US08110313B2
The present invention provides a fuel cell system having means for controlling the flow of coolant within a fuel cell system. A desirable rate of flow of coolant is created, during power generation, by determining the difference in temperature between coolant flowing into individual cell sets of the fuel cell assembly and the temperature of coolant exhausted from the cell assembly. The fuel cell system features controls adapted to evaluate the heat generation state of each fuel cell set and to regulate the temperature of cell sets by controlling the rate circulation of the coolant.
US08110311B2
There is provided a fuel cell system capable of warming up a fuel cell while inhibiting generation of a rush current. A control device switches the connection/disconnection between a fuel cell and a short circuit by a shorting relay. The control device spends, before switching the shorting relay from disconnection to connection during starting at a low temperature, an oxidizing gas remaining in the cathode of the fuel cell by driving auxiliary devices to generate an oxidizing gas-deficient state. Then, the control device switches FC relays from ON to OFF and the shorting relay from OFF to ON to thereby complete the preparation for supplying a short-circuit current.
US08110309B2
The invention provides a secondary battery having positive electrode plates 14 and negative electrode plates, with insulating tapes 22A, 22B affixed to the cut end portions 14d, including an active material layer 14b portion thereof, of either the positive electrode plates 14 or the negative electrode plates, or both. These electrode plates are stacked or rolled alternately, with separators 23 interposed, into an electrode group that is sealed, together with electrolyte, inside a battery case. The insulating tapes 22A, 22B have an adhesive application area L2 and a nonadhesive application area L1, and are affixed in such a manner that the nonadhesive application area L1 is positioned centrally on the active material layer 14b of the electrode plate 14, and moreover so that part of the adhesive application area L2 is positioned on the active material layer 14b at the cut end portion 14d.
US08110308B2
Provided is a lithium secondary battery which has excellent low-temperature power output characteristics by the inclusion of a given amount of a lithium metal oxide and/or a lithium metal sulfide in an anode mix for a lithium secondary battery containing a carbon-based anode active material and is thereby capable of being used as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that must provide high-power output at low temperatures as well as at room temperature.
US08110306B2
There is provided a binder composition for secondary battery electrode, containing (A) a sulfonic acid group-containing polymer, and (B) an organic solvent composed mainly of N-methylpyrrolidone, wherein the proportion of the sulfonic acid group in the polymer (A) is 0.005 to 1.0 mmol/g.
US08110302B2
Provided is a battery pack in which the production of heat due to passage of current in a connector for connecting secondary batteries in parallel is made uniform to increase service life and reduce maintenance costs. A positive terminal connector 14 comprises a connector 14 with through-holes 18. The connector 14 is divided into two regions: a distant region which is distant from the portion connected to an external terminal; and a close region which is close to the connection portion and has the same area as the distant region. The connector 14 is formed so that the open area ratio of the distant region is greater than that of the close region. Thus, the electrical resistance of the close region can be made smaller than that of the distant region. Therefore, the production of heat due to passage of current in the close region can be suppressed.
US08110296B2
In a multi-functional hard material coating of a substrate wherein the hard material coating comprises a single phase crystalline structure including metastable mixed crystals of at least two hard material components which are not soluble in each other and comprise at least one metallic hard material and an ionic hard material whereby the advantages of metallic and ionic hard material components are combined.
US08110295B2
A process for extracting fluorine from a fluoro-refractory coating includes the steps of providing an article having a fluoro-refractory coating; treating hydrothermally the fluoro-refractory coating at a temperature and for a period time sufficient to liberate a quantity of fluoride from the fluoro-refractory coating; and drying a hydrothermally treated article.
US08110287B2
The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.
US08110278B2
The subject invention relates to a scratch-resistant optical film, which comprises: (a) a transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface; (b) a diffusion layer on the first surface of the substrate, which has a convex-concave structure and is comprised of a first hard coat layer comprising organic particles; (c) a scratch-resistant layer on the second surface of the substrate, which is comprised of a second hard coat layer; wherein the organic particles in the first hard coat layer are formed from a polyacrylate resin which comprises at least one multi-functional acrylate monomer as polymerization units, said multi-functional acrylate monomer being in an amount from 30 to 70 wt % based on the total weight of the monomer used, and wherein the organic particles have a single mean particle size and have a particle size distribution in the range within about ±5% of the mean particle size.
US08110274B2
A honeycomb structure is disclosed that includes plural through-holes separated by plural partition walls and provided in parallel along a longitudinal direction, wherein the thickness of each of the partition walls is less than or equal to about 0.25 mm, the length of each of the through-holes is equal to or greater than about 50-fold of a hydraulic diameter of each of the through-holes and less than or equal to about 350-fold of the hydraulic diameter of each of the through-holes, and an open area ratio (X) % of a cross section of the honeycomb structure perpendicular to the through-holes and a surface area per unit volume (Y (m2/L)) satisfy Y≧250×X+22500 (about 50≦X≦about 85).
US08110271B2
There is provided an adhesive sheet comprising an adhesive base sheet, an adhesive layer, and a release sheet laminated in sequence from the adhesive base sheet. The release sheet comprises a release agent layer and a release base material laminated in sequence from the adhesive layer. A release force between the release sheet and the adhesive layer is decreased by an external stimulus.
US08110270B2
A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone or sunglasses, to a vehicle surface, such as a dash or console, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the vehicle. The holding pad includes a top surface having an uppermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the item and a bottom surface having a lowermost contact surface configured to contact and cling to the vehicle surface. The top and the bottom surfaces are configured to provide a greater frictional engagement between the lowermost contact surface and the vehicle surface than the uppermost contact surface and the item.
US08110266B2
This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article.
US08110255B2
The present invention discloses a method for preparation of a hybrid comprising magnetite nanoparticles and carbon nitride nanotubes, comprising: preparing carbon nitride nanotubes by plasma chemical vapor deposition (CVD); dissolving the prepared carbon nitride nanotubes in triethyleneglycol to form solution and adding Fe (acetylacetonate)3 to the solution to obtain a mixture; and heating and cooling the mixture to form a hybrid comprising magnetite nanoparticles and carbon nitride nanotubes, in which the carbon nitride nanotubes are doped with magnetite nanoparticles.
US08110249B2
An antireflective coating composition includes a photopolymerizable acrylate monomer (C1); a particle-type metal fluoride (C2) with a refractive index of 1.40 or less; a photopolymerization initiator (C3); and at least one liquid dispersion-enhancing chelating agent (C4) selected from the group consisting of Mg(CF3COO)2, Na(CF3COO), K(CF3COO), Ca(CF3COO)2, Mg(CF2COCHCOCF3)2 and Na(CF2COCHCOCF3). This composition ensures good mechanical strength, excellent adhesion to a substrate, short curing time by UV curing, prevention of dust attachment, good erasure of stain, good dust removal and good scratch resistance, so it is usefully for making an antireflective coating film of a display.
US08110246B2
The invention relates to a method for production of a thin-layer solar cell with microcrystalline silicon and a layer sequence. According to the invention, a microcrystalline silicon layer is applied to the lower p- or n-layer in pin or nip thin-layer solar cells, by means of a HWCVD method before the application of the microcrystalline i-layer. The efficiency of the solar cell is hence increased by up to 0.8% absolute.
US08110243B2
A coating for a stent and methods for coating a stent are provided. The coating may be used for the sustained delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.
US08110239B2
A process for the production of fresh masa, nixtamalized flour and derived products. The invention is a new process for production of corn masa (dough) to be used in the production of tortillas, fried or baked tortilla chips, tostadas, or corn chips. The new process produces masa directly from raw materials without the traditional cooking and steeping steps. It utilizes a series of processing steps including dry blending, hydrating, and working dough in an extruder having a unique screw configuration. The new process uses very little water and emits no waste water.
US08110223B2
Novel methods for making dosages form comprising a cushioning component. The methods of the present invention provides dosage forms which can be compressed to form compressed dosage forms that are substantially uniform in composition and robust and exhibit reduced friability. The invention also relates to methods for making fast-disintegrating dosage forms.
US08110216B2
Methods, system and compositions for making and using a bioresorbable linked dressing made of bioresorbable microspheres in various configurations are provided for use in applying reduced pressure to a wound site. The methods include manufacture of a bioresorbable dressing comprising a casing and bioresorbable microspheres in the form of a rope shape. Further, the casing of the dressing comprises pores formed by a porogen system that may be activated by external to the wound or formed in situ within the wound site. The shape of the dressing allows the dressing to be placed into the wound site such that it fills the shape and size of the wound. Embodiments include formation of various rope dressing and their use in conjunction with reduced pressure therapy.
US08110210B2
A biocompatible meniscal repair device is disclosed. The tissue repair device includes a scaffold adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in a meniscus, the scaffold comprising a high-density, dry laid nonwoven polymeric material and a biocompatible foam. The scaffold provides increased suture pull-out strength.
US08110208B1
A hemostatic composition for stopping or decreasing blood flow from an open wound or medical or surgical procedure. Compositions of the invention comprise a mixture of a cationic polymer and a cation exchange material. In one embodiment, the composition comprises a mixture: (1) a high molecular weight copolymer of diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and acrylamide [DADMAC copolymer], and (2) the hydrogen form of a crosslinked, sulfonated polystyrene (hydrogen resin). In an exemplified embodiment, a composition of the invention comprises the mixture of DADMAC copolymer and hydrogen resin provided in a dry powdered form. The compositions of the invention may be applied directly to a wound or treatment site, or they may be incorporated into a wound dressing, such as a bandage. The seal formed at a wound or treatment site treated with the present invention is adhesive and exhibits considerable toughness.
US08110204B2
Human Immunodeficiency virus causes depletion of CD4 cells. The depletion of CD4 cells results in decrease in immunity of an infected individual. Due to decrease immunity various opportunistic infections occur. These infections are cause for morbidity and mortality in HIV infected individuals. The treatment of HIV these includes antiretroviral drugs. These drugs have their own side effects and immune reconstitution achieved is delayed and slow. Various attempts have been made to improve CD4 count, use of IL-2 is one of them. It is associated with systemic side effects during the period of its administration. The present invention provides method of using mycobacterium w for the management of HIV. According to present invention mycobacterium w when given intradermally is effective in prophylaxis and treatment of AIDS or AIDS related complex (ARC). It is found to improve immunity as well as CD4 count. It is found to eliminate symptoms like fever, diarrhea. The effect is seen even when no antiretrovirals are used.
US08110197B2
This invention relates to a mutant E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) subunit A that can be used as an adjuvant. This subunit A mutant contains an amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to position 61 of a wild-type LT. An LT containing this mutated subunit A exhibits reduced toxicity compared to its wild type counterpart.
US08110193B2
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective therapy for treatment of hematological malignancies and various autoimmune conditions. However, HCT traditionally requires conditioning by total body irradiation and/or chemotherapy, both of which are toxic and induce GVHD. Provided herein are compositions and methods for conditioning a subject for HCT by administering one or more anti-CD3 compounds and one or more histone deacetylase inhibitors. Also provided herein are methods for reducing GVHD in a subject receiving total body irradiation prior to HCT comprising administering one or more anti-CD3 compounds to the subject prior to total body irradiation.
US08110188B2
The invention refers to anticoccidial compositions consisting mainly of yolk immunoglobulins derived from eggs of hens immunized with one or more Eimeria species. The invention refers also to the use of said anticoccidial compositions for prevention or treatment of coccidiosis. The administration of immunoglobulins, both in liquid as well as in powder or pellet presentation, decreases mortality, lesions, oocysts counts and increases weight gain of receiving animals.
US08110185B2
Methods for inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis and/or to improving cardiac function and inhibiting inflammation-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells by delivering BRCA1 are provided. Such methods are useful in treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases.
US08110181B2
A method of treating tuberculosis comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon α, interferon β or interferon γ in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) are provided.
US08110178B2
A dental-plaque detection system and dental-plaque detection method which are excellent in the detection accuracy of dental plaques and also capable of improving the situation to stain sites other than dental plaques (such as interdental parts and gums) are provided. The dental-plaque detection system includes a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin; and a light-emitting apparatus, which outputs light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm to an object in the oral cavity where the dental-plaque staining agent is attached. The dental-plaque detection method includes attaching a dental-plaque staining agent, which contains at least one selected from yellow pigment of beni-koji, turmeric extracts, and curcumin onto an object in the oral cavity; and thereafter irradiating light having a wavelength within a range of 250 to 500 nm onto the object.
US08110167B2
Methods of the present invention can be used to synthesize nanowires with controllable compositions and/or with multiple elements. The methods can include coating solid powder granules, which comprise a first element, with a catalyst. The catalyst and the first element should form when heated a liquid, mixed phase having a eutectic or peritectic point. The granules, which have been coated with the catalyst, can then be heated to a temperature greater than or equal to the eutectic or peritectic point. During heating, a vapor source comprising the second element is introduced. The vapor source chemically interacts with the liquid, mixed phase to consume the first element and to induce condensation of a product that comprises the first and second elements in the form of a nanowire.
US08110160B2
Disclosed is a cuvette for taking a measurement on a liquid, comprising a monolithic cuvette body with a cavity (4) in the form of a narrow gap that is formed between two at least approximately parallel wall surfaces (15, 16) and is delimited by an inner wall (5, 6, 11) and a drawing edge (2) which is open towards the surroundings and from which the liquid is drawn into the cavity (4) forming a measurement zone (13) under the effect of a capillary force.
US08110159B2
An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.
US08110155B2
A vortex reactor is provided. The vortex reactor includes a reaction chamber formed by a frustum-shaped portion, the narrower part of which is downwardly oriented. Proximate to the narrower part of the frustum-shaped portion, the vortex reactor includes apparatus for creating an axial gas flow and apparatus for creating a circumferential gas flow. The vortex reactor also includes a particulate solid inlet for feeding particulate solids to the reaction chamber. The vortex reactor may optionally include apparatus for generating plasma in the reaction chamber by providing a gliding arc electrical discharge in the reaction chamber. Also provided is a method of processing particulate solids using the vortex reactor of the invention. A reverse vortex plasma reactor (TSAPG) is also provided.
US08110153B2
A housing for an exhaust gas treatment component includes a casing having a first thickness and a first length and at least one sleeve having a second thickness and a second length. The at least one sleeve is at least partially in contact with the outside of the casing and is connected thereto. The second length of the at least one sleeve is shorter than the first length of the casing. An exhaust gas treatment component, an exhaust gas system and a motor vehicle are also provided.
US08110143B2
The present invention is directed to composite metal foams comprising hollow metallic spheres and a solid metal matrix. The composite metal foams show high strength, particularly in comparison to previous metal foams, while maintaining a favorable strength to density ratio. The composite metal foams can be prepared by various techniques, such as powder metallurgy and casting.
US08110131B1
A method an apparatus for reclaiming face fibers and polypropylene and/or polyvinyl chloride backing material from rolls and pieces of post-consumer carpet. The system includes a separator for separating the face fibers from the backing and for separating latex and carbon calcium powder from polypropylene backing. An extruder is provided for extruding the face fibers separated from the backing into extrusions, and a pelletizer pelletizes the extrusions. A roller opener opens the polypropylene backing into fibrous portions and also cleans such fibrous portions. Alternately, a granulator can be provided that chops and grinds the polypropylene or PVC backing into fragments after the separation of the face fibers from the backing. A heat source heats the PVC fragments, and also the polypropylene fragments (thereby separating the latex therefrom), and ultimately melts such fragments. Reclaimed fibers can be pelletized, made into extrusions, used in non-woven products and in other manners.
US08110127B2
A photochromic coating exhibiting improved performance and photochromic lenses made using the coating. The coating has excellent photochromic darkening and fatigue properties. The coating formulation is made from a monomer blend having at least two different types of monomers. A metal salt catalyst is used along with an initiator. An antioxidant is used in combination with a hindered amine light stabilizer. The coating is suitable for use in an in-mold coating process.
US08110104B2
A cassette is described for holding circuit components used with a hemodialysis machine.
US08110103B2
The present invention provides a flow-control support for a distributor plate in a composite pressure vessel. The distributor plate includes a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening and a plurality of fluid flow passages through the disk. The flow-control support is disposed between the bottom side of the disk and an inner side of an end of a thermoplastic liner assembly. The flow-control support includes a spirally fluted upper surface that is adapted to direct fluid flowing from a supply pipe disposed in the central opening of a distributor plate that is supported by the flow control support such that the fluid swirls in a space between the bottom side of the distributor plate and an inner side of an end portion of a water treatment vessel. The swirling water insures that fluid is distributed to substantially all of the fluid flow passages through the disk during backwashing operations.
US08110098B2
Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake and an outlet, both of which are in communication with the filter bag. The housing is releaseably attached to the bottom frame and the filter bag releaseably connected to the bottom frame. A V-shaped self locking clip with normally outwardly extending legs serves as the attachment member and when urged toward each other with the housing in the locked position allows for easy release. At least one of the intake or outlet includes a filter member. The filter member includes a means for attachment and a particulate filter member for filtering particulates from the water. The filter member is attached to the vehicle at or proximate to the perimeter of the intake or outlet.
US08110094B2
A dewatered ethanol residue regenerable and non-regenerable sorbent for the removal of acid gas from hydrocarbon production gas streams and the process for the removal of acid gas from hydrocarbon gas. The process includes the steps of obtaining residue from the distillation of ethanol; de-watering the residue; mixing the de-watered residue with an amine; and, contacting the hydrocarbon gas with the dewatered residue/amine mixture.
US08110084B2
The invention is relative to an electrode for gas evolution in electrolytic and electrometallurgical industrial applications, made of a metal substrate having a surface morphology characterized by a combination of micro-roughness and macro-roughness which favors high adherence of a superficial catalytic layer in order to prevent detachment of the same and passivation of the substrate even under critical operating conditions.
US08110082B2
A method, system, and apparatus are provided for separating molecules, such as biomolecules. The method, system, and apparatus utilize an electrochemical cell having at least two electrodes, one electrode comprising a photo-sensitive material capable of generating a photopotential. Molecules are moved through an electrolyte medium between the at least two electrodes based upon localized photopotentials.
US08110080B1
A method is provided for activating a zirconia oxygen sensor which detects the oxygen concentration of an ambient atmosphere by means of a zirconia element that has a porous electrode formed on both sides of an impervious oxygen ion conductor. An electrical current is applied as a pulsed, square wave, direct current during heat up, heat soak, and cool down of the ionic conductor that is applied to ceramic substrate, thereby causing oxygen ions to flowing through the sensor body and pumping oxygen gas through the sensor electrodes, thus improving electrode porosity distribution.
US08110078B2
A substrate supporting device for forming a coating film having a maximally even and necessary thickness with a sufficiently strong adhesiveness and a good film quality on a substrate, and a sputtering apparatus including such a substrate supporting device. The substrate supporting device for supporting a substrate on which a coating film is formed by sputtering is disposed in a vacuum chamber so as to be opposed to a sputtering target. The substrate supporting device is rotatable around a first rotation axis by a first driving mechanism and is rotatable around a second rotation axis by a second driving mechanism.
US08110076B2
An improved apparatus and method of producing metal foam is provided which involves optimizing the natural convection of electrolyte through a foam being electroplated by inclining the foam during plating. A diagonal flow of electrolyte though the foam enhances electrolyte turnover within the foam while increasing electroplating efficiency. Further increases in plating efficiency are provided by shifting current density from higher plating zones to lower plating zones.
US08110074B1
The present invention relates to a method of using radiation and (in one embodiment) solar energy and UV radiation to convert natural products, for example derivatives of vegetable oils, to lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. The invention further relates to a process whereby these hydrocarbons can be converted to vinyl monomers and used in the formation of plastics, solvents, fuels and the like.
US08110069B2
Methods and apparatus are described for removing donor sheets from substrates. A take-up roller contacts the donor element at or near an edge thereof and a peel roller contacts the donor element at a location spaced apart from the edge. A securing mechanism secures the edge of the donor element to the take-up roller which is then moved away from the substrate. While maintaining the peel roller in contact with the donor element, the take-up roller is rotated to take up the donor element while the peel roller and take-up roller are both simultaneously moved in a direction tangential to the substrate. In this manner, the donor element is peeled from the surface of the substrate.
US08110067B2
A two-part moisture-curing composition having as a first part water and an hydroxy-terminated diorganosiloxane; and a second part which includes a reactive silicone, at least one end-capping silane which includes one or more enoxy groups, at least one end-capping catalyst and at least one moisture cure catalyst. Enhanced and controlled cure speed is obtained by these compositions.
US08110062B2
A welding method and welding apparatus for resin members is provided in which dimensional accuracy of two resin members after welding can be secured and reduction in joining strength due to excessive laser irradiation can be prevented. In a method of superimposing a resin having a laser-transmitting property and a resin having laser absorptiveness and irradiating the resin members with a laser beam from the side of the laser-transmitting resin member to deposit the resin members on each other, irradiation with the laser beam is ended in accordance with reduction in the approaching speed of the two resin members during the irradiation with the laser beam.
US08110059B2
There are provided (1) a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional decoration piece having a flat rear surface, (2) a method of manufacturing the decoration piece by easily cutting the same by means of a fusion cutter, (3) a method of manufacturing the decoration piece having a bonding or sticking feature on the rear surface and (4) a method of manufacturing a three-dimensional decoration piece without limiting the characteristics of the base member thereof.The three-dimensional decoration piece is manufactured by using an indented mold and high frequency dielectric heating. An indented mold having a second fusion cutter and arranged along an outer periphery of the fusion cutter is used. Firstly, a three-dimensional molded body of upper and intermediate layers having a recessed section on a lower surface thereof is molded by means of an indented mold and a protruding mold, and subsequently a lower layer material is molten by high frequency dielectric heating and made to flow into the recessed section. Firstly, a three-dimensional molded body of upper and intermediate layers is molded, and subsequently the three-dimensional molded body is welded to a base member by means of high frequency dielectric heating.
US08110055B2
A self-sealing pneumatic tire has a sealing band (3) applied adheringly in the circumferential direction on the inner side of the tire and radially within the tread. A sealant (2) is applied to a carrier material (1). The carrier material (1) of the sealing band (3) is a foil on which the sealant (2) has been applied. The sealant, because of its intrinsic stickiness, adheres both to the carrier material (1) and to the inner side of the tire.
US08110052B2
The present invention provides novel systems and methods for processing packages through a delivery network using a hub assist label. Generally described, the hub assist label includes indicia of a sequence of sorting locations that designates the flow of a package through a delivery network.
US08110047B2
A system is provided for providing automated washing and verifying compliance of use. The system provides for identifying individual users of one or more cleaning stations through various technologies, such as RFID. Individual's use of cleaning stations is monitored to determine compliance with hand-washing requirements. A compliance report may be generated based on data associated with one or more individuals' use of the cleaning station(s). Educational and/or entertainment content may be displayed to the user when he or she is using the cleaning station. Additionally, the cleaning station may identify containers having authorized consumables such as soap or disinfectant.
US08110017B2
A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.
US08110003B2
The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element.
US08109998B2
An accommodating intraocular lens having an optic and portions extending from the optic radially outwards preferably with fixation devices at their distal ends, the optic designed such that it has a sharp posterior edge for 360 degrees of its perimeter and the lens designed such that the optic can move forward and backwards with constriction and relaxation of the ciliary muscle.
US08109997B2
An ocular implant including a hydrophobic pseudo-endothelial implant and a binding agent applied thereto, the binding agent capable of bonding the implant to a posterior portion of a cornea such that the implant serves as a water barrier enabling dehydration of the cornea.
US08109995B2
A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent.
US08109993B2
An implantable device for regulating blood flow through a blood vessel includes an elongated support. The support includes axially spaced apart first and second substantially annular support portions, and an x-shaped linking member linking the axially spaced apart portions to one another. The device also includes a valve membrane extending between the axially spaced apart support portions and having an upper portion, a lower portion and an intermediate portion. The valve membrane includes a first region and a second lower region. The first region is folded over the linking member for attachment and the second region is adjacent the first region and unattached to the linking member. The second region is movable between a first position to enable blood flow and a second position to inhibit blood flow.
US08109990B2
A low profile support frame for use as an or in an expandable intraluminal medical device includes first and second wire members that define arcuate paths having opposing curves. Connectors join the wire members, and barbs can be disposed on the connectors. The support frame has radially compressed and radially expanded configurations. When the support frame is in the radially expanded configuration, substantially no portion of the support frame is disposed on a first transverse axis of the frame opposite one end of the frame and substantially no portion of the frame is disposed on a second transverse axis of the frame opposite the other end of the frame. The support frame can be used as an intraluminal medical device by itself or as a component in a medical device that includes other components, such as a stent, prosthetic valve, occluder, or filter.
US08109986B2
A device includes a support defining at least one opening for retaining an implant situated in the vicinity of the distal end thereof, and at least one threadlike link for retaining the implant. The link includes a control portion engaged in the support and a tightening loop of the implant which projects outside the support through the retention opening. A component is provided for placing each tightening loop around the implant. The placement component includes a rigid member and at least one flexible cord integral with the member and engaged releasably around the tightening loop.
US08109984B2
A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced.
US08109983B2
Medical device delivery systems, as well as related methods and components, are disclosed.
US08109981B2
An optical therapy device for providing therapeutic light to a person's nasal cavity includes a body and at least one UV light source in or on the body. A distal end of the body is configured to be inserted into the person's nasal cavity. The body can be configured to be hand-held. The optical therapy device is configured such that the UV light source emits a dose of UV light toward tissue in the patient's nasal cavity.
US08109979B2
Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges.
US08109978B2
Methods for spinal stabilization operative to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across two or more adjacent vertebrae are described with particular emphasis on preventing excessive forces on the facet joins. Broadly, the method includes placing one or more anchors, each having one or more sutures at each vertebral level on a posterior portion of the vertebrae, applying tension to the sutures and joining the sutures over the disc space between two or more vertebra. The sutures can be wrapped around the spinous process of the adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, the sutures can be welded in a cross-braced pattern extending between the spinous process of the adjacent vertebrae.
US08109977B2
Disclosed is a fixation device for spinal fixation. The fixation device includes an elongated body comprising a bone anchor at a distal end. An axially moveable proximal anchor is carried by the proximal end of the fixation device. In one embodiment, the device is inserted through a first vertebra and the bone anchor is rotated into positioned within a second vertebra. The proximal anchor is distally advanced with respect to the bone anchor to provide compression across the first and second vertebra. In other embodiments, the device is used to secure stabilization devices across two or more vertebra.
US08109973B2
An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed.
US08109968B2
A suture lock according to the present invention sufficiently secures a suture thread in place in a quick and efficient manner. It eliminates the need for a laparoscopic surgeon to tie complex or multi-step knots. The suture lock generally comprises a suture lock body having a suture channel that allows a suture thread to be drawn into the suture lock body. A plurality of teeth extends into an opening of the suture channel in such a manner that an inserted suture thread will be locked in place. In addition, a guide portion eases insertion of a suture thread free end by simplifying relative rotational adjustment of the lock. An embodiment of the suture lock may be fabricated from a material or materials that naturally dissolve within the human body.
US08109956B2
A method for treating a body tissue comprises delivering a cutting mechanism of a surgical instrument into proximity to a target portion of the body tissue wherein the cutting mechanism includes a first member defining a lumen and a distal cutting tip. At least the first member is supported, via a coupler, by the handpiece. A fluid pathway extends from the distal cutting tip, through the lumen of the first member, and through an interior of the handpiece for fluid connection to a source of negative pressure. In one configuration, a coupler provides an internally-located aspiration control mechanism including a user interface port exteriorly exposed on the coupler and defining an aspiration control pathway extending from the user interface port to a proximal window of the inner member for communication with the lumen of the inner member. With the distal cutting tip placed into contact with the target portion, the treatment site is selectively aspirated by manipulating a position of a finger relative to the user interface port to manually effectuate an altering of a level of vacuum applied by the source of negative pressure at the distal cutting tip.
US08109952B2
A surgical instrument for treatment of superficial varicose veins in a body is provided. The surgical instrument includes at least one vein-engaging element disposed within or on a housing being adapted for insertion into a tissue. The at least one vein-engaging element is operable to a vein-engaging state whereby it protrudes from the housing at a length thereof.
US08109947B2
Methods and apparatus for delivering and installing a new length of tubing between two sections of a patient's existing body organ tubing and at least partly outside of that existing structure. For example, the new length of tubing may be for the purpose of providing the patient with a coronary bypass. The new tubing may be an artificial graft, a natural graft (harvested elsewhere from the patient), or both. The new tubing is installed at the operative site primarily by providing at least one graft location with instrumentation inserted through the patient's existing tubular body organ structure. Assistance in installing the new tubing may be provided by minimally invasive surgical access openings in the patient's chest. The tubing may be delivered through the patient's existing tubular body structure or, alternatively, through the surgical access openings.
US08109942B2
A method for performing shoulder arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty is provided. The method includes generating navigational reference information relating to position and orientation of a body part forming at least a portion of the shoulder joint. The reference information may be stored in a computer. Navigational references are attached to the body part and an object. Information is received regarding the position and orientation of the object with respect to the body part and the object is navigated according to this information. The body part may be modified using the object and the modification may be displayed on a monitor associated with the computer. The navigational references may be used to track a shoulder arthroplasty trial component. Information is received regarding the position and orientation of the trial component with respect to the body part. This information is used to navigate the trial component to the body part.
US08109940B2
A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass.
US08109937B2
A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, an aspiration flow rate measurement device, a vacuum force measurement device, and an indicator. The surgical instrument has an aspiration portion and is located in a media type. The aspiration flow rate measurement device is configured to measure the flow rate generated by the aspiration portion. The vacuum force measurement device is configured to measure the vacuum force generated by the aspiration portion. The indicator provides an indication of the media type in which the surgical instrument is located. The indication is based on aspiration flow rate measurement information, vacuum force measurement information, and an operation and configuration of the surgical instrument.
