged in the transmission such that at least one winding gear can be engaged by the shifting element.
US08342037B2
A device for measuring a pattern of the forces and moments (2) generated by an aircraft propulsion system (1), includes a hooking structure (5) that can support at least one propulsion system (3). This hooking structure (5) passes through the fuselage transversely relative to the main axis of the fuselage of the aircraft via an opening, whereby the structure has at least a first part (AC) that is found on the outside of the aircraft connected to a propulsion system, and a second part (CB) that is found on the inside of the aircraft that is connected to structural elements of the aircraft via an isostatic system of connecting elements (9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 22) so as to take up the six degrees of freedom, measuring elements being integrated in the connecting elements to reconstitute the pattern.
US08342031B2
Provided are capacitive strain sensors. In certain embodiments, the capacitive strain sensor can continuously and accurately measure strain in corrosive ambient conditions and may operate up to 370° C. or more in air. The sensor includes a differential capacitor that includes a bending beam structure. In some instances, the sensor is configured to increase the effect of strain in a substrate along a sensing axis while attenuating the effect of cross-axis strain. Also provided are methods of making the capacitive strain sensors, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the capacitive strain sensors.
US08342029B2
An apparatus for guarding a pressure sensor for a washing machine is provided, which adjusts the water level required to wash laundries. The apparatus for guarding a pressure sensor includes a diaphragm built in a space part of a housing to operate in accordance with the water pressure of washing water being supplied through an inlet, a metal core mounted on an upper surface of the diaphragm through a coil spring, a first sensing part installed in a moving path of the metal core to output a signal required for adjustment of a water level of the washing water, a measurement part mounted on an upper surface of the metal core to ascend/descend along an operation path of the coil spring, a second sensing part mounted on an upper side of the space part to sense maximum and minimum positions of the measurement part, and a controller outputting a blocking signal to an inlet path of the inlet. According to the apparatus for guarding a pressure sensor, washing water more than or less than a prescribed amount is prevented from being supplied to the washing machine, and thus a uniform washing process is performed to improve the reliability of the washing machine. Also, the damage or corrosion of electric/electronic sub assembly of the washing machine due to the overflow of the washing water is prevented to prolong the lifespan of the washing machine.
US08342025B2
An integrated MEMS structure includes a driving assembly anchored to a substrate and actuated with a driving movement. A pair of sensing masses suspended above the substrate and coupled to the driving assembly via elastic elements is fixed in the driving movement and performs a movement along a first direction of detection, in response to an external stress. A coupling assembly couples the pair of sensing masses mechanically to couple the vibration modes. The coupling assembly is formed by a rigid element, which connects the sensing masses and has a point of constraint in an intermediate position between the sensing masses, and elastic coupling elements for coupling the rigid element to the sensing masses to present a first stiffness to a movement in phase-opposition and a second stiffness, greater than the first, to a movement in phase, of the sensing masses along the direction of detection.
US08342020B2
A tire testing machine according to the present invention, which can measure both uniformity and dynamic balance of a tire T, comprises a spindle for driving the tire T to rotate about a vertical axis, a spindle housing which supports the spindle rotatably, and a rotating drum rotatable about an axis parallel to an axis of the spindle and movable toward and away from the tire T. The spindle housing is fixed to a base through a piezoelectric sensor so that it can bear a pressing force provided from the rotating drum. The piezoelectric sensor is disposed within a plane including the axis of the spindle and perpendicular to the pressing force. With this structure, dynamic balance of the tire can be measured accurately and easily.
US08342018B2
With increasing demands on data communication and remote control in current industrial processes or gas measurement applications, development of new technologies would be necessary. The current invention presents a MEMS mass flow meter that are cost compatible with conventional variable area flow meters while providing all digital data process including accumulated flow rate measurements, user programmable flow rate alarm and flow data storage. These in-line meters provide packages in pipe diameter from 4 mm up to 100 mm. It is powered with battery and can be used as a stand-alone hand-held option. The meter is also equipped with the industrial standard RS485 Modbus communication interface for easy network and remote management.
US08342006B2
The invention relates to a method for detecting and/or quantifying water leaks in a water pipe, and to a device for realizing said method. The method of the invention comprises measuring the water flow rate in the pipe in at least two different locations, i.e., one downstream and one upstream relative to the suspected leak, the water flow rate being measured by injecting a tracing agent that modifies the water conductivity instantaneously at an upstream location and a downstream location relative to the suspected leak location, continuously measuring the water conductivity downstream from said locations and, from the conductivity values, calculating the water flow rates upstream and downstream relative to the suspected leak location in the pipe. The method of the invention can be used for quantifying a leak flow rate that can even be a very small one.
US08342002B2
An inspection apparatus including a cylindrical chamber having an opening part and a bottomed end part. The chamber includes an element insertion/extraction part, a tapered part, and a gas introduction part. The element insertion/extraction part is a tubular space continuous from the opening part. The tapered part is connected to the element insertion/extraction part, and is a space having a tapered shape in a cross-sectional view sectioned perpendicularly so that a lengthwise direction is larger toward the inner side. The gas introduction part is a tubular space continuously extending from the tapered part to a bottom portion. A sensor element is inserted into the chamber such that a front end thereof reaches the tapered part while a gap is formed between the sensor element and the chamber, and in this condition, an inspection gas is supplied to the chamber through a supply port provided in the gas introduction part.
US08341995B2
A method for forming at least one rib and a step shoulder bottom of a can body in a single drawing operation from a redrawn cup or preform which has a closed end with an inwardly tapering annular periphery that includes sufficient material to enable formation of the step shoulder bottom without having the at least one rib drawn into the step shoulder bottom.
US08341994B2
A rolling mill stand and related rolling mill for rolling rod-shaped bodies, even large in size, which meets the requirement of stiffness uniformity of the rolling mill stands in the transversal direction, all the hydraulic capsules being firmly fixed to the external structure of the rolling mill and providing for the side change of the rolls of each stand. The arrangement of rolling rolls and related extensions of each rolling mill stand is such to avoid problems of corrosion and damaging to the extensions themselves and to the reducers due to the drainage of the cooling waters.
US08341992B2
An apparatus for hemming multiple panels includes an anvil having a first panel and a second panel supported thereon. A roller mechanism and a curing mechanism are mounted to the hemming apparatus. The roller mechanism is adapted to move relative to the panels to fold a flanged portion of the first panel onto an edge portion of the second panel to form a joint. The curing mechanism is adapted to move relative to the panels to cure an adhesive located within the joint formed between the first panel and the second panel. The curing mechanism is located proximate to the roller mechanism, such that the first panel and the second panel may be supported by the anvil while the curing mechanism at least partially cures the adhesive.
US08341984B2
A method and apparatus for estimating velocity in a subsurface region. Seismic data for a subsurface region may be received. One or more attributes for the seismic data may be calculated. A posterior distribution may be generated. The posterior distribution may represent one or more probabilities of one or more velocities for the attributes. A velocity with uncertainty may be determined for the subsurface region based on the posterior distribution. A pore pressure with uncertainty may be determined based on the velocity with uncertainty.
US08341976B2
A method of cutting a glass sheet that has been thermally or chemically strengthened along a predetermined line, axis, or direction with high speed and with minimum damage on the cut edges. The strengthened glass sheet may be an aluminoborosilicate glass material having at least one alkali metal oxide modifier, and the ratio Al 2 O 3 ( mol % ) + B 2 O 3 ( mol % ) ∑ modifiers ( mol % ) > 1. At least one damage line is formed within the strengthened glass sheet. The at least one damage line is formed outside the strengthened compressive stress surface layers and within the tensile stress layer of the strengthened glass sheet. The at least one damage line may be formed by laser treatment. A crack is initiated in the strengthened glass sheet and propagated along the at least one damage line to separate the strengthened glass sheet along the predetermined line, axis, or direction into at least two pieces.
US08341974B2
A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator may include a cold air generation chamber provided in a body of the refrigerator, the cold air generation chamber having an evaporator installed therein. A cold air duct may form a path through which cold air generated in the cold air generation chamber is circulated to a freezer compartment, and a quick freezer compartment. The quick freezer compartment may be connected with the cold air duct, and may be positioned substantially nearer to the evaporator than the freezer compartment. A damper may be installed in the cold air duct to selectively shut off the flow of cold air to the freezer compartment. The quick freezer compartment may be quickly cooled using cold air directly supplied from the cold air generation chamber. Furthermore, cold air may be directed into the quick freezer compartment by selectively shutting off the supply of cold air into the freezer or refrigerator compartment.
US08341970B2
An equipment control system includes a control device, and a control program in which present-round defrosting operation start time can be changed appropriately. An integrated controller controls a defrosting operation to remove frost adhered to showcases, in which the defrosting operation is started at a fixed or varying time interval. The integrated controller stores past record data based on required time for past defrosting operations for different environmental conditions. The integrated controller includes an environmental condition acquisition unit for obtaining present environmental conditions; a database control unit for obtaining required time for a present-round defrosting operation based on the past record data corresponding to the present environmental conditions from among the stored past record data; and a start time changing unit for changing start time of the present-round defrosting operation based on the obtained required time from the scheduled start time.
US08341968B2
A method of cooling multiple beverage components involves: providing a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of sheets of heat transfer material and at least first and second flow channels defined by surfaces made at least in part by the sheets of heat transfer material; directing a first and second fluid respectively through the first and second flow channels, each of the first and second fluids being selected from the group consisting of non-carbonated water, carbonated water, beverage concentrates and non-concentrated beverages; placing ice in contact with at least one of the sheets of heat transfer material.
US08341963B2
In a valve control unit for a ram jet propulsion system having a power unit space a valve for controlling a fuel quantity required to the propulsion system, and a valve adjusting unit which is constructed to be operable by means of an electronic control unit, the valve is combined with its valve adjusting unit and its electronic control unit to form a thermally insulated valve assembly. The valve assembly is configured for the arrangement in the power unit space.
US08341957B2
In accordance with the present invention, a portable wave-swash & coastal-wind energy harvester, placed on a sea coast in swash zone captures energy contained in coastal waves and in coastal-wind through the utilization of wave turbines, wind turbines, and wave floats. Wave-float levers carrying wave floats and wave turbines, swing and maintain lower halves of wave turbines below water always. A gear system with one-way clutches transmits torque to an alternator to generate electricity. Flywheels maintain steady rotation of alternator shaft. A buoyancy chamber at the bottom produces reduction of weight of the unit when buoyancy chamber is emptied of water, and thereby enhances maneuverability of unit in water. Stabilization tanks at the top when filled with water provide extra weight and stability of the unit in its operating location. Units linked together in an energy farm combine their energy while forming a seawall-like barrier offering protection against coastal erosion.
US08341956B2
An electric actuator of the present invention includes a hydraulic fluid supply device and an actuator actuated in response to an input of hydraulic fluid from a variable-volume pump. The hydraulic fluid supply device includes an adjustable-speed motor, the variable-volume pump which is driven by the adjustable-speed motor and ejects hydraulic fluid, an electric motor control unit which controls the adjustable-speed motor so as to achieve an intended rotation speed, and a pump control unit which controls the variable-volume pump so that the ejection volume of the variable-volume pump decreases with an increase in the ejection pressure of the variable-volume pump.
US08341951B2
An apparatus is provided for a vehicle with an engine that includes an exhaust system through which exhaust gas is discharged from the engine. A heat exchanger is positioned at least partially within the exhaust system. Coolant flow passages are provided in thermal communication with the engine and with the heat exchanger. A bypass valve is operable in a first mode to direct the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a first flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages, and is further operable in a second mode to direct at least a portion of the exhaust gas across the heat exchanger along a second flow path to transfer exhaust heat to the coolant flow passages in a second coolant heating mode. The second flow path is restricted relative to the first flow path. A method of managing exhaust heat recovery is also provided.
US08341948B2
An exhaust gas cooling apparatus and method for cooling an exhaust gas is provided. The exhaust cooling apparatus has a first fluid conduit and a variable nozzle extending from the first fluid conduit. The variable nozzle being disposed in an inlet end of a second fluid conduit, wherein the variable nozzle has at least two dissimilar materials adjacent to each other and a fluid inlet opening is located between an outer periphery of the variable nozzle and an inner surface of the inlet end of the second fluid conduit. The at least two dissimilar materials vary the size of an opening of the variable nozzle by moving toward or away from a center line of the first fluid conduit in response to a temperature of an exhaust gas flowing through the first fluid conduit.
US08341947B2
A system for filtering and oxidizing particulate matter produced by a gasoline direct injection engine is disclosed. In one embodiment, engine cylinder air-fuel is adjusted to allow soot to oxidize at an upstream particulate filter while exhaust gases are efficiently processed in a downstream catalyst.
US08341945B2
A control system comprises a particulate matter (PM) filter, an electric heater, a first heating module, and a second heating module. The PM filter includes M zones that filter PM from exhaust gas. The electric heater includes M segments corresponding to the M zones that heat exhaust gas input to selected ones of the M zones when activated. The first heating module activates N of the M segments to heat exhaust gas input to N of the M zones to regenerate the N zones. The second heating module operates in one of a first mode and a second mode to regenerate other ones of the M zones after the N zones are regenerated. The first mode includes adjusting an air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas. The second mode includes activating other ones of the M segments to heat exhaust gas input to other ones of the M zones.
US08341942B2
A method and a device for providing ammonia for the selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust system of an internal combustion engine, include the following steps: a) recording at least one actuating variable for influencing the state of the internal combustion engine; b) calculating a possible nitrogen oxide emission of the internal combustion engine on the basis of an evaluation of the at least one measured variable; c) calculating an ammonia quantity which corresponds to the possible nitrogen oxide emission; and d) initiating the provision of the corresponding ammonia quantity by exhaust-gas-external evaporation in an evaporator and exhaust-gas-external hydrolysis of aqueous urea solution, wherein at least one of the following values: i) the heating power of the evaporator or ii) the quantity of aqueous urea solution supplied to the evaporator, is regulated on the basis of the ammonia quantity calculated in step c).
US08341939B2
A purification system for variable post injection in LP EGR, the system includes a turbo charger disposed downstream of a diesel engine, a DPF (catalyzed particulate filter) disposed downstream of the turbo charger, a NOx reduction apparatus disposed upstream or downstream of the DPF, a bypass line diverged from the DPF for mixing exhaust gas and air inflowing the turbo charger, a exhaust gas control portion disposed downstream of the DPF for controlling flowing of the exhaust gas and a lean/rich controlling portion for controlling lean/rich of the exhaust gas.
US08341936B2
An exhaust-gas sampler is adapted to couple into an exhaust conduit and to sample a constituent of an engine exhaust flowing therein. The sampler comprises an envelope having upstream and downstream surfaces joined by a curved side surface. The upstream and downstream surfaces are each tangent to a plane substantially normal to a central axis of the exhaust conduit. A series of inlets are formed in the upstream surface, and an outlet is formed in the curved side surface. A sensor responsive to a level of the constituent in the exhaust is coupled in the envelope, at the peripheral region of the conduit.
US08341934B2
An InfraRed Suppression System (IRSS) includes a double-walled exhaust duct and double walled septum. The double walled structure provides a flow path for secondary (non-exhaust gas) cooling air flow to slots along the surfaces exposed to exhaust gases. Exhaust gas flow past these slots draws cooling air across the duct and septum surfaces. This flow cools the surfaces close to the slots and mixes with exhaust gasses downstream to cool the exhaust plume. The septum in the shape of a helix rotating 360° fully blocks line-of-sight to the turbine exit from the aft of the aircraft. The exhaust duct is intended to be shrouded by an aerodynamic fairing which provides an aerodynamic contour which minimizes aerodynamic impact on the aircraft.
US08341926B2
A self-propelled harvesting machine has a lifting device for a front attachment and at least one crawler track assembly which is provided with a damping system, and which is formed by a crawler track disposed on an axle of the harvesting machine and on either side of the axle, and the height of the harvesting machine can be changed by varying the spring travel of the hydropneumatic damping system of the crawler track assembly.
US08341922B2
The machine, either in a version for open vials or in one for closed vials, has a cantilevered architecture such that at the sides of the relative conveyor line of the vials there is a substantially vertical air passage gap developing in a downwards direction and connected with a conveyor which opens into an air outlet facing externally of the machine and positioned considerably below the conveyor line. The operating organs of the machine, among which the conveyor line, are inserted in a chamber having a controlled atmosphere, to which means for forced ventilation are associated, which means generate a laminar flow of air directed from above in a downwards direction. The part of the laminar flow, which strikes the sides of the conveyor line and the vials present therein, enters, without perturbation, the air passage gap and exits from the air outlet; thus entry of polluting particles into the inlet of the vials is prevented.
US08341919B2
The present invention is directed to a method of forming a molded core component. A mat formed from cellulosic fiber and resin is provided. The mat is consolidated in a first press until the resin is substantially fully cured, and then removed from the first press. The consolidated mat is then placed in a second press having a mold cavity shaped to form at least one depression in at least one of the major surfaces. The consolidated mat is reformed in the second press to form a molded core component having at least one depression in at least one of the major surfaces. The molded core component has a variable density, preferably of between about 10 lbs/ft3 and 80 lbs/ft3.
US08341917B2
An anchoring clip system that includes an anchoring clip that has a top flange portion and a base flange that can be connect to a substructure, and a cap member designed to be inserted over a portion of the roof panels so as to secure the roof panels to the anchoring clip. The anchoring clip system can optionally be designed to allow for fluid flow through or on one or more components of the anchoring clip system. The anchoring clip system can optionally include a locking crown that improves the wind uplift resistance of the panels.
US08341903B2
A separation element including a panel and a connecting device for use with an adhesive. The connecting device includes at least one profile strip and a separation profile. The profile strip includes a back element, a first side element and a second side element that together define a mounting channel, and an anchor channel defined by the profile strip. The anchor channel is connected to the mounting channel by a through slot. The mounting channel is configured such that the edge of the panel is held within the mounting channel by means of the adhesive. The separation profile separates the profile strip from the panel, and it includes a middle part, a first side part, and a second side part and defines at least one window opening that functions to allow the adhesive to penetrate into the anchor channel.
US08341902B2
Multi-story buildings assembled from pre-cast concrete components produced in a component factory to form earthquake-resistant buildings with lower cost and faster construction time. The multi-story building structure comprising a plurality of piles and pile caps; prefabricated concrete column components; prefabricated concrete beam components; prefabricated concrete floor components; prefabricated concrete stairs components and prefabricated concrete wall components. Each pile cap unites at least two piles to one column; each column component has a groove on each side of the column component for placement of the corresponding sides of prefabricated wall components; and each beam component comprises grooves on the bottom and top sides of the beam for placement of wall components; and openings are located in the body of the beam. Floor components, stairs components, and wall components are made of concrete that are pre-cast with a predetermined shape, size and strength as described.
US08341893B2
A seismic coupler includes two coupling members each having an end receptacle for securing to a reinforcing bar of a column of reinforced concrete; and a flexible assembly comprising a cylindrical core formed of alloy, a plurality of steel first rings put on the core, a plurality of flexible second rings put on the core in an alternating fashion with respect to the first rings, a flexible sleeve put on the first and second rings to have both ends being flush with that of the core, two cup-shaped cap members engaged each other to conceal the core, the first and second rings, and the sleeve, and two sets of a plurality of fasteners driven through the coupling members and the cup-shaped cap members into the first rings.
US08341891B1
A filter for use with a rain gutter will prevent solid debris, such as leaves, from entering the gutter, but will not unduly restrict passage of rain water into and through the gutter. The filter comprises a liquid permeable strip that can be formed of a material, such as reticulated polyurethane foam. This strip is supported at the top of the gutter by a support member, which can be a thermoformed member, affixed to the underside of the strip. Legs, which can fold transversely to the strip will support the strip above the bottom of the gutter. When the legs are in a flat configuration, multiple filter members can be stacked for storage and shipping. Installation is essentially toolless and the filters can be cut to length.
US08341888B2
A powered post assembly includes an enclosed actuator that supports rotation of a gate. An outer tube defines a hollow interior space. A fixed post and a rotating post are both disposed within the oval tube. The actuator is mounted within the fixed post and drives rotation of the rotating post. Because the actuator is disposed within the fixed tube, it is sheltered from the elements and from undesired tampering.
US08341886B2
A gate assembly is provided including frame means for positioning in an opening through which selective entry is required. Barrier means are mountable on the frame means via hinge means and the barrier means are movable relative to the frame means between a closed position, wherein the opening is closed, to an open position, wherein the opening is open. An automatic closure mechanism is provided for moving the barrier means from the open position to the closed position without user intervention. The automatic closure mechanism is associated with the hinge means and includes at least one ramp or inclined surface on which at least part of the gate travels when moving between the open and closed positions.
US08341884B2
The present invention relates to a modular container system for use in agriculture, gardening and construction, characterized in that it comprises a parallelepiped container 1 with two partition walls 2 forming three chambers 3, its top ends each having a sleeve 4 which forms a vertical channel 5, the lower end 6 of the said sleeve extending beyond the bottom of the container but with slightly smaller dimensions and having a groove 10 around its whole periphery; connectors 9 which join adjacent containers in a horizontal plane; a base 11 which allows the containers to rest on the ground; and a lateral support 13 exactly identical to the top end of the container 1.
US08341882B2
A plant package includes a flower pot containing a floral grouping and a flexible sleeve which may be provided with detaching elements at preselected areas. When the sleeve is positioned about the flower pot, a decorative lower portion of the sleeve contains the flower pot, and a skirt portion of the sleeve is disposed about a lower portion of the floral grouping contained within the flower pot.
US08341876B2
The invention is directed to a method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality, to a method for preparing a seed fraction enriched in seed quality, and to the use of a magnetic field. The method for separating two or more seed fractions having different germination quality comprises: mixing a feed of seeds comprising seeds with at least two densities with a magnetic fluid thereby obtaining a mixture, and applying a magnetic field to the mixture such that the mixture is exposed to a magnetic gradient so as to separate two or more seed fractions with different densities.
US08341871B2
Some embodiments of fishing bobbers include a main body portion, a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a slot, a first closing mechanism, and a second closing mechanism. Each of the first and second shaft portions has a generally cylindrical shape. The first shaft portion is positioned at one of the outer ends of the main body portion, and the second shaft portion is positioned at an opposite one of the outer ends of the main body portion. The slot runs along a length of the fishing bobber and enables a fishing line to be positioned within a central aperture of the fishing bobber. The first closing mechanism is positioned within the first shaft portion, and the second closing mechanism is positioned within the second shaft portion. The first and second closing mechanisms can be rotated between open and closed positions.
