US08721355B2
An electrical connector includes a housing having an internal compartment. A dielectric insert is held within the internal compartment of the housing. The dielectric insert includes an end face. An electrical contact is held by the dielectric insert and includes a mating segment that extends a length outwardly from the end face of the dielectric insert along a connection axis. A hood is held by the housing and has an extended position relative to the end face of the dielectric insert wherein the hood extends a length outwardly relative to the end face. The hood extends at least partially around the mating segment of the electrical contact in the extended position. The hood is retractable along the connection axis from the extended position to a retracted position wherein at least a portion of the length of the hood is retracted relative to the end face of the dielectric insert.
US08721351B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a sensor which has an advantage in reduction of the noise and for down sizing, and also which are capable to produce easily. A sensor comprising: a case member housing a resistance substrate and a mobile element which slides against said resistance substrate and formed with an aperture leading to said resistance substrate; a connector member having a connector terminal, a cover unit which is a part of a resin covering said connector terminal and covers said aperture of said case member, and a connector unit which is other part of the resin covering said connector terminal and is connected with an external terminal; and a clip resiliently contacting with said connector terminal and said resistance substrate, and electrically connecting said connector terminal and said resistance substrate.
US08721344B2
A medical training and simulation system includes a plurality of inanimate objects, each being associated with an identification tag which stores an identification code which uniquely identifies an associated object. A database stores information of the objects. A reader reads a respective identification code of a selected object. An information retrieving processor retrieves the stored information which corresponds to the read identification code of the selected object. A device reproduces at least a portion of the retrieved information of the selected object.
US08721343B2
A ski instructional apparatus and method for teaching young children that allows for dry land training of a student on skis. The apparatus includes a pole that the student straddles. The pole has a cross piece that extends behind the students legs and beneath the buttocks and handlebars for the student to hold onto. Pulling the pole forward causes the cross piece to push the student from behind so little or none of the student's arm strength is needed to pull the student on skis along a dry surface. The tips of the skis are connected by a tether and a line attached to the tether is connected to the pole. The arrangement allows the instructor to move the student forward and, at the same time, to move the ski tips one towards the other or allow the tips to move apart by respectively raising or lowering the pole.
US08721336B2
The present invention relates to a multi-colored shaped body having layers arranged on top of one another for producing dental restorations, a process for its production and its use for the manufacture of dental restorations.
US08721335B2
A dental implant for supporting a dental prosthesis comprises a body portion and a top surface. The implant further comprises an internal cavity with an opening located at the top surface. The internal cavity comprises an interlock chamber having a depth measured from the top surface equal to a first distance. The interlock chamber comprising a cylindrical portion and plurality of semi-circular channels arranged around a periphery of the cylindrical portion. A threaded chamber that includes threads is located below the post-receiving chamber. The cylindrical portion has a first radius and the channels have a second radius, a ratio of the first radius to the second radius being between approximately 4:1. and 2:1.
US08721329B2
A method, device and system for modifying the gingival margin of a patient is disclosed. A method includes obtaining an electronic model of the dentition of a patient, determining an incision path along the gingival surface based on the electronic model, generating and fabricating a guide arrangement to assist in cutting the gingival surface of the patient, mounting the guide arrangement to the dentition of the patient, and cutting the gingival surface of the patient with the assistance of the guide arrangement. A guide arrangement includes a mounting portion and a template portion coupled to the mounting portion along the gingival surface of the guide arrangement and positioned to provide a desired incision path. A system includes a three dimensional scanner, a computer system and a fabricating device.
US08721318B2
A system for manufacturing from heated plastic sheet material a molded siding product having a rough-textured surface includes a rotatable backing roll having an elastically deformable rim and an embossing element having a moveable embossing surface in compressive engagement with the backing roll. The circumferential surfaces of the backing roll and embossing surface define a contact patch and a nip point. A rough-textured pattern is impressed onto the heated plastic sheet material moved through the nip point. A supply of cooling liquid at least partially sets the heated plastic sheet material to retain an impression of the rough-textured pattern. Respective first and second guide rollers are located higher than the nip point and create a valley defined by the heated plastic sheet material, such that the cooling liquid is collected in a puddle on the heated plastic material proximate the nip point.
US08721312B2
A kneading extruder includes a barrel having an extrusion port through which kneaded material including first and second liquid raw material is extruded, and a screw shaft placed in the barrel, the screw shaft kneading the first and second raw material to produce the kneaded material in melted state. A screw driving device continuously rotates the screw shaft at a constant speed, and a die communicates with the extrusion port of the barrel, the die having an extrusion port through which the kneaded material in a pressurized state is extruded. An ejection device ejects a portion of the kneaded material between the extrusion port of the barrel and the extrusion port of the die, the ejection device including an ejection quantity regulating unit for regulating the ejection quantity of the kneaded material so that the pressure of the kneaded material at the extrusion port of the barrel is kept constant.
US08721310B2
A rotary motor for compressible media, containing at least one impellor and at least one stator mounted between two mutually coupled and concurrently mounted bearing plates, adjusted for a mounting of double sided led out driving shaft of the impellor on which is mounted a rotary piston mounted in a chamber of the stator equipped with sealing lids, wherein the rotary piston with elliptical crosscut is mounted into symmetrically shaped triangular chamber equipped with rounded peaks, when each of them is equipped with at least one port for an entry and an exit of the compressible media, in way that a lengthwise axis (op) of the rotary piston which is identical to the driving shaft axis is due to reach of simultaneous circular movement of the stator in contra direction to the rotary piston rotating namely at parallel advance of all points of the stator along the circle with eccentricity radius (e) and is moved with regard to a lengthwise axis (os) of the chamber of the stator of the value of an eccentricity (e), whereas to one of the bearing plates is on the driving shaft mounted central cog wheel on whose perimeter are mounted three satellite cog wheels, which are firmly mounted on pegs pivoted in the bearing plate and coupled with the stator by the help of the drive pins fixed in the stator with eccentricity (e) regarding to the pegs axes.
US08721298B2
An air blower comprises a motor including a rotor, a stator, and an output shaft fixed to the rotor, a fan that rotates by receiving power from the motor, a casing that retains the motor and the fan, and a handle provided at the casing. The rotor has a coil disc including a plurality of substantially annular coils arranged in the circumferential direction around the output shaft as viewed from the direction of the axial line of the output shaft. The stator has a magnetic flux generating mechanism that generates magnetic fluxes passing through the coil disc in the direction of the axial line of the output shaft.
US08721290B2
Processes for producing a component containing a ceramic-based material and having detailed features formed from materials other than ceramic materials. Such a process entails producing the component to include a first subcomponent and at least a second subcomponent having at least one off-axis geometric feature that results in the second subcomponent having a more complex geometry than the first subcomponent. The first subcomponent is formed of a ceramic-based material, and the second subcomponent and its off-axis geometric feature are separately formed of a metallic material and attached to the first subcomponent to yield a robust mechanical attachment. The component may be, for example, a gas turbine airfoil component.
US08721284B2
A hollow-cast casting is provided, which includes at least one core opening that is caused by the production technique and which has a closure device that closes the core opening. The closure device can be inserted into the core opening axially in relation to the core opening and provides at least one surface region which, in axial projection in relation to the core opening, can be made to abut a surface region of the casting that is facing toward the casting. The surface region lies radially outside a cross-sectional area predetermined by the core opening.
US08721283B2
A pitch change apparatus comprises a hydraulic actuator for angular displacement of propellers of the propeller assembly. The hydraulic actuator has a piston and cylinder arrangement which defines fine and coarse fluid chambers. Increasing the volume of the fine chamber at the expense of the coarse chamber results in angular displacement of the propellers to a finer pitch. Increasing the volume of the coarse chamber at the expense of the fine chamber results in angular displacement of the propellers to a coarser pitch. The pitch change apparatus further comprises one or more fine hydraulic lines carrying hydraulic fluid to and from the fine chamber, and a coarse hydraulic line carrying hydraulic fluid to and from the coarse chamber. The apparatus further comprises a pressure-sensing check valve which fluidly isolates the coarse chamber from the coarse hydraulic line if the pressure in the coarse hydraulic line falls below a threshold pressure.
US08721280B2
A propeller fan includes a hub 1 and a plurality of blades 2, which are radially arranged on the outer circumference of the hub 1. A plurality of bent surface-shaped recesses 21 to 23 are formed on the positive pressure surface at a trailing edge 2b of each blade 2. The recesses 21 to 23 extend in the rotation direction of the fan and are arranged in a radial direction. Protrusions 24, 25 are each formed between adjacent pair of the recesses 21 to 23. The bent surfaces of the recesses 21 to 23 and the protrusions 24, 25 reduces air flow caused by centrifugal force. This allows the air flow on the positive pressure surface of the blade 2 to easily flow along the recesses 21 to 23. As a result, air flow does not concentrate on the outer periphery of the blade 2, which reduces the differences in the velocity and volume of air flow between the outer tip 2c of the blade 2 and the hub 1. Accordingly, the blade 2 functions as a whole. Therefore, the air blowing performance (efficiency and air blowing noise) of the propeller fan is improved.
US08721279B2
A wind turbine is provided with turbine blades mounted for axial rotation about an axis. The blades are surrounded by a shroud to define an axial air passage. Plates are attached to the shroud at a position radially outward from the shroud forming an air passage between the shroud and the plates. The plates have gaps between the adjacent plates so that air exiting the downstream opening of the shroud and air moving through the axial air passage between the shroud and the plates are mixed and a portion of the mixed air exits through the gaps.
US08721276B2
A fan module and a fan rail thereof are provided. The fan module includes a fan, two fan rails and a holder. The fan rails are respectively disposed at opposite sides of the fan, and each of the fan rails includes a main body and a ring-pull, wherein the ring-pull has a tab portion and a pivot portion, and the pivot portion is pivoted with a first end of the main body. The fan is installed in the holder through the fan rails. The fan is adapted to be drawn out from the holder in an unlock state by rotating the tab portion of each of the fan rails along the pivot portion with respect to the main body and applying a pulling force to the tab portion.
US08721271B2
An air-cooled oil cooler for the wall of an air flow passage of a gas turbine engine is provided, the oil cooler allowing improved heat exchange performance to be obtained. This is achieved by: (I) diverting air flow from the inner side of the oil cooler towards the outer side of the oil cooler, (ii) enhancing heat exchange performance at the leading edge of the cooler, and/or (iii) suppressing airflow wake at the trailing edge of the cooler.
US08721267B2
A pumping apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft coupled to a motor. At least one control structure is mounted on the shaft, and at least one impeller is carried by the shaft. The impeller is adapted to rotate independently of the shaft so as to pump a fluid. The apparatus also comprises a magnetic coupling between the control structure and the impeller. Further, the impeller is adapted to translate axially along the shaft in response to a change in downstream pressure to alter the strength of the magnetic coupling.
US08721263B2
A centrifugal pump includes at least one impeller (4) and at least one sealing arrangement arranged between the impeller (4) and a housing wall. The sealing arrangement seals a suction side of the impeller (4) with respect to a pressure side of the impeller (4). The sealing arrangement including a seal (12) fastened on the impeller (4) in a rotationally fixed manner.
US08721259B2
A planet wind sail mechanism includes a main axis, a first driving unit, and a wind sail body. The first driving further includes a rotation frame with a plurality of ribs, a transmission gear attached on the rib, a fixed gear which is disposed on the main axis and engaged with the transmission gear and a rotary gear is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame and engaged with the transmission gear. The wind sail body includes one rotation axis and the rotation axis is disposed on the edge of the rotation frame. When the wind sail body revolves along the main axis, both the rotary gear and the wind sail body also rotate itself. And the fixed gear rotates in an opposite direction with the rotary gear.
US08721255B2
Disclosed are apparatuses and methods for use thereof for loading bulk material into freight containers. One apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially en do sable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a ram. The ram comprises a plate and a driver configured to move the plate from a back end of the hopper to an open end of the hopper to expel material into a container. Another apparatus comprises a hopper configured to receive bulk, material that is sized and shaped to be at least partially enclosable by a container to occupy a substantial volume of the container and a reciprocating conveyor floor system. Optionally, the apparatuses further include a stand and/or collapsible legs to further support the hopper.
US08721250B2
A robotic device movable in first, second and third mutually perpendicular directions along rails arranged in multiple rows, where the rails in a row are arranged along the first and second mutually perpendicular directions, and the multiple rows are arranged along the third direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The robotic device has a frame, wheels coupled to the frame for moving the frame along the rails in the first and second directions, and support handles for lifting the frame in the third direction from first rails arranged in a first row of the rails to second rails arranged in a second row of the rails. The support handles are configured for providing engagement with the second rails so as to lift the robotic device in the third direction from the first rails to the second rails.
US08721248B2
The invention relates to a rotator (10) for jib-carried tools (1), for example tree working units, wherein the rotator (10) includes a stator (20) and a rotor (30), wherein the rotator (10) is connected to a tip (2) of the jib or arm (3) and to the tool (1). The rotator (10) has or includes in its surroundings means (70, 71) for determining the relative position of rotation between rotor (30) and stator (20). The means for determining the relative position of rotation comprises a pulse emitter (70) and a number of pulse generating elements (71), such as grooves or teeth. Limitation of the angle through which the rotator (10) can turn and control of the direction of rotation prevents, for instance, hoses and/or cables (7) from twisting or rotating away from their respective connections, while enhancing the extent to which automation can be achieved at the same time.
US08721246B2
A fastener may include an anchor that is configured to be inserted into an attaching hole formed in a panel. The anchor includes a pillar, at least one engagement strip positioned in at least one side of the pillar, and a guide block formed in a distal end of the pillar and having a planar shape corresponding to a shape of the attaching hole. The at least one engagement strip is capable of passing through the attaching hole while being flexed inwardly and engaging a periphery of the attaching hole when the anchor is inserted into the attaching hole. The guide block is configured to pass through the attaching hole only when an axis of the anchor is positioned substantially perpendicular to a surface of the panel.
US08721243B2
In an anchor for installation into a lightweight construction panel including at least a cover plate, wherein the anchor includes a radial clamping section for firm engagement with the cover plate when installed in a bore formed into the construction panel, the radial clamping section comprises an upper zone provided with axial grooves and a lower zone having transversely extending grooves both in engagement with the walls of the bore in the area of the cover plate.
US08721236B2
A power tool arbor assembly includes an arbor; an actuating member located at a second end of the arbor; and a friction member located at the second end of the arbor, the friction member being axially movable along the second end of the arbor. The friction member has a first axial position when no power tool accessory is attached to the second end of the arbor, the friction member being moveable toward a first end of the arbor from the first axial position to a second axial position in response to contact between the power tool accessory and the friction member, and the friction member being moveable toward the first end of the arbor from the second axial position to a third axial position when the actuating member is actuated.
US08721235B2
The invention relates to a drilling tool with a base, having a central axis of rotation, and a drill bit, detachably connected to the base. The drill bit has a coupling part, which can be coupled with a coupling receptacle on the face of the base and has at least two convexly curved centring portions, which are arranged such that they are distributed over the circumference and engage with an exact fit in complementary concavely curved centring portions of the coupling receptacle. The coupling part has a complementary driver stop, meshing with a rotary driver of the coupling receptacle. It is claimed as novel that the centring portions of the coupling part and/or of the coupling receptacle have clamping surfaces, which run onto each other in the manner of a rotary wedge until the driver stop and the rotary driver come up against each other counter to a predetermined direction of rotation.
US08721234B2
A depth gauge for use with a drill bit includes a body configured to receive a drill bit, a retention mechanism coupled to the body and configured to removably couple the body to the drill bit, and a cap configured to be removably coupled to the body. The cap can be coupled to the body in one of a first position relative to the body where the cap contacts a workpiece surface to prevent the drill bit from entering the workpiece more than a first depth, and a second position relative to the body where the cap contacts the workpiece surface to prevent the drill bit from entering the workpiece more than a second depth that is different from the first depth.
US08721233B2
A deburring tool for deburring an aperture of a work piece is disclosed. The tool includes an arbor rotatable about a central axis and having proximal and distal ends spaced from each other along the central axis. The arbor defines a slot between the proximal and distal ends. The tool includes a cutter coupled to the distal end and rotatable about a pivot axis between a cutting position, a first non-cutting position, and a second non-cutting position opposite the first non-cutting position. The tool includes a pivot disposed through the cutter and coupled to the distal end of the arbor. The tool includes a lever disposed in the slot of the arbor and movable between an engaged position engaging the pivot for applying a load to the pivot and the cutter and a disengaged position spaced from the pivot for removing the pivot and the cutter from the arbor.
US08721227B2
A mine roof bolt includes an elongated rod and a polymer coating layer. The elongated rod has a first end and a second end with a protruding portion extending radially outward from the elongated rod. The polymer coating layer covers at least a portion of the elongated rod between the first and second ends. The elongated rod is movable relative to the polymer coating layer in an axial direction. The elongated rod has a first position where the elongated rod has a predetermined axial position relative to the polymer coating layer and a second position where the elongated rod has a displaced axial position relative to the first position.
US08721221B2
A flood protection bag system includes a troughlike structure having longitudinally-extending sidewalls and a bottom wall connected therebetween, along with one or more internal walls, the internal walls serving to divide the troughlike structure into a plurality of bag chambers. The longitudinally-extending sidewalls are continuous and seamless between the ends of the troughlike structure, and the bag system can be made of a plastic such as polypropylene. In one embodiment, the bag system may be implemented in conjunction with other such bag system(s). Also, in one embodiment, a frame structure is employed to support the bag chamber(s) during filling thereof with sand or other filling material, in a manner whereby tension is applied to each of the corners of the given bag chamber being filled. Further, in one embodiment, the bag chambers are covered by way of a bag top that is openable or removable relative to the bag system.
US08721217B2
A self-moving ground compactor comprises at least one compacting roll and a least one scraper device, allocated to a compacting roll, pivotally supported at a support arrangement and in a pivotal operating position the scraper contacting the allocated roll, an operating lever for the pivotal operation of the scraper, and a latching arrangement for fixating the scraper in at least one pivotal non-operating position not contacting the allocated compacting roll.
US08721216B2
A method of repairing and renewing a manhole chimney utilizes a circumferentially stretchable liner sleeve which is inserted into the manhole and pressed by an inflatable bladder into engagement with the walls of the manhole chimney. The sleeve is coated with an uncured resin, which is allowed to cure as the sleeve is pressed against the chimney walls, thereby attaching the sleeve to the walls of the manhole chimney. The stretchable sleeve eliminates air spaces between the sleeve and the chimney walls, and precludes formation of undesirable folds in the sleeve. The sleeve stretches circumferentially up to 150% of its unstretched diameter, while having a substantially unstretchable length.
US08721205B2
A credential manufacturing device includes a card supply positioned adjacent to a main card input and configured to hold a plurality of plastic card substrates, a card transport, a card processing device, an auxiliary input and a card rotator. The card transport is configured to feed individual card substrates from the card supply through the main card input and along a processing path. The card processing device is either a print head or a laminating roller and is in line with the processing path. The auxiliary input is displaced from the main card input and the processing path, and positioned in line with an auxiliary input path, which is transverse to the processing path. The auxiliary input is configured to receive individual card substrates for travel along the auxiliary input path. The card rotator is configured to rotate individual card substrates to a plurality of indexed angular orientations including a first orientation, in which the card rotator is oriented to the processing path and a second orientation in which the card rotator is oriented to the auxiliary input path.
US08721191B2
In an optical component configured to fix to a mount an optical device chip in which waveguide type optical devices having different thermal expansion coefficients are butt-jointed, deterioration in reliability due to thermal stress is suppressed. The optical component (300) comprises an optical device chip (310) including an LN waveguide (311), a first PLC waveguide (312), a second PLC waveguide (313), and a fiber alignment member (314), a mount (320), and optical fibers (330). Each of connection faces between the first PLC waveguide and the fiber alignment member is configured as an tilted structure, and each of connection faces between the LN waveguide, and the first and second PLC waveguides is configured as a right-angled structure. In the right-angled structure, the connection faces are connected by an adhesive having a lower Young's modulus than that of an adhesive used on the connection faces of the tilted structure.
US08721188B2
A cage for a rolling element bearing and a method for the production thereof. The cage has either an increased number of rolling elements or improved load-bearing capacity. A The cage has a plurality of cage pockets for receiving the rolling elements, two side rings and a plurality of cross-ribs. The cross-ribs connect the side rings such that the cage pockets are formed. The cage pockets have milled-out or drilled-out corner regions. hereinafter collectively referred to as milled-out corner regions, The corner regions, in a cutting plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the cage, have a radial milling course in the direction of the axis of rotations. The milling course, at least in a partial section, is configured at an incline with respect to a radial vector placed through the partial section and the axis of rotation, and is configured at an incline in the direction of the cage pocket.
US08721186B2
A radially outer stationary bearing race (11) defines, on one if its sides, an inner cylindrical surface (29) and a radial side surface (32). A radially inner bearing race (15) has an outer cylindrical surface (26) facing the inner cylindrical surface (29). A magnetic encoder (23) in form of an annular disc is fixed onto the outer cylindrical surface (26) of the inner race (15) and is protected by a cover of non-ferromagnetic material (30) mounted on the outer race (11) and abutting against the radial side surface (32). The encoder (23)extends radially from the outer cylindrical surface (26) of the inner race (15) up to near the inner cylindrical surface (29) of the outer race (11). No sealing device is mounted in the gap between the cylindrical surfaces (29) and (26).
US08721185B2
Constructive arrangement added to a support for assembling agricultural tilting bearings with new constructive form applied to the assembly support, which comprises the arrangement of multiple and contiguous openings practiced on its upper portion, so as to allow the use, in different diameters and different inter centers, of fastening elements. Alternatively, the multiple openings can be of analogous conformation and not contiguous, so as to allow the desirable interchangeability among different brands and models of agricultural equipment. The new constructive form of the support foresees the arrangement of hollow ears at opposite side ends, and also the arrangement of openings practiced on its lower ends, preferably with recesses tied in one of the ends of the fastening methods for their retention at the tilting bearing.
US08721184B2
A spherical plain bearing and method of assembling the same is disclosed. The bearing has an outer ring having a bore, a concave surface, and at least one fracture. The bearing further includes an inner ring having a convex surface. The convex surface is in sliding disposition with the concave surface when the inner ring is disposed in the bore. The bearing has a groove in a face of the outer ring radially outside a first opening of the bore. The bearing further includes a band coupled to a portion of the outer ring defining the groove. The band retains the outer ring around the inner ring when the inner ring is disposed in the bore.
US08721182B2
A downhole drilling assembly which includes a drill bit assembly, and a mud motor, and a bearing assembly disposed between the drill bit assembly and the mud motor, wherein the bearing assembly includes an offset portion.
US08721177B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an X-ray CT scanner including: a gantry; a revolving body provided inside the gantry; an X-ray tube assembly provided in the revolving body; a heat radiator provided inside the revolving body so as to be connected to the X-ray tube assembly; a heat storage material provided in the heat radiator and capable of accumulating a heat generated by the X-ray tube assembly; and an X-ray detector provided inside the revolving body so as to oppose the X-ray tube assembly.
US08721174B2
A time-domain temperature sensing system for supporting a single-point calibration is disclosed. Under a single calibration temperature, the digital output of the temperature sensing system is adjusted by a calibration circuit to a specific value, and the generated calibration parameter thereof can be stored in the same chip of the temperature sensing system or in an off-chip component such as a non-volatile memory. Accordingly, the drawback which is caused by the high cost of a conventional two-point calibration in prior art is solved.
US08721169B2
Controller for a clockwork mechanism, having the following components: a balance wheel; a piezoelectric helical spring (20); an electronic circuit for coordinating the stiffness of the piezoelectric helical spring (20); characterized in that the electronic circuit has a plurality of capacitors which can be switched individually (222, 224, 226, 228).
US08721168B2
In the case of a homogenizer device (100) for dispersing and/or homogenizing liquid to viscous substances, having a container (110) having one or more openings for introducing the substances to be processed, which has an opening for feeding the substances into a processing unit (120) in the central region of its bottom, which opening contains two gear rims (130, 140), which can be driven independent of one another, are disposed concentrically and configured in circular shape, and are separated from one another by way of a predetermined interstice, whereby the substances are guided from a central region, through the interstice, into a peripheral region of the gear rims, formation of cavitation is prevented, to the greatest possible extent, in that a conveyance device (150) is additionally provided in the processing unit (120), which device conveys the substances in the direction of the gear rims (130, 140), under pressure.
US08721160B2
An LED projection night light for night time or dark area use includes a plug-in wall outlet night light or direct current operated night light with projection features to project an image, message, data, logo, or time on a ceiling, walls, floor, or other desired surface. The LED night light incorporates optics means such as an optics-lens, slides, openings, or cut-outs, and/or a transparent material piece, translucent material piece, telescope assembly, housing-member, slide-film, slide-disc, elastic-member, tilt-means, rotating-means, adjust-means, roller-means, mechanical-means, extend-means, convex lens, and/or concave lens designed to make the desired image, message, data, logo, or time project to the ceiling, walls, floor, or other desired surface to be seen by a viewer. The LED light has an interchangeable power source arrangement, permitting the night light to be selectively powered by either an AC powered sealed-unit or a DC powered battery-pack.
US08721156B2
A backlight module and a backplate for use in the backlight module are disclosed. The backlight module comprises a light guide plate, a light source and a backplate; the backplate comprises a baseplate, side plates extending upwards from two opposite sides of the baseplate respectively, and top plates extending from the two side plates respectively and towards each other, and the side plates, the top plates and the baseplate together form recesses for receiving the light source, with two opposite edges of the light guide plate being disposed in the recesses; a fixing post is disposed at an end of the baseplate, and a fixing groove is formed in the light guide plate corresponding to the fixing post, with the fixing post being fitted in the fixing groove; and display panel positioning blocks are disposed at both ends of an upper surface of each of the top plates. Therefore, the backlight module of the present invention is compact in structure.
US08721148B2
A LGP plate-to-plate manufacturing includes the steps of: preparing an optical substrate with a first surface and a second surface; mechanically extruding a first integrated microstructure on the first surface of the optical substrate; coating an optical layer on the first or second surface of the optical substrate; and curing the optical layer to directly form a second microstructure on the first or second surface of the optical substrate; wherein the first integrated microstructure and the second microstructure are separately formed at a time to provide a light guide plate structure. In an embodiment, an additional optical layer is provided on the optical substrate.
US08721131B2
A lighting unit comprises a slender substrate; a plurality of semiconductor light sources arranged in a row in the lengthwise direction on the substrate; and a light reflector disposed along one long side of the substrate, the light reflector has a multi-reflector in which a plurality of small pieces are combined.
US08721125B2
The invention provides a self-ballasted lamp having high heat radiation performance, which is lightweight and inexpensive. A substrate having LED elements mounted is provided at one edge side of the radiator, and a cap is provided at the other edge side the radiator. A lighting circuit is accommodated between the radiator and the cap. The radiator includes a cylindrical cover member and an annular radiation member fitted to the outer circumferential part of the cover member and is composed by combining the cover member and the radiation member together. The cover member and the radiation member are made of metal and are formed by press-working.
US08721117B2
A lighting device comprises: a first substrate comprising a first connector and a first connection terminal, the first connector being connected to an external power supply or driving device, the first connection terminal being electrically connected to the first connector; and a second substrate connected electrically to the first connection terminal and comprising a light emitting device.
US08721109B2
A power saving lamp includes a base, a cover, a light source and a solar cell. The cover is fixed on the base. The light source is arranged on the base and inside the cover. The solar cell is arranged on the base or the cover and close to the light source. The solar cell can convert the solar power into electric power for further use to realize the use of driving the light source to emit light. The utilization efficiency of the light from the light source can be improved and the electric power can be saved. Besides, when the solar cell is closer to the light source, the photoelectric converting efficiency of the solar cell is higher and the recycle of the light can be realized. The utilization efficiency of the light from the light source can be further improved and the electric power can be saved.
US08721108B2
An LED street light includes a central housing portion having two spaced-apart sidewalls, and two lateral housing portions disposed respectively on two opposite longitudinal sides of the central housing portion. Each lateral housing portion includes a first plate fixed to a respective sidewall and having a first plate opening, a second plate connected to the first plate, a curved plate connected to the second plate, and a reflection layer disposed on the curved plate and facing one of the sidewalls. The first plate and the curved plate of each lateral housing portion have bottom ends defining a bottom opening. A plurality of light-emitting modules are disposed on each sidewall. Each light-emitting module includes at least one LED element, and extends into one of the lateral housing portions through the first plate opening. The reflection layer reflects the light emitted by the LED element toward the bottom opening.
US08721099B2
The present invention provides a back frame and a backlight system of a flat panel display device. The back frame includes at least two assembling pieces. The at least two assembling pieces are joined to form the back frame. The back frame further includes a bracing piece fixed to the assembling pieces and the bracing piece functions to fix a circuit board. The bracing piece includes a bracing body, a first suspension section, a first bearing section, and a first resilient bent section. The bracing body is fixed to the assembling pieces. The first suspension section extends from the bracing body toward one side of the bracing body. The first bearing section is spaced from the bracing body and extends from the first suspension section toward one side of the first suspension section. The first resilient bent section is located between the first bearing section and the bracing body and is bent from the first suspension section toward one side of the first suspension section. The first bearing section and the first resilient bent section resiliently clamp a first side edge of the circuit board. The technical solution provided by the present invention reduces the manufacturing cost of backlighting display device and also saves the expenditure of mold and overcomes the problem that a circuit board cannot be easily fixed.
US08721097B2
The present disclosure involves an LED lamp. The LED lamp includes a plurality of light-emitting diode (LED) light sources located on a substrate. At least a subset of the LED light sources is free of a phosphor coating. The LED lamp includes a multi-layered cap structure located over at least the subset of the LED light sources. The cap structure contains a phosphor material and a diffuser material. The cap structure is physically separated from the subset of the LED light sources by a gap. The LED lamp includes a cover structure positioned over and surrounding the LED light sources and the cap structure.
US08721096B2
A backlight unit of an LCD device includes a first light source unit including a plurality of red, green and blue LEDs and a second light source unit including a plurality of white LEDs, the white LED provided between each of the first light source unit. A control unit divides the plurality of first and second light source units into a plurality of blocks and outputs control signals to the first and second light source units by detecting the luminance of inputted video signals. The backlight unit includes a first light source driving unit for driving the first light source and a second light source driving unit for driving the second light source by corresponding block to the first light source unit.
