US08096520B2
An array of U-shaped flanged brackets and flange tipped posts attached to a supporting surface providing a mechanical connection with an object that is provided with corresponding posts and brackets. The brackets and posts can include electrical contacts or fiber optic contacts for transferring power or signals between connected objects. Various objects can be mounted on the array of brackets and posts to provide positioning flexibility.
US08096516B2
A tool storage device is adapted for retaining a hand tool thereon, and includes a seat engaging component and a storage unit. The seat engaging component includes a web wall, and top and bottom walls cooperating with the web wall to define a receiving space. Each of the top and bottom walls has a distal edge. The distal edges cooperatively define an opening in spatial communication with the receiving space. The storage unit includes a slidable seat that has a connecting portion extending into the receiving space through the opening, a positioning plate connected to an outer end of the connecting portion and mounted with a positioning seat, and upper and lower engaging components disposed in the receiving space, each extending from an inner end of the connecting portion and abutting resiliently against the web wall of the seat engaging component.
US08096512B2
A plurality of sufficient closely-packed functional units which are interconnected to form a non-planar payload module assembly 40. Advantageously, the payload modular structure 40 is compact with few piece parts, has low output losses, and is robust enough for supporting complete payloads with or without reflectors. The payload modular structure has utility in various space-based applications as well as in various terrestrial applications.
US08096511B2
A system is dedicated to the control of the deployment of at least two spacecraft (ES1, ES2) which are provided with maneuvering means (MD1, MD2) and are intended to move according to a chosen formation. This system includes a control device (MM11, MM12, MT, MC1) comprising i) first measurement means (MM11, MM12, MT) responsible for determining substantially simultaneously and with high precision the orbital positions of the spacecraft (ES1, ES2), and ii) first calculation means (MC1) responsible for determining for each of the spacecraft, as a function of their orbital positions, maneuvers intended to position each of them at a chosen instant substantially in a chosen position with respect to a reference trajectory, having regard to the time law of a reference craft (ES1) on this reference trajectory (TR), so as to place the formation in a chosen configuration.
US08096510B2
A leading edge inflatable traction kite wherein the leading edge structure includes a plurality of spaced segments that are fabricated from a material with a higher elasticity, thus allowing for a greater amount of twisting and bending. The inflatable leading edge includes a series of elastically deformable segments disposed throughout the length thereof to facilitate selective torsional deformation of the leading edge and resulting overall angle of attack of the kite. These elastically deformable segments are preferably integrally formed as part of the leading edge support and are comprised of a material with a high elasticity, namely a higher elasticity than the remaining leading edge segments. Providing elastically deformable segments of high elasticity dispersed along the leading edge combined with regions of lower elasticity maximizes responsiveness and control by allowing leading edge deformation in response to user applied force, while the providing sufficient support to maintain kite stability.
US08096509B2
A parachute inlet control system is configured to provide an improved inflation profile for solo and/or clustered parachutes. An inlet parachute is coupled to a main parachute via a plurality of lacing loops and/or reefing rings. The lacing loops may be passed through the reefing rings and/or may be routed around one or more of the main parachute suspension lines. The inlet parachute is located in the inlet area of the main parachute, and causes the inlet of the main parachute to rapidly form a desirable shape. The inlet parachute and lacing loops function as a reefing means, and prevent full inflation of the main parachute until a reefing cutter has functioned. In this manner, parachute failures, such as those due to leading and/or lagging parachutes in a parachute cluster, may be reduced or eliminated.
US08096507B2
An aircraft turret and fairing assembly for facilitating transmission of a directed energy beam from a directed energy device includes a turret section for directing an energy beam. The assembly also includes a fairing section aft of and adjacent to the turret section. Each of the turret section and the aft fairing section are coupled to an aircraft. The assembly also includes at least one sensor for detecting air speed of the aircraft and air pressure. The turret section and the aft fairing section are configured and positioned relative to one another to direct airflow for generating an aeroacoustic resonance within a desired frequency range in an area aft of the turret section.
US08096506B2
A method for making a window frame for installation in the exterior shell of an aircraft, which comprises at least one outer flange, an inner flange, and a vertical flange arranged perpendicular to and between these two flanges, contemplates that first a semifinished part comprising multiple, individual substructures is made, which next is inserted into a molding tool, into which, under pressure and temperature, resin is injected, and that the component made in this manner subsequently is hardened in the molding tool. The semifinished part has a layer structure, which comprises a web material, fiber bundles, or a combination of fiber bundles and web material.
US08096500B2
A lifting or stabilising component (11) for an aircraft comprising in the area of its trailing edge a rotary control element (13) rotating around an axis (61) with at least one slot (21) between the tip (15) of the component (11) and the control element (13), the edges of which are configured such that the distance therebetween, that is, the dimension of the slot (21), is constant for different angles of deflection of the control element (13), being located between them a seal (23) that assure the aerodynamic continuity of the component (11) when the control element (13) is at rest. In a preferred embodiment, the component (11) is a horizontal tail stabilizer and the control element (13) is a rudder.
US08096490B2
A fuel injection valve comprises a valve seat, a movable valve element which is seated on or separated from the valve seat, and a nozzle member having a plurality of nozzle holes. At least one of the valve element and valve seat has a curved surface at a contact position where they contact with each other when the valve element is seated on the valve seat. Two or more of the nozzle holes are provided outside an intersection line of a virtual extension surface along a tangential line to the curved surface at the contact position and a surface of the nozzle member.
US08096489B2
A spraying device includes a housing that has a spraying unit and a trigger assembly. The spraying unit is a removable insert within the housing. The spraying unit includes an air chamber that is coupled to a liquid tank. A front end portion of the air chamber has a nozzle. The air chamber receives a liquid tube that opens in the nozzle. The liquid tube receives a needle and the needle and the liquid tube are coaxial with each other. The trigger assembly controls the flow of liquid through the liquid tube by positioning a tapered front end of the needle. The trigger assembly includes a trigger that has a first position and a second position. In the first position, the opening of the liquid tube is closed by the needle. In a second position, the liquid tube is opened to discharge a liquid from an opening of the liquid tube.
US08096485B2
In a method and device for preheating an internal combustion engine injector (1) including at least one valve (3) to be activated by an electromagnet (21), in which the coil of the electromagnet (21) is energized before the engine is started, the coil of the electromagnet (21) is periodically powered with a preheating voltage (42), and the current characteristic (33) within the coil is monitored and subjected to an evaluation to detect local current minima (43) and/or maxima (44) caused by armature reactions.
US08096484B2
Method for the production of dry, free-flowing, stable hydrophobin preparations by spraying and drying aqueous hydrophobin solutions, if appropriate comprising additives in a spray device.
US08096474B2
Disclosed is a method for decoding data that is encoded on a medium in a two-dimensional arrangement of code symbol marks (12). According to said method, orientation symbol marks (7) are disposed in several rows and several columns such that a grid of row centerlines and column centerlines is adjusted to the read orientation symbol marks (7) by determining a step width for the rows and the columns while read code symbol marks (12) are assigned to one respective point of intersection of the adjusted grid, said point of intersection being linkable to a defined piece of data. The step width of the rows is different from the step width of the columns, and a relative orientation of the two-dimensional arrangement of code symbol marks (12) is determined from the ratio between the two step widths. A data range (10) that is used for code symbol marks (12) is determined from a reference symbol mark (8). The code symbol marks (12) and the orientation symbol marks (7) are distinguished based on a characteristic, distinct graphic design and are allocated, respectively.
US08096471B2
The present invention is generally directed to a ballot marking device adapted to mark a ballot and either return the marked ballot to the voter or automatically deposit the marked ballot into a secure ballot box attached to the marking device. The device includes a presentation device operable to present to the voter a plurality of election choices and ballot handling choices, and an input device operable to receive from the voter at least one selection corresponding to the election choices and at least one instruction corresponding to the ballot handling choices. The device also includes a marking mechanism operable to record the received voter selection on the ballot, a transport mechanism operable to transport the ballot through the device, and a diverter operable to direct the ballot from the transport mechanism into the attached ballot box. An associated method is also disclosed.
US08096465B2
The invention relates to a safe device for collecting coins. It comprises a support receiving a coin box comprising a hatch controlled by an internal mechanism. The coin box comprises includes a locking means making it possible to authorize its introduction and its extraction in the support. The locking means making it possible to authorize the internal mechanism to open the hatch. The internal mechanism acts on the hatch by opening it when the locking means authorizes it and the coin box is introduced into the support; and by holding it closed otherwise. The subject of the invention is also a safe method for emptying coin boxes. The invention is applied to the transfer of coins without contact.
US08096463B2
To permanently apply lead terminals to corresponding electrodes of electronic or electro-optic components, the following steps are carried out: a. providing a frame including at least one tensioned wire, b. providing a holding jig including at least one seat in which a respective one of the components can be removably and temporarily retained, c. applying the components to the seats with the respective electrodes aligned along a respective longitudinal direction; in this way a row of aligned components is obtained, each component having a corresponding electrode aligned to the subsequent one in the row, d. applying the holding jig to the frame and orienting the same so that the longitudinal direction corresponds to the direction of the tensioned wire, the tensioned wire being thereby brought substantially in contact with (all) the electrode(s) aligned to each other on a corresponding row of components, e. electrically and mechanically bonding the tensioned wire to the corresponding electrodes; in this way all components are simultaneously bonded to the wire, and f. cutting the wire to separate the components from each other thereby forming a respective lead terminal for each electrode.
US08096459B2
A surgical stapler is provided having a cartridge arm for holding staples, an anvil pivotally connected thereto to deform fired staples from the cartridge arm, and a support for substantially preventing anvil deflection during staple firing to help insure proper staple formation. Some supports allow pivoting between the anvil and cartridge arm when in a first position, but prevent or hinder the pivoting action when in a second position. Supports can also be adapted to contact the anvil at a distal position relative to the pivot point between the anvil and cartridge arm. Exemplary structures of supports embodied as one or more links or as a sleeve are described. Methods of use are also discussed.
US08096458B2
An anvil assembly for a circular stapling device includes an anvil head configured to support an anvil plate thereon, a shaft extending from the anvil head and configured to selectively engage a rod member of the circular stapling device, an anvil plate operatively connected to the anvil head, wherein the anvil plate includes an inner diametral edge, and wherein the anvil plate defines a plurality of staple forming pockets therein at a location radially outward of the inner diametral edge, a recess formed in the anvil head, wherein the recess is defined by the inner diametral edge of the anvil plate and a rear surface of the anvil head, and a wound treatment material disposed substantially within the recess.
US08096457B1
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a flexible articulation insert separated into segments, where at least one segment is longitudinally slidable relative to at least one other segment, and where at least one passage is defined longitudinally through the insert; and at least one feeder belt extending through a corresponding passage in the insert, where staples are frangibly connected to the feeder belt.
US08096451B2
The apparatus is constituted by at least an operating unit comprising: a chute, inferiorly associated to a hopper for containing granular or powder product, the chute being extended downwards to convey the product towards an underlying container; a rotary obturator having a horizontal axis X, for transversally occluding the chute and being laterally provided with an opening destined to place the chute in communication with a batching chamber, realized internally of the body of the obturator and delimited, on an opposite side to the opening, by a gas-permeable wall; a conduit connected at an end thereof to the batching chamber, via the wall, and at another end thereof to aspirating and blowing means; motorized organs for commanding rotations of the obturator, with which the opening is alternatingly oriented upwards, during the loading stage, in order to enable the granular or powder products, falling from the hopper and introduced into the upper part of the chute to enter the batching chamber, which is depressed thanks to the action of the aspirating means, and in a downwards direction, during the subsequent delivery stage, to enable the batched volume of granular or powder product, projected by a jet of pressurized gas generated by the blowing means, to exit the batching chamber and enter the lower part of the chute to descend towards the container.
US08096440B2
Pressure cooker equipped with a gripping part attached to the pan.The invention relates to a domestic pressure cooker comprising: a pan (2) which itself comprises a wall. a lid designed to be attached to the pan (2) to form with the latter a cooking chamber that is substantially impervious. at least one gripping part (20), attached to the pan (2) by means of attachment means (20A), characterized in that the attachment means (20A) at least comprise: an attachment orifice (200A) passing through the wall of the pan (2), wherein said attachment orifice (200A) is positioned on the wall of the pan (2) so that it does not communicate with the inside of the cooking chamber, and an attachment part (201A), connected to the gripping part (20) and extending through the attachment orifice (200A). Cooking devices.
US08096433B2
A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container is equipped with a unitary closure that includes a draining spike access aperture occluded by a removable, twist-off cap and an internal draining spike stabilizer situated in the neck portion of the container.
US08096413B2
A package for holding a plurality of containers. The package comprises panels that extend at least partially around an interior of the package. The panels comprise a top panel and at least one side panel foldably connected to the top panel. At least one feature is in the top panel that receives and holds a top portion of at least one container of the plurality of containers. The at least one feature comprises an opening in the top panel and a retention feature adjacent the opening to engage at least one container of the plurality of containers to at least partially attach the at least one container to the package.
US08096412B1
A key remote control cover for covering the remote control portion of a remote control key to prevent inadvertent pressing of remote control buttons while handling the key includes a rigid main body portion having an interior, a closed first end, and an open second end. The main body portion is designed for surrounding the bow of a key. A slot is positioned in the closed first end of the main body portion such that the slot is designed for receiving a blade of the key therethrough while the main body portion surrounds the bow of the key.
US08096402B2
A sorter system includes a first conveyor for transporting items to designated containers, a second conveyor for transporting containers containing the items, and a shuttle unit. The shuttle unit may include a base defining a loading area proximate to the first conveyor and a staging area proximate to the second conveyor and a tray disposed on the base for receiving containers on a first section and a second section. The tray may be movable between a first position in which the first section is in the loading area and a second position in which the first section is in the staging area. The shuttle unit may further include a transport device for selectively moving a container on the first section of the tray from the staging area onto the second conveyor.
US08096400B2
A security gate mechanism for a currency handling apparatus having a currency passageway includes a rotatable gate having a slit therein. The slit is aligned with the currency passageway when the rotatable gate is in an initial position. A drive wheel is coupled to the rotary gate for driving the rotatable gate in first and second directions, wherein the second direction is opposite the first direction. A positioning member is selectively engageable with the drive wheel for positioning the rotatable gate in the initial position such that the slit in the rotatable gate is substantially aligned with the passageway. The positioning member is arranged to be engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the second direction, but it is not engageable with the drive wheel when the drive wheel rotates the rotatable gate in the first direction.
US08096385B2
The invention relates to a belayer/descender safety device (1), cooperating with a rope (2), comprising means (5) to hold said rope (2) and rotationally fixed to a chassis (6) on which enclosure means (10) for said rope (2) are mounted with pivoting and cooperating with said holding means (5). The enclosure means (10) and the chassis (6) comprise a housing (12) in opposition in the locking position which cooperates with a hook means, in particular, a spring hook, wherein said holding means (5) has the form of a pulley housing means for regulation of the speed of rotation thereof.
US08096375B2
In a hybrid vehicle 20, when the ECO switch 88 is turned on, an intermittent permissive ceiling speed Vref for permitting an intermittent operation of an engine 22 is set to a second vehicle speed more than a first vehicle speed used on a turn-off condition of the ECO switch 88 (S130). The engine 22 and a motor MG2 are controlled so that a driving power equivalent to a torque demand Tr* is ensured with the intermittent operation of the engine 22 when a vehicle speed V is not more than the intermittent permissive ceiling speed Vref (S250,S270,S200-S230).
US08096369B2
The invention relates to a striking mechanism of a handheld electric power tool, in particular a percussion drill and/or percussion hammer, having a hammer cylinder, a piston mounted with a guide section inside the hammer cylinder in a longitudinally displaceable manner, and a piston outer guide on which a guide area of the piston is guided in a longitudinally displaceable manner. A piston end located outside the hammer cylinder comprises an overlap for overlapping an end area of the hammer cylinder, and the guide area at least partially belongs to the overlap or is affixed there.
US08096361B2
A method of stimulating production from a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising pumping a fluid from the well into the formation so as to create a hydraulic fracture. The fluid contains one or more reactive species that destabilize cohesive forces in the formation matrix. The method allows the fluid to leak of into the formation and react with the formation matrix so as to produce a destabilized zone in the formation around the location of the fracture such the formation fluids and sand particles can be produced from the formation through the zone and into the well.
US08096358B2
Stimulation operations can be conducted by isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore. The planned settled height of a sand plug in a well bore adjacent a first zone of the subterranean formation is determined. The first zone is then perforated using a hydrajetting tool which is oriented so as to form perforations below the planned settled height of the sand plug.
US08096356B2
A technique prevents buckling of a service tool assembly during a sand control operation in a wellbore. A completion assembly and a service tool assembly are positioned in a wellbore. An anti-buckling mechanism is positioned to limit the buckling load effects that can otherwise be experienced by the service tool assembly during the sand control operation.
US08096355B2
Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), reflection intensity as a function of range is measured. Simulated radar data are computed from a fracture model having the height of the fracture begin measured. The fracture model is varied and the resulting simulated data are correlated with the survey data until a match of minimal error is determined.
US08096354B2
Methods and related systems for use with a wireline tool system. A wireline cable designed to deploy a wireline tool into a wellbore from a surface. The wireline cable includes one or more conducting members for communication between the wireline tool and the surface. A plurality of sensing elements located on the wireline cable in a spaced apart fashion along a length of the wireline cable, wherein each sensing element is in communication with one or more adjacent sensing element.
US08096348B2
A method of manufacturing a heat exchanger having a plurality of fine flow channels includes forming a plurality of thin plate members into a predetermined shape, and laminating the plurality of thin plate members and bonding by diffusion bonding.
US08096346B2
A method of casting a base of high-power wind turbines with low-temperature nodular graphite iron, using furan resin sand as the mold sand and having no risers or chills in the mold. The mold undergoes microseismic compaction and has no chills risers. The parting face of the mold is perpendicular to the ground. The molten iron in the mold is solidified evenly. Therefore, shrinkage holes and disperse shrinkages base are reduced greatly and the dregs and air are discharged easily for the base. The pouring system designed together with a reasonable pouring rate and time make the filtering system useful for blocking dregs.
US08096342B2
A door package includes a door frame, a door, a handle, and a pivot plate. The frame has a top portion that includes tracks in which door panels can slide. The door includes two or more equal size door panels. The handle protrudes in a direction essentially perpendicular to the door panels and is connected to a latch mechanism for positively engaging with a corresponding latch mechanism in the door frame when the door is in a closed position. The pivot plate is attached to the floor and allows the door panels to pivot from a retracted position to a broken open position essentially perpendicular to the plane of the door. At least two of the door panels separate from each other while the door is pivoting from the retracted position to the broken open position, to allow the handle to be accommodated between the two door panels.
US08096341B2
A folding panel assembly includes at least first and second, substantially rectangular panels, the first panel having first and second vertical ends, and the second panel having third and fourth vertical ends, the second and third vertical ends being hinged to one another about a hinge axis parallel thereto. An actuating system includes a substantially horizontal track, with a first pivot support for connection to the first panel, a carriage traversable along the track, with a second pivot support for connection to the second panel. The actuating system further includes a flexible drive element arranged parallel to the track and engaging the carriage for traversing it along the track. The actuating system employs an elongated connecting rod with a first longitudinal end pivotally connected to the carriage and a second, opposite longitudinal end pivotally connected to the first panel at a location adjacent to the second vertical end thereof. A line including the first and second longitudinal ends of the elongated connecting rod, in use, is excluded from becoming aligned with respect to the first panel in any position of the carriage along the track.
US08096334B2
A device and methods for harvesting submersed wood are provided. The device comprises, a machine operatively associated with a movable boom member rotatably attached. A telescoping stick having a first and second end is pivotally attached to the movable boom in a mid portion of the stick. The second end of the telescoping stick is attached to a wood gripping-cutting head. The telescoping stick is moveable to an operative position so that the second end extends below a plane defined by a surface the machine is located upon. When in use, the second end may extend into water located below the plane defined by the surface the machine is located upon. The device may be used on land, a dock, and a wharf adjacent a water edge, or the device may be located on a floating platform.
US08096332B2
The filler neck includes a neck tube body having a fuel passage a guide member for guiding the fuel gun and a recirculation passage that connects the fuel tank and the neck tube body through a passage separate from the fuel passage, and that directs fuel vapors inside the fuel tank into the fuel passage. The neck tube body includes a housing chamber a primary connector section and a secondary connector section connected to the housing chamber and defining part of the recirculation passage. The guide member is a member that is housed in the housing chamber and includes a guide section for guiding the fuel gun into the fuel passage and a passage-defining section formed in the guide section, and partly defining the recirculation passage inside the housing chamber.
US08096323B2
The invention relates to a device (1) for receiving liquids in an aircraft and/or releasing liquids therefrom, especially during the flight, said device being arranged especially in an airplane. The aim of the invention is to provide a device which can receive large quantities of liquids in a rapid, reliable and flexible manner. To this end, said device comprises a tank module (2) provided with at least one tank container (6) that is connected to a collector (8) by means of at least one connecting shaft (7), a bulkhead module (3) that can be connected to the tank module by means of the collecting tank and comprises a closing element (9) by which means, in the open position, liquids are released from the tank module, a refueling module (4) which is connected to the tank module by means of at least one supply line (10), and a tube which is arranged on a winding device (11) and comprises a receiving element (13) provided with at least one opening (14) which receives liquids released from the aircraft, so that the refueling of the device can take place.
US08096322B2
The invention relates to a microfluidic device comprising a first plate forming the substrate and including at least one perforation and, on either side of said first plate, at several locations, a material for defining passage portions consisting, in at least one of said locations, of an activatable material varying in volume on activation, said material being disposed at said locations in an arrangement that, during a first phase and upon activation of at least one location consisting of said activatable material, transforms it from a first configuration to a second configuration, modifying a three-dimensional network corresponding, in the second configuration and depending on the selected location(s) that are activated in said first phase, to different liquid paths including passage portions in offset planes parallel to the plane of the first plate, at least on either side of said first plate, and between which at least one of said perforations is located.
US08096312B2
The erectable shelter includes an awning assembly for a shelter that is removably mounted to two or more adjacent legs of the shelter. The awning assembly is mounted so that it can be moved between a downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, and to an intermediate horizontal position between the downwardly directed vertical position and an upwardly directed vertical position, allowing the awning to provide shade and to serve as a holder for signage.
US08096307B2
A hair styling attachment for connection to a device producing an air stream, such as an air curler, has two arms connected together with an articulated joint. The facing top sides of the arms have complementary working surfaces which form a hair styling gap. At least one arm is capable of motion about the pivot axis of the joint. The arm capable of motion is connected to a control lever extension within the hair styling attachment which is located on the opposite side of the pivot axis from its working surface and at an angle to the plane of the working surface. A first drive mechanism for adjusting this arm about the pivot axis acts on the control lever extension. The first drive mechanism is driven by a rotatably mounted first drive shaft, which connects it to a rotationally mounted second drive shaft of the device.
US08096306B2
A molded plastic mascara brush having an elongated flexible core with multiple bristles projecting radially therefrom, and a shape-sustaining wire extending longitudinally through the core. The wire may be bendable, enabling a desired curvature to be imparted to the brush. Additionally or alternatively, with the core and bristles molded integrally and at least some bristles disposed in rows extending lengthwise of the core, bristles may be spaced around the core at unequal angular distances, and/or bristles of at least one row may decrease progressively in length, and/or bristles may be disposed in tandem zones that differ from each other in bristle density, and/or some bristles may be disposed in rows and others of smaller diameter disposed in clusters.
US08096303B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and devices for the treatment of airway obstruction, such as obstructive sleep apnea, and devices and methods that facilitate insertion and retrieval of the same. In one embodiment, disclosed is a tissue tensioner that includes an elongate flexible tether having a first end and a second end, a bone anchor configured to be connected to a patient's mandible, a tissue ingrowth implant configured to be implanted in a patient's tongue and connected to the second end of the tether, and an adjustment mechanism configured to be held by the bone anchor adjacent the patient's mandible and configured to receive the first end of the tether and configured to adjust tension in the flexible tether between the patient's mandible and tongue. Various anchors, tethers, securement mechanisms, and adjustment mechanisms that can be used with glossal and palatal remodeling systems are also disclosed.
US08096301B2
The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swivelled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface. The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.
US08096300B2
A tube holder assembly is provided for securing a medical tube such as an endotracheal tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a support strap for placement around the patient's head or neck region, a bracket for holding the endotracheal tube in position relative to the patient's mouth, and a face anchoring portion for securing the support strap to the patient's face region. The support strap includes a front surface and an opposed, back surface. The bracket may be attached to the front surface of the support strap. The bracket may include an upper bar and an arm extending from the upper bar. The face anchoring device may comprise a first surface configured to adhere to the patient's face region, and a second, opposed surface having a strap-engaging portion configured to mechanically engage the back surface of the support strap. The support strap may be configured to be repeatedly releasable and adjustable to the face anchoring device.
US08096299B2
A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The tubular body may include an opening. The collar may include a notch positioned relative to the opening in the tubular body such that a passageway extends through at least a portion of the notch and at least a portion of the opening.
US08096296B2
A vacuum solar thermal panel including a vacuum envelope defining a sealed volume and able to withstand atmospheric pressure when evacuated, at least one heat absorber being disposed inside the vacuum envelope, a pipe entering and exiting the envelope and being in contact with the heat absorber, the vacuum envelope including a first plate made of glass, a peripheral frame, a metallic peripheral belt being joined to the first plate by way of a vacuum tight bulk glass-metal seal, including glass material and obtained by fusion and subsequent solidification. The metallic peripheral belt includes at least one elastically deformable portion that prevents the bulk glass-metal seal from getting damaged and is no more vacuum tight when subject to the evacuation process of the envelope and the thermal treatments of the panel and the potential reciprocal displacements of the glass plate and the joined metallic peripheral belt.
US08096292B1
A multi-dart blow gun projectile holder that provides for insertion and launching of multiple blow gun darts from a blow gun. The projectile holder has dual hollow open engagement cones secured together in oppositely disposed relation to one another. Multiple wire darts are selectively positioned by their base in one of said cones while the remaining cone imparts an air seal within the blow gun under user applied air pressure propelling and holding the position darts as they travel out of the blow gun during use.
US08096287B2
A liquid fuel cooling system includes an intake line, a heat exchanger, an exhaust fine, a fuel pump, and an amount of frozen carbon dioxide. The intake line connects the heat exchanger to a fuel source, and the exhaust line connects the heat exchanger to a fuel destination. The fuel pump moves fuel from the fuel source, through the intake line, through the heat exchanger, through the exhaust line, and to the fuel destination. The frozen carbon dioxide is disposed against at least a portion of the heat exchanger to draw heat away from the fuel. Optionally, a system can include dual heat exchanger connected via a bridge line, with the frozen carbon dioxide being disposed there between.
US08096282B2
The present invention is a method for reducing misfire in a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The method includes detecting a misfire event frequency that is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, determining a pulse-width signal for a fuel injector associated with the cylinder during the misfire event, increasing the pulse-width signal if the misfire event is frequency is below a second predetermined value, and reducing the increase in the pulse-width signal if the misfire event frequency is below the first predetermined value.
US08096276B2
A plasma power supply circuit includes a DC/DC converter connected to a DC power supply and outputting a DC voltage, a voltage limit circuit limiting an output voltage from the DC/DC converter to a predetermined value, a PJ capacitor connected to an output end of the DC/DC converter and charged with electric energy used to generate a plasma in a discharge space of the spark plug, and a high-voltage switch connected between the PJ capacitor and the DC/DC converter and controlled to switch ON and OFF so that a charge period of the PJ capacitor is controlled according to running conditions of the internal combustion engine. Hence, the plasma ignition device can prevent damage on an electronic component incorporated therein even at the occurrence of a short and lessen damage on the internal combustion engine caused by an erroneous plasma jet ejection, wearing of the spark plug, and power consumption.
US08096271B2
A control module and system includes a camshaft position module that determines a camshaft position change of a crankshaft. The control module also includes a cam phaser velocity module determines a cam phaser velocity based on the camshaft position change. A cam phaser velocity module determines a compensation factor based on the cam phaser velocity. A cam position compensation module generates a corrected cam position signal based on the compensation factor.
US08096270B2
Provided is a cylinder block which includes a liner and a water jacket having a closed-deck structure in a simple configuration and which has a structure providing high rigidity and enabling easy formation at low cost. A cylinder block of the present invention includes a liner arranged on an inner circumference surface of a bored hole and a water jacket arranged on the outside of the liner in the radial direction. By a bending process of folding back an end portion of a cylinder-shaped member, a hollow portion capable of forming the water jacket is formed integrally in one end portion or both end portions of a liner portion forming the liner, and the cylinder-shaped member is enclosed with a cylinder block forming material by casting.
US08096268B2
A steam generator includes a furnace configured and adapted to generate a stream of furnace exit gases from the combustion of municipal solid waste fuel. At least one superheater is disposed within an upper portion of the furnace or backpass. The superheater is configured and adapted to superheat fluids within the superheater by facilitating heat transfer between fluids within the superheater and furnace exit gases outside the superheater. At least one waterwall furnace platen is disposed within the furnace upstream from the superheater, the waterwall furnace platen is configured and adapted to lower furnace exit gas temperature at the superheater by facilitating heat transfer between fluids within the waterwall furnace platen and furnace exit gases outside the waterwall furnace platen.
US08096266B2
Systems and methods for watering animals generally include a container having an inner recess. A pump directs water from the inner recess of the container through a fluid column, which may contain filter medium. One or more spouts are located at a terminal end of the fluid column and direct the water in one or more streams back to the inner recess of the container. The spouts may be associated with one of various spout plates that can be interchanged with one another and adjusted to orient the streams of water. Some embodiments employ a restrictor plate that may be variably positioned within the flow of water. Other embodiments provide a variable speed pump that incrementally adjusts the rate of flow.
US08096263B2
A circuit line forming device, including an inkjet head to eject a conductive ink onto one side of a substrate, the conductive ink containing nanoparticles including a ferromagnetic core and a conductive layer surrounding the ferromagnetic core; and a magnetic field generator part, positioned on the other side of the substrate in correspondence with the inkjet head, wherein the magnetic field generator part applies a magnetic field on the conductive ink, when the conductive ink is ejected to form circuit lines.
US08096261B2
The invention relates to a substrate, a method for spraying particulate solids onto a substrate and an apparatus for spraying particulate solids onto a substrate covered with a wet and/or adhesive synthetic resin layer, comprising a feed line having means for generating a gas pressure at its first end and a free opening at its second end, a reservoir for particulate solids, and a nozzle for generating a pressure differential, wherein the reservoir and the nozzle are inserted in the line in such a way that particulate solids are taken out of the reservoir into the line and swirled, and transported to the open end of the line, from which the particulate solids are ejected and sprayed onto the wet and/or adhesive synthetic resin layer, by the pressure differential generated by the nozzle in operation.
US08096256B2
A passively-actuated lanyard clamp is disclosed that provides an improved ability to deploy a terminal weight or anchor in a body of water without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a mechanically-bistable latch for clamping a lanyard, wherein the latch is passively-actuated by a force that develops as a result of the terminal weight reaching the bottom of the body of water.