US08341867B2
A cheek support apparatus comprising a generally inverted U-shaped shell member, a base member, and a cheek supporting member is provided for a firearm. The shell member made of a form fitting material, for example, a thermoplastic material, is selectively configured with different coefficients of friction to enable rigid contact of the shell member to a stock of the firearm. The shell member comprising an inner frictional surface defines an opening for accommodating the stock of the firearm. The base member is rigidly attached to a closed upper end of the shell member. In an embodiment, one or more shim members are removably attached on the base member for adjustably positioning the cheek supporting member on the base member. The cheek supporting member is removably attached on one or more of the shim members or the base member for supporting a user's cheek, for example, during recoil of the firearm.
US08341865B2
Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
US08341845B2
A hair-clipping device includes a main body, a main hair-clipping unite supported by the main body, and additional hair-clipping unit having an active hair-clipping portion extending over a longitudinal dimension and being supported by a supporting unit. The supporting unit, at least in one predetermined working position of the active hair-clipping portion, extends only over a part of the longitudinal dimension. Thereby at least one free end portion of the active hair-clipping portion exists that can, for example, be easily inserted into the nose to remove nose hair.
US08341839B2
The goal is to enhance the productivity by reducing the cost of a die. A method for selectively forming a female terminal (30) and a male terminal (40), each terminal having a square tubular box portion (31, 41) in its front and a wire crimping portion (38, 39, 48, 49) in its rear, from blanks (20) punched into a common shape is provided. In a step of punching the blank, a front projection (22) which becomes a spring piece (32) when the female terminal is produced and becomes a male tab (42) when the male terminal is produced is projected from the front end of a strip-like base plate (21) constituting a bottom plate of the square tubular box portion, and a blank in which right and left projections (28, 29) constituting the wire crimping portions are projected is formed in the rear of the base plate. In the subsequent pressing step, the female terminal and the male terminal are selectively formed in response to whether the front projection (22) is folded backward or left as it is, while the blank is made common for the box portions.
US08341836B2
An airtight container manufacturing method includes the steps of (a) exhausting an inside of a container through the through-hole; (b) arranging a spacer along a periphery of the through-hole on an outer surface of the container the inside of which has been exhausted; (c) arranging a plate so that the spacer and the through-hole are covered by the plate and a gap is formed along a side surface of the spacer between the plate and the container outer surface; and (d) arranging the cover to cover the plate and bonding the cover and the container outer surface via sealant positioned between the cover and the container outer surface. The sealing includes hardening the sealant after deforming the sealant by pressing the plate with the cover so that the gap is infilled with the sealant.
US08341833B2
A method for manufacturing a printed circuit board having a substrate composed of an insulation material, a via hole formed in the substrate, and a via land formed around the opening of the via hole on a surface of the substrate includes processes of measuring deformation of the substrate having the via hole formed therein, calculating a position where the via land is to be patterned on the basis of the deformation of the substrate measured in the measurement process, and patterning the via land at a position corrected on the basis of the value calculated in the calculation process.
US08341828B2
The present invention relates to methods and arrangements for using a thin foil to form electrical interconnects in an integrated circuit package. One such arrangement involves a foil carrier structure, which includes a foil adhered to a carrier having cavities. Some methods of the present invention involve attaching dice to the foil and encapsulating the foil carrier structure in a molding material. In one embodiment, the molding material presses against the foil, which causes portions of the foil to distend into the cavities of the carrier. As a result, recessed and raised areas are formed in the foil. Afterwards, the carrier is removed and portions of the raised areas in the foil are removed through one of a variety of techniques, such as grinding. This process helps define and electrical isolate contact pads in the foil. The resulting molded foil structure may then be singulated into multiple semiconductor packages.
US08341826B1
A method and system for fabricating magnetic transducer are described.The method and system include providing a main pole having a bottom, a top wider than the bottom, and a top bevel. A nonmagnetic gap covering the main pole is provided. A portion of the nonmagnetic gap resides on the top of the main pole. A first seed layer is provided. At least a portion of the first seed layer covers the portion of the nonmagnetic gap on top of the main pole. A portion of the nonmagnetic gap on the magnetic recording transducer is removed after the first seed layer is provided. A second seed layer is provided after the portion of the nonmagnetic gap is removed. The second seed layer covers at least the portion of the first seed layer. A wrap-around shield layer is provided on the second seed layer.
US08341825B2
A thermally-assisted magnetic head includes a slider including an air bearing surface (ABS) and a waveguide with a core that extends from a light entering surface to the ABS, and a laser diode (LD) unit attached to the light entering surface. The LD unit faces the light entering surface, and a photo detector faces the ABS. A polarizer that only transmits light having a polarization component orthogonal to a polarization direction of linearly polarized laser light is disposed between the ABS and the photo detector. An LD of the LD unit is activated, and the linearly polarized laser light enters the core from the light entering surface. Light radiated from the ABS enters the polarizer, and an alignment of the slider and the LD unit is performed while the photo detector detects the light transmitted through the polarizer.
US08341822B2
A ground connector including a first section and a second section. The first section includes a first member with a threaded post, a second member pivotably connected to the first member, and a pusher on the first member. The second member includes a stepped surface configured to be engaged by the pusher to clamp a pedestal directly between the first and second members. The second section is movably located on the threaded post and configured to directly contact and clamp a conductor towards the pedestal.
US08341820B2
A sleeved composite pipe or piling structure formed of an elongated polyethylene pipe or tube of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or another polyethylene material installed over a substantially rigid and incompressible hollow metal pipe or solid wood core having an outer diameter that is the same or slightly larger than a normal inside diameter of the polyethylene pipe or tube when measured in a relaxed state at ambient temperature. The polyethylene pipe or tube is, for example, a HDPE 3408 material formed of virgin PE 3408 resin as specified in ASTM D3350 with UV protection, and the pipe is produced to ASTM A-3408. The metal pipe core can be ferrous or nonferrous pipe.
US08341806B2
A folding step stool includes a hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a first section connected to the hinge mechanism. The first section having a bottom step. The step stool includes a second section connected to the hinge mechanism. The step stool includes a third section connected to the hinge mechanism, wherein when the folding step is in and unfolded state, the first and second sections form a base on a floor and are in angular relationship with each other, and the third section extends upward from the hinge mechanism relative to the first section, and when the first, second and third sections are in a folded state, they are essentially in parallel with each other, are no more than ¾ as tall and ½ as long as when the step stool is in the unfolded state. A method for using a folding step stool. A hinge for a folding step stool having a folded and unfolded state and having a top rail, front rail and rear rail. A method for using a folding step stool.
US08341805B2
An exemplary hinge assembly includes a sleeve, a first member, a second member, a conductive member and a resilient member. The sleeve includes an open end. The first member is received in the sleeve. The conductive member is positioned on the first member. The second member is located next to the first member. One of the first member and the second member have a cam, the other of the first member and second member have a cam follower interacting with the cam so that the first member rotates about an axis and the second member moves linearly along the axis when the cam follower follows the cam. The resilient member is fitted in the sleeve and provides an elastic force to bias the first member and the second member into contact with each other. A plurality of tabs formed adjacent to the open end contact the conductive member for electronically connecting the sleeve to the first member.
US08341798B2
Paint roller support includes a substantially rigid sleeve portion for supporting a roller cover thereon and a plurality of flexible fingers that are engageable by an actuator to cause outer ends of the fingers to flex outwardly. An elastomeric material at least partially covers outer surfaces of the fingers for pressing engagement of the elastomeric material against the inner diameter of a surrounding roller cover during outward flexing of the fingers for securely retaining the roller cover in place on the support.
US08341796B1
A device for wiping a section of the human body surrounding the anus having a contoured body that is shaped to mimic the contours of the anatomy between the anus and groin within the natural depression. A ridge is formed on the contoured body. The ridge starts proximate a forward edge and progresses toward a rear edge. The ridge follows an ascending slope to an apex. Additionally, sloped side surfaces ascend from the side edges toward the ridge. A handle extends laterally from the contoured body. The handle enables the contoured body to be pulled laterally across the body. The contoured body is covered with a disposable wipe. As the wipe moves across the body, it wipes clean the contacted area. The wipe is then removed and thrown away.
US08341794B1
A brush for cleaning a trailer hitch receiver that comprises an elongated stem attached to a handle at one end and a cleaning head at the opposite end. The brush is configured so that a person can grasp the handle of the device and ream the cleaning head having at least two flat abrasive sides into the trailer hitch receiver so as to clean out accumulated salt, asphalt, rust debris from the receiver hitch. A method for cleaning a substantially square trailer hitch receiver using the aforementioned cleaning device.
US08341791B2
An electric toothbrush includes an electric toothbrush main body that includes a grip portion; a brush member that includes a brush; a motor that moves the brush; an actuator that relatively rotates the brush member with respect to the electric toothbrush main body in order to change an orientation of the brush; an acceleration sensor that detects an attitude of the main body; and a CPU that controls the actuator such that a brush angle becomes a predetermined optimum value based on the detected attitude.
US08341789B2
A suction-powered pool cleaning robot is provided, including a fluid outlet, configured for connection to a suction hose, and a fluid inlet, with a fluid path therebetween, a turbine, which may be any suitable device is configured to extract energy, such as in the form of rotational motion, from a fluid flow, at least partially disposed within the fluid path so as to extract energy from flow of fluid therethrough, and an electrical control system configured to regulate at least some of the operations of the robot, the control system including an electrical generator for providing power to the control system and configured to be driven by the turbine, and an electronic controller configured for the regulation.
US08341788B2
The method for constructing precast coping for bridge enables for a segment to be match-cast manufactured at the top of a pier body. The method may be applied to small and medium size bridges by introducing transverse tendon force to each segment through tendons after manufacturing a subsegment which is match cast manufactured using sides of a pre-made segment as molding. Further, the method for constructing precast coping for bridge enables to construct precast coping for bridge by easily lifting the coping, which is assembled on the ground, using lifting lugs that are formed on the top of manufacturing segments.
US08341787B2
Disclosed herein are a drum type washing machine having ball balancers and a controlling method of the same that are capable of reducing spin-drying time. The drum type washing machine having ball balancers according to the present invention includes a rotary tub having the ball balancers mounted therein, a wash motor to rotate the rotary tub, and a controller to detect the eccentricity amount of the rotary tub while controlling the rotary tub to be rotated at a first rotation speed, and, when the rotation speed of the rotary tub reaches a second rotation speed, to control the rotary tub, such that the rotary tub is decelerated to a third rotation speed and a drainage process is carried out.
US08341783B2
A baby change mat has a rectangular base mat, and pockets attached to a side of the base mat. The base mat has a non-slip fastening belt for fastening the base mat to a change table. The base mat provides a first work surface for changing a baby. The pocket provides storage space for storing items needed for changing the baby. A cover is detachably attached to the base mat for providing a second work surface. A flap is detachably attached to a side of the rectangular base mat. The flap can be folded on top of the base mat or the cover for providing a third work surface. The baby change mat can be rolled up and held in the rolled up configuration with an elastic closure loop. A carrying handle facilitates attaching the rolled up baby change mat to a support such as a baby stroller.
US08341781B1
An inflatable child containment assembly generally in the form of a play pen type structure capable of multiple uses including a contained play area, a resting or sleeping space, a splash pool, a wash basin, and a support platform for changing a child. A wall assembly has sufficient structural integrity when inflated to assume either a first operative or upright position or a second operative, inverted position, depending on the intended use. A plurality of interconnected wall sections define the wall assembly and are collectively disposed in a closed, continuous configuration to form an interior child containment area having a closure assembly covering one end thereof. An inflatable base may serve as a cushion when removably disposed within the containment area. When in the deflated and collapsed orientation, the containment assembly may be easily carried by an individual utilizing an appropriate pouch or bag.
US08341774B1
A vertical sliding enclosure for a bathtub, including three vertically slidable glass panel assemblies, wherein each assembly contains a slidable glass panel attached by the left and right glass connectors serving as the transverse position limiters which limit the panel in the transverse movement, a pair of left and right housings having the respective longitudinal tracks for the panel in the vertical movement, and room for a counterbalancing weight system containing left and right pulleys and weight combination so that a weight of the glass panel can be balanced. The enclosure provides a sufficient height for a user to access the bathtub when the three panels are raised to their maximum heights. When in their lowered position, the three panels prevent shower water from entering the bathroom floor.
US08341773B2
A system for flushing a vacuum toilet contains a flushing water reservoir container, which may be filled with flushing water, a toilet bowl, which is connectable using a vacuum wastewater line and via a flushing valve to a vacuum system, and a spray device, situated in the toilet bowl, which is connected via a Venturi nozzle to the flushing water reservoir container. A partial vacuum is generated in the vacuum wastewater line when the flushing valve is open, which generates an airflow, by which flushing water contained in the flushing water reservoir container is suctioned, sprayed via the spray device into the toilet bowl, and suctioned into the vacuum wastewater line.
US08341772B1
The invention provides a workout garment for protecting a wearer from injury while the wearer exercises. The garment includes a plurality of supporting straps for providing customziably adjustable support to the shoulders and arms of the wearer. The supporting straps may be wrapped around the wearer's arms at a tightness suitable to accommodate the wearer's desired amount of support and comfort. Wrapping the straps tighter will provide increased support. Wrapping the straps looser will provide less support but may be more comfortable.
US08341771B2
An opening/closing apparatus capable of manipulating a sun visor, which is opened and closed at a front side of a front opening of a helmet main body, from a top portion of the helmet is provided. The opening/closing apparatus includes a sliding member in which its one end portion is coupled to a central top end portion of the sun visor, and a grip helping the sliding member to move forwards and backwards is formed at another end portion, a guide holder that is attached to an inner top portion of the helmet main body and guides a forward and a backward movement of the sliding member, and a damper that is a saw-toothed member and is attached to one side of the guide holder.
US08341769B2
The invention relates to a garment that includes a torso portion and a pair of sleeves, with the junction between the torso portion and each of the sleeves including a closable opening. Each of the closable openings includes a first portion positioned on a respective underarm, extending along a side of the torso portion, and a second portion extending on a respective one of the sleeves, with each of the sleeves including a proximal portion adjacent the torso portion, a distal portion adjacent the proximal portion, and an arrangement carried by the proximal portion to maintain the distal portion in a lifted-up state.
US08341765B2
A training garment is provided for use by a swimmer. The garment includes a layer of material that is configured to conform to a body portion of the swimmer, and a plurality of pockets that extend from the layer of material for increasing drag on the swimmer as the body portion is moved in a preselected direction of movement. At least one of the pockets has first and second conditions. In the first condition, drag is increased by that pocket on the swimmer as the body portion moves in the preselected direction of movement. In the second condition, drag is not increased by that pocket on the swimmer as the body portion moves in the preselected direction of movement.
US08347411B2
The scanning probe microscope has a primary control loop (7, 11, 12) for keeping the phase and/or amplitude of deflection at constant values as well as a secondary control loop (9) that e.g. keeps the frequency of the cantilever oscillation constant by applying a suitable DC voltage to the probe while, at the same time, a conservative AC excitation is applied thereto. By actively controlling the frequency with the first control loop (7, 11, 12) and subsequently controlling the DC voltage in order to keep the frequency constant, a fast system is created that allows to determine the contact potential difference or a related property of the sample (3) quickly.
US08347406B2
An image processing apparatus includes a generation unit configured to scan a document and generate an original image, a decoding unit configured to decode a two-dimensional code on the original image generated in the generation unit to obtain original information, and a determination unit configured to determine whether the original information obtained in the decoding unit contains a password. The image processing apparatus also includes a conversion unit configured to convert the original image generated by the generation unit into an electronic file attaching the password if the determination unit determines that the original information contains the password, and convert the original image generated by the generation unit into an electronic file without attaching the password if the determination unit determines that the original information does not contain the password, and a sending unit configured to send the electronic file obtained by the conversion in the conversion unit.
US08347400B2
This disclosure provides a document access method and system. The document access method and system are based on a social network model which interconnects members of the social network as a function of trust. This framework provides a basis for documents to be accessed by members which are not directly specified by a document's owner, while providing a certain degree of document security.
US08347398B1
A keyboarded a mix of private and public text composing a source-text document is submitted through an encryption adapter intersituated in a data signal link between the keyboard and a computer system. A user selects and obfuscates the private text character portions with surrogate cloak characters in concurrent alternation with direct entry of the public text characters. A resultant protected document's data signal is safeguarded for editing and data storage without revelation of the private text content. The protected document is sufficiently secure for submission into a cloud computing environment and is immune to key-entry tracking malware. Clandestine hacking of residual data remaining in the computer firmware is negated in interpretative value by enabling the user's selective obfuscation of the source-text document's private text character content with surrogate cloak characters prior to entry into the computer system's keyboard input port.
US08347393B2
A method and system for generating a signature for determining whether a web page is in a first state or a second state, comprising the steps of selecting a plurality of web pages for processing, requesting the web pages in the first state, dividing the first state pages into a first set of text blocks, requesting the web pages in the second state, dividing the second state pages into a second set of text blocks, eliminating from the first and second sets the text blocks that are common between the first and second set, generating a signature comprising the text blocks of the first set as a component indicative of the first state and the text blocks of the second set as a component indicative of the second state.
US08347390B2
A messaging server forwards emails to mobile communication devices of users to whom the emails were respectively addressed. An antivirus server determines whether an email addressed to a user of a mobile communication device, to be forwarded by the messaging server to the mobile communication device, is infected with a virus. In response to determining the email is infected with a virus, a bulletin generator transmits, to the mobile communication devices besides the mobile communication device of the addressee of the email determined to be infected, an all points bulletin message disclosing the existence of the virus. The bulletin message is transmitted directly to, instead of via email to, the wireless mobile communication devices.
US08347387B1
A computer includes a processor. When an instruction to be executed by the processor involves writing to memory, the write can be redirected to a temporary area of memory. The correct amount of data can then be copied from the temporary area to the original target memory address. The advantages of the invention can be achieved, among other possibilities, via re-compiling the program or modifying instructions before execution.
US08347381B1
Access of a social networking profile on a social networking website is detected. Characteristics of the social networking profile are analyzed to determine whether the social networking profile is malicious. Responsive to determining that the social networking profile is malicious, the social networking profile is reported as being malicious.
US08347380B1
A method and system for protecting users from accidentally disclosing personal information in an insecure environment. In one embodiment, the method includes monitoring I/O device input data associated with a guest operating system on a virtualization platform. The guest operating system has less privilege than a privileged operating system on the virtualization platform. The method further includes determining whether the I/O device input data corresponds to personal information of a user, and delaying or blocking the transfer of the I/O device input data to the guest operating system if the I/O device input data corresponds to the personal information of the user.
US08347379B2
A printing system includes a host terminal apparatus (e.g., personal computer) and an image forming apparatus (e.g., printer). The personal computer transmits print data to the printer. The printer is connected to the host terminal apparatus over a network, the printer being capable of embedding a watermark pattern into the print data received from the host terminal apparatus. The watermark pattern contains an item of information that identifies a user who actually picks up a printed output of said image forming apparatus. The watermark pattern contains information that identifies a user who activates printing of the print data. The printer includes a user identifying section that identifies a user who actually picks up the printed output.
US08347370B2
Systems and methods for authenticating electronic transactions are provided. The authentication methods employ a combination of security features and communication channels. These security features can be based, for example, on unique knowledge of the person being authenticated, a unique thing that the person has, unique personal features and attributes of the person, the ability of the person to respond, and to do so in a fashion that a machine cannot, and so forth. Methods for enrolling the person prior to authentication are also provided, as well as systems for enrollment and authentication.
US08347369B2
A system and method for communication security receives a request from a first communication device for communication with a second communication device, and determines if the communication is to be secure. The system and method further requests identity verification from the second communication device if the communication is to be secure. In addition, the system and method establishes a secure communication between the first communication device and the second communication device when a valid password is received from the second communication device.
US08347368B2
Accuracy of user validation is improved without reducing user's convenience. When a authentication request packet is received from a terminal, when the authentication is successful based on a user ID and a password (affirmative in 34), an HTTP header and user-agent (UA) information are extracted from the packet and an access source IP address is also extracted (36), and user authentication is performed by verifying the access source IP address and the UA information against usage history information (38, 44, and 46) where at most two sets of the IP address and the UA information extracted from the authentication request packet which is received from the same user previously are registered. When the set of the IP address and the UA information corresponding to the new extracted IP address and the new extracted UA information is registered in the usage history information, it is determined that the authentication is successful, and the usage history information is overwritten with the new IP address and the new UA information (52, 54, 60, and 62).
US08347367B1
A technique of allowing entry of the password which is not 100% correct. This password would be used to verify identity and/or login information in low security techniques. The password is scored relative to the correct password. The scoring can take into effect least mean squares differences, and other information such as letter groups, thereby detecting missed characters or extra characters, as well as shift on the keyboard.
US08347366B2
Provided are a method and an apparatus for searching neighboring Bluetooth® devices through an external terminal having programming capability. The inventive method provides for a slave Bluetooth® device to receive, from the external terminal, the MAC address and optional device name from a target Bluetooth® device.
US08347363B2
In a contents retrieval system, when a publisher terminal uploads shared contents to a shared server, the shared server stores the shared contents in a contents area of a contents database, a partial data formation section forms partial data specifying the shared contents and stores the formed partial data in a partial data area, and a URL generation section forms a URL linked to the shared contents and stores the URL in a URL area. When the contents retrieval section receives partial data from the retriever terminal, it collates the received partial data with the partial data in partial data area of the contents database. When the partial data is found, the contents retrieval section replies a URL of the corresponding shared contents to the retriever terminal.
US08347361B2
The invention relates to a network and to a method of operating a network. The network comprises a plurality of stations each able to transmit and receive data so that the network can transmit data between stations via at least one selected intermediate station. The network further comprises a plurality of levels of stations including a first level comprising user and/or seed stations, a second level comprising auxiliary stations providing access to auxiliary networks, a third level comprising at least one location management station, and a fourth level comprising at least one authentication station. The method comprises transmitting, from or on behalf of a station on the first level requiring authentication, to an authentication station via one or more stations, an authentication request message. In response, the authentication station transmits authentication data via one or more stations to the station on the first level to authenticate the station on the first level. The authentication station maintains a record of each authenticated station on the first level. A location management station monitors the location of each authenticated station on the first level with respect to its connectivity, whether directly or indirectly, with one or more stations on the second level. Where a station on the first level attempts to communicate with another station on any level and is assisted by a station on another level, the assisting station transmits connectivity data directly, or indirectly via other stations, to the station on the first level and/or to an intermediate station.
US08347360B2
A device receives an identity claim associated with a user of a shared device, and determines whether the identity claim is valid. The device also determines one of an individual identification or a group identification to affiliate with the shared device when the identity claim is determined to be valid. The device further provides one or more preferences and privileges to the shared device based on the one of an individual identification or a group identification affiliated with the shared device.
