US07654287B1
A method and device for pressure testing a pipe line is provided wherein a fitting is inserted into the pipeline by inserting male ends of the pipeline into female ends of the fitting to define a flow path through the fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The fitting has an internal recess cooperating with a test slide to block flow through the fitting. An externally accessible port allows insertion and removal of the test slide. The test slide has an internal recess in which a pressure release slide moves to open a hole to release pressure, and to close the hole to block flow through the fitting for pressure testing. After testing and the release of the fluid test pressure, the test slide is removed and a finish slide is inserted into the recess. The finish slide has an opening located and configured to coincide with the flow path through the male ends of the pipes, and to block the recess to provide a substantially uniform, cylindrical flow path through the fitting.
US07654280B2
An anti-freezing hydrant is provided with a hollow valve rod of which a back end is provided with a lump formed with an oblique cone where a water leakage hole is formed communicating with the valve rod. A one-way valve is provided in a inner water inlet in a valve chamber of a valve and comprises a rubber cushion being made of a soft rubber and thus elastically suppressing the inner water inlet. The bore of a back pressure stopper in a back pressure is a complement of an inner inclined cone with the oblique cone. Thus, the rubber cushion may enhance the capability of sealing of the valve. Further, the back pressure stopper may also be a good sealant for the inclined cone.
US07654277B1
A portable shade. An illustrative embodiment of the portable shade includes a canopy; a plurality of generally elongated, curved, spaced-apart tent poles carried by the canopy; and a plurality of anchor units receiving the plurality of tent poles, respectively. Each of the anchor units comprises an anchor plate, a striker plate pivotally carried by the anchor plate and a pole receptacle pivotally carried by the striker plate and receiving a corresponding one of the tent poles.
US07654268B2
An artificial nail forming device is disclosed which is formed of stamped sheet metal and has a front section and a rear section formed by an intermediate opening between the sections. The rear section has bendable ears for attaching the device to a finger so the natural nail of the finger is exposed in the opening. The front section of the device has an outer surface that defines orthogonal curvatures that simulate the orthogonal curvatures of a natural nail. The exposed nail has its tip overlying the front section outer surface so that the artificial nail can be applied to the exposed natural nail and to the device front section outer surface. After curing, the artificial nail is separated from the forming device by pressing on two tabs extending from the front section to bend and thus displace the front section relative to the rear section and to the finger. This displacement breaks the bond between the artificial nail and the front section.
US07654257B2
A radiant tube heater assembly includes a housing containing a blower and a burner, which is aligned with an opening in the housing through which a flame and products of combustion flow into a U-shaped burner tube. The closed downstream end of the burner tube is in close proximity to the housing. In order to prevent or reduce the likelihood of the products of combustion entering the blower, an exhaust tube is mounted in a downstream leg of the burner tube and extends outwardly through the U-shaped outer end of the tube remote from the housing.
US07654253B2
A method to determine degradation of a humidity sensor used for controlling an engine of a vehicle, the humidity sensor exterior to a passenger compartment of the vehicle, the method comprising determining whether to enable monitoring of the sensor based on a duration since vehicle operation; and in response to a determination to enable monitoring, comparing a signal from a second humidity sensor to a signal from the humidity sensor exterior to said passenger compartment of the vehicle to determine whether either of sensors has degraded.
US07654252B2
An air-fuel ratio control system includes: a catalyst; an A/F sensor provided upstream of the catalyst; an oxygen concentration sensor provided downstream of the catalyst; an output value estimation portion that estimates the output value of the oxygen concentration sensor using a model related to the catalyst and the oxygen concentration sensor; an integral value calculation portion that calculates an integral value of deviation being updated by integrating the difference between the actual oxygen concentration output value and the estimated output value; a correction value calculation portion that calculates a feedback correction value for the output value of the A/F sensor and a target air-fuel ratio at least based on the integral value of deviation; and an air-fuel ratio control portion that zeros a first deviation that is obtained by correcting the difference between the detected air-fuel ratio and the target air-fuel ratio, using the feedback correction value.
US07654251B2
A centrifugal supercharger includes a case presenting a compressor chamber and a transmission chamber. An impeller in the compressor chamber is mounted to a shaft that extends into the transmission chamber. The impeller shaft is drivingly connected to a power input shaft by intermeshing gears provided on the shafts. A portion of the transmission chamber defines a fluid reservoir in which lubrication fluid is held. The intermeshing gears, as well as the bearing assemblies supporting the shafts, are located outside the fluid reservoir portion of the transmission chamber. A rotatable fluid-propelling element partly submerged in the lubrication fluid contained within the reservoir portion ensures that sufficient but not excessive lubrication fluid is supplied to the intermeshing gears and the bearing assemblies. A dedicated lubricant reserve system ensures that the required operating level of fluid is provided to, and maintained in, the reservoir portion.
US07654245B2
In a method for operating a spark-ignition, direct-injection internal combustion engine, wherein fuel is injected into a cylinder of the internal combustion engine and is ignited by a spark plug as a function of at least the load of the internal combustion engine, a crank angle is determined at which a first amount of fuel is injected into the cylinder during the intake stroke whereby a lean mixture is formed in the cylinder, subsequently, as a function of at least the load of the internal combustion engine, a crank angle is determined at which a second amount of fuel is injected, whereby a mixture cloud, which is richer than the lean mixture is formed in the lean mixture and a third amount of fuel is injected in the form of a stratified injection for forming a locally enriched and ignitable fuel/air mixture in the region of the spark plug close to an ignition time which is then ignited by the spark plug causing also combustion of the mixture cloud and the lean mixture.
US07654235B2
The invention relates to an actuating device that actuates engine valves, comprising magnetizing means, a spring having a fixed end connected to an adjustable stop and having a moving end connected to the valve (1). The adjustable stop comprises meshing means (26) that can interact with a control element (8, 10) whereby enabling the tare of the spring to be adjusted, and comprises an orifice (11) located between the adjustable stops of the two valves (1) of the same pair and serving to accommodate the control element (8, 10). The invention is characterized in that the control element (8, 10) comprises positioning means (12) that interact with complementary means (13) whereby making it possible to locate two stable positions respectively corresponding to the meshing positions with the two adjustable stops of the two valves (1) and to immobilize the control element (8, 10) in these positions.
US07654231B1
Disclosed are systems and methods for powering a vehicle. The systems and methods provide techniques for agitating fuel stored in a fuel storage tank and then combusting that fuel to power a vehicle.
US07654222B2
A fluidized bed apparatus includes a fluidizing container, a porous plate, a lower spray nozzle, a bag filter, an upper spray nozzle, a backwash nozzle, and a backwash nozzle elevator. The fluidizing container is formed in an inverted truncated conical cylindrical shape. The porous plate is provided so as to block a lower opening of the fluidizing container. The lower spray nozzle jets out air into the fluidizing container via the porous plate. The bag filter is provided at an upper opening of the fluidizing container. The upper spray nozzle sprays spray liquid downward. The backwash nozzle sweeps away powder particulates adhered to the bag filter by jetting out air from the outside of the bag filter toward the inside and is moved up and down by the backwash nozzle elevator. The fluidizing container may be vibrated by a vibrator.
US07654217B2
A system and method for conveying a bird or animal repelling object along a path, comprising a line for conveying at least one bird or animal repelling object, the line configured to define a predetermined path. The bird or animal repelling object is coupled to the line, and at least two spaced apart supporting braces operatively engage the line and provide support thereto, wherein the line is suspended in the air. The system further includes a drive unit connected to the line and adapted to control the motion of the line with respect to the supporting towers. At least one cover is attached to at least one of the towers in alignment with the path of the line and is configured to shield the object from view when the object is disposed therein.
US07654213B1
A normal belt capstan assembly for arrays towed by vessels includes a drive wheel mounted on the vessel and adapted to deploy and discharge an array. The drive wheel has a continuous groove throughout an outer edge thereof with opposed rims on either side of the groove. The assembly further includes a normal belt mounted on a plurality of rollers and disposed along a portion of the periphery of the drive wheel, the belt having a continuous central groove formed in a surface facing the drive wheel. The combined drive wheel groove and central groove are adapted to receive the array and termination module, and a retaining groove on either side of the central groove are adapted for receiving the drive wheel rims. The normal belt provides a normal force to the array and termination module.
US07654210B2
A threading device of a sewing machine includes a thread inserting base formed with a thread path hole having a thread inserting port opened toward an outer side of a sewing machine frame, and further formed with an air path hole which joins the thread path hole in the vicinity of the thread inserting port, an air supply device coupled to the air path hole to supply compressed air, and illuminating means provided on the sewing machine frame to irradiate a joining portion of the thread path hole and the air path hole. The thread inserting base includes a transparent member through which at least the joining portion of the thread path hole and the air path hole can be visually recognized.
US07654205B2
An apparatus for controlling discharge of commodity from a railcar having a hopper with at least two transversely spaced discharge openings and two laterally spaced and commonly joined pivotal doors arranged in registry with the two discharge openings. The control apparatus includes a transversely extending operating shaft and a linkage system operably connecting the operating shaft to the doors. A drive mechanism is operably connectable to the linkage system. The drive mechanism includes a powered driver for selectively operating the linkage mechanism to either simultaneously move the doors into their closed position or to simultaneously move the doors from their closed position. The powered driver of the drive mechanism is operably connected to a lever radially extending from the operating shaft. To releasably hold and maintain the doors in their closed position, a lock assembly is arranged in operable combination with the driver. The lock assembly can be operated in response to powered or manual movement of the doors. An indicator is also provided for providing a visual indication, from a side of the car, the operable condition of the lock assembly.
US07654204B2
A swing motion rail road freight car truck is provided that has a truck bolster and a pair of side frames, the truck bolster being mounted transversely relative to the side frames. The side frames have spring seats for the groups of springs. The springs seats may be rigidly mounted in the side frames. Friction dampers are provided in inboard and outboard pairs. The biasing force on the dampers urges then to that act between the bolster ands and sideframes to resist parallelogram deflection of the truck. The bearing adapters and sideframe pedestal seats interact on a rolling linear contact interface that has a relatively small radius of curvature.
US07654203B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a freight transportation system includes a track comprising a pair of rails and a linear motor reaction plate disposed between the rails and a transport vehicle having a universal intermodal container bay configured to accommodate a plurality of containers. The transport vehicle includes one or more suspension systems each having a plurality of steel wheels engaged with the rails. The freight transportation system further includes a linear induction propulsion system coupled to the transport vehicle and operable to work in conjunction with the linear motor reaction plate to move the transport vehicle, and a control system coupled to the linear induction propulsion system and operable to control the movement of the transport vehicle.
US07654200B2
In a method of producing a photosensitive planographic printing plate according to the present invention, a web is coated with a coating solution, and a coating solution film thus formed is rapidly dried. For this drying, fresh air is blown onto the web W heated with a heat roll such that the air is blown parallel to the coating solution film. The coating solution film can thereby be prevented from changing its thickness due to an air stream during drying, while the coating solution film can be rapidly dried. Accordingly, the coating solution film can be dried before the film is leveled, to form a coating layer having uniform thickness.
US07654199B2
A printing device capable of printing with either UV curable ink or non-UV curable ink and having a function of controlling so that printing under the printing conditions of the printing device in accordance with the selected ink to be used can be performed with simple operation. The printing device has a controller for performing control of executing warning report and/or disabling printing operation, when the type of the ink identified by the ink type detection device is not consistent with the type of the master identified by the master type detection device.
US07654195B2
Confectionery, such as a tart and pie, is sequentially made. A generally rectangular mold is filled with food dough. The food dough is baked and taken out of the mold. The food dough is cut and divided in a zigzag pattern into generally triangularly-shaped food dough, so that a tart or a pie is made.
US07654194B2
The invention relates to a food cooking installation comprising numerous cooking tanks which are used to receive the food items to be cooked; means of loading/unloading the food items into/from said cooking tanks; and means of conveying, driving and storing liquids, which are used to connect a heated liquid container, a cooled liquid container and a piped water delivery point with the aforementioned cooking tanks. In this way, the tanks can be filled and emptied independently and the food items contained therein can be subjected to successive baths for different periods of time and at different temperatures, at least one of the baths being a cooking bath and the other a cooling bath. According to the Invention, each of the aforementioned cooking tanks comprises at least one lateral opening which is equipped with impervious sealing means and which is used to load/unload the food items using the above-mentioned loading/unloading means.
US07654188B2
A cylinder is interposed between a machine frame and each of outriggers, which are vertically swingably disposed at opposite sides of the machine frame, so as to lift up and down the outrigger. Fluid passages are formed in a rod part of the hydraulic cylinder. Connection portions of fluid suction and delivery ports of the respective fluid passages to be connected to the respective hydraulic pressure hoses are disposed adjacent to a pivot of the hydraulic cylinder.
US07654185B1
An embodiment of a protection system for an object includes first and second sensors and a processor coupled to the sensors. The sensors are mountable to a side of the object a predetermined distance apart, and each sensor is operable to detect a respective angle between the sensor and a location from which a projectile is fired toward the side. The processor is operable to determine from the detected angles whether the firing location is aligned with the object. If the firing location is aligned with the object, then the processor is operable to calculate from the detected angles and the predetermined distance a time window during which the processor estimates that the projectile will strike the object, and is operable to cause a protection unit to defend against the projectile for the duration of the time window. Such a protection system may be less expensive to acquire, install, or operate than prior protection systems, and may expand defenses more efficiently than prior protection systems.
US07654181B2
A dust collector has a shroud mounted to the connecting rods of the pivoting assembly of a contractor's table saw. The shroud is configured to surround the lower portion of the saw blade when the blade is fully raised, and most of the blade's diameter when it is fully lowered. The shroud is equipped with a nozzle for connection of a dust collection hose. The shroud extends upwardly between the connecting rods of the pivoting assembly and between the front and rear trunnions. The longitudinal outside surfaces of the shroud are provided with shoulders that abut the connecting rods. Retainers engage the connecting rods to support the shroud against the shoulders. Thus, the dust collector is suspended below and removably connected to the pivoting assembly of the table saw. One corner of the shroud includes an opening to accommodate the arbor bracket and its vertical movement.
US07654180B2
In a method and a system for determining the feeding speed when bandsaw cutting a workpiece, the tooth pitch TP of the bandsaw blade is determined in a first unit depending on the shape and dimensions of the workpiece. In a second unit feeding depth per tooth is determined depending on properties of the workpiece material and the width of the bandsaw blade. The bandsaw blade velocity BS is determined in a third unit from the width W of the workpiece and the hardness of the workpiece material, whereafter the cutting time T is determined in a first calculating unit from the height H of the workpiece, the feeding depth per tooth, the tooth pitch TP and the blade velocity BS. In a second calculating unit the feeding speed MH for the bandsaw blade is then determined by the equation MH=H/T. A computer program, when executed on a computer, performs this determination of the feeding speed when cutting a workpiece with a bandsaw from supplied input data.
US07654166B2
Apparatus for automatically adjusting yoke clearance in a steering device in a rack-pinion type steering device.
US07654164B2
(57) A travel multiplying device (1) has at least one outer pipe (2), one inner pipe (3) and one intermediate pipe (4) positioned between them, which can be moved relative to each other in the longitudinal direction (5) each by a particular distance of travel (16-36) with at least one cut-out formed (11-17) between facing surfaces (7, 8, 9, 10) of each pipe (2, 3, 4), which cut-outs show different gradients (18, 19) relative to a transverse plane (21) through the pipes (2, 3, 4), and which are coupled with each other by at least one movement linking element (22-26) to link the movements of the pipes. By such a travel multiplying device, a small movement of one element is transformed into a magnifying movement of another element in a simply designed and reliable manner.
US07654163B2
The starter for an engine of a vehicle includes a motor generating torque for starting the engine, an output shaft configured to move in an axial direction thereof by being pressed at a pressure-receiving portion thereof, and applied with the torque to rotate, and a lever switch configured to press the pressure-receiving portion of the output shaft at a pressure-applying portion thereof in accordance with an external command so that a pinion rotatably fixed to the output shaft engages with a gear of the engine to thereby start the engine. A protection member rotatable with respect to the pressure-receiving portion is provided between the pressure-receiving portion and the pressure-applying portion. The pressure-applying portion facing the pressure-receiving portion across from the protection member is formed with a groove to be filled by lubricant.
US07654162B2
Device for mounting and demounting of a probe to be arranged in an access tube to a process pipeline, including a hydraulic cylinder accessing the access tube with a gripping tool to engage a probe for moving this probe into an operating position in the access tube and retrieving the probe from this position. A revolving unit with at least two chambers is provided, each chamber accommodating an axially movable probe. The chambers are accessible by the gripping tool to move a probe into a chamber and, in a subsequent step, from the chamber into the access tube. A powering device is arranged for revolving the revolving unit.
US07654145B2
A method of measuring vibration in a bladed rotor structure with a vibration monitor. The vibration monitor includes a sensor for sensing passage of the sensor targets on radially outer portions of the blade structure, and the sensor generates signals corresponding to target passing events. An excitation structure is provided including at least one air jet for providing an excitation force to the blade structure. The blade structure is rotated about an axis of rotation and the air jet is driven in a circular path about the axis of rotation at a different rotational speed to apply a non-synchronous excitation force to the blade structure.
US07654140B2
A micro-electrical mechanical oscillator has a resonant frequency of oscillation that is varied by application of heat. The resonant frequency is varied at a frequency different from the resonant frequency of the oscillator to amplify oscillations. In one embodiment, the oscillator is disc of material supported by a pillar of much smaller diameter than the disc. The periphery of the disc is heated by a laser to provide a time varying shift of the resonant frequency (or equivalently the stiffness) of the disc. Feedback from movement of the disc is used to modulate the intensity of the laser, and thus the stiffness of the disc to provide parametric amplification of sensed vibrations, using heating as a pump. Various other shapes of micro-electrical mechanical oscillators are used in other embodiment, including an array of such oscillators on a substrate, each having different resonant frequencies.
US07654135B2
A test system for a plurality of transmissions is disclosed. Each of the plurality of transmissions may have a transmission input member and a transmission output member. The test system may have a prime mover. The prime mover may have a prime mover output member configured to connect to the transmission input member of each of the plurality of transmissions. Additionally, the test system may have a plurality of inertia devices. Each of the inertia devices may be configured to connect to the transmission output member of one of the plurality of transmissions via a drive shaft. The test system may also have a controller. The controller may be configured to communicate with the prime mover and the plurality of transmissions to control a transfer of power between the plurality of transmissions.
US07654118B2
The present invention discloses a laundry amount sensing apparatus and method for a washing machine. The laundry amount sensing apparatus for the washing machine in which a tub is inclined at a predetermined angle in a non-load state includes a control unit that senses an inclination of the tub, determines a laundry amount corresponding to the sensed inclination of the tub, and controls a spin-drying speed according to the selected laundry amount.
US07654112B2
A jewelry forming article utilizes free magnetic bodies and free deformable chains to form various jewelry objects, such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, and the like. The various jewelry objects are formed by magnetically engaging the surfaces of the free magnetic bodies to two or more regions along a length of the deformable free chains, forming one or more loop circumferences along the length of the chains between the engaging regions, where the loop circumference may be increased or decreased by changing the positions of the engaging regions relative to the surfaces of the magnetic bodies to enable a person to secure the article on his or her body in the form of the various jewelry objects.
US07654103B2
To collect freshwater from water using a freshwater collection system which comprises of a vapor collector field formed by vapor collectors which have floatable platforms with central holes, curved roofs which each spans over each central holes and which allow sun rays to penetrate through, channels each with a nipple, “U”-shaped vacuum breaker tubes, and many eyes; a floatable water sprinkling system which has a relatively stationary platform which has eyes and which encircles a sprinkler platform which has a pump with a screen at one end and at the other end with a pipe which connects with a sprinkler head, a fuel supply system and an internal combustion engine with gear system which drives the pump; and a freshwater collector relay which is an enclosed container with a one-way valve, a weight, a nipple near the weight, many eyes, and many nipples near the eyes and the one-way valve.
US07654102B2
A refrigerated appliance is disclosed. The refrigerated appliance comprises an enclosure defining a cooled space and having an outer wall and an inner wall spaced apart from the outer wall to define an air duct. The refrigerated appliance further includes an evaporator disposed at least partially in the air duct and configured to cool air in the air duct, and the evaporator fan is configured to move air from the air duct into the cooled space, and an air treatment system at least partially located in the air duct. A portion of the air passing through the air duct passes through the air treatment system. The air treatment system comprises a filter cartridge or module, a base with a receptacle configured to receive the filter cartridge, and a mounting or coupling mechanism configured to move the filter cartridge into and out of engagement with the base. The mechanism has a release handle such that both the release handle and the cartridge are accessible from the cooled compartment.
US07654100B2
The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for high heat flux heat transfer. The subject invention can be utilized to transfer heat from a heat source to a coolant such that the transferred heat can be effectively transported to another location. Examples of heat sources from which heat can be transferred from include, for example, fluids and surfaces. The coolant to which the heat is transferred can be sprayed onto a surface which is in thermal contact with the heat source, such that the coolant sprayed onto the surface in thermal contact with the heat absorbs heat from the surface and carries the absorbed heat away as the coolant leaves the surface. The surface can be, for example, the surface of an interface plate in thermal contact with the heat source or a surface integral with the heat source. The coolant sprayed onto the surface can initially be a liquid and remain a liquid after absorbing the heat, or can in part or in whole be converted to a gas or vapor after absorbing the heat. The coolant can be sprayed onto the surface, for example, as a stream of liquid after being atomized, or in other ways which allow the coolant to contact the surface and absorb heat. Once the heat is absorbed by the coolant, the coolant can be transported to another location so as to transport the absorbed heat as well.
US07654096B2
A rotary valve unit which reduces the torque required to turn the valve disc, and the amount of wear dust that is blown into the cold head, using differential gas forces to keep the valve disc in contact with the valve seat, and which enables larger diameter valve discs to be utilized for multi-ported pulse tubes that have less force on the face of the valve disc, resulting in reduced torque and reduced wear rate.
US07654095B2
The invention provides an energy transfer apparatus having an energy transfer chamber (optionally bounded by an energy transfer tube) in which rotating flow is established. Preferably, the apparatus has a cold-fluid-discharge end and a hot-fluid-discharge end. Also provided are methods of using such apparatuses.
US07654094B2
A turbine nozzle (2) that, among components constructing a turbine, reaches particularly high temperature is efficiently cooled with a relatively simple structure. A double casing structure in which a turbine casing (7) is provided outside a turbine shell (5) is formed. The turbine casing (7) functions as a flow path (24) for compressed air (20→21) before combustion. The turbine shell (5) covers a turbine nozzle (2) and a radial turbine impeller (3) and forms flow paths (15, 16) for combustion gas (10→11→12→13). The compressed air (21) before combustion flowing in the flow path (24), for compressed air, having air-tightness between itself and the outside air is blown to the turbine nozzle (2) through a through-hole (51) penetrating both wall surfaces of the turbine shell (5) so that the turbine nozzle (2) is evenly cooled and the compressed air used to cool the turbine nozzle is made to flow toward the turbine impeller (3).
US07654093B2
A method of adjusting a triggering clearance and a trigger wherein the triggering clearance can be readily adjusted directly on the assembly line by selectively fixing an axial adjustive position between first and second triggering members.
US07654088B2
Fuel conduit systems for internal installation in a gas turbine engine are provided which are low cost and easy to manufacture. First and second members co-operate to provide a channel to define a discrete fuel carrying conduit. The direction of fuel flow can be adapted to provide desired cooling effect.
US07654081B2
A torque converter in which a plurality of output openings of the pump form a cone-shape so that a plurality of input openings of the turbine are substantially parallel to the plurality of output openings of the pump.
US07654070B2
A mown-grass collecting bucket capable of smoothly collecting into a mown-grass collecting box the grass mown off by a lawn mower cutters and automatically discharging out of the box the mown grass collected into the box and scraped together is provided. The mown-grass collecting box having intake and discharge ports for the mown grass is provided with a mown-grass scraping-together and discharging mechanism, which mechanism comprising a rotary shaft coupled to a rotary drive source to be driven thereby, a first blade supported through first brackets by the rotary shaft, a second blade supported through second brackets mounted to support shafts provided on the first brackets, a brush provided to tip edge of the second blade, and twist springs each mounted on each support shaft and across each first bracket and each second bracket.
US07654069B1
A slide frame for a baler is provided for mounting one or more accessories such as a wind guard and/or a rotor, powered or non-powered, for assisting a pickup on a baler to pick up cut crops from the ground and deliver such crops to the inlet of a baling chamber. The slide frame is mounted in such a way as to automatically space each respective accessory a predetermined place with respect to the crop pickup device.
US07654066B2
A shift mechanism for trim mower cutting units includes a pair of slidable carriers. Each slidable carrier can slide along a pair of guide rods mounted to a mower frame. A hydraulic extension cylinder is connected to each slidable carrier and independently extends to move the slidable carrier laterally outward from the mower frame or retracts to move the slidable carrier laterally inward in relation to the mower frame. A hydraulic shifting cylinder is mounted between the two extension cylinders and extends to shift both slidable carriers laterally inward toward a center position, and retracts to move both slidable carriers laterally outward toward an extended position.
US07654065B2
A mechanism for offsetting cutting units for a grass mowing machine includes lift arms that pivot between a first lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the left of the traction vehicle, a second lowered position in which the cutting units are offset to the right of the traction vehicle, and a raised position intermediate the first and second lowered positions. Each lift arm has a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis parallel to the first pivot axis.
US07654062B2
The invention relates to a packaging machine for inserting articles which are prepackaged in bags, into folding boxes in an insertion area. The bags can be inserted via an opening cross-section of the box which is able to be at least partially covered by an essentially flat top flap. A device having a receiving area for a top flap of a box is provided in the insertion area. The top flap is, in the insertion area, positioned in the receiving area and is kept in a convex shape so that, at least during the insertion of the bag and of the box when the top flap is convexly shaped, the opening cross-section of the box is larger than when the top flap is flat.
US07654058B2
A connector for coupling a veneer panel to a back-up wall includes a veneer connector and a support member. The support member includes a mounting flange. The mounting flange is adapted for securing the support member to the back-up wall. The support member further includes a first support member side wall and a second support member side wall. The first and second support member side walls extend outwardly from the mounting flange, and are connected to the mounting flange along a generally vertical line. The veneer connector is adapted to support a generally horizontal edge of the veneer panel. The veneer connector is connectable with respect to the support member for support by the first and second side walls.
US07654055B2
A locking system for mechanically joining a plurality of panels or components of an article of construction without the need for glue or other adhesive is provided. The panels are preferably solid hardwood flooring panels. Each panel includes first and second locking members spaced beneath its outer surface. The first locking member is at one side edge of the panel and has two spaced-apart flexible arm portions, at least one arm portion including a first latching member. Preferably, the first latching member is a rib extending outward from the arm portion. The second locking member is at another side edge and includes a channel recessed within the side edge. The channel is sized to receive the arm portions without them having to contact the channel unless deflected within the channel. The second locking member also includes a second latching member positioned and adapted to engage the first latching member. The second latching member is preferably a slot abutting the channel. At least one of the locking members is provided with a positioning member so that upon inserting the first locking member on one panel into the second locking member on another panel for joining them together, the positioning member deflects an arm portion to securely engage the first latching member with the second latching member. The positioning member is preferably a wedge mounted to the back wall of the channel.
US07654053B1
The present invention provides a device and method to maintain the integrity of a vapor barrier for use with concrete slab on grade construction. In accordance with the present invention an apparatus to repair a punctured concrete slab vapor barrier includes a substantially planar concrete slab vapor barrier patch having a resealable aperture to receive a removable, substantially upright support. The patch is secured to the existing vapor barrier and the concrete is poured and substantially set. The support is removed and the malleable concrete flows, causing the engagement of the resealable aperture, thereby repairing the punctured vapor barrier.
US07654041B2
A window assembly for a vehicle having a body structure with a window enclosure, and a method of installing a window, is disclosed. The window assembly includes a window and a window regulator bracket assembly. The window is slidable into the window enclosure. The window regulator bracket assembly includes a support rod having an upper end mounted to the body structure and a lower end with threads. The window regulator bracket assembly also includes a spring housing slidably received on the lower end of the support rod, a compression spring, a support nut threadably received on the threaded portion in engagement with the spring plate, and a support jaw engaging the bottom edge of the window. The support nut is screwed onto the support rod against the bias of the spring to secure the window in its closed position.
US07654023B2
A display for displaying an image to a viewer, capable of highlighting specific locations selected by a user. This display comprises: a) a punchable layer such as a foam board having a first surface and a second surface, b) an image affixed to the first surface of the punchable layer. The punchable layer and the image form a sandwich dubbed display cover which is partially transparent and is observed by a viewer located on the image side of the display cover, c) a light source illuminating the second surface of the punchable layer, d) a piercing means for enabling the user to punch at least one hole into the punchable layer, and e) a plurality of pegs equal in number to the number of holes. The pegs are longer than the thickness of the display cover and furthermore are significantly more translucent than the display cover, such that when inserted into the holes by the user, they operate as light pipes and channel light generated by the light source, across the display cover, and scatter light toward the viewer, thereby allowing the pegs to operate as highlighters over the lesser illuminated display cover.
US07654021B2
A 3-D image retainer is configured to have a plurality of perforated retainer plates and a retainer assembly displaceable to lock selectively impressed pins, which traverse the retained plates, in the desired position corresponding to the 3-D contour of the applied load.
US07654014B1
A golf shoe is disclosed that includes an upper shoe configured to be selectively secured to a foot. A sole assembly of the shoe includes articulating cleats that allow a user's front foot to pivot during a golf swing while maintaining the cleats in a generally fixed position with respect to the ground surface. Articulating cleats may be provided on a pivoting heel assembly that is disposed beneath a heel portion of the shoe. Articulating cleats may also be provided on a sliding forefoot support.
US07654010B2
A substrate processing method for a substrate processing system comprising at least a substrate processing apparatus that subjects a substrate to processing, and a substrate transferring apparatus having a transferring device that transfers the substrate, which enables the yield to be increased without bringing about a decrease in the throughput. The substrate processing method comprises a jetting step of jetting a high-temperature gas onto at least one of the transferring device and the substrate transferred by the transferring device.
US07654007B2
A method for improving the reproducibility of a coordinate measuring machine and its accuracy is disclosed. Using at least one measuring field of a camera, a plurality of images of at least one structure on the substrate are recorded. The substrate is placed on a measuring stage traversable in the X coordinate direction and the Y coordinate direction, the position of which is determined during imaging using a displacement measuring system. The measuring field is displaced by the amount of the deviation determined.
US07654003B2
The invention relates to safety razors having blade units carried on a handle, an electrical arrangement including an electrically operated vibration device, and a control device for actuating the vibration device when the blade unit is moved into contact with or into close proximity to the skin of a person holding the razor, a battery accommodated in the handle, a switch for connecting the electrical arrangement to the battery, and optionally, a light emitting diode for illuminating a section of handle neck to indicate that the electrical arrangement is connected to the battery and ready to actuate the vibration device.
US07653999B2
A method is provided for successfully rolling co-extruded tubing into drums of a boiler bank. First, a co-extruded tube is provided, containing a carbon steel base tubing with an outer layer of high alloy tubing. Next, the outer layer of high alloy tubing is removed by machining in the area of the co-extruded tubing that is to be rolled into the drum. Then, the co-extruded tubing is swaged using multiple swaging steps and annealing treatments. The co-extruded tubing is swaged to the required diameter and wall thickness. Finally, co-extruded tubing is inserted, rolled, and sealed into the drums.