US08096240B2
Exposed printing plates are bent in the area of a bending device to form a leading end and a trailing end. Each exposed and bent printing plate is grasped in the area of the bending device at the leading end or at the trailing end of the printing plate by means of a gripping bar and transferred together with the gripping bar to a transporting device. The transporting device transports the printing plate together with the gripping bar toward a printing press, where the printing plate is removed together with the gripping bar from the transporting device in the area of the printing press. While grasped by the gripping bar, the plate is transferred to a form cylinder of a printing mechanism of the printing press.
US08096238B2
A satellite printing unit of a web-fed printing press with printing couples is disclosed. Each printing couple includes a plate cylinder and a transfer cylinder where the transfer cylinders of all the printing couples roll off a common impression cylinder. Each plate cylinder features a high lockup slot and a low lockup slot and each transfer cylinder has a lockup slot. The transfer cylinders of the printing couples are aligned relative to the plate cylinders of the printing couples such that, on a first group of printing couples, which includes at least one printing couple, the lockup slot of the respective transfer cylinder rolls over the high lockup slot of the respective plate cylinder and on a second group of printing couples, which includes at least one printing couple, the lockup slot of the respective transfer cylinder rolls over the low lockup slot of the respective plate cylinder.
US08096236B2
A press machine is provided that can accurately detect load acted on a frame. A frame 1 includes an upper horizontal frame 1b, a lower horizontal frame 1a, and a vertical frame 1c arranged to connect the upper horizontal frame 1b and the lower horizontal frame 1a. A press drive mechanism 8 is provided to the upper horizontal frame 1b. A strain generation member 23 is arranged across from the upper horizontal frame 1b to the vertical frame 1c. In the strain generation member 23, an intermediate portion 23a has a cross-sectional area that is smaller than those of end portions 23b, 23c fixed to the upper horizontal frame 1b and the vertical frame 1c, respectively. A strain amount detecting body 24 is attached to the intermediate portion 23a of the strain generation member 23 in order to detect a strain amount.
US08096233B2
A servo press line operation control device includes a normal press operation control section, a normal transfer operation control section, an upward movement step delay determination section, a downstream-side transfer step delay correction control section, an upstream-side transfer step delay determination section, a slide downward movement step delay correction control section, and the like. The servo press line operation control device performs a normal press operation that adjusts a slide position to a target slide position based on slide motion information, performs a normal transfer operation that adjusts a transfer position to a target transfer position based on transfer motion information, performs a correction that delays a transfer step of a downstream-side servo transfer device as compared with the normal transfer operation when a slide upward movement step is in a delayed state, and performs a correction that delays a slide downward movement step of a servo press as compared with the normal press operation when an upstream-side transfer step is in the delayed state.
US08096213B2
A body having one or more apertures to receive a variety of detachable utility inserts. The body being shaped with a spherical ball retainer member and/or a torsion bar for engaging a corresponding spherical indentation and notch formed on the utility insert. The body further including a lever for locking and unlocking the utility insert from the body.
US08096209B2
A vehicle control device including: a support; a steering member mounted mobile relative to the support; and at least one speed ratio shifting member including a base rigidly fixed to the support and having a single end, the at least one speed ratio shifting member including one part mounted mobile on the base and forming the end.
US08096206B2
The invention relates to a control device, in particular for an aircraft, having a multiaxially tiltable joystick for the actuation of signal transducers, in particular for the pitch control and roll control of an aircraft, as well as having a cardan-like joint by means of which the joystick is tiltable about different pivot axes, said joint furthermore having at least one freewheel for a tilt movement of the joystick about one of the pivot axes. In accordance with the invention, the freewheel is formed by a lever mechanism or by an elastic component.
US08096196B2
A load cell includes a cylindrical ring with one end closed by a membrane configured to receive a load or force to be measured. A sensor carrier plate is arranged in a cavity formed by the ring and the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is coupled to the membrane to undergo a displacement upon deflection of the membrane. The sensor carrier plate has an inner and an outer portion and carries in the outer portion at least one sensor adapted for sensing the displacement and generating a signal based on the load or force applied to the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is movably coupled to the membrane at a location between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one further sensor is arranged in the inner portion generating a signal changing with opposite sign with respect to the signal of the sensor.
US08096190B2
In order to conduct tests designed to determine the adherence properties of a coating on a substrate, a pull plate of a hardenable material is molded directly to the surface of a coating applied to a substrate. The pull plate geometry is determined by the mold cavity and is made of a material that adheres to the coating surface during the molding process. The pull plate therefore, is only used once, while the mold may be reused.
US08096178B2
An apparatus for capacitive ascertaining and/or monitoring of the fill level of a medium in a container. The apparatus includes at least one probe unit, which is electrically insulated relative to the medium, and at least one electronics unit, which supplies the probe unit with at least one electrical, actuating signal, receives an electrical measurement signal from the probe unit, and evaluates the measurement signal as regards the fill level The actuating signal is an electrical alternating voltage signal. The electronics unit is embodied in such a manner that it supplies the probe unit with the actuating signal in a measuring phase, and supplies the probe unit with a test signal in a test phase, and that it receives a test measurement signal in the test phase from the probe unit, wherein the test signal is selected in such a manner that it has at least one section with an essentially constant voltage value.
US08096176B1
A bird-deterrent device including a hub with fingers radiating from the hub to prevent or inhibit birds from perching on the top of a sailboat mast. In one embodiment, the hub is mounted to the top of a mast by a fastener which also secures a post of a wind indicator having a vane rotatable on the post to indicate wind direction. In another embodiment, the hub is mounted or fixed about the post of the wind indicator. In another embodiment the hub is fixed to a post which is connected to the halyard to be raised above or lowered below the mast.
US08096175B2
Provided is a tire pressure sensor valve that can be easily installed to a 2-piece or 3-piece inch-up wheel and protect a tire pressure sensor when removing a tire. The tire pressure sensor valve includes a sensor housing including a mounting space for receiving a PCB to which circuit parts including an air pressure sensor are mounted, and a coupling recess for coupling, a valve body including a head and an inner air inlet hole having an opening-closing member, the head being inserted into the coupling recess of the sensor housing and fixed to the sensor housing through a screw, and a valve adapter including a threaded end such that the end is covered with a valve cap.
US08096173B2
An apparatus to accurately detect a force acting on a tire, based on a stress acting on a connection mechanism that connects a wheel and a wheel support member. A tire-acting-force detection apparatus is applied to a vehicle including a wheel unit composed of a wheel and a tire held at an outer circumferential portion of the wheel; a wheel support member which supports the wheel by a wheel support portion perpendicular to a rotation axis such that the wheel can rotate about the rotation axis; and a connection mechanism which connects a circular plate portion of the wheel and a wheel support portion of the wheel support member at a plurality of positions separated from one another about the rotation axis. The tire-acting-force detection apparatus includes a plurality of detection elements detecting stresses acting on each bolt, and an electronic circuit apparatus calculating a tire acting force, which acts at the ground contact point of the tire, based on the detected stresses.
US08096157B2
The invention relates to a method for rolling up a metallic strip (1), in particular a steel strip, to a coil (2), the strip (1) being kept under longitudinal tension between a driver (3), consisting of at least one driver top roll (4) and at least one driver bottom roll (5), and a winding pin (6). The strip (1) is rolled up on the winding pin (6) to form the coil (2). In order to prevent the undesired opening of the wound coil in a simple manner, a bending moment (MB) is initiated in the strip, said bending moment acting perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the strip (1) and causing a plastic deformation when a defined remaining length of the strip (1) is reached. The invention also relates to a device for rolling up a metallic strip.
US08096145B2
A jewelry element, in particular a precious stone ring, including a magnetic device to cause the jewelry element to float with respect to the jewelry element base.
US08096144B2
A supply air terminal unit (10) has a body (11) with side walls, top and bottom walls and an opening cover, which is opened to allow access for service work inside the structure. A wall structure (12) formed by needle-fin tubes (100) is fitted around a central fine filter (13), whereby the needle-fin tubes (100) are placed on top of each other in order to form a filter wall (12). A needle-fin tube (120) has needle-like fins whereby in its tube a heat carrier is made to flow in order to transfer heat into the air made to flow through the structure or in the opposite direction. The fine filter (13) covers an air outlet port (A2) located in the bottom (11a5) of the supply air terminal unit.
US08096142B2
A refrigerator freezer having an ice maker positioned on a refrigerator compartment or freezer compartment door. The ice maker is arranged to prevent or manage spills from the ice maker in the event the door on which the ice maker is mounted is opened or closed when unfrozen water is present in the ice maker. Spill management embodiments for a number of fixed and movable tray ice makers are disclosed.
US08096140B2
A system for regulating the amount of outdoor air that is introduced into a building determines characteristics of the outdoor air using sensor inputs. The system uses extremum seeking control logic to vary the flow of outdoor air provided into the building in response to the cooling load determinations.
US08096132B2
A combustor for a gas turbine engine is disclosed which is able to operate with high combustion efficiency, and low nitrous oxide emissions during gas turbine operations. The combustor consists of a can-type configuration which combusts fuel premixed with air and delivers the hot gases to a turbine. Fuel is premixed with air through a swirler and is delivered to the combustor with a high degree of swirl motion about a central axis. This swirling mixture of reactants is conveyed downstream through a flow path that expands; the mixture reacts, and establishes an upstream central recirculation flow along the central axis. A cooling assembly is located on the swirler co-linear with the central axis in which cooler air is conveyed into the prechamber between the recirculation flow and the swirler surface.
US08096123B2
A method of controlling a series turbocharger for an engine and a control system for the same includes a boost determination module determining a first predicted boost pressure for a first position of a variable geometry turbine when a high pressure turbine bypass valve is in an open position. The boost determination module determines a second boost pressure for a second position of the variable geometry when the high pressure turbine bypass valve is in the open position. A desired boost module determines a desired boost. A comparison module determines when the desired boost signal is between the first predicted boost pressure and the second predicted boost pressure. A bypass valve control module closes the high pressure turbine bypass valve when the desired boost signal is between the first predicted boost pressure and the second predicted boost pressure.
US08096121B2
A rotatable micro-machine is comprised of a solvent reservoir, a porous evaporation region and a channel connecting the solvent reservoir to the evaporation region. The evaporation region may be constructed of capillary paths that enable a capillary action which pulls solvent from the channel so as to enable a flow of solvent from the reservoir to the evaporation region through the channel. A rotatable member has portions in communication with the channel so as to be rotated by the flow. In one embodiment, the rotatable member may be a component of a micro-turbine generator. A system may be comprised of the rotatable micro-machine in combination with at least one electrical circuit. The porous region may be positioned to receive heat from the circuit. That may be accomplished in several ways; the evaporation region may be formed adjacent to the circuit, the evaporation region may be fabricated on the side of a die that is opposite of the side of the die carrying the circuit, or the reservoir, micro-turbine generator, evaporation region, and channel may be fabricated on one die and the circuit fabricated on another die. The two dies may then be connected to one another by a heat transferring adhesive with the evaporation region proximate to the circuit. Methods of operating a rotatable micro-machine are also disclosed. Because of the rules governing abstracts, this abstract should not be used in construing the claims.
US08096119B2
Fuel-powered actuators are described wherein actuation is a consequence of electrochemical processes, chemical processes, or combinations thereof. These fuel-powered actuators include artificial muscles and actuators in which actuation is non-mechanical. The actuators range from large actuators to microscopic and nanoscale devices.
US08096113B2
The exhaust purification system for an internal combustion engine according to the present invention includes fuel supply means for supplying fuel to the NOx storage-reduction catalyst from the upstream side thereof, and SOx poisoning recovery control executing means that uses the fuel supply means to supply fuel to the NOx storage-reduction catalyst thereby executing the SOx poisoning recovery control at a predetermined interval during operation of the internal combustion engine. In addition, according to the present invention, the execution of the SOx poisoning recovery control by the SOx poisoning recovery control executing means is prohibited during a predetermined period DELTA Qfen2 starting from a point in time that the operation of the internal combustion engine is initially started. The predetermined period DELTA Qfen2 is longer than a predetermined interval DELTA Qfen1.
US08096111B2
The reduction of a NOx trap upon engine shutdown is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises adjusting a timing of creating a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap based upon the determined engine stop position. The creation of a reductive environment in the exhaust conduit upstream of the lean NOx trap may help to at least partially reactivate the lean NOx trap during engine shutoff.
US08096107B2
In-a vehicle energy management system engine belt or engine direct driven components are replaced with electrical motors. A main fan unit is replaced with smaller single function electrical components. The larger multipurpose heat exchangers such as the vehicle radiator are replaced with smaller single function heat exchangers associated with the smaller electric fans. The energy management system may involve a main vehicle engine crankshaft mounted generator. This generator creates high voltage DC electricity. In one embodiment, the converter is a closed loop converter that makes the conversion of DC to AC alternatively turning on and off at a varying frequency in order to produce a time averaged AC output.
US08096091B2
The present invention is a plank precision spacing device comprised of a sheet component and a pluralty of clamp components with a flattened upper surface perpendicular to the sheet component, and a gripping component and protuberances which engage siding planks. The clamp component further includes a lip which is angled outward. The plank precision spacing device eliminates the need to measure and chalk a line for each siding plank, reducing installation time and labor costs.
US08096090B1
A seismic construction system for a cavity wall is disclosed. The system is shown in three exemplary applications—a masonry backup wall with ladder—or truss-type reinforcement cooperating with a snap-in wire tie; a masonry backup wall with ladder—or truss-type reinforcement with a high-span wall anchor cooperating with a low-profile, snap-in wire tie; and a drywall backup wall with internal insulation, a sheetmetal wall anchor, and snap-in wire ties. The snap-in wire ties accommodate a continuous reinforcing wire for the outer wythe, which reinforcing wire snaps into the wire housings therefor with a predetermined force. With the interconnected wall and veneer anchors and the respective reinforcing elements a seismic construct is formed.
US08096089B2
In a suspended ceiling segment known as a cloud, lengths of flat, flexible sheets form panels that are held on the main beams of the segment by flexible, plastic tracks adhesively fixed on the panels that engage plastic tracks hooked onto flanges of the main beams of the cloud. The flexible sheets bend to conform to the vertical contour of the main beams when the tracks on the sheets engage the tracks on the beams.
US08096086B2
An edge-lift anchor for tilt-up lifting of a concrete component has, at a lower part of its head an element for anchoring the head against shear forces acting during the tilt-up phase of lifting. Such element comprises an aperture to receive concrete, an aperture to receive a reinforcing bar, or a shear plate welded to the lower edge of the head.
US08096084B2
Systems are provided for use in balcony structures. The system includes a joist comprising an upper chord and a lower chord separated by a web. One end of the joist is supported by a supporting member and a cantilevered balcony extends generally perpendicularly from the supporting member. The cantilevered balcony comprises a cementitious balcony slab extending from a cementitious floor slab. The cementitious floor slab includes a backspan region extending from the top of the supporting member opposite the cementitious balcony slab. A portion of the joist in the backspan region comprises a decking supporting member coupled to the web between the upper chord and the lower chord. The joist in the backspan region supports decking using the decking supporting member; however, the joist beyond the backspan region supports decking above the upper chord. In this way, the cementitious floor slab in the backspan region is thicker than the cementitious floor slab beyond the backspan region.
US08096079B2
A revolver with trigger mechanism for cocking a rotatable hammer. The revolver includes a frame, a barrel supported by the frame and defining a bore, at least one chamber aligned with the bore of barrel for holding a cartridge, a hammer pivotally mounted to the frame and moveable between a forward uncocked position and a rearward cocked position, and a trigger pivotally mounted to the frame. In one embodiment, the trigger includes a contoured camming surface configured and arranged to engage a protrusion extending outwards from the hammer for cocking the hammer in response to pulling the trigger. The protrusion may be a hammer dog pivotally coupled to the hammer in some embodiments. In another embodiment, the hammer may include a sear having a contoured camming surface for engaging the trigger.
US08096069B2
One aspect relates to generating a repeatably displaceable emanating element display that may display at least part of an at least one synchronously modifiable oriented image based at least in part on alterable vehicle-related information, wherein the repeatably displaceable emanating element display may be synchronously modified as perceivable by a viewer at least partially by synchronizing an at least one repeatably displaceable display emanating element based at least in part on an orientation of the repeatably displaceable emanating element display as synchronously modified as perceivable by the viewer.
US08096059B2
A dynamic bow alignment, analysis and repair apparatus and system comprises an adjustable frame allowing the frame to adjust to fit any size bow. An air ram is used to controllably draw the shooting string as needed. A reference laser alignment module is mounted to a bow riser and allows a user to consistently and reliably align any bow for optimum performance based on the particularities of the selected bow subject to wear, defects and design constraints. The system removes the guesswork and allows a user to optimize any bow. A laser equipped arrow works in conjunction with the alignment module to allow the user to correctly position the shooting rest and nock indexer, and expose all functional anomalies. The system allows a user to completely quantify the performance parameters of bow performance including speed and spine tests. The system serves all major alignments and repairs.
US08096057B2
A method for the relative positioning of an object to be measured with respect to a measuring device, first of all the object to be measured is detected by the measuring device and the position of the object to be measured with respect to the measuring device is ascertained. Then a return message signal is generated which indicates whether the object to be measured is located in a position that is suitable for taking the measurement or not.
US08096054B2
A razor blade unit with a blade housing, in which several blades with cutting edges lying parallel to a skin contact plane are arranged, a coupling section, which can be connected preferably in a detachable manner to a handle, and a connecting section. The connecting section includes at least one film hinge between the blade housing and the coupling section, which hinge defines a pivot axis extending parallel to the skin contact plane, and an elastic damping component, which surrounds one or more sides of the film hinge and is formed both on the blade housing and on the coupling section. The razor blade unit also has a foam edge, arranged in front of the cutting edges (with respect to the shaving direction) of the blades to pretension the skin during shaving. The pivot axis extending through the film hinge is positioned between the forward boundary (with respect to the shaving direction) of the foam edge and the cutting edge lying closest to the foam edge.
US08096051B2
This invention relates to a method of lifting a wind turbine nacelle (1), the method comprising: arranging a first and second anchoring point (2,3) on each of two opposing sides of the nacelle (1), the first point (2) of each side being arranged below the center of gravity (4) of the nacelle (1) and the second point (3) of each side being arranged above the center of gravity (4), wherein one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is immovably arranged, and wherein the other one of said first and second anchoring point (2,3) of each side is movably arranged; interconnecting said first and second anchoring point (2,3) on respective side of the nacelle (1) by means of one connecting element (5) per each of the two sides; connecting each of said connecting elements (5) to a hoisting means (11); adjusting the position of each of the movable anchoring points such that each of the connecting elements (5) is vertically aligned when lifting the nacelle (1) by the hoisting means (11).
US08096047B2
An electronic component mounting apparatus 1 includes a substrate conveyance mechanism 14 for conveying substrates 13 and 13a; a first drawing head 4 for supplying the substrate 13 with paste at a mounting position; a second drawing head 5 for supplying the paste to the substrate 13a at a pre-paste supply position closer to a conveyance starting side rather than to the mounting position; and a bonding head 3 that mounts, at the mounting position, electronic components on the substrate 13a supplied with the paste at the pre-paste supply position.
US08096041B2
Method for quality control of mechanical pieces, such as screws, pins, pivots and similar, intended for mass-production mechanical industries such as automobile and household appliances industries and similar, by means of an apparatus comprising in casings a plurality of operation stations and a piece-holder table which is pitched revolving to convey the pieces to the operation stations. The method comprises: subdividing the operation stations into two groups, a first group comprising fast operation stations with operation times shorter than a predetermined time, and a second group comprising slow operation stations With operation times longer than a predetermined time; providing, for each slow operation station of the second group of slow stations an equal slow operation station angularly distanced by an uneven number of pitches; stopping the piece-holder table at each pitch alternately with said operation times shorter or longer than said predetermined time; deactivating all the slow operation stations during the operation time shorter than the predetermined time. Also a quality control apparatus is disclosed.
US08096032B1
A toggling punch for attaching a waveguide entry spinning to a waveguide entry panel wherein the cylindrical body portion of the waveguide entry spinning is deformed outwardly over the waveguide entry panel by means of a plurality of inclined movable pins which are moved to their crimping positions by means of a hydraulic cylinder operatively connected thereto.
US08096028B2
In one embodiment, an enclosure comprises: a cover comprising a plastic material, a base comprising a plastic material, and a guide configured to engage the cover and the base. The guide comprises a main body, a retaining portion, and a receiving portion. The enclosure is configured to receive a casket with the base under the casket and the cover over the casket. In another embodiment, the enclosure comprises: a cover comprising a plastic material, a base comprising a plastic material, and a guide configured to engage the cover and the base. The guide comprises a main body, a retaining portion, and a receiving portion. The retaining portion further comprises an anchor configured to engage an inner surface of the base if removal of the guide from the base is attempted. The enclosure is configured to receive a casket with the base under the casket and the cover over the casket.
US08096020B2
A hinge assembly includes a shaft, a tube, two friction members, and a resilient member. The tube is rotatably sleeved on the shaft. One of the shaft and the tube defines two receiving holes. The friction members are positioned in the receiving holes. The resilient member causes the friction member to resist the other one of the shaft and the tube which does not define the receiving holes. A foldable electronic device applying the hinge assembly is also provided.
US08096019B2
A hinge device includes a first connecting member, a second connecting member, and a locking member. The first connecting member defines a connecting portion hole therein. A positioning arm with an angled surface is located on the first connecting member. The second connecting member defines a connecting body hole therein. A connecting body post is located on the second connecting member. The locking member engages in the connecting portion hole and the connecting body hole so that the first connecting member is rotatable relative to the second connecting member. The connecting body post abuts on the angled surface and the first connecting member is rotated between a first position where a first friction is generated between the connecting body post and the angled surface, and a second position where a second friction is generated between the connecting body post and the angled surface and greater than the first friction.
US08096017B2
A grommet for a hole in a metal stud includes a plastic sleeve having a radial flange, and a vibration isolating body having a substantially cylindrical portion having on one of its ends a radial flange and on the other end one or more flange sections, such flange section being adapted to be passed through the hole in the stud when the flange of the vibration isolating body is brought in engagement with the stud, and the sleeve being adapted to be inserted into the substantially cylindrical portion of the vibration isolating body beyond the flange section until the radial flange of the plastic sleeve engages the isolating ring, whereby the radial flange sections are locked in an outward position and the edge of the hole in the stud is at least partially locked between the two flanges, thus fixing the grommet in the hole.
US08096015B2
An air-powered vacuum cleaning nozzle has an agitator brush rotated by an air turbine powered by a source of suction air. A plurality of air inlet openings are formed adjacent the agitator brush. A generally flat friction drive belt extends from a bearing shaft of the air turbine to the midpoint of the agitator brush for rotating the brush. The bearing shaft is mounted in a pair of spaced rubber bushings to absorb vibration and reduce noise. The nozzle includes a housing formed by one-piece top and bottom housing members removably joined together securing the air turbine therebetween. A cover plate removably secured to the outside surface of the bottom housing member forms a protective passage for the drive belt and a suction passage between an air inlet adjacent the agitator brush and the air turbine chamber.
US08096012B2
An outsole grid cleaner for removing dirt and debris from the sole of shoes includes a base and a plurality of scraper prongs which remove dirt and debris from the shoe's sole. The outsole grid cleaner has one continuous sidewall extending peripherally around the device. A plurality of scraper prongs extend outwardly from the sidewall. The plurality of scraper prongs have a free end. The plurality of scraper prongs are manipulated through a shoe's outsole pattern of projections to forcibly remove debris and dirt from the lowermost surface of the shoe's outsole pattern. The scraper prongs also remove dirt and debris when in contact with the channel on the top surface of the shoe sole's projections. The scraper prongs further remove the dirt and debris when in contact with the top surface of the shoe sole's projections.
US08096007B2
A lifting column comprising two or more telescopically arranged column elements, where each column element comprises at least two column sub-elements arranged symmetrically on either side of a first vertical plane, one set of sub-column elements closer to the plane than the other set of sub-elements, where the outer sub-elements are slidingly connected to adjacent inner sub-elements by means of guiding sledges, and further where each column sub-element comprises at least two pulley wheels, one upper and one lower, and further where one first continuous flexible member runs from an upper pulley wheel of a first sub-element to a lower pulley wheel on an adjacent sub-element, so that the first flexible member runs on the upper or lower pulley wheels of the innermost sub-elements on either side of the vertical plane, and that the flexible member is shortened or lengthened by rolling at least one end of the flexible member around a drive wheel on a rotatable axle of an actuating motor. The invention also relates to a patient support table, comprising a patient support surface, a lifting column and a foundation structure for fastening said patient support table to a floor surface.
US08096005B2
A device for the assisted loading of a stretcher (2) provided with a chassis (3), comprises at least one driving wheel (4) cinematically connected to a driving member (5) fed by feeding means (6) and controlled by control means (7) to activate the at least one driving wheel (4) at least during the loading of the stretcher into the ambulance.
US08095995B2
A hockey helmet (20) comprising a front helmet portion (22) and a rear helmet portion (24) disposed to be moveable relative to each other so as to define an internal cavity of varying volume, a securing member (26) being mounted to a location on the front helmet portion (22) adjacent the temple thereof, the securing member (26) being slidable between a first or open position and a second or closed position, the rear helmet portion (24) having a restraint (28) configured and disposed to be complimentary to the securing member (26) such that when the securing member (26) cooperatively engages the restraint (28), the relative displacement of the front helmet portion (22) and the rear helmet portion (24) is inhibited. The restraint (28) comprises a number of positions in which the securing member (26) can be cooperatively engaged such that the volume of the helmet (20) may be modified.
US08099769B2
A method of establishing a trusted path of data and a method of verifying the integrity of data presented for signing to a user of the personalized device in a public-key cryptographic scheme. The method comprises establishing a trusted path between the user and secure module residing on the personalized device. The secure module holds the user's private key, displays information about the data message directly to the user, and generates the signature only when instructed to do so. The decision whether or not to sign the data message is determined by the user.
US08099765B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a secure remote password reset capability. In some embodiments, an exemplary method provides a remote reset of a password associated with a token in a computer system having a security server. A token-based authentication process is activated by connecting the token to the security server. A server-based authentication process is initiated in the security server by activating a password reset process in a security client. The server-based authentication process communicates with the token-based authentication process over a secure channel. An authentication credential is managed by a third party agent that supplies a query and the authentication credential as a correct response to the query to the security server. A prompt provided by the password reset process collects the authentication credential and a new password. After the authentication credential is validated mutually authentication is performed between the security server and the token. The token is updated with the new password based on a successful result of the mutual authentication.
US08099760B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for risk detection and analysis in a computer network. Computerized, automated systems and methods can be provided. Raw vulnerability information and network information can be utilized in determining actual vulnerability information associated with network nodes. Methods are provided in which computer networks are modeled, and the models utilized in performing attack simulations and determining risks associated with vulnerabilities. Risks can be evaluated and prioritized, and fix information can be provided.
US08099757B2
Methods and apparatus for optimizing the distribution and delivery of multimedia or other content within a content-based network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a broadcast switched cable television network, which utilizes a Network optimization controller (NOC) that processes subscriber program viewing requests to identify options available to fulfill the request (including, e.g., the creation of one or more “microcasts” specifically targeting one or more users), and evaluate these options to determine one that optimizes network operation. The NOC performs these decisions by considering various parameters including network resource availability, type of CPE, subscriber's targeted advertisement profile, and business rules programmed by operator of the network.
US08099744B2
A low-cost disk device with which the same spindle motor and clamper can be used for different types of disk device, such as a DVD drive. A clamper includes a clamper main body and a plurality of positioning components. The clamper main body clamps a disk between itself and a spindle motor that holds and rotates the disk. The plurality of positioning components are formed on the clamper main body for the relative positioning of the clamper main body and each of the plurality of spindle motors in the radial direction.
US08099741B2
A disk drive includes: a pair of guide walls, which is arranged in the vicinity of the holder opening of a cartridge holder to define a direction in which a disk cartridge is supposed to be inserted; a first opening/closing lever, which has a first engaging portion that engages with a portion of the disk cartridge and which rotates while the disk cartridge is being inserted or ejected; and a second opening/closing lever, which has a second engaging portion that engages with another portion of the disk cartridge and which rotates while the disk cartridge is being inserted or ejected. The first and second opening/closing levers rotate so as to leave a broader gap between the first and second engaging portions than between the guide walls when the drive gets loaded with the disk cartridge, thereby opening a window in the disk cartridge.
US08099729B2
A device (45) receives new program files (46) and uses pre-internalized images to avoid having to internalize a program file every time that program execution occurs. In one embodiment, a software Virtual Machine (50) in the device functions to implement the pre-internalization. Once the program files are pre-internalized to create images that are stored in a permanent memory (56) of the device, the images may subsequently be executed without having to perform a pre-internalization operation. Additionally, use of dynamic memory (52) is reduced in connection with subsequent program execution and execution time of new program files is reduced.
US08099727B2
A software upgrade tool and procedure provide uninterrupted operation of a replication system during an upgrade of software components of the system. The replication system includes one or more user systems coupled to one or more target storage systems over a communications network, such as a computer network. Illustratively, each user system is embodied as a replication client, while each target storage system is embodied as a replication server. In addition, the replication system includes a management system embodied as a management server that manages configuration of the system, including during upgrade of the software components of the replication system. To that end, the software upgrade tool cooperates with the management server to query the configuration of “old” versions of the software components and to manage upgrades of those components to “new” versions of software. According to the invention, the upgrade tool and procedure enable both the old and new versions of the software components to run concurrently on the replication client and replication server, as well as the management server.
US08099723B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for referencing a constant pool. A determination is made as to whether a bytecode references the constant pool. A relative offset to the constant pool is identified for the bytecode, in response to the bytecode referencing the constant pool. The bytecode is then replaced with a new bytecode containing the relative offset. The relative offset is used to reference the constant pool.
US08099697B2
A computer-readable recording medium stores therein a verification support program that causes a computer to execute receiving a hardware description of a combinational circuit to be verified; extracting, from the hardware description, a conditional branch description expressing conditional branch processing; identifying, from among conditional branch descriptions extracted at the extracting of a conditional branch description and based on a description sequence in the hardware description, a combination of conditional branch descriptions having a hierarchical relation; extracting, from among combinations of conditional branch descriptions identified at the identifying, a combination having a potential to satisfy a specified condition; creating a simulation program that causes the specified condition for the conditional branch descriptions included in the combination extracted at the extracting of the combination to be satisfied; and outputting, as assertion information of the combinational circuit, the simulation program created for each combination at the creating.
US08099693B2
Disclosed are a method, a system, and a computer program product for implementing compact manufacturing model during various stages of electronic circuit designs. In some embodiments, the method loads the full design database information on the master; distributes the tasks to be processed in parallel; loads a full design on a master; spawns a plurality of slave sessions; sends to at least one slave a nutshell representation of the electronic circuit design; identifies a task to perform in parallel and sends the task to be performed in parallel; and receives execution results or processing results from some of the plurality of slaves and updates one or more databases to incorporate the execution or processing results. In some embodiments, the method allows speeding up the applications without major rewrite without a need for design partition, and without memory penalty.
US08099682B1
A display area displays a subset of a set of items. Items may be the ancestor or descendant of one or more other items. As an ancestor item having one or more visible descendant items becomes not visible, for example by scrolling outside the display area, a proxy in the display area is automatically created. The proxy corresponds with the ancestor item not visible in the display area. Multiple proxies may be displayed in the display area to present a complete view of the hierarchy containing at least some of the items visible in the display area. Items that do not have descendant items visible in the display area will not generate corresponding proxies when they become not visible. Proxies may be active user interface elements. Conversely, if an ancestor item becomes visible in the display area, any corresponding proxies are automatically removed.