US08109928B2
The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and a plasma channel which in its longitudinal direction extends at least partly between said cathode and said anode. The end of the cathode which is directed to the anode has a cathode tip tapering towards the anode, a part of said cathode tip extending over a partial length of a plasma chamber connected to the plasma channel. The plasma chamber has a cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, which exceeds the cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, of an opening, positioned closest to the cathode, of the plasma channel. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device.
US08109927B2
A surface electrode for ablating tissue is provided. The surface electrode comprises a base, a plurality of tissue penetrating needle electrodes extending from the surface of the base an adjustable distance, and an electrical interface coupled to the plurality of needle electrodes. The adjustability of the needle electrodes allows the depth that the needle electrodes penetrate through tissue to be adjusted.
US08109923B2
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.
US08109913B2
This invention is in the area of medical devices, in particular in the area of medical devices for drug delivery, more in particular for controlled release of drugs to the eye. Delivery of drugs to the anterior side of the eye is routinely done with eye drops, but this method results in low bioavailability and low patient compliance. Devices that address these problems have been described for the delivery of drugs to the eye. One of such devices, called the OphthaCoil, consists of a thin metallic wire, which is coiled and carries a drug-loaded adherent hydrogel coating on its surface. Surprisingly it has now been found that the drug loading capacity can be dramatically increased by filling the lumen of the coil with micro-particles such as microspheres that contain the drug of choice.
US08109905B2
A fluid collection or infusion set is provided. The set includes flexible tubing with a fitting attached to a proximal end and a needle assembly attached to the distal end. The needle assembly includes a needle hub and a needle cannula secured in the hub. An actuator arm extends proximally and outwardly from the needle hub and has an actuator button at its free end. The needle assembly is disposed in a barrel and can move from a distal position where the needle cannula is exposed to a proximal position where the needle cannula is shielded. A spring is disposed in the barrel for propelling the needle assembly to the proximal position. The barrel includes an actuating aperture that receives the actuator button for locking the spring in a compressed condition. Depression of the actuator button enables the spring to propel the needle assembly into its proximal shielded position.
US08109873B2
A surgical access device has a surgical retractor having a noncompliant outer ring with an annular axis, an inner ring, and a sleeve coupling the outer ring to the inner ring. The noncompliant outer ring is adapted to roll over itself around the annular axis to roll the sleeve around the outer ring to retract and seal an opening in a biological body wall. The access device may include a lid adapted for being coupled to the noncompliant outer ring of the surgical retractor. The outer ring of the surgical retractor has a cross-sectional shape that prohibits the lid from being partially or incorrectly coupled to the outer ring of the surgical retractor.
US08109868B2
A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction.
US08109857B2
An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value. The method includes the steps of fully engaging the first reaction clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement when engine load is below the first predetermined value, slipping the variable capacity clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement when engine load is below a second predetermined value, fully engaging a second reaction clutch corresponding to the appropriate gear engagement, depressurizing the hydrodynamic fluid drive device corresponding to a second gear engagement, and energizing the electric machine corresponding to a second gear engagement, the electric machine driving a turbine of the hydrodynamic fluid drive device further removing fluid from the hydrodynamic fluid drive device.
US08109854B2
Disclosed herein is a new improved large planetary gear system used on the input stage of wind turbine power generators. This improved planetary gear system reduces or eliminates lubricant debris traditionally generated from the gear teeth, thereby eliminating an initiating source for bearing failure. To achieve these results, some and preferably all of the gear teeth within the planetary gear system are superfinished using chemically accelerated vibratory finishing to a surface roughness of approximately 0.25 micron or less. Several objects and advantages of the invention are to provide a gearbox with reduced metal debris, improved bearing life, reduced wear, reduced vibro-frictional noise, improved contact fatigue, improved fretting resistance, improved lubrication, to simplify the run-in process, and to enhance the durability and efficiency of the gearbox.
US08109852B2
The present invention relates to transmission systems and changing gear ratios within power transmission systems. In particular, the present invention relates to a positive displacement variable speed transmission. The transmission includes one or more drive gears which orbit, rotate, and which translate radially to change the size of the orbital path. The change in the orbital path increases or decreases the linear velocity of the drive gears which engage one or more driven gears and transfer the changed linear velocity in the form of a gear ratio change. The driven gears are also radially movable and movement of the driven gears is synchronized with the radial movement of the drive gears to maintain substantially constant engagement between gear ratios change. Thus, as the drive and driven gears can slide or step radially to any location within a range of positions, gear ratio changes can be made in very small increments.
US08109848B2
A stable and play-free pivot connection of a bicycle derailleur between a parallelogram link and either a base member or a chain cage. The pivot points are formed with first and second bushings that are arranged as far from one another as possible. The parts are connected by pivot pins having a anti-rotation contour for preventing rotation of the pin within an inner pivot part. The axial displacement of the pivot pin is prevented by a securing element or by a deforming element engaging a holding contour on the pivot pin. One of the first and second bushings is protected and arranged in a blind hole and the other of the first and second bushings is covered on the outside by a pin head of the pivot pin.
US08109844B1
A ball tee for batting practice has a flexible base. A receiver is attached to the base and may rotate forward relative to the front of the base. A substantially rigid first tube is attached to or inserted into the receiver. A substantially rigid second tube is similarly attached to the first tube. The combined length of the first and second tubes may be adjustable. A flexible ball holder is attached to an upper end of the second tube. A cup may be provide at the top end of the ball holder. The receiver may be positioned closer to the back end of the base than to front end of the base. The base may have a flex section of reduced thickness which allows the receiver to rotate forward when the tee is struck by a bat. The ball tee tends to automatically return to an upright position after being hit by a bat.
US08109842B2
This invention provides an improved hollow golf club head having a sole portion and a crown portion, wherein the golf club head is configured so as to increase the launch angle of a ball so that the traveling distance of a golf shot can be increased. In particular, the sole portion and the crown portion of the hollow golf club head are configured such that the ratio of a rigidity of the sole portion to a rigidity of the crown portion is 1:0.1 to 0.8 and, as a result of such a configuration, the launch angle of a hit ball is increased.
US08109839B2
A golf swing aid apparatus includes a base forming a sound chamber, a cover pivoted to the base, and a noisemaker configured to actuate a clicker in the base when the cover is released. The present apparatus provides a click noise immediately prior to ball impact during a golfer's swing, thus providing feedback on synchronized timing of the swing. The feedback is real time, and is of a nature whereby a golfer can recognize its feedback without disrupting the golf swing itself. The apparatus can be anchored using golf ball tees, and an accessory used that helps alignment of the golfer's stance. Notably, the present apparatus can be used in a variety of sports with a swing where weight transfer is important, such as softball and baseball.
US08109837B1
A laser putting device for a golf putter includes a guiding unit for generating a laser beam, a frame for supporting the guiding unit disposed in the frame, an activator connected to the golf putter and communicated with the guiding unit for turning the guiding unit between on and off positions thereby generating the laser beam. A bracket of the laser guiding device is adaptable to receive a tubular member of the guiding unit that has a mirror and a diode emitting the laser beam and guiding the laser beam into the mirror angled in the fashion to form the laser beam having 90 degrees thereby allowing the golfer to point the laser beam at the target point, such as a hole in a golf green. The laser guiding device help the golfer to learn how to improve a strike and place the golf ball into a hole within short period of time and without necessity of using outdoor facility.
US08109826B2
A gaming system and method of playing a gaming device by a user. The method includes inserting a voucher having a voucher value into the gaming device and accessing a database having voucher data associated with the voucher. The voucher value is verified. The user is queried for a credit value of a base wagering denomination. Calculations of full game credits and partial game credits are performed based upon the voucher value and the credit value. The full game credits, the partial game credits, and the voucher value are displayed on a game display. The method allows partial or all credits to be played at any time. The method provides for recording of game events to a database. The method also allows for the user to change the base wagering denomination during game play.
US08109819B2
In general, the invention relates to providing infrastructure, process controls, and software to design, advertise, and implement an on-line contest in which participants in the contest search the Internet for a target in order to earn a reward. Hints and/or hidden objects may provide clues as to where to look for the reward, how to claim the reward, and what the reward is. The reward is funded by participating web site owners who reserve, in some embodiments via an auction, the opportunity to “host” the target during a contest or a portion of a contest, and as a result, drive traffic to their respective web sites.
US08109816B1
A method for analyzing at least one golf swing parameter using a plurality of accelerometers located proximate the distal ends of a golf club, a signal processing and display system utilizing a double pendulum model of a golf club swing, said model for describing swing parameters and having an upper portion, a pivot point and a lower portion, the method comprising the steps of entering initial swing conditions and golf club parameters; performing a swing and collecting data from the accelerometers; determining a differential mode signal from the acceleration data; calculating the pivot point location relative to each accelerometer using the accelerometer data; calculating a common mode signal using the pivot point; and determining at least one golf swing parameter as a function of time using the common mode signal. In a specific embodiment, the step of calculating the pivot point location relative to each accelerometer comprises the step of minimizing the contribution of the common mode signal into an accelerometer signal comprising the differential mode signal and the common mode signal. The method may also comprise the step of displaying the at least one golf swing parameter.
US08109812B2
An instrument panel assembly for a motor vehicle includes a panel member, a first conduit, a second conduit and a gasket disposed between the first and second conduit. The panel member has a vent for directing air toward a window in the vehicle. The first conduit has a first end that provides air to the vent and a second end with a peripheral wall forming an inlet. The second conduit has an outlet that provides air to the inlet and a flange that extends outwardly from the outlet and includes a support surface that supports a gasket for sealing an interface between the outlet and the inlet. The second conduit has a lip that extends outwardly from the support surface of the flange and supports the gasket to prevent deformation of the gasket during assembly of the first conduit and second conduit.
US08109808B2
An inner peripheral edge of a toroidal glass substrate for a magnetic disk is subjected to mechanical polishing in such a manner that the surface roughness is no greater than 9 nm in terms of Rmax. Then, the inner peripheral edge is subjected to chemical polishing to remove at least 2 μm of a surface layer. The inner peripheral edge has a non-conventional mirror-finished surface obtained by mechanical polishing. Thus, sufficient ring strength is obtained even when the chemical polishing depth is smaller than in the past. A polishing depth of less than 5 μm is sufficient.
US08109798B2
An electrical connector (100), comprising an insulative housing (1) and a plurality of contacts (2) received in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a base portion (11) and a mating portion (12) in front of the base portion, the mating portion defines a plurality of receiving channels (124) extending along a mating direction. The contacts are received in the insulative housing, and inserted into the receiving channels along a front-to-back direction. Each contact has a soldering portion (21) extending through the receiving channel and assembled to the base portion of the insulative housing, a retaining portion (23) located in front of the soldering portion and held in the receiving channel, and a contacting portion (24) received in the mating portion of the insulative housing, the retaining portion has a higher barb (231) in the front and a lower barb (232) on a rear section thereof on both sides.
US08109795B2
An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a mating cavity, two parallel and stacked mating portions respectively forwards extending into the mating cavity, sets of contact retained in the housing and a grounding member retained in the housing. The first mating portion defines thereon a first surface; the second mating portion spaces from the first mating portion and defines thereon a second surface opposite to the first surface. The sets of contact include a first set of contacts each defining a contacting section exposed upon the first surface and a second set of contacts each defining a deflectable cantilevered beam accessible from the second face. The grounding member is disposed between the first and second mating portions to reduce the cross-talk between the first and second sets of contacts.
US08109792B2
A compound video cable has a drive interface, a receive interface with a differential-to-single ended converter, and a differential mode data wired transmission medium connected to the drive interface and the receive interface. The differential-to-single ended converter is configured to convert differential mode signals into single ended signals.
US08109784B2
A wire containment cap for reducing horizontal strain on a cable terminated at a communication jack. The wire containment cap is part of the communication jack and includes a strain relief clip that may be actuated to apply pressure to the cable. The applied pressure holds the cable in place and helps prevent wire pairs of the cable from pulling out of terminals in the communication jack.
US08109783B2
An electrical insulation displacement connector includes a bare single-wire contact element having a first end defined by opposed blades that define a receipt aperture for an insulated wire, and a second end configured for direct electrical contact at a contact position on a printed circuit board. Retaining structure is defined on the blades. A cap is configured for fitting over the exposed bare blades. The cap includes side walls and end walls with a slot defined in each of the end walls that align with the blade aperture. The side walls are engaged by the retaining structure upon pressing the cap onto the blades. The slots in the end walls of the cap have a width and height such that upon fully pressing the cap onto the blades, the slots engage and longitudinally align the insulated wire into the blade aperture so that the blades pierce and make electrical contact with a core in the insulated wire.
US08109781B2
A connection adapter has electrical contacts for connection to a corresponding mating contact of a terminal. The mating contacts are received in terminal domes formed from an insulating material which is configured such that the mating contacts are accessible to a contact of the connection adapter through a contact guide opening in a terminal dome. Connection adapter guides in the terminal domes are configured to interact with terminal guides to guide the connection adapter from a placement position, where it is placed onto the terminal in the correct position where the connection adapter and terminal can be fitted together, to detent position, where the connection adapter is placed and held on the terminal so that the electrical contacts of the connection adapter and the mating contacts of the terminal can be moved relative to each other to establish electrical contact.
US08109773B1
A card connector (100) includes an insulative housing defining a card receiving space; a plurality of contacts (2) supported by the insulative housing and accommodated in the card receiving space, said the plurality of contacts divided into two sets and arranged along a longitudinal direction, said contacts adapted for mating with a first type card and a second type card, respectively; and an ejecting mechanism (3) mounted to the insulative housing, the ejecting mechanism (3) including a first slider (31), a second slider (31′), a follower (32) and a spring (33), the first slider mounted to the second slider and capable of moving on the second slider to carry one of the two cards, and the first slider and the second slider together to carry the other of the two card.
US08109767B2
An electrical connector is disclosed and includes a body and a cover. The body has a first through hole and an area for conducting and accommodating solder between the first through hole and the edges of the body. The cover is movably disposed on the body. The color of the cover is lighter than that of the body. The cover has a second through hole and an area for accommodating pins between the second through hole and the edges of the cover. The second through hole corresponds to the first through hole. The second through hole has a first rim, a second rim, a third rim, and a fourth rim. The third rim and the fourth rim are parallel to a movement direction of the cover. When the cover is at an open state on the body, the area for accommodating pins and the area for conducting and accommodating solder are disengaged, the projection of the first rim and the second rim of the second through hole vertically on the body does not lie in the first through hole. It solves the problem of making mistakes in inspection.
US08109765B2
Methods and related computer program products, systems, and devices for providing intelligent feedback to a user based on audio input associated with a user reading a passage are disclosed. The method can include assessing a level of fluency of a user's reading of the sequence of words using speech recognition technology to compare the audio input with an expected sequence of words and providing feedback to the user related to the level of fluency for a word.
US08109757B1
A system for molding elastomeric figures includes a dispenser having first and second reservoirs containing co-reactive fluids. A mold is affixed to the dispenser and has a cavity in fluid communication with the reservoirs. A mixer is disposed between the reservoirs and cavity. A plunger forces the fluids from the reservoirs and through the mixer, where the fluids are homogeneously combined, and into the cavity. The combined fluids congeal within the cavity to form an elastomeric figure.
US08109752B2
An imprinting stamper which can transfer a microscopic pattern to a medium bearing a convex area or local projection, with high accuracy. A convexo-concave pattern is formed on a surface of the imprinting stamper. It includes a pattern layer having the convexo-concave pattern; and a stamper backside layer arranged on a backside of the pattern layer. Young's modulus of the pattern layer is 500 MPa to 10 GPa; and Young's modulus of the stamper backside layer is smaller than Young's modulus of the pattern layer.
US08109746B2
A progressing cavity pump/motor includes an upper stator tube (14), a lower stator tube (16), a rotor (20) sitting between the upper and lower stator tubes, and a coupling assembly (30) interconnecting the stator tubes comprising an outer sleeve (32), an inner sleeve (36) and a nut (60) for threaded engagement with at least one of the sleeves to bring a stop surface on the inner sleeve into mating engagement with the stop surface on the outer sleeve. The pump/motor is usually assembled in the field while maintaining precise axial and rotational positioning of the stator tubes.
US08109742B2
A rotor yoke includes a substantially flat or annular flat cover portion coaxial or substantially coaxial with a rotational axis and a substantially cylindrical side wall portion extending from an outer circumference of the cover portion in a parallel or substantially parallel relationship with the rotational axis. The rotor yoke further includes a substantially annular flange portion extending radially outwards from an open end of the side wall portion. The cover portion and the side wall portion define a cup portion whose center of gravity deviates from the rotational axis in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis, and the flange portion has an outer circumferential circle whose center deviates from the rotational axis in a direction opposite to the deviation direction of the center of gravity of the cup portion.
US08109729B2
A wind turbine includes a rotor having a rotational axis and a wind turbine blade connected to a hub through a pitch bearing. The pitch bearing includes an outer ring, a center ring and an inner ring. The pitch bearing further includes a first rolling element arrangement having at least two rows of rolling elements between the center ring and one of the inner and outer rings, and a second rolling element arrangement having at least one row of rolling elements between the center ring and the other of the inner and outer rings. A first row of the at least two rows is arranged at a first distance from the rotational axis, and a second row of the at least two rows is arranged at a second distance from the rotational axis greater than the first distance. A pitch bearing for a wind turbine is also disclosed.
US08109721B2
A bearing arrangement for a turbine rotor of a turbine is adapted to be mounted in a drill string and to be driven by the flow of drilling fluid. The bearing arrangement includes a turbine chamber surrounding the turbine rotor and having an inflow and an outflow, a stator on which the turbine rotor is rotatably mounted, and a cavity formed between the turbine rotor and the stator and accommodating at least one radial plain bearing and being separated from the turbine chamber by an axial plain bearing constructed as a bearing ring seal and by a conveyor screw which is disposed on the turbine rotor and operates to convey from the cavity to the turbine chamber.
US08109718B2
A centrifugal blower (10) includes a casing (12) and a rotor (14) rotatable disposed in the casing. The casing includes a base plate (121), a sidewall (122) extending from the base plate and a cover (123) covering the sidewall. The sidewall is a multilayer structure and includes a first section (128a) and a second section (128c). A distance between a central axis (A) of the rotor and an inner surface of the second section is greater than that between the central axis of the rotor and an inner surface of the first section. The first section is located below a mother board (20) and the second section sits on a top surface of the motherboard when the centrifugal blower is mounted to the mother board.
US08109717B2
Gas turbine engine systems involving hydrostatic face seals with back-up seals are provided. In this regard, a representative seal assembly for a gas turbine engine includes: a hydrostatic seal having a seal face and a seal runner; and a back-up seal; wherein, in a normal mode of operation of the hydrostatic seal, interaction of the seal face and the seal runner maintains a pressure differential within the gas turbine engine and, in a failure mode of operation of the hydrostatic seal, the back-up seal maintains a pressure differential within the gas turbine engine.
US08109702B2
A caster for use in aircraft along a cargo deck comprises a housing having at least one wall, a pivot assembly, a brake assembly and at least one spring. A pivot assembly can have at least one wall, first and second ends, and a base between the first and second ends, wherein the first end of the pivot assembly can be elevated above the second end of the pivot assembly. The wall of the pivot assembly can be rotatably linked to the wall of the housing. An optional brake assembly can be on the first end of the pivot assembly. At least one spring can be on the second end of the pivot assembly. A cover on or above the at least one spring can be secured to the wall of the housing.
US08109697B2
An air conveyor for transporting plastic bottles, in which bottles are driven by applying air, in the area of the bottle openings. In a partial area of the air conveyor, means are provided to apply air to the bottle bodies. These means are arranged such that the bottles are essentially oriented vertically with the openings of the bottles facing upwards and the bottom of the bottles facing downwards.
US08109696B2
A sheet-like element, such as a net, particularly for geotechnical applications, comprising a sheet-like body formed by superimposing at least two sets of filaments in order to provide a lattice-like structure, the sheet-like body being provided by a first polymer, which defines the lattice-like structure, and a second polymer, which is coextruded together with the first polymer and affects at least regions of at least one face of the sheet-like body, the first polymer having physical and mechanical characteristics of compressive and tensile strength, while the second polymer has a high friction coefficient.
US08109693B1
A diamond wire saw and method provides a frame that includes a clamp that attaches to a target (e.g. piling, beam, tubular), an elongated toothed rack extending away from the mount and target, and a moving portion that carries the diamond wire and motor drives that advance the moving portion toward the target and along the toothed rack while driving the wire around roller guides.
US08109679B2
Disclosed are multifiber ferrule assemblies and methods for manufacturing the same. In one embodiment, a finished multifiber ferrule can be provided with a front end having a first front surface that extends beyond a second front surface, thereby inhibiting interaction with a laser beam during processing. A plurality of optical fibers can be fixed within respective optical fiber bores and extend from respective optical fiber bore openings to a position beyond the first front surface. The plurality of optical fibers can be processed by cutting and polishing with a laser beam for providing each optical fiber with a final polished end surface located beyond the first front surface. In further embodiments, an offset structure is positioned with respect to a finished multifiber ferrule after cutting and polishing the optical fibers.
US08109667B2
A backlight module and a method for manufacturing a base thereof are provided. The backlight module base includes a back plate and a frame. The back plate has a plate body and at least one sidewall, which includes a wall body and a folding structure bending from the top of the wall body. The folding structure, the plate body, and the wall body together enclose a groove. The frame is formed on the plate body and adjacent to an inner surface of the sidewall. A part of the frame is embedded into the groove. The engagement between the frame and the groove increases the contact area between the frame and the back plate to improve the connection strength. In addition, the folding design of the sidewall increases the rigidity of the whole structure.
US08109666B2
A light guide member of the present invention is made of a light transmitting material. The light guide includes a light emitting surface 13, which extends in direction x and includes a lens surface 31 for converging light in direction y. The light guide also includes a light incident surface 11 provided at one of the ends spaced from each other in the direction x. The light emitting surface 13 includes a transitional region 13a adjacent to the light incident surface 11, where the transitional region includes the lens surface 31 and a round pillar surface 32. In the transitional region 13a, the lens surface 31 becomes less dominant in area as proceeding in the direction x toward the light incident surface 11.
US08109649B2
A conversion type light emitting device includes at least one LED element having a predetermined light emitting range and a fluorescent element performing wavelength conversion of light emitted from the LED element when disposed at a first location in the predetermined light emitting range. The fluorescent element is movable from a first location to a second location outside the predetermined light emitting range.
US08109646B2
A pull-out light tube assembly is mounted in an equipment component such as a component that is mounted in an equipment rack. The light tube assembly includes a light tube received within a bushing. The light tube can be pulled out from the bushing and retracted into the bushing. The assembly includes a mechanism for self-centering the light tube within the bushing when the light tube is retracted into the bushing. A guide channel formed in the bushing receives and guides a guide pin formed in the light tube to a centered position. The guide channel may be a V-shaped groove with a receptacle and detent formed at an end thereof to secure the guide pin in a centered position. The mechanism for self-centering maintains a logo formed at a front end of the light tube in a properly oriented position when the light tube is retracted within the bushing.
US08109644B2
Backlights containing low profile, side-emitting LEDs are described that have improved brightness uniformity. In one embodiment, the backlight comprises a solid transparent lightguide with a plurality of openings in a bottom surface of the lightguide, each opening containing a side-emitting LED. Prisms or other optical features are formed in the top wall of each opening to reflect light in the lightguide towards a light output surface of the lightguide so that the side-emitting LEDs do not appear as dark spots at the output of the backlight. To avoid any direct emission from the sides of the LED toward the output surface of the lightguide appearing as bright areas, optical features are formed at the edges of the opening or in the output surface of the lightguide so that direct emission light is not output from the lightguide. Substantially identical cells may be formed in the lightguide using cellular walls around one or more LEDs.
US08109642B2
A projection type image display apparatus comprising a light source, an optical integrator, by which light outgoing from the light source is changed in distribution of illumination, a color separation optical system, by which light outgoing from the optical integrator is separated into a plurality of light beams, and a relay optical system including a plurality of relay lenses, by which light beams separated by the color separation optical system are relayed, and a reflection mirror. The relay optical system includes a device that adjusts angles of inclination of at least one of the relay lenses with respect to an optical axis of illumination of light outgoing from the light source.
US08109634B2
Obtaining spectral images of an eye includes taking an optical system that images eye tissue onto a digital sensor array and optically fitting a multi-spectral filter array and the digital sensor array, wherein the multi-spectral filter array is disposed between the digital sensor array and an optics portion of the optical system. The resulting system facilitates acquisition of a snap-shot image of the eye tissue with the digital sensor array. The snap shot images support estimation of blood oxygen saturation in a retinal tissue. The resulting system can be based on a non-mydriatic fundus camera designed to obtain the retinal images without administration of pupil dilation drops.
US08109632B2
Various embodiments of methods and systems for improving and enhancing vision are disclosed. Adjustable lenses or optical systems may be used to provide adaptive vision modification. In some embodiments, vision modification may be responsive to the current state of the user's visual system. Certain embodiments provide correction of the subject's near and far vision. Other embodiments provide enhancement of vision beyond the physiological ranges of focal length or magnification.
US08109627B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus is provided. A transport mechanism is that transports a sheet in a first direction. A liquid ejecting head is configured to eject liquid onto the sheet. The transport mechanism includes: a plurality of transport belts that transports the sheet and arranged in a second direction which is orthogonal to the first direction, each of the transport belts extending in the first direction and having a transport surface with which the transported sheet is brought into contact; a concave portion disposed between the transport belts adjacent to each other in the second direction; and a plurality of suction ports that sucks the sheet and disposed on both sides of the concave portion in the second direction. A distance between the liquid ejecting head and a suction surface of each of the suction ports is longer than a distance between the liquid ejecting head and the transport surface. A distance between the liquid ejecting head and a bottom of the concave portion is longer than the distance between the liquid ejecting head and the suction surface.
US08109616B2
A cover assembly for a cradle unit of an inkjet printer having a body complementary to a removable inkjet cartridge of a type having a pagewidth printhead and an ink supply and a controller for controlling the operation of the printhead to facilitate printing. The cover assembly has at least one port formed therein through which a refill unit is received for refilling the ink supply of the cartridge; and an actuator member arranged within the cover assembly which operates said refill unit to facilitate refilling of the ink supply of the cartridge.
US08109614B2
An ink jet printhead, made of a silicon substrate and a plurality of metallic and dielectric layers deposited on said substrate. A plurality of chambers for ejection of ink droplets and a plurality of corresponding feeding ducts, connected to the chambers, are produced in a structural layer made of non-photosensitive epoxy or polyamide resin. The chambers and said ducts are delimited by at least one upper wall, the upper wall communicating with at least one nozzle for ejection of the ink droplets. The upper wall and an inner wall of the nozzle are coated with at least one metallic coating layer, suitable for increasing the resistance of the walls to chemically aggressive liquids, in contact with the walls.
US08109613B2
An ink supplying mechanism includes a circulating system that connects an ink jet head having a nozzle, a pressure chamber opposed to the nozzle, and an upstream port and a downstream port that communicate with the pressure chamber, an upstream side tank that communicates with the ink jet head via the upstream port and is capable of storing an ink, a downstream side tank that communicates with the ink jet head via the downstream port and is capable of storing the ink, and a circulating pump that feeds the ink from the downstream side tank back to the upstream side tank. The ink supplying mechanism has a relief valve that is capable of opening and closing at least a liquid surface of the downstream side tank with respect to the atmospheric pressure, closes the relief valve to drive the circulating pump, sets the liquid surface of the downstream side tank to a negative pressure, and feeds the ink from the downstream side tank back to the upstream side tank via a feedback channel to circulate the ink.
US08109611B2
An inkjet printhead with a plurality of nozzle arrangements that each have a nozzle chamber and an ink ejection port that is in fluid communication with the nozzle chamber. The nozzle arrangements also have an actuator configured for rectilinear movement, and an ink-ejecting mechanism configured for angular displacement to eject ink from the ink ejection port. A translation to rotation conversion mechanism is interposed between the actuator and the ink-ejecting mechanism to convert rectilinear movement of the actuator into angular displacement of the ink-ejecting mechanism.
US08109610B2
A liquid ejecting head for ejection liquid includes an electric wiring member including a plurality of contact pads which are electrically contactable to a liquid ejecting apparatus; a storing element for storing individual information; and a liquid ejection member, provided with an ejection outlet, for ejecting the liquid using electric energy supplied through a part of the plurality of contact pads. The contact pads include an array of information contact pads electrically connected with the storing element, a voltage source contact pad for supplying the electric energy and a grounding contact pad. Directly adjacent to each of front and rear sides of the information contact pads constituting the array, the voltage source contact pad or the grounding contact pad is disposed.
US08109609B2
Disclosed are an ink ejecting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The disclosed ink ejecting device includes an inkjet head including a substrate, which includes an ink feed hole, a plurality of via holes, which are formed in the rear surface of the substrate, and which expose the ink feed holes therethtough, a chamber layer stacked on the substrate, and a nozzle layer stacked on the chamber layer, and includes a base header, which is attached to the inkjet head and includes a plurality of ink supply slots having a corresponding arrangement with respect to the via holes.
US08109608B2
A micro-fluid ejection head and methods for improving the fabrication and operation of the micro-fluid ejection head. The ejection head includes a photoimaged thick film layer attached to a substrate containing fluid ejection actuators. An orifice plate is laminated to the thick film layer. The orifice plate has a plurality of concentric orifices therein and is derived from a first photoresist material that is heated to a temperature sufficient to relieve film stresses in the photoresist material prior to exposing and developing the orifices in the orifice plate.
US08109602B2
An image forming apparatus for forming an appropriate test pattern is provided. A control section 41 includes: an image combination section 412 for combining image information corresponding to a subject image P1 of a first resolution, with second pattern information which corresponds to a test pattern P2 of a second resolution different from the first resolution, and which represents image information of the first resolution, so as to generate combined image information as one piece of image information; and an operation instruction section 413 for instructing a recording head 1, a head driving section 2, and a medium driving section 3 to form, on a recording medium, the combined image information corresponding to one piece of image information.