US07653997B2
The present invention relates to a guide rail assembly for securement of a tube cutting apparatus for cutting of boiler tube walls to a fixed point on a tube wall, while allowing lateral repositioning of a cutting tool relative to the tube wall. The assembly includes a guide rail having a convex surface along which a carriage having a cutting device may be fixedly positioned by mating friction engagement of a concave surface of pairs of linear guide blocks secured to the carriage with the convex surface of the guide rail.
US07653996B2
A method of repairing a crack in a component comprising a base material, in particular in a gas turbine blade, a suspension, which comprises a carrier liquid and at least one solid in the form of nanoparticles of the same material as the base material, being applied to the location to be repaired. A heat treatment of the component is carried out, the solid in the form of nanoparticles being melted and a bond with the base material being formed. During the heat treatment, the component is exposed to a thermal shock, in which a maximum temperature which corresponds to the melting temperature of the nanoparticles is reached. The nano size of the particles in the suspension causes a lowering of the melting point of these particles to take place, so that the structure of the base material does not change even at the melting temperature of the nanoparticles.
US07653988B2
A method and a system of manufacturing electric wires by ordering, possible to save the cost and materials, is provided. A system includes an order-receiving section, a manufacturing section and a coloring/cutting section. The order-receiving section receives orders of electric wires, and outputs a first datum of amount of electric wires DT1, informing a length of a monochromatic electric wire, and outputs a second datum of amount of electric wires DT2, informing lengths for respective colors of electric wires. The manufacturing section manufactures a monochromatic electric wire according to the first datum DT1 and conveys the electric wire to the coloring/cutting section. The coloring/cutting section colors and cuts the electric wire according to the second datum DT2.
US07653967B2
The invention disclosed provides a compact hinge capable of a vertical, a horizontal, and an overlay adjustment, comprised of a cup portion and a hinge arm with one end pivotably connected to the cup portion and the other end slideably connected to a fastener plate. The fastener plate further comprises a first semi-planar surface for contact with a cabinet frame and a second semi-planar surface for slideable engagement with the hinge arm to accomplish the horizontal adjustment. The first and second semi-planar surfaces are interconnected by a deformable hinge section that allows for an elastically resilient connection at one end and an adjusting screw at the other end for a horizontally arcing movement relative to each resulting in an overlay adjustment. The fastener plate further comprises an elongated aperture in the first semi-planar surface through which the vertical adjustment is accomplished.
US07653960B2
A cleaning brush structure comprises an outer sheath mounted to the outer side of an inner sheath, and an actuating body wherein the outer sheath has an elongated positioning slot communicating with an insert hole of the inner sheath for the engagement of an insert portion of the actuating body therewith. Both inner longitudinal edges of the positioning slot thereof has protrusive points and concaved points alternatively arranged in a symmetrical manner thereon to form narrower restraining space and wider accommodation space for stable location of a positioning section of the insert portion to provide a stepwise adjustment effect thereby. The actuating body also has a guiding push plate of various pattern attached thereto, and depending on the depth and area of the article to be cleaned, the inner sheath can be adjusted stepwise to ensure an accurate extension of a brush body released for the cleaning operation thereof.
US07653959B1
An assembly comprising a toothbrush having a first and second end. A stand in the shape of a pair of feet retains the brush in a vertical position when the stand is placed on a horizontal surface. For additional support, a base may be incorporated with the stand.
US07653958B2
A steam mop having a main body including a water pump for pumping water from a water tank to a steam generator in response to any movement of the mop is provided. Movement of the mop causes a pump actuator to slide within a frame. The actuator has a camming surface with a pump piston rod biased against the camming surface that causes the pump piston rod to move in and out of a pump cylinder when the actuator moves. This operates a the pump to pump water to the steam generator for feeding steam to a steam pad mounted on a mop steam frame connected to the steam generator outlet.
US07653957B1
A utility ramp for loading and unloading lawn mowers and other equipment into a pickup truck or transport vehicle and then collapsed for easy storage. The ramp is a comprehensive unit comprising two ramp channels held parallel by a sliding cross brace design. The first end of the cross brace is pivotally attached the ramp channel. The second end of the cross brace is secured to a rotating sliding fitting that engages a slot in the ramp channel. The sliding cross brace design constrains the ramp sections in a secure and parallel fashion in both the expanded and collapsed positions. This design allows one person to easily and quickly expand or collapse the utility ramp with one simple motion.
US07653953B2
It is depicted a rotating therapeutic bed which comprises: a structural base including in turn wheels located on its lower portion to allow moving the bed from one place to another; a first removable stretcher with a first mattress to support the patient laying on his back; a second removable stretcher with a second mattress being placed in a reversed fashion and over the first stretcher and the patient, who is supported between the mattresses of both stretchers; the second stretcher supporting the patient laying face down when stretchers are rotated by 180° on a rotation axis crossing along the patient; front and rear stretcher mounting and rotation members rotationally mounted on the structural base; the first and second stretchers being longitudinally mounted with a vertical spacing between them in such stretcher mounting and rotation means, which allow also their rotation; and side barriers coupled to the longitudinal sides of the first stretcher, as well as of the second stretcher, such barriers covering the vertical spacing between such stretchers where the patient is laying, preventing the patient's limbs from protruding from stretchers when they are rotated.
US07657940B2
A data center provides secure handling of HTTPS traffic using backend SSL decryption and encryption in combination with a load balancer such as a content switch. The load balancer detects HTTPS traffic and redirects it to an SSL offloading device for decryption and return to the load balancer. The load balancer then uses the clear text traffic for load balancing purposes before it redirects the traffic back to the SSL offloading device for re-encryption. Thereafter, the re-encrypted traffic is sent to the destination servers in the data center. In one embodiment, the combination with the back-end SSL with an intrusion detection system improves security by performing intrusion detection on the decrypted HTTPS traffic.
US07657936B2
A method for preventing time of check to time of use exploits includes receiving a system call from a user space at a system call intercept and copying user space parameters from the user space to a kernel space responsive to the system call. The method also includes copying the user space parameters from the kernel space to a secure location in the user space, receiving the user space parameters from the secure location at the system call intercept, and executing the system call based on the received user space parameters. A computer readable medium including computer readable code and a system for executing the method steps are also disclosed.
US07657931B2
A method for quantifying the relative degree of uniqueness of an indicated data item in a repository of data items stored at locations associated with their digital fingerprints.
US07657924B2
A method, system and computer program product for implementing authorization policies for web services may include defining an authorization policy for access to a web service. The method, system and computer program product may also include attaching the authorization policy to a service definition for the web service.
US07657920B2
A handheld electronic device for use at a venue hosting a live sporting event, having a receiver for receiving a wireless RF transmission conveying a plurality of video streams derived from video cameras filming the live sporting event, a display and a user interface for selecting a video stream among the plurality of video streams to be displayed on the display. The handheld electronic device is capable to acquire a locked mode of operation and an unlocked mode of operation, in the locked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being precluded from displaying the video streams to a spectator, in the unlocked mode of operation the handheld electronic device being enabled to display the video streams to the spectator, the handheld electronic device capable to acquire the unlocked mode of operation in response to reception of authentication data wirelessly transmitted to the handheld electronic device.
US07657911B2
Value-added information is created based on favorite information of a content user. The content is processed according to the generated value-added information. Favorite data indicating operations, such as fast-forward, pause, and rewind operations, performed while the content is being played back, and personal user information, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style, of the content user are transferred to a server via a network. The server performs statistical processing on the user favorite data to generate value-added information according to the attributes of the user, such as the age group, the gender, and the life-style. Accordingly, the user is able to search for popular titles, play back only popular scenes, and skip uninteresting scenes by using a content playback apparatus.
US07657907B2
A user profiling system preferably includes a set of fuzzy logic operators. Based upon the fuzzy logic operators the user profile may be updated.
US07657903B2
A disc cartridge is provided. The disc cartridge includes: a lower housing having a window for allowing a recorder or reader to access to a read-out surface of a disc; and an upper housing coupled to the lower housing to ejectably receive the disc between the lower housing and the upper housing, and having at least a portion rotatable up and down with respect to one side of the lower housing until the disc can be ejected.
US07657902B2
This invention provides a disk holding device which may include a plurality of disk holding members and a disk receiving part. The disk holding members may each be provided with a holding projection part projected from the inner periphery side toward the outer periphery side of the disk-formed recording medium; the holding projection part may be provided with an inclined surface displaced so as to be spaced away from the disk-formed recording medium as one goes from the inner periphery side toward the outer periphery side of the disk-formed recording medium in the condition where the disk holding members are inserted in the center hole.
US07657901B2
The invention relates to a scanning device for optical storage media, having an optical housing with sliding bearings, which are arranged at a distance from one another, for linear movement on a guide rod, and with optical components in order to form an optical path. It achieves the object of designing a scanning device such as this in such a way that its adjustment, associated with a setting of the optical path, is simplified and can be carried out precisely. For this purpose, each of the sliding bearings is formed from a sliding bearing bush which is held on a guide block, that is fixed to the housing, in such a way that it can be adjusted in a radial direction with respect to this guide block, and is self-aligning in a direction at right angles to this.
US07657898B2
A system and method for system services customization using configured infrastructure properties through a system of property sheets. When a virtual container is configured with an infrastructure service, the preferred embodiment loads the plug of the infrastructure service and invokes the plug, providing it the empty collection of property sheets. The plug responds by populating this collection with corresponding property sheets. A user can then provide unique values for those properties, which are then saved with the other metadata. Each collection contains one or more property sheets and each property sheet contains one or more properties.
US07657896B2
Methods and systems are provided for exposing nested data in computer-generated documents in a transparent manner. A mechanism is provided for a client application to query a server application for a list of available file formats after an object is requested from a server application document for embedding into a client application document. Another mechanism is provided for the client application to request a particular format associated with the embedded object from the server application document. Once the client application obtains file format information available to the server application or associated with the particular object, the client application may utilize the obtained file formats for utilizing or operating on the embedded object according to the native file formats associated with the embedded object.
US07657889B2
A method of searching for work elements for processing in a computing system having a primary queue of work elements and at least one secondary queue of work elements. A numerical priority value is associated with each of the work elements. The method includes setting an initial priority bar and processing work elements from the primary queue until reaching a work element having a priority less than the initial priority bar. A priority bar is set equal to a minimum of a priority limit and a priority on the at least one secondary queue. If the primary queue contains a work element having a priority greater than or equal to the priority bar, then the work element is processed. If the primary queue contains a work element having a priority less than the priority bar, then a work element from the at least one secondary queue is processed.
US07657875B2
A system and method for collecting a plurality of metrics during a single run of a computer program. The mechanism of the present invention initializes a plurality of counters to count events associated with metrics of interest. The mechanism of the present invention then counts the occurrence of events associated with metrics of interest during a single execution of a computer program. When a branch has been taken, a trace record is generated for the branch taken, wherein the generated trace record contains a count of events associated with the metrics of interest for the branch taken.
US07657868B2
A computing device and method for coordinating the development of a client application including application components comprising one or more of at least one of a data component, a message component or a screen component, having corresponding component definitions, or a workflow component comprising a series of instructions. A first development pattern module configured for interaction with a development environment is provided by a computer user interface, the first development pattern module configured for selecting a first pattern from a plurality of patterns based on an application component type central to the client application, the developing definitions of at least one of the application components through interaction with a data model of the development environment providing a persistent state of the application components . . . the first pattern is selected from the group consisting of: a pattern for generating a suitable application based on an available backend data source messaging description; a pattern for developing the suitable application based on an available backend data source messaging description such that the entire application is developed including data components and screen components; a pattern for developing the application based on an existing database schema; a pattern for developing a standard set of data components that model a particular business domain for the application, a screen pattern for coordinating the development of a screen component as the first component; a message pattern for coordinating a development of a message component as the first component; and a script pattern for coordinating a development of a workflow component as a second component as recited in a manner in the independent claims 1 and 21.Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee. Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
US07657866B2
A tool is provided for addressing a number of issues related to providing support for software stacks including multiple uncoordinated components such as open source projects. The tool receives information about a stack, obtains support information specific to that stack and outputs the information to a user. A parsing functionality is also provided for selectively combining support information from the constituent projects of the stack.
US07657860B1
Disclosed is an improved method, system, and article of manufacture for implementing routing for an electrical circuit and chip design. A routing architecture can be represented as a spectrum of different granular routing levels. Instead of routing based upon area, routing can be performed for specific routes or portions of routes. Different types of representation or levels of abstraction for the routing can be used for the same net or route. Partial topological reconfiguration, refinement, or rip-up can be performed for a portion of the integrated circuit design, where the portion is smaller than an entire route or net. Non-uniform levels of routing activities or resources may be applied to route the design. Prioritization may be used to route certain portions of the design with greater levels of detail, abstraction, or resources than other portions of the design.
US07657859B2
Disclosed are embodiments of a method, service, and computer program product for performing yield-aware IC routing for a design. The method performs an initial global routing which satisfies wiring congestion constraints. Next, the method performs wire spreading and wire widening on the global route, layer by layer, based on, for example, a quadratic congestion optimization. Following this, timing closure is performed on the global route using results of the wire spreading and wire widening. Post-routing wiring width and wire spreading adjustments are made using the critical area yield model. In addition, the method allows for the optimization of already-routed data.
US07657858B2
A processor-implemented means of designing a power pad layout includes determining a location of at least one ESD structure so as to minimize a placement cost and determining a location of at least one connection between the at least one ESD structure and at least one power ring. The step of determining a location of at least one connection between the ESD structure and at least one power ring may include the steps of determining a minimum spanning tree of elements associated with a given power ring; and back-tracing through a minimum spanning tree of elements associated with a given power ring in order to determine a minimal list of routed paths among the elements.
US07657856B1
Disclosed is a method and system for processing the tasks performed by an IC layout processing tool in parallel. In some approaches, the IC layout is divided into a plurality of layout portions and one or more of the layout portions are processed in parallel, where geometric select operations are performed in which data for different layout portions may be shared between different processing entities. One approach includes the following actions: select phase one operation for performing initial select actions within layout portions; distributed regioning action for local regioning; distributed regioning action for global regioning and binary select; count select aggregation for count-based select operations; and select phase two operations for combining results of selecting of internal shapes and interface shapes.
US07657849B2
A device with a touch-sensitive display may be unlocked via gestures performed on the touch-sensitive display. The device is unlocked if contact with the display corresponds to a predefined gesture for unlocking the device. The device displays one or more unlock images with respect to which the predefined gesture is to be performed in order to unlock the device. The performance of the predefined gesture with respect to the unlock image may include moving the unlock image to a predefined location and/or moving the unlock image along a predefined path. The device may also display visual cues of the predefined gesture on the touch screen to remind a user of the gesture.
US07657839B2
A system is provided which utilizes a threading service to offer enhanced features for a document management system including an email system. Various enhanced email features may be provided through one or more of the following components: a delete module, a reply module, a profile module, and a search module. The delete module enables a user to delete a selected message, a set of related messages, or the whole set except for the selected message. The reply module enables a user to send a reply message to all addresses associated and involved with an entire set of related messages. The profile module enables a dynamic interest profile to contain all relevant information from an outgoing message and a set of messages related to the outgoing message. The search module enables search results to include documents which match the user's query as well as documents related to the documents which match the user's query.
US07657829B2
A method and system for keeping endpoints such as speakers and displays synchronized via feedback based on the actual output of the endpoints. A source of audiovisual content transmits corresponding digital data to one or more endpoints, such as over a home network, where it may be buffered and/or decoded for playback. Microphones or the like sense actual (post-buffering/decoding) output from one or more endpoints and feed it back to a synchronization mechanism. The synchronization mechanism employs pattern matching or similar techniques to determine whether and how to adjust the timing of endpoints to synchronize their actual outputs. Synchronization may be accomplished by controllably delaying transmission and/or other processing, by controllably changing the rate of advancing in a buffer, and/or by jumping ahead in a buffer. The synchronization mechanism may adjust multiple endpoints, e.g., when limited buffer size limits the amount of adjustment a single device can provide.
US07657823B1
A Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID) controller comprises a RAID error correction code (ECC) encoder module that receives data for storage and that generates code words stored by data drives and one or more parity drives, which have physical locations. The code words are generated based on the data and a cyclic code generator polynomial. Logical locations correspond to an index of the cyclic code generator polynomial. A mapping module maps the physical locations of the data and parity drives to the logical locations. A difference generating module generates a difference code word when data on one of the data drives is modified. The RAID ECC encoder module encodes the difference code word and adds the encoded difference code word to an original code word generated before the modification.
US07657822B2
True bit level decoding of TTCM (Turbo Trellis Coded Modulation) of variable rates and signal constellations. A decoding approach is presented that allows for decoding on a bit level basis that allows for discrimination of the individual bits of a symbol. Whereas prior art approaches typically perform decoding on a symbol level basis, this decoding approach allows for an improved approach in which the hard decisions/best estimates may be made individually for each of the individual bits of an information symbol. In addition, the decoding approach allows for a reduction in the total number of calculations that need to be performed as well as the total number of values that need to be stored during the iterative decoding. The bit level decoding approach is also able to decode a signal whose code rate and/or signal constellation type (and mapping) may vary on a symbol by symbol basis.
US07657821B1
A system (e.g., Fiber Channel Error Detecting Code (FC-EDC)) that maps the “standard” Hamming codes onto the bits of a 33-bit control block is provided. The system employs a “rotation” of the check positions in a two-dimensional parity-check matrix for the FC-EDC. The specification discloses a computer-implemented program to test further modifications and permutations of the “standard” distance-4 parity-check matrix to yield an FC-EDC with enhanced error-detecting properties, designed to detect the most likely errors in the known physical environment. By using a parity-check matrix with the “rotation” property, certain error-detecting properties of the parity-check matrix are ensured, and the computation time for searching for a matrix with enhanced error-detecting properties becomes much shorter.
US07657818B2
Minimum-memory-implementation is available with any depth and period in DSL interleaving/deinterleaving, always allowing the minimum amount of memory to be used in both transmitter and receiver without loss of performance or of basic triangular structure, even if the interleaver/deinterleaver parameters change dynamically. A novel cell-scheduling process ensures availability of the minimum amount of memory (or any other desired memory usage) to implement an image of the perfect triangle and works for any co-prime depth and interleaver period. Minimal memory use may be further characterized by a simple off-line method that determines an addressing order for each of the memory cells in a minimum-memory (or other) implementation of an interleaver/deinterleaver according to the invention. Time variation of interleaver depth in operation can be accommodated easily with absolute minimum memory requirement at all time instants.
US07657815B2
The present invention relates to a method for scheduling data retransmissions, a method for use in a data retransmission scheme and a method for updating a soft buffer of a base station in a mobile communication system during a soft-handover. The present invention relates to a base station executing the controlling and updating method, a communication terminal for executing the scheduling method and to a mobile communication system comprising at least one the base station and communication terminal. To prevent erroneous combining of data packets in a packet retransmission scheme at the receiver, the present invention provides a method that may flush the soft buffer region associated to a received data packet upon its correct reception. Further, a method is provided that monitors the time elapsed since the last storing of a data packet in a buffer region of a base station to be able to trigger the flush of the buffer region upon expiry of a threshold time period.
US07657803B2
A memory controller with a self-test function includes a test controlling unit configured to generate test data in a test mode, a data transmission unit configured to generate a data read timing signal to transmit the data read timing signal and the generated test data synchronized with the data read timing signal, and a data input/output (I/O) unit configured to feedback the transmitted test data and the transmitted data read timing signal to the data transmission unit, such that the data transmission unit receives fed-back test data and a fed-back data read timing signal. The data transmission unit reads the fed-back test data based on the fed-back data read timing signal, and the test controlling unit compares the fed-back test data with the generated test data. Therefore, the memory controller may perform a fast self-test.
US07657799B2
Disclosed is a system and method for testing a dual mode interface. The dual mode interface includes a first strobe circuit and a second strobe circuit configured to be inoperable during a first operational mode of the interface and operable during a second operational mode of the interface. The dual mode interface also includes a first data circuit and a second data circuit configured to be operable during the first operational mode and the second operational mode. The dual mode interface also includes a signal line connecting an output of the second strobe circuit with an input of the first strobe circuit and a switch element configured to activate said signal line in response to receipt of a test signal.
US07657798B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit has a cell array, a redundancy cell capable of replacing a defective cell, a redundancy control circuit, a plurality of first fuses, a plurality of second fuses, a plurality of third fuses, a first shift register configured to hold states of the plurality of first fuses, a second shift register configured to be connected in cascade to the first shift register and to hold states of the plurality of second fuses, a third shift register configured to be connected to the first and second shift registers in cascade and to hold states of the plurality of third fuses, a CRC remainder calculator configured to sequentially input information held by the first to third shift registers to a CRC generating equation to calculate a remainder obtained by division, and a CRC determination part that outputs information indicative of whether the first to third fuses are correctly programmed.
US07657796B1
A system, method, and computer-accessible medium for storage management are disclosed. A failure condition is detected in a storage stack comprising a first host and a storage device. Data from the storage device is exported to a plurality of additional hosts. The data is validated using the plurality of additional hosts.
US07657786B2
A switch control system including a storage unit, a switch which logically sets a network topology between the storage unit and a plurality of computers, and a management server which communicates with the switch and the storage unit, wherein the storage unit includes at least one disk; wherein the management server comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory holds the network topology which is set by the switch, wherein when a failure is detected in one of the computers currently being used, the processor of the management server refers to the memory to change the network topology for the computer where the failure is detected and another computer which substitutes the computer where the failure is detected, and instructs the switch with the changed network topology so as to cause the switch to logically set the changed network topology, and wherein the management server controls the disk of the computer where the failure is detected to be accessible.
US07657777B2
A method and apparatus of a supply module having a business object module to least one schema to describe the supply chain data, a XML-based language module to process the at least one schema and a SQL code generator module to sequence of SQL instructions to perform a query of a user where the user the query in the XML-based language.
US07657764B2
Embodiments of on-demand power management have been presented. In some embodiments, a set of processing events on a system bus within a processing system is detected. Further, a processing event pattern may be recognized, and the processing event pattern may be correlated with a processing demand in the processing system.
US07657761B2
A user is presented with multiple modes of operation, such that the multiple modes of operation define different trust options for handling data (such as login credentials or other sensitive data) associated with the user. A selection of one of the multiple modes of operation is received from the user. Data associated with the user is handled in accordance with the selected mode of operation.
US07657752B2
Described herein is a technology for facilitating the watermarking of digital signals. This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.
US07657750B2
A digital watermark may be applied to digital image data to produce watermarked digital image data. A transformation may be applied to the watermarked digital image data to produce transformed watermarked digital image data. The transformation may approximate the inverse of a transformation that represents distortion caused by transmission through a print-scan channel.
US07657749B2
An outside DTCP bridge for relaying information between an outside communication device connected to an outside network and a home communication device connected to a home network, carries out a first authentication and key exchange processing for purpose of copyright protection between the outside DTCP bridge and the home communication device as well as a second authentication and key exchange processing for purpose of copyright protection between the outside DTCP bridge and the outside communication device, and stores an identification information of the outside communication device. Then, transmission/reception of information between the home network and the outside network is carried out only when the outside communication device which made the access request is stored and both the first authentication and key exchange processing and the second authentication and key exchange processing succeed.
US07657733B2
The present invention is to provide a hardware password accessing method, which is capable of reading a password of at least one hardware (such as a hard disk) disposed on a computer and storing the password to a RAM before the computer entering a standby mode from a working status and also capable of retrieving the password of the hardware from the RAM to restart the hardware once the computer being restored to the working status from the standby mode, so as to resolve the conventional problems caused by storing the hardware password to a CMOS.
US07657729B2
A method and an apparatus for enabling a prefetch engine to detect and support hardware prefetching with different streams in received accesses. Multiple (simple) history tables are provided within (or associated with) the prefetch engine. Each of the multiple tables is utilized to detect different access patterns. The tables are indexed by different parts of the address and are accessed in a preset order to reduce the interference between different patterns. When an address does not fit the patterns of a first table, the address is passed to the next table to be checked for a match of different patterns. In this manner, different patterns may be detected at different tables within a single prefetch engine.
US07657728B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for maintaining an accurate program-visible machine state of a computer. A backup system and method is provided in order to return the visual state of the computer to a previous state if an instruction generates an exception. In an embodiment, a first tag and a second tag are received from a tag queue concurrently. First data, which is associated with the first tag, is received and stored in a first register associated with the first tag. Second data, which is associated with the second tag, is sent from a second register associated with the second tag to a backup queue.
US07657723B2
A system and method are described for a memory management processor which, using a table of reference addresses embedded in the object code, can open the appropriate memory pages to expedite the retrieval of information from memory referenced by instructions in the execution pipeline. A suitable compiler parses the source code and collects references to branch addresses, calls to other routines, or data references, and creates reference tables listing the addresses for these references at the beginning of each routine. These tables are received by the memory management processor as the instructions of the routine are beginning to be loaded into the execution pipeline, so that the memory management processor can begin opening memory pages where the referenced information is stored. Opening the memory pages where the referenced information is located before the instructions reach the instruction processor helps lessen memory latency delays which can greatly impede processing performance.
US07657713B2
A memory that includes a plurality of packet pins, a synchronous memory, and a packet controller. The synchronous memory receives address and control signals in synchronization with a clock signal. The packet controller sequentially receives packet data bits through the packet pins in synchronization with the clock signal when a packet enable signal is activated, and converts the inputted packet data into the address and control signals. Specifically, packet data bits that are first inputted through the packet pins represent an operation mode.
US07657709B2
A data processing system is provided comprising at least one processing unit for processing data; a memory means for storing data; and a cache memory means for caching data stored in the memory means. Said cache memory means is associated to at least one processing unit. An interconnect means is provided for connecting the memory means and the cache memory means. The cache memory means is adapted for performing a cache replacement based on reduced logic level changes of the interconnect means as introduced by a data transfer between the memory means and the cache memory means.
US07657697B2
Plural second logic blocks are set to a first logic block, and when data is written to the second logic block, write waiting is given using an address next to the address of the current second logic block. In order to protect data of the written second logic block, the next address is skipped using another address as an expected value.
US07657696B2
A method for automatically detecting a plurality of parameters for a NAND-Flash memory. A first step of the method may include generating a plurality of address cycles for the NAND-Flash memory. A second step may set an address number parameter of the parameters based on (i) a first number of the address cycles generated and (ii) a status signal generated by the NAND-Flash memory responsive to the address cycles. A third step generally includes generating at least one read cycle for the NAND-Flash memory after determining the address number parameter. A fourth step may set a page size parameter of the parameters based on (i) a second number of the read cycles generated and (ii) the status signal further responsive to the read cycles.
US07657690B1
A method of controlling memory read behavior in PCI devices includes connecting a master PCI device to a PCI bus. The master PCI device is constructed and arranged to issue a Memory Read Line or a Memory Read Multiple initial command. A target PCI bridge device is connected to the PCI bus. The target PCI bridge device is constructed and arranged to prefetch data from host memory on behalf of the master PCI device and to store the prefetched data. A data transfer transaction is established between the master PCI device and the target PCI bridge device and prefetched data is stored at the target PCI bridge device. A bit is selectively preset in at least one of the PCI devices such that if a disconnect of the transaction occurs, the target PCI bridge device recognizes a subsequent request as a continuation of the initial request and sends prefetched data to the master PCI device.
US07657689B1
Methods and apparatus are provided for handling reset events in a bus bridge. A system on a programmable chip includes master components and slave components supporting various bus protocols. Bus bridges allow components using different bus protocols to interact. Reset of a distinct subset of programmable chip components or the synchronization of reset signals across disparate clock domains is allowed by effectively handling reset related signals at a bus bridge.
US07657688B2
Method, apparatus, and computer program products for dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors are disclosed that include identifying whether a PCI Express device is installed into each PCI Express connector, and assigning a portion of the lanes to each PCI Express connector having a PCI Express device installed into the PCI Express connector. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include identifying a device type for each PCI Express device installed into the plurality of PCI Express connectors. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include creating allocation rules that specify the allocation of lanes to the plurality of PCI Express connectors. Dynamically allocating lanes to a plurality of PCI Express connectors may also include receiving user allocation preferences that specify the allocation of lanes to the plurality of PCI Express connectors.
US07657682B2
A method of operating a bus interconnect coupled to bus masters and bus slaves is provided. The method includes receiving a request from a bus master to perform a bus transaction associated with a transaction ID with a bus slave of the plurality of bus slaves, the bus transaction being a first type of bus transaction. The method further includes performing the transaction if a resource allocation parameter allocated to the bus master meets a first threshold. The method further includes if the resource allocation parameter does not meet the first threshold, performing the data transaction only if the transaction meets a condition of a set of at least one condition, wherein a condition of the set of at least one condition includes that the transaction ID of the transaction is not a transaction ID of any outstanding bus transaction of the first type requested by the bus master.
US07657675B1
A method of dynamically allocating the amount of input/output (I/O) rate capacity to partitions in a computer system includes determining a total amount of I/O rate capacity and an economic value of each partition within the partitioned computer system. The economic value is defined as a performance-valued product established for each partition wherein the sum of all performance-value products for each partition defines a total economic value for the computer. The I/O rate to be allocated to each partition is calculated to be a portion of the total amount of I/O rate capacity where the portion allocated to each partition is proportional to the economic value of that respective partition. The calculated rate allocations are recorded in memory which is accessible to each partition. After recording, each partition regulates its I/O usage according to the recorded allocation.
US07657671B2
In general, the invention relates to a method for storing data. The method includes receiving an Input/Output (I/O) request to store data in a storage pool, determining whether the I/O request is a resilvering I/O request, if the I/O request is a resilvering I/O request: associating the I/O request with a first deadline, wherein the first deadline is associated with a low priority, and determining the quantized deadline for the I/O request using the first deadline. If the I/O request is not the resilvering I/O request: associating the I/O request with a second deadline, determining the quantized deadline for the I/O request using the second deadline, placing the I/O request in the I/O queue using the quantized deadline, and issuing the I/O request to the storage pool using the I/O queue.
US07657663B2
Mechanisms for migration stateless virtual functions from one virtual plane to another are provided. When a migration of a source virtual function to a destination virtual function in another virtual plane is to be performed, a source single root PCI manager (SR-PCIM) is first interrupted by a multiple root PCI manager (MR-PCIM). Configuration information that defines the source virtual function is then redefined on the destination virtual function for this stateless migration. A function level reset may then be performed on the source virtual function. The destination SR-PCIM may be interrupted by the MR-PCIM with an interrupt for the destination virtual function. A function level reset may then be performed on the destination virtual function. The destination virtual function state may then be changed to an “active” state such that the migrated virtual function begins processing transactions.
US07657662B2
A mechanism is provided that enables user space middleware or applications to pass file name based storage requests directly to a physical I/O Adapter without run-time involvement from the local Operating System (OS). A mechanism is provided for using a file protection table (FPT) data structure, which may include a file name protection table (FNPT) and file extension protection table (FEPT), to control user space and out of user space Input/Output (I/O) operations. In addition, a mechanism is provided for managing the FPT based on user space operations to create, query, modify and delete entries in the FPT.
US07657654B2
A resource unit has a request interface to allow the unit to receive a request and associated data. The resource unit also has a hashing engine to create a hash of the associated data, a modulo engine to create a modulus result, a read engine to perform a memory read, and a results interface to allow the device to return results.
US07657648B2
Hybrid tree/mesh overlays for data delivery involve using a tree overlay network and a mesh overlay network to delivery a data stream via a push mechanism and a pull mechanism, respectively. In an example embodiment, a network node enters a mesh overlay network and attaches to a tree overlay network. In operation, the network node receives data blocks of a data stream over the tree overlay network via a push mechanism. The network node ascertains if a data block is not received over the tree overlay network. If a data block is missing, the network node retrieves the missing data block over the mesh overlay network via a pull mechanism. In another example embodiment, the tree overlay network includes a subset of nodes forming a tree-based backbone. Network nodes that are identified as being stable may join the backbone and provide the data stream to other nodes.