US08099680B1
A method implemented on a multi-tuner receiver system comprises successively displaying a set of visual cards where each visual card of the set of visual cards comprises a graphical representation. A visual card of the set of visual cards is selected, the visual card being associated with a first television program. Based on a characteristic of the selected visual card, a second television program is identified. The second television program is then tuned.
US08099667B1
A real time notification system that tracks, for each user, the logon status of selected co-users of an on-line or network system and displays that information in real time to the tracking user in a unique graphical interface. The invention provides user definable on-line co-user lists, or “buddy lists”, that track specific co-users in real-time automatically. A user can create many separate buddy lists of co-users, either with intersecting or disjoint lists of users, and label these buddy lists according to the user's preference. The user can update a buddy list or create new buddy lists whenever necessary. When a user logs on to a system, the user's set of buddy lists is presented to the buddy list system. The buddy list system attempts to match co-users currently logged into the system with the entries on the user's buddy list. Any matches are displayed to the user. As co-users logon and logoff, a user's buddy list is updated to reflect these changes. An indication can also be added to show that a co-user just logged on or just left the system.
US08099666B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for providing a user interface for multistreaming audio control. The method includes determining whether a multistreaming mode of an audio device is activated upon receiving from a user a command to execute a popup menu for content, providing play menu items of audio panels to the popup menu for the content if the multistreaming mode is activated, and playing the content through an audio panel selected by the user.
US08099664B2
A method and system is disclosed for generating a help interface to present static help content and customized help content for an application. Help content data is accessed to define the static help content and a control command to support incorporation of the customized help content. The control command is implemented to determine a configuration of the application, and a user context is determined based on a user characteristic and the application configuration. The customized help content is then resolved based on the control command and the user context. In some cases, a help system may include a help viewer module or program in communication with a computer-readable memory storing the help content data. The help viewer may then render the help interface based on the static help content and customized help content resolved from the control command, the application configuration, and other aspects of the user context in which it is presented.
US08099659B2
The invention provides a logic tester. In one embodiment, the logic tester is coupled to a plurality of tested devices, and includes a function generator and a pattern comparator. The function generator generates an initial code sequence as an input signal of the tested devices to fix output signals of the tested devices to a first value, and then generates a functional code sequence as the input signal of the tested devices to trigger the output signals of the tested devices to change from the first value to a second value. The pattern comparator converts the output signals of the tested devices to a plurality of bitstreams after the functional code sequence is generated, calculates numbers of bits corresponding to the first value in the bitstreams, estimates delay periods of the tested devices according to the numbers of bits, and outputs the delay periods of the tested devices.
US08099657B2
Methods and corresponding systems in a Viterbi decoder include selecting an input symbol in an input block, wherein the input block has a plurality of input symbols, wherein each input symbol has a Boolean value, a quality value, and an associated stage, and wherein the selected symbol is selected based upon the quality value of the selected symbol relative to a quality value of other input symbols in the input block. Thereafter, the Boolean value of the selected symbol is complemented to produce a complemented symbol. The complemented symbol is substituted for the selected symbol to produce an alternate input block. A Viterbi algorithm is executed using the alternate input block to produce an alternate decoded bit sequence, which is then checked for errors using an error check. The alternate decoded bit sequence is output in response to the alternate decoded bit sequence passing the error check.
US08099640B2
A shared diagnosis method may be for an electronic integrated system embedding a plurality of memory units associated with Built In Self Test (BIST) hardware portions for executing a test on memory locations of the memory units. A FAIL signal may be provided from the hardware portions, together with the memory locations of the memory units on which the test is executed. The method may include loading of address, state and data signals, generated during the test on the memory locations, in a series of bitmapping registers and supplied by multiplexer devices, which receive as inputs the address, state, and data signals from the memory units and from the hardware portions. The enabling for the loading of the bitmapping registers is through the processing of a Fail signal in a counter supplied by a multiplexer device receiving the Fail signals from the hardware portions.
US08099628B2
A method for identifying a problem in a software application is presented. The method may include enabling a user to define at least one usage scenario for a software application. The software application may be executed on a reference computer system according to the usage scenario and data reflecting a status of the reference computer system and the software application during execution may be acquired. The software application may be further executed in a subject computer system according to the usage scenario. Data reflecting a status of the subject computer system and the software application during execution may likewise be acquired. Finally, the data from the reference computer system may be compared with the data from the subject computer system to identify at least one difference therebetween.
US08099625B1
Method and apparatus for self-checking and self-correcting memory states of a programmable resource is described. Programmable resource of an integrated circuit has a first core and a second core instantiated therein. A first internal configuration port and a second internal configuration port of the integrated circuit are respectively connected to the first core and the second core. The second core is coupled to the first core for monitoring operation of the first core with the second core, and the second core is configured to obtain control responsive to a failure of the first core or the first internal configuration port for a self-correcting mode.
US08099620B2
A domain crossing circuit of a semiconductor memory apparatus, the domain crossing circuit comprising first and second count signals generated at substantially a same clock period, and representing predetermined clock differences with reference to an internal clock signal with respect to same bit combination data, and a data processing unit configured to provide output data corresponding to input data based on the second count signal in response to the input data synchronized to an external clock signal.
US08099619B2
Techniques to enable voltage regulators to adjust for coming load changes are presented herein. In some embodiments, a functional block such as a microprocessor core having an associated clock signal is powered by at least one switching-type voltage regulator. When the functional block is about to require an increased level of power, the associated clock is provided to drive the at least one regulator switches overriding their normal drive signal, which has a lower frequency. Thus, the switches are driven at a higher frequency sufficiently prior to (e.g., just ahead of) the load change to reduce the amount of droop that would otherwise occur.
US08099617B2
A computer apparatus includes an information processing unit that processes information, a storing unit having a storage space in which the information being processed is stored, a main power supply that supplies power to the information processing unit, an auxiliary power supply including a thermoelectric element that converts heat generated in the computer into auxiliary power, and a controller that controls the auxiliary power supply to supply the auxiliary power to the information processing unit and the storing unit if it is determined that supply of power from the main power supply is interrupted, and controls the information processing unit to store the information to be processed by the information processing unit in the storing unit.
US08099610B2
A device for injecting electric power for an Ethernet network comprising at least one switch, one switching board, communication ports, and Ethernet cables, the device including a power supply, a power injecting circuit, a control circuit, and a module including a body bearing at least one Ethernet connector capable of being removably inserted in one of the network communication ports.
US08099606B2
The data that a user wants are reliably provided, while avoiding any fraudulent use of the provided data. The present invention provides a data storage apparatus to be connected to an external apparatus by way of a predetermined connection interface, the apparatus comprising a data storage section including a first storage area adapted to be used for freely writing data from the external apparatus connected to the data storage apparatus and limit reading of the written data in the data format used by the external apparatus and a second storage area storing software for executing an operation of reading out the data written in the first storage area, and a control section that controls the operation of the data storage section of reading out the data written in the first storage area by executing the software stored in the second storage area in response to a request from the external apparatus to read out the data written in the first storage area and transmitting the read out data to the external apparatus connected to the data storage apparatus after converting the read out data into a signal of the output format of the external apparatus without fail.
US08099602B2
A method, computer readable medium, and system for integrating security in network communications includes generating a private key and a public key by encrypting the private key with a first encryption. The generated private key and public key are provided in an initial response to an initial request over the secure connection. At least one additional received request is validated based on the public key and a requesting signature signed using the key received with the at least one additional request. An additional response with a responding signature signed using the private key is provided in response to the validated additional request.
US08099599B2
Access to one or more data streams can be controlled by encrypting a description of how segments of the data streams can be assembled, for example, to produce an audio or video program. Access to the one or more data streams can also be provided by obfuscating names of at least some of the segments in order to make it more difficult to determine the proper order for assembling the segments. In at least some embodiments, the data contained in at least some of the segments themselves is not encrypted.
US08099596B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for protecting applications deployed on a host computer from malware using virtualization. An exemplary malware protection system may include a kernel-level driver configured to intercept system calls addressed to an object of a protected application. The system also includes an analysis engine configured to determine if there are security rules associated with one or more of the intercepted system call, the object of the protected application, and the actions allowed on the object of the protected application. The security rules indicate whether the system call is allowed or not allowed to be executed on the host computer. If there is no security rule associated with the system call, the system call is executed in a secure execution environment of the host computer using a virtual copy of the object of the protected application.
US08099591B2
Improved techniques and graphical user interfaces that enable users to shuffle a group of media items in accordance with categories associated with the media items are disclosed. According to one aspect, techniques can operate to categorically shuffle media items having categories associated therewith. According to another aspect, a user interface control can be graphically presented to a user to assist the user in selecting a shuffle setting. The shuffle setting provided by the user affects the nature of the shuffle. For example, the shuffle setting can impact the likelihood that two adjacent media items in the group of media items will be from the same one or more categories following the shuffle.
US08099589B2
The primary operating system of a computer such as a notebook computer is stored on disk in a hard disk drive and a smaller, secondary operating system such as an email operating system, wireless phone operating system, DVD player operating system, etc. is stored on disk and is transferred to flash memory within the HDD upon power-down of the primary operating system. In this way, should the user subsequently elect to power up the computer only for a limited secondary purpose, the user can elect to boot the associated secondary operating system from flash memory of the HDD without having to spin up the disks, saving energy and reducing boot time.
US08099583B2
A new signal processor technique and apparatus combining microprocessor technology with switch fabric telecommunication technology to achieve a programmable processor architecture wherein the processor and the connections among its functional blocks are configured by software for each specific application by communication through a switch fabric in a dynamic, parallel and flexible fashion to achieve a reconfigurable pipeline, wherein the length of the pipeline stages and the order of the stages varies from time to time and from application to application, admirably handling the explosion of varieties of diverse signal processing needs in single devices such as handsets, set-top boxes and the like with unprecedented performance, cost and power savings, and with full application flexibility.
US08099572B1
The version set backup and restore facility responds to a version set backup request by backing up multiple snapshot copies of a storage object concurrently from a storage array to backup storage media. The version set backup and restore facility responds to a version set restore request by restoring a plurality of snapshot copies of the storage object concurrently from the backup storage media to the storage array. The on-tape backup image of the version set includes variable-length extents of data for each of the multiple snapshot copies of the storage object. The variable-length extents of data for each of the snapshot copies of the storage object are grouped together and ordered in the on-tape backup image by increasing or decreasing logical block address.
US08099569B2
Proposed are a storage system and a data migration method capable of effectively performing data migration between storage apparatuses. This storage system includes a host apparatus equipped with a function for copying data stored in a first volume of a first storage apparatus in file units to a corresponding second volume of a second storage apparatus, and a controller equipped with a function for controlling the first and second storage apparatuses to copy data stored in the first volume to the second volume in volume units. Necessary control processing is executed to decide whether to migrate data stored in the first volume in volume units or file units according to the status of data stored in the first volume to be subject to data migration.
US08099567B2
An invention is provided for a reactive placement controller for interfacing with a banked memory storage. The reactive placement controller includes a read/write module, which is coupled to a command control module for a banked memory device. A command queue is included that comprises a plurality of queue entries coupled in series, with a top queue entry coupled to the read/write module. Each queue entry is capable of storing a memory command. Each queue entry includes its own queue control logic that functions to control storage of new memory commands into the command queue to reduce latency of commands in the command queue.
US08099566B2
Systems and methods for efficient load-store ordering. A processor comprises a store buffer that includes an array. The store buffer dynamically allocates any entry of the array for an out-of-order (o-o-o) issued store instruction independent of a corresponding thread. Circuitry within the store buffer determines a first set of entries of the array entries that have store instructions older in program order than a particular load instruction, wherein the store instructions have a same thread identifier and address as the load instruction. From the first set, the logic locates a single final match entry of the first set corresponding to the youngest store instruction of the first set, which may be used for read-after-write (RAW) hazard detection.
US08099551B2
Provided is a storage controller capable of improving the access performance to the storage device by preventing an I/O access request to the storage device from being concentrated on certain I/O processors among a plurality of I/O processor, and causing the plurality of I/O processors to issue the I/O access request in a well balanced manner. With this storage control system, a plurality of stripe units are formed by striping the logical volume into a stripe size of an arbitrary storage capacity, and information regarding which I/O processor among the plurality of I/O processors will output the I/O request to which stripe unit among the plurality of stripe units is stored as the control information in the memory.
US08099546B2
In one embodiment, a mechanism for a lockless ring buffer in overwrite mode is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for implementing a lockless ring buffer in overwrite mode includes aligning memory addresses for each page of a ring buffer to form maskable bits in the address to be used as a state flag for the page and utilizing at least a two least significant bits of each of the addresses to represent the state flag associated with the page represented by the address, wherein the state flag indicates one of three states including a header state, an update state, and a normal state. The method further includes combining a movement of a head page pointer to a head page of the ring buffer with a swapping of the head page and a reader page, the combining comprising updating the state flag of the head page pointer to the normal state and updating the state flag of a pointer to the page after the head page to the header state, and moving the head page and a tail page of the ring buffer, the moving comprising updating the state flags of one or more pointers in the ring buffer associated with the head page and the tail page.
US08099545B2
A wear leveling solution is proposed for use in a storage device based on a flash memory. The flash memory includes a plurality of physical blocks, which are adapted to be erased individually. A corresponding method starts with the step for erasing one of the physical blocks. One of the physical blocks being allocated for storing data is selected; this operation is performed in response to the reaching of a threshold by an indication of a difference between a number of erasures of the erased physical block and a number of erasures of the selected physical block. At least the data of the selected physical block being valid is copied into the erased physical block. The selected physical block is then erased.
US08099542B2
A method for recording data using a non-volatile memory and an electronic apparatus thereof are provided. In the present method, a set of input data is provided. Then, a data structure of the input data is transformed into a bitmapping data structure. Afterwards, the input data is written sequentially into the non-volatile memory using at least one bit as a basic unit of modification. A total number of bits being modified is then calculated, so as to obtain information needed by the system. Therefore, a minimal memory space is used to record most information, so as to reduce the times for erasing the non-volatile memory and increase the life time of the non-volatile memory.
US08099534B1
A method includes receiving an endpoint address and corresponding endpoint data, the endpoint address identifying a logical endpoint associated with the endpoint data, storing the endpoint data to at least one of a plurality of memory buffers corresponding to the identified logical endpoint, and transmitting the endpoint data to a destination according to the endpoint address. A peripheral device includes a logical-to-physical memory map to store an endpoint address and corresponding endpoint data received from a first device, the endpoint address to identify at least one data stream capable of transferring the endpoint data to a second device, and a service unit to retrieve the endpoint address and corresponding endpoint data from the logical-to-physical memory map, and to transfer the endpoint data to the second device in the data stream identified by the endpoint address.
US08099531B2
An information processing apparatus includes a device that performs data processing; and processors, each processor including a device driver corresponding to the device. A device driver set in correspondence with at least one processor has a resource-state holding unit that manages a resource flag indicating which processor is using or is scheduled to use resources used at the time of data processing using the device. At least one processor sets the resource flag to a flag value indicating that at least one processor is scheduled to use the resources in accordance with a schedule of at least one processor to use the device. At least one processor terminates or interrupts use of the device when at least one processor refers to the resource flag and recognizes that another processor is scheduled to use the resources during a period in which at least one processor is using the device.
US08099522B2
A method for controlling input and output of a virtualized computing platform is disclosed. The method can include creating a device interface definition, assigning an identifier to a paging device and configuring commands useable by a virtual input output server. The commands can be sent to the input output server and can be converted by the input output server into paging device commands. A hypervisor can assist in facilitating the communication configuration. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08099519B2
A content providing device serving as a server for executing content providing processing as to a client, includes: a data processing unit for executing content providing processing in response to a content request from the client; wherein the data processing unit receives a disc recorded identifier for identifying a disc or content recorded in the mounted disc of the client, and the identification information of at least either the device identifier of a device on the client side, or the user identifier of a user on the client side, from the client, accumulates the history information of the disc recorded identifier received from the client in a management database in increments of devices or users, and analyzes the user's preference on the client side to provide a content adapted to the user's preference. Thus, content which interests a user or commercial content can be selectively provided to the user.
US08099517B2
A device may receive a message from a client device and determine whether the message includes particular data. The device may identify an address within a particular address group when the message includes the particular data. The traffic associated with addresses within the particular address group are assigned priority over traffic associated with addresses outside the particular address group. The device may provide the identified address to the client device so that traffic associated with the client device receives priority over other traffic.
US08099516B1
A method and apparatus is disclosed by which IGMP Host messaging is translated to PIM messaging for the purposes of efficiently and accurately maintaining group membership data in a multicast network.
US08099514B2
A method in one embodiment is performed at least in part at a server in a network file system that includes said server and a plurality of clients connected by a network, the method comprising: receiving a data write request from one client; selecting a client as a write object of said data from the other clients according to a condition of said one client stored in advance and/or conditions of said other clients; and transmitting said data write request to the client selected as a write object. Additional systems, methods and computer program products are also presented.
US08099512B2
A method for progressively synchronizing stored copies of indexed media transmitted between nodes on a network. The method includes progressively transmitting available indexed media from a sending node to a receiving node with a packet size and packetization interval sufficient to enable the near real-time rendering of the indexed media, wherein the near real-time rendering of the indexed media provides a recipient with an experience of reviewing the transmitted media live. At the receiving node, the transmitted indexed media is progressively receive and any indexed media that is not already locally stored at the receiving node is noted. The receiving node further continually generates and transmits to the sending node requests as needed for the noted indexed media. In response, the sending node transmits the noted indexed media to the receiving node. Both the sending node and the receiving node store the indexed media. As a result, both the sending node and the receiving node each have synchronized copies of the indexed media.
US08099498B2
Routing messages using unreliable routing data. A method includes receiving a message from a computer readable communication medium. Characteristic properties of the message are calculated so as to determine state requirements for a service instance at a service for processing of the message. An attempt is made to acquire an appropriate service instance that satisfies the state requirements for processing the message. A determination is made that attempting to acquire an appropriate service instance that satisfies the state requirements for processing the message is not successful at acquiring an appropriate service instance. As a result, the message is redirected using an unreliable local cache of routing information and without coordination between processing nodes.
US08099493B2
A method and system for extracting useful statistics and information and removing a processing module based on the information to enhance a run-time system on a network interface card is disclosed. The run-time system module feeds information derived from a network packet to processing modules which process the information and generate output such as condensed statistics about the packets traveling through the network. The run-time system can be enhanced to included facilities for removing processing modules without replacing the run-time system module.
US08099491B2
In the context of a site analysis report showing paths between nodes, nodes are automatically positioned within the report in an intelligent manner, according to specified criteria so as to provide useful information about the represented pages. For example, the Y-axis can indicate relative depth of a page in the site, while the X-axis represents conversion rate. Alternatively, node position can represent any other quantitatively representable data, either specified as a default or selected by the user. In one embodiment, the automatic positioning can be overridden by a user, if desired.
US08099490B2
A handset capability proxy server (1) automatically determines data concerning capabilities of mobile devices and links to users as the devices are used. Event handlers/filters (25, 26) listen to signalling and messaging traffic at different locations in a network. The filter (25, 26) filters out data not relevant to device capability. The handler accesses a RAM cache (37) to dynamically determine if there has been a capability change for a mobile device identifier. It transmits changes to a kernel (10) via a message bus (12). The kernel (10) manages a persistent database (41, 44) of consumer data and device capability data, and automatically notifies subscribed applications in real time.
US08099489B2
A method of monitoring a network, in particular a data or telecommunication network, where the network includes a number of units to be monitored, and where relevant states of these units are controlled with respect to functionality, efficiency and/or security by means of provided information elements called managed objects at the monitored units, that reflect states and/or parameters to be monitored, and that are read and/or written by a network management system using network management protocols, is characterized in that at the managed units an additional management object—the health check object—is being implemented, such that almost all relevant states of the respective monitored unit are aggregated into a single value, that can be read by the network management system.
US08099486B2
A client terminal is capable of communicating with an address server. The client terminal includes a displaying unit, a language determining unit, a language information transmitting unit, a service information acquiring unit, and a display controlling unit. The displaying unit displays a page. The language determining unit determines a language to be used for displaying the page on the displaying unit. The language information transmitting unit transmits language information to the address server. The language information indicates the language determined by the language determining unit. The service information acquiring unit acquires service information from a data server based on address information transmitted from the address server. The display controlling unit controls the displaying unit to display, by using the language determined by the language determining unit, the page including the service information acquired by the service information acquiring unit.
US08099484B2
Facilitating performance of an operation in an information life-cycle management system comprising management elements organized levels includes generating a mobile agent operable to perform the operation. The mobile agent is embodied in executable code and is operable to move through at least a portion of the information life-cycle management system. The operation is performed using the mobile agent.
US08099479B2
A device, method, and system are disclosed. In one embodiment a computing device resides in a mesh network. The device includes a first storage device that operates when the computing device is awake. The first storage device stores a last known list of peer computing devices in the mesh network. The device also includes a a second storage device that operates regardless of whether any central processing unit in the computing device is awake or asleep. The second storage device includes a local block that stores a list of resources provided by the first computing device and a list of computing devices in the mesh network verified by the first computing device. The second storage device also includes a remote block that stores an unverified remote list of computing devices in the mesh network.
US08099475B2
The present invention provides mobile terminals with various types of services such as electronic commerce service, music delivery service, and position information service. User applications required for the electronic commerce service, music delivery service, and position information service are respectively configured as service objects each having a server facility, and further a local gateway is provided, whereby various types of services can be used through a browser.
US08099473B2
Methods and apparatuses for real-time or near real-time streaming of content using transfer protocols such as an HTTP compliant protocol. In one embodiment, a method includes dividing a stream of data, representing the contiguous time based content of a program (e.g. a live video broadcast), into a plurality of distinct media files, and generating a playlist file having a plurality of tags and Universal Resource Indicators (URIs) indicating an order of presentation of the plurality of distinct media files. The plurality of media files and the playlist file can be made available for transmission to a client device which can retrieve the media files using the playlist file.
US08099467B2
Embodiments of a system, method, and user interface for searching for messages with attachments on mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a messaging application is programmed such that, in operation, a user is presented with a search screen in which the user may define search parameters for a search. A search parameter associated with an option to search for messages of a specified type is provided, and more specifically, an option to search for messages (e.g. electronic mail messages) having one or more attachments is made available to the user.
US08099463B2
A method and apparatus are provided for sharing concurrent ad hoc Web content between users visiting the same Web domain, sub-domain, section or page. In one example, the method includes associating a user with a current uniform resource locator and Web domain, sub-domain, section or page being browsed by parsing the current uniform resource locator of the current Web page, creating a Web content sharing group by identifying one or more other users with whom the user would like to share, saving current uniform resource locators of pages being browsed calculating a status of the Web content sharing group by determining if any users in the Web content sharing group are currently browsing on a same Web domain, sub-domain, section or page as the user, and communicating the status of the Web content sharing group with a front-end device.
US08099454B2
Methods, apparatus, and products for staging a file within a distributed computing system are disclosed that include defining a topology of the network; mapping each computer to a network location in the topology of the network; selecting, in dependence upon the topology of the network and the network locations of the computers in the network, one or more servers on which to stage the file for use by clients in the network; and staging the file on the one or more selected servers. The distributed computing system includes a plurality of computers coupled for data communications through a data communications network, the distributed computing system also includes files of computer data and computer program instructions for use by the computers, the computers include clients that use the files and servers capable of functioning as staging locations for files for use by the computers in the network.
US08099450B2
Combining circuitry for combining a plurality of multi-bit partial product terms in a multiplier circuit includes a plurality of compression columns, each column receiving a plurality of partial product term bits. At least one compression column includes: a first circuit arranged to receive a first set of the plurality of partial product term bits for the at least one compression column, the first circuit further arranged to combine the first set of term bits to produce a first combined term bit set; and a second circuit arranged to receive a second set of the plurality of term bits for the at least one compression column and all of the first combined term bit set.
US08099449B1
A method of generating a random number using a multiplier oscillation, the method comprising providing a multiplier circuit coupled to receive a first digital input and a second digital input, wherein the first digital input and the second digital input are asynchronous signals and the first digital input comprises a feedback signal based upon an output of the multiplier circuit; allowing the multiplier to enter a state of feedback oscillation; and generating a random number based upon the output of the multiplier circuit. The method may further comprise providing a plurality of adders receiving feedback signals.
US08099448B2
An arithmetic logic and shifting device is disclosed and includes an arithmetic logic unit that has a first input to receive a first operand from a first register port, a second input to receive a second operand from a second register port, and an output to selectively provide a memory address to a memory unit in a first mode of operation and to selectively provide an arithmetic output in a second mode of operation. Further, the arithmetic logic and shifting device includes a programmable shifter device that has a first input to receive data from the memory unit, a second input to receive the arithmetic output, a third input to receive an operation code of a computer execution instruction, and a shifted output to provide shifted data.
US08099445B1
Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing techniques for selecting an application to be used to manipulate a file in a computing environment. The technique includes receiving a request to manipulate a file, the file having a file type, identifying a plurality of applications associated with the file type in the computing environment, and selecting an application from the plurality of applications associated with the file type based at least in part on context information representing a context of the computing environment. Each of the identified plurality of applications associated with the file type are capable of manipulating files of the file type.
US08099437B2
A process that ensures the virtual destruction of data files a user wishes to erase from a storage medium, such as a hard drive, flash drive, or removable disk. This approach is appropriate for managing custom distributions from a large file sets as it is roughly linear in compute complexity to the number of files erased but is capped when many files are batch erased.
US08099433B2
A system, method, and computer program for generating a social timeline is provided. A plurality of data items associated with at least one relationship between users associated with a social network is received, each data item having an associated time. The data items are ordered according to the at least one relationship. A social timeline is generated according to the ordered data items.
US08099431B2
A directory includes information about various systems (e.g., applications, processes, tasks, objects, services) and data, and may include data ownership information. The directory may define existing systems, corresponding locations by address, and corresponding semantic names. The directory may also specify the role of each system, e.g., a consumer or provider role. The directory may also define a scope of data a provider system can provide. As such, the directory may also include information about whether and how such data is being replicated. When a user requests data, a service may, based on the directory, determine and select an appropriate provider system for the data. The service may further create a subscription process to provide the user a local cache of the requested data. With such directory information, a service can provide data access services that integrate subscription processes.
US08099417B2
Relevant search results for a given query may be determined using click data for the query and the number of times the query is issued to a search engine. The number of clicks that a result receives for the given query may provide a feedback mechanism to the search engine on how relevant the result is for the given query. The frequency of a query along with the associated clicks provides the search engine with the effectiveness of the query in producing relevant results. Edges in a graph of queries versus results may be weighted in accordance with the click data and the efficiency to rank the search results provided to a user.
US08099412B2
A system to provide search query information. The system receives a request for search query information, identifies a set of search queries from a search query log that includes search queries submitted to a search service over a predetermined length of time, and provides the set of search queries. Each of the set of search queries is associated with at least a predetermined number of unique identifiers. Each of the set of search queries is matched to the request for search query information by a combination of exact matches, expanded matches, and broad matches.
US08099400B2
A method and system is presented which provides a TDM framework for managing self-describing measurement data. The TDM framework provides applications with a central platform for accessing measurement data across an entire enterprise system. By means of individual plug-ins, which may be specific to a given data file format, meta-data for each data store in the enterprise may be indexed in a unified manner. The unified indexing, in turn, provides the ability to browse and query the indexed measurement data without requiring the opening or reading from a source data file.
US08099398B2
To provide a database which has plural log storage areas, and eliminates the sort in the restoration process by means of the application of logs, thereby carrying out the restoration quickly. A management server allocates DB servers to a corresponding one of plural data storage areas so as to access the corresponding one. The DB servers store data to the allocated data storage areas. When the data is referenced or updated, a log representing a data change history is stored in preset log areas for each data server. When the management server transmits a notification to change the data storage areas, area remapping logs are stored in log areas.
US08099392B2
Systems and methods are provided for storing and restoring digital data. In some implementations, a method is provided. The method includes receiving, while a current view of an application is displayed in a user interface, a first user input requesting that a history view associated with the current view of the application be displayed, retrieve data associated with the history view, determining a presentation format for the data, and displaying the history view in response to the first user input in accordance with the presentation format, the history view including data associated with at least a first visual representation of an earlier version of the current view of the application.
US08099389B2
The present invention improves the performance of distributed systems by reducing the amount of graphical data transmitted between an application server and a thin client. The encoding technique used for graphical data is adapted in response to the repetitiveness of the graphical data during a particular client-server session. Indexes are maintained that are indicative of this repetitiveness and which identify a particular location in the client's cache memory storing the graphical data. Where the index is not found, but a fuzzy key indicates a strong likelihood that the graphical object is located at the client, the client's persistent storage memory is searched for a file name corresponding to the fuzzy key and which stores the graphical object therein.
US08099387B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for managing consistency groups using heterogeneous replication engines replicating data. A common linkage manager issues a prepare to create consistency group command to a first replication manager and a second replication manager, wherein the first and second replication managers issue create consistency group commands to first and second replication engines, respectively, to form a consistency group of data at a first source storage and a second source storage to copy to a first target storage and second target storage, respectively. The first and second replication managers form a first consistency group and a second consistency group of data from the first and second source storages, respectively, that are consistent as of a point-in-time in response to the create consistency group command; transmitting, by the first and second replication managers, the data in the formed first and second consistency groups to a first journal and second journal, respectively. The first and second replication managers commit the data in the first and second consistency groups in the first and second journals to the first and second target storages, respectively, in response to the first and second replication managers receiving a commit command.
US08099386B2
A method for synchronizing a database at a portable electronic device with a backup database including backup data records includes receiving information representative of data records of the database at the portable electronic device, determining if the database at the portable electronic device is to be updated with the backup data records, and if the database at the portable electronic device is to be updated, transmitting representative viewable or audible samples of ones of the backup data records.
US08099385B2
Provided are a system and article of manufacture for maintaining data in a distributed computing environment. Data is stored at a primary storage site. A data structure is processed indicating an association of data sets in the stored data, secondary storage sites, and update frequencies. In response to processing the data structure, a determination is made of one of a plurality of secondary storage sites and a determination is made of at least one data set to transmit to the determined secondary storage site at an update frequency. The determined data set is transmitted to the determined secondary storage site according to the update frequency.
US08099384B2
An operation procedure extrapolating system includes a history recording unit, a sort unit and an extrapolating unit. The history recording unit records history records of processes that at least one image processing apparatus is instructed to perform in a series of operation procedures. Each history record includes operator information, time information, content information and an object image. The sort unit sorts the history records into sets defined for individual operations, based on a comparison among the object images of the recorded history records. The extrapolating unit extrapolates operation procedures in at least one of the individual operations, based on the content information of the history records included in the set defined for the at least one of the individual operations and a sequence of the operator information of the history records included in the set defined for the at least one of the individual operations.
US08099379B2
A performance evaluating apparatus for a rule is provided, which is capable of evaluating a business value of a rule applied to the operation and management of an information system through autonomous control. The performance evaluating apparatus for a rule collects, respectively before activation processing that is prescribed by a rule and after completion of the execution of the processing, a rule execution history and a system state information indicating a state of a monitored information system that is necessary for calculation of the business value. The business value is calculated from the collected system state information and rule execution history by a given calculation formula.