US08721094B2
A lens system comprising, in order from an object side: a first lens group G1; and a second lens group G2 having positive refractive power; the first lens group G1 including a sub-lens group GS11 having positive refractive power, and a sub-lens group GS12 having negative refractive power, the sub-lens group GS12 having negative refractive power including a meniscus lens having a convex surface facing the object side, given conditions being satisfied: an antireflection coating being formed on at least one optical surface in the first lens group G1 and the second lens group G2, and the antireflection coating including at least one layer formed by a wet-process, thereby providing a lens system having high optical performance with excellently correcting various aberrations and suppressing ghost images and flare, and an optical apparatus equipped therewith.
US08721091B2
An optical system having a plane anisotropic retroreflector portion which specularly reflects radiation components in a first plane of incidence, but retroreflects radiation components in a second plane of incidence, a first imaging portion which produces on the retroreflector portion a line-shaped intermediate image of an object point in an object plane in a specified position relative to the system, the image extending along a line in the second plane of incidence, and a second imaging portion by means of which the line-shaped intermediate image is imaged into an image point.
US08721088B2
A lens array module includes a light incident surface, a light emitting surface opposite to the light incident surface, and a plurality of first and second lens surfaces. The first lens surfaces are arranged on the light incident surface to form into an array. The second lens surfaces are arranged on the light emitting surface to form into an array. The center of curvature of each of the first lens surfaces located at two opposite sides of a first reference point on the light incident surface deviates away from the first reference point in a direction parallel to a first reference axis, and the center of curvature of each of the second lens surfaces located at two opposite sides of a second reference point on the light emitting surface deviates toward the second reference point in a direction parallel to the first reference axis. A projection apparatus is also provided.
US08721085B2
An image display device includes: at least one illumination system adapted to emit a light beam; at least one light modulation element adapted to modulate the light beam emitted from the illumination system; and a projection optical system adapted to project the light beam modulated by the light modulation element, wherein a proceeding direction of a principal ray of the light beam modulated by the light modulation element is nonparallel to an optical axis of the projection optical system when the light beam modulated by the light modulation element enters the projection optical system.
US08721075B2
A method for determining by optimization a set of progressive ophthalmic lenses for a given user for whom a near vision power addition (Addn) has been prescribed includes the following steps: measuring the user's near vision individual physiological parameters; determining an ergorama associating, on each lens, a target point in each look direction in worn conditions; determining a target power defect and a resulting target astigmatism for each direction of look under worn conditions, the target power defect and the resulting target astigmatism being determined from the user's measured physiological parameters; computing the power required for each lens for said ergorama by successive iterations to reach the target power defect and the target astigmatism for each look direction.
US08721074B2
Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses may be enhanced through the incorporation of both active and passive electrical components. Electrical interconnects and die attachment configurations are required to ensure electrical connectivity between the components and the optic portion of the lens as well as providing a means for mounting planar devices on spherical surfaces. Electrical interconnects and die attachment for powered ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses includes realizing conductive traces on optical plastic, attaching planar dies to spherical surfaces and underfilling, overmolding and light blocking to complete the lens.
US08721063B2
The inkjet recording liquid according to the present disclosure contains water, pigment and pigment dispersion resin. The pigment dispersion resin is alkali soluble, and is dissolved in recording liquid. The mass ratio of pigment dispersion resin to pigment (resin content/pigment content) is 0.1 to 0.3. The mass ratio of pigment dispersion resin not adhering to pigment to pigment (unattached resin/pigment content) is 0.01 to 0.1. The acid value of the pigment dispersion resin is 150 to 250 mg KOH/g. The molecular weight of the pigment dispersion resin is preferably 10,000 or more.
US08721051B2
Provided is a piezoelectric element comprising a piezoelectric layer and an electrode. The piezoelectric layer includes a solid solution of bismuth lanthanum titanate zincate and lead titanate. The molar ratio of the bismuth lanthanum titanate zincate to the lead titanate in the piezoelectric layer is 0.39 or more and 0.61 or less.
US08721050B2
A liquid discharge head, contains: an energy generating element which generates thermal energy and contains a heat generation resistant layer and a pair of electrode layers whose end surfaces are separated from each other; an insulating layer covering the pair of electrode layers and the heat generation resistant layer and containing an insulating material; a protective layer provided above the insulating layer at least at a position corresponding to the energy generating element and containing a metal material containing iridium or ruthenium; and a covering layer provided at a position covering at least portions of the protective layer corresponding to the end surfaces of the pair of electrode layers in such a manner that a part of the protective layer is exposed and containing a metal material containing tantalum or niobium.
US08721044B2
An ink jet type recording head includes a substrate, a nozzle plate having nozzles, and a sealing sheet, and the substrate and the nozzle plate are bonded to each other through a bonding film, and the substrate and the sealing sheet are bonded to each other through a bonding film. These bonding films are each obtained by drying and/or curing a liquid material containing an epoxy-modified silicone material. Further, by applying energy to each bonding film, the surface thereof is activated, and therefore, each bonding film exhibits a bonding property. By this bonding property, the substrate is bonded to the nozzle plate and to the sealing sheet.
US08721043B2
According to one embodiment, an ink-jet head includes an insulative substrate, a nozzle plate opposed to the insulative substrate, a partition wall disposed between the insulative substrate and the nozzle plate, and including a bottom surface with a first width which is in contact with the insulative substrate, and a top surface with a second width less than the first width, which is in contact with the nozzle plate, and an adhesive which attaches the partition wall and the nozzle plate.
US08721042B2
An inkjet printhead includes a printhead die including: a first nozzle array that is configured to be fed with ink by a first ink feed; and a second nozzle array that is configured to be fed with ink by a second ink feed; and a mounting substrate including: a surface to which the printhead die is attached; a first layer including a first ink channel having an opening disposed at the surface; a second layer including a second ink channel having an opening disposed at the surface; and a third layer disposed between the first layer and the second layer, wherein the printhead die is attached to the first layer, the second layer and the third layer, and wherein the first ink channel opening is fluidically connected to the first ink feed, and the second ink channel opening is fluidically connected to the second ink feed.
US08721041B2
An ink collecting system has been developed to direct ink purged from a printhead positioned above an ink collecting tray along a stepped flow path into the ink collecting tray. The stepped flow path enables the purged ink to flow from a faceplate on the jet stack, around a junction, onto a lower surface of the jet stack, and to a curved lower flange of a reservoir housing, which directs the ink away from the faceplate before the ink drops into the ink collecting tray for disposal or reuse.
US08721037B2
In one embodiment, a composite ink absorber includes a porous layer and an absorbent layer integrated together into a single part. The porous layer is configured to trap inky sludge while simultaneously allowing ink liquids to pass through to the absorbent layer and the absorbent layer is configured to absorb ink liquids passing through the porous layer. In one embodiment, a printer platen assembly includes a platen and a composite, single part ink absorber covering the floor of the platen for capturing ink overspray in the platen area.
US08721026B2
A method compensates for changes in drop velocity of drops emitted by inkjets in a printhead of an ink jet imaging device. The method includes operating inkjet ejectors in a plurality of printheads to eject ink in a pattern of structured dashes on an image receiving member, the structured dashes corresponding to a predetermined image data pattern, generating image data corresponding to the pattern of structured dashes on the image receiving member, identifying a process direction correction parameter for each ejector in the plurality of printheads with reference to the generated image data, modifying image data to be printed by the plurality of printheads with reference to the process direction correction parameter identified for at least one of the ejectors, and operating the plurality of printheads with reference to the modified image data.
US08721024B2
An inkjet offset printer includes a heated drum assembly having a hollow drum with an internal surface defining an internal cavity and a heater and a cooler located in the internal cavity. The heater includes at least one ceramic heater element. The cooler includes a slot to direct an air stream to the internal surface of the drum and aids in quenching the heating element for faster control responses.
US08721015B2
A droplet discharge device includes a functional liquid droplet discharge head and a functional liquid tank. The functional liquid tank includes a tank body, a liquid column pipe and a liquid level detection mechanism. The tank body is configured and arranged to retain the functional liquid to be supplied to the functional liquid droplet discharge head. The liquid column pipe communicates with the tank body. The liquid level detection mechanism is configured and arranged to detect a liquid level of the functional liquid retained in the liquid column pipe. The functional liquid tank is configured and arranged to allow supplying and ventilating of gas.
US08721014B2
A refrigerator includes a shelf having one end supported by a protruded end and an other end fixed to a shelf mounting member to more stably mount the shelf. Also, a structure for mounting the shelf is simplified.
US08721013B2
A domestic refrigerator includes a cabinet having a refrigerated compartment defined therein, and a base grille secured to a lower front of the cabinet. The base grille has an opening defined therein that is sized to receive a hinge bracket. A cover is positioned in front of the opening defined in the base grille. The cover is formed from a semi-flexible elastomeric material.
US08721010B2
An equipment cabinet having a corrugation in the side panels is disclosed. The panels are affixed to a base by bolting or welding so as to be disposed opposite each other. Holes are provided in opposing surfaces the so that cross members may be secured in a position between the opposing side panels of the cabinet to form a support structure for equipment, such as batteries. Equipment may also be attached using mounting brackets. An equipment retaining bracket includes a retaining cross member, an L-shaped bracket and a bolt to joint the retaining cross member and the L-shaped bracket so as to secure the battery in two dimensions. Retaining brackets may be provided at the front and the rear surfaces of the equipment and, in cooperation with the cross members, retain the equipment in the cabinet.
US08721009B1
An anti-skid braking system for an aircraft having a brake pedal in communication with a master cylinder and fluid reservoir, and a brake caliber engaged with a wheel. The system includes a three way hydraulic valve controlled by a solenoid wherein the hydraulic valve is in fluid communication with and between the master cylinder and fluid reservoir and the brake caliper. A double acting spring loaded accumulator has an accumulator piston wherein the accumulator is in fluid communication with and between the three way hydraulic valve and the brake caliper. A hydraulic pump is in fluid communication with and between the three way hydraulic valve and the brake caliper.
US08721008B2
A hub device for a bicycle includes a hub case which is attached to a center of a wheel for receiving a load exerted from a rim to which a tire is fitted, and formed to have each inner diameter of both end portions larger than a diameter of a center portion, a sleeve with plural slits in a circumferential direction and a cylindrical shape integrally attached to the hub case at the inner diameter side, which serves to transfer the load exerted to the hub case to a shaft, a bearing for receiving the load exerted to the sleeve and rotatably supporting a whole structure of the wheel, a shaft for rotatably supporting the whole structure of the wheel via the bearing, and spherical washers attached to both end portions of the shaft.
US08721001B2
A headrest includes a front casing, a rear casing fixed to the front casing, and a headrest support fixed between the front casing and the rear casing. The headrest support includes a metal plate and a stationary rod. The metal plate is fixed to the top of the stationary rod and clamped between the front casing and the rear casing, and the stationary rod is fixed to the rear casing and extends downward out of the rear casing. The headrest has a certain degree of pressure resistance and softness at the same time, and it retains its original profile after long periods of use.
US08720993B2
A stool for supporting an adult and child includes a plurality of floor engaging legs extending substantially vertically and a seat mounted rigidly on the legs. The seat includes a main seating portion arranged horizontally and having a top surface for the adult to sit on and a bottom connected to at least some of the legs. The main seating portion has a rounded perimeter extending through an arc of at least 180°. The seat has a tongue portion integrally attached to the main seating portion and projecting horizontally from one side. The tongue portion has a top surface for the child to sit on and two opposite edges which taper inwardly towards an outer end. The adult and child are able to sit adjacent each other on the stool. In an exemplary version, the main seating portion has a minimum horizontal width of at least 35 cm.
US08720989B2
A furniture item (102) convertible between a chair and a table. It has two panels (104, 106) hinged together and moveable between: —a chair configuration, in which one panel (104) provides a seat and the other panel (106) provides a backrest, and—a table configuration, in which the panels form a table top. A moveable support member (114) is rotatable between a stowed position beneath one panel (104) when in the chair configuration to a raised position in which the moveable support member (114) provides support to the underside of one panel (104) and support to the hinge (105).
US08720985B2
A side body structure for a vehicle includes a side sill. The side sill includes a closed cross sectional shape which is formed by a side sill inner and a side sill outer, the side sill inner includes an upper inner member and a lower inner member which are separate members, a tensile strength of the upper inner member being higher than a tensile strength of the lower inner member, the side sill has. At a front portion of the side sill, a deforming portion which is to be deformed by a load applied in a longitudinal direction of the side sill is provided. The upper inner member and the lower inner member are connected together by a reinforcing member which is disposed close to the deforming portion and in the closed cross section.
US08720984B2
In a vehicle-body structure of a vehicle which comprises at least one vehicle-body forming member forming a closed-section portion continuously in a specified direction, a partition member extending in the specified direction and partitioning an inside of the closed-section portion, and a bulkhead provided in the closed-section portion and joined to the vehicle-body forming member, the bulkhead is joined to an inner face of the vehicle-body forming member at specified positions which are located on both sides of the partition member, and the bulkhead is joined to a specified portion of the partition member which is located in the vicinity of opening portions formed at the partition member or to an end portion of the partition member in the specified direction.
US08720977B2
In a door (25) of a cabin for work vehicle, which door (25) opens and closes an entrance of the cabin and includes a door main body (25A) having a plurality of accessories (A), the door main body (25A) is formed as a hollow welded unified structure having a door cavity (25B), by welding an inner panel (27) to an outer panel (28) each made of a press-molded sheet-metal. An accessory attaching portion (B) is integrally molded with the inner panel (27), and the outer panel (28) has an opening (28J) formed therein for part assembly which allows the accessories (A) to be brought into the door cavity (25B) and assembled to the accessory attaching portion (B). The outer pane (28) is further provided with a decorative cover (60) for closing the opening (28J).
US08720974B2
A method for bonding sidewall panels each comprising first and second skins and a core member sandwiched therebetween. The first skin has a main portion and an overlapping portion extending beyond the core member. The second skin has a main portion and an overlapped portion not extending beyond the core member. The method comprises the following steps. First, an entire exterior surface of the first skin and only an exterior surface of the main portion of the second skin of each of said sidewall panels are painted. Then, the sidewall panels are oriented such that the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is planarly aligned with the overlapping portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel. Next, the overlapping portion of the first skin of one sidewall panel is adhesively bonded to the overlapped portion of the second skin of another sidewall panel.
US08720972B2
A movable screen or visor for a window adjacent a trim liner includes a contour rod movable from a stowed position to a deployed position. The contour rod includes a forward end, an offset portion, and a rearward end opposite the forward end from the offset portion. The screen also includes a shade member operatively attached to the contour rod. The shade member is disposed within the trim liner when the contour rod is in the stowed position and is disposed outside of the trim liner in the deployed position. The shade member blocks a portion of the window when the contour rod is in the deployed position.
US08720970B1
A folding cover for covering a trailer body, a truck body or other object. The folding cover includes a plurality of cover members which are foldably interconnected so as to be selectively movable between a covering position and a stowed position.
US08720966B2
A plastic molded trim panel for a vehicle provides a cover element formed as an injection-molded panel with a visible side and an underside. The cover element has a smooth outer rim region, a patterned central region, and an edge region between them. The patterned central region includes a first plurality of regularly-spaced holes disposed in the visible side with a predetermined pattern and having a first substantially uniform depth. The edge region includes a second plurality of regularly-spaced holes disposed in the visible side uniformly continuing the predetermined pattern and having a generally decreasing depth according to proximity to the rim region. The rim region is smooth on the visible side without holes. The decreasing depth of the holes allows an uninterrupted hole pattern to be used because the truncated holes at the edge of the pattern remain to be manufacturable using injection molding.
US08720965B2
A robot hand and a robot according to an embodiment include supporting units. The supporting units are arranged on a base and contact the peripheral border of a board to grip the board. At least one of the supporting units rotates while abutting on the peripheral border of the board.
US08720962B2
A manually operated shovel having a blade and a plurality of tooth members is provided. The tooth members of the shovel provide individual points of contact between the shovel blade and material, such as earth, when the blade of the shovel is pressed into the material. The tooth members provide a mechanical advantage that focuses the pressure applied to the shovel by the operator so as to penetrate material more easily than traditional uniformly bladed shovels.
US08720961B2
An impact absorbing device for a vehicle may include a bumper beam disposed to extend in a traverse direction of a vehicle, a side member extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and disposed at a lateral side of the vehicle in the traverse direction thereof, a crash box connecting the bumper beam in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle to the side member, a fender apron member disposed at outer sides of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, a connecting member connecting the fender apron member and the side member, and a side crash box of which a front tip end may be mounted to an outer portion of the bumper beam positioned at an outer direction of the side member in the traverse direction of the vehicle, and of which a rear tip end may be disposed to be spaced apart from the connecting member at a predetermined interval therebetween.
US08720956B2
A tailgate synchronizer for coordinating mechanical communications between handles and locking assemblies in a vehicle V closure includes a synchronizer locking device moveable to a locked state for preventing the handles from unlatching the locking assemblies. The synchronizer further includes a pair of handle levers corresponding to the handles and a pair of actuator levers corresponding to the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is selectively translated into unlatching of the lock assemblies based on a state of the locking assemblies. Movement of the handles is prevented from translating into unlatching of the lock assemblies when the synchronizer locking device is in the locked state.
US08720947B2
A gas generator for a restraining device includes, a housing having an ignition device and a diffuser portion, and a gas generating agent charged in an inner space of the housing, a partition member, having a communication hole, and inclining with respect to a longitudinal axis (X) of the housing, thereby dividing the inner space into a gas generating agent charging space and a gas flow channel space, the gas flow channel space communicating with the diffuser portion, both of the edges of the partition member abutting against an inner circumferential surface of the housing, a cross-sectional area of the gas generating agent charging space decreasing from the ignition device side at one end of the housing to the diffuser portion side at the other end of the housing, and a cross-sectional area of the gas flow channel space increasing from the ignition device side to the diffuser portion side.
US08720936B1
A twin baby carriage comprises a front bracket, a pair of rear brackets, and a linkage bar set. The front bracket includes a connection hub at a middle section. The front bracket includes a front stretcher extended between two sides thereof. The rear brackets include a rear stretcher extended between two outmost sides thereof. The linkage bar set includes an elongate bar, an upper slide sleeve and a lock control assembly. The elongate bar bridges the connection hub and front stretcher. The upper slide sleeve is coupled on the elongate bar. The lock control assembly is held in the upper slide sleeve and includes a control knob and a pin. The control knob is depressible to drive the pin to insert into a positioning hole on the elongate bar such that the upper slide sleeve and elongate bar are locked to form a fixing state.
US08720934B2
A protective top surface (6) for a board for gliding, which comprises at least one decorative component (10; 10′) passing through at least one slot or hole (7; 7′) in the protective top surface (6), comprising at least one lower part (11; 11′) arranged under the protective top surface (6) and at least one upper part (12) arranged above the protective top surface (6).
US08720927B2
One embodiment of a tricycle having a spine frame, supported by a rear wheel and a pair of steerable front wheels, and supporting a recumbent seat pivotably attached at its rear. A pedal boom extends forwardly of the spine and supports a pedal crank assembly. The front wheels each support a lateral arm with the front wheel pivotably attached at the distal end and an angular projection attached at the proximal end. A pivot connects each angular projection to the spine, allowing the lateral arms and attached front wheels to fold to a stowed position alongside the spine. Another pivot connects the boom to the spine, allowing the boom to fold back to a stowed position against the spine. In the travel position, a clamp arrests the angular projections, and can arrest the boom and seat. The tricycle is collapsible to several levels of compactness.
US08720924B2
An auxiliary step and hand hold system for accessing a vehicle. The system includes at least one auxiliary step, at least one hand hold shaped to assist a climb into the trailer, and at least one pocket shaped to removably receive the at least one hand hold. The auxiliary step may be a rotating-retractable step that rotates between a use position and a stowed position. The hand hold is shaped to assist a climb into the cargo bay and may be inserted into the pockets in a use position and a stowed position. One or more stationary steps can also be used in connection with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The hand holds, pockets and auxiliary steps may be used alone or in combination to assist with access to a vehicle.
US08720920B2
A sleeve for assembling into a sub-assembly including a control arm of a vehicular suspension assembly prepared by a process is disclosed. The process includes the steps of: providing a tubular segment; firstly shaping a first portion of the tubular segment to include a proximal flange; secondly shaping a second portion of the tubular segment to include a distal flange. A third portion of the tubular segment forms an intermediate body extending between the proximal flange and the distal flange. The length of the tubular segment includes a substantially constant and uniform thickness after the firstly shaping step and the secondly step. A sleeve is also disclosed. A sub-assembly. A portion of a vehicular suspension assembly is also disclosed.
US08720919B2
Disclosed is a suspension subframe (1) in which highly rigid side-end members (10) are attached to opposite side end sections of a flat plate-like main body member (2) so as to extend in the front-rear direction of a vehicle. The subframe (1) has extremely high rigidity against forces acting thereon from the front, rear, left, right and the like with the aid of the side-end members (10). The subframe (1) makes it possible to cut out materials with almost zero waste, and is made lightweight and inexpensive.
US08720917B1
A spring-loaded skateboard accessory is configured to assist a rider in the performance of an ollie maneuver. The accessory includes a mounting plate for attaching the accessory to a skateboard truck, a rotatable kick plate assembly and a spring component coupled between the mounting plate and the rotatable kick plate. The spring component compresses as the kick plate assembly contacts the ground during the beginning of an ollie maneuver. As the rider forces the board off the ground, the tension in the spring is released and provides energy to provide increased lift (“air”) to a skateboard maneuver.
US08720916B2
A skateboard truck assembly with an integrated combination of a system of gears that resemble planetary gears that allow both wheels and a caster to remain on the ground while the skateboard is traveling in a lengthwise manner. At the same time, when the rider leans to one side or the other of the skateboard, the gear assembly causes the “downhill” wheel to rise in the air and the caster to be displaced such that the skateboarder can laterally “slide” or “drift” the skateboard as though it was a snowboard. Because the downhill wheel is raised well above the ground, there is less of a tendency for the downhill wheel to catch on any street irregularities or rocks and stop sliding at inopportune times.
US08720912B2
The golf bag cart includes a central base, a bottom cart stand, an upper cart stand, a wheel support, a first linkage, a second linkage, and a lock mechanism. The bottom cart stand has a top end fastened to the central base, a bottom end coupled with a front wheel, and a slider. The upper cart stand has a bottom end pivotally connected with the central base. Two wheel supports, disposed respectively and inclinedly at two sides of the central base, are joined with a steel wire to form a structure similar to a triangle. The first linkage connects the upper cart stand and the slider. The second linkage connects the slider and the wheel support. The lock mechanism mounted on the top end of the slider enables the upper cart stand and the bottom cart stand to lock with each other.
US08720911B2
The invention relates to a shopping cart having a sliding handle, which has module-like functional elements, wherein the functional elements are substantially accommodated in a recess of the sliding handle and protrude so far out of the sliding handle that good usability of the functional elements is given.
US08720898B2
A corner seal assembly for a rotor of a rotary engine, the assembly comprising a pair of corner seal elements, each seal element of the pair being arranged to provide a seal between the rotor and a respective one of a pair of opposed end faces of the rotary engine, the seals being arranged to be resiliently coupled to one another whereby the seals exert substantially the same force on each one of the pair of opposed end faces.
US08720897B1
Toy and game methods and apparatus including rectangular block elements layered to form a tower with upper and lower layers held by frictional coupling between the layers. The tower height increases during game play by removing blocks from one or more lower layers to build up successive upper layers upon an assembly platform. An upsetting element at the base transforms the blocks by dislodging the block elements with respect to the assembly platform by moving or traversing the assembly platform. A shifting mechanism may be provided in mechanical communication with the assembly platform for moving the platform between positions. A timer element establishes a predetermined time period from which the upsetting element transforms the block elements assembled atop the platform at an expiration of the set period of play time.
US08720895B2
A portable archery target support having at least three legs that can be arranged asymmetrically, the legs being dowels or simple tubes; with a non-rigid target suspension feature and stabilizers to prevent the target from swinging or turning excessively after an arrow strike.
US08720893B2
A card game and a method of playing a card game. There is a dealer and at least one player, who must make a base wager. The dealer deals a hand of three cards to all players, who must then make a further wager in order to participate in play. A trump suit is determined. The dealer leads a card from his hand, and the players try to beat this card by playing a higher card of the same suit, or a trump card. The payout is calculated by a pre-determined formula based on the number of tricks won per player. An optional bonus wagering scheme is disclosed, whereby players can wager on the cards in their hands before having sight of them.
US08720891B2
The present invention features a playing card shuffling device, which through the use of a small image capturing means, captures an image of a face value of each card and stores the image in memory. This image is sorted in the format of a bitmap image. An operator of the device would be able to recall, through the use of a keypad, the images of the cards that comprised individual hands in the previous game. This feature allows for verification of a winning hand after a game has been completed. Thereby, a quick recheck of hands before playing a winning hand is performed. The face value of each card is determined by character recognition software. These card values would be stored in memory for archival access for use in monitoring the randomness of the game and determining the number of winnings hands.
US08720883B2
There is provided a recording apparatus including: a first member having a first sliding surface formed into a comb shape along the direction of movement of an object; a second member having a second sliding surface formed into a comb shape opposing the first sliding surface of the first member with the intermediary of a viscous member, the second member sliding between a first position which causes a restricting member to be positioned at a restricting position and a second position which causes the restricting member to be positioned at the releasing position in a state of engaging the restricting member; and a urging device configured to apply an urging force which causes the second member to slide from the first position to the second position, the urging device being arranged at least partly between tips and roots of teeth of the comb shape of the second sliding surface.
US08720876B2
A clamping device for components to be joined, which clamping device comprises: a first component holder for a first component, a second component holder for a second component, and a clamping structure which secures the component holders relative to one another in a joining position, and when the component holders are in the joining position, the clamping structure extends from an external face of the first component holder to an external face of the second component holder facing away from the external face of the first component holder and extends respectively around a peripheral edge of the component holders.
US08720875B2
One embodiment is a carrier for holding devices that includes a tray having one or more sites in which a device may be held, and a frame resiliently coupled to the tray so the tray is movable with respect to the frame.
US08720868B2
Disclosed herein are a humidification apparatus having a disc assembly, and a disc assembly thereof. The disc assembly includes at least one disc member assembled by stacking, a first clamp disposed at one side of the at least one disc member, and a second clamp disposed at the other side of the at least one disc member. Each of the at least one disc member includes at least one recess part indented on the edge thereof, and the first clamp includes at least one recess connection part inserted into the at least one recess part so as to prevent movement of the at least one disc member.
US08720867B2
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object.
US08720862B2
The apparatus is to assist in the removal of trash receptacles and or bag liners from under counter single, double, or multiple slide-out trash can cabinets. By stepping on the lever located below the trash can, the trash-can will be raised approximately one inch which will allow a person to remove the plastic trash bag (bag liner) from the rim of the trash can. It will also allow easy removal of the trash receptacle itself once it is raised by allowing a person to grasp the rim of the trash can. The unit can be retrofitted onto existing pull-out trash can cabinets or mounted in new.
US08720859B2
A pull handle for operating a window covering with a pulling lead. The pull handle includes a first element with a top end and a bottom end, and a second element, attachable to the first element, with a top end and a bottom end. When the second element is attached to the first element, the pull handle is along a section of the pulling lead with the position of the pull handle fixed with respect to the pulling lead. The pull handle is configured to have a diameter that is easily and comfortably gripped by an operator.
US08720844B2
A structure is provided for coupling items such as signs, birdhouses and cameras to a fixed support structure is disclosed. Various mechanisms for attachment to a variety of supporting structures are described. The structure firmly holds an item in place, and the structure is capable of secure attachment to a variety of supporting structures.
US08720842B2
A hanger device is made of a rigid plastic material and includes a hooked portion and a plate formed below the hooked portion. The plate includes a coupling portion and a plurality of annular portions. A car mat is coupled with the coupling portion. At least one fixing device is integrally formed on at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device includes a through-hole. The at least one fixing device is separable from the at least one of the annular portions. The at least one fixing device is to be mounted to the car mat.
US08720839B2
Aspects of the invention are directed to a connector that connects a first flat member and a second flat member. The connector can include a support portion, a first arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a first arm channel. The connector can also include a second arm, connected to the support portion, and defining a second arm channel, the second arm being apart from the first arm. An opening is defined, in part, by an edge of the support portion, and edge of the first arm and an edge of the second arm. Also, the first arm channel an the second arm channel and the support portion are shaped and configured such that the first flat member can be positioned, in part, within the first arm channel, and extend through the opening, and the second flat member can be positioned, in part, in the second arm channel.
US08720834B2
A hoop for holding a bag comprises a hoop strip having a first end, a second end and a central portion between the first and second ends. The hoop strip being comprises a resilient material. A first loop member attaches to the first end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the hoop strip. A second loop member attaches to the second end of the hoop strip, defining a channel which receives slidably therein the central portion of the loop strip. The first and second loop members keep the hoop strip generally circular, but it can be adjusted so as to have a plurality of circumferences by sliding the central portion of the hoop strip within the first and second loop members. The hoop may also comprise a handle for holding the hoop, and a base.
US08720832B2
A fastening element for fastening elongated materials in a motor vehicle with an anchoring part, which engages in the wall, to which the fastening part is attached, is proposed. The anchoring part has two spreading arms and a seal which circularly surrounds the anchoring part.
US08720821B2
A passenger seat assembly for a vehicle, particularly an aircraft, which is adapted to provide self-contained, individual seating and sleeping accommodation for a passenger, said seating assembly includes a supporting structure (42) for supporting said assembly off the floor of a vehicle; one or more movable, passenger-bearing, structural components (71,72); and means for connecting said movable, structural components to said structure such that said components can be selectively moved between a seat configuration, in which a plurality of passenger-bearing surfaces on said one or more structural, movable components (71,71) or said supporting structure form a seat for the passenger, and a bed configuration, in which a plurality of said bearing surfaces (47,48,67,74,76) are disposed substantially coplanarly and substantially contiguously to form a bed for the passenger; characterized in that at least one of said movable components (72) is double-sided, comprising first and second opposite sides, one of said sides having a first seat surface (73) that forms part of the seat in said seat configuration, and the other side having a second bed surface (74) that forms part of said bed in said bed configuration.
US08720820B2
Aircraft having multiple seating configurations and associated systems and methods are disclosed. An aircraft in accordance with one embodiment, for example, can include a fuselage having a generally circular cross-sectional shape and one or more passenger cabin portions. The individual cabin portions can include a floor connected to the fuselage and a plurality of passenger seats attached to the floor. The passenger seats are in a configuration selected from a first twin aisle seat-row arrangement and a second, single aisle seat-row arrangement. Each of the first and second seat-row arrangements is implementable in the fuselage. Further, the seats in either the first seat-row arrangement or the second seat-row arrangement have between a three abreast and a six abreast seating configuration.