US08109600B2
The inkjet recording apparatus includes: a drum which conveys a recording medium, an inkjet head having an ejection surface which faces the outer circumferential surface of the drum, and a cap facing the outer circumferential surface. The inkjet heads are moved by a head-moving mechanism to be in a recording position, wiping position, or a capping position. The cap-moving mechanism moves the cap, in the circumferential direction of the drum along the outer circumferential surface, to: an open position where the cap does not face the ejection surface, or an opposing position in which the cap faces the ejection surface and covers the inkjet head in the capping position.
US08109599B2
The liquid ejection apparatus has: a liquid ejection head which includes a nozzle plate forming a nozzle surface in which nozzles ejecting droplets of a first liquid are provided; a wiping member which wipes the nozzle surface; an edge determination device which includes a determination plate with which a front tip portion of the wiping member wiping the nozzle surface can make contact, and determines an edge shape of the front tip portion of the wiping member according to a state of the determination plate; and a judgment device which judges timing of replacing the wiping member, according to the edge shape determined by the edge determination device.
US08109597B2
An image forming apparatus which forms an image includes: an intermediate transfer body which is conveyed in a conveyance direction; a washing liquid application device which applies a washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; a first wiping device which is arranged on a downstream side of the washing liquid application device in terms of the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer body, the first wiping device abutting against the intermediate transfer body to wipe away the washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; a second wiping device which is arranged on a downstream side of the first wiping device in terms of the conveyance direction of the intermediate transfer body, the second wiping device abutting against the intermediate transfer body to wipe away the washing liquid on the intermediate transfer body; and a control device which controls the first and second wiping devices so that the first wiping device abuts against the intermediate transfer body when the image is being formed, and the first wiping device separates from the intermediate transfer body while the second wiping device abuts against the intermediate transfer body when the image is not being formed.
US08109594B2
A color measuring unit that is easily mounted in a recording apparatus and measures with high accuracy. All of the elements of the color measuring are integrated into a single unit, such that the color measuring can be used independently in a separated form.The color measuring unit is equipped with a calorimeter holder holding a calorimeter. A carriage reciprocating means is connected to the calorimeter holder and has a calorimeter carriage for reciprocally moving the calorimeter holder in a column direction formed by a color measuring pattern. A pressing member in a pressing posture presses the surface of a recording member on which the color measuring pattern is recorded when measuring color. In a retreated posture, the pressing member retreats so that the recording member can be transported. A rotating and shifting means switches the pressing posture and the retreated posture of the pressing member.
US08109593B2
A substrate has M×N heater elements divided into N blocks and time divisionally driven in units of the block, and signal lines for supplying M bits of signals for selecting elements to be driven in each block. The signal lines are divided into two groups, each extending toward the center of a heater element array from a start point at either end side of the array in the array direction, and being used to select M/2 elements closest to the end side of the array. In each groups, the M/2 bit signal lines are arranged so that the number of the signal lines is decremented as the distance from the start point increases, and that the remaining signal lines are shifted toward the array. A temperature sensor for the substrate is provided in an empty area produced at a position corresponding to the center of the array by the shift.
US08109592B2
A liquid-ejecting head includes a liquid cell that contains an ejection medium that is liquid at normal temperature, a nozzle for ejecting the ejection medium in the liquid cell, an energy unit for supplying ejection energy to the ejection medium in the liquid cell, and heating means for heating the liquid cell independently of the supply of the ejection energy to the ejection medium in the liquid cell. The energy unit is driven to eject the ejection medium from the nozzle in a droplet form. The heating means is supplied with a substantially direct current component to generate heat so that at least the temperature of the liquid cell is constantly maintained above the ambient temperature irrespective of whether the energy unit is driven.
US08109587B2
A capacitive load driving circuit including: a filter including an inductor to which an analog driving signal is input, and a capacitor with a fixed capacitance where one electrode is connected the inductor and other electrode grounded; a plurality of capacitive loads connected in parallel to the capacitor, and driven in accordance with the analog driving signal; a conversion section converting a load voltage to a digital signal; a signal processing section generating a predetermined signal for driving the capacitive load, deriving a signal that represents a magnitude of an electric current flowing to the capacitive load from the digital signal and a digital driving signal, subtracting the signal from the predetermined signal, and outputting the subtracted signal as the digital driving signal; and a switching section generating the analog driving signal by performing switching based on the digital driving signal, and outputting the analog driving signal.
US08109584B2
A liquid ejection head includes an energy-generating element arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a barrier layer deposited on the semiconductor substrate for forming a liquid chamber in the periphery of the energy-generating element, and a nozzle sheet bonded on the barrier layer and having a nozzle formed at a position opposing the energy-generating element, in which the liquid ejection head ejects liquid contained in the liquid chamber from the nozzle as liquid droplets by the energy-generating element, and the barrier layer is provided with a plurality of depressions, each having an independent contour, arranged within a range, which is separated from the border of the barrier layer, on an adhesive region adhering to the nozzle sheet.
US08109583B2
A device for ejecting a movable furniture part from a closed end position in or on a furniture body, includes an ejector with a motor-driven ejector lever. A power transmission device interacting with the ejector lever is provided such that the force exerted on the movable furniture part by the ejector lever can be transferred in the mounted state of the device in a furniture body, in which the movable furniture part in the closed end position is at a distance from the ejector lever.
US08109582B2
Lockable pushing-out device (1) for a furniture part guided in a movable manner in or on a piece of furniture, in particular for a drawer or door, having a spring-loaded drive element (5) for moving the movable furniture part out of a closed end position into an open position, wherein the drive element (5), for the purpose of transmitting force to the movable furniture part, is arranged such that it can be displaced in a guide track (8), and wherein the guide track (8) has at least one portion (A, A′) which is designed such that the furniture part can be moved by virtue of the spring-loaded drive element (5) interacting with the guide track (8).
US08109578B2
Bolt holes 23 are provided for press fitting and securing bolts 5 for mounting a brake rotor 4 to a flange 22 of a hub wheel. Each bolt hole 23 includes widening portions 28a, 28b, which are tapered to widen from the center portion of the bolt hole 23 toward a brake rotor mounting surface 25 of the flange 22. The widening portions 28a, 28b are formed by two tapered surfaces having different taper angles with respect to the axis of the bolt hole 23 from an opening rim of the bolt hole toward the inside. The taper angle of an outer tapered surface connected to the opening rim is greater than the taper angle of an inner tapered surface connected to the outer tapered surface. In machining the hub wheel 2 configured as described above, the brake rotor mounting surface 25 is finished after machining the bolt holes 23.
US08109577B2
A system for latching a seat to a guide track (102) is disclosed. The system generally includes a latch plate (122) being coupled to the seat, a first release member (124) coupled to the latch plate (122), and a second release member coupled to the latch plate. The first release member (124) is configured to releasably engage the guide track (102) and is selectively movable between a first position for fixedly coupling the seat to the guide track (102), a second position for movably coupling the seat to the guide track, and a third position for detachably coupling the seat to the guide track (102). A second release member (160) is configured to prevent the first release member (124) for moving to the third position unless the second release member has been selectively actuated.
US08109575B2
Contoured loveseat with an internal support frame forming an elongate rectilinear shape having a pair of matching long rigid parallel side panels, a pair of matching short rigid parallel side panels and a contoured top panel. The short side panels and the contoured top panels are covered by a uniformly thick cushion material. The short side panels join the top panel in a radiused fashion. A plurality of supplemental support cushions can be slidably retained within cutout portions in the side panels. The cutout portions are shaped to match the profile of the supplemental cushions. A preferred embodiment includes one side of the contoured top panel being sized for a male body and the opposite side of the contoured top panel being sized for a female body.
US08109561B2
A car body structure includes a roof side rail and a front pillar, and the roof side rail and the front pillar include a roof side rail reinforcement and a front pillar reinforcement. The roof side rail reinforcement extends in a front-to-rear direction of a car body, and the front pillar reinforcement extends in a direction that intersects the front-to-rear direction of the car body. The roof side rail reinforcement and the front pillar reinforcement are connected to each other so that an end of a lower side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement abuts an end of the outer side wall of the front pillar reinforcement in the front-to-rear direction of the car body and an end of an upper side wall of the roof side rail reinforcement overlaps an end of an inner side wall of the pillar front pillar reinforcement.
US08109554B2
In a vehicle adapted for a driver or passenger in a wheelchair, an additional support (11) for the back of the wheelchair is fastened to an upper portion of a pillar (12, 13), a lower portion of the pillar being fastened to the floor, and the upper portion of the pillar being turnable relative to the lower portion of the pillar and turnably fastened to a bracket of the B-pillar (10) of the vehicle so that the support (11) can be swung into and out of an operative position by the turning the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The upper and lower portions have interacting inner and outer sleeves (24,19) with grooves (28,21) oriented at an angle to each other. The inner and outer sleeves are interconnected by a through bolt (22) fastened to a device inside the lower portion and arranged to move the bolt along the pillar so that the upper portion (12) of the pillar is turned when the bolt is displaced vertically.
US08109551B2
Bus cabin structures including improved configurations of floors, passenger aisles and steps, interior roofs or ceilings, and door frames.
US08109548B2
A vacuum lifting device with a contractible and extensible suction tube and a suction cup, which device is provided with a valve house having an interior that is communicating with the interior of the suction tube. The valve house has an aperture for inlet of air and a valve device for regulating the air inlet by a valve body that is actuated by a rotary cam disc which is rotatable together with a rotary hand grip, which cam disc has a periphery designed to continuously displace the valve body an adjustable distance essentially perpendicular to the turning axis of the cam disc in dependence on the turning angle of the hand grip. A steep increase of the cam disc radius makes possible at need a stepwise displacement of the valve body in addition to the regulated distance.
US08109546B2
A bumper assembly for a vehicle may include a bumper cover with a garnish ring and a reflector disposed therein. The garnish ring may include a garnish connector and a reflector bracket that includes a reflector connection hole. The bumper cover may include a receptacle that includes a garnish bracket with a clearance hole and a connector opening that corresponds to the garnish connector. When the garnish ring is positioned in the receptacle, the garnish connector may be received in the connector opening thereby aligning the garnish ring with the bumper cover and the clearance hole with the reflector connection hole. The reflector may include a connector post when disposed in the garnish ring, the connector post may extend through the reflector connection hole and the clearance hole and be fastened to the reflector bracket such that the reflector is aligned with the garnish ring.
US08109533B2
The invention relates to an airbag module for a motor vehicle, comprising a gas sack package comprising a gas sack, an additional moveable element configured and provided to influence a state variable of the airbag, and a gas-tight protective covering that defines an inner space of the gas sack package, wherein the gas sack and the moveable element are arranged in said inner space, and a separate movement generating device configured and provided to move the moveable element. According to the invention, the movement generating device is arranged outside the inner space of the airbag package.
US08109532B2
A motor vehicle is provided with a passenger cell having an A-pillar, which is arranged laterally of a windshield of the vehicle, and includes, but is not limited to bracing connected with the A-pillar, and the A-pillar and the bracing are connected and spaced from each other with a sidewall part of the passenger cell, and on a side facing the passenger interior a covering part is arranged which is connected with the A-pillar. An airbag is provided within the A-pillar and mounted between the A-pillar and the covering part and extends forward to beyond the contact region of the bracing on the A-pillar. The covering part covers the airbag, and with the bracing a further covering part is connected and the two covering parts are detachably connected with each other.
US08109531B2
A system for push-steering an implement includes a pair of links, each link connecting the implement to a front portion of a motorized vehicle. Each link of the pair of connected links between the motorized vehicle and the implement is non parallel to each other. In response to the motorized vehicle traveling at a first predetermined steering angle, a traction element developed between at least two wheels of the implement and the driving surface rotatably urges one link toward a predetermined offset angle in a rotational direction opposite of the first predetermined steering angle. The pair of links simultaneously rotatably urges the implement to be steered toward a second predetermined steering angle in the same rotational direction as the first predetermined steering angle. The predetermined offset angle and second predetermined steering angle define a substantially stable position in response to the first predetermined steering angle.
US08109527B2
A medical cart comprising a base is supported on wheels. A first arm is supported on a track for linear movement in a first direction that supports a first platform. The arm also supports a second platform that is mounted for linear movement in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The first platform is mounted on a tilt assembly such that the angle of the first platform relative to the second platform can be adjusted.
US08109526B2
A cart comprises a first pillar that is mounted on a platform and defines first and second load supporting surfaces. A second pillar is mounted on the platform defining a third and fourth load supporting surfaces. The first and third load supporting surfaces are coplanar and the second and fourth load supporting surfaces are coplanar such that the first and second pillars form an A-frame support structure. Movable platforms are connected to the pillars and are movable between a raised position and a lowered position. When the movable platforms are in the lowered position, they are coplanar and form a support surface. Hangers are pivotably attached to the first pillar and are movable between a retracted position and an extended position.
US08109520B2
A cylinder head gasket includes at least one metal plate having a plurality of cylinder bores, a plurality of liquid holes and a plurality of bolt holes. Sealing beads are formed around the cylinder bores and the fluid holes, and a parting bead is formed separately from the sealing beads. In case the at least one metal plate is divided, in a plan view, into four areas including a front side and a rear side, and an intake side and an exhaust side by two straight lines perpendicular to each other to have equal areas, respectively, the parting bead is added to at least one of the four areas such that a total length of the sealing bead and the parting bead therein is between 95% and 100% of one of the four areas having a longest total length of the sealing bead.
US08109511B2
A paper discharger is configured so as to perform paper conveying process to a first stacking tray and paper conveying process to a second stacking tray by a driving force from a single motor capable of reversible rotation in both directions. An image forming apparatus includes a movable door configured so as to support the second stacking tray, and a second gear train. Between a group of gears configuring the second gear train and a discharge roller is disposed a one way clutch configured so as to transmit driving force to the discharge roller only in the direction of discharging paper to the second stacking tray.
US08109509B2
A paper sheet processing apparatus capable of preventing paper sheet clogging in a traveling route in which a paper sheet is conveyed is provided. The paper sheet processing apparatus comprises an open/close member 2B which is opened or closed with respect to a frame 2A and a traveling route through which the paper sheet (a bill, a card, a coupon ticket, and the like are collectively referred to as “paper sheet”) is conveyed is formed between the open/close member 2B and the frame 2A when the open/close member 2B is closed with respect to the frame 2A. The open/close member 2B is provided with a sensor 31 for detecting that the open/close member 2B is opened from the frame 2A.
US08109506B2
A method and system for determining sheet position and orientation of a sheet as the sheet moves along a feed path is provided herein. The method includes moving the sheet along the feed path and past at least one point sensor to measure a first position of the sheet relative to a first reference axis coinciding with the process direction of the feed path. Next, the method provides for moving the sheet along the feed path and past at least one linear array sensor to measure a second position of the sheet relative to a second reference axis disposed perpendicular to the first reference axis and an angular orientation of the sheet in the reference plane relative to a third reference axis perpendicular to the reference plane. After that, a sheet velocity is determined. Then, one or more estimated sheet positions along the feed path are determined.
US08109493B2
The invention as depicted in a preferred embodiment is a retrofitted automated truss assembly jig setting system and one or more removable plank units used therewith. Removable plank unit includes a pair of drive motors each connected to a motor plate that is fixed to the bottom surface of a plank. A pair of rods extends along the length of the plank and each is operatively connected to a motor such that activation of a motor rotates a rod. Puck assemblies are carried by rods and are linearly transposed along rods when motors are activated. A computerized control system is operatively connected to provide for automated positioning of pucks. Planks on existing truss assembly tables may be removed and replaced with removable plank units to turn a traditional truss assembly jigging table into an automated truss assembly jigging table.
US08109487B2
A linear solenoid device comprising an energizable coil; a movable core; a first fixed core as a magnetic member having a recess capable of accommodating one end of the movable core; a second fixed core as a magnetic member having an inner peripheral surface slidably supporting the movable core; and an annular non-magnetic member coaxially connecting the first fixed core and the second fixed core to each other, wherein the linear solenoid device is capable of being driven by an attraction force applied to the movable core towards the first fixed core upon energization of the coil, and the non-magnetic member is formed so that an inner peripheral surface of the non-magnetic member functions together with the inner peripheral surface of the second fixed core as a sliding surface along which the movable core is slidable.
US08109478B2
An apparatus for stabilizing, with respect to a grounded surface, an infant standing on a horizontal surface, the apparatus comprising: a grounded support structure configured for transmitting a ground force from the grounded surface; an outer support structure, operably coupled to the grounded support structure, configured for receiving the ground force and transmitting an outer support force; a connecting structure, disposed inside and operably coupled to the outer support structure, configured for receiving the outer support force and transmitting a connecting force; and an inner support structure, disposed inside and operably coupled to the connecting structure, configured for being disposed around the torso of the infant and for receiving the connecting force and transmitting a stabilizing force to the infant, there being no obstruction between the inner support structure and the horizontal surface.
US08109474B2
A train detector having dual ultrasonic sensors positioned adjacent to a rail for sensing the movement thereby of a train wheel and determining the direction and speed of the train for transmitting such information to nearby workers and signal devices and a method of train detecting are disclosed.
US08109469B2
A module for an aircraft for accessing an upper region of the aircraft includes both an ascent region and an accommodation region, with the regions being divided from each other by a divider element. The accommodation region may, for example, be designed as an on-board lavatory. In this way it may be possible to do without the provision of an additional lavatory monument.
US08109463B2
An undercarriage wheel is disclosed comprising an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a tire attached to the wheel member, wherein the tire bulges in the width dimension of the wheel, wherein the drive member protrudes from the wheel member and thus occupies at least some of the additional width made available by the bulge of the tire. A further aspect of the invention is an undercarriage wheel that comprises an axle member that supports a drive member, for example but not limited to a compact high torque electric motor, a wheel member driven by said drive member, and a low-profile tire attached to the wheel member. Since the profile of the tire is low, additional space is available inside the wheel for the drive member. Preferably, the drive member occupies at least some of this additional space, and has sufficient power to be able to propel an aircraft to which the undercarriage assembly is attached, either alone or in combination with other self-propelled undercarriage assemblies attached to the aircraft.
US08109459B2
A roller mill for grinding particulate material, such as cement raw materials, cement clinker and similar materials has a rotatable grinding table with a substantially vertical centerline and a number of rollers being configured for interactive operation with the grinding table and turning about separate roller shafts which are fixed to a rotatable center shaft with a substantially vertical centerline. The center shaft and the grinding table are fixed one to the rotor and the other to the stator of the same motor, which may have the capability of rotating both the grinding table and the center shaft.
US08109458B2
Described is a rolling bearing (1) for a rocker arm, said rolling bearing comprising an at least partly circular outer part (2), an at least partly circular inner part (3) and a number of rolling elements (5) which are fitted between the outer part (2) and the inner part (3). The rolling bearing is peculiar in that at least one of the rolling elements (5) comprises two opposite, curved side faces (6, 7), which viewed in at least one cross-sectional constitutes arc lengths of the same imaginary circle (10), and which constitutes contact faces for the outer and the inner circular part (2, 3) respectively, and at least one side surface (8, 9), which lies within the mentioned imaginary circle (10).It is hereby obtained that the number of rolling elements in the bearing can be increased, thereby reducing the load on each single rolling element subject to the same total load rate, thereby increasing the total load bearing capacity of the bearing. This is due to the fact that at least a part of the roller face of the traditional circular rollers which do not get into contact with the outer or inner part of the bearing through small reciprocating angular rotations is omitted thereby significantly reducing the space taken up by each of the rolling elements in the circumferential direction of the bearing.
US08109457B2
A pulp lifter assembly for a rotary grinding mill includes an outer pulp lifter having walls defining a pulp lifter chamber and an outlet opening for radially inward discharge of slurry from the pulp lifter chamber, and an inner discharger disposed radially inward of the outer pulp lifter and circumferentially offset from the outer pulp lifter. The inner discharger defines a passage for conveying slurry substantially radially inward. A transition discharger is disposed radially between the outer pulp lifter and the inner discharger. The transition discharger has a first wall bounding an interior space and a second wall dividing the interior space into first and second regions. The second wall includes a guide that bounds a channel connecting the outlet opening of the outer pulp lifter to the passage defined by the inner discharger.
US08109455B2
Devices for application of agents to the cutting mechanism of paper shredders are disclosed. Maintenance and lubrication can be performed by applying lubrication agents to the cutting mechanism of a paper shredder without requiring disassembly of the paper shredder. The agents can also include scented agents and decomposing agents or a combination thereof. Lubrication sheets are disclosed for applying agents to the cutting mechanism of paper shredders. A holder is disclosed for retaining lubrication sheets within proximity of a paper shredder. Paper shredders are also disclosed having various means for identifying when lubrication is needed and/or when the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder is lubricated by a lubrication sheet. Paper shredders having a reservoir of lubricant for delivery to the cutting mechanism of the paper shredder are also disclosed. Such reservoirs may be removable. Cap designs allowing use of a removable reservoir with the paper shredders are also disclosed.
US08109448B2
A system and method for combining an additive with a carrier fluid in a spray nozzle. The carrier fluid is fed to one or more nozzles that include an embedded Venturi. The Venturi includes an induction port connected to an additive supply. As the carrier fluid flows through the nozzle, the flow creates a vacuum or suction force that draws in the additive. Of particular advantage, the concentration of the additive combined with the carrier fluid can be maintained constant even if the flow rate of the carrier fluid varies. The system and process are particularly well suited for spraying fields, such as crop fields or orchards, with an agrochemical.
US08109445B2
A region to store authentication commands to perform authentication between a data carrier and a reader/writer device is divided into at least three areas, and as for the three areas, a first authentication command is stored in a first area, a second authentication command is stored in a second area, and a third authentication command is stored in a third area, and security levels can be selected depending on a command of an inquiry signal (41) transmitted from a reader/writer device (10), and thereby selection of the security level suitable for circumstances can be realized by a simple constitution.
US08109444B2
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for selectively switching antennas of transaction cards. In some implementations, a method includes physically interfacing a card with a mobile host device including a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The card executes wireless financial transactions independent of the mobile host device. User credentials used to execute financial transactions with retail terminals are stored. Information is presented through the GUI of the mobile host device. An antenna of the card is selectively switched between an activate state and an inactive state in response to at least an event.
US08109435B2
Methods, systems, and machine-readable media are disclosed for an identity verification switch. According to one embodiment, the method comprises receiving from an inquirer a request to verify an identity of an individual initiating a transaction. The request includes account information for an account subject to the transaction and identity information for the individual initiating the transaction. Based on the request, a verifying financial institution is selected from one or more participating financial institutions. The request is forwarded to the verifying financial institution for verification of the identity information. An answer is received from the verifying financial institution indicating results of verification of the identity information. The answer is returned to the inquirer.
US08109429B2
A motor vehicle car body framing apparatus for use at a welding station, the apparatus including a gate having a frame structure and a plurality of tooling members carried by the frame structure for use in positioning components of the vehicle body at the welding station for welding. The tooling members are mounted on the frame structure by a plurality of mounting brackets. Each mounting bracket includes a base member mounted on the frame structure and a riser mounted on the base and mounting a respective tooling member. The riser is fixedly mounted on the base by a single central fastener bolt which may include a reduced diameter portion sized to break away in response to predetermined impact against the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes means defining a triangulated mounting interface between the base and the riser arranged in concentric relation to the fastener bolt. The triangulated mounting interface may comprise a raised ring surface on one of the base and the riser centered on the axis of the fastener bolt and positioned at the mounting interface of the base and the riser. Each mounting bracket further includes two dowels received in aligned apertures in the base and in the riser at locations flanking the axis of the fastener bolt.
US08109420B2
A holder for a flashlight with a sheath that is variably positionable during use. A variably positionable sheath formed with a cavity and having an axial post. At least one u-shaped flexible removable grasping member is formed in the cavity. The u-shaped member has bent arms that apply pressure to the flashlight bell when it is inserted into the cavity. A disk with a plurality of pegs is rotatably mounted on the sheath, with o-rings that wrap both around pegs on the disk and around the pegs on the sheath or disk base, allowing the sheath to be rotated by the user and causing it to return automatically to its original position. A clip is engaged for securing the sheath to the user. A method for manufacturing a holder for a flashlight with a sheath that is variably positionable during use.
US08109419B2
A device for absorbing shocks of a liftable and lowerable object such as a spare tire includes a first hoisting cable having a hoist-side end and an object-side end and a hollow cylinder encompassing a folded or coiled length of the first hoisting cable near the object end inside the cylinder. Lower and upper ferrules at the lower and upper ends of the cylinder are held in position by a second auxiliary cable having two ends, each end attached to one of the ferrules, the second auxiliary cable having a smaller tearing strength than the first hoisting cable.
US08109413B2
A bar gun assembly for receiving a multiplicity of fluid carrying tubes carrying a multiplicity of fluids, for example, flavored syrup and soda water, therein. The bar gun assembly has a handle having a handle body. The handle body is a multiplicity of ports and fluid channels therein. A supply line connector assembly engages the supply lines and the handle body. A backing plate assembly engages openings in the fluid chambers of the handle body to seal fluid therein. A nozzle assembly engages at least some of the fluid channels in the handle.
US08109412B2
A dispenser head (1) for associating with a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, so as to form a fluid dispenser, the head including a connection sleeve (11) for connecting to an outlet (31) of the dispenser member, the sleeve (11) being connected to a fluid dispenser orifice (13, 13′) via an internal channel (12), the head being characterized in that it further includes a fluid collection dish (14) for collecting the fluid at the outlet from the dispenser orifice, the dish defining a bottom (141) that is situated below the dispenser orifice under normal conditions of use of the head, such that the fluid drops by gravity into the dish.
US08109408B2
A crate according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a base, a pair of opposed side walls extending upward from the sides of the base and a pair of end walls extending upward from ends of the base. The end walls each include a pair of spaced apart end columns each having a side flange partially defining a bottle receiving pocket and a lower rib projecting upwardly from the base between the side flanges. A handle extends across the pair of spaced apart columns at each end wall.
US08109402B2
Collapsible container which includes a base member, collapsible side walls, which adjacent side walls are inter-connectable. The base member is provided with feet members, a circumambient edge and a mainly horizontal load surface. The load surface is provided with recesses extending downwards from the load surface, said recesses being arranged adjacent the edge. At least one side wall is provided with downwards extending protrusions, said protrusions being arranged to interact with said recesses. Said at least one side wall engages the base member through vertical motion.
US08109395B2
A gantry system is provided that comprises a gantry beam having a first section and a second section and first and second motors cooperating to drive the respective first and second sections in parallel directions to position the gantry beam along a linear axis. A flexure is connected between the first and second sections about which the second section is deflectable relative to the first section, which is advantageous to reduce any stresses that may be caused in the gantry system when driving the gantry beam.
US08109390B2
Improvements in a semiconductor wafer container including improvements in side protection to the wafers, improved cover design to minimize rotation, a simplified top cover orientation mechanism and an improved bottom holding mechanism for automation. The side protection to the wafers is with multiple staggered inner and outer walls. The improved cover design improves alignment of the top and bottom housings and minimizes rotation of the housings in transit or motion. The housings have a recessed tab ramp feature with bi-directional locking that also increases the rigidity of the containment device when the two housings are assembled. The improved bottom holding mechanism for automation is an integrated feature that is molded into the bottom housing and not assembled in a secondary operation. The molded integration reduces tolerance errors that are present in assembling multiple pieces and joining multiple pieces.
US08109385B2
The present invention is directed to a container for delivering a nutritive substance. In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a container that protects a nutritive substance from contact with the contents of the container and from contact with the atmosphere until the consumer is ready to use or consume the product. When desired, a seal on the container is altered such that the nutritive substance can come into contact with the container contents, delivering the nutritive substance thereto.
US08109380B2
An intermediate storage including an intake station and an output station, two vertical conveyors, and two horizontal conveyors forming a conveying circuit with the two vertical conveyors. All conveyors are in a form of chain conveyors. The two vertical conveyors each include chains including catches and are arranged in pairs, each with an individual chain drive. Level differences which occur in operation between transferring edgers of unit load suppliers and carrier plates can be identified and corrected immediately. To keep a mutual gap between successive gondolas small, the gondola of a gondola pair that is running ahead is deflected sideways in the region of the deflection. A collision with the following gondola is thus reliably avoided.
US08109364B2
The present invention provides a new and unique portable, self-contained, fluid system. The portable, self-contained, fluid changing system may be used as a fluid changing device for changing a fluid such as oil or another suitable fluid in a container of a boat, recreational vehicle (RV), automobile or other suitable military, agricultural or industrial device. Alternatively, portable, self-contained, fluid system may also be used for providing fluid such as water or other suitable fluid for cleaning or showering. Moreover, the portable, self-contained, fluid system may also have a reversible electric pump that may be adapted or switched for pumping in either direction once the pump is affixed on the reservoir so the system may be sold and marketed for use in a fluid changing type of device or in a water providing or cleaning type of device consistent with that described above.
US08109359B2
The invention describes an ear protector (1) comprising a resilient band (2), the free ends of which each have arranged thereon an earplug (4). The band (2) includes a first area (2a) whose center line (2a′) merges under an angle α with an additional area (2b). When in use, the band is pivotable in the user's ears about an axis of rotation (3′) extending through the earplugs (4). In order to implement such an ear protector in a structurally simple manner such that noise disturbance caused when the band (2) rubs on a piece of clothing can be reduced or eliminated, it is suggested to implement a chin area (2a) and a cheek area (2b) between which the angle α is provided, said angle α ranging from 35° to 90°, preferably from 45° to 70° and even more preferably from 50° to 60°. The length (L) of the cheek area (2b) is dimensioned such that an extension of the center line (2a′) of the chin area (2a) and a line (5), which is parallel to said center line (2a′) and which extends through the point of penetration (D) of the axis of rotation (3′) through the band (2), are spaced apart at a distance (A) which ranges from 30 to 80 mm, preferably from 40 to 60 mm and even more preferably from 45 to 55 mm.