US08099372B2
A method of modeling a composite emotion in a multidimensional vector space, is provided with creating an emotion vector space by defining dimensions of a vector space in consideration of stimuli affecting emotions, and dividing a defined multidimensional vector space into emotion regions. Further, the method of modeling a composite emotion in a multidimensional vector space includes creating a composite emotion by calculating a fuzzy partitioned matrix between a current state vector and respective representative vectors in the created emotion vector space.
US08099371B1
An electronically enabled clearance system and method for improved border crossings. The system and method generate and manage an electronic manifest (e-manifest) and an electronic commercial invoice (e-release) according to legal requirements as well as the requirements of a manufacturer that imports goods from other countries. A third party logistics provider may facilitate the interactions between an importer of manufactured goods, a supplier, a carrier, and a broker by serving as intermediary and hosting computer applications that manage the flow of information. A commercial invoice provides details about the goods in a shipment. A shipment control number (SCN) is associated with each commercial invoice. The e-manifest for a vehicle lists every SCN for the parts shipments loaded on the vehicle and therefore, provides a link to the commercial invoice data detailing information about the parts in the shipment.
US08099370B2
A method to prepare an Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL) document in a web-hosted server includes authenticating a user, uploading financial information from a spreadsheet, storing the information, and processing the data into an XBRL compliant document for transmittal to a financial regulatory agency. The process takes an input from an Excel™ spreadsheet and produces a financial statement in XBRL format while providing a full audit trail for the document conversion and authorization including manual inputs to the final-form submission.
US08099365B2
A multi-merchant purchasing system is configured to identify downloadable products selected by a user for purchase. The identified downloadable products are offered by multiple merchants. The multi-merchant purchasing system enables the user to purchase all of the downloadable products in a single transaction. Specifically, the multi-merchant purchasing system determines payment information associated with the user and, with minimum user-interaction, sends the payment information to applications associated with the merchants for processing. The multi-merchant purchasing system may also be configured to receive purchase information from the merchant applications and maintains the purchase information for the user in a locker. The multi-merchant purchasing system may further be configured to automatically download and install the purchased product onto the user's computing device through a software assistant. To ensure privacy and security, the multi-merchant purchasing system may include a credit card quarantine module to secure credit card data by encoding and multiple levels of encryptions. The multi-merchant purchasing system may be further configured to accept a request to collect extended user data related to the user on behalf of merchants and return the collected extended user data to the merchants.
US08099359B1
Systems and methods for issuing negotiable instruments by a non-bank entity such as a Licensed Money Transmitter, from direct deposits to a regulated financial institution. A customer arranges for direct deposit of funds to a regulated financial institution, such as a bank, that can receive direct deposits. When a direct deposit of funds into an account associated with the customer at the regulated financial institution is detected, the funds are swept into a second, transaction account maintained by the Licensed Money Transmitter. The customer requests issuance of a negotiable instrument from the Licensed Money Transmitter for withdrawing funds or directing that payments be made. The Licensed Money Transmitter, which maintains a network of agent terminals at various locations for disbursing funds to authorized recipients, is responsive to the request for a negotiable instrument for issuing a prepaid negotiable instrument or making payments for the benefit of the customer.
US08099354B2
A financial management system includes a portal which makes transaction information available to a corresponding mutual fund in real time. In one implementation, information related to multiple portals can be presented to a mutual fund. Suitable programming may optionally identify, at least partially, the users associated with transactions associated with a given mutual fund.
US08099345B2
A database-driven software application may be provided that is configured to keep a record of mainframe activity for various financial transactions and provide relationships between various transactional features. The information of these financial transactions may originate from a single system in a single data format or may be integrated into a single consistent format from a plurality of systems in a plurality of formats. Such an application may enable the reporting of anomalous events and/or the review of activities conducted by a financial associate (e.g., an employee of the financial institution) and/or those impacting a specific customer or account. The system may operate by parsing daily feeds of raw mainframe logs and extracting relevant details and placing information about each transaction in a data warehouse.
US08099340B2
A financial transactions control system may impose controls on the processing of financial transaction data that is generated by sending jobs and received and processed by receiving jobs. It may include a control data generating system associated with each of the receiving jobs configured to generate receiving control data that includes at least one total of financial transaction data received by the receiving job, a storage system configured to receive and store the receiving control data and sending control data from each sending job that contains at least one total of financial transaction data sent by the sending job, and an exception identification system configured to analyze the receiving and the sending control data and to communicate an exception when an error in the control data is detected. Sending job processing systems may each have associated control data generating systems of a similar type.
US08099338B2
The present invention relates to relates to the management of virtual universe item returns. A method for in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes: initiating a return of a item by a user in a virtual universe; granting control of the return of the item to a return agency, the return agency submitting a return request on behalf of the user to a vendor associated with the item; upon approval of the return request by the vendor, sending instructions to the user to destroy the item; and upon confirmation of the destruction of the item by the user, crediting the user for the return.
US08099337B2
A computer-implemented method of managing stock levels includes obtaining target-location-dependent information pertaining to a location product in an order management system using order proposals for management of the stock levels. The location product may not be included in an active order proposal. A computer-readable medium and/or system may also be provided.
US08099329B2
Various embodiments of the invention provide a more secure financial transaction system for e-commerce sectors that (1) more securely processes payment transactions, (2) helps to protect merchants and banks against fraudulent transactions, money laundering, and underage gambling, and (3) helps to limit other abuses in areas of e-commerce that are perceived to pose special risks, such as Internet gaming, travel, and consumer purchasing of electronic goods. To accomplish the above goals, various embodiments of the financial transaction system (1) establish operating and transaction processing protocols for merchants, Internet payment service providers, acquiring banks, and card schemes and (2) provide automated systems for monitoring and securely processing payment and financial transactions.
US08099328B2
A management system brokers, between a seller and a buyer, at least a portion of the seller's inventory of advertisement impressions that the seller can render within a web page of internet traffic. The management system comprises a traffic block definition tool adapted to define traffic block parameters for at least two discrete traffic blocks of the advertisement placement. The traffic block parameters for each discrete traffic block comprise a volume parameter and a duration parameter. A sales management tool is adapted to associate advertisement content and a buyer compensation parameter to each salable event. An order fulfillment system: i) directs placement of highest yielding advertisement content if, for each discrete traffic block, a delivered volume of sales events is higher than its minimum fulfillment threshold; and ii) if, for any discrete traffic block, delivered volume of saleable events lower than its minimum fulfillment threshold, directs placement of the advertisement content associated with that discrete traffic block.
US08099326B2
Systems, methods, and a user interface are used for bidding on media plays. The user can specify criteria for play of the media play, including times, stations, and budgets. A traffic estimator uses historical data to estimate bids and auctions, and the likelihood of winning, for generating listener traffic based on the criteria.
US08099323B2
A system of advertising on the Internet, including: an on-line system for sellers of future advertising space to create advertising contracts; an on-line system for presenting the advertising contracts to purchasers of advertising space; an on-line system for the purchasers of future advertising space to select the sellers' advertising contracts; a system to integrate purchased advertising contracts to a delivery mechanism that displays purchasers' advertising in the sellers advertising space; and a system for transferring funds from the purchasers to the sellers after completion and audit of the advertising contracts.
US08099320B2
Embodiments include a system for forecasting demand data for new products. The system and method may include generating a phase-in group profile based on similar products. The phase-in group profile may have multiple demand profiles for low, medium and high demand variations. These demand profiles may be applied to new products in the same phase-in group to generate a forecast profile.
US08099319B2
Systems, methods and computer program products for determining a learning curve value and modeling an associated profitability of a good are provided. According to one method of determining a learning curve value, recurring costs of producing each unit of the good are modeled as a function of potential learning curve values. Nonrecurring costs of producing each unit of the good are then modeled as a function of potential learning curve values. Next, the learning curve value is determined based upon the recurring costs model and the nonrecurring costs value such that the sum of the recurring costs and nonrecurring costs at the determined learning curve value is minimized over the potential learning curve values.
US08099316B2
A mobile marketing campaign platform and method including: a planning module including: a definition module for setting budget and objectives; and a design module for designing the campaign utilizing a plurality of templates; an execution module including: design tools for designing an executable campaign from the campaign design made from the templates; and operating tools for causing the executable campaign to execute over multiple mobile services; and a reporting module including: tracking means for tracking at least one of a campaign activity, the campaign performance objectives; and the brand performance objectives.
US08099307B2
The disclosure herein provides methods, systems, and devices for managing, transferring, modifying, converting and/or tracking medical files and/or medical system messages. In certain embodiments, the foregoing may generally be based on requesting medical files at a first medical facility, identifying the requested medical files at a second medical facility, initiating a secure network connection between the first and second medical facility, modifying a header portion of the medical files based on patient identification information created by the first medical facility, and other processing steps.
US08099296B2
Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for improved diagnostic reading and workflow in a healthcare environment using rules-based context management. In an embodiment, the system includes a plurality of information sources, wherein each of the plurality of information sources includes information. The system also includes a rules engine including at least one rule governing at least one of availability and presentation of information. In addition, the system includes a context manager for obtaining information from the plurality of information sources based on a query and filtering the information based on the at least one rule. In an embodiment, the information sources include an information system and/or an imaging system, for example.
US08099291B2
A signal decoding apparatus that can suppress any large unusual sounds to provide decoded signals of improved audibility even when the number of hierarchical layers to be used in the decoding process varies due to a packet loss or the like in communication utilizing a scalable encoding/decoding technique. In the signal decoding apparatus, a gain adjusting part (2308) adjusts, based on a control of a decoding control part (2301), the gain of a basic layer decoded signal outputted from a basic layer decoding part (2302). A gain adjusting part (2309) adjusts, based on a control of the decoding control part (2301), the gain of a first expansion layer decoded signal outputted from a first expansion layer decoding part (2303). A gain adjusting part (2310) adjusts, based on a control of the decoding control part (2301), the gain of a second expansion layer decoded signal outputted from a second expansion layer decoding part (2304).
US08099271B2
Techniques and systems for analysis, diagnosis and debugging fabricated hardware designs at a Hardware Description Language (HDL) level are described. In particular, the techniques and systems relate to design instrumentation circuitry that facilitates the analysis, diagnosis and debugging of the hardware designs. A HDL design instrumentation circuitry embedded within an electronic system comprises one or more probe circuits to allow storage of signal values of the electronic system upon predetermined events, one or more breakpoint registers to specify the predetermined events, and one or more trigger processing units to control the storage of signal values upon the detection of the predetermined events by the breaking registers. The present design instrumentation circuitry permits monitoring the electronic system at speed, facilitating the analysis diagnosis and debugging by giving detailed and accurate information about the operation of the electronic system.
US08099267B2
An example method for performing an operation includes obtaining an input deck of a first simulator, the input deck being prepared based on field data for performing a simulation of the operation using the first simulator. The method further includes migrating the input deck from the first simulator to generate input for a second simulator, the second simulator being configured to simulate the operation based on the input to generate a simulation result. The method further includes storing the simulation result in a repository.
US08099263B2
Computer-implemented electronic document design systems and methods allowing a user to integrate user-specific location maps into custom printed products. During the creation of an electronic design of a product intended for subsequent printing, user-provided location information is received by a server computer and used to generate a user map suitable for high quality printing. Lower resolution display and thumbnail versions of the map suitable for displaying to the user of the client system are generated. The display version is sent to the client system for review and editing by the user. The user map, the display map, and the thumbnail are stored at the server for possible future use. The maps are created and stored with the same height to width ratio as the map area in the electronic product design into which the map will be placed. The user is provided with a cropping tool to allow the user to select the portion of the map to be incorporated into the electronic product design.
US08099253B1
Apparatus and methods are described for pressing and releasing keys and measuring timing data of the key presses and releases of a keyboard input device to determine characteristics of different types of keyboards. A key of the keyboard may be pressed and released by a machine at measured speed; and resulting keystroke timing data may be collected from to identify timing delays and differences in delays between when the key is pressed and when the resulting timing data is collected by a computer. The timing delays and differences in delays may be used generate more accurate biometric templates and authentication inputs when a type of keyboard is used.
US08099249B2
The invention is a method and system for detection and compensation of a rapid change in temperature on a pressure measurement cell, in which a measurement signal proportional to the deflection of a diaphragm is generated by means of a sensor. A reference signal proportional to the deflection of the diaphragm is generated by a second sensor; and, measured values are generated by a microprocessor from the measurement signal while the respective reference values are generated from the reference signal. The reference values are compared with the expected values from a tolerance band, and either a pressure-induced deflection of the diaphragm is detected when there is a correspondence, and the measured values are output as measured values for the measured pressure; or, if there is not a correspondence, a deflection of the diaphragm due to a rapid change in temperature is detected, the measured values are corrected and output.
US08099247B2
A combination mirror and media display device assembly is provided. The combination mirror and media display device includes a mirror platform having a media display device viewing area and a media display device coupled to the mirror platform. The media display device is positioned to display images through the media display device viewing area.
US08099245B2
The present invention provides the crystal structure of the Trypanosoma cruzi PRACA proline racemase. Methods of modelling drugs that treat or prevent infection by T. cruzi are also provided, as are the drugs that are identified.
US08099242B2
The present invention generally provides systems and methods for the detection, identification, or characterization of differences between properties or behavior of corresponding species in two or more mixtures comprised of molecules, including biomolecules and/or molecules able to interact with biomolecules, using techniques such as partitioning. The experimental conditions established as distinguishing between the mixtures of the molecules using the systems and methods of the invention can also be used, in some cases, for further fractionation and/or characterization of the biomolecules and/or other molecules, using techniques such as single-step or multiple-step extraction, and/or by liquid-liquid partition chromatography. The methods could also be used for discovering and identifying markers associated with specific diagnostics, and can be used for screening for such markers once discovered and identified during diagnostics screening.
US08099240B2
Methods for evaluating drill pattern parameters such as burden, spacing, borehole diameter, etc., at a blast site are disclosed. One method involves accumulating the burden contributed by successive layers of rock and matching the accumulated rock burden to a target value for a borehole having a length related to the average height of the layers. Another method relates to varying drill pattern parameters and characteristics to match blast design constraints, including the substitution of one explosive material for another by the proper balance of materials and/or output energies to the associated rock burden. Analysis of deviations from target rock burdens and corrective measures are disclosed, as well as cost optimization methods. The various methods can be practiced using an appropriately programmed general purpose computer.
US08099234B1
A present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for presenting information to the pilot on an aircraft display unit employed in a synthetic vision system (“SVS”), an enhanced vision system (“EVS”), or combined system. Information regarding the locations of visible and invisible objects related to aviation such as airports, navigation aids and facilities, and airspace are provided by location markers. Data representative of the terrain and location of objects depicted in a scene outside the aircraft are retrieved from one or more data sources. An image generating processor generates an image data set representative of a three-dimensional perspective view of a scene outside the aircraft, wherein the image data set is determined as a function of the terrain data and location marker data associated with the location data. The image data set may be provided to a Head-Down Display unit, a Head-Up Display unit, or both.
US08099230B2
A method for controlling an amount of fuel reforming in an internal combustion engine configured to selectively operate in a homogeneous charge compression-ignition combustion mode with an exhaust recompression strategy includes monitoring in-cylinder pressures during a current combustion cycle, utilizing the monitored in-cylinder pressures to project reforming required in a next combustion cycle, and controlling the next combustion cycle based on the projected reforming required in the next combustion cycle.
US08099225B2
The invention relates to a fuel injection system having at least one fuel injector, which includes an electrically operable actuator. In order to reduce the hydraulic distances between two injections, a voltage-smoothing or voltage-dampening electric device is connected in parallel to the actuator.
US08099224B2
A variety of methods and arrangements for improving the fuel efficiency of internal combustion engines are described. Generally, an engine is controlled to operate in a skip fire variable displacement mode. In various embodiments, the appropriate firings are determined dynamically during operation of the engine on a firing opportunity by firing opportunity basis and/or without the use of predefined firing patterns.
US08099222B2
A method for automatically controlling the charge air temperature of an internal combustion engine, in which a coolant flow upstream of a recooler is distributed as a function of the position of a characteristic diagram-type thermostat valve between a recooler coolant flow and a bypass coolant flow. The temperature of the charge air cooler coolant flow is determined downstream of the recooler by the reunited coolant flows, i.e., the recooler coolant flow and the bypass coolant flow. The charge air temperature is determined by the temperature of the charge air cooler coolant flow. A control deviation of a nominal charge air temperature from an actual charge air temperature is computed, a nominal bypass coolant flow is computed as a correcting variable from the control deviation by means of a charge air temperature controller, a control signal (PWM) for actuating the characteristic diagram-type thermostat valve is determined from the nominal bypass coolant flow by a computing unit, and the position of the characteristic diagram-type thermostat valve (6) is determined by the control signal (PWM).
US08099214B2
A method is provided for determining a vehicle path for autonomously parallel parking a vehicle in a space between a first object and a second object. A distance is remotely sensed between the first object and the second object. A determination is made whether the distance is sufficient to parallel park the vehicle between. A first position to initiate a parallel parking maneuver is determined. A second position within the available parking space corresponding to an end position of the vehicle path is determined. A first arc shaped trajectory of travel is determined between the first position and an intermediate position, and a second arc shaped trajectory of travel is determined between the second position and the intermediate position. The first arc shaped trajectory is complementary to the second arc shaped trajectory for forming a clothoid which provides a smoothed rearward steering maneuver between the first position to the second position.
US08099209B2
A multi-dimensional control system for simultaneously controlling multiple device functions in a motor vehicle is disclosed. The system includes a control panel having a control surface and an input device that is selectable at a plurality of positions about the control surface. Each of the positions is associated with one of a plurality of first function settings and one of a plurality of second function settings. Additional devices, systems, and methods for controlling multiple functions in a motor vehicle are disclosed.
US08099198B2
An integrated and hybrid energy provider and storage device system for enhancing the energy efficiency and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions particularly for systems that utilize energy in a discrete and discontinuous manner, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles is provided. The system provides automated means to generate power, distribute the preferably locally generated power to a multiplex array of energy storage devices in a dynamic manner. The system, when utilizing dynamic algorithms, preferably meets the complex demands of often conflicting energy storage device requirements and real-time demand loads in-conjunction with dynamic switching between energy storage devices to enhance the performance and effectiveness that is beneficial to both the aggregate energy efficiency and the individual owner demands of each energy storage device.
US08099195B2
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an apparatus for an energy management system includes a controller having an application interface configured to use at least a portion of an incoming message communicated using a home energy network at a residential site. The incoming message includes at least a portion of a first user energy management schedule, and the controller is capable of altering use of a resource in response to the first user energy management schedule. A first communication interface is operably coupled to the application interface and configured to communicate with a first network operably associated with the home energy network; and a second communication interface is operably coupled to the application interface and configured to communicate with a second network operably associated with the home energy network, wherein the second network is different than the first network.
US08099193B2
A control system for controlling an industrial robot and a method thereof. A control unit generates a control signal for controlling the motor. At least one drive unit controls the motor. The drive unit includes a switching unit adapted to convert DC current to alternating current to the motor in dependence on the control signal. A safety unit generates a stop signal for stopping the robot upon occurrence of a safety event. The drive unit disables the switching unit upon receiving the stop signal. The safety unit generates the stop signal with a time delay with respect to the safety event. The control unit generates the control signal in such a way that the motor is electrically braked during the time delay. The control system transfers the stop signal to the brake, which mechanically brakes the motor upon receiving the stop signal, and delays the stop signal to the drive unit so that the brake receives the stop signal before the drive unit to ensure that the mechanical brake is applied before the switching unit is disabled.
US08099190B2
A method and an apparatus for transferring a substantially flat and substantially circular objects, such as wafers, from a pick-up position to a delivery position, the apparatus comprising, a manipulator, at least one source for emitting a source signal, at least one sensor for sensing said source signal and for providing a sensor signal, a computing device arranged for processing at least one sensor signal to obtain data on the position of said object, the manipulator being arranged for simultaneously transferring a first and a second object along a path in a substantially parallel orientation, spaced apart from each other, and substantially co-axially whereby the central axis of each object may be displaced radially, a said source and a said sensor are connected by a virtual line, whereby the virtual line includes an angle with the central axes of the first and second objects.
US08099185B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and device for making garment. One embodiment, for example, includes a system that comprises a processing device and a sewing module that sews garment material to facilitate making the garment. The system further comprises memory that includes a thread count manager having instructions stored in the memory. The instructions are executed by the processing device and include logic configured to instruct the sewing module to sew the garment material based on counting threads of the garment material rather than using the geometric shape of pieces of garment material.
US08099184B2
Disclosed is a method and system for compensating for the load a part places on a part positioner system that positions the part for work operations by a robot. The part positioner system rotates a part holding assembly about the axis of rotation of a shoulder drive. The part holding assembly may have a column that extends perpendicular to the shoulder center line. A counter weight system is incorporated into the column that includes a counter weight pack that is moved along the length of the column. The shoulder drive drives the part and part holding assembly load in order to measure a torque applied to the shoulder drive. A load offset may be calculated based on the applied torque. The counter weight pack may then be moved to a position on the column calculated to balance the load of the part and part holding assembly. Alternatively, the counter weight may be moved empirically in a feedback loop in response to repeated torque measurements of the shoulder drive until an optimum torque is achieved at the shoulder drive.
US08099180B2
A device is described for ascertaining state variables and/or parameters of a mathematical energy accumulator model, in particular a battery model, that describes the electrical properties of the energy accumulator on the basis of various state variables and parameters, the mathematical energy accumulator model having correction equations by which the state variables and/or the parameters are corrected and adjusted to the actual operating performance of the energy accumulator. A particularly rapid and accurate compensation of the energy accumulator model may be achieved if the error between a measured battery performance quantity and the battery performance quantity calculated by the energy accumulator model, a differentiated component of the error and an integrated component of the error are calculated, the individual components are each weighted using a weighting factor and the weighted error components are taken into account in correction of a state variable and/or a parameter.
US08099177B2
A medically implantable lead configured for insertion into a human or animal body to be attached in the body with its distal end to tissue inside the body, as a rotatable helix at a distal end thereof that can be screwed into the tissue. The helix serves as an attachment of the lead to the tissue as well as a conductor for conducting electrical signals to the tissue through electrically conducting surfaces on the helix. The surfaces of the helix are partly insulated so as to restrict the conducting of signals between the helix and the tissue to desirable regions. The surfaces of the helix facing inwardly, toward an inner bore of the helix, are electrically insulated. In a method for manufacturing such a lead, the wire forming the helix has protrusions in desired areas and the wire including the protrusions is coated with an electrically insulating layer. The protrusions are uncovered from the insulating layer in desired regions.
US08099176B2
A medical electrical lead configured to be coupled to a pulse generator in a cardiac rhythm management system. The lead comprises a proximal terminal connector configured for coupling the lead to the pulse generator, and a plurality of longitudinally arranged lead segments each configured to exhibit one or more predetermined physical characteristics based on the implantation location for the respective segment. The lead segments may be pre-fabricated as separate modules optimized for the operating environment and/or delivery requirements of the respective segments. The pre-fabricated modules are longitudinally arranged and joined to form the lead.
US08099174B1
An implantable cardiac stimulation device provides stimulation therapy from within the left ventricle of a heart. The device includes a pulse generator adapted to be coupled to an implantable cardiac stimulation electrode and a power supply that provides the stimulation electrode with a positive voltage. The positive voltage promotes coating of the electrode through a body coating process. The coating serves to repel formation of clots on the electrode.
US08099163B2
One aspect relates to defibrillating an individual potentially in an absence of any human assistance including that from the individual. Another aspect relates to positioning an electrode in electrical proximity to an individual when the individual is in an unusual defibrillating position; and applying a defibrillating charge to the individual at least partially via the electrode when the individual is in the unusual defibrillating position. Yet another aspect relates to securing at least one defibrillating electrode outside of a material associated with an individual relative to the individual; and extending at least one extensible electric contact(s) from the at least one defibrillating electrode through the material into an electric contact with at least a portion of the individual.
US08099159B2
Methods and devices that are capable of measuring physiological parameters of at least two contact points and determining whether the measured parameters reflect favorable or unfavorable physiological responses are disclosed herein. Specifically, the present invention encompasses a method that can non-invasively monitor physiological parameters of at least two contact points before and after a stimulus is applied to a subject and compare the measured parameters to determine whether the physiological state of the subject is favorable or unfavorable.
US08099155B2
The present invention relates to a method for assisting with percutaneous interventions, wherein 2D x-ray images of an object region are recorded before the intervention using a C-arm x-ray system or a robot-based x-ray system at different projection angles and 3D x-ray image data of the object region is reconstructed from the 2D x-ray recordings. One or more 2D or 3D ultrasound images are recorded before and/or during the intervention using an external ultrasound system and registered with the 3D image data. The 2D or 3D ultrasound images are then overlaid with the 3D image data record or a target region segmented therefrom or displayed next to one another in the same perspective. The method allows a puncture or biopsy to be monitored with a low level of radiation.
US08099151B2
A system and method for using magnetic resonance imaging to increase the accuracy of electrophysiologic procedures includes an invasive combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter which includes an RF antenna for receiving magnetic resonance signals and diagnostic electrodes for receiving electrical potentials. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter is used in combination with a magnetic resonance imaging scanner to guide and provide visualization during electrophysiologic diagnostic or therapeutic procedures, such as ablation of cardiac arrhythmias. The combined electrophysiology and imaging antenna catheter may further include an ablation tip, and be used as an intracardiac device to deliver energy to selected areas of tissue and visualize the resulting ablation lesions. The antenna utilized in the combined electrophysiology and imaging catheter for receiving MR signals is preferably of the coaxial or “loopless” type. High-resolution images from the antenna may be combined with low-resolution images from surface coils of the MR scanner to produce a composite image. A system for eliminating the pickup of RF energy in which intracardiac wires are detuned by filtering so that they become very inefficient antennas. An RF filtering system is provided for suppressing the MR imaging signal while not attenuating the RF ablative current. Steering means may be provided for steering the invasive catheter under MR guidance. Other ablative methods can be used such as laser, ultrasound, and low temperatures.
US08099148B2
A method for removing one or more artifacts from a time series of magnetic resonance (MR) images is provided. In one embodiment of the invention, an MR time series of data sets is acquired while changing the k-space that is sampled at each time frame. By using the acquired data, information is produced for a plurality of MR images at different time points, wherein the images contain desired components and one or more artifacts. Changing the k-space locations that are sampled from time frame to time frame makes the artifacts behave in a signature way through time, so that they can be identified as being artifacts and be removed through temporal analysis.
US08099147B2
A method of thermally inducing and monitoring changes to localized regions of tissue illuminating a volume of tissue with a first beam of X-rays, detecting the portions of the first beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue, generating a first X-ray image signal from the portions of X10 rays of the first beam detected, applying heat to at least a localized region of tissue within the volume of tissue after the illuminating and after the detecting, illuminating the volume of tissue with a second beam of X-rays, detecting portions of the second beam of X-rays that passed through the volume of tissue during the illuminating with the second beam of X-rays, generating a second X-ray image signal from the portions of X-rays of the second beam detected, and generating a difference image signal based upon a comparison of the first and second X-ray image signals. The difference image signal provides information of changes in X-ray attenuation by localized regions of tissue within the volume of tissue due to the application of heat.
US08099144B2
An electronic device is described that has a base and a lid, where device can be opened so that part of the base is exposed and closed so that the same part of the base is hidden. The lid is connected to the base by two bars. The bars allow the lid to slide in a plane parallel to the base. The connection between the base and lid is such that there is little overlap between the base and the lid when the device is open.
US08099140B2
An object is to provide a system for improving convenience for users, by which a portable electronic device or the like can be charged even in a place where utility power is not available. Another object is to provide a system which allows a service provider to easily perform customer management. A wireless power supply system includes a power storage device having a power storage portion, a terminal charging device for wirelessly supplying electric power to the power storage device, and a management server having user information. Electric power can be supplied to specified users by intercommunication of user information between the power storage device and the terminal charging device and between the terminal charging device and the management server.
US08099139B1
A method for controlling output signal power in a communication terminal includes determining envelopes of a communication signal to be transmitted by the communication terminal at respective first and second measurement points along a transmission chain in a transmitter of the terminal. A cross-correlation is computed between the envelopes determined at the first and second measurement points. An actual gain between the first and second measurement points is computed using the cross-correlation. An output power of the communication signal is adjusted by setting a gain of the transmitter responsively to the actual gain.
US08099138B2
The invention relates to a holding device comprising a receiving system for receiving a mobile telephone (30, 30′) provided with a device fort the wireless transmission of data and voice signals. Said holding device comprises a housing (1), an interface for a handsfree device, and a device for controlling the charging of a battery of the mobile telephone (30, 30′). The aim of the invention is to provide a holding device which enables different mobile telephones (30, 30′) to be held and operated. To this end, the receiving system can be adjusted in such a way as to receive different-sized mobile telephones (30, 30′), the holding device has an electrical output with an electrical power that can be used for charging the battery, and the device for controlling the charging is arranged in a cable (9) which is used specifically for the mobile telephone (30, 30′) and can be connected to the output on one end thereof and to the mobile telephone (30, 30′) on the other end thereof.
US08099131B2
Certain aspects of a method and system for an antenna architecture for multi-antenna orthogonal frequency division (OFD) based systems are disclosed. Aspects of one method may include communicating data in a radio frequency (RF) system comprising a plurality of antennas, via at least one polarized antenna that is orthogonally polarized with respect to adjacent polarized antennas. The plurality of coherently polarized antennas may be placed at a particular distance from each other.
US08099111B2
A system and method for data logging of telematics events by a vehicle telematics unit. Upon detection of a telematics event, checks are made to determine if location data logging is enabled and if the telematics event is an incoming personal call. If the location data logging is enabled and the telematics event is not an incoming personal call, then a data log entry is created that includes the current vehicle location; otherwise, a data log entry without any location information is created. Thereafter, the data log entries can be uploaded to a call center for analysis. Procedures for handling data logging during a standby mode of the telematics unit are also provided.
US08099096B2
Methods and apparatus related to management of active connections between an access terminal and access points are described. An access terminal maintains and manages active set information. The active set information identifies a set of access points with which the access terminal has an active connection. In some embodiments, the active set information includes allocated resources assigned to the access terminal corresponding to the different access points in the active set. Layer 2 Transport Tunneling is used, in various embodiments, to communicate connection request and/or connection response information, between access points. In some embodiments, the access terminal optionally assists in coordinating MAC resources allocated to the access terminal by different access points.
US08099093B2
A database stores updated information concerning protected communications services. A base station for a coexisting, and potentially co-channel, non-protected communications service makes an inquiry of the database requesting an identification of geographically relevant protected services along with the database stored information pertinent to each of those identified protected services. The returned information is processed by the base station to determine what channels are available for use by the non-protected service. An available channel is identified by the base station as the working channel for the non-protected service and the base station initiates a process to establish a communications network using the non-protected service and the selected working channel.
US08099085B2
Using cell phones or other wireless devices to notify users of those devices of impending arrival at a selected customer location. The current location of the wireless device is determined and compared with the known location of the destination. When the wireless device is within a predetermined distance or at a predetermined estimated arrival time from the selected destination, an alert is sent to the wireless device and, if authorized, an alert also is sent to the destination. In response to the impending arrival, the destination may provide information for the user concerning offerings at that destination.