US08720816B2
The present invention relates to an aircraft with a surveillance system characterized in that the direction of flight towards a target is achievable by shifting the center of gravity of the vehicle towards the target. The center of gravity is shifted towards the target by pointing the surveillance system at the target.
US08720810B2
A spool system for a telecommunications cable. The spool system winds-up and pays-out the cable without accumulating twist in the cable. The spool system can also pay out a distal end of the cable and mount a proximal end of the cable. Because no twist is accumulated in the cable, the first end and/or the second end of the cable can remain connected while the spool system is winding-up or paying-out. The spool system includes a base, a cable unwrapper, and a hub. The cable unwrapper and the hub rotate in opposite directions from each other. A first cable wrapping area is provided on the base and a second cable wrapping area is provided on the hub.
US08720808B2
A pill is divided using a pill splitter and crusher device having a first member coupled to a second member. The first member comprises a pill-receiving cavity and the second member comprises a blade and an anvil. In some contemplated embodiments, the anvil is configured to crush a pill placed within the cavity and the blade is configured to split the pill within the cavity. Furthermore, the anvil is coupled to the second member, such that the anvil could move from a crushing position to a non-crushing position, which allows for crushing and splitting of the pill, respectively.
US08720807B2
A pill crusher includes a base and a handle. The base has a bottom resting surface that includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. The handle includes an upper region, a gripping region, and a column. The gripping region includes an at least partially molded friction-enhancing portion. A method of crushing a pill includes placing a pill within a pill chamber, inserting a column into the pill chamber, and then crushing the pill by exerting force on the pill by the column. The handle and the base include at least partially molded friction-enhancing portions.
US08720801B2
A lightweight spray device with spray body that is suitable for precision cast molding, solving general casting problems, such as shrinkage and bubbling; and a process for manufacturing the same. The spray device is one with magnesium spray body provided with a spray part and a handle part, characterized in that the magnesium spray body is one formed with the use of a mold for magnesium spray body wherein a first slide pin is provided at a region where the spray part and the handle part cross each other and wherein around the first slide pin, there is provided a product melt orifice.
US08720797B2
A rotary atomizing head 1, which has an inner peripheral surface 2 whose diameter increases from a bottom 21 of the inner peripheral surface toward a tip thereof, and atomizes and releases paint by applying a centrifugal force generated by rotation to the paint supplied to the bottom of the inner peripheral surface, includes a paint supply nozzle 11 for supplying the paint and a cleaning solution to the bottom of the inner peripheral surface, and the paint supply nozzle has a nozzle hole 10a for discharging the paint and the cleaning solution from a rotation center O portion of the rotary atomizing head in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis of the rotary atomizing head. The rotary atomizing head 1 also includes a dam portion 4 that is provided in an intermediate portion between the bottom and the tip of the inner peripheral surface and dams the paint and the cleaning solution supplied from the paint supply nozzle to the bottom and flow along the inner peripheral surface toward the tip.
US08720795B2
Providing a flush bowl capable of discharging a planar shower-like water discharge flow in a wide range while changing the water discharge trajectory is directed. The shower device according to an embodiment of the invention is a shower device including: a water discharger including a plurality of water discharge ports; a rotator including a channel at its center; a coupling section coupling the inside of the water discharger to the channel of the rotator; a receiving section receiving the rotator; a driving mechanism configured to rotate and revolve the rotator in the receiving section; and a decelerating section provided inside the water discharger. The plurality of water discharge ports is provided asymmetrically with respect to a central axis of the rotator, or discontinuously in a peripheral direction, the water discharger is configured to rotate and revolve by rotation and revolution of the rotator caused by the driving mechanism, the plurality of water discharge ports is configured to cause rotational trajectories of water discharged from the water discharge ports to undergo a periodic rotary motion associated with the rotation of the rotator, the decelerating section has an area larger than a cross-sectional area of the coupling section, and the water discharge ports have a smaller total cross-sectional area than the decelerating section so as to accelerate water decelerated by the decelerating section.
US08720787B2
The present invention relates to a composite RF tag for transmitting and receiving information using an electromagnetic induction method, comprising a magnetic antenna mounted with an IC, and a resin layer formed around the magnetic antenna, wherein the magnetic antenna comprises a central core formed of a magnetic material and a coil-shaped electrode material disposed around the core. The RF tag according to the present invention comprises the magnetic antenna surrounded by the resin, and therefore can provide a composite magnetic RF tag which can minimize adverse influence by surrounding water or metals in view of maintenance of tools or parts to which the composite RF tag is mounted, and is free from occurrence of any failure or cracking.
US08720784B2
A portable hand held optical reader having a specially constructed two-dimensional image sensor array is operational in a bar code decoding mode and in a picture taking mode. The specially constructed image sensor array, in one embodiment, is a hybrid monochrome and color image sensor pixel array, wherein a first subset of the pixels are monochrome pixels devoid of wavelength selective color filter elements and a second subset of the pixels are color sensitive pixels including wavelength selective color filter elements.
US08720780B2
Embodiments of the systems, devices, and methods described herein generally facilitate the display of a barcode at a computing device for capture by another computing device. In accordance with one example embodiment, a barcode is generated at a first computing device, the barcode is displayed on a display screen associated with the first computing device, and one or more display properties of the barcode are dynamically modified while it is displayed at the first computing device until the barcode is successfully captured (e.g. by a camera) at a second computing device.
US08720777B2
An optical characteristic system configured to couple to a container handler for transferring a container to/from a rail car. A server interface configured to receive from at least one container handler. An optical characteristic system configured to couple to a front end loader. A container handler configured to transfer at least one container to/from a rail car and to report its container image, optical characteristic, container code estimate of the container, a rail car identifier estimate and/or a container chassis identifier estimate. A rail kiosk configured to receive the container image, etc from at least one container handler to create the optical characteristic, the container code estimate, manifest for the rail car, confirmation of the manifest and/or an insurance record for the container. A method operating at least one of the server interface, the rail kiosk and a container inventory management system and the products of those operations.
US08720774B2
Systems and methods for personalizing data card are disclosed. One embodiment includes a card receiver configured to receive one or more data cards, a control system connected to the card receiver, the control system configured to receive personalization information, an encoder system connected to the control system, the encoder system configured to encode the one or more data cards with at least some portion of the personalization information, a card reader connected to the control system, the card reader configured to read magnetic fingerprint information from the one or more data cards, and the control system configured to store the magnetic fingerprint information.
US08720768B2
An example linerless two-ply mailer including multiple detachable elements is disclosed. The example mailer includes a first ply having opposing top and bottom edges, opposing first and second side edges substantially perpendicular to the top edge, a first face and a second face opposite the first face, and a second ply substantially the same size as the first ply and having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The example mailer also includes a first indicia area on the first face of the first and second ply, while an adhesive is applied to adhere the second face of the first ply directly to the second face of the second ply to form the linerless mailer. At least one pattern of weakness is formed in the first and second plies and offset from each of the top and bottom edges and the first and second side edges of the first and second ply to form a removable first element and a removable second element. The first element and second element are separately removable from the mailer.
US08720764B2
A fuel cell adapter to be received in a combustion tool fuel cell cavity, the cavity having a predetermined diameter, and the adapter having a post extending longitudinally along an axis. First and second platforms are positioned at a first and second end of the post and they extend laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance slightly less than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. A flange extends from the post between the first and second ends of the post and has at least one portion extending laterally outwardly from the post to occupy a distance, when combined with the post, slightly greater than the predetermined diameter of the fuel cell cavity. The flange is formed of a resilient material and a thickness so as to permit the flange to be deformed as the adapter is inserted into the fuel cell cavity.
US08720760B1
A heavy duty, leveraged spare tire carrier utilizes a cross or T-shaped frame configured so a spare tire for an recreational vehicle can be bolted thereto and mounted on a receiver-type hitch common in the RV industry with a secondary receiver hitch mounted thereon. The carrier has an integral lever-actuated lifting and lowering apparatus to allow a single person the ability to remove and replace a spare tire on the carrier and/or to swing the carrier and spare tire out of the way so an engine or other compartment in the rear of an RV can still be accessed.
US08720751B2
The lifesaver backpack includes an inflatable life raft folded into a pack. A plurality of straps is attached to the pack for securing the pack onto a user's back. The pack is inflated by a gas canister attached to the pack and selectively operable by a pull cord. Upon inflation of the pack, the pack transforms into the life raft that surrounds the user. A canopy stretches across the stern of the life raft to provide shade and protection against the elements. The lifesaver backpack can be provided with paddles and hoops on the sides of the life raft for rowing. An embodiment for submarine emergencies is also provided.
US08720748B2
A dispensing closure is provided that includes a body portion and a flap portion. The body portion can include an end wall, a skirt that depends from end wall, and an opening about the same size as the end wall. The flap portion can include a lid having at least one dispensing opening and a disk that has one or more dispensing orifices. The disk is in rotatable contact with the lid. A lock portion can include a surface area formed on the flap portion. The lock portion can also include a first substantially vertical piece formed on a first side of surface area, a second substantially vertical piece formed on a second side of surface area, and a substantially horizontal piece formed at a bottom of the first substantially vertical piece and the second substantially vertical piece.
US08720744B2
The invention relates to a closeable opening device (1) made of a spout fitting (2), a cutting element (3), and a screw cap (4), optimized for assembly and use. To this end, the spout fitting (2) and cutting element (3) are produced as semi-finished goods (5). The cutting element (3) comprises an upper edge (33) at the cylindrical part (30), having recesses (36) distributed uniformly around the circumference. The screw cap (4) comprises ring wall segments (46) on the inner underside of the cover surface thereof, designed diametrically opposite the recesses (36). The upper edge (33) and the ring wall segments (46) slide against each other during assembly, until the ring wall segments (46) engage in the recesses (36) in a form-fit manner. A stable form-fit connection thus exists between the two said parts, allowing greater torque to be transmitted without the problems known from the state of the art occurring.
US08720740B2
The invention relates to a reclosable closure (100) of a liquid container, in particular a beverage can (200), comprising a lid (300) that closes the liquid container by way of a flanged edge (310) and comprising a cover (400), with the lid (300) having an outlet opening (320) which can be exposed by twisting the cover (400) arranged on the lid (300), and the lid (300) comprises at least one recess (360, 361) for accommodating at least one sealing means (430) between the lid (300) and the cover (400).
US08720736B2
A stackable and collapsible storage box (100) comprising a foldable wrapper (10) having side wall and end wall panels which are releasably retained within a peripheral channel (30a) on a separate base portion (30). The wall panels have lower extension portions (11, 12) that are folded upwardly to provide a double thickness and these lower extension portions have an upper edge (12a) or apertures (37) that engage with short protrusions (33) formed on an inner wall (32) of the channel to retain the panels. The end wall panels have upper first and second extensions portions (14a, 16) that are respectively folded inwardly and upwardly to provide a support edge (16a) to support hangers for hang files. The support edge can be strengthened with a channel section (19). The box can have a lid (50) has a ridge (53) to compliment channel (36) on the base portion to allow stacking.
US08720734B2
A food serving plate with features that cooperatively interact with utensils to provide fun assistance to children with their effort to load food onto their utensils. The features on the plate include either or both of: a vertically slotted ramp that accepts the tines of an eating utensil, such as a fork, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by pushing the food up the ramp and then sliding the utensil under the food when it has reached sufficient height; and a ramp with a nested depression that accepts the leading perimeter contours of a utensil with a food-receiving bowl, such as a spoon, which allows a person to load food onto the utensil by positioning the utensil within the nested depression and by pushing the food up the ramp and over the nested depression with a second utensil with a blunt profile, such as a pusher.
US08720732B2
A plastic fuel tank including an upper wall, a lower wall and at least two compartments, such compartments being established by a dividing wall including a part of the tank upper and lower walls, this dividing wall having at least opening enabling free flow of liquids between the at least two compartments and at least opening enabling free flow of vapors between the at least two compartments, such openings occupying less than 80% of the dividing wall, the at least 20% remaining of the dividing wall being constituted by at least one kiss point formed by welding together a multiplicity of contact points of the upper and lower walls.
US08720731B2
A packaging container includes an outer container, a packaging bag, and an inner packing member. The outer container has a box-like shape and has a containing space and a passage opening. The packaging bag is contained in the outer container in a state in which the packaging bag contains an object. The packaging bag includes a containing portion, an opening portion formed in the containing portion and allowing the object to pass therethrough, and a handle portion graspable by a user. The inner packing member is disposed between the object and the passage opening and contained in the containing space. At least part of the handle portion is disposed on the passage opening side of the inner packing member, and the handle portion moves toward the passage opening together with the inner packing member when the inner packing member is being removed from the outer container.
US08720726B2
A one-piece or monolithic body flat plastic lid for carton packages with thin walls and membrane or a web breaking under pressure, with a semicircular skirt provided with rectangular shaped entrance housing and locked to a closing and opening pivoting tab, joined to the border of a pouring orifice by means of a rupture horizontal perimeter membrane and a vertical breaking or tearing by means of pressure exerted in the vertical or transversal direction to the surface of the tab, which is locked by means of a hinge line to a transverse wall making the rectangular channel.
US08720725B2
An attachable closure device for reclosing contains a base member, a resilient expandable band coupled to and extending from the base member, an adhesive layer on a surface of the base member, and a release agent on the adhesive layer. The release agent is housed in a coating on a release support layer, which may be coupled to the base member and unitary with the base member. The resilient, expandable band may be coupled and retained to the attachable closure device solely by a portion of the unitary base member-release support layer.
US08720719B2
A plastic container includes at least two foldable sidewalls articulated to a container base by at least two hinge connections, each including a hinge bolt or pin for pivoting in a receiving gap of the base frame. The receiving gap has an elongate opening to allow the hinge bolt to move in the receiving gap from a lower to an upper end position. The opening has a length at least corresponding to the thickness of the sidewall which is thus liftable vertically by at least the thickness. At least two guide elements are formed at the sidewall and received in the base frame in recesses which have a nose defined by an upper edge spaced from an upper edge of the base frame by a distance which corresponds to a length of the guide element from a lower edge of the sidewall to a lower edge of the guide element.
US08720718B2
A foldable carrying case is described that has an integrated one-piece body of hingeably connected panels, and flexible gussets hingeably connected to the panels. The body is further provided with releasable fasteners. The body converts from a plane configuration to a container configuration, and vice versa. The container configuration is formed by folding the panels and the gussets, and the panels and gussets are connected by the releasable fasteners to prevent the container from unfolding. Also described is a method for making and using such a foldable carrying case. Also described is a kit including such a foldable carrying case and at least one storage container.
US08720708B1
An adjustable table assembly provides a swinging tabletop surface and plant stand positionable adjacent to seats in a substantially fixed position. The assembly includes a post having an upper end and a lower end. A base is coupled to the lower end of the post. A shelf is coupled to and extends from the post. An upper panel is coupled to and extends from the post. The upper panel is pivotally coupled to the post. A support assembly is coupled to and extends downwardly from the shelf. The support assembly has a bottom panel and a vertical panel coupled to and extending upwardly from a top surface of the bottom panel.
US08720707B2
A frame is provided for highly-concentrated photovoltaic cells. The frame uses vertical and horizontal rods. Connectors are fixed at where the vertical and horizontal rods connect. The frame is constructed with the rods and connectors coordinated with fixing components. Thus, solar cell receivers can be directly set at any place on the frame; and the frame can be easily constructed and safely moved. Furthermore, location space is effectively used and weather resistance is achieved.
US08720706B2
A display stand has a base, a vertical pole having a lower end fixed to the base. The pole includes two sections having a stem projecting upward from each section. A bearing is coupled each stem of the pole. A pair of racks, each having a central tube with a bearing race fixed within a lower end contacts an outer surface of the bearings for rotation around the tube. Each rack has a generally square perimeter with rounded corners formed of wire, with a plurality of radial support members coupled between the central tube and the rounded corners. Each side of the square perimeter portion includes a pair of hooks adjacent the rounded corners to engage products to be displayed on the stand, the hooks projecting a limited distance outward below the plane of the rack square perimeter.
US08720694B2
Methods of enhancing recovery of value sulfide or precious minerals from an ore containing Mg-silicate, slime forming minerals, and/or clay by crushing the ore, grinding the ore, and subjecting the ground ore to a flotation process, in conjunction with the addition of at least one monovalent ion modifier enhancing agent and/or froth phase modifier agent to the ore, are provided herein.
US08720688B2
A stacking crate for bottles has a plurality of tapered pylons extending upward from a periphery of a floor. A rib extends downwardly in the interior of a cavity in each pylon. Each pylon further includes a slot in an upper surface of the pylon substantially aligned with the rib. When similar crates are nested, the ribs in the pylons of one crate will rest in the slots in the upper surface of the pylons of the lower crate, thus permitting the crates to be nested.
US08720684B2
A packaging system and a method of packaging a plurality of floor panels in a box includes floor panels having a top layer and a bottom layer. The top layer has a top surface with a visible decorative pattern and a bottom surface adhered to a top surface of the bottom layer such that the bottom layer is offset from the top layer in a direction of length and width and a marginal end portion of the top surface of the bottom layer and a marginal end portion of the bottom surface of the top layer is exposed. At least one of the marginal end portions has an adhesive. The floor panels are stacked in the box in pairs. Each of the pairs is stacked such that the top surfaces of the top layers of each of the pairs of the floor panels are facing each other.
US08720681B1
A quiet opening and closing clam shell pouch with a bag and a hinge connected lid, each of the pouch and lid having a peripheral wall, a soft compressible sleeve on the peripheral wall of the bag and surrounding an open mouth of the bag and on a peripheral wall of the lid; a solid shape defining and shaping member in each soft compressible sleeve shapes and holds open the mouth of the bag and shapes the periphery of the lid so that the lid can be pivoted to close the mouth of the bag; cooperating surfaces of magnets, enrobed in a soft net mesh, are spaced around the peripheral walls and alongside each soft compressible sleeve to pull the padded sleeves together and to compress the sleeves and soft strands of the net mesh that extend across the cooperating surfaces of the magnets.
US08720675B2
A belt as traction mechanism for conveyor bands of agricultural machines. A belt member of polymer reinforced with fabric plies has an upper step and a lower step that are interconnected in a region of overlap via connection locations that are spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the belt. An inwardly disposed polymer layer is entirely absent in the region of overlap. The inner fabric plies of lower step and/or upper step extend into the region of overlap in a partial region that includes at least one connection location. The remaining fabric plies of upper step and lower step extend over the entire region of overlap, so that in the partial region the lower step and/or the upper step is provided with all of the fabric plies. Complementary tooth elements are provided on fabric plies that are disposed directly opposite one another in the region of overlap, and mesh with one another to effect interconnection of upper step and lower step.
US08720668B2
A conveyor comprising a conveyor belt having rollers with metallic or magnetic rotors. A magnet or metallic element next to the conveyor belt is positioned to rotate the rotor. A magnetic field produced by the magnet or by the magnetic rotor rotates the rollers as they pass the magnetic field or as the magnetic field is changed.
US08720662B2
A roller assembly (10) is provided having a roller (12) to which two shafts (14, 16) are fixedly secured by means of modular hub assemblies (18). The hub assemblies (18) each have a roller flange (20) which is fixedly secured to the roller (12), usually by welding. A shaft flange (26) is provided for fixedly securing directly to a respective one of the shafts (14, 16), preferably with a pressed fit. The shafts (14, 16) have tapered end sections (64) which fit in direct contact with tapered holes (32) formed into the roller flanges (20). The roller flanges (20 are further recessed to each provide a recessed surface (36) which fits flush against an inward facing surface (48) of the shaft flange (26) to provide a friction engagement there-between. The shaft flange (26) is preferably threadingly secured to the roller flange (20).
US08720660B2
Disclosed is a parking lock mechanism of a power transmission apparatus which can stably supply lubrication oil to the sliding surface of a parking cam to decrease the sliding resistance of the parking cam. The parking lock mechanism 52 includes a support portion 73 for positioning a sleeve 71 with respect to an extension housing 6, and a first guide rib 74 provided on the support portion 73 for catching oil circulating in a transaxle case 4 to supply the oil to the support portion 73. The sleeve 71 has an upper portion formed with a notch 71c for allowing a parking pawl 62 to be held in abutment with a parking cam 61. The oil caught by the first guide rib 74 is supplied through the support portion 73 and the notch 71c of the sleeve 71 to the sliding surface of the parking cam 61, viz., the sliding surface between the parking pawl 62 and the parking cam 61 and the sliding surface between the parking cam 61 and the sleeve 71.
US08720659B2
An overrunning coupling or clutch and control assembly including first and second coupling members and an electromechanical actuator subassembly having an electromagnetically inductive coil which creates a magnetic flux when the coil is energized is provided. A control force caused by the magnetic flux is applied to an armature member of the subassembly to move the armature member and cause the coupling members to be either coupled to or uncoupled from each other by means of struts.
US08720656B2
The present invention is a combination rolling cart and suitcase that includes a base suitcase, an external support frame, a plurality of steel stabilizers, a plurality of permanent adjustable straps and plurality of attachment points where the attachment points receive and removably couple the permanent adjustable straps to secure one or more suitcases across a top portion of the combination rolling cart and suitcase. The combination rolling cart and suitcase also includes a pair of telescoping handles, a telescoping stem, a releasable handle lock, a plurality of omnidirectional casters and a lid releasably fastened to the base suitcase.
US08720649B2
The invention relates to an elevator system and also to a method for detaching an elevator car and/or a counterweight from a safety gear. In the method torque pulses are produced with the hoisting machine of an elevator, for detaching a gripped stuck elevator car and/or a gripped stuck counterweight.
US08720648B1
A device and method are described for extending the life of check valves. An improved check valve having a double poppet and tapered guides is more robust, and a check valve protection device between the check valve and the environment into which fluid is injected protects the valve from a contaminating or corrosive environment. The check valve and check valve protection device are small and light weight to prevent vibration-induced failures. The check valve protection device preferably has an interior volume that fills quickly by relatively few cycles of the lubricant pump to reduce delay of lubricant to the injection point.
US08720647B2
A bench top bearing packer tool includes supply means for delivering a controlled amount of grease, support means for locating a bearing in a position where a bearing cage and rollers of the bearing may be lubricated with the grease delivered by the supply means, the supply means having a grease delivery outlet communicating with a grease delivery inlet of the support means by a grease flow passageway, and means for controlling the passage of grease through the inlet to the bearing cage and rollers of the bearing.
US08720643B1
The aquatic ladder has wide, deep treads, arranged like a staircase, with side and upper railings to make it easy to enter or exit the water, even by elderly people, tired individuals, those carrying aquatic equipment, such as SCUBA gear or water skis, and, even, by pets. The ladder is preferably made from aluminum, although it can be made of other materials, such as steel (e.g., stainless or galvanized), fiberglass, plastic, or other composites.
US08720640B2
A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc. made of drywall, hard decking, wood, stone, cement, glass, or any other material or type of construction, or configured in a stand-alone loudspeaker frame or cabinet. The loudspeaker assembly of the present invention can be mounted in any orientation.
US08720636B2
A vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, comprising at least one electromotive drive unit and a power supply module capable of supplying the electromotive drive unit, a running gear mechanically coupled to the electromotive unit, and a chassis attached to the body of the vehicle, in the vicinity of the running gear, onto which the electromotive unit and the power supply module are attached, characterized in that the chassis defines a platform attached below the body of the vehicle, between the body of the vehicle and a floor separating a useful space of the vehicle which is part of the passenger compartment or adjacent to the passenger compartment, and in that the chassis is capable of receiving and supporting the electromotive unit and the power supply module, wherein the electromotive unit and the power supply module are arranged on either side of the chassis.
US08720635B2
A vehicle includes an engine having a crankshaft, a charging generator disposed on the crankshaft, a power-supplying generator driven by the engine and including a rotating shaft misaligned from the crankshaft, and a vehicle power generating apparatus. The power generating apparatus includes a clutch unit and a driving unit. The clutch unit includes a clutch disposed on the crankshaft, a driving gear disposed on the clutch, and a switching mechanism operable for driving the clutch. The motion transmitting unit includes a driven gear meshing with the driving gear, and an input shaft driven by the driven gear and connected to and co-rotatable with the rotating shaft of the power-supplying generator.
US08720633B2
A vehicle driveline includes a power source, a transmission connected to the power source and including an output driveably connected to primary road wheels, a driveshaft, a synchronizer that opens and closes a drive connection between the output and the driveshaft, and a clutch that alternately opens and closes a drive connection between the driveshaft and secondary road wheels. A control executes synchronization and connection strategies using one of singular, overlapping and sequential activation of the driveline components that produce all-wheel-drive on-demand.
US08720620B1
An automobile assembly and a method of producing hydrogen gas within an automobile assembly. An automobile is provided that contains a fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity from purified hydrogen gas. The vehicle also has a standard fuel tank that holds liquid fuel and a water tank that holds water. A fuel reformation system is carried by the vehicle. The fuel reformation system reacts water with liquid fuel to produce hydrogen gas and exhaust gases. The hydrogen gas is separated and is supplied to the fuel cell as needed by the fuel cell. The fuel cell produces electricity that drives electric motors to power the wheel of the vehicle. The vehicle, therefore, uses traditional liquid fuel to produce the hydrogen needed to operate the fuel cell and power an otherwise electric vehicle.
US08720607B2
A method for hardening a portion of the outer surface of a downhole tool body includes friction stirring the vulnerable surface of the tool. Such friction stirring generally includes rotating a friction stir weld tool in contact with the surface until a portion of the tool penetrates the tool. The friction stir weld tool is then translated (while rotating) across a predetermined region of the surface thereby creating a friction stir zone. The friction stir zone is generally considerably harder, and therefore more wear resistant, than the parent material that makes up the tool body. The resulting downhole tool includes at least one surface with a hard friction stir zone.
US08720606B2
A locking mechanism for locking an insertable device relative to an outer tube of a ground drill comprises at least one latch, which is arranged to releasably retain the insertable device in a substantially fixed axial position relative to the outer tube. The locking mechanism comprises a cam and a cam follower, which are arranged to control a radial position of the latch. The locking system may be used in a ground drill system.
US08720594B2
A beach cleaner has a frame formed by a longitudinal member and a lateral member, a ski member that is secured to a front portion of the frame and grounded to a sand surface GL, a trailing target portion that is trailed by a trailing vehicle, a separator that is provided at a front lower portion of the frame and scrapes up trash from a sand area while separating the trash from sand, a trash withdrawing member that is provided to the frame at a rear side of the separator to collect the trash scraped up by the separator onto a mesh member, and a wheel at a rear side of the frame. The trash withdrawing member has a fixed withdrawing body that is located at a front end portion and fixed to the frame, and a swing withdrawing body.
US08720593B1
A system and method provide portable protection against a fire. An expandable fire protection enclosure has at least a base enclosure member, an intermediate enclosure member and a top enclosure member. The enclosure members are nested in a transportable configuration. When needed, the expandable fire protection enclosure is placed on a surface and the enclosure members are pulled from the nested, transportable configuration to an occupiable, expanded configuration. The enclosure members are constructed from a thermally-resistant material such as thermal protection system (TPS) silica. The system may include a flexible barrier positionable around an inner perimeter of the base enclosure member. The system may be placed on a thermally protective blanket.
US08720590B2
A permeable material compacting method includes, positioning a portion of at least one elongated member within the interior of a tubular, moving a portion of the at least one elongated member through the interior of the tubular, moving a permeable material through the interior of the tubular with the portion of the at least one elongated member, and radially compacting the permeable material as the permeable material passes through the interior of the tubular.
US08720584B2
There is provided a high power laser riser blowout preventer system and controller for operation thereof. The system utilizes high power laser cutters that are associated with the riser and the blowout preventer to provided an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling.
US08720583B2
A method and apparatus for determining and reacting to an upper packer failure in a riser slip joint. An upper packer failure is determined by comparing pressures at two points in the upper packer pressure circuit using a differential pressure valve. In the event of a failure of the upper packer, a secondary pressure source is used to energize a lower packer in the riser slip joint.
US08720581B2
A production flow base (1) for possible future branched connection onto a production manifold (10) in order to provide for the connection of at least two production jumpers extending from respective subsea Xmas trees onto the production manifold (10), is shown. The production flow base (1) is arranged as a retrofit module connectable to a single inboard hub (11) prearranged on the production manifold (10). The production flow base (1) includes a frame structure (2), piping (3), at least one connector (4) and guiding means (9). The frame structure (2) is arranged for landing on a supporting arrangement (12) projecting from a manifold structure (10). The piping (3) forms a branch terminating in a connector (4) and at least two outboard hubs (6).
US08720579B2
An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) may be programmed and launched to interface with an emergency blowout preventer which has been fitted, either when new or retrofitted, with an emergency BOP control system (EBOP). The EBOP is a “black box” drop-in solution for projects such as emergency well control that can be retrofitted to existing BOP systems or added to new BOP systems and comprises one or more control docking stations, each adapted to receive autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV); one or more interface units connected to the control docking station and used to provide an interface between the control docking station and a BOP; and the AUV which is dimensioned and configured to autonomously mate with the control docking station and effect controls of the BOP.
US08720573B2
A permanent subsea sampling and analysis system is integrated into a replaceable equipment module for a choke valve of a subsea production well. The analysis system is self-contained, and separates a sample into liquid fractions consisting of crude oil, condensate and produced water and then measures the salinity of the water as well as the volumetric ratio between the liquid fractions all in the same sampling container.
US08720571B2
Methods are included that are useful in treating subterranean formations and, more particularly, to minimizing particulate migration over long intervals in subterranean well bores that may be horizontal, vertical, deviated, or otherwise nonlinear. In one embodiment, a method is presented comprising: providing a well bore comprising an open hole section of about 30 feet or more that comprises an open hole section with a filter cake neighboring at least a portion of a reservoir; allowing the integrity of at least a portion of the filter cake to become compromised; and treating at least a portion of the open hole section with a consolidating agent system in a single stage operation so as to at least partially reduce particulate migration in the open hole section.
US08720569B2
A composition of a treatment fluid and method for treating a zone of well. In an embodiment, the composition includes at least: (i) an aqueous phase; (ii) at least 5 ppm iron ion in the aqueous phase; (iii) a source of at least 5 ppm iodide ion to be dissolved in the aqueous phase; (iv) a water-soluble viscosity-increasing agent dissolved in the aqueous phase; and (v) a source of an oxidative breaker to be dissolved in the aqueous phase. In an embodiment, a method of treating a zone of a subterranean formation of a well includes at least the steps of: (a) forming a treatment fluid according to the composition; and (b) introducing the treatment fluid into the zone.