US08109346B2
A drill bit has cutting elements with multiple cutting surface geometries that are positioned so that their cutting profiles overlap, but do not completely contain or engulf one another. The different cutting surface geometries and the specific overlap create a zone of high density in the middle regions of the cutting profiles and low density in the periphery, resulting in a cutting profile that becomes sharper with increasing wear. Such an arrangement is more effective and stable as the drill bit encounters hard and abrasive formation materials. Moreover, cutting elements with larger axial volumes may be combined with cutting elements having smaller axial volumes.
US08109344B1
An auxiliary rotary tool drive apparatus mounted on, or an integral component of, hand-held rotary power tool has an extendable and retractable auxiliary drive shaft and a gear assembly that is selectively operatively engaged with the power transmitting shaft and gear assembly of the power tool and driven thereby using only the hand grasping the power tool for driving screws, fasteners, bits or other work performing members attached to the auxiliary drive shaft without having to move or remove the existing work performing member from the holding member of the power tool.
US08109341B1
Method for producing fire fighting foam using a composition is prepared consisting of foaming agent, water and gaseous medium. The composition is prepared via dissolving or emulsifying the components in one another under overpressure, the composition prepared this way is stored under overpressure at the required place for the required period of time, transported if necessary maintaining the overpressure, and it is expanded via decompressing it on the spot and at the time of application. The apparatus for producing the fire fighting foam comprises a high-pressure foam source (10), a foam expanding spreading device (60) and a pressure resistant pipeline (40) connecting the high-pressure foam source (10) with the foam expanding spreading device (60). A foam expanding spreading device comprises an admission opening and a discharge mouth, a tubular distributing body (63) suitably forming a closed loop of tubes, preferably of torus shape, the discharge mouth, suitably a slit (65) or a set of holes, is situated on the nappe of the tube along its length, preferably along its generating line.
US08109334B2
A method of sampling a subterranean formation fluid may comprise extracting a first fluid sample from a portion of the subterranean formation, altering a temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation, and extracting a second fluid sample from the portion of the subterranean formation having altered temperature. The temperature of the portion of the subterranean formation may be altered based on the relative position of a subterranean formation fluid temperature and the multiphase region envelope in the phase diagram of the subterranean formation fluid. The method may further comprise determining a property of the subterranean formation fluid.
US08109333B2
An indicator comprising a band having a first radial dimension; one or more protectors having a greater radial dimension and disposed sufficiently proximate the band to substantially avoid wear of the band during running of the indicator and method.
US08109331B2
A wellbore cleanup tool is run on slickline. It has an onboard power supply and circulation pump. Inlet flow is at the lower end into an inlet pipe that keeps up fluid velocity. The inlet pipe opens to a surrounding annular volume for sand containment and the fluid continues through a screen and into the pump for eventual exhaust back into the water in the wellbore. A modular structure is envisioned to add debris carrying capacity. Various ways to energize the device are possible. Other tools run on slickline are described such as a cutter, a scraper and a shifting tool.
US08109328B2
A fluid temperature control device, which is particularly suitably applied to the temperature control of a processing liquid in a semiconductor device manufacturing process, capable of performing quickly and precisely the temperature control of a temperature-controlled fluid, and the device can also be made as small as possible. This fluid temperature control device includes a body block having flow passage grooves formed therein; heat transfer plates which are disposed on surfaces of the body block to form flow passages where a temperature-controlled fluid flows; heaters which heat the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates; and thermoelectric modules which heat and cool the temperature-controlled fluid flowing through the flow passages via at least one of the heat transfer plates.
US08109324B2
A microchannel cooler containing a slurry having a particulate liquid/solid phase change material is provided balancing the interdependent factors of microencapsulated particle size with microchannel size and shape and flow conditions for the removal of high heat flux with low space and low power requirements.
US08109321B2
A modular heat sink assembly is disclosed. The heat sink assembly includes a main (larger) heat sink member having one or more voids through the member. The heat sink assembly also includes one or more additional (smaller) heat sink members that fit within the voids of the main heat sink member and are able to move (float) within the voids while thermally connected to main heat sink member. The thermal connection to the main heat sink member may be accomplished by incorporating heat pipes as a bridge between the heat sink members, so that heat spreading, and regulation thereof, occurs over the additional heat sink members and the main heat sink member.
US08109308B2
A non-pneumatic tire for supporting a load by working in tension comprising a generally annular inner ring, a generally annular outer ring, and an interconnected web having a plurality of web elements and comprising a plurality of generally polygonal openings. Web elements are sized, oriented and comprised of a material that facilitates buckling when subjected to a compressive load. By buckling, those elements in a deformed portion of the tire between a wheel and a footprint region where the tire contacts a surface can assume a significantly reduced portion of the load, if any. This causes web elements in other portions of the interconnected web to operate in tension to support the load.
US08109300B2
A portable system for transferring liquids such as fuels from a first tank to a second tank. The first tank may be, for example, a railcar and the second tank a transport trailer. The portable system is separated into multiple compartments with an engine compartment and a pump compartment. A wall separates the engine and pump compartments and may be sealed to prevent the passage of air or vapor therethrough. The pump is utilized to transfer liquid from the first tank to the second tank.
US08109295B2
A manifold assembly used to control the flow of oxygen in an oxygen concentrator system The manifold assembly provides a series of internal pathways which receive a primary and secondary relief valves via external orifices. The manifold reduces the number of component connections and potential leak paths for control and monitoring of process media.
US08109287B2
A container (1) for releasing a chemical additive (7) in a fluid material selected from a lubricant or hydraulic fluid composition comprises a fluid material-impermeable casing (3) having a hollow interior and an additive composition (7) comprising at least one fluid material-soluble additive. The additive (7) is held within the container (1) by a least one fluid material-permeable element (11) provided at or near an opening (13) in the casing (1) and is effective to provide for release of additive(s) (7) into the fluid material. Methods of releasing additives (7) into fluid material are also provided.
US08109286B2
In a fuel tank for containing a hydrogen storing material and a product generated by dehydrogenation reaction of the hydrogen storing material, comprising, a fuel chamber for containing the hydrogen storing material, a waste chamber for containing the product, and a tank envelope for containing the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, the fuel tank further comprises a partition wall fluidly separating the fuel chamber and the waste chamber from each other and being movable to change a ratio in volume between the fuel chamber and the waste chamber, and each of the fuel chamber and the waste chamber has a valve to be hermetically closed.
US08109276B2
The invention relates to a device for filtering tobacco smoke from a cigarette, in particular a filter cigarette, the device comprising a portable housing provided with a combustion space in which the cigarette can burn, a filter unit for filtering the tobacco smoke of a burning cigarette, at least one discharge opening for discharging filtered tobacco smoke and one or more tobacco smoke displacing units for displacing the tobacco smoke via the filter unit to the discharge opening, wherein a mouthpiece is formed on the housing, the mouthpiece comprising a holding unit for holding the cigarette, wherein the holding unit comprises an opening along which the cigarette can be pushed partially into the housing from outside the housing, and the opening is formed to hold the cigarette clampingly in the partially inserted situation.
US08109272B2
An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.
US08109269B2
A method of automatically controlling a respiration system for proportional assist ventilation with a control device and with a ventilator. An electrical signal is recorded by electromyography with electrodes on the chest in order to obtain a signal uemg(t) representing the breathing activity. The respiratory muscle pressure pmus(t) is determined by calculating it in the control unit from measured values for the airway pressure and the volume flow Flow(t) as well as the patient's lung mechanical parameters. The breathing activity signal uemg(t) is transformed by means of a preset transformation rule into a pressure signal pemg(uemg)(t)) such that the mean deviation of the resulting transformed pressure signal pemg(t) from the respiratory muscle pressure pmus(t) is minimized. The respiratory effort pressure ppat(t) is determined as a weighted mean according to ppat(t)=a·pmus(t)+(1−a)·pemg(t), where a is a parameter selected under the boundary condition 0≦a≦1.
US08109266B2
In accordance with non-limiting examples, a nebulizer includes a main body comprising an air channel section and further comprising a mixing chamber and a venturi positioned to be placed within the patient's oral cavity and configured to receive medicine and air and mix the medicine and air within the mixing chamber and receive the air flow through the venturi and cause the medicine entering the mixing chamber to be atomized by the action of air flowing through the venturi. An air flow sensor is associated with the main body and configured to measure the air flow created by the patient's one of at least inhaling and exhaling air.
US08109258B2
There is disclosed a method for diagnosing slow EGR response in an internal combustion engine equipped with an electronic controller with memory. In one embodiment, the method includes passing an EGR setpoint value and an actual EGR value through first order filters to eliminate high frequency noise; determining an actual EGR gradient as a function of any difference between the EGR set point and the actual EGR value while simultaneously determining an actual EGR gradient; and logging a fault in the electronic controller if the expected EGR gradient is greater than the actual EGR gradient by a predetermined amount.
US08109249B2
A valve control for a gas exchange valve of an internal combustion engine includes at least one spring element for preloading the valve in an end position and a fixing device for the releasable fixing of the valve. The spring element in a moveable insert, which by means of an actuation device is adjustable in actuation direction of the valve between an end position close to the valve disc and an end position far from the valve disc for adjusting a preload applied on the valve by the spring element.
US08109248B2
The present invention provides a valve lifter, including a buffer layer, a Me diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 0.3˜0.6 μm, and a diamond-like carbon layer having a thickness of 1˜1.5 μm and a SP3 bonding fraction of 60˜70%, which are sequentially formed on a base body which is subjected to carbonitriding treatment. The valve lifter can exhibit superior low-friction characteristics and wear resistance.
US08109246B2
A camshaft damping mechanism may include first and second housing members and a biasing member. The first housing member may be engaged with a camshaft. The second housing member may be slidably coupled to the first housing member and may abut an engine structure. The biasing member may be retained axially between the first and second housing members and may force the first housing member in an outward axial direction from the second housing member.
US08109238B2
The present invention relates to a device for facilitating and maintaining the cleanliness of a self cleaning cat litter box. The device is a structure that contains two plastic strips attached to a tape and attaches to an interface junction located at the top of a litter box container ramp. The device facilitates and guides the waste as it is moved from the litter box into a waste receptacle insert by rake tines and prevents contamination of areas along the path of the moving waste.
US08109236B2
Assemblies in accordance with the invention can lead to an exceptionally easy to use, safe, and convenient system and method of applying a fixed dosage of chemicals to which a user might wish to avoid contact, such as parasiticides. In the present invention, a fluid, such as a pesticide or parasiticide, glue, solvent, lubricant, medicament and the like is loaded into a fluid reservoir and the reservoir sealed. The reservoir can be attached to a cap-applicator structure which is in an inactive configuration. In the inactive configuration, a piercing tip remains poised over the reservoir in an inactive configuration without forming an opening in the reservoir. The cap-applicator can have a sharp intsernal piercing tip capable of piercing the reservoir when the assembly is converted into an active configuration. This will allow the user to dispense the liquid out of the reservoir through the applicator.
US08109231B1
The invention pertains to a lining device that can be pulled through a pipe having an approximate diameter between 1 and 36 inches. The device sprays an electrically charged lining mixture 360° onto the inside pipe surface. The lining mixture is electro-statically charged to facilitate full encapsulation and adhesion to all pipe wall surfaces in a circumferentially uniform thickness. The lining device can be contained in a multipart housing having flexible rod-like components that hold the device in the center of the longitudinal axis of the pipe. The lining mixture is conveyed to the device through heated non expanding hose. The non expanding properties facilitate the delivery of the lining under pressure to the device. The device also incorporates a dwell cone having a knurled edge that atomizes the lining mixture as it is centrifugally thrown onto the pipe wall. The device may further incorporate nitrogen in mixing the lining material.
US08109228B2
A cartridge changer (41) is composed of a swing arm (48) with a cartridge gripper (48B) for gripping a paint cartridge (24), and an arcuate moving portion (46) for putting the swing arm (48) in swinging movements in a horizontal plane. The cartridge changer (41) is adapted to pick up a replenished paint cartridge (24) on the mount deck (42) by the cartridge gripper (48B) and transfer the swing arm (48) to a changing position “O” by the arcuate moving portion (46). By the operation, a used paint cartridge (24′) will be replaced by the replenished paint cartridge (24) between the mount deck (42) and a common body (15) which is located in the changing position “O” of the atomizing head changing and washing device (31).
US08109220B2
The device comprises a tubular member (377) on which a tubular knitted article (M) is disposed and an operating head (1432) positioned in front of an end of the tubular member, comprising a plurality of contact members (1467; 1447, 1453). The contact members comprise a pair of wheels (1447; 1453) and a plurality of pads 1467).
US08109217B2
A system, device and method for enhancing burning of a solid object in a combustion process is provided where one or more incineration devices (101) for burning a solid object (101), at least one sonic device (301) and wherein said at least one sonic device (301) is a transmitter of high intensity-ultrasound adapted to, during use, apply high intensity ultrasound to said solid object (101) thereby removing ash from said solid object (101) and increasing the speed of the burning of said solid object (101).
US08109207B2
A gripper for a removable lid of a kitchen utensil is provided, which can be fixed to a top of a lid through the action of a magnet on a magnetic component. The gripper comprises a base plate and an operating member that can move relative to the base plate between a magnetizing position in which the force exerted by the magnet on the magnetic component allows the gripper to be secured to the top, and an isolating position in which this force is not strong enough to secure the gripper to the top.
US08109205B1
A vertical grilling apparatus employs food cartridges on rails to slideably insert the food cartridge into the housing of the grilling apparatus between two thermal elements for cooking the food items. The rails correspond to a vertical slot, or opening, in the housing for engaging the food cartridge. The food cartridge is sized to correspond to a top and bottom rail and to the vertical slot. The food cartridges have hinged sides which close or clamp to an opposed position for engaging and securing the food items in a food specific insert on the hinged sides sized to accommodate the food item. The horizontally disposed food cartridge is rotated to a vertical orientation after closing and securing the food items for insertion into the vertical slot. The insertion disposes the food cartridge equidistant between the opposed thermal elements for thermal communication with the thermal elements for cooking the food.
US08109203B1
An apparatus for preparing tostones, referred to herein as a tostonera, has a base member with an upper surface including a plurality of concave recesses therein and a relatively planar bottom surface. A first press member is connected to the base member along a first periphery, and has a plurality of punches equal in number and co-located with the plurality of concave recesses. The first press member hingedly connected to the base member is capable of engaging the base member when pressure is applied to the first press member. A second press member hingedly connected to the base member along a second periphery, has at least one depression therein. The depression within the second press member may be configured to permit either a series of tostones or an entire half banana to be pressed at a single time.
US08109199B2
A reciprocating compressor comprises: a cylinder having an oil pocket on an inner circumferential surface of a piston insertion hole for inserting a piston with a predetermined width and depth; and a piston having a bearing portion protruding so as to slidably contact an inner circumferential surface of the piston insertion hole, and inserted into the piston insertion hole of the cylinder, wherein the bearing portion is formed to have a length shorter than that of the oil pocket of the cylinder. Accordingly, a frictional loss between the cylinder and the piston is reduced.
US08109181B2
A ratchet screwdriver with an assembly of a handle (10), a body (17), a gear (56), a pawl (21, 22, 71), and a selector (27) movable on the assembly. The selector carries a pawl actuator (38, 81) for pivoting the pawl, and there is a rotation lock (42, 92) on the selector for releasably holding the rotated selector. The selector can be axially, and also rotationally, movable on the body for controlling the lock. The assembly is along an axis (A), and there are a member (44) and axial force appliers (62, 64) effective between the body and the member, thus restricting axial movement in the assembly. There is provision for assembly along the axis from adjacent the handle. There are modifications and an assembly method.
US08109180B2
A ratchet wrench includes a head rotatably receiving a drive member. The head includes an end wall having a hole. One of an inner face of the end wall and an end face of the drive member defines a first abutment face. The other of the inner face and the end face includes an annular groove having a bottom wall defining a second abutment face. A dustproof ring is mounted and compressed in the annular groove. The dustproof ring in an uncompressed state has a natural maximum height along a rotating axis of the drive member larger then a spacing between the first and second abutment faces. The dustproof ring includes three sealing units along a radial direction perpendicular to the rotating axis. Each sealing unit has a thickness along the rotating axis smaller than the spacing.
US08109174B2
An axle assembly with an axle housing assembly and a differential that is mounted in the axle housing assembly for rotation about a first axis. The axle housing assembly defines an interior cavity with a sump having a static liquid lubricant level. The axle housing assembly includes a housing structure and a cover that is coupled to the housing structure. First and second sets of ribs are coupled to the cover and extend into the interior cavity. The first and second sets of ribs are disposed on opposite sides of a ring gear associated with the differential and include a plurality of ribs. A first portion of at least one of the ribs extends below the static liquid lubricant level to thereby be immersed when a liquid lubricant fills the sump to a level that coincides with the static liquid lubricant level.
US08109167B2
A gearbox is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to at least a first input shaft and at least a first output shaft. The first input and output shafts carrying at least a first drive gearwheel and a first driven gearwheel, respectively, for establishing a forward gear ratio, and a second drive gearwheel and a second driven gearwheel, respectively, coupled by a 10 first intermediate gearwheel for establishing a reverse transmission ratio. The second driven gearwheel meshes with a third driven gearwheel on a second output shaft for establishing a further forward gear ratio.
US08109163B2
An actuator comprises a first actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a first component and a second component, a second actuator arrangement operable to allow relative axial movement to occur between a third component and a fourth component, brake means operable to prevent extension of the first and/or second actuator arrangement, and damping means operable to control the rate of extension of at least one of the first and second actuator arrangements.
US08109160B2
An inspection apparatus may include an arm member, a vacuum pump, a contact member, and at least one probe. The contact member may be connected to the arm member and connected to the vacuum pump for contacting and applying vacuum pressure from the vacuum pump to a workpiece surface being inspected. The at least one probe may be connected to the arm member for emitting signals against the workpiece surface being inspected and for receiving signals from the workpiece surface being inspected.
US08109155B2
Example methods and apparatus to measure fluid flow rates are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a circulator to selectively circulate a fluid in a flowline, a generator thermally coupled to the flowline at a first location and controllable to form a heat wave in the fluid, a sensor thermally coupled to the flowline at a second location to measure a first value representative of the heat wave, a phase detector to determine a second value representative of a wavelength of the heat wave based on the first value, a frequency adjuster to control the generator to form the heat wave in the fluid at a first frequency, the first frequency selected so that the second value is substantially equal to a distance between the first and second locations, and a flow rate determiner to determine a flow rate of the fluid based on the first frequency.
US08109154B2
A dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) is provided according to the invention. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) includes a first flowtube (102A) and a second flowtube (102B) positioned substantially adjacent to the first flowtube (102A). The first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) include a longitudinal length L. The dual-driver vibratory flowmeter (100) further includes a first driver (121) comprising first and second driver portions (121A, 121B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the first driver (121) being located at a third longitudinal location Y along the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) and a second driver (122) comprising first and second driver portions (122A, 122B) and affixed to the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B), with the second driver (122) being located substantially at the third longitudinal location Y and substantially spaced-apart from the first driver (121). The first driver (121) and the second driver (122) vibrate the first and second flowtubes (102A, 102B) substantially in unison.
US08109150B2
The precision of crack-propagation prediction is improved by taking into consideration a variation in the error due to inspectors and inspection methods. There is provided a crack-propagation prediction method including a correlation-information preparing step of measuring the length of a crack initiated in a test object by a plurality of inspectors and/or a plurality of inspection methods and obtaining correlation information between data acquired through the measurement and the condition of an actual crack; a crack-length estimating step of estimating the actual length of the crack initiated in an inspection target on the basis of the crack length measured by an inspector during inspection of the inspection target and the correlation information; and a crack-propagation-curve estimating step of estimating a crack-propagation curve of the inspection target originating from the crack length estimated in the crack-length estimating step.
US08109148B2
A pressure compensation unit for use in a pressure sensor includes a housing which has at least one continuous channel, at least one opening being provided in a wall of the channel. The opening is connectable to a reference pressure chamber of the pressure sensor via at least one air passage in the housing. The opening is closed by at least one gas-permeable and preferably fluid-tight filter diaphragm.
US08109145B2
One embodiment is a micro hemispheric resonator gyro having: a plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes; a hemispheric resonator; a guard ring having first and second opposed sides, the guard ring containing the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, and the hemispheric resonator; a top cover operatively coupled to the first side of the guard ring; and a bottom cover operatively coupled to the second side of the guard ring; wherein the plurality of pickoff and forcer electrodes, the hemispheric resonator, the guard ring, the top cover and the bottom cover form a micro hemispheric resonator gyro.
US08109134B2
In a method for determining the degree of hardening or drying of one or more printed ink and/or coating film(s) on a substrate, for instance, paper, cardboard, plastic film or composite materials, a faster and more efficient measuring method can be found that furthermore supplies secure and easily interpreted results. The method is to be used in the mass production printing processes comprising intaglio printing, flexographic printing, screen printing or offset printing. The degree of hardening or drying is determined indirectly by way of the change in the mechanical and/or viscoelastic properties of the ink and/or coating films on the substrate that result from the hardening or drying process. The detection of acoustic waves by means of a piezoelectric sensor is used as the measuring method.
US08109133B2
The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring the ability of a material to absorb a liquid, whereby a liquid is brought into contact with a surface of a test specimen (P) of the material, and wherein the amount of liquid that has been absorbed in the test specimen is calculated. A certain amount of liquid is supplied to a liquid chamber unit, which on one side is limited by said surface, such that an amount of liquid which is absorbed by the test specimen leaves the liquid chamber unit and a representation comprising an indication of the reduction of the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber unit is produced.
US08109132B2
The apparatus (1) comprises a sensor (3) having a sensor axis (A), for monitoring at least one property of a fluid; a body (2) for comprising said fluid; and a connecting system for detachably connecting said sensor to said body; wherein said connecting system comprises a fixing member (9) arranged at said body, rotatable around an axis (R) of rotation; and a retaining member (6) arranged at said sensor, interacting with said fixing member; wherein said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. The method is a method for detachably connecting a sensor (3) for monitoring at least one property of a fluid to a body (2) containing said fluid, said sensor having a sensor axis (A). Said method comprises the step of rotating a fixing member arranged at said body in a first sense of rotation around an axis (R) of rotation, thus causing said fixing member to interact in such a way with a retaining member arranged at said sensor, that said retaining member moves in a substantially translational way substantially parallel to said sensor axis. Said axis of rotation is arranged substantially perpendicular to said sensor axis. Preferably, said fixing member has a cross-section having substantially the shape of a section or a segment of an ellipse, in particular it has a substantially semi-circular cross-section.
US08109130B2
A gas detector and process for detecting a fluorine-containing species in a gas containing same, e.g., an effluent of a semiconductor processing tool undergoing etch cleaning with HF, NF3, etc. The detector in a preferred structural arrangement employs a microelectromechanical system (MEMS)-based device structure and/or a free-standing metal element that functions as a sensing component and optionally as a heat source when elevated temperature sensing is required. The free-standing metal element can be fabricated directly onto a standard chip carrier/device package so that the package becomes a platform of the detector.
US08109118B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for efficiently remove bubbles present on a surface of molten glass, which can solve a problem that bubbles remaining on a surface of molten glass are get inside at a time of forming the glass to cause inside bubbles, to thereby provide a glass substrate of good quality, and which can improve productivity of glass substrates; and to provide a process for producing glass employing the above method for removing bubbles. The present invention provides a method for removing bubbles from molten glass, which is a method for removing floating bubbles on a surface of molten glass, wherein a floating bubble on the surface of molten glass is irradiated with at least one laser beam.
US08109111B2
An optional unit (30) including a high pressure side compressor (31) and a gas-liquid separator (33) is provided between an outdoor unit (20) including a low pressure side compressor (21) and an indoor unit (40). During a defrosting operation, refrigerant discharged from the low pressure side compressor (21) defrosts an outdoor heat exchanger (21) while refrigerant in the gas-liquid separator (33) is sucked into the high pressure side compressor (31) and is then discharged to the suction side of the low pressure side compressor (21). The optional unit (30) includes an injection pipe (36) for returning part of the refrigerant discharged from the high pressure side compressor (31) to the suction side of the high pressure side compressor (31) in the defrosting operation. Hence, the refrigerant flowing into the high pressure side compressor (31) from the gas-liquid separator (33) is gasified by the high-temperature discharged refrigerant.
US08109109B2
The present invention relates generally to a system for cooling residential spaces, such as a garage. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a steel security door modified with evaporative media to cool incoming air, a water supply and re-circulating subsystem and a large fan to move fresh air through the cool door, into one or more residential spaces, such as a garage and/or an attic.
US08109105B2
In a refrigerating air conditioning system using refrigerant such as CO2 used in a supercritical area, a highly efficient refrigerating air conditioning system is provided by adjusting the amount of refrigerant in a radiator which contributes to the efficiency of the system stably and quickly. During heat utilizing operation, the superheat at the exit of an evaporator is controlled to a predetermined value by controlling the opening of an expansion valve provided on the upstream side of the evaporator, and an expansion valve is controlled so that the state of refrigerant in a connection pipe on the high-pressure side becomes a supercritical state. In this state, a flow rate control valve is controlled to change the density of the refrigerant stored in a refrigerant storage container and the amount of refrigerant existing in the radiator is adjusted. A target high-pressure value and a target value of the radiator exit temperature are set and the capacity of the compressor is controlled to obtain the target values, and the amount of refrigerant existing in the radiator is adjusted by the refrigerant amount adjusting circuit.
US08109101B2
A multi-zone HVAC&R system has its control programmed to provide diagnostic testing of air handling components and refrigerant components associated with each climate controlled zone in sequence. The control changes the original position of the corresponding component and a resultant change in a relevant operational parameter is sensed. If the actual change is outside of the tolerance band associated with the expected change, then the determination is made that the component under consideration is malfunctioning. The periodicity of a diagnostic procedure for a particular component is typically defined by its criticality and reliability level. If the change in the corresponding operation parameter is recorded and stored in the database, the component degradation can be observed over time and a prognostic prediction can be made when a particular component requires preventive maintenance or replacement.
US08109100B2
The invention provides the use of a material of general formula (I): [(AyCo1-y)]u(Mn1-zCz)[(Si1-xBx)]v (I) as a magnetocaloric material, wherein the material is orthorhombic and wherein: A is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; B is selected from Ge, Sn, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; C is selected from Ni, Cr, Fe, Al, P, Se, Ga and Sb and mixtures thereof; x, y and z are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0 to 0.2; and u and v are the same or different and are numbers in the range 0.5 to 1.5. The invention also provides a method of making materials of formula (I) and a magnetocaloric refrigeration device comprising such materials.
US08109095B2
A method of producing electrical power for delivery on an electrical power supply grid includes (a) providing a combined heat and power plant generating heat and electrical power from one or more of biomass, fossil fuel, and nuclear fuel; (b) providing a fuel producing plant for generating a carbon-based fuel and/or a nitrogen-based fuel using electrical power from the combined heat and power plant and a combination of two or more materials selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, carbonaceous gasses, carbonaceous liquids, and nitrogen; (c) determining the need for electrical power on the electrical power supply grid and delivering needed electrical power on the grid; and (d) delivering any excess electrical power to the fuel producing plant.
US08109093B2
The invention relates to a method and an arrangement in connection with a piston engine provided with a turbocompressor. In the method, combustion air from the engine is pressurized by the compressor of the turbocompressor, pressurized combustion air is humidified, fuel is combusted in the cylinder of the engine by means of combustion air and the exhaust gases generated during the combustion are conveyed by means of combustion air to the turbine of the turbocompressor. A partial flow is separated from the pressurized combustion air flow, conveyed past the engine and combined with the exhaust gas flow going to the turbine.
US08109092B2
Methods and systems for controlling an engine are provided. In some examples, the engine has at least a cylinder and a compression device coupled to an intake of the engine, and the method includes, during engine re-start operation of an engine idle-stop condition, commencing combustion in the cylinder from a non-combusting condition, the combustion in a two-stroke combustion cycle of the cylinder. However, in some examples, at least partially electrically powered boosting operation may also be used to extend the two-stroke operation during a start.
US08109085B2
In various embodiments, pneumatic cylinder assemblies are coupled in series pneumatically, thereby reducing a range of force produced by or acting on the pneumatic cylinder assemblies during expansion or compression of a gas.
US08109083B2
An aspirator includes converging and diverging cones, and singular support tube structure concentrically surrounding and mounting both the converging cone and the diverging cone and maintaining predetermined axial spacing and alignment of the cones in a cost-effective manufacturing assembly.
US08109081B2
A method for controlling hydrocarbon delivery to a hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device configured to receive an exhaust gas flow from an internal combustion engine includes monitoring measurable variable terms including factors affecting a conversion efficiency in the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device, determining classifications of the measurable variable terms based upon measurable variable ranges, determining a desired hydrocarbon delivery value range based upon the classifications; and utilizing the desired hydrocarbon delivery value range to control the hydrocarbon delivery to the hydrocarbon selective catalytic reduction device.
US08109077B2
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for injecting fluid, such as an aqueous urea solution, into an exhaust stream in order to reduce oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions from diesel engine exhaust. More particularly, the present invention provides a dual-injector system for diesel emissions control and corresponding methods.
US08109074B2
An engine system comprises at least a first volumetric device, and a second volumetric device in which said second volumetric device is larger in volume than said first volumetric device, in which, during continuous flow of a compressible fluid from said first to said second volumetric device work is performed.
US08109073B2
A hybrid propulsive technique includes providing a flow of a working fluid through at least a portion of an at least one jet engine. The hybrid propulsive technique comprises extracting energy from the working fluid that is at least partially converted into electrical power, and converting at least a portion of the electrical power to a torque. The hybrid propulsive technique also comprises rotating an at least one independently rotatable compressor stator at least partially responsive to the converting the at least a portion of the electrical power to the torque.
US08109067B2
In a mail production system comprising at least one user workstation on which a document is generated, printer means for printing the pages of said document, and folding and insertion means for folding the pages once they have been printed and for inserting them into an envelope, a method is provided in which, in order to control insertion into the envelope of each of the pages of the document, a unique marking code is generated, for each page of said document, on the basis of a predetermined combination of characters on each of said pages.