US08099084B2
A method, system, and computer program product are described for creating smart services. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method for creating smart services includes defining a service based on a situation of a service subscriber and an event for interacting with the subscriber on behalf of the service. Access is provided to subscriber context information based on private subscriber information. The subscriber context information is used in determining a current situation of the subscriber. The method allows the service to use the subscriber context information to generate a response to the event on behalf of the subscriber without the service having direct access to the private subscriber information.
US08099078B2
Embodiments described herein provide a user with the ability to select from a list of available services that can be used on a mobile device. The services include device-based services and device-network based services. The activation, usage tracking and deactivation of a selected service can be conducted at a central location. Some of the services can be provided by different carrier network providers and in different geographical areas. The service selection can be performed from the mobile device, thus providing the user with maximum flexibility as to when and where the user requests the service.
US08099070B2
According to one embodiment, a radio frequency receiver includes a quadrature mixer for converting radio frequency signals to baseband signals or intermediate frequency signals. The quadrature mixer includes an in-phase passive mixer and a quadrature-phase passive mixer. Each passive mixer includes a mixer core having a plurality of mixer input switch transistors and a plurality of output switch transistors connected to the mixer input switch transistors. Clock circuitry generates a first set of clock signals and a second set of clock signals. The first set of clock signals has a frequency twice that of the second set of clock signals. The first set of clock signals is arranged to drive the mixer input switch transistors and the second set of clock signals is arranged to drive the output switch transistors.
US08099064B2
A mobile wireless communications device includes a housing and antenna supported by the housing. At least one circuit board is carried by the housing and has radio frequency (RF) circuitry operative with the antenna for receiving and transmitting RF signals through the antenna. A power amplifier is connected within a transmission line for amplifying RF signals to be transmitted over the transmission line to the antenna. An antenna switch is carried by the circuit board and connected to the antenna and RF circuitry. An RF shield surrounds the power amplifier and antenna switch isolates the power amplifier and antenna switch from the antenna and RF circuitry. A low pass filter has an input connected to the power amplifier and an output connected to the antenna switch for reducing any RF coupling of voltage standing waves of upper harmonic frequencies from the power amplifier into the antenna switch between the input and output of the low pass filter through the RF shield while maintaining transmission of signals through the transmission line at a desired fundamental frequency.
US08099058B1
A method for operating an integrated transceiver, comprising coupling an operating transmitter and an operating receiver within the integrated wideband receiver, inputting a signal into the operating transmitter, performing a first conversion of the signal, wherein the signal is converted into a second signal, transmitting the second signal into the operating receiver, performing a second conversion of the signal, wherein the signal is converted into a third signal, transmitting the third signal into the operating transmitter, and adjusting the operating transmitter.
US08099055B2
A wireless network comprises at least one station (102) adapted to perform measurements of at least one given type in the network, and a Centralised Measurement Manager (CMM) unit (101) for handling measurements of said type. CMM unit sends a measurement request message (201) requesting that this station (102) perform a measurement of the given type, this request message comprising a triggering information (304, 501, 601-602). Upon reception of the measurement request message (201), the station performs (202) a measurement and obtains (203) corresponding measurement result. Then, it is decided (204) whether at least part of the measurement results is to be sent to the CMM unit based on the triggering information. If yes, the station sends the corresponding part of the measurement result to the CMM unit.
US08099043B2
Disclosed are a transmitting device and receiving device for selecting a transmit channel in a wideband high frequency wireless system using a plurality of transmit antennas, and a method thereof. According to the method of selecting a transmit channel, data is transmitted to the receiving device via a predetermined first antenna, and a first channel probing response message including first channel status information of the first antenna is received, in response to the transmission of the data. A channel probing request message that request channel status information of a second antenna, is transmitted to the receiving device via the second antenna, and a second channel probing response message including the second channel status information of the second antenna is received in response to the channel probing request message.
US08099032B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier; a movable endless belt member forming a nip between the image carrier; and a transfer roller made of metal contacting the belt member at a region corresponding to the nip. At the nip, a toner image on the image carrier is transferred onto the belt member. The transfer roller slidably rotates in bearings supporting its shaft. Members having a higher friction coefficient than that of the transfer roller are provided at end portions of the transfer roller. F1>F3 and F2>F4 are satisfied, where F1 is a maximum static friction between the transfer roller and the belt member, F2 is a dynamic friction between the transfer roller and the belt member, F3 is a maximum static friction between the shaft of the transfer roller and the bearings, and F4 is a dynamic friction between the shaft of the transfer roller and the bearings.
US08099028B2
A developer supply system including a developer supply apparatus and a developer supply container which is detachably mountable to the apparatus, the system includes the developer supply container including a rotatable container body having an inner space configured and positioned to contain a developer; a feeding portion configured and positioned to feed the developer in the container body to discharge the developer out of the container body with a rotation of the container body; and a hooking portion configured and positioned to engage with the apparatus to receive a rotational force for rotating the container body; the apparatus including a driving member configured and positioned to apply the rotational force; a drive transmitting member configured and positioned to engage with the hooking portion to transmit the rotational force from the driving member to the hooking portion, the drive transmitting member, which has engaged with the hooking portion, being movable between a first position where the drive transmitting member and the driving member are engaged with each other and a second position where the drive transmitting member and the driving member are not engaged with each other; and a displacing member configured and positioned to displace the hooking portion to release an engagement between the hooking portion and the drive transmitting member which is in the second position.
US08099011B2
Embodiments of the present invention include an image bearing member arranged to bear an electrostatic latent image, a charging member contacting the image bearing member to charge a surface of the image bearing member with application of a DC voltage to the charging member, a current detection unit arranged to detect a DC current flowing in the charging member, and a control unit configured to control the voltage applied to the charging member, wherein a plurality of different DC voltages are successively applied to the charging member during a period of no image formation until a change amount of change in the DC current with respect to change in the DC voltage becomes not larger than a predetermined value, and the control unit controls a DC voltage applied to the charging member during a period of image formation based on a result detected by the current detection unit.
US08099010B2
An image forming apparatus includes a transfer bias set up section and a developing bias set up section. The transfer bias set up section sets a transfer bias applied to each transfer member so that the transfer bias applied to a transfer member corresponding to a photosensitive member on the most downstream side is greater than a transfer bias applied to a transfer member other than this transfer member. The developing bias set up section sets a developing bias applied to each developing member to a first developing bias in a single-side printing mode, and sets up the developing bias applied to each developing member in formation of an image on a first surface and in formation of another image on a second surface to a second developing bias lower than the first developing bias when the image formed on the second surface is a color image.
US08099008B2
An image heating apparatus includes a coil for generating a magnetic flux by a current flowing therethrough; an image heating member having an electroconductive layer in which an eddy current is produced by the magnetic flux by which heat is generated, the image heating member being effective to heat an image on a recording material; an electroconductive magnetic flux adjusting member movable from a first position and a second position to decrease the eddy current produced in the image heating member by the magnetic flux; a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of image heating member; electric power control means for control electric power supplied to the coil on the basis of an output of the temperature sensor, wherein the electric power control means changes an electric power condition to be supplied to the coil before start of the movement from the first position to the second position of magnetic flux adjusting member.
US08099000B2
A differential delay detection system and method includes an optical splitter to split an incoming optical signal between a first path and a second path. The first path includes a cross-polarization interferometer configured to separately generate polarization independent outputs using split paths and to generate cross-polarization interference outputs, balanced photodetectors to aid in removing cross-polarization beating noise, and a polarization demultiplexer configured to combine the polarization independent outputs and the cross-polarization interference outputs from the cross-polarization interferometer with updated coefficients received from the second path to remove the cross-polarization mixed signals. The second path includes a training signal receiver configured to compute the updated coefficients and output the updated coefficients to the polarization demultiplexer.
US08098986B2
For flash photography, a rise of a flash emission control pulse precedes emission timing by a predetermined period. A start of flash emission of a flash lamp precedes a start of exposure of an image sensor. Since the start of the emission is earlier than the start of the exposure, a period of unstable flash emission can be excluded from an exposure time T of the image sensor. The exclusion prevents a captured image from being affected by the period of unstable flash emission. Accordingly, it becomes possible to ensure high color reproducibility for photography with auxiliary light.
US08098982B2
An image shake correction apparatus includes: a fixed member; a first guide shaft; a second guide shaft; an intermediate member; and a movable member.
US08098978B2
The recording medium includes a data area storing still images and audio data in separate files and a navigation area storing navigation information for reproducing the still images and the audio data together as a slideshow. The navigation information may be included in a playlist, and/or one of a playitem field and a sub-playitem field may provide the navigation information.
US08098977B2
A signal reproduction device and signal reproduction method capable of automatically discriminating the format of input data and reproducing the data is provided. The signal reproduction device comprises an IEEE 1394 link chip 12, which receives transmission signals obtained by converting data in a plurality of prescribed signal formats into a prescribed packet format and transmitting, and reproduces signals in a prescribed signal format from the received transmission signals in packet form, as well as an IEEE 1394 microcontroller 13, which extracts a prescribed packet of received transmission signals, detects data in the extracted packet indicating modification from the signal format currently being received to another prescribed signal format, and based on the detected signal format modification data, outputs parameters necessary for reproduction of signals in another prescribed signal format from received signals in packet form; and the signal reproduction device automatically discriminates the data format of input data and reproduces the data.
US08098966B2
There is provided a thermal sensing fiber grid, including a plurality of rows and columns of thermal sensing fibers, each of which includes a semiconducting element that has a fiber length and that is characterized by a bandgap energy corresponding to a selected operational temperature range of the fiber in which there can be produced a change in thermally-excited electronic charge carrier population in the semiconducting element in response to a temperature change in the selected temperature range. There is included at least one pair of conducting electrodes in contact with the semiconducting element along the fiber length, and an insulator along the fiber length. An electronic circuit is provided for and connected to each thermal sensing fiber for producing an indication of thermal sensing fiber grid coordinates of a change in ambient temperature.
US08098963B2
An apparatus includes unit acquiring a target image as a target of resolution conversion, unit acquiring an additional image from the image source, unit estimating a corresponding point in the target image using corresponding point estimation methods, the corresponding point being associated with at least one pixel in the additional image to obtain corresponding points in the target image, unit setting a pixel value of each pixel included in the additional image as a sampling value for the corresponding point when each pixel is set as a target pixel, to obtain sampling values for pixels included in the additional image, and unit generating an image of a first resolution into which a second resolution of the target image is converted, using pixel values and positions of pixels included in the target image, and the sampling values and positions of the corresponding points.
US08098948B1
A method of processing an image includes obtaining the image; determining a point spread function for the image; applying a filter, based on the point spread function, to at least a portion of the image to form a filtered image; and generating a processed image by blending the filtered image with the image or another filtered image, wherein a first portion of the processed image is generated using a different amount of blending of the filtered image with the image or other filtered image than is used for a second portion of the processed image.
US08098937B2
To accurately discriminate a dot region within an image, the image processing apparatus includes first through fourth isolated dot discriminating portions each judging, for each of a plurality of pixels included in the image, whether the pixel corresponds to a center pixel of an isolated dot, an isolated dot size determining portion detecting an isolated dot size, a dot region discriminating portion judging whether a target pixel is included in a dot region based on a position of the pixel judged as being the center pixel of the isolated dot, and a dot region determining portion determining the dot region based on a position of the target pixel judged as being included in the dot region and the detected isolated dot size.
US08098934B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus including computer program products for using extracted image text are provided. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method is provided. The method includes receiving an input of one or more image search terms and identifying keywords from the received one or more image search terms. The method also includes searching a collection of keywords including keywords extracted from image text, retrieving an image associated with extracted image text corresponding to one or more of the image search terms, and presenting the image.
US08098931B2
A method for adaptively selecting filters to interpolate video data is provided. In the present method, when receiving video data encoded by a 4:2:2 sampling format, a plurality of filters having different weights are adaptively selected to convert the color components in the video data to a 4:4:4 sampling format based on the differences of luminance and color components among a target pixel and neighboring pixels thereof. Accordingly, the blurs occurred in an area with large color variation can be removed or reduced, such that the interpolated color components can be accepted by human eyes more easily.
US08098925B2
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structures, and processes for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to an improved photoreceptor that exhibits little to no response to injected charges and demonstrates excellent ghosting properties.
US08098922B2
Systems and processes for processing financial instruments include receiving a physical financial instrument, printing data on the received physical financial instrument, and capturing an image of the physical financial instrument to produce an electronic image. At least a portion of the data printed on the physical financial instrument is printed in a manner that substantially precludes reproduction in the electronic image. The electronic image is transmitted across a network, for example, to perform electronic processing, such as posting or clearing.
US08098921B2
According to a 2-dimensional map having longitudinal and horizontal axes indicating different elastic information, hue or luminance of each pixel is mapped correspondingly to their elastic information, and the elastic information is combined to construct one elastic image. With this, a plurality of items of elastic information can be combined into one elastic image and displayed, and thereby the elastic image can be scanned in real time while observing it. Even where one item of elastic information may be in a gray zone, i.e., benign or malignant, another item of information may definitely show the differentiation between benign or malignant, and therefore highly accurate differentiation is possible. In addition, the user can perform diagnosis with the elastic image into which the plurality of items of elastic information is combined without moving the line of sight, thereby obtaining an improved visibility.
US08098920B2
A method of extrapolating a bidimensional grey-level image using a radiography device.
US08098917B2
A computer implemented method for automatically updating a geometric model of an object of interest includes determining, automatically, a region of the geometric model for updating according to a update parameter, acquiring data at the region, extracting features from the acquired data, updating the geometric model described by the extracted features, wherein updating the model includes calculating at least one acquisition parameter of a set of acquisition parameters, and displaying a scene showing the object of interest using the model.
US08098911B2
A method and system for registering a first image of, for example, a liver and a second image of the liver being contrast-enhanced comprises: deriving a statistical similarity measure between images; deriving a smooth divergence-free vector field derived from a gradient of the statistical similarity measure; and integrating the vector field for providing a fluid-based algorithm including a volume-preserving constraint for a transformation for registering the images.
US08098907B2
A local adaptive method is proposed for automatic detection of microaneurysms in a digital ocular fundus image. Multiple subregions of the image are automatically analyzed and adapted to local intensity variation and properties. A priori region and location information about structural features such as vessels, optic disk and hard exudates are incorporated to further improve the detection accuracy. The method effectively improves the specificity of microaneurysms detection, without sacrificing sensitivity. The method may be used in automatic level-one grading of diabetic retinopathy screening.
US08098903B2
Disclosed is a technique that eliminates problems that result when a face image fails to be detected in a case where the image of a subject obtained continuously is subjected to face-image detection processing. A face-image portion is detected in the image of a subject. If an evaluation value for evaluating the degree of face likeliness of the face-image portion is equal to or greater than a threshold value, the result of face detection is updated. A timer is set. If the timer has not timed out in a case where the evaluation value of a face image in the next frame of the image of the subject is less than the threshold value, the face-image portion of the preceding frame is regarded as the face-image portion of the next frame and processing regarding this face-image portion is executed. Thus, even if a face-image portion is no longer detected, processing regarding a face-image portion can be executed using the face-image portion of the preceding frame.
US08098898B2
A motion detection device includes a current image memory, a reference image memory, a reference image memory control section, and a motion detection section. When the motion detection section detects a motion vector for a first current macroblock image, the reference image memory control section determines a motion estimation range by using a surrounding motion vector being a motion vector detected for a current macroblock image present around the first current macroblock.
US08098889B2
A method for vehicle detection and tracking includes acquiring video data including a plurality of frames, comparing a first frame of the acquired video data against a set of one or more vehicle detectors to form vehicle hypotheses, pruning and verifying the vehicle hypotheses using a set of course-to-fine constraints to detect a vehicle, and tracking the detected vehicle within one or more subsequent frames of the acquired video data by fusing shape template matching with one or more vehicle detectors.
US08098887B2
A face tracking device for tracking an orientation of a person's face with using a cylindrical head model, the face tracking device comprises: an image means for continuously shooting the person's face and for obtaining a first image data based on a shot of the person's face; an extraction means for extracting a second image data from the first image data, the second image data corresponding to a facial area of the person's face; a determination means for determining whether the second image is usable as an initial value required for the cylindrical head model; and a face orientation detection means for detecting the orientation of the person's face with using the cylindrical head model and with using the initial value determined to be usable by the determination means.
US08098883B2
A data set is transformed to a domain in which values are robust to distortion. The values are then expanded to carry auxiliary data. To recover the data, the data set is transformed into the domain, further transformed to get a set of possibly expanded data, and then processed to extract auxiliary data from the expanded values.
US08098881B2
Digital cameras include an image capture system, an object recognition system and an advertisement insertion system. The image capture system captures a visible image as a digital image. The object recognition system recognizes visible objects in the digital image. The advertisement insertion system inserts an advertising-related image into the digital image in response to a visible object in the digital image that was recognized. The user of the digital camera may be compensated for exposure to the advertising-related image.
US08098880B2
Disclosed are systems and methods directed to the generation of multi-layer digital watermarks, including the generation of distinct watermarks on each of at least two color layers or channels within an image such that each may be retrieved or viewed independently of the other in the output image.
US08098877B2
A vibration speaker for a portable electronic device is disclosed herein. The vibration speaker comprises a case. A loudspeaker member for generating a sound is contained in the case. The loudspeaker member comprises a frame, a magnet, a voice coil and a membrane. The voice coil is operable to generate a movement of the membrane vertically up and down when an electric current is applied to the voice coil and a magnetic field is formed by interaction between the voice coil and the magnet. The vibration speaker additionally comprises a vibration coil for generating a vibration. The vibration coil is positioned in relation to the magnet of the loudspeaker member such that the vibration coil is operable to generate a movement of the entire loudspeaker member vertically up and down when an electric current is applied to the vibration coil and a magnetic field is formed by interaction between the vibration coil and the magnet. Metal springs may be positioned to elastically support between the loudspeaker member and the case.
US08098870B2
A silicon microphone comprising a backplate of electrically conductive or semi-conductive material comprising a rigid aperture area and a surrounding area, a diaphragm of electrically conductive or semi-conductive material comprising a flexible member that extends over the aperture area and a surrounding area that is at least partially connected to, and insulated from, the surrounding area of the backplate, the aperture area of the backplate and flexible member of the diaphragm forming two parallel plates of a capacitor spaced apart by a cavity, a bond pad formed on the surrounding area of the diaphragm, a bond pad formed on the surrounding area of the backplate, a channel formed in the diaphragm surrounding the bond pad formed on the surrounding area of the backplate, at least one air channel formed in the surrounding area of the diaphragm and open into the cavity between the flexible member and the aperture area of the backplate, and at least one vent through the surrounding area of the diaphragm connected to each air channel.
US08098867B2
An external acoustic chamber (220) for attachment to a mobile device (200) is provided. The external acoustic chamber (220) optimizes the audio performance of the mobile device (200) thus reducing the need for signal equalization and/or hardware to amplify the sound signal. The mobile device (200) includes a loudspeaker (205) and a first acoustic chamber (207) acoustically coupled to the loudspeaker (205). The external acoustic chamber (220) comprises at feast a second acoustic chamber (222) which penetrates the first acoustic chamber (207) adding volume to the first acoustic chamber (207). The combined greater volume reduces the dampening of loudspeaker (205) caused by the pressure in the first acoustic chamber (207). The result is an improvement in the frequency response of loudspeaker (205) approaching the natural frequency response of loudspeaker (205). The at least second acoustic chamber (222) is sized and shaped so that a first exterior surface portion of the acoustic chamber (220) covers or is flush with the battery (214) installed in the housing (201) of the mobile device (200). The first, exterior surface portion is substantially aligned with a second exterior surface portion enclosing the at least second acoustic chamber (222).
US08098864B2
A receiver tube for a hearing instrument may be securely affixed to the instruments receiver with a retaining clamp. Such an arrangement facilitates assembly and repair, and provides a positive means for the securing the receiver tube.
US08098863B2
Hearing apparatuses and in particular hearing devices are to be designed smaller. To this end, provision is made to integrate an electrical control facility for controlling the hearing apparatus into the cover for covering a programming connection of the hearing apparatus. This multifunctionality of the cover allows installation space to be saved. It is particularly favorable if an actuating element of an electrical push button is mounted to the same bolt, to which the cover itself is also mounted.
US08098859B2
Methods, devices and systems for improving hearing and for treating hearing disorders, such as auditory neuropathies. A hearing enhancement system of this invention generally comprises; an amplitude modulation processor, a frequency high-pass processor, a frequency upward-shifting processor and a formant upward-shifting processor.
US08098847B2
A muting circuit comprising: a DC offset eliminating unit including an HPF (High Pass Filter) constituted by a first operational amplifier to eliminate a DC offset component of an AC input signal, the DC offset eliminating unit being configured to output an output signal obtained by eliminating the DC offset component of the AC input signal; a muting signal generating unit including a second operational amplifier configured to generate a second DC offset identical in level to a first DC offset at the first operational amplifier, the muting signal generating unit being configured to output a muting signal indicative of the second DC offset by fixing input to the second operational amplifier at a predetermined DC level; and a selecting unit configured to select and output the output signal when muting is not executed, and to select and output the muting signal when muting is executed.
US08098843B2
Disclosed herein is a sound source direction detecting apparatus including: a plurality of microphones configured to collect sounds from a sound source in order to form an audio frame; a frequency decomposition section configured to decompose the audio frame into frequency components; an error range determination section configured to determine the effects of noises collected together with the sounds as an error range relative to phases; a power level dispersion section configured to disperse power levels of the sounds for each of the frequency components decomposed by the frequency decomposition section, on the basis of the error range determined by the error range determination section; a power level addition section configured to add the power levels dispersed by the power level dispersion section; and a sound source direction detection section configured to detect the direction of the sound source based on the phase at which is located the highest of the power levels added by the power level addition section.
US08098837B2
A subtractor subtracts an echo canceling signal Ĉ·y1(n−1) from a canceling error signal e(n) to estimate a residual noise to be silenced at the position of a microphone, and outputs a first basic signal x1(n) representing the residual noise. A first control circuit section generates a first control signal y1(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and a second basic signal x2(n) that is generated by delaying the first basic signal x1(n) by a time Z−n. A second circuit section generates a second control signal y2(n) based on the first basic signal x1(n) and an engine rotation signal.
US08098836B2
When the frequency of an engine rotation signal reaches a predetermined frequency, a comparator of a switching unit outputs a switching control signal to selectors and a filter coefficient updater. Based on the switching control signal, the selector switches from a connection between one memory and a corrector to a connection between another memory and the corrector, thereby changing the transfer characteristics C^rr of the corrector from C^11 to C^10. Based on the switching control signal, the selector switches from a connection between one ADC and a filter coefficient updater to the connection between another ADC and the filter coefficient updater, thereby supplying the filter coefficient updater with an error signal, rather than an error signal.
US08098824B2
Provided is a storage system that includes a first storage apparatus and a second storage apparatus each connected to a host computer. The first and second storage apparatuses each include a controller and a disk drive. The controller manages an encryption status and an encryption key for each of a data volume and a journal volume in the disk drive. The controller in the first storage apparatus receives a write request from the host computer, creates a journal based on write data, encrypts the journal, and stores in an order the journal in a storage area in the journal volume. The controller in the order the encrypted journal stored in the journal volume, decrypts the journal, and transmits the decrypted journal to the second storage apparatus.
US08098822B2
Apparatus for use by a first party for key management for secure communication with a second party, said key management being to provide at each party, simultaneously remotely, identical keys for said secure communication without transferring said keys over any communication link, the apparatus comprising: a datastream extractor, for obtaining from data exchanged between said parties a bitstream, a random selector for selecting, from said bitstream, a series of bits in accordance with a randomization seeded by said data exchanged between said parties, a key generator for generating a key for encryption/decryption based on said series of bits, thereby to manage key generation in a manner repeatable at said parties.
US08098814B2
A keyboard includes a plurality of keys each of which is associated with indicia corresponding to at least one of alphabetic characters, numbers, or commands. The keys of the plurality of keys associated with alphabetic characters number fewer than 26 and greater than nine. No more than two alphabetic characters are associated with each of the keys associated with alphabetic characters. At least one of the keys associated with alphabetic characters is associated with two alphabetic characters and at least one number. The numbers are arranged and displayed in the format of a phone keypad and the letters are arranged and displayed in a keyboard layout.
US08098812B2
The invention concerns a method of controlling an adaptation of a filter, and a controller and a computer program product to execute this method. The filter is an adaptive finite impulse response (=FIR) filter for modelling an echo path impulse response for echo cancellation in a telecommunications connection between a first terminal providing a near-end signal at a first end of the telecommunications connection and a second terminal providing a far-end signal at another end of the telecommunications connection. In a multi-windowing scheme, a plurality of filter segments and segments of the far-end signal is determined in the time domain. An energy level associated to an individual segment of the far-end signal is compared with an energy level associated to a sample of the near-end signal. In dependence on the result of the comparison of the energy levels, the adaptation of an individual filter segment associated to the individual segment of the far-end signal is enabled or inhibited.
US08098810B2
Systems and methods for intelligent presence management in a communication routing system are provided. In exemplary embodiments, an inbound communication may be received for a user. The user's presence status is determined and a profile associated with the user is reviewed. Based on rules contained within the profile, appropriate instructions may be generated for routing the inbound communication in accordance with some embodiments. In other embodiments, instructions may be generated to log the user in or out with the communication routing system.
US08098807B2
A method and system for providing an audio conference includes receiving audio from a moderator via a circuit-switched telephone network, transmitting a representation of the audio to a first listener group via the circuit-switched telephone network, and transmitting a representation of the audio to a second listener group via a packet-switched network. The audio conference is preferably transmitted to the first listener group and the second listener group in real-time or near real-time (e.g., within a few seconds). Although the method and system could be used with any suitable circuit-switched telephone network, the method and system are preferably used with a public switched telephone network. Further, although the method and system could be used with any suitable packet-switched network, the method and system are preferably used with the Internet.
US08098805B2
Various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide methods and systems to receive an incoming call message via a data interface upon activation of a trigger established with a voice communication network and activated when the voice communication network receives an incoming call to a destination identified by a pre-determined subscriber account; generate a call notification in response to the incoming call message; obtain a list of set-top boxes corresponding to the pre-determined subscriber account; and route the call notification to the set-top boxes on the list.
US08098798B2
A method of logging call data for failed emergency calls includes: receiving from a calling party an emergency call that is to be routed to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) (40) over a telecommunications network (20); determining if the received emergency call is connected to the PSAP (40); and, if the received emergency call fails to be connected to the PSAP (40), then capturing selected call data regarding the failed emergency call and recording the captured call data.
US08098797B2
In one of many possible embodiments, an exemplary system includes a test management subsystem configured to provide a user portal to a user of a circuit provided by a service provider, the user portal including a tool enabling the user to select a signal loop for testing at least a section of the circuit, the signal loop being selected from a plurality of signal loop options. The system also includes a network management subsystem communicatively coupled to the test management subsystem, the network management subsystem being configured to receive data representative of the selection from the test management subsystem and instruct, based on the selection, a network device along the circuit to execute a loop-back mode. In certain embodiments, the selected signal loop defines a test pattern signal flow for testing a subsection of the circuit.
US08098788B1
An apparatus that includes a module for controlling the frequency of a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) as part of a phase locked loop (PLL), or clock and data recovery (CDR) when an input reference signal to the PLL or serial data to the CDR has ceased from being received. In particular, the apparatus comprises a VCO adapted to generate a VCO clock signal, a first control module adapted to control the frequency of the VCO clock signal based on the input reference signal, and a second control module adapted to control the frequency of the VCO clock signal in response to an absence of the input reference signal. By controlling the frequency of the VCO clock signal during an absence of the input reference signal, the first control module is able to more easily re-acquire control the frequency of the VCO clock signal when the input reference signal is received again.
US08098786B2
In a reception apparatus 1, a multiphase sampling clock signal is generated by a sampling clock signal generation circuit 40, based on a clock signal which has been phase-adjusted by a phase adjustment circuit 50. The data of each of the bits of a serial data signal is sampled and output by a sampler block circuit 30n, with timing indicated by the sampling clock signal. The amount of phase adjustment of the clock signal in the phase adjustment circuit 50 is set such that the delay time from generation of the multiphase sampling clock signal in the sampling clock signal generation circuit 40 until indication of the sampling timing by the sampling clock signal in the sampler block circuit 30n is canceled.
US08098785B2
A signal processing circuit detects a pulsative change point of an input signal and sets a phase point which is shifted by a predetermined phase difference from the detected pulsative change point of the input signal as the timing for sampling the input signal.
US08098783B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a biased tracking loop that may include encoded information. Embodiments may comprise a training pattern, utilized in a non-interfering way that allows for clock recovery, embedded information transmission and/or header alignment. Therefore, embodiments may comprise a tracking loop training pattern that comprises data.
US08098780B2
A rake receiver finger assignor is configured to assign a rake receiver finger to a time offset between identified signal path time offsets in accordance with a concentration of identified signal paths from a transmitter to a rake receiver. In accordance with the exemplary embodiment, a number of identified signal paths having time offsets within a time window are observed to determine the concentration of signal paths identified by a path searcher. If the number of identified signal paths indicates a concentrated distribution of signal paths such as during a fat path condition, at least one rake finger is assigned between at a time offset between two identified signal paths.
US08098762B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting/receiving signals in a multiple-input multiple-output communication system provided with a plurality of antenna elements is disclosed. Accordingly, the present invention provides a plurality of antenna groups at one distance having the antenna elements arranged at the other distance, a method and a means for identifying the groups and adding an identifier for the groups. It further provides a method and an apparatus for allocating power for the groups.
US08098757B2
The present invention provides a method of windowing signals in a communication system. The method includes accessing at least one first signal associated with at least one of a plurality of orthogonal frequencies and applying a window function to the at least one first signal to form at least one second signal. The at least one second signal remains substantially orthogonal to signals associated with the plurality of orthogonal frequencies.
US08098753B2
System and method for receiving and transmitting one or more signals, for processing and generating signals used in an infrared (IR) system, in a cellular system and in a separate Wi-Fi wireless network. Receiver and demodulator for demodulating and processing a modulated signal for generating from a modulated signal a demodulated processed position finder signal, including Global Positioning System (GPS) position finder processed signal. Processors and selector for selection of processed TDMA, CDMA and OFDM signals and for providing selected TDMA or CDMA or OFDM or IR signal to a transmitter. Processors for providing cross-correlated GSM, or cross-correlated spread spectrum, or cross-correlated Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) baseband signals to quadrature modulators for modulation and transmission. System with multiple input multiple output (MIMO) implementations. Transmitters and receivers for Bluetooth systems and barcode reader provided signals. Processors and receivers for processing touch screen generated signals used for IR, OFDM or TDMA or CDMA systems.
US08098752B2
An apparatus and method for supporting a plurality of MIMO modes in a wireless communication system are provided, in which a receiver selects one of the plurality of MIMO modes according to at least one of a received signal strength, a speed of the receiver, a correlation between a transmitter and the receiver, a presence or absence of channel quality information, a precoding index, and an antenna information, a rank, and a number of users, generates feedback information in a transmission format corresponding to the selected MIMO mode, and transmits the feedback information to the transmitter using a feedback resources allocated according to the selected MIMO mode.