US07657647B2
Disclosed is a client server system including: a server apparatus equipped with a reproduction section to reproduce accumulated video data in a predetermined reproduction mode including a normal reproduction mode, a fast-forward reproduction mode and a fast-rewind reproduction mode, and a transmission section; a client terminal apparatus equipped with a reception section, a storage section, and an output control section; a selection section to select the reproduction mode; a setting section to set a time lag; and a control section to shift a reproduction position of video data in the first reproduction mode by the time lag, when a second reproduction mode is selected.
US07657641B2
The present invention manages media gateway control (megaco) protocols according to changes of lower layer network protocol by implementing the megaco package in the network adaptor. A method for managing the megaco protocols by using a network adaptor includes steps of: a) requesting an installation of a megaco protocol package to a network adaptor; b) determining whether the megaco protocol exists in a network protocol table; c) adding a new protocol in the network protocol table; d) searching a specific megaco protocol package in the megaco protocol package list by using the specific package ID and connecting the specific megaco protocol package; and e) installing the megaco protocol packages and the specific megaco protocols, and managing the megaco protocols.
US07657630B2
At a server 2, a subject for updating an object registered in a database 3 and an event for obtaining the subject are generated, while a request for the subject from a receiving terminal 5 is received and totaled so that a resource necessary for providing the subject is allocated on the basis of the result of totaling. Then, the event is transmitted and the subject is provided on the basis of the resource allocated thereto. At the receiving terminal 5, the event is received and the necessity of the subject to be obtained on the basis of the event is evaluated so that request data requesting the subject is transmitted to the server 2 on the basis of the result of evaluation. Then, the subject provided by the server 2 in response to the request data is obtained on the basis of the event.
US07657629B1
A global server load-balancing (GSLB) switch serves as a proxy to an authoritative DNS and communicates with numerous site switches that are coupled to host servers serving specific applications. The GSLB switch receives from site switches operational information regarding host servers within the site switches neighborhood. When a client program requests a resolution of a host name, the GSLB switch, acting as a proxy of an authoritative DNS, returns one or more ordered IP addresses for the host name. The IP addresses are ordered using metrics that include the information collected from the site switches or based on other metric information. Examples of metrics include weighted site, weighted IP, and active bindings metrics. The GSLB switch places the address that is deemed “best” at the top of the list.
US07657623B2
A method and apparatus for collecting management information on a communication network enables universal health indicators to be defined so that management information may be presented to a network operator on a management station. The universal health indicators may be defined in a top-down manner such that the definitions of the health indicators may be used across multiple network elements without changing the health indicator definitions. The health indicators may be organized in a tree-like hierarchical structure to enable additional information to be obtained about the health of the reporting network element in a predictable and organized fashion. Network element raw measurements and computed measurements are used to provide data to the health indicators, and are selected on a network technology type or MIB type basis to enable the same health indicators to be supported by multiple network technology types.
US07657622B1
A service model, integrated system, and method for enabling a service provider to deliver an integrated web hosting and content distribution service offering, which affords assured operational performance service levels, regardless of whether the customer's web site is served by the service provider's hosting center, the service provider's content distribution network (CDN), by a third party web host, or by a third party CDN. A monitoring system of the primary service provider receives detailed capacity and health statistics from any CDN under the operational control of the primary service provider, receives aggregate capacity and health statistics from other CDNs not under the operational control of the primary service provider. A redirection system then decides to which web host, content distribution network, or combination thereof, user requests for content are directed in order that operational performance service levels are maintained.
US07657619B1
A network includes a virtual local area network (VLAN) and multiple spanning tree protocol domains (STPDs). Switches in the network receive messages from other switches and select one path for continued transmission of data based on the content of the messages. The content of each message identifies the path through which the message was transmitted. After one path is selected, all other paths are blocked. Once paths are blocked, no messages are transmitted through those paths to the switch. This eliminates redundant paths and provides a loop-free inter-domain topology throughout the network.
US07657609B2
A system and method for accessing a document management system in a multi-environment processing system includes receiving a client call command from a web service proxy. The web service proxy, disposed on a client and running in conjunction with a client application. A web service end point, disposed in a web service framework receives the client call command. Through the web service end point and a class module, the client call command is converted for accessing the document management system. Retrieved data is temporarily stored in a memory location. The amount of data transfer allowed in a single data transfer is determined. Then, based on this information, multiple web services call are executed to incrementally transfer the data for the client application.
US07657608B2
This invention is related to a document distribution system, and more particularly, the present invention relates to a document distribution system that reduces network traffic. The present invention is directed to a method and system for distributing a document to at least one destination, comprising the steps of providing a document to be distributed; creating a job by associating the document with at least one printer job language command, wherein the printer job language command provides instructions for the distribution of the job; and distributing, on the basis of the printer job language command, the job to at least one destination.
US07657601B2
Computer-executable methods and programs for formulating a planning recommendation for a messaging platform. Mailbox data is received specifying a projected maximum number of mailboxes. Growth assumption data is received that specifies a change in average message size of messages. Traffic assumption data is received that identifies a portion of message traffic projected to occur during any recurring time interval for which message traffic has previously exceeded a threshold. Baseline data is received specifying maximum performance capabilities of the messaging platform. Messaging platform data is received specifying a quantity of messages accepted, stored, deleted, and/or retrieved. A planning recommendation is generated by applying an algorithm to the mailbox data, traffic and growth assumption data, baseline data, and messaging platform data. The planning recommendation is placed into a physically tangible, humanly discernible form by printing the recommendation, displaying the recommendation, or outputting the recommendation in audible form.
US07657590B2
A workflow is processed by plurality of activity servers, each of the plurality of activity servers performing at least one of a plurality of activities. In step a, a workflow packet requiring one of the plurality of activities to be executed is retrieved from a workflow queue. In step b, the activity is executed by the one of the plurality of activity servers. In step c, a next activity to be performed is determined based on workflow transition information. In step d, the next activity is executed if the one of the plurality of activity performs the next activity. In step e, the next activity is forwarded to the workflow queue if the one of the plurality of activities does not perform the activity. Steps a-e are repeated until all of the plurality of activities in the workflow are executed.
US07657589B2
A system and method are provided for use in an electronic device configured to process data to perform a method of generating a fixed point approximation of a number x by first locating the most significant bit of a given number, then retrieving predetermined values from electronic data storage, where the first value is based on a first index value generated from the most significant bit and contains fixed-point representation located in a table in storage. Then, output values are generated from look-up tables that correspond to index values generated from a number of bits that immediately following the most significant bit. Finally, the final mathematic result is computed using fixed-point arithmetic logic to generate a fixed point approximation.
US07657575B2
A system and method for compensating for disruptions to update transmissions is disclosed. A first application component stores an instance of a business object. The first application component reconciles the instance with data stored on a second application component. The first application component receives a business object update from the second application component. The first application component checks a reconciliation value associated with the business object update. If the first reconciliation value indicates the first business object update was sent after the reconciliation, the first application component applies the business object update to the instance.
US07657569B1
A duplicate lead removal system comprises a matching engine, a vendor duplicates database, and a conflict engine. The matching engine is configured to determine at least one vendor to receive a lead. The vendor duplicates database is configured to store duplicate lead information that is at least partly created by and received from vendors outside of the duplicate lead removal system. The conflict engine is configured to compare information that is at least derived from the lead with information stored in the vendor duplicates database in order to determine if the lead is a duplicate lead for the vendor such that the system can prevent transmission of duplicate leads to the vendor.
US07657567B2
The invention relates to a method and database system for rewriting a SQL query having at least one null sensitive expression (NSE) in a select list of the query, the query comprising at least one outer join command to be performed on at least two tables and involving a view or a Derived Table (DT). The method comprising the steps of: identifying at least one unmatching row belonging to the view or DT using non-nullable fields that belong to the outermost table in the view or DT; converting the NSE(s) from the at least one identified rows into a SQL case construct; and performing the at least one outer join. The database system comprising means for rewriting a SQL query having at least one null sensitive expression (NSE) in a select list of the query, the query comprising at least one outer join command to be performed on at least two tables and involving a view or a Derived Table (DT). The system comprises a device configured to identify at least one unmatching row belonging to the view or DT using non-nullable fields that belong to the outermost table in the view or DT; a device configured to convert the NSE(s) from the at least one identified rows into a SQL case construct; and a device configured to perform the at least one outer join.
US07657562B2
A data processing apparatus is capable of playing back contents stored in a specified area in a recording medium. The recording medium stores content data and management information for managing the content data. When playing back a content which is managed by the management information on the recording medium but of which entity data is not present in the specified area of the recording medium, the data processing apparatus, searches, for the content, the other area of the recording medium with a search section. When the corresponding content is found, the link information selling section sets the link information (symbolic link, shortcut, etc.) on the recording medium so that the content can be accessed with the management information.
US07657552B2
User values and selections are collected and provided to a report server that customizes a generically defined report pursuant to the user values and selections. An ordered set of report parameters is declared in the definition of a report and then this parameter definition is used to drive user prompting and execution of the report. As parameter values are collected in sequence order, a value retrieved or specified by the user for one parameter may be used to generate the set of the allowed values or default value of a parameter later in the sequence. Parameters are dynamically presented to the user. After values for all parameters been retrieved or specified, a report is generated by the report server.
US07657543B1
A method for storing a first copy of an object, including obtaining the object including a globally unique identifier (GUID), generating a first derived GUID using the GUID of the object, storing the first copy of the object identified by the first derived GUID in a root node of the object, publishing possession of the first copy of the object identified by the first derived GUID by the root node of the object, associating a first shadow root with the first copy of the object, and storing the first copy of the object identified by the GUID in the first shadow root.
US07657538B2
A server apparatus for providing content data includes a generator configured to generate second management data based on first management data, the first management data managing first identification data for identifying the content data locally within the server apparatus, the second management data managing second identification data for identifying the content data globally outside the server apparatus, and an output unit configured to output the second management data generated by the generator to an external apparatus that uses the content data.
US07657531B2
Systems and methods for providing user logon and state-less authentication are described in a distributed processing environment. Upon an attempted access by a user to an online resource, transaction, or record, a logon component asks the user to supply a logon ID and a password. The logon component verifies the provided information, and upon successful identification, a security context is constructed from information relevant to the user. The security context is sent to the user and is presented to the system each time the user attempts to invoke a new resource, such as a program object, transaction, record, or certified printer avoiding the need for repeated logon processing.
US07657530B2
A system and method for file system content processing. In one embodiment, the system may include a storage device configured to store data and a file system configured to manage access to the storage device, to store file system content, to perform in-band detection of a file system content access event, and to responsively generate an event record. The system may further include a content processor configured to perform out-of-band detection of the event record and to responsively generate additional file system content.
US07657527B2
A system and method for detecting termination of an application, such as a database instance, that uses locks is described. A holding child process is started from a parent process. The holding child process connects to a monitored application instance, acquires an exclusive lock on the monitored application instance and returns a ready signal upon successfully acquiring the exclusive lock. A waiting child process is started from the parent process subsequent to the holding child process. The holding child process connects to the monitored application instance, blocks on the exclusive lock on the monitored application instance and returns a result signal upon at least one of acquiring the exclusive lock and clearing the block on the exclusive lock. The return signal is processed at the parent process. Using locks provides immediate detection that the application has terminated. Methods for blocking against the application are also described.
US07657524B1
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with comment migration are disclosed.
US07657523B2
A method of ranking search results presented to a user of a social network site on the Internet. Each user of the social network site has a user profile with information regarding the user. The method includes obtaining content items satisfying a search of information on the Internet by a first user of the social network site. The content items are organized as a function of at least one of the user profiles for presentation of the content items in a list to the first user.
US07657521B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for processing medical data. The method includes the steps of identifying text strings in medical data, associating the text strings with standardized identifiers from a library, and outputting the standardized identifiers associated with the text strings. In an embodiment, a report and/or an order including the standardized identifiers associated with the text strings may be printed and/or stored. In an embodiment, the library may be modified to accommodate the text strings. A user and/or software program may be used to review the text strings to associate the standardized identifiers with the text strings, for example. In an embodiment, the text strings may be deconstructed into a plurality of sub-strings. A standardized identifier is then associated with each sub-string. The standardized identifiers may be numeric values, for example.
US07657518B2
Methods and apparatus assessing, ranking, organizing, and presenting search results associated with a user's current work context are disclosed. The system disclosed assesses, ranks, organizes and presents search results against a user's current work context by comparing statistical and heuristic models of the search results to a statistical and heuristic model of the user's current work context. In this manner, search results are assessed, ranked, organized, and/or presented with the benefit of attributes of the user's current work context that are predictive of relevance, such as words in a user's document (e.g., web page or word processing document) that may not have been included in the search query. In addition, search results from multiple search engines are combined into an organization scheme that best reflects the user's current task. As a result, lists of search results from different search engines can be more usefully presented to the user.
US07657517B2
A server stores files. Distributed clients access the server, to learn about changes made to the files on the server, and to push local changes of the files onto the server. A synchronization application is used to synchronize the clients and server, synchronizing metadata and selected files.
US07657511B2
One or more embodiments of invention are directed to a multi-layered data model for generating audience-specific documents will now be described. The invention is used in the context of generating a document such as a catalog or web page for publication across regions and cultures comprising multiple languages. It allows users to rapidly generate multi-language, multi-culture and multi-region documents since fields flagged as multi-lingual may utilize existing buckets that comprise pre-filled multi-language, multi-culture and multi-region values without requiring the user to specify every multi-value when creating a record.
US07657506B2
A computer-implemented method for processing data includes receiving an initial set of records including terms describing respective items in specified categories. Based on the initial set of records, respective term weights are calculated for at least some of the terms with respect to at least some of the categories. Each term weight indicates, for a given term and a given category, a likelihood that a record containing the given term belongs to the given category. Upon receiving a new record, not included in the initial set, respective assignment metrics are computed for two or more of the categories using the respective term weights of the particular terms in the new record with respect to the two or more of the categories. The new record is classified in one of the two or more of the categories responsively to the assignment metrics.
US07657499B2
A computer information database system manages computer profile data grouping the plurality of computers in groups that are nodes of a tree in accordance with user-specified grouping criteria that are respective values of computer profile data of interest, and manipulating the database data to produce summaries of attributes of the computers in a given group and in the groups in the subtree that has the given group as its root. The grouping criteria may be ranges of values for primary grouping criteria, particular values for primary and secondary grouping criteria, ranges of values for both primary and secondary grouping criteria, and so forth. The system uses a group mapping database table that includes profile value-to-match fields for the primary grouping criteria and, as appropriate, the secondary grouping criteria. To use ranges of values, the group mapping database table includes for each range an associated low limit profile value field and a high limit profile value field. If particular values are used as either or both of the primary and secondary criteria, the corresponding low and high limits may be set to the same values or respective value to match fields may be used instead of the high and low limit fields. If there are no secondary grouping criteria associated with a particular primary grouping range, the corresponding entries for the secondary low and high limit profile values or, as appropriate, the entry for the corresponding value to match field is/are set to NULL. Additional grouping criteria may also be used to further refine the selection of computers for the groups, with additional fields for associated values-to-match or ranges included in the group mapping database table. The values or ranges for any or all of the grouping criteria may be altered and/or the values or ranges for grouping criteria may be added to records in which the corresponding fields were set to NULL to change the way in which the computers are grouped.
US07657488B2
An apparatus is provided for validating a device. The apparatus includes a first integrated circuit which stores a first key, is configured to generate a random number, and is configured to generate encrypted information using the generated random number and the first key. A control system is configured to: receive the encrypted information and random number from the first integrated circuit, send the encrypted information to a second integrated circuit positioned on the device, receive decrypted information from the second integrated circuit whereby the decrypted information is generated using the encrypted information and a second key, and compare the random number and decrypted information received from the respective integrated circuits to validate the device.
US07657487B2
A data storage device includes a data storage mechanism within which is stored a computing program. The data storage device also includes a surface used for labeling. The labeling includes machine readable security information. The data program requires machine reading of the security information before at least a portion of the program is run.
US07657476B2
The present invention provides a method and system for valuing patent assets based on statistical survival analysis. An estimated value probability distribution curve is calculated for an identified group of patent assets using statistical analysis of PTO maintenance fee records. Expected valuations for individual patent assets are calculated based on a the value distribution curve and a comparative ranking or rating of individual patent assets relative to other patents in the group of identified patents. Patents having the highest percentile rankings would be correlated to the high end of the value distribution curve. Conversely, patents having the lowest percentile rankings would be correlated to the low end of the value distribution curve. Advantageously, such approach brings an added level of discipline to the overall valuation process in that the sum of individual patent valuations for a given patent population cannot exceed the total aggregate estimated value of all such patents. In this manner, fair and informative valuations can be provided based on the relative quality of the patent asset in question without need for comparative market data of other patents or patent portfolios, and without need for a demonstrated (or hypothetical) income streams for the patent in question. Estimated valuations are based simply on the allocation of a corresponding portion of the overall patent value “pie” as represented by each patents' relative ranking or position along a value distribution curve.
US07657473B1
A system controlled by a data bearing record includes a card reader that is operative to read data from user cards including identifying data and to authorize operation of an automated banking machine responsive to the identifying data. A bank host computer is operable to submit the receipt to a system address of record with the bank. The address of record corresponds to an e-mail address, phone number or other address associated with an account involved in the transaction. The receipt may include an image or images associated with the transaction. The system may also operate to image deposited checks deposited at an the banking machine. Copies of the imaged checks and other information can be electronically sent to a maker, payee, a clearinghouse or banks involved with the transaction. The automated banking machine may also operate to provide the user with blank checks for transactions.
US07657468B1
A method for continuous asset verification using at least one radio frequency identification tag for at least one piece of well equipment comprising: writing information about the well equipment into a transportable data storage device; engaging the transportable data storage device with a controller forming a smart controller; encoding the information onto at least one radio frequency identification tag; removably attaching the radio frequency identification tag to the well equipment; transporting the well equipment with the smart controller to a site and scanning the well equipment with the smart controller during at least one predefined interval during transport; and writing the stored scanned radio frequency identification tag information from the transportable data storage device to data storage in communication with a third processor.
US07657459B2
Techniques to facilitate acquiring a media season, or a related series, of digital media assets from an on-line media store are disclosed. A user can view various media seasons that have been listed as available for purchase from the on-line media store. A user can choose to purchase a particular media season, either before or during the season. Subsequent to the purchase of the particular media season, digital media assets of the particular media season can be delivered to the user once the digital media assets become available. Since the monitoring is computerized and the delivery is electronic, once a digital media asset becomes available, delivery can be automatically processed.
US07657456B2
A voting method includes receiving identity-based information, vote data and a passphrase for a voter, encrypting the vote data using a symmetric key, generating second identity-based information for the voter, and generating an identity-based public key using at least the second identity-based information and a voting system parameter. The symmetric key is encrypted using the identity-based public key and an identity-based asymmetric encryption algorithm. The encrypted symmetric key may be decrypted using a private key corresponding to the identity-based public key and an identity-based asymmetric decryption algorithm, wherein the private key is generated from at least the identity-based public key and a secret master key. The voter is provided with information that includes at least the encrypted vote data and the encrypted symmetric key, and the system retains anonymous identity information, encrypted vote data and the encrypted symmetric key as a paper audit trail.
US07657454B2
A server-side project manager utilizes a set of web service APIs to create, update, schedule and manage projects on a server. A user submits a project update request when the user creates a new project or modifies an existing project. The project update request is associated with an API that calls the server via a web service to update the project. Example APIs include a data retrieval call, an administrative call or a data update call. A processor compares the project update request to any existing project definition to identify update values. A set of calculations is performed using the update values and any existing project definition. The project is updated based on the calculation results and stored in a data store.
US07657448B2
A computer network may include a host computer and a plurality of computer workstations selectively connectable thereto at which user work sessions may be initiated. Each computer workstation when disconnected from the host computer (e.g., due to server outage, etc.) may advantageously initiate a user session responsive to a user request and store session information for updating the respective user account balance when reconnected with the host computer. Additionally, when the computer workstations are connected to the host computer they may copy respective user account balances from the host computer upon initiation of user sessions, and update the copied account balances based upon computer usage during the respective user sessions. The computer network may also include at least one reservation computer for cooperating with the host computer to schedule user session reservations and provide a requesting user an estimated time before a user session will be made available.
US07657439B2
This application discloses a method and system for facilitating the delivery of a mail piece bearing a post office box identifier to a United States Postal Service Branch, for final delivery to a post office box. The system facilitates the delivery by scanning the mail piece and obtaining the mail piece's destination information. If the destination information includes a post office box identifier, e.g., P.O. Box #1234, the system determines a street address of the post office location containing P.O. Box #1234. The street address is determined using the zip code contained within the destination information. Once the street address is determined, a new label, bearing the street address of the USPS branch location is affixed to the mail piece so that the mail piece can be delivered to the consignee.
US07657405B2
An electrical network having a nonlinear transfer response is approximated with a system with memory. The system with memory being approximated in the frequency domain and subsequently being expanded in the time domain. A transfer response of the system being approximated to a transfer response of the electrical network in a range of a system bandwidth corresponding to an input signal bandwidth. The resulting model has adjustable parameters and can readily be implemented in the form of a dynamically linear filter and a static nonlinearity (B2) connected thereto.
US07657400B2
A diagnostics subsystem for performing predictive diagnostics on a machine such as a vacuum pump. The subsystem has one or more parameter sensors providing measurable data, a process model for modelling machine operation and generating at least one estimated operating parameter, a comparator for comparing the sensed operating parameter with the estimated operating parameter; discontinuous signal injection means for injecting a discontinuity into the model to maintain sliding mode operation in the model; and means for analyzing the discontinuous injection signal for trends indicative of a fault in the machine.
US07657397B2
A method of determining a performance characteristic of a system is accomplished through the use of descriptive statistics and key ratios. A predetermined amount of measurements are taken to test a system performance characteristic. The measurements are compiled and descriptive statistics and key ratios are determined from the measurements. The descriptive statistics and key ratios are analyzed to determine if a satisfactory measurement of the system performance was determined. If a satisfactory measurement for the system performance was not determined, additional measurements are taken until the descriptive statistics and key ratios indicate a satisfactory measurement for the system performance was determined. Once a satisfactory measurement for the system performance is determined, the value is recorded and stored.
US07657391B2
A technique includes performing first electromagnetic field measurements to obtain a first set of data and performing second electromagnetic field measurements to obtain a second set of data. The first set of data is relatively sensitive to an effect caused by an air layer boundary and is relatively insensitive to the presence of a resistive body. The second set of data is relatively insensitive to the effect and is relatively sensitive to the presence of the resistive body. The technique includes combining the first and second sets of data to generate a third set of data, which is relatively insensitive to the effect and is relatively sensitive to the presence of the resistive body.
US07657387B2
A data compression technique is disclosed for Fourier Transform Mass Spectrometry (FTMS). A statistical analysis is applied to the data in the frequency domain since most of this data is a result of randomly distributed electronic noise. A fit of the whole frequency dataset to the distribution is made to determine preliminary moments of the distribution. The data in the tail of that distribution (which is mainly the peak data) is then removed and the remaining data points are re-fitted to the distribution, to identify the moments of distribution of that remaining noise data. A noise threshold for the mass spectrum is then applied using the calculated moments. The data above the threshold is kept. The whole spectrum can be reconstituted by storing the moments of distribution along with the peak data and then regenerating the noise from those moments and adding it to the peak data.
US07657386B2
An integrated battery service system performs a plurality of services related to a battery, such as battery testing, battery charging, and the like. In addition, the integrated service system provides services to devices/components that are coupled to the battery, such as starters, alternators, etc. The integrated battery service system allows a user to abort a service and then resume the process from where the process was aborted. When conducting a service, the integrated battery service system determines a noise level caused by devices/components coupled to the battery. The integrated battery service system includes connectors configured to couple to a battery for receiving input signals, a processor coupled to the connectors, and a memory device coupled to the processor for storing control codes and operation history. The control codes, when executed by the processor, control the system to selectively abort a service in response to a user input. Since the memory stores operation histories, the processor may access the memory to retrieve data related to the aborted service and parameters obtained during the service before the process was aborted. The system reinstates the aborted service in response to another user input.
US07657384B1
Method for managing a response to a triggering event in connection with a fugitive emissions monitor of a component. In one implementation, the method may include determining whether an input is a triggering event. If the input is a triggering event, then a message regarding the triggering event and one or more actions to remedy the triggering event may be displayed. The method may further include displaying one or more queries to confirm that the actions have been completed.
US07657383B2
A method of representing a subject genome can include comparing the subject genome to a base reference genome and identifying a difference between the subject genome and the base reference genome. The method can further include assigning one or more items of descriptive information to the difference, and compiling the items into a data set, where the data set represents the subject genome.
US07657378B1
The present invention relates to a novel computer based method for performing genome-wise comparison of several organisms, the said computational method involves creation of peptide libraries from protein sequences of several organisms and subsequent comparison leading to identification of conserved invariant peptide motifs, and to this end several invariant peptide motifs have been identified by direct sequence comparison between various bacterial organisms and host genomes without any a priori assumptions, and the present method is useful for identification of potential drug targets and can serve as drug screen for broad-spectrum antibacterials as well as for specific diagnosis of infections, and in addition, for assignment of function to proteins of yet unknown functions with the help of such invariant peptide motif signatures.
US07657377B2
Various systems and methods determine a distance, magnitude, and azimuthal angle describing the location of an anomaly within a geologic formation. For example, a method involves identifying an electrical characteristic (e.g., resistivity or conductivity) at each of several sensors in a measurement-while-drilling (MWD) tool. Based on the electrical characteristic, information identifying a formation property of the anomaly is generated. The information includes at least one magnitude and at least one distance. Information information identifying an azimuthal angle is also generated based upon the electrical characteristic. The azimuthal angle relates a position of the anomalous formation to a position of a first sensor in the MWD tool.
US07657374B2
An in-vehicle emergency report apparatus is so constructed that the operating power source is switched from a vehicle battery to an auxiliary battery only when a pre-crash safety ECU determines that a vehicle will collide with something. That is, the operating power source is switched from the vehicle battery to the auxiliary battery only when there is a possibility that the vehicle will collide with something to thereby perform emergency report operation. This makes it possible to effectively switch the operating power source from the vehicle battery to the auxiliary battery and to prevent the capacity of the auxiliary battery from being uselessly consumed.
US07657364B2
A method is disclosed for thermal management of an engine comprising a continuously variable transmission. The method includes an engine capability module storing a torque-speed map comprising a first region where the engine inefficiently regenerates an aftertreatment device, a second region where the engine efficiently regenerates the aftertreatment device, and a third region where the engine is not capable of regenerating the aftertreatment device. The method further includes an aftertreatment determination module determining a regeneration index, an operating conditions module determining an engine speed and an engine load, and a speed-load adjustment module adjusting a speed-load target. The method further includes the speed-load adjustment module adjusting the speed-load target to a preferred region along equal power curves of the torque-speed map based on the regeneration index.
US07657363B2
The present invention provides an injector-ignition fuel injection system for an internal combustion engine, comprising an ECU controlling a heated catalyzed fuel injector for heating and catalyzing a next fuel charge, wherein the ECU uses a one firing cycle look-ahead algorithm for controlling fuel injection. The ECU may further incorporate a look-up table, auto-tuning functions and heuristics to compensate for the rapid rotational de-acceleration that occurs near top dead center in lightweight small ultra-high compression engines as may be used with this invention. The ECU may further ramp heat input to the injector in response to engine acceleration requests and, under such circumstances, may extend its look-ahead for up to four firing cycles.
US07657352B2
An automatic control system provides control of an automotive system in a vehicle based on at least one piece of control provision determination information. The automatic control system includes an information acquisition unit for acquiring the control provision determination information, and determines provision of the control for the automotive system based on predetermined criteria. The criteria defines when and how the query of control provision is conducted by the automatic control system.
US07657342B2
A computer program product that determines a polishing endpoint includes obtaining spectra from different zones on a substrate during different times in a polishing sequence, matches the spectra with indexes in a library and uses the indexes to determining a polishing rate for each of the different zones from the indexes. An adjusted polishing rate can be determined for one of the zones, which causes the substrate to have a desired profile when the polishing end time is reached.
US07657338B2
The invention relates to an automation system with a control unit, to which at least one sensor or actuator is connected. To connect it to the control unit, the sensor or actuator is connected to the connector which features an RFID chip with relevant data of the sensor or actuator. The data for use in the control unit can be read out by means of a reader.
US07657336B2
Presented herein is a method and system for reducing memory requirements in audio signal processing by de-interleaving audio information with at least two static buffers and a dynamic buffer. The method may include writing interleaved audio information to a first static memory device. The method may also include de-interleaving the audio information and writing de-interleaved audio information to a second static memory device. The method may also include writing de-interleaved audio information to a dynamic memory device from the second static memory device and overwriting interleaved audio information with new interleaved audio information in the first static memory device. The method may also include overwriting interleaved audio information in the first static memory device with de-interleaved audio information from the dynamic memory device and decoding the audio information.
US07657335B2
When an emphasis setting of a next track is different from that of a current track, a silent signal having the emphasis setting of the next track written in its subcode information is output for a predetermined time prior to reproduction of the next track. The emphasis setting is changed for the next track while the silent signal is being output, so that the next track can be reproduced appropriately without involving an unwanted lack in its leading portion.
US07657327B2
A control device for operating electronic equipment having a generally elongated body and rotatable selection portion that is rotatable to any one of a plurality of operation mode positions. A display unit displays information associated with each mode, and a single common actuator activates the selected mode. The display unit may include a curved window that extends at least 180 degrees around the body.
US07657316B2
Methods of treating a medical condition include applying at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. Systems for treating a medical condition include a system control unit implanted within the patient that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to a motor cortex within a brain of a patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.
US07657312B2
A method and device for delivering multi-site ventricular pacing therapy in conjunction with parasympathetic stimulation for reducing ventricular wall stress. Such reduction in ventricular wall stress is useful in reversing or preventing the ventricular remodeling which can occur in heart failure patients.
US07657309B2
A method for detecting a quantitative measure of a physiologic state of a human myocardium or coronary artery. Implementations of the method detect the extent of change of myocardial electrical impedance from a mean baseline value to provide diagnosis of the extent of ischemia, stenosis, tissue rejection, and reperfusion and the effectiveness of cardioplegia and ischemia pre-conditioning as well as the general effectiveness of coronary bypass surgery as measured by post-operative reperfusion. Electrodes are attached to the myocardium, baseline measurements of the mean myocardial electrical impedance are stored and the variance of the myocardial electrical impedance and a baseline value of mean myocardial electrical impedance are computed from the baseline measurements and stored. Mean myocardial electrical impedance values are periodically measured between each electrode pair over an interval of time and stored. After the mean myocardial electrical impedance changes from the computed baseline value by at least the measured variance, the extent of change in the myocardial physiologic state is diagnosed as a continuous, smooth, function of the extent of change, or rate of change, of the periodically measured myocardial electrical impedance from the baseline value.
US07657303B2
A system and method for accurately locating and tracking the position of a target, such as a tumor or the like, within a body. In one embodiment, the system is a target locating and monitoring system usable with a radiation delivery source that delivers selected doses of radiation to a target in a body. The system includes one or more excitable markers positionable in or near the target, an external excitation source that remotely excites the markers to produce an identifiable signal, and a plurality of sensors spaced apart in a known geometry relative to each other. A computer is coupled to the sensors and configured to use the marker measurements to identify a target isocenter within the target. The computer compares the position of the target isocenter with the location of the machine isocenter. The computer also controls movement of the patient and a patient support device so the target isocenter is co-incident with the machine isocenter before and during radiation therapy.