US08347358B2
Techniques to protect from open enhanced federation user enumeration are described. An apparatus may include a network interface operative to establish connections. The access edge server may further include an open enhanced federation (OEF) module communicatively coupled to the network interface. The OEF module may be operative to manage connections between multiple federated networks. In one embodiment, for example, the OEF module may comprise a peer authentication module operative to determine whether a peer making the request is an untrusted peer domain. The OEF module may further comprise a peer tracking module operative to retrieve a total request number and a total limit number associated with the untrusted peer, and compare the total request number with the total limit number to form a threat status indicator value. The OEF module may also comprise a peer authorization module operative to authorize the request based on the threat status indicator value. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08347350B2
A new approach to network security includes manipulating an access point such that an initial communication from an external device is passed to a restricted subset of a computing network including a gatekeeper. The gatekeeper is configured to enforce a security policy against the external device before granting access to a less-restricted subset of the computing network. If requirements of the security policy are satisfied, then the gatekeeper reconfigures the access point such that further communication from the external device may be received by elements of the less-restricted subset. Enforcement of the security policy optionally includes performing a security audit of the external device.
US08347348B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for pre-boot policy modification. A key module exchanges a key with a server in a secure environment. A communication module receives a policy encoded with the key. A decode module decodes the encoded policy using the key and saves the policy setting prior to booting an operating system on the computer. An update module boots the computer using the policy.
US08347344B2
Methods, systems, and computer programs for measuring performance of remote video delivery are presented. The method embeds at a server computer a marker in selected frames of a video stream. The marker includes a preconfigured sequence of pixels and is followed by a frame number encoded in the pixel data. The method then finds a first marker at a client computer to determine the location of the markers in a display. Once the location of the markers is determined, markers in following frames are detected with their corresponding frame numbers. The method stores the arrival times and frame numbers for each detected marker. The stored arrival times and frame numbers can be used for statistical performance analysis of remote video delivery.
US08347332B2
There is provided a TV set including a content-related information control section which transmits the one or plurality of pieces of viewed content identification information to an ECG server and receives, from the ECG server, content-related information related to content having a relationship with respect to viewed content identified by each of the transmitted one or plurality of pieces of viewed content identification information, and a display control section which causes the display section to display an image based on image data included in each of one or a plurality of pieces of content-related information corresponding to content tuning information the input of which is accepted by an input section from among respective pieces of content-related information that the content-related information control section have received.
US08347320B2
In one embodiment, a method includes specifying an application-specific navigation model of an event-driven application; analyzing the navigation model with respect to one or more navigation requirements of the event-driven application to determine whether the event-driven application satisfies the navigation requirements; generating one or more drivers for the event-driven application based on the navigation model; and traversing the navigation model with the application-independent event drivers to analyze the event-driven application with respect to one or more business-logic requirements of the event-driven application to determine whether the event-driven application satisfies the business-logic requirements.
US08347306B2
A computer implemented method and system for determining resource usage of a tenant in a multi-tenant architecture. The method includes the steps of: recording, within predetermined time intervals, total consumption of each resource in each predetermined time interval; obtaining total times of calling each operation by each tenant in each predetermined time interval; calculating consumption of each resource during each operation based on the total times and the total consumption obtained within the period of time; and calculating usage of each resource by each tenant within the period of time based on the calculated consumption of each resource during each operation and the total times of calling each operation of each tenant in each predetermined time interval. The system includes apparatus for performing the above method.
US08347290B2
Methods and apparatus involve monitoring spin locks for guest devices. Fully virtualized guests have multiple virtual processors configured under the scheduling control of a hypervisor on a physical hardware platform. The hypervisor posts On CPU and CR3 load information to shared communications pages for each of the processors. A monitoring module in the guest device monitors the pages to ascertain forward progress of the processors. If forward progress is being made, the virtual processors continue to spin. If not, the CPU's control is variously relinquished. The monitoring module typifies a kernel driver so that the guest can maintain an unmodified operating system. Ticket spin locks, and their ordering, are also considered as are computations for lock owners. Other features contemplate computing systems and computer program products, to name a few.
US08347289B2
In one embodiment, functional system elements are added to an autonomic manager to enable automatic online sample interval selection. In another embodiment, a method for determining the sample interval by continually characterizing the system workload behavior includes monitoring the system data and analyzing the degree to which the workload is stationary. This makes the online optimization method less sensitive to system noise and capable of being adapted to handle different workloads. The effectiveness of the autonomic optimizer is thereby improved, making it easier to manage a wide range of systems.
US08347288B1
A physical computer system includes a processor and a memory configured to store instructions executable by the processor to implement a virtualization module, which in turn implements virtual machine(s) as a service on behalf of clients. Each virtual machine executes an operating system that is distinct from any underlying operating system executed by the physical computer system. The virtualization module instructs that the virtual machine(s) perform a computation that has been identified as a repeatable computation, to generate an original terminal state of the repeatable computation. In response to a request to repeat the repeatable computation, the virtualization module instructs that the virtual machine(s) perform the repeatable computation to generate a new terminal state of the repeatable computation, and, dependent upon a comparison of the original and new terminal states, to determine whether the repeatable computation has been successfully repeated according to a success criterion.
US08347287B2
A method is provided for localizing a server application using a client-side translator. A client device selects a locale specific resource file using client locale information stored in a client operating system or provided by a user. The client locale information may be sent to a server. The client may download a locale specific resource file associated with the server application or install a locale specific resource file from a computer readable medium. The server application sends a displayable string to the client device. The displayable string may be a lookup key to mapping a locale specific string in the locale specific resource file to the displayable string. The displayable string may be replaced by the locale specific string corresponding to a translation of the displayable string. The locale specific string displays on the client device.
US08347283B2
A system and a method are disclosed for automatic installation and maintenance of hardware and/or software in the system nodes of a distributed computer system, in particular in a distributed automation system, comprising a system installation and/or system maintenance tool that can be activated from every system node of the distributed system. The system installation and/or system maintenance tool (WZ) selects a software package and/or a functional component, and automatically executes the maintenance steps of the selected software package and/or of the selected functional component as regards the distribution, installation and/or configuration of the software package and/or of the selected functional component in a defined sequence on the system nodes (SK) of the distributed system.
US08347280B2
A slot management system including a download and configuration server-based sub-system and method is disclosed for use with game devices, systems, and methods is provided to enable users to monitor, control, and modify different game devices and other related activities. The slot management system includes a validator that validates assignments to modify game devices.
US08347279B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to dependency maintenance when updating a base application and provide a method, system and computer program product for base and stack application dependency synchronization when updating the base application. In one embodiment of the invention, a method for base and stack application dependency synchronization can be provided for when updating the base application in a multi-application software system. The method can include separating an update to the multi-application software system into a core update for a base application in the multi-application software system and multiple different anchors, each anchor corresponding to at least one stack application. The method further can include installing the core update to the base application and only those of the anchors corresponding to those of the stack applications installed for the base application.
US08347273B2
A specification of a routine name of a root of a call tree and a specification of a desired depth of call tree tracing are obtained. Upon entering a given routine in a program, a determination is made whether the given routine is the root. Responsive to determining that the given one of the routines is the root, trace information for the routine forming the root is output. Furthermore, upon entering a given one of the routines called, directly or indirectly, by the routine forming the root, a determination is made whether the given one of the routines called, directly or indirectly, by the routine forming the root of the call tree is within the desired depth from the routine forming the root of the call tree; and if this is the case, trace information is output for given one of the routines called, directly or indirectly, by the routine forming the root of the call tree.
US08347264B2
An automation collaborative framework (ACF) is provided. The ACF includes an abstract automated model (AAM) that defines a generic data management scheme. The AAM is extended so as to define an extended data management scheme according to control solutions received from a user. A concrete automation model (CAM) then implements a concrete data management scheme, in which the concrete data management scheme is derived as a function of the generic data management scheme and the extended data management scheme.
US08347258B2
A package includes a die and at least one further die. The die has an interface configured to receive a transaction request from the further die via an interconnect and to transmit a response to the transaction request to said further die via the interconnect. The die also has mapping circuitry which is configured to allocate to the received transaction a local source identity information as source identity information, the local source identity information comprising one of a set of reusable local source identity information. This ensures the order of transactions tagged with a same original source identity and target and allows transactions tagged with different source identifiers to be processed out of order.
US08347256B2
A circuit design assist system that receives a user instruction for registering an interface section of at least two circuits as a template, and generates a plurality of circuit patterns of the interface section, each pattern having a different combination of electrical properties of at least one device included in the interface section for evaluation. When an evaluation result indicates that the interface section operates normally for each of the circuit patterns, the circuit design assist system registers the interface section as the template.
US08347245B2
A method generates hardware description language (HDL) code from a model having a plurality of components, including at least one component that processes frame-based input data. A selected preference is received for implementing the frame-based component. The generated HDL code includes a hardware implementation of the frame-based component that satisfies the selected preference.
US08347240B2
A mechanism is provided for converting a set of single-layer design rules into a set of split-layer design rules for double patterning lithography (DPL). The set of single-layer design rules and minimum lithographic resolution pitch constraints for single exposure are identified. The set of single-layer design rules comprise a first plurality of minimum distances that are required by a set of first shapes in a single-layer design. Each of the first plurality of minimum distances in the set of single-layer design rules are modified with regard to the minimum lithographic resolution pitch constraints for single exposure, thereby forming the set of split-layer design rules. The set of split-layer design rules comprise a second plurality of minimum distances that are required by a set of second shapes and a set of third shapes in a split-layer design. The set of split-layer design rules are then coded into a design rule checker.
US08347239B2
A computer is programmed to use at least one rule to identify from within a layout of an IC design, a set of regions likely to fail if fabricated unchanged. An example of such a rule of detection is to check for presence of two neighbors neither of which fully overlaps a short wire or an end of a long wire. The computer uses at least another rule to change at least one region in the set of regions, to obtain a second layout which is less likely to fail in the identified regions. An example of such a rule of correction is to elongate at least one of the two neighbors. The computer may perform optical rule checking (ORC) in any order relative to application of the rules, e.g. ORC can be performed between detection rules and correction rules i.e. performed individually on each identified region prior to correction.
US08347225B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for selectively displaying content corresponding to web page elements. A web page element can comprise one or more DIV tags that may be used to encapsulate and identify other elements and information. The first name and the first address of the element are stored. In a receiving operation, a display request to visibly display the element, is received. A received display request identifies the first name or the first address, or both, of the element. In response to receiving the display request, content associated with the first address, and at least a portion of the content comprising the identified element are retrieved. The content to obtain the identified element is parsed, and the identified element is subsequently displayed.
US08347224B2
In a content viewing apparatus, an acquisition unit acquires a content set including one or more contents, and a conversion unit converts each content in the content set acquired by the acquisition unit into a predetermined format. An arrangement unit arranges indication information of each content subjected to the conversion performed by the conversion unit such that the indication information of each content is displayed on a display device in such a manner that indication information of each content is arranged along a time axis according to date/time information associated with each content thereby making it possible to use each content via the corresponding indication information. In accordance with an operation command input by a user, a display control unit controls displaying of the indication information of all contents as a whole, displayed on the display device by the arrangement unit, along the time axis.
US08347216B2
A mobile terminal for providing a video sharing function in a multi-party call state and its video sharing method are disclosed. When a video sharing menu is selected while a user is performing individual call communication or multi-party call communication, one or a plurality of video share keys in relation to a user selected for video sharing are displayed, so that the user can select a desired one of the displayed video share keys to share video with the selected user. In addition, a video share authority change key is disposed on the screen of a terminal set as a video share authority (chief authority) change target, so that a corresponding terminal can select the video share authority change key during individual or multi-party video sharing to acquire the authority of video sharing (chief authority) from a terminal currently having the authority of video sharing, thus perform bi-directional video sharing in real time.
US08347209B2
According to the present invention, when a style relating to a dimension of all elements included in a subtree of a structured document is set in a relative unit, all these elements can be displayed in the same style. The user terminal 100 allocates a drawing area to each key when drawing each key configuring a key string of a tree structure, determines a root of a subtree to which a specific key belongs when a style whose format relating to dimension is expressed in the relative unit is set to the key, and converts the style expressed in the relative unit into an absolute unit with the drawing area allocated to the root of the subtree as reference and draws the key according to style expressed in the absolute unit.
US08347206B2
Techniques are described for performing automatic generation of one or more tags associated with an image file. One or more ink annotations for a displayed image are received. Handwriting recognition processing of the one or more ink annotations is performed. A string is generated and the string includes one or more recognized words used to form the one or more tags associated with the image file. The handwriting recognition processing and generating the string are performed in response to receiving the ink annotations.
US08347205B2
In one embodiment, a method for generating a publication is provided. The method includes determining a template for one or more pages of the publication. A structured document for the publication is generated where the structured document includes entry fields corresponding to the one or more addressable blocks. The structured document is then sent to one or more entities to allow users to input information for different versions of the publication. After the entities enter in information, a structured document is received from each of the plurality of entities. Information in the structured document refers to version information. A design application version of the structured document is then generated from the different structured documents received from the plurality of entities. The plurality of versions of the publication is then automatically generated.
US08347202B1
A system and method for tagging place names with geographic location coordinates, the place names associated with a collection of objects in a memory of a computer system. The system and method process a text string within an object stored in memory to identify a first potential place name. The system and method determine whether geographic location coordinates are known for the first potential place name. The system and method identify the first potential place name associated with an object in the memory as a place name. The system and method tag the first identified place name associated with an object in the memory with its geographic location coordinates, when the geographic location coordinates for the first identified place name are known. The system and method disambiguate place names when multiple place names are found.
US08347195B1
Systems and methods are provided for enhancing the performance and throughput of a low-density parity check (LDPC) decoder. In some embodiments, the enhanced performance and throughput may be achieved by detecting and correcting near-codewords before the decoder iterates up to a predetermined number of iterations. In some embodiments, a corrector runs concurrently with the decoder to correct a near-codeword when the near-codeword is detected. In alternate embodiments, the corrector is active while the decoder is not active. Both embodiments allow for on-the-fly codeword error corrections that improve the performance (e.g., reducing the number of errors) without decreasing the throughput of the decoder.
US08347192B1
Parallel Reed Solomon error correction can be performed using dot products in finite fields while factoring out multiplier reduction. A finite field accumulator with left and right shifts of the polynomial dot products is used to generate the final result using a fixed dot product core and a small number of post processing Galois Field multiplies. An efficient Reed Solomon decoder for transmission, storage, and processing operations can be implemented in a small area while being easily scalable.
US08347191B1
A receiver, including a memory unit and a processor, wherein the memory unit stores a sorted parity check matrix that is sorted according to reliabilities of columns; wherein reliabilities of columns are responsive to values of information elements of a soft demodulated received information block, wherein the processor is adapted to: (a) iterate over columns of the sorted parity check matrix to find independent columns and dependent columns; (b) find non-redundant dependent columns out of the dependent columns; wherein the finding is responsive to a relationship between a reliability of a dependent column and a reliabilities of multiple independent columns on which the dependent column depends; (c) select, out of a group of combinations of columns, a selected combination; wherein each combination of the group equals a syndrome; wherein the group of combinations includes independent columns and the non-redundant dependent columns; and (d) correct errors in response to the selected combination.
US08347190B2
An encoder structure for an error correcting code with arbitrary parity positions is presented. The invention is effective for all error correcting codes whose parity check matrix is of the Vandermonde type. In contrast to conventional encoder circuits, the parity symbols produced by this encoder are not restricted to form a block of consecutive parity symbols at the beginning or at the end of a codeword, but may be spread arbitrarily within the codeword. A general structure of the parity check matrix for such a code is found by exploiting the special Vandermonde structure of matrices. From this general parity check matrix, an expression for the evaluation of the parity symbols in terms of a polynomial with limited degree is derived. An efficient hardware implementation of the proposed encoder is suggested.
US08347188B2
An apparatus and method of an outer Forward Error Correcting (FEC) code for a mobile broadcast service based on TD-SCDMA network is disclosed.
US08347186B1
A systematic encoder such as a systematic polar encoder for channel encoding to ameliorate the effects of noise in a transmission channel. The codeword carries a data word to be transmitted transparently, and also carries a parity part derived from the data word and a fixed word. Implementations advantageously reduce coding complexity to the order of N log(N), wherein N is the dimension of a matrix of the nth Kronecker power associated with a matrix effectively employed by the encoder.
US08347178B2
A method, a device, and an apparatus for correcting bursts are disclosed. The method includes: calculating a correction vector according to a received codeword and a check matrix, wherein the check matrix is an Overlapped Quasi Dual Diagonal Matrix; determining a length and position of a burst according to a longest zero element vector between two nonzero elements in the correction vector when the correction vector is nonzero; and calculating out an error mode according to the correction vector and the length of the burst, obtaining an error mode polynomial according to the error mode, correcting the received codeword according to the error mode polynomial, and obtaining a corrected codeword polynomial. The PBC-based implementation method for cyclic codes herein can correct more burst errors than the conventional cyclic code decoding method.
US08347171B2
A semiconductor memory device capable of reducing current consumption in a partial-array self-refresh (PASR) mode includes a plurality of banks and at least one parity bank. A specific area to be self-refreshed is individually selected from each of some banks selected out of the plurality of banks to perform a self-refresh operation. Data of the specific area to be self-refreshed is verified using an error correction code (ECC) stored in the parity bank.
US08347169B1
A system and method are provided for creating codewords using common partial parity products. The method initially accepts an algorithm for creating p indexed parity bit positions, where the parity bit for each position is calculated from mathematical operations performed on bits from n indexed user word positions. A first group of parity bit positions is found, where the parity bit for each position in the first group is calculated using at least a first number of common mathematical operations. A second group of parity bit positions is found, where the parity bit for each position in the second group is calculated using at least a second number of common mathematical operations. The common mathematical operations are subtracted from the first and second group of parity bit position calculations, so that unique mathematical operations can be found, associated with each parity bit position calculation in the first and second group.
US08347166B2
A device and a method for optimally adjusting transmitter parameters are provided to optimize transmission performance of a digital signal system. The device comprises an error signal analyzing unit and a step length adjustment unit which are connected in signal with each other; the error signal analyzing unit analyzes an error signal and makes a determination to carry out a transmitter parameter adjustment operation; the step length adjustment unit calculates and determines an adjustment direction and an adjustment step length of the transmitter parameter; and a transmitter parameter adjusting unit carries out operations of direction adjustment and step length adjustment of the transmitter parameter according to the result of the determination.
US08347164B2
A method for transmitting data by using hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) is provided. A base station allocates a radio resource for a non-acknowledgement (NACK) channel which is used to transmit a NACK signal for multi-user data of a plurality of UEs, transmits the multi-user data, and retransmits the multi-user data when receiving the NACK signal on the NACK channel from at least one UE which receives the multi-user data.
US08347156B2
A test system for performing tests on devices under test (DUTs) includes a storage device storing test data for performing the tests on the DUTs, a shared processor for generating the test data, storing the test data in the storage device and generating a test control signal including one or more test instructions for executing the tests, and, for each DUT, a dedicated processor configured to receive a test control signal from the shared processor, and in response to the test control signal, transfer the test data for one of the test instructions to the DUT to execute that test instruction and verify the completion of that test instruction.
US08347152B2
A PHY abstraction mapping between the link level and system level performance is presented based on mapping between the mean RBIR (Received Bit Information Rate) of the transmitted symbols and their received LLR values after symbol-level ML detection in SISO/MIMO wireless systems, such as WiMAX. In MIMO antenna configuration, the mapping is presented for both vertical and horizontal encoding. An embodiment of this invention provides the PER/BLER prediction in the actual system, enabling the system to use more aggressive methods to improve the system performance.
US08347145B2
An embodiment of the present invention may provide a method and system for event notification, performance and/or risk assessment based on mission impact that may be due to actual and/or potential info-structure disruptions. In one embodiment of the present invention, one or more network event messages may be received from a source or multiple sources. An operational mission impacted by a network event may be identified based on a received network event message and mapping with an operational architecture task identifier associated with the impacted operational mission and an element identifier associated with a source element.
US08347144B2
A method for reducing false alarms in a monitoring system comprising the steps of: providing an initial fault set (or a preliminary fault set) and using a decision process to successively reduce this initial fault set to a fault ensemble, said decision process using increasing probability or confidence in the initial fault set to generate the fault ensemble, which is considered to reflect a true abnormal condition; the decision process comprising at least two steps: the first step is generating a preliminary fault set by using a standard anomaly detection method with the additional variable (or adaptive) thresholds or temporal filters; the second step is using the preliminary fault set to generate at least one fault ensemble, each of which comprises a reduced number of refined faults that represent a more confident explanation of the cause(s) of an abnormal condition.
US08347142B2
A primary I/O adapter and a redundant I/O adapter of a data processing system are assigned to support access to a system resource. While the primary I/O adapter is in service and the redundant I/O adapter is not in service in providing access to the system resource, a fail over command is issued to remove the primary I/O adapter from service and place the redundant I/O adapter in service in supporting access to the system resource. While the redundant I/O adapter is in service and the primary I/O adapter is not in service in providing access to the system resource, diagnostic testing on the primary I/O adapter is performed. In response to the diagnostic testing revealing no fault in the primary I/O adapter, a fail back command is issued to restore the primary I/O adapter to service and to remove the redundant I/O adapter from service.
US08347138B2
A flash storage device comprises a plurality of channels of flash storage, a system memory, and a controller. The controller is configured to cache, in the system memory, data to be written, to partition the data into a plurality of data portions, to generate error correction information based on the plurality of data portions, to write the error correction information to a first one or more of the plurality of channels of flash storage, and to write each of the plurality of data portions to a different one of the plurality of channels of flash storage other than the first one or more thereof.
US08347136B2
An image forming apparatus and a control method thereof includes an image forming unit to form images, a main control unit to control operations of the image forming unit; a switching unit to selectively supply an operating voltage to the main control unit according to a level of the voltage control, a power mode selecting unit to convert an on state or an off state according to a user's operation, a first voltage determining unit to determine a level of the control voltage according to the state of the power mode selecting unit, and a second voltage determining unit to determine the level of the control voltage in parallel with the first voltage determining unit, according to the control signal output from the main control unit.
US08347128B2
A data processing device connects to a first display and operates in a power state including a power-off state, a recording standby state, and a power-on state. A second display displays an operation state of the data processing device. A power controller supplies electric power to a driver in the power-on state and the recording standby state, and stops supplying the electric power in the power-off state. The second display indicates that power is ON in the power-on state, and indicates that the power is OFF in the recording standby state and the power-off state. The power controller switches the power state from the recording standby state to the power-on state when a signal instructing start of a recording operation is received from the first display and the power state is the recording standby state.