US08098746B2
An apparatus and method for transmitting/receiving data in a closed-loop multi-antenna system. A receiver receives a plurality of data streams from a plurality of transmit antennas of a transmitter, generates Channel Quality Information (CQIs) of channels that carry data streams transmitted from at least two transmit antenna allocated to the receiver among the plurality of transmit antennas, and transmits the CQIs to the transmitter. For the CQI generation, the receiver generates a channel matrix through channel estimation of the received data streams, generates a reception beamforming matrix from the channel matrix including only components of the data streams transmitted from the allocated transmit antennas, and calculates the CQIs using the channel matrix, the reception beamforming matrix, and a total signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained through the channel estimation.
US08098745B2
Apparatus and methods for accessing a wireless telecommunications network by transmitting a random access signal. The random access signal includes a random access preamble signal selected from a set of random access preamble signals constructed by cyclically shift selected root CAZAC sequences. The random access signal may be one or more transmission sub-frames in duration, the included random access preamble sequence's length being extended with the signal to provide improved signal detection performance in larger cells and in higher interference environments. The random access signal may include a wide-band pilot signal facilitating base station estimation of up-link frequency response in some situations. Each of the plurality of available random access preamble sequences may be assigned a unique information value. The base station may use the information encoded in the random access preamble to prioritize responses and resource allocations. Random access signal collisions are dealt with by a combination of preamble code space randomness and back-off procedures.
US08098733B2
A motion estimator uses many parallel Arithmetic-Logic-Unit (ALU) processors to simultaneously perform searches in many directions from a starting point. Each processor follows a different path outward from the starting point, generating sum-of-absolute differences (SADs) for each point in the path. A best SAD for the path is kept, along with an index into motion vector tables containing X,Y points for all paths. Current and best SAD's, thresholds, and indexes are stored in an ALU dedicated memory. When the number of best SAD's meeting thresholds exceeds a target, the current search-level ends. The index of the overall best SAD locates a new starting point, and a next-denser search-level is performed in the same manner, but over a smaller search area. Each processor calculates SAD's for one 16×16 macroblock, four 8×8 blocks, and 16 4×4 blocks and the net best SAD of these 3 types determines partitioning.
US08098730B2
Systems and methods to generate a motion attention model of a video data sequence are described. In one aspect, a motion saliency map B is generated to precisely indicate motion attention areas for each frame in the video data sequence. The motion saliency maps are each based on intensity I, spatial coherence Cs, and temporal coherence Ct values. These values are extracted from each block or pixel in motion fields that are extracted from the video data sequence. Brightness values of detected motion attention areas in each frame are accumulated to generate, with respect to time, the motion attention model.
US08098726B2
Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, in a pulse position and pulse position modulation out-phasing transmitter, the range of the phase angle, theta, may be divided into more than one range to drive a first power amplifier with a first range of theta, and to drive a second power amplifier with a second range of theta. In one or more embodiments, a main power amplifier is driven with a first phase range having a higher probability density function, and an overload power amplifier is driven with a first phase range having a lower probability density function. In one or more embodiments, a full adder may be used to combine the two phases wherein the sum signal is used to drive the main power amplifier, and the carry signal is used to drive the overload power amplifier.
US08098719B2
A method for initializing modems in a multicarrier transmission system to establish a communication link between the transmitter and the receiver. An exemplary embodiment includes the steps of providing a predetermined parameter value that approximates a corresponding actual parameter value of the communication link, establishing a data communication link between a first transceiver and a second transceiver using the predetermined parameter value to allow the transmission of data, determining the actual parameter value, and seamlessly increasing the data rate of the established data communication link by using the determined actual parameter value to provide an steady state communication link with an updated data rate.
US08098715B2
In one of its aspects, the technology concerns a method of processing a signal which includes physical data channels which have been channelized using spreading codes. The method comprises (1) despreading unoccupied spreading codes (e.g., codes which are essentially unobscured by traffic data) included in the signal to obtain unoccupied code despread values, (2) using the unoccupied code despread values to form an impairment covariance matrix; and (3) using the impairment covariance matrix along with a channel estimate to form a processing parameter. The processing parameter can be one of combining sets and a signal quality estimate. In another of its aspects, the technology concerns a coherent, linear equalizer apparatus configured to process a signal which includes physical data channels which have been channelized using spreading codes. The equalizer apparatus comprises plural delay fingers (32) configured to despread unoccupied spreading codes included in the signal to obtain unoccupied code despread values, and a generator (60) configured to use the unoccupied code despread values to form an impairment covariance matrix.
US08098703B2
A laser diode allowed to stabilize the polarization direction of laser light in one direction is provided. The laser diode includes a laminate configuration including a lower multilayer reflecting mirror, an active layer and an upper multilayer reflecting mirror in order from a substrate side, in which the laminate configuration includes a columnar mesa section including an upper part of the lower multilayer reflecting mirror, the active layer and the upper multilayer reflecting mirror, and the lower multilayer reflecting mirror includes a plurality of pairs of a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer, and a plurality of oxidation layers nonuniformly distributed in a direction rotating around a central axis of the mesa section in a region except for a central region of one or more of the low refractive index layers.
US08098700B2
A laser system employing amplification via a single exciton regime and to optical gain media having single exciton amplification is provided.
US08098694B2
A digital broadcast transmitting/receiving system and a method for processing data are disclosed. The method for processing data may enhance the receiving performance of the receiving system by performing additional coding and multiplexing processes on the traffic information data and transmitting the processed data. Thus, robustness is provided to the traffic information data, thereby enabling the data to respond strongly against the channel environment which is always under constant and vast change.
US08098691B2
A method for point-to-point ethernet communication over point-to-multipoint shared single conductor channel topology comprises transmitting an ethernet signal upstream over the point-to-multipoint topology from one end point of the topology to the root of the topology, transmitting the ethernet signal downstream over the point-to-multipoint topology from the root of the topology to all end points of the topology, and selectively processing only at a designated end point the ethernet signal received at all end points. An ethernet system may comprise single conductor channel cabling (e.g., coaxial cabling) including a trunk line and a plurality of branch lines connecting to the trunk line at a plurality of points along the trunk line, a single root transceiver (root-PHY) connected at an end of the trunk line, and a plurality of end point transceivers (EP-PHYs), each connected to a respective one of the plurality of branch lines. The system and method further may communicate with an external network, such as the internet, via the root of the topology.
US08098688B1
An apparatus and method for improving efficiency of data transfer utilizing packet resizing to optimize network management traffic are disclosed. After obtaining a maximum link capacity of a link which is capable of transmitting information, a process of dynamic packet resizing compares the maximum link capacity with a network management system (“NMS”) maximum packet size. The outbound packet size of a network element (“NE”) is set to the maximum link capacity if the maximum link capacity of the link is smaller than the NMS maximum packet size.
US08098685B2
Disclosed are a method and apparatus of scheduling a bandwidth in a cable network. The method includes receiving variable information set according to a condition of a network, calculating a packet time slot value in which a delay time gain is maximized using the received variable information; setting an algorithm allocating a bandwidth between channels of the network using the packet time slot value, and operating a Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS) according to the algorithm.
US08098682B2
A network controller may split, via a pass-through driver, processing of transmit and/or receive network traffic handled by the network controller. Physical layer (PHY) processing and/or Medium Access Control (MAC) processing of the management traffic may be performed internally via the network controller. The pass-through driver may route at least a portion of management traffic carried via the transmit and/or receive network traffic externally to said network controller for processing. In this regard, the pass-through driver may enable routing of data and/or messages to enable performing the external processing of management traffic. An application processor may be used to perform the external processing of management traffic.
US08098678B2
Disclosed herewith is a PON system and a bandwidth controlling method capable of controlling congestion with use of an upstream bandwidth in a PON section efficiently when congestion occurs in a gateway (GW) connected to an OLT. An OLT connected to a plurality of ONUs through a passive optical network (PON) and to a gateway (GW) through a communication line, when receiving a congestion occurrence notice indicating a congestion occurred output number from a GW, identifies the identifier of the ONU that is using a GW output line having the congestion output port number and shifts the bandwidth controlling of the PON section in a normal mode for allocating a bandwidth to each ONU normally to that in a bandwidth suppression mode for allocating a congestion time allowable bandwidth that is less than the current bandwidth to the ONU having the identified ONU identifier and a bandwidth to each of other ONUs according to its transmission queue length.
US08098677B1
Systems and methods are disclosed that allow for improved management and control of packet forwarding in network systems. Network devices and tool optimizers and a related systems and methods are disclosed for improved packet forwarding between input ports and output ports. The input ports and output ports are configured to be connected to source devices and destination devices, for example, network sources and destination tools in a network monitoring environment. The network devices and tool optimizers disclosed can use superset packet forwarding, such that ingress filter engines are configured with ingress filter rules so as to forward a superset of packets to output ports associated with overlapping filters. Egress filter engines are configured with egress filter rules to then determine which of the superset packets are actually sent out the output ports.
US08098670B2
An xDSL accommodation apparatus includes an xDSL interface, exchange switch, and cache server. The xDSL interface interfaces an xDSL (any types of Digital Subscriber Line) to which each of a plurality of clients is connected. The exchange switch exchanges a packet transmitted/received between a content server and a client. The cache server temporarily stores a content received from the content server through a network. The cache server includes a copy/distribution section. The copy/distribution section copies and distributes the stored content to distribute the same content to the plurality of clients. A multicast distribution system and data distribution method are also disclose.
US08098669B2
A method and apparatus for signaling virtual channel support in communication networks. A node receives a data packet from another node to examine whether the other node commonly supports one or more virtual channels of a given type on a point-to-point communication link between the nodes, and the node signaling common support for one or more virtual channels of a given type, based on the content in the received data packet that indicates whether the other node transmitting the data packet has adequate queue resources to support one or more virtual channels of a given type, and based on whether the node has adequate queue resources to support the one or more virtual channels of a given type.
US08098661B2
A method for enabling network elements (NEs) operating at a bit rate R1 to communicate with NEs operating at a bit rate R2 is described. A ratio of R2 to R1 is represented by a ratio M:N, M and N are positive integers, and M>N. The method includes providing a number M×K of the NEs operating at a bit rate R1, each of the M×K NEs including a communication interface communicating at the bit rate R1, where K is a positive integer, providing a number N×K of transceivers operating at the bit rate R2, each of the N×K transceivers including an M:N electrical interface which enables translation between bit rates whose ratio is represented by the ratio M:N, bypassing the communication interfaces of the M×K NEs by interconnecting electrical lanes of the M×K NEs with the M:N electrical interfaces of the N×K transceivers, and using at least one of the N×K transceivers for communicating data between at least one of the M×K NEs interconnected with the at least one of the N×K transceivers and at least one of the NEs operating at the bit rate R2. Related apparatus and methods are also described.
US08098659B2
An communication apparatus relays communication between a network device and an IP network, and assigns an IP address within a reserved range of IP address to the network device. The communication apparatus includes an address setter that sets an IP address of the communication apparatus; and the address conflict determiner that determines whether or not the IP address of the communication apparatus conflicts with the IP address of the network device, based on a result of query to the network device. When the IP address of the communication apparatus conflicts with the IP address of the network device, the address setter changes the IP address of the communication apparatus to a new IP address selected out of a reserved range of IP address.
US08098655B1
A system includes a queue that stores P data units, each data unit including multiple bytes. The system further includes a control unit that shifts, byte by byte, Q data units from the queue during a first system clock cycle, where Q
US08098640B2
Embodiments of a wireless communication system, device and method for determining a modulation and coding scheme (MCS) for a control response packet in a wireless local area network based on the MCS of a received data frame are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08098636B2
A radio transmission apparatus and a radio transmission method for readily controlling retransmission timing presets a frame cycle for retransmission, and transmits only packets for which no acknowledgement of receipt has been received within the frame cycle as a reply from a receiving apparatus to a transmitting apparatus. Thus, timing for retransmission can be readily determined. Also, the retransmission timing is determined based on when a packet is actually transmitted. Therefore, the multiple acknowledgement of receipt can be returned as a combined reply.
US08098628B2
A packet communication method according to the present invention includes: transmitting, at a mobile station, a random access request that includes mobile station information assigned to the mobile station, to a radio base station through a random access channel allocated to a predetermined radio resource; receiving, at the radio base station, the random access request from the mobile station; and transmitting, at the radio base station, a random access response signal that notifies the receipt of the random access request and includes the mobile station information, to the mobile station through a downlink shared control channel corresponding to the random access channel.
US08098624B2
A method for controlling packet service setup includes the steps of: transmitting a packet service request message containing a requested QoS to a packet service node by a mobile communication terminal; transmitting to the mobile communication terminal a packet service request response message including an assigned QoS determined in consideration of the requested QoS and network resources contained in the message received by the packet service node; comparing one or more parameter values among parameters contained in the assigned QoS contained in the packet service request response message from a mobile communication network with corresponding one or more parameter values among parameters contained in the QoS requested by the mobile communication terminal; and transmitting a packet service cancel request message if a difference between the parameter values is greater than or equal to a preset value.
US08098619B2
The invention concerns a method wherein the mobile node (1) obtains respective temporary addresses with several access routers (3) of a telecommunication system detected by the mobile mode. It also collects data concerning the characteristics of said access routers, and transmits to a manager temporary addresses (6) of a mobility service provider a request for address selection (REQ) containing part at least of the collected data. The manager (6) processes said request to select one of the temporary addresses for the mobile node.
US08098618B2
The invention relates to a method, network node, router, serving node and system for performing multicast in a point-to-point packet-switched oriented telecommunication network. The basic idea is to introduce pre-configured multicast transmission for parts of a network. This is done by creating pre-configured transport multicast group tunnels between a router and a serving node in order to transport the multicast data. Further the present invention describes the possibility of multiplexing of the multicast data streams on a pre-configured transport multicast group tunnel. In particular the invention is applicable for multicasting in networks, like UMTS with a scarce number of resources, in the IP network between the SGSN and GGSN for example on the Gn interface.
US08098608B1
In a communications network having a plurality of nodes, a method of suppressing re-transmission of a message by a receiving node is disclosed. The receiving node receives a message from each of a plurality of transmitting nodes. Each of the receiving node and the transmitting nodes has a coverage area bounded by a perimeter. For each of the plurality of transmitting nodes, it is determined which portion of the perimeter of the coverage area of the receiving node is within the coverage area of the respective transmitting node. Re-transmission of the message by the receiving node is suppressed when the perimeter of the coverage area of the receiving node is completely within the combined coverage areas of the plurality of transmitting nodes.
US08098607B2
Methods and apparatus are presented for efficient broadcasting in wireless packet data systems. A single MAC_ID is used for broadcasting to a group of subscribers. By using the channel quality information of the group of subscribers, a base station determines the identity of the subscriber with the worst channel conditions. The timing and the transmission format of the multi-cast are then tailored so that the subscriber with the worst channel conditions is capable of recovering the transmission. If the timing and the transmission format is chosen in relation to subscriber with the worst channel conditions, it is probable that other subscribers will be able to recover the transmission as well. Hence, only a single MAC_ID need to be used to make a single broadcast, rather than sending multiple transmissions to multiple subscribers.
US08098599B2
Provided is a method and system for multiple party telephone calls. The method includes receiving an incoming voice telephone call from a call network at a multi-party module, and allowing, by the multi-party module, for a plurality of terminal modules to participate in the incoming voice telephone call, each terminal module comprising a telephone.
US08098595B2
A storage area network and method for defining a static Fibre Channel Fabric that does not require a Principal Switch. The storage area network comprises one or more hosts, one or more storage devices, and a static Fabric connecting the one or more hosts and storage devices. Within the static Fabric, the Switches have their Domain_ID and Fabric_Name statically set. The method comprises accessing the Fabric, selecting a Switch in the Fabric, and statically configuring the Domain_ID and Fabric_Name for the selected Switch. The above sequence is repeated for each Switch in the static Fabric. In one embodiment, after being statically configured, the Switch is isolated from any dynamically set Switches in the Fabric. The Switch detects which of its Ports are connected to dynamically set Switches, and then isolates them, while maintaining operational the Ports connected to statically configured Switches.
US08098594B2
A device forwards in a network, a session setup request from an originating user device toward a destination user device and intercepts a too many hops error message from a network element to the originating user device. The device also automatically sends, in response to the error message, a search request message to determine a correct number of hops from the originating user device to the destination user device and resets a Max-Forwards value for the session setup request based on the determined correct number of hops. The session setup request with the determined correct number of hops may be resent on behalf of the originating device without the too may hops error ever reaching the originating device.
US08098589B2
A method for communicating packets in a network environment is provided that includes receiving a packet at a network element and identifying a sequence number included in the packet that correlates to awareness information associated with one or more adjacent network elements. A table included in the network element may be updated in order to account for the awareness information included within the packet that has not been accounted for by the network element. In cases where the awareness information included in the packet has already been accounted for, the packet may be ignored.
US08098588B1
A blind adaptive decision feedback equalizer technique relies on two thresholds. The first threshold is applied to the incoming sampled analog data. According to this aspect of the invention, if the signal magnitude exceeds the threshold, then it is considered valid, while if it is below the threshold, it is considered erroneous. This reduces processing, because not every sample generates an error signal. The second threshold is a block threshold that determines when the filter coefficients are updated to account for the incoming data. In accordance with this aspect of the invention, only when a certain number of errors has been accumulated are the coefficients updated. This results in a further reduction in processing.
US08098585B2
A system and method for prioritizing alerts includes extracting invariants to determine a stable set of models for determining relationships among monitored system data. Equivalent thresholds for a plurality of rules are computed using an invariant network developed by extracting the invariants. For a given time window, a set of alerts are received from a system being monitored. A measurement value of the alerts is compared with a vector of equivalent thresholds, and the set of alerts is ranked.
US08098582B2
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing bandwidth control services are provided. The method includes assigning a quality of service preference to a device. The method also includes associating a service session with the device. The method further includes executing a control action for at least one other simultaneously occurring service session when a quality of service level of the service session differs from the quality of service preference by a specified degree. The control action is operable for producing and maintaining the quality of service preference.
US08098563B2
An objective lens actuator includes a lens holder, a protector holder, and a protector. The lens holder in which the objective lens is provided has a face configured to oppose the disc. The protector holder is provided on the face of the lens holder. The protector is formed with an opening defined by a first inner face, a second inner face and a bottom face between the first inner face and the second inner face. The protector has a parallelepiped shape elongating in a first direction parallel to the disc. A part of the protector is inserted in the opening so as to contact the first inner face and the second inner face and to extend from the bottom face toward the disc. A first distance between an end of the protector in a second direction in which the protector extends toward the disc and the disc is shorter than a second distance between the objective lens and the disc. A gap is formed between an end of the opening and an end of the protector in the first direction.
US08098560B2
Provided is a light-spot-position control apparatus including: a first-light-source; a second-light-source; a beam-splitter splitting a beam of the second-light-source into m beams; an optical-system allowing a first-beam of the first-light-source and the m beams to irradiate a disk-shaped recording-medium, where grooves and lands are alternately formed with an equal radial width to form the grooves in spiral/concentric shape through common-objective-lens, the optical-system allowing the three beams to irradiate the recording-medium so that an interval of m beam-spots is 1/m of track pitch; a tracking-control-mechanism tracking-controlling the beam by changing a relationship between the optical-axis and the recording-medium; a light-receiving unit individually receiving the m beams; an error-signal generator generating error-signals representing radial-position-errors of the spot-positions of the m beams with respect to the tracks based on received signals; an error-signal selector selecting at least one error-signal; and a servo-controller controlling the tracking-control-mechanism to tracking-servo the beam based on the error-signal.
US08098559B2
An optical information recording/reproducing apparatus equipped with a mechanism for moving an optical pickup to an arbitrary radial position of an optical information recording medium using holography. A total sum signal of signals is generated at the photodetector for receiving signals reproduced from the optical information recording medium, and a radial position of the pickup is obtained from the number of pulses in the total sum signal to thereby allow the pickup to move to an arbitrary radial position.
US08098547B2
An optical waveguide, on account of its ability to apply phase resonance of a wavelength and of a first and second triangular plate-like spot size converter members formed of the same material as a core material and being arranged and formed in a substantially symmetrical structure, can promote shortening of the waveguide length and contrive to reduce the size of the optical waveguide itself. Further, an optical waveguide having excellent spot size conversion efficiency can be obtained even in a reduced size.
US08098541B2
A method and apparatus for stray magnetic field compensation in a non-volatile memory cell, such as a spin-torque transfer random access memory (STRAM). In some embodiments, a first tunneling barrier is coupled to a reference structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a first magnetization direction. A recording structure that has a perpendicular anisotropy is coupled to the first tunneling barrier and a nonmagnetic spacer layer. A compensation layer that has a perpendicular anisotropy and a second magnetization direction in substantial opposition to the first magnetization direction is coupled to the nonmagnetic spacer layer. Further, the memory cell is programmable to a selected resistance state with application of a current to the recording structure.
US08098535B2
An invention is provided for gate training in memory interfaces. The invention includes adding a coarse delay to a gate assert time, where the coarse delay is a predefined period of time and the gate assert time is a time when a data strobe gate signal is asserted. Next, the a data strobe signal is repeatedly sampled at the gate assert time until a rising edge of the data strobe signal is found, wherein a fine delay is added to the gate assert time between sampling of the data strobe signal. The fine delay is a period of time shorter than the coarse delay. Once the rising edge is found, the coarse delay is removed from the gate assert time, thus setting the gate assert time centrally within the preamble of the data strobe signal.
US08098529B2
Memory devices are disclosed, such as those that include a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) NAND memory array having a boosting plate. The boosting plate may be disposed in an insulator layer of the SOI substrate such that the boosting plate exerts a capacitive coupling effect on a p-well of the memory array. Such a boosting plate may be used to boost the p-well during program and erase operations of the memory array. During a read operation, the boosting plate may be grounded to minimize interaction with p-well. Systems including the memory array and methods of operating the memory array are also disclosed.
US08098527B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate; a memory cell array on the semiconductor substrate, the memory cell array comprising a plurality of memory cells capable of electrically storing data; a sense amplifier configured to detect the data stored in at least one of the memory cells; a cell source driver electrically connected to source side terminals of the memory cells and configured to supply a source potential to at least one of the source side terminals of the memory cells; a first wiring configured to electrically connect between at least one of the source side terminals of the memory cells and the cell source driver; and a second wiring formed in a same wiring layer as the first wiring, the second wiring being insulated from the first wiring and being electrically connected to the sense amplifier, wherein the first wiring and the second wiring have a plurality of through holes provided at a predetermined interval.
US08098524B2
A memory cell array has a structure in which a plurality of memory cells connected with word lines and bit lines and connected in series are arranged in a matrix form. A selection transistor selects the word lines. A control circuit controls potentials of the word lines and the bit lines in accordance with input data, and controls write, read and erase operations of data with respect to the memory cell. The selection transistor is formed on a well, and a first negative voltage is supplied to a well, a first voltage (the first voltage≧the first negative voltage) is supplied to a selected word line and a second voltage is supplied to a non-selected word line in the read operation.
US08098519B2
In accordance with some embodiments, a phase change memory may be formed in which the thermal conductivity in the region outside the programmed volume of phase change material is reduced. This may reduce the power consumption of the resulting phase change memory. The reduction in power consumption may be achieved by forming distinct layers of phase change material that have little or no mixing between them outside the programmed volume. For example, in one embodiment, a diffusion barrier layer may be maintained between the two distinct phase change layers. In another embodiment, a face centered cubic chalcogenide structure may be utilized.
US08098516B2
A memory array includes a plurality of magnetic tunnel junction cells arranged in a 2 by 2 array. Each magnetic tunnel junction cell is electrically coupled between a bit line and a source line and each magnetic tunnel junction cell electrically coupled to a transistor. Each magnetic tunnel junction cell is configured to switch between a high resistance state and a low resistance state by passing a write current passing though the magnetic tunnel junction cell. A first word line is electrically coupled to a gate of first set of two of the transistors and a second word line is electrically coupled to a gate of a second set of two of the transistors. The source line is a common source line for the plurality of magnetic tunnel junctions.
US08098512B2
A read current high enough to threshold a phase change memory element may be used to read the element without thresholding the memory element. The higher current may improve performance in some cases. The memory element does not threshold because the element is read and the current stopped prior to triggering the memory element.
US08098510B2
Variable resistive punchthrough access methods are described. The methods include switching a variable resistive data cell from a high resistance state to a low resistance state by passing a write current through the magnetic tunnel junction data cell in a first direction. The write current is provided by a transistor being electrically coupled to the variable resistive data cell and a source line. The write current passes through the transistor in punchthrough mode.
US08098486B2
A flexible display device includes a display panel and a plurality of curving-restricting structures. The display panel has a display surface and a bottom surface opposite thereto. The display surface has a visible region and an outer region surrounding the visible region. The curving-restricting structures may be disposed on at least one of the outer region of the display surface and the bottom surface of the display panel. Each curving-restricting structure has a top surface and at least a slanted side wall. The top surfaces of adjacent curving-restricting structures are spaced with each other, and the slanted side walls of adjacent curving-restricting structures face each other. When the flexible display device are curved to a predetermined extent, adjacent curving-restricting structures may resist against with each other to prevent the display panel from being unduly curved to be damaged, and thus a use reliability of the flexible display device is improved.
US08098481B2
In one embodiment, an energy storage device having a first electrode supported by a first collectors sheet; a second electrode supported by a second collector sheet; and a dielectric separator therebetween, all spirally wound together. A container houses this spiral winding, with the first collector sheet having an end in contact with the base and the second collector sheet having an end oriented towards an opening opposite to the base. A collector plate is interposed between the second collector sheet and the opening and is restrained in position by a crimp in the container. A lid is positioned in the opening and has one side in electrical contact with the collector plate and an opposite side oriented outwardly of the container. The lid is restrained in position by rolling the one or more container walls over the lid.
US08098480B2
A lithium ion capacitor includes a positive electrode made of a material capable of reversibly carrying either one or both of a lithium ion and an anion, a negative electrode made of a material capable of reversibly carrying a lithium ion, and an electrolytic solution made of a non-protonic organic solvent electrolytic solution of a lithium salt. A negative electrode active material is non-graphitizable carbon having a ratio of number of hydrogen atoms to number of carbon atoms of zero or more and less than 0.05. The lithium ion is doped in advance to either one or both of the negative electrode and the positive electrode so that a negative electrode potential when a cell is discharged to a voltage one half a charging voltage of the cell is 0.15 V or less relative to a lithium ion potential.
US08098479B1
A capacitor is provided having a capacitor element, with first and second metalized thermoplastic sheets, which are offset and wound together to create common edges at opposite ends, a zinc or zinc-rich conductive coating thermally sprayed on each of the common edges of the capacitor element, and aluminum or aluminum-rich terminals welded to each of the conductive coatings to form a metallurgical bond, having a pull strength of at least 5 pounds, without damaging the capacitor element.
US08098477B2
A first signal internal electrode is connected to a first signal terminal electrode and a signal connection conductor. A second signal internal electrode is connected to a second signal terminal electrode and the signal connection conductor. A first ground internal electrode is connected to a first ground terminal electrode and a ground connection conductor. A second ground internal electrode is connected to a second ground terminal electrode and the ground connection conductor. The first signal internal electrode and the first ground internal electrode have their respective regions opposed to each other. The second signal internal electrode and the second ground internal electrode have their respective regions opposed to each other. The first signal internal electrode and the second ground internal electrode are not opposed to each other. The second signal internal electrode and the first ground internal electrode are not opposed to each other.
US08098475B2
An electrostatic clamp for use in a lithographic apparatus includes a layer of material provided with burls, wherein an electrode surrounded by an insulator and or a dielectric material is provided in between the burls. The electrostatic clamp may be used to clamp an object to an object support in a lithographic apparatus.
US08098467B2
A method for avoiding undesired, measurement error-induced protective tripping within a protection system of an HVDC transmission system. State variables of components of the HVDC transmission system are detected by first measuring devices to obtain a first set of measured values and by further measuring devices, which are designed in redundant fashion with respect to the first measuring devices, to obtain further sets of measured values. The first and further sets of measured values are supplied to a closed-loop control unit and a protective unit. The protective unit checks the first set of measured values for the presence of a risk of protective tripping by way of internal logic, and the closed-loop control unit regulates the HVDC transmission system as a function of one of the further sets of measured values. In the event of the presence of a risk of protective tripping, the protective unit checks one of the further sets of measured values for the presence of switchover conditions and, if present, switches over to the further set of measured values and checks the further set of measured values for the presence of a risk of protective tripping.
US08098465B1
An electrical panel has an Arc Fault Current Interrupter (AFCI) breaker connected to a power supply input, which is operative to interrupt current flow to multiple circuits when an arc fault is detected. The AFCI breaker, which may include Ground Fault Current Interrupter (GFCI) components, provides global arc fault and ground fault protection for multiple circuits of a load center, such as a main panel, sub-panel, transfer switch, and the like.
US08098452B1
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a disk drive system comprising a disk drive system comprising a disk having a track upon a surface of the disk, the track including a first data-storing sector and a second data storing sector, and a servo sector located between the first data-storing sector and the second data-storing sector, the servo sector including a first flying height (FH) field having a predetermined pattern. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08098451B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for determining fly height. For example, a system for fly height determination is disclosed that includes a head assembly disposed in relation to a storage medium, a write channel, and a read circuit. The read circuit is operable to receive information from both the head assembly and the write channel. A frequency determination circuit is included that is operable to receive a first signal from the read circuit corresponding to information received from the write channel and to provide a first fundamental frequency and a first higher order frequency based on the first signal, and the frequency determination circuit is operable to receive a second signal from the read circuit corresponding to information received from the head assembly channel and to provide a second fundamental frequency and a second higher order frequency based on the second signal. A compensation variable calculation module is included that is operable to divide the first fundamental frequency by the first higher order harmonic to yield a compensation variable. A fly height calculation module is included that is operable to divide the second fundamental frequency by the second higher order harmonic and the compensation variable to yield an indication of a distance between the head assembly and the storage medium.
US08098447B1
In a perpendicular magnetic recording system, the data that is being written by the write channel is fed back into the read channel. The read channel processes the data and decides if the written sequence is likely to have very poor DC characteristics. If that is the case, the write channel changes a scrambler seed and rewrites the data using the new scrambler seed. The data may also be inspected for patterns that might cause large baseline wander before being written to disk, i.e., in the write channel. A data sequence may be repeatedly scrambled and encoded until an acceptable level of estimated DC-wander has been achieved. The data sequence may then be written to disk.
US08098424B2
The present invention relates to an optical fiber amplifying module equipped with a structure for stably attaining a high gain even when amplifying light having a low duty cycle. The optical fiber amplifying module comprises at least three amplification optical fibers successively arranged from an input connector to an output collimator. A bandpass filter is arranged between the first- and second-stage amplification optical fibers. Control means having a structure constituted by optically passive components alone or a feedback structure functions so as to render an upper limit to a gain for input light in the first-stage amplification optical fiber, thereby preventing the deterioration in performances such as destruction of the bandpass filter from occurring in optical components positioned on the upstream side of the final-stage amplification optical fiber.
