US08132955B2
A lamp body used in a LED light string comprises: a light-emitting chip which is installed on the frame, a package colloid which is provided to cover the top of the frame, wherein a lamp holder which covers the two leads and a part of the wires is provided beneath the package colloid and forms an integral unit with the package colloid, two leads and wires, so that it is capable of eliminating the potential problem as water inleakage at the joint of the package colloid and the lamp holder, and the waterproof ability is greatly improved. Meanwhile, the process of assembling the package colloid to the lamp holder by hand can be cancelled, so that mass production by machine can be realized efficiently.
US08132937B2
A lighting apparatus including at least two lighting members and a retractable housing member having at least two distinct retractable wires slidingly guided therethrough. The retractable housing member is positioned directly between the at least two lighting members to provide operable communication therebetween. The at least two lighting members are energized via the electrical power source while in a depressed position or in an expanded position.
US08132935B2
There is provided a light emitting module including: a printed circuit board; a plurality of light emitting diode chips disposed at a distance from one another on a conductive pattern formed on a top of the printed circuit board; and a connector formed on a bottom of the printed circuit board and electrically connected to the plurality of light emitting diode chips. The light emitting diode chips and the connector are optimally arranged to ensure that the light emitting module is suitably utilized as a high-density linear light source including a great number of light emitting diode chips and emits light outward with minimum loss.
US08132931B2
It is an object to manufacture a highly reliable backlight device with less color unevenness and less luminance unevenness, and a high-performance and highly reliable display device including the backlight device, which can display a high quality image. A light emitting diode (LED) is used as a light source of a backlight device and thermoelectric elements are provided in a chassis for holding the light emitting diode so as to surround the light emitting diode (the thermoelectric elements are provided under the light emitting diode and on the four sides thereof). A temperature in the backlight device is adjusted by cooling and heating by the thermoelectric elements.
US08132922B2
A filter unit includes: a feeding shaft 24 around which an unused part of a roll filter 18 is wound; a take-up shaft 25 for taking up the filter from the feeding shaft; a motor 40 for rotating and driving the take-up shaft so as to take up the filter; a filter unit housing 26 for housing the feeding shaft and the take-up shaft and including, between the both shafts, an opening for exposing the filter; rotation detection patterns 42 that rotate in connection with transfer of the filter caused by taking up the filter and are placed at predetermined intervals in a circumferential direction in which the rotation detection patterns rotate; a pattern sensor 43 for detecting rotation of the rotation detection patterns and outputting a detection signal whose amplitude fluctuates in accordance with the predetermined intervals; and a used filter amount detecting unit for detecting a used amount of the filter based on a correspondence between a period at which the amplitude of the detection signal fluctuates and an amount of the filter taken up by the take-up shaft. Since the period at which the amplitude of the detection signal fluctuates corresponds to the used amount of the filter, the used amount of the filter can be detected precisely.
US08132914B2
An imaging control apparatus which controls an imaging unit configured to capture a tomogram of the fundus of a target eye includes an acquisition unit configured to acquire information representing the direction of a fundus movement of the target eye, an analysis unit configured to analyze the direction of the fundus movement based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit, and a control unit configured to control the imaging unit so as to align the direction of imaging of the imaging unit with the direction of the fundus movement based on the analysis result of the analysis unit.
US08132910B2
The contrast sensitivity of an individual may be tested and/or trained using a plurality of circular contrast zones. The individual may select the circular contrast zone having a different degree of contrast than the other circular contrast zones. For example, the individual may select the circular contrast zone having the highest or lowest contrast of a displayed plurality of circular contrast zones. A plurality of circular contrast zones may be displayed with a spatial arrangement that facilitates inputting a selection of one of the plurality by the individual. A variety of input devices may be used to receive a selection from an individual. Both the accuracy and speed of an individual's contrast sensitivity may be tested and/or trained in accordance with the present invention.
US08132890B2
A recovery apparatus including an absorber, a holder member and a waste liquid foam is provided. The absorber abuts at least one nozzle for discharging ink and absorbs the ink from the nozzle by a capillary force. The holder member includes an open recessed portion and a communication port communicating an inside of the recessed portion with an outside of the recessed portion. The recessed portion houses the absorber. The waste liquid foam is disposed outside the holder member and contacts the absorber through the communication port of the holder member. The waste liquid foam has a capillary force greater than the capillary force of the absorber.
US08132888B2
An inkjet recording apparatus includes an inkjet head, a tank in which liquid to be supplied to the inkjet head is retained, and a flow path for connecting the inkjet head and the tank to each other. The inkjet head includes a head main body, liquid chambers which are built in the head main body, and in which liquid is kept under negative pressure, a nozzle plate bonded to the head main body in such a manner that the plate constitutes one wall part of each of the liquid chambers, nozzles formed in the nozzle plate in such a manner that the nozzles communicate with the liquid chambers, drive elements for causing the nozzles to eject liquid droplets, and first suction holes formed in the nozzle plate in such a manner that the holes communicate with the liquid chambers.
US08132886B2
The present invention relates to a method for changing a calibration of a recording apparatus (10) to adjust for geometric distortion, comprising: providing a media support (12) for receiving recording media (17); providing a carriage (18) adapted for moving along a path; providing a recording head (16) on the carriage; operating the recording head to form a pattern of image features on the recording media while the recording media is positioned with a first orientation (50A) on the media support; positioning the recording media with a second orientation (50B) on the media support, wherein the second orientation is different from the first orientation; detecting distortion in the pattern of image features while the recording media is positioned with the second orientation on the media support; and adjusting movement of the carriage in accordance with the detected distortion.
US08132879B2
An object of this invention is to decrease the amount of ink mist while keeping the image quality high in inkjet printing. To achieve this object, printing is performed by time-divisionally driving, for each block, a plurality of nozzles for discharging ink. In preliminary discharge, the nozzles are so driven as to set the driving time interval between neighboring nozzles to the first time interval. In printing, the nozzles are so driven as to set the driving time interval between neighboring nozzles to the second time interval longer than the first time interval.
US08132877B2
An ink status conveyance system comprises a maximum monitored ink level sensor operable with respect to an ink source for holding a supply of ink and delivering the ink to a printhead. The ink level sensor is configured to detect when an available amount of ink in the ink source corresponds to an ample ink level. A notification controller is configured to track the available amount of ink in the ink source between an ample ink level and an ink out level. A user interface is configured to enable a user to designate a low ink notification set point for the ink source at any ink level between the ample ink level and the ink out level. The notification controller is configured to compare the user designated low ink notification set point to the available ink volume value to generate a low ink notification when the available ink volume value corresponds to the user designated low ink notification set point.
US08132873B2
A rail assembly includes an outer rail, a middle rail, an inner rail, and a retrieving unit. The middle rail has a receiving space defined in an underside thereof, such that a length and a moving range of the middle rail are increased. A guiding member is disposed in the inner rail and temporarily engages with a clip to connect the inner rail and a moving part. At least one spring is disposed between a fixing part and the moving part. Two receiving slots are respectively disposed between the fixing part and the moving part with the outer rail, such that the inner rail spans across the receiving slots to reach the closed end of the outer rail space for increasing an overall spread length of the rail assembly.
US08132872B2
A waste receptacle has an outer cabinet housing and a waste or trash bag support frame that can be moved from a position where it is at least partially within the cabinet, to a position where the support frame is extended sufficiently so it can be rotated about an upright axis to provide access to a bag held on the support frame. The support frame has an open ring on which a waste bag can be placed. The ring is spaced upwardly from the bottom of the bag support frame so that when the waste bag is full, it can be detached from the ring and dropped down for removal, rather than being lifted up through a container opening or support. The waste receptacle can have a cover that can be actuated to move from a closed position overlying the bag support frame to an open position.
US08132867B2
A brake control apparatus includes a braking force applying apparatus for applying a braking force to each of a plurality of wheels adapted to a vehicle, a braking force testing device for testing the braking force of a predetermined malfunction test subject wheel by controlling the braking force applied thereto to be reduced or maintained for a predetermined time on the basis of a test actuation pattern while the braking force applied to each wheel is increased, a wheel speed detecting device for detecting a wheel speed of each of the plurality of the wheels including the malfunction test subject wheel, and a malfunction detecting device for detecting a malfunctioning state, in a case where changes of the wheel speed of the malfunction test subject wheel towards acceleration is not detected while the braking force testing device testing the braking force applied to the malfunction test subject wheel.
US08132866B2
A brake hydraulic pressure control apparatus is provided with wheel cylinder pressure inference value acquisition means (step 402) for acquiring an inference value of the wheel cylinder pressure, master cylinder pressure inference value acquisition means (step 404) for acquiring an inference value of the master cylinder pressure by utilizing a wheel cylinder pressure inference initial value, reaction force compensation amount acquisition means (step 406) for acquiring a reaction force compensation amount which is a value depending on the variation of the master cylinder pressure caused by the flowing of brake fluid during an ABS control, and differential pressure inference value acquisition means (step 410) for acquiring an inference value of the differential pressure between the master cylinder pressure and the wheel cylinder pressure by adding the reaction force compensation amount to the difference between the master cylinder pressure inference value and the wheel cylinder pressure inference value.
US08132862B2
A seat back frame for a vehicle for supporting a seat back, includes a first back frame, at which a shoulder belt anchor for supporting one end portion of a seat belt is provided, a second back frame arranged substantially in parallel with the first back frame, and a cross member connecting the first back frame and the second back frame, wherein a protruding portion or a recessed portion is formed at the cross member so as to extend in a longitudinal direction thereof, a first recessed surface portion or a first protruding surface portion is formed at the first back frame and a second recessed surface portion or a second protruding surface portion is formed at the second back frame so that the first back frame and the second back frame are fittedly connected to the protruding portion or the recessed portion of the cross member.
US08132851B2
The invention discussed above provides a reinforcing element for a lower impact region of a front bumper of a motor vehicle for the protection of pedestrians during the impact of a lower leg section against the lower impact region of the front bumper. The reinforcing element is thus connected behind, in direction of travel, the lower front bumper region to the latter. The reinforcing element has a base plate with reinforcing ribs attached thereto. It extends essentially in horizontal direction, approximately over the width of the front bumper. It is thus proposed for the first time that the reinforcing element is designed as a separate plate which can be integrated in the lower bumper region. The above invention also discusses a front bumper equipped therewith for a motor vehicle.
US08132843B2
A folding top compartment lid, in particular a folding top compartment lid with an integrated engine bay lid, is pivoted into an open position and into a closed position by a so-called four-bar hinge arrangement. An actuating device is articulatedly connected to a rear and a front setting-out lever of the four-bar hinge mechanism, which actuating device is coupled to a locking device which contains locking hooks. The actuating device with the setting-out levers can be activated by a hydraulic cylinder so as to pivot into the open and closed positions in such a way that the folding top compartment lid can be moved from the locked closed position into an unlocked open position and back from the open position into the closed position.
US08132836B2
A ball collecting device comprising a drum and a control element. A first cover and a second cover are installed at both ends of the drum respectively to form a containing space in the drum. The first cover and the second cover are hollow and connected to at least one ring-shaped body with an interval apart. Each ring-shaped body comprises at least one elastic element installed around the ring-shaped body. The first cover, the second cover and the ring-shaped bodies are connected by at least one rod. The control element is connected to the drum and provided for a user to hold and push the drum to roll. An elastic element installed around the second cover is provided for pushing at least one ball to shift and enter into the containing space for storage, so as to provide a convenient way of collecting balls.
US08132835B2
A workpiece gripping device includes a primary catching mechanism having a suction pad adapted to hold a workpiece by suction power and a rod-like part having the suction pad mounted on one end thereof, gripping pawls sandwiching and gripping the workpiece, a drive unit for supplying a drive power, and a transmission mechanism transmitting the drive power of the drive unit to the gripping pawls. The transmission mechanism moves the gripping pawls along an axis of the rod-like part between a gripping position where the gripping pawls are projected beyond the suction pad and a retreated position where the gripping pawls are retreated from the suction pad toward the base plate. The gripping pawls are moved to the gripping position along the axis of the rod-like part while shortening the distance between the gripping pawls.
US08132830B2
The invention concerns a security and/or value document, in particular a banknote. The security and/or value document has a support (1) of a paper material and an in particular strip-form or thread-form film element (2) which contains one or more optical security features. The support (1) has one or more window-shaped openings (35) which are closed by means of the film element (2) which projects beyond the openings on all sides. Applied to the side of the support (1) of a paper material, which is in opposite relationship to the film element (2), is a sealing layer (4) which covers the surfaces of the film element (2) at least in the region of the openings.
US08132829B2
In the pretensioner, a guiding wall is provided in a generator-side passing portion of a gas passing portion, and an inner portion of the generator-side passing portion at a portion where the guard wall is set is located to a base end rather than a tip end of a wire protective cylinder. Further, a gas generator mounting hole and the generator-side passing portion is inclined to be directed the base end of the wire protective cylinder. For this reason, gas that is jetted from a gas generator is blown to the base end of the wire protective cylinder or a surrounding portion thereof. As a result, even though the thickness of the wire protective cylinder is not set to be large, it can be against pressure of the blown gas.