US08347126B2
A current limiting and averaging circuit for driving a peripheral core circuit with a lower limit current value in response to a supply signal, includes a current limiting module, an energy storage module, and a converter module. The current limiting module provides a limited supply signal whose current value is smaller than or equal to an upper limit value according to the supply signal. The energy storage module stores a storage signal according to the limited supply signal when the upper limit value is higher than the lower limit current value and provides a discharge signal according to the storage signal when the upper limit value is lower than the lower limit current value. The converter module provides a driving signal for driving the peripheral core circuit in response to the limited supply signal or the limited supply signal and the discharge signal.
US08347123B2
Exemplary techniques for turning off the clock signal to flip flops are described, which may reduce power consumption by electronic devices. In an implementation, a clock-gating logic turns off the clock signal to a flip flop when a data input of the flip flop remains untoggled. The reduction in power consumption is envisioned to also reduce heat generation.
US08347118B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a method for managing a power state of an audio device resident in a graphics processing unit. The method includes the steps of directing audio data originated from a client application via an audio path in an audio driver stack to the audio device, determining whether an active stream of audio data along the audio path is present in response to a notification of an attempt to shut down the graphics processing unit, and requesting a plug and play manager to disable the audio device, if no active stream of audio data is present along the audio path.
US08347117B2
According to an aspect of an embodiment, an electronic apparatus comprises: an electronic apparatus powered by one of a plurality of electric power sources, comprising: a power supply unit for providing the interior of the electronic apparatus with the electric power from one of the electric power sources alternatively; and a controller for requesting user authentication when supply of the electric power to the interior of the electric apparatus is switched from one of the power sources to another.
US08347115B2
A data storage system providing transparent encryption. The data storage system has a hardware encryption/decryption engine and a register coupled to the hardware encryption/decryption engine. The register is for securely storing a key for encrypting and decrypting data. The key may not be read from outside the data storage system. More specifically, the key may not be read by the operating system. The user does not have access to the encryption key, but may have a password that is passed to a controller coupled to the encryption/decryption engine. The controller verifies the password and causes data received from main memory to be encrypted by the hardware encryption/decryption engine using the key. The controller also transfers the encrypted data to the data storage device.
US08347109B2
An apparatus and a method for generating serial numbers is described. In one embodiment, a block cipher encrypter encrypts an application identifier and a sequence of random numbers to generate a signature. The block cipher encrypter is associated with a serial number key. The application identifier, the sequence of random numbers, and the signature are concatenated to generate a serial number. An encoder encodes the serial number into a string.
US08347108B2
The proposed system defines an automated safe reprogramming of software radios. The essence of software radios is to enhance or alter the functionality of a mobile terminal by using software. This means that the required software is downloaded onto a mobile terminal on the fly to meet the critical and necessary needs of the user. Lot of caution needs to be exercised while downloading the necessary software components on the fly. The proposed invention automates the validation and verification of the downloaded component by suggesting (a) a variety of signatures; (b) a means for defining multiple zones and verification of zone-specific signatures; (c) a means for computing the signatures of the downloaded component in the multiple zones; and (d) a means for verification of the downloaded component based on the signatures. The objective is to define the safeness of the downloaded component based on multiple signatures to be validated in different zones. In this way, the multiple validity requirements are tested in a systematic way and failure to meet any one of the requirements leads to the rejection of the downloaded component.
US08347104B2
A method and device are described which provide a security interface, preferably for a mobile device. The security interface provides user-selectable non-secure data that is displayed without the need for a password. The non-secure data is preferably updated on a regular basis, and can be obtained from different sources, as selected by a user. The secure data can be accessed after successful authentication, such as a positive password verification. Additional non-secure data, related to the displayed non-secure data, can preferably be accessed, with or without a need for a password. An indication can be provided to inform a user that secure data has been updated, without the need to access such secure data. The security interface is preferably enabled after a predetermined timeout period. The interface allows the device to operate in three data access states: a controlled access state; a verification state; and a full access state.
US08347103B2
The present invention is directed to a system and method for authenticating a user of a device or computer system using a graphical password. In an exemplary embodiment, a user is presented with a plurality of graphical images on a display screen of an access device, such as a handheld smart phone. Each graphical image includes one or more associated attributes. The user sequential selects graphical images and a password is generated based on the combination of attributes of the selected images. The generated password is compared with a stored password to authenticate the user and grant access to the device. In another aspect, the graphical password includes time, motion, and/or keyboard input attributes such that the password is multidimensional.
US08347095B2
A sending device prepares a key for each electronic message sent by the device by applying an algorithm to specified data in the message and then incorporates the key in the message. A receiving device, upon receipt of an electronic message, locates the incorporated key and the data from which a sending device practicing the invention would have prepared it. The receiving device communicates a confirmation request to the purported sending device which contains the key and the data for its preparation. The sending device receives the confirmation messages and prepares a comparison key by applying the algorithm to the data in the confirmation request. The sending device replies to the confirmation request confirming that the sending device sent the message if the comparison key matches the key in the confirmation request and otherwise responds with a denial.
US08347093B1
Aspects of the invention pertain to preserving the privacy of users in on-line systems while also enabling verification that the users are who they purport to be. Confidential personal information may be communicated from a user to a trusted third party via a web-based application or other service. However, the personal information is encrypted so that the application or service is unable to access it. The trusted third party accesses the personal information and uses it to verify that a user ID such as an email address is associated with a particular user. This information is provided to the web-based application or service to certify the identity of the user. As a result, the application or server verifies to other users that the certified user is who he/she purports to be.
US08347079B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for managing authentication information in a home network, the method includes the operation of receiving Product Identification Number (PIN) information that is externally input and is an identifier allocated to a control device or a controlled device at the time of manufacture; and transmitting authentication information to the control device or the controlled device via a Secure Authenticated Channel (SAC) generated by using a Transport Layer Security Pre-Shared Key ciphersuites (TLS-PSK) protocol implemented by using the PIN information, wherein the authentication information is necessary for a user to control the controlled device via the control device.
US08347074B2
A method for translating network data transmissions begins with a data transmission received at a router. An interface identifier is prepended before a first field of the data transmission, forming a prepended field. The data transmission is transmitted to a translation device. The data transmission is translated without altering the prepended field. The translated data transmission is transferred back to the router. The interface identifier is removed. The translated data is transmitted while maintaining adjacency with an adjacent peer using the interface identifier.
US08347063B2
A method of improving USB device virtualization is proposed that allows giving virtual machines (VMs) direct access to USB devices with a combination hardware and software solutions. The USB host controller replaces device identifiers assigned by the VM with real device identifiers that are unique in the system. The real device identifiers are assigned by the virtual machine monitor (VMM) or the host controller.
US08347058B1
A method for automatically (i.e., programmatically) determining a storage configuration for a storage system for a given application. The method may receive information on existing storage capabilities in the storage system and information regarding the software application that will use the storage system. The method may then automatically determine a storage configuration for the storage system based on the existing storage capabilities in the storage system, the information regarding the application, and application specific rules about storage configuration principles of the application. The rule may comprise priority information that specifies a priority in application of the rules, e.g., a structure or list of storage types in order of priority for different application data types.
US08347056B2
A storage apparatus is disclosed which includes: a memory configured to have a plurality of pages to which data can be written in units of a page, the memory being further configured to have a plurality of pages of write data stored into each page in multi-valued form; and a control section configured to select pages to which to write the data from among the plurality of pages of the memory, the control section being further configured to write to the selected pages of the memory the data of at least two bits in multi-valued form for a plurality of pages including the selected pages; wherein, when writing the plurality of pages of the write data, the control section puts the write data into multi-valued form per page before writing the data to a plurality of different unused pages of the memory on a page-by-page basis.
US08347049B2
In the storage system, a storage apparatus includes a disk device for storing write data from a host computer as a primary volume and copied data of write data as a secondary volume, and a disk controller for collecting and managing status information of a plurality of copy pairs from the disk device with a primary volume and a secondary volume as a single copy pair. The disk controller monitors the status information of the plurality of copy pairs according to the status of failure, and, upon receiving a status notification command, transfers the detailed information concerning a copy pair as the status information of the copy pair subject to a failure, and flag information showing the overall status of all other copy pairs as status information of such other copy pairs.
US08347046B2
Data can be retained upon a storage medium that has characteristics suitable for the data. However, as the storage mediums are used, time passes, etc., characteristics of memory can change and therefore data can reside upon an improper medium. Data can be dynamically moved from one storage location to another automatically and intelligently based upon a change in characteristics. In addition, new data can be placed on a storage medium based upon characteristics of the medium in a current state.
US08347045B2
A method, system, and computer usable program product for using a dual mode reader writer lock. A contention condition is detected in the use of a lock in a data processing system, the lock being used for managing read and write access to a resource in the data processing system. A determination of the data structure used for implementing the lock is made. If the data structure is a data structure of a reader writer lock (RWL), the data structure is transitioned to a second data structure suitable for implementing the DML. A determination is made whether the DML has been expanded. If the DML is not expanded, the DML is expanded such that the data structure includes an original lock and a set of expanded locks. The original lock and each expanded lock in the set of expanded locks forms an element of the DML.
US08347044B2
A programmable logic processor (PLC) with multiple PLC functions is disclosed. The PLC includes at least one memory storing at least one of a plurality of programs or data, and one or more processor assigned to each of the PLC function and couple to the memory. The PLC functions are run in parallel. A method of operating the PLC and a PLC system with multiple processors are also disclosed.
US08347042B2
A multi-plane type flash memory device comprises a plurality of planes each including a plurality of memory cell blocks, page buffers each latching an input data bit to be output to its corresponding plane or latching an output data bit to be received from the corresponding plane, cache buffers each storing an input or output data bits in response to one of cache input control signals and each transferring the stored data bit to the page buffer or an external device in response to one of cache output control signals, and a control logic circuit generating the cache input and output control signals in response to command and chip enable signals containing plural bits. The program and read operations for the plural planes are conducted simultaneously in response to the chip enable signal containing the plural bits, which increases an operation speed and data throughput processed therein.
US08347039B2
A stream prefetch engine performs data retrieval in a parallel computing system. The engine receives a load request from at least one processor. The engine evaluates whether a first memory address requested in the load request is present and valid in a table. The engine checks whether there exists valid data corresponding to the first memory address in an array if the first memory address is present and valid in the table. The engine increments a prefetching depth of a first stream that the first memory address belongs to and fetching a cache line associated with the first memory address from the at least one cache memory device if there is not yet valid data corresponding to the first memory address in the array. The engine determines whether prefetching of additional data is needed for the first stream within its prefetching depth. The engine prefetches the additional data if the prefetching is needed.
US08347034B1
A computer cache for a memory comprises a data random-access memory (RAM) containing a plurality of cache lines. Each of the cache lines stores a segment of the memory. A tag RAM contains a plurality of address tags that correspond to the cache lines. A valid RAM contains a plurality of validity values that correspond to the cache lines. The valid RAM is stored separately from the tag RAM and the data RAM. The valid RAM is selectively independently clearable. A hit module determines whether data is stored in the computer cache based upon the valid RAM and the tag RAM.
US08347031B2
In a storage system in which computers are connected via a network, in order to avoid a state where communication quality is degraded due to poor performance of an apparatus constituting the network, for a transfer data amount, an amount of data sent out from a storage apparatus is suppressed. Moreover, the storage apparatus inhibits a read-ahead process, in accordance with the suppression of the sending out of the data. Furthermore, proper load allocation is realized by migrating a logical storage unit provided by the storage, to another network interface or a second storage apparatus, without changing a configuration of the network.
US08347027B2
A method for refreshing memory is provided. The method comprises determining when a first memory of a plurality of memories is not being accessed and sending a refresh opportunity command from a master refresh controller to one of a plurality of local refresh controllers when the first memory is not being accessed, wherein the one of a plurality of local refresh controllers controls only the first memory. The method further comprises determining when the first memory needs refreshing and refreshing the first memory.
US08347025B2
A memory controller interface, mobile device and method are provided. The memory controller interface can allow a processor designed and configured to operate with NOR flash and static random access memory SRAM devices to instead operate using NAND flash and synchronous dynamic random access memory SDRAM. The system accomplishes this by caching sectors out of NAND flash into SDRAM, where the data can be randomly accessed by the processor as though it were accessing data from NOR flash/SRAM. Sectors containing data required by the processor are read out of NAND flash and written into SDRAM, where the data can be randomly accessed by the processor. Boot code is stored in memory accessible to the processor and is read out of the memory for execution. The boot code is scanned for a predetermined signature, and if the predetermined signature is found, a portion of the memory is write-protected.
US08347010B1
An apparatus and method implemented in hardware and embedded software that improves performance, scalability, reliability, and affordability of Storage Area Network (SAN) systems or subsystems. The apparatus contains host computers (application servers, file servers, computer cluster systems, or desktop workstations), SAN controllers connected via a bus or network interconnect, disk drive enclosures with controllers connected via network interconnect, and physical drive pool or cluster of other data storage devices that share I/O traffic, providing distributed high performance centrally managed storage solution. This approach eliminates I/O bottlenecks and improves scalability and performance over the existing SAN architectures. Although this architecture is network interconnect (transport) neutral, additional improvements and cost savings could be made by utilizing existing, of the shelf, low latency and high speed hardware such as Advanced Switching (AS) or Myrinet networks as a transport for data, Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) and other commands and messages. Using AS or Myrinet network as a replacement for Fiber Channel (FC) would significantly reduce the cost of such SAN systems and at the same time boost performance (higher data transfer rates and lower latencies). This invention is about defining hardware and software architectural solution that is specifically designed to eliminate I/O traffic bottlenecks, improve scalability, and reduce the overall cost of today's SAN systems or subsystems. This innovative solution, in addition to it's performance superiority compared to the existing solutions, should also provide 100% compatibility with the all existing Operating Systems (OS), File Systems (FS), and existing applications.
US08347004B2
Systems and methods for creating, reading, and writing compressed data for use with a block mode access storage. The compressed data are packed into plurality of compressed units and stored in a storage logical unit (LU). One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire storage logical unit while maintaining de-fragmented structure of the LU.
US08347003B2
Systems and methods for creating, reading, and writing compressed data for use with a block mode access storage. The compressed data are packed into plurality of compressed units and stored in a storage logical unit (LU). One or more corresponding compressed units may be read and/or updated with no need of restoring the entire storage logical unit while maintaining de-fragmented structure of the LU.
US08347001B2
Performance counters may be operable to collect one or more counts of one or more selected activities, and registers may be operable to store a set of performance counter configurations. A state machine may be operable to automatically select a register from the registers for reconfiguring the one or more performance counters in response to receiving a first signal. The state machine may be further operable to reconfigure the one or more performance counters based on a configuration specified in the selected register. The state machine yet further may be operable to copy data in selected one or more of the performance counters to a memory location, or to copy data from the memory location to the counters, in response to receiving a second signal. The state machine may be operable to store or restore the counter values and state machine configuration in response to a context switch event.
US08346998B2
A system and method for transmitting data packets from a memory hub to a memory controller is disclosed. The system includes an upstream reception port coupled to an upstream link. The upstream reception port receives the data packets from downstream memory hubs. The system further includes a bypass bus coupled to the upstream reception port. The bypass bus transports the data packets from the upstream reception port. The system further includes a temporary storage coupled to the upstream reception port and configured to receive the data packets from the upstream reception port. The system further includes a bypass multiplexer for selectively coupling an upstream transmission port to either one of a core logic circuit, the temporary storage, or the bypass bus. The system further includes a breakpoint logic circuit coupled to the bypass multiplexer and configured to switch the bypass multiplexer to selectively connect the upstream transmission port to either one of the core logic circuit, the bypass bus, or the temporary storage. The system further includes a local memory coupled to the core logic circuit and operable to receive and send the data packets to the core logic circuit.
US08346997B2
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method for creating redundant system configurations is presented. The computer-implemented method creates a set of virtual function path authorization tables, and receives a request from a requester to provide requested data from a virtual function wherein the virtual function is performed by a single root or a multi-root peripheral component interconnect device. Further a receive buffer is created in a selected address range in a set of addresses ranges as well as a virtual function work queue entry for the virtual function containing an address of the receive buffer in the selected address range. Responsive to a determination that the virtual function is authorized, writing the requested data into the receive buffer of the selected address range in the one or more systems, and responsive to writing the requested data, issuing a notice of completion to the requester.
US08346996B2
An information processing system includes a plurality of processors for executing processing according to a predetermined processing request sent from a different device; a switching device for performing data transfer between the individual processors and the different device; and a storage device which is connected to the switching device and enables data transfer to and from the individual processors. At least one of the processors includes a processing request storing unit for storing processing request data sent from the different device to the processor, into the storage device by data transfer. At least another one of the processors includes a processing request reading unit for reading the processing request data stored in the storage device from the storage device by data transfer.
US08346992B2
According to some embodiments, a message generated by a downstream device is received at upstream device. The message may, for example, be received via a peripheral interface and may not require a response. It may then be determined that an error is associated with the message, and an alert message may be sent from the upstream device to the downstream device via the peripheral interface.
US08346988B2
A technique for sharing a fabric to facilitate off-chip communication for on-chip units includes dynamically assigning a first unit that implements a first communication protocol to a first portion of the fabric when private fabrics are indicated for the on-chip units. The technique also includes dynamically assigning a second unit that implements a second communication protocol to a second portion of the fabric when the private fabrics are indicated for the on-chip units. In this case, the first and second units are integrated in a same chip and the first and second protocols are different. The technique further includes dynamically assigning, based on off-chip traffic requirements of the first and second units, the first unit or the second unit to the first and second portions of the fabric when the private fabrics are not indicated for the on-chip units.
US08346983B2
There is disclosed a method, system and apparatus for enabling the sharing of computer system resources by multiple input devices. The multiple input devices utilize a device driver for all of the multiple input devices, with the method comprising: the device driver allocating a device identifier to each of the multiple input devices; the device driver receiving data from each of the multiple input devices by reference to the device identifier; and the device driver passing the received data to an application for processing.
US08346978B1
A computer program product is configured for performing a method including: receiving at least one command message specifying an I/O operation at a control unit from a channel subsystem, the at least one command message including one or more device command words (DCWs) having a data count and a suppress-length indication (SLI), the SLI configured to instruct the control unit whether to continue to perform the I/O operation in response to the control unit detecting an incorrect length condition; processing at least one of the one or more DCWs; and returning a transport response message including an incorrect length (IL) value, the IL value being a first IL value in response to the SLI being a first SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required, the IL value being a second IL value in response to the SLI being a second SLI value and the data count not matching the amount of data required.
US08346976B2
A home router configured to receive a network registration request from a device that is locally connected to the home router and to provide the request to a service provider network through a network tunnel is disclosed herein. A device configured to provide a network registration request for the device to the service provider network is also disclosed herein. The device sends the request directly to the service provider network via a network tunnel if the device is not connected to the home router or sends the request to the home router for subsequent transmission if the device is connected to the home router.
US08346974B2
A standardized 802.11 hardware control interface may be provided such that a driver may communicate with any one or more of a variety of network adapters.
US08346972B2
Synchronization of data accessible by an application program is performed transparent to the application program. After a data item is instantiated by the application program, the synchronization engine performs data synchronization without or with minimal intervention of the application program. The synchronization engine may be part of an operating system. The synchronization engine is preinstalled on a computing device; therefore, application program developers can simply define whether the data items associated with the application programs should be syncable, and if so, to what extent the data items should be syncable. The application program developer is relieved of the task of developing the synchronization engine or other software components associated with data synchronization.
US08346966B1
The present invention, in particular embodiments, provides methods, apparatuses and systems directed to providing a mechanism by which clients can transparently access remote file server appliances. Due to this, clients do not need to modify the pathnames in order to access the file servers.
US08346964B2
A flexible multi-processor communications system supports variable message lengths and variable groups and application designations at respective processors. The receiving processors determine what action, if any, needs to be taken in response to the combination of group and application information in the messages. The receiving processors can include pluralities of pre-stored groups and applications along with associated priorities and the functions to perform.
US08346959B2
A client determines the transmission of a data stream from a server and transmits to the server a Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) header having either RTSP Speed or both RTSP Scale and RTSP Speed values where the values are formed based at least on the determined transmission rate of the data stream received by the client and a reference data stream rate. An RTSP server responsive to the Speed value or the Speed and Scale value may adjust properties of the data stream being transmitted in response to the RTSP header values sent by the client.
US08346955B2
A wireless communication device comprises a wireless communication interface, a user interface, and a processing system. The wireless communication interface is configured to receive streaming content from a communication system. The user interface is configured to display the streaming content in a plurality of windows. The processing system is configured to monitor a screen arrangement of the wireless communication device and determine an amount that each of the windows is covered, and if the amount exceeds a threshold value, to initiate a packet indicating a source packet address of the streaming content being displayed in the covered window. The wireless communication interface is further configured to transfer the packet to the communication system, wherein the communication system receives the packet, and in response, ceases transmission of the streaming content being displayed in the covered window to the wireless communication device.
US08346950B1
A hosted application server system and method are disclosed. The hosted application server system includes an interface for receiving a request from one of a plurality of users, a runtime environment for running a plurality of independent applications, a core configured to receive and respond to a request from one of the applications, and an interface for sending a response to the user. The core can have access to a shared data model.
US08346949B2
The method and system enable secure forwarding of a message from a first computer to a second computer via an intermediate computer in a telecommunication network. A message is formed in the first computer or in a computer that is served by the first computer, and in the latter case, sending the message to the first computer. In the first computer, a secure message is then formed by giving the message a unique identity and a destination address. The message is sent from the first computer to the intermediate computer after which the destination address and the unique identity are used to find an address to the second computer. The current destination address is substituted with the found address to the second computer, and the unique identity is substituted with another unique identity. Then the message is forwarded to the second computer.
US08346946B2
Manufacturer registration of consumer electronic devices includes a registration server receiving purchaser-specific information from a user computer over a network, such as the Internet. This received purchaser-specific information may then be associated with a temporary short code, which is in turn provided back to the user computer over the network. The purchaser is then free to input the provided temporary short code into the consumer electronic device to be registered, after which both the short code and certain additional device-specific identification information may be provided directly by the consumer electronic device to the registration server over a network connection. The provided short code may then be matched to the previously-provided purchaser-specific information, and the manufacturer registration process completed using both the purchaser-specific information and the device-specific identification information.