US08098423B2
A medical device includes an insertable portion capable of being inserted into an orifice associated with a body of a patient. The insertable portion comprising an automated head unit capable of being manipulated in at least two axes of motion based at least in part on one or more control signals. The medical device further includes one or more controllers coupled to the automated head unit. In one particular embodiment, the one or more controllers generate the one or more control signals based at least in part on an input signal.
US08098420B2
A display method of an electrophoresis display (EPD) device having a display area and a plurality of pixels located in the display area is provided. In the display method, firstly, the display area is divided into a plurality of unit areas. A plurality of pixels exist in each of the unit areas. Then, in some unit areas, at least two pixels in each of the unit areas are enabled to respectively display a first color and a second color, such that the first colors and the second colors are mixed to achieve a mixed color in vision. The first color has a maximum gray-level value. The second color has a minimum gray-level value. A gray-level value of the mixed color is between the maximum gray-level value and the minimum gray-level value.
US08098418B2
A process for producing a color electro-optic display uses an electro-optic sub-assembly comprising an electro-optic layer and a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer. This sub-assembly is laminated to a backplane comprising a plurality of electrodes with the electro-optic layer disposed between the backplane and the electrically-conductive layer. A flowable material is placed over the sub-assembly and a color filter array is placed over the electrically-conductive layer and aligned with the electrodes of the backplane to form the color electro-optic display.
US08098412B2
A method detects a center of a wafer having a notch when aligning the wafer mounted on a movable mounting table. The method includes capturing an image of the wafer by using an imaging unit, the image including the notch; extracting an edge line from the image of the wafer; detecting a shape of the notch from the edge line; and calculating the center of the wafer based on the shape of the notch.
US08098401B2
Aspects of the disclosure provide a printing method that can utilize a lightly pigmented toner along with a darkly pigmented toner to improve the image quality. The method can include receiving a dataset corresponding to a printing of a printing system using a darkly pigmented toner. The printing system may have an undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner. Further, the method can include converting the dataset to a first dataset corresponding to a first printing of the printing system using the darkly pigmented toner, and a second dataset corresponding to a second printing of the printing system using a lightly pigmented toner. The first dataset can avoid the undesirable optical density printing range for the darkly pigmented toner, and a combination of the first printing and the second printing providing a substantially same printed optical density corresponding to the received dataset.
US08098395B2
An image processing device and method for modifying images on an image processing device including a scanner configured to produce an image of at least one document having multiple pages, a communications interface configured to connect the image processing device to a server via a network, a display unit configured to display a preview image or a thumbnail image of at least one of the pages of the scanned document and a user interface configured to display a selectable graphical indicia corresponding to at least one operation for modifying the preview image or the at least one image of the scanned document.
US08098393B2
Described are a printer and a method of controlling it, in which discarding received data and clearing data from a receive buffer is started when an off-line error occurs and the printer goes off-line. When the printer returns on-line, a control unit causes a data receiving unit to stop discarding said received data and causes sending a clear response as an on-line status report telling the host computer that the printer is returning on-line.
US08098391B2
An automated document processing system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetic character reader located along a path of travel of a document. The system also includes a first image scanner located after the magnetic character reader along the path of travel, the first image scanner configured to capture an image of a first side of the document. The system further includes an endorser located after the magnetic character reader along the path of travel, where the endorser is configured to print an endorsement on at least one side of the document. The system also includes a second image scanner located after the endorser along the path of travel, the second image scanner configured to capture an image of the at least one side of the document endorsed by the endorser.
US08098389B2
An image processing apparatus comprising: a test data generator that generates test data instead of actual data entered for executing a workflow consisting of a plurality of unit works, if an instruction is given to test the workflow; a test process executor that executes a test process by processing the generated test data according to parameters for executing the unit works; a test process suspender that suspends the test process if a trouble happens during the test process; a notifier that notifies a user of a trouble if it happens during the test process; a parameter modifier that is capable of modifying the parameters if the test process is suspended due to the trouble; and a test process resuming portion that resumes the test process after the parameters are modified.
US08098380B2
Multiple resonator fiber optic gyroscope (RFOG) configurations comprising one or more mode filters inside the resonator are adopted to effectively suppress unwanted high order spatial modes which can be a significant source of gyro bias errors. The resonator comprises at least a loop fiber, either two or more in/out coupling elements, and connectors that link elements into a circulating loop. Directional elements may be used to separate output light from input light in some of the embodiments. In all embodiments, mode filters are placed in the resonator to guarantee that the light reaching the photodetector is filtered by at least one mode filter in the resonator at least once. The mode filters may contain both spatial mode filters (such as single mode fibers or waveguides) and polarization mode filters (such as polarizing elements) so that both spatial and polarization mode filtering can be implemented simultaneously.
US08098372B2
An optical inspection tool can feature a double-speed and other modes whereby the inspection rate is increased by using pixel binning. For instance, the tool may include an array of pixels provided by one or more detectors. Some or all of the pixels in one or more of the detectors may be binned according to inspection requirements. Based on the reduction in effective pixels due to the binning, in some embodiments, the rate of imaging and scanning rate of the wafer (or other object) can be increased. Different portions of the array may be binned differently to provide for increased throughput during inspections; for instance, the binning arrangement across an array can be correlated to the features that will be imaged using the array.
US08098371B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring a residual stress of an optical fiber. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring residual stress of an optical fiber which is provided with a variable polarizer of which rotation is unnecessary instead of a rotary analyzer to measure the residual stress in high resolution and at high speed.There is provided an apparatus for measuring a residual stress of an optical fiber including a light generation unit that generates light; a lens unit that converts the generated light into collimated light; a polarization unit including variable polarization devices that divide the collimated light into two perpendicularly polarized light beams and control phase retardation of the polarized light beams by means of an electrical signal; a measurement unit that allows the divided light beams of two polarization states to penetrate an optical fiber to be measured; and a light detection unit that detects the polarization states of the light beams penetrating the optical fiber.
US08098368B2
A method of determining the position of inclusions in a gemstone, comprising: (a) placing the gemstone within a material having a refractive index within 0.5, optionally 0.2 or 0.1, of that of the gemstone; (b) illuminating the gemstone and imaging the illuminated gemstone; and (c) determining the position of inclusions based on images of the inclusions in the images.
US08098366B2
An optical system, in particular of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, includes an optical system axis and a polarization-influencing optical arrangement, wherein said arrangement has a polarization-influencing optical element which includes an optically active material having an optical crystal axis and is of a thickness profile which varies in the direction of said optical crystal axis, and a position manipulator for manipulation of the position of said polarization-influencing optical element, wherein the polarization manipulator is adapted to cause rotation of the polarization-influencing optical element about an axis of rotation, wherein said axis of rotation is arranged at an angle of 90°±5° relative to the optical system axis.
US08098356B2
An object of the present invention is to prevent the domain from being generated in the pixel end portions so that the transmittance can increase in an IPS type liquid crystal display device where the size of the pixels is extremely small. In the liquid crystal display device according to the present invention, the electrodes close to the liquid crystal layer have a comb-like structure having a linking portion only at one pixel end, the end portion of the comb-like structure has a structure for preventing the domain from growing, the width of the slits in the comb-like structure is greater than the width of the electrodes, and the alignment of the liquid crystal layer has such a pretilt angle that the liquid crystal rises from the end portion in the comb-like structure towards the root in the interface close to the electrode.
US08098352B2
The present invention is directed to the provision of an optical pickup apparatus in which a liquid crystal optical element constructed by combining an aberration correcting liquid crystal panel and a λ/4 liquid crystal panel in an integral fashion is mounted in a tilted position. More particularly, the invention provides a liquid crystal optical element comprising a first liquid crystal layer for correcting aberration, a second liquid crystal layer functioning as an nλ/4 plate and combined in an integral fashion with the first liquid crystal layer, a transparent electrode for generating a potential difference on the second liquid crystal layer in order to control an amount of phase difference for the light beam passing through the second liquid crystal layer, and a driver for driving the transparent electrode so as to generate a potential difference that is the lowest among a plurality of potential differences that cause the second liquid crystal layer to function as an nλ/4 plate. The invention also provides an optical pickup apparatus incorporating such a liquid crystal optical element.
US08098347B2
A backlight for a stereoscopic 3D liquid crystal display apparatus includes a light guide having a light emission surface and an opposing light extraction surface, a first side extends between the light emission surface and the light extraction surface, and a second side extends between the light emission surface and the light extraction surface, the second side opposing the first side. A centerline extends parallel to the first side and second side and is equidistant from the first side and the second side. A center elongated prism extends along the centerline and forms a portion of the light extraction surface. A plurality of elongated prisms extend parallel to the center elongated prism wherein the prisms are progressively more canted for each subsequent elongated prism further from the center elongated prism. A plurality of light sources disposed along the first side and the second side.
US08098343B2
A pixel unit includes a first control circuit and a second control circuit and is divided into a first region and a second region. The first control circuit determines the output voltage of the first region and includes a first switching device, a first liquid crystal capacitor and a first storage capacitor coupled to the first switching device. The second control circuit determines the output voltage of the second region and includes a second switching device, a second liquid crystal capacitor and an auxiliary capacitor coupled to the second switching device, and a third switching device. The third switching device is coupled to the second switching device through the auxiliary capacitor, and the output voltage of the first region is different to that of the second region.
US08098339B2
The present invention discloses an integrated single-panel projection engine (500) including a collimated light source (400), a main polarization beam splitter (200), a supporting polarization beam splitter (210), a reflective quarter wave plate (150), a mirror plate (160), an LCOS imager (100) and a projection lens system (300), which provides substantial improvement in optical efficiency of LCOS micro projection display.
US08098338B2
An audio signal is transmitted to a sensor substrate D through a cable 60c connecting the lower end of an analog substrate A arranged on the rear face of the liquid crystal panel and the sensor substrate arranged below the liquid crystal panel of a cabinet. The cable 60c is covered with UL tube in advance, and connected by being passed through the inside of a horseshoe shape of a lower bridge pier portion 52b3 of the right bridge frame 52b. The audio signal is transmitted to the speakers 53a, 53b connected to the connectors 61a, 61b with lead wires by the pattern on the sensor substrate D.
US08098330B2
Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture for generating a video output by combining a first video input and a second video input. A first input image is accessed from the first video input and a second input image is accessed from the second video input, wherein the second input image includes a selected element recorded in front of a monochromatic background. A first region and a second region are generated from the first input image. An output image that includes the first region and the second region with a gap separating the first region from the second region is generated. The selected element is placed at least over the gap in the output image, wherein predetermined areas of the first region and the second region remain visible in the output image. The output image is included in the video output.
US08098327B2
According to one embodiment, when an input image signal is to be enlarged, a moving image frame rate converting apparatus performs, by a first image processing device for performing scaling and color format conversion on the input image signal before frame rate conversion, the color format conversion without performing the scaling, and performs, by a second image processing device for performing scaling on a post-conversion image signal after the frame rate conversion, the scaling so as to generate an output image signal.
US08098326B2
A connector on an electronic device includes a pair of locking plates, a guide groove, and a space. Each locking plate has, on its edge, a first concave portion, a first convex portion, a second concave portion, and a second convex portion. An intermediate surface for determining a position of an accessory device below the guide groove is provided below the second concave portions and the second convex portions. A contact mounting surface provided with plural contacts is provided below the first convex portions. Guide surfaces for determining a position of the accessory device in the width direction of the guide groove are provided below the first concave portions and the first convex portions.
US08098316B2
An image sensor includes a plurality of pixels overlaid with a color filter pattern of at least two colors having the same color on every other pixel in one direction; three or more charge-coupled devices oriented parallel to the every other pixel color filter repeat pattern; a charge sensing amplifier at the output of at least two of the charge couple devices; each charge-coupled device having a first and a second gate; a CCD-to-CCD transfer gate connecting adjacent charge-coupled devices with the first gate being on one side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate and the second gate being on the opposite side of the CCD-to-CCD transfer gate; all CCD-to-CCD transfer gates are electrically connected together; all first gates are electrically connected; and all second gates are electrically connected.
US08098313B2
An address generator that generates, in an image capturing device including a photoelectric conversion unit having arrayed therein in a matrix plural photoelectric conversion elements that convert received light into charges and accumulate the charges and a rolling shutter function, an address indicating a line position of each of the photoelectric conversion elements that are processing objects of readout processing and reset processing for accumulated charges includes address counters provided at least in a number same as a number of time divisions of the readout processing and the reset processing, a control unit that independently controls an operation of each of the address counters, a selecting circuit that sequentially selects each of the address counters in a time division manner and outputs a count value of the selected address counter to an address decode circuit as the address, and the address decode circuit that outputs a signal for changing the photoelectric conversion element in a line position corresponding to the address inputted from the selection circuit in a time division manner to an active state.
US08098303B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for restoring a motion-blurred image. The method comprises determining parameters for a one-dimensional Optical Transfer Function (OTF) for the motion-blurred image in Fourier space; determining a signal-to-noise ratio for the motion-blurred image in the Fourier space; and correcting for motion blur based on the parameters of the OTF. Determining the parameters comprises calculating a function Φ(p,q) which is based on the square of the modulus of the Fourier transform |G(p,q)|2 of the motion-blurred image. The parameters include the absolute value of the one-dimensional OTF, and the phase and sign of the OTF.
US08098302B2
An image pickup unit that does not have a movable system and is fixed at one point picks up an image. A subject region extraction unit detects a subject in the image, extracts a region of the subject, and generates a region extraction image. A region extraction image storage unit holds a plurality of recent region extraction images. Then, a stain level calculation unit compares the held region extraction images for each pixel, and increases a value of the stain level of a pixel when it is highly probable that a stain is present on the pixel, and vise versa. The subject region extraction and the stain level calculation are performed each time an image is picked up, and the value is updated. A stain determination unit outputs whether or not a stain is present and the degree that the stain is present on the basis of the value.
US08098285B2
A processor for image capture and printing has a RISC core. A four-way parallel VLIW vector processor is connected to the RISC core via a suitable data cache. The vector processor has four processing units interconnected with a crossbar switch. A memory interface is connected to the vector processor to permit interfacing between the data cache and a memory. Interfacing circuitry is operatively connected to the vector processor. The interfacing circuitry includes at least an image sensor interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an image sensor and a printhead interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an inkjet printhead.
US08098275B2
A three dimensional imaging system is disclosed which includes a three dimensional display (12), three-dimensional calibration equipment (16), and one or more two-dimensional (15) or three dimensional (14) image scanners. The three-dimensional display (12) uses optical pulses (32a-32k) and a non linear optical mixer (18) to display a three-dimensional image (17). The three-dimensional image (17) is generated in voxels of the display volume (28) as the optical mixer (18) sweeps the display volume (28). The three-dimensional calibration equipment (16) uses a hologram projected proximal to a desired object (164) to calibrate optical imaging devices (162a-162c) and to simplify the combination of the images from one or more optical imaging devices (162a-162c) into three-dimensional information. The three-dimensional image scanner (14) employs optical pulses (136, 138) and a non-linear optical mixer (128) to acquire three-dimensional images of a desired object (134). The three-dimensional image scanner (14) captures both the shape and color of a desired object (134).
US08098274B2
The present invention relates to an image signal transmitting/receiving apparatus and method for selectively performing transmission and display of a main image signal. The present invention transmits and display an sub-image signal instead of the received main image signal in case that the cut-off mode with respect to the main image signal has been set.
US08098272B2
A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication.
US08098271B2
The exposure device includes: a light output device outputting light for exposing a charged image carrier, and including light-emitting elements caused to emit light or not through a control using a light-emission signal, switch elements provided corresponding to the light-emitting elements, and sequentially turned on to set the light-emitting elements ready to emit light, a transfer-signal generating unit generating a transfer signal for sequentially turning on the switch elements, a light-emission signal supply unit supplying the light-emission signal to the light-emitting elements, and a detection unit causing the transfer-signal generating unit to generate a transfer signal having cycles whose number is larger than that of the light-emitting elements, and detecting a potential of an output region of the light-emission signal supply unit while making an output from the light-emission signal supply unit high impedance; and an optical member focusing light outputted by the light output device onto the image carrier.
US08098267B2
To provide a thermal printer apparatus and a printing method that can be adapted to different types of thermal paper having different thermal conductivity characteristics, a dot data memory 3 stores dot data for each line in synchronization with line sequential printing and delivers an energizing pulse selectively to a line thermal head 1 via a driving circuit 2. A multiplier 4 counts the number of dots to be printed for each line and multiplies a result of the counting by a heated thermal paper coefficient P1 corresponding to a thermal conductivity characteristic of a thermal paper 42. A heat accumulation counter 5 counts results of the multiplying in an accumulative manner. A multiplier 6 multiplies a count value in the heat accumulation counter 5 by a heat radiation coefficient and a heat radiation thermal paper coefficient P2 corresponding to the thermal conductivity characteristic of the thermal paper 42 repeatedly at a predetermined period, so as to correct and update the count value in the heat accumulation counter 5. An arithmetic unit 7 calculates an energizing pulse width based on the corrected and updated count value in the heat accumulation counter 5 in synchronization with line sequential printing, and controls the driving circuit 2 based on a result of the calculating.
US08098266B2
An image processing method which contains: delivering laser light to a thermoreversible recording medium to heat the medium and record an image thereon, the medium reversibly changing a transparency or tone thereof depending on a temperature thereof; and heating the medium to erase the image recorded thereon, wherein the delivering is carried out using an image processing device containing: a laser light emitting unit; a light scanning unit disposed on a plane onto which laser light emitted from the laser light emitting unit is delivered; a light intensity distribution adjusting unit to change a light intensity distribution of the laser light; and a fθ lens to condense the laser light, and wherein energy of the laser light passing through a peripheric portion of the fθ lens and traveling onto the medium is lower than energy of the laser light passing through a center portion of the fθ lens and traveling onto the medium.
US08098253B2
A display unit includes: a display panel for displaying a plurality of information images; a memory for storing a plurality of image data elements corresponding to the information images; an image memory for storing the image data elements transferred from the memory; and a controller for controlling the display panel to display the information images based on the image data elements in the image memory. The controller transfers a part of the image data elements to the image memory on ahead when the display unit starts to operate, and the controller controls the display panel to display a part of information images on ahead based on the part of the image data elements.
US08098252B2
The video data is parallel processed allowing for extremely fast video processing or a greatly reduced clock requirement for the video processing circuit. In operation, each video channel reads from main memory. This allows each video channel to track the laser directly. The Parallel video processor receives non-columnar pixel data, such as rows. The videoprocessor may support printers of any width without significantly increasing the size of the system.
US08098245B2
An interest center-point and a start point are created in an image. A potential function is created where the potential function creates a potential field and guides traversal from the starting point to the interest center-point. The potential field is adjusted to include a sum of potential fields directed toward the center-point where each potential field corresponds to an image. Images are displayed in the potential field at intervals in the traversal from the start point toward the interest center point.
US08098243B2
A method and apparatus for processing a query required for 3-dimensional (3D) display, for example, a visibility query and a localization query, are provided. The method includes: dividing a 3D space into a plurality of regions; and processing a query in units of divided regions, detecting desired divided regions for processing the query of all the divided regions, and outputting objects included in the detected divided regions, as the result of processing the query. According to the method and apparatus, an entire 3D space is divided into a plurality of regions, and when a query required for 3D display or for running a game using 3D display is processed, a query is made to be processed in units of divided regions, and thus the amount of calculation and time required for processing the query can be reduced. Accordingly, performance of 3D display or the performance of a game using 3D display can be improved.
US08098242B2
An arrangement includes a first electronic device and a power supply unit adapted to provide the first electronic device with electric operating energy from a mains voltage. The first electronic device includes an evaluation unit adapted to switch the first electronic device from an operating state to at least one energy saving state and vice-versa, and a standard interface for connecting the first electronic device to a second electronic device.
US08098241B2
A display device is provided having improved reliability compared with the related art. The display device includes, for each pixel: a photo-emission element and a first MOS transistor connected in series between a first power source line and a second power source line; a capacitor connected to be inserted between a gate and a source of the first MOS transistor; and a second MOS transistor connected to be inserted between a signal line to be applied with a image signal voltage and the gate of the first MOS transistor, the second MOS transistor being controlled by a scan signal to change between ON-state and OFF-state, wherein ON-period of the first transistor is established within a period in which the photo-emission element is maintained to an extinction state and the signal line is applied with a voltage having a fixed level independent from the image signal voltage.
US08098236B2
A touch sensitive screen comprising a display device and a light-permeable, wherein a touch-sensitive arrangement arranged upstream of an image side of the display device at a distance therefrom. The arrangement can be displaced in relation to the display device such that a haptic acknowledgment is generated. The touch-sensitive arrangement forms part of the housing containing the display device, and the housing can be displaced in relation to the display device, by way of the touch-sensitive arrangement.
US08098230B2
A ground-based haptic interface equipped with at least two decoupled rotary finger actuators adapted to be manipulated with the fingertips of a single hand of a user. For each finger actuator, a means are included for measuring the angular position of the actuator or for measuring the torque applied on the axis of rotation of the actuator. Each rotary finger actuator is associated with a control motor adapted to apply, on the axis of rotation of the actuator, a torque that is a function of the angular position of the actuator, or that controls the rotational position of the axis of rotation of the actuator as a function of the torque applied on this axis. The haptic interface can be used as a peripheral of a computer, for example, for interacting with a virtual environment. It can also be applied to the control or manipulation of real objects by being coupled, for example, with a robot or a manipulating arm. The interface also can be telemanipulated.
US08098226B2
The subject invention provides a drive circuit for a display apparatus, comprising: a shift register; and a pulse generation circuit for generating a drive pulse signal using an output pulse signal generated in the shift register, wherein: the pulse generation circuit forms a pulse-starting edge and a pulse-termination edge of the drive pulse signal using a rise or a fall of pulse resulting from activation of the output pulse signal. On this account, pulse generation can be performed with high accuracy in a pulse generation circuit used for a drive circuit for a display apparatus or the like.
US08098225B2
In an embodiment, a sampling signal to each data signal line is generated by using an output signal outputted from each flip-flop, and a precharge signal by which the data signal line to which the sampling signal is to be outputted is precharged is generated by using an output signal outputted from an output terminal of the flip-flop. Further, by providing a NOR circuit, an active period of the precharge signal and an active period of the sampling signal are prevented from overlapping each other. With this, in an embodiment of a display device driving circuit, including a precharge circuit, which causes a precharge power supply to precharge signal supply lines, the number of shift registers and the size of a circuit can be reduced.
US08098224B2
A driver circuit for a display device includes NOR circuits on the input side of switches for controlling precharge of data signal lines and selected pixels connected to the data signal lines. While a video signal is written onto a data signal line, a signal instructing precharge of another data signal line is inputted from a shift register to the NOR circuits. A simultaneous precharge instruction signal is inputted from outside to the NOR circuits. According to this arrangement, precharge is performed in both a period in which a video signal is supplied to a data signal line and a period in which no video signal is supplied to any of the data signal lines. As a result, it is possible to perform precharge even with a precharge power source having relatively low driving capability, and to precharge the signal supply lines of the display device sufficiently.
US08098216B2
A plasma display apparatus and a driving method thereof are provided. The plasma display apparatus and a driving method thereof represent an image by a combination of a plurality of subfields, supply a first pulse to the first electrode in a negative polarity direction before a reset period for initializing in at least one of the plurality of subfields, supply a second pulse to the second electrode in an opposite polarity direction of the first pulse while the first pulse is supplied to the first electrode, and do not supply a sustain pulse to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode in a sustain period after the reset period.
US08098192B1
A terrain awareness system includes a processor for receiving radar returns and providing terrain and/or obstacle alerts or warnings in response to the radar returns. The processor receives information from a database and the information is used to select the radar transmit function and/or the radar reception function to optimize the performance of the system.
US08098187B1
An imager comprising a sphere of dielectric material and a geodesically configured substrate disposed adjacent said sphere. The geodesically configured substrate comprises a plurality of triangularly shaped elements, at least selected ones of the triangularly shaped elements having an array of detectors disposed thereon, the detectors in the array also being disposed adjacent the dielectric sphere for receiving and detecting incoming electromagnetic waves delivered via said sphere.
US08098181B2
An attenuator circuit includes a high-frequency circuit path to produce an attenuated first signal; a low-frequency circuit path to produce an attenuated second signal, where the attenuated first signal has a higher frequency than the attenuated second signal; and a transistor that includes a control input. The control input is configured to receive the attenuated second signal to bias the transistor for passage of the attenuated first signal and the attenuated second signal.
US08098180B2
A device that includes an internal data storage location coupled to an electrical conductor and an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the internal data storage location via the electrical conductor. In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter includes a comparator having an input coupled to the electrical conductor and a switch coupled to the electrical conductor.
US08098175B2
The invention relates to aircraft instrument panel equipment. According to the invention, the proposal is for an instrument panel which, in addition to a main display system for horizon and necessary piloting parameters, comprises two items of equipment identical from the point of view of hardware and the point of view of software, each provided with a display screen, automatic pilot set point adjustment buttons, computing means and standby data (standby horizon, altitude, speed). In normal operating conditions, one of the items of equipment is configured in an “automatic pilot set point display” mode; its control buttons are used to give the set points to the automatic pilot computer, and the set points are displayed on the screen. The other item of equipment is configured in “integrated standby data display” mode. It displays on the screen the standby horizon, the standby speed and the standby altitude. The mode may be switched at will or in the event of a failure of one of the two items of equipment.
US08098174B2
A method is provided for initiating a parking maneuver for parallel parking a vehicle between a first object and a second object. A target parking space is measured. A determination is made whether the measured target parking space is sufficient to allow an autonomous parallel parking maneuver. A region of feasible starting locations is determined to successfully perform the parallel parking maneuver between the first object and the second object if the available parking space is sufficient. A position of a midpoint of a rear axle is determined in relation to the designated region. A determination is made whether the midpoint of the rear axle is within the designated region. A driver of the vehicle is signaled in response to an instantaneous location of the midpoint of the rear axle vehicle being a feasible starting location to initiate the parallel parking maneuver.
US08098171B1
A method to dynamically register a graphic onto a driving scene of a vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes monitoring driving viewing conditions of the vehicle, detecting poor viewing conditions based on the monitored driving viewing conditions, monitoring a traffic pattern location, determining a graphic representing the traffic pattern location based on the monitored traffic pattern location and the detected poor viewing conditions, dynamically registering a location of the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display corresponding to the driving scene of the vehicle, and displaying the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display at said location, wherein the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision therethrough.
US08098170B1
A method to dynamically register a graphic identifying social networking subscribers of a social networking service having socialization attributes common to the vehicle onto a driving scene of a vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display includes monitoring the social networking service, including: monitoring informational inputs of the vehicle; monitoring broadcasted socialization attributes of the social networking subscribers; and identifying the social networking subscribers having the socialization attributes common to the vehicle based on the monitored informational inputs of the vehicle and the monitored broadcasted socialization attributes of the social networking subscribers. The graphic identifying the social networking subscribers having the socialization attributes common to the vehicle is determined, and a location of the graphic is dynamically registered upon the substantially transparent windscreen head-up display corresponding to the driving scene of the vehicle. The graphic is displayed onto the driving scene of the vehicle utilizing a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display including one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting transmission therethrough.
US08098166B2
An aspirated smoke detector includes a smoke sensor, an aspirator and variable speed control circuits. As the concentration of smoke increases, the speed control circuits can increase aspirator speed from a first, nominal value to a second, higher value.
US08098161B2
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided that is substantially isolated from the environment in proximity to one side of the device. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided including a two-port microchip having a first and a second port, a first antenna coupled to the first port of the two-port microchip, a ground-plane, a first high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the first antenna and between the first antenna and the ground-plane, the first high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane. The RFID inlay further includes a second antenna coupled to the second port of the two-port microchip, and a second high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the second antenna and between the second antenna and the ground-plane, the second high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane.
US08098156B2
A security system and method of operation thereof stores information related to a plurality of detected events and determines an activity pattern based on the stored information. The system and method then determines a type of alarm, if any, to issue in response to a detected trigger event based at least in part on the determined activity pattern.
US08098154B2
A simulation system includes a two-dimensional electrical grid installed in a floor or floor mat. Signals from boot mounted transmitters can be sensed via the grid to track boot locations in real-time during training exercises.
US08098152B2
Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning exposure of predetermined survey participants to media displays are provided. A portable monitor is arranged to receive certain types of terrestrial-based signals, and in some specific cases, satellite-based signals, and to use such signals to generate location data indicative of a location of the portable monitor. The location data and stored media display data is analyzed to evaluate the survey participant's exposure to one or more media displays.
US08098137B2
A media passport system including a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder attached to a removable medium a plurality of RFID readers installed in rooms, wherein each RFID reader has a unique identification (ID), and a security server connected to the plurality of RFID readers via a network. The security server hosts a zone-table including a unique ID information of the removable medium, and a zone information determined as a subset of the unique IDs of the plurality of RFID readers. Based on this the security server sends an alarm when a removable medium is transported inside or outside a zone.
US08098117B2
An LC composite component has a unique structure that makes it easy to set frequency characteristics while reducing a circuit area and the number of layers. The LC composite component includes a laminated body including a plurality of dielectric layers. The laminated body is produced by forming input and output electrodes and an LC resonant circuit therein. The LC composite component includes a capacitor, which includes an elongated electrode portion having an elongated shape. The elongated electrode portion faces a flat electrode portion having a flat shape, with one of the dielectric layers interposed therebetween. At the same time, the elongated electrode portion constitutes an open stub that is open at a tip end.
US08098113B2
A circuit for automatically terminating a user port in a coaxial cable system includes a signal path extending from a user-side port toward a supplier-side port, the signal path including a conductor and a ground. The user-side port is adapted to connect to a user device. The circuit further includes a passive signal sampler coupled to the signal path, and a comparator element in communication with the passive signal sampler. The comparator is adapted to compare a line signal on the signal path to a reference signal and generate an output. A switch disposed in the signal path has a first state for terminating the line signal and a second state for passing the line signal. The first state and the second state are responsive to the output generated from the comparator.
US08098109B2
According to one exemplary embodiment, a differential varactor circuit for a voltage controlled oscillator having two differential outputs includes a first varactor having first and second terminals and a second varactor having first and second terminals. In the differential varactor circuit, each of the first and second terminals of the first varactor and each of the first and second terminals of the second varactor are coupled to one of the two differential outputs of the voltage controlled oscillator, thereby allowing a size of each of the first and second varactors to be reduced so as to increase varactor quality factor. Each of the first and second terminals of the first varactor can be coupled to one of the two differential outputs by a capacitor, and each of the first and second terminals of the second varactor can be coupled to one of the two differential outputs by a capacitor.
US08098106B1
In one embodiment, a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) includes a tank circuit having a first node and a second node. A first pair of transistors includes a first transistor and a second transistor each having a gate, a drain, and a source. The gates of the first transistor and the second transistor are coupled together and coupled to the first node. A second pair of transistors includes a third transistor and a fourth transistor each having a gate, a drain, and a source. The gates of third transistor and the fourth transistor are coupled together and coupled to the second node. The first transistor and the second transistor are configured to alternately couple the second node to a first output node. The third transistor and the fourth transistor are configured to alternately couple the first node to a second output node.