US08109064B2
A method of sterilizing a contact lens includes at least partially sterilizing the contact lens with an application of electrolyzed brine. A system for at least partially sterilizing a contact lens in initial packaging includes a generator for producing electrolyzed brine with biocidal activity, and a dispenser for dispensing a quantity of electrolyzed brine from the generator into the initial packaging with the contact lens.
US08109048B2
A photovoltaic (PV) module framing and coupling system enables the attachment of PV modules to a roof or other mounting surface without requiring the use of separate structural support members which attach directly to and span between multiple PV modules in a formed PV array. The inventive apparatus provides a parallel coupling for securely interlocking the outside surfaces of parallel frame members together in a side to side arrangement to form an array with improved structural load distribution. The inventive coupling member may attach to a slot in the frame at substantially any position along the length of the frame thereby enabling the interconnection of adjacent PV modules along both an x and y axis. The inventive apparatus may further provide a rotating portion and locking portion for coupling to frame attachment, mounting brackets for direct connection to a mounting surface, grounding teeth for the automatic creation of a reliable two axis grounding matrix, and a rapid twist-lock engagement means for reliably interlocking and aligning PV modules in the array.
US08109046B2
A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.
US08109044B2
An outdoor shower enclosure that may include a roof and a base frame having a plurality of metal structural members that are connected together to define a peripheral edge with a plurality of mounting plates. A plurality of substantially vertically extending support posts may be provided that extend between the mounting plates and the roof. In some cases, the support posts may be spaced apart approximately equidistant from each other along the peripheral edge. The shower enclosure may include a plurality of vinyl wall panels disposed between the posts. In some cases, a vinyl floor panel could be carried by the base frame.
US08109043B2
This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building.
US08109040B2
A linear drive arrangement for a sliding door includes a guide track, a stator arrangement which is fixed with respect to the guide track, a guide carriage to which a door leaf can be fixed for movement parallel to the guide track, and a plurality of permanent magnets fixed to the carriage so that the carriage can be suspended by magnetic forces between the stator and the magnets. A pair of supporting rollers support the carriage on the guide track when the carriage is not fully suspended by the magnetic forces, particularly at the beginning and end of movement of the carriage.
US08109039B2
A unit support for a motor vehicle door includes at least one longitudinally extended guide rail of a motor vehicle window lifter arranged on the unit support, which extends between a first and a second end portion and on which a drive element serving to receive a window pane to be adjusted along an adjusting path of the guide rail defined by guide surfaces is movably guided. A hollow body is integrally formed on the unit support in the region of at least one end portion of the guide rail. The hollow body extends the guide surfaces of the guide rail serving to guide the drive element, defining the adjusting path and/or a deflection element is provided on the hollow body for deflecting a flexible traction means of the window lifter, in order to increase the length of travel of the motor vehicle window lifter in the direction of extension of the guide rail.
US08109036B1
A chamber has upper end and lower ends. A base has an annular trough receiving and supporting the lower end of the chamber. When water is within the trough, air flowing through slots in the lower end of the chamber becomes moisture laden. A fan in the chamber directs the air flow in a recirculating path of travel. A carbon dioxide tank in the chamber dispenses carbon dioxide into the recirculating path of travel of the air flow. A solenoid has an input line coupling the tank and the solenoid and an output line with an exterior extent with apertures and a foam covering constituting a reservoir. A control assembly activates and inactivates the fan and the carbon dioxide tank in a timed sequence.
US08109007B2
A method for sensing an object profile shape involves relatively sweeping (whisking or translating) in angular or translational increments an elongated whisker element having a deflectable cantilever region and an object so that the cantilever region bends as a result of sliding along an object periphery. The moment (torque) at a base region of the whisker element as a result of the bending is determined. The method then iteratively determines successive contact point locations on the object periphery based on small successive increments in angle or position of the whisker element and the sensed moment (torque).
US08108997B2
An apparatus for stabilizing a shaft in an essentially horizontal position while an anchoring object at one end of the shaft is replaced without removal of an object at the opposite end of the shaft that would otherwise tend to destabilize the shaft from its essentially horizontal position includes a half-spool member configured to clamp above and around the shaft to resist torque around the rotor, under supports configured to attach to the half-spool member and clamp an underside of the shaft below the half-spool member, and a hydraulic or mechanical brake configured to resist torque on the shaft when the brake is engaged.
US08108996B2
A method of producing shafts such as shafts used in a transmission, particularly for a motor vehicle, is provided. A shaft base body and at least one gearwheel, which is at least substantially finished separately from the shaft and subsequently is fixed to the shaft in such a way as to transmit torque available at the shaft or input torque by the gearwheel having a hollow hub body and being axially pressed onto a seat on the shaft base body so as to form a frictional connection which transmits the torque from the shaft to the gearwheel.
US08108994B2
An electrosurgical forceps has at least the tip of one blade member formed of a composite material having aligned elongated particles of nickel interspersed in a matrix of silver particles. The tip can be provided as a tip member attached, such as by brazing, to the body of the blade member, or the entire blade member can be formed of the silver/nickel composite material. In another embodiment, the tip or blade member is formed of a dispersion strengthened silver or copper composite material.
US08108985B2
A method for manufacturing a magnetic write head for perpendicular magnetic recording. The method includes forming a write pole, and then depositing a refill layer. A mask structure can be formed over the writ pole and refill layer, the mask structure being configured to define a stitched pole. An ion milling or reactive ion milling can then be performed to remove portions of the refill layer that are not protected by the mask structure. Then a magnetic material can be deposited to form a stitched write pole that defines a secondary flare point. The stitched pole can also be self aligned with an electrical lapping guide in order to accurately locate the front edge of the secondary flare point relative to the air bearing surface of the write head.
US08108984B2
Methods of manufacture of integrated circuit inductors having slotted magnetic material will be described. The methods may employ electro- or electroless plating techniques to form a layer or layers of magnetic material within the slotted magnetic material structure, and in particular those magnetic material layers adjacent to insulator layers.
US08108976B2
A buckle for a seat belt that resists unintentional unlatching when subjected to rapid acceleration or deceleration. The buckle assembly includes a female buckle and a removable male tongue plate. The female buckle includes a spring-loaded pawl that lockingly engages a slot in the removable tongue plate. The spring urges the pawl into locking engagement with the slot in the tongue plate. The present invention discloses a pawl-loading spring made from a material that resists elastic deformation when the buckle is subjected to a force perturbation such as the sudden acceleration or deceleration of the buckle that occurs during a crash. The spring material exhibits resistance to deformation when loaded at a high loading rate.
US08108972B2
A decoration is installed in a seating channel provided in a handle bar. The seating channel with the decoration installed therein is shielded by a transparent or translucent handle cover. Cover end coupling pieces are provided at both ends of the handle cover and coupled with coupling ribs of a handle bar body of the handle bar or a cover base. The cover end coupling pieces protrude and extend from both ends of the handle cover to be perpendicular to other portions. A luminous body or jewel may be used as the decoration.
US08108971B2
A pivot hinge for roof windows with a sash pivoting around the axis located between the upper and the lower member of a window, has a balancing system, which ensures the state of equilibrium of a window sash when its centre of gravity is located outside the sash rotating axis and the friction spring of the hinge is unable to hold the sash pivoted in each its position. At the same time the window fittings, its assembly, installation in a roof and its appearance remain unchanged. Also the method of separating of both hinge parts (taking a sash out of a window frame) remains unchanged.
US08108970B2
A hinge mechanism has at least one hinge assembly, a rail assembly and a sliding bracket. The hinge assembly has a hinge and a lifting seat. The hinge is adapted to pivotally connect a cover and a base of an electronic device. The lifting seat is attached to the cover and has a recess. The rail assembly has at least one rail seat having a rail slot. The sliding bracket is adapted to be deposited an input unit, is movably mounted between the hinge assembly and the rail assembly and has at least one upper sliding shaft and at least one lower sliding shaft. The upper and lower sliding shafts are respectively mounted in the recess and the rail slot. A side of the sliding bracket would be elevated by the lifting seat to allow the sliding bracket to be inclined to the cover, whereby the input unit is convenient for use.
US08108961B2
A broom assembly includes a head structure and a rod structure. The head structure includes a base having a coupling face formed with a reception chamber and an opening for access into the reception chamber, and a plurality of resilient ribs provided at the periphery confining the opening and extending inwardly and radially toward a center axis of the opening. The rod structure includes a coupling member provided partially, rotatably and detachably within the reception chamber in the coupling face of the base. When the coupling member is detachably received within the reception chamber, the coupling member biases against and engages the resilient ribs so as to be prevented untimely disengaging from the base.
US08108956B2
A grab bar assembly includes tabs which engage respective pockets to position a cap within a grab bar recessed area. The tabs and pockets position the cap while a locking tab secures the cap within the recessed area.
US08108946B2
A special device for use as an auxiliary accessory to keep ones hands warm and safe from the elements. The device has many variations in size, color and materials anticipated with only minor physical changes for manufacturing. In a cold or a moderating environment with wide temperature variations and exposure to cold, a person often needs a means to protect ones hands from the severe cold temperature. This device provides an economical, efficient and durable way to protect ones hands in the exposed environment. The device is comprised essentially of a piece of “fur-like” cloth (natural or artificial) that is attached by a means (sewn, glued, or the like) to itself in a special configuration and then “inserted and stuffed” within itself to provide a new, special configuration for retaining heat and protecting ones hands. The result is a cost efficient and durable hand warming product.
US08112812B2
In a recording medium, a device administration program for making a computer execute the following steps using a usage restriction definition file is recorded. The usage restriction definition file is capable of defining at least one administration function among a plurality of administration functions of a device and includes a device password for obtaining an authentication of the device. The steps comprises a step of reading a usage availability definition information of the administration functions and the device password from the usage restriction definition file, a step of transmitting the read device password to the device, a step of recognizing usage availabilities of a plurality of administration functions of the device based on the read definition information, and a step of executing processing for using only usage available administration function based on the recognized results.
US08112811B2
A block key to encrypt block data is generated using an ATS (arrival time stamp) appended to each of TS (transport stream) packets included in a transport stream correspondingly to the arrival time of the TS packet. The ATS is a random data depending upon an arrival time, and so a block-unique key can be generated, which enhances the protection against data cryptanalysis. A block key is generated from a combination of an ATS with a key unique to a device, recording medium or the like such as a master key, disc-unique key, title-unique key or the like. Since an ATS is used to generate a block key, any area for storage of an encryption key for each block may not be provided in a recording medium.
US08112807B2
A wireless device having a memory is provided. The memory or a protected portion of the memory is subject to a hard erasure of the memory vs. a soft erasure of the memory if a plurality of sensors indicate a threat to the device exists. The threat may be detected by a plurality of sensors, such as, a timer, a connectivity sensor, a location sensor or geo-fence, a breech sensor, an authentication procedure or the like.
US08112804B2
A method for dealing with attacks of malicious BOTs in a network security system includes detecting and analyzing a domain name receiving excessive DNS queries to judge the infection of a malicious BOT, registering the corresponding domain name as normal or abnormal management target, and redirecting an abnormal DNS query for the abnormal management target to a redirection processing & response system. Thereby, the automatic detection of malicious BOT attacks and the mechanism which performs the measures and the analysis simultaneously can protect the DNS servers and prevent the security accidents by malicious BOT attacks previously.
US08112799B1
A system and method for protecting a user against a cross-site scripting attack or other network attack that relies on scripting code embedded within a uniform resource locator (URL) are described. Validation software executing on a client computer system may intercept a URL in response to a user providing the URL to a web browser or other client application. The validation software may analyze the URL to determine whether the URL includes scripting code. If the URL includes scripting code then the validation software may block the client application from accessing the URL or may otherwise inhibit access to the URL.
US08112798B2
Described is an independent computation environment that is built into one or more hardware components of a computer system, wherein the independent computation environment hosts a logic that measures the health of other software code that executes in memory. Examples of ways to measure health include performing a mathematical computation such as a computing a hash/digital signature on the software code in the memory, and/or evaluating statistical information related to the execution of the code and/or the code's being loaded into memory. By executing the logic in an independent computation environment, the health of software code may be measured against policy/metadata in a tamper-proof or tamper-resistant environment. When the software code measurement does not comply with the policy, some action may be taken action to penalize the computer system.
US08112797B2
A system and method for facilitating the establishment of a virtual private network between a network and a remote computer, the system having: a mobile device connectable to the remote computer and storing a user profile, virtual private network information, and password information; virtual private network software being located on one of the mobile device and the remote computer; an access point communicating with the network; and communication means for communications between the access point and one of the mobile device and the remote computer, wherein the user profile, virtual private network information, and password information is passed to the virtual private network software upon connection of the mobile device to the remote computer, the virtual private network software using the user profile, virtual private network information, and password information to establish a virtual private network through the communications means and the access point to the network.
US08112795B2
There are provided a non-contact type semiconductor device, a mobile terminal device, and a communication system capable of suppressing unauthorized read, thereby assuring security. The non-contact type semiconductor device records information for identifying a read device of a communication destination and a request from a read device in a recording area. Moreover, the non-contact type semiconductor device holds authentication information and access authority, requests the read device to send authentication information, correlates the authentication information with the authentication information and access authority held, and executes the request from the read device according to the correlation result. Furthermore, by performing mutual communication by using the read device, the non-contact type semiconductor device, and a mobile terminal device using the non-contact type semiconductor device, it is possible to suppress unauthorized read, thereby assuring security.
US08112786B2
The invention provides security policy generation methods and devices for generating a security policy that is set up for an information processing apparatus comprises a step of generating an application model having a transmitter and a receiver of a message decided, for each of a plurality of messages that are communicated, a step of storing in advance a plurality of security patterns with a signer of electronic signature appended to the message as an undecided parameter, a step of selecting a security pattern that is a model of security policy to be set up for the transmitter or receiver of the message, corresponding to each of the plurality of messages included in the application model, and a step of substituting the identification information of the transmitter or receiver of each message included in the application model for the undecided parameter of the security pattern selected corresponding to the message.
US08112780B2
A digital broadcast receiving apparatus has two systems as a receiving system: a first receiving demodulation section including a first tuner 2 and the like; and a second receiving demodulation section including a second tuner 5 and the like. A controller 19 establishes either a first receiving mode or second receiving mode. In the first receiving mode, both the receiving systems receive the broadcasting waves of the same station to be viewed according to the signals from a vehicle speed detecting section 15 and receiving level detecting sections 16 and 17. In the second receiving mode, one of the two receiving systems receives the broadcasting wave of the station to be viewed, and the other of them receives the broadcasting wave of another station.
US08112779B2
A method for validating antenna installation to a broadcast provider to ensure proper alignment of the antenna with the broadcast provider's satellite system. The feedback provided by the customer, the installer, and signal strength and quality information communicated from the receiver to the broadcast provider are used to confirm proper installation. Upon confirmation of proper installation, the data can be used to troubleshoot equipment, or issue payment to the installer.
US08112771B2
Methods, systems, and computer-storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform methods in accordance with embodiments hereof, for managing component programs within a service application according to a service model. Initially, configuration settings, which can be administered to the component programs, are extracted from the service model. An instantiation process is initiated to manage the service application in accordance with the changes to a level of load on the service application and/or to specifications within the service model. The instantiation process includes deploying, or identifying as available, the component programs within the data center, and automatically propagating formalized values derived from the configuration settings throughout the deployed component programs. These derived formalized values are installed into the component programs, thereby providing for functionality of the service application consistent with the service model.
US08112770B2
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture or extension to a window manager. In particular, the extension can provide for a window rotation feature that can be exposed as a rotate button. Additionally or alternatively, the rotation feature can be activated based upon a diverse set of conditions, events, and/or commands. Upon activation of the rotation feature, the window manager can rotate a window about an axis to expose a secondary surface that can be populated with alternative content that is distinct from the content of the primary surface of the window. In addition, the architecture provides techniques for identifying both double-sided graphical objects and potentially double-sided objects.
US08112763B2
A computer-implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product in a data processing environment for transmitting information between a CORBA application executing within a client and a server utilizing HTTP are disclosed. An application that is being executed by a client requests a CORBA IDL stub to invoke a method. The CORBA IDL stub transmits requests to a server utilizing Internet Inter-ORB Protocol (IIOP). An HTTP stub is generated that transmits requests utilizing HTTP. The HTTP stub corresponds to the CORBA IDL stub such that the CORBA IDL stub and the HTTP stub define the same methods. The HTTP stub transmits the request of the CORBA IDL stub to invoke the method to the server utilizing HTTP.
US08112755B2
Architecture that employs probabilistic and/or decision-theoretic model(s) of application usage to predict application use and in view of bounded or limited-availability memory. The model(s) is applied with cost-benefit analysis to guide memory management in an operating system, in particular, for both decisions about prefetching and memory retention versus deletion or “paging out” of memory of lower priority items, to free up space for higher value items. Contextual information is employed in addition to computer action monitoring for predicting next applications to be launched. Prefetching is optimized so as to minimize user perceived latencies.
US08112753B2
An embodiment relates generally to a method of managing resources in a virtual environment. The method includes detecting an instantiation of a virtual machine and determining a delay value based on a unique identifier. The method also includes delaying an initiation of at least one support process for the virtual machine by the delay value.
US08112751B2
A developer can declare one or more tasks as being replicable. A library manages all tasks that are accessed by an application, including replicable tasks, and further establishes a task manager during requested task execution. During execution, the library generates a plurality of worker threads, and each of the worker threads is assigned to be processed on one of a plurality of different central processing units. When one or more worker threads have finished processing assigned tasks, and other threads are still busy processing other tasks, the one or more idle worker threads copy over and process replicable tasks assigned to the other, busier worker thread(s) to help with processing. The system can also synchronize processing of the replicable task by the plurality of different worker threads and different processors to ensure no processing discrepancies.
US08112749B2
A method of implementing virtualization involves dynamic, temporary resource pools. A virtualizing subsystem is capable of partitioning a plurality of physical resources to create resource pools. The virtualizing subsystem is further capable of creating separate environments that logically isolate applications from each other, and assigning a created separate environment to a created resource pool. A separate environment is configured by defining properties of the separate environment. Configuring the separate environment includes specifying at least one resource pool attribute. When the separate environment is started, a temporary resource pool is created from available physical resources and the separate environment is assigned to the temporary resource pool. The temporary resource pool is created in accordance with the at least one resource pool attribute specified when the separate environment was configured. The temporary resource pool may be destroyed when the separate environment is shutdown.
US08112735B2
A computer system for partitioning the columns of a matrix A. The computer system includes a processor and a memory unit coupled to the processor. Program code in the memory unit, when executed by the processor, implements the method. Matrix A is provided in a memory device and has n columns and m rows; wherein n is an integer of at least 3; and wherein m is an integer of at least 1. The n columns is partitioned into a closed group of p clusters, p being a positive integer of at least 2 and less than n. The partitioning includes an affinity -based merging of clusters of pairs of clusters of the matrix A based on an affinity between the clusters in each pair of clusters being merged. Each cluster consists of one or more columns of matrix A. The p clusters are stored in a computer-readable storage device.
US08112733B2
Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of routing. The method selects a net with a set of routable elements in a multi-layer layout region. In some embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on different congestion goals on different layers. In other embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on different congestion goals between different layer pairs. In some embodiments, the method identifies a route for the net based on both the different congestion goals on different layers and between different layer pairs.
US08112728B1
A performance estimation module estimates the performance values of user designs in early phases of compilation and accounts for the performance variability introduced by subsequent compilation phases. The user design is parameterized. The performance estimation model outputs a probability distribution function of estimated performance values of the user design, based upon this parameterization. The performance estimation model is created by parameterizing sample designs. The sample designs are compiled and analyzed to determine their performance values. To account for random variability in compilation phases, the module compiles and analyzes sample designs multiple times. The performance estimation model is created from the relationship between sample designs' performance values and their parameterizations. A regression analysis may be used to determine this relationship. The performance estimation model can be updated with the analysis of compiled user designs. The performance values can include timing, power, and resource consumption.
US08112723B2
A method, program and system for displaying the consequence of an input in a graphical user interface (GUI) are provided. The invention comprises displaying a GUI including a plurality of interaction control mechanisms (controls) having a selected or a deselected state. An input to a first control may cause a change in state to at least one other of the plurality of controls. Responsive to a first input at the first control (e.g., holding down a mouse button with the pointer on the first control), the invention displays a preview of the change in state of the plurality of controls that would occur if a second input is made at the first control (e.g., releasing the mouse button with the pointer still on the first control). If the user does not want the previewed change in state to occur, the user has simply to avoid making the second input (e.g., move the pointer off the first control before releasing the mouse button).
US08112722B2
A method of controlling a cursor displayed on a display device is provided. A three-dimensional environment is displayed on a display device. A cursor and a plurality of objects are displayed on the display device within the three-dimensional environment. The cursor comprises a zone defining a volume to identify at least one object that is at least partially located within the volume. The size of the volumetric activation zone is dynamically adjusted so that a predetermined constraint is satisfied. The predetermined constraint is a function of at least a relationship between the volumetric activation zone of the cursor and at least one of the plurality of objects.
US08112718B2
A playback apparatus includes a menu screen display unit for displaying a content menu screen, an input unit for detecting a user's input operation to detect a selection of the content, and a control unit for causing the menu screen display unit to switch the menu screen, and for instructing playback of the selected content. The menu screen display unit, under the control of the control unit, switches an upper layer menu screen to and from a lower layer menu screen through an intermediate layer menu screen. The upper layer menu screen shows categories of the contents using menus. The lower layer menu screen shows some of contents using menus. The intermediate layer menu screen displays the menu selected in the upper layer menu screen in an area and a plurality of menus displayed in the lower layer menu screen in another area.
US08112717B1
A method for automatically formatting a display screen upon initialization or refresh to reflect a user's prior resizing of frames with respect to one another.
US08112714B2
A system provides customized user interface data to a media application, such as a media discovery interface, or to any application for that matter, thereby extending the original application. Via a network connection, elements of the user interface can be downloaded to the application in a package of markup data and resources, including images, text, and links. A user interface framework of the media application processes the markup data from the downloaded package and utilizes packaged resources, local code components, and externally-obtained (e.g., Web resources) to render a customized application page for the media application. Based on a wide variety of computing system and user parameters, the offerings and application pages presented to the user can be filtered and/or reordered to be more appropriate for the computing system and user.
US08112713B2
Interactive collaboration within a secure, server-based social community integrated with a secured document management system that includes at least one of a plurality of professional functionalities and a plurality of integrative functionalities to members having a member virtual identity within the community. Members of the community may create a personalized custom set of folders within the document management system, which customized arrangement allows the members to view documents, files, and folders as they desire. By creating these personalized custom “alias” folders, the members rearrange folders to be more accessible to themselves, while leaving the actual files and folders unchanged as viewed by every other member of the community. Members or a network administrator may also grant permission to other members of the network to access alias folders of each other member.
US08112710B2
Providing run book and web user interface automation via and manual and automatic web-based procedures. An application engages a teaching mode in a web-based graphical user interface (GUI), wherein a collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI is accentuated. The application records a sequence of selections made among the collection of selectable portions of the web-based GUI as well as data entered within the GUI, where the sequence of selections represent a repeatable user-defined procedure for interacting with the web-based GUI. The application replays the sequence of selections with the web-based GUI.
US08112697B2
A method and apparatus for buffering an encoded signal having a plurality of codewords for a turbo decoder is provided. The method comprises de-interleaving each sub-block of the codeword received at the turbo-decoder; and storing LLRs of the de-interleaved codeword LLRs into an input buffer. Thereafter, each of punctured locations, if any, in the de-interleaved codeword is indicated to a read logic for enabling the latter to fill in each of those locations with a pre-determined LLR value as and when a read request corresponding to one of those locations arrives. This method obviates the need for storing the pre-determined LLRs at the punctured locations into the input buffer and thereby cuts down the input latency of turbo decoder significantly for higher code rates.
US08112693B2
An Error Control Code (ECC) apparatus applied to a memory of a Multi-Level Cell (MLC) method may include: a bypass control signal generator generating a bypass control signal; and an ECC performing unit that may include at least two ECC decoding blocks, determining whether to bypass a portion of the at least two ECC decoding blocks based on the bypass control signal, and/or performing an ECC decoding. In addition or in the alternative, the ECC performing unit may include at least two ECC encoding blocks, determining whether to bypass a portion of the at least two ECC encoding blocks based on the bypass control signal, and/or performing an ECC encoding. An ECC method applied to a memory of a MLC method and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for implementing an EEC method applied to a memory of a MLC method are also disclose.
US08112692B2
An ECC controller for a flash memory device storing M-bit data (M: a positive integer equal to or greater than 2) includes an encoder and a decoder. The encoder generates first ECC data for input data to be stored in the flash memory device using a first error correction scheme and generates second ECC data for the input data using a second error correction scheme. The input data, the first ECC data, and the second ECC data are stored in the flash memory device. The decoder calculates the number of errors in data read from the flash memory device and corrects the errors in the read data using one of the first ECC data and the second ECC data selectively based on the number of the errors.
US08112687B2
Various embodiments for mitigating impulse noise are disclosed that cooperatively use impulse noise statistics to utilize retransmission, forward error correction (FEC), and blanking to mitigate the effects of a wide variety of impulse noise sources.
US08112686B2
Techniques for storing and using compressed restrict values for selected scan chains and flip-flops, such that the states that need to be applied to those flip flops need not be solved by a linear equation system solver, such as a linear equation system solver provided by an automatic test pattern generation (ATPG) tool. Selected restrict values can then be injected into test patterns for those flip-flop combinations that need to be set in a certain shift cycle or those flip-flops that need to be initialized one after another (e.g., for serial settings in one scan chain).
US08112673B2
The present invention improves the stability of a Web browser by identifying plug-in modules that cause failures. Data in memory at the time of a failure is analyzed, and a failure signature is generated. The failure signature is compared to a database of known failure signatures so that the source of the failure may be identified. If a plug-in module to a Web browser is identified as the source of a failure, options are presented to the user who may update the plug-in module with code that does not produce a failure or disable the plug-in module altogether.
US08112669B2
Results of field testing of portions of a distributed system such as a Broadband Communications System from a testing device to a controller which downloads programmed test protocols and sequences thereof to the separate testing device over a wired or wireless link and thereafter can be used to control the testing device as well as display test results and provide analysis of the test results and suggest procedures to technical personnel. The controller then can transmit the test data to a central facility or distribution hub in substantially real-time together with work performance data where full technical analysis can be performed. The test data and results of analysis can then be distributed as desired such as to a management analysis facility to support improvement of efficiency of the system and the operation thereof.
US08112667B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to automated system problem diagnosing. An index is created with problem description information of previously diagnosed problems, a diagnosis for each problem, and a solution to each diagnosis. System states, traces and logs are extracted from a source system with a new problem. The problem diagnosis system generates problem description information of the new problem from the system states, traces and logs. Problem description information of the new problem is compared with problem description information in the problem description index. A search score is computed for each document in the problem description index. The search score is a measure of similarity between each document in the index and the description of the new problem. A matching score is assigned to each previously diagnosed problems based on the search score. The matching score is a measure of similarity between the new problem and each previously diagnosed problem. The system determines a diagnosis and solution of the new problem based on a diagnosis and solution of one of the previously diagnosed problems.
US08112651B2
A power management unit (PMU) may determine an optimal power saving state using a break-even period of a power saving state and an expected idle duration based on a first policy. The PMU may determine the optimal power saving state using a first break even period and actual idle duration based on a second policy. The break-even period may equal a minimum time a computer system should remain in a power saving state to compensate for the power consumed by the system to enter and exit that power saving state. The expected idle time duration is determined as an average of idle duration and a recent sample of idle duration. The actual idle duration is the difference of a first and second time point that represents entry and exit points to and from the power saving state. The PMU may transition the system to the optimal power saving state.
US08112650B2
Methods and apparatus for re-acquiring a WiMAX network after a relatively long power saving mode (e.g., sleep or idle mode) using a “pre-wakeup” scheme are provided. According to this pre-wakeup scheme, a mobile station (MS) may power up receiving circuitry to search for the current channel or, if unsuccessful, a neighbor channel. After a successful network search during sleep mode, the MS may return to sleep for the remainder of the sleep window until the circuitry is powered up a second time to wakeup and then listen for an expected message. By pre-waking up and searching before waking up for the expected message, the MS may counteract the effects of the potential error in the local oscillator frequency accumulated during the long sleep mode. In this manner, the message miss rate may be reduced, thereby saving power and extending the time in which the MS may operate between battery rechargings.
US08112647B2
A system may comprise a plurality of processing units, and a control unit and monitoring unit interfacing with the processing units. The control unit may receive requests for transitioning the processing units to respective target power-states, and specify respective target HW power-states corresponding to the respective target power-states. The monitoring unit may monitor operating characteristics of the system, and determine based on operating characteristics whether to allow the processing units to transition to the respective target hardware (HW) power-states. The control unit may be configured to change the respective target HW power-state to a respective updated HW power-state for each processing units for which it is determined that transition to its respective target HW power-state should not be allowed. The control unit may also be configured to infer a common target HW power-state based on the respective target HW power-states of processing units of a subset of the plurality of processing units, when the processing units of the subset of the plurality of processing units share at least one resource domain.
US08112642B2
A system and method for controlling power and performance in a microprocessor system includes a monitoring and control system integrated into a microprocessor system. The monitoring and control system includes a hierarchical architecture having a plurality of layers. Each layer in the hierarchal architecture is responsive to commands from a higher level, and the commands provide instructions on operations and power distribution, such that the higher levels provide modes of operation and budgets to lower levels and the lower levels provide feedback to the higher levels to control and manage power usage in the microprocessor system both globally and locally.
US08112630B2
A device, system, and method for reporting an execution flow of a program is provided. The system for reporting an execution flow of a program includes a program-providing server that provides a program package having information related a predetermined execution flow, a user device that transmits an execution-flow-reporting message corresponding to a result of measuring and verifying the execution flow integrity of a program package with reference to the information related with execution flow, and an execution-flow-verifying server that limits providing of or execution of a program package by testing the execution-flow-reporting message.