US07657299B2
Automated methods and systems for the detection and analysis of plaque in one or more regions of a patient's vasculature are described.
US07657298B2
A system is disclosed for determining a position and a change in the position of an anatomical structure. The system utilizes a surgical navigation system and a substrate that is capable of being removably mounted to an outer surface of a patient's body. The substrate includes a sensor that is tracked by the surgical navigation system and a positional device that determines the position of an anatomical structure relative to the sensor. The concatenation of the position of the sensor and the relative position of the anatomical structure allows a global position of the anatomical structure to be determined by a computer system and displayed to the user.
US07657297B2
An implantable analyte sensor including a sensing region for measuring the analyte and a non-sensing region for immobilizing the sensor body in the host. The sensor is implanted in a precisely dimensioned pocket to stabilize the analyte sensor in vivo and enable measurement of the concentration of the analyte in the host before and after formation of a foreign body capsule around the sensor. The sensor further provides a transmitter for RF transmission through the sensor body, electronic circuitry, and a power source optimized for long-term use in the miniaturized sensor body.
US07657293B2
Methods and apparatus for assessing the viability of tissue such as flap tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for assessing the viability of flap tissue includes obtaining an oxygen saturation level associated with a first location on the flap tissue, determining whether the oxygen saturation level is less than a first level, and identifying the first location as having a poor blood supply if the oxygen saturation level is less than the first level.
US07657290B2
Power management systems and methods are provided for a mobile device. A primary power management circuit may be configured to receive an input voltage and use the input voltage to supply power to the mobile device. A secondary power management circuit may be configured to select at least one of a battery input from a rechargeable battery, a first power source input, or a second power source input as the input voltage to the primary power management circuit. The primary power management circuit may use the first power source input to charge the rechargeable battery. The second power management circuit may use the second power source input to charge the rechargeable battery.
US07657287B2
A mobile station is provided comprising a transmission and reception unit and an identification module that can be inserted into the mobile station. The mobile station provides a user, in the standby mode, with services and/or data records that can be retrieved by the user. To prevent unauthorized access to the services and/or data records, each service and/or data record is assigned a characteristic access identifier that is activated or deactivated by inputting and/or transmitting an associated security code. For the purpose of inputting and/or transmitting the security code, the mobile station comprises a security component. Depending on the state of the access identifier, whether activated or deactivated, access to a service and/or data record in the standby mode on the mobile station is disabled or enabled, respectively.
US07657285B2
When a user gets interested in some music he/she listens to somewhere, for example, in a coffee shop, the user records that music in a memory provided in a portable terminal. A processor reads the information stored in the memory and performs a predetermined process on it. The resultant information is stored on a storage device. The information stored on the storage device is then transferred to a server via a communication device. The server searches the database for the title of the music corresponding to the received information, and returns the result to the terminal. Thus, the user can easily get information about the title of the music.
US07657280B2
A wireless signal receiving apparatus for receiving a wireless signal is disclosed. The wireless signal receiving apparatus includes a main body and a clamping device. The main body includes a signal processing module installed in a housing of the main body for processing the wireless signal. The clamping device is fixedly coupled to the housing for providing a force in order to fix an object between the housing and the clamping device, thereby clamping the wireless signal receiving apparatus upon the object.
US07657278B2
A method and apparatus for deriving a combined transmit power control (TPC) command during handover are disclosed. During handover, a combined TPC command is generated from two or more TPC commands. The combined TPC command is set to −1 for decrease of the transmit power if a soft symbol of the TPC signal from any cell indicates decrease of the transmit power and the signal-to-interference ratio for the cell is greater than a reliability threshold. Otherwise, the combined TPC command is set to −1 if the function γ is not greater than the combining threshold, and set to +1 if the function γ is greater than the combining threshold, where the function γ represents a log-likelihood ratio of a probability density function of the combined TPC command.
US07657270B2
Systems and methods providing integrated voice and data services utilizing wired cordless access with unlicensed/unregulated connectivity sources and wireless access with licensed/regulated connectivity sources. A single telephone directory number is assigned for use with both a mobile wireless telephone and for use with a cordless wired Internet Protocol (IP) telephone. The mobile wireless telephone operates via a conventional licensed spectrum wireless network, and the IP telephone operates over voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) over a broadband packet data network service. Incoming calls simultaneously ring the user's mobile wireless telephone and IP telephone. The user may be provided a personal voice mailbox that may be accessed from their mobile wireless telephone or from their IP telephone. The user may be provided a single services bill associated with use of both telephones.
US07657266B2
A method for use in a wireless communication system with a network overlay geolocation system having a sparse deployment network in which base stations of the wireless communication system may or may not have a co-located wireless location sensor (WLS). The method uses U-TDOA measurements on the uplink (reverse) signal and E-OTD measurements on the downlink (forward) signals to estimate a location for a mobile appliance.
US07657262B2
A method for assisting in a handover is provided that includes utilizing a link between a centralized access controller (CAC) and customer premises equipment (CPE) to facilitate a communication session involving a mobile station. The method also includes rejecting a handover from a public network to a cell controlled by the CAC after recognizing, in advance, that sufficient resources are unavailable for supporting a channel to be employed for the handover.
US07657261B2
One aspect of the invention provides a system, apparatus and method that allow a wireless communication device to intelligently search for and select a communication cell based on a system identifier (SID) and network identifier (NID) order of preference rather than just pilot signal strength. Generally, a mobile device scans a frequency channel associated with the highest preferred SID/NID for pilot signals at different PN offsets. The cell associated with the strongest pilot signal detected is queried to determine whether it belongs to the SID/NID sought. If the selected PN offset belongs to a cell associated with the SID/NID sought then it is used for communications. Otherwise, the SID/NID identification process is repeated for the next strongest PN offset detected on the same frequency channel. If no pilot signals meeting these criteria are found in the frequency channel, the next highest preferred SID/NID is selected and the process is repeated.
US07657254B2
A mobile station includes a voice mail password in an outgoing call message for a call, a data communication and the like. A mobile telephone switching center determines whether the voice mail password of the outgoing call message from the mobile station is consistent with the voice mail password from the voice mailing system, and provides the call service to the corresponding mobile station when they are consistent with each other. The voice mail password can be registered or changed after the user connects to the voice mailing system and is identified for the voice mail service. Therefore, the user can just merely change the voice mail password, thereby preventing unauthorized use of the mobile station.
US07657252B2
A portable terminal with a telephone or radio communication function, a call response message transmitting method and a server for, when the user cannot answer an incoming call, enabling the user of the portable terminal to inform the caller of his/her situation that does not allow him/her to answer the call. A portable terminal comprises a storage for storing information on different types of messages each being associated with an image in a prescribed pose or gesture and a camera section for shooting an image when a call is received. The portable terminal recognizes the pose or gesture from an image shot by the camera section, and selecting a message corresponding to the recognized pose or gesture from the storage, and transmits the selected message to a calling terminal.
US07657251B2
A mobile terminal prompts a user to make a voice message upon detection of an abnormally interrupted call, and records the message. Then, the mobile terminal converts the recorded voice data and a telephone number of a communication partner's terminal into a format suitable for data communication. Next, the mobile terminal transmits the converted data to a mobile data communication relay base station. The mobile data communication relay base station forwards the converted data to a data communication network storage device via a data communication network. A stored message transmitter retrieves the telephone number of the communication partner's terminal from the data communication network storage device and calls the communication partner's terminal via a fixed telephone network. When communication is established between the stored message transmitter and the communication partner's terminal, the stored message transmitter reproduces the voice data retrieved from the data communication network storage device in response to a request from the communication partner's terminal.
US07657248B2
To provide a wireless system in which a terminal that is shutdown or on in standby can be activated from a remote site in an environment where connection is attested by an authentication server, using security technology for wireless LAN, a different encryption key from other terminals is employed in the communication, and the encryption key is periodically renewed. An access point controls a beacon transmission interval control part by recognizing a terminal activation signal from a management terminal. The beacon transmission interval control part controls the transmission interval of beacon by switching between a normal operation mode and a patterned transmission interval mode. A beacon transmission interval detection circuit of a terminal monitors interval between beacons, and upon detecting patterned beacons, outputs a detection signal. A wireless module receives the detection signal from the beacon transmission interval detection circuit, and then makes an activation request to the terminal.
US07657245B2
An electronic device is equipped with a wireless unit board for transmitting and receiving a radio signal to and from external equipment, where an accommodation space for the wireless unit board is enclosed by a side plate of a casing of the electronic device, a first shield plate covering a circuit board, and a second shield plate holding a main control board thereupon and disposed substantially horizontally above the first shield plate. The wireless unit board is disposed in the accommodation space with one of opposed major surfaces thereof facing to the side plate of the casing.
US07657243B2
An RF transceiver front-end includes receiver and transmitter front-ends. The receiver front-end includes 1st and 2nd antennas, a ninety degree phase shift module and an LNA module. The 1st and 2nd antennas receive inbound RF signals and provide a first directional circular polarization. The ninety degree phase shift module phase shifts the RF signals received by the 2nd antenna. The LNA module amplifies the RF signals received by the 1st antenna and the shifted RF signals. The transmitter front-end includes a PA module and 3rd and 4th antennas, which provide a second directional circular polarization. The PA module amplifies outbound RF signals to produce amplified outbound RF signals and amplified orthogonal outbound RF signals. The 3rd antenna transmits the amplified outbound RF signals and the 4th antenna transmits the amplified orthogonal outbound RF signals.
US07657236B2
A transmitter generates a transmitter output signal from first and second baseband signals. The transmitter includes a detector to detect a local oscillator (LO) leakage signal in the transmitter output signal. A controller coupled to the detector determines a direct LO coupling component and a baseband DC offset component of the LO leakage signal. First and second variable current sources are adjusted by the controller to provide first and second DC offsets to the first and second baseband signals, respectively. The first and second DC offsets reduce the direct LO coupling component. Third and fourth variable current sources are subsequently adjusted by the controller to provide third and fourth DC offsets to the first and second baseband signals, respectively. The third and fourth DC offsets reduce the baseband DC component. Overall, reducing the direct LO coupling component and the baseband DC component reduces a power of the LO leakage signal.
US07657233B2
The invention relates to a device for calculating FSM bits by means of which the signals sent from two antennas of a base station are influenced with reference to their phase difference and/or their amplitudes. The FSM bits are calculated with the aid of two estimated channel impulse responses. The device is present in hard-wired form.
US07657231B2
In a method for estimating a frequency offset (fe, Ωe) of a modulated bandpass signal (s) with an assumed carrier frequency (Ω0) in a mobile radio receiver, times (τj) of the zero cross-overs of the bandpass signal are determined in a first step. Using the times (τj) of the zero cross-overs and the assumed carrier frequency (Ω0), the required frequency offset (fe, Ωe) is estimated in a further step by calculating the DC component of an instantaneous frequency which is given by the frequency of the bandpass signal less the assumed carrier frequency.
US07657229B2
The present invention concerns a method and a device for reporting, through a wireless network using multiple frequency subbands, interference components received by a first telecommunication in a first and a second frequency subbands of the wireless network, to a second telecommunication device. The first telecommunication device measures the interference components it receives in the first and second frequency subbands, determines at least a first weight from the measured interference components in the first frequency subband and at least a second weight from the measured interference components in the second frequency subband, weights a first pilot signal with the at least one first determined weight and a second pilot signal with the at least one second determined weight, transfers the first weighted pilot signal through said first frequency subband and the second weighted pilot signal through said second frequency subband to the second telecommunication device.
US07657226B2
A keyfob is provided for use in a vehicle having a processor. The keyfob comprises a housing, a battery disposed within the housing, and control circuitry disposed within the housing and coupled to the battery. A memory coupled to the control circuitry is disposed within the housing and is configured to store data files therein accessible by the processor.
US07657224B2
Individuals share music through portable audio devices that synchronously play music by transmitting music signals from one device to the other. Upon request, other individuals can join such a sharing group as a member, and these new members can either be accepted automatically, or through voting by existing group members. So that members of a group can converse, the fraction of ambient sound admitted by the earphones of the portable device can be manually set. In order to enhance the enjoyment of the music, wearable transducers, such as light emitting diodes, respond to signals related to the beat of the music. Signals can be automatically generated, or manually specified, and signals thereafter stored for playback with the music to which it is related. Wearable transducers associated with individuals at a large music event can be set to receive common signals such that the transducers respond in synchrony with one another.
US07657223B2
The present invention relates to presentation of content to mobile users. In the method, data associated with presentation of content is transmitted from a communication system, the data including information regarding an event. The data is received at mobile user equipment and stored in a memory of the mobile user equipment. In response to the event, presentation of the content is triggered. The presentation is based on the data stored in the memory of the mobile user equipment.
US07657220B2
A method for adaptive scoring of responses to constructed response questions is disclosed. Adaptive scoring may be used to apply evaluator time in such a way that a predetermined reliability level is reached with the least possible use of evaluator time, including adjusting the number of response graded and/or the number of evaluators grading each response. A score may be calculated after grading a subset of a test taker's responses to the constructed response questions. A probability or an error estimate is calculated and compared to a threshold value. Grading may be discontinued based on the comparison. A score may be calculated based on a predetermined number of ratings for the test taker's response to a constructed response. A probability that the score is within a predetermined range of what the score would be if all the responses are graded is calculated. If the probability is less than a threshold value, the number of ratings is increased.
US07657219B2
An image forming apparatus including: a paper feed cassette; a paper pickup roller; an image forming portion; a fixing unit; a paper discharge portion for discharging paper P with a developer image fused and fixed thereon; and an inversion roller and a paper discharge drive roller for conveying paper P along a paper conveyance path, and is constructed such that guide ribs are provided for a curved portion in a main conveyance path and the first and second curved portions of a sub conveyance path are provided in shapes that will not cause concentration of stress acting on the paper P in abutment.
US07657218B2
A disclosed gloss-providing sheet for providing high gloss to a toner image on a recording material by being placed on a toner image surface of the recording material, heated so as to fuse toner, and then separated from the recording material after the toner is cooled and solidified includes: a notification portion that changes a visual state thereof when a temperature of the gloss-providing sheet becomes equal to or lower than a glass transition temperature of the toner.
US07657217B2
An image heating apparatus includes a heating roller for heating an image on a recording material; a coil unit disposed in said heating roller and including a coil for induction heat generation in said heating roller; a supporting member for rotatably supporting said heating roller, wherein said supporting member including a holding portion for substantially non-rotatably holding said coil unit.
US07657209B2
A splash guard is configured to control the flow of excess liquid generated by an interaction between a first roller and a second roller by splitting the flow of the excess liquid into a first flow and a second flow.
US07657203B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier that a plurality of toner images of differing colors are formed on a surface, and an intermediate transfer belt positioned opposite the image carrier, the toner images formed on the image carrier being primarily transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt in a superimposed condition, and being collectively secondarily transferred from the intermediate transfer belt onto a transfer material, and the toner images of the two colors set to be approximately identical in screen angle being consecutively transferred in a superimposed condition onto the intermediate transfer belt. A drive load fluctuation correction unit corrects the drive load to the intermediate transfer belt in accordance with a cleaning device moving into and out of engagement with the intermediate transfer belt.
US07657202B2
An image forming apparatus, including an image forming section which forms image on a recording sheet based on image data, plural trays which accommodate the sheets to be supplied to the image forming section, a humidity detecting unit which detects humidity inside the paper tray, a dehumidifying device which dehumidify inside the paper tray, and a control section which controls the dehumidifying device and management of jobs, and controls the image forming section to execute the jobs, wherein if the humidity inside the paper tray to be used for a first priority job is higher than a predetermined value, the control section suspends execution of the first priority job, and the control section controls the image forming section to execute a reserved job which is executable from among reserved jobs with low priority order, before executing the first priority job.
US07657201B2
Disclosed is an image forming apparatus including: a dedicated operation input section having various function keys provided with the image forming apparatus; a connection section to connect an external operation input section having various keys with the image forming apparatus; a memory section to memorize a correspondence information table for each user, in which relationship between the various function keys of the dedicated operation input section and the various keys of the external operation input section is specified; and a control section to control an image forming operation by referring to the correspondence information table for each user memorized in the memory section when an operation input signal is inputted into the control section through the connection section from any of the various keys of the external operation input section.
US07657199B2
An image forming apparatus including an image bearing member which bears a toner image; a transfer unit which transfers the toner image on the image bearing member to a transfer portion when applied with transfer voltage; a recording material feeding unit which includes a stacking portion where recording materials are stacked and an air blowing device for blowing air to the recording material stacked in the stacking portion, and feeds the recording material to the transfer portion; and a transfer bias control portion which controls the transfer bias according to at least one of air received time per one sheet by the air blowing unit, air pressure and air temperature is provided.
US07657181B2
In an optical add/drop multiplexer dropping and inserting a light of a specific wavelength for a WDM signal light and an optical network system utilizing the same, a wavelength selective switch selects a part of WDM signal lights inputted as lights of drop wavelengths and outputting other lights, and a reject/add filter terminates lights of same wavelengths as add wavelengths among output lights from the wavelength selective switch and multiplexes other lights than the terminated lights and lights of the add wavelengths to be outputted. At this time, the drop wavelengths are made to include all of the add wavelengths.
US07657177B2
Distortion of an optical signal transmitted over a fibre optic link is characterized by a receiver including a photodetector for converting optical radiation into an electrical signal. A delay line delays the electrical signal. At least two delay line taps drive a register that stores plural values corresponding with different delayed replicas of the electrical signal. Signals commensurate with the values are externally provided to a signal distortion analyser for analysis of the values to determine the optical signal distortion.
US07657169B2
A focus detection method includes moving a focusing lens group from the near extremity toward the far extremity in a search operation, and stopping the focusing lens group upon first detecting an in-focus state to determine an in-focus position of the focusing lens group when detecting a focus state in each of a plurality of focus detection areas while performing the search operation, and moving the focusing lens group firstly to one of the near extremity and the far extremity which is closer to a current position of the focusing lens group and subsequently toward the other thereof, and stopping the focusing lens group upon first detecting an in-focus state to determine an in-focus position of the focusing lens group when detecting a focus state in the single focus detection area while performing the search operation.
US07657167B2
A horological motor of the Lavet motor concept is used to form an actuator to control movement of a lens system to reduce power consumption in digital camera units used in various electronic equipment, e.g. PDA's, mobile phones, digital still cameras and camcorders, and as a result increase battery life. The coils of the horological motor are driven with CMOS I/O signals eliminating the need for high current motor drivers and allowing the integration of all picture capture functions, including the light sensitive pixel array, into a single chip to form a system on chip implementation. A plurality of actuators is used to control a lens system comprising auto focus, zoom and shutter and iris functions. A gear transmission system is used to allow the motor of the actuator to move in micro step, which allows calibration of the motor against mechanical barriers.
US07657163B2
A fluid warming device for warming medical fluids, such as intravenously administered blood or saline solutions, is provided. The fluid warming device includes a conduit at least partially formed from a material with positive temperature coefficient properties. A supply of blood or other fluids may pass through the device and be heated to temperatures appropriate for administration to a patient.
US07657161B2
A method of constant airflow control for a ventilation system is disclosed. The method includes various controls to accomplish a substantially constant airflow rate over a significant change of the static pressure in a ventilation duct. One control is a constant I·RPM control, which is primarily used in a low static pressure range. Another control is a constant RPM control, which is primarily used in a high static pressure range. These controls requires neither a static pressure sensor nor an airflow rate sensor to accomplish substantially constant airflow rate while static pressure changes. This is because these controls use only intrinsic control variables which are electric current and rotational speed of the motor. Also, the method improves the accuracy of the control by correcting certain deviations that are caused by the motor's current-RPM characteristics. To compensate the deviation, the method adopts a test operation in a minimum static pressure condition. Also disclosed is an apparatus for conducting these control methods.
US07657148B2
A cabinet is provided for managing the connections between a feeder cable and a distribution cable wherein the distribution cable is a blown optical fiber. The cabinet includes shelves for holding splices between the feeder cable and the distribution cable. The shelves also include microduct holders for holding each of the microducts associated with the distribution cable.
US07657145B2
A method for fabrication of a multilayered optical waveguide structure which includes at least two substrates, and an optical waveguide layer disposed between the substrates and having at least one core region and side cladding regions laterally succeeding from the core region. The method is characterized in that the optical waveguide layer is formed from a polysilane compound containing polysilane, and it comprises stacking a first block including one of the substrates and a second block including the other of the substrates through the optical waveguide layer or a cladding layer located at a surface of either one of the blocks, and heating them while pressed in such arrangement so that the first block and the second block are bonded together by the optical waveguide layer or the cladding layer serving as a bonding layer into the multilayered structure.
US07657133B2
An apparatus for single analyte molecule detection includes: a light source (20) for generating excitation light; a dichroic mirror (22) disposed on a first path of excitation light generated by the light source, wherein the mirror directs excitation light into a fiber aligner (30); an optical transducer coupled to the light source by the fiber aligner, the optical transducer comprising an optical waveguide (40) made of dielectric material having a first dielectrical index; a photon detector (70) disposed to receive fluorescent back radiation, wherein when a test solution having a second dielectric index lower than the first index is provided and comprises one or more target molecules, excitation light is transmitted by the waveguide and exits a waveguide tip disposed in the test solution so as to excite one or more target molecules; subsequently, the waveguide transmits back radiation along a second path to the photon detector that detects the transmitted back radiation.
US07657120B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining the orientation of text, so that the text can be correctly read. In one embodiment, the method analyzes the “open” portions of text characters to determine in which direction the open portions face. By determining the respective densities of characters opening in each direction (e.g., right or left), the method can establish in which direction the text as a whole is orientated. The present invention may be adapted for use in automated mail processing, to determine the orientation of checks in automated teller machine envelopes, or the orientation of scanned or copied documents, or documents sent via facsimile, or to determine the orientation of digital photographs that include text (e.g., road signs, business cards, driver's licenses, etc.), among other applications. A fast, substantially automatic determination of text orientation according to the present invention will reduce the labor expense and processing delay required for manual orientation.
US07657119B1
Methods and apparatus implementing systems and techniques for adjusting images. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: receiving input defining an adjustment to be applied to a differential representation of a source image, calculating the differential representation of the source image, producing a structural representation of the source image, the structural representation corresponding to multiple types of contrast in the source image, modifying the differential representation based on the structural representation and the input defining the adjustment, and generating a modified image from the modified differential representation by solving a Poisson differential equation.
US07657114B2
A data processing apparatus for processing image data includes a variance information calculator configured to calculate variance information indicating the degree of variance of pixel values for each of a plurality of pixels constituting the image data; a smoothing section configured to smooth the variance information and to output a smoothed value; a determination section configured to determine an area to which the pixel belongs on the basis of the smoothed value and to output area information indicating the area; a parameter determination section configured to determine a parameter for a noise removal process for each of the pixels constituting the image data on the basis of the area information and the smoothed value; and a noise removal section configured to perform the noise removal process on the image data on the basis of the parameter determined for each of the pixels.
US07657105B2
An alpha image encoding and decoding scheme is disclosed. In the encoding an alpha image, is decomposed into image blocks (600) comprising multiple image element (610). The blocks (600) are compressed into block representations (700). A block representation (700) comprises at least a color codeword (710), an alpha codeword (720), an alpha modifying codeword (730) and a sequence (740) of alpha modifier indices. The color (710) and alpha (720) codeword (710) are representations of the colors and alpha value of the image elements (610) of the block (600), respectively. The alpha modifying codeword (730) is a representation of a set of multiple alpha modifiers for modifying an alpha value represented by the alpha codeword (720). The index sequence (740) includes an alpha index for each image element (610) in the block (600), where an alpha index identifies one of alpha modifiers in the alpha modifier set.
US07657103B2
A method, system, and machine-readable medium for classifying an image element as one of a plurality of categories, including assigning the image element based on a ratio between an unoccluded perimeter of the image element and an occluded perimeter of the image element and coding the image element according to a coding scheme associated with the category to which the image element is classified. Exemplary applications include image compression, where categories include image foreground and background layers.
US07657084B2
In an apparatus and method for generating a three-dimensional representation from a two-dimensional image, a memory device stores information for processing a two-dimensional image and for generating a three-dimensional image from the two-dimensional image, a processing device processes a digital representation of an image by generating a two-dimensional image from the digital representation and by generating a three-dimensional image corresponding to the two-dimensional image, and an output device outputs a three-dimensional image and a digital signal representation of the three-dimensional image.
US07657082B2
A method of measuring a welding-groove position for an over-lapped fillet welding of thin members, comprising a projection step of projecting a slit light so that the slit light is projected on both the thin members crossing a welding-groove face, a two-dimensional image acquisition step of capturing the slit-light image projected on each of the thin members as two-dimensional images; a three-dimensional conversion step of converting the two-dimensional images into three-dimensional images using a predetermined three-dimensional conversion parameter, and a calculation step of calculating the welding-groove position based on the three-dimensional data of the projected slit-light images, and relative positions between the projected slit-light images in the three-dimensional data defined by shapes and arrangement of the thin members.
US07657077B2
A method of determining defects in a plurality of images having essentially the same image contents is disclosed. A comparison operation is carried out once three fully comparable images having essentially the same image contents are present in the intermediate memory. The stored individual images are accessed randomly. A paired comparison operation between the three difference images is carried out.
US07657067B2
A system and method of capturing an acceptable fingerprint image is disclosed herein. The method includes a step of capturing an initial fingerprint image at a nominal image integration time. Once this initial fingerprint image is captured, a first intermediate fingerprint image at a first intermediate image integration time is captured. Next, an image darkness test is performed followed by an image definition test. If one or more of these tests indicates that the first intermediate fingerprint image is unacceptable, a subsequent intermediate fingerprint image at a subsequent intermediate image integration time is captured. This subsequent intermediate fingerprint image can be captured before the image definition test is performed. Additional intermediate fingerprint images can be captured until an image that has an acceptable darkness level as a well as an acceptable definition level is captured. Also disclosed is a fingerprint scanner that performs this method.
US07657066B2
The present invention concerns a method of determining the living character of an element carrying a fingerprint. The method according to the invention is characterised in that it consists of making on the one hand at least one electrical measurement and on the other hand taking an image of the said fingerprint, and then validating the said or each electrical measurement by comparing it with the range of values of electrical measurements defined by a pre-established relationship linking the said range to characteristics of the said image.
US07657063B2
The invention belongs to the field of remote object identification based on passive and/or active radiation, namely, to systems for to identifying radioactive objects, including concealed ones. A mobile and yet highly-efficient object detection and identification system detects gamma, X-ray and neutron radiation. A distributed multilevel system for a departmental (restricted) use, as well as an open system for common use, is proposed.The expert system is designed to be multilevel. At a low level, the capacity of the portable computer sensor of the expert system is used; at a higher level, functioning of the local network of the expert system through communication links is implemented; and the next level represents the global specialized expert system performance in real time. The transfer from a lower level to a higher level takes place in the case of radioactive object identification failure or ambiguity.
US07657043B2
An electro-optical device with a sound generating body is disclosed, in which an electro-optical device and a sound generating body can be mounted compactly and which can eliminate necessity of acoustic design of the sound generating body for an enclosure of an electronic apparatus for accommodating the electro-optical device. The electro-optical device of the present invention includes a first frame, a second frame opposed to the first frame, a third frame interposed between the first frame and the second frame, an electro-optical panel supported by the first frame, and a sound generating body supported by the second frame and covered by the second frame and the third frame, the sound generating body being arranged so as to be two-dimensionally overlapped the electro-optical panel.
US07657042B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a sound output function. A sound output function can be added to a liquid crystal device having a light source while preventing any increase in the external size of the liquid crystal display device. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between a first substrate and a second substrate which oppose each other, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connected to a brim portion of the second substrate, a light guide plate, and an LED. An excitation source is arranged at a portion corresponding to the back side of the FPC connection portion on the second substrate. The excitation source deflects and vibrates the second substrate of the liquid crystal display panel according to a sound signal from an outside source. That is, the second substrate is used as a vibration plate for the output of a sound. The liquid crystal display device can preferably be used for a liquid crystal module used in mobile devices such as a mobile telephone and a PDA.
US07657034B2
For the encryption of data to be stored in a memory external to a circuit, provision is made to store in the external memory encrypted data words in association with an initialization vector and a key identifier associated with a secret key that has served to encrypt same.
US07657020B2
A call routing system can be used to route calls. An action object identifier, a result identifier, and a reason identifier can be generated in response at least in part to a call. The call can be routed by the call routing system based at least in part on the action object identifier, the result identifier, and the reason identifier. The routing can be performed automatically without requiring an attendant. In another embodiment, an attendant can be used, if desired. In still another embodiment, the processing of the call can be interrupted by the caller, a data processing system used within the call routing system, or an attendant. In a particular embodiment, the call routing system can be used when authenticating a caller or determining an account status of the caller.
US07657017B2
A method includes jurisdictionalizing a long distance intra-MTA call as a local call. The method may further include receiving an intra-Major Trading Area (MTA) call, determining whether the intra-MTA call satisfies terms of use of a direct connection to a terminating network, and routing the intra-Major Trading Area (MTA) call directly to the terminating network via the direct connection if the intra-MTA call satisfies the terms of use of the direct connection. A method for routing calls includes determining that a received intrastate call is an intra-MTA call, determining whether the intra-MTA call satisfies terms of use of a direct connection bypassing a Local Exchange Carrier, and routing the intra-MTA call for termination via the direct connection if the intra-MTA call satisfies terms of use of the direct connection. A system includes a switch configured to jurisdictionalize a long-distance intra-MTA call as a local call, and may be further configured to route the call over a local route.
US07657016B2
An apparatus, system and method for monitoring calls that have been forwarded to a network-based voice mail system (VMS). The VMS receives the forwarded call and sends a start of greeting signal at the beginning and an end of greeting signal at the completion of the voice message greeting to the central office switch. The switch sends an activate call monitoring data message and a call monitoring alert signal to the customer premises equipment (CPE). If the CPE is adapted for call monitoring and includes a speaker assembly, then the speaker assembly is engaged in response to the activate call monitoring data message, thereby allowing hands-free call monitoring. If the CPE does not include a speaker assembly, then the called party may activate call monitoring by lifting the handset in response to detecting a call monitoring alert from the CPE. While monitoring the call, the called party may intercept the call to speak with the calling party.
US07657014B2
A cellular telephone system is provided with a process and apparatus for screening an incoming call. The process is carried out by, and the apparatus comprises, a service provider (20) and a mobile station (30). The mobile station (30) answers the incoming call and places the call on hold. The mobile station (30) connects to the service provider (20) and places the service provider (20) and the incoming caller on multi-party hold. The mobile station (30) then signals the service provider (20) to begin screening the call. In response, the service provider (20) prompts the incoming caller for the incoming caller's identification and then communicates this information to the mobile station (30). Based on this information, the mobile station (30) can elect to accept or reject the incoming call.
US07657001B2
A method for at least reducing the occurrence of differential ghosting in an X-ray image acquired in respect of a subject, wherein a deghost scan is performed at least once daily so as to generate an underlying strong homogeneous ghost so that further differential (non-homogeneous) ghosting during subsequent scans is minimised. The deghost scan comprises acquiring an ‘air’ image, when no subject is present between the X-ray source (4) and detector (5), as a relatively high detector dose.
US07656999B2
The invention involves a rotary focused gamma-ray radiotherapy device. The invention includes a frame, a rotary ring positioned at the frame, and a source carrier and a collimator carrier that can rotate around a rotary axis respectively. The source carrier is equipped inside with multiple radiation sources. The collimator carrier is equipped inside with a corresponding beam channel to the radiation sources, which focus at a shared focus of the rotary axis through the beam channel. The source carrier and the collimator carrier are connected at both ends with the rotary ring and the frame, respectively. The single-layer and double-support structure of the source carrier and the collimator carrier adopted in the invention enlarges the treatment space, lowers manufacturing cost and difficulty, simplifies the mechanical structure, increases support rigidity of the source carrier and the collimator carrier, ensuring long-lasting and steady coaxial rotation of source carrier and collimator carrier, as well as position accuracy of the focusing center in the therapeutic system. Therefore, a precision radiotherapy is realized with improved radiotherapy effect.