US08346935B2
Systems and methods to manage workloads and hardware resources in a data center or cloud. In one embodiment, a method includes a data center having a plurality of servers in a network. The data center provides a virtual machine for each of a plurality of users, each virtual machine to use a portion of hardware resources of the data center. The hardware resources include storage and processing resources distributed onto each of the plurality of servers. The method further includes sending messages amongst the servers, some of the messages being sent from a server including status information regarding a hardware resource utilization status of that server. The method further includes detecting a request from the virtual machine to handle a workload requiring increased use of the hardware resources, and provisioning the servers to temporarily allocate additional resources to the virtual machine, wherein the provisioning is based on status information provided by one or more of the messages.
US08346934B2
For each of multiple migration policies, a server system 2 that accesses a storage apparatus 10 obtains a resource use amount needed to execute the migration. Each of the migration policies includes information for specifying a resource use amount of the server system 2 needed to execute the migration according to the policy. Then, the server system 2 allocates an amount of usable resources to each of the policies in accordance with the resource use amount obtained for the policy; in the migration according to each of the policies, allocates a certain amount of resources usable for executing the migration, to the virtual server which serves as either of a migration destination and a migration source, while determining the certain amount of resources within the amount of resources allocated to the policy; and executes the migration according to each of the policies in accordance with the resource use amount allocated to the policy.
US08346932B1
Embodiments of the use case-based management system enable non-technical users to manage devices, resources, and services that are remote to the premises where their integrated system management devices, applications, or appliances are located. This permits users to subscribe to remote voice, data, and other services without having to first configure their local equipment to ensure proper acceptance of these services. The users can simply select the desired remote services in the use case-based management system, enter a minimum amount of non-technical information such as account information provided by the service provider, and enable the service. The use case-based management system automatically creates generalized system management requests and passes them externally to the proper remote service, resource, or device managers, which then translate and broker these requests into proper low-level commands. Example remote services that can be managed include domain and sub-domain registration services, email seconding services, and Internet telephony services.
US08346925B2
A network security apparatus adapted to provide for secure communications across data networks, including untrusted networks. In one embodiment, the security apparatus comprises one or more components disposed within the software stack of a computerized device, the components including an association process adapted to establish security associations between devices on the network, and an encryption key generation process adapted to generate one or more encryption keys. In one variant, the keys are specifically for use with temporary or ad hoc security associations. The one or more keys are exchanged according to a key exchange protocol after the device is authenticated or authenticates another device. In one implementation, the device comprises a portable device such as a laptop computer.
US08346910B2
Methods for controlling online session inactivity timeouts between a user terminal and a server involves the server polling the user's local terminal to determine whether the user presence at the terminal can be confirmed if there is a period of inactivity within the session. If so, or if the server can otherwise confirm that the terminal is secured from use by other users, then the user session is maintained. Otherwise, the user session is allowed to timeout due to inactivity. The server may issue an alert to the user whenever a timeout is imminent, and may restore any information entered by the user prior to the timeout, if the user later returns and validates his identification.
US08346907B2
A “velvet rope” mechanism that enables customers of a shared distributed network (such as a content delivery network) needing to control their costs to control the amount of traffic that is served via the shared network. A given server in the distributed network identifies when a customer is about to exceed a bandwidth quota as a rate (bursting) or for a given billing period (e.g., total megabytes (MB) served for a given period) and provides a means for taking a given action based on this information. Typically, the action taken would result in a reduction in traffic served so that the customer can constrain its usage of the shared network to a given budget value.
US08346903B2
A print server, a mobile computing device, a method of printing, and a system for printing using a mobile computing device. The print server includes a submission processor, an orchestration processor, and a positioning processor. The print server is configured to track the global position of a mobile computing device and determine a print location and/or print time based upon the global position of the mobile computing device. The method involves tracking the global position of the mobile computing device and determining the print location and/or print time based upon the global position of the mobile computing device.
US08346897B2
A method and system for software deployment or maintenance where procedures for software installation or maintenance are defined by a skilled individual; site-specific or confidential information is separated from operating system native commands; parameterized commands referencing a hierarchy of variables are acquired by another individual; site-specific or confidential information of the other individual is combined with parameterized commands; new operating system native commands are generated; and, the new operating system native commands are execute on a computing system to reproduce the procedures for software installation or maintenance originally defined by the skilled individual.The software deployment or maintenance procedures originally defined by the skilled individual may be applied to any number of computing systems maintained by any number of other individuals without the skilled individual's further involvement in the process. The site-specific or confidential information belonging to the other individuals is not shared with the skilled individual.
US08346893B2
A mobile wireless communications device includes a processor cooperating with a wireless transceiver for displaying on a display a linking web page including a plurality of introductory content portions of linked web articles having hyperlinks associated therewith. User selection of a corresponding hyperlink for a given linked web article is permitted via at least one input device. Content of the given linked web article is searched to determine a remaining content portion after the introductory content portion. At least part of the remaining content portion is displayed on the display.
US08346892B2
Disclosed is a communication network system in a bus network structure, the system including: a broker processing a message routing; a connector; and a plurality of services connected to the broker via the connector, wherein: the service is a communicable terminal node and each of the plurality of services is connected to the broker via one connector, the connector is a module for mediating a connection between the service and the broker, each connector connected to only one broker, and the broker is a module for setting up a routing path or the connection with the connector, and to process the message routing, all brokers connected to each other in a full mesh topology.
US08346889B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for event-driven module loading. In one aspect, a method includes obtaining a mapping for a resource, wherein the mapping identifies one or more events that, upon occurrence, will trigger a dynamic loading of one or more code modules that are referenced by the resource, determining that an event has occurred, identifying one or more of the code modules that are associated with the event, based on the mapping, and dynamically loading the identified code modules.
US08346884B2
A shared network interface controller (NIC) interfaces a plurality of operating system domains as part of the load-store architecture of the operating system domains. A bus interface couples the NIC to a load-store domain bus (such as PCI-Express), using header information to associate data on the bus with an originating operating system domain. Transmit/receive logic connects the NIC to the network. Association logic allows the NIC to designate, and later lookup, which destination MAC address (on the Ethernet side) is associated with which operating system domain. Descriptor register files and Control Status Registers (CSR's) specific to an operating system domain are duplicated and made available for each domain. Several direct memory access (DMA) engines are provided to improve throughput. Packet replication logic, filters (perfect and hash) and VLAN tables are used for looping back packets originating from one operating system domains to another and other operations.
US08346881B1
The subject matter of this disclosure can be implemented in, among other things, a method performed by a computing device. In these examples, the method includes determining an identity of an originator of an incoming communication using an originating address of the incoming communication, and applying a first set of rules to the identity of the originator of the incoming communication to determine an importance of the incoming communication. The first set of rules includes rules generated based at least on information about the originator included in a directory of the computing device. The method may also include applying a second set of rules to the identity of the originator. The second set of rules includes rules generated based at least on previous interactions between the computing device and the originator.
US08346875B2
Embodiments of ranking emails within an email system are disclosed. One method of ranking emails within an email system includes monitoring actions of a plurality of email users of the email system, and ranking a plurality of emails sent or received by at least one of the email users based on the monitored actions of the plurality of email users.
US08346869B2
Embodiments are provided for the granular data synchronization of multiple data objects. A three-tiered cache may be automatically generated by an application program. A server data object may be stored in a first tier and may include a first set of properties for a current state of data stored on a server. A client data object may be stored in a second tier and may include a second set of properties including one or more properties in the first set and/or un-persisted edits made to the first set. A view data object may be stored in a third tier and may include a third set of properties including un-persisted and unsaved edits made to the first or second set which are being viewed on a client. The server and client data objects may be synchronized to determine edits made to the data stored on the server.
US08346866B2
Special interest subgroups are formed by a group of participants by establishing a profile for each participant. The profile defines contribution attributes dealing with contributions the profiled participant might make to a subgroup and attribution attributes dealing with benefits the profile participant might receive from participating in the subgroup. For each possible pairing of participants in the group, an overall contribution score and an overall benefit score is calculated for each participant. A mutual benefit score is calculated by combining the benefit scores for both participants in the pair. Participants are assigned to subgroups as a function of participant contribution and mutual benefit scores.
US08346864B1
Computer-based systems and methods provide additional management options for members of social networks whereby the members can define and participate in conferences, with the extent of the participation and messaging within such conferences based on the structure of the underlying social network(s). Metadata sent by participants includes one or more distribution parameters, with the parameter(s) specifying the extent to which a message is distributed within a conference and/or the extent of participation in the conference. In some embodiments, replies to messages cannot extend beyond the original recipient list, but may be further limited. Embodiments of a client interface for use in social networking conference systems are disclosed, and may include threaded chat areas and content sharing areas.
US08346863B2
A method of initiating contact based upon automatically shared profile data can include a step of automatically and wirelessly exchanging profile information between at least two computing devices. A determination can be made as to whether a contact opportunity exists by comparing received profile information with a set of previously established contact rules. A notification of a contract opportunity can be automatically presented upon one of the computing devices, depending upon whether the profile information favorably compares with the contact rules.
US08346862B2
The present invention relates to methods for sending and receiving sound based messages in an efficient way between one or several mobile communication terminals, a mobile communication terminal, a computer program, and a system and method for handling an audio messaging service (AMS) chat session between mobile communication apparatuses. The methods for sending and receiving comprises steps for handling AMS chat sessions in the mobile communication apparatus. The mobile communication comprises means for handling AMS chat sessions. The system comprises means for handling AMS in a network; a server; and mobile communication apparatuses accessing the server, wherein the mobile communication apparatuses are adapted to send a request for participating in an AMS chat session to the server, and the server is arranged to provide an AMS message for the mobile communication apparatuses, to update the AMS message from the mobile communication apparatuses, and to transmit the updated AMS message to the mobile communication apparatuses participating in the chat session. The method for handling an audio messaging service AMS chat session between mobile communication apparatuses comprises steps for handling AMS chat sessions in the system.
US08346852B2
An information processing apparatus includes a Web-page display unit configured to receive a Web page from a Web page server unit to display the received Web page on a display device, an update request wait unit configured to wait for receipt of an update request to update the displayed Web page, and an update request reporting unit configured to report the update request to the Web page display unit in response to receipt of the update request by the update request wait unit from the Web server unit, wherein the Web page display unit is further configured to send a Web page transmission request to the Web server unit based on a definition provided in the displayed Web page in response to the reported update request, and to display on the display device the Web page returned from the Web server unit in response to the Web page transmission request.
US08346842B2
Automatically reformatting rerouted production requests so that a production request directed to one production device can be rerouted to another device with little if any user intervention. A method embodying the present invention includes queuing a production request formatted for a primary production service. Upon detection of a redirection event for the primary production service, an available secondary production service is identified. The production request is reverted and then reformatted specifically for the secondary production service.
US08346841B2
A sub-circuit for facilitating the synchronization of event-based samples of signals in a cross-correlation circuit utilizing event-based sampling is provided. The sub-circuit alternatively integrates one of the signals to be cross-correlated and alternates between the signals in response to the output of a hysteretic comparator. The invention extends to a method of manipulating the input signals to a cross-correlation circuit utilizing event-based sampling so-as to facilitate the synchronization of the event-based samples of the signals.
US08346836B2
An apparatus and method for area and speed efficient fast Fourier transform (FFT) processing comprising mapping a one-dimensional DFT to a multi-dimensional representation; re-indexing the multi-dimensional representation as a radix 23 decimation architecture; simplifying the radix 23 decimation architecture to obtain a nested butterfly architecture; acquiring N samples of a finite duration time-sampled signal; and inputting the acquired N samples into the nested butterfly architecture to obtain a N-point fast Fourier transform (FFT) output.
US08346831B1
Mathematical functions are computed using a single hardware pipeline that performs polynomial approximation of second degree or higher. The single hardware pipeline includes multiple stages. Several data tables are used on the computations. The data tables are associated with a reciprocal, square root, exponential, or logarithm function. The data tables include data associated with implementing the associated function. The single hardware pipeline computes at least one of the functions associated with the data tables.
US08346819B2
An enhanced data conversion framework, in which a data record in each of first and second data sources is populated with manually selected, representative sample data, the first and second data sources using different data storage schemas to store the representative sample data as instance values of instance elements. Parameters for a CONCATENATE function or an EXTRACT function are automatically determined based on a selected succession graph, and non-sample data is converted between the different data storage schemas of the first and second data sources, using the CONCATENATE function or the EXTRACT function.
US08346816B2
Disclosed is a method for dynamically mapping a physical/logical relationship between resources. The method for physical/logical relationship mapping between resources includes: abstracting heterogeneous environments of physical resources; expressing the physical resources by a resource instance of a predetermined format to generate logical resources which are grouped and managed in accordance with types of the resources; and analyzing the physical/logical relationship between the resources to generate a relation map.
US08346808B2
An exemplary method of accessing resources in a computer network may include (a) receiving into a networking device, from a first client device of a plurality of client devices, a request for a given resource (e.g., a file, directory, or metadata) assigned to a given file service (e.g., a file share service, file sync service, or file search service), (b) verifying that the first client device is allowed to access the given file service, (c) in response to verifying that the first client device is allowed to access the given file service, identifying a second client device having at least one stored resource assigned to the given file service, and (d) sending to the second client device an updated request for the given resource that includes a unique identifier of the at least one stored resource assigned to the given file service.
US08346807B1
A method and system for registering and activating content are described. Ownership of instances of content is registered in a registry of accounts associated with various users. Responsive to a user selecting an instance of content from a content distributor, the user's account is updated by adding therein an identifier uniquely associated therewith. Responsive to the user requesting access to an instance of content, the identity of the user is authenticated. The request conveys a unique identifier of the instance of content and a key for activating the content. The content activating key is compared with the registry to identify the user's ownership level in the instance of content. Upon associating the user identity with the user's ownership level, the instance of content is activated to allow the user to access the instance of content according to the corresponding ownership level.
US08346803B2
Target file generation systems and methods are described, which are optionally for use by ordinary computer users enable those users to readily generate target files without the requirement that they know the internal layout structures of the target files. A user is enabled to select a template file from a plurality of template files via a user interface configured to be displayed on a computer display to the user, wherein the template files include changeable fields associated with corresponding field delimiters and prompting labels. An incomplete software program file containing variable name locations is accessed from memory. The program file is parsed to locate the variable name locations. The label names obtained from the template file selected by the user are inserted into the variable name locations to further complete the software program file. The software program file is stored in computer memory.
US08346801B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to a method for video retrieval by providing a first audio video file, determining a first identifier of a first piece of music in the first audio video file, looking up for the first identifier first meta data in a music database, in which said first meta data are associated with said first identifier, providing second meta data of a second piece of music from the music database. The second piece of music is included in a second audio video file. Further the method is conducted by determining a similarity measure by comparing the first and second meta data, and providing the second audio video file or an identifier thereof depending on the similarity measure. Further embodiments relate to a server, a user device and a system and a computer program product for video retrieval.
US08346800B2
Content-based information retrieval is described. In an example, a query item such as an image, document, email or other item is presented and items with similar content are retrieved from a database of items. In an example, each time a query is presented, a classifier is formed based on that query and using a training set of items. For example, the classifier is formed in real-time and is formed in such a way that a limit on the proportion of the items in the database that will be retrieved is set. In an embodiment, the query item is analyzed to identify tokens in that item and subsets of those tokens are selected to form the classifier. For example, the subsets of tokens are combined using Boolean operators in a manner which is efficient for searching on particular types of database.
US08346799B1
A search facility may optimize search result ranking by applying inverted decay transformations to history-dependent ranking components. Ranking scores for content in a content collection may be based on a set of ranking components including history-dependent ranking components. History-dependent ranking components may be based on historical behavioral data such as historical searches, actions taken with respect to content such as viewing content and content-related purchases. Content recently added to the content collection may be disadvantaged relative to content with an established history. Inverted decay transformations may correspond to simulations of additional historical behavioral data.
US08346793B1
In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus, computer-readable medium, or method may be configured to suggest correct identifiers. Expected identifiers may be created and their frequencies of occurrence may be calculated. Unrecognized identifiers may be detected. First numerical scores indicating that the unrecognized identifiers were provided in place of one or more expected identifiers may be calculated. Second numerical scores indicating that the unrecognized identifiers were intended to include expected identifiers may also be calculated. The second numerical scores may be calculated using the first numerical scores and the frequencies of occurrence of the expected identifiers. The system may select one or more expected identifiers based on the second set of numerical scores.
US08346784B1
A system can be provided for dynamically serving a content file. A content object request function can receive a request for a webpage defined by the content file, the content file including a plurality of embedded or referenced content objects, at least one of the plurality of content objects including a Javascript. A content-file modifier can modify the content file to include instructions to generate reports comprising information relating to invocation of stubs. A report receiver can receive reports from the end user system, and an object usage analyzer quantifes usage of each of the stubs. An object prioritizor can prioritize the plurality of content objects based on the analysis, the prioritization including an identification of at least one high-priority content object. An object injector can modify the content file such that the high-priority content object automatically loads upon rendering of the content file.
US08346778B2
Techniques for compressing branch nodes in an index are provided. The branch nodes may be part of a main index of a multi-level index that also includes one or more journal indexes. A Bloom filter may be generated and associated with, e.g., a branch node in the main index. The Bloom filter is used to determine whether, without accessing any leaf blocks, a particular key value exists, e.g., in leaf blocks associated with the branch node.
US08346770B2
A system forms search results clustered by address or telephone number. When clustering by address, the system may receive a search query and identify a geographical area of interest based, at least in part, on the search query. The system may identify documents that are associated with addresses located within the geographical area of interest, group the identified documents into clusters based, at least in part, on the addresses located within the geographical area of interest, and present the clusters as the search results. When clustering by telephone number, the system may receive a search query that includes at least one portion of a telephone number and identify documents that are associated with telephone numbers that match the at least one portion of the telephone number. The system may group the identified documents into clusters based on the telephone numbers included in the identified documents and present the clusters as the search results.
US08346764B1
The present inventors devised, among other things, systems, methods, and software for enhancing the relevancy of content presented to users in response to queries in an online information retrieval system. One exemplary system refines a user input query by making suggestions of alternatives queries. A switchboard module converts the refined query, administers one or more searches, and collects search results from one or more search engines based on the refined query. And, a post-processor module refines the collected search results by, for example, modifying the order of the results, removing inappropriate or undesirable content from the results, and/or applying historical performance analysis, based for example on social feedback.
US08346752B2
In a computer system that has no single place to discover all installed software applications, a software title discovery technique uses a combination of techniques to discover installed software. One of the combined techniques is an operating system predefined interface for obtaining information about installed software application; other techniques that may be employed include searching a repository of uninstall information, searching for executable files in a portion of a filesystem for the computer, and searching for executable files pointed to by other files in the filesystem of the computer system. A client/server configuration may be employed to allow collection of the software application information across a network of computers in an enterprise by a server computer system, allowing the server system to provide reports regard installed software applications.
US08346745B2
According to an aspect of the invention, a computer readable medium stores a program causing a computer to execute a process for retrieving information. The process includes an extracting process, an executing process, a first creating process, a second creating process, a determining process. The extracting process extracts, from a first composition that is an object to be searched for and that includes first sentence elements and a second composition that indicates a retrieval condition and that includes second sentence elements, the first sentence elements, the second sentence elements, and sentence element relations indicating relations between the first sentence elements and relations between the second sentence elements.
US08346735B1
A method is used in controlling multi-step storage management operations. From a specification of a desired configuration of a data storage system, a description of a multi-step transaction for producing the desired configuration is derived. The description includes directions for reacting to results of an intermediate step within the multi-step transaction. Management operations are invoked based on the description.
US08346732B1
A method and apparatus for providing high availability of a database. A first front end server is coupled to a first back end server, and a second front end server is coupled to a second back end server. The second front end server provides redundancy to the first front end server and the second back end server provides redundancy to the first back end server. The front end servers function as a gateway into the database and comprise protocol services for processing input/output requests to the gateway. The back end servers comprise database protocol services and interface directly to the gateway to retrieve information requested by the processed database requests received from the front end servers.
US08346730B2
Deduplication of data on disk devices based on a threshold number (THN) of sequential blocks is described herein, the threshold number being two or greater. Deduplication may be performed when a series of THN or more received blocks (THN series) match a sequence of THN or more stored blocks (THN sequence), whereby a sequence comprises blocks stored on the same track of a disk device. Deduplication may be performed using a block-comparison mechanism comprising metadata entries of stored blocks and a mapping mechanism containing mappings of deduplicated blocks to their matching blocks. The mapping mechanism may be used to perform later read requests received for the deduplicated blocks. The deduplication described herein may reduce the read latency as the number of seeks between tracks may be reduced. Also, when a seek to a different track is performed, the seek time cost is spread over THN or more blocks.
US08346724B2
Techniques are described for providing information about a context that is modeled with multiple context attributes. In some situations, at least some of the context attributes have values used by modules for generating values of other context attributes, and the providing includes determining that a first module is generating a first value of a first of the context attributes of the modeled context and determining that a circular reference exists when it is determined that a module is to generate another value of the first context attribute such that the generating of the another value is caused by the generating of the first value of the first context attribute.
US08346722B2
Methods and systems are described that involve replica placement strategy for distributed systems. At the time of index creation, initial index replica placement is decided. The first index replica is placed locally on the current processing server node. This server node operates as a master host for the first replica. The other index replicas are placed on different hosts depending on the index type, split index or non-split index, and a set of criteria. For non-split indexes, the set of criteria includes: a number of recently created replicas per host, resource usage per host, and a total number of replicas per host. For split indexes, the set of criteria includes: a number of replicas of any split index part per host and a number of local first replicas of split index parts. If all criteria are equal, the first host in alphanumeric ordering receives a next replica.
US08346717B1
A path request is generated by a secondary platform application, such as a word processor, and is received by invention. The path request may contain the location of a library required for the application to function, or a document saved previously by a user. The path request comprises a complete path for the requested file. The complete path is formatted for a file system and file structure for expected by the application. The elements of the path request, such as directories, disks, filenames, file types, etc. are analyzed by the invention in order to provide another complete path. The path provided by the invention is formatted for a different file system and file structure. The file pointed to by the path provided for the invention enables the secondary platform application to find and use the requested file.
US08346713B2
A method and a system for recognizing power consumption behaviors of electric appliances in a loop are provided. When a variation value of a power consumption information of the loop exceeds a threshold, a current value of the power consumption information is served as a main loop factor value of the loop, and a similar combinative factor value close to the main loop factor value is looked up in a behavior-factor mapping table. If the similar combinative factor value is not found, the main loop factor value corresponding to a new power consumption behavior is obtained according to the variation value of the power consumption information to reconstruct the behavior-factor mapping table. After obtaining the similar combinative factor value from the behavior-factor mapping table, a current electric appliance power consumption behavior of the loop is determined according to a power consumption behavior combination corresponding to the similar combinative factor value.