US08132828B2
An apparatus for connecting a steering column control module to a steering column of a vehicle comprises a bracket for mounting the steering column control module and a collet for interconnecting the bracket and the steering column. The collet snaps into engagement with the bracket and with the steering column. One of the bracket and the collet includes a first projection and the other of the bracket and the collet including a recess for receiving the first projection. The recess includes a second projection for engagement with the first projection when the first projection is received in the recess.
US08132825B1
A fifth wheel hitch apparatus for connecting a kingpin to a towing vehicle includes a mounting mechanism having plate and skirt portions with an opening for ingress and egress of the kingpin, and a clamping mechanism having opposing first and second clamp elements. A first resilient device biases first and second lever arms of the respective first and second clamp elements to displace the first and second clamp elements into an opened configuration. Direct contact of the kingpin with the first and second clamp elements pivotally and positively displaces the first and second clamp elements from the opened configuration to a closed configuration to cooperatively capture the kingpin therebetween. A biased locking mechanism is releasably retained in an unlocked configuration and locks the first and second clamp elements in the closed configuration. In a modified embodiment, the first and second clamp elements are connected together to also pivot relative to each other about a common third pivot axis.
US08132824B2
A bicycle having a wheel (e.g., a rear wheel) and a frame supported by the wheel. The frame includes a wheel support and a stay extending from the wheel support. A stay protector resiliently engages the stay and comprises a body member including a resilient material adapted to resiliently engage the stay, and a guard member positioned on (e.g., protruding beyond) an outer surface of the body member (e.g., on a top portion and/or bottom portion of the body member). Preferably, the stay includes a molded image on a central portion that is not covered by the guard member. In one embodiment, the guard member comprises a material that has a different hardness than the resilient material of the body member. For example, the guard member can comprise a material that is harder than the resilient material of the body member.
US08132821B2
The invention relates to an axle bracket for the rear axle of a motor vehicle, as an assembled structural unit comprising a single profiled transversal carrier (1) and consoles (2, 3) fixed to the end regions of the structural unit. Said consoles are each provided with molded binding positions (A, B; C, D; E; F; G, H) for at least three of the following units—the upper transverse links (6), the lower transverse links (4), the track rods (5), and the spring or damping unit (7)—and each comprise at least two molded binding positions (G, H) for attaching the axle bracket to the bodywork.
US08132818B2
A snowboard binding and hold-down device that may flex or move with the snowboard when ridden to minimize any impact on flex characteristics. The snowboard binding may be compatible with a variety of snowboard binding mount arrangements.
US08132815B1
A card seal with an annular arrangement of cards that form the card seal, where the cards each form an L-shape cross section with a wide front face and a narrow side face, where the side face has a constant width from a top end to a location greater than a mid-point, and from this point decreases in width to zero width at the bottom end. The side faces form a blockage against leakage flowing between adjacent cards in a cards seal assembly.
US08132812B2
A sheet discharging device that includes: a discharge roller that discharges a transported sheet to outside the sheet discharging device, the discharge roller being integrally formed with a flexible rotating shaft; first and second bearing members that rotatably hold one end side and another end side of the rotating shaft, respectively; a nipping member that nips the transported sheet in cooperation with the discharge roller, the nipping member being opposed to a peripheral surface of the discharge roller; and an abutment member abutting against one of the rotating shaft and the nipping member between the first bearing member and the second bearing member to curve the rotating shaft.
US08132810B2
An oblique feeding roller and a reference guide are provided on a re-conveying path for conveying a sheet in which an image has been formed on one side by an image forming unit to the image forming unit again. The sheet is obliquely fed by the oblique feeding roller. A side edge of the sheet abuts to a reference surface provided for the reference guide along a sheet conveying direction, thereby correcting the oblique motion and a positional deviation of the sheet. The reference guide is moved to a position according to a length in a width direction of the sheet which is conveyed by a movement of a cam.
US08132809B2
A feeder that stores a sheet used to form an image in an image forming apparatus main body and that is configured to be drawn out from the image forming apparatus main body in a perpendicular direction to a sheet conveying direction. The feeder includes: a separation member that is in press-contact with a sheet feed member disposed in the image forming apparatus main body for separating a stored sheet in cooperation with the sheet feed member; an arm part that is attached to the separation member, the separation member being rotatably attached through the arm part; and a rotation mechanism that rotates the separation member downward through the arm part and releases the press contact with the sheet feed member when the feeder is drawn out from the image forming apparatus main body.
US08132803B2
A sheet processing apparatus according to an aspect of the invention can process a first-size sheet having a first length and a second-size sheet having a second length smaller than the first length. The sheet processing apparatus includes an intermediate stacking portion on which the sheets are stacked; a stapler which performs a stapling process to the sheets; a second alignment reference wall and a first jogger which align the sheets with a stapling process position; and a second jogger which is moved toward the second alignment reference wall and first jogger. Irrespective of a sheet size, the second jogger is moved toward the second alignment reference wall and first jogger by an alignment distance necessary to align the second-size sheet with a stapling process position, which allows the stapler to staple the sheets with at least one of two staple legs.
US08132802B2
An apparatus for quickly retaining and releasing parts having a wide range of sizes and designs at an optical measurement station is provided. The apparatus includes a rod having proximal and distal ends. The apparatus further includes a part-engaging first tip attached to the distal end of the rod to move therewith. The apparatus still further includes a part-engaging second tip. The apparatus includes a support structure for supporting the second tip and the rod. The apparatus further includes a quick-release, clamping mechanism for adjustably and releasably clamping the rod to the support structure so that the rod can move the first tip between a part-release position in which a part held between the tips is released for removal from the station and a part-retaining position in which a part is firmly held between the tips. Held parts having a wide range of sizes and designs can be optically measured at the station.
US08132794B2
A flexible tubing for fine bubble aeration is provided with an air passageway defined in part by an upper portion and a lower portion. The tubing can be made of a uniform weighted material with more material in the lower portion than in the upper portion. This makes the tubing self-orienting, in that it will tend to orient itself with micro-slits along the upper portion facing upward and the lower portion facing downward when submerged in a body of water. An automated, one-stage production line converts raw tubing material to a finished tubing product without the need for separate processing. A method of coiling the tubing places the micro-slits approximately 90° away from the surface of a spool hub, thereby avoiding a longitudinal arch in the tubing and ultimately preventing roll-over and improper slit orientation after installation in a water body.
US08132787B1
Conical jack stands that are used to hold up a motor vehicle (or other object) after it has been raised (e.g., by jacks). Rather than having legs like conventional jack stands, they have the shape of a hollow cone, with a circular bottom edge. The circular bottom edge gives them a larger bottom surface area than the bottom ends of the legs of conventional jack stands, so that they will be less likely to sink into the ground or asphalt. There is a hole with internal screw threads in the top of each cone, into which a large bolt-like contacting member is screwed. The contacting members can be rotated to adjust the height of the jack stands. Their hollow conical shape makes it easy to stack the jack stands for storage. Four jack stands are stored in a square box, with one contacting member in each corner of the box.
US08132786B2
A stemless ball valve comprising: a right flange; left flange; ball with an axis pin and two travel pins; ball seal on either side of the ball; guide sleeve with inner walls comprising two channels; cartridge guide holder; inner magnetic cartridge; and outer magnetic cartridge. The ball is situated inside of the guide sleeve, and a travel pin is located in each of the two channels. The guide sleeve is situated inside of the cartridge guide holder, which is located adjacent to and outside of the inner magnetic cartridge and secured to the inner magnetic cartridge such that when the inner magnetic cartridge rotates, the cartridge guide holder also rotates. The cartridge guide holder is secured to the guide sleeve such that when the cartridge guide holder rotates, the travel pins move within the channels in the inner walls of the guide sleeve, thereby causing the ball to rotate.
US08132777B2
A blowout preventer for use in the oil and gas industry having a single modified, dual-acting hydraulic operator per door, comprising a reconfigured adapter. The reconfigured adapter comprises a body having a longitudinal bore, a plurality of hydraulic fluid passageways therethrough, and is slidably received by the blowout preventer.
US08132776B2
A sideform (10) for a sideform system includes an elongate body member (12) defining a side forming face (14) and an opposed mounting portion (16) for mounting the body member on a sideform holder. At least one recessed region (18, 20), in which an insert is receivable, is defined in the body member (12). An engaging arrangement (22) is associated with the recessed region (18, 20) for securing the insert in position in the recessed region (18, 20). At least one attaching formation (28) is arranged on the body member (12) in association with the side forming face (14) for attaching an edge form.
US08132774B1
A residential and commercial construction aid comprises a specialized set of clamps and brackets and a system directed thereto for the rapid and accurate set up of perimeter screed forms during concrete forming processes. The specialized components of the present invention include: brackets comprising a tubular shaft affixed to “L”- or “J”-shaped brackets for attachment to the forms; screed rod clamps oriented in a variety of embodiments to anticipate varying installation requirements; and a “T”-handled screw. A unique installation method utilizing the components mentioned above with concrete forms and stakes is also provided.
US08132765B2
A collapsible lockable support frame assembly includes a support frame pivoted to the support arm of a stand and having two parallel sliding rails, a slide holder carrying a positioning member at the back side and coupled to and movable along the sliding rails of the support frame for holding a display device and a locking mechanism having a casing affixed to the support frame and an upper stop member and a lower stop member pivotally swingingly connected to the casing. When the support frame is turned from a vertical position to a horizontal position, the upper stop member and the lower stop member are forced by the gravity thereof to turn out of the casing so that the upper stop member stops the positioning member from outward displacement to lock the slide holder, facilitating packing and delivery and the lower stop member limits the inward displacement distance of the slide holder to prohibit the display device from hitting the support arm of the stand.
US08132762B2
A self rotating deployed film solar battery array includes film solar batteries, electrical cables, a center axle and connecting lines. A plurality of long strip shaped film solar batteries radiate to form a circle or a polygon-array. Two adjacent film solar batteries are linked by connecting lines. Each film solar battery is linked to the center axle by electrical cables. The film solar batteries are deployed and maintained in an array shape by a self rotating centrifugal force in space. The film solar batteries are coiling outside the surface of the center axle before their deployment. The unit weight of a thin film battery is only 1/30 of a traditional solar cell paddle.
US08132760B2
A parachuting method may include: (1) determining a release point where parachute items must be released from an aircraft, (2) determining a first end point that is located on a straight reference line downstream of the release point where the release of parachute items must stop, (3) determining a second end point that is located on the straight reference line downstream of the first end point where parachuting is ended, (4) performing a first parachuting sequence by guiding the aircraft along the straight reference line and releasing some of the items to be parachuted between the release point and the first end point, (5) determining a flight circuit for the aircraft to return from the second end point to follow the straight reference line until it reaches the second end point, and (6) performing additional parachuting sequences.
US08132752B1
A blade structure has at least three pairs of blade arms constructed and arranged to create regions of material movement in a blender cup, wherein material is moved outward and upward in a lower region near outer walls of the blender cup, material is moved upward and inward in an upper region near the outer walls of the blender cup, material is chopped and moved downward in a region partway between the outer walls and a central axis of the blender cup, and material is moved downward near the central axis of the blender cup. One embodiment of the blade structure includes a first pair of blade arms arranged in opposition about a common central axis, constructed and arranged for efficient chopping of ice; a second pair of blade arms arranged in opposition about the common central axis, constructed and arranged to move material impinging on a central part of the second pair of blade arms in a downward direction and to move material impinging on a tips of the second pair of blade arms in an upward and inward direction; and a third pair of blade arms arranged in opposition about the common central axis, constructed and arranged to move material impinging on a central portion of the third pair of blade arms in a generally downward direction and arranged to move material impinging on tips of the third pair of blade arms in an outward direction.
US08132749B2
To provide an electrophotographic toner pulverizing apparatus and an electrophotographic toner pulverizing method for preventing reduction in wear resistance of a rotor, a stator, and the like even in long-term pulverizing of toner. The electrophotographic toner pulverizing apparatus according to the present invention has a pulverizing chamber with at least a rotor and a stator disposed therein. The surface of at least one of the rotor and the stator has a chromium plated layer having Cr as a main component and containing Mg, Al, Si, Ti, Mn, Fe, and C elements.
US08132741B2
Systems and methods for applying substances to target areas are disclosed. The system includes a hood supported by a frame and moveable relative thereto between open and closed positions, and one or more spray heads coupled to the underside of the hood and configured to spray the target area when the hood is in the closed position, the spray heads and the hood configured such that the hood provides a wind barrier for the spray from the spray heads. The system further includes a liquid tank for holding the substance to be applied to the target area, an agitation system for desired mixing of the tank contents, and fluid pathways for delivery of the contents of the tank to the spray heads for application to the target area.
US08132725B2
A system detects a transaction outcome by obtaining video data associated with a transaction area and analyzing the video data to obtain at least one video transaction parameter concerning transactions associated with the transaction area. The transaction area can be a video count of items indicated in the video data as detected by an automated item detection algorithm applied to the video data. The system obtains at least one expected transaction parameter concerning an expected transaction that occurs in the transaction area, such as a scan count of items scanned at a point of sale terminal. The system automatically compares the video transaction parameter(s) to the expected transaction parameter(s) to identify a transaction outcome that may indicate fraudulent activity such as sweethearting in a retail environment.