US08720563B2
A cement composition for use in an oil or gas well, the cement composition comprises: a calcium aluminate cement; water; an organic acid; and a polymeric mixture comprising: (A) water; (B) citric acid; (C) a first polymer, wherein the first polymer: (i) comprises a cellulose backbone and carboxymethyl functional groups; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000; and (D) a second polymer, wherein the second polymer: (i) comprises a lignosulfonate; and (ii) has a molecular weight of less than 100,000, wherein a test composition consisting essentially of: the cement; the water; the organic acid; and the polymeric mixture, and in the same proportions as in the cement composition has a thickening time of at least 5 hours at a temperature of 300° F. (148.9° C.) and a pressure of 10,000 psi (68.9 MPa).
US08720560B2
In aspects, the disclosure provides a method for cementing a borehole that includes selecting a location in the borehole for cementing. The method further includes providing a cement slurry comprising a cement and shape memory members having a first shape, the shape memory members configured to expand from the first shape to a second shape upon application of heat to the shape memory members, placing the cement slurry in the selected space and heating the shape memory members in the selected space to attain the second shape.
US08720558B2
Methods for remediating a subterranean formation can comprise: introducing a first remedial fluid into a first portion of a subterranean formation, wherein the first remedial fluid comprises a base fluid and a viscosifying agent; and allowing the first remedial fluid to divert at least a portion of a second remedial fluid that comprises an oxidizer to a second portion of the subterranean formation; wherein the viscosifying agent comprises at least one viscosifying agent selected from the group consisting of a gelling agent, an emulsifier, or a gas in combination with a foaming agent; and wherein the gelling agent, if present, comprises at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of xanthan, diutans, wellans, succinoglycan, clarified biopolymers, scleroglycan, combinations thereof, and derivatives thereof.
US08720552B2
An apparatus and method of measuring a parameter characteristic of a rock formation in an oil well is provided with a device for generating a sensing field within a volume of the rock formation and a device for causing a flow through the volume in the presence of the sensing field, further including sensors responsive to changes in the volume, wherein a sensor response is indicative of the amounts of fluid, particularly hydrocarbon and water saturations and irreducible hydrocarbon and water saturations. Measurements can be made before the flow affects the measuring volume and after onset of the flow through the measuring volume.
US08720545B2
A method for drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore by injecting drilling fluid into a top of a tubular string disposed in the wellbore at a first flow rate and rotating a drill bit. The tubular string includes: the drill bit disposed on a bottom thereof, tubular joints connected together, a longitudinal bore therethrough, a port through a wall thereof, and a sleeve operable between an open position where the port is exposed to the bore and a closed position where a wall of the sleeve is disposed between the port and the bore. The method further includes moving the sleeve to the open position; and injecting drilling fluid into the port at a second flow rate while adding a tubular joint(s) to the tubular string. The injection of drilling fluid into the tubular string is continuously maintained between drilling and adding the joint(s).
US08720543B2
A sealing system between a relatively rotating element and a stationary element has at least three sealing elements arranged between the rotating element and the stationary element and arranged in series between a process fluid and an environment, and a barrier fluid arrangement to provide a barrier fluid to spaces formed between the sealing elements. The barrier fluid arrangement has at least two compensator devices where under use the pressure in the process fluid is acting on one side of a piston in the compensator device and the pressure in the barrier fluid is acting on the opposite side of the piston. There is a difference between cross sectional areas of the two sides of the piston and the difference varies between the at least two compensator devices.
US08720541B2
A tubular handling apparatus including a tubular member running tool adapted to provide load-bearing, and preferably torquing, capacity upon the gripping of a tubular is provided. The running tool includes a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots, a recessed member associated with the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of gripping elements disposed between the slotted member and recessed member. Each such gripping element is adapted to move with an engaged tubular so as to grip the tubular. A tubular member elevator associated to the running tool, as well as related floor slips, are also encompassed. Methods of casing running are also included.
US08720539B2
An electrical power system comprising a support configured for interconnection within a subsurface drillstring, an electrical power unit coupled to the support, and a conductive link configured to distribute electrical power from the electrical power unit to at least one component coupled to the electrical power system within the subsurface drillstring.
US08720524B2
A layered blinds device having a series of screens of evenly spaced rods held in parallel relation to one another that allow users to manipulate light penetration and view transparency as independent variables and a method for doing the same. A spacing mechanism adjusts the spacing between the screens which controls the light penetration while an alignment mechanism adjusts the alignment of the rods which controls the view transparency. The blinds can be adjusted manually or by a tracking system.
US08720519B2
A bonding tool holds a lower chip against a release tape held by a suction force. The bonding tool has an electronic-component suction opening against which the lower chip is held and, surrounding the electronic-component suction opening, a trench that accommodates the release tape. The lower chip is heated, by being pressed against an underfill material and, thus, an area on which an upper chip is mounted is formed in such a manner that the underfill material protrudes out from the lower chip. During the heating, because an expanded part of the release tape, expanded due to heat, is inserted into the trench, no folded line is formed on the upper surface of the underfill material.
US08720512B2
A pneumatic tire having inconspicuous sidewall surface irregularities. The pneumatic tire includes a plurality of sidewall parts and a tread portion extending between the sidewall parts. At least one sidewall part has a pattern extending in the tire circumferential direction that can be visually differentiated from the surrounding regions of the sidewall surface by an irregularity or reflectance properties of light of the sidewall surface. The pattern includes a plurality of linear protrusions or grooves that extend in a wave shape in a tire circumferential direction while deflecting in a tire radial direction with a period of λ1. The line protrusions or grooves have intervals in a tire radial direction, and are non-intersecting. Outer and inner circumferences of the pattern of the tire radial direction are formed by the plurality of linear protrusions or grooves to extend in a wave shape in a tire circumferential direction.
US08720507B2
A pneumatic tire with superior durability having a tread part comprising a cap tread layer (layer A) and an under tread layer (layer B), wherein, in the pneumatic tire, when storage elastic moduli of the rubber compositions constituting the layer A and the layer B are designated as EA and EB, the storage elastic moduli EA (60° C.) and EB (60° C.) determined at a temperature of 60° C. satisfy the following formulae (1) and (2): EA(60° C.)/EB(60° C.)≦0.66 (1) 10(MPa)≦EB(60° C.) (2)
US08720504B2
A non-pneumatic tire includes a plurality of springs. Each spring includes a first end portion, a second end portion, and an arching middle portion. Each spring is interwoven with at least one other spring thereby forming a toroidal structure extending about an entire circumference of the non-pneumatic tire. The toroidal structure is at least partially coated with an elastomer. One end portion of at least one spring is wrapped around a first bead structure adjacent a rim.
US08720502B2
A nozzle includes a nozzle body having a nozzle tip for engaging a fuel hose coupling, the tip extending from the body, and a valve sleeve for opening and closing a fuel path between the tip and the body. The tip is mounted within the body on a flexible shaft, so as to accommodate misalignment between the nozzle and the fuel hose coupling. This eliminates the need for a bearing at the end of the shaft, which causes a pressure drop in the nozzle. The shaft is axially slidable in the mounting in a first portion of the nozzle body. The first and second portions of the body are joined with a weak link, which is frangible in the event of excessive load, to release the abutment and allow the nozzle tip to travel towards the body and close the fuel path. Thus a separate shut-off valve is not required. Also a pressure regulator sleeve moves out of the nozzle body towards the nozzle tip in the event of excessive fuel pressure.
US08720492B2
A selection device for a shed-forming device of a weaving machine has an electromagnetic selector (11) with at least two poles (P1), (P2), . . . (Pn) and a selection element (1), (2); (25), (26); (40), (41) which is located in a cooperating position with a zone (50) alongside at least two poles (P1), (P2), . . . (Pn) and is retained at a holding distance (A) from this zone (50), in which the selector (11) with each adjacent pole (P1), (P2) can exert a magnetic force on the zone (50), and in which the zone (50) extends over a distance (Z) that is shorter than the coil length (S), while the holding distance (A) is at least equal to half the positionable length (L) of the selection element.
US08720491B1
A tube liner for repairing a damaged or worn out auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube. The tube liner includes an elongated liner body with a longitudinally extending gap and expandable seam assembly positioned in the gap. Once the liner is inserted into the auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube, the expandable seam forces the liner against the inside wall of the auger tube or pneumatic conveyor tube to provide a tight seal.
US08720488B2
In order to achieve high opening speeds in a dry running gas valve with electromagnetic actuation, it is provided to arrange the engagement point of the magnet armature 22 and the limit stop at the radially inner guide region 16 of the valve element 2. Due to the resulting reduced deflection, the valve element can be built more compact and lighter and the residual air gap can be reduced, which allows higher opening speeds.
US08720484B2
A fuel system is disclosed. The fuel system includes a fuel tank having a chamber defined by a wall and an electrical circuit associated with the fuel tank. The electrical circuit includes means for determining an amount of fuel disposed within the fuel tank chamber. A portion of the electrical circuit includes a sensor for detecting whether or not the fuel line is properly connected to the fuel tank. A method for assembling a fuel system is also disclosed.
US08720482B2
A fuel metering unit (FMU) comprising a metering valve operable to control the supply of fuel to a delivery chamber of a pressure raising valve (PRV), the PRV including a valve member movable under the influence of the pressure within the delivery chamber between a closed position and an open position in which fuel is able to flow from the delivery chamber to an outlet port, and a push piston movable under the influence of the pressure within a control chamber to urge the valve member towards its open position, wherein the control chamber communicates with a valve control port.
US08720480B2
A flush water supply device includes: a water supply valve for switching between a water supplying state and a water stopping state with respect of an inside of the flush water tank; a refill water system on a downstream side of the water supply valve and adapted to allow flush water to be supplied to the flush water tank, and further supplied to a toilet main body as refill water, wherein the refill water system includes a common passage-forming portion which forms a common passage having: an inlet port for allowing inflow of the flush water therethrough; a tank-side outlet port for allowing the flush water to flow out toward the flush water tank therethrough; a main unit-side outlet port for allowing the flush water to flow out toward the toilet main body therethrough; and a vent port; and a vacuum break valve in the common passage-forming portion.
US08720478B2
A mechanism for implementing at least one of activation and deactivation of a gas valve that is coupled to an input manifold of a processing chamber is provided. The mechanism includes a toggle arm disposed in one of a toggle activation position and a toggle deactivation position. The mechanism also includes a toggle operated switch coupled to the toggle arm and the gas valve. The toggle operated switch is disposed on top of the gas valve and the toggle arm is disposed on top of the toggle operated switch so as to minimize a footprint of an assembly that comprises the gas valve, the toggle operated switch, and the toggle arm. Thus, the process gas flow flows through the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle activation position and is inhibited from flowing into the gas valve when the toggle arm is in the toggle deactivation position.
US08720477B1
A drain assembly includes a closing element having a lower surface and one or more floating elements extending from the lower surface. A receiver element has an inner ring and an outer ring and one or more receptacles disposed between the inner ring and outer ring. The receptacles receive corresponding floating elements and the receiver element has one or more inlet openings associated with the outer ring and one or more outlet openings associated with the inner ring. The one or more inlet openings receive a liquid to fill the receptacles to provide a lifting movement to the one or more floating elements within the corresponding one or more receptacles to lift the closing element. As the closing element lifts, the one or more receptacles fill with the liquid and drain the liquid from the one or more outlet openings.
US08720474B2
An air valve connecting device or attachment includes a housing having an inlet mouth, a gasket engaged into the housing for engaging with an inflation valve, a casing engaged in the housing for compressing the gasket to grasp the inflation valve to the housing, and the casing includes a compartment communicative with the gasket for engaging with a valve piece which selectively blocks the casing, a spring biases the valve piece to engage with the casing, an actuator is engageble with the casing for compressing the gasket to grasp the inflation valve to the housing, and the actuator includes a valve member for preventing an air leaking problem from being occurred by the inflation valves.
US08720472B2
A fuel cutoff valve comprises a casing main body with a connecting hole and a valve chamber, a cover forming the tube member, and the float housed in the valve chamber. The valve comprises, above the casing main body, the liquid closure member forming the retaining chamber for temporarily retaining liquid fuel flown out of the connecting hole and the partition member formed in plurality in a ridge form on the upper surface of the upper wall within the retaining chamber. Each partition member is arranged radially so as to be connected to the liquid closure member from the near center of the connecting hole, and configured in such a way that the retaining chamber is divided into multiple divided chambers.
US08720470B2
The various embodiments herein disclose a system and a method for regulating a flow of fluid stream in fluid storage and dispensing systems. The system comprising a valve arrangement including a compressed air unit bloated by a connecting air inlet tube, a frame and a valve elevating means to mount the valve arrangement on the frame, several sensors to detect one crisis factor, a communication unit, a data logger and processing unit, a remote management system and several actuators to regulate the operation of the valve arrangement. The valve arrangement shuts down the outflow of fluid stream on receiving a valve shutdown signal from one of the sensors and data processing unit in case of a crisis detection. The data processing unit informs the remote management system to take adequate safety measures through the communication unit.
US08720468B2
A pouch air valve includes a hollow tube, a first suction plate, a second suction plate and an air valve. The hollow tube has a central passage running through two sides thereof. The air valve fills and seals the central passage. The first and second suction plates encircle the outer wall of the hollow tube and suck the sealed pouch respectively to couple each other. A method for using includes the following steps: preparing a pliable sealed pouch and forming on the sealed pouch an aperture smaller than suction areas of the first and second suction plates; running the hollow tube through the aperture and positioning the first and second suction plates at two sides of the sealed pouch to couple each other. Air can be sucked out from the sealed pouch for vacuuming or fresh-keeping gas can be injected into the sealed pouch to meet requirements.
US08720465B2
An apparatus including: a sealing case 20 having a branch-shaped branch hole 23 formed in a first separate case 21 and extending in the radial direction C of an existing pipe 1; and a rubber packing 30 for sealing a gap between the sealing case 20 and the existing pipe 1, wherein: the first separate case 21 is provided with a flange 28 for allowing for attachment and removal of a boring machine 3; the sealing case 20 is capable of reciprocating in the pipe axis direction L; and the rubber packing 30 forms: a first sealed area S1 surrounding a portion of the sealing case 20 where the branch hole 23 is provided for shutting the branch hole 23; and a second sealed area S2 being adjacent to the first sealed area S1, sealed against the first sealed area S1, displaced from the first sealed area S1 in the pipe axis direction L, and sized so as to be able to shut the opening bored by a cutter 3a.
US08720446B2
A method of treating prolapse of a vagina includes securing a base of a support to tissue by inserting an anchor into the tissue, the anchor coupled to the support via an interconnecting member, securing a leg of the support that extends from the base of the support to a cuff of the vagina, and adjusting elevation of the cuff of the vagina relative to a patient's sacrum by sliding the interconnecting member relative to the anchor.
US08720432B2
An inhalation nebulizer includes an aerosol generator that can be removed from the inhalation therapy device or inserted therein, and a control device that sends a control signal to the aerosol generator. The aerosol generator has a characterization device containing information about the aerosol generator, that can be determined by an identification device of the inhalation therapy device, in order to influence the operation of the inhalation therapy device.
US08720427B2
A paintball gun having an internal pressure regulator is provided. The paintball gun includes a body, a launching tunnel, a rear lead shaft, the pressure regulator, and a back cover. A hollow barrel of the body allows the launching tunnel and the rear lead shaft to be accommodated successively therein. The pressure regulator is received in the rear lead shaft. The back cover is screwed to the body. Thereby, pressurized air coming from a gas cylinder is directly introduced to the pressure regulator so as for the paintball gun to dispense with any external air duct. Thus, the paintball gun poses no risk of duct burst and requires less assembling operation and fewer fixtures, thus reducing manufacturing costs.
US08720426B2
A soft impact projectile launcher including a launching mechanism that creates a burst of air or air pressure in order to launch a projectile. The launching mechanism includes an outer cylinder and a spring-loaded piston configured to generate the burst of air. The projectile launcher may also include a projectile reservoir and a loading member that positions projectiles for launching. The projectile launcher can launch projectiles that are made from a superabsorbent polymer and consist of mostly water.
US08720424B2
The present invention pertains to the field of archery devices, specifically to devices known as crossbows. Historically. crossbows have had a single foot stirrup, centered at the front end of the crossbow, to assist the user in the cocking procedure. Though functional, a single stirrup does not allow the user to naturally center the crossbow with his body while cocking the crossbow, which may cause miss-alignment of the bow string, as well as possible loss of balance and fatigue. By placing a stirrup on both sides of the barrel of the crossbow, the user may use his left foot, right foot, or both feet to cock the crossbow, and the crossbow is automatically centered to the users body.
US08720423B2
An article of manufacture includes a first rotor having a first flow-through area that is more than 50% of a total first rotor flow area and a first ridged arc member, and a second rotor having a second flow-through area that is more than 50% of a total second rotor flow area and a second ridged arc member. The article further includes an upstream stator and a downstream stator, each stator having a co-extensive stator flow-through area and a co-extensive structural area. The article includes an actuator having an engagement gear between the ridged arc members, where a turn of the engagement gear moves the ridged arc members in opposing directions. The first rotor and second rotor are phased to be at a maximum closed at a first position of the engagement gear and a maximum open at a second position of the engagement gear.
US08720422B2
The invention relates to an internal combustion heat engine, with at least one combustion chamber for intake gases comprising a mixture consisting of a fuel such as petrol and an oxidizer such as air, connected to an intake circuit (A) for the intake of said intake gases into the chamber and an exhaust circuit (B) for the exhaust of the burnt gases outside the chamber, an exhaust gas recirculation circuit (C, D) connecting the exhaust circuit to the intake circuit, and a control system for the exhaust gas recirculation. The control system is arranged so that the exhaust gas recirculation is implemented for at least one operation point defined by an engine speed and a torque output by the engine, for which the output torque is higher than 50% of the maximum engine torque. The invention can be used for operating the engine with optimal stoichiometric mixture and ignition advance without the occurrence of rattling.
US08720409B2
An oil squirter for an engine includes a piston-type valve having a damping vent configured to damp oscillations of the valve piston during opening and closing. The valve piston may be spring biased and the valve may opened by oil pressure exerted on the piston at or above a cracking pressure. The damping vent controls displacement of the valve piston by creating delta pressure in oil contained in a piston chamber in opposition to axial piston movement during opening and closing of the valve, to stabilize the axial movement of the piston thereby damping valve oscillation during valve opening and closing. The damping vent operates to increase cracking stability and eliminate cyclic contact of the valve piston and valve seat to prevent noise, wear, binding, and oil system pressure fluctuations due to squirter valve instability.
US08720401B2
A method and a device for starting an internal combustion engine of a motor vehicle, the internal combustion engine exerting a drive torque on a crankshaft in one direction of the internal combustion engine, a starting motor exerting a starting torque on the crankshaft during a starting process to achieve a minimum rotational speed of the internal combustion engine, and a control unit regulating the starting torque. The control unit regulates the starting torque in a time-dependent manner between a positive maximum starting torque and a negative minimum starting torque during the starting process, a positive starting torque acting on the crankshaft in one direction and a negative starting torque in the opposite direction.
US08720395B2
A variable compression ratio apparatus may include a connecting rod having a small end portion having an eccentric bearing installation hole, a large end portion rotatably connected to the crank shaft, and a space portion formed in a longitudinal direction of the connecting rod and communicated with the eccentric bearing installation hole, a piston pin fixedly, an eccentric bearing rotatably engaged to the eccentric bearing installation hole and coupled to the piston pin through a pin installation hole of the eccentric bearing, wherein the piston pin may be offset from a center axis of the eccentric bearing, an eccentric link connected to the eccentric bearing, a variable link rotatably connected to the eccentric link, a control link rotatably connected to the variable link, and a control shaft provided in the control link to rotate the control link, wherein the eccentric link may be rotated within the space portion.
US08720391B2
A two stroke internal combustion engine (1) incorporating an asymmetric exhaust port/transfer port inversion device (2) characterized in that the device includes a hollow flap valve (100) adapted to pivot about a hollow pivot shaft (101) between a closed position and an open position wherein pivoting the device (2) to the open position as the piston (3) begins the compression stroke allows the transfer of air to continue after the leading edge of the piston has closed off the exhaust port (105) thereby advancing the timing of the exhaust port closing and extending the duration of air transfer from the crankcase primary compression chamber (103).
US08720386B2
A flexible pet protective collar having stays formed of a more rigid material than flexible sheets of the collar, the stays being disposed inside channels located at seams of the collar.
US08720383B2
A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.
US08720382B2
A system includes a controller operable to access an image signal generated by a camera. The accessed image signal corresponds to one or more features of the rear of a dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine positions of each of the hind legs of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal. The controller is further operable to determine a position of an udder of the dairy livestock based on the accessed image signal and the determined positions of the hind legs of the dairy livestock. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the image signal and the determined position of the udder of the dairy livestock, a spray position from which a spray tool may apply disinfectant to the teats of the dairy livestock.
US08720381B2
A pet grooming tool includes a plurality of tine members and dematting members juxtaposed with one another along a shaft axis of a mounting shaft to be secured to a handle assembly. Each tine member has front and rear edge surface extending to join with each other to form a tine tip. Each dematting member has a dematting blade region extending to terminate at an inclined distal edge surface, and having a blade cutout portion which extends from the inclined distal edge surface to form a dematting blade tip that is disposed rearward from the tine tip for preventing injury to a user or a pet. The pet grooming tool will rake or comb a pet by means of the tine members while cutting tangles and mats of the undercoat of the pet by means of the dematting members.
US08720362B2
A seat mounting assembly is provided for quick and easy attachment to a transverse bench-style seat of a fishing or Jon-type boat. The seat mounting assembly is quickly and easily attached to the bench-style seat such that the seat mounting assembly allows a seat attached thereto to slide longitudinally to the transverse bench seat. The unique interface of a seat base and a track of the seat mounting assembly helps ensure that the seat attached to the seat mounting assembly will not tip relative to the bench-style seat, while the low profile design of the seat mounting assembly helps keep the center of gravity of a boat to which the seat mounting assembly is installed substantially unchanged.
US08720354B2
A watercraft having a hull, a mast with sail, an aft rudder and a hydrofoil projecting below the bottom of the hull. The hydrofoil is pivotly connected to the hull enabling the hydrofoil to pitch on a pivot axis which is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hull. The hydrofoils have a vertical part which produces lateral forces to accelerate the boat in turns and resist lateral forces from the sail, and a vertical portion which curves into the horizontal portion which produces vertical lift. The angle of incidence of the hydrofoil is controlled by a sensor arm carrying a trailing sensor.
US08720336B2
A plate for a magnet cylinder includes a main body, a nonmagnetic portion, and a magnetic piece. The main body is formed of a flexible thin plate-like magnetic material to be magnetically mounted on the outer surface of a magnet cylinder. The nonmagnetic portion is projected from one end of the main body. The magnetic piece magnetically sandwiches the nonmagnetic portion against the outer surface of the magnet cylinder.
US08720335B2
A method of predicting the performance of a printing press for a printing job includes preparing a first printing plate and securing the printing plate to a proofing device then adjusting the proofing device to optimize ink transfer from an anilox roll to the printing plate and from the printing plate to a substrate. An operator then prepares a printing proof on the substrate and evaluates the printing proof to predict the performance of a second printing plate on the printing press. The invention may also include a plate for printing that includes a printing press portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a printing press and a proofing portion that is dimensioned to be secured to a proofing tool that are separable.
US08720334B2
A sheet-fed printing press comprises: a screen printing unit for printing one surface of a sheet being transported; a drying unit, provided downstream of the screen printing unit in a transport direction, for drying the screen-printed one surface of the sheet; a gravure printing unit, provided downstream of the drying unit in the transport direction, for performing printing on the dried sheet; and a reversing unit, provided between the drying unit and the gravure printing unit, for switching between double-sided printing in which the other surface on the side opposite to the screen-printed one surface of the sheet is gravure-printed, and single-sided printing in which the screen-printed sheet is reversed, and the one surface of the reversed sheet is gravure-printed.
US08720328B2
A control system of a servo press and a control method are provided for preventing an overload on a pressure capability of a press and a torque capability of a drive system. A control device of a servo press for pressing by transferring a drive force of a servomotor to a slide via a drive mechanism includes: a motion calculation unit for calculating slide target position data; a torque calculation unit for calculating process torque for pressing and control torque for speed change of the servo motor on the basis of slide target position data; a process system limit unit for limiting the calculated process torque to predetermined process limitation torque; and a drive system limit unit for limiting combined torque of the limited process torque and the control torque to predetermined drive limitation torque. The servo motor is driven on the basis of a command of drive limitation torque.
US08720322B2
A barbeque smoker has an angled front with a heated exhaust that increases draft and air circulation, resulting in a more even heat and smoke distribution than conventional smokers. By heating an internal chimney directly over the smoker's fire, the temperature in the exhaust is higher than it is inside the cooking chamber, thus increasing draft/air circulation. The chimney intake is positioned below the cooking grates and runs on an upward angle through the cooking chamber. The chimney terminates outside the top of the smoker. This configuration forces the chamber to uniformly fill with heat and smoke before any heat or smoke can exit the cooking chamber. The increased draft aids efficient circulation of the heat and smoke, creating a very uniform cooking environment.
US08720313B2
A window covering cutting machine is disclosed that has a support table, a cutting mechanism adjacent the support table and a plurality of moveable stops moveably connected to at least one of the cutting mechanism and the support table. The support table has a surface on which at least a portion of a window covering work piece can be placed. The cutting mechanism has a housing with a plurality of openings sized to receive at least a portion of a window covering work piece. The cutting mechanism also has at least one cutting device configured to cut portions of a window covering that extend through any of the openings. One stop is aligned with each opening and is independently moveable relative to the housing and the other stops.
US08720311B2
A combination live/dead tool holder for use on an indexing tool turret of a machine tool includes a live tool holder as well as a dead tool holder mount. The dead tool holder mount is configured to interchangeably mount to a variety of different dead tool holders. The tool holder includes a y-axis adjustment mechanism that facilitates adjustment of the position of the tool holder relative to the turret along the y axis (i.e., along a circumferential direction of the turret).
US08720308B2
A dual-pawl ratchet wrench mechanism is disclosed having a stop mechanism for limiting over-travel of a reversing lever for selecting drive directions. In one form, the wrench mechanism includes a ball and spring assembly that cooperate with recesses to define proper positions for the reversing lever, and one or more ramps are provided between the recesses to promote tactile feel and to promote the reversing lever being rotated to a proper position. In some forms, the stop mechanism is formed on a stationary portion, such as a spacer or the wrench body, and a portion of the reversing lever. The design simplifies manufacturing, such as by simplifying assembly and minimizing the need for securements. Additionally, the reversing lever is assembled with the mechanism in a manner to improve sealing.
US08720302B2
An anchoring device for anchoring an elongate member to a fixed member having a slot leading to an edge thereof, wherein the elongate member passes through the slot; the anchoring device comprising a sleeve which is fixable coaxially around said elongate member and which is provided with a peripheral groove that has an axial length sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the fixed member at said slot and has an outer dimension being less than the inner dimension of the slot; the anchoring device further comprising a collar member which is carried by, and axially moveable along, said sleeve, said collar member having a leading edge which extends into said groove and engages the edge of the slot when the anchoring device is located within said slot, the collar member being arranged such that the leading edge of the collar is withdrawn from the groove by moving the collar member along the sleeve in an axial direction away from the slot.
US08720299B2
A tiltable steering wheel apparatus comprises a tilting mechanism provided under a grip portion of a steering wheel. The tilting mechanism includes a steering wheel support member for supporting the steering wheel to be tiltable about a pivotal axis extending along a transverse direction of a vehicle body, and a control lever switchable between a tilting allowing mode for allowing tilting movement of the steering wheel and a tilting preventing mode for preventing tilting movement of the steering wheel. The control lever has an extension extending toward the grip portion with a manual control portion provided in a distal end thereof to be operable with the fingers of the operator holding the grip portion of the steering wheel.
US08720298B2
The invention relates to a device for moving and positioning an object in space, having at least three actuator arms each connected to a motor/drive unit and pivotable about a motor/drive axis. The free end of each actuator arm is jointedly connected by connecting rods to a support element having at least one gripping device that can be connected to a vacuum source via a vacuum hose. The gripping device is provided with a suction opening for suctionally gripping the object. According to the invention, the vacuum hose is guided by the support element to the motor/drive axis of one of the motor/drive units, and can be connected to the vacuum source by a rotatable hose joint disposed substantially in the motor/drive axis and rotatable about the motor/drive axis.
US08720291B2
An automatic multi-speed gear system including an input axle, a first arm configured to couple with the input axle allowing for independent rotational movement of the input axle along the input axle axis, a first axle configured to couple with the first arm allowing for independent rotational movement of the first axle along a first axle axis, a second arm configured to couple with the first axle allowing for independent rotational movement of the first axle along the first axle axis, a second axle configured to couple with the second arm allowing for independent rotational movement of the second axle along a second axle axis, and an output axle. The first arm and the second arm are configured to move from a high-speed misalignment position to a low-speed alignment position where the second axle orbits the first axle.
US08720288B2
A counter assembly, sheath flow impedance count device, and flow cytometer analyzer are disclosed.
US08720285B2
A non-contact measurement signal transmission system for a wheeler device includes a detection device, a magnetic coupling device, and a pressure sensing device. The detection device is disposed on a body of the wheeler device, and is used for generating an alternating current (AC) signal. The magnetic coupling device includes a first primary side and a first secondary side. The magnetic coupling device receives the AC signal at the first secondary side and emits a magnetic coupling signal from the first primary side. The pressure sensing device disposed on a rotator receives the magnetic coupling signal, and includes a forced portion and a base. The pressure sensing device responds a feedback signal according to a relative displacement between the forced portion and the base after receiving a press of a user. The detection device outputs a forced signal according to the feedback signal.
US08720283B2
The invention provides a variable torque-rate test joint for the performance testing of rotary tools for threaded fasteners. In a typical test routine a nut is repeatedly tightened by the tool and after each tightening the nut must be released and run back to its start position. The invention provides a means for rapidly releasing the pressure on the tightened nut so that it can be run back quickly and easily. The variable joint is supported by a reaction surface that is the operative face of a piston and cylinder assembly seated on a shoulder fast to a shank of the threaded fastener. A hydraulic control is provided for the piston and cylinder assembly including means for hydraulically extending the piston from the cylinder to a fixed maximum extension which defines a test position of the reaction surface, and means for hydraulically retracting the piston back into the cylinder to remove the pressure from the nut at the end of the test. During tightening the piston is extended and preferably hydraulically locked.
US08720280B2
A conduit P is clamped within a clamping hole 16 formed by min body 1, left and right side plates 2, 4 and top plate 3. The clamping hole is maintained by a locking mechanism 5, 5a and 11, and the conduit is deformed to have a substantially square cross section. Ultrasonic signal transmission and reception elements 13a and 13b are arranged in the main body such that an ultrasonic beam emitted from one of the elements is received by the other element after the beam is reflected by the top plate.