US08112625B2
The present invention provides systems and methods for secure transaction management and electronic rights protection. Electronic appliances such as computers equipped in accordance with the present invention help to ensure that information is accessed and used only in authorized ways, and maintain the integrity, availability, and/or confidentiality of the information. Such electronic appliances provide a distributed virtual distribution environment (VDE) that may enforce a secure chain of handling and control, for example, to control and/or meter or otherwise monitor use of electronically stored or disseminated information. Such a virtual distribution environment may be used to protect rights of various participants in electronic commerce and other electronic or electronic-facilitated transactions. Distributed and other operating systems, environments and architectures, such as, for example, those using tamper-resistant hardware-based processors, may establish security at each node. These techniques may be used to support an all-electronic information distribution, for example, utilizing the “electronic highway.”
US08112621B2
Even if each processor core uses the same logical address, a processing-target program corresponding to each processor core can be selected. A logical address of multiple address mapping tables is set to a same logical address in correspondence with an embedded OS program or a RAID management program, and a physical address is set to a different physical address in correspondence with the actual storage destination of an embedded OS program or a RAID management program. Each processor core, on start-up, uses a self address mapping table to execute address mapping processing with each processor core based on the same logical address, selects an embedded OS program or a RAID management program according to the physical address obtained in the address mapping processing, and executes processing according to the selected program.
US08112619B2
Systems and methods for providing accelerated loading of operating system and application programs upon system boot or application launch are disclosed. In one aspect, a method for providing accelerated loading of an operating system comprises the steps of: maintaining a list of boot data used for booting a computer system; preloading the boot data upon initialization of the computer system; and servicing requests for boot data from the computer system using the preloaded boot data. In another aspect, a method for providing accelerated launching of an application program comprises the steps of: maintaining a list of application data associated with an application program; preloading the application data upon launching the application program; and servicing requests for application data from a computer system using the preloaded application data.
US08112613B2
Disclosed is a mixed mode parallel processor system in which N number of processing elements PEs, capable of performing SIMD operation, are grouped into M (=N÷S) processing units PUs performing MIMD operation. In MIMD operation, P out of S memories in each PU, which S memories inherently belong to the PEs, where P
US08112611B2
Techniques are provided for allocating a plurality of resources on a chip to a plurality of partitions in a partitionable computer system. In one embodiment, a resource allocated to a first partition generates a physical address in an address space allocated to the first partition. A partition identification value identifies the first partition. The first partition identification value is stored in the first physical address to produce a partition-identifying address, which may be transmitted to a system fabric. In another embodiment, a transaction is received which includes a source terminus identifier identifying a source device which transmitted the transaction. It is determined, based on the source terminus identifier, whether the source device is allocated to the same partition as any of the plurality of resources. If the source device is so allocated, the transaction is transmitted to a resource that is allocated to the same partition as the source device.
US08112610B2
A method and system are provided for integrating partitions in a virtual machine environment. Specifically, a partition bus is provided, where the partition bus operatively connects partitions in such a way that it functions as a data transport mechanism allowing for data transfer and device sharing between partitions. The partition bus relies on virtualizing software in order to establish itself and to establish channels of communication between partitions and to inject interrupts to partitions where it is appropriate to do so. Furthermore, the partition bus employs such mechanisms ring buffers, transfer pages, and memory map changes to transfer information (requests and data). Furthermore, it uses policy agents to decide when information should be transferred or when devices should be shared among partitions. Lastly, it employs various mechanisms to ensure smooth integration between partitions, which includes remote services that have proxy devices and device versioning functionalities.
US08112605B2
System and methods for storing electronic data is provided, where the system comprises a storage manager component and a management module associated with the storage manager component. The management module is configured to receive information related to storage activities associated with one or more storage operation components within the storage operation system under the direction of the storage manager component. The management module is adapted to predict storage operation resource allocations based on the received information related to the storage activities.
US08112597B2
Typical computer programs may incur costly memory errors that result in corrupted data. A new memory model is presented wherein it may be determined that certain data is critical and critical data may be stored and protected during computer application execution. Critical Memory allows that data determined to be critical may be stored and retrieved using functions enabled to increase the reliability of the data. Critical Memory presents a memory model where a subset of memory designated as critical memory may be used to store a subset of data deemed critical data. Probabilistic guarantees of data value consistency are provided by the employment of the new memory model. The memory model and functions presented are compatible with existing third-party libraries such that third-party libraries may be compatibly called from processes using critical memory.
US08112592B2
The present invention relates to information processing apparatuses. A content to be checked out is stored in an automatic-checking-out-destination storage section 113 from musical-piece-file storage sections 108-1 and 108-2 for each external-unit/-medium ID which identifies a PD 5. A GUI section 101 determines through a transfer processing section 103 and a PD plug-in 111 whether the PD 5 has been connected. When it is determined that the PD 5 has been connected, a musical-piece file is checked out from the musical-piece-file storage sections 108 to the PD 5 through a musical-piece management section 104, a file search section 106, and a data base 107 according to the information of the content to be checked out stored in the automatic-checking-out-destination storage section 113. The present invention can be applied to music reproduction software.
US08112585B2
A method implements a cache-policy switching module in a storage system. The storage system includes a cache memory to cache storage data. The cache memory uses a first cache configuration. The cache-policy switching module emulates the caching of the storage data with a plurality of cache configurations. Upon a determination that one of the plurality of cache configurations performs better than the first cache configuration, the cache-policy switching module automatically applies the better performing cache configuration to the cache memory for caching the storage data.
US08112581B1
A multicore processor comprises a plurality of cache memories; a plurality of processor cores, each associated with one of the cache memories; one or more memory interfaces providing memory access paths from the cache memories to a main memory; and one or more directory controllers for respective portions of the main memory, each associated with corresponding storage for directory state. Each corresponding storage provides space for maintaining directory state for each memory line that is indicated as stored in at least one of the cache memories such that the space for maintaining directory state is independent of the size of the main memory.
US08112573B2
An improved Flash memory device with a distributed erase block management (EBM) scheme is detailed that enhances operation and helps minimize write fatigue of the floating gate memory cells of the Flash memory device. The Flash memory device of the invention combines the EBM data in a user data erase block by placing it in an EBM data field of the control data section of the erase block sectors. Therefore distributing the EBM data within the Flash memory erase block structure. This allows the Flash memory to update and/or erase the user data and the EBM data in a single operation, to reduce overhead and speed operation. The Flash memory also reduces the process of EBM data structure write fatigue by allowing the EBM data fields to be load leveled by rotating them with the erase blocks they describe.
US08112572B2
An apparatus for swapping output high-speed multimedia signals. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a plurality of inputs coupled to a multimedia transmitter; a plurality of outputs coupled to a plurality of pins of a multimedia interface connector; and a controller for generating a control signal for configuring an order in which the plurality of inputs are routed to the plurality of outputs, wherein the order in which the plurality of inputs are routed to the plurality of outputs is set to enable un-crossing of one or more conducting wires coupling the plurality of inputs to the multimedia transmitter and to enable un-crossing of one or more conducting wires coupling the plurality of outputs and the plurality of pins of the multimedia interface connector.
US08112571B1
A device may include a first data path coupled between a first port and a data transfer section that enables data paths between the first data path and at least a second port and a third port. A second data path may be coupled between the first port and the second port that bypasses the data transfer section and is not coupled to the second or third ports.
US08112565B2
A multi-protocol interface for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is disclosed. The interface includes measurement circuitry to perform a plurality of measurements on a connected process communication loop to determine a process communication loop type. Then, if the interface includes a protocol interface module that matches the detected loop type, the protocol interface module can be engaged. A method for coupling a field device to a general purpose computer is also provided. In one aspect, power from the general purpose computer is used to power the process communication loop, if the interface determines that the loop is not powered.
US08112564B2
According to one embodiment, a host bus adapter (HBA) is disclosed. The HBA includes one or more link layer engines, one or more ports, each of the one or more ports associated with one of the one or more link layer engines and token passing logic having a shift register associated with each of the one or more link layer engines. A first link layer engine enables a first storage device coupled to an associated port to spin-up whenever the first link layer engine detects that a first shift register has a first value.
US08112561B2
A hosting partition update mechanism allows updating I/O capability of a logically-partitioned computer system in a way that minimally affects the performance and availability of I/O in the computer system. When an update is needed, a new hosting partition is created with the desired update(s). I/O adapters in the current hosting partition are then migrated to the new hosting partition. The migration of an I/O adapter from the current hosting partition to the new hosting partition is relatively fast, thereby minimally impacting system performance and availability of I/O. Once all of the I/O adapters have been migrated to the new hosting partition, the current hosting partition may be kept as a backup, or may be eliminated. Providing a new or backup hosting partition allows updates to be performed in the new or backup hosting partition in a non-disruptive manner while the current hosting partition continues to service I/O requests.
US08112557B2
Method and apparatus for logging of data within a data storage system, such as a tape drive library. The tape drive library includes a central storage (memory) providing storage space assigned to each tape drive in the tape drive library and allowing each tape drive to directly store data there, that is to log data files. The logging of the data files is at the instigation of each tape drive and not via polling, so as to perform logging synchronous with tape drive events. In one version, the tape drives are coupled to the central storage via an Ethernet network and the log files conform to a standard file protocol, such as a network file system.
US08112556B2
A peripheral device, with first and second communication conductors, is connectable to a computer having one of a first interface and a second interface. The first interface communicates with the peripheral device over a differential data connection having a first data conductor and a second data conductor. The second interface communicates with the peripheral device over a clock conductor and a single ended data connection which includes a data conductor. The peripheral device includes an interface detection component coupled to the first and second communication conductors to detect which of the first and second interfaces the peripheral device is connected to.
US08112553B2
A method for data distribution, including distributing logical addresses among an initial set of devices so as provide balanced access, and transferring the data to the devices in accordance with the logical addresses. If a device is added to the initial set, forming an extended set, the logical addresses are redistributed among the extended set so as to cause some logical addresses to be transferred from the devices in the initial set to the additional device. There is substantially no transfer of the logical addresses among the initial set. If a surplus device is removed from the initial set, forming a depleted set, the logical addresses of the surplus device are redistributed among the depleted set. There is substantially no transfer of the logical addresses among the depleted set. In both cases the balanced access is maintained.
US08112552B2
In accordance with one or more aspects of the default peripheral device selection based on location, a current location of a computing device is obtained. A mapping record of default peripheral devices to locations is accessed to identify a default peripheral device corresponding to the current location of the computing device, and the identified default peripheral device is returned as a current default peripheral device for the computing device. Additionally, an identification of a peripheral device to be a default peripheral device can be received. A mapping of the current location of the computing device to the identified default peripheral device can also be stored.
US08112546B2
Tools and techniques for routing users to receive online services based on online behavior are provided. These tools may receive representations of activity involving different users in interacting with online services, and may analyze these representations of user activity. The tools may also compute scores for the users based on this previous user activity. The scores may indicate a server system, out of several server systems, which the user is to be routed to obtain online services. The tools may also store the user's score as associated with the user.
US08112542B2
An electronic communication network supports delivery of video program Internet protocol packets and includes a source device, a first recipient device, and a second recipient device. The source device transmits both first and second video program Internet protocol packets. The first recipient device is assigned as positive acknowledgment leader by the source device and the second recipient device that is assigned as negative acknowledgement leader by the source device. The first recipient device is operable to transmit to the source device a positive acknowledgment of receipt of the first video program Internet protocol packet. The second recipient device is operable to transmit to the source device a negative acknowledgment of non-receipt upon not receiving the first video program Internet protocol packet. The source device responds to the negative acknowledgement of non-receipt by the second recipient device by multicast resending the second video program Internet protocol packet to both the first and second recipient devices.
US08112530B2
A method for reserving resources in a packet communication network, preferably an IP protocol network. The method includes sending an active packet containing a request for reservation of resources for an active data flow, receiving the packet by an active node in the network, and reserving resources of the node according to the request. In this method, an active packet communication network node, in particular an IP active router, reserves resources for processing data of an active data flow according to a resource reservation request for this active data flow contained in this active packet received by the node.
US08112529B2
The invention provides a session-based bi-directional multi-tier client-server asynchronous information database search and retrieval system for sending a character-by-character string of data to an intelligent server that can be configured to immediately analyze the lengthening string character-by-character and return to the client increasingly appropriate database information as the client sends the string.
US08112525B2
The SIP server can be comprised of an engine tier and a state tier distributed on a cluster network environment. The engine tier can send, receive and process various messages. The state tier can maintain in-memory state data associated with various SIP sessions. A near cache can be residing on the engine tier in order to maintain a local copy of a portion of the state data contained in the state tier. Various engines in the engine tier can determine whether the near cache contains a current version of the state needed to process a message before retrieving the state data from the state tier. Accessing the state from the near cache can save on various latency costs such as serialization, transport and deserialization of state to and from the state tier. Furthermore, the near cache and JVM can be tuned to further improve performance of the SIP server.
US08112514B2
Method and system for defining media objects, such as images and graphics, to represent computer networked resources and assets, along with their associated events, while monitoring the same in a real-time environment is disclosed.
US08112512B2
A method and system for plugging varbinds in a Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) notification is provided. The SNMP notification for an event is sent to customers involved with the event. A pre-defined varbind list is associated with the SNMP notification. The pre-defined varbind list provides the customers with details of the event. The customer analyzes the event with the information in the varbinds, and sends a request for additional varbinds for further analysis of the event. The additional varbinds are configured in the pre-defined varbind list at run time.
US08112510B2
Methods and systems for predictive change management in a network are provided. A configuration change can be specified and pre-validated according to the access path policy, before the actual changes are implemented. The conformance of the implemented configuration change with the access path policy is validated after implementation, because of possible consequential effects of the configuration change. If a change in one or more access paths is specified, then associated component events can be simulated before implementation, so that root causes for resulting access path violations can be detected and remedied before the changes are made.
US08112507B2
According to one embodiment, a device is disclosed. The device includes a first protocol engine (PE) to process tasks to be forwarded to a first remote node, a remote node search unit (RNSU) having a three-dimensional (3-D) task list corresponding to tasks to be forwarded to the two or more sub-nodes, and a connection pointer to maintain a connection between the first PE and the first remote node.
US08112494B2
A method for content data management and provision. The method includes receiving a registration message from a user, the registration message containing user identification information. The user may registered, the registering including storing the received user identification information. A blank message may be received, the blank message being addressed to a number associated with a broadcast entity. A user identity is determined based upon the received blank message, at least one of a date or a time of transmission of the blank message is determined, and a broadcast entity is determined based upon the blank message. The at least one determined date or time is compared with content broadcast information associated with the broadcast entity, and at least one piece of content data is identified based upon the comparing. The at least one piece of identified content data is transmitted to the user.
US08112491B1
A method and system for efficient direct DMA for processing connection state information or other expediting data packets. One example is the use of a network interface controller to buffer TCP type data packets that may contain connection state information. The connection state information is extracted from a received packet. The connection state information is stored in a special DMA descriptor that is stored in a ring buffer area of a buffer memory that is accessible by a host processor when an interrupt signal is received. The packet is then discarded. The host processor accesses the ring buffer memory only to retrieve the stored connection state information from the DMA descriptor without having to access a packet buffer area in the memory.
US08112481B2
A state management sub-system that assists in transmitting and processing documents and messages between two applications in a sequentially correct order through an integration server is disclosed. The state management subsystem analyzes the message and enters state information about the message into a state management table. Once the message is transformed the state management subsystem check the status of the message in the state management table, and checks all waiting parameters. Depending on the status of the check, the state management subsystem changes the state of message in the table. Only when all messages have passed the waiting parameters check is a message posted to the destination system.
US08112480B2
Architecture for seamless role switching in application sharing. A multipoint control unit (MCU) can be used for connecting multiple clients over a network. An application sharing component establishes an application sharing session over the MCU, and application content is exchanged from a sharer client to one or more viewer clients. Each client can communicate a media connection preference to the session. Client sharer and viewer roles are defined during creation of the application sharing session. A client can seamlessly switch roles during the session from a viewer to a sharer, and vice-versa, so that different application content can be shared to the session viewers. The session can be restricted to only one sharer so that the viewing clients view one sharer client at a time.
US08112475B2
Managing power-consuming resources on a first computing device by adjusting data delivery from a plurality of second computing devices based on a state of the first computing device. The state of the first computing device is provided to the second computing devices to alter the data delivery. In some embodiments, the first computing device provides the second computing devices with actions or commands relating to data delivery based on the device state. For example, the second computing devices are instructed to store the data, forward the data, forward only high priority data, or perform other actions. Managing the data delivery from the second computing devices preserves battery life of the first computing device.
US08112463B2
Files stored in a storage system are grouped in a metadata server, and storage servers discretely storing these files are instructed to detect file duplication and to remove duplicate data. The storage servers detect duplicate data by comparing file fragments stored by the storage servers themselves with each other. In a case where duplicate data is detected, the storage servers delete the duplicate data.
US08112460B2
Generally described, the present invention is directed to a network operating system that provides more effective ways of leveraging the connectivity of computer networks. In one embodiment, an XML virtual machine is implemented that accepts high-level application code written in an XML programming language as input. Functionality is provided to interpret or translate the application code written in an XML programming language into code that is suitable for execution across computer platforms. Moreover, the XML virtual machine supports the Model View Controller (MVC) design paradigm that facilitates true data abstraction from applications to a common data model. Multi-instance applications, with each instance potentially supporting multiple views, may be created and executed.
US08112459B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods for constructing a database abstraction model that includes logical fields that map to a logical table. The logical table is constructed using data extracted from multiple, differently formatted physical tables. The logical table allows logically related data stored in multiple databases to appear as data from a single table. Relationships between data stored in multiple, differently formatted databases are maintained and logical fields that include multiple access methods that map to the multiple databases are replaced with a single access method that maps to the logical table. Data relationships that are defined for the database abstraction model are modified to reflect the logical table.
US08112454B2
A method of segmenting relative user preferences into fine-grain and coarse-grain collections is provided. The method includes providing a set of content items having associated descriptive terms. The method also includes receiving user search input and, in response thereto, presenting a subset of content items. The method includes receiving user selection actions and analyzing the selections to learn the user's preferred descriptive terms. The method includes expressing the learned preferred descriptive terms as a segmented probability distribution function having at least one fine grain segment and at least one coarse grain segment. In response to subsequent search input, the method calls for selecting and ordering a collection of content items by promoting the ranking of content items associated with the learned preferred descriptive terms of the user according to the differentiation provided by the segmented probability distribution function.
US08112452B2
A serverless distributed file system manages the storage of files and directories using one or more directory groups. The directories may be managed using Byzantine-fault-tolerant groups, whereas files are managed without using Byzantine-fault-tolerant groups. Additionally, the file system may employ a hierarchical namespace to store files. Furthermore, the directory group may employ a plurality of locks to control access to objects (e.g., files and directories) in each directory.
US08112451B1
A configuration management database system includes a plurality of configuration items. Each of the configuration items includes at least one property relating to a component of an IT system. The system also includes a plurality of intensional category definitions that provide dynamic categorization of the plurality of information items. Each of the intensional category definitions includes a predicate that is operable to identify an input one of the configuration items as a member of the category based on the at least one property in the input one of the configuration items. The configuration management database system also includes at least one pre-computed category membership data structure to support efficient processing of at least one query.
US08112449B2
Systems and methods for accessing and distributing content objects. Various of the systems and methods utilize a number of content object entities that can be sources and/or destinations for content objects. A combination of abstraction and distinction engines can be used to access content objects from a source of content objects, format and/or modify the content objects, and redistribute the modified content object to one or more content object destinations. In some cases, an access point is included that identifies a number of available content objects, and identifies one or more content object destinations to which the respective content objects can be directed.
US08112443B2
For a database management system installed in a data processing system, the database management system for managing a database having partitions for storing table data based on a partitioning schema, in which each partition has an associated partition identifier, and in which the database has database catalog information associated therewith, a method for executing a query against the database is disclosed. The method includes identifying a partition identifier in accordance with the partitioning schema, selecting the partition identifier based on the contents of the query and the database catalog information, and executing the query against the identified partition. The method improves the execution of queries while minimizing the consumption of network resources.
US08112442B2
A communication device is provided, wherein specific individual information in a database that the communication device stores is viewable from a terminal connected to a network to promote information protection. A communication device can communicate with a terminal through the network. A storage stores the database including a plurality of records, each of which describes individual information. A receiver receives a readout-request, from the terminal, of a specific record in the database. A file creating module creates a terminal-viewable file based on one of the records, from the specific individual information in the record. A transmitter transmits, to the terminal, the file created based on the record designated by a received readout-request.
US08112440B2
A system and method of identifying relational patterns across a plurality of databases using a data structure and the data structure itself. The data structure including one or more data node branches, each of the one or more data node branches including one or more data nodes, each of the one or more data nodes representing a data item of interest and corresponding data item support values for the data item across the plurality of databases in relation to other data items represented in the data node branch. The data structure can be used to mine one or more relational patterns considering pattern support data across the plurality of databases at the same time.
US08112439B2
A data processing system is disclosed. The system includes a processor, a transformer, a first memory buffer, a second memory buffer, a first filter, and a second filter. An obtained transmission signal symbol is first transformed to first data. The first memory buffer stores the first data. The processor obtains peak data based on the first data according to a predetermined threshold. The transformer transforms the peak data to second data and stores the second data in the second memory buffer. The first filter filters the second data to determine reserved data of the second data and removes the reserved data from the second data to generate third data. The transformer transforms the third data to fourth data and stores the fourth data in the second memory buffer. The processor merges the first and fourth data to generate fifth data. The second filter filters the fifth data based on the transmission signal symbol and a previously obtained transmission signal symbol.
US08112425B2
Methods and apparatus consistent with the invention provide the ability to organize, index, search, and present time series data based on searches. Time series data are sequences of time stamped records occurring in one or more usually continuous streams, representing some type of activity. In one embodiment, time series data is organized into discrete events with normalized time stamps and the events are indexed by time and keyword. A search is received and relevant event information is retrieved based in whole or in part on the time indexing mechanism, keyword indexing mechanism, or statistical indices calculated at the time of the search.
US08112416B2
A semantic publish-subscribe system, including: a plurality of subscribers; a plurality of publishers; and a server that receives and stores subscriptions that are described in web ontology language (OWL) graph patterns from the plurality of subscribers and that receives events that are described in semantic graphs formed by OWL assertions from the plurality of publishers, wherein when the server receives an event from a publisher, the server expands the OWL assertions of the event using a reasoner to produce an expanded event, the server matches the expanded event to a subscription, and then, the server notifies a subscriber whose interest matches the event.
US08112413B2
A document management system applies relevant document analysis, metadata extraction, and business process association algorithms and methodology to automatically and dynamically classify documents for routing, processing, and executing customized business logic. The document management system accepts documents from one or more channels, classifies the document and extracts metadata, executes customized application profiles and triggers business logic associated with the process. The document management system comprises a rules engine to detect and classify unstructured forms as well as structured forms, where the locations of attributes and visual layout are not fixed. The document management system provides automatic linkage between disparate systems that manages documents for the complete execution of a business process.
US08112412B1
Attempts by a user to download executable files with unacceptable reputations are detected, and recommendations for similar files with good reputations are made to the user. More specifically, a user's web browsing is tracked, and terms describing software applications are extracted from browsed pages. When a user attempts to download an executable file, a corresponding notification including recently extracted terms is transmitted to a categorization component, which receives such information from many users. The categorization component stores the received information in a database. This maintained database identifies files that are available for download, as well as corresponding extracted terms and reputational scores. If a user initiates a download of an executable file with an unacceptable score, the categorization component identifies executable files in the database with related extracted terms, but with acceptable reputations, to recommend to the user as alternatives.
US08112411B2
A method and system for providing search results only inclusive of valid webpage(s) to a user is disclosed, the method comprising: receiving a first search query from a first user; providing to the first user first search results obtained in response to the first search query; determining whether a webpage selected by the first user from the first search results is valid or not; receiving a second search query from a second user; providing to the second user second search results obtained in response to the second search query if it is determined that the webpage selected by the first user is valid; and correcting the second search results obtained in response to the second search query and providing the corrected second search results to the second user if it is determined that the webpage selected by the first user is not valid and is included in the second search results.
US08112405B2
A method of enabling a real entity to access a service on a communication network using a virtual entity, the method including the steps of establishing a user account including at least first data corresponding to the identity of the real entity and second data corresponding to the virtual entity and not identifying the real entity, storing the first and second data in a first database, linking between the first and second data in the first database, storing the second data at a second database, associating the second database with a communication network site, connecting the communication network site to the communication network, receiving the second data from an unidentified user on the communication network site, identifying the unidentified user as the virtual entity based on receiving the second data, and allowing the virtual entity to access the service.
US08112404B2
Search results are provided for mobile computing devices. Search results are retrieved based on a search term. Each of the search results is assigned to one or more categories. The categories and the assigned search results are provided to the mobile computing device. The mobile computing device is adapted to display each of the categories and a partial list of the search results for each of the categories.
US08112397B2
Various embodiments of a system and method for backing up data to a backup server computer are disclosed. According to one embodiment of the method, a group of backup data sources may be associated with a writer module on the backup server computer. Each backup data source may comprise data to be backed up from one of a plurality of client computer systems. The writer module may write the data from each of the backup data sources in the group to a target storage device in order to concurrently backup each backup data source to the target storage device. The writer module may also keep track of the rate at which data is written to the target storage device. The number of backup data sources in the group may be automatically adjusted based on the write rate, e.g., in order to maximize throughput to the target storage device.
US08112385B2
A query that is based on a predefined format of an arbitrary query language is received. A data analyzing component performs the query to obtain a query result. The query result and a report layout specification are provided from the data analyzing component to a data processing component, the data processing component being on a computer. The data processing component associates the query result with at least one element of the report layout specification to generate an association. The query result is provided from the data processing component through an interface based on the report layout specification without reliance on the type of the arbitrary query language to a rendering component. The report layout specification is provided from the data analyzing component to the rendering component to render the query result in a report according to the association without reliance on the type of the arbitrary query language.
US08112381B2
Machine condition monitoring on a system utilizes a wireless sensor network to gather data from a large number of sensors. The data is processed using a multivariate statistical model to determine whether the system has deviated from a normal condition. The wireless sensor network permits the acquisition of a large number of distributed data points from plural system modalities, which, in turn, yields enhanced prediction accuracy and a reduction in false alarms.
US08112377B2
A client-side business rule engine for executing business rules, at a client, in a rich internet application is disclosed. A set of business rules and a fact base are compiled at a server in accordance with a platform definition model, such that the compiled rules and facts are formatted to conform for use with a business rule engine based on the platform specified in the platform definition model. The business rule engine, embodied in a code module, is served to a requesting web browser application along with a subset of the compiled business rules and facts. At the client, the business rule engine evaluates conditions expressed in the business rules in light of facts received from the server, and facts derived at the client.
US08112374B2
A clustering method yields a searchable hierarchy to speed retrieval, and can function dynamically with a changing document population. Nodes of the hierarchy climb up and down the emerging hierarchy based on locally sensed information. Like previous ant clustering algorithms, the inventive process is dynamic, decentralized, and anytime. Unlike them, it yields a hierarchical structure. For simplicity, and reflecting our initial application in the domain of textual information, the items being clustered are documents, but the principles may be applied to any collection of data items.
US08112373B2
A nerve equivalent circuit, a synapse equivalent circuit and a cell body equivalent circuit are provided whereby electrical characteristics in accordance with the physiological functions and physical structures of nerve cells are reproduced. A nerve equivalent circuit simulating the electrical characteristics of nerve cells wherein an input signal fin(t) and an output signal fout(t) satisfies the relationship represented by [Numerical formula 11], wherein kP, kI and TI are each a definite constant number, N represents the total number of synapses, M represents the total number of the kinds of the first transmitters carried by the synapses, and L represents the total number of the kinds of the second transmitters carried by the synapses.
US08112371B1
Techniques for performing motion recognition using generalized motion recognition capability are disclosed. At least two types of sensors are used to generate sensor signals about a motion made by a user. The sensor signals are then transformed to device-independent motion signals that may be used to build generalized motion recognizers or used with one or more generalized motion recognizers responsive to the sensors. At least one of objects in a virtual interactive environment is responsive to a recognition signal determined from the motion signal and the generalized motion recognizers.
US08112370B2
A method, system, and computer usable program product for classification and policy management for software components are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A metadata associated with an application or component is identified. A mapping determination is made whether the metadata maps to a classification in a set of classifications. A policy that is applicable to the classification is identified and associated with the classification. If the mapping determination is deterministic, the component is assigned to the classification and the policy associated with the classification is associated with the component. If the mapping determination is not deterministic, a user intervention may be necessary, the component may be classified in a default classification, or both. Because of the policy being associated with the classification, associating the policy with the component may occur based on the metadata of the application or component and its resultant classification.
US08112367B2
A hierarchy of computing modules is configured to (i) learn a cause of input data sensed over space and time, and (ii) determine a cause of novel sensed input data dependent on the learned cause. When determining the cause of the novel sensed input data, the computing modules determine likely sequences based on observed inputs. Information identifying one or more of those likely sequences and indexes of observed elements in those sequences may then be stored in external memory to facilitate data compression and/or granularity-based searches.
US08112366B2
A system is disclosed that includes an interface to receive a resource governance rule applicable to one or more hardware resources supporting a monitored software application. The system includes utilization logic to measure usage of a particular hardware resource by the monitored software application. An available utilization of the particular hardware resource is determined based on the resource governance rule, and a total utilization of the particular hardware resource is also determined. One or more utilization metrics are determined based on historical usage of the particular hardware resource as compared to a governed capacity and a non-governed capacity available to the particular hardware resource. The system also includes recommendation logic to determine a recommended action to be taken with respect to the monitored software application.