US08132722B2
Systems and methods for binding a smartcard and a smartcard reader are provided. A smartcard is provision to store a first set of credentials for use in traditional transactions such as at a brick and mortar retail store and a second set of credentials for use when performing a transaction using a smartcard reader associated with a user such as an on-line transaction. The user smartcard reader registers with a smartcard issuer server by cryptographically authenticating a secure processor associated with the smartcard reader. As a result of the registration, the secure processor obtains a set of private keys associated with the second set of credentials. When a request for a authorizing a transaction via the user's smartcard reader is received, the smartcard reader cryptographically authenticates itself to the smartcard using a private key associated with a credential to be used to authorize the transaction.
US08132706B2
An articulation mechanism for use with a surgical apparatus having an articulating tool assembly is described. The articulation mechanism includes a rotatable shaft which is fixedly secured to a disk defining a spiral groove or slot. A linearly movable translation member is provided and includes a pin which is received within the spiral groove such that rotation of the disk effects linear translation of the translation member. The configuration of the spiral groove can be selected to provide any desired ratio of angular rotation of the disk to linear advancement of the translation member. As such, the configuration of the spiral slot can be selected to provide a uniform rate of articulation of the tool assembly of the surgical apparatus or a variable rate of articulation.
US08132694B2
Disclosed is a dispensing device comprises a dispense mechanism and a multicomponent syringe. The fastening parts of the syringe are embodied such that the syringe can be inserted into a holder on the dispense mechanism on the plane of the reservoirs thereof and perpendicular to the plane formed by the handle and the triggering lever of the dispense mechanism. The fastening parts on the syringe and the insertion opening on the syringe holder of the dispense mechanism are provided with coding elements that ensure that the syringe is inserted in only one direction, thus preventing non-certified syringes from being dispensed by the dispense mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, ergonomically shaped syringe flanges can optionally be used for dispensing the syringe in an optimal manner by hand with the aid of a dispense mechanism.
US08132685B2
A closure for a container (14) comprises a first portion (12) for mounting to the container and a second portion (10) adapted for mounting to the first portion. When the second portion is removed from the first portion it opens the container. When the first portion is mounted to the container and a deformable seal (66) is positioned therebetween, and when the second portion is then mounted to the first position, the seal is deformed and is simultaneously able to seal between the first portion and the container, and between the first portion and the second portion.
US08132680B2
An apparatus main body of a frame structure and an apparatus main body of a wall structure are formed separately, tray units 200 are attached to the frame main body and the wall main body, and magazine units 100 which are held by the tray unit 200 hold cigarette packs T. Since the two types of main bodies use the tray units 200 and the magazine units 100, the cigarette packs T can be displayed in various ways without decreasing productivity. In this way, the present invention provides a cigarette display system 1000 having a structure which can display the cigarette packs T in various ways without decreasing productivity.
US08132674B1
A tramp metal separation device includes a first housing having an inlet and an outlet, a first drawer and a second drawer. The first drawer and the second drawer each have a plurality of magnets and a wiper assembly, where each drawer is supported with respect to the first housing such that each first drawer is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the magnets of the respective drawer are positioned within the first housing and are adapted to be in contact with the stream of raw materials. In the retracted position, the magnets of the respective drawer are positioned outside of the first housing. The wiper assembly of each drawer removes contaminants from the magnets as the respective drawer moves from the extended position to the retracted position. Each of the first drawer and the second drawer is restrained against movement from the extended position to the retracted position when the other of the first drawer and the second drawer is disposed in the retracted position.
US08132672B2
A flexible, compact, and securely closed pill pouch pocket packet folder designed for secure handling, has multiple pockets, containing securely stored pouches for easy and orderly storing and retrieving of pills or similar small items, as when needed, for home or travel.
US08132670B1
A protective cover for portable electronic device includes a front lid and a rear lid coupled together. The front lid has an inner side contained a holding means to hold the body of an electronic device. The front lid has an outer side with a first fastening element located thereon. The rear lid has an inner surface holding at least one support leg and an outer surface with a second fastening element located thereon. When in use the front lid can be flipped outwards for 360 degrees and coupled through the first and second fastening elements. The support leg can be expanded to facilitate user's viewing of the screen.
US08132666B2
This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. The guide rails are adjustable to accommodate containers of differing sizes.
US08132665B2
Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus that comprises a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, each of a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. In particular embodiments, and as but a few of the many possible design features, positioner actuators may be fluidicly linked in parallel and with the fluid compressor, the positioner actuators may each include a piston; and a plurality of positioners may each be responsive to at least one of the pistons.
US08132663B2
A conveyor table of a cutting machine capable of making a difference in level between a conveyor table and a air table small, and preventing a sheet material from shifting or collapsing with a simple configuration is provided. A pair of caterpillar tracks 10 formed by bridging a chain 11 over a pair of sprockets 12, 13 arranged at a carry-in side end and a carry-out side end in a conveying direction, a plurality of brush mounts 20 attached to the chain 11 in parallel to connect the caterpillar tracks 10, and a brush block 30 having bristles 32 arrayed on each of the brush mounts 20 are arranged. The brush mount 20 has a portion on the carry-in side fixed to the chain 11 and a portion on the carry-out side not fixed to the chain 11.
US08132658B2
Provided is a seat where pumping operation of a lever of the seat not only rotates an output member by inching but also, when a load in the operation direction of the lever is applied to the output side member, rotates it at one stroke in that direction. A seat adjustment device of the seat has a clutch unit (X) provided between the lever and a rotation member of a movement mechanism. The clutch unit (X) has a lever side clutch section (11) which is provided on the input side and controls, through lever operation, transmission/interruption of rotational torque to the output side, a brake side clutch section (12) provided on the output side, which transmits input torque from the lever side clutch section (11) to the output side, and interrupts reverse input torque from the output side, and a rotation control clutch section (13) which is disposed adjacent to the brake side clutch section (12), allows a pinion shaft (28) of the brake side clutch section (12) to rotate by inching through pumping operation where the lever of the lever side clutch section (12) is rotated in one direction, and makes the pinion shaft (28) rotatable through a single operation in which the lever is rotated in the opposite direction.
US08132654B2
The invention relates to a hydraulic damper, in particular for the suspension system of a motor vehicle, comprising a tube filled with working fluid; a piston assembly slidably positioned inside the tube; a fluid compensation chamber located outside of the tube, and a base valve assembly at the end of the tube for controlling the flow of working fluid between the tube and the compensation chamber. A compression valve module added between the piston assembly and the base valve assembly allows the damping to increase during extremely fast compression strokes without modification of the other damper components, affecting neither tuning options nor performance in a normal operating range of piston velocities.
US08132644B2
A method and apparatus for the reduction of sound travelling in a wave-guide in the air above the ground is presented, comprising the provision below the ground of at least a top layer which, at the interface of the top layer and air, has an acoustic impedance which substantially matches the acoustic impedance of the air. Also a cylindrical structure with holes can be used. The method and apparatus may be used for the reduction of aircraft sounds, especially in the range of 15 Hz to 40 Hz, during the first part of take-off, wherein said layer(s) below the ground are provided in a range starting at a lateral side of the runway and extending until at least 100 meters, preferably until at least 300 meters and more preferably until at least 500 meters, from the runway.
US08132643B2
A sound barrier comprises a substantially periodic array of structures disposed in a first medium having a first density, the structures being made of a second medium having a second density different from the first density, wherein one of the first and second media is a viscoelastic medium having a speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave and a speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, the speed of propagation of longitudinal sound wave being at least about 30 times the speed of propagation of transverse sound wave, and wherein the other of the first and second media is a viscoelastic or elastic medium.
US08132636B2
An in-wheel motor drive unit (21) comprises a casing (22), a motor part (A), a deceleration part (B), a wheel hub (31), and a wheel hub bearing (33) rotatably supporting the wheel hub (31) with respect to the casing (22). The wheel hub bearing (33) includes first and second outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) provided on the inner diameter surface of the casing (22), a first inner track surface (33c) provided on the outer diameter surface of a wheel-side rotation member (30) and opposed to the first outer track surface (33a), a second inner track surface (33d) provided on the outer diameter surface of the wheel hub (31) and opposed to the second outer track surface (33b), and a plurality of rolling elements (33e) arranged between the outer track surfaces (33a) and (33b) and the inner track surfaces (33c) and (33d).
US08132633B2
A self positioning cutter element and cutter pocket for use in a downhole tool having one or more cutting elements. The self positioning cutter element includes a substrate and a wear resistant layer coupled to the substrate. The cutter element includes a cutting surface, a coupling surface, and a longitudinal side surface forming the circumferential perimeter of the cutter element and extending from the cutting surface to the coupling surface. The cutter element has one or more indexes formed on at least a portion of the coupling surface. In some embodiments, the index also is formed on at least a portion of the longitudinal side surface. Hence, the coupling surface is not substantially planar. Additionally, at least a portion of the longitudinal side surface does not form a substantially uniform perimeter. The cutter pocket also is indexed to correspond and couple with the indexing of the cutter element.
US08132631B2
There is provided a method for drilling a hole into the ground and installing a geothermal transfer loop. A drilling apparatus is positioned at a desired location. The drilling apparatus includes a rotating and vibrating apparatus, such as a sonic drill, for rotating and vibrating a hollow drill string into the ground. The hollow drill string having an inner space. A hole is drilled to a desired depth by rotating and vibrating the hollow drill string into the ground while discharging fluid into the inner space of the hollow drill string. The fluid forming a fluid column in the inner space of the drill string. The fluid column impedes entry of ground materials into the inner space of the drill string and is vibrated to create a water hammer for adding an additional drilling force. A geothermal transfer loop is lowered into the inner space of the hollow drill string and the drill string is removed from the ground. The method may also include discharging grouting material into the hole.
US08132627B2
A tool 10 is provided for radially expanding a downhole tubular C, and includes a central tool mandrel 12 which functionally is part of a drill string or work string, a tubular expander 48 at the lower end of the tubular, and a downhole actuator 15 for forcibly moving the expander axially within the downhole tubular. Slips 20 are positioned for securing the tool within the tubular, so that the slips may be set, and the tool subsequently stroked to move the expander 48 and radially expand a length of the tubular. Upward pull on the work string may expand long portions of the downhole tubular.
US08132615B2
A heat sink includes a heat dissipation fins assembly, a heat spreader, and a heat pipe. The heat dissipation fins assembly includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins. A guide plate extruding from a bottom of each of the heat dissipation fins. The guide plate being connected to an adjacent heat dissipation fins. The heat dissipation fins are connected in series by the guide plate thereby defining a number of air channels. Each heat dissipation fin includes a through hole defined therein and aligned with each other. The heat spreader is disposed under the heat dissipation fins assembly and a through groove is formed in the heat spreader. A heat pipe passes through the through hole and the through groove. The heat sink has improved heat dissipation efficiency.
US08132613B2
A core-setting apparatus and a method for setting the core in a lower mold used in a molding apparatus, wherein the core-setting apparatus has a simple structure and can maintain the core in the mold in a highly accurate position. The core-setting apparatus to set a core in the lower mold while the upper and the lower mold and a match plate are separated from each other after molding the upper and lower mold in a cope and drag flask includes a handling tool having a holding device and a rotatable rod, wherein the handling tool is rotatably supported by the rod, a carrier for transferring the handling tool, wherein the carrier supports the rotatable rod and is moved to or from a location above the lower mold, and an actuator for lowering and lifting the cope flask together with the carrier and the handling tool which are located above the drag flask, the actuator being mounted on the main body of the molding apparatus.
US08132610B2
A window covering includes a first rail, window covering material, lift cords that extend from adjacent the first rail to the window covering material, and at least one pulley and at least one pulley release device. At least one pulley is positioned so that at least one lift cord passes along that pulley. Each pulley release device is attached to at least one respective pulley to releasably connect the one or more pulleys to the first rail. Each pulley release device is configured to permit the one or more pulleys to which it is attached to release from the first rail when a release force acts on a component of the pulley release device. Preferably, the one or more pulleys are positioned on the outside of the first rail adjacent to the window covering material. The one or more pulleys may also be positioned adjacent to a valance.
US08132609B2
A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating bar mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines, for example, a serpentine path. The shade fabric is received through the fabric-receiving opening and is folded by the pleating bar, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates. The shade fabric is neatly wrapped around the roller tube (i.e., bunching of the shade fabric is avoided) and is stored out-of-sight when rolled up.
US08132607B2
A tire pressure control system that controls the tire pressure in the tire at each wheel of a vehicle includes: a wheel-side tire pressure sensor; a transmitter that transmits the detected tire pressure; a receiver that receives the tire pressure information from the transmitter; a tire pressure regulating device; and a control unit that drives the tire pressure regulating device based on the tire pressure information. The control unit drives the tire pressure regulating device regardless of whether the tire pressure information is received if a reception-incapable condition, in which the receiver is unable to receive the tire pressure information, has occurred.
US08132600B2
A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.