US07656995B2
An apparatus and method for obtaining an image of an object. The apparatus comprises a radiation source and a series of two to five linear detectors spaced therefrom to define a scanning zone; means to cause an object to move relative to and through the scanning zone; a direct image generation apparatus to generate an image from the output of a linear detector; an intermediate image generation apparatus configured to generate at least one intermediate image from an adjacent pair of linear detectors, by processing the output of the pair of detectors and generating an image representative of an output intermediate between the two said detector outputs; the image apparatus adapted such that at least five and preferably at least six images are generated in total; an image display adapted successively to display such images and thus display the monocular movement parallax between the images.
US07656994B2
A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.
US07656992B2
A method and a CT system are disclosed for determining movement and rest phases of a partial object that moves at times in an examination object during a CT examination. In at least one embodiment, at least two different radiation sources are used for the comparative measurement, and a first radiation source emits a first fan beam at a specific rotation angle at a first instant, the absorption of said beam being measured in beamwise fashion, a second radiation source emits a second fan beam, at the same rotation angle at a second, later instant, the absorption of the beam likewise being measured in beamwise fashion, and the relative movement or relative rest of the partial object between the first and second instants is deduced by comparing deviating absorption values of a multiplicity of spatially equivalent and equidirectional fan beams proceeding from the same angular position of the radiation sources.
US07656991B2
The present invention is intended to provide an image reconstruction method based on an iterative reconstruction technique and characterized by a short image reconstruction time, a small memory capacity, and high image quality. The image reconstruction method comprises the steps of: constructing a system model that has a plurality of concentric rings each segmented into a plurality of sectors; constructing a system matrix associated with one view, by using some of all the sectors constituting the system model, the some of all sectors being located on respective projection lines concerning the one view; creating a system matrix associated with another view, by transforming the system matrix associated with the one view; reconstructing an image through iterative reconstruction by using the system matrix and projection data; and transforming the image into an image composed of rectangular pixels.
US07656990B2
CT imaging is enhanced by adaptively filtering x-ray attenuation data prior to image reconstruction. Detected x-ray projection data are adaptively and anisotropically filtered based on the locally estimated orientation of structures within the projection data from an object being imaged at a plurality of rotation positions. The detected x-ray data are uniformly low pass filtered to preserve the local mean values in the data, while the high pass filtering is controlled based on the estimated orientations. The resulting filtered data provide projection data with smoothing along the structures while maintaining sharpness along edges. Image noise and noise induced streak artifacts are reduced without increased blurring along edges in the reconstructed images. The enhanced image allows reduced x-ray dose while maintaining image quality.
US07656980B2
This invention provides a clock switching circuit that can switch clocks without causing a hazard or a distortion of a duty ratio of the clocks. The clock switching circuit of this invention includes a first synchronization circuit that synchronizes a clock selection signal with a first clock, a second synchronization circuit that synchronizes with a second clock the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the first clock by the first synchronization circuit and a clock selection circuit that outputs “1”, that is a high level, in synchronization with the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the first clock by the first synchronization circuit and after that selects the second clock in synchronization with the clock selection signal that has been synchronized with the second clock by the second synchronization circuit.
US07656978B2
An nonlinear digital signal processing filter (100, 200, 1100, 1308, 1310, 1312, 1346, 1604) maintains a magnitude ordering for successive windows of signal samples. A set of filter density generator values [f1, f2, f3 . . . fj . . . fndensities] are used according to the ordering in a recursion relation that computes successive values of a set function over the set of filter density generator values. The recursion relation involves an adjustable nonlinearity defining parameter λ. The values are normalized by dividing by a largest of the values, and differences between successive values are taken. An inner product between each window of signal values (used in order according to magnitude) and the adaptive differences is a filtered signal sample.
US07656973B2
A broadcasting receiving apparatus and method in a broadcasting system are provided. In a broadcasting receiver, a demodulator demodulates a received broadcasting signal, clips a soft metric value for the demodulated signal to a number of bits, and outputs the clipped soft metric value. A mapper maps the clipped soft metric value to an index value with a resolution inversely proportional to the quantization level of the soft metric value. A deinterleaver deinterleaves the index value and a demapper demaps the deinterleaved index value to a representative value being a soft metric value from a range of soft metric values mapped to the index value. A channel decoder decodes the representative value.
US07656958B2
A system and method for estimating a channel in a wireless receiver is disclosed. The method preferably applies to a communication system using the OFDM standard. The method comprises receiving a block of “n” transmitted symbols, the symbols including pilot symbols and “d” data symbols, estimating a channel using the pilot symbols to create a channel estimate, choosing a group of “m” strongest symbols from the “d” received symbols, compensating the “m” strongest symbols using the channel estimate to create a group of “m” compensated symbols, re-estimating the channel using the group of “m” compensated symbols and pilot symbols; and either (1) repeating the steps of choosing a group of “m” strongest symbols, compensating the group of “m” strongest symbols and re-estimating the channel, or (2) using a latest channel estimate to compensate all symbols within the block. The system comprises a wireless receiver having an estimator programmed, for example, using DSP or ASIC and imbedded into the wireless system design software for accomplishing the steps set forth according to the method.
US07656957B2
A method and system is disclosed for passing a transmit/receive control signal and a power signal through a coax cable from a base transceiver station to a tower top device in a time division duplex communication system. After generating the transmit/receive control signal and a radio frequency signal for communications, the transmit/receive control signal modulates a separate timing control operating on a separate control frequency. It is then multiplexed on at least one coax cable along with the radio frequency signal and DC power. At the tower top device, the modulated transmit/receive control signal is converted back to a DC level for providing a time division duplex control reference.
US07656955B2
The invention relates to a device for improving the transmission properties of a bundle of electrical data lines, particularly of a bundle of copper twin wires, and to a system for transmitting data that is provided with a device of this type. Said device comprises at least one adaptive filter, which generates an output signal for correcting the signal transmitted on a first data line. At least one signal tapped by a second data line or an external signal is used as a reference signal for the adaptive filter, and the corrected signal transmitted on the first data line is used as an error signal for the adaptive filter. According to the invention, the device is situated in the transmission path whereby improving the transmission properties of the cable independent from the switched-on transmission units and employed transmission techniques, particularly in the event of high bit rate transmission.
US07656953B1
A method is provided for decoding a bit stream representing an image that has been encoded The method includes the steps of: performing an entropy decoding of the bit stream to form a plurality of transform coefficients and a plurality of motion vectors; performing an inverse transformation on the plurality of transform coefficients to form a plurality of error blocks; determining a plurality of predicted blocks based on bidirectional motion estimation that employs the motion vectors, wherein the bidirectional motion estimation includes a direct prediction mode and a second prediction mode; and, adding the plurality of error blocks to the plurality of predicted blocks to form the image. The second prediction mode may include forward, backward, and interpolated prediction modes.
US07656952B2
A method of computing a motion decision signal for a video processing system, by: inputting a video signal including a video sequence of frames; filtering a frame in the video signal; computing a point-wise temporal local difference signal between the filtered frame and a next frame in the video sequence; computing a point-wise motion decision signal based on the temporal local difference signal.
US07656951B2
A digital video processing method and an apparatus thereof are provided. The method for processing digital images received in the form of compressed video streams comprising the step of determining a region intensity histogram (RIH) based on information on motion compensation of inter frames. The RIH information is obtained based on the motion compensation values of inter frames, and the RIH information is a good indicator of motion information of a video scene. Also, since the RIH information is quite a good indicator of intensity of the video scene, video streams having similar intensities can be effectively searched by searching for similar video scenes based on the RIH information obtained by the digital video processing method.
US07656942B2
A denoising process models a noisy signal using classes and subclasses of symbol contexts. The process generates class count vectors having components that combine occurrence counts for different symbols in different contexts. Biases determined separately for each subclass and a fixed predictor indicate which symbol occurrence counts for different context are combined in the same component of a class count vector. For impulse noise, the bias for a subclass can be the average error that results when the fixed predictor predicts non-noisy symbols found in contexts of the context subclass. Denoising of impulse noise can select replacement symbols without matrix multiplication or a channel matrix inverse by evaluating distributions that result from subtracting error probabilities from probability vectors associated with respective contexts. Probability mass can be moved from adjacent components of the probability vector to assure that subtraction of the error probabilities leaves non-negative results.
US07656933B2
A method and device are provided for suppressing periodic interference signals, including a unit which is used to provide a period length for the periodic interference signal, an interference detection unit for detecting a signal corresponding to the interference signal, and a subtraction unit for subtracting the signal corresponding to the interference signal. The interference detection unit carries out multiple superpositioning of the input signal and scales the multiple superpositioned input signal depending on the period length of the interference signal in order to detect the signal corresponding to the interference signal.
US07656928B2
A laser-induced optical wiring apparatus is provided wherein optical wiring is realized by digital operations of a laser oscillator. The apparatus includes optical ring resonator formed of a loop-shaped optical waveguide on substrate. At least two optical gain sections are provided on the optical ring resonator. When each optical gain section is activated, a laser oscillator including the optical ring resonator and optical gain sections is enabled to oscillate. In this state, the gain of at least one of the optical gain sections is changed in accordance with an input signal, thereby changing the optical route gain of the optical ring resonator to change the oscillation state of the laser oscillator. A change in the laser oscillation state is detected by the optical gain section other than the at least one optical gain section, whereby an output signal is acquired.
US07656926B2
Provided is an optical connection device and a method of fabricating the same. The optical connection device includes a laser diode formed on a substrate, a photodiode that is formed on the laser diode and has an aperture which is an exit of light emitted from the laser diode, and a plurality of electrode pads connected to electrodes for the laser diode and the photodiode on the substrate. A direction in which the light of the laser diode is emitted is opposite to a bonding direction between the laser diode and the substrate with respect to the laser diode.
US07656923B2
An improved, dual diode convergence module which focuses the light energy of at least two separate diode chip laser wavelengths of into a single beam and, thus, which derives the benefit of both wavelengths.
US07656918B2
A semiconductor laser having an n-cladding layer, an optical guide layer, an active layer, an optical guide layer, and a p-cladding layer above an InP substrate, in which the active layer has a layer constituted with Be-containing group II-VI compound semiconductor mixed crystals, and at least one of layers of the n-cladding layer, the optical guide layer, and the p-cladding layer has a layer constituted with elements identical with those of the Be-containing group II-VI compound semiconductor mixed crystals of the active layer, and the layer is constituted with a superlattice structure comprising, as a well layer, mixed crystals of a Be compositions with the fluctuation of the composition being within ±30% compared with the Be composition of the group II-VI compound semiconductor mixed crystals of the active layer, whereby the device characteristics of the semiconductor laser comprising the Be-containing group II-VI compound semiconductor matched with the InP substrate.
US07656913B2
A method of controlling a pulse output in a master oscillator-power amplifier type fiber pulse laser apparatus including a master oscillator unit and a power amplifier unit connected to the master oscillator unit is provided. The method includes starting the master oscillator unit before starting the power amplifier unit.
US07656908B1
The present invention is a system and method for enabling multicast synchronization of initially unicasted content. Multiple unicast streams are synchronized in order to convert the unicast streams into a multicast stream. Each unicast stream may be accelerated or slowed down in relation to a reference stream to a common point within each stream upon which the unicast streams are replaced by a multicast stream of the same content.
US07656891B1
A method and apparatus for processing at least two types of payloads received at varying intervals in a communications network using a single processing path is provided. The two types of payloads may include virtually and contiguously concatenated payloads according to SONET/SHD architecture. The method comprises interleaving data in a predetermined format and controlling distribution of the data irrespective of the format received such that the data can be processed at the destination and passed to downstream components.
US07656884B1
An apparatus and method for a Generic Service locking mechanism that enables a Host to lock the Fibre Channel Switching Fabric of a storage area network while applying changes across the Switching Fabric of the network is disclosed. The apparatus includes a network interface configured to send and receive Fibre Channel frames across the Fabric, a session element, responsive to the network interface, and configured to establish sessions with the Fabric; and a locking element configured issue commands to establish a lock over the Fabric so that replicated information across the Fabric can be consistently updated when the session element establishes a session with the Fabric. In one embodiment of the invention, the network interface, session element and the locking element are all implemented on each Switch of the Fabric.
US07656875B2
The present invention relates to a telecommunications apparatus and a method, a storage medium, and a program for determining whether or not the other side communicating content data is located on a LAN or across a WAN. In step S13, the difference between a counter value in a received check packet and a value in a register is computed. In step S14, the resultant difference is checked to determine if it is equal to a constant value X. If it is determined that the difference is equal to the constant value X, the counter value in the packet is stored in the register in step S15. In step S16, it is determined whether or not all the predetermined number of check packets is received. If all the predetermined number of check packets is received, it is determined that the communication takes place over a LAN connection in step S17. If, in step S14, it is determined that the difference is not equal to the constant value X, it is determined that the communication takes place across a WAN connection in step S18. The present invention can be applied to a personal computer on a wireless LAN.
US07656871B2
In an information transmission method, a radio communications system, a base station and a mobile station, a TBS size, a modulation scheme and the number of codes in a multicode are converted into identification data having a relatively smaller data size before being transmitted to a destination of communication. The TBS size is identified by using, in combination, an identification code identifying a channelization code set, an identification code identifying a modulation scheme, and an identification code obtained by converting a combination of the number of codes in a multicode and a modulation pattern identification (TFRC) into a corresponding code. Accordingly, the data size for TBS size identification is reduced.
US07656869B2
In a data output control apparatus, a data replacement unit performs replacement of information packets so as to reflect the contents of a partial TS after the transfer status thereof has changed, and outputs a replacement signal as information relating to the replaced packet data to a controller. Therefore, the controller for controlling the data replacement unit can continuously recognize the status of replacement of packet data, and becomes able to change the respective information tables according to the operation of the partial TS, thereby realizing dynamic change while maintaining the continuity of the respective tables in the partial TS.
US07656859B2
A computer readable medium stores a program in an ingress capable network device of a network for routing signals through the network. The computer readable includes a receiving code segment for receiving an original signal, which has an embedded destination service address. The computer readable medium also includes a querying code segment for querying a database server to obtain an internal routing address corresponding to the embedded destination service address, and a routing code segment for routing at least a portion of the original signal through the network to an egress capable network device according to the internal routing address. The routed portion of the original signal includes at least the embedded destination service address, which enables the egress capable network device to restore the embedded destination service address and to forward the routed portion of the original signal from the network.
US07656855B2
An arrangement for providing synchronization between a number of overlapping area access points within a wireless LAN utilizes a Power over Ethernet (PoE) cable connection to transmit synchronization signals from a centralized hub/switch to each of the access points connected to the cable. The synchronization signal takes the form of a direct sequence spread spectrum (DS-SS) signal that is coupled onto the twisted pair used to provide the low voltage PoE signal to various powered devices. At each access point, a filter is used to remove the synchronization signal from the PoE transport, allowing for the group of access points to share a common beacon signal and allow for frequency re-use among the access points. The DS-SS signal is preferable created by a combination of a baseband signal and a set of separate pseudo noise (PN) sequences defining a precision phase (“pilot tone”) signal, a time mark (superframe/beacon) signal, and a time-of-day (real-time clock) signal.
US07656852B2
Method, and associated apparatus, for operating a hybrid access terminal operable in a CDMA 1x/EVDO hybrid communication session system. The hybrid access terminal is operable to communicate pursuant to an EVDO communication session and to a PPP communication session. The opening and closing of the communication sessions are independent of one another. Opening of one session does not require opening of another of the sessions. And, closing of one of the sessions does not require closing of the other of the sessions.
US07656850B2
The method and system of a first aspect of the present invention is adapted to perform cell search on all possible bandwidths. In order to reduce the search time, the order in which the allowable BW is used in the search is based on information from history lists. These history lists include the BWs and frequency bands used. A second aspect of the present invention is a method and an OFDM cellular telecommunications system adapted to perform cell search and synchronization wherein the system has a certain number of bandwidth possibilities. The method comprises the steps of identifying at least one critical system parameter that reduces the set of possible synchronization signals; and performing cell search and synchronization over the limited number of different synchronization signals.
US07656846B2
An apparatus and method for providing wireless communication for a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The PLC includes a central processing unit (CPU) card mounted on the backplane of the PLC, a CPU mounted on the CPU card and a means for wireless radio frequency communication coupled to the CPU so that the means for radio frequency communication and CPU communicate without using the PLC module bus.
US07656844B2
Reception section 602 receives a signal on which signals of channels are multiplexed in a same frequency band through antenna 601. Separation section 603 separates a part used for correlation value calculation in the reception signal. Correlation sections 604 and 605 create delay profiles by calculating a correlation value using a 1st basic code and 2nd basic code for the signals after the separation, respectively. Comparison/channel estimation section 606 cycles each delay profile so that the delay profiles match in a section in which the path of the channel to be detected appears when there is no propagation delay and detects a quasi-matching path in each delay profile after the cycling.
US07656839B2
The performance and ease of management of wireless communications environments is improved by a mechanism that enables access points (APs) to perform automatic channel selection. A wireless network can therefore include multiple APs, each of which will automatically choose a channel such that channel usage is optimized. Furthermore, APs can perform automatic power adjustment so that multiple APs can operate on the same channel while minimizing interference with each other. Wireless stations are load balanced across APs so that user bandwidth is optimized. A movement detection scheme provides seamless roaming of stations between APs.
US07656829B2
System and method for determining data transmission path in communication system consisting of nodes
In a communicating system including a base node, at least one adjacent node, and a start node transmitting data requested by the base node via the adjacent node or to the base node, data requested to the start node is transmitted by measuring a power required for data transmission between the nodes forming the communication system, selecting a path one by one depending on a minimum power consumption required for the data transmission from the base node to the start node using the measured power, and transmitting the requested data using the selected path.
US07656824B2
A method for providing a private conversation channel in a videoconference session between at least three participants includes the steps of providing an ability to receive a private acceptance in response to the private invitation and providing an ability to exclude non-parties to the private conversation from receiving private messages corresponding to the private conversation.
US07656823B1
Collection of topology mapping linkage information between a Storage Area Network (“SAN”) and a transparent interconnecting transport network is at least partially automated. Physical topology information is gathered by detecting use of a physical path between a port of a first SAN device and a port of a second SAN device logically proximate to the transport network. This may be accomplished by discovering World Wide Names of end-points in a Fibre Channel SAN, and discovering Media Access Control addresses of end-points in an Ethernet SAN. The discovered physical topology information is then employed with known transport network logical topology information to determine which logical path or paths are associated with the physical path, i.e., to generate a mapping.
US07656821B2
A method of topology discovery and identification of switches enables a user to determine the topology of a N-stage switch network. The method includes ascertaining an intended topology of the N-stage switch network, creating a list of switch boards present in the N-stage switch network, and determining a switch board connection pattern. The method further includes classifying each of the switch boards as an outer switch board, or an inner switch board, and creating a list for each type of switch board, classifying each of the switch boards on the OB list as stage 1, stage 2, or unknown, classifying each of the switch boards on the IB list as stage 3 to stage N, grouping the stage 2 and stage 1 switch boards into sectors, and numbering each type of switch board, thereby obtaining a determined topology, and validating the determined topology by comparing it to the intended topology.
US07656812B2
A method of monitoring network traffic in a fabric and a Fibre Channel network are provided. The method includes: transmitting a monitoring configuration message to a plurality of fabric elements in a Fibre Channel network, said monitoring configuration message including classification criteria identifying packets to be monitored; receiving copies of identified packets from the plurality of fabric elements; and analyzing the copies of identified packets to determine data transmission status in the Fibre Channel network. The Fibre Channel network includes: a plurality of fabric elements; a management system configured to transmit a monitoring configuration message to the plurality of fabric elements, said monitoring configuration message including classification criteria identifying packets to be monitored; and an analyzer configured to: receive copies of identified packets from the plurality of fabric elements; and analyze the copies of identified packets to determine data transmission status in the Fibre Channel network.
US07656806B2
Proposed are a storage system, a path management method and a path management device capable of ensuring the processing performance demanded by a user while seeking to improve the access performance from a host system to a storage apparatus. Path switching control for dynamically switching the path to be used by the host system according to the loaded condition of the respective paths between the host system and the storage apparatus is executed; and a path is selected as needed according to a policy containing path switching rules created by a user, and path switching control for excluding the selected path from the target and dynamically switching the path to be used by the host system is executed.
US07656805B2
An electronic system in which integrated circuits employing cornered I/O are arranged in a framework including an optional path manager and at least one updateable routing table. Packet routing options are described with solutions being provided to minimize transmission latency and pathway alternatives.
US07656801B1
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for selectively jamming network traffic includes monitoring data packets transmitted over a network. In response to the monitoring, the presence of a blocked signal is identified in a first data packet. Upon identification of the blocked signal, a second data packet is transmitted to interfere with the ability of one or more network nodes identified to receive the first data packet to decipher the first data packet.
US07656799B2
One or more flow control modules, implemented on various types of network topologies, provide a number of functionalities for controlling the flow of IP packets (such as TCP/IP packets) over a network connection. The flow control modules may be implemented within a sender and/or receiver or may be deployed into a network as a separate device without requiring significant additional resources.
US07656795B2
Preventing duplicate sources on a protocol connection that uses network addresses, protocols and port numbers to identify source applications that are served by a NAPT. If an arriving packet encapsulates an encrypted packet and has passed through an NAPT en route to the destination host, the encapsulated packet is decrypted to obtain an original source port number and original packet protocol from the decrypted packet. A source port mapping table (SPMT) is searched for an association between the NAPT source address, the original source port, and the original packet protocol associated with the NAPT source address and port number. If an incorrect association is found, the packet is rejected as representing an illegal duplicate source; that is, a second packet from a different host served by a NAPT that is USING the same SOURCE port and protocol.
US07656791B1
Disclosed techniques include a method and apparatus that allow traffic to be switched between a working copy and a protected copy hitlessly. The control method simplifies implementation by advantageously distinguishing points within the apparatus wherein the working and protect streams should be virtually identical and aligned and points where the streams need only be identical but are tolerant of skew.
US07656790B2
One embodiment disclosed relates to a method of handling link failures between switches. A failed link is detected at a detecting switch. The detecting switch determines a set of path tags whose paths are affected by the failed link. Subsequently, when packets are received with one of the path tags affected by the failed link, those packets are retagged with a detour path tag associated with a detour path circumventing the failed link. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a packet switch apparatus with link failure handling capability for use in a switching mesh. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a switching mesh including a capability to handle link failures.
US07656789B2
A system, method and storage medium for providing redundant I/O access between a plurality of interconnected processor nodes and I/O resources. The method includes determining whether a primary path between the interconnected processor nodes and the I/O resources is operational, where the primary path includes a first processor node and a primary multiplexer. If the primary path is operational, the transactions are routed via the primary path. If the primary path is not operational, the transactions are routed between the interconnected processor nodes and the I/O resources via an alternate path that includes a second processor node and an alternate multiplexer.
US07656787B2
A modular, numerical control includes at least two modules, each including a microprocessor unit and being connected to each other via serial data-transmission channels for the transmission of information in the form of data packets. In at least one module, a data-packet generating unit is provided for generating data packets and for transmitting data packets to at least one further module. In so doing, the data-packet generating unit operates independently of the function of the microprocessor unit. Moreover, in at least one module, a data-packet processing unit is provided by which data packets are able to be processed and/or are able to be transmitted to at least one further module, independently of the function of the microprocessor unit. The data packets include the status of at least one safety signal.
US07656773B2
An objective lens unit for an optical pickup device which is composed of a first optical element including a first element body positioned on an optical information recording medium side and a first annular portion formed on the outer periphery of the first element body, and further composed of a second optical element including a second element body and a second annular light source side of the first element body and a second annular portion formed on the outer periphery of the second element body and coupled to the first annular portion, and at least one of the first and second annular portion has a portion in which the size of outer shape is smaller than the vicinity on at least a part of the light source side.
US07656769B2
An optical pickup (1) includes a light source (6) capable of emitting laser beams of various wavelengths and an objective optical system (2). The objective optical system (2) includes at least two wavefront conversion surfaces (13a) and (16a) and an objective lens (10). The at least two wavefront conversion surfaces (13a) and (16a) convert a wavefront of any laser beam entered therein into a different wavefront in response to the kind of an optical information recording medium (3) corresponding to the laser light. The objective lens (10) focuses the laser beam came out of the wavefront conversion surface (16a) on an optical information recording surface (3R). The optical pickup (1) satisfies the following condition for every wavelength of the corresponding laser beams: |SCMAX|<0.036 (1) wherein SCMAX is the maximum value of an offence against the sine condition of the objective optical system (2).
US07656759B2
In a record operation mode, a nonvolatile memory stores a record end address. In a restoring operation mode, the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory is read, and a record end address in an FDCB is read and is compared with the record end address read from the nonvolatile memory to determine whether these addresses match with each other or not. When the record end address in the FDCB is different from the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory, the data in the FDCB is updated based on the record end address stored in the nonvolatile memory.
US07656753B2
The present invention proposes a method of controlling the laser power of a semiconductor laser that, in this method of controlling the laser power of a semiconductor laser by applying a power source voltage to between the collector and emitter of an output transistor and a serial circuit of the output transistor and a semiconductor laser, enables decreasing the power consumption of the output transistor. The present invention is arranged to apply a variable power source voltage Vcc to a serial circuit of an output transistor (Qb) and a semiconductor laser (SL) and thereby control the variable power source voltage Vcc such that a difference between the variable power source voltage Vcc and the peak hold voltage of an operating voltage of the semiconductor laser (SL) becomes substantially constant.
US07656750B2
An echo detection circuit that detects an echo by detecting the magnitude of a digitally mixed representation of the received acoustic signal and reference sine and cosine signals. That magnitude is then compared against an echo threshold to verify the presence or absence of an echo signal. A low pass filter with a configurable cut-off frequency may be used to define the selectivity of the echo detector.
US07656749B2
Systems for analyzing acoustic waves are provided. An exemplary system includes a housing, multiple acoustic passageways and an acoustic sensor. The housing defines an interior cavity. The multiple acoustic passageways communicate acoustically between the interior cavity and an exterior of the housing. Each of the acoustic passageways has an inlet port and an outlet port, with each outlet port being located within the housing to direct a portion of an acoustic wave to the interior cavity. The acoustic sensor is mounted within the interior cavity and is operative to receive portions of an acoustic wave directed to the interior cavity by the acoustic passageways. The acoustic sensor also is operative to provide information such as direction of arrival information corresponding to a composite waveform formed by acoustic interference, within the interior cavity, of the portions of the acoustic wave. Methods and other systems also are provided.
US07656733B2
This invention provides a semiconductor memory device with enhanced speed performance or enabling timing adjustment reflected in characteristic variation of memory cells, adapted to suppress an increase in the number of circuit elements. A write dummy bit section comprises a first dummy line and a second dummy line corresponding to complementary bit lines and a plurality of first dummy cells formed to be similar in shape to static memory cells, wherein a write current path is coupled between the first dummy line and the second dummy line. In the write dummy bit section, one voltage level is input to the first dummy line through driver MOSFETs in relation to write signal inputs to the static memory cells and a signal change in the second dummy line precharged at the other voltage level is sensed and output. A timing control circuit deselects a word line selected by an output signal from the write dummy bit section.
US07656727B2
A semiconductor memory device having a plurality of memory locations is presented. The plurality of memory locations includes a plurality of primary memory locations and a plurality of spare memory locations. The device includes an address decoder configured to receive a memory location address and process the address to select one of the memory locations. The device further includes control logic configured to receive control signals and process the control signals to determine whether the selected one of the memory locations is one of the primary memory locations or one of the spare memory locations, and to provide access to the selected one of the memory locations via data lines.
US07656725B2
A memory device compensates for delay time variations among multi-bit data. The device includes a first stage and a second stage of data storage units. The first stage of data storage units store first to nth data bits in response to a latch clock signal. The second stage of data storage units store the first to nth data contents output from the first stage of data storage units in response to a reference clock signal. The latch clock signal is obtained by delaying the reference clock signal. The latch clock signal includes first to nth sub latch signals. The sub latch signals are generated at different times according to propagation delay time periods of the corresponding first to nth data contents.
US07656723B2
A semiconductor memory device has a hierarchical bit line structure. The semiconductor memory device may include first and second memory cell clusters, which share the same bit line pair and are divided operationally; third and fourth memory cell clusters, which are connected respectively corresponding to word lines coupled with the first and second memory cell clusters, and which share a bit line pair different from the bit line pair and are divided operationally; and a column pass gate for switching one of bit line pairs connected with the first to fourth memory cell clusters, to a common sense amplifier, in response to a column selection signal. Whereby an operating speed decrease caused by load of peripheral circuits connected to the bit line is improved, and the number of column pass gates is reduced substantially with a reduction of chip size.
US07656722B2
A semiconductor memory apparatus includes a write driver that receives data transmitted through an input/output line, and a synchronous delay circuit unit that generates an enable signal so as to allow the data transmitted through the input/output line to be supplied to the write driver.
US07656718B2
A semiconductor device has at least two semiconductor memory devices, each of which includes a memory cell array arranged in a matrix of rows and columns, a peripheral circuit writing data to a cell of the memory cell array and reading out and amplifying the written data, and an output buffer outputting cell data amplified by the peripheral circuit. The output buffer includes an output buffer initialization circuit activating an output buffer reset signal in response to the power up or power down of the semiconductor memory device and deactivating the output buffer reset signal in response to a first command signal output from a controller of the semiconductor memory device, and an output driver generating output data based on a data signal in response to a clock signal, a data enable signal, and the output buffer reset signal.
US07656717B2
A semiconductor memory device of the claimed invention, having an active state for performing a read or write operation and an inactive state except for the active state includes a data input/output (I/O) line; a pull-up latch unit for pulling-up the data I/O line when the semiconductor memory device is in the inactive state; a pull-down latch unit for pulling-down the data I/O line when the semiconductor memory device is in the inactive state; and a selection unit for selectively driving one of the pull-up latch unit and the pull-down latch unit.
US07656714B2
The NOR flash memory device according to the present invention is operated by a high voltage supplied from bitline selection transistors and includes a bitline bias circuit for supplying a bias voltage of a constant level to the bitline bias transistor. In accordance with the present invention, it is possible to stably supply a desired voltage closing to a power voltage to the bitline bias transistor.
US07656711B2
A communication line is connected to first and second chips, and held at a first signal level. A monitor circuit changes a signal level of the communication line from the first signal to a second signal level while one of the first and second chips uses a current larger than a reference current. When the signal level of the communication line is the second signal level, the other of the first and second chips is controlled to a wait state that does not transfer to an operating state of using a current larger than the reference current.
US07656710B1
Adaptive write operations for non-volatile memories select programming parameters according to monitored programming performance of individual memory cells. In one embodiment of the invention, programming voltage for a memory cell increases by an amount that depends on the time required to reach a predetermined voltage and then a jump in the programming voltage is added to the programming voltage required to reach the next predetermined voltage. The adaptive programming method is applied to the gate voltage of memory cells; alternatively, it can be applied to the drain voltage of memory cells along a common word line. A circuit combines the function of a program switch and drain voltage regulator, allowing independent control of drain voltage of selected memory cells for parallel and adaptive programming. Verify and adaptive read operations use variable word line voltages to provide optimal biasing of memory and reference cells during sensing.