US08346708B2
Systems and methods are disclosed to analyze a social network by generating a data tensor from social networking data; applying a non-negative tensor factorization (NTF) with user prior knowledge and preferences to generate a core tensor and facet matrices; and rendering information to social networking users based on the core tensor and facet matrices.
US08346706B2
A device is arranged to carry out a method for identifying traffic-relevant information in a moving vehicle, wherein image data of a visual sensor and map data of a navigation system are each pre-evaluated for the identification and the results of the pre-evaluation are combined and interpreted. The image and map data is scanned for traffic-relevant information and compacted to relevant image and map data in a first and second scene interpretations, and the relevant image and map data is supplied to a rule engine and to a state machine for interpreting the image and map data. The rule engine evaluates the image and map data and transmits an action to be executed to the state machine which carries out a transition in its state space including pre-defined states and outputs information which is assigned to the state or to the transition.
US08346691B1
Computer-implemented systems and methods for determining a subset of unknown targets to investigate. For example, a method can be configured to receive a target data set, wherein the target data set includes known targets and unknown targets. A supervised model such as a neural network model is generated using the known targets. The unknown targets are used with the neural network model to generate values for the unknown targets. Analysis with an unsupervised model is performed using the target data set in order to determine which of the unknown targets are outliers. A comparison of list of outlier unknown targets is performed with the values for the unknown targets that were generated by the neural network model. The subset of unknown targets to investigate is determined based upon the comparison.
US08346689B2
The present invention solves problems of cold start, first rater, sparsity and scalability for recommendation. A recommendation system according to the present invention finds association rules through data mining. Then, the recommendation system integrates a rough-set algorithm and a statistical analysis prediction for recommendation. The recommendation is dynamically made from a result of the rough-set algorithm and a result of the statistical analysis prediction by setting a standard deviation as a threshold.
US08346681B2
Embodiments of the present invention use a construct referred to herein as a “choicebox” to support choice-making within a conceptual choicespace. The choicebox allows the identification of one or more options, one or more factors, and one or more perspectives for a particular choice. Each choice is associated with one or more categories. The options, factors, and perspectives are logically mapped to imagined x, y, and z axes and can be envisioned and graphically represented as a three-dimensional assessment matrix or box. Within the context of the present invention, choiceboxing is the activity of deliberating about a choice using such matrices. Choiceboxes are built and manipulated using software that renders their data into visual and interactive form. They serve as shareable places for collaborative deliberation.
US08346680B2
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that executes an application. During operation, the system physiologically monitors a user of the application with a set of sensors as the application executes. Next, the system assesses a mental state of the user based on physiological data collected from the sensors. Finally, the system changes the behavior of the application based on the assessed mental state to facilitate use of the application by the user.
US08346668B2
An electronic money system is directed to avoid unauthorized use of certificate-type electronic money. The electronic money system is provided with a management server, a verification sever, a remittance terminal, and a receptor terminal. In response to a request from the remittance terminal, the management server issues an inactive electronic certificate including a certificate ID and notifies the verification server of the certificate ID. The remittance terminal gives a group signature to the inactive electronic certificate to generate an active electronic certificate. The reception terminal verifies the active electronic certificate obtained from the remittance terminal on the basis of the group signature. The verification server matches the certificate ID notified from the management server with the certificate ID included in the active electronic certificate verified by the reception terminal to verify availability of the active electronic certificate.
US08346656B2
A system and method are provided for displaying a trading screen and placing an order in an electronic trading environment. The system and method may be used to assist a trader in selecting an item of interest, such as the inside market (best bid and best ask) to be displayed relative to a user configured location on the trading screen, such as the center of the trading screen. In a preferred embodiment, the inside market will stay located relative to center of the trading screen and the price levels associated to the inside market will move as the market conditions fluctuate. Other features and advantages are described herein.
US08346649B2
Provided are methods and computer software applications for generating a stock portfolio, and/or enhanced stock index, through using a plurality of growth factors and a plurality of value factors to rank stocks, and for constructing investment vehicles based on the stock portfolio. The method, software application, or computer apparatus of the present technology employs a novel stock selection strategy to select stocks from a pre-selected universe of securities such as a commercially available stock market index in order to create a stock portfolio, and/or enhanced stock index, and a fund based thereon that can generate positive alpha as compared to a fund based on the pre-selected universe of securities.
US08346633B2
A computer-implemented method for re-calculating low level codes for a plurality of bill of materials that receives a list of a plurality of materials connected by a first set of edges that represent a component subcomponent relationship and a second set of edges that represent a co-product relationship. The same low level code may be assigned to each material connected by the second set of edges, the assigning includes forming at least one equal group. Each equal group may include the number of nodes in the equal group, a list of nodes in the at least one equal group that have been processed, and the low level code for the equal group. The results of the low level code assignment may be displayed to allow the user to receive the materials in the equal group at the same time.
US08346632B2
A medical item recall system for medical items at one or more medical facilities at which the medical items are consumed and/or distributed to patients provides each of the medical items has stand-off readable tags, such as RFID tags. The system comprises medical facilities storage devices at the one or more medical facilities containing medical items, the medical items being identified via the stand-off readable tags and associated with individual medical facilities storage devices. The system further comprises an inventory management system that receives recall information for the medical items, receives content information concerning the medical items contained in each of the medical facilities storage devices, and issues reports for locations of medical items matching the recall information.
US08346630B1
A method and apparatus to efficiently verify inventory includes a process for verifying inventory in sub-sets using trigger parameters whereby priority status triggers are defined which indicate that an inventory item is particularly susceptible to inaccuracies/discrepancies between physical inventory and inventory as calculated by a computing system implemented financial management system. In one embodiment, transactions and/or events associated with units of the inventory item, or inventory item class, are then monitored for occurrence of any of the priority status triggers. In one embodiment, if one or more priority status triggers occur associated with the given inventory item, or inventory item class, the inventory item, or inventory item class, is given priority verify status indicating that the inventory item, or inventory item class, should be physically inventoried on a priority basis.
US08346626B2
An online Gift Registry Service provides registration of information for a gift registrant and allows access to the registry by potential gift giver users over a distributed public network, such as the World Wide Web. In addition, users tag items of interest at participating Service Provider sites and the Service Provider sites register these items with the Gift Registry Service on the user's behalf. A reminder service is provided to notify individuals automatically upon the trigger of certain events, such as important dates or product sales from online merchants. In addition, there are various occasion planning services available so that users can perform all the planning for the event online in the comfort of their home or office. Service Providers register system notification messages to be triggered on pre-determined events. In addition, Service Providers obtain marketing information to tailor their products and services.
US08346625B2
A method, system, and computer-readable medium is described that provides automated gift registry functionality to assist a user in purchasing an item for a recipient. In particular, the system may track various information about a series of item purchases from one or more services through which items can be purchased. When such information about past item purchases is available, the system can then use the information to provide various automated gift registry functionality for users that want to purchase items for various recipients. Types of automated gift registry functionality provided by the system include making recommendations of items that are appropriate to be purchased for a specified recipient, assisting in preventing recipients from receiving inappropriate gift items by monitoring item gift purchases and item self-purchases, and responding to user requests to determine whether a specified gift would be appropriate for a recipient. In addition to information about past item purchases (e.g., whether a recipient has already received a copy of an item), the system can also use other information when determining whether a purchase of an item for the recipient is appropriate such as demographic information about the recipient or explicitly specified recipient preferences. Thus, for each type of gift registry functionality provided by the AGR system, a variety of types of tracked or retrieved information can be used when determining whether an item is appropriate for a recipient.
US08346623B2
Computer-implemented systems, methods, and computer-readable media for facilitating user navigation of a collection of editorial content associated with products include displaying a first user interface including a first editorial content related to a first product previously viewed by a user, a second editorial content relating to a product navigated to by the user from the first editorial content, and a first plurality of editorial content relating to a first plurality of products; receiving a selection from the user; and navigation to editorial content in accordance with the user's selection.
US08346621B2
Methods and systems by which a consumer may select or specify coordinated features of an absorbent paper product and its packaging, such as a facial tissue or paper towel product, and then receive an absorbent paper product and packaging having the coordinated features selected or specified by the consumer.
US08346618B2
A smart-card based system and methods to control access to a plurality of attractions within a geographical area. The system may include one or more reward terminals that are located at attractions and are configured to read smart cards presented to them and, assuming the card is valid for that location, allow the card holder to access the attraction. Each smart card may be programmed with a product code that defines the attractions at which the card may be used. Product codes may be stored in a central database along with a list of the attractions associated with the each product code. The list of attractions may be updated as desired, thereby updating and changing the attractions at which any given card may be used.
US08346604B2
Techniques are described for facilitating bidding on images. The techniques may include receiving bids includes presenting a first image and a bid associated with the first image. The first image is similar to a second image for which a bid is to be submitted for presenting sponsored content based on the second image. A bid is received for presenting a sponsored-content item based on the second image. The received bid is stored in association with second image and a sponsored-content item based to be presented based on the bid and the second image.
US08346597B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for client/customer-centric macro (e.g., business-wide) monitoring of business performance and determination of business-wide customer impact trends associated with the client's/customer's composite relationship with the business. Additionally, embodiments provide for determining customer impact trends at other levels of the business relationship, such as at business unit/line of business levels, product/service levels and the like. Based on the determined customer impact trends, further determinations may be made regarding whether alerts are warranted based on the trends, and generating and communicating the alerts if warranted. Determining business-wide customer impact trends provides for the business to identify problems or potential problems that may adversely impact the global relationship between the overall client entity and the business implementing the performance monitoring system.
US08346596B2
Disclosed is a system and method for managing operations of a system. The method includes partitioning the system into a plurality of subsystems. The method further includes, for each subsystem, creating an agent to associate with the subsystem, providing to the agent one or more goals for the subsystem, and providing to the agent an overall objective function for the system. The method also includes using an optimization algorithm involving the agents to manage system operation based on the goals and the overall objective function. The system includes an agent module for providing a set of agents associated with the subsystems, a throughput target module for providing a throughput target for each agent, an objective module for providing, for each agent, a common production throughput objective.
US08346590B2
A method and system for scheduling or re-scheduling calendar events is described. One aspect of the invention involves: receiving a calendar search request to schedule a calendar event including at least one participant and a time of meeting constraint; obtaining information identifying one or more preferences associated with the at least one participant, at least one of the preferences based on the at least one participant's historical calendar activity over a predetermined period of time; searching one or more databases in a calendaring system to obtain a set of candidate calendar events that meet at least a subset of the plurality of constraints; ranking the set of candidate calendar events based on the plurality of constraints and the one or more preferences; and preparing for presentation at least a subset of the ranked set of candidate calendar events, each candidate calendar event including a specified start time.
US08346584B2
Method and apparatus for determining design modification effects on a computerized engineering model
An engineering simulation tool uses boundary regions of proposed design modifications to a finite design element to assess the impact of those proposed design modifications. This tool allows a designer to incorporate a new design feature into a proposed model and generate simulated performance results for the proposed design without re-execution of finite element method.
US08346576B2
A guaranteed minimum accumulated benefit (GMAB) variable annuity contract management apparatus stores contract data on GMAB variable annuity contracts having a predetermined contract duration. The apparatus also stores fund data on amounts paid to purchase the contracts. The apparatus computes a portion of the amounts paid that is to be allocated to a bond fund. The apparatus stores data on the portion of the amounts paid to be allocated to the bond fund. A substantial portion, or all, of the bond fund is invested in bonds that have a maturity date that matches the contract duration of the GMAB variable annuity contracts.
US08346572B2
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media for providing clinical information to clinicians are provided. In embodiments, a patient's electronic health record is accessed to identify that a first clinician has requested a consult with a second clinician. Each clinician is associated with a clinician identifier that is identified by a plurality of sensors. A location for both the first and second clinician is received from the plurality of sensors. A determination is made whether the first and second clinicians are near one another. Upon determining that the first and second clinicians are near one another, a notification is presented to the first clinician. Such tracking of clinician location helps avoid missed opportunities and provides efficient communication among clinicians.
US08346566B2
The present invention proposes a new method for improving the performance of a real-valued filterbank based spectral envelope adjuster. By adaptively locking the gain values for adjacent channels dependent on the sign of the channels, as defined in the application, reduced aliasing is achieved. Furthermore, the grouping of the channels during gain-calculation, gives an improved energy estimate of the real valued subband signals in the filterbank.
US08346562B2
A system and methods for voice controlled operation of a media player are provided. In one embodiment, a method includes detecting user positioning of a microphone power switch to an off position, detecting user positioning of the microphone power switch to an on position within a predetermined period of time and entering a voice recognition mode, by the media player, based on the user positioning of the microphone power switch to the on position within the predetermined period of time. The method may further include detecting one or more output signals of the microphone, detecting a voice command based on the one or more output signals of the microphone, and controlling operation of the media player based on the voice command, wherein the media player outputs a graphical display associated with the voice command.
US08346559B2
Disclosed are various systems, methods, and programs embodied in a computer-readable medium for sound analysis. The sound analysis involves transforming a sound print into a frequency domain in a memory to generate a frequency spectrum. A plurality of signatures are identified in the frequency spectrum. Also, a plurality of frequency ranges associated with the signatures are identified in the sound print. The frequencies associated with a physiological profile are cross-referenced with the frequency ranges to determine if the physiological profile is applicable to the sound print.
US08346558B2
An information processing apparatus which allows a user to select programs that are interesting to the user and are current topics of conversation.The information processing apparatus includes: a first setting section for extracting a keyword from article information described in an RSS format and being delivered to the user, and giving a ranking to the extracted keyword; and a second setting section for acquiring at least one of program information on a program being received and program information on a recorded program, and giving a ranking to the program including, in the program information, the same keyword as a keyword having as far as a predetermined ranking among the keywords having rankings given by the first setting section.
US08346557B2
Disclosed are techniques and systems to provide a narration of a text in multiple different voices. In some aspects, systems and methods described herein can include receiving a user-based selection of a first portion of words in a document where the document has a pre-associated first voice model and overwriting the association of the first voice model, by the one or more computers, with a second voice model for the first portion of words.
US08346555B2
The present invention discloses a speech processing solution that utilizes an original speech recognition grammar in a speech recognition system to perform speech recognition operations for multiple recognition instances. Instance data associated with the recognition operations can be stored. A replacement grammar can be automatically generated from the stored instance data, where the replacement grammar is a statistical language model grammar. The original speech recognition grammar, which can be a grammar-based language model grammar or a statistical language model grammar, can be selectively replaced with the replacement grammar. For example when tested performance for the replacement grammar is better than that for the original grammar, the replacement grammar can replace the original grammar.
US08346529B2
Aspects of the present invention are directed to improving the speed of event-driven simulation by manipulating delta delays in a system model to reduce delta cycle executions. The manipulation is performed in a manner that preserves delta cycle accurate timing on selected signals of the system, which may be of interest to a designer. Methods and systems are provided for identifying the signals of interest, and for determining portions of the design that may have delta delays retimed. Preserving the timing on the signals of interest ensures that race conditions and glitches present in the design on the signals of interest are still viewable by the designer. To reduce simulation time, delta delays may be moved from high activity signals to low activity signals, the total number of delta delays may be reduced, or a number of processes executed may be reduced.
US08346527B2
A method for simulating an operation of a digital circuit (01) is described. The method utilizes cycle simulation, wherein in a cycle based simulation model (34) of the digital circuit (01) components (02, 03, 04, 05) of the digital circuit (01) are clocked synchronously every cycle (19) of a functional clock (Clk). According to the invention, real digital circuit (01), i.e. chip or combinatorial logic (01), timing information is included in the cycle simulation by inserting delay latches (15, 16, 17) into the cycle based simulation model (34) of the digital circuit (01), wherein a non-functional clock (Sim clock) is used to clock the delay latches (15, 16, 17), so that each delay latch (15, 16, 17) delays the propagation of a signal (I, J, K) by a cycle (20) of the non-functional clock (Sim clock).
US08346516B2
Predictive modeling, in which a first simulation model that simulates a first policy for managing a set of data is determined based on a pattern representative of the set of data and first operating variables for the first policy. The first simulation model is optimized and first prediction data that estimates performance of the first policy is computed using the optimized first simulation model. A second simulation model that simulates a second policy for managing the set of data is determined based on the pattern and second operating variables for the second policy. The second simulation model is optimized and second prediction data that estimates performance of the second policy is computed using the optimized second simulation model. The first prediction data is compared with the second prediction data, and a determination of whether the first policy is better than the second policy is made.
US08346514B2
A method and system is provided for calculating a number of wedges for a slot in a dynamoelectric machine. The method includes the steps of providing a computer that is programmed to perform a method for calculating, which includes the steps of acquiring a length of the slot, acquiring a length of one or more wedges, and calculating a number of wedges required for the slot. The number of wedges required for the slot is displayed on a display device.
US08346512B2
Systems and methods for reducing the probability of a collision between a first object, whose trajectory is substantially controlled by an operator input command, and a second object. In one embodiment such a method includes receiving an operator input command indicative of first control data; generating model data indicative of a virtual construct of the physical environment proximal to the first object; processing the first control data to predict future dynamics of the first object in the environment; determining whether, on the basis of the predicted dynamics and the model data, the first object is predicted to collide with a second object in the environment; defining second control data for which the first object is not predicted to collide with the second object in the environment; and providing the second control data to a controller coupled to the first object such that the first object is controlled in accordance with the second control data for substantially avoiding the collision of the first object with the second object.
US08346504B2
Sensor (3) and method for the detection of the movement of an encoder to be monitored with at least two sensor elements (6, 7), which are arranged in a way offset relative to each other in the direction of movement of the encoder, and with a processing circuit (10, 14, 15), which converts the element output signals (S1, S2) at the outlets of the sensor element (6, 7) to a sensor output signal (S5) that describes the movement of the encoder, with the processing circuit (10, 14, 15) including a test circuit (14), which monitors the element output signals (S1, S2) at least indirectly and disables or corrects the sensor output signal (S5) when errors of the element output signals (6, 7) are detected.
US08346503B2
A method enables linear web velocities generated with reference to angular velocity signals generated by encoders at different rollers in a double reflex printing registration system to be equalized. The method includes identifying a low frequency component of a first linear velocity of a moving web, identifying a high frequency component of a second linear velocity of the moving web, and computing a linear velocity for the moving web at a roller in a print zone with reference to the identified high frequency component of the second linear velocity and the identified low frequency component of the first linear velocity.
US08346490B2
There is provided a sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly including an outer member having an inner periphery formed with a plurality of rolling surfaces defined therein, an inner member having an outer periphery formed with rolling surfaces opposed to those rolling surfaces and a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between those rolling surfaces. One of the outer and inner members serving as a stationary member is provided with a strain amplifying mechanism for amplifying a strain in the stationary member, which occurs when the rolling elements pass by. A strain sensor element is provided for detecting the strain amplified by the strain amplifying mechanism. A calculator is provided for calculating from an output of the strain sensor element, the load acting on the bearing assembly or the load acting between the vehicle wheel and the road surface.
US08346487B2
There is provided a method of automatically identifying and characterizing spectral peaks of a spectrum generated by an analytical apparatus and reporting information relating to the spectral peaks to a user, comprising the steps of receiving the spectrum generated by the analytical apparatus; automatically subtracting a baseline from the spectrum so as to generate a baseline-corrected spectrum; automatically detecting and characterizing the spectral peaks in the baseline-corrected spectrum; and reporting at least one item of information relating to each detected and characterized spectral peak to a user. In embodiments, baseline model curve parameters or peak model curve parameters are neither input by nor exposed to the user prior to the reporting step.
US08346484B2
Chemical compositions may be selectively or preferentially excited by the application of scores comprising a series of energy inputs. A method of characterizing such compositions includes identifying a group of resonant structures where one structure has a resonant frequency that is shiftable by exciting another resonant frequency, determining the necessary frequencies to shift the resonant structure, and applying the set of frequencies to the environment of the target composition.
US08346478B2
A system and method for populating a map database for a vehicle navigation system with the location and type of wireless access points that can be used to update or service wireless systems on the vehicle. The map database can be initially populated with the known wireless access points at the time of manufacture of the vehicle, and then the vehicle communications system can detect new wireless access points as the vehicle travels, which can be stored on the map database. By storing the location and type of the access points in the map database, the vehicle will know the direction of the access point relative to the vehicle, and can compensate for the Doppler shift as a result of the relative movement of the vehicle to the access point.
US08346477B2
A method of contextually displaying points of interest (POIs) on a personal navigation device according to a user's travel purpose includes storing a plurality of POIs into a memory of the personal navigation device, the POIs having corresponding POI category labels, entering a destination location into the personal navigation device and providing navigational instructions for a trip to the destination location, associating a travel category with the trip to the destination location, and displaying POIs whose corresponding POI category labels are included in the travel category associated with the trip to the destination location.
US08346472B2
Systems and methods are described for enabling the monitoring and navigation of a complex of known rooms or facilities having known objects, attributes and/or people associated therewith, wherein different locations of the objects, attributes and/or people within the facilities are related and accessible over known, well-defined alternate paths. Sensor information may be used to facilitate the monitoring and navigation of the facility. At least some systems and methods may be used to enable the navigation of a building or a set of buildings by displaying an interactive graphical map of the building on a display device carried by a user.
US08346468B2
A method and apparatus for avoiding collisions of moving vehicles in an environment that utilizes a position and rotational orientation system to track vehicle locations within a preconfigured operational zone, the method comprising using position tracking data to calculate a predicted trajectory and safety zone of each vehicle for a predetermined prediction time period and determining potential areas of intersection with vehicles to predict collisions.
US08346466B2
Systems and methods for determining heading of a traveling vehicle are provided. The systems and methods employ an image system to capture and match multiple distinctive features of an image area at a first and second point in time and to determine unit-vectors associated with the multiple distinctive features. A global positioning system (GPS) provides a translation vector for the first and second point and time and a coupled processor employs the unit-vectors and the translation vector to provide a corrected heading.
US08346462B2
A determination is made more simply as to a malfunction of a low pressure EGR device that supplies an EGR gas from a low pressure EGR passage connecting between an exhaust passage at a location downstream of a turbine and an intake passage. Provision is made for a high pressure EGR device that connects between the exhaust passage at a location upstream of the turbine and the intake passage, the low pressure EGR device that connects between the exhaust passage at a location downstream of the turbine and the intake passage, and a detection unit that detects a malfunction of the low pressure EGR device from the degree of opening of a high pressure EGR valve at the time when the EGR gas is supplied from both the high pressure EGR device and the low pressure EGR device, and at the time when the high pressure EGR valve of the high pressure EGR device is controlled in a feedback manner so as to direct an amount of EGR gas in a cylinder toward a target range of the amount of EGR gas, while carrying out open loop control of a low pressure EGR valve of the low pressure EGR device.