US08098105B2
This radio-frequency oscillator includes a magnetoresistive device in which an electric current is able to flow. The magnetoresistive device includes a first magnetic layer, known as a “trapped layer”, whereof the magnetization is of fixed direction. The magnetoresistive device further includes a second magnetic layer known as a “free layer” and a non-magnetic layer, known as an “intermediate layer”, interposed between the first and second layer, known as the intermediate layer. The oscillator further includes means capable of causing an electron current to flow in said layers constituting the aforementioned stack and in a direction perpendicular to the plane which contains said layers. One of the three layers constituting the magnetoresistive device includes at least one constriction zone of the electric current passing through it.
US08098092B2
A Doherty amplifier is provided with a clipping circuit for making signal power flow to ground if the signal power becomes equal to or higher than a predetermine value in order to prevent a carrier amplifier, which is a small amplifier, from being destroyed if the signal power is increased to a sevenfold to tenfold multiple of a ratio of the size of the carrier amplifier to that of a peak amplifier.
US08098084B2
A transmission apparatus for differential communication includes a driver bridge circuit and a pair of noise protection circuits. The driver bridge circuit includes four output devices that are independently connected between each of a pair of transmission lines and a power line or a ground line. Each noise protection circuit is provided to a corresponding transmission lines. Each noise protection circuit includes a ground potential detector and an impedance controller. The ground potential detector detects a potential of the corresponding transmission line with respect to the ground line. The impedance controller causes an impedance of the corresponding transmission line with respect to the ground line to become equal to an impedance of the other transmission line with respect to the ground line, when the detected potential becomes outside a predetermined potential range.
US08098082B1
Method and circuitry for implementing high speed multiple-data-rate interface architectures for programmable logic devices. The invention partitions I/O pins and their corresponding registers into independent multiple-data rate I/O modules each having at least one pin dedicated to the strobe signal DQS and others to DQ data signals. The modular architecture facilitates pin migration from one generation of PLDs to the next larger generation.
US08098078B1
A conductive connector includes a flexible-deflectable extension having a probing end and a head connection end. A conductive transmission path extends between the probing end and the head connection end. A pogo-rotational-action pin is electrically connected to the transmission path at the head connection end of the flexible-deflectable extension.
US08098074B2
Provided is a technology for monitoring the electrical resistance of an element such as a fuse whose resistance is changed due to the electrical stress among internal circuits included in a semiconductor device. The present invention provides a monitoring circuit to monitor the change in the device specification during the device is being programmed and after the device is programmed. The present invention enables the verification of an optimized condition to let the device have a certain electrical resistance, by comparing the load voltage and the fuse voltage with the reference voltage that can sense the range of resistance variation more precisely. Also, it can guarantee device reliability since it is still possible to sense electrical resistance after the electrical stress is being given. Also, the present invention can increase the utility of the fuse by possessing an output to monitor electrical resistance sensed inside of the semiconductor.
US08098071B2
A device, method and system for measuring characteristics of a geologic formation using a floating reference signal having a mud chamber, an electrode disposed within the mud chamber, and an electrically conductive plate disposed within the mud chamber, the plate separated from the electrode. An alternating current source is provided on the electrode, whereby an electric field is be maintained between the electrode and the conductive plate. An opening in the mud chamber allows drilling fluids to pass there through.
US08098070B2
The instrument utilizes at least one electromagnetic signal transmitter and at least one electromagnetic signal receiver with the receiver detecting a receiver signal responsive to the transmitter signal and indicative of subterranean details adjacent to the instrument. The instrument is attachable to a tow vehicle for transport and includes a GPS antenna and tags data gathered by the instrument with GPS position information. The instrument is formed in modular sections which can be removably attached for collapsing into a smaller space and to allow for flexible configuration of the instrument in various different ways. A wheeled carriage is provided to carry the instrument over the ground. Antennas for the transmitter and receiver, as well as circuitry and cooling systems are all provided to supply the instrument with high resolution and a clear signal indicative of the position and characteristics of subterranean details of interest.
US08098060B1
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some implementations determine the amplitude of an amplitude modulated signal, modulated by the position of an object being sensed. In some aspects, the apparatus accepts an excitation signal and the amplitude modulated signal and divides the amplitude modulated by the excitation signal to produce an output signal that is proportional to the position of the object being sensed. In other aspects, the division is performed only when the excitation signal is non-zero, such as close to the peaks in the excitation signal. In other aspects, the excitation signal and amplitude modulated signal are degraded due to an air gap and the degraded signals are used to correct for amplitude fluctuations due to the air gap, and produce an output signal, tolerant of the air gaps, that is proportional to the position of the object being sensed.
US08098052B2
A batter charger for charging a secondary batter using a power supply circuit which converts an AC input into a DC output, includes a first resistor for detecting constant-current control and a second resistor for detecting end of charging. The first resister and the second register are inserted in series in a current path of the charging current. The power supply circuit has output characteristics of a constant-current control characteristic and a constant-voltage control characteristic. The constant-current control is performed using a first detection voltage generated at the first resistor, and the constant-voltage control is performed by comparing a second detection voltage generated at a series resistor composed of the first resistor and the second resistor with a reference voltage using a comparator, and detecting an end of charging indicated by the second detection voltage fallen below the reference voltage.
US08098050B2
A charge/discharge control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of a battery and a control device setting a battery power charged to and discharged from the battery base on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the state of charge of the battery. The control device sets at least one of a first value, a second value and a third value to be increased as the battery temperature rises, the first value indicating the state of charge at the time of switching between charging and discharging of the battery, the second value indicating the state of charge at the time when the battery power charged to the battery reaches a limit value in the case where the state of charge falls below the first value, and the third value indicating the state of charge at the time when the battery power discharged from the battery reaches the limit value in the case where the state of charge exceeds the first value.
US08098049B2
A technique for charging a wireless device includes detecting a physical presence of a user with respect to the device. A magnetic force is provided between a charging pad and the device only when the physical presence of the user, with respect to the device, is not detected. In this case, a rechargeable power source of the device receives a charging current from the charging pad via conductive contacts of the device.
US08098046B2
The embodiments of the invention relate to a novel apparatus and method for a battery charging system in a shared environment, as well as for monitoring battery usage and tracking battery location. In one embodiment, the battery charging chute comprises a housing configured to receive a battery via an insertion slot and configured to dispense a battery through a dispensing slot. Within the housing, charging terminals are disposed is a spaced or continuous manner, to come in contact with the charging terminals on batteries inserted into the housing. Optionally, solenoid-controlled gates may be employed at the insertion slot and dispensing slot, to inhibit the removal or insertion of batteries from the incorrect location, to ensure that the battery with the longest residence time in the chute is dispensed to a user. The housing may also include a radio-frequency identification tag reader to permit inventorying and tracking of batteries inserted into the housing.
US08098045B2
A connector device includes a circuit board and a connector body, and the connector body includes a housing and a connection terminal provided inside the housing. A silicon resin is applied to fill a gap between the connector body and the circuit board. The application of the silicon resin can prevent a mold resin used to seal the connector device and a battery pack body from entering from the gap into the housing. Thereby, a connector device reliably establishing conduction and a battery pack applying such a connector device can be obtained.
US08098041B2
A method of charging a powertrain includes detecting an external power source in electrical communication with the powertrain, establishing a virtual network between charging control module, and transferring charge from the external power source to the powertrain.
US08098035B2
A motor control unit (10) includes: a power converter (40) having a rectifier circuit (20) which rectifies an AC voltage from an AC power supply (31), a capacitor circuit (22) which receives an output of the rectifier circuit (20) and outputs a rectified voltage having pulses from both ends of a capacitor (13) and an inverter circuit (25) which receives the rectified voltage and outputs an AC voltage to the motor (30); and a motor controller (41) controlling the motor (30) by controlling the inverter circuit (25). The motor controller (41) performs torque control to vary an output toque of the motor (30) in response to variation in load torque of the motor (30).
US08098033B2
A motor drive circuit comprising: a triangle wave generation circuit configured to charge/discharge a capacitor with a charging/discharging current having a current amount corresponding to an amplitude control voltage for controlling an amplitude of an oscillation voltage that varies in a triangle wave shape, and to output a charging voltage of the capacitor as the oscillation voltage; a pulse signal generation circuit configured to generate a pulse signal having a duty ratio corresponding to a level of a speed control voltage for controlling a rotational speed of a motor, based on a comparison result between the speed control voltage and the oscillation voltage output from the triangle wave generation circuit; and a drive circuit configured to intermittently drive a motor coil based on the pulse signal.
US08098032B2
A control system is designed to use a plurality of voltage vectors expressing a switching mode for a switching circuit to thereby control a difference between a current actually flowing through a multiphase rotary machine and a command current value therefor within an allowable range. The plurality of voltage vectors include a zero vector that allows line-to-line voltages in the multiphase rotary machine to be all zero, and a plurality of non-zero vectors that allow at least one of line-to-line voltage in the multiphase rotary machine to be nonzero. A drive unit is configured to switch only one phase of the switching element for each shift of the switching mode to thereby shift, in accordance with a preset switching pattern, the switching mode from a specified one of the plurality of non-zero vectors to the specified one of the plurality of non-zero vectors via the zero vector.
US08098027B2
A light-emitting device driving circuit and a method thereof are provided. A terminal of a light-emitting device is coupled to a supply voltage and a cathode of a diode via an inductor, and the other terminal is coupled to an anode of the diode. The light-emitting device driving circuit includes a switch, a current-sensing circuit, and a switch control circuit. The current-sensing circuit is coupled to the anode of the diode via the switch to determine whether or not to generate a turning-off control signal according to a conducting-current value of the switch. The switch control circuit controls an on/off state of the switch, and turns off the switch according to the turning-off control signal. Besides, the switch control circuit compares the conducting-current value with a reference-current value to generate a comparing result to dynamically adjust a time length of turning off the switch accordingly.
US08098021B2
A driving circuit of a light emitting diode (LED) includes a rectifier unit, a voltage-dividing circuit, a control unit, a voltage converter, a resistance and a capacitor. The rectifier unit rectifies an AC power to generate a first operation voltage. The voltage-dividing circuit generates a voltage-dividing signal. The control unit includes a regulating unit and a pulse width modulation (PWM) unit. An output terminal of the regulating unit is coupled to the PWM unit. The PWM unit outputs a PWM signal. The voltage converter adjusts a driving voltage and a driving current of the LED. The resistance is coupled between an output terminal of the regulating unit and a diode. The capacitor is coupled between a power input terminal of the regulating unit and a ground terminal. The PWM unit adjusts the PWM signal according to the voltage-dividing signal and a feedback signal output by the voltage converter.
US08098008B2
An OLED display includes a substrate member, a plurality of pixel electrodes on the substrate member, a pixel defining layer on the substrate member, the pixel defining layer including a pixel defining part and a plurality of light scattering spacer parts, the pixel defining part including a plurality of openings corresponding to and exposing the pixel electrodes, and the light scattering spacer parts protruding upward from the pixel defining part away from the substrate member, an organic light emitting layer on the pixel electrodes, a first common electrode on the organic light emitting layer, at least a portion of the first common electrode being on the pixel defining layer to overlap the light scattering spacer parts, a transmissive film on the first common electrode, and a second common electrode on the transmissive film.
US08098005B2
A white light emitting device including: a blue light emitting diode (LED); a green silicate phosphor formed on the blue LED; and a red sulfide phosphor with a surface coated with a silicone oxide layer, the red sulfide phosphor formed on the blue LED.
US08098000B2
An ultrasonic sensor for detecting an object includes: a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric body and first and second electrodes for sandwiching the piezoelectric body; an acoustic matching element having a reception surface, which receives an ultrasonic wave reflected by the object; and a circuit electrically coupled with the piezoelectric element via a wire. The piezoelectric element is embedded in the acoustic matching element so that the acoustic matching element covers at least the first electrode, a part of a sidewall of the piezoelectric element and a part of the wire between the circuit and the piezoelectric element, and the sidewall of the piezoelectric element is adjacent to the first electrode.
US08097998B2
A directly coupled linear drive having a drive unit and a sliding element that are disposed in a frame, the sliding element, actuated by the drive unit, being capable of effecting a movement in a direction of translation with respect to the frame and having a blocking device for blocking the sliding element in the frame in the event of a shock load to the sliding element, the blocking device having a body coupled to the sliding element that absorbs the shock load and is disposed such that the shock load of the body counteracts the shock load of the sliding element.
US08097982B2
A system and method for pre-detection in a power over Ethernet (PoE) system. A power sourcing equipment (PSE) is designed to measure a port voltage upon application of a small current source. A microcontroller controls the current source based on a comparison of the measured port voltage to a threshold voltage.
US08097973B2
A circuit and system having an inductive data link from one or more user-side phases to a plurality of line-side phases by individual data transformers having a winding coupled to the particular phase by a high-permeability ferrite material. The resulting connection across the primary (or primaries) and secondary (or secondaries) selectively provides and efficient coupling of data in a multi-phase environment including step-down distribution transformers and “Δ”-to-“Y” configured circuits while maintaining isolation at the power line frequency. Further embodiments include transfer to selected phases or single-phase applications, and selective signal-pass or -reject filtering.
US08097962B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having external connection terminals, and a semiconductor chip mounted over a semiconductor-chip mounting portion of the substrate. The external connection terminals are formed by sequentially forming an electroless nickel plating layer, an electroless gold plating layer, and an electrolytic gold plating layer on a terminal portion formed on a surface of the substrate.
US08097961B2
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip formed of a conductive material, a connector terminal around the semiconductor chip, which is formed of a same material for forming the semiconductor chip, an insulating member for electrically insulating the semiconductor chip from the connector terminal, and a first connection member for electrically coupling the semiconductor chip with the connector terminal. Simplified step of manufacturing the connector terminal may further simplify the steps of manufacturing the semiconductor device.
US08097958B2
A connection structure (package 10) has a first plate body 101 and a second plate body; in the first plate body 101, a wiring pattern having a plurality of connection terminals 102 is formed, and the second plate body has at least two connection terminals (electrode terminals 104) arranged facing the connection terminals of the first plate body 101. The connection terminals of the first and second plate bodies are connection terminals formed as projections on the surfaces of the first and second plate bodies. A conductive substance 108 is accumulated to cover at least a part of each side face of the connection terminals opposed to each other of the first and second plate bodies, and the connection terminals thus opposed are connected to each other via the conductive substance. The package thus formed is ready for a high-pin-count, narrow-pitch configuration of a next-generation semiconductor chip, and exhibits excellent productivity and reliability. The present invention is advantageous for such a package, for a connection structure applicable to the production of the package, and for a method of producing the connection structure.
US08097956B2
In one embodiment, a packaging solution for an application integrated circuit (IC) and one or more other ICs is provided. The packaging solution may support both chip-on-chip packaging of the application IC (in flip-chip connection to a package substrate) and other ICs (in non-flip chip orientation), and package-on-package packaging of the application IC and the other ICs. The package substrate may include a first set of pads proximate to the application IC to support chip-on-chip connection to the other ICs. The pads may be connected to conductors that extend underneath the application IC, to connect to the application IC. A second set of pads may be connected to package pins for package-on-package solutions. If the chip-on-chip solution proves reliable, support for the package-on-package solution may be eliminated and the package substrate may be reduced in size.
US08097952B2
An electronic package structure and method use a conductive strip to bond die-to-die, die-to-lead, chip carrier-to-lead, or lead-to-lead. A conductive strip may carry greater current than a bonding wire, and thus may replace several bonding wires. The bonding of the conductive strip may be carried out by an SMT process, and thus requires lower cost than wire bonding processes. A conductive strip may be bonded to more than two dice or leads to save more bonding wires. A conductive strip is stronger than a bonding wire, and thus lowers the possibility of being broken.
US08097949B2
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating an interconnect stack of an integrated-circuit device. Air gaps are fabricated in the interconnect stack on one or more interconnect levels. The method comprises forming local etch vias (216, 218) between a lower etch-barrier layer (236) and an upper etch-barrier layer (211) on top of an upper-intermediate interconnect level (224). Lateral inhomogeneities of the dielectric constant on the upper-intermediate interconnect level are removed in comparison with prior-art devices. For in the finished interconnect stack local variations in the dielectric permittivity can only occur at the (former) etch vias, which are either visible by the presence of air cavities or hardly visible due to a later filling with the dielectric material of the next interlevel dielectric layer. The integrated-circuit device of the invention completely avoids a penetration of copper from the metal interconnect line sections into the adjacent interlevel or intermetal dielectric layers.
US08097943B2
A semiconductor die has active circuits formed on its active surface. Contact pads are formed on the active surface of the semiconductor die and coupled to the active circuits. A die extension region is formed around a periphery of the semiconductor die. Conductive through hole vias (THV) are formed in the die extension region. A wafer level conductive plane or ring is formed on a center area of the active surface. The conductive plane or ring is connected to a first contact pad to provide a first power supply potential to the active circuits, and is electrically connected to a first conductive THV. A conductive ring is formed partially around a perimeter of the conductive plane or ring and connected to a second contact pad for providing a second power supply potential to the active circuits. The conductive ring is electrically connected to a second THV.
US08097938B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package that includes forming a frame inside a conductive can, the frame being unwettable by liquid solder.
US08097936B2
A component has a device applied to a device carrier, a first conducting layer grown onto the device and onto the device carrier, and an insulating material applied to the first conducting layer such that only a portion of the first conducting layer is covered.
US08097934B1
A lead frame and package construction configured to attain a thin profile and low moisture sensitivity. Lead frames of this invention may include a die attach pad having a die attachment site and an elongate ground lead that extends from the die attach pad. The lead frame includes a plurality of elongate I/O leads arranged about the die attach pad and extending away from the die attach pad in at least two directions. An inventive lead frame features “up-set” bonding pads electrically connected with the die attach pad and arranged with a bonding surface for supporting a plurality of wire bonds. The bonding surfaces also constructed to define at least one mold flow aperture for each up-set bonding pad. A package incorporating the lead frame is further disclosed such that the package includes an encapsulant that surrounds the bonding support and flows through the mold flow aperture to establish well supported wire bonds such that the package has low moisture sensitivity. Such packages can be constructed in single inline configuration, dual inline configuration, quad package configurations.
US08097932B2
A method for fabricating a SiCOH dielectric material comprising Si, C, O and H atoms from a single organosilicon precursor with a built-in organic porogen is provided. The single organosilicon precursor with a built-in organic porogen is selected from silane (SiH4) derivatives having the molecular formula SiRR1R2R3, disiloxane derivatives having the molecular formula R4R5R6—Si—O—Si—R7R8R9, and trisiloxane derivatives having the molecular formula R10R11R12—Si—O—Si—R13R14—O—Si—R15R16R17 where R and R1-17 may or may not be identical and are selected from H, alkyl, alkoxy, epoxy, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups that may be linear, branched, cyclic, polycyclic and may be functionalized with oxygen, nitrogen or fluorine containing substituents. In addition to the method, the present application also provides SiCOH dielectrics made from the inventive method as well as electronic structures that contain the same.
US08097927B2
The present invention provides an image display unit integrated with a photo-sensor, comprising a photo-sensing element with high sensitivity and low noise and a polycrystalline silicon TFT prepared at the same time on an insulating substrate using planer process. After a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 12 of the photo-sensing element are made of polycrystalline silicon film, a light receiving layer (photoelectric conversion layer) 13 of the photo-sensing element is prepared by amorphous silicon film on upper layer. In this case, a polycrystalline silicon TFT is prepared at the same time.
US08097922B1
The present invention provides a nanometer-scale transistor architecture providing enhanced carrier mobility. In particular, a portion of a channel of a transistor is substantially surrounded with an acoustically hard material to form a barrier shell about the channel. The barrier shell functions to confine phonons in the channel. Confining the phonons in the channel reduces the extent to which atoms in the crystal lattice structure of the channel move as they vibrate. Restricting the extent that the atoms vibrate in the crystal lattice of the channel significantly reduces the scattering of electrons or holes traveling through the channel. In one embodiment of the invention, the thickness of the channel is in the order of the thermal phonon wavelength of the material forming the channel, and the barrier shell is acoustically harder than the channel. The benefits of the present invention may be provided without requiring strain engineering.
US08097913B2
An electrically erasable and programmable read only memory (EEPROM) device and a method of manufacturing the EEPROM device are provided. First and second gate structures having the same structure are formed on a tunnel insulating layer formed on a substrate, such that the first and second gate structures are spaced apart from each other. A common source region is formed at a portion of the substrate located between the first and second gate structures. First and second drain regions are formed at first and second portions of the substrate adjacent to the first and second gate structures, respectively. Thus, the EEPROM device is manufactured including first and second transistors that have the same structure and may alternately serve as a memory transistor and a selection transistor according to an applied signal.
US08097911B2
Etch stop structures for floating gate devices are generally described. In one example, a floating gate device includes a semiconductor substrate having a surface on which one or more floating gate devices are formed, a tunnel dielectric coupled with the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a floating gate structure coupled with the tunnel dielectric, the floating gate structure having a first surface, a second surface, and a third surface, wherein the third surface is substantially parallel with the surface of the semiconductor substrate and wherein the first surface is substantially parallel with the second surface and substantially perpendicular with the third surface, an etch stop film coupled with the third surface of the floating gate structure, and an inter-gate dielectric coupled with the first surface and the second surface of the floating gate structure wherein the inter-gate dielectric comprises a material that is less resistant to an etchant that removes material of a control gate structure than the etch stop film.
US08097909B2
When a gate voltage is applied, the Schottky barrier width due to the metallic spin band in the ferromagnetic source decreasing, up-spin electrons from the metallic spin band are tunnel-injected into the channel region. However, down-spin electrons from the nonmagnetic contact are not injected because of the energy barrier due to semiconductive spin band of the ferromagnetic source. Only up-spin electrons are injected into the channel layer from the ferromagnetic source. If the ferromagnetic source and the ferromagnetic drain are parallel magnetized, up-spin electrons are conducted through the metallic spin band of the ferromagnetic drain to become the drain current. Contrarily, if the ferromagnetic source and the ferromagnetic drain are antiparallel magnetized, up-spin electrons cannon be conducted through the ferromagnetic drain. A nonvolatile memory composed of MISFETs operating on the above principle is fabricated.
US08097897B2
This invention provides a high-efficiency light-emitting device and the manufacturing method thereof. The high-efficiency light-emitting device includes a substrate; a reflective layer; a bonding layer; a first semiconductor layer; an active layer; and a second semiconductor layer formed on the active layer. The second semiconductor layer includes a first surface having a first lower region and a first higher region.
US08097895B2
Electronic device packages comprise transparent substrates covering an active surface of an optically interactive electronic device. In some embodiments, the optically interactive electronic device is bonded to conductive traces formed directly on the transparent substrate. In other embodiments, a secondary substrate comprising a plurality of conductive traces is disposed between the transparent substrate and the optically interactive electronic device.
US08097894B2
A submount wafer, having mounted on it an array of LEDs with a phosphor layer, is positioned with respect to a mold having an array of indentions. A mixture of silicone and 10%-50%, by weight, TiO2, is dispensed between the wafer and the indentions, creating a molded substantially reflective material. The molded mixture forms a reflective wall covering the sidewalls of the LED. The reflective material is then cured, and the submount wafer is separated from the mold such that the reflective material covering the sidewalls contains light emitted from the LED. The submount wafer is then diced. A piece (e.g., a reflector, support bracket, etc.) may then be affixed to the submount so the LED protrudes through a center hole in the piece. The inner edge of the piece is easily formed so that it is located at any height above or below the top surface of the LED.
US08097885B2
Provided are a compound semiconductor film which is manufactured at a low temperature and exhibits excellent p-type conductivity, and a light emitting film in which the compound semiconductor film and a light emitting material are laminated and with which high-intensity light emission can be realized. The compound semiconductor film has a composition represented by a Cu2—Zn—IV—S4 type, in which the IV is at least one of Ge and Si. The light emitting film includes the light emitting material and the compound semiconductor film laminated on a substrate in the stated order.
US08097877B2
Inorganic semiconducting compounds, composites and compositions thereof, and related device structures.
US08097874B2
Programmable metallization memory cells include an electrochemically active electrode and an inert electrode and an ion conductor solid electrolyte material between the electrochemically active electrode and the inert electrode. A sacrificial metal is disposed between the electrochemically active electrode and the inert electrode. The sacrificial metal has a more negative standard electrode potential than the filament forming metal.
US08097872B2
An apparatus and method for storing information are provided, including using an integrated circuit including a transistor having a channel, a gate oxide layer, a gate electrode, and a modifiable gate stack layer. To store information, the on-resistance of the transistor is changed by causing a non-charge-storage based physical change in the modifiable gate stack layer.
US08097865B2
An illumination device includes at least four semiconductor radiation sources (18) for emitting optical radiation in respectively different emission wavelength ranges. At least one color splitter (22.1, 22.2, 22.3), which is reflective for optical radiation of the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is assigned to each of at least three of the semiconductor radiation sources (18). The semiconductor radiation sources (18) and the color splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) are arranged such that the optical radiation, which is emitted in each case from each of the semiconductor radiation sources (18), is coupled into a common illumination beam path section (24). In each case, one collimating unit (20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4), which collimates the optical radiation emitted by the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is arranged in the beam path sections from the semiconductor radiation sources (18) to the color splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3).
US08097861B2
A system for sanitizing an enclosed structure comprises a first sensor, a second sensor, a third sensor, a germicidal ultraviolet light source, a motor, and a controller. The first sensor detects the presence of humans or animals within the enclosed structure. The second sensor detects the position of at least one door of the enclosed structure. The third sensor detects tampering with the system. The ultraviolet light source provides electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet range. The motor moves the ultraviolet light source from an inactive position to an active position and from the active position to the inactive position. The controller receives inputs from the first sensor, the second sensor, and the third sensor, and transmits outputs to the ultraviolet light source and the motor. When the controller receives signals that no humans or animals are present in the enclosed structure and that the door is in a closed position, the controller transmits a signal to the motor to move the ultraviolet light source from the inactive position to the active position and a signal to activate the ultraviolet light source. If humans or animals are detected to be present in the enclosed structure or if the door is detected to be open, then the controller deactivates the ultraviolet light source and repositions the ultraviolet light source.
US08097852B2
Various embodiments of a multiple-stage-molded optical proximity sensor and method of making same are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises mounting an infrared light emitter atop a first portion of a substrate, and mounting an infrared light detector, an ambient light detector and an integrated circuit atop a second portion of the substrate. In a first molding step, an infrared light pass component is molded over the substrate and the infrared light emitter, the infrared light detector, the ambient light detector, and the integrated circuit. The infrared light pass component is then cured, followed by forming a slot in the cured infrared light pass component between the first and second portions of the substrate. In a second molding step, an infrared light cut component is molded over the slot, the integrated circuit, the ambient light detector, and over portions of the infrared light emitter and the infrared light detector.
US08097842B2
Disclosed are various embodiments of a single track reflective optical encoder featuring increased spatial resolution, reduced cross-talk between adjoining photodiodes, and increased amplitude output signals from individual photodiodes. With respect to prior art single track optical encoders, some photodiodes are removed from a photodiode array, while nevertheless maintaining appropriate phase relationships between pairs of A and A\, and B and B\, photodiodes. Such a configuration of photodiodes results in increased inter-photodiode spacing, and thereby permits spatial resolution to be increased while boosting current outputs from individual photodiodes. The single track optical encoder configurations disclosed herein permit very high resolution reflective optical encoders in small packages to be provided. In addition, the single track configuration reduces problems with misalignment between code scales and light detectors, permits relatively simple electronic circuitry to be used to process outputs, and reduces manufacturing, assembly, integrated circuit and encoder costs. Methods of making and using such optical encoders are also disclosed.
US08097838B2
The invention relates to a method for increasing the range of shells (1, 8, 13) charged with an explosive substance and other types of shell, which function as carriers of the one or other type of active payload. The method according to the invention thus provides an opportunity for increasing the range of fire of most types of artillery piece by increasing the muzzle velocity and the gliding flight capability of shells or projectiles fired from them, but without the need to increase the energy content in the propellant charges utilized for firing the shells or the projectiles concerned. The novelty proposed in accordance with the invention instead represents a radical modification to the design of the shell (1, 8, 13) utilized in conjunction therewith. The invention also relates to a shell charged with an explosive substance or provided with some other active payload which has been given a long range.
US08097837B2
In the method of manufacturing a cooking stove its stove top can be equipped with different glass ceramic tops, which each have at least one cooking area, which is heated by a radiant heating body cooperating with a temperature-limiting adjusting device, which limits a surface temperature of the glass ceramic top. To economically and individually adjust the IR transmission of a glass ceramic top with a higher IR transmittance to that of a lower IR transmittance corresponding to that of another glass ceramic top so that they are interchangeable, the glass ceramic top with the higher IR transmittance is provided with an absorbing and/or reflecting coating. When the glass ceramic tops are interchangeable, either can be used in a given cooking stove without changing the expensive temperature-limiting device.
US08097828B2
Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a workpiece include directing a plasma arc to the workpiece and using a dielectric shield or dielectric coating to protect a forward portion (e.g., a torch head) of a plasma arc torch. The dielectric shield or dielectric coating covers a nozzle disposed within the torch head and protects the nozzle from the effects of slag and double arcing. The shield also improves operator visibility due to the spatial relationship between the dielectric shield and the nozzle.
US08097817B2
An electronic component includes: a first substrate having a through-hole; a second substrate opposite the first substrate; a sealing member surrounding a sealing space formed between the first substrate and the second substrate; a functional element having at least a part thereof disposed in the sealing space, and a through-electrode filling the through-hole, the through-hole penetrating the first substrate. The sealing member includes an elastic core part on the first substrate. A metal film is on a surface of the core part and is bonded to the second substrate.
US08097814B2
A mounting region is provided at an approximately center of one surface of an insulating layer. A conductive trace is formed so as to outwardly extend from inside of the mounting region. A cover insulating layer is formed in the periphery of the mounting region so as to cover the conductive trace. A terminal of the conductive trace is arranged in the mounting region, and a bump of an electronic component is bonded to the terminal. A metal layer made of copper, for example, is provided on the other surface of the insulating layer. A slit is formed in the metal layer so as to cross a region being opposite to the electronic component and to divide the metal layer.
US08097810B2
The invention relates to a high pressure, high voltage penetrator assembly for subsea, topside or land based use, wherein the assembly is upright attachable to a wet gas and/or liquid handling compressor or pump or to/from a transformer, and wherein the assembly includes a penetrator unit for feed-through of electric power to a motor of the compressor or pump or to/from the transformer; a funnel shaped housing with a housing chamber, the penetrator unit being located at an upper end of the chamber; a grid located inside the chamber transversely of a longitudinal axis of the chamber, the penetrator unit being located above the grid, a filter located in the chamber below the grid and above an inlet to a housing of the motor or to/from a housing of the transformer, and a sensor unit extending into the chamber from the penetrator unit and towards, but spaced from the grid.
US08097807B2
Apparatus for a connecting point between high-voltage cables, each cable having a conductor, inner conductive layer, insulation, outer conductive layer, and a sheath over the outer conductive layer and in which the conductors, from which the surrounding layers have been removed, are conductively connected to one another. The arrangement has electrical screening elements and an integral elongated sleeve body, composed of elastic insulating material and a through-hole. The sleeve body has at its axial ends, which are intended for the cable to pass through, electrical control funnels which abut the outer conductive layers, from which the sheaths have been removed. The internal diameters of the through-hole in the sleeve body, at its axial ends, are for its use in a connecting point of cables, having an external diameter of their insulation which differs by at least 10 mm, different in a defined manner and adapted to the different external diameters.