US07656699B2
A method of programming a radiation-hardened integrated circuit includes the steps of supplying a prototype device including an SRAM memory circuit or programmable key circuit to a customer, having the customer develop working data patterns in the field in the same manner as a reading and writing to a normal RAM memory, having the customer save the final debugged data pattern, delivering the data pattern to the factory, loading the customer-developed data pattern into memory, programming the customer-developed data pattern into a number of production circuits, irradiating the production circuits at a total dosage of between 300K and 1 Meg RAD to burn the data pattern into memory, and shipping the irradiated and programmed parts to the customer.
US07656691B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for converting power from a power input to a DC output current or voltage, where a first feedback circuit a traditional feedback. The converter type is a resonant DC-DC converter. The scope of the invention is to reach a high effective and fast responding switch mode power supply. This can be achieved with an apparatus or method comprising a second feedback circuit leading a signal from a serial resonance capacitor(s) to a reference input terminal at the control circuit, which second feedback circuit contains a signal depending on the actual change in charge of the resonant capacitor(s). This means that at high load, a very powerful signal will be transmitted through the second feedback at the control circuit that will change the operation of the circuit into a charge mode operation. As the load on the output is reduced, the influence of the second feedback signal will be reduced, and the influence from the charge mode is reduced and the operation mode is changing back into a normal frequency mode of operation. In this way, a much more constant gain in the series or series parallel resonant DC-DC converter is achived, and therefore a much better regulated voltage or current of the resonant DC-DC converter can be made.
US07656690B2
A control device calculates a voltage command value of a voltage step-up converter based on a torque command value and a motor revolution number and calculates the on-duty of an NPN transistor based on the calculated voltage command value and a DC voltage from a voltage sensor. Under the conditions that the on-duty is influenced by a dead time and the DC voltage is smaller than a predetermined set value, the control device controls NPN transistors to step-up or step-down the voltage while fixing the on-duty at 1.0.
US07656684B2
The present disclosure is directed towards a method for power conversion. The method may include controlling a first rectifier switch coupled to one end of a secondary winding of a transformer via a first control signal. The method may further include controlling a first low side switch via said first control signal, said first low side switch and a first high side switch coupled in series along a first path of a full bridge circuit, a first node located between said first high side switch and said first low side switch. The method may also include controlling a second rectifier switch coupled to an opposite end of said secondary winding via a second control signal. The method may additionally include controlling a second low side switch via said second control signal, said second low side switch and a second high side switch coupled in series along a second path of said full bridge circuit, a second node located between said second high side switch and said second low side switch, wherein said primary winding is coupled between said first node and said second node. Of course additional embodiments are also within the scope of the present disclosure.
US07656673B1
The present invention provides a highly miniaturized wireless transceiver employing WLAN technology that offers flexible integration with multiple, generic sensing technologies. The developed wireless system can be readily integrated with existing sensing technology to enable direct sensor-to-internet communication in environments where wired connections are too costly, or otherwise impractical.
US07656667B2
A plasma display device that includes a plasma display panel adapted to display images on a front side thereof, a chassis base including conductive material and arranged behind the plasma display panel, a plurality of circuit boards adapted to drive the plasma display panel, the plurality of circuit boards being fixed on the chassis base with a gap between each of the plurality of circuit boards and the chassis base and a driving circuit portion including a plurality of cables and adapted to electrically connect the circuit boards, wherein the chassis base includes at least one holding unit that is adapted to hold the plurality of cables on one side of the chassis base. The holding unit being adapted to attenuate EMI before it reaches the cables within.
US07656640B2
The voltage surge protection device comprises at least one protection module designed to be connected to an electric switchgear apparatus. The protection module comprises at least one protective element for protection against voltage surges and separating means connected to at least one protective element to cause an electrical and/or mechanical separation representative of a fault of a protective element following an increase of temperature and/or electric current. The protection module comprises means for mechanical actuation connected to said separating means and comprising a mechanical control link. The electrical control link is placed in a tripped state representative of a fault of at least one protective element when said separating means have caused a separation.
US07656635B2
Systems and methods of overheat detection provide for generating a control signal on a die containing a processor based on an internal temperature of the processor and a control temperature threshold. It can be determined whether to generate a warning temperature event on the die based on a behavior of the control signal. In one embodiment, the warning temperature event provides for initiation of an automated data saving process, which reduces the abruptness of conventional warning temperature shutdowns. Other embodiments provide the user the option of saving his or her work before a shutdown temperature threshold is reached.
US07656634B2
An apparatus, and a method of controlling a solid state power controller (“SSPC”) selectively allows a current through a solid state power control switch in response to the current in a plurality of SSPCS exceeding at least one threshold. A microprocessor module collects power surge data from a plurality of groups of SSPCs, and determines if the amount of power surge data within a group of SSPCs is sufficient to constitute a lightning threat. If the microprocessor module determines a lightning threat is present, the microprocessor module sends a command to certain SSPCs in the afflicted group to lockout an instantaneous trip protection for the duration of the lightning threat, allowing the power surge to pass from the SSPCs to a load or plurality of loads, leaving the SSPCs undamaged.
US07656631B2
An electrical circuit having a load that includes at least one semiconductor junction device supplied with operating current at a voltage sufficient to bias the semiconductor junction device into conduction and control means to provide or inhibit supply of power to said load. A protection arrangement for the electrical circuit includes a sensing circuit that detects characteristics of the load when the operating current is not flowing. The sensing circuit includes threshold comparison circuit that compares the sensed voltage level with at least one stored value representative of a threshold of a load characteristic indicative of a correctly functioning semiconductor junction device. The sensing circuit includes a sensing current generator which in the absence of operating current to the load effects passage through the load of a sensing current having a value that is less, for a semiconductor junction, than the forward conduction threshold thereof.
US07656610B1
The aspects of the present invention provide a magnetic recording head, a method for manufacturing a magnetic recording head, and a magnetic recording head drive. The magnetic recording head includes a substrate and a first magnetic device connected to the substrate. The magnetic recording head also includes a second magnetic device connected to the first magnetic device. The first magnetic device is aligned with the second magnetic device. The first and second magnetic devices are supported by the same side of the substrate.
US07656603B1
Disclosed is a self servo-writing disk drive that pre-programs a preamplifier to improve servo-writing characteristics in writing servo sectors to a disk. The disk drive implements operations including: writing servo sectors to define track bands according to sets of write setting values wherein the preamplifier adjusts write signals utilizing a set of write setting values for each track band; reading servo variable gain amplifier values from the tracks bands; selecting a set of write setting values associated with a minimum servo variable gain amplifier value; programming the preamplifier's write settings with the selected set of write setting values; and self-servo writing the disk with servo sectors utilizing the selected set of write setting values that are pre-programmed in the preamplifier.
US07656596B2
A lens apparatus and image pickup apparatus thereof. The lens apparatus includes a first fixed lens-barrel with fixed-side first guide grooves and fixed-side second guide grooves, a first movable lens-barrel arranged at the outside of the fixed lens-barrel, movable-side first guide grooves, a second movable lens-barrel arranged at the inside of the fixed lens barrel, and movable-side guide grooves. Three first rolling element units are provided between the fixed-side guide grooves and the movable-side first guide grooves, and three second rolling element units are provided between the fixed-side second guide grooves and the movable-side second guide grooves. The first movable lens-barrels and the second movable lens-barrels are supported to the one-group lens and the two-group lens in such a manner that they can be independently moved in the optical axis directions of the first and second lenses.
US07656588B2
A liquid for a liquid lens includes an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil and optionally contains 1,6-dibromohexane or bromobenzene as an organic additive. A liquid lens module includes a transparent cover, a case for accommodating an electrolyte solution and an insulating solution, a pair of electrodes for supplying electricity to the electrolyte solution, and an insulating film for covering one of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte solution wherein the electrolyte solution contains H2O, 1,2-propanediol and LiCl, and the insulating solution is a silicon (Si) oil.
US07656578B2
The invention describes techniques for the control of the spatial as well as spectral beam quality of multi-mode fiber amplification of high peak power pulses as well as using such a configuration to replace the present diode-pumped, Neodynium based sources. Perfect spatial beam-quality can be ensured by exciting the fundamental mode in the multi-mode fibers with appropriate mode-matching optics and techniques. The loss of spatial beam-quality in the multi-mode fibers along the fiber length can be minimized by using multi-mode fibers with large cladding diameters. Near diffraction-limited coherent multi-mode amplifiers can be conveniently cladding pumped, allowing for the generation of high average power. Moreover, the polarization state in the multi-mode fiber amplifiers can be preserved by implementing multi-mode fibers with stress producing regions or elliptical fiber cores These lasers find application as a general replacement of Nd: based lasers, especially Nd:YAG lasers. Particularly utility is disclosed for applications in the marking, micro-machining and drilling areas.
US07656568B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide structures for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that can be sensed, activated, controlled or otherwise addressed or made to respond by the application of forcing functions. In particular, an optical shutter structure suitable for use in an optical switch arrangement is disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical shutter or switch can be scaled and/or arranged to form arbitrary switch, multiplexer and/or demultiplexer configurations. In another embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch can include: a shutter; and a flexure coupled to the shutter, whereupon a vibration transmitted to the flexure when in the presence of a resonant frequency causes the shutter to move across an opening for the passage of an optical signal.
US07656560B2
A facsimile machine includes: a display that displays a menu screen including a menu item, an operation unit that allows a user an entry based on the menu screen, and a display control unit that changes the menu screen to be displayed on the display in response to the entry. The display control unit controls display/undisplay of the menu item based on a predetermined operational status of the facsimile machine when the display control unit changes the menu screen. The menu item corresponds to an operation effective to the predetermined operational status.
US07656554B2
A method for correcting neutral color shift in a production cartridge for use in an imaging system includes determining a colorant increment data based on a standard cartridge neutral variation signature color data and a standard cartridge neutral sensitivity signature color data associated with a standard cartridge, and based on a production cartridge neutral variation signature color data and a production cartridge neutral sensitivity signature color data associated with the production cartridge, and using the colorant increment data to correct the neutral color shift.
US07656550B2
A data transmission apparatus having a plurality of data transmission functions includes: a transmission operation storage device that, for each data transmission function, stores recipient information that was input during an immediately prior transmission operation; a selecting device that selects one data transmission function from a plurality of data transmission functions; an operation content reading device that reads contents of transmission operations; a resend executing device that reads recipient information for the data transmission function selected from the transmission function storage device by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read recipient information; and a transmission executing device that stores the read operation content in the transmission operation storage device as recipient information for the data transmission function selected by the selecting device, and executes a transmission operation based on the read operation content.
US07656548B2
A program execution unit determines a kind of an error and an error recovery method referring to an error recovery content management table and an error recovery method setting table, which are previously stored in a memory, from a kind of an error detected in a print language analysis step of a RIP. Information that an error occurs is given to user via an information unit so that user selects and prints necessary page of a print job, which is not printed.
US07656543B2
Methods, machines, systems, and machine-readable media for albuming images are described. In one aspect, a first partition of a page corresponding to a first layout of a first set of images on the page is selected from a first set of candidate page partitions. Each candidate page partition corresponds to a respective layout of the first set of images on the page. In response to a user command to modify the first layout, a second partition of the page is selected. The second partition corresponds to a second layout of a second set of images on the page. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, an area in the presentation of the first layout where an image is insertable is indicated. In another aspect, a first layout of a first set of images is presented on a page and, in response to a user command to modify the first layout, sizes and positions of images in the presentation of the first layout are changed.
US07656542B2
In a measuring system, a method for evaluating parameters of a workpiece includes measuring a periodic structure, such as a grating, on the workpiece to produce image data. An orientation of features in the image data, produced by higher order diffractions from the periodic structure, is identified. An orientation of the periodic structure is determined based on the orientation of the features in the image data. The image data is then modified, based on the orientation of the periodic structure, to correlate with, and for comparison to, simulated image data to ascertain parameters of the workpiece. Alternatively, optical components in the measuring system, or the workpiece itself, are adjusted to provide a desired alignment between the optical components and the periodic structure. A microstructure on the workpiece may then be measured, and the resulting image data may be compared to the simulated image data to ascertain parameters of the microstructure.
US07656541B2
An apparatus detects an object using an optoelectronic apparatus. Light beams generated by a light source are scattered back and/or reflected by an object and are detected by a receiver arrangement in accordance with the triangulation principle. An object detection signal is output by an evaluation unit and the light beams in the receiver arrangement act via an optical receiver system and a microlens array on a pixel array comprising photodetectors. A macropixel has a plurality of subpixels associated with each microlens. The evaluation unit comprises a unit for determining the received signal distribution over the subpixels. Methods for operating the apparatus are also provided.
US07656528B2
A method and system to measure misalignment error between two overlying or interlaced periodic structures are proposed. The overlying or interlaced periodic structures are illuminated by incident radiation, and the diffracted radiation of the incident radiation by the overlying or interlaced periodic structures are detected to provide an output signal. The misalignment between the overlying or interlaced periodic structures may then be determined from the output signal.
US07656517B2
Previous testing of such test pieces as fan blades utilized in gas turbine engines has involved application of paint markings to identify fragments upon fragmentation of the test piece. Such fragmentation causes debris which will obscure paint markings and the paint itself may create clouds of dust obscuring visual images of the test piece under test conditions. By applying an image pattern comprising a number of lingering image patches, typically in the form of thermal patches upon the test components, and arranging the test components to be within an enclosure which is evacuated it will be appreciated that these image patterns linger and can be viewed by an appropriate monitor over a period at least of the test conditions. Utilization of extra visual spectrum radiation images extends the period when clear images of the test piece under test conditions can be seen and analyzed.
US07656516B2
A pattern inspection apparatus is disclosed, which includes a first laser light source for emission of first laser light having a first wavelength, a second laser light source for emission of second laser light having a second wavelength, and a deep ultraviolet (DUV) light source for emission of DUV light with a wavelength of less than or equal to 266 nm based on the first laser light and the second laser light. A first optical fiber is provided for connecting between the first laser light source and the DUV light source. A second optical fiber is for connection between the second laser light source and the DUV light source. The apparatus also includes a pattern inspection unit with the DUV light source being built therein, for inspecting a workpiece pattern being tested by using the DUV light as illumination light therefore.
US07656510B2
A cloud condensation nuclei instrument including an aerosol flow line (320) to carry a desired sample to the CNN chamber (310) and a temperature control unit (313A, 313B) to provide a monotonically increasing temperature profile along the direction of flow.
US07656509B2
Several devices for determining a distance of an object a user of an electro-active lens is looking at are presented. Once the distance is determined, the devices may alter the optical power of the electro-active lens to ensure that the object is correctly focused. Optical range finding is a possible means for carrying out this task. An active rangefinder may emit optical radiation from a transmitter directed at the object. The optical radiation may then be reflected off the object. The reflected optical radiation may then be received with an appropriate receiver. The received optical radiation may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object. A passive rangefinder works without a transmitter. Instead, an appropriate receiver receives ambient sources of light from the object. The received light may then be processed by appropriate circuitry to determine a distance to the object.
US07656502B2
An immersion lithographic projection apparatus is disclosed in which a liquid removal system surrounds a liquid supply system which provides liquid to a space between a projection system and a substrate. The liquid removal system is moveable relative to the liquid supply system and is controlled to have substantially zero velocity relative to the moving substrate table. The gap between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system may be covered and the atmosphere between the liquid supply system and the liquid removal system above the substrate table may be maintained such that the vapor pressure of liquid is relatively high.
US07656491B2
In a liquid crystal display device of an IPS system, to realize reduction of manufacturing cost and improvement of yield by decreasing the number of steps for manufacturing a TFT. A channel etch type bottom gate TFT structure, where patterning of a source region and a drain region and patterning of a source wiring and a pixel electrode are carried out by the same photomask.
US07656485B2
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display panel, includes providing a mother substrate having a plurality of display panel regions of different sizes, and forming a plurality of display panel substrates each formed at one of the display panel regions, parts of the display panel substrates to be rubbed being aligned to one side of the mother substrate where rubbing is to start.
US07656482B2
A display device having a transmissive area and a reflective area includes a first substrate, a reflective electrode formed on the first substrate, wherein the reflective electrode is disposed in the reflective area, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a plurality of color filters formed on the second substrate, wherein the plurality of color filters have light holes in the reflective area, and a common electrode formed on the second substrate, wherein an area of the tight holes is more than about 20% of an area of the color filter in the reflective area.
US07656474B2
The technology presented herein has a feature of providing a liquid crystal display device of an excellent viewing angle characteristic and high brightness, including: liquid crystals containing polymerizable monomers between a first substrate with a pixel electrode having micro slits and a second substrate facing the first substrate; wherein the monomers are polymerizable with voltage applied to the liquid crystals; and an alignment orientation of the liquid crystals is controllable to a direction of extending the micro slit, wherein the pixel electrode includes: a direct coupling part electrically connected to a switching element; a capacitive coupling part electrically insulated from the switching element, and a space between the direct and capacitive coupling parts, wherein directions in which the micro slits are extended along the direct and capacitive coupling parts are orthogonal to each other.
US07656468B2
The present invention enhances a manufacturing yield rate relating to through holes. In a display device which includes a first conductive layer formed on a substrate and a second conductive layer which is formed on the first conductive layer by way of insulation films of two or more layers and connects the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer via a through hole, in the through hole portion, a side surface of an opening formed in the insulation film arranged on the first conductive layer side out of the insulation films of two or more layers includes a portion thereof which is covered with the insulation film arranged on the second conductive layer side out of the insulation films of two or more layers and an exposed portion.
US07656463B2
A paper medium having a bar code printed thereon is distributed to a viewer as a leaflet or the like. The bar code has channel setting information related to a certain area recorded thereon. The channel setting information is stored in a nonvolatile memory by reading the bar code using a reader in a broadcasting receiver. If a button corresponding to a preset number in a remote controller is pressed, the receiver acquires a physical channel number using the channel setting information, to perform channel selection processing.
US07656456B2
Both a specific target and the background thereof in the image of a subject are caused to take on brightnesses that are relatively appropriate. Preliminary image sensing is performed to obtain a preliminary image of the subject. The image of a face is detected from within the preliminary image of the subject and the representative luminance of the face image is calculated. If the representative luminance calculated is not appropriate, then amount of exposure is adjusted so as to make the face image slightly darker than the appropriate brightness. Regular image sensing is then carried out. If the representative luminance of the face image in the image of the subject obtained by regular image sensing is not appropriate, a tone adjustment is applied utilizing a tone curve. Thus there is obtained an image of the subject in which both the face image and its background exhibit brightnesses that are relatively appropriate.
US07656455B2
An image pickup device is provided with an optical low pass filter capable of advancing into and retreating from between an optical system and a photoelectric conversion element array in accordance with a selected mode, wherein the optical low pass filter is advanced into between the optical system and the photoelectric conversion element array so as to block a high frequency component of an optical image.
US07656451B2
A camera apparatus has an imaging unit, a display unit, a storage unit and a control unit. The imaging unit shoots an object and outputs image data thereof. The display unit displays an image. The storage unit stores shooting conditions. The control unit displays a real-time image based on the image data from the imaging unit together with a plurality of selectable images for identifying a plurality of shot images stored in the storage unit on the display unit; selects an arbitrary one of selectable images displayed on the display unit; sets that shooting condition stored in the storage unit which corresponds to the selectable image selected by the selection unit as a shooting condition for a shooting operation; causes the imaging unit to shoot the object according to the shooting condition set by the setting unit; and records obtained image data in a memory.
US07656443B2
An image processing apparatus includes an optical system having distortion aberration characteristics for expanding a central part and compressing a peripheral part of an image plane; an image sensor for photodetecting an optical image via the optical system, converting the optical image to image signals, and outputting the image signals; a correction coefficient output circuit for outputting a correction coefficient for correcting the image signal with respect to a defect pixel of the image sensor, wherein the correction coefficient is determined based on the distortion aberration characteristics and a position of a peripheral pixel around the defect pixel; and a correction value computing circuit for computing a correction value with respect to the image signal of the defect pixel, based on the image signal of the peripheral pixel and the correction coefficient.
US07656442B2
The image pickup system for performing noise reduction processing on signals from an image pickup element comprises a first noise estimating unit for estimating a first amount of noise on the basis of a target pixel in the signals for which noise reduction processing is performed, an extraction unit for extracting similar pixels that resemble the target pixel from the neighborhood of the target pixel on the basis of the target pixel and the first amount of noise, a second noise estimating unit for estimating a second amount of noise from the target pixel and the similar pixels, and a noise reduction unit for reducing the noise of the target pixel on the basis of the second amount of noise.
US07656441B2
A method for correcting for hue artifacts captured by an imager associated with a color filter array including first, second and third color pixels and optical system spaced from the imager, wherein a first group of second pixels are primarily influenced by adjacent first pixels and a second group of second pixels are primarily influenced by adjacent third pixels, includes separately blurring or smoothing the first and third pixels and the first and second group of second pixels; based on the difference between adjacent pixels of the first and second group of second pixels, correcting for hue in the second group of second pixels; and correcting for adjacent third pixels based on the correction for adjacent second group second pixels.
US07656435B2
By sensing an object without performing light projection with a light projection unit, a first image is acquired, and by sensing the object while performing light projection with the light projection unit, a second image is acquired. Based on the acquired first image and the second image, a pixel having a specific color in the first image is extracted.
US07656434B2
A preprocessor converts an analog image signal, which is outputted from a solid-state image pickup sensor that photoelectric-converts an optical image of a subject, into digital image data. A timing generator periodically generates a drive pulse for driving the solid-state image pickup sensor continuously/discontinuously, and generates an output stop position signal that indicates an output stop position of the solid-state image pickup sensor when the solid-state image pickup sensor is driven discontinuously in sync with the drive pulse. A continuous data generator lets through the image data when the output stop position signal is invalid, and converts the image data inputted in a discontinuous state into continuous image data when the output stop position signal is valid.
US07656431B2
A video signal processing apparatus that reduces the degree of occurrences of false colors and of differing line concentration by performing knee processing properly, thereby providing desirable video signals. In the apparatus, at the occasion of generating luminance signals and color differences based on the result of knee processing, it is possible to properly generate a luminance signal which is derived from the addition result of pixels which are next to each other and generate a color difference signal which is derived from a difference of the pixels next to each other, achieved by performing the knee processing while keeping the signal level ratio at least between the pixels next to each other on video signals made up of color components arranged on a pixel by pixel basis. In this way, it is possible to keep a balance in hue of a color signal even after being subjected to knee processing.
US07656427B2
A charge pump can be used with a bus-powered device connected to a bus. The charge pump is formed of a power connection from the bus carrying a DC power signal constrained to not exceed a given current limit and a given voltage limit, a DC-to-DC step-down voltage converter, a capacitor, and a DC-to-DC step-up voltage converter. The step-down converter has an input connected to the power connection and produces an intermediate signal having a voltage the same or less than the voltage of the power signal. The capacitor is connected to the output of the step-down converter. The step-up converter has an input connected to the output of the step-down converter and to the capacitor, and produces a final output signal having a voltage greater than the given voltage limit. The output of the step-up converter is connected to and provides DC power to the device.
US07656424B2
Method and device for stabilizing images obtained by a video camera of an environment with objects moving along lanes. The method a first stage of determining in first images obtained by the camera, portions corresponding to the movement lanes, determining the remaining second portions complementary to the first portions, determining, in the second portions, the reference position of the image point corresponding to a first stationary object point, and a second stage of determining in at least one second image taken after the first images, the vector that corresponds to the movement of the image point relative to its reference position determined by the first images, and processing the second image as a function of the modulus and direction of the vector such that, relative to the three-dimensional frame of reference the image point returns to its reference position.
US07656414B2
In accordance with the present invention, a system and method are described for producing pure gray tones on a multi-color document output device that includes a system for operating on device independent color data having multiple color components, which color data corresponds to one or more associated electronic documents. The system and method function to extract grayscale data by the use of chromaticity properties of an input image.
US07656410B2
A system, apparatus, method and article to perform buffering techniques are described. The apparatus may include a buffer having a fixed number of storage slots that store reconstructed picture representations received from an image processing module. Also, the apparatus may include a buffer status unit to store a multiple information items to indicate one or more buffer characteristics of the buffer. Further, the apparatus may include a buffer control module to manage storage within the buffer.
US07656401B2
A quantization transform, corresponding to a geometric object, is determined. The geometric object represents at least a portion of an object in a three-dimensional scene. The quantization transform is suitable for converting a floating point space to a fixed point space, where the floating point space contains floating point data corresponding to the geometric object. The quantization transform is used to convert floating point data to fixed point data. The floating point data is typically vertices corresponding to the geometric object. Additionally, a quantization transform corresponding to a geometric object is determined. The geometric object represents at least a portion of the three-dimensional scene. The quantization transform is suitable for converting a floating point space to a fixed point space, and the fixed point space contains one or more fixed point data corresponding to the geometric object. The floating point space defines at least the portion of the three-dimensional scene. At least the quantization transform is applied to the one or more fixed point data.
US07656396B2
A method of calibrating a digital pen (100) comprises the steps of: i) acquiring calibration data indicative of parameters indicative of an offset between a nib (108) of the pen (100) and a field of view (124) of a camera (114) whilst the pen is in use; and ii) using the calibration data to compensate for the offset in subsequently acquired pen usage data. A digital pen, digital paper and software for calibrating a digital pen and a network comprising a digital pen are also disclosed.
US07656386B1
A low profile pointing device for personal computers includes a thin elongate case for insertion in a PC Card slot and defining a cavity therein. A frame forms one surface of the case and defines an opening therethrough. A slidable plate is disposed within the cavity and is translatably supported in a plane parallel to the frame. A portion of the slidable plate is accessible through said frame opening. At least one motion sensor is mounted within the case and is coupled with the slidable plate for sensing movement of the plate and converting the sensed movements into electrical data signals. A communication interface transmits data signals between the motion sensor and the computer.
US07656383B2
A backlit flat panel display includes a fluorescent tube positioned for illuminating the display, and a plurality of display illuminating LEDs on the periphery of the display. The fluorescent tube illuminates the display through a first range of brightness above a predetermined transition level and the LEDs illuminate the display through a second range of brightness below the transition level. When the illumination of the display is adjusted through the transition level to account for changes in ambient light, the LEDs and the fluorescent tube are operated together, so that the combined brightness of the illumination provided by the LEDs and the fluorescent tube will provide the desired display brightness; this advantageously compensates for delayed illumination of the fluorescent tube at start up and for persistence in the tube after shutdown.
US07656379B2
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention comprises: a liquid crystal display panel; a cholesteric liquid crystal layer in the liquid crystal panel; a data controller having a connection with the liquid crystal display panel, wherein the data controller receives red, green and blue data signals from an external source and provides the signals to the liquid crystal panel; and a data amplifying circuit in the data controller, the data amplifying circuit selecting one of the red, green and blue data signals and then overdriving the selected data signal.
US07656375B2
An image-processing device and method for enhancing the luminance and the image quality of display panels, the device and method includes a color distribution calculating unit which classifies the original image-color data, and then calculates the ratio of the color data in block B2 to all input image-color data. A control-variable generating unit determines the value of the converting-control variable and the value of the backlight luminance-control variable according to the ratio. The converting-control variable will be output to a numerical converting unit so as to convert the original image-color (RGB) data to the new image-color (R′G′B′W′) data. The backlight luminance-control variable will be output to a backlight luminance-control unit so as to control the backlight luminance.
US07656367B2
A driving waveform is applied to a scan electrode while a sustain electrode is biased at a ground voltage such that a driving board for driving the sustain electrode may not be needed. In addition, when grouping a plurality of scan electrodes into a plurality of groups and representing grayscale values using a frame-subfield method, a sustain discharge may be stably generated during a sustain period by reducing a time gap between address and sustain periods. When a sustain pulse is applied during a sustain period between two adjacent address periods, the last voltage is set to be a low level voltage.
US07656365B2
A double-sided fiber-based display includes a plasma tube array sandwiched between two electro-optic materials. The electro-optic materials are preferably sandwiched between two fiber arrays. The two fiber arrays contain wire electrodes to set the charge in the plasma tubes and are parallel to each other and orthogonal to the plasma tube array. The fibers can be alternatively coated with a transparent conductive coating, such as a carbon nanotube film, to spread the voltage across the surface of the fiber. The plasma tubes contain wire electrodes to ignite a plasma along its entire length. The tube surfaces that are in contact with the electro-optic materials are preferably thin and flat. The fiber and plasma tube wire electrodes are preferably directly connected to a circuit board which houses electronics to address the display.
US07656363B2
The present invention concerns a radio communication antenna comprising a reflector fitted to a first opening of a cylindrical lateral screen and a radome formed by a flexible material covering a second opening of this lateral screen so as to have a protective surface facing the reflector. According to the invention, this kind of antenna is characterized in that the protective surface is curved by the mechanical action of a deformation element of the antenna coming into contact with this protective surface.
US07656357B2
A transparent antenna for a vehicle has a transmittance property providing good visibility without worsening the design and is capable of realizing low resistance. The transparent antenna has an insulating sheet-like transparent base body (1a) and an antenna pattern planarly formed on the surface of the transparent base body (1a). An electrically conductive section (1b) of the antenna pattern is constructed from an electrically conductive thin film of a mesh structure, lines of each mesh are constructed from very fine bands having substantially equal widths, and the width of each of the very fine bands is 30 μm or less. The light transmittance of the antenna pattern is 70% or higher.
US07656353B2
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing, at least one wireless transceiver carried by the portable housing, and a satellite positioning signal receiver carried by the portable housing. Moreover, a satellite positioning antenna may be carried by the portable housing. The satellite positioning antenna may include an active element connected to the satellite positioning signal receiver, and a passive element connected to a voltage reference and positioned in spaced apart relation from the active element and operatively coupled thereto for directing a beam pattern thereof.
US07656347B2
A quadrature radar apparatus includes a quadrature signal generating unit, a plurality of coupler modules connected to the signal generating unit, an antenna unit receiving transmission signals from the coupler modules and a reception signal reflected from a target, one or more phase delay modules connected between one or more of the coupler modules and the antenna unit to delay the phases of the transmission and reception signals by 90 degrees, a leakage signal canceling unit combining the reception signals inputted from the antenna unit through the first and second coupler modules and removes the transmission leakage signal.
US07656337B2
A method and system for converting a digital code. A digital signal is encoded to have a digital code having multiple binary bits. Substantially one half of the binary bits of the digital code is inverted to produce a modified digital code to reduce digital noise associated with the digital code.
US07656330B2
Automatic range shifting for an analog to digital converter (ADC) includes combining an external analog input and a DAC output to provide an input to the ADC, detecting whether the range of the output of the ADC is above a predetermined upper range limit or below a predetermined lower range limit, and generating an adjustment code to increase the DAC output if the ADC output is above the upper range limit and to decrease the DAC output if the ADC output is below the lower range limit for decreasing the ADC input when the ADC output is above the upper limit and to increase the ADC input when the ADC output is below the lower limit to keep the ADC input within the ADC range.
US07656329B2
A time-interleaved analog-to-digital conversion apparatus is disclosed. The time-interleaved analog-to-digital conversion apparatus is applied for a television system and includes an input multiplexing module, a gain multiplexer and an analog-to-digital converter. The input multiplexing module receives a plurality of image signals, and samples the image signals according to a clock signal to generate a sample multiplexing signal. The gain multiplexer receives a plurality of gain signals and selectively transmits one of the gain signals corresponding to the sample multiplexing signal according to the clock signal, so as to generate a gain multiplexing signal. The analog-to-digital converter receives the sample multiplexing signal, the gain multiplexing signal and the clock signal. The analog-to-digital converter amplifies and converts the sample multiplexing signal to a digital signal according to the gain multiplexing signal and the clock signal.