US08112365B2
A system and method for online employment recruiting and evaluation is provided. An online, web-based environment allows employers to create job descriptions for posting on an Internet-based job search service in communication with the web-based environment, and allows for online recruitment and review of hiring candidates using a multi-phase approach. Each employer/supervisor specified by the candidate is interviewed, and the interview is recorded and is stored as part of the candidate's virtual dossier.
US08112361B2
A method and system for dynamic, real-time addition of advertisements to downloaded static content. The method comprises seamlessly combining a downloaded original content file with personalized information on a user device, and allowing the user either to use the combined original content and personalized information without possibility of personalized information removal, or to remove the personalized information after a fee payment. The seamless combination and removal operations are done by a player located in the user device.
US08112360B2
Improved techniques and systems to facilitate use of credit to acquire digital media assets from a network-based media server are disclosed. Digital media assets can include media items such as songs, albums, images, slideshows, audiobooks, podcasts, or videos. A user can acquire credit in a variety of different ways including, for example, through redeeming a credit invitation. Once a user has available credit by whatever means, the user can acquire one or more digital media assets from the network-based media server using his/her available credit. In one embodiment, the credit is provided as item credits, whereby each item credit can be used to acquire a selected digital media asset. However, not all of the digital media assets available from the network-based media server are permitted to be acquired using item credits. In some cases, the digital media assets that can be acquired with credit can be designated by their cost. The country of origin of the user and/or the type of media asset can also influence the digital media assets that can be acquired using item credits.
US08112353B2
A method to forward a browser client is disclosed. The method comprises storing information at a payment service server. The information includes a return network address corresponding to a interface hosted by a merchant server. Next, the method performs the step of comparing the return network address that is included in the information to a reference return network address corresponding to the interface hosted by the merchant server and identifying whether the return network address matches the reference return network address. Finally, the method comprises forwarding the browser client to the interface hosted by the merchant server responsive to the identifying the match.
US08112340B2
A computerized system and method for evaluating collateralized debt obligations receives user input selecting a scenario or feature, loads data related to a portfolio of securitized assets on to the computer storage medium, determines a scenario default rate using at least one of a beta distributed recovery, a counterparty risk, a loss given default, or a non-zero inter-sector correlation, or models at least one of a short position scenario, a nth to default basket, a forward start date and an equity default swap, and reports a result relating to the scenario default rate.
US08112331B2
A computer-implemented method of providing liquidity to an investment fund utilizing a liquidity vehicle, including determining that the investment fund has a net share outflow, prompting the investment fund having a net share outflow to offer shares to the liquidity vehicle, purchasing an offered share, holding the purchased share in the liquidity vehicle for a period of time, and redeeming the purchased share from the investment fund in response to a net inflow of shares of the investment fund.
US08112325B2
An automatic “photo booth” for capturing images of objects including but not limited to motor vehicles provides consistent and rapid image capture from multiple viewpoints. Ultrasonic sensors or other positional sensing devices are used to both position the object with the photo booth enclosure and calculate field of view parameters controlling digital cameras to provide appropriate image scaling/cropping at time of image capture. The enclosure provides automatic entry/exit door opening/closure and a controlled interior space to provide a controlled environment for image capture. Captured images may be rapidly uploaded to a server for electronic distribution over the World Wide Web or other appropriate network.
US08112321B1
A system, method, and computer readable medium for authorization of independent agents for processing calls and distribution of calls to authorized agents are provided. An independent agent may purchase or otherwise acquire credits for leads related to commerce transactions. The credits may be maintained by a call center and accessed by a device responsible for routing calls to agents. Calls or other transactions leads may then be directed to the independent agent, and the independent agents credits may be deducted accordingly.
US08112307B2
A method of reporting the presentation of data, a data storage medium, and a system for employing a web page is disclosed and that includes accessing a source of data having a specific segment, and reporting a presentation of the specific segment to a remote location.
US08112299B2
A mobile terminal capable of managing schedule and a method of controlling the mobile terminal are provided. In order to register a new scheduled event to the mobile terminal, a schedule place corresponding to the new scheduled event may be displayed on a schedule map. Thereafter, a route between the schedule place and other routes may be established in consideration of a current location of the mobile terminal and traffic information. The clarity, color and/or shape of objects displayed on the schedule map may be changed in consideration of the current location of the mobile terminal or the traffic information. Therefore, a user may easily obtain various schedule information, current location information and traffic condition information from the schedule map.
US08112298B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for an integrated process for optimizing operations at a contact center. In one embodiment, the method comprises: defining contact center business goals; planning at least one campaign to implement the goals; scheduling and deploying a workforce in accordance with the campaign to produce agent-customer interactions; measuring agent performance on the interactions to produce quality metrics; analyzing the metrics to produce a rating; combining quality metrics to produce performance indicators; and using the performance indicators in the planning step of a second campaign or another iteration of the first campaign.
US08112295B1
The invention is a method and system for customizing a plurality of hospitality site amenities based on a stored user profile. Certain check-in procedures are reduced or eliminated. Hospitality sites are able to provide a guest with an abundance of personalized services without a corresponding increase in staff size. Guests experience customized hotel amenities, environments, and media renderings.
US08112292B2
A method and apparatus to perform a procedure that can include a processor assisted surgical procedure. During the procedure patient space and image space can be registered to allow for tracking of various tracking sensors. An instrument can be placed relative to patient space based upon a plan.
US08112287B1
Systems and methods for determining an impact on spend and/or trend for a prescription drug plan are provided. In response to receiving the request to analyze spend and/or trend, a prescription drug spend and/or trend application may retrieve data related to the prescription drug plan from a database. The analysis of spend and/or trend includes a determination of components of spend and/or trend having a significant impact on spend and/or trend. In one example, the spend and/or trend application may determine whether an option is available to improve at least one of the components having the significant impact on spend and/or trend. If an option is available, the impact (e.g., financial impact, member impact) of the implementation of the option on the prescription drug plan may be modeled by the spend and/or trend application.
US08112285B2
A system and method for improving real-time data communications by accounting for sampling rate mismatches between a transmitter and a receiver. Based on an analysis of the average number of packets received at a receiver over a period of time, a buffer monitor cooperating with the receiver can trigger an adjustment to the playback sampling rate to account for mismatches in the sampling rates of the transmitter and receiver. The buffer monitor may adjust the playback sampling rate more dramatically if the average is dangerously high or low, adjust the playback sampling rate less dramatically if the average is near satisfactory conditions, and not adjust the playback sampling rate if the average falls is satisfactory.
US08112283B2
An audio apparatus has a function of correcting an audio signal in response to a noise level. The audio apparatus includes a correction unit that corrects an input audio signal on the basis of a weighting factor, an output unit that produces a played-back audio sound on the basis of the corrected audio signal, a microphone for receiving an external sound that includes the played-back audio sound and noise, a noise-extracting unit that extracts a noise signal from an external sound signal, the noise-extracting unit including a speech-removing unit that removes a speech signal from the noise signal on the basis of noise spectrum data, and a weighting factor calculation unit that calculates the weighting factor on the basis of the extracted noise signal and supplies the calculated weighting factor to the correction unit.
US08112277B2
A node initializing unit generates a root node including inputted phonemic models. A candidate generating unit generates candidates of a pair of child sets by partitioning a set of phonemic models included in a node having no child node into two. A candidate deleting unit deletes candidates each including only phonemic models attached with determination information indicating that at least one of the child sets has a small amount of speech data for training. A similarity calculating unit calculates a sum of similarities among the phonemic models included in the child sets. A candidate selecting unit selects one of the candidates having a largest sum. A node generating unit generates two nodes including the two child sets included in the selected candidate, respectively. A clustering unit clusters the phonemic models in units of phonemic model sets each included in a node.
US08112275B2
The systems and methods described herein may recognize natural language utterances that include queries and/or commands and execute the queries and/or commands based on user-specific profiles. The systems and methods described herein may include a complete speech-based information query, retrieval, presentation and command environment that makes significant use of context, prior information, domain knowledge, and the user-specific profiles to achieve a natural environment for one or more users making queries or commands in multiple domains. Through this integrated approach, a complete speech-based natural language query and response environment can be created and tailored to specific users. For example, the systems and methods described herein may create, store, and use extensive personal profile information for different users, thereby improving the reliability of determining the context and presenting the results that the specific users may expect for a particular question or command.
US08112270B2
A recording and playback system is provided. The system includes an audio capturing device configured to receive an analog input and an encoder coupled to the audio capturing device configured to generate a digital signal based on the analog input. The system further includes a recognition engine coupled to the audio capturing device and configured to generate text data based on the analog input, wherein the encoder and the recognition engine simultaneously generate the digital signal and the text data such that the digital signal and the text data can be provided in a synchronized manner.
US08112269B2
A question search system provides a collection of questions having words for use in evaluating the utility of the questions based on a language model. The question search system calculates n-gram probabilities for words within the questions of the collection. The n-gram probability of a word for a sequence of n−1 words indicates the probability of that word being next after that sequence in the collection of questions. The n-gram probabilities for the words of the collection represent the language model of the collection. The question search system calculates a language model utility score for each question within a collection that indicates the likelihood that a question is repeatedly asked by users. The question search system derives the language model utility score for a question from the n-gram probabilities of the words within that question.
US08112266B2
A memory subsystem is provided including an interface circuit adapted for coupling with a plurality of memory circuits and a system. The interface circuit is operable to interface the memory circuits and the system for emulating at least one memory circuit with at least one aspect that is different from at least one aspect of at least one of the plurality of memory circuits. Such aspect includes a signal, a capacity, a timing, and/or a logical interface.
US08112264B1
A circuit is simulated by using system or network tearing to obtain a real solution. The circuit may be an entire integrated circuit, portion of an integrated circuit, or a circuit block. A circuit simulation technique of the invention generates a system graph, finds a tree, and partitions the tree into two or more subtrees. The technique identifies global links and local links in the graph. Each subtree may be solved individually using distributed, parallel computing. Using the results for the subtrees, the technique obtains a real solution, branch voltages and currents, for the circuit.
US08112254B1
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a correspondence generator that determines a distance-based mapping between a set of points in a source object and a point in a target object and stores the distance-based mapping in a surface map. The system also includes an attribute transfer module that transfers surface attributes that determine an appearance or deformation of the set of points in the source object to the point in the target object using the surface map. The system also includes an attribute editor that receives a selection of a region of the target object and applies an interpolation algorithm that determines new values for surface attributes in the selected region from neighboring points in the target object.
US08112250B2
Semiconductor device circuits and methods are provided for adjusting core processor performance and energy-efficiency based on usage metrics. Metric detection, performance state selection, and adjustment are done in digital logic hardware without intervening input from system software or firmware, thus greatly speeding the processor performance adjustment. Mapping usage and state information to desired processor power-performance states is also provided in circuitry rather than firmware or power control software. The mapping values may be programmable software or firmware, but detection, selection, and adjustment occur automatically in hardware without intervening input from firmware or software.
US08112247B2
Introduced herein is a “resource adaptive” algorithm for spectrum and periodicity estimation on a continuous stream of data. The formulation is based on the derivation of a closed-form incremental computation of the spectrum, augmented by a load-shedding scheme that can adapt to available CPU resources to provide a resource efficient solution for real time spectrum estimation.
US08112244B2
A device for the wire-free determination of a position of a mechanical force-transmitting device, having at least one storage device for storing electrical energy, at least one sensor element which detects the position and is monitored by at least one sensor electronic unit, including at least one radio transmitter, and at least one photovoltaic energy supply device supplying the storage device with electrical energy.
US08112240B2
Method and apparatus for providing a leak detection circuit for a data monitoring and management system using the guard trace of a glucose sensor by applying a leak detection test signal to determine whether a leakage current is present is provided. The leak detection circuit may include an interface circuit, such as a capacitor, coupled to the guard trace to detect the leakage current when the leak detection test signal is applied to the guard trace, such that the user or patient using the data monitoring and management system, such as glucose monitoring systems, is notified of a failed sensor and prompted to replace the sensor.
US08112239B2
A method of performing a functional test of at least one embedded sub-element of a wind turbine, the wind turbine being controlled by a control algorithm of a wind turbine controller, includes the steps of: executing a predefined event pattern activating at least one sub-element of the wind turbine, obtaining measure data on the basis of measurements of at least one sub-element according to the predefined event pattern, and relating the measure data to predefined reference data and establishing a test result indicating the condition of the embedded sub-element on the basis thereof. The predefined event pattern is executed by a test algorithm overriding the control algorithm of the wind turbine controller at least partly. It is a very advantageous feature according to the present invention that the sub-elements may be tested while being embedded in the wind turbine.
US08112237B2
A method for identifying a location of a wheel of a rail vehicle includes producing a first signal representative of a potential difference between leads electrically coupled with a wheel gate transducer and modifying the first signal that is received over a first channel to produce a second signal over a second channel, where the second signal differs from the first signal. The method further includes monitoring the first and second signals over the first and second channels to identify the location of the wheel relative to the wheel gate transducer.
US08112223B2
Method for determining a dynamic variable representative for a lateral movement of a located object in a driver assistance system for motor vehicles, which has two angle-resolving distance sensors situated laterally offset to one another for locating the object, using which a radial component of the relative velocity of the object along the particular line of sight is also measurable, wherein the dynamic variable is calculated on the basis of the radial components of the relative velocity measured by the two distance sensors.
US08112217B2
An exhaust brake control system includes a braking torque estimation module that estimates a desired braking torque based on engine speed. A volume flow rate determination module determines a desired volume flow rate of an exhaust gas based on the desired braking torque. An adjustment module adjusts an actual volume flow rate to control actual braking torque based on the desired braking torque and a change in exhaust temperature.
US08112209B2
A vehicle driving force control device including an input shaft rotation number sensor which detects a transmission input shaft rotation number to be input from an engine to an automatic transmission, an accelerator opening sensor which detects accelerator opening, a TCU for calculating a required output of the automatic transmission based on the transmission input shaft rotation number and the accelerator opening, and an electronic control unit which controls the engine and the automatic transmission based on the required output. The TCU sets the required output to a constant value regardless of the transmission input shaft rotation number when the accelerator opening is not larger than a predetermined value, and sets to increase or decrease the required output according to increase and decrease of the transmission input shaft rotation number when the accelerator opening is larger than the predetermined value.
US08112207B2
A hybrid transmission includes a torque machine and an energy storage device connected thereto. The hybrid transmission is operative to transfer power between an input member and an output member and the torque machine in a continuously variable operating range state. A method for controlling the hybrid transmission includes determining a preferred output torque, determining a relationship between power from the energy storage device and an output torque of the transmission, determining power constraints from the energy storage device, determining motor torque constraints for the torque machine, determining linear torque constraints to the output torque based upon the motor torque constraints for the torque machine, determining quadratic output torque constraints based upon the power constraints from the energy storage device and the relationship between the power from the energy storage device and the output torque of the transmission device, and determining an output torque to the output member responsive to the preferred output torque and achievable based upon the linear output torque constraints and the quadratic output torque constraints.
US08112197B2
A wiper apparatus includes: a wiper blade driven by a first motor; and a wiper blade driven by a second motor. The motors are drive-controlled by control microcomputers, respectively. The control microcomputers are connected to each other through a communication line. While exchanging position information of the wiper blades through the communication line, the control microcomputers synchronously drive the motors on the basis of a position relationship between both of the wiper blades. When an abnormality occurs in a communication state of an in-vehicle LAN, a setting state of a wiper switch is grasped through a switch signal line directly connected to the wiper switch, and wipers are prevented from being stopped when such communication abnormality occurs.
US08112187B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling the formation flight of at least two aircraft (1,2). The first aircraft (1) includes means of transmitting its position, its velocity and its flight plan. The flight plan has predictions of altitude, velocity and time for at least one next waypoint (WPT). The second aircraft (2) includes means of receiving the information transmitted by the first aircraft (1). According to the invention, the second aircraft (2) determines its future flight plan as a function of the information received from the first aircraft (1) in order to maintain a constant separation (T) from the first aircraft (1).
US08112184B2
An auxiliary power unit has a speed sensor for sensing a speed of operation of the auxiliary power unit. The speed sensor sends a signal to an electronic control box. The electronic control box is operable to control the auxiliary power unit. A branch line is for communicating the speed signal to a health monitoring system. The branch passes through an electronic component that will isolate the speed signal as it passes beyond the component and to the downstream use, such that corruption at a downstream use will not pass back upstream to corrupt the signals used in the electronic control box.
US08112183B2
A substrate processing apparatus detects malfunction of mechanisms in MFC. An inert gas supply line, a first shut-off valve shutting off the inert gas supply, a process gas supply line, and a second shut-off valve shutting off the process gas supply are installed upstream of the MFC. A gas supply pipe connected to a process chamber, a third shut-off valve shutting off gas supply to the gas supply pipe, an exhaust vent line which is exhaustible, and a fourth shut-off valve shutting off gas supply to the exhaust vent line are installed downstream of the MFC. A main control unit determines that the MFC is abnormal if a transition time exceeds a previously set time when the MFC transitions from a closed state to an opened state while the shut-off valves are in a closed state.
US08112181B2
Apparatus for automatic environmental control includes an enclosed, zoned structure. A heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system is incorporated into the structure. Each zone includes separate controls, separately-controlled air flow into and out of each zone, and separate intake, vent, damper, thermostat and humidistat for each zone. Temperature and humidity are separately controllable for each zone, and controller is in communication with HVAC system for controlling HVAC system and for controlling the damper for each zone, the controller having a map comprising a plurality of relative humidity and temperature combinations and one or more actions for automatic execution based on the combinations of temperature and humidity. A temperature sensor, a relative humidity sensor are included in each zone, and an indicator array/interface panel is in communication with the controller. The system provides for the automatic elimination of environmental conditions favorable to mold and fungus growth for each zone individually.
US08112172B2
A method for extracting gash parameters of a cutting tool, comprises positioning the cutting tool on a moveable stage, scanning two or more gash sections of the cutting tool to generate two or more gash section scanning point clouds, indexing multiple points of the gash section scanning point clouds, detecting multiple gash features using the indexed gash section scanning point clouds, projecting multiple point clouds of the gash features of the indexed gash section scanning point clouds to form one or more projected gash feature point clouds, identifying one or more types of the one or more projected gash feature point clouds, segmenting the one or more projected gash feature point clouds based on the type identification, and extracting one or more gash parameters based on the segmentation of the one or more projected gash feature point clouds. A system for extracting the parameters is also presented.
US08112153B2
A method of comparing cardiac and neurological event detection signals to indicate whether the cardiac event detection signal may facilitate detection of neurological events. The method includes obtaining a signal indicating detected neurological events, obtaining a signal indicating detected cardiac events, analyzing the timing relationships between the detected neurological and cardiac events to identify matched events, and using the matched events to indicate whether the cardiac event detection signal facilitates detection of neurological events.
US08112151B1
An exemplary device includes a processor, one or more communication interfaces, memory and one or more modules stored in the memory that comprise processor executable instructions to receive data from an implantable device via at least one of the one or more communication interfaces, to interrogate the data for one or more particular types of data, to process one or more particular types of data and to transmit information via at least one of the one or more communication interfaces. Various other exemplary devices, methods, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
US08112143B2
A novel MR method and system is described for using MR images for planning radiotherapy treatment. The images are obtained by a scanner which generates a magnetic field with a magnetic center (isocenter). First at least one fiducial marker (4; 5) is applied to the body (1) of the patient at a predetermined distance from the isocenter. The patient is repositioned within said scanner such that an anatomical target (2) is located in close vicinity of said isocenter. A first image of said target (2) is obtained and then the patient (1) is shifted such that the fiducial marker (4; 5) is close to the isocenter. A second image is obtained at the shifted position, in which the fiducial marker has an accurate geometrical position, that is merged into said first image.
US08112142B2
Methods are disclosed for assessing the condition of a cartilage in a joint, particularly in a human knee. The methods include converting an image such as an MRI to a three dimensional map of the cartilage. The cartilage map can be correlated to a movement pattern of the joint to assess the affect of movement on cartilage wear. Changes in the thickness of cartilage over time can be determined so that therapies can be provided. Information on thickness of cartilage and curvature of cartilage or subchondral bone can be used to plan therapy. Information on movement pattern can be used to plan therapy.
US08112140B2
A device for detecting and transmitting electrical pulses from the body surface of a patient to device processing the electrical pulses. The device for detecting includes at least two electrical leads of different lengths, at least one electrical insulating material surrounding the at least two electrical leads, a connecting port for connection to the device for processing the electrical pulses at one end of the at least two electrical leads and a recess in the electrical insulating material of the at least two electrical leads, so that an electric contact can be established with the skin surface of the patient. The two leads of different lengths have a ratio of the electrical resistance to the length of the leads and/or the ratio of the impedance to the length of the leads that is/are greater in the shorter lead than in the longer lead. With the construction artifacts caused by external sources of interference are easily filtered out and it can be manufactured at a low cost, so as to be employed for disposable use.
US08112129B2
A seal structure or a sealing method that seals the housing (case) and allows the signal line to pass through a seal portion of the housing is provided. A recessed level difference is formed on at least one of junction faces of first and second housing units (case units) joined together, and, at a portion including the recessed level difference, a first sealing material (double-faced adhesive sheet), the signal line (flexible cable) or circuit unit, and a second sealing material are held between the first housing unit and the second housing unit. The adhesiveness and flexibility of the first sealing material and the elasticity of the second sealing material allow the signal line or circuit unit to pass through the seal portion while maintaining airtightness.
US08112127B2
A communication system capable of adjusting power consumed thereby is adapted for receiving connection information. The communication system includes first and second transceiving devices. The first transceiving device includes a transmitting end and a service end for receiving the connection information. The second transceiving device includes a receiving end capable of forming a communications link with the transmitting end. A power state of each of the first and second transceiving devices is switchable between a power-supplied mode and a power-saving mode. The power state alters status of the communications link.
US08112121B2
A method and an apparatus f preventing transmitting message input error in a mobile communication terminal are provided. When another event is generated while the transmitting message is being inputted, character input keys are inactivated and an event window is displayed. It is checked whether an ENTER key is pressed while the event window is displayed. If the ENTER key is pressed, the event window and an icon notifying generation of the event are closed. Accordingly, a user of the mobile communication terminal can recognize the generation of the event and prevent transmitting message input error after identifying the generated event.
US08112112B2
A radio apparatus includes a receiver which receives a wirelessly transmitted signal as a reception signal, a transmitter which is provided in the vicinity of the receiver and generates a transmission signal having a frequency different from that of the reception signal, and a reception signal extracting unit which extracts a reception signal from an input signal containing the reception signal and the transmission signal, at a timing of a zero crossing of the transmission signal in the input signal, by using phase information including the phase of the transmission signal from the transmitter.
US08112097B2
A base station FLC powered by a commercial power source includes a registration unit 122 for registering information of at least one mobile station using the base station, a battery 160 for supplying power to the base station, a power control unit 150 capable of switching a power supply for the base station from the commercial power source to the battery, and a transmission unit 110, 140 for transmitting a message to a mobile station registered at the registration unit when the power supply for the base station is switched from the commercial power source to the battery by the power control unit.
US08112082B2
An unlicensed-radio access network is connected to a core network portion of a licensed cellular mobile network and includes a broadband network (302) with a plurality of access points (301) each defining a mini-cell and adapted to communicate with mobile stations located within a mini-cell over an unlicensed-radio interface. An access controller (303) is connected to the core network portion and to the broadband network. In accordance with the invention, the access controller (303) is associated with its own location area or areas in the licensed radio mobile network and comprises a database for storing the identification of mobile stations in association with at least one specific access point or broadband network address. This arrangement permits a mobile station to be locating within the access network in response to a paging signal from the core network without undue signalling load.
US08112075B2
The invention provides a method or system where the UE sends the CQI to the base station (Node B) based on whether a HARQ retransmission is expected. For example, if a HARQ retransmission is expected, then the UE can reduce the CQI information to sending less (or no) bits in the uplink. In effect, the UE will automatically stop sending CQIs to the base station (Node B) for time-periods where it is known that HARQ retransmissions will be scheduled. The method or system may include one or more steps or elements for implementing this functionality in the UE.
US08112073B2
The present invention relates to a communications system for mobile radio telephony comprising mobile devices, comprising modules which can be inserted into the mobile devices, with at least one subscriber territory being fixed inside the total territory covered by the communications system, within which subscriber territory communication takes place from and/or to the mobile devices under special conditions, and comprising means by which it can be determined whether the mobile device is located inside the subscriber territory. In accordance with the invention, the means are arranged on the module or in a determination unit which can be accessed by means of remote polling.The present invention furthermore relates to a method of operating a communications system for mobile radio telephony.
US08112056B2
A novel DDCR RF front-end for use in UWB applications combining a distributed approach which provides wideband functionality of the RF front-end with I-Q requirement of DCRs. The distributed architecture uses composite cells of a merged LNA and mixer along the input RF T-line.
US08112051B2
Method and system for false lock free autonomous scan in a receiver is disclosed. The method includes identifying a presence of a desired signal to avoid false frequency lock in a Frequency Modulation receiver. The method includes receiving a signal. The method further includes identifying the desired signal, if a first energy is above a first threshold. The method also includes identifying the desired signal, if an Intermediate Frequency count is below a second threshold. The method includes identifying the desired signal, if a second energy of the signal is above a third threshold. The method includes identifying the desired signal, if an absolute difference between a first Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) value and a second RSSI value of the signal is below a fourth threshold. The method includes determining a third energy. The method includes identifying the desired signal, if the third energy is below a fifth threshold.
US08112045B2
A Radio Frequency RF transmitter includes a translational loop architecture that supports non-constant envelope modulation types and includes by adjusting the envelope of the translational loop at the translational loop output. The RF transmitter includes an Intermediate Frequency (IF) modulator, a translational loop, an envelope time delay adjust block, an envelope adjust block, and a time delay calibration block. The IF modulator receives a modulated baseband signal and produces a modulated IF signal having a non-constant envelope. The translational loop receives the modulated IF signal and produces a modulated RF signal having a constant envelope. The envelope time delay adjust block receives an envelope signal corresponding to the original modulated signal and produces a time delayed envelope signal based upon a time delay control signal. The envelope adjust block adjusts the modulated RF signal based upon the time delayed envelope signal to produce an envelope adjusted modulated RF signal. Finally, the time delay calibration block receives the envelope adjusted modulated RF signal and produces the time delay control signal.
US08112036B2
A wireless communication method implemented by a wireless communication device includes performing a non-contact communication with an other wireless communication device. The method also includes receiving predetermined setting data from the other wireless communication device. Further, the method includes establishing a wireless connection with the other wireless communication device by using the predetermined setting data. The method additionally includes storing the predetermined setting data in a storage medium before the wireless connection is released. In addition, the method includes releasing the wireless connection. The method further includes establishing a wireless reconnection with the other wireless communication device by using the predetermined setting data stored in the storage medium. The wireless connection is not necessarily released by the wireless communication device while power is being supplied from outside.
US08112026B2
A lubricant applying device that faces a rotatable body, and that applies a solid lubricant to the rotatable body, includes: a lubricating roll in which the solid lubricant for application is formed into a circular sectional shape around a rotatable support shaft, and that is contacted with the rotatable body; and a pressing mechanism that presses the lubricating roll toward the rotatable body, wherein the lubricating roll that is pressed against the rotatable body by the pressing mechanism applies the lubricant in a state where the lubricating roll is not rotated relative to the rotatable body, and, when a rotational torque due to the contact with the rotatable body exceeds a predetermined value, the lubricating roll is rotated in accordance with rotation of the rotatable body.
US08112023B2
An image forming apparatus includes an image carrier to carry a toner image and a fixing device to fix the toner image transferred from the image carrier onto a recording medium by applying at least heat to at least one of the toner image and the recording medium. Such a fixing device includes: a magnetic flux generator to generate a magnetic flux; and a heat generating member disposed at least partially in the magnetic flux. The heat generating member includes a heat generating layer to generate heat via eddy currents therein induced by the magnetic flux, magnitudes of the eddy currents varying according to positions thereof in a width direction of the heat generating layer. Included within the heat generating layer is a magnetic layer having a Curie point in a range, e.g., from about 100 degrees centigrade to about 300 degrees centigrade.
US08112013B2
An image forming device includes a frame, a subunit detachably attached to the frame, a frame-side positioning portion, a subunit-side positioning portion, the subunit being positioned relative to the frame by making the subunit-side positioning portion contact the frame-side positioning portion, a contact regulating member attached to the frame movably between a location to contact the subunit before the subunit-side positioning portion comes into contact with the frame-side positioning portion in process of the subunit being attached to the frame from a detached state and a location to be kept from contacting the subunit, a pressing member attached to the frame movably between a position to press the subunit such that the subunit-side positioning portion is made contact the frame-side positioning portion and a position to be kept from pressing the subunit, and an interlocking member interlocking movements of the contact regulating member and the pressing member.
US08112005B2
A receiver scheme for optical signals in Return-to-zero (RZ) systems comprises a conventional receiver at the input of which is placed an all-optical decision element realized with nonlinear optical elements. This allows obtaining a substantial increase in performance compared with a simple conventional receiver optimized for NRZ signals. In particular, an optical decision is made up advantageously of two non-linear optical loop mirrors (NOLMs) arranged in cascade with an optical amplifier at the input and a pass-band filter at the output. The loops lengths may be different, as may be the splitting ratios of the couplers of the NOLMs.
US08112003B2
An optical transmitter according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention is an optical transmitter that includes a variable-wavelength light source and a modulator for modulating and outputting the output light of the variable-wavelength light source in accordance with data to be transmitted, wherein the optical transmitter includes a control unit for varying the bias voltage of the modulator based on the light output power of the modulator to make feedback control of the light output power of the modulator during switching of the output wavelength of the variable-wavelength light source.
US08111995B2
A system and method for dynamically adding/dropping wavelengths in a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) transport network is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of M×N wavelength selective switches (WSS) for locally dropping selected wavelengths at a node, where each M×N WSS has M inputs connected to optical fan-out devices in each of M network degrees, and a plurality of M×N wavelength selective switches for locally adding selected wavelengths to a node, where each M×N WSS has M outputs connected to optical fan-in devices in each of M network degrees. Several expedients of M×N wavelength selective switches comprising M switching elements for use in the system are also disclosed.