US08720277B2
A process pressure measurement system includes a remote seal assembly configured to couple to a process. The system has a remote seal diaphragm with a first side adapted to contact a process fluid and a second side adapted to contact a fill fluid. A first capillary conduit has a first coupling and is coupled to the remote seal and is filled with the fill fluid. A second capillary conduit is coupled to a process fluid pressure transmitter. The second capillary conduit is filled with the fill fluid. A second coupling is coupled to the second capillary conduit and to the first coupling to provide fluidic communication from the remote seal diaphragm to the pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter. At least one of the first and second couplings is sized to pass through a penetration in a process containment barrier.
US08720271B2
A device to balance a disc, comprising a shaft disposed for rotation about an axis having one end adapted to coaxially receive the disc and an opposite end including rotor structure stator structure to magnetically drive the rotor structure, shaft and disc about the axis; and structure for determining imbalance in the disc.
US08720259B1
An exemplary device for testing a gas turbine engine component includes a shaft that is configured to be rotated. A first hub is selectively fixed to the shaft near a first end of the first hub with an opposite, second end spaced from the shaft. A second hub is selectively fixed to the shaft near a first end of the second hub with an opposite, second end spaced from the shaft. The second ends of the hubs each have a feature for supporting the component between the first and second hubs at a location spaced from the shaft for introducing a load on the component near the location.
US08720255B2
A water uptake measurement system for measuring uptake of a fluid by a sample includes a sample chamber, a suspension component and a supply interface. A suspension aperture is located at a first end of the sample chamber and extends from an outer surface of the sample chamber to an inner surface of the sample chamber. The suspension component passes through the suspension aperture and is configured to support the sample within the internal cavity such that the sample is spaced apart from the inner surface of the sample chamber. The supply interface is configured to deliver the fluid to the internal cavity of the sample chamber.
US08720254B2
Micro-leaks are detected by means of a sniffer device including, in an original manner, a flat suction capsule (11) with divergent channels where the flow is regular, a resonant optical cavity (15) as a means of detection and a pump (16) with a low flow rate, which is insufficient to create a vacuum which would be required with other means of detection. Much fainter micro-leaks can be detected.
US08720251B2
A gas detection system comprising a gas sensor having a detection surface for detecting an analyte gas, the accuracy of detection being degraded by the presence of an unwanted gas at the sensor, and a thermal scrubber layer directly adjacent said detection surface of the gas sensor defining a diffusion path for the analyte and unwanted gases to traverse through to the detection surface, the diffusion path having a sufficient length and the thermal scrubber being heated by the heater to a sufficient temperature capable of at least partially thermally decomposing the unwanted gas prior to contacting the detection surface to thereby improve the accuracy of the sensor. The system further comprises a heater that is preferably arranged to heat both the detection surface and the thermal scrubber. The invention is particularly useful for improving the performance of an NO2 gas sensor in the presence of ozone (O3).
US08720244B2
The present invention provides a method for supplying lubricant to various kinds of steel sheets with different qualities in cold rolling without any restrictions, such as lubricant supplying apparatus or lubrication conditions. This method comprises storing two or more kinds of lubricant such as A and B, having different compositions, selecting one lubricant or a mixture lubricant of the above A and B in accordance with the friction coefficient between the steel sheet to be cold rolled and a work-rolls, and supplying an emulsion comprising a mixture of the lubricant A and/or B and heated water.
US08720240B2
A rotary output member that is a motor vehicle door catch and a rotary input member of a mechanism that is a motor vehicle door lock is disclosed. The arrangement includes a movement transmitting device that is inserted between the two rotary members, the transmission shaft of the two ends of which, together with the rotary output and input members, form articulated universal joints allowing some degree of axial misalignment. Each end of the shaft is ball shaped, collaborating with a complementary rotary member part. The ball at the door catch end of the transmission shaft is a faceted ball, the number of facets of which is defined according to the angle between the door catch and the door lock.
US08720239B2
An improved method of rotating the lockrod of a tool storage unit to the “locked” or “unlocked” position by use of a linear actuator to rotate the lockrod actuator, where the linear actuator operates electrically, allowing for control by any remotely or automatically operated system. The tool storage unit locking mechanisms include a center-neutral key position that rotates 90 degrees in either direction from center to lock and unlock the unit. This design allows a standard key to operate the locking mechanism, but also allows a secondary mechanism (such as an electromagnetically driven mechanism) to directly operate the lock. Due to its specifics, the design would also allow for retrofitability.
US08720236B2
A multiple function lock, which has dual, independently operated, locking mechanisms. In one embodiment, the multiple function lock is further comprised of a combination locking mechanism and a keyed locking mechanism. In one embodiment, the multiple function lock is further comprised of a gate mechanism for selectively securing and releasing a shackle of the lock.
US08720222B2
An appliance includes a cabinet; a first compartment; and a second compartment. The first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a horizontal mullion. The cabinet also typically includes a coolant system that has: a single compressor for regulating a temperature of the first compartment and a temperature of the second compartment operably connected to at least one evaporator; a shared coolant fluid connection system; and a coolant fluid spaced within the shared coolant fluid connection system used to regulate both the temperature of the first compartment and the second compartment. The compressor can provide the shared coolant at at least two different pressures to at least one evaporator using the shared coolant fluid connection circuit. The ratio of the substantially steady state heat gain for the first compartment to the substantially steady state total heat gain for the overall cabinet is about 0.65:1 or greater.
US08720216B1
The hybrid aqua-ammonia and lithium bromide-water absorption chiller is an aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration system integrated with a lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system. By integrating a solar-powered lithium bromide-water absorption refrigeration system into the aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration system, evaporator temperatures below the freezing point of water may be generated at lower operating pressures and lower generator temperatures than in conventional aqua-ammonia absorption refrigeration systems.
US08720215B2
An auxiliary air-conditioning system for a motor vehicle, in particular a truck comprising a tractor provided with a driving cab and possibly a sleeper compartment, and a primary air-conditioning system connected to the main engine and to the battery of the truck. The auxiliary air-conditioning system is totally independent of the primary air-conditioning system of the truck and is formed by an external unit designed to be set on the outside of the driving cab and/or of the sleeper compartment, and by at least one heat-exchange unit, which is hydraulically and electrically connected to the external unit and is designed to be set inside the driving cab and/or inside the sleeper compartment.
US08720209B1
The rapid thermal cycling of a material is targeted. A solid state heat exchanger with a first well and second well is coupled to a power module. A thermoelectric element is coupled to the first well, the second well, and the power module, is configured to transfer thermal energy from the first well to the second well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a first direction, and is configured to transfer thermal energy from the second well to the first well when current from the power module flows through the thermoelectric element in a second direction. A controller may be coupled to the thermoelectric elements, and may switch the direction of current flowing through the thermoelectric element in response to a determination by sensors coupled to the wells that the amount of thermal energy in the wells falls below or exceeds a pre-determined threshold.
US08720205B2
With turbine segments controlled electrically in a shaftless design, the turbine of the present invention creates high propulsion efficiencies over a broader range of operating conditions through the integration of gas turbine, electric and magnetic power systems, advanced materials and alternative petroleum-based combustion cycles.
US08720204B2
A combustor liner has a plurality of resonators formed thereon. Each resonator has a radially outer wall and at least one side wall. The outer wall can be free of holes. Each resonator has an inner cavity defined between the outer wall, the at least one side wall and the outer peripheral surface of the liner. The at least one side wall of each resonator surrounds a subset of a plurality of holes that extend substantially radially through the liner. A plurality of cooling passages extends generally longitudinally within the liner. Each cooling passage has an inlet in fluid communication with the exterior of the liner and an outlet in fluid communication with the inner cavity of a respective one of the resonators. A coolant, such as compressor air, can enter and flow along the cooling passages to thereby cool the liner and purge the inner cavity of the resonator.
US08720200B2
In the case where a low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value corresponding to the pressure of inlet gas at the outlet of a low-pressure compressor operated in a twin supercharging mode is less than a target supercharging pressure in a single supercharging mode, changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is prohibited. Meanwhile, in the case where the low-pressure-side supercharging pressure acquired value is equal to or greater than the target supercharging pressure, the changeover from the twin supercharging mode to the single supercharging mode is permitted. Alternatively, in the case where a supercharging pressure during operation in the single supercharging mode is less than a target value of the pressure of supply gas at the outlet of the low-pressure compressor in the twin supercharging mode, changeover from the single supercharging mode to the twin supercharging mode is prohibited. Meanwhile, in the case where the supercharging pressure is equal to or greater than the target value, the changeover from the single supercharging mode to the twin supercharging mode is permitted.
US08720197B2
A flow management system capable of providing adjustable hydraulic fluid flow or pressure at a common line to supply bidirectional pumps in electro-hydrostatic actuation systems and conditioning re-circulated hydraulic fluid. The system enables flow sharing between multiple actuation systems and minimization of energy consumption by a power-on-demand approach and/or electrical energy regeneration while eliminating the need for an accumulator. The system has particular application to electro-hydrostatic actuation systems that typically include bi-directional electric motor driven pumps and unbalanced hydraulic actuators connected within closed circuits to provide work output against external loads and reversely recover energy from externally applied loads.
US08720195B2
An exhaust assembly includes an exhaust pipe, a first venturi member at the inlet end of the pipe and a second venturi member at the outlet end of the pipe. A diffuser/mixer is mounted at the outlet end of the exhaust pipe. A shield pipe surrounds a portion of the exhaust pipe. A shield member is mounted to the shield pipe and covers a portion of the first venturi member. The first and second venturi members operate to combine ambient air with exhaust gases.
US08720191B2
An object is to provide a diesel engine that eliminates discomfort when an operator of a working, machine coupled to the diesel engine is at work while a particulate filter is being regenerated. A diesel engine includes an exhaust emission purifier and selecting means capable of selecting any one control method from isochronous control and droop control. The exhaust emission purifier includes a particulate filter and a pressure regulation valve. The particulate filter is disposed along an exhaust stream to purify exhaust gas. The pressure regulation valve is configured to apply a load onto the diesel engine so as to raise a temperature of the particulate filter so that a particulate accumulable in the particulate filter is forcibly removed and that the particulate filter is regenerated. The selecting means is configured to select the isochronous control to control the diesel engine when the load is applied by the pressure regulation valve.
US08720190B2
A method for predicting sulfur oxides (SOx) stored at a denitrification (DeNOx) catalyst may include calculations of the mass flow of SOx poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst, the mass flow of SOx released from the DeNOx catalyst, and the SOx amount poisoned at the DeNOx catalyst by integrating the value obtained by subtracting the released mass flow of SOx from the poisoned mass flow of SOx. An exhaust system using the method may comprise an engine having a first injector, an exhaust pipe, a second injector mounted at the exhaust pipe and injecting a reducing agent, a DeNOx catalyst mounted at the exhaust pipe and reducing SOx or nitrogen oxides (NOx) or both contained in the exhaust gas by using the reducing agent, and a control portion electrically connected to the system and performing the calculations and controls.
US08720188B2
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.
US08720187B2
An exhaust diagnostic control system comprises a test enabling module, an exhaust gas temperature management module in communication with the test enabling module, and a component management module configured for executing a test for determining a reduction efficiency associated with the after-treatment component. The test enabling module is configured for assessing a reliability of an estimated level of reductant load on an after-treatment component, and, based on the reliability, selectively facilitating disablement of a subsequent test for determining an efficiency of NOx reduction in the after-treatment component. The exhaust gas temperature management module is configured for selectively adjusting a temperature of the after-treatment component to a predetermined temperature range using intrusive exhaust gas temperature management. The test for determining reduction efficiency comprises determining a NOx reduction efficiency of the after-treatment component.
US08720186B2
A control apparatus (100) for a gas sensor (10) which includes a cell (2) composed of a solid electrolyte body and a pair of electrodes provided thereon. The control apparatus includes voltage application means (70) for applying a single pulse voltage to the cell over a constant energization time T; first-output-value obtaining means 70 for obtaining a first output value Vri1 from the cell when a first time t1 shorter than the constant energization time has elapsed; second-output-value obtaining means (70) for obtaining a second output value Vri2 from the cell when a second time t2 shorter than the constant energization time but longer than the first time has elapsed; and deterioration-degree detection means 70 for detecting the degree of deterioration of the cell on the basis of a difference ΔVri between the second output value and the first output value.
US08720182B2
A variable area fan nozzle for use with a gas turbine engine system includes a nozzle having a cross-sectional area associated with a discharge air flow from a fan bypass passage. The nozzle is selectively moveable between multiple static positions for varying the cross-sectional area and multiple thrust reverse positions that are different from the static positions for reversing a direction of the discharge flow from the fan bypass passage to produce a thrust reversing force.
US08720171B2
A helical-acting snap roll for a harvesting header having straight flutes which are free of a formed twist. The snap roll includes a plurality of elongated straight flutes that extend substantially the entire length of the snap roll but that are parallel misaligned with a central axis of rotation of the snap roll. A pair of opposing and counter-rotating snap rolls of the present invention chops and pulls crop stalks passing therebetween downward toward the ground while also creating a helical action such that the crop stalks are conveyed rearward. In one embodiment, at least a pair of straight portions acting as flutes are partially parallel aligned with one another along the length and one side of each snap roll.
US08720169B2
The disclosure relates to a packaging machine comprising a plurality of work stations which are operable in synchronism with one another and which define a production direction, each of said work stations including at least one movable tool member. The packaging machine is provided with a rotationally driven shaft arranged in the production direction of said packaging machine, and the shaft and each of the movable tool members of various work stations have provided between them at least one transfer mechanism for converting the movement of the shaft into the movement of the respective tool member.
US08720167B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for subdividing a fed tubular packaging sleeve into packaging units, having two displacer groups which are intended for constricting the tubular packaging sleeve, it being possible for the rear displacer group, as seen in respect of the movement of the tubular packaging sleeve, to be moved in the longitudinal direction of the tubular packaging sleeve, and the apparatus comprises a supporting element which is connected to the rear displacer group and is intended for supporting the tubular packaging sleeve. The supporting element allows the tubular packaging sleeve to be transported away reliably.
US08720164B2
An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.
US08720146B2
A suspended ceiling structure for a refrigerated storage and a construction method thereof are provided. The suspended ceiling structure comprises a ceiling grid which comprises a main grid, hanging members and an attachment grid. An insulating strip made of polyurethane foam is placed on the main grid so as to serve as a cushion block. An upper color-coated steel sheet is provided above the insulating strip and a lower color-coated steel sheet is arranged below the main grid. A thermal break component is arranged between the main grid and the lower steel sheet, and a polyurethane insulating material is sprayed in successive layers between the upper and lower color coated steel sheets. The ceiling structure can improve the insulation effect of the refrigerated storage and save energy.
US08720145B2
A vapor barrier for mounting and sealing on a foundation wall using adhesive. The vapor barrier includes a moisture impervious sheet having a first exterior side surface arranged to extend adjacent to and downward along the foundation wall when mounted. An adhesion strip is secured to the first exterior side surface being adapted to absorb an adhesive placed on the foundation wall for securing the moisture impervious sheet to the foundation wall. The adhesion strip comprising a porous synthetic fibrous web capable of distributing the adhesive completely through the adhesion strip to the first exterior side surface of the moisture impervious sheet during mounting to the foundation wall so that an air and moisture tight seal is formed between the foundation wall, the adhesion strip, and the moisture impervious sheet.
US08720144B2
A flooring system may comprise a top floor layer, a subfloor, and/or an underlayment material disposed between the sub-floor and the top floor layer. The top floor layer may include a plurality of luxury vinyl tiles, configured such that respective tile joints may be formed between adjacent luxury vinyl tiles. The underlayment material may comprise a cross-linked, polyolefin foam. The composition of the underlayment material may be such that the tile joints between the adjacent luxury vinyl tiles may bend by less than about 45 degrees over a twelve hour period when 3.1 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure is applied. The underlayment material may have a compressive creep of less than fifty percent of an original thickness associated with the underlayment material at a load of 3.1 psi and/or a compressive strength of more than 15 psi.
US08720139B2
A post-tensioned concrete cap foundation has helical anchors with pipes having several helical discs welded around the pipe perimeter to spin drill deep into subsurface soils or other soft materials with holes in the pipe for high pressure-grouting in place. The helical anchor pipes are coupled to a tensioning element for pulling and post-tensioning the helical anchor. The helical anchors are tension anchors which can be converted to compression anchors. The helical anchors in tension serve to pull the foundation cap down to compress the underlying soil while the compression anchors limit the maximum settlement of the concrete foundation cap. The foundation also includes perimeter-forming and interior corrugated metal pipes with upper and lower sleeved horizontally extending radial bolts that are secured to the pipes and post-tensioned to provide lateral foundation compression.
US08720137B2
The KE architectural element is a component of a building or space.Designed by a licensed architect, interior designer, and general contractor, the KE architectural element will revolutionize the creative design approach to space planning of interiors. Used as a template tool, the KE architectural element will influence the arrangement of spaces. The KE architectural element will result in the efficient, effective, and sustainable solution of any project. The KE architectural element is formed out of standard metal framing parts and can fit any actual condition. Easy to assemble, the KE architectural element will be the central hub for all utility infrastructures, which is housed in compartments and distributed within zoned layers according to specified locations. The KE architectural element will adapt to a number of standard configurations of plumbing fixture, appliance, and cabinetry layouts. The KE architectural element comes in a single key shape that is adaptable to varied dimensional restraints, depending upon the ultimate use and design intent for the space.
US08720132B2
The present invention relates generally to electrical systems. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical wiring systems suitable for use in roofing applications. One aspect of the invention is a wiring system on a roof comprising a roof deck having a slope and one or more roofing elements disposed on the roof deck, the wiring system including one or more wires extending along the roof on top of the roofing elements; and a wire covering disposed over the one or more wires.
US08720130B2
A leveling block for a wall construction system includes an upper surface, a lower surface, and a wall extending at least partially between the upper and lower surfaces and defining a leveling block void. A leveling plate engages the lower surface wherein the leveling plate includes a bore for receiving a threaded bolt having a contact surface and the threaded bolt extends into the leveling block void. The threaded bolt is adapted to be threaded to a desired position relative to the leveling plate to permit the contact surface to be positioned at a desired vertical position relative to the lower surface of the block such that the upper surface of the block is disposed substantially in a particular orientation when the block is placed on a surface.
US08720128B2
A method to disassemble a mast assembly having a substructure including a first and second section, a first and a second cylinder, and a lower mast section. The method includes the steps of disengaging a pair of front mast legs of the lower mast section from a pair of front leg supports. The pair of front leg supports are moved from an operational to a transport position. The lower mast section is lowered from a vertical to a horizontal position by retracting the first cylinder and the second cylinder. A mast center spreader is thereafter removed from the lower mast section. A center drill floor section is removed from between the first substructure section and the second substructure section so that a combination of the first substructure section, the first cylinder and a portion of the lower mast and a combination of the second substructure section, the second cylinder and a portion of the lower mast may be transported.
US08720122B1
A rain gutter screen assembly is fixed in place over a rain gutter system mounted on a building to prevent the entry of debris into the gutter system. The screen assembly has plural gutter screens with each of the gutter screens having a bead of a water phobic substance engaged on its bottom surface with the bead extending to edges of the screen. The screens are arranged in side-by-side positions such that a bead termination of each one of the beads of each one of the gutter screens is in contact with another bead termination of another one of the beads of another one of the gutter screens so that rain water is unable to bridge the screens but is forced to fall into the gutter system.
US08720120B2
The present invention is related to inflatable devices, and, more specifically, to inflatable devices in combination with rigid surfaces and a method for deflating an inflatable device. According to one embodiment of the present invention an inflatable device is provided. The inflatable device includes a substantially fluid impermeable bladder and an outlet in the bladder. The inflatable device also includes a first substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with the first surface of the fluid impermeable bladder. In this embodiment, the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method of deflating an inflatable device is provided. This method includes positioning a first and a second substantially rigid surface in contact with a first surface of the inflatable device such that the first and second substantially rigid surfaces collectively are in contact with more than half of the first surface of the fluid impermeable barrier. The method further includes applying pressure to at least one of the first and second substantially rigid surfaces to force air out of the bladder.
US08720119B2
A device includes a base attachable to a first side of a door; a swing arm coupled to the base, the swing arm including a bracket flange configured to extend across an edge of the door between the first side of the door and a second side of the door opposite the first side of the door; and a biasing member coupled between the swing arm and the base and configured to urge the swing arm from a retracted position in which the bracket flange is adjacent the edge to an extended position in which the bracket flange is apart from the edge.
US08720116B1
The hands-free door opener assembly permits a person to open, close and lock a door by employing a forearm or elbow. The system comprises respective push handle members disposed on both the interior and exterior surfaces of the door. Pushing either handle member functions to pivot a latch out of engagement with a latch plate positioned in the door frame. A door opening spring-biased plate is mounted on the latch plate to provide an assist to open the door when the latch is disengaged. The door is provided with a hands-free locking structure on the interior surface. An occupancy alert is disposed on the exterior surface of the door.
US08720107B1
A station for holding an insect control product includes a body portion having sidewalls and a rear wall defining a receptacle having an opening. A door portion is rotatably coupled to the body portion for covering the opening defined by the body portion in a closed configuration of the station. A tamper resistant latching mechanism is disposed within the receptacle in the closed configuration of the station, and is accessible by a key through an aperture through the door portion.
US08720105B2
A float and/or strike indicator for fly fishing may be attached by friction/interference fit onto a line or leader, by sliding the float up the leader to a thicker-diameter portion of the leader for a tight fit between the leader and an axial bore in the float. The bore may be tapered in diameter, may have a constant diameter, may have a significantly reduced or tapered diameter or another restriction in a portion(s) of the bore, and/or may have an enlarged end opening, for example. The floats may include one or more protrusions into which a small diameter end of the axial bore extends, and, during installation on the line/leader, the protrusion may be removed but snapping or cutting to reveal the bore so that that line/leader may be inserted all the way through the float and accessed at the small diameter end of the bore.
US08720100B1
A weapon system includes a first handgun, a second handgun and a clamp removably connecting the first handgun and the second handgun. The clamp includes a bracket securing to the first handgun over the grip and above the magazine butt plate. The clamp has a ball joint connected to the bracket below the magazine butt plate. The clamp includes a beam connected to the ball joint. The clamp includes an attachment brace connected to the distal end of the beam. The attachment brace releasably holds the second handgun. The attachment brace is tighten-able to the second handgun such that the muzzle of the second handgun can be adjusted to a rotatable position in three dimensions. The second handgun can also be fired when in such rotatable position.
US08720083B2
A waterproof vapor-permeable shoe, including an upper part that delimits a foot insertion region; a sole, made mainly of plastic material, provided with at least one region which is diffusely perforated with through holes in the direction of a walking surface; a vapor-permeable or perforated flat element, rigidly coupled to the lower part of the sole on which the tread of the sole is formed or rigidly coupled, the flat element adapted to limit the formation of hollows in the foot insertion region at the projection of the holes of the diffusely perforated region; and a waterproof vapor-permeable membrane associated with the upper part and/or with the sole; the membrane being arranged above the flat element so as to be superimposed on the diffusely perforated region.
US08720072B2
A razor includes a handle and detachable blade cartridge. The end of the handle has a pivot sphere upon which the blade cartridge is rotatably mounted, with freedom to pivot around three axes of the handle, and otherwise holds its orientation relative to the handle. The blade cartridge is held to the pivot sphere by a clevis having recesses defined in at least the inner side surfaces of its legs. The recesses, together with the clevis, are sized to admit the pivot sphere between them and to hold the sphere therein once admitted. The clevis and/or the pivot sphere can be formed of a resilient injection molded plastic. The range of motion of the blade cartridge can be limited by forming one or more stops on the pivot sphere to interact with the clevis and thereby interrupt its free rotation.
US08720068B2
A hand cutter with a blade guard providing the highest possible protection from accidental cutting. The blade guard can be effortlessly activated from the locked position by a trigger, which is achieved by closing the hand around the cutter handle. The released blade guard remains in the released state until the blade has been put to use by cutting the object, when the blade guard release is removed so that the blade guard is automatically relocked as soon as the blade guard returns to the initial protected position.
US08720065B2
A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.
US08720057B2
A method is provided for reconditioning a turbomachine rotor, equipped with circumferentially extending grooves for accommodating blades retained in the grooves at a distance from each other by spacers. The method includes removing the blades and spacers from the grooves and hollowing out the exposed grooves, simultaneously widening the grooves to remove damage-inflicted material. At least one circumferentially extending lateral groove is introduced for accommodating a filler piece in the grooves to fill a gap between blades and hollowed-out rotor grooves. New spacers are provided which are matched to the hollowed-out grooves and have recesses which are matched to the introduced lateral grooves. Filler pieces are provided for inserting into the circumferentially extending lateral grooves and recesses of the new spacers. The blades and new spacers are inserted into the hollowed-out rotor grooves and corresponding filler pieces are inserted into the lateral grooves and matched recesses of the new spacers.
US08720051B2
In one embodiment, a meta-module having circuitry for two or more modules is formed on a substrate, which is preferably a laminated substrate. The circuitry for the different modules is initially formed on the single meta-module. Each module will have one or more component areas in which the circuitry is formed. A metallic structure is formed on or in the substrate for each component area to be shielded. A single body, such as an overmold body, is then formed over all of the modules on the meta-module. At least a portion of the metallic structure for each component area to be shielded is then exposed through the body by a cutting, drilling, or like operation. Next, an electromagnetic shield material is applied to the exterior surface of the body of each of the component areas to be shielded and in contact with the exposed portion of the metallic structures.
US08720047B2
Described herein are casting and molding methods useful for making microstructured objects. By including a plurality of microfeatures on the surface of an object, other characteristics may be imparted to the object, such as increased hydrophobicity. Some of the casting and molding methods described herein further allow for manufacture of objects having both microfeatures and macro features, for example microfeatures on or within macro features or selected macro feature regions.
US08720041B2
A method of assembling an induction rotor includes inserting a plurality of conductor bars into a stack of disks whereby distal ends of the conductor bars project from respective axial ends of the stack, placing first and second end rings onto the respective axial ends of the stack so that the ends of the conductor bars fit into slots in the respective end rings, and compressing the slots against the conductor bars by impacting at least one of the end rings. The method may include selectively adjusting an amount of end ring material being compressed by varying heights of respective areas of a top surface of the end ring and/or selectively adjusting an amount of end ring material being compressed by varying heights of respective areas of an impacting surface.
US08720036B2
A biochip for the integration of all steps in a complex process from the insertion of a sample to the generation of a result, performed without operator intervention includes microfluidic and macrofluidic features that are acted on by instrument subsystems in a series of scripted processing steps. Methods for fabricating these complex biochips of high feature density by injection molding are also provided.
US08720034B2
A method of attaching a head assembly having an annular hollow boss to an arm having a through hole of a carriage is provided. The head assembly includes a load beam of a head suspension and a base plate fixed to a base part of the load beam. The boss is formed on the base plate. The method includes steps of, inserting the boss into the through hole, thereby setting the head assembly to the arm of the carriage, supplying lubricant along the cylindrical jig to the caulking ball and pushing the caulking ball with the cylindrical jig to pass the caulking ball through an inside of the boss and diametrally expand and plastically deform the boss, thereby fixedly fitting the boss of the head assembly to the through hole of the arm of the carriage. The method causes no deformation of a flange formed on the base plate during caulking and is achievable at low cost.
US08720031B2
The present invention relates to a system for assembling a piece of furniture. The system comprises an elongated track element including a recessed bottom wall having a plurality of equidistantly spaced apart indentations and opposite front flanges defining there between a channel. The system further includes a fitting element having a main portion defining a front surface and opposite rear surface, an arresting pin extending from the rear surface, and a transversal bar extending parallel with the front and rear surfaces. The fitting element is arrested relative to the elongated track element in a three-step operation. The first step involving positioning the fitting element in front of the channel and introducing the transversal bar into the channel. The second step involves rotating the fitting element while maintaining the transversal bar within the channel. The third step involves receiving the arresting pin within a single indentation of the bottom wall.
US08720030B2
Apparatus for installing a cable into a tube with the assistance of a fluid drag acting on the cable within the tube with an installation device, the apparatus including a driving mechanism comprising a driving surface arranged to contact the cable substantially along the full driving surface length, for driving the cable into the tube, a first measurement device for obtaining a first value indicative of a rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube, a second measurement device for obtaining a second value indicative of a rate at which the cable is travelling through the apparatus, a processor for detecting when the first value exceeds the second value, and for reducing the rate at which the installation device is driving the cable into the tube for the duration when the first value exceeds the second value.
US08720029B2
A method for replacing a tag tool needle includes securing at least a portion of a tag tool needle coupled to a tag tool in a needle container; and removing the tag tool needle from the tag tool with the needle container. A tag tool needle container includes a first tubular aperture adapted to receive at least a portion of a first tag tool needle therein, where the first tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to securely enclose the portion of the first tag tool needle when urged over the first tag tool needle; and a second tubular aperture coupled to the first tubular aperture and adapted to receive at least a portion of a second tag tool needle therein, where the second tubular aperture has a compression-fit adapted to adapted to securely enclose the portion of the second tag tool needle when urged over the second tag tool needle.
US08720028B2
A replaceable filter media and holding mechanism apparatus is provided and includes a shell defining a pathway and an insertion bay and a body having filter media disposed therein, first and second air permeable faces on opposite sides of the filter media and first and second edge faces extending between corresponding ends of the first and second air permeable faces, the body being insertible into the insertion bay to position the filter media for filtering air flowing along the pathway with the first edge face leading the second edge face and being removable from the insertion bay with the second edge face leading the first edge face.
US08720020B2
A machine and a method for treating fabrics, comprise in combination a step of inducing substantially vertical vibrations in a quantity of fabric in the form of a substantially compact mass and a simultaneous step of drying the rest of the fabric in opened-out form.
US08720019B2
Personal restraint systems with buckle assemblies for use in vehicles are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a personal restraint system includes a connector configured to be coupled to a web. The restraint system also includes a buckle assembly configured to releasably retain the connector. In this embodiment, the buckle assembly includes a frame having a locking feature configured to engage a tongue of the connector. The buckle assembly also includes a locking member movably positioned adjacent to the frame that retains the tongue in a locked position. The buckle assembly further includes an actuator that can be actuated by a user to move the tongue out of the locked position.