US08132597B2
A fabric for protecting a wearer thereof from an energy weapon. The fabric is made of a plurality of coupled strands. Each strand is made from at least two fibers, an electrically non-conductive fiber and an electrically conductive fiber. The electrically non-conductive fiber at least partially encloses the electrically conductive fiber.
US08132591B2
The present invention provides a tractor, comprising: a vehicle body that is supported by a plurality of wheels; a switching valve that is disposed rearwardly of a vicinity of a rear end of a driver's station floor as viewed from above; a duct connecting member that is positioned at the front end of the driver's station floor and provided with a plurality of duct connecting ports; and a plurality of metal ducts that connect the switching valve and the duct connecting member below the driver's station floor, wherein the metal ducts are positioned on a laterally outer side of a portion, that is located below the driver's station floor, of a pedal arm for an operation pedal, the pedal arm being disposed at a front portion of the driver's station floor.
US08132586B2
A supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.
US08132585B2
A collapsible enclosure for protecting food from pests and debris comprises in one configuration at least two flexible structural beams, a cover having a top portion and a bottom portion, at least one opening and at least one flap attached above the opening. The flap is substantially larger in length and width than the opening and has ballast along its base to hold it flush against the at least one opening. In another configuration the collapsible protective food enclosure comprises three or more resilient structural frame loops, a cover having at least one opening and a flap. The structural frame loops are affixed within the cover forming walls. The flap is attached above the opening and has a resilient structural frame loop affixed along its perimeter to allow the flap to fit flush against the at least one opening.
US08132584B2
A gazebo cover adaptable for gazebos having different sized canopies include a fabric panel having a central opening and a perimeter defining at least three adjacent perimeter portions. The fabric panel includes a plurality of centrally-converging gussets extending between the perimeter and the central opening. A closure, for example, a slide zipper, is provided for selectively opening the gussets to form a relatively large canopy sized to fit a predetermined large size canopy frame, and for selectively closing the gussets to form a relatively small canopy sized to fit a predetermined small size canopy frame. A peak cap is positioned over and attached to the central opening of the fabric panel for closing the central opening.
US08132573B1
A curling iron operable to protect a portion of the user's skin that is adjacent the heating element from incidental contact with the heating element. The curling iron further includes a handle that is integrally mounted to the heating element. A shield is slidably mounted to the handle and is configured to be deployed to substantially extend the length of the heating element. The shield is further configured to be rotatable about the circumference of the heating element so as to maintain a position such that the shield is intermediate the heating element and the user's skin.
US08132565B2
The invention relates to an inhalator (1) for powdery substances (33), especially medical substances. The inhalator comprises a substance reservoir chamber (27) and a metering chamber (34). The metering chamber is configured as a crossbore (35) of a rod (36) and can be displaced from a filling position (B) to a discharge position (E), in which discharge position (E) the metering chamber (34) is positioned in an air flow channel (21). The aim of the invention is to improve said inhalator, especially with regard to the filling or emptying of its metering chamber, even when particles of smallest dust-like grain size are used. For this purpose, at least a part of the reservoir chamber wall (28) is displaced in the direction of the rod (36) when the inhalator (1) is actuated.
US08132561B2
Provided in a gas-feed system, in particular a system for supplying methane or hydrogen to an internal-combustion engine, is an electronic pressure-reducer or pressure-regulator unit, integrated in which are both a pressure-reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the gas coming from the fuel tank to a value suitable for supplying a distribution manifold or rail and a modulating solenoid valve that functions as modulator of the degree of pressure reduction performed by the pressure-reducing valve. Likewise made in the body of said unit are passages that provide the communications of said valves with one another and of each of said valves with the inlet and the outlet for the gas in said unit. Furthermore, the unit incorporates an electronic control module for controlling the modulating solenoid valve.
US08132549B2
A method for determining a wear value of a transmission element between a crankshaft and a camshaft of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine, in particular a timing chain or toothed belt, is provided. The camshaft is driven by the transmission element via a drive part, for example a camshaft gearwheel. In each case, at least one measurement value for the phase position of the drive part relative to the crankshaft is determined at time intervals during which the crankshaft drives the camshaft, and the wear value is determined from the difference between the measurement values.
US08132546B2
An engine system and a method of operation are described. The engine may be operating in two-stroke and four-stroke modes while still maintaining a target exhaust air-fuel ratio.
US08132539B2
Apparatus and method for confining livestock with a portable corral gate assembly comprising a bottom frame, a top frame, a plurality of vertical members releaseably interconnecting the bottom frame to the top frame, a plurality of first side members each pivotally attached to a first vertical member and a second end attached to and extending outwardly from a first flexible member attached to the top frame and extending downwardly therefrom, and a plurality of second side members each pivotally attached to a second vertical member and a second end attached to and extending outwardly from a second flexible member attached to the top frame and extending downwardly therefrom.
US08132536B2
A portable and collapsible housing for poultry or other animals that includes a shelter having a half-lap shape, a base cage having a complimentary half-lap shape, a means for joining the shelter onto the base cage to form the housing is disclosed. A space in the shelter and a space in the base cage communicate with each other through an opening in the shelter. The housing further includes a door frame, at least one door, at least one cantilevered rod, and a ramp. The shelter is transformable into a box shaped container for shipping or storage.
US08132535B2
A chicken or fowl grow out facility utilizes a ventilated floor assembly including a ventilated floor through which liquid and gas can flow, but which retains manure deposited thereon, and a closed bottom floor plenum underneath the ventilated floor, which includes a liquid and vapor barrier covering the ground surface. Blowers in an attic plenum can discharge warm air through hanging pleated conduit tubes into the floor plenum to provide heat through the ventilated floor. A plurality of indirect evaporative coolers and associated air blowers in the facility walls force outside air, cooled or uncooled, into the growth facility, and create higher pressure in the growth facility than the pressure in the floor plenum. Vacuum blowers associated with the floor plenum cause the flow of air and air-borne contaminates through the floor and exhaust same from the plenum to outside the facility which dries manure on the floor and reduces ammonia formation and pathogen growth. A movable power-driven pusher wall pushes the marketing age fowl onto a conveyor for harvesting.
US08132522B2
The present invention relates to a method and to a device for processing highly flexural material in strip form. In order to provide a method and a corresponding device for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with optimization of working processes and increased production reliability, it is proposed that, in a method for processing highly flexural material 2 in strip form with a first and a second end region 10, 16, in particular of textile belt material 2, the two end regions 10, 16 of the highly flexural material 2 are essentially processed simultaneously, wherein one of the types of processing includes at least one sewing operation. In this case, ensured and consistent quality is achieved with a shortened working cycle time.
US08132517B2
A supporting portion for a foldable table or a foldable bench is described. The supporting portion includes a V-shaped assembly and a supporting brace. The V-shaped assembly includes two connecting rods and a sliding sleeve. Each of the connecting rods has a disconnected end and a connected end. The connected ends are connected to opposite sides of the sliding sleeve to form a unitary block. The sliding sleeve includes a front ring, a rear ring and a middle piece. The middle piece has a locking hole. The disconnected ends are rotatably connected to a pair of legs respectively. One end of the supporting brace is connected to the undersurface of the table or bench top, and the other end is adapted to slide through the sliding sleeve. The supporting brace has an elastic pin proximate to the other end. When the foldable table or bench is in unfolded position, the elastic pin is inserted into the locking hole.
US08132515B2
A railroad gondola car has a hopper carried between two trucks. The hopper has convergent end and side slope sheets that feed a bottom discharge. The bottom discharge has a pair of longitudinal doors. The door closing mechanism is a mechanical transmission that includes a set of linkages running from the door to a reciprocating pneumatic cylinder. The linkages run generally parallel to the slope sheet. The car has a very short draft installation that includes a removable coupler carrier bar, and the main shear plate has a removable draft gear installation panel. There is a machinery space above the end section shear plate. It is overhung by the slope sheet that is substantially unobstructed by any other primary structure. The pneumatic cylinder is mounted on an angle in this unobstructed machinery space, oriented longitudinally over the draft sill beneath the main drag link of the mechanical transmission, and above the main pivot of the driving input lever of the transmission. The main lever is bifurcated, and straddles the pneumatic cylinder. The mechanism includes a primary lock in the form of an over center lever arrangement, and a compact secondary lock that acts sideways rather than lengthwise. The sidewalls of the car include vertical stiffeners and side sheets. The lower portion of the side sheets lies laterally inboard of the stiffener web, while the upper portion lies laterally outboard of the stiffener web. The side slope sheet of the hopper meets the sidewall at the transition of the sidewall sheet from the inside-the-post to the outside-the-post condition.
US08132514B2
A lap bar assembly with dual lap bar and grab bar functions. The assembly includes a locking mechanism and a lap bar pivotally mounted to the locking mechanism via a support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a ratchet wheel affixed to the support shaft. A pawl is pivotally supported within the locking mechanism on a pawl support axle parallel to and spaced apart from the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a trip cam pivotally attached to the lap bar support shaft. The locking mechanism includes a cam follower that selectively engages the pawl. The locking mechanism is configured to automatically first lock in a first position (or ride position) with the pawl engaging teeth of the ratchet wheel and then second lock in a second position (or released position) with the pawl engaging the ratchet wheel on an uplock surface spaced apart the ratchet teeth.
US08132512B2
First and second conveyors are positioned along opposite sides of a frame positioned about centrally between the first and second conveyors, wherein the first and second conveyors are operably connected to a railroad engagement wheel positioned under the frame to coordinate movement of the first and second conveyors relative to the railroad engagement wheel. The conveyors can be integrated with a hi-rail truck adapted for use with the first and second conveyors and which contains an infeed conveyor for transporting tie plates from the hi-rail truck to the first and second conveyors.
US08132511B2
A clean burning premeasured compressed charge for use in black powder firearms as well as cartridges. The premeasured compressed charge is manufactured to have a substantially desired shape which facilitates improved flame propagation by the leading end wall and along the exposed sidewall surfaces of the compressed charge to result in a more complete and rapid burning of the compressed charge both from the leading end wall toward the trailing end wall and also radially inwardly from each one of the four sidewalls toward a center of the premeasured compressed charge. The premeasured compressed charge has a leading end portion and a trailing end portion and the leading end portion is either the same size or a smaller dimension than the trailing end portion.
US08132510B2
A fuze setting circuit in an artillery or tank shell having a case with a press-fitted head assembly is provided with an electromechanical fuze-wiring link that is completed electrically by mechanical assembly of a tracer-carrying projectile on the shell casing, and by the rotational attachment of a programmable fuze onto the projectile.
US08132508B2
A method of generating a digital AM halftone image output includes the steps of: (a) receiving a grey scale image from an image source; (b) generating an image component from the grey scale image; and (c) producing the digital AM halftone image output. The digital AM image output includes a plurality of halftone dots, each of which comprises at least one ink-receptive portion and at least one non-receptive portion. Patterns of halftone dots prepared in this manner may be sent as a digital output to an platesetter for producing a printing plate.
US08132504B2
A method and system of embossing ink including applying the ink to a print substrate, applying an embossing substrate to the ink wherein the embossing substrate imprints a predetermined pattern into the ink, and curing, via a radiation source, the ink such that an imprint of the predetermined pattern is embossed in the ink.
US08132496B2
A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.
US08132494B1
An impact resistant rigid composite article comprising a fibrous layer comprising a network of filaments dispersed in a rigid matrix comprising one or more thermosetting resins and one or more thermoplastic resins which preferably include one or more initiating/compatibilization agents.
US08132493B1
A lightweight armor system may comprise multiple reinforcement materials layered within a single metal matrix casting. These reinforcement materials may comprise ceramics, metals, or other composites with microstructures that may be porous, dense, fibrous or particulate. Various geometries of flat plates, and combinations of reinforcement materials may be utilized. These reinforcement materials are infiltrated with liquid metal, the liquid metal solidifies within the material layers of open porosity forming a dense hermetic metal matrix composite armor in the desired product shape geometry. The metal infiltration process allows for metal to penetrate throughout the overall structure extending from one layer to the next, thereby binding the layers together and integrating the structure.
US08132491B2
The present invention is an apparatus for detecting and disabling a human eye or optical device used in the fire control of a weapon. This apparatus comprises a prism having a plurality of peripheral reflective surface. This prism has a longitudinal axis and rotating about said longitudinal axis. An infrared (IR) laser directs an infrared laser beam toward the prism side that the laser beam is reflected toward the human eye or optical device, such that the IR laser beam is retroreflected to the prism. There is also an infrared IR detector which detects the IR retroreflected laser beam reflected from the prism. A visible light wavelength laser which produces a visible light wavelength laser beam which is reflected from the prism to the human eye or optical device to disable the human eye or optical device to prevent use of the weapon.
US08132490B2
A rotary trimmer for cutting and/or trimming paper and related sheet material is disclosed. The rotary trimmer comprises a trimmer housing having: (i) a first end portion; (ii) a second end portion; and (iii) a cutting platform having: (a) a first platform; (b) a second platform; and (c) a base platform. The first and the second platforms are pivotably connected at least indirectly to (1) the base platform; and/or (2) the first and the second end portions. The rotary trimmer further includes a blade carriage guide disposed between the first and the second end portions and a blade carriage having one or more cutting blades, and slidably mounted to the blade carriage guide wherein the blade carriage can slide along the blade carriage guide to cut and/or trim a sheet or sheet-like material positioned on the cutting platform. A method of using a rotary trimmer is also disclosed.