US08111990B2
Provided is an apparatus for transferring optical data in an optical switching system using time synchronization. The apparatus performs time synchronization on optical data to input the optical data at regular intervals through fiber delay line for time synchronization respectively disposed on input ports. Therefore, the apparatus can efficiently reduce a data blocking rate in comparison with a conventional optical switching system using an asynchronous electric buffer without a synchronous process, and achieve the same performance as conventional asynchronous technology despite using fewer wavelength converters and buffers, thus reducing system cost. In addition, using dynamic time synchronization modules, the apparatus performs time synchronization for minute time variation due to an environment such as temperature.
US08111979B2
Automated intermittent filtration is employed in the device and method that can include monitoring the elapsed time since the last filtration of the cooking oil, monitoring the amount of food by number of batches or by weight of food product cooked in the oil since the last filtration, and filtering the oil when a predetermined threshold value is reached based on the elapsed time since the last filtration and the amount of food cooked.
US08111974B2
Enabling complete viewing of selected programming content is provided. In response to receiving an input data stream from a programming service provider, the input data stream is stored in a supplemental storage. In response to a user selecting a programming channel after a program starts to air, the input data stream is stored in a programming storage. Then, the stored data stream is outputted from the supplemental storage to a viewing device.
US08111973B2
The present invention provides a television apparatus that can reproduce and show a program when the program is stopped without a user performing troublesome operations even when the user is occupied with a sudden phone call or an unexpected visitor while he/she is watching television. A volume comparator starts recording of the program, which is currently being watched, by using a recording apparatus when a set volume value is lower than a threshold value or is set to a sound cancelling mode. Also, when a newly set volume value is higher than the threshold value or the sound cancelling is released, the volume comparator stops the display of the program that is currently being watched and starts reproducing display of the recorded program by returning to the recording start time point.
US08111971B2
In one embodiment, a method of reducing video delay in a program stream comprises: setting an audio reference clock to an initial value based on a presentation timestamp for a frame that is the first decodable frame in the audio stream; setting a video reference clock to an initial value based on a presentation timestamp for a frame that is the first decodable frame in the video stream; starting audio and video reference clocks responsive to the later of a minimum buffer fill delay and receipt of a frame that is the first entire decodable frame in the video stream; decoding the audio stream in accordance with the audio reference clock; and decoding the video stream in accordance with the video reference clock.
US08111968B2
Optical devices for guiding illumination are provided each having a body of optical material with staircase or acutely angled ramp structures on its top surface for distributing light inputted from one end of the device from the front exit faces of such structures along certain angular orientations, while at least a substantial portion of the light is totally internally reflected within the body until distributed from such front exit faces. Optical devices are also provided each have a body of optical material having a bottom surface with acutely angled ramp structures and falling structures which alternate with each other, such that light is totally internally reflected within the device until reflected by such ramp structures along the bottom surface to exit the top surface of the device or transmitted through the ramp structures to an adjacent falling structure back into the device. Acutely angled ramp structures may be provided on both top and bottom surfaces of optical devices for distributing light along such top surface. Illumination apparatuses are also provided using such optical devices.
US08111965B2
A waveguide and resonator are formed on a lower cladding of a thermo optic device, each having a formation height that is substantially equal. Thereafter, the formation height of the waveguide is attenuated. In this manner, the aspect ratio as between the waveguide and resonator in an area where the waveguide and resonator front or face one another decreases (in comparison to the prior art) thereby restoring the synchronicity between the waveguide and the grating and allowing higher bandwidth configurations to be used. The waveguide attenuation is achieved by photomasking and etching the waveguide after the resonator and waveguide are formed. In one embodiment the photomasking and etching is performed after deposition of the upper cladding. In another, it is performed before the deposition. Thermo optic devices, thermo optic packages and fiber optic systems having these waveguides are also taught.
US08111957B2
Generation of a cylindrically polarized light beam, and in particular, a hybrid-azimuthal-radial polarization beams, called HARP modes, generated from an input linearly polarized Gaussian beam using a spun optical waveguide device is taught. The HARP modes are comprised of hybrid-azimuthal polarization (HAP) and hybrid-radial polarization (HRP) superposition modes. These beams possess a non-zero local angular momentum density that is spatially varying and a zero total angular momentum.
US08111956B2
Provided is a method for confirming optical fibers connection in a connection part in an optical connector, including: allowing light to pass through a first optical fiber and allowing cladding mode light to disappear; and detecting a difference in light intensity in the connection part between before and after the light from the first optical fiber enters a second optical fiber disposed in the optical connector.
US08111952B2
A strain sensing device has a sub-assembly with at least one optical fiber therein, and a metallic coating encasing the sub-assembly. The metallic coating is strain coupled to the sub-assembly. A strain sensing system and a method of anticipating failure in a structure are provided. The strain sensing system and method of anticipating failure in a structure use the strain on the strain sensing device to calculate the strain on a structure of interest.
US08111949B2
A captured image projection apparatus obtains projection parameters and image effect correction parameters from a moving image captured at a low resolution in a task different from a task in which capturing of a high-resolution still image is to be performed, when a change ceases to occur in the moving image and before the capturing of the high-resolution still image is started. The apparatus changes the scale of the obtained projection parameters from one for low-resolution image to one for high-resolution image. The apparatus applies an image conversion process and an image effect process to the captured high-resolution still image by using the projection parameters and image effect correction parameters obtained before the still image is captured. Thereby, the captured image projection apparatus shortens the time required from the capturing of the image to projection thereof.
US08111948B2
An album creating apparatus is provided, for creating an album by automatically moving the position of the main object in a page when the main object is overlapped with a fold of the album. The album creating apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes: an image storage section; an image classification section that classifies a plurality of images into each facing page in an album; an image layout section that lays out the images classified by the image classification section into each facing page in the album; a boundary position storage section that stores the position of the page break of the facing page; a boundary judgment section that judges whether the main object in the image laid out by the image layout section is overlapped with the page break; and a main object moving section that moves the position of the main object such that the main object is not overlapped with the page break.
US08111945B2
A method, a system and a computer program product for generating a blended picture, the system includes: a storage unit, adapted to store pixels of a first picture, pixels of a second picture and alpha data; and a device, coupled to the storage unit via at least one data channel; wherein the device includes: a relevancy determination module, that is adapted to determine a relevancy of pixels of at least one of the first picture and the second picture based upon values of alpha data associated with the pixels of the first picture; wherein the alpha data represents a degree of transparency of the pixels of the first picture to be overlaid over the second picture; an access controller, coupled to the relevancy determination module, adapted to prevent a transfer of irrelevant pixels from the storage unit; and a blending unit that is coupled to the access controller, adapted to provide a blended picture in response to values of the alpha data, by blending relevant pixels of the first and second picture.
US08111944B2
In computer multimedia technology, a system, method and computer program product for optimizing images and transmission of images of a web-page transmitted over the Internet and furthermore, optimizing images of a web page on a network server. The method includes detecting the images in the web page to determine the relationship among the images; in response to the determination of the relationship among the images, combining two or more related images into a combinational image; and updating the web page to replace references to the related images with a reference to the combinational image. By optimizing web page images, the server's work required for handling heavy amount of HTTP requests in transmitting the web page images is decreased and the bandwidth requirement for transmitting the web page images is reduced. The quality of the original image is not lowered. And there is no need to make any change to the operation at the client side.
US08111943B2
Contrast and lightness measures are used to first classify the image as being one of non-turbid and turbid. If turbid, the original image is enhanced to generate a first enhanced image. If non-turbid, the original image is classified in terms of a merged contrast/lightness score based on the contrast and lightness measures. The non-turbid image is enhanced to generate a second enhanced image when a poor contrast/lightness score is associated therewith. When the second enhanced image has a poor contrast/lightness score associated therewith, this image is enhanced to generate a third enhanced image. A sharpness measure is computed for one image that is selected from (i) the non-turbid image, (ii) the first enhanced image, (iii) the second enhanced image when a good contrast/lightness score is associated therewith, and (iv) the third enhanced image. If the selected image is not-sharp, it is sharpened to generate a sharpened image. The final image is selected from the selected image and the sharpened image.
US08111939B2
An image processing device includes: an estimating module configured to estimate boundaries of blocks in an input image; a characteristic value calculating module configured to calculate a characteristic value of a subject pixel group having constituent pixels including a pixel in the frame and at least one pixel that is adjacent to the pixel by calculating a degree of pixel value dispersion between the constituent pixels of the subject pixel group if all the constituent pixels belong to the same block; an strength value calculating module configured to calculate, from the characteristic value, a strength value to be used in performing pixel value smoothing; and a smoothing module configured to perform the pixel value smoothing according to the strength value.
US08111938B2
Fast approximate focus operations providing an approximately focused image that is sufficiently focused to support certain subsequent inspection operations. The operations are particularly advantageous when used to provide images for successive inspection operations that predominate when inspecting planar workpieces. Improved inspection throughput is provided because, in contrast to conventional autofocus operations, the fast approximate focus operations do not acquire an image stack during a run mode as a basis for determining a best focused image. Rather, during learn mode, a representative feature-specific focus curve and a focus threshold value are determined and used during run mode to provide an approximately focused image that reliably supports certain inspection operations. In one embodiment, an acceptable approximately focused inspection image is provided within a limit of two focus adjustment moves that provide two corresponding images. The adjustment moves are based on the representative feature-specific focus curve provided in learn mode.
US08111929B2
A method and system for detecting and quantifying blockiness in a video file is disclosed. The video file is a file that has been decompressed by using standard DCT algorithms. The method includes segmenting each frame of the video file into multiple blocks. The method also involves comparing the intensity gradients of each block with one or more threshold values. The one or more threshold values represent predefined intensity variation characteristics. Further, the method includes determining the intensity variation parameters of each block, based on the comparison. Thereafter, a blockiness index is calculated for each block, after which a blockiness value is calculated for each frame. Finally, a blockiness level is assigned to each frame, based on its blockiness value. The blockiness level is a comparative measure of the blockiness of a frame that represents the blockiness content in the frame.
US08111925B2
According to one aspect, a method for identifying an object in an image includes steps of determining a center of the object; calculating a radius for scanning the image; scanning along a scan circle defined by the center and the radius; and identifying the object according to scanned data of the image along the scan circle.
US08111917B2
The present invention relates to a method for subdividing the road pattern in digital road maps into segments, in which, starting from the digital road maps in which the road pattern is subdivided into successive segments, new segment borders are established via new segment starting points and segment end points, by selecting the segment starting points and the segment end points in such a way that the shape of the segments between the segment starting points and the segment end points does not change. The invention also relates to the computation of the road pattern with the aid of digital road maps, in which the road is subdivided into successive segments, to each of which one segment starting point and one segment end point is assigned. The shape of the segment is established and, from its relative position, its pattern is computed with the aid of the number of support points situated between the segment starting points and the segment end points, and/or with the aid of transition conditions between the segments and/or the consideration of attributes.
US08111914B2
Provided are an image encoding method and apparatus and an image decoding method and apparatus that are capable of canceling a correlation remaining in a residual image by predicting the residual image by using residual pixel values of restored neighboring pixels of a current block and then encoding only the difference between the residual image and a predicted image of the residual image, where the residual image is obtained using an inter color compensation algorithm that predicts one of a plurality of color component images constituting an image by using one of the remnants of the color component images.
US08111912B2
Briefly, embodiments describe a method, article and/or system for determining image similarity.
US08111906B2
A stereoscopic image display device is provided. The stereoscopic image display device includes a display unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, the respective pixels including right/left-eye pixels arranged in a row direction, an area detector for detecting first data respectively corresponding to at least a part of the pixels from a plurality of input data, a data converter for converting the first data to the right/left-eye data corresponding to the right/left-eye pixels, a data combiner for combining stereoscopic image data by arranging the right/left-eye data, and a data driver for applying a data signal corresponding to the stereoscopic image data to the display unit.
US08111901B2
A method for separating an original circuit pattern to be printed on a wafer, into multiple circuit patterns is disclosed. Simulation to obtain an image log-slope (ILS), normalized image log-slope (NILS), or any other characteristic of an image quality on edges of polygons in the circuit pattern obtained from circuit pattern data is performed. Properly printed edges and not-properly printed edges are identified according to a criterion of an ILS level. The original circuit pattern is separated into multiple circuit patterns such that each of the multiple patterns does not have any not-properly printed edges.
US08111892B2
Embodiments for registering a CT image onto ultrasound images are disclosed. At a preoperative stage, a plurality of first ultrasound images are formed during a respiratory cycle and a CT image is obtained at the maximum inspiration. The CT image is registered onto each of the ultrasound images to thereby form ultrasound-CT registered images. The ultrasound-CT registered images may be stored in the storage unit. Subsequently, at an intraoperative stage, a plurality of second ultrasound images may be sequentially formed in real time. Similarities may be measured between the first ultrasound images and the second ultrasound images, and the ultrasound-CT registered images, each corresponding to each of the first ultrasound images having highest similarity to the second ultrasound image may be retrieved. The retrieved ultrasound image and the second ultrasound image may be displayed at the same time.
US08111886B2
A method for stabilizing the reconstruction of an imaged volume is presented. The method includes the steps of performing an analysis of the reliability of reconstruction of a radioactive-emission density distribution of the volume from radiation detected over a specified set of views, and defining modifications to the reconstruction process and/or data collection process to improve the reliability of reconstruction, in accordance with the analysis.
US08111879B2
A duplex camera with common face and iris imaging optics locates an iris in a scene and images the iris without requiring multiple camera alignment or a rapid zoom capability. A wavelength selective mirror separates the light from an imaged scene into visible and infrared components. The visible component supplies a face image in which an iris location can be determined. Visible light optics and a visible light sensor array provide a scene image to an image processor that determines the iris location. Infrared optics and an infrared sensor produce an iris image centered on the iris location. Upon determining an iris location, a motorized stage can position the iris image in the infrared sensor. The common face and imaging optics allow the image sensors to be permanently aligned to one another.
US08111865B2
An apparatus for mounting two speakers to a flat panel display device is disclosed wherein the device, utilizing standardized mounting plates provided in such flat panel display devices, enables the mounting of two speakers while providing the ability to change speaker position in regards to six different position parameters. The apparatus may be utilized in conjunction with flat panel mounting devices, such as pedestal, wall or ceiling mounts, or utilized independently thereof. More specifically, the device further provides independent adjustment of the position of each speaker mounted thereby in regard to height, fore/aft and depth position, as well as rotation about an X, Y and Z axis. The device enables one to make changes in—regard to the position of a speaker—or other peripheral devices mounted thereon—relative to one or more of the aforementioned movements without altering other aspects of speaker position, if desired.
US08111856B2
A variable directional microphone unit includes two capacitor elements. Each of the two capacitor elements has: a back plate formed on one side of an insulating plate to be insulated from a back plate of the other capacitor element; and a vibrating plate disposed to face the back plate with a certain amount of space therebetween, in which a polarization voltage is applied between each of the back plates and the vibrating plates so that an electroacoustically transduced signal is obtainable from each of the back plates. The variable directional microphone unit is characterized in that the two vibrating plates of the two capacitor elements are acoustically connected in series as a plurality of holes are formed on both of the back plates.
US08111854B2
Electrical signals corresponding to sound are received at a wire, and sound is generated at a speaker connected to the wire. The sound is resonated in a cavity of a shell housing the speaker, and then passed along a transmission tube toward a pinna of a user's ear without directing the sound directly toward the user's ear canal.
US08111847B2
A speaker comprises at least one electrode electrically coupled with an audio signal input and a film comprising at least one electret layer. The film is configured to interact with the electrode in response to an audio signal supplied by the audio signal input and to vibrate to generate sound waves. The electret layer is formed from a polymer-containing solution.
US08111838B2
A voice conference apparatus includes a sound collecting unit and a loudspeaker, while the sound collecting unit has a directional polar sensitivity characteristic which has a higher sensitivity with respect to sounds which are radiated from at least one direction, as compared with sounds radiated from other directions. The sound collecting unit of the voice conference apparatus has a plurality of omnidirectional microphones, and forms a desirable sensitivity characteristic. Since the omnidirectional microphones are employed, aging changes and fluctuations contained in the sensitivity characteristics of the respective sound collecting units can be reduced, so that the sensitivity characteristics thereof can become stable, and thus, full duplex communications with higher qualities can be carried out.
US08111836B1
A performance venue with a main speaker system is provided having a target coverage area within the performance venue. A performance area is located within the performance venue outside the target coverage area of the main speaker system. A low frequency directed audio source is positioned with respect to the performance area for active cancellation of low frequency sound spilling over into the performance area from the main speaker system. Control of the low frequency directed audio source is effected by an audio sensor is located in the performance area for generating an output correlated with low frequency spill over into the performance area.
US08111830B2
An active audio matrix decoding method and apparatus to generate multi-channel audio signals from a stereo channel audio signal. The method includes extracting characteristics of a plurality of speaker signals and angles of each of a plurality of multi-channel speakers from arbitrary signals reproduced by the multi-channel speakers, decoding a stereo signal into a plurality of multi-channel signals and correcting the decoded multi-channel signals based on the extracted characteristics of each of the plurality of speaker signals, extracting a power vector of each of the decoded multi-channel signals by multiplying a magnitude of each of the decoded multi-channel signals by an angle of each multi-channel speaker and extracting a vector of a virtual sound source existing between a plurality of channels based on the power vector of each of the decoded multi-channel signals, extracting a vector value of a dominant sound image by linearly combining the extracted vectors of the virtual sound sources and normalizing a position of each multi-channel speaker with respect to the vector value of the dominant sound image to obtain a normalized position value, and distributing a gain value to the position of each multi-channel speaker by comparing a magnitude of a combined decoded multi-channel signal with the magnitude of each of the decoded multi-channel signals.
US08111820B2
The present invention comprises a method for audio/video conferencing. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises using a dynamic threshold value to determine whether there is speech on a line. One aspect, the method comprises determining a dynamic threshold value based on one or more characteristics of signals received on a port, associating that dynamic threshold value with the port; and comparing one or more characteristics of signals subsequently received on the port to the dynamic threshold value. Signals received over a plurality of ports are summed, but for ports whose signal characteristics have a specified relationship to the dynamic threshold value associated with that port, signals are not contained in the sum.
US08111813B2
A technique is disclosed that enables a telecommunications user to initially enter a greeting message in a single media format such as either voice or text. Subsequently, this greeting message is used by a server in response to any communication event that arrives for the user, such as a voice call or an email message, regardless of the media format of the arriving communication event. When the server receives arrival notifications of various communication events, it generates a customized greeting message in response to that event and in the same media format as the event itself. In other words, the server represents a previously-prepared outgoing voice or text message i) as a voice message in response to an incoming voice call and ii) as a textual message in response to an email, SMS text message, or instant message.
US08111811B2
Directing customer service calls based upon remote diagnosis of customer premises equipment (CPE). CPE information is received remotely from the CPE. Network status information is received from a communications network indicative of a current operational status for the network. An issue is detected with the CPE based upon the received CPE information. A recommended customer service center is selected from a plurality of customer service centers based upon at least one of the CPE information and the network status information.
US08111810B2
A highly constrained image processing method is used to improve the quality, including spatial resolution and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), of ultrasound image frames. Ultrasound image frames are accumulated to form a composite image that contains a priori information about the subject being imaged. This composite image is used in a HYPR processing method to improve the quality of the ultrasound image frame. For example, the SNR of the composite image is increased as a function of the number of ultrasound image frames used to produce it, and this increased SNR is passed on to each highly constrained image frame. Additionally, high spatial resolution ultrasound images are produced using an undersampled sampling density, and the quality of these images is restored to substantially the same level as a fully sampled image.
US08111804B2
A CT scanner comprising: a rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation: an X-ray source mounted to the rotor having a focal spot from which an X-ray beam emanates; an X-ray detector array comprising a plurality of X-ray detectors for detecting X-rays in the X-ray beam; wherein the detector array has at least one high resolution region in which detectors have a high packing density and at least one low resolution region in which detectors have a low packing density and are separated by X-ray insensitive regions substantially larger than insensitive regions resulting from septa between detectors that function to reduce detector cross talk.
US08111802B2
A method of inspecting, performing maintenance on, or repairing a nuclear reactor may include operatively connecting a fixing device, a first track, an arm including one or more second tracks, and an effector to form an apparatus; inserting the apparatus into the reactor; fixing the apparatus within the reactor; and operating the apparatus. At least one of the one or more second tracks may include at least three track sections. The arm may have a contracted length. The arm may have an expanded length. The expanded length may be greater than two times the contracted length. The first track may include one or more motors configured to move the arm relative to the first track. A method of operating a reactor may include shutting down; inspecting, performing maintenance on, or repairing the reactor; and starting up the reactor.
US08111799B2
A method for reducing power consumption in an information handling system (IHS) where the method includes receiving main data through a main link, wherein the main link provides at least one data lane. The IHS also receives a reference clock corresponding to the main data through an auxiliary channel and provides the reference clock to a first phase-lock loop, wherein the first phase-lock loop outputs a stream clock.
US08111797B2
The present invention is an improved system and method for detecting the leading edge of a waveform. More specifically, the invention relates to detecting the leading edge of an ultra wideband waveform. The invention requires locking to the ultra wideband waveform at a lock reference time, and sampling the ultra wideband waveform during one or more time windows relative to the lock reference time to identify one or more leading edge candidate times based on one or more detection criterion. The ultra wideband signal is sampled at a band limited Nyquist rate that avoids aliasing within a band of interest of the ultra wideband waveform, but allows aliasing outside of the band of interest to minimize the number of samples for leading edge detection processing.
US08111792B2
Circuits and methods for performing adaptive frequency compensation in a serial receiver coupled to a differential signal channel link are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a receiver for signals over a serial channel link is provided including a linear equalization function. A data recovery circuit is coupled to the output of the receiver and receives frequency compensated analog signals. A digital feedback control circuit observes the digital output. A data accumulator circuit receives the output of a comparator and a signal indicating the data pattern observed in the digital data output. A digital filter receives the accumulator data and outputs control signals for modifying the linear equalization in a feedback loop. The receiver and linear equalization function are automatically and adaptively modified to provide frequency compensation. Methods for adaptively modifying the frequency response of a receiver and linear equalizer using digital feedback are disclosed.
US08111773B2
A transmission method for a multiple antenna system including a first device having M (>1) transmitting antennas and a second device having N (>1) receiving antennas is disclosed. The method includes determining whether there is a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) transmission scheme satisfying a condition that it consumes less energy than a single-input single-output (SISO) transmission scheme to transmit a frame at a given transmission power, among one or more MIMO transmission schemes available to the first device and the second device, the one or more MIMO transmission schemes being determined by the numbers of activated transmitting and receiving antennas, and MIMO code; determining a transmission mode as a MIMO mode when there is the at least one MIMO transmission scheme satisfying the condition, and otherwise determining the transmission mode as a SISO mode; and performing frame transmission from the first device to the second device in the determined transmission mode. Thus, frame transmission with power saving can be performed.
US08111764B2
There is provided a method for transmitting channel quality information in a wireless communication system. Over-all band of the wireless communication system is divided by a plurality of sub-bands. The method includes selecting a first sub-band having the highest CQI among the plurality of sub-bands, transmitting CQI of the first sub-band and transmitting CQI of a second sub-band, the second sub-band having the CQI lower than the first sub-band, wherein the number of CQI levels of the second sub-band is less than that of CQI levels of the first sub-band. Overheads incurred by CQI feedback can be reduced.
US08111760B2
Deblock filtering for Microsoft WMV video decoders partitions the computation so that the deblock filtering operations can be performed on horizontal or vertical stripes or in one pass on oversized macroblocks.
US08111758B2
Disclosed is a stereoscopic/multiview three-dimensional video processing system and its method. In the present invention, stereoscopic/multiview three-dimensional video data having a plurality of images at the same time are coded into a plurality of elementary streams. The plural elementary streams output at the same time are multiplexed according to the user's selected display mode to generate a single elementary stream. After packetization of the single elementary stream continuously generated, information about the stereoscopic/multiview three-dimensional video multiplexing method and the selected display mode information are added to the packet header of the stream. Then the packetized elementary stream is sent to the image reproducer or stored in storage media. The present invention multiplexes the multi-channel elementary streams having the same temporal and spatial information, thereby minimizing the overlapping header information, and performs streaming of data suitable for the user's demand and the user system environments.
US08111743B2
A wireless transmitter includes: a plurality of transmission antennas; and a phase rotating unit which adds phase rotation to signals which are respectively input to the plurality of transmission antennas, wherein the phase rotating units adds first phase rotation for controlling the maximum delay time between the plurality of transmission antennas and second phase rotation for controlling the phases of arbitrary antennas among the plurality of transmission antennas.
US08111740B2
The present invention provides a cost-effective TEQ hardware architecture to support multiple VDSL2 profiles. It supports variable TEQ tap length programmable through firmware. Larger TEQ tap length at low-speed profiles is supported by the unique design without adding additional multipliers. The maximum number of TEQ taps supported is actually inversely proportional to the profile frequency. This perfectly meets the requirement to have longer TEQ for low-speed profile and shorter TEQ for high-speed profile.
US08111733B2
Method for generating reference signal sequence using grouping is explained. In this method, base sequences are grouped such that each group contains at least one base sequence of each length, so UE(s) can use various length sequences as a reference signal. And in this method, inter cell interference caused by using various length sequence as a reference signal sequence can be minimized by grouping sequences having the high cross correlation relation.
US08111723B2
An ultrashort pulse/ultra-high power laser diode with a simple structure and configuration is provided. In a method of driving a laser diode, the laser diode is driven by a pulse current which is 10 or more times higher than a threshold current value. The width of the pulse current is preferably 10 nanoseconds or less, and the value of the pulse current is specifically 0.4 amperes or over.
US08111708B2
A distributed processing system includes a first information processing device, two or more second information processing devices connected with the first information processing device via a first network, and the second information processing devices being connected with each other via a second network, wherein the first information processing device includes an input division unit that generates divided input data pieces by dividing an input data set, and a divided input distribution unit that transmits the divided input data pieces to the second information processing devices, and wherein the second information processing devices include a divided input transfer unit that transmits the divided input data piece to the second information processing device assigned as the base terminal from one or more of the second information processing devices assigned as a client terminal, and a divided input combining unit that combines the divided input data pieces to restore the input data set.
US08111707B2
Methods, apparatuses, and systems directed to efficient compression processing in system architectures including a control plane and a data plane. Particular implementations feature integration of compression operations and mode selection with a beltway mechanism that takes advantage of atomic locking mechanisms supported by certain classes of hardware processors to handle the tasks that require atomic access to data structures while also reducing the overhead associated with these atomic locking mechanisms.
US08111697B1
In one embodiment, a method includes classifying a data packet received at a switch fabric, selecting an action descriptor in response to the classifying, and processing an action defined in the action descriptor. The classifying is based on a primary classification condition and first portion of the data packet. The action descriptor is associated with the primary classification condition. The processing includes determining whether a secondary classification condition is satisfied by a second portion of the data packet.
US08111671B2
The present invention eliminates a transmission-waiting operation which is unnecessary while accommodating a prioritized traffic. Although a communication station enters a transmission-disallowed state in response to detection of a signal addressed to another station in accordance with medium access control based on CSMA, if the communication station receives a frame transmitted with priority to a local station during the transmission waiting, it cancels the transmission-disallowed state, sends back a frame responding the frame transmitted with priority and effectively operates a transmission prioritized period. The communication station starts a search procedure to perform a processing of evading duplication of the transmission prioritized periods if it judges a possibility of a problem occurring in a time zone in which reception with priority is possible.
US08111664B2
A communication path switching system including a wireless base station having a function of wireless communication with a mobile station and a function of relaying data transmitted from the mobile station over a wireless communication path; and plural transmission apparatuses having a function of wired communication with the wireless base station and capable of establishing respectively a wired communication path to be used to relay the data transmitted from a mobile station toward another mobile station. One wired communication path from the wireless base station to one transmission apparatus is switched to another wired communication path from the wireless base station to another transmission apparatus without re-establishing a wireless communication path between the mobile station and the wireless base station.
US08111661B2
A clear channel assessment CCA method implemented in a multi-band orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system, the method including: estimating an energy of a received signal in each window at predetermined intervals of two moving-average windows; detecting a peak value according to a difference of energies estimated in relation to the two moving-average windows, and accumulating a number of detected peak values; and reporting a channel status to a medium access control (MAC) according to the number of the accumulated peak values.
US08111657B2
A method allocates transmission channels to transmit nodes in a wireless network, the network comprising receive nodes and respective transmit nodes. Each receive node receives a data signal from its respective transmit node and is subject to interference from other transmission from other transmit nodes. The method includes: (i) determining the communication link gain of a data signal transmitted via each of communication paths; (ii) for each of the receive nodes, forming a set of the transmit nodes from which the receive node can tolerate interfering transmissions, (iii) collecting the formed set of transmit nodes from step (ii) for each receive node, and using the formed sets to generate a preferred set of transmit node and receive node pairs; and (iv) allocating a communication channel to the transmit nodes contained in the preferred set.
US08111650B2
A data transmission system for minimizing the number of errors during Tx/Rx times of mobile service data under mobile environments, and a data processing method for the same are disclosed. The system additionally codes the mobile service data, and transmits the resultant coded mobile service data. As a result, the mobile service data has a strong resistance to noise and channel variation, and can quickly cope with the rapid channel variation.
US08111634B2
Various systems and methods for integrating ring-protocol-compatible devices into network configurations that also include non-ring-protocol-compatible devices are disclosed. One such method, which can be performed by a network node that supports a ring protocol, involves generating a ring protocol packet and sending that ring protocol packet to a neighboring node. The ring protocol packet includes information, and the presence of this information within the packet causes a network device that receives the ring protocol packet to drop the ring protocol packet unless the network device supports a ring protocol. The information can include a reserved address (e.g., in the destination address field of the packet) as well as a ring protocol identifier.