US08720018B2
The lock member includes: a plate-like base portion positioned on a top side of the socket; a holder retaining the base portion to the socket; an operating portion connected to the base portion and movable in a direction intersecting the base portion by an external operation; and a lock portion restricting disengagement of the engaged portions and the engaging portions. The lock portion is positioned in the socket and connected to the operating portion via a joint inserted in the cutout. Without the external operation, the lock portion is present in movement paths where the engaging portions move to be disengaged from the engaged portions. When the operating portion is moved by the external operation, the lock portion is moved away from the movement paths.
US08720016B2
A clip for releasably securing a panel to a support, including a socket member, and a ball member. The socket member includes a base having a bore positioned at a center point of the base and a collar located around the bore, the collar being partitioned into segment walls separated by gaps. The ball member includes a base having a collar positioned around the center and a cylindrical pillar with a spherical member projecting from a top surface of the base at a generally perpendicular angle to the base. The spherical member of the cylindrical pillar is pushed through the collar of the socket member, causing the segment walls to flex back to allow the spherical member to emerge from above the segment walls and the pillar to be encircled by the segment walls when the segment walls flex back to their original position, resulting in a secure snap fit engagement of the ball and socket members.
US08720010B2
A damping device for damping a relative movement of device parts of a device for pivoting and/or displacing a furniture part guided movably on a furniture body is proposed, the damping device comprising a damper housing with an inner volume and an inner part accommodated in the inner volume, the damper housing and the inner part executing a relative movement during a damping action, so that, during the relative movement, wall portions delimiting the inner volume and an at least essentially cylindrical portion of the inner part can be moved past and opposite one another. According to the invention, the wall portions have an essentially hollow-cylindrical basic shape, guide means portions projecting in regions into the hollow-cylindrical basic shape, which guide means portions are in bearing contact against the cylindrical portion of the inner part during the relative movement.
US08720008B2
A hinge for use with an insulated door of a walk-in freezer, refrigerator or cooler including a hinge base adapted to be attached to the frame of said freezer, refrigerator or cooler, a hinge blade pivotally coupled to the hinge base and a wall that extends across the hinge base which has a U shaped clearance opening. Fastening screws located in clearance openings in the hinge blade and threadedly coupled to a door mounting plate adapted to be securely attached to the insulated door for slidably or securely coupling the hinge blade to the door mounting plate, and a micro adjust screw having a threaded shaft located in the U shaped clearance opening and threadedly coupled to the door mounting plate, wherein turning the micro adjust screw slides the door mounting plate horizontally along the hinge blade to provide door lift or rotation to compensate for frame or mounting misalignment.
US08720004B2
A floor tool for a cleaning appliance includes a head for engaging with a floor surface, a connecting arm pivotally connected to the head about a first axis and a supporting body pivotally connected to the head about a second axis. The head includes a suction opening which lies in a suction plane. The connecting arm includes an outlet in communication with the suction opening and adapted to connect to the cleaning appliance. The connecting arm is adapted and arranged to engage with the supporting body so that when, in use, the floor tool is pushed forwardly across the floor surface, the connecting arm applies a force to the head in a direction away from the floor surface. This allows the floor tool to be of reduced depth than was achievable hitherto while still being able to achieve the desired “rocking” motion to improve cleaning performance.
US08719995B2
A windscreen wiper device comprising an elastic, elongated carrier element, as well as an elongated wiper blade of a flexible material, which can be placed in abutment with a windscreen to be wiped, which wiper blade includes opposing longitudinal grooves on its longitudinal sides, in which grooves spaced-apart longitudinal strips of the carrier element are disposed, wherein neighboring ends of the longitudinal strips are interconnected by a respective connecting piece, which windscreen wiper device comprises a connecting device for an oscillating wiper arm, with the special feature that an end wall of at least one connecting piece comprises an opening, wherein a part of the wiper blade permanently extends through the opening and beyond the connecting piece, and wherein the part of the wiper blade is reinforced.
US08719994B2
A connector between a windscreen wiper and a drive arm, with the wiper extending in a longitudinal direction, and the connector being capable of being installed in a free end of the arm, includes an attachment part equipped with a housing open towards a bottom and allowing removable attachment according to a vertical direction of the wiper with the connector, and elastically deformable locking means having a portion that is capable of ensuring locking in the longitudinal direction of the connector in an installed position thereof in the free end of the arm. The attachment part is designed to cooperate with an installation element other than the locking means and is permanently fixed to the wiper. The locking means comprise a tab that extends in the longitudinal direction.
US08719993B2
Semiconductor equipment is provided to include a reaction chamber, a movable frame, and at least one cleaning brush head. The cleaning brush head is configured to operate on at least one dirty portion to be cleaned within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is disposed within the reaction chamber. The movable frame is capable of carrying a susceptor. The cleaning brush head is capable of touching the dirty portion. The cleaning brush head is capable of moving relative to the dirty portion for removing the residue which is attached to the portion to be cleaned.
US08719991B2
Novel cleaning implements and novel components of cleaning implements are provided. Aspects relate to novel wringers having convex regions with a plurality of drain exits. In some embodiments, concave regions are also provided. The concave regions are substantially devoid of any drain exits. An upper portion of the wringer may be substantially cylindrical or conic-cylindrical and a lower portion may be neither cylindrical nor conic-cylindrical. The bottom perimeter of the bottom may define a square-like shape. Further aspects relate to novel connection assemblies. Certain assemblies may have a top portion with a vertical wall that is configured to position mop fibers along a vertical axis.
US08719988B2
A paint stripper (1) for scraping away paint includes a stripper blade that has a handle (2). The paint stripper is characterized by a combination of causing the stripper blade (3) to move in a forward direction (A) and a return direction (B) generally parallel with the longitudinal direction of the handle (2). The stripper (1) includes hot air generating elements such in that the hot air is intended to exit in the vicinity of the blade (3) of the stripper, wherewith paint that has been heated by the hot air is scraped away in response to movement of the blade (3).
US08719985B2
A control method of a washing machine, in which a hydraulic pressure of water supplied into the washing machine is estimated, enabling sensing of a laundry weight and measurement of a supply amount of the water. The control method includes calculating a first water supply time required to initially supply water to a setup water level, calculating a second water supply time required to additionally supply water according to a variation in water level due to laundry wetting after the initial supply of water, sensing a laundry weight according to a ratio of the first water supply time to the second water supply time, and measuring a flow rate of water using the amount of water supplied to the setup water level and the laundry weight data.
US08719968B2
A head gear assembly for protecting a user's head, the assembly having an upper head portion; a facial protector connectively attached to the upper head portion; and a movable armature for movable engagement to at least a portion of the facial protector, wherein engagement between the movable armature and the least a portion of the facial protector forms at least one gap a gap further comprising a gap size, and wherein the gap size is adjustable from a first size to a plurality of other sizes.
US08719967B2
A helmet, especially a cricket or other sports helmet, comprises an outer shell member and, disposed adjacent its inner surface, a layer comprising an inflatable element operatively connected with inflation mechanism. The layer comprising the inflatable element preferably comprises a plurality of individual cells or pockets defined by a fluid-impermeable plastics membrane material, the individual cells or pockets being mutually in communication for pressurization and pressure-release purposes and connected to the inflation mechanism. The cells or pockets may contain impact-absorption or cushioning materials which are preferably porous to allow absorption and desorption of the inflation fluid.
US08726410B2
An atomic force microscope (AFM) system capable of imaging multiple physical properties of a sample material at the nanoscale level. The system provides an apparatus and method for imaging physical properties using an electromagnetic coil placed under the sample. Excitation of the coil creates currents in the sample, which may be used to image a topography of the sample, a physical property of the sample, or both.
US08726409B2
A method for operating a scanning probe microscope at elevated scan frequencies has a characterization stage of sweeping a plurality of excitation frequencies of the vertical displacement of the scanning element; measuring the value attained by the reading parameter at the excitation frequencies; and identifying plateau regions of the response spectrum of the reading parameter. The reading parameter variation is limited within a predetermined range over a predefined frequency interval, thereby defining corresponding fast scanning frequency windows in which the microscope assembly is sufficiently stable to yield a lateral resolution comparable to the one obtained during slow measurements. The measurement stage includes driving the scanning element along at least a scanning trajectory over the surface of the specimen at a frequency selected among the frequencies included in a fast scanning frequency window.
US08726408B2
An electronic device includes a housing, a function module, and a mechanical lock. The mechanical lock includes a lock shell, a plurality of lock wheels, a lock axle, a first conductive component, and a second conductive component. Rotation of the lock wheels to an unlocking state permits movement of the lock axle between two positions, where the first conductive component and the second conductive component are electrically connected or disconnected. When the first conductive component and the second conductive component are electrically connected, the function module is able to electrically connect to a power source so as to obtain electrical power therefrom.
US08726405B1
A technique provides wireless communications security. The technique involves providing a mobile wireless communications apparatus (e.g., a smart phone) having DLP circuitry, and configuring the DLP circuitry to perform DLP scanning operations. The technique further involves conducting, after the DLP circuitry is configured to perform the DLP scanning operations, wireless communications sessions (e.g., a mobile phone calls) between the mobile wireless communications apparatus and external devices (e.g., wireless access points) while the DLP circuitry performs the DLP scanning operations. In some arrangements, the DLP circuitry is configured by a user to (i) allow only authorized apps to send sensitive information and/or (ii) block retransmission of the sensitive information (e.g., in the event an application containing spyware attempts to send the sensitive information to an attacker after the user has completed a legitimate transaction). Thus, the DLP circuitry protects the mobile wireless communications apparatus against illicit dissemination of sensitive information.
US08726403B2
A method that includes receiving a first request for video content from a user of a user device; retrieving an identifier for the user device using an application programming interface; sending a second request to receive the video content that includes the identifier; receiving an instruction to provide payment to rent or purchase the video content; sending the payment in response to the instruction; receiving the video content and a token, where the video content is encrypted based on a key and where the token indicates that the payment was processed; sending a third request to obtain a license associated with the video content that includes the token and the identifier; receiving the license, which includes the key and terms under which the video content is to be processed; decrypting the video content, using the key, when the decrypting is performed in a manner permitted by the terms; and playing the decrypted video content.
US08726392B1
A computer-implemented method for combining static and dynamic code analysis may include 1) identifying executable code that is to be analyzed to determine whether the executable code is capable of leaking sensitive data, 2) performing a static analysis of the executable code to identify one or more objects which the executable code may use to transfer sensitive data, the static analysis being performed by analyzing the executable code without executing the executable code, 3) using a result of the static analysis to tune a dynamic analysis to track the one or more objects identified during the static analysis, and 4) performing the dynamic analysis by, while the executable code is being executed, tracking the one or more objects identified during the static analysis to determine whether the executable code leaks sensitive data via the one or more objects. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08726382B2
Methods for tracking attacking nodes are described and include extracting, from a database, an instance of each unique packet header associated with IP-to-IP packets transmitted over a time period. The method includes determining from extracted headers, which nodes have attempted to establish a connection with an excessive number of other nodes over a period, identifying these as potential attacking nodes, determining from the headers, which other nodes responded with a TCP SYN/ACK packet indicating a willingness to establish connections, and a potential for compromise. Nodes scanned by potential attacking nodes are disqualified from the identified nodes based on at least one of: data in the headers relating to at least one of an amount of data transferred, and scanning activities conducted by the nodes that responded to a potential attacking node with a TCP SYN/ACK packet. Any remaining potential attacking nodes and scanned nodes are presented to a user.
US08726377B2
A method for determining whether an electronic file stored at a client device is infected with malware. A server receives from the client device a request message that includes signature information of the electronic file. The server queries a database of signature information. If the signature information corresponds to signature information stored on the database, a determination is made as to whether the electronic file is malware. If the signature information does not correspond to signature information stored on the database, a determination is made as to whether a number of further request messages for the electronic file are received from additional client devices within a time period. If fewer request messages are received within the time period, it is likely that the electronic file is malware.
US08726370B2
An apparatus, method, system, computer program and product each capable of controlling addition of a printing function or controlling use of the printing function are disclosed.
US08726366B2
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: determining which of a plurality of users detected in proximate vicinity of a computing device has primary control of the computing device, the computing device designed for presenting one or more items; ascertaining one or more particular formats for formatting the one or more items based, at least in part, on said determining; and presenting, via the computing device, the one or more items in the one or more particular formats. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08726365B2
A system and a method are disclosed for a computer implemented method to unlock a mobile computing device and access applications (including services) on a mobile computing device through a launcher. The configuration includes mapping one or more applications with a guest access code. The configuration receives, through a display screen of a mobile computing device, an access code, and determines whether the received access code corresponds with the guest access code. The configuration identifies the mapped applications corresponding to the guest access code and provides for display, on a screen of the mobile computing device, the identified applications.
US08726360B2
The invention relates to a telecommunication method having the following steps: establishing a first connection (101) between a first ID token (106) and a first computer system (136) via a second computer system (100) for reading at least one first attribute from the first ID token, generating a first soft token, wherein the first soft token comprises the at least one first attribute and a time specification, and wherein the first soft token is signed by the first computer system, sending the first soft token from the first computer system to a third computer system (150), wherein the first connection is a connection with end-to-end encryption.
US08726345B2
A line providing apparatus has an acceptance processor accepting a line use request from the terminal apparatus, a contract determiner determines a state of conclusion of a first contract, a second contract or a combined contract obtained by substantially combining the first contract and the second contract at the terminal apparatus which is a source of the line use request accepted by the acceptance processor, and an assistance processor performing an assisting process for conclusion of a contract found not to be concluded according to a result of determination on the state of conclusion of the first contract, the second contract or the combined contract by the contract determiner, whereby the user of the terminal apparatus which does not yet conclude can sign the contract for the communication service or the information providing service through the terminal apparatus.
US08726339B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus may store a plurality of token-based rules. A token-based rule facilitates access to a resource. The apparatus may further store a plurality of tokens. The plurality of tokens may include a session token. The session token may be associated with access to the resource by a user. The apparatus may receive a first token indicating that an emergency has been declared. The emergency may be associated with the user. The apparatus may determine, based at least in part upon at least one token-based rule from the plurality of token-based rules, that access to the resource should be terminated in response to receiving the first token and terminate the session token in response to the determination that access to the resource should be terminated.
US08726332B2
A broadcast programming delivery apparatus includes: a broadcast programming delivery control unit that controls broadcast programming delivery based on a broadcast programming delivery program formed of a plurality of items; and a switcher being controlled by the control unit, and a plurality of output channels of a material server having the plurality of output channels for outputting a video material being connected to predetermined input lines of the switcher, wherein the items include control data of the switcher having information for specifying a video material of the material server, and the control unit receives, from the material server, channel material information indicating a video material outputted from each of the output channels, and allows an input bus of the switcher necessary to take an input of a video material to select one of the input lines corresponding to the output channel from which the corresponding video material is outputted.
US08726328B2
A broadcast receiver receives a packetized stream. The broadcast receiver extracts display time information from the header of the received packetized stream, and extracts preparation trigger information including a target service identifier from the payload of the received packetized stream. If a current time is a preparation time designated by the extracted display time information, the broadcast receiver starts to prepare an object corresponding to the target service identifier for activation at a later time.
US08726326B1
A system for automatically using internet information which is contained within a commercial on an entertainment medium e.g. television. The system determines information indicative of the web address. This can be done automatically by optical character recognition or by storing information indicative of the web address in an interval of the television signal. Once obtained, the information is sent, either to a user's computer, or to a central office which sends an e-mail to the user. In this way, the information can be used to automatically jump to a web site of the advertiser.
US08726325B2
A method and apparatus for scheduling delivery of graphics and video to an on-screen display is described. The method comprises accessing a schedule comprising at least one video, at least one template, and layout information, wherein the at least one video and the at least one template are associated with each other and scheduled to run at least one start time. In one embodiment, the system is a video server that provides a combined output stream of both video and graphics to a set top box, TV, computer or other display device. In another embodiment of the invention, the video server creates a script that relates video, graphics, and layout information to each other as web components. The web components are provided from the video server to a set top box, and the set top box utilizes a web browser to assemble the web components together.
US08726324B2
An apparatus and method for identifying image capture opportunities. Expert photo agents (526) that process metadata extracted from a captured image are obtained (706) at a user-device (102). Metadata (214) characterizing visual content of a captured image is produced (310) by processing the visual content of the captured image. Image capture opportunities are selected (410) based upon processing of the metadata with the at least one expert photo agent. The image capture opportunity selection specifies content to capture in a subsequent image.
US08726323B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, system having a controller to receive from a set-top box (STB) a request for assistance, identify a subscriber account associated with the STB, identify from the subscriber account a subscription grade, select one of a plurality of subscriber support services according to the subscriber grade, and establish communications between the STB and the selected subscriber support service. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08726314B2
A system and method for extending recording time over an allocated time slot for a A/V recording device including receiving, at a programming content server, a request for one or more programs and transmitting, via the programming content server, the request for one or more programs to at least one of a linear content system and a digital content system. Also, the system and method may include receiving, at the programming content server, the one or more requested programs from at least one of the linear content system and the digital content system; and transmitting, via the programming content server, one or more programming content identification messages to a set-top box in the event that the one or more requested programs extend over an allocated time slot.
US08726302B2
A spindle motor is disclosed, characterized by: a rotation shaft rotated by a stator and a rotor; a turn table rotated by the rotation shaft and accommodated by an optical disk; and a center cone moved along an axial direction of the rotation shaft for being brought into contact with an inner periphery of the optical disk to align a rotation center of the optical disk with a rotation center of the rotation shaft, wherein the center cone contacting the inner periphery of the optical disk is formed with a rise prevention unit configured to reduce a contact area with the inner periphery of the optical disk and to tightly contact the optical disk to the turn table.
US08726297B2
A user entering information in an application might desire functionality not supported by that application. Based on an input or a subset of the input, a functionality associated with a different application can be automatically applied within a current application. Sometimes, a particular application or mode of communication can be used to send information and reply information can be sent in a different mode of communication. The communications can be automatically associated or related to each other. A user can be presented with information relating to both communications, upon request, although the communications might be associated with different modes of communication. Constraints or parameters can be placed on a subsequent communication by either a sender or a recipient.
US08726295B2
Data processing on a network on chip (‘NOC’) that includes IP blocks, routers, memory communications controllers, and network interface controllers; each IP block adapted to a router through a memory communications controller and a network interface controller; each memory communications controller controlling communication between an IP block and memory; each network interface controller controlling inter-IP block communications through routers; each IP block adapted to the network by a low latency, high bandwidth application messaging interconnect comprising an inbox and an outbox; a computer software application segmented into stages, each stage comprising a flexibly configurable module of computer program instructions identified by a stage ID with each stage executing on a thread of execution on an IP block; and at least one of the IP blocks comprising an input/output (‘I/O’) accelerator that administers at least some data communications traffic to and from the at least one IP block.
US08726293B2
In one embodiment, dynamic state for an end device is stored. The dynamic state may be derived from a state of the end device or may be derived from other sources, such as third-party applications. A message is received and associated with a first application for the end device. Dynamic state for the end device is determined. The dynamic state may be applied to dynamic rules to determine an action to perform. For example, the interaction between the first application and the second application may be affected based on applying the dynamic state to the dynamic rules. Thus, the message may be routed differently based on the dynamic state.
US08726281B2
A method and device for converting first program code into second program code, such that the second program code has an improved execution on a targeted programmable platform, is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes grouping operations on data for joint execution on a functional unit of the targeted platform, scheduling operations on data in time, and assigning operations to an appropriate functional unit of the targeted platform. Detailed word length information, rather than the typically used approximations like powers of two, may be used in at least one of the grouping, scheduling or assigning operations.
US08726275B2
A virtual machine belonging to a virtual computer environment is selectively cloned by retrieving information about applications available in a parent virtual machine to be cloned, and for each application, further retrieving information about a virtual disk associated with the application. Cloning is further performed by identifying a target environment on which the clone is to run, retrieving information about the target environment and calculating a clone of the virtual machine based at least in part, upon retrieved information. Calculating a clone further includes introspecting the virtual disks of the virtual machine. Cloning a virtual machine further comprises generating the clone to the target environment, based on the calculated clone.
US08726274B2
In a data processing system having a plurality of virtualized operating system (OS) partitions, a first cluster-aware virtual input/output server (VIOS) is provided within an OS partition by execution of a cluster-aware (CA) OS on a virtual processor resource of the first VIOS. The CA OS establishes the VIOS as a cluster-aware VIOS by registering the first VIOS with a VIOS cluster comprising a second VIOS. Registering the first VIOS to the VIOS cluster enables the first VIOS to receive VIOS cluster configuration data and status data, which provides the first VIOS with information about the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. The first VIOS is thus able to communicate with other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster and share I/O resources with the other VIOSes within the VIOS cluster. Relevant cluster information is stored within a local storage of the first VIOS.
US08726266B2
Embodiments described herein include methods and/or systems for updating a medical device. Embodiments include medical devices which are configured for updates in response to various events including connection of a peripheral device to the medical device, a user initiated event, or based on received recommendations.
US08726265B2
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus for packing a version upgrade software package. The method comprises: acquiring version upgrade software for upgrading a mobile terminal; encrypting the version upgrade software; generating version upgrade software information corresponding to the encrypted version upgrade software, wherein the version upgrade software information comprises a decryption flag, and the decryption flag is configured to indicate that the encrypted version upgrade software is decrypted within the version upgrade software package during process of upgrading mobile terminal; and packing to obtain the version upgrade software package of the mobile terminal, wherein the version upgrade software package comprises the encrypted version upgrade software, the version upgrade software information and a self-triggered unpacking program, and the self-triggered unpacking program is configured to start the version upgrade software and the version upgrade software information to upgrade the mobile terminal.
US08726261B2
An embodiment includes determining which disks need an update, then copying user data from a disk to be updated to a spare disk. New data is written to both the disk to be updated and the spare disk, and a zone map is maintained for all volumes of the disk to be updated. The firmware on the disk is updated, and changed data is copied from the spare disk to the newly updated disk based on the zone map. New data is written to both the newly updated disk and the spare disk. Once the changed data has been copied to the newly updated disk, data is written to the newly updated disk.
US08726255B2
Executable code may be recompiled so that generic portions of code may be replaced with specific portions of code. The recompilation may customize executable code for a specific use or configuration, making the code lightweight and executing faster. The replacement mechanism may replace variable names with fixed values, replace conditional branches with only those branches which are known to be executed, and may eliminate executable code portions that are not executed. The replacement mechanism may comprise identifying known values defined in the executable code for variables, and replacing those variables with the constant value. Once the constants are substituted, the code may be analyzed to identify branches that may be evaluated using the constant values. Those branches may be reformed using the constant value and the rest of the conditional code that may not be accessed may be removed.
US08726251B2
Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for automatically parallelizing loops with non-speculative pipelined execution of chunks of iterations with pre-computation of selected values. Non-DOALL loops are identified and divided the loops into chunks. The chunks are assigned to separate logical threads, which may be further assigned to hardware threads. As a thread performs its runtime computations, subsequent threads attempt to pre-compute their respective chunks of the loop. These pre-computations may result in a set of assumed initial values and pre-computed final variable values associated with each chunk. As subsequent pre-computed chunks are reached at runtime, those assumed initial values can be verified to determine whether to proceed with runtime computation of the chunk or to avoid runtime execution and instead use the pre-computed final variable values.
US08726250B2
Programming of modules which can be reprogrammed during operation is described. Partitioning of code sequences is also described.
US08726247B2
An integrated circuit card is used with a terminal. The integrated circuit card includes a memory that stores an interpreter and an application that has a high level programming language format. A processor of the card is configured to use the interpreter to interpret the application for execution and to use a communicator of the card to communicate with the terminal.
US08726246B2
A method includes accessing a validator routine having an input string and one or more return points, each return point returning a return value having two possible values; finding the return points in the validator routine; for each of the return points, performing a backwards traversal from a return point through a code section and determining constraints on the input string based at least on one or both of the two possible return values for the return point; using the determined constraints for the input string, determining whether all of the return values returned from the one or more return points meet validation constraints; and outputting one or more indications of whether all of the returned values returned from the return points meet the validation constraints for the one or both of the two possible return values. Apparatus and computer program products are also disclosed.
US08726242B2
Systems and methods for intelligent data replication are provided, which may include the identification and use of consistency points in application data, such that one or more replication volumes may be created using an “application aware” replication process that allows the system to intelligently replicate data or other information (e.g., metadata) relating to a particular process, application or specified set of data.
US08726240B2
A method for software debugging in a multi-tenant database network system is provided. When an exception occurs the stack frames in temporary working memory are dumped into long term memory for later analysis. A stack trace is performed from which performance information may be derived, which may aid in discovering the cause of the exception.
US08726236B2
In one illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method for identifying program components, generates, by a processor unit, associations between the program components stored in a computer usable storage medium to create a first set of relationships, and assigns, by the processor unit, a probability to each relationship in the first set of relationships to create a second set of relationships, wherein the probability indicates a strength of the associations between the program components.
US08726230B1
A method performed by one or more processing devices includes receiving a request to generate a computer program; generating, in response to receiving the request, a first user interface that when rendered on a display device renders: one or more first visual representations of one or more first fields of the first resource; and one or more second visual representations of one or more second fields of the second resource; receiving, through the first user interface, a selection of: at least one of the one or more first visual representations; and at least one of the one or more second visual representations; receiving, through a second user interface, data specifying the one or more operations; and updating, based on the received data, the computer program with one or more third instructions to perform the one or more operations.
US08726225B2
In one embodiment, a method includes determining an instrumentation action to perform with the software program when a logging statement is encountered during execution of a software program. The instrumentation action is performed by an instrumentation service associated with a logging service and the execution of the software program is monitored based on the instrumentation action being performed.
US08726224B1
The present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for electronic design visualization. The method may include providing, using at least one computing device, an electronic design and identifying a plurality of power domains associated with the electronic design. The method may further include associating, using the at least one computing device, at least two of the plurality of power domains with a particular group and displaying one or more of the plurality of power domains in a hierarchical manner.
US08726223B2
Systems and techniques for hot-plugging debugger capabilities are described. A described integrated circuit device includes a processor, a first pad interface, a detector configured to detect a clock signal via the first pad interface, one or more second pad interfaces, two or more components including a debug system that is communicatively coupled with the processor, a multiplexer communicatively coupled with the one or more second pad interfaces and the two or more components, and configured to selectively interconnect the one or more second pad interfaces with a selected component of the two or more components. The multiplexer can be configured to cause the debug system to be the selected component when the clock signal is detected via the first pad interface.
US08726207B2
A design system includes a layout module and a user interface. The layout module includes a computing unit, which is configured to extract layout parameters of an integrated circuit device in a circuit during a layout stage of the circuit, and calculate circuit parameters of the device using the layout parameters. The user interface is configured to display the circuit parameters of the device in response to a user selection of the device.
US08726203B1
A method and system for generating a test bench for testing a requirement is described. According to an embodiment, a test bench generator subsystem automatically chooses a test template based on a user specification of a requirement to be tested. The requirement is automatically associated with information such as parameters, context identifiers, and success criteria. The subsystem automatically generates a test bench data construct for a simulation that will test the requirement and evaluate success or failure. In an embodiment, generating the test bench includes automatically choosing a system model for the test bench.
US08726194B2
An enhanced control, in which a guide line is defined relative to an object in a user interface, items aligned with the guide line are displayed without obscuring the object. A selected item is output based on receiving a selection of one of the displayed items.
US08726188B2
A method for presenting information to a host vehicle having a user interface. The method comprises remotely creating an information set including user accessible information pertaining to troubleshooting onboard components of the host vehicle, wirelessly communicating a portion of the information set to the host vehicle, and operating the user interface to selectively make available the user accessible information in the portion of the information set for access at the host vehicle.
US08726174B2
A method for showing a display panel in a graphical user interface involves associating a client-side script variable with a display panel wrapper, where the display panel is embedded in the display panel wrapper, and where the client-side script variable indicates that the display panel is hidden. The method further involves modifying the client-side script variable to show the display panel in the graphical user interface, where showing the display panel involves showing an input control for manipulating a data area in the graphical user interface.
US08726171B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for providing communication initiation controls. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a term that a user has entered into a text field, selecting one or more contacts that match the term, providing a communication initiation control for each of multiple communication modes, determining, for each of the multiple communication modes, whether any of the selected contacts are available or are capable of communicating through the communication mode, and enabling or disabling, for each of the multiple communication modes, the communication initiation control for the communication mode based on determining whether any of the selected contacts are available or are capable of communicating through the communication mode.
US08726164B2
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates rendering of a portion of published content. A browsing session can enable navigation and display of a portion of published content. A render definition enforcer can implement a tag related to the portion of published content with at least one view-level display property, the view-level display property is at least one of a definition to at least one of display or not display the portion of published content based upon a view-level within the browsing session or a definition related to a size scale factor for the portion of published content based upon a view-level within the browsing session. The browsing session can utilize the portion of published content at a view-level in accordance to the view-level display property.
US08726163B2
An audience platform is disclosed. In a first example case, a first question is received. A preference event associated with the first question is received. A score is determined for the first question based at least in part on the preference. In a second example case, indications of a first and second potential interviewee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential interviewees are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential interviewees based at least in part on the received preference events. A designated interviewee is selected based on the first and second scores. In a third example case, indications of a first and second potential awardee are received. Preference events associated with the first and second potential awardee are received. Scores are determined for the first and second potential awardees based at least in part on the received preference events.
US08726145B2
A system and methods are disclosed to facilitate communication to, with, and for persons with special needs. The system can provide assistance with reading, test-taking, language development, or other forms of communication. The system is compatible with a variety of types of input (173), and provides a variety of options for output (174). In one embodiment, the system is portable, and can be connected to a number of different devices having varying purposes. In another embodiment, the system is software designed to be utilized as a stand-alone software application, or in conjunction with an existing or third-party application.
US08726144B2
A document annotation system includes a graphical user interface used by an annotator to annotate documents. An active learning component trains an annotation model and proposes annotations to documents based on the annotation model. A request handler conveys annotation requests from the graphical user interface to the active learning component, conveys proposed annotations from the active learning component to the graphical user interface, and selectably conveys evaluation requests from the graphical user interface to a domain expert. During annotation, at least some low probability proposed annotations are presented to the annotator by the graphical user interface. The presented low probability proposed annotations enhance training of the annotation model by the active learning component.
US08726142B2
The invention provides a display interface in a social networking system that enables the presentation of information related to a user in a timeline or map view. The system accesses information about a user of a social networking system, including both data about the user and social network activities related to the user. The system then selects one or more of these pieces of data and/or activities from a certain time period and gathers them into timeline units based on their relatedness and their relevance to users. These timeline units are ranked by relevance to the user, and are used to generate a timeline or map view for the user containing visual representations of the timeline units organized by location or time. The timeline or map view is then provided to other users of the social networking system that wish to view information about the user.