US08132489B2
A clamping and cutting apparatus for a conveyor belt is provided. The apparatus includes upper and lower elongate members between which the belt is to be clamped. A clamping mechanism has a screw drive mechanism mounted to the upper member and an end linkage assembly which are operable to generate a more rapid clamping operation of the elongate members on the belt. The upper elongate member can be releasably latched to the lower elongate member for quick connection and removal therefrom. A cutting blade of the apparatus is preferably provided with upper and lower guides to increase the rigidity thereof for increasing cutting accuracy and allowing thicker belts to be cut therewith without increasing blade thickness.
US08132484B2
A sprocket cover arrangement for a hand-held chain saw has a housing and a sprocket cover that has an opening and is connected to the housing. At least one stud bolt having a first end secured to the housing and having a second end that is a free threaded end is provided. The free threaded end projects through the opening of the sprocket cover to an exterior side of the sprocket cover when the sprocket cover is positioned in an operating position on the housing. A nut is screwed onto the free threaded end of the at least one stud bolt on the exterior side of the sprocket cover so as to secure the sprocket cover on the housing. The nut is secured captively, rotatably and with play in the opening of the sprocket cover.
US08132474B2
A Hall effect helicopter mast torque meter includes a stand pipe, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a sensor. The stand pipe is connected to the top of the mast such that the stand pipe rotates at the same velocity as the mast. The first magnet is operably associated with the stand pipe which is operably associated with the top of the mast. The second magnet is operably associated with the bottom of the mast. The sensor detects the magnetic field of the first magnet and the second magnet.
US08132466B2
A mechanical property testing device and method for reliably measuring strain and fatigue characteristics of material specimens is described. An input electrical signal is applied to create an electric field around a first piezoelectric member. The resultant deformation of the first piezoelectric member transfers a force to the specimen being tested which transfers a force to a second piezoelectric member causing deformation. The deformation of the second piezoelectric member generates an output electrical field which is measured. The stress state of the specimen is calculated from fundamental material constants and the measured output electrical field.
US08132465B1
Circuits, methods, and systems that calibrate or account for packaging and related stress components in a pressure sensor. Further examples provide an improved sensor element or device. One example provides one or more sensing elements on the diaphragm and near the diaphragm-bulk boundary. Sensors near the diaphragm-bulk are used to estimate package-induced stress. This estimation can then be used in calibrating package stress from pressure measurements.
US08132464B2
A process variable transmitter for measuring a pressure of a process fluid includes a process coupling having a first port configured to couple to a first process pressure and a second port configured to couple to a second process pressure. A differential pressure sensor is coupled to the first and second ports and provides an output related to a differential pressure between the first pressure and the second pressure. First and second pressure sensors couple to the respective first and second ports and provide outputs related to the first and second pressures. Transmitter circuitry is configured to provide a transmitter output based upon the output from the differential pressure sensor and/or the first and/or second pressure sensors. Additional functionality is provided by the transmitter using the sensed first and/or second pressures.
US08132460B1
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for creating bond delaminations in a controlled fashion within adhesively bonded structures. In one embodiment, a system for inducing a defect in a bond of a bonded article includes a laser and a laser processor head. The laser processor head includes a housing, a lens disposed within the housing, at least one magnet disposed within the housing, and at least one sensor disposed within the housing. The system is capable of applying a laser pulse of sufficient energy fluence to cause localized weaknesses in the bond.
US08132455B2
A micromachined thermal mass flow sensor comprises a high mechanical strength polyimide film as a supporting layer of suspending membrane. The polyimide film provides superior thermal insulating properties to reduce the power consumption of device. Due to the tendency of humidity absorption, the polyimide suspending membrane is double side passivated on both top and bottom surfaces to sustain its long term stability from rush and humid working environment. A thin layer of silicon dioxide deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition is overlaid between the silicon nitride and polyimide film to enhance the adhesion property of passivation layers to polyimide surface. With such embodiments, a sturdy and robust micromachined thermal mass flow sensor with high measurement accuracy could be formed.
US08132451B2
A system, method and device for measuring toner performance by randomly applying a toner sample having toner particles to a substrate, and positioning the substrate such that a force may be applied to individual particles of the measuring toner. A rolling resistance or rotation of the individual particles of the measuring toner is measured. The measurements may be analyzed to determine adhesion and distribution properties of individual toner particles of the measuring toner sample.
US08132439B2
An effective thread number in the thread section which is disposed on the mouth section of the bottle is formed to be 2.2. That is, the thread section is formed such that the thread section 13 should serve effectively in the mouth section such that an interval between a start position and an end position should be 2.0 to 2.5. In the bottle can member 11 which has such a thread section, an outer diameter of the thread section which is formed on the mouth section is 28 to 38 mm. Also, the thickness of the mouth section is 0.25 to 0.4 mm. The thread section which has the effective thread number 2.0 to 2.5 is formed by eight-thread per inch pitch. By doing this, it is possible to put the cap desirably.
US08132423B2
Disclosed is a refrigerator having an ice making apparatus installed at a cooling chamber door that opens/closes a cooling chamber. The refrigerator includes a body having a cooling chamber therein, a cooling chamber door to open/close the cooling chamber, and an ice making apparatus installed in the cooling chamber door to make ice. An ice making evaporator is provided in the ice making apparatus to independently supply the ice making apparatus with cooling air and an ice making evaporator chamber, in which an ice making evaporator is installed, is provided adjacent to the cooling chamber door while being partitioned from the cooling chamber.
US08132420B2
A method of controlling a refrigerant chiller system is particularly suited for chillers where the water being chilled (or some other liquid) flows through the chiller's evaporator at a flow rate that is variable and is not directly known. To effectively control the chiller and maintain the temperature of the water leaving the evaporator at a desired target temperature, the cooling capacity of the chiller's evaporator is estimated based the degree of valve opening of an expansion valve, a pressure differential across the expansion valve, and a change in enthalpy per unit mass of the refrigerant flowing through the evaporator. In some embodiments, the chiller system includes multiple refrigerant circuits that are hermetically isolated from each other.
US08132419B2
In a refrigeration system (10) that includes a refrigerant circuit (20) configured by connecting a plurality of circuit component parts including a compressor (30), a pressure reduction device (36, 39) and a plurality of heat exchangers (34, 37) and operates in a refrigeration cycle by circulating refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit (20), a refrigerant state detection section (51) is provided for detecting the refrigerant temperatures and entropies at the entrance and exit of each of the compressor (30), the pressure reduction device (36, 39) and the heat exchangers (34, 37), and a variation calculation section (52) is provided that uses the refrigerant temperatures and entropies detected by the refrigerant state detection section (51) to separately calculate the magnitude of energy variation of refrigerant produced in each of the circuit component parts.
US08132418B2
Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for cooling an environment using a low temperature heat source. A cooling apparatus is provided. A refrigerant is vaporized from a refrigeration solution using the low temperature heat source. The vaporized refrigerant with part of the refrigeration solution is channeled to a separator. The vaporized refrigerant is separated from the channeled refrigeration solution. The refrigerant is further vaporized from the separated refrigeration solution leaving behind a dilute refrigeration solution. The refrigerant is condensed. A part of the condensed refrigerant is fed to the first vaporizer leaving behind a residual part of the condensed refrigerant. The residual part of the condensed refrigerant is evaporated by absorbing heat from the environment thereby cooling the environment. The evaporated refrigerant is absorbed by the dilute refrigeration solution to produce a concentrated refrigeration solution. The concentrated refrigeration solution is fed to the first vaporizer via a heat exchanger.
US08132416B2
Apparatus and processes are provided for combusting hydrocarbon-containing waste fuel with an oxidizer, preferably liquid oxygen, and producing a substantially clean exhaust gas and a separate high purity steam product (e.g., superheated steam) that can be used to generate electrical power. The apparatus includes a plurality of combustion chambers in series with means to control the combustion temperature while facilitating complete combustion. The apparatus and method are useful for transforming waste materials, particularly solid and liquid wastes, such as the rubber from scrap tires into non-hazardous materials and energy.
US08132414B2
A steam turbine includes a bucket implanted in a turbine rotor and a nozzle disposed on an upstream side of the bucket and supported by a turbine casing, in which a plurality of stages, each including the bucket and the nozzle, are arranged axially in the turbine so as to define a steam path. A hydrophilic coating portion is disposed in the entire area or an area of at least one portion of a circumferential surface of the turbine rotor, surfaces of the nozzles, surfaces of the buckets, and an inner circumferential surface of the turbine casing.
US08132412B2
A solar thermal powered aircraft powered by heat energy from the sun. A Rankine-Brayton hybrid cycle heat engine is carried by the aircraft body for producing power for a propulsion mechanism, such as a propeller or other mechanism for enabling sustained free flight. The Rankine-Brayton engine has a thermal battery, preferably containing a lithium-hydride and lithium mixture, operably connected to it so that heat is supplied from the thermal battery to a working fluid. A solar concentrator, such as reflective parabolic trough, is movably connected to an optically transparent section of the aircraft body for receiving and concentrating solar energy from within the aircraft. Concentrated solar energy is collected by a heat collection and transport conduit, and heat transported to the thermal battery. A solar tracker includes a heliostat for determining optimal alignment with the sun, and a drive motor actuating the solar concentrator into optimal alignment with the sun based on a determination by the heliostat.
US08132409B2
Systems and methods for collecting solar energy and converting it to heat, mechanical work, or electricity on a small scale and utilizing one or more system components originally adapted for use in a non-solar-power-generation application are described. Solar energy is used to heat a fluid that is part of a solar energy collector. This fluid transfers heat to the working fluid of thermodynamic engine, which converts some of the heat into mechanical work or electricity. One or more system parameters are monitored and controlled to enable improved efficiency under variable environmental conditions.
US08132406B2
A tide activated power system has a plurality of horizontally oriented cylinders that each have a pair of chambers. The cylinders are carried on float/weight barges that are located in a lagoon. A plurality of float/weight barges each have at least two cylinders in series. Each cylinder has a chamber holding a piston movable in the chamber defining a pair of variable size chambers: a flood variable size chamber and an ebb variable size chamber. As the float/weight barge rises and falls on the tide in the lagoon, the variable size chambers vary in size and force a working fluid to a turbine generator to create electrical energy. The piston of each of the multiple cylinders of the multiple barges forces combined to move the working fluid above the turbine generator where the flow drives the turbine generator prior to returning to the cylinder. In alternative embodiments, other mechanisms convert the energy from the rising and falling of the flow/weight barges to a non-uniform motion in one direction. The system can accumulate energy from the mechanism for converting the motion and converts the accumulating energy to another form of energy.
US08132387B2
The present invention provides thermal insulation products including a thermal insulation batt, board and loose fill, and methods of manufacture thereof, and a method of insulating an attic with loose fill, and an attic having the loose fill. The insulation products include randomly distributed inorganic fibers which are supplemented with microspheres, preferably hollow microspheres.
US08132384B2
The invention relates to a fastening system (1) for rectangular, tabular panels (2, 3, 10), especially floor panels. Comprising retaining profiles disposed on the small faces of said panels (2, 3, 10). Opposite retaining profiles match said retaining profiles in such a manner that similar panels (2, 3, 10) can be interlinked. The panels are provided with opposite first retaining profiles that are configured in such a manner that on a panel (2, 3, 10) being in first line a new panel (2) can be locked in second line by attaching the new panel (2) to the installed panel (3) at a temporary angle relative to the installed panel (3) and then swiveling it down into the plane of the installed panel (3). The panel further comprises opposite second retaining elements that comprise corresponding hook elements (6, 7). A hook connection (8) can be established by means of one of the hook elements (6, 7) of the new panel (2) and a hook element (6, 7) of a panel (3) that is already installed in second line by swiveling down the new panel (2). Every hook connection (8) is associated with an additional locking element (13, 22, 26, 27, 34, 35, 36, 40, 46) that prevents, in the hooked state of two panels (2, 3, 10), the hook connection (8) from being released in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the installed panels (2, 3 10).
US08132382B2
Thermal insulation is provided which includes randomly distributed inorganic fibers and about 5-500 wt. % unexpanded hollow microspheres comprising a polymeric shell having disposed therein a blowing agent or gas, said unexpanded hollow microspheres increasing in size when heated. Also provided is an insulated attic, including a plurality of rafters, an attic floor and a thermal insulation comprising randomly distributed glass fibers in at least about 5 wt. % hollow expanded microspheres having a diameter of 20-140 microns, which have been expanded from about 6-40 microns. The hollow expanded microspheres reduce the thermal conductivity of the thermal insulation by at least about 5%, and have shown improvement up to 19.4% decreased thermal conductivity during tests at loadings from 30% to 257%. Additionally, calcium acetate and cupric carbonate additions to glass fiber insulation products showed improvement by at least about a 1% decrease in thermal conductivity.