US07656320B2
Techniques for improving encoding and decoding data are described herein. According to one embodiment, it is determined whether a current context can encode a retrieved symbol. The current context includes a plurality entries, each representing an encoded symbol, including a count value representing a frequency of the entry being used. A code is generated to a code stream, where the code represents a difference between an index of an entry in the current context associated with the retrieved symbol and a previous index used for encoding a previous symbol, if the current context can encode the retrieved symbol. A count value corresponding to the entry associated with the retrieved symbol is incremented in the current context. The current context is sorted based on count values of all entries in the current context, where the code stream and the literal stream are to be compressed and encoded by a compressor.
US07656315B2
This computer Chinese character input method mainly includes: Select 10 elements corresponding to the 10 simplified Chinese character strokes, which are and Select 46 elements corresponding to the 46 stroke combination sets, whose representative visual representations are: Assign the above 10 elements and 46 elements to keys on a computer keyboard; Determine desired characters based on the elements input by a user using the keyboard mentioned above or other apparatus.
US07656306B2
A circuit assembly for indicating statuses of a network includes an indicator circuit having a first indicator and a second indicator, a networking chipset including a first port for outputting a network type signal, a second port for outputting a linking status signal, and a third port for outputting a data transfer signal, and a driving circuit. The driving circuit includes a first transistor, a second transistor, and a power supply is capable of powering the first and second indicators. The second indicator is connected between the power supply and the third port to indicate data transfer status of the networking chipset. The first port and the second port are connected to the first indicator via the first transistor and the second transistor. The first transistor accepts the linking status signal to generate an assistant signal transferred to the second transistor. The second transistor accepts the network type signal, and compares the network type signal with the assistant signal to determine switching on or off the second transistor to control the indicator.
US07656298B2
A base tape includes: a plurality of RFID circuit elements each including an IC circuit part for storing information and a loop antenna connected to the IC circuit part; and an adhesive layer, a base film, an adhesive layer, an adhesive layer, and a separation sheet that are arranged so as to sandwich each of the RFID circuit elements from both sides in the thickness direction. The base tape is formed such that the ratio c of the sum of the thickness dimensions of the adhesive layer, base film, adhesive layer, adhesive layer, and separation sheet to the thickness dimension of the RFID circuit element is 0.8≦c≦9.8.
US07656297B2
An RFID system of the present invention has a plurality of antennas for reading data from an RFID tag; an antenna configuration storage unit for prestoring a position of each of the plurality of antennas; a position detection unit for detecting a position of the RFID tag; and an antenna control unit for selecting one or more of the antennas that read the RFID tag, based on the position of the RFID tag detected by the position detection unit and on the position of each of the plurality of antennas stored in the antenna configuration storage unit, and for preferentially activating the selected one or more of the antennas.
US07656293B2
The present invention relates to sending control or monitoring information between two hardware devices utilizing email. Control information relating to either a first hardware device or a second hardware device is determined. This information is incorporated into an email message. Directing information for directing the control information is incorporated into the email message. Two hardware devices can then operate cooperatively over different remote networks. These networks only need to be compatible in the ability to exchange email for communication to persist between the two hardware devices. The control information and/or the directing information can encrypt. The control information and/or the directing information can be encoded. In embodiments of the present invention the encoding map is encrypted.
US07656290B2
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a user may receive guidance information from a guidance support center via a location system.
US07656288B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for improved data communications within a remote sensor system. The system includes a control center node. The control center is adapted to receive data, process the data based at least in part on a rule, and notify a user when the rule is satisfied. Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for improved data communications within a remote sensor system. The method includes detecting an event, generating data based at least in part on the event, processing the data based at least in part on a rule, and notifying a user when the rule is satisfied.
US07656286B2
Methods and apparatus for monitoring remotely located objects with a system comprised of at least one master data collection unit, any number of remote sensor units, and a central data collection server are described. The master unit is configured to monitor any object, mobile or stationary, including monitoring multiple remote sensor units associated with the objects being monitored. The master unit may be in a fixed location, or attached to a mobile object. The master unit is configured for monitoring objects that enter and leave the area where it is located. The master unit may act as a parent controller for one or more child devices, wherein the child devices can be remote sensors or monitors of various measurable conditions including environmental conditions, substance identification, product identification and biometric identification. The master unit is able to discover new remote sensor units as they enter or leave the area where the master unit is located. The master unit can be remotely reprogrammed. The reprogramming can be accomplished with authenticated instructions.
US07656285B2
A system in which one or more alarm sources (10), can wirelessly communicate with a receiver (30), to activate an alarm and does not contain any identification that indicates the communication's source (10). The system may include “repeaters” (40), whose function is to relay the communication from one station to another over distances longer than can be reached by a single transmitter (10), Apparatuses for transmitting (10), repeating (40), and receiving (30), are also disclosed, as well as a communication system comprised of various elements of these.
US07656281B2
A wireless tire pressure monitoring apparatus is adapted to install on a conventional tire valve stem. The apparatus includes capability of refilling air through the sensor built-in valve stem, without needing to remove the apparatus. The pressure monitoring apparatus further includes a locking device to secure the mounting of the apparatus on the tire valve stem, with the additional benefit of discouraging apparatus thieves.
US07656280B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, articles of manufacture and methods for a telematic parametric speed metering system. In one embodiment, a system may determine a vehicle's location and speed. Once the location has been determined, corresponding geographical zone based speed limits and/or other information may be acquired via internal memory or data transmission. The speed of the vehicle may then be compared against the speed limits for the zone. If the vehicle's speed exceeds those speed limits, one or more of a plurality of actions may be performed including (but not limited to) warning the driver via a visual or audio signal, informing an authority agency via data transmission, logging the excessive speeding condition (e.g., time, date, speed, location, driver name, etc).
US07656275B2
A graphical indicator, menu and method for modifying and displaying more than two states for the indicator is provided. An alarm indicator algorithm modifies and displays the indicator according to user-selectable options that enables a user to determine at first glance the nature of the next alarm and in particular when an alarm is not set to go off on a particular day to avoid accessing the alarm menu every time this knowledge is desired or whenever the user is uncertain of the settings. Various visual cues such as colour, graphical and textual elements can be used and the algorithm can associate these cues with appropriate alarm states. When the number of settings for the multi-state alarm is relatively large, a desktop web-based application program interface (API) may be used to facilitate setting and updating the alarm functions.
US07656273B2
A mobile portal for RFID applications includes an RFID reader for reading identifications of proximately located RFID tagged items and a communicator for communicating with a central computer. The communicator is coupled to the RFID reader to receive the read identifications and then communicate the received read identifications over a wireless interface to a central data processing system. Each mobile portal may be actuated for RFID read operations in response to information sensed concerning operation of the mobile asset/vehicle. Additionally, the central data processing system may issue instructions concerning mobile asset/vehicle operation, with those instructions communicated over the wireless interface to the mobile portal. Responsive to implementation of those instructions, the mobile portal actuates the RFID reader and compares the read identifications to a list of RFID tags that were expected to be read.
US07656271B2
A commercially viable solution for providing an asset management system that provides for accessing assets, tracking location of assets, managing OSHA compliance of the assets, and monitoring impact of the assets. The asset management system may utilize system architecture having intelligent wireless devices associated with the individual assets. The use of intelligent wireless devices allows for the asset management system to operate and maintain functionality substantially without loss of data in the event of a loss of communication between the wireless devices and a management computing system via a network, including an out-of-range condition of the wireless devices with respect to a local monitor.
US07656266B2
A toroidal power transformer is disclosed. The toroidal power transformer comprises a circular core composed of plurality of laminated electrically conductive materials, a plurality of multi-layered first windings radially wound around the circular core, said winding arranged with an angular spacing of 2θ and a number of windings in each winding layer is less than a number of windings in each previous layer, a multi-layered second winding radially wound around the circular core covering a corresponding one of said plurality of first windings, wherein the layers of each of said second windings are arranged to form a substantially triangular cross-section; and an insulating layer between each of said first and second windings.
US07656263B2
Miniature circuitry and inductor components in which multiple levels of printed circuitry are formed on each side of a support panel, typically a printed circuit board or rigid flex. Magnetic members are embedded in one or more cavities in said support panel. Electrical connection between the plural levels of circuitry and multiple windings around the magnetic members are provided by plural plated through hole conductors. Small through hole openings accommodate a plurality of the plated through hole conductors since each is insulated from the others by a very thin layer of vacuum deposited organic layer such as parylene having a high dielectric strength. Adhesion of this plated copper to the organic layer is provided by first applying an adhesive promotor to the surface of the organic layer followed by the vacuum deposition of the organic layer.
US07656262B2
There is provided a balun transformer, in which first to fourth layer coils are stacked and coupled magnetically; one end of each coil of the first to fourth layer coils is grounded; the second and third layer coils are connected in parallel, an unbalanced signal is input/output to/from a common terminal of the second and third layer coils; a first balanced signal is input/output to/from the other end of the first layer coil; and a second balanced signal is input/output to/from the other end of the fourth layer coil.
US07656260B2
A wire wound electronic part includes a core having a wire wound core and flanges formed on both ends thereof, a coil conductor wound around the wire wound core and terminal electrodes disposed at the bottom of the flange, in which both ends of the coil conductor are conductively connected to the terminal electrodes by a solder, wherein a pair of grooves are formed at the bottom crossing the wire wound core of one of the flanges. The groove has a bottom and side walls disposed being slanted on both sides thereof, in which the vertical height for the side wall is formed larger than the length for the bottom of the side wall. The terminal electrodes are contained in the groove, and edge portion in the lateral direction of the terminal electrode is restricted by the side wall of the groove. The edge portion in the lateral direction of the terminal electrode is restricted by the side wall of the groove, which makes the lateral size stable and suppresses the movement of the molten solder in the lateral direction of the groove, thereby preventing unstable height and attitude of the wire wound electronic part upon mounting to a circuit substrate.
US07656254B2
A chip device having a ground electrode and a plurality of top-surface electrodes on a plate-like dielectric substrate. Two of the top-surface electrodes are connected to the ground electrode via respective short-circuit side-surface electrodes to form quarter wavelength resonant lines. A third top-surface electrode is provided between the two top-surface electrodes and both ends thereof are opened to form a half wavelength resonant line. The two top-surface electrodes each have a parallel portion arranged near and in parallel to the third top-surface electrode and a flexion that curves from the parallel portion, extends toward the remaining of the two top-surface electrodes, and is jump-coupled to the remaining of the two top-surface electrodes. The short-circuit side-surface electrodes are jump-coupled to each other, like the flexions.
US07656252B2
A micro-electro-mechanical-system resonator, includes: a substrate; a fixed electrode formed on the substrate; and a movable electrode, arranged facing the fixed electrode and driven by an electrostatic attracting force or an electrostatic repulsion force that acts on a gap between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode. An internal surface of a support beam of the movable electrode facing the fixed electrode has an inclined surface.
US07656251B1
The present invention is a split band duplexer, which increases the separation between a transmit passband and a receive passband by splitting the transmit and receive passbands into sub-bands. Each sub-band has a bandwidth that is less than the bandwidth of the full passband. The increased separation increases isolation margins and insertion loss margins, which allows use of standard filter components, such as surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters, and their accompanying manufacturing tolerances and drift characteristics. In one embodiment of the present invention, the split band duplexer includes a first sub-band duplexer and a second sub-band duplexer. The first sub-band duplexer may provide a full bandwidth transmit passband and a receive passband that is less than full bandwidth. The second sub-band duplexer may provide a full bandwidth receive passband and a transmit passband that is less than full bandwidth.
US07656244B2
In various embodiments, the invention provides a discrete clock generator and/or a timing and frequency reference using an LC-oscillator topology, having a frequency controller to control and provide a stable resonant frequency, which may then be provided to other, second circuitry such as a processor or controller. Frequency stability is provided over variations in a selected parameter such as temperature and fabrication process variations. The various apparatus embodiments include a sensor adapted to provide a signal in response to at least one parameter of a plurality of parameters; and a frequency controller adapted to modify the resonant frequency in response to the second signal. In exemplary embodiments, the sensor is implemented as a current source responsive to temperature fluctuations, and the frequency controller is implemented as a plurality of controlled reactance modules which are selectively couplable to the resonator or to one or more control voltages. The controlled reactance modules may include fixed or variable capacitances or inductances, and may be binary weighted. Arrays of resistive modules are also provided, to generate one or more control voltages.
US07656237B2
An apparatus, a method, and a computer program are provided to gate a Phased Locked Loop (PLL). In microprocessors, the clock distribution system can account for a substantial amount of power consumption. Gating the PLLs, however, has been difficult because of the usual requirement for a separate clock for control logic and because the PLL requires timed to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Therefore, lock detection logic can be employed to allow the PLL to reacquire phase/frequency lock. Additionally, signals from external devices and the processor can be employed to gate the PLL and allow the processor to be awakened without a need for a separate clock.
US07656233B2
An apparatus for a High Power Amplifier (HPA) in a wireless communication system is provided. In one example, the apparatus includes a temperature sensor for determining temperature, a controller for receiving the determined temperature and for controlling a gate bias voltage corresponding to the determined temperature and an amplifier for amplifying a Radio Frequency (RF) signal by using the controlled gate bias voltage.
US07656229B2
An electronic device includes an amplifier circuit coupled to a linearizer. The amplifier circuit may receive a first input signal including first and second frequencies and generate a first output signal including a delta frequency signal at a delta frequency, which is the difference between the first frequency and the second frequency. The linearizer includes a signal detector circuit, a current-mirror circuit, a low pass filter, a phase shifter, and a bias circuit. The signal detector circuit may generate a second output signal. The current-mirror circuit may adjust an amplitude of a signal. The low pass filter may eliminate a portion of the second output signal having frequencies greater than the delta frequency. The phase shifter may generate a feedback signal corresponding to the delta frequency signal. An amplitude and/or a phase of the feedback signal is different from an amplitude and/or a phase of the delta frequency signal.
US07656222B2
An apparatus for generating an internal voltage includes an output-voltage detecting unit for detecting a voltage level of an internal voltage, an oscillating unit for generating a periodic signal in response to a detection signal from the output-voltage level detecting unit, a first driving-voltage level detecting unit for detecting an increase of a voltage level of a driving voltage, a second driving-voltage level detecting unit for detecting a decrease of a voltage level of the driving voltage, a period control unit for controlling a period of the periodic signal in response to output signals of the first and second driving-voltage level detecting units, and a charge pumping unit for generating the internal voltage by charge-pumping the driving voltage in response to an output signal from the period control unit.
US07656216B1
A method and system is provided for clock input mode selection. When a signal provided on one of two clock input terminals is received, the received signal is considered in connection with a second input signal in order to determine whether the first input signal and the second input signal satisfy a pre-determined condition. Based on whether the pre-determined condition is met, a clock input mode is selected that indicates whether the clock input terminals provide a differential clock input or a single-ended digital clock input.
US07656212B1
A configurable delay chain with switching control. The configurable delay chain includes a plurality of delay elements. A switch circuit is included and is coupled to the delay elements and configured to select at least one of the plurality of delay elements to create a delay signal path. The delay signal path has an amount of delay in accordance with a number of delay elements comprising the delay signal path. An input is coupled to a first delay element of the delay signal path to receive an input signal and an output is coupled to the switch circuit and is coupled to the delay signal path to receive a delayed version of the input signal after propagating through the delay signal path. A plurality of turnoff devices are coupled to inputs of the delay elements and coupled to the switch circuit, wherein the switch circuit activates at least one turnoff device of at least one unused delay element that is not on the delay signal path.
US07656207B2
Provided are a DLL circuit having a coarse lock time adaptive to a frequency band of an external clock signal and a semiconductor memory device having the DLL circuit. The DLL circuit includes a delay circuit, a replica circuit, and a phase detector. The phase detector generates a first comparison signal used by the delay circuit to delay an external clock signal in units of a first cell delay time or a second comparison signal used by the delay circuit to delay the external clock signal in units of a second cell delay time. The DLL circuit delays the external clock signal by the cell delay time adaptive to the frequency band of the external clock signal, and thus can perform an accurate and rapid coarse lock operation for the entire frequency band.
US07656199B2
A fast, accurate, low offset comparator may be configured with multiple gain stages. A low gain, low input impedance, and fully differential common-gate amplifier may be configured as a first stage in the multi-stage comparator, providing a wide bandwidth for small power consumption. The inputs of the comparator may comprise a pair of differential inputs at respective source terminals of gate-coupled metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices configured in the input stage of the common-gate amplifier. A pair of differential outputs of the first stage may be coupled to a pair of differential inputs of a second stage, which may be a differential input current-mirror amplifier that may perform differential to single-ended conversion. The single-ended output of the second stage may serve as the input into a latch, which may be a bistable set-reset (SR) latch configured to increase the gain and response time while protecting against multiple switching, with the single-ended output of the latch configured as the output of the comparator.
US07656194B2
A shift register circuit comprising a plurality of stages dependently connected to an initial input signal or an output signal of a previous stage and connected to first and second clock signals which are mutually inverted. Each stage includes eight switching devices interconnected together with three capacitors and interfaced through eleven interface points. Some of the interface points are connected to the first and second clock signals according to whether the stage is an even numbered stage or an odd numbered stage. Other ones of the interface points are connectable to the first and second clock signals in alternative ways to reduce power consumption without changing an internal configuration of the stage.
US07656193B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device includes a plurality of programmable resources; non-volatile configuration memory adapted to store configuration data for configuring the plurality of programmable resources; a register adapted to load configuration data into the non-volatile configuration memory; and test circuitry coupled to the register. The test circuitry is adapted to configure a programmable resource with test data stored in the register rather than with configuration data stored in the non-volatile configuration memory. In another embodiment of the invention, the programmable logic device includes a buffer coupled between the configuration memory and a programmable resource, and the test circuitry includes a logic circuit coupled between the register, the configuration memory, and the buffer. The logic circuit is responsive to a test mode signal to route test data from the register to the buffer.
US07656189B1
Various approaches for detection of an unwanted function implemented in an integrated circuit (IC) are described. A controller is implemented on the IC, and at a first time while the IC is operating according to a circuit design, the controller reads a first data set from a subset of memory cells. The subset of memory cells stores state information of the circuit design. The controller determines whether the first data set is different from a second data set. In response to the first data set being different from the second data set, the controller outputs a threat signal that indicates the presence of unauthorized logic in the circuit design.
US07656183B2
A method to extract gate to source/drain and overlap capacitances is disclosed. A first capacitance of a first test key having a reference structure and a second capacitance of a second test key having a novel structure are measured. The second test key may comprise at least a gate formed on an insulation structure, at least a contact formed on the insulation structure aside, and a metal layer formed on the contact. Another embodiment of the second test key may comprise at least a gate formed on the semiconductor substrate, a contact formed aside, and a metal layer formed on the contact. Further another embodiment uses a test key comprising at least an elongated gate and an elongated doping region aside, and only one or a few contacts are formed on an end portion of the elongated doping region.
US07656177B2
There is provided a test apparatus that tests an electronic device. The test apparatus includes a socket board in which a socket for mounting thereon the electronic device is provided, and a test head that detachably holds the socket board and transmits source power to the electronic device via the socket board, the test head includes a first source power transmission line that transmits the source power to the socket board, a first bypass capacitor that is provided between the first source power transmission line and ground potential, and a switch that switches whether the first bypass capacitor is connected between the first source power transmission line and the ground potential, and the socket board includes a second source power transmission line that transmits the source power to the electronic device, and a second bypass capacitor that is fixedly connected between the second source power transmission line and the ground potential.
US07656176B2
A probe member for wafer inspection having a sheet-like probe, the probe including a frame plate in which openings are formed, and contact films arranged on a front surface of the frame plate so as to close the openings, each of the contact films obtained by arranging, in an insulating film formed of a flexible resin, a plurality of electrode structures, and an anisotropically conductive connector, which is composed of a frame plate, in which a plurality of openings have been formed corresponding to the electrode regions, and a plurality of elastic anisotropically conductive films arranged on and supported by the frame plate so as to close the respective openings, wherein each of the openings of the frame plate in the sheet-like probe have a size for receiving the external shape in a plane direction in the elastic anisotropically conductive film of the anisotropically conductive connector.
US07656169B2
A capacitive occupant detection system has an oscillator and an electrode operatively coupled to the oscillator, to which the oscillator applies an oscillating voltage signal. In response to the oscillating voltage being applied, an electric current is caused to flow in the electrode, the current being responsive to an electric-field-influencing property of an object or occupant proximate to the electrode. The current caused to flow in the electrode has a first current component in phase with the oscillating voltage signal and a second current component 90°-phase-offset with respect to the oscillating voltage signal. A sensing circuit is operatively coupled to the electrode and to the oscillator so as to generate a first signal indicative of the first current component and a second signal indicative of the second current component. The first signal indicative of the first current component and the second signal indicative of the second current component are provided to a processor, which is operatively coupled to the sensing circuit and which determines an occupancy state based upon the first and second signals indicative of the first and second current components, respectively, and outputs an output signal indicative of the occupancy state.
US07656161B2
A method for magnetizing a wellbore tubular is disclosed. The method includes magnetizing a wellbore tubular at three or more discrete locations on the tubular. In exemplary embodiments the magnetized wellbore tubular includes at least one pair of opposing magnetic poles located between longitudinally opposed ends of the tubular. Wellbore tubulars magnetized in accordance with this invention may be coupled to one another to provide a magnetic profile about a section of a casing string. Passive ranging measurements of the magnetic field about the casing string may be utilized to survey and guide drilling of a twin well. Such an approach advantageously obviates the need for simultaneous access to both wells.
US07656160B2
A system and method to determine earth formation properties by positioning a logging tool within a wellbore in the earth formation, the logging tool having a tool rotation axis and a first, a second, and a third tilted transmitter coil, and a tilted receiver coil; rotating the logging tool about the tool rotation axis; energizing each transmitter coil; measuring a coupling signal between each transmitter coil and the receiver coil for a plurality of angles of rotation; determining a coupling tensor; and determining the earth formation properties using the coupling tensor.
US07656158B2
A sample vessel (80) made of material with magnetic susceptibility χ2, for containing a sample substance (87) with magnetic susceptibility χ3≠χ2 to be analyzed in a nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer, has an inner interface G2 toward the sample substance and an outer interface G1 toward the environment (85) that exhibits magnetic susceptibility χ1. The shape of the interface toward the sample substance and the interface toward the environment are coordinated to match the discontinuities in susceptibility at the interfaces in such a way that on introduction of the sample tube filled with sample substance into the previously homogeneous magnetic field of an NMR spectrometer, the magnetic field inside the sample substance remains largely homogeneous.
US07656153B2
A pulse-induction-type metal detector in which the receiver coil comprises bifilar windings that are connected in series, opposing during the coil pulse and in series, aiding, following the coil pulse. Pick-up of energy by the receiver coil during the coil pulse is thereby minimized and the duration of oscillations is curtailed. Owing to the rapid recovery of the system from the flux change that is used to charge the target, the signal sampling gate can be positioned very close to the trailing edge of the coil-current pulse, whereby detection of targets with very short time constants is made possible.
US07656141B1
The present invention pertains to an arrangement wherein an inductor current is monitored and its level operates a converter switch so that the inductor current ramps up and down between two limits. The midpoint of these two limits is the average output current supplied to a pulsed load. When a pulse is first detected, the converter activates and remains in one state until the output current has ramped up to the pulsed load requirement at which time the switch changes state. The current then ramps down as the average current discharges into the load. When the output current drops to a specified minimum, the voltage supply is turned on providing for a self oscillating regulated switch. The controller responds to changes in the output current within one switching cycle so as to keep up with the transient edges of the pulsed load.
US07656134B2
An Improved Automotive All Silicon Voltage Regulator (I-ASVR) for use in the automotive components re-manufacturing and original equipment alternator product. Particularly this device improves the electrical connections, prevents failures related to poor connections and heat variations, and eliminates failures from transient voltage surges that effect electronic devices. The device may be replacement regulator for re-manufacturing or an original equipment regulator to improve quality and durability. It is comprised essentially of four significant changes to a standard voltage regulator: an addition to the electronics of a transient suppression for the loads; a connection for the battery connection (B+) through a fixed terminal that connects and is sandwiched under the battery stud of the rectifier bridge; the elimination of the soldered B+ terminal that was susceptible to corrosion and failure; and, an improved grounding connection.
US07656128B2
A battery charging and pulsating system including a battery having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a charger connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery, the charger including a controller, a pulsator connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery and a filter positioned between the charger and the pulsator to filter signals received from the pulsator.
US07656117B2
A system and method for precharging a harmonic filter connected to a power supply line to receive AC power and deliver the AC power to the motor drive unit includes a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to monitor an operational state of the motor drive unit or the power supply line, and generate a first control signal upon a predetermined change in the operational state and a second control signal delayed from the first control signal. The system also includes a charging circuit having a first switch configured to actuate in response to the first control signal to provide a reduced power to at least a portion of the harmonic filter and a second switch configured to actuate in response to the second control signal to provide a non-reduced power to the at least a portion of the harmonic filter.
US07656115B2
A stepper motor driving a driven member is calibrated by periodically driving the member from its current operational position to an end stop of the driven member's total travel range; however, the driven member approaches the end stop in a series of ever-shorter travel segments. The first travel segment is less than ⅓ the total travel range to compensate for a possible sudden speed reversal, which can be accidentally triggered by the driven member reaching and “bouncing off” the end stop. Limiting the commanded first travel segment to less than ⅓ the total travel range prevents the driven member from reaching an opposite travel limit should the driven member suddenly reverse direction at three times the normal forward speed, wherein such triple speed is characteristic of reverse-speed situations.
US07656111B1
A circuit is adapted to activate a writer head of a data storage media drive during both the boost periods as well as the steady state periods. The current supplied to the writer head during the boost periods exceeds the steady state current and flows between positive and negative voltage supplies so as to provide the required magnetic flux change in the inductor disposed in the write head. During the steady state periods, a switch circuit is turned on to provide a second current path across the writer head. During the steady state periods, the current flows between the positive voltage supply and the ground to reduce power consumption. The switch circuit is turned off during the boost periods.
US07656109B2
A trash can can include a sensor for detecting the presence of an object near a lower portion of the trash can. The detection of the object can be used to signal the trash can to open its lid. The trash can can include an electric drive unit for opening and closing the lid.
US07656093B2
An ultra high pressure mercury lamp having a light emitting part, a pair of electrodes; hermetically sealed portions; part of the electrodes and metal foils installed in the hermetically sealed portions and connected to the base parts of the electrodes; and outer leads connected to the base parts of the metal foils. The metal foils have a region with a small width which is groove-shaped and with which the electrodes are connected, and a wide region which borders the region with a small width, and which has an Ω-shaped end region which borders the groove of the region with a small width, in which an end groove is formed, and which extends in the lengthwise direction, a base-side Ω-region which is connected to the outer lead, in which a base-side groove is formed, and a middle, flat region which extends between the end Ω-region and the base-side Ω-region.
US07656092B2
A Plasma Display Panel (PDP) includes a dielectric layer having a plurality of dielectric-layer perforated holes arranged in a matrix; upper and lower electrode layers each having electrode-layer perforated holes connected to the dielectric-layer perforated holes and arranged on both surfaces of the dielectric layer, the upper and lower electrode layers being adapted to receive electrical signals. The upper electrode layer includes a plurality of upper electrodes extending in a first direction, each of the plurality of upper electrodes surrounding a group of the electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the first direction and including transparent individual electrodes surrounding the electrode-layer perforated holes and linear connection portions adapted to electrically connect the individual electrodes. The lower electrode layer includes a plurality of lower electrodes extending in a second direction at an angle with respect to the first direction, each of the plurality of second electrodes surrounding a group of electrode-layer perforated holes arranged in the second direction.
US07656090B2
Provided is a plasma display panel including a rear substrate, a front substrate separated from the rear substrate, a plurality of barrier ribs arranged between the front substrate and the rear substrate and adapted to define a plurality of discharge cells corresponding to a plurality of sub-pixels, a plurality of sustain electrode pairs comprising a plurality of first discharge electrodes and a plurality of second discharge electrodes extending parallel to each other and surrounding ones of the plurality of discharge cells, the plurality of sustain electrode pairs being adapted to generate a discharge, a plurality of address electrodes extending and surrounding the plurality of discharge cells and arranged in a direction that crosses the plurality of sustain electrode pairs, a plurality of phosphor layers arranged within the plurality of discharge cells and a discharge gas arranged within the plurality of discharge cells, wherein a predetermined number of sub-pixels form a unit pixel, and unit pixels adjacent to each other in a direction are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.
US07656088B2
An organic electroluminescent (EL) device is provided that may include a first electrode, an organic layer and a second electrode arranged in a light-emitting region of a substrate. The device may also include a cap for sealing the light-emitting region of the substrate. The cap may have a caved surface with a minimum depth of 10 μm and a maximum depth of 10% of a total thickness of the cap.
US07656084B2
A method of manufacturing includes providing one of the anode and the cathode, providing a layer of bank portions on the cathode or the anode, the bank portions defining apertures, providing the light emitting units in the apertures, providing the charge-generating portions over the light emitting units, at least one of the charge-generating layers being formed using a depositing device, and providing the other of the anode and the cathode. A display apparatus has a laminated organic electroluminescent element obtained with the manufacturing method. The manufacturing method provides with a high production efficiency an organic EL element having between a cathode and an opposing transparent anode at least one layer of a plurality of light-emitting units partitioned by at least one layer of charge-generating layers.
US07656078B2
A light emission device and a display device using the light emission device as a light source are provided. The light emission device includes first and second substrates facing each other, an electron emission unit located on an inner surface of the first substrate, a phosphor layer located on an inner surface of the second substrate and adapted to be excited by electrons emitted from the electron emission unit, an anode electrode located on the phosphor layer, a heat dissipation plate located at a side of the first substrate, and a thermal diffuser plate located on the second substrate and thermally coupled to the heat dissipation plate. The thermal diffuser plate is configured to transmit light emitted by the phosphor layer.
US07656068B2
Each of first and second pole cores has a boss portion, six core flange portions; and six claw-shaped magnetic pole portions, the first and second pole cores being disposed such that the claw-shaped magnetic pole portions face each other so as to intermesh and leading end surfaces of the boss portions are abutted with each other. The boss portions include coil mount portions in which cross-sectional shapes that are perpendicular to the central axis are hexagons; and abutted portions that have circular cross sections and that are disposed so as to protrude from leading ends of the coil mount portions. Radially-inner surfaces of the claw-shaped magnetic pole portions face side surfaces of the coil mount portions and are parallel to the side surfaces of the coil mount portions at the cross sections that are perpendicular to the central axis.
US07656063B2
A rotor is accommodated in a yoke housing. Six magnets are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction on the inner circumferential surface of the yoke housing so as to face the rotor. The core is generally cylindrical and includes an annular portion at an anti-output side and a balance at an output side. The magnets have six poles so as to effectively narrow a basal path width of the core in which the line of magnetic force concentrates most and magnetic saturation is likely to occur most. This reduces the diameter of the core. Therefore, the motor is effectively miniaturized in the axial direction and in the radial direction without complicating the formation steps.
US07656062B2
Methods and apparatus for enabling a coil to be used to provide a net force along more than one axis are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, an actuator includes a magnet assembly and a coil assembly. The coil assembly moves at least partially within the magnet arrangement, and includes a top coil half and a bottom coil half. The top coil half and the bottom coil half are independently controllable such that a first current applied to the top coil half may be independently applied from a second current applied to the bottom coil half.
US07656060B2
A method of operating a power system is provided. The power system has a plurality of generator sets and a bus. The method monitors the bus and generator sets disconnected from the bus. The method supplies to a control device information associated with the operating state of each of the generator sets and the bus. The method determines a relative frequency mismatch and a relative phase mismatch between the frequency and phase of the bus and a generator, and generates a frequency speed bias and a phase speed bias for the generator. The method adds the frequency and phase speed biases to form a total speed bias, tunes the total speed bias to make the frequency and phase speed biases combine in a complementary manner, and connects the generator to the bus when the voltage, frequency, and phase of the generator are within a permissible range of the bus.