US08726134B2
Disclosed is a method for validating a data packet by a network processor supporting a first-network protocol and a second network protocol and utilizing shared hardware. The network processor receives a data packet; identifies a network packet protocol for the data packet; and processes the data packet according to the network packet protocol comprising: updating a first register with a first partial packet length specific to the first network protocol; updating a second register with a second partial packet length specific to the second network protocol; and updating a third register with a first checksum computed from fields independent of the network protocol. The method produces a second checksum utilizing a function that combines values from the first register, the second register, and the third register. The method validates the data packet by comparing the data packet checksum to the second checksum.
US08726123B2
A bit error corrector includes an aging bit pattern memory operable to store at least one aging bit pattern which conveys aging-related effects within a succession of uncorrected bit patterns, a bit pattern modifier operable to modify a current, uncorrected bit pattern using the at least one aging bit pattern and generate a modified bit pattern, and a bit pattern comparator operable to compare the current uncorrected bit pattern with a corrected bit pattern which is based on the modified bit pattern and determine a corresponding comparative bit pattern. An aging bit pattern determiner is operable to recursively determine a new aging bit pattern based on the at least one aging bit pattern and the comparative bit pattern, and store the new aging bit pattern in the aging bit pattern memory for use during modification of a subsequent uncorrected bit pattern by the bit pattern modifier.
US08726122B2
According to one embodiment, a wireless communications device includes a low-density parity check (LDPC) decoder configured to receive a codeword associated with a parity check H-matrix. The LDPC decoder includes multiple processing elements coupled to a memory for storing the parity check H-matrix comprising R rows and C columns. Each processing element is configured to perform LDPC decoding on different rows of the H-matrix during multiple sub-iterations. A first portion of the processing elements are configured to process certain rows in an upward direction in the H-matrix relative to other rows and a second portion of the processing elements are configured to process other certain rows in a downward direction in the H-matrix relative to the other rows.
US08726113B2
Built-in self-test techniques for integrated circuits that address the issue of unknown states. Some implementations use a specialized scan chain selector coupled to a time compactor. The presence of the specialized scan chain selector increases the efficiency in masking X states. Also disclosed are: (1) an architecture of a selector that works with multiple scan chains and time compactors, (2) a method for determining and encoding per cycle scan chain selection masks used subsequently to suppress X states, and (3) a method to handle an over-masking phenomenon.
US08726110B2
An IC includes an IEEE 1149.1 standard test access port (TAP) interface and an additional Off-Chip TAP interface. The Off-Chip TAP interface connects to the TAP of another IC. The Off Chip TAP interface can be selected by a TAP Linking Module on the IC.
US08726109B2
Exemplary apparatus, methods, and computer-accessible medium can be provided for transforming a circuit. For example, it is possible to select, from the circuit, at least one scan cell which includes a first multiplexer coupled to a first flip-flop. A second flip-flop and a second multiplexer can be inserted in the circuit. The first multiplexer can be coupled as an input to the second flip-flop, and the second multiplexer can be coupled to the output of the first flip-flop and the second flip-flop.
US08726106B2
Disclosed herein is a semiconductor device that includes selection lines selected based on an access address, a first hit signal generation circuit activating a first hit signal when the access address is coincident with a programmed address that designates a defective selection line included in the selection lines, and a first redundant selection line selected when the first hit signal is activated. The first hit signal generation circuit deactivates the first hit signal when a value of the access address is in a first address range even if the access address is coincident with the programmed address.
US08726103B2
Described herein are systems related to a visual tool for providing a dynamic and accessible collaborative environment during a production outage or network downtime. An outage management tool comprising a server application tool receiving and storing monitoring data related to an operation of a network and application-level components of the network, wherein the monitoring data includes outage information corresponding to one of the network and the application-level components, and a visualization tool generating an interactive representation of the network including the outage information, the visualization tool and generating, in response to a request, an adjusted interactive representation of the network including application-level components affected by an outage and event traffic related to the outage.
US08726097B2
A debugging method for a computer system is disclosed, which includes defining a debug reference data area in a storage device for a BIOS and a control device, periodically transmitting a reply request including an identification information to the BIOS, transmitting reply information corresponding to the identification information according to the reply request, checking the reply information and storing an execution log data into the debug reference data area when the identification information does not conform to the original identification information, determining whether the computer system is in normal operation, and performing a debugging process according to the execution log data when the computer system is in abnormal operation.
US08726096B2
A controller and a control method for a controller can simplify application development and can improve the performance of device control processes. When a request is received from an application 1 and the received process request is an initialization request, whether or not the received request is the first initialization request received after the application 1 started running is determined. If the received initialization request is the first initialization request, the request is passed to the device driver 3 and initialization settings information describing the configuration of the device driver 3 after the initialization process ends is stored. If an error has occurred in the device driver 3 when the device driver 3 status is detected, an error handling process is executed according to the device driver 3 state. When the device driver 3 has recovered, a request for setting the device driver 3 state to the state based on the initialization settings information is asserted.
US08726087B2
A system and method for correcting a boot error is disclosed. The system comprises a solid-state nonvolatile memory device, the solid-state nonvolatile memory device storing a boot loader at a predetermined block having a first address on the solid-state nonvolatile memory device. The system further comprises a main controller that retrieves the boot loader from the predetermined block upon powering up. The system also includes a monitoring module configured to monitor an initial boot sequence of the main controller and to determine when the predetermined block has a read inability error. The main controller obtains a backup boot loader from a backup block when the monitoring module determines that the predetermined block is corrupted.
US08726084B2
A method for distributed diagnostic reasoning is provided. The method includes establishing a computing node monitoring the operation of a component of a complex system and populating at least one of a processor and the memory of the computing node with one or more standardized executable application modules (SEAMs) and a workflow service. The method further includes creating a configuration file in combination with several SEAMS to create a distributed diagnostic reasoner (DDR) associated with the component. The method also comprises installing the configuration file in the computing node for execution by the processor; and initializing the one or more SEAMS, the configuration file and the workflow service, wherein the workflow service facilitates data flow between the one or more SEAMS and the static data associated with a fault condition resident in the configuration file.
US08726082B2
An approach for providing incomplete action monitoring and service for data transactions is described. Incompleteness of a transaction event associated with an application is monitored. The incompleteness of the transaction event is detected in response to a failure in a communication session that transports data of the application. State information relating to transmission of the data for the application is stored. The restoration of the communication session is determined. Completion of the transaction event is initiated based on the stored state information.
US08726081B2
A method for event management in asynchronous work processing including timing at least one step in an asynchronous work process, wherein the at least one step is performed by an application and the at least one step has an expected time of completion; determining an error preventing step completion in response to the expected time of completion expiring; correcting the error; and re-performing the at least one step.
US08726080B2
A method including creating a commit-in-progress context from a copy of a data object in a redirect-on-write file system; and begin storing the commit-in-progress context in a persistent storage device. The method further includes, while storing the commit-in-progress context in the persistent storage device: receiving a notification of a pending modification to the first data object, creating an update-in-progress context from a copy of the commit-in-progress context, and begin applying the modification to the update-in-progress context. The method further includes detecting that a connectivity error has occurred between the commit-in-progress context and the storage device, and in response, identifying whether the commit-in-progress context is successfully stored in the storage device. In response to identifying that the commit-in-progress context is not successfully stored: aborting the storing of the commit-in-progress context, assigning a new commit-in-progress context, and begin storing the new commit-in-progress context.
US08726079B2
A messaging system comprises a message source, a message receiver and a message service. The message service is intermediate of the message source and message receiver, and a compensation component is established at the message source. A one way message is transmitted from the message source, where the one-way message is part of a plurality of one way messages of an overall business transaction. The message is received at the message service and is transmitted to the message receiver, which processes the received message. The message receiver transmits a communication indicating success or failure of the processing of the message. The system causes compensation logic defined by a compensation component to execute responsive to receiving an indication of a failure of part of the overall business transaction despite the communication from the message receiver indicated that processing of the particular one way message succeeded.
US08726078B1
A system and method for assigning application specific IP addresses to individual applications. The system may be operable to assign a unique IP address to an application, and alias the application IP address to a NIC IP address on the host where the application is running. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may be further operable to migrate the application IP address to a new host as part of a migration, and alias the application IP address to a NIC in the new host as part of the migration.
US08726068B2
There is provided an intra-realm AAA (authentication, authorization and accounting) fallback mechanism, wherein the single global realm may be divided in one or more sub-realms. The thus presented mechanism exemplarily comprises detecting a failure of an authentication server serving at least one authentication client within a first sub-realm of a single-realm authentication system, and routing authentication messages of the at least one authentication client to a fallback authentication server within a second sub-realm of the single-realm authentication system, wherein routing may exemplarily comprise sub-realm based source routing.
US08726064B2
An interconnection system, apparatus and method is described for arranging elements in a network, which may be a data memory system, computing system or communications system where the data paths are arranged and operated so as to control the power consumption and data skew properties of the system. A configurable switching element may be used to form the interconnections at nodes, where a control signal and other information is used to manage the power status of other aspects of the configurable switching element. Time delay skew of data being transmitted between nodes of the network may be altered by exchanging the logical and physical line assignments of the data at one or more nodes of the network. A method of laying out an interconnecting motherboard is disclosed which reduces the complexity of the trace routing.
US08726060B2
An adjustment circuit including tri-state circuits is provided between a transmitter circuit and a receiver circuit. Jitter generated by transmission of a signal over a long-distance interconnect is reduced by being converted into jitter of control signals generated by a pulse generator circuit in the tri-state circuits.
US08726056B2
An instruction detecting section (235) detects whether or not there is any succeeding instruction executable regardless of an order based on a data dependency relationship between a presently executed instruction and a succeeding instruction following the presently executed instruction. A clock switch judging section (236) receives notification of the start and end of a memory stall, determines whether or not a memory stall is occurring, and judges whether to switch a clock signal to be supplied to a CPU (200) to a low clock signal (239) or to stop the clock signal based on a detection result of the instruction detecting section (235) if it is judged that the memory stall is occurring. A clock switching section (237) switches the clock signal based on judgment by the clock switch judging section (236). By this construction, power consumption can be reduced without reducing performance.
US08726036B2
According to this disclosure, a user is identified (and selectively granted access to protected resources) by using information that describes the user's interpersonal relationships. This information typically is stored in a datastore, such as a digital address book, an online profile page, or the like. The user's digital address book carries an “acquaintance pattern” that changes dynamically in time. This pattern comprises the information in the user's contact list entries. In this approach, the entropy inherent in this information is distilled into a unique acquaintance digest (or “fingerprint”) by normalizing the contact list data, and then applying a cryptographic function to the result.
US08726034B2
In one exemplary embodiment, an apparatus includes a memory storing data and a processor performing operations. The apparatus generates or maintains an accumulation tree for the stored data—an ordered tree structure with a root node, leaf nodes and internal nodes. Each leaf node corresponds to a portion of the data. A depth of the tree remains constant. A bound on a degree of each internal node is a function of a number of leaf nodes of a subtree rooted at the internal node. Each node of the tree has an accumulation value. Accumulation values of the root and internal nodes are determined by hierarchically employing an accumulator over the accumulation values of the nodes lying one level below the node in question. The accumulation value of the root node is a digest for the tree.
US08726029B2
A system for cryptographic processing of content comprises an input for receiving the content. A plurality of look-up tables represents a white-box implementation of a combined cryptographic and watermarking operation. The look-up tables represent processing steps of the combined cryptographic and watermarking operation and the look-up tables being arranged for being applied according to a predetermined look-up scheme. The look-up scheme prescribes that an output of a first look-up table of the plurality of look-up tables be used to generate an input of a second look-up table of the plurality of look-up tables. The combined cryptographic and watermarking operation comprises a cryptographic operation and a watermarking operation. A control module looks up values in the plurality of look-up tables in dependence on the received content and in accordance to the look-up scheme, thereby applying the combined cryptographic and watermarking operation to the content.
US08726026B2
An end-to-end encryption method for emails sent from a sender (1) to a recipient (6) is disclosed. According to the method, the sender requests from an encryption system (16) a certificate corresponding to the recipient (6), and the encryption system (16) returns to the sender (11) a first, proforma certificate corresponding to the recipient (6). The sender (1) sends with his email client (11) an outgoing email to the recipient encrypted with the proforma certificate, and the email is forwarded through the encryption system (16). The encryption system (16) decrypts the email using a private key corresponding to the certificate and also makes the content of the email available to the recipient (6).
US08726022B2
The present invention relates to a method for the secure access of mobile terminal to the Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) and for secure data communication via wireless link, which, combining the common key encryption technology and the symmetry encryption technology, has resolved the failure in WLAN to provide effective control on secure MT access, and overcome the limitation on the confidentiality of the data communication via wireless link. When MT logs on AP, both parts must perform the certificate authentication through AS. Only the MT holding the legitimate certificate can access to AP holing the legitimate certificate; MT and AP perform the negotiation of common key for conversation, complete the dynamic revision of the secret key in each authentication, each secret key and in the process of conversation to achieve confidential data communication. Anyway, the method has not only achieved control on the access of MT, but also ensured the security of MT access and high confidentiality of communication.
US08726020B2
Automatically sending configuration information from a trusted network to a perimeter network. Master servers residing in the trusted network are adapted for administering a distributed directory service containing configuration information. Edge servers residing in the perimeter network are adapted for using a local directory service local to each edge server. Edge-connected bridgehead servers residing in the trusted network are adapted for replicating the configuration information from the trusted network to the perimeter network. Replicating the configuration information to the perimeter network by trusted servers acquiring leases on edge servers is also disclosed.
US08726016B2
Methods, computer program products and apparatus for processing data packets are described. Methods include receiving the data packet, examining the data packet, determining a single flow record associated with the packet and extracting flow instructions for two or more devices from the single flow record.
US08726013B2
An anti-keylogger computer network system includes a servo-side host computer, with a servo software which requires the user to enter confidential data. An application-side host computer is provided and a keyboard is connected to the application-side host computer. The keys on the keyboard are divided into a data key and control key. An application software is installed in the application-side host computer to receive the instructions from the servo software, and to determine when the anti-keylogger function of the keyboard module shall be started and closed. A connection network is provided for connecting the servo-side host computer to the application-side host computer. A Translate Table program is installed in the application-side host computer and a Translate Table translation program is installed in the servo software of servo-side host computer.
US08726000B2
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to gaming devices having a secured basic input/output system (BIOS) and methods for determining the validity of the gaming device's BIOS. According to one embodiment, the gaming device includes a secured module for authenticating the BIOS of the gaming device. During the boot-up process, the secured module issues a challenge to the BIOS. The BIOS generates a response to the challenge, and the secured module determines whether the BIOS response matches the calculated response of the secured module. If the BIOS response matches the secured module response, the gaming device continues the boot process. Otherwise, the boot process is halted by the gaming device.
US08725999B2
An integrated circuit is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit includes: a processor; a plurality of external pins operatively coupled to the processor; and a permanently written memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory having a plurality of regions each storing one or more respective boot properties for booting the processor. The processor is programmed to select one of the regions in dependence on an indication received via one or more of the external pins, to retrieve the one or more respective boot properties from the selected region, and to boot using the one or more retrieved boot properties.
US08725998B1
Systems and methods are disclosed which facilitate the management of host computing devices through the utilization of a host computing device control component. The host computing device control component includes a state monitoring component that monitors operating states of the control component and a group of associated host computing devices. Based on a determination of a power event, the state monitoring component causes the initiation of a reboot of the grouping of host computing devices based on exchange priority information and additional reboot parameters.
US08725997B2
Examples of methods and apparatus are provided for self-provisioning of configuration for a specific-purpose local client having a windows-based embedded image with a write-filter and obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the specific-purpose local client. The apparatus may include a retrieval module of the specific-purpose local client configured to facilitate locating a repository server containing a configuration file. The retrieval module may be configured to facilitate obtaining the configuration file from the repository server while the write-filter is enabled, while obviating reinstallation of an entire windows-based embedded image onto the specific-purpose local client. The apparatus may include an apply settings module of the specific-purpose local client configured to apply a configuration change to the windows-based embedded image based on the configuration file or another configuration file.
US08725991B2
The present disclosure includes a multi-threaded processor that includes a first register file associated with a first thread and a second register file associated with a second thread. At least one hardware resource is shared by the first and second register files. In addition, the first thread may have a pipeline access position that is non-sequential to the second thread. A method of accessing a plurality of register files is also disclosed. The method includes reading data from a first register file while concurrently reading data from a second register file. The first register file is associated with a first instruction stream and the second register file is associated with a second instruction stream. The first instruction stream is sequential to the second instruction stream in an execution pipeline of a processor, and the first register file is in a non-adjacent location with respect to the second register file.
US08725979B1
A machine implemented method and system for allocating a storage volume from among a plurality of storage volumes for storing information in a storage system is provided. The storage system maintains a plurality of groups for segregating the plurality of storage volumes based on storage volume utilization at any given time. A storage volume, when available, is selected from a group that was previously used to select another storage volume. After an end of the group has been reached for allocating the other storage volume, and a threshold value for using the same group to allocate storage volumes has been reached, then another group is used to select the next storage volume.
US08725978B2
A programming and debugging system identifies one or more statically-allocated symbols in a symbol table for an inferior process. The statically-allocated symbols pertain to one or more structures for the inferior process. The inferior process has dynamic memory allocations in an inferior process memory space. The symbol table comprises data used to categorize the statically-allocated area of memory. The system locates the structures in the inferior process memory space and determines whether an address of the structures in the inferior process memory space matches an address of a block of the dynamically allocated area of memory. The system categorizes the block of dynamically allocated memory based on the determination of whether an address of the structures matches an address of a block of the dynamically allocated area of memory.
US08725964B2
A modular data and storage management system. The system includes a time variance interface that provides for storage into a storage media of data that is received over time. The time variance interface of the modular data and storage management system provides for retrieval, from the storage media, of an indication of the data corresponding to a user specified date. The retrieved indication of the data provides a user with an option to access specific information relative to the data, such as content of files that are included in the data.
US08725963B1
A computer system has a random access memory (RAM) that stores currently used memory pages and SWAP storage for storing memory page that is not in use. If the process requires memory page stored on the SWAP storage, a corresponding page is loaded to RAM. If the page in RAM is not currently in use, it is moved to the SWAP storage. The computer system has a number of Virtual Environments (i.e., Containers) that run their own processes, a VE/Container RAM and a virtual SWAP storage. The Container processes have access to a VE/Container RAM. When the Container process request OS for memory, the memory manager allocates memory pages in the RAM and also allocates memory pages for the Container process in the VE/Container RAM. If no free virtual RAM is available, the process data is moved to the virtual SWAP storage.
US08725937B2
Apparatus and methods are disclosed, such as those that store data in a plurality of non-volatile integrated circuit memory devices, such as NAND flash, with convolutional encoding. A relatively high code rate for the convolutional code consumes relatively little extra memory space. In one embodiment, the convolutional code is spread over portions of a plurality of memory devices, rather than being concentrated within a page of a particular memory device. In one embodiment, a code rate of m/n is used, and the convolutional code is stored across n memory devices.
US08725934B2
A method and apparatus for storing data packets in two different logical erase blocks pursuant to an atomic storage request is disclosed. Each data packet stored in response to the atomic storage request comprises persistent metadata indicating that the data packet pertains to an atomic storage request. In addition, a method and apparatus for restart recovery is disclosed. A data packet preceding an append point is identified as satisfying a failed atomic write criteria, indicating that the data packet pertains to a failed atomic storage request. One or more data packets associated with the failed atomic storage request are identified and excluded from an index of a non-volatile storage media.
US08725933B2
Described are embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for detecting incompressible data and selectively compressing compressible data without compressing the incompressible data. A method may include determining a first compressibility value of first data of a plurality of input data and a second compressibility value of second data of the plurality of input data, determining that the first data is incompressible based at least in part on the first compressibility value relative to a compressibility threshold, and compressing the second data of the plurality of input data. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08725930B2
A command analyzer 160 determines whether or not a first write command after power-on is issued. A new block reserve determinator 170 determines that a new physical block is reserved, in a case where the command analyzer 160 determines that first writing command after power-on is issued and the physical block corresponding to a logical address at which a host device requests transmit is in a written state. At this time, the semiconductor memory device writes data to the new physical block. Thereby, data written before power disconnection does not been destroyed.
US08725919B1
Disclosed is an approach for configuring devices for a multiprocessor system, where the devices pertaining to the different processors are viewed as connecting to a standardized common bus. Regardless of the specific processor to which a device is directly connected, that device can be generally identified and accessed along the standardized common bus. PCIe is an example of a suitable standardized bus type that can be employed, where the devices for each processor node are represented as PCIe devices. Therefore, each of the devices would appear to the system software as a PCIe device. A PCIe controller can then be used to access the device by referring to the appropriate device identifier. This permits any device to be accessed on any of the processor nodes, without separate and individualized configurations or drivers for each separate processor node.
US08725917B2
A computer system is provided. The computer system comprises system and peripheral hardware devices, a display device and a chip. The display device comprises a display panel and an on-screen display (OSD) control module. The chip comprises a computer system environment information monitoring module, a control connection interface and a control module. The computer system environment information monitoring module monitors computer system environment information according to the system and peripheral hardware devices. The control connection interface is electrically connected to the OSD control module. The control module is electrically connected to the computer system environment information monitoring module and the control connection interface to control the OSD control module through the control connection interface according to the computer system environment information to further control the display function of the display panel.
US08725915B2
Techniques are provided which may be implemented in various methods and/or apparatuses that to provide a virtual buffer interface capability between a plurality of processes/engines and a memory pool.
US08725907B2
An electronic device includes a USB connector, a power supply unit for supplying electric power to an external device, which is connected via the USB connector, a judgment unit for judging whether the external device is a device being compliant with a USB 2.0 standard or a compatible device being compatible with a device complying with the USB 2.0 standard; and an acquisition unit for acquiring a value of voltage requested by a connected compatible device by communicating with the connected compatible device when the judgment unit judges that the external device is the compatible device; wherein the power supply unit supplies electric power corresponding to the value of voltage acquired by the acquisition unit to the compatible device when the judgment unit judges that the external device is the compatible device.
US08725905B2
A power over Ethernet (PoE) compliant device may be able to keep alive just enough of a management controller and/or target to respond to requests and tell a host (initiator) why it may be unable to respond to a data transfer request in a desired fashion due to a power failure. Thus only a small portion of an information handling system management capabilities need stay alive for reporting the operational condition of the overall information handling system during a power outage.
US08725895B2
An improved system and method are disclosed for peer-to-peer communications. In one example, the method enables two endpoints to dynamically select one of multiple possible routes for inbound and outbound messages.
US08725894B2
Discovery of intermediate network devices is performed using a technique that piggybacks upon the existing standard TCP (Transport Control Protocol) “SACK” (Selective Acknowledgment) option in a SYN/ACK packet so that discovery information may be shared between pair-wise-deployed peer intermediate devices when a TCP/IP connection (Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol) is first established between network endpoints using a conventional three-way handshake. Use of the SACK option is combined with another technique which comprises modifying the original 16-bit value of the TCP receive window size to a special arbitrary value to mark a SYN packet as being generated by a first peer device. The marked SYN when received by the second peer device triggers that device's discovery information to be piggybacked in the SACK option of the SYN/ACK packet. The first device then piggybacks its discovery information in the SACK option of the ACK packet which completes the three-way handshake.
US08725890B2
A method and apparatus for recovering data, comprising establishing a secondary recovery network with a device, detecting data loss and recovering via the secondary recovery network the lost data from the device, the device having correctly received the data, are described. The lost data was sent in a primary wireless multicast network. A method and apparatus for recovering data, comprising receiving data, establishing a secondary recovery network with device and recovering the lost data via said secondary recovery network, are also described. The received data was sent in a primary wireless multicast network.
US08725886B1
A policy indicative of overprovisioning and underprovisioning indicators defining rules to specify a triggering event indicating the need to reassess the provisioning of a user. Such reprovisioning occurs automatically upon occurrences of predetermined events, and may even be undetectable to the user. Since the reprovisioning can either expand or contract the resources available to a particular user, users are matched to an optimal, or “best fit” computational resource set to correspond to the demands of the particular user. Provisioning determining a class of the user, and is indicative of an expected resource load the user imposes. The provisioner continuously monitors usage imposed by the user to aggregate a user profile indicative of provisioning demands, automatically reevaluating the class based on the aggregated user profile according to predetermined events, and selectively reassigning the provisioning environment based on the reevaluation.
US08725885B1
Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are described for securely connecting a plurality of ICE client devices without using TURN. A session border controller (SBC) receives, via a website application server, a connectivity message from a first ICE client device at a first relay port and a connectivity message from a second ICE client device at a second relay port. The SBC authenticates the messages using credential information received from the server, and latches address information associated with the first client device to the first relay port and address information associated with the second client device to the second relay port. The SBC forwards the message from the first client device to the second client device and the message from the second client device to the first client device, and establishes an ICE relay connection indirectly between the first client device and the second client device via the relay ports.
US08725884B2
In one embodiment, an image display device comprises a first USB port, a writing unit, and a display unit. The writing unit writes a wireless setup information of the image display device to a predetermined USB memory if the predetermined USB memory is attached to the first USB port. The display unit displays a predetermined message if the writing unit finishes writing the wireless setup information to the predetermined USB memory. The display unit displays an image data sent from an image supply device using the wireless setup information read by the image display device from the predetermined USB memory, if the predetermined USB memory is attached to a second USB port of the image supply device.
US08725881B2
A method for an application function (AF) device in a wireless cellular network including the steps of determining with a processing unit whether an application service requires confirmation that a transmission path for corresponding application service media is available to progress set up of an application service session. There is the step of sending a message generated by the processing unit through a network interfacing unit to a policy and charging rule function (PCRP) server to indicate whether the application service requires confirmation that the transmission path for the corresponding application service media is available. An application function (AF) device in a wireless cellular network including a processing unit which determines whether an application service requires confirmation that a transmission path for corresponding application service media is available to progress set up of an application service session. The AF device includes a network interfacing unit that sends a message generated by the processing unit to a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server indicating whether the application service requires confirmation that the transmission path for the corresponding application service media is available. A method for a policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server in a wireless cellular network. A policy and charging rule function (PCRF) server in a wireless cellular network.
US08725879B2
A network interface device is provided. The network interface device is connected to a computer and performs communications via a network includes a first management unit that identifies a communication connection by a port number, and manages a communication connection state of each port by a context that is stored in a storage unit and is associated with a port number, a second management unit that manages a storage state of the context, and a control unit that refers to the context, and performs an exemplary operation to establish a communication connection and an exemplary operation to cut off a communication connection between ports.
US08725876B2
Cluster-free techniques for enabling a directory protocol-based Domain Name System (DNS) service for high availability are presented. A DNS service monitors a node for wild-carded IP address that migrate to the node when a primary node fails to service DNS requests for a directory of the network. The DNS service forwards the wild-carded IP address to a distributed directory service for resolution and uses the distributed directory service to dynamically configure the DNS service for directly handling subsequent DNS requests made to the directory over the network while the primary node remains inoperable over the network.
US08725874B2
The ideal client-server for a collaborative application in a client-server network environment is dynamically determined. An Ideal Server utility compares the capabilities of the computer system of an entering client with the computer system of the current client-server to determine which system is best equipped to control the execution of the application. Whenever a new client enters/participates in the application session, the Ideal Server utility evaluates the system capabilities of the new client (the candidate client-server) and compares the new client's system capabilities with the system capabilities of the current client-server. If the new client possesses better capabilities than the current client-server, the new client is provided the role of the client-server. A transfer of the application to the candidate client-server is initiated. Once the transfer is completed, the application resumes processing on the new client-server.
US08725871B2
Systems and methods for discovering a set of applications that run on a network are disclosed. In accordance with one method, aggregate traffic volumes are determined for pairs of nodes on the network over a plurality of time intervals. The method further includes building a traffic matrix denoting each of the pairs of nodes and denoting respective aggregate traffic volume histories of each of the pairs of nodes that are based on the determined traffic volumes. In addition, the traffic matrix is formulated as a combination of bases vectors that model the set of applications. The bases vectors are determined by applying a covariance matrix adaptation evolutionary strategy based on the traffic matrix. An indication of the set of applications based on the bases vectors is output.
US08725869B1
An information processing system comprises a system management tool, a managed system and a classifier. The system management tool receives a result of a situation classification operation from the classifier, and automatically takes a management action relating to the managed system based at least in part on the result of the situation classification operation. The situation classification result may be determined by monitoring operation of the managed system in a situational state space having dimensions that characterize operating conditions of the system, and identifying a current state of the system in the situational state space. The management action automatically taken by the system management tool may comprise, for example, setting at least one policy for the managed system by selecting and deploying a particular one of a plurality of policy sets responsive to the result of the situation classification operation.
US08725862B1
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for selecting a server from a plurality of servers to process a query. A query is converted into a query number. A hashing operation is performed on a combination of the query number and a second number that is associated with a present time interval. The hashing operation generates a hash value associated with the query and the present time interval. A length of the present time interval is increased as a quantity of servers in a plurality of servers increases. A server in the plurality of servers is selected to process the query, based on the hash value. The query is sent to the selected server.
US08725858B1
Methods and systems for selecting and presenting a content item, such as an advertisement, to a user of a social network are provided, where the content item is selected based on a calculated “content propagation likelihood” for the user. A user's “content propagation likelihood” is a likelihood that an entity (e.g., video, audio clip, photograph, etc.) will spread throughout the user's social network, and the social networks of the user's friends, when the entity is shared (e.g., broadcast) by the user. A user's content propagation likelihood is computed using weighted measures of various ways in which an entity can spread through a social network. A user's content propagation likelihood may also be set for a given vertical (e.g., music, sports, etc.) and/or a given media type (e.g., images, videos, etc.) that pertains to the particular user.
US08725848B1
A method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for processing data. In some embodiments, this includes an intermediary connecting to an initial interface, the intermediary receiving an optimal interface, the intermediary disconnecting from the initial interface, and the intermediary connecting to the optimal interface. In some embodiments, the intermediary may be a plug-in for an application on a client.
US08725846B2
A first terminal notifies an LFC service functional unit of LFC package related information for customization of a second terminal, an address of the second terminal to be customized, and an account of the user of the first terminal to a contents provider. As a result, the LFC service functional unit acquires an LFC package from the contents provider, then the LFC service functional unit customizes the second terminal based on the obtained LFC package.