US08132378B2
A glass element for forming glass brick walls, which has an overall parallelepiped shape and side walls shaped to enable insertion-engagement with the adjacent elements.
US08132376B2
The present invention is directed toward a track assembly comprising two nested tracks, an inner track and outer track. The assembly is designed so that the outside width of the outer track is equal to or less than the outside width of the inner track to present a substantially flush external surface for attachment of exterior sheathing elements when the assembly is used in an external wall. The system may further comprise a strap or series of engaging surfaces on the inner and outer tracks that generally restrain the inner track relative to the outer track.
US08132374B2
In regards to the invention titled “External Wall Panel Unit for Saving Energy and External Wall Structure System Using the Same,” there are an external wall panel unit and an external wall structure system for saving energy.The external wall panel unit is attached to an external wall structure (1) of a building to form an external wall of the building, and includes: an external frame (10); a frame rainwater tube (20); a frame duct (30); and a window (40).The external wall structure system using the external wall panel units is installed in such a way that a plurality of the external wall panel units are arranged and mounted vertically and horizontally.
US08132370B2
Self-draining panel threshold assemblies including a reservoir chamber are discussed. The threshold assemblies comprise an interior sill portion, an exterior sill portion, and a drop-down chamber therebetween. The interior sill portion may include a condensation channel, which in one example, includes a roller track centrally positioned therein. The exterior sill portion includes a drain chamber and the reservoir chamber, where the reservoir chamber is positioned below and optionally to the exterior of the drain chamber. The drop-down chamber is partially defined by an elongate exposed weather-strip and an elongate covered weather-strip. In varying examples, a reservoir chamber height is equal to or greater than a water head height at a preselected wind load pressure. In certain examples, an effective threshold assembly height is less than or equal to ¾-inch, such as less than or equal to 1/2-inch. Methods and apparatuses related to the threshold assemblies are also discussed.
US08132367B2
A container for receiving and growing plants is disclosed. The container includes a latticework having a bottom wall and a sidewall extending from the bottom wall defining a cavity with an open end, a covering for the bottom wall and the sidewall for receiving plant growth medium for supporting roots of plants, and a plurality of spaced apart flexible cords securing the covering to the latticework.
US08132365B2
A panel for a modular green roof system includes a bottom and four sides extending upwardly therefrom to provide an enclosure for growing medium, with a first side having a height above the bottom, the panel configured to accommodate an irrigation head. The bottom of the irrigation head is positioned below the height of the first side and connects with a water supply line running horizontally along the first side. A mold defining a first opening can be formed in the first side, the first opening configured to receive the irrigation head, the mold extending toward a side opposing the first side. A notch formed in a first side flange extending from the first side may alternatively help secure the irrigation head. The top of the irrigation head can be elevated above the height of the first side to irrigate the panel and nearby panels with pressurized water.
US08132363B2
Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise (a) a germinateable seed having a germinating end and an apparent germination polarity; or alternatively a germinateable seed having a hole formed therein; and (b) a cage or, respectively alternatively, a member securing the germinateable seed; the cage having a structure such that when securing the germinateable seed, the cage not inhibiting or slowing a germination process of the germinateable seed; the member is secured to the hole. Seedlings which comprise the cage or member engaged therewith. Articles-of-manufacturing which comprise the seed or seedling, the cage or member and a display article attached to the cage or member. Methods of making same and of displaying the display article in context of the seedling.
US08132360B2
The present invention provides a Christmas tree stand that is self-watering and rotatable. The self-watering system, that rotates with the tree, mainly includes a water reservoir, a hose, a water tank that holds on to the lower end of the tree, and a valve mechanism that automatically keeps the water in the water tank at optimum level. A rotatable tank assembly is driven by an electric drive motor on a stationary support assembly. Electrical power is passed from the stationary support assembly to the rotatable tank assembly through a slipping-ring connector. In the preferred embodiment, a remote control is provided to supply power for rotation of the rotatable tank assembly, including the tree, and the power receptacle on the rotatable tank assembly for suitable electrical loads, e.g., decorative lights, separately.
US08132359B1
A flower pot saucer for receiving a flower pot or the like is provided. The flower pot saucer comprises a base having an outer surface and a flat annular top surface angled downward toward the outer surface. A revolving saucer is mounted within top surface of the base with the flower pot positionable upon the revolving saucer. At least one solar panel is positioned on the angled top surface of the base. A motor is mounted within the base and powered only by the solar panel with the motor connected between the solar panel and the revolving saucer and the motor causing the rotation of the revolving saucer wherein the junction of the outer surface and the top surface of the base creates an outer edge and wherein the angling of the top surface of the base allows any liquids or other debris spilled on the top surface to drain off the top surface toward the outer surface and over the outer edge.
US08132343B2
A boot that includes a shell base and a collar, an articulation provided between the collar and the shell base, such that the collar can pivot with respect to the shell base about an articulation axis, which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and further including a device for blocking the rearward rotation of the collar with respect to the shell base, the devices for blocking the rearward rotation including the following: a rocker mounted so as to rotate with respect to either the collar or the shell base, around a first pivot, the pivot being oriented along a first axis and the rocker having an elongated shape between an upper end and a lower end, and the first pivot being positioned in the vicinity of one of the two ends; a support base, positioned in the vicinity of the other of the ends, including a first support surface, which is capable of coming in contact with either the shell base or the collar; and a lever mounted so as to rotate with respect to the rocker around a second pivot, the second pivot being oriented along a second axis, parallel to the first axis, and the second pivot being positioned between the first pivot and the support base, the lever including an actuating palette and a cam surface.
US08132332B2
A cutting device with two toothed blades arranged to be moveable with respect to each other includes a magnetic arranged to press both blades together.
US08132326B2
A method and equipment for making a needle-fin tube having needle-like external fin parts, and internal fin structure formed by a spiraled spring wire which expands to clamp again the tube in the needle-fin tubes. The wire used to form the internal fin is wound along and around a bar which is moved and rotated along a straight line. The bar is moved inside the needle-fin tube from its one end to the other and the wire is released from the bar to attach to the internal surface of the needle-fin tube under spring force.
US08132325B2
A method of forming a rotor for a turbine engine such that the rotor is formed of two materials including: an inner disk formed from a first material, such as steel, and an outer ring formed from a second material, such as a nickel alloy, having a larger thermal expansion coefficient than the first material forming the inner disk. The ring may include an inner aperture having a conical shape, and the disk may have an outer surface with a conical shape and a diameter with a portion that is larger than a portion of the ring. The ring may be heated such that the aperture expands to a size greater than the largest diameter of the inner disk. The ring may be positioned over the disk and allowed to cool to allow the ring to be attached to the disk. The ring and disk may then be co-forged.
US08132323B2
A tool for installing an end of a cable into a connector generally includes a front jaw assembly adapted to retain the cable connector and a back jaw assembly movably coupled to the front jaw assembly. The cable connector includes a connector body and a compression sleeve and the back jaw assembly is adapted to insert an end of the cable into the cable connector upon movement of the back jaw assembly toward the front jaw assembly and subsequently press the compression sleeve into the connector body upon further movement of the back jaw assembly toward the front jaw assembly.
US08132320B2
A circuit board process is provided. In the circuit board process, a first substrate and a second substrate are stacked to form a cavity for accommodating chips. The top of the cavity is covered by a third metal layer that serves as a mask. The first substrate has a base, a first metal layer, a second metal layer, and at least a first conductive structure, and the first metal layer is patterned to form a first circuit layer having a number of first pads. The second substrate, at least an insulation layer and a third metal layer are laminated to the first substrate with a common opening in-between, and the third metal layer covers the common opening. A third circuit layer having a number of third pads is formed on the second substrate. The first pads and the third pads are not on a same plane for wire bonding.
US08132312B2
A method for manufacturing a vacuum cup mount including the steps of providing a housing having a mount base and a generally upstanding wall extending from the mount base, providing a retainer having an aperture that extends from an upper side of the retainer to a lower side of the retainer and a plurality of recesses formed on the lower side of the retainer in communication with the aperture, placing the retainer on the mount base so that the lower side of the retainer faces the mount base, and bending at least a portion of the generally upstanding wall so that the bent portion of the generally upstanding wall engages the upper surface of the retainer to secure the retainer with respect to the mount base.
US08132311B1
A method for fabricating a unit of luggage includes photographing one or more graffiti scenes, photographically processing the resulting images to yield a composite design image, transferring the composite design image to a sheet of fabric material in a repeating design, cutting the fabric to form pieces of the luggage unit and joining the cut pieces form the luggage unit.
US08132309B1
A clamping apparatus is provided that includes a first clamp component having a center portion, and a first set of flexible fingers and second set of flexible fingers disposed on opposing sides of the center portion. The first and second sets of flexible fingers extend angularly in a direction towards the center portion such that the first set of flexible fingers extend in a generally opposing directions from the second set of flexible fingers. The clamping apparatus includes a second clamp component having a center portion, and a first set of flexible fingers and second set of flexible fingers disposed on opposing sides of the center portion. The first and second sets of flexible fingers extend angularly in a direction towards the center portion such that the first set of flexible fingers extend in a generally opposing direction from that of the second set of flexible fingers.
US08132304B2
A method for producing a piezoelectric actuator has the following steps: providing a plurality of piezoelectric material layers (2) which can be assembled into a stack; applying electrode layers (3) each having a recess (4, 4′) to the plurality of piezoelectric material layers, such that an alternating sequence of piezoelectric material layers and electrode layers is formed in the stack, wherein electrode layers with a recess (4) in a first recess zone and electrode layers with a recess (4′) in a second recess zone which differs from the first recess zone are alternatingly formed in the stack; and providing a stress-relieving material (5) in the first and second recesses, the stress-relieving material exhibiting electrically insulating properties after the stack is sintered, and preventing the individual material layers from adhering to one another.
US08132300B2
A gasket for fastening the automotive safety belt is disclosed. A plastic material is applied to form a one-piece body comprising a fixing part, a flexible part and a plug part. The plug part of the gasket is inlet into the hole of the suspension sheet of the safety belt for fastening the safety belt so as to avoid the safety belt rolling automatically to bind the human body so close that the chest are oppressed uncomfortably. In addition, the gasket mounted on the outer surface of the buckle of safety belt is made of plastic materials. Even the gasket is touched with human body in use, to adjust and to fasten the safety belt will not result in the human body being hurt from impact. It is much safer for utility.
US08132283B1
A push broom that is constructed of a broom head that includes a broom plate for supporting bristles or the like and having a rest surface and a bristle support surface; an elongated handle attached to the broom plate of the broom head and for controlling a sweeping action of the broom head and a pivotal coupling member for mounting the elongated handle with the broom head. The pivotal coupling member has separate positions including a rest position in which the broom head rests on the rest surface of the broom plate so that the handle is substantially upright to maintain the broom free-standing and an action position in which the handle is pivoted relative to the broom head so as to enable the sweeping action of the broom head by a user.
US08132275B2
The present invention is a tub and shower enclosure formed from three pieces. A wet wall, back wall, and dry wall are each formed separately. Living hinges connects the wet wall to one end of the back wall and the dry wall to the opposing end of the back wall. The hinges allow the wet wall and dry wall to be folded into positions that are generally parallel to the back wall for shipping.
US08136166B2
To install a black box on a computing device, an administrator has access to the computing device and queries same for machine properties thereof. The administrator sends the machine properties of the computing device to a black box server as part of a request for a new black box for the computing device. The black box server in response constructs the new black box based in part on the machine properties so as to tie the new black box to the computing device, and delivers the new black box to the administrator. The administrator thereafter installs the new black box on the computing device. The administrator may include an activation provider running on the computing device and an activation manager in communication with the activation provider. The administrator may also deactivate the black box if it determines that the black box is no longer trustworthy.
US08136163B2
A method, apparatus and program storage device for providing automated tracking of security vulnerabilities is disclosed. Security problems are reported, aged and tracked. A time to fix the vulnerability identified by the vulnerability assessment of the system is based on the determined vulnerability score. The vulnerability factor is based upon consideration of a plurality of identified parameters.
US08136158B1
A system that uses segmentation to safely execute native code. This system includes a processing element that executes the native code and a memory which stores code and data for the processing element. The processing element includes a segmentation mechanism which limits the native code executing on the processing element to accessing a specified segment of memory. The processing element also includes an instruction-processing unit, which is configured to execute a user-level instruction that causes the segmentation mechanism to limit memory accesses by the native code to the specified segment of the memory.
US08136156B2
In a module with a controller for a chip card, the controller having first and second I/O pads for data input and output, and the module having one I/O pad. Both of the first and second I/O pads of the controller are connected to only the one I/O pad of the module. In this manner, data output via one of the first and second I/O pads of the controller may be read and monitored by the controller via the other of the first and second I/O pads of the controller.