US08346459B2
An oil flow control system has a flow control device and an oil accumulator controller. The flow control device includes a body, a passage extending through the body, and a flow control portion configured for selectively controlling flow through the passage. The oil accumulator controller is coupled to an actuation portion of the flow control device and is configured for receiving an engine oil pressure indicating signal from an engine oil pressure sensor, for receiving Minimum Engine Lubrication Oil Pressure (MELOP) threshold computing information for an engine comprising the engine oil pressure sensor, and for causing the actuation portion to manipulate the flow control portion in a manner resulting in the flow control portion affecting flow through the passage. Causing the actuation portion to manipulate the flow control portion is performed dependent upon the engine oil pressure indicating signal and a MELOP threshold computed using said MELOP threshold computing information.
US08346449B2
A method for controlling a powertrain system includes determining a current transmission operating range state and engine state, determining at least one potential transmission operating range state and engine state, providing at least one operator torque request, determining preferability factors associated with the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and potential transmission operating range states and engine states, wherein determining preferability factors associated with potential transmission operating range states includes assigning biasing costs to operator torque requests which reside within a pre-determined range of possible operator torque requests for at least two of the potential transmission operating range states, preferentially weighting the preferability factors for the current transmission operating range state and engine state, and selectively commanding changing the transmission operating range state and engine state based upon stheaid preferability factors and the operator torque request.
US08346443B2
A method and system for managing the turning of a vehicle comprises establishing a boundary of a work area. A location-determining receiver determines an observed position and velocity of the vehicle in the work area. An estimator estimates a first duration from an observed time when the vehicle will intercept the boundary based on determined position and velocity of the vehicle. An alert generator generates an alert during a second duration from the observed time. The second duration is less than or approximately equal to the first duration. An operator interface allows an operator to enter a command to control a path of the vehicle prior to or at the boundary.
US08346442B2
An agricultural implement is provided that includes a ground engaging tool configured to engage soil in a working position and to disengage the soil in a non-working position. The agricultural implement also includes an actuating cylinder coupled to the ground engaging tool and configured to transition the ground engaging tool between the working position and the non-working position based on a flow of fluid from a fluid supply system. In addition, the agricultural implement includes at least one sensor configured to output a signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the fluid supply system, and a controller configured to determine whether the ground engaging tool is in the working position or the non-working position based on the signal.
US08346441B2
A motor vehicle has a body, a wheel rotatably supported and coaxially disposed on the body, and an occupant riding portion supported by the body. The motor vehicle is provided with a body attitude detector for detecting an attitude of the body and a body attitude controller for controlling the body attitude detected by the body attitude detector, wherein, in response to an inertial force or a centrifugal force generated by acceleration, deceleration or a turning motion of the motor vehicle, the occupant riding portion is moved so as to balance the inertial force or the centrifugal force. The motor vehicle further includes an occupant attitude controller for controlling an attitude of the occupant riding portion in accordance with a detection value detected by the body attitude detector.
US08346438B2
Method and system for deploying an occupant restraint device in a vehicle includes arranging a sensor to detect a rear impact and deploying the occupant restraint device when the sensor detects the rear impact of sufficient magnitude to require deployment of the occupant restraint device to prevent injury to the occupant. The sensor may be a crush sensor which preferably extends across a major portion of the rear of the vehicle, an inertial sensor and/or an anticipatory sensor.
US08346425B2
A modular surface inspecting device is provided. A modular surface inspecting device comprises a computing layer having a processing unit in which a modular service-oriented software is installed; a detecting layer having a plurality of sensors obtaining a plurality of surrounding information; and a dynamic layer carrying the computing layer and the detecting layer and controlled by a controlling command generated by the computing layer according to the plurality of surrounding information.
US08346424B2
A method of monitoring an onboard diagnostic system for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle includes incrementing the denominator of an N/D ratio for the onboard diagnostic system only when a total time criteria, a vehicle speed criteria and an idle criteria are satisfied after an internal combustion engine of the vehicle has been fueled. The diagnostic system performance is summarized into a single N/D ratio. When an underperforming ratio is identified, the system controls the engine to provide more engine operation and subsequent diagnostic observability. The denominator of the N/D ratio is compared to a verification denominator to identify vehicles that are typically operated in a manner such that an engine-on cycle does not begin, or is not identified, until very near the end of the drive cycle, thereby preventing the denominator and a numerator of the N/D ratio from incrementing, and thereby providing a false passing performance ratio.
US08346423B2
To prevent damage of a cord set used to charge a plug-in electric vehicle when the vehicle is driven away while the cord set is attached, an interlock can be provided to disable the vehicle. Such interlock may be based on a protective door over the charging receptacle being open or detection that a cord set is plugged in. However, in the event that the vehicle is in an activated state, the interlock is prevented from disabling the vehicle according to an embodiment of the disclosure. That is, undesirable disabling of the vehicle is prevented when either there is no indication of a cord set being coupled to the vehicle or the vehicle is in an activated state.
US08346412B2
The inventive flight control assisting device comprises first means (4) for determining the actual aircraft flight conditions, second means (5) for determining, with the aid of said actual flight conditions and a predetermined pattern, a minimum approaching distance corresponding to a minimum distance between projections on the horizontal plane of the aircraft actual position and a touch-down point when said aircraft moves downwards and decelerates according to an optimised approach in such a way that stabilised approaching conditions are attained, and display means (7) for displaying at least said minimum approaching distance on a navigation screen (9) in the form of a first circular arc focused on a position relative to the aircraft which displays the touch-down position.
US08346411B1
An integrated system for providing a reporting point journey log display in an aircraft and for providing the automatic transfer and installation of a reporting point journey log in a ground retention application. The integrated system includes means for procuring and aggregating reporting point on-board aircraft data from aircraft systems. Means are provided for generating a reporting point cockpit message and readback script from the aggregated reporting point onboard aircraft data. The aggregated reporting point onboard aircraft data is automatically transmitted to a receiving ground application for assembling the data into the form of a reporting point journey log. The reporting point journey log is installed into a ground storage application.
US08346407B2
A method for assigning a first motor vehicle to a second motor vehicle by exchanging electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are transmitted from the first motor vehicle in a predetermined temporal signal pattern and received by the second motor vehicle, where they are compared as to whether the received electromagnetic signals correspond to a signal pattern stored in the second motor vehicle. The first motor vehicle then is assigned as a function of the comparison. This method is particularly suited to assigning trailers to a towing vehicle.
US08346404B2
A Substation Automation (SA) system in high or medium voltage power networks is provided for determining a bus bar voltage at a first node. The disclosure replaces a ‘real’ voltage transformer with an intelligent electronic device (IED) and/or a ‘virtual’ voltage transformer (VT), which determines the bus bar voltage at the first node from a first bay connected to the first node. The IED receives network message from a second IED of the SA system, indicating the bay voltage of the first bay connected to the first node. The IED also receives switch status of the switching device arranged between the first bay and the first node, from a third IED. Depending upon the switch status, the IED establishes the bay voltage as the bus bar voltage at the first node.
US08346397B2
Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment of system settings. The graphical user interfaces also may be designed to present information that facilitates user understanding of system operations. In certain embodiments, the controllers may allow users to adjust airflow values within a wide range of values. In these embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting the airflow values.
US08346393B2
A grasping method of a multi-finger hand including calculating positions of tips of plural actual fingers; calculating positions of tips of plural virtual fingers using the calculated positions of the tips of the plural actual fingers; judging that a central position among the calculated positions of the tips of the plural virtual fingers is a central position of a virtual object based on the calculated positions of the tips of the plural virtual fingers; and controlling joint torques of the respective actual fingers corresponding to the tips of the virtual fingers such that motions of the tips of the plural virtual fingers are carried out while uniformly maintaining the relative positional relationships of the tips of the plural virtual fingers based on the central position of the virtual object.
US08346381B2
A computer-implemented method for recommending one or more materials used in designing and manufacturing parts may include receiving data from at least three data sources. The data sources may include a sourcing, manufacturing, and design data source. The data source data may be standardized to obtain a collection of data including a dataset of materials for consideration in recommending one or more materials for use in one or more parts. The method may also include receiving optimization metrics and constraints for the dataset of materials. Optimization values for each material based on the dataset of materials and the one or more optimization metrics may be determined. An optimization algorithm on each material may be performed based at least on the optimization values and the constraints to obtain one or more recommended materials from the dataset of materials for use in a design of one or more parts.
US08346366B2
A system for transferring spinal cord signals comprises a superior electrode and an inferior electrode. The superior electrode interfaces with a first portion of a spinal cord of a human body; and the inferior electrode interfaces with a second portion of the spinal cord. The superior electrode has at least one superior contact for receiving signals from the first portion of the spinal cord to transmit to the inferior electrode; and the inferior electrode has at least one inferior contact for transmitting signals received from the superior electrode to the second portion of the spinal cord.
US08346365B2
Methods and apparatus for improving cognitive function within a human. The invention utilizes an implanted device, such as an implantable signal generator or an implantable pump, to affect tissue elements within a Papez circuit of the human brain as well as tissue upstream or downstream from the Papez circuit. The implanted device delivers treatment therapy to thereby improve cognitive function by the human. A sensor may be used to detect various symptoms of the cognitive disorder. A microprocessor algorithm may then analyze the output from the sensor to regulate delivery of the stimulation and/or drug therapy.
US08346362B2
A header assembly for connecting an implantable medical device to at least one conductor lead terminating within a patient intended to be assisted by the medical device is provided. The implantable medical device is comprised of numerous feedthrough wires in a dense, non-linear, scattered format extending from the control circuitry and through a wall of the housing. The header assembly is comprised of an insulative body that is mountable on the housing of the medical device. The insulative body supports at least one conductor subassembly comprising a terminal that is directly connectable to the conductor lead, an intermediate conductor wire comprising a distal end connected to the terminal and a proximal end connected to a connector sleeve. Methods for making the header assembly and for connecting the header assembly to the implantable medical device are also disclosed.
US08346358B2
A pacemaker is disclosed which reestablishes or keeps the physiological electric conduction of the heart and a method of application. The pacemaker is a pulse generator, it has a ventricular output including at least two superimposed monopolar pulsewaves of reversed polarity between each other, with programmable configuration, with respect to a neutral which can be the pacemaker's metallic box or a third electrode in the case of a tripolar catheter. The catheter can have a deflectable sheath, with an electrode on its distal tip. The invention consists of a new pacemaker, and a method of application in the right ventricular septum, being able to use in order to facilitate the implantation and to avoid the connection and the disconnection, a sheath to check a proper place and then screw the catheter in said place. This method and the pacemaker are the responsible of reestablishing or preserving the physiological electrical conduction of the heart due to the creation of an alternative electric circuit and to the creation of a virtual electrode.
US08346356B2
An implantable system which includes a gene/protein delivery device and a pulse generator, as well as method of preparing the gene/protein delivery device and using the system, are provided. In one embodiment, the implantable system detects a predetermined condition or event and, in response, delivers gene(s) and/or protein(s) in conjunction with delivering pacing and/or defibrillation pulses.
US08346353B2
An implantable medical system for detecting incipient edema has an implantable medical lead including an optical sensor having a light source and a light detector. The medical system further has an edema detection circuit that activates the light source to emit light, the light being directed into lung tissue of a patient and that obtains a light intensity value corresponding to an intensity of light received by the light detector, and that evaluates the light intensity value to detect a consistency with incipient edema.
US08346347B2
The present invention is generally directed to dermatological devices and methods in which one or more skin characteristics, such as the melanin index, are determined by analyzing radiation backscattered from a skin region illuminated by at least one, and preferably, two or more wavelengths, e.g., in a range of about 600 nm to about 900 nm. In many embodiments, the radiation is coupled to the skin via a waveguide, and an optical sensor is employed to ascertain contact between the waveguide (e.g., a waveguide surface adapted for contact with the skin) and the skin.
US08346342B2
A method of determining at least one patient physiological parameter from an imaging procedure includes at least the steps of measuring time enhancement outputs for at least two different regions of interest, and determining at least one difference between the time enhancement outputs to provide a measure of the at least one patient physiological parameter. The physiological parameter can be a parameter of the cardiopulmonary system. It can also be the cardiac output, the blood volume in a region, a rate transfer term or a transit delay. A first time enhancement output may be measured in the ascending aorta or the descending aorta and a second time enhancement output may be measured in the pulmonary artery trunk.
US08346338B2
Systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating transient non-glucose related signal noise due to non-glucose rate limiting phenomenon such as ischemia, pH changes, temperatures changes, and the like. The system monitors a data stream from a glucose sensor and detects signal artifacts that have higher amplitude than electronic or diffusion-related system noise. The system replaces some or the entire data stream continually or intermittently including signal estimation methods that particularly address transient signal artifacts. The system is also capable of detecting the severity of the signal artifacts and selectively applying one or more signal estimation algorithm factors responsive to the severity of the signal artifacts, which includes selectively applying distinct sets of parameters to a signal estimation algorithm or selectively applying distinct signal estimation algorithms.
US08346336B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08346330B2
A reflection-detector sensor position indicator comprises emitters that transmit light having a plurality of wavelengths. A detector outputs a sensor signal. At least one reflection detector outputs at least one sensor position signal. An attachment assembly attaches the emitters, the detector and the reflection detector onto a tissue site. A sensor-on condition indicates that the attachment assembly has positioned the emitters generally centered over a fingernail, the detector on a fingertip opposite the fingernail and the reflection detector over the fingernail. The sensor signal, in the sensor-on condition, is at least substantially responsive to the emitter transmitted light after attenuation by pulsatile blood flow perfused within a fingernail bed underneath the fingernail. The sensor position signal, in the sensor-on condition, is at least substantially responsive to the emitter transmitted light after reflection off of the fingernail.
US08346328B2
Embodiments disclosed may include a sensor which may be adapted to provide information related to its position on a patient's tissue. A sensor may be provided with tissue contact sensors which may relay a signal related to the sensor's proper placement adjacent a patient's tissue. Such a sensor may be useful for providing information to a clinician about the status of a sensor, such as if a sensor may be located more closely to the tissue in order to provide improved measurements.
US08346324B2
A holster for use with a handheld device and a peripheral device is disclosed herein. The holster provides a mating structure for holding a peripheral device so that a mobile device charges the peripheral device. The holster removes the inconvenience of having to charge a peripheral off a battery charger at work or home by permitting the peripheral to charge off the handheld device. The holster can be used with any handheld device and peripheral device, such as a cellular phone and a wireless headset.
US08346322B2
A terminal may include a first body, a second body connected to the first body, and a sliding apparatus to operate the first body and the second body between a first position in which the second body is disposed on the first body, and a second position in which the second body is inclined with respect to the first body. The sliding apparatus may include a connection body having a first end connected to the first body and a second end connected to the second body, and an operator to semi-automatically operate the second body relative to the first body between the first position and the second position.
US08346314B2
The slot cycle index is currently negotiated by a mobile handset and a base station. However, if the slot cycle index could be selected dynamically a mobile handset that operates more efficiently for the user would result. Talk time could be maximized when the battery, or other mobile power source is low, while connect time for a mobile call could be minimized when the battery is near fully charged or at times when the user is likely to make a mobile call. Additionally, location could be used to determine the likelihood that the user will make a mobile call. However, current network usage would typically need to be considered when determining if the slot cycle index should be changed. Mobile handset users could also charged for quicker response times, or mobile handset users on more expensive plans could be given typically faster response times. Many different things can be considered in determining when to adjust slot cycle index, such as, for example, battery power, time of day, or system loading. Additionally, combinations of factors can be considered to determine when to adjust slot cycle index.
US08346312B2
A mobile communication device is capable of communicating with a battery authorization server. Determining an authorization status of a smart battery currently powering the mobile communication device involves an initial authorization process and a subsequent authorization process. The initial authorization process is conducted between the mobile communication device and the smart battery. If the initial authorization process is successful, it is followed by a subsequent authorization process between the mobile communication device and the battery authorization server.
US08346311B2
An audio signal processing apparatus includes a band signal component extraction unit for extracting signal components in a predetermined frequency band from an audio signal input by an audio collection unit for collecting at least an outgoing call audio upon an audio phone call, a stationary signal component extraction unit for extracting a stationary signal component from the signal components, a signal adjustment unit having a level adjustment function of adjusting an output signal level with respect to an input signal level and an input and output characteristics change function of changing input and output characteristics upon level adjustment in the level adjustment function through a control signal and configured to set an incoming call audio signal upon the audio phone call as the input signal, and a control signal generation unit for generating the control signal for changing the input and output characteristics by using the stationary signal component.
US08346303B1
The communication device comprising a voice communicating implementer, a bold formatting implementer, an italic formatting implementer, and a multiple language mode implementer.
US08346302B2
A portable electronic device having one or more proximity sensors. The portable electronic device comprises a housing, one or more signal emitters to direct source signal(s) based on the orientation of the housing, and one or more signal receivers to receive return signals corresponding to the source signal(s). The device may include multiple signal emitters and a sensor to identify an orientation of the housing. The appropriate signal emitter may be selected based on the orientation of the housing as identified by the sensor.
US08346297B2
There is provided a multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback. In one embodiment, there is provided a method for controlling operation of a mobile device having a plurality of input devices, comprising associating groups of one or more keys of the input devices to define at least one input region and in response to an input received from said input devices, performing an associated action for operating the device, responding equally to any input from a same input region. A repeated input (multi-tap) to a same input region cycles through a plurality of actions associated with the input region. Auditory feedback comprising a vocalized description of the action is provided. The multi-tap keyboard user interface with auditory feedback may adapt a mobile device (e.g. PDA or smart phone) for use by visually impaired users.
US08346290B2
Techniques are described that can be used to determine a transmitter power level of a mobile station at cell edge. To determine transmitter power level, the technique considers at least a balance of power transmitted by mobile stations near cell edge and power transmitted by mobile stations closer to cell center, target mean received power by the base station from mobile stations near center cell, target mean power transmitted from cell edge mobile stations, signal-to-interference-power ratio between signals transmitted from base stations of different cells to the mobile station at cell edge, and channel gain.
US08346289B2
A base transceiver station (200) that transmits same data through a common channel shared by a transmission path includes a cell total transmit power detector (41) that detects, with respect to each of a plurality of cells, a total amount of the transmit power for transmitting the data to mobile stations (300) located inside each of the cells, a relative value information receiver (42) that receives relative value information for relatively correcting the total transmit power, from the base transceiver station controller, and a weight adjustment and power determination unit (43) that corrects the total transmit power for transmitting the data with respect to each cell, based on the relative value information received by the relative value information receiver and the total transmit power detected by the cell total transmit power detector, and determines a modified total transmit power.
US08346280B2
A method including receiving a geographic area value limit that segments a geographic region associated with a network into geographic areas; receiving a geographic area-level evolved Node B (eNB) value limit that indicates a maximum number of eNBs to reside in each geographic area; calculating eNB identifiers based on the geographic area value limit and the geographic area-level eNB value limit; assigning the eNB identifiers to eNBs associated with the network; receiving a tracking region value limit that segments the geographic region associated with the network into the geographic areas; receiving a tracking area value limit that indicates a maximum number of tracking areas within each geographic area; calculating tracking area codes based on the tracking region value limit and the tracking area value limit; and assigning the tracking area codes to the tracking areas within each geographic area.
US08346279B1
A mobile station, and related methods, provide navigational assistance. The mobile station executes a local navigation application and can transition between network assisted navigation and stand-alone navigation that utilizes the local navigation application. Various events can cause the transition between the operational states.
US08346276B2
A local radio network controller (RNC) includes one or more stage buffers, with each stage buffer including a database configured to receive and index service measurement data, and a plurality of service measurement data (SM) buffers configured to store the service measurement according to the index of the database, and to send at least one of the stored service measurement data to a next stage of processing at least one of during the receiving of the service measurement data by the stage buffer and before the stage buffer has completed receiving the service measurement data. A depth and number of the SM buffers and a buffer serving time are allocated such that the one or more stage buffers are scalable to support a service node of increasing size by supporting a diverse number of service measurement pegging and appearing virtually infinite in size to applications pegging the service measurement data.
US08346273B2
A wireless network with multiple subscriber systems in a lobe pool may operate by determining a state of the wireless network, identifying a new condition, the new condition including a new demand condition or a new network health condition, determining whether the new condition has a threshold impact on operations of the wireless network or component subscriber systems of the wireless network, and if the threshold impact exists, reconfiguring the wireless network to accommodate the new condition.
US08346260B2
The present invention relates to supporting a handover of a mobile terminal. Preferably, the present invention performs a scan of a neighboring network different from a current network of the mobile terminal to determine the presence of an accessible link of the neighboring network for performing a handover, wherein the mobile terminal comprises a heterogeneous network handover module that is configured to provide convergence of information from at least one network interface module associated with one of a homogeneous and heterogeneous network into a unified presentation. An information message is then received from the neighboring network, wherein the information message comprises an information element associated with whether the neighboring network is capable of communicating with the heterogeneous network handover module of the mobile terminal.
US08346257B2
Method in a user equipment for selecting a cell associated with a radio access technology. The method comprises the steps of obtaining an instruction to select a cell to be used among cells using a radio access technology being associated with a specific service class. Also comprising receiving a broadcast, which broadcast uses a radio access technology being associated with a respective service class and being associated with a respective priority level within that service class. Also comprising selecting a cell, which cell is using a radio access technology being associated with the specific service class in accordance with the obtained instruction and which cell is associated with the highest priority level. An arrangement in a user equipment, a method in a base station, an arrangement in a base station, a method in a core network node and an arrangement in a core network node is also provided.
US08346256B2
A method of provisioning multicast services is provided. In an example, the method includes forming a plurality of multicast groups, each of the plurality of multicast groups associated with one of a plurality of first channel quality ranges. A request for a multicast service and an indicator (e.g., a channel quality indicator (CQI)) indicating a channel quality of a mobile unit are received from the mobile unit. The mobile unit is assigned to one of the plurality of multicast groups based on the indicated channel quality and the plurality of first channel quality ranges.
US08346253B2
The present invention discloses a method for realizing user identity association, the method comprising: setting an equivalent behavior user identifier in a Home Subscription Server (HSS); associating IMS Public User Identities (IMPUs) with the equivalent behavior through the set equivalent behavior user identifier. The present invention also discloses a system and a device realizing user identity association. According to the embodiments of the present invention, the association of the IMPUs with the set equivalent behavior is realized, which improves the user experiences.