US08725838B2
Content can be shared between devices by transmitting an encoded signal that indicates, to each capable device within range, instructions for accessing the content. For example, a first device can emit an encoded audio signal that can be received by any capable device within audio range of the device. Any device receiving the signal can decode the information included in the signal and obtain a location to access the content from that information. Using such an approach, a first user can quickly and easily share content with several users at the same time without any of the receiving users having to determine or navigate to the content being shared. Further, using signals, such as audio signals, provides the ability for most existing devices to easily share content without significant hardware modification or additional expense.
US08725836B2
When requested content is available at a data center, the data center returns the requested content to the data center. When the requested content is locally unavailable at the data center, the requested content is retrieved from an origin server. The retrieval of the content from the origin server may be delayed based on the processing load at the origin server. When retrieval of the content is delayed, the request is prioritized and placed in a queue for handling by the origin server based on the priority of the request. Also, when retrieval of the content is delayed, a status page may be communicated to the browser to inform a user of the delay and provide alternate content and status information related to the request determined as a function of the request or the current state of the origin server.
US08725835B2
Implementing Web access includes finding a Web module and a Web module method associated with a client request. Based on a parameter declaration of the Web module method, a Web server obtains from a Web context request data that is used to invoke the Web module method. The Web server then stores in a Web context a return value and renders a displayed Web page based on the Web context. In some aspects, implementing Web access further includes analyzing the parameter declaration of the Web module methods and finding a data scope and a data item associated with the request data. In some aspects, implementing Web access further includes generating a Web module instance in response to determination that the instance does not exist.
US08725829B2
A method and system is described which allows users to identify (pre-recorded) sounds such as music, radio broadcast, commercials, and other audio signals in almost any environment. The audio signal (or sound) must be a recording represented in a database of recordings. The service can quickly identify the signal from just a few seconds of excerption, while tolerating high noise and distortion. Once the signal is identified to the user, the user may perform transactions interactively in real-time or offline using the identification information.
US08725826B2
A system and method that uses internet content and/or content metadata as a means to establish social networks. Examples include linking internet users, searchers, viewers and/or listeners of the same and/or similar internet content to each other via a platform that enables any of the following in n-dimensional environments: social networking, communications, sharing, e-commerce, advertising, search, hosting and registry services, push and pull applications, anonymous communications, and rich presence.
US08725821B1
A method for data synchronization is provided. Custom Objects are stored in MICROSOFT Outlook as Outlook items. Two continual processes check if there are changes in the Outlook Items and whether these changes are saved on the hard drive. MICROSOFT Storage Items are used to store information about fields of Outlook items that have been changed and fields of Outlook items that have been saved to the hard drive. Then, information about both changed and saved fields is sent to an external server. Subsequently, notifications about successful saving of the fields on the external server are received. The information about the fields changed on the external server is received, as well. The fields changed on the external server are saved to the Outlook items. Thus, two-way synchronization between Outlook and the external server is achieved.
US08725820B2
Methods, servers and systems for communicating information in networks enable efficient expansion while maintaining high-availability. A first message associated with an entity may be received on a first server. An operation may be performed on certain information included in the first message associated with the entity to identify a first data repository in which information associated with the first message or the entity is to be stored. Information extracted from the first message may be stored in the identified first data repository. When a second message associated with the entity is received, the same operation may be performed on the same certain information included in the second message to identify the first data repository in which information associated with the first message or the entity is stored. The information related to the first message or the entity from the first data repository may then be used.
US08725819B2
A matching server, when a chat room specified by participation request information received from a client terminal device is registered in a room storage region, associates and registers that client terminal device to the chat room, and when the chat room specified by the participation request information is not registered, associates the client terminal device and the chat room with each other and registers them newly in the room storage region. When a chat room specified by leave request information received by the client terminal device is registered in the room storage region, it cancels registration of the client terminal device for the chat room, and when there is no client terminal device registered to the registered chat room, it cancels registration of the chat room.
US08725815B2
A method is provided for transmitting an email message from a sender to a recipient, the recipient capable of receiving email messages compliant with American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII). However, one or more of the sender or other recipients have a non-ASCII email address. Accordingly, mapped ASCII email addresses are created for each of the non-ASCII email addresses. A username is generated as a mapping of the non-ASCII email address using a predefined mapping algorithm. A domain name is selected from one or more predefined domain names. The username is concatenated with the domain name to create the mapped ASCII email address. Then, the non-ASCII email address is replaced with the mapped ASCII email address and the email message is sent to the selected recipient.
US08725809B2
A method, system, and apparatus for providing a self-destructing e-mail messages are described. An e-mail client application provides a user interface through which the sender of an e-mail message can enter the message and a time period for destruction of the message. Once the sender has provided this information, the e-mail client application sends a request to an e-mail server application to transmit the self-destructing e-mail message. The e-mail client application may also receive self-destructing e-mail messages. When a self-destructing e-mail message is received, the destruction date associated with the e-mail message is identified and the message is destroyed at the specified time. The e-mail client application can also limit the number and type of operations that may be performed on a self-destructing e-mail. An e-mail server application is also provided that receives requests from the e-mail client application to transmit self-destructing e-mail messages and perform other functions.
US08725791B2
Just in time delivery of a consistent user profile to overlapping user sessions, where a first user session issues a request for a first file of a user profile to a server agent. Upon receiving the request, the server agent retrieves the first file from a base user profile, and just in time delivers the retrieved first file to the first user session. The user, via a second user session executing simultaneously with the first user session, issues a request to the server agent for the first file and a second file of the user profile. Upon receiving the request, the server agent identifies a modified version of the first file in a provisional user profile, retrieves the modified first file from the provisional user profile and the second file from the base user profile, and just in time delivers both files to the second user session.
US08725785B1
A technique for performing parallel-input parallel-output infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering uses two parallel-input-parallel-output finite impulse response (FIR) filters. One FIR filter is used as a feed-forward filter and one FIR filter is used as a feed-back filter. The feed-back filter is coupled to delays and summers to allow the filter operations to be performed in parallel.
US08725784B2
A method for compressive domain filtering and interference cancelation processes compressive measurements to eliminate or attenuate interference while preserving the information or geometry of the set of possible signals of interest. A signal processing apparatus assumes that the interfering signal lives in or near a known subspace that is partially or substantially orthogonal to the signal of interest, and then projects the compressive measurements into an orthogonal subspace and thus eliminate or attenuate the interference. This apparatus yields a modified set of measurements that can provide a stable embedding of the set of signals of interest, in which case it is guaranteed that the processed measurements retain sufficient information to enable the direct recovery of this signal of interest, or alternatively to enable the use of efficient compressive-domain algorithms for further processing. The method and apparatus operate directly on the compressive measurements to remove or attenuate unwanted signal components.
US08725781B2
A sentiment cube system is disclosed. In one example, the system discloses a sentiment storage, including a sentiment cube data structure having a set of cells arranged by a set of dimensions. The system includes a computer programmed with executable instructions which operate a set of modules, wherein the modules comprise: a sentiment storage module which receives sentiment values associated with a set of entity features, and then populates a hierarchy of the cells in the sentiment cube with the sentiment values. A sentiment analysis module effecting a set of operations on the sentiment cube.
US08725777B2
A method of creating and managing a database of meta_data sets for a plurality of objects is provided. The meta-data set is configured to characterize an object. The meta_data set for a “j”-object is selected from the group consisting of: a first item; a second item; an “i”-th item; and ID-j tag; wherein “i” and “j” being integers. The method comprises: (A) identifying a meta_data set for at least one object; (B) collecting a meta_data set for at least one object; (C) creating the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; (D) storing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects; and (E) accessing the database of meta_data sets for the plurality of objects.
US08725776B2
A signature system with a mechanism to identify element(s) of a signed document includes a sender having a signature module with a digest generator. The digest generator generates digests for identifying selected elements of the document. The resulting “identifying” digests are then used in generating a signature in which the sender signs the digests rather than the original elements. The receiver can then process the signature and use these digests to distinguish between elements, as needed.
US08725772B2
An extensible file system format for portable storage media is provided. The extensible file system format includes the specification of primary and secondary directory entry types that may be custom defined. The primary and secondary directory entry types can be further classified as critical and benign directory entries. The directory entry types can define whether a cluster chain corresponding to a file can be contiguously allocated.
US08725763B2
Systems and methods for massive model visualization in product data management (PDM) systems. A method includes storing a hierarchical product data structure that includes a plurality of occurrence nodes and component nodes. The method includes creating an occurrence equivalency table from, the hierarchical product data structure, that identifies at least one anchor occurrence node and at least one equivalent occurrence node. The product component corresponding to the equivalent occurrence node is spatially located within a specified distance threshold of product component corresponding to the anchor occurrence node. The method includes creating an anchor occurrence table corresponding to the hierarchical product data structure that lists a plurality of unique occurrence chain represented by the hierarchical product data structure, where each equivalent occurrence node is replaced by its corresponding anchor occurrence node, and that associates each listed unique occurrence chain with an associated cell index value.
US08725762B2
Information is acquired over a network by acquiring an original request including a current search value that specifies information to be acquired from a database. It is determined whether the information to be acquired by the original request is singular with respect to a request previously issued by the information processing apparatus and stored in a request log in which a history of search values is registered. A diffusion request is generated including a dummy request to dilute singularity of an access log related to the current search value to the database issued by the information processing apparatus where the original request is determined to be singular with respect to the current search value, the dummy request being generated from a dummy value that provides a different search value requesting information different from the information to be acquired. The diffusion request is issued as a search request to the database over the network. The search result information acquired by the diffusion request is extracted from a response to the search request.
US08725761B2
Disclosed embodiments provide a methodology and architecture for calculating the chainage distance using two Positive Train Control (PTC) system messages (e.g., Train Route and Current Position) provided by the PTC system.
US08725744B2
Provided herein is a method, apparatus and computer program product for providing a visual representation of relationships between information entities from databases. In particular, the method may include identifying a plurality of entities with a primary relationship with a root entity, and a plurality of entities with a secondary relationship with the root entity, display of the root entity, a first subset of the plurality of entities with a primary relationship with the root entity, and a first subset of the plurality of entities with a secondary relationship with the root entity. Methods may further include display of an indication that the first subset of entities with a primary relationship has a primary relationship with the root entity and providing for display of an indication that the first subset of entities with a secondary relationship has a secondary relationship with the root entity.
US08725743B2
A commanding interface can provide an efficient computer interface for users of assistive technology by focusing on the tasks that an application can perform, rather than on the interface the application exposes. The commanding interface can provide a search mechanism that searches for and presents functions or functionality in response and dynamically updates results as the search query is entered. Additionally, the commanding interface can prioritize search results based on contextual data, including prior search terms, prior actions, and the context of the user's interaction with the application program. The commanding interface can enable the user to filter the functions and functionality presented through the commanding interface according to types of user-performed activities for which such functions would be utilized, patterns, or heuristically determined associations.
US08725742B2
A system and method for managing media advertising enterprise data including a process for learning enterprise data matching. An EDM (Enterprise Data Management) application module can be configured to include a set of rules at an enterprise level to manage disparate and disconnected records associated with an entity. A number of unmatched and enterprise entities that matches with respect to an active entity can be returned based on a fuzzy logic associated with various matching options stored in an EDM database. A matching process can then be performed to accurately match similar records regardless of manual input, location, and format of the records in a distributed system. Each unmatched record can then be assigned with a parent enterprise entity. Such an optimization mechanism can interactively manage and report records at the enterprise level in a simple and efficient manner.
US08725738B1
A system for organizing and searching data, representing objects, in a database. The data is organized into subsets according to the objects' characteristics. A value is assigned to each subset member according to the degree it possesses the relevant characteristic. Each subset is organized into a linear progression according to the characteristic values of the subset member. Next, a beginning subset is selected. A portion of the selected subset is displayed as a linear progression, along which the searcher may scroll to view the subset members. Selecting an object from the linear progression will prompt the system to determine whether the object is a member of other subsets. If so, a portion of those subsets will be displayed as linear progressions intersecting the original linear progression at the selected object. The searcher may either continue scrolling along the original linear progression or begin scrolling along an intersecting linear progression.
US08725727B2
Internet websites that are popular for users in a specific location are determined and displayed to a user of an electronic device. The popularity information may be of benefit to users in the location or to users of inherently portable devices, such as a mobile telephone or a laptop computer, that travel to the location. In one embodiment, position data relating to devices used to access websites is used to establish statistics regarding the most visited websites based on location. For instance, positioning data may be added to “webpage look-up/URL requests” that are made by the devices. This data may be transmitted to a server for deriving of the statistics.
US08725722B2
A method and apparatus for directly writing multimedia data onto a digital device are provided. The method includes sensing multimedia data written on a storage medium; displaying a user interface screen to display the multimedia data and a folder for a digital device; receiving a command to write the multimedia data in the folder; converting the multimedia data to a format which is playable by the digital device; and writing the converted data in the folder. The apparatus includes a sense unit which senses multimedia data written on a storage medium; a display unit which displays a user interface screen; an input unit which provides input in the form of a command to write the multimedia data in a folder; and a converting and writing unit which converts the multimedia data to a format which is playable by the digital device and writes the converted multimedia data in the folder.
US08725721B2
A method of establishing personalized limits on a search responsive to a key word query in an enterprise search system is described that includes receiving an object types access history for a particular user. Applying this method, the object types access history includes records of object types selected from search results returning multiple object types and records of object types selected via interfaces other than search results. The method continues with determining and storing in computer readable memory a personalized scope of object types. The personalized scope of object types sets a limit on object types initially returned by an enterprise search system for the particular user in response to key word queries by the particular user that do not specify object types to search.
US08725718B2
When registering content in a data storage unit (101), a data registration unit (102) transmits, to another content management apparatus, metadata that is assigned to the content. The content management apparatus which has received the metadata returns related metadata that is related to the received metadata. An import determination unit (105) determines whether or not each of the metadata elements included in the returned related metadata is importable. The metadata elements which have been determined to be importable, within the related metadata, are added by a metadata editing unit 106 as a part of the metadata of the content that is to be registered.
US08725716B1
The present invention provides systems and methods for generating alerts based on results received from one or more custom search engines. In an embodiment, the present invention generates alerts based on custom search engines by (1) receiving one or more alert specifications including a custom search engine identifier; (2) receiving at least one current result from the identified custom search engines; (3) determining one or more itemized alert elements based on the at least one current result; and (4) transmitting a signal representing the one or more itemized alert elements to a user via a communication network.
US08725707B2
One embodiment is a method that repeatedly triggers a User Defined Function (UDF) that generates a data stream. A data continuous Structured Query Language (SQL) query is applied to the data stream to construct a data continuous SQL process (DCSP) which executes in a database.
US08725705B2
Systems and methods enabling search of a repository for the location of data that is similar to input data, using a defined measure of similarity, in a time that is independent of the size of the repository and linear in a size of the input data, and a space that is proportional to a small fraction of the size of the repository. Additionally, remote operations are accomplished with significantly reduced system bandwidth by implementing remote differencing operations.
US08725703B2
A method includes receiving web page identifiers associated with a website and determining whether the web page identifiers identify redundant web pages of the website. One or more web page identifiers are removed from the web page identifiers that identify redundant web pages to create a group of web page identifiers. A user responsible for at least one of the web pages identified in the group of web page identifiers is determined. A risk level is determined for each of the web pages identified in the group based on a plurality of risk factors, the user is associated with the risk level, and the association between the user and the risk level is stored in a database.
US08725692B1
A method, system and program product for implementing the xcopy command in a replication environment, the replication environment having a production site, a splitter, and a replication site, wherein the replication site has a journal, comprising, determining if the source and target LUNs of the xcopy command are replicated, based on a determination that both source and target LUNs are replicated, determining if the production and replication LUNs are synchronized, based on a positive determination that the LUNs are synchronized, and performing the xcopy command on the replication.
US08725686B2
The invention provides an application technique of a backup data in which a backup data can be utilized by creating a backup data including no indeterminate data in a backup system. In a backup system including a primary system and a backup system, the method of creating the backup data includes: a data update record rerun step for rerunning a data update record to a backup data; and a backup data creation step for starting a read to a backup data B, stopping a read to a backup data A, copying the backup data to the backup data A, starting the read to the backup data A, stopping the read to the backup data B, and copying the backup data A to the backup data B.
US08725678B2
A system is provided for centrally managing core enterprise reference data associated with an enterprise. A centralized master repository contains the core enterprise reference data. The internal services framework also provides internal services for managing the core enterprise reference data within the centralized master repository, one or more of the internal services having direct access to the core enterprise reference data stored in the centralized master repository for management purposes. An infrastructure services layer coupled to the centralized master repository provides for bulk data transfers of core enterprise reference data between the centralized master repository and one or more external operational systems according to one or more enterprise-level business workflows, the external operational systems permitted indirect access to the core enterprise reference data stored in the centralized master repository for operational purposes.
US08725674B1
A method and apparatus for providing a metadata driven framework for operations support systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method provides a hierarchical schema for a product. For example, a metadata for each element in the hierarchical structure, and a metalanguage for controlling tasks such as data collection, data orchestration, validation, field rendering, etc. are then created. In one embodiment, the method then provides framework aware engines for compiling the metadata and metalanguage into runtime forms. For each service or product to be provided, the product or service specific behavior and the operations support systems that are impacted are identified. The framework aware engine then compiles the metadata at runtime to generate at least one update for at least one operations support function.
US08725671B2
According to an automaton circuit, a pattern matching apparatus, and a pattern matching method of the present invention, by converting regular expressions into configuration data with the certain format, the regular expression, which can be expressed by using only 3 kinds of metacharacters and can be expressed within a certain length, can be input. Since connection relations inside the automaton circuit are changed depending on the configuration data, the automaton circuit according to the present invention is reconfigurable.
US08725668B2
A method of classifying an item to one of a plurality of groups includes providing a plurality of predictors associated with the item. For each predictor, the item is assigned to one of the groups. An assignment number is determined for each group. The item is classified to one of the groups based on the assignment number for each group.
US08725663B1
A system, method, and computer program product for evaluating a set of data records to identify critical records in said set which lie very close to a class boundary and are sensitive to small changes in attribute values, such that the small changes may result in the switching of classes. Additionally, a system, method, and computer program product is presented that uses said critical records to improve performance of a classifier.
US08725662B2
Apparatus and methods for partial evaluation of synaptic updates in neural networks. In one embodiment, a pre-synaptic unit is connected to a several post synaptic units via communication channels. Information related to a plurality of post-synaptic pulses generated by the post-synaptic units is stored by the network in response to a system event. Synaptic channel updates are performed by the network using the time intervals between a pre-synaptic pulse, which is being generated prior to the system event, and at least a portion of the plurality of the post synaptic pulses. The system event enables removal of the information related to the portion of the post-synaptic pulses from the storage device. A shared memory block within the storage device is used to store data related to post-synaptic pulses generated by different post-synaptic nodes. This configuration enables memory use optimization of post-synaptic units with different firing rates.
US08725660B2
A collection of labeled training cases is received, where each of the labeled training cases has at least one original feature and a label with respect to at least one class. Non-linear transformation of values of the original feature in the training cases is applied to produce transformed feature values that are more linearly related to the class than the original feature values. The non-linear transformation is based on computing probabilities of the training cases that are positive with respect to the at least one class. The transformed feature values are used to train a classifier.
US08725658B2
A simple format is disclosed and referred to as Elementary Network Description (END). The format can fully describe a large-scale neuronal model and embodiments of software or hardware engines to simulate such a model efficiently. The architecture of such neuromorphic engines is optimal for high-performance parallel processing of spiking networks with spike-timing dependent plasticity. Methods for managing memory in a processing system are described whereby memory can be allocated among a plurality of elements and rules configured for each element such that the parallel execution of the spiking networks is most optimal.
US08725653B1
Disclosed are platforms, systems, media, and methods comprising: a software module configured to allow generation of a dare campaign, a dare campaign having parameters comprising a creator, a target, a challenge, funds raised, and a beneficiary; and a software module configured to generate a dare campaign community, a dare campaign community organized around a primary dare campaign and characterized by one or more of: a primary dare campaign having a challenge defined by a community member other than the creator or the target; one or more child dare campaigns, wherein a child dare campaign has parameters defaulted to those of the primary dare campaign, wherein the parameters are customizable by the creator of the child dare campaign; and one or more clone dare campaigns, wherein a clone dare campaign has parameters linked to the primary dare campaign, wherein the linked parameters include at least the challenge.
US08725645B1
A non-invasive metering system enables on-demand, metered usage licensing of software applications. A packaging module generates a secure application package for an original, unmodified application authored by a software publisher. The software publisher need not directly modify the code of the original application. Rather, the packaging module includes, within the secure application package but separate from the code of the application itself, a shell application that controls runtime aspects of the application, such as metering of the application. The secure application package is made available to users wishing to use the application on a metered basis. When users use the secure application package, a specialized loader process extracts from the secure application package executable code for the application and for the shell application, and executes the shell application, which in turn authenticates the user and executes the application the using the executable code extracted from the secure application package.
US08725640B2
A method is described for the withdrawal of cash at automatic telling machines in which the beneficiary of the payment does not have to make use of a card, account or any other instrument in order to obtain cash, and without the need for any transfer of funds to take place. The method envisages that cash should be withdrawn by means of a payment order via SMS, permitting a principal to use a mobile telephone to order the payment of a certain amount of money to a third party, who, thanks to the information received at his mobile telephone, may withdraw that amount from any cash dispenser enabled for the purpose, having as a means of security an exclusive code or PIN for each operation known only by the principal and the beneficiary. The method of payment via SMS contemplated by the invention is especially applicable to the existing network of cash dispensers and services.
US08725638B2
Systems and methods for authenticating a party are disclosed. A transaction may be initiated between a relying party and a presenter. The relying party may be a merchant, and the present may be a consumer. The relying party can send the presenter a message with transaction information and requirements for authentication. The presenter can forward the message to a third party, which can authenticate the presenter to the relying party. Messages may be routed through the presenter.
US08725632B2
The present invention relates to a method for conducting transactions, such as standard banking transactions, using a wireless device, such as a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, and other web-enabled wireless devices utilizing software downloaded to the wireless device. The software provides a user with interface screens on the display of the wireless device for facilitating information requests to a service provider having access to at least one account of the user.
US08725624B2
A computer implemented investment product includes data stored on one or more computers that corresponds to a notional performance portfolio of assets. The notional performance portfolio includes: (a) a base portfolio of assets having a selected exposure amount; (b) a passive commodity index portfolio, of long and short positions, having a passive commodity index portfolio exposure in an amount substantially equal to a product of the selected exposure amount multiplied by a leverage factor of at least 100%; and (c) the notional performance portfolio having a lower risk and a higher return as compared to either the base portfolio or the passive commodity index portfolio. The one or more computers monitor the base portfolio and the passive commodity index portfolio and calculate the return for the notional performance portfolio.
US08725623B2
Systems and methods are provided to control gaming in electronic trading markets. These systems and methods alleviate the problem of a seller or buyer trying to act on a trader's original bid or offer only to trade at an unfavorable level after the trader changes the bid or offer. A pricing method suspends trading for a period of time if a price difference between two bids or offers by the same trader is too great. A timing method prevents a trader from canceling or replacing a bid or offer for a period of time. These methods provide a more fair and efficient way of executing electronic trades.
US08725616B2
A system and method for conducting a home equity sales (HES) program enables a real estate property owner to sell a partial equity ownership interest in a real estate property. This allows the property owner to sell the interest outright to an investor and receive compensation for the sale of the interest. The property interests of the property owner and the investor are both recorded in property records relating to that particular property. The property owner may sell multiple interests in the same property and an investor may also purchase these multiple interests.
US08725615B2
A method for providing an investment account comprises storing an account associated with an owner, wherein the account comprises a plurality of instruments. The account is associated with a current value based at least in part on the plurality of instruments and with a base amount that is periodically adjusted to be the greater of the current value or the base amount prior to the adjustment. The method continues by updating the account based at least in part on one or more trading orders associated with the owner. The method continues by receiving an initial request to withdraw funds from the account. In conjunction with receiving the initial request, the method continues by determining an allowance amount based at least in part on the base amount. The method continues by permitting the withdrawal of the allowance amount from the account. If the current value of the account falls to zero, the method concludes by initiating one or more annuity payments based at least in part on the allowance amount.
US08725609B2
A system and method are disclosed for continuous intraday final settlement of payment orders among a plurality of participants, each participant having facilities configured to electronically send and receive the payment orders in the form of payment messages. Primary positions, corresponding to balances in a prefunded balance account, are stored. Supplemental positions, corresponding to balances in the prefunded balance account, are stored. Payment messages are received from sending participants. A selected payment message is released, such that the sending participant's supplemental position is decreased by the payment amount and the receiving participant's supplemental position is increased by the payment amount, if it is determined that: (i) the sending participant's supplemental position, after subtraction of the payment amount, is greater than or equal to the predetermined minimum for the sending participant's supplemental position, and (ii) the receiving participant's supplemental position, after addition of the payment amount, is less than or equal to the predetermined maximum for the receiving participant's supplemental position.
US08725607B2
A system and corresponding method are provided. The system includes a plurality of first entities (such as banks), each first entity communicatively connected to at least one distributed traffic agent (DTA), a second entity (such as a central facility) communicatively connected to a DTA, and a communication network communicatively connecting the DTAs. A payload containing a data file (such as electronic check presentment data, electronic payment data, or any other data type) is communicated from one first entity to another through their respective DTAs via the communication network. In addition, a transmittal containing control information corresponding to the payload is communicated from the one first entity to the second entity through their respective DTAs via the communication network.
US08725601B2
Method and apparatus for facilitating a commercial transaction between an account holder and a merchant. The account holder has an account that is associated with respective account information. The account information includes at least one criterion for pre-authorizing a transaction. When the consumer initiates a purchase transaction, a transaction approval request is generated which includes information relating to the commercial transaction. A purchase approval entity compares the received transaction approval request to the account information to determine whether the at least one criterion for pre-authorizing the transaction is satisfied. The transaction approval request is denied when a determination is made that the at least one criterion for pre-authorizing the transaction is not satisfied.
US08725599B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for generating replenishment orders for products sold to a multi-store retailer. Store trait data is mapped with planogram information and the mapped data is used to generate a fixture level safety stock for a particular product in a particular store. The fixture level safety stock triggers fixture level replenishment orders.
US08725597B2
A merchant scoring system predicts and reports the likelihood that a merchant is reliable (e.g., trustworthy, honest, and reputable), which is expected to translate into a positive consumer experience. The system collects data from a variety of data sources, including combinations of the merchant, third-parties, and/or customers who have transacted with the merchant. A scoring model is executed on this collected data to determine an independent and objective merchant reliability metric that predicts the expected reliability of a merchant within a range. The system may also track transactions of individual merchants, populating a transaction history database with information about each merchant for use in this collection and scoring process. The transaction history data and other data may also be accessible to a prospective customer to build his or her confidence in and understanding of the merchant reliability metric and his or her trust of the merchant.
US08725595B1
A system and method for a librarian facilitates appraising the value of all or selected products in a collection of products. The collection of products may be part of a library that includes one or more photographic images of the library, and an inventory of the products revealed in those images. The librarian facilitates appraising the value of products in the collection with reference to the images. Appraisals may be automatically updated, and users notified in accordance with user notification preferences. An automated referral may be provided to the user to sell all or selected ones of the appraised inventory of products, individually or together. An extended appraisal may be provided to facilitate enhancing the value of a collection in the library.
US08725585B1
A computer-implemented method includes providing an online marketplace to developers of web applications that may be downloaded from the marketplace to a client computing device for execution by a browser executing on the client device and receiving a request from a party to the marketplace to list a proposed web application for sale in the marketplace. One or more processors of a computer system automatically determine the permissions requested by the proposed web application and automatically determine if the permissions match one or more predetermined permissions. If the permissions match one or more predetermined permissions, then the proposed application is flagged for a manual vetting process before listing the proposed application in the marketplace, and if they do not match, then the proposed application is listed in the marketplace without manual review of the application.
US08725582B2
E-commerce techniques, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, provide an improved buying experience integrated with the television viewing experience. A multimedia system for implementing the e-commerce techniques includes a two way communication system such as a set top box, display device and remote controller. The set top box and display device are used to present enhanced content including one or more offerings to users. The users can use the remote control to complete a purchase transaction for one or more of the offerings.
US08725576B2
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.
US08725575B2
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.
US08725574B2
According to some embodiments, a request for a new payment account may be received in connection with a mobile device, such as a wireless telephone. A temporary payment account number (“PAN”) may then be automatically assigned to the request. The temporary PAN may be mapped to a mobile PAN, and data to facilitate a personalization of the mobile device with the mobile PAN may be transmitted. The mobile device may then be used, for example, in connection with a near field communications enabled purchasing transaction.
US08725571B1
Activity monitoring and replay techniques monitor and replay user consumption of content. To perform one of the techniques, event data from users that reflects the consumption of content is collected. The collected event data is used to infer one or more features in the content that are consumed by the user. The consumption of the one or more features by the user is replayed.
US08725564B2
A system and method for operating a reward points accumulation and redemption program wherein a user earns rewards from a plurality of independent reward issuing entities, with each tracking the user's earned rewards. A trading server accumulates some or all of the user's earned rewards from the reward servers and credits the accumulated points rewards into a single reward exchange account associated with the user. The user may then select an item for purchase with the accumulated rewards. The item is provided to the user in exchange for a subset or all of the rewards. Reward points may also be redeemed in exchange for services, such as the playing of a video game or Internet access.
US08725561B1
Systems and methods for attributing an ad impression due to a telephone call generated from a displayed advertisement are discussed herein. Techniques and systems for managing a pool of phone numbers and allocating phone numbers from that pool to advertisements for display and presentation and also tracking the number allocation time and de-allocating numbers for re-use are also discussed herein. Also, systems and methods for attributing particular calls to particular advertisements based on the ongoing phone number allocation are discussed.
US08725555B2
The disclosure relates to a computer implemented method and component configured to assess the value of goods and services provided by a vendor to a service agency. An embodiment of the method includes the act of storing, in an electronic database, a total-budget value, an amount-paid value, a case-score value, a total-case-score value, a vendor-service-score value, and a total-vendor-services-score value. The embodiment includes selecting a vendor, forming a vendor-score-contribution value, distributing the case value of one or more service items provided by the vendor, and computing the net contribution of the vendor.
US08725544B2
A method and system for receiving data relating to an insurance claim for a damaged vehicle and transmitting a valuation report for the damaged vehicle over the world wide web. The system includes a client computer and a web server that are coupled through an electronic communication network such as the internet. The web server contains a web site that contains a plurality of web pages. Each web page allows an operator to enter the insurance claim data. The data can be processed into a valuation report by a separate valuation server. The valuation report can be transmitted to the client computer through the web server. A claims adjuster can access the web server by merely entering a uniform resource locator (“URL”) into a web browser. The adjuster does not have to dial directly into the valuation server.