US08136149B2
A security system with methodology providing verified secured individual end points is described. In one embodiment, for example, a method of the present invention is described for controlling access to a particular application, the method comprises steps of: defining firewall rules specifying filtering conditions for incoming network traffic, the firewall rules including an application attribute that allows individual rules to be associated with specific applications, the firewall rules also including extended attributes that allow specification of additional conditions that a given end point is required to meet; intercepting incoming network traffic destined for a particular application for which a particular application-specific firewall rule has been created; examining the extended attributes for the particular application-specific firewall rule, for determining what additional conditions the given end point must comply with in order to communicate with the particular application; if the given end point complies with the additional conditions, allowing the end point to communicate with the particular application; and otherwise blocking the end point to prevent communication with the particular application.
US08136148B1
A reusable authentication component may be integrated into a web page to communicate with an authentication server and authenticate a user to the web page. The reusable authentication component may implement a complex authentication process, including multiple user interfaces to receive multiple assurances of user identity and user confirmation of previously stored mutual authentication data. The authentication process may be performed by the authentication component without refreshing or redirecting the parent web page until completion of a successful user authentication, after which the parent web page may receive authentication data and refresh to provide user specific and/or secure user data on the web page.
US08136147B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing privileges on a data processing system. The process initiates a privilege monitor. All other entities in the data processing system are prevented from assigning privileges. The privilege monitor is the only entity authorized to assign privileges. The process monitors for requests for privileges. In response to detecting a request from a user for a privilege, the process selectively assigns the privilege to the user through the privilege monitor.
US08136145B2
Exemplary systems and methods for network authentication are provided. Exemplary systems include an application program interface configured for receiving a request for an authentication code, a code generator in communication with the application program interface, the code generator configured to generate the authentication code, and the application program interface further configured to receive the generated authentication code and allow an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network. Further systems include the generated authentication code being received from a network device without an Internet browser and the received generated authentication code allowing an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network for an extended period of time. Exemplary methods include receiving a request for an authentication code, generating the authentication code, receiving the generated authentication code, and allowing an application to communicate digital data with a web-based social network.
US08136143B2
A scalable access filter that is used together with others like it in a virtual private network to control access by users at clients in the network to information resources provided by servers in the network. Each access filter use a local copy of an access control database to determine whether an access request made by a user. Changes made by administrators in the local copies are propagated to all of the other local copies. Each user belongs to one or more user groups and each information resource belongs to one or more information sets. Access is permitted or denied according to of access policies which define access in terms of the user groups and information sets. Access is further permitted only if the trust levels of a mode of identification of the user and of the path in the network by which the access is made are sufficient for the sensitivity level of the information resource. If necessary, the access filter automatically encrypts the request with an encryption method whose trust level is sufficient.
US08136142B2
A centralized Content Management System (“CCMS”) facilitates management of packages comprising assets comprising meta-data and associated content of video programs for distribution to various types of service providers and equipment locations therein. The CCMS can receive meta-data and associated content, normalize the meta-data according to various formats based on various rules depending on where the meta-data and contents are to be distributed, and the distribute the content. The CCMS has various capabilities for managing packages, including adapting the meta-data and content for different types of equipment or individual locations based on rules for that service provider, thus providing an automated system reducing error and time in distributing video assets to a number of locations.
US08136138B2
A system for displaying video data in a vehicle. The system intelligently replicates one or more portable device displays on one or more vehicle displays. Each vehicle display may be shared or dedicated to a specific portable device. The image from each portable device is intelligently replicated and provided to the vehicle integrated video system via a wireless communication link for display. The wireless communication link can provide the image to the vehicle integrated video system in real time to support both static images and dynamic images.
US08136134B2
A system for dynamically transmitting network alert system (NAS) information from a television network to an affiliate station using information embedded in an HDTV signal includes a program data server configured to provide network alert system (NAS) data, a network video programming source configured to provide network video programming, a data inserter configured to insert the NAS data into vertical ancillary (VANC) space of a high definition television (HDTV) signal to develop a combined network video programming and NAS data signal, and a transmission facility configured to transmit the combined network video programming and NAS data signal.
US08136132B2
An optical disk drive includes a bracket, and a mecha module installed on the bracket. The mecha module includes a mounting plate fixed on the bracket, an optical pick-up head installed on the mounting plate in a slidable manner for reading or writing data in an optical disk, and a spindle motor installed on the mounting plate for rotating the optical disk. The optical disk drive further includes a rotary mechanism connected to the bracket and a base for driving the bracket to rotate into or out of an opening on a housing relative to the base.
US08136129B2
The invention provides a disc changer including a plurality of trays which can be moved respectively in a horizontal direction, a tray driving gear unit capable of shuttling the trays between a standby position and a disc exchange position, a gear driving mechanism for driving the tray driving gear unit, a tray triggering unit capable of locking/unlocking the trays in the standby position, pushing all trays to engage with the tray driving gear unit after unlocking the trays, and driving the trays toward the disc exchange position, wherein all trays in the standby position can be unlocked and pushed to engage with the tray driving gear unit, and ejected outward from a mechanical chassis by a predetermined tray stroke, thereafter the trays are driven back to the standby position one by one, and when the last tray reaches the standby position all trays are locked.
US08136111B2
A SMT enabled processor system, having multiple processors each activated to interleave execution of multiple hardware threads on each processor, for ST workload, includes a kernel. The kernel of the SMT enabled processor system facilitates construction of an exclusive set of processors to simulate an ST mode for handling the tasks of the ST workload, wherein the ST workload runs more efficiently on single threaded processors. The kernel schedules the ST workload on the exclusive set of processors by selecting one hardware thread per processor within said exclusive set of processors to handle a separate one of the tasks of the ST workload, while requiring the remaining hardware threads per processor within the exclusive set to idle. The ST workload is executed on the SMT enabled processor system as if the exclusive set of processors run in ST mode, but without actually removing the remaining idle hardware threads per processor within the exclusive set of processors.
US08136110B2
A method in an information-processing apparatus for monitoring a job based on a print request from a client computer includes obtaining job information which exists in a print queue, continue monitoring the print queue based on the obtained information even if a client job corresponding to a print process in a client computer disappears from the print queue, and stopping monitoring a print queue when a server job corresponding to a print process in a server computer disappears from the print queue.
US08136105B2
A computer program product is provided for extracting SIMD parallelism. The computer program product includes instructions for providing a stream of input code comprising basic blocks; identifying pairs of statements that are semi-isomorphic with respect to each other within a basic block; iteratively combining into packs, pairs of statements that are semi-isomorphic with respect to each other, and combining packs into combined packs; collecting packs whose statements can be scheduled together for processing; and generating SIMD instructions for each pack to provide for extracting the SIMD parallelism..
US08136103B2
A method for combined static and dynamic compilation of program code to remove delinquent loads can include statically compiling source code into executable code with instrumented sections each being suspected of including a delinquent load, and also into a separate intermediate language representation with annotated portions each corresponding to one of the instrumented sections. The method also can include executing the instrumented sections repeatedly and monitoring cache misses for each execution. Finally, the method can include dynamically recompiling selected ones of the instrumented sections using corresponding ones of the annotated portions of the separate intermediate language representation only after a threshold number of executions of the selected ones of the instrumented sections, each recompilation include a pre-fetch directive at a pre-fetch distances tuned to avoid the delinquent load.
US08136099B2
A method and system to automatically translate a definition of a choreography workflow process to an executable process are provided. The method includes processing a collaboration element from the definition, mapping the collaboration element to an executable element based on a knowledge database system that contains the collaboration element and the corresponding executable element and mapping the collaboration element to the executable element statically if the corresponding executable element is unavailable in the knowledge database system.
US08136094B2
A system and method of relationship management for data modeling in an integrated development environment is provided. A method of incorporating a program code file includes generating a relational schema of symbols in the program code file based on a framework for models in the integrated development environment, the schema comprising at least two related tables; determining a relationship between the at least two tables in the relational schema; adding definitions from the program code file for symbols in the relational schema to a definition set retaining definitions of symbols; and producing proxy definitions for use with the definition set for each symbol in the program code file without a definition in the definition set.
US08136091B2
Instruction set architecture (ISA) extension support is described for control-flow integrity (CFI) and for XFI memory protection. ISA replaces CFI guard code with single instructions. ISA support is provided for XFI in the form of bounds-check instructions. Compared to software guards, hardware support for CFI and XFI increases the efficiency and simplicity of enforcement. In addition, the semantics for CFI instructions allows more precise static control-flow graph encodings than were possible with a prior software CFI implementation.
US08136087B2
A method of in-line processing of standardized text values. A standardization utility defines multiple standardization rules in response to user input from a graphical user interface (GUI). The standardization rules correspond to text and integer data in a database. The standardization utility generates a JAVA class template for each data model object that requires standardization. The standardization utility generates public methods for each data attribute that corresponds to a standardization rule and converts the public methods into JAVA code. The standardization utility compiles the JAVA code into multiple helper classes and stores the helper classes within a JAVA Archive (JAR) file in the library path of applications that input text into the database. The standardization utility assigns a tracking number to each new helper class. The standardization utility loads the helper classes into JAVA Virtual Machines (JVMs) that are accessible to applications capable of inputting data into the database.
US08136083B2
More ASIC functionality is crammed into a chip (or chip set) than can probably or definitely be operative at one time when the chip is packaged and inserted into a broader circuit. The excessive ASIC functionality is chosen to cope with different market development probabilities in a host of different market spaces and a subset of the excessive ASIC functionality is programmably activated in each market space after manufacture. In one embodiment, a mega-ASIC with excessive ASIC functionality crammed into it, has a universal core as well as plurality of programmably selectable ASIC function blocks. The ASIC function blocks are programmably activatable and de-activatable so that a mass produced can quickly respond to shifting market demands.
US08136081B2
A performance optimizing circuit is provided for a signal processing system which is parameterized by a set of coefficients that vary the operational characteristics of the signal processing system. The performance optimizing circuit receives as input a reference signal and an output signal of the signal processing system. The performance optimizing circuit may include (a) a cost computation circuit that receives the reference signal and the output signal and provides as output a cost signal representing a cost function computed using a set of current values for the set of coefficients, the output signal and the reference signal; and (b) a cost optimizer circuit that, at each of a plurality of successive time intervals, evaluates one or more values of the cost signal in the cost computation circuit and provides to the signal processing system a new set of values for the set of coefficients. The cost optimizer circuit implements two or more of the random search, parabolic interpolation and hill climbing techniques.
US08136071B2
The invention relates to multi-planar logic components in a three-dimensional (3D) integrated circuit (IC) apparatus configuration. A multi-planar integrated circuit connected by through silicon vias is configured to connect microprocessor, FPGA and memory components. The integrated circuit components may be on tiles of layers of the 3D IC.
US08136069B2
The Width Bias Calculator (WBC) calculates electrical values by effectively averaging the electrical values to either side of a target wire shape whereby values are approximated for design validation without a significant impact on performance or memory consumption.
US08136068B2
Disclosed are a method, a system, and a computer program product for implementing compact manufacturing model during various stages of electronic circuit designs. In some embodiments, the method or the system receives or identifies physics based data. In some embodiments, the method or the system receives or identifies the physics based data for the corresponding manufacturing process by using the golden manufacturing process model. In some embodiments, the method or the system uses the physics based data to fine tune, modify, or adjust the golden manufacturing process model. In some embodiments, the method or the system invokes the just-right module. In some embodiments, the method or the system implements the compact manufacturing model and the correct-by-design module and provides guidelines for the various stages of the electronic circuit design.
US08136067B2
Disclosed is a system and method for enhancing integrated circuit designs and predicting the manufacturability. Design for manufacturability, or DFM, is an integration of DFM advisories; a DFM data kit presented in a DFM unified format; and DFM utilities utilizing the DFM data kit and the DFM advisories for enhancing integrated circuit (IC) designing.
US08136063B2
Methods and apparatuses to optimize a circuit representation using unfolding as a preprocessing of the multirate folding. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portion of a data flow graph representation of a circuit is optimized using circuit operation level before using optimizing with data flow algorithm and mapping the design onto hardware. In an aspect, the present invention discloses circuit operation level optimization for data flow graph representations with optimizing zero inputs caused by the upsamplers, or with optimizing unused outputs caused by the downsamplers. In at least one embodiment of the present invention, multirate data graph is converted to a single rate data graph before data flow optimizing. In an aspect, converting a multirate data graph to a single rate data graph comprises unfolding the multirate data graph with minimum unfolding factors that are inversely proportional to the clock values.
US08136061B2
The circuit library available for logic synthesis is limited to a single dynamic circuit block or logic synthesis block. The circuit design method includes first defining the logic synthesis block and then performing logic synthesis for a predetermined logical operation to be implemented. The logic synthesis step constrained to the single logic synthesis block produces an intermediate circuit design which necessarily comprises a series of dynamic circuit blocks, each associated with a single reset signal. Once the intermediate circuit is produced, the circuit design method includes eliminating unnecessary devices from the intermediate circuit to produce a final logic circuit, and then sizing the devices in the final circuit to complete the design.
US08136060B1
A method and mechanism is disclosed for identifying and tracking nets in an electrical design. A hierarchical design does not have to be flattened to perform the operation of identifying and tracking nets. To identify sets of connected shapes, instead of having to unfold the entire design hierarchy, only the specific instances of shapes falling within the geometric bounds of shapes identified as being part of a net needs to be unfolded to perform the search. When composing the list of nets for a hierarchical design, the unfolded shapes at other hierarchical levels of the design can be derived based upon virtual terminal structures that implicitly references nets and objects at other levels.