US08346249B2
A method for establishing a media for communications in association with a location information service provided in association with a communication system is disclosed. In the method a user equipment is provided with information enabling the user equipment to communicate on a user plane connection with at least one location service entity when the user equipment is visiting a communication network other than a home network of the user equipment. This information may then be used for establishment of a user plane connection in the visited communication network between the user equipment and a location service entity.
US08346246B2
A location registration control unit stores PSC used in a roaming prohibition cell in a prohibition cell list storage area. After that, if the reselection of cells is required for the reason that the receiving conditions become worse or other reasons, a reselection control unit detects PSC of neighbor cells, creates a list of the detected PSC regarded as candidates, stores the list in a candidate cell list storage area, receives notification information from the cell using the PSC other than the roaming prohibition cell in the list, and executes reselection.
US08346225B2
Quality of Service (QoS) for Device Assisted Services (DAS) are provided. In some embodiments, QoS for DAS includes providing a wireless communications device configures to determine a QoS request for a service over a wireless network; and verifying the QoS request for the service over the wireless network using one or more verification techniques.
US08346223B1
A method of delivering a user specific customized service to a mobile user device is disclosed. User specific customized service information is received over a first channel. An identifier for the user specific customized service is generated. A link is sent that includes the identifier of the user specific customized service over a second channel. The user specific customized service identifier is received. The user specific customized service over a third channel is sent.
US08346216B2
A system, method, and computer readable medium for abbreviated dialing in a femtocell network is provided. A user having authorized access to the femtocell network may dial another authorized user using an abbreviated code. On receipt of the call request, a femtocell system may evaluate the destination number to determine if it is an abbreviated code. If the dialed number is not an abbreviated code, the femtocell system may direct the call request to the telecommunication core network for processing thereby. If the dialed number is evaluated by the femtocell system as an abbreviated code, the femtocell system may direct the call request to an on-site PBX for call handling. If the abbreviated code is a valid code and the dialed user equipment is currently in the femtocell network service area, the PBX may then complete the call setup within the femtocell network.
US08346196B2
Methods and systems for coexistence in a multiband, multistandard communication system utilizing a plurality of phase locked loops (PLLs) are disclosed. Aspects may include determining one or more desired frequencies of operation of a transceiver, determining a frequency of unwanted signals such as spurs, intermodulation, and/or mixing product signals, and configuring the PLLs to operate at a multiple of the desired frequencies while avoiding the unwanted signals. The desired frequencies may be generated utilizing integer, which may include multi-modulus dividers. The wireless standards may include LTE, GSM, EDGE, GPS, Bluetooth, WiFi, and/or WCDMA, for example. The frequencies may be configured to mitigate interference. PLLs may be shared when operating in TDD mode, and used separately operating in FDD mode. One or more digital interface signals, zero exceptions on a transmitter spur emission mask, and sampling clocks for ADCs and/or DACs in the transceiver may be generated utilizing the PLLs.
US08346192B2
A transmitter includes a detection element to determine when a current power requirement of a communication link is less than the standard transmit power. The current power requirement may be determined by a current operation condition of the communication link, for instance. The transmit power of the transmitter may be set to be less than the standard power in any of a variety of ways. For example, a center tap voltage of the transmitter may be reduced. In another example, a class of operation of the transmitter may be changed. In yet another example, the transmitter may include a current mirror having a plurality of diode-connected transistors coupled in parallel, thereby reducing the current at output terminals of the transmitter. Reducing the current at the output terminals decreases the output power of the transmitter, which may reduce the power consumed by the transmitter.
US08346190B2
This disclosure describes to techniques to compensate for distortions introduced into received signals by one or more receiver components that have undesirable electrical responses, such as nonlinear phase response, sloped (or non-flat) amplitude response or both. An external device or other device with more power resources than an IMD filters signals to be transmitted to the IMD to pre-compensate for distortions introduced by the undesired electrical responses of the one or more receiver components of the IMD. In this manner, at least a portion of the burden of digital processing to compensate for undesired electrical responses of the receiver components is shifted from the IMD to the external device, which is better equipped to perform such heavy computationally complex functions.
US08346188B2
A nonlinearity calibration system and method for a frequency modulation (FM) transmitter. A nonlinearity calibration system for a FM transmitter includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) with a variable capacitor array. The DCO receives a calibrated fine code for tuning the variable capacitor array to modulate a digitally encoded audio signal transmitted by the FM transmitter to a modulation frequency. The nonlinearity calibration system also includes a nonlinearity estimator for generating an approximation of an integral nonlinearity associated with processing of a fine code to tune the variable capacitor array. The nonlinearity calibration system further includes a subtractor for subtracting the approximation of the integral nonlinearity from the fine code to generate the calibrated fine code.
US08346180B2
A transceiver includes an oscillator and a plurality of communication blocks. Each of the communication blocks includes frequency dividers and mixers. Frequency dividing number of the frequency divider included in one communication block is set to an even-numbered integer, and transmission local signals supplied from the frequency dividers to the mixer become quadrature signals having a phase difference of 90 degrees. The frequency dividing number of another frequency divider in the another communication block is set to a non-integer, and communication local signals supplied from the frequency divider to the mixers become non-quadrature signals having a phase difference at a predetermined offset angle from 90 degrees. The transceiver further includes a converting unit for giving a compensation offset amount having almost the same absolute value and having a polarity opposite to that of the offset angle to communication analog signals related to the mixer of the another communication block.
US08346177B2
A method for noise rise estimation in a wireless communications system is presented, which comprises measuring of samples of at least received total wideband power. From the measured samples of at least received total wideband power, a probability distribution for a first power quantity is estimated. This first power quantity can be the received total wideband power itself. The probability distribution for the first power quantity is used for computing a conditional probability distribution of a noise floor measure. This computing is performed recursively. A value of a noise rise measure is finally calculated based on the conditional probability distribution for the noise floor measure. A node of a wireless communications system having the above functionality is also presented. Typically, the node is a RNC.
US08346174B2
A system including a sampling module that generates samples of RF signals on a first channel during first, second, and third periods, which do not overlap. A difference module determines a first difference between i) a first count of polarity reversals during the first period and ii) a second count of polarity reversals during the second period; a second difference between i) the second count and ii) a third count of polarity reversals during the third period; and a third difference between the first and second differences. A third module determines a frequency of the RF signals based on at least one of the first and second counts, determines a frequency variation of the RF signals based on the first and second counts, and identifies a radar type of the RF signals based on at least one of the third difference and the frequency variation.
US08346166B2
An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
US08346162B1
A system and method of reducing VSAT apertures via satellite MIMO is disclosed. The system and method comprise a first hub antenna configured to receive a first return signal from and to transmit a first forward signal to a first adjacent satellite, a second hub antenna configured to receive a second return signal from and to transmit a second forward signal to a second adjacent satellite, and a hub station configured to determine time delay and frequency shift between the first return signal and the second return signal after they are received by the first hub antenna and the second hub antenna, and to apply the determined time delay and frequency shift to one of the first forward signal and the second forward signal prior to transmitting them so the first forward signal and the second forward signal are time- and frequency-aligned when received at the remote ground terminal via the first adjacent satellite and the second adjacent satellite, wherein the first return signal and the second return signal are transmitted from the remote ground terminal to the first hub antenna and the second hub antenna via the first adjacent satellite and the second adjacent satellite. Similar time- and frequency-aligning can be achieved at the remote ground terminal using polarized signals transmitted from the remote ground terminal.
US08346160B2
A signal repeating system for a wireless network includes an antenna configured for transceiving signals between a base station and a user equipment device. Repeating circuitry is coupled to the antenna and defines an uplink path for signals from the user equipment device to the base station and a downlink path for signals from the base station to the user equipment device. The repeating circuitry includes gain circuitry and gain control circuitry that is coupled to the gain circuitry. The gain control circuitry is operable for varying the gain of the repeating circuitry according to a waveform. Measurement circuitry measures the receive power in the uplink path over time from the user equipment device. Processing circuitry cross-correlates the inverted gain variation waveform with the measured receive power for determining the existence of traffic from user equipment devices in the uplink path.
US08346153B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image forming unit including an image carrier carrying a developer image to form an image by transferring the developer image onto a recording sheet at an image forming position, a recording sheet accommodating unit, a feeding path, a conveyance roller provided in the feeding path for conveying the recording sheet to the image forming position, a discharge path that guides the recording sheet to an outside, a discharge roller being rotatable normally and reversely and discharging the recording sheet to the outside by rotating normally, and a reverse feeding path, by which the recording sheet is guided when the discharge roller reversely rotates, and which reverses the recording sheet so as to guide the recording sheet to be joined again with the feeding path. The reverse feeding path is joined with the feeding path between the image carrier and the conveyance roller.
US08346150B2
In a fixing device, an opposing member contacts a heating member to form a fixing nip between the heating member and the opposing member. A driver rotatively drives at least one of the heating member and the opposing member. A sheet supplier supplies and conveys a sheet to the fixing nip. A recording medium bearing an unfixed toner image is conveyed through a gap between the sheet and the opposing member at the fixing nip with a side of the recording medium bearing the unfixed toner image facing the sheet. At least one of the rotating heating member and the rotating opposing member applies a driving force to the sheet supplied to the fixing nip while the sheet contacts the sheet supplier to apply tension to the sheet at a position upstream from the fixing nip in a sheet conveyance direction.
US08346148B2
A fixing device thermally fixes an unfixed image on a recording sheet by passing the recording sheet through a fixing nip. The fixing device has: a heat-generating endless belt; a first pressure member inside a running path of the endless belt; a second pressure member pressing the endless belt against the first pressure member from outside the running path to form the fixing nip, and a pair of power feeders. The endless belt includes: a circumferential resistive heat layer that generates heat upon receiving electric current; and a first electrode and a second electrode flanking a sheet passing area of the circumferential surface of the endless belt. Each electrode is composed of a pair of electrode layers, one on the inner and another on the outer circumferential surface of the resistive heat layer. Each power feeder is in contact with both the electrode layers of a different electrode.
US08346143B2
A fixing device includes a rotatable first nip formation member, a rotatable second nip formation member, and an oil applier. The second nip formation member is provided under the first nip formation member to contact the first nip formation member. The oil applier includes an oil pan, an oil receiver, and an oil filter. The oil pan is provided under the second nip formation member to contain oil in which the second nip formation member is dipped. The oil receiver holds the oil pan. The oil filter is provided between the oil pan and the oil receiver to filter oil overflowing the oil pan.
US08346142B2
An image forming apparatus includes an air ejecting portion that ejects air toward a gap between the top end of a sheet having passed through a nip of the heating roller and a pressure roller, and the circumference of the heating roller. The air ejecting portion includes a plurality of air nozzles and a plurality of electromagnetic valves being respectively connected thereto and ejects air selectively from a plurality of air ejection positions arranged in the width direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction.
US08346141B2
An image forming apparatus includes: an image carrier; a transfer roller that has a gripping member that grips a transfer medium; and a transfer medium transport section that has a transfer medium transport surface that sucks the transfer medium upward in a vertical direction and a contact member that contact with the transfer medium, wherein a first position where the transfer medium starts to be sucked, a second position where the transfer medium is released from the gripping member, and a third position where the transfer medium is separated from the image carrier are disposed at positions having the relationship of L
US08346134B2
A developing device that can discharge developer by an amount of developer in the developing device increased by a carrier supplemented into the developing device includes a supply transport screw and a receiving transport screw in a top and bottom positional relationship, the rotational axes of the supply transport screw and the receiving transport screw are mutually parallel in relation to an image support member. The developing device also includes an inclined transport screw arranged at an incline between one end of the supply transport screw and an other end of the receiving transport screw. The developing device also includes a supply unit for supplying new carrier into a casing and a discharge port and discharge unit for discharging part of the developer housed in the casing to the outside, the discharge port provided on a part of the casing corresponding to an upper part of the inclined transport screw.
US08346127B2
A process cartridge comprises a photosensitive drum and a developing roller. A coupling member is provided adjacent to one axial end of the developing roller. The coupling member includes a driven portion, and an intermediary portion configured and positioned to engage with the driven portion. The intermediary portion is also configured to be movable relative to the driven portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the driven portion. The coupling member further includes a driving portion configured and positioned to receive a driving force for rotating the developing roller. The driving portion is also configured to engage with the intermediary portion, and to be movable relative to the intermediary portion in a direction crossing the axis of the developing roller while maintaining engagement with the intermediary portion.
US08346126B2
An image forming apparatus includes a drum unit which holds plural photosensitive drums, a developing cartridge which is provided for each photosensitive drum, a translation member which is provided to be movable linearly, and a movable member for each developing cartridge. The movable member includes a main body rotatably supported by the supporting shaft at one end portion thereof, an input portion provided at the other end portion thereof and to which a pressing force is input by the translation member with the linear movement thereof; an abutting portion which is provided between the one and other end portions of the main body, and abuts the drum unit while the movable member rotates about the supporting shaft; and an operating portion which applies to the supporting shaft a force for moving the developing cartridge as the movable member is rotated with the middle portion as a fulcrum.
US08346123B2
An image forming apparatus is described. The image forming apparatus may include an image forming apparatus body and a photosensitive unit detachably mountable to the image forming apparatus body. The photosensitive unit includes: a frame; photosensitive bodies supported by the frame; cartridges including a developer carrier and detachably mountable to the frame; and a pressing portion provided on the frame for pressing the cartridges to direct the developer carrier toward the corresponding photosensitive body. Each cartridge can shift in the frame to a first attitude pressed by the pressing portion, and a second attitude released from the press of the pressing portion and detachable from the frame. The image forming apparatus body is provided with an abutment portion abutting the cartridge in the second attitude thereby bringing the cartridge into the first attitude when the photosensitive unit is mounted to the image forming apparatus body.
US08346110B2
The image forming apparatus includes a photosensitive drum capable of bearing an electrostatic image, a development device having a developing sleeve capable of bearing a developer and a developer container capable of storing a magnetic toner, and a CPU controlling operation to discharge a developer having polarity opposite to a normally charged polarity to the photosensitive drum by enlarging a restoration electric field to force the developer having a normally charged polarity from the photosensitive drum to the development sleeve during image forming is not performed compared to that during normal image forming is performed, based on a weighted value (p×K) on an edge portion pixel number p of an edge portion of an output image.
US08346109B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image supporting member; a developer supporting member for attaching developer to a static latent image formed on a surface of the image supporting member; a developer layer forming member for forming a developer layer on the developer supporting member; a developer supply member for supplying developer to the developer supporting member; a developer supporting member voltage applying unit for applying a voltage to the developer supporting member; a developer supplying member voltage applying unit for applying a voltage to the developer supplying member; and a reset operation processing unit for setting a reset mode over a specific period of time, so that a bias difference in the reset mode between the voltage applied with the developer supporting member voltage applying unit and the voltage applied with the developer supplying member voltage applying unit becomes smaller than that in a printing mode.
US08346107B2
An image forming apparatus including an image forming unit to form an image, a user switch unit to output a user operation signal to switch between a power-on state and a power-off state of the image forming apparatus, a main controller to control the image forming unit and to output a power control signal based on the user operation signal, a power switching unit to selectively supply operation power to the main controller based on the user operation signal and the power control signal, and an auxiliary controller to control the power switching unit such that the operation power is not supplied to the main controller when the power control signal is changed in a power-off state.
US08346092B2
An antenna device is provided, which includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit. The first antenna unit includes a first radiation module, a power divider/combiner network connected to the first radiation module, and a feeder interface connected to the power divider/combiner network. The feeder interface is connected to a radio remote unit (RRU) or a macro base station through a feeder. The second antenna unit includes a second radiation module, a transceiver array connected to the second radiation module, a baseband processing unit (BPU) connected to the transceiver array, and an optical fiber interface connected to the BPU. The optical fiber interface is connected to a baseband unit (BBU) through an optical fiber. Therefore, after the existing passive antenna is replaced by the provided antenna device, the RRU or macro base station in the original network can still be used, which reduces waste of resources.
US08346089B2
A reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) transport network comprising a plurality of optical fan-out devices and a first plurality and a second plurality of demultiplexers for locally dropping selected wavelengths; and first plurality and a second plurality of multiplexers for locally adding selected wavelengths, the first and second plurality disposed in a cascaded relationship to enable selective coupling between network degrees.
US08346088B2
The inventions relate to a method for operating a controllable selective optical add/drop channel for fiber-optic communication system provided with 2N of wavelength-division multiplexing channels, whose optical frequencies are retunable at a constant frequency separations Δv between adjacent channels, with the aid of the inventive controllable optical add/drop multiplexers (70, 80, 90) that comprise multi-stage structures of optical filters ({75-i}, {85-i}, {95-i}), that are connected in different manner and provided with devices, for example electro-optical and thermo-optical phase shift devices, for controllable tuning the transmissions characteristics thereof. The optical filters are embodied in the form of single-stage (20), two-stage (40) and/or multi-stage (60) asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometers. The controllable optical add/drop multiplexer can be produced according to integrated optic technique in the form of monolithic solid-state device.
US08346080B2
A system and method for handling accesses by nodes connected to a ring network, using time division multiplexing (TDM). The system includes: nodes capable of receiving only an optical signal of a wavelength or positional space allocated to the node, and of transmitting optical signals of wavelengths allocated to other nodes; and a ring network that performs TDM transmission of optical signals. The ring network has slots for transmitting optical signals of individual wavelengths. Information indicates whether an optical signal to be transmitted exists in each of the slots. Nodes include means for updating the information indicating that the optical signal exists and determining means for updating the information and determining, on the basis of the information, whether to transmit the optical signal.
US08346079B2
An apparatus comprising a path computation element (PCE) configured for at least partial impairment aware routing and wavelength assignment (RWA) and to communicate with a path computation client (PCC) based on a PCE protocol (PCEP) that supports path routing, wavelength assignment (WA), and impairment validation (IV). The PCEP comprises at least one operation selected from the group consisting of a new RWA path request operation and a path re-optimization request operation. Also disclosed is a network component comprising at least one processor configured to implement a method comprising establishing a PCEP session with a PCC, receiving path computation information comprising RWA information and constraints from the PCC, and establishing impairment aware RWA (IA-RWA) based on the path computation information and a private impairment information for a vendor's equipment.
US08346077B1
Systems and techniques for regulating the security of information flow can include multiple information receiving/transmitting domains where a device failure in one or more domains would not comprise the security of the systems. The systems and techniques may be implemented using a multi-domain checking approach in which the respective device operation status in each receiving/transmitting domain is independently monitored. The systems and techniques can advantageously prevent sensitive information from being inadvertently transferred to an untrusted or unauthorized entity.
US08346073B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, once the mode setting device sets the person photographing mode, and the face zooming instruction device instructs zooming to the face of the person, the detection device detects the size of the face of the person captured by the image pickup device. The zooming device is then controlled so as to capture the face of the person in a certain size based on the detection result. Subsequently, the photographer instructs zooming in the telephoto direction or the wide direction using the zooming instruction device as necessary to thereby allow fine adjustment of the composition. This enables to easily and quickly photograph an image in a user's desired composition.
US08346068B2
Disclosed is a substrate rotating and oscillating apparatus for a rapid thermal process (RTP), that oscillates an oscillation plate using an oscillation motor moved by an elevating unit. Rotational shafts of the oscillation motor comprise lower and upper center rotational shafts mounted on a central axis of the motor, and an eccentric shaft mounted between the lower and the upper center rotational shafts as deviated from the central axis. An oscillation cam is mounted to the eccentric cam. The oscillation plate has an oscillation hole for inserting the oscillation cam therein. A bearing is mounted between the oscillation cam and the eccentric shaft such that the oscillation cam rotates independently from the eccentric shaft. The oscillation plate supports the whole multipole-magnetized magnetic motor or maglev motor. Accordingly, the substrate can be uniformly heated by both rotating and all-directionally oscillating the substrate.
US08346064B2
On a recording medium, there are recorded content files and an index file. The index file is constituted by attribute information of the content files (title text data, thumbnail-image data or the like). In the case of changing (recording or deleting) the content file, the index file is updated after the change. A computer sets up, in a nonvolatile memory, status information indicative of being in a predetermined process stage, during the predetermined process stage from a start of changing the content file to a termination of updating the index file. The computer, at turning on power, determines the matching/mismatching between the content and index files recorded on the recording medium utilizing the status information, thus repairing the index file as required.
US08346055B2
Provided are a method of storing status information in a first content reproducing device, and a method of allowing content to be automatically reproduced in a second content reproducing device based on the status information stored in the first content reproducing device. The method of storing status information includes: monitoring an operation of the first content reproducing device; generating status information about the monitored operation; and storing the status information in the first content reproducing device. The method of allowing content to be automatically reproduced includes: checking if the first and second content reproducing devices are connected to each other; reading a log file recording the status information from the first content reproducing device if the first and second content reproducing devices are connected to each other; interpreting the status information; and selectively performing an operation according to a result of the interpreting.
US08346053B2
A contents recording system and a contents recording method reducing a time taken for recording and editing of video content and other video contents. An optical disk device for recording video content and a computer are connected via a network. The computer is supplied with low resolution proxy AV data from the optical disk device, streaming reproduces it as live video and, at the same time, introduces essence marks as meta-data to any positions of the proxy AV data, and describes them in a meta-data file. The optical disk device transmits a header including a recording period of a captured clip to the computer after the end of the capture of the clip.
US08346051B2
A recording and reproducing apparatus (100) can record information on a recording memory (111) having a recording region where a smallest unit for erasing recorded information is a block, on a unit of a cluster that is a unit smaller than the block. The recording and reproducing apparatus (100) includes: an input unit (130) that receives a request for starting or ending recording a file; and a system control unit (101) that records a header section of the file and a data section following the header section, from the beginning of the block in the recording region, when the request for starting recording is received; and updates the header section and records the updated header section on another cluster different from the cluster on which the header section before update is recorded when the request for ending recording is received. The system control unit (101) further corrects management information indicating a connection order of information recorded on each of the clusters included by the recording medium so that the updated header section is followed by the data section, when the updated header section is recorded on the other cluster.
US08346048B2
A illumination device comprises a light guide having a first end for receiving light and configured to support propagation of light along the length of the light guide. A turning microstructure is disposed on a first side of the light guide configured to turn light incident on the first side and to direct the light out a second opposite side of the light guide, wherein the turning microstructure comprises a plurality of indentations. A cover is physically coupled to the light guide and disposed over the turning microstructure. An interlayer is between the cover and the light guide, wherein the interlayer physically couples the cover to the light guide. A plurality of open regions is between the interlayer and the plurality of indentations. Various embodiments include methods of coupling the cover to the light guide while preserving open regions between the cover and plurality of indentations.