US07656058B2
An inverter structure includes a power source and an uninterruptible power supply device. The uninterruptible power supply device includes a power output selector and a constant-current controller built therein. The uninterruptible power supply device has an input terminal connected to the power source and output terminals connectable to external electrical appliance facilities via the power output selector and the constant-current controller. When power is supplied from the power source, the power output selector and the constant-current controller built in the uninterruptible power supply device function to effect distribution of power output to the electrical appliance facilities in accordance with preset condition.
US07656056B2
A vehicle electrical system includes at least one battery, at least one fan and a device for detecting a critical state in the vehicle electrical system. The fan is activated when a critical state of the vehicle electrical system is detected. In this context, use is made of the fan's ability to store mechanical energy in the form of inertias. The fan operates in a regenerative manner and electrically feeds the mechanically stored energy back into the on-board electrical system.
US07656055B2
An electrical power producing wind turbine eliminates the possibility of being struck by lightning, reduces the complexity of gear trains and simplifies maintenance at heights. The wind turbine is electrically isolated from ground to reduce the possibility of being struck by lightning and the generator is located at ground level to simplify maintenance. The turbine blade shaft is directly attached to a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic fluid is transmitted to ground level through dielectric tubing and acts both as an electrical isolating medium and a transmitter of mechanical energy to the generator located at ground level. The wind turbine blade, shaft and hydraulic pump are electrically isolated from the support structure at the upper end.
US07656054B2
A twin-spool turbine engine includes a low-pressure rotor and a high-pressure rotor, an alternator, including an inductor winding and an armature, the high-pressure rotor rotating the inductor winding of the alternator. The armature is mounted so as to rotate and the low-pressure rotor is connected to a clutch arranged so that the low-pressure rotor drives the armature in a manner that is contrarotational to the inductor winding when the clutch are engaged.
US07656047B2
A semiconductor device package includes a semiconductor device mounted and electrically coupled to a substrate, a package body encapsulating the semiconductor device against a portion of an upper surface of the substrate; and an electromagnetic interference shielding layer formed over the package body and substantially enclosing the semiconductor device. The electromagnetic interference shielding layer is a plated metal layer in contact with the package body, and the plated metal layer is connected to a ground trace extending on the upper surface of the substrate.
US07656045B2
A bond pad for an electronic device such as an integrated circuit makes electrical connection to an underlying device via an interconnect layer. The bond pad has a first layer of a material that is aluminum and copper and a second layer, over the first layer, of a second material that is aluminum and is essentially free of copper. The second layer functions as a cap to the first layer for preventing copper in the first layer from being corroded by residual chemical elements. A wire such as a gold wire may be bonded to the second layer of the bond pad.
US07656044B2
A semiconductor device comprises a wiring substrate including a wiring pattern; a semiconductor chip installed on the wiring substrate, including a plurality of pads formed on a surface of the semiconductor chip, which opposes the wiring substrate; a first resin layer covering over a part of the wiring pattern within a region of overlapping the semiconductor chip; and a second resin layer installed between the semiconductor chip and the first resin layer. The pads are oppose to and coupled with a part of the wiring pattern exposed over the first resin layer; and the linear expansion coefficient of the wiring substrate is larger than that of the semiconductor chip, the elastic modulus of the wiring substrate is lower than that of the semiconductor chip and the linear expansion coefficient of the first resin layer is larger than that of the second resin layer. The elastic modulus of the first resin layer is lower than that of the second resin layer.
US07656042B2
A method includes joining an integrated circuit die having at least one low-k dielectric layer to a package substrate or printed circuit board using a plurality of solder bumps located between the die and the package substrate or printed circuit board. The low-k dielectric layer has a dielectric constant of about 3.0 or less. The solder bumps have a lead concentration of about 5% or less. A stratified underfill is formed between the die and the package substrate or printed circuit board.
US07656025B2
The semiconductor package as well as a method for making it and using it is disclosed. The semiconductor package comprises a semiconductor chip having at least one heat-generating semiconductor device and a volumetrically expandable chamber disposed to sealingly surround the semiconductor chip, the volumetrically expandable chamber filled entirely with a non-electrically conductive liquid in contact with the semiconductor device and circulated within the volumetrically expandable chamber at least in part by the generated heat of the at least one semiconductor device to cool the at least one semiconductor device.
US07656019B2
A semiconductor device is disclosed wherein first wiring lines in a first row extend respectively from first connecting portions toward one side of a semiconductor chip, while second wiring lines extend respectively from second connecting portions toward the side opposite to the one side of the semiconductor chip. The reduction in size of the semiconductor device can be attained.
US07656015B2
Provided is a packaging substrate with a heat-dissipating structure, including a core layer with a first surface and an opposite second surface having a first metal layer and a second metal layer respectively. Portions of the first metal layer are exposed from a second cavity penetrating the core layer and second metal layer. Portions of the second metal layer are exposed from a first cavity penetrating the core layer and first metal layer. Semiconductor chips each having an active surface with electrode pads thereon and an opposite inactive surface are received in the first and second cavities and attached to the second metal layer and the first metal layer respectively. Conductive vias disposed in build-up circuit structures electrically connect to the electrode pads of the semiconductor chips. A heat-dissipating through hole penetrating the core layer and build-up circuit structures connects the metal layers and contact pads.
US07656007B2
A package substrate (16) for electrically connecting an integrated circuit (12) to a printed circuit board (14) includes a core (222c), a patterned conductive layer (220c), a plurality of spaced apart, discrete capacitors (230), and an insulating layer (222b). The patterned conductive layer (220c) is positioned on the core (222c). The discrete capacitors (230) are electrically connected to the patterned conductive layer (220c). The insulating layer (222b) covers the patterned conductive layer (220c) and separates the capacitors (230). The capacitors (230) are positioned to provide a relatively low impedance path for quick access to power to stabilize the voltage delivered to the integrated circuit (12), and the capacitors (230) do not occupy valuable space on the integrated circuit (12), and the printed circuit board (14). Further, this placement of the capacitor assembly (18) allows for use of a relatively large number of discrete capacitors (230) without taking up valuable space from the surface of the package substrate (16).
US07655997B2
A wafer-level electro-optical semiconductor fabrication mechanism and method for the same which improves upon traditional electro-optical semiconductor grain packaging methods. The present invention electrically connects semiconductor grains to the grains on a top surface of a wafer, this is done by either screen-printing or steel board-printing solder or silver paste onto the wafer. After that, the wafer is processed using the following steps: processing the devices, bonding with wire, packaging the wafer and finally cutting the wafer. Using this method raises the production yield while production times and costs are reduced. The wafer-level electro-optical semiconductor fabrication mechanism comprises: a wafer, an electro-optical semiconductor grain and conductive materials.
US07655996B1
A MEMS device and method comprising a MEMS structure adjacent to a SOI base; a sacrificial support operatively connecting the base to the MEMS structure; a suspension member operatively connecting the base to the MEMS structure, wherein the suspension member is longer than the sacrificial support; and an electrode operatively connected to the base. The device may further comprise a current pulse generator adapted to send a current pulse through the sacrificial support, wherein the current pulse causes the sacrificial support to detach from the MEMS structure. Moreover, the sacrificial support structures may be electrically resistive.
US07655980B1
A LDNMOS device for an ESD protection circuit including a P-type substrate and an N-type deep well region is provided. The P-type substrate includes a first area and a second area. The N-type deep well region is in the first and second areas of the P-type substrate. The LDNMOS device further includes a gate electrode disposed on the P-type substrate between the first and second areas, a P-type implanted region disposed in the first area of the P-type substrate, an N-type grade region disposed in the N-type deep well region of the first area, an N-type first doped region disposed in the N-type grade region, a P-type body region disposed in the N-type deep well region of the second area, an N-type second doped region disposed in the P-type body region, and a P-type doped region disposed in the P-type body region and adjacent to the N-type second doped region.
US07655976B2
Field effect transistors having protruded active regions and methods of fabricating such transistors
Provided are a field effect transistor, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic device including the field effect transistor. The field effect transistor may have a structure in which a double gate field effect transistor and a recess channel array transistor are formed in a single transistor in order to improve a short channel effect which occurs as field effect transistors become more highly integrated, a method of manufacturing the same, and an electronic device including the field effect transistor. The field effect transistor can exhibit stable device characteristics even when more highly integrated in such a manner that both the length and width of a channel increase and particularly the channel can be significantly long, and can be manufactured simply.
US07655974B2
A semiconductor device that reduces the width of an isolation region between semiconductor elements. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an epitaxial layer formed on the semiconductor substrate, a buried layer formed between the semiconductor substrate and the epitaxial layer, a first trench formed in the epitaxial layer so as to surround the buried layer, and an insulation film formed in the first trench.
US07655971B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a source region and a drain region formed at a distance from each other in a semiconductor substrate; a tunnel insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate between the source region and the drain region; a charge storage film formed on the tunnel insulating film; a first alumina layer formed on the charge storage film, and having a first impurity element added thereto, the first impurity element having an octacoordinate ion radius of 63 pm or greater, the first impurity element having a concentration distribution in a layer thickness direction of the first alumina layer that becomes the largest in a region close to the side of the charge storage film; a second alumina layer formed on the first alumina layer, and not having the first impurity element added thereto; and a control gate electrode formed on the second alumina layer.
US07655970B2
A non-volatile memory device comprises a substrate with the dielectric layer formed thereon. A control gate and a floating gate are then formed next to each other on top of the dielectric layer separated by a gap. Accordingly, a non-volatile memory device can be constructed using a single poly process that is compatible with conventional CMOS processes. In addition, assist gates are formed on the dielectric layer next to the control gate and floating gate respectively.
US07655967B2
A DRAM cell with a self-aligned gradient P-well and a method for forming the same. The DRAM cell includes (a) a semiconductor substrate; (b) an electrically conducting region including a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion; (c) a first doped semiconductor region wrapping around the first portion, but electrically insulated from the first portion by a capacitor dielectric layer; (d) a second doped semiconductor region wrapping around the second portion, but electrically insulated from the second portion by a collar dielectric layer. The second portion is on top of and electrically coupled to the first portion, and the third portion is on top of and electrically coupled to the second portion. The collar dielectric layer is in direct physical contact with the capacitor dielectric layer. When going away from the collar dielectric layer, a doping concentration of the second doped semiconductor region decreases.
US07655966B2
A global shutter compatible pixel circuit comprising a reset gate (RG) transistor is provided in which a dynamic voltage is applied to the drain of the reset gate transistor in order to reduce a floating diffusion (FD) leakage therethrough during signal hold time. The drain voltage of the reset gate transistor is held at a lower voltage than a circuit supply voltage to minimize the off-state leakage through the RG transistor, thus reducing the change in the voltage at the floating diffusion during the signal hold time. In addition, a design structure for such a circuit providing a dynamic voltage to the drain of a reset gate of a pixel circuit is also provided.
US07655963B2
A semiconductor device including a lateral field-effect transistor and Schottky diode and method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the lateral field-effect transistor includes a buffer layer having a contact covering a substantial portion of a bottom surface thereof, a lateral channel above the buffer layer, another contact above the lateral channel, and an interconnect that connects the lateral channel to the buffer layer. The semiconductor device also includes a Schottky diode parallel-coupled to the lateral field-effect transistor including a cathode formed from another buffer layer interposed between the buffer layer and the lateral channel, a Schottky interconnect interposed between the another buffer layer and the another contact, and an anode formed on a surface of the Schottky interconnect operable to connect the anode to the another contact. The semiconductor device may also include an isolation layer interposed between the buffer layer and the lateral channel.
US07655958B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device can include high heat dissipation properties and a high degree of mounting flexibility. Also a surface light source can be configured to use the above-noted semiconductor light-emitting device. The semiconductor light-emitting element can be mounted on a package obtained by insert-molding lead frames with a resin. One of the end portions of the lead frames can be connected to respective electrodes of the semiconductor light-emitting element, and other end portions thereof can protrude outward from a resin molded portion of the package. One of the lead frames can include a block body on which the semiconductor light-emitting element is disposed. The block body protrudes from the resin molded portion. The semiconductor light-emitting device having the above structure and a circuit substrate can be mounted on a metal base which can be brought into direct contact with the block body. Alternatively, the metal base and the semiconductor light-emitting device can be disposed with a heat conducting sheet sandwiched therebetween.
US07655955B2
A light emitting device includes a light emitting element chip and a lens which transmits light generated by the light emitting device asymmetrically; a backlight unit which uses the light emitting device as a light source; and a field sequential LCD apparatus adopting the backlight unit.
US07655953B2
A sub-substrate, a blue-violet semiconductor laser device, an insulating layer, and a red semiconductor laser device are stacked in order on a support member through a plurality of fusion layers. The insulating layer is stacked on an n-side pad electrode of the blue-violet semiconductor laser device, and a conductive layer is formed on the insulating layer. The red semiconductor laser device is stacked on the conductive layer through a fusion layer. The conductive layer is electrically connected to a p-side pad electrode of the red semiconductor laser device. The n-side pad electrode of the blue-violet semiconductor laser device and the n-side pad electrode of the red semiconductor laser device are electrically connected to each other.
US07655952B2
A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: a gate line, a gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer sequentially formed on a substrate; a data line and a drain electrode formed at least on the semiconductor layer; a first passivation layer formed on the data line and the drain electrode and having a first contact hole exposing the drain electrode at least in part; a second passivation layer formed on the first passivation layer and having a second contact hole that is disposed on the first contact hole and has a first bottom edge, placed outside the first contact hole and a second bottom edge placed inside the first contact hole; and a pixel electrode formed on the second passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode through the first and the second contact holes.
US07655937B2
Remote control systems that can distinguish predetermined light sources from stray light sources, e.g., environmental light sources and/or reflections are provided. The predetermined light sources can be disposed in asymmetric substantially linear or two-dimensional patterns. The predetermined light sources also can output waveforms modulated in accordance with one or more signature modulation characteristics. The predetermined light sources also can output light at different signature wavelengths.
US07655935B1
A self-contained source of gamma-ray and neutron radiation suitable for use as a radiation surrogate for weapons-grade plutonium is described. The source generates a radiation spectrum similar to that of weapons-grade plutonium at 5% energy resolution between 59 and 2614 keV, but contains no special nuclear material and emits little α-particle radiation. The weapons-grade plutonium radiation surrogate also emits neutrons having fluxes commensurate with the gamma-radiation intensities employed.
US07655929B2
A change of a beam current of an ion beam which passes an outside of the side of a forestage beam restricting shutter, and which is incident on a forestage multipoints Faraday is measured while the forestage beam restricting shutter is driven in a y direction by a forestage shutter driving apparatus in order to obtain a beam current density distribution in the y direction of the ion beam at a position of the forestage beam restricting shutter. A change of a beam current of the ion beam which passes an outside of the side of a poststage beam restricting shutter, and which is incident on a poststage multipoints Faraday is measured while the poststage beam restricting shutter is driven in the y direction by a poststage shutter driving apparatus in order to obtain a beam current density distribution in the y direction of the ion beam at a position of the poststage beam restricting shutter. By using these results, an angle deviation, a diverging angle, and/or a beam size in the y direction of the ion beam can be obtained.
US07655926B2
Provided are a rare earth activated alkaline earth metal fluorohalide stimulable phosphor exhibiting high image quality of radiation images and reduction of luminance degradation, and a radiation image conversion panel employing the stimulable phosphor represented by Formula (1) Ba(1-x)M2(x)FBr(y)I(1-y):aM1, bLn, cO, wherein M1 is at least an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb and Cs; M2 is at least an alkaline earth metal selected from the group consisting of Be, Mg, Sr and Ca; Ln is at least a rare earth element selected from the group consisting of Ce, Pr, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Dy, Ho, Nd, Er and Yb; and x, y, a, b and c are values meeting the following conditions: 0≦x≦0.3, 0≦y≦0.9, 0≦a≦0.05 0
US07655923B2
A mesh (M) having an ellipsoid shape or a shape close to the ellipsoid shape is attached to an electrode (EL1) among electrodes (EL1 to ELn). Voltages of the later-stage electrodes (EL2 to ELn) are appropriately set. With this arrangement, a local negative spherical aberration generated by the mesh (M) is cancelled out with a positive spherical aberration. This optimizes an electric field distribution. As a result, this realizes an electrostatic lens whose acceptance angle is extended to about ±60°.
US07655909B2
Infrared detector elements and methods for forming infrared detector elements in which the top metal layer of CMOS circuitry of the detector element is employed as a lead metal reflector for the infrared detector.
US07655902B2
This invention relates to a nanowire-assisted method for mass spectrometric analysis of a specimen. More specifically, by using nanowire which can fix a specimen and perform desorption/ionization of the specimen while effectively transferring laser energy to the specimen to be irradiated, thereby enabling to perform mass spectrometric analysis without using a matrix solution. This invention, by effectively performing desorption/ionization of a specimen using the above-mentioned nanowire, enables to effectively perform qualitative-, quantitative-, and micro-analyses of specimens as well as low molecular weighted specimens. Further, this invention enables to the typical device of mass spectrometric analysis used in MALDI-T of MS. In particular, this invention can perform mass spectrometric analysis of a specimen with molecular weight of less than 1,000 Da and perform quantitative analysis by fixing a specimen with a predetermined area.
US07655888B2
A scanning microscope with a light source which emits illumination light for illuminating a specimen, with at least a first detector for detecting the detection light proceeding from the specimen, and with an objective through which the specimen can be illuminated and detected, wherein the objective is arranged in an illumination beam path and in a detection beam path, and with a second detector for non-descanned detection of the detection light proceeding from the specimen, wherein a compact assembly is provided which comprises a housing which is attached to a microscope stand and which has at least one receptacle for a microscope objective for the illumination beam path and/or detection beam path of the scanning microscope, wherein at least the second detector is arranged in the housing and can be acted upon by specimen light.
US07655866B2
Communication cables are provided in which a core lay length of the cable varies along the cable length. The cable may be provided with different segments that have different core lay lengths. It is desirable for neighboring core lay lengths in a cable to differ by a factor of two, to enable a reduction in power-sum alien near-end crosstalk (PSANEXT) when two cables are installed alongside one another. Segments of the cable having different core lay lengths may be spaced periodically along the length of the cable, and the periodicity of the spacing may be altered by a jitter distance. The introduction of jitter into the periodicity of the spacing of the segments increases the likelihood that a beneficial placement of core lay lengths will occur when two or more cables are installed alongside one another.
US07655861B2
A surge protector which has a metal grounding plate having holes and tubular sleeve guides, standard UL-approved ground rods that are inserted through the sleeve guides and are affixed to the sleeve guides using a durable exothermic weld, and leads attached at one end to the grounding plate also using an exothermic weld to affix any number of grounding devices, traditional ground rings, electronic equipment, structures, sites or combinations thereof. The durable exothermic weld is a permanent connection that stands in contrast to commonly used mechanical connections. The present invention also has a minimal footprint requirement allowing for placement in areas where space limitations are unsuitable for placement of conventional grounding rings. The present invention can be used in combination with or in lieu of conventional grounding rings.
US07655858B2
A thermoelectric device (100, 342) that includes at least one thermoelectric couple (118, 304) that contains a thermoelectric junction (156) between two dissimilar materials (P, N) that allow exploitation of either the Seebeck effect or Peltier effect of the junction. The thermoelectric couple includes two thermoelements (120, 124, 324, 326) that extend between the hot side (104) and cold side (108) of the device. Each thermoelement has a thermally insulating region (128, 132) that insulates the hot side from the cold side and an electrical energy storage device (136, 138, 308, 310) that stores electrical energy. When operating in a Seebeck mode, each storage device may be periodically discharged by harvesting circuitry (200, 300) so as to harvest the energy stored therein. When operating in a Peltier mode, each storage device may be periodically charged by charging circuitry (900, 1000) so as to induce a temperature change at the thermoelectric junction.
US07655849B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH515277. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH515277, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH515277 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH515277.
US07655840B2
Isolated nucleic acid fragments and recombinant constructs comprising such fragments for altering embryo/endosperm size during seed development are disclosed along with a method of controlling embryo/endosperm size during seed development in plants.
US07655835B2
The invention relates to transgenic plants having reduced sensitivity to ethylene as a result of having a recombinant nucleic acid encoding a F-box protein, and a method of producing a transgenic plant with reduced ethylene sensitivity by transforming the plant with a nucleic acid sequence encoding a F-box protein.
US07655833B2
The present invention relates to enzymes involved in lipid metabolism. In particular, the present invention provides coding sequences for Arabidopsis Desaturases (ADS), the encoded ADS polypeptides, and methods for using the sequences and encoded polypeptides, where such methods include decreasing and increasing saturated fatty acid content in plant seed oils.
US07655827B2
A process for selectively making 2-alkenes from a NAO using a mesoporous catalyst that has been surface modified with a Brönsted acid compound. The Brönsted acid compound has a reactive silane connector, an organic linking group, and a Brönsted acid group. The mesoporous catalyst has an average pore diameter in a range of about 12 to about 100 Angstroms and a surface area of between about 400 to about 1400 m2/gram.
US07655822B2
A gas-solid reactor and method including two fluidized reaction zones having an integrated gas-solid separation system which achieves rigorously controlled residence times in the reactor.
US07655817B2
The present invention relates to a production method of optically active hydrazine compound (IV), which includes reacting azo compound (II) with compound (III) in the presence of optically active compound (I). The present invention also relates to a production method of optically active amine compound (V), which includes producing optically active hydrazine compound (IV) by the above-mentioned method, reacting the optically active hydrazine compound (IV) with a base or an acid to eliminate a protecting group represented by PG, and then subjecting the resulting compound to catalytic reduction or reacting the resulting compound with a zinc powder to reduce a nitrogen-nitrogen bond. wherein X is S or O; C*, C** and C*** are asymmetric carbons, R1 and R2 are lower alkyl groups etc., R4 and R5 may in combination form cyclohexane etc., R3 is aryl group optionally having substituent(s) etc., R6 and R7 are hydrogen atoms etc., R8 is aryl group optionally having substituent(s) etc., R9 and R10 are electron withdrawing groups, and PG is a protecting group.
US07655815B2
The invention relates to biuret compounds of the idealized general formula in which R1 is a (C1-C22)-alkylene, (C3-C22)-alkenylene, (C5-C15)-cycloalkylene, arylene, (C7-C12)-aralkylene, a polyoxyalkylene radical or is a polyester radical, R2 is a (C1-C22)-alkyl, hydroxy-(C1-C22)-alkyl, (C3-C18)-alkenyl, aryl, (C7-C12)-aralkyl, or (C5-C12)-cycloalkyl radical, a hydroxy-, (C1-C22)-alkoxy-, (C5-C12)-cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-C12)-aralkoxy-polyoxyalkylene radical, or a polyester radical prepared starting from a (C1-C22)-alkanol, (C5-C12)-cycloalkanol, or (C7-C12)-aralkanol or from a (C1-C22)-alkoxy-, (C6-C12)-cycloalkoxy-, or (C7-C12)-aralkoxy-polyoxyalkylene, Y stands for identical or different radicals O, NH, CO—NH—NH or NH—NH—CO, R3, R4 and R5 independently of one another are a (C2-C40)-alkylene, (C3-C40)-alkenylene, (C5-C40)-cyclo-alkylene, arylene, (C7-C40)-aralkylene or polyoxy-alkylene radical or are a polyester radical, R6 is a (C1-C30)-alkyl, (C3-C22)-alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl and hydroxyalkenyl, (C4-C13)-cycloalkyl, aryl or (C7-C12)-aralkyl radical, Z stands for one or more of the following groups COO, OCO, NHCO, CONH, NHCOO, OOCNH and NHCONH, and a is a number from 1 to 19, and also to processes for preparing them and to their use for rheology control and for thixotroping coating systems, as anti-sag agents and/or as anti-settling agents.
US07655813B2
The invention relates to the preparation of organodialkylalkoxysilane using a continuous method consisting in bringing an alkanol into continuous contact with an omega-haloalkyl dialkylhalosilane in a countercurrent reactor, such as a plate column or a packed column. The reaction is performed in the aforementioned countercurrent reactor in the presence or absence of a non-reactive solvent with scavenging of the hydrochloric acid formed. The omega-haloalkyl dialkylalkoxysilane thus formed is particularly suitable for use as a starting material for the preparation of organosilicon compounds containing sulphur having general formula (I) by means of sulphidisation reaction on an alkaline metal polysulphide.
US07655807B2
Low molecular weight conjugated nitrogen compounds having linear conjugated chains, and devices fabricated using the conjugated nitrogen compounds as organic semiconductor materials, hole conducting materials, or light-emitting materials. The conjugated nitrogen compounds can be spin-coated at room temperature, are stable, and has superior electrical conductivity.
US07655805B2
A method for synthesizing benzotriazole comprises acts of: preparing a first solvent comprising 2-(2-hydroxy-5-methylphenyl) benzotriazole, a basic agent and molecular sieves and a second solvent comprising 3-chloro-2-alkyl propylene; mixing the solvents; and heating the solvents. This method requires only one reaction vessel and produces few by-products, therefore is simpler and cheaper to produce. Furthermore, the molecular sieves are cheaper than catalysts in conventional reactions and may be recycled, giving even greater economic benefits.
US07655797B2
The present invention provides 2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds that inhibit the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades that lead to the release of chemical mediators, intermediates and methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of using the compounds in a variety of contexts, including in the treatment and prevention of diseases characterized by, caused by or associated with the release of chemical mediators via degranulation and other processes effected by activation of the IgE and/or IgG receptor signaling cascades. Certain disclosed embodiments concern contacting compounds having a formula or a salt or N-oxide thereof, with 2,4-dichloro-5-fluoropyrimidine under conditions to provide compounds having a formula
US07655793B2
Disclosed is a process for separating and/or purifying a nucleic acid by elution of the nucleic acid from anion exchange resins under conditions of high salt concentration and the presence in the eluant of an additive comprising guanidine, or a guanidine-like derivative. The process allows high recovery of nucleic acids from anion exchange resins without impairing the nucleic acid stability as compared with conventional ion exchange chromatographic procedures.
US07655792B2
The invention provides an improved method for the purification of nucleic acid molecules, which method comprises generating a cellular lysate containing the nucleic acid; contacting the lysate with an anion exchanger bound to a solid support matrix under conditions such that the anion exchanger binds the nucleic acid; followed by eluting the nucleic acid from the anion exchanger with an aqueous mobile phase comprising an elution solution; and desalting the eluted nucleic acid such that it is suitable for downstream applications. The improvement of the method includes adding in the elution solution a composition such that the pH of the aqueous mobile phase is between about pH 9 and about pH 13, wherein the presence of the composition in the elution solution provides an increase in nucleic acid recovery, as compared with the recovery in the absence of the composition.
US07655787B2
A circularly permuted chimeric pRNA molecule carrying a stabilized biologically active RNA, such as a ribozyme.
US07655773B2
The invention relates to anti-apoptotically active apatamers. The invention describes possible therapeutic and diagnostic applications for, among other things, treating arteriosclerosis, promoting the healing of wounds, treating AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, systemic lupus erythematosus as well a rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases.
US07655770B1
The present invention is in the field of plant biochemistry. More specifically the invention relates to nucleic acid sequences from plant cells, in particular, nucleic acid sequences from maize and soybean associated with the phosphogluconate pathway enzymes. The invention encompasses nucleic acid molecules that encode proteins and fragments of proteins. In addition, the invention also encompasses proteins and fragments of proteins so encoded and antibodies capable of binding these proteins or fragments. The invention also relates to methods of using the nucleic acid molecules, proteins and fragments of proteins and antibodies, for example for genome mapping, gene identification and analysis, plant breeding, preparation of constructs for use in plant gene expression and transgenic plants.
US07655742B2
There is provided a method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I which is applicable to various substrates in relatively easy way (coating conditions, application method, etc.), a process for preparing a vinylidene fluoride homopolymer having crystal form I efficiently at high purity, and novel vinylidene fluoride homopolymers which can give a thin film being excellent in ferroelectricity. The method of forming a thin film of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprises (i) a step for preparing a green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component by subjecting vinylidene fluoride to radical polymerization in the presence of a bromine compound or iodine compound having 1 to 20 carbon atoms which contains at least one moiety represented by —CRf1Rf2X1, wherein X1 is iodine atom or bromine atom; Rf1 and Rf2 are the same or different and each is selected from fluorine atom or perfluoroalkyl groups having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and (ii) a step for forming a thin film on a substrate surface by using vinylidene fluoride homopolymer which comprises crystal form I alone or as main component and is obtained from the green powder product of vinylidene fluoride homopolymer comprising crystal form I alone or as main component.
US07655737B2
A composition comprising a blend of: from 1 to 99 weight percent of a polycarbonate comprising from 10 to 90 mole percent of one or more arylate carbonate units of the formula wherein each Rf is independently a C1-12 hydrocarbon, halogen, or halogen-substituted C1-12 hydrocarbon, and u is 0 to 4; and from 10 to 90 mole percent of different carbonate units of the formula wherein at least 60% of the R1 groups are C6-30 aromatic groups, and from 1 to 99 weight percent of a polyester comprising units of the formula wherein T is a residue derived from a C5-C7 cycloaliphatic or C7-C12 aromatic dicarboxylic acid or a chemical equivalent thereof, and D is a residue derived from a C6-C12 aromatic or C2-C12 aliphatic diol or a chemical equivalent thereof, provided that at least 50 mole percent of D is derived from 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or a chemical equivalent thereof; and wherein the weight percent of the polycarbonate and the polyester are each based on the total weight of the polycarbonate and the polyester.
US07655735B2
The present invention relates to an ionic multi-block copolymer composition comprising tri-block copolymers having a polypropyleneoxide or polybutyleneoxide block positioned between two polyethyleneoxide blocks and the tri-block copolymers are connected through dicarboxylic acid linkages forming a multi-block copolymer having a weight average molecular weight of more than 40,000 Dalton. The higher weight average molecular weight enables the hydrolgel formed from the multi-block copolymer of the present invention to maintain its gel status for more than several days.
US07655731B2
Disclosed are soft polymer compositions comprising an ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer and a crystalline polyolefin, such as polypropylene homopolymers or polypropylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate copolymer has a higher melt viscosity than the polyolefin. Also disclosed are such compositions modified by materials that improve the scratch-and-mar properties of the blends, the preparation and use of these compositions in such processes as extrusion and injection molding, and articles made from these compositions.
US07655719B2
A thermally conductive polymer composition having enhanced mechanical properties is provided. The polymer composition consists of a base polymer matrix loaded with fillers that results in a thermal conductivity that is greater than 1.5 W/m° K and a tensile modulus within an acceptable range making the composition suitable for structural plastic applications, such as between 1,700 to 12,000 Mpa and more preferably between approximately 2,700 to 10,000 Mpa and even more preferably in the range of between approximately 4,000 to 9,000 Mpa. In addition to a tensile modulus within the identified range the composition also includes an elongation to break value that is at least above 1.0% and more preferably in the range of about 1.2% to 10%.
US07655713B2
A non-aqueous ink-jet ink containing a pigment, a resin for fixing an image and Compound A represented by Formula (1) or Formula (2), wherein a content of Compound A in the ink-jet ink is from 1.5 to 30 weight % based on the total weight of the ink-jet ink:
US07655711B2
The present disclosure is directed to binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled fibers. For example, the disclosure describes binders useful in the fabrication of products from loosely assembled cellulosic fibers. The disclosure also describes methods of fabricating products from loosely assembled fibers utilizing the aforementioned binders.