US08136052B2
A touch screen device and an operating method thereof are provided. The touch screen device is operated by touching a touch screen and moving a touch while the touch is maintained on the screen. A detector detects a touch point and a moving trajectory, and a controller selects a user command based on the detected touch point and moving trajectory. Then, when the user releases the touch, the controller executes the user command. User commands are classified and stored in a storage device and then executed by the controller based on operation modes associated with the device. A variety of user commands may be executed even though not all the menus are not displayed on the screen at once. Further, a user may cancel an erroneously entered user command quickly and easily.
US08136047B2
A method for displaying a plurality of windows on a display screen is described. The method includes steps of associating a first window with at least one second window, the at least one second window being independent of and external to the first window, and combining the first window and the at least one second window into a common window on a display screen, the first window and the at least one second window being configured to share a common window frame. An indicator may appear on the display as a target region when a user desires to associate the first and second windows. Subsequent operations performed on the common window are performed automatically on any underlying window. For example, when a user chooses to save the contents of the common window, the contents of all of the windows of the common window may be saved.
US08136035B2
A method of checking a new entry in a calendar application having a cache that includes a first subset of existing entries falling within a first date range. Also, an electronic device implementing the method. The method includes determining whether the date of the new entry falls within the first date range. If so, the method determines whether the new entry directly conflicts with or is adjacent to one of the existing entries in the first subset, and provides a notification if appropriate. If the date is outside the first date range, the method creates a new calendar cache including a second subset of existing entries falling within a second date range around the new entry date, determines whether the new calendar entry directly conflicts with or is adjacent to one of the existing calendar entries in the second subset, and provides a notification if appropriate.
US08136029B2
A method of characterising a web site by sampling, the method comprising, the repeated steps of: accessing a URL; receiving a web page; analysing the URL and received webpage and recording characteristics thereof; identifying links within the received web page; grouping links within the received web-page based on proximity; and selecting one of the selected links for subsequent access based on the grouping. The method can be applied in a web application assessment tool.
US08136016B1
Reproduction of encoded data which includes a split-mark. FIR data corresponding to split-mark and FIR data affected by the split-mark due to inter-symbol-interference are identified. FIR data corresponding to the split-mark is removed from the received FIR data. Recovered data is created by removing incorrect inter-symbol-interference from the FIR data due to the split-mark, and adding correct inter-symbol-interference from codeword bits. The recovered data is stitched together with data unaffected by split-mark data.
US08136011B2
A broadcast receiver and a method of processing data are disclosed. The broadcast receiver includes a signal receiving unit, a RS frame decoder, a decoding unit, a text-to-speech (TTS) module, a voice output unit, and a control unit. The signal receiving unit receives broadcast signal multiplexed mobile broadcast service data including text information and main broadcast service data. The RS frame decoder performs decoding on the RS frame, thereby correcting errors occurred in the corresponding mobile broadcast service data. The decoding unit decodes the text information included in the error-corrected mobile broadcast service data. The text-to-speech (TTS) module converts the text information to a voice signal. The voice output unit outputs the converted voice signal. The control unit controls the voice output unit.
US08136009B2
A circuit arrangement is formed as follows. A combinational circuit has n binary inputs E1, . . . , En for inputting n (n≧2) information bits x1, . . . , xn and m binary outputs for outputting m (m≧1) check bits c1, . . . , cm. The combinational circuit is configured for realizing a Boolean function ci=fi(xi1, . . . , xini) for i=1, . . . , m at the i-th output for determining a check bit ci, wherein the set {xi1, . . . , xini} at the ni information bits that determine the check bit ci is a subset of all n information bits {x1, . . . , xn}. The combinational circuit is furthermore configured for realizing a first Boolean function f1(x11, . . . , x1n1) of the form c1=f1(x11, . . . , x1n1)=f11(x11, x12) XOR f12(x13, x14) XOR . . . XOR f1k1(x1(n1−1), x1n1) at a first output for outputting a first check bit c1, wherein n1 is an even number where n1≧2 and 2 k1=n1 and the Boolean functions f11(x11, x12), . . . , f1k1(x1(n1−1), x1n1) are in each case nonlinear Boolean functions of two variables which can be realized by logic gates having two inputs and one output, wherein the logic gates each have a controlling value c11, . . . , c1k1.
US08136004B2
A radio communication apparatus including a retransmission control function, includes: determination means configured to determine whether a result of error detection performed in a communication partner side for a first packet after transmitting the first packet to the communication partner is positive acknowledgement or negative acknowledgement; request means configured to request a following second packet from an upper layer when the result of error detection is determined to be positive acknowledgement; and means configured to transmit dummy data to the communication partner as a following second packet when the first packet is the last packet. When the determination determining that the result of error detection is positive acknowledgement is incorrect, a system frame number used when transmitting the dummy data is reported from the communication partner, so that the first packet is retransmitted.
US08135998B2
There is provided an information processor capable of preventing an unintended operation from being caused by configuration information set in the information processor being updated even if the information processor such as a multi-function peripheral receives configuration information from outside during execution of a job, as well as capable of (1) making it possible to know that update has not been performed, (2) making it possible to externally confirm that update has not been performed and (3) updating the configuration information as soon as possible after the job ends; and an information processing method. If configuration information is inputted from an external device via an EthernetÒ 1008 or the like, the information processor included in a multi-function peripheral 1001 or the like determines whether the information processor is executing a job. If it is determined that the information processor is not executing a job, then the received configuration information is recorded and the configuration information is updated. If it is determined that the information processor is executing a job, then the receiving operation is terminated.
US08135997B2
Provided are a method and system for integrated monitoring of fault and performance information in an integrated management system environment including an integrated management server that interworks with a managed server having a built-in agent for the sake of integrated management of a variety of management information. The method includes the steps of: collecting, at the agent, in real time, fault information data of the managed server using queues; periodically collecting, at the agent, performance information data of the managed server using a function-specific remote function module (REM); converting, at the agent, the fault and performance information data collected from the managed server into a format that the integrated management server can recognize and transferring it; receiving, at the integrated management server, the fault information data from the agent, and generating and transferring an event message to a corresponding administrator terminal; and receiving, at the integrated management server, the performance information data from the agent and storing it in a previously prepared database (DB). Therefore, even when a user docs not directly access a managed server, fault and performance information data is transferred in real time to the corresponding administrator so that loss due to faults can be minimized.
US08135995B2
Techniques for systematically gathering, organizing, and storing diagnostic data related to multiple monitored systems (e.g., multiple instances of a product or multiple products). A centralized repository is provided that is organized in a hierarchical manner to facilitate proper organization of the diagnostic data related to multiple monitored systems. In one embodiment, a root directory comprising one or more subdirectories is provided for storing diagnostic data collected for each monitored system. Multiple root directories may be provided under a common base directory for storing diagnostic data corresponding to multiple monitored systems. This enables correlation of diagnostic data across multiple monitored systems.
US08135985B2
A computer implemented method, a tangible computer storage medium, and a data processing system provide high availability support for virtual machines in a logical partitioned platform. A monitoring system detect a failure in the virtual machine. Partition management firmware then restarts the virtual machine in a consistency failover image node utilizing a consistency failover image. If a subsequent failure of the virtual machine is detected within a predetermined time, partition management firmware restarts the virtual machine in a boot failover image node utilizing a boot failover image.
US08135979B2
A sniffer device determines whether an abnormal condition is present in a network communication. In response to determining that the abnormal condition is present, the sniffer device collects network-level packets into a data structure. The data structure containing the collected network-level packets can be analyzed for determining whether the abnormal condition caused an issue with a communicating entity.
US08135968B2
Provided is a semiconductor apparatus including a power management integrated circuit. The semiconductor apparatus includes an application processor and a voltage management integrated circuit. The application processor outputs clock information on an operation clock signal, and includes a core circuit. The voltage management integrated circuit receives the clock information from the application processor, and generates and outputs a core voltage having a voltage level corresponding to the clock information in response to the clock information. The operation clock signal is a clock signal, which has a variable frequency and is input to the core circuit of the application processor.
US08135963B2
A program conversion device generates a program by obfuscating an original program, and generates and encrypts conversion parameters for inverse conversion of the obfuscated program. The program conversion device distributes the obfuscated program together with the encrypted conversion parameters. To execute the obfuscated program, a device having a high security level decrypts the encrypted parameters by using a decryption key stored in advance, applies inverse conversion to the obfuscated program by using the decrypted conversion parameters, and executes the program resulting from the inverse conversion. A device having a low security level executes the obfuscated program without any inverse conversion.
US08135956B2
Techniques are provided for the lightweight authentication of a user to an application, a computer or other device. An interaction element such as a stylus, a pen or marker is uniquely identified. The interactive element is associated with a user. The interaction element provides a means for interacting with the application. The proximity of the identification element within the interaction element during data entry operations to the authentication sensor signals the controlled application that the user has been authenticated.
US08135955B2
The present invention relates to a device for detecting a manipulation of an information signal, having an extractor for extracting an information signal component characteristic for the information signal from the information signal, an encrypter for encrypting the information signal component to obtain an encrypted signal, and a comparator for comparing the encrypted signal to a reference signal, wherein the reference signal is an encrypted representation of a non-manipulated reference signal component of a reference information signal to detect the manipulation.
US08135945B2
A method for booting a processing device, the processing device comprising a first and a second processing unit, the method comprising: detecting by the first processing unit, whether at least one boot configuration parameter is accessible from a non-volatile storage medium of the processing device, the at least one configuration parameter being indicative of a boot interface; if said at least one configuration parameter is available, forwarding at least a part of the detected at least one configuration parameter by the first processing unit to the second processing unit; otherwise detecting by at least one of the first and second processing units whether a boot interface is available to the processing device; booting at least the second processing unit from the indicated or detected boot interface.
US08135941B2
One embodiment of the invention provides a processor. The processor generally includes a first and second processor core, each having a plurality of pipelined execution units for executing an issue group of multiple instructions and scheduling logic configured to issue a first issue group of instructions to the first processor core for execution and a second issue group of instructions to the second processor core for execution when the processor is in a first mode of operation and configured to issue one or more vector instructions for concurrent execution on the first and second processor cores when the processor is in a second mode of operation.
US08135938B2
A component of a computing device, such as the kernel of an operating system, is arranged to identify real time processes running on the device and transparently lock the memory owned by such processes to avoid them being paged out. The kernel is also able to inspect all inter-process communications originated by the real time threads running in such processes, in order to ascertain what other processes they invoke, and, if they have the potential to block a real time operation, the kernel is arranged to lock the areas of memory these processes reference. This procedure operates recursively, and ensures that page faults which might affect the operation of any real time process do not occur.
US08135937B2
A mechanism is provided, in a data processing system, for accessing memory based on an effective address submitted by a process of a partition. The mechanism may translate the effective address into a virtual address using a segment look-aside buffer. The mechanism may further translate the virtual address into a partition real address using a page table. Moreover, the mechanism may translate the partition real address into a system real address using a logical partition real memory map for the partition. The system real address may then be used to access the memory.
US08135932B2
A method for initializing a memory area, the method includes: receiving a request to access a first memory sub of a first memory area that comprises multiple memory sub areas; and initializing the first memory sub area if a first memory area initialization indicator differs from a first memory sub area initialization request indicator; wherein the first memory area initialization request indicator is a multiple bit variable indicative of a time of a last request to initialize the first memory area and the first memory sub area initialization indicator is a multiple bit variation indicative of a time of a request to initialize the first memory area that resulted in a last initialization of the first memory sub area.
US08135931B2
Information equipment having a memory area for which access restrictions are set is provided. The information equipment makes a determination, in response to operation for turning a security mode into a security level enhanced mode, on data in the memory area, whether or not any one of the following conditions satisfy security requirements after the security level is enhanced: access restrictions set for the data itself; access restrictions set for the memory area; and authentication information for a user who has stored the data, and sends, to the user who has stored the corresponding data in the memory area or a user who has set the access restrictions for the memory area storing the corresponding data therein, a message to prompt one of the users to perform operation for satisfying the security requirements.
US08135930B1
Hybrid replication systems and methods for a virtual computing environment utilize snapshot rotation and differential replication. During snapshot rotation, data modifications intended for a source virtual machine disk (VMDK) are captured by a primary snapshot. Once a particular criterion is satisfied, the data modifications are redirected to a secondary snapshot while the primary snapshot is committed to both source and target VMDKs. The secondary snapshot is then promoted to primary, and a new secondary snapshot is created with writes redirected thereto. If the VMDKs become out-of-sync, disclosed systems can automatically perform a differential scan of the source data and send only the required changes to the target server. Once the two data sets are synchronized, snapshot replication can begin at the previously configured intervals. Certain systems further provide for planned failover copy operations and/or account for migration of a virtual machine during the copying of multiple VMDKs.
US08135929B1
A cascaded RDF system includes a local RDF site coupled to a source of data, a remote RDF site, and at least one intermediate RDF site, interposed between the local RDF site and the remote RDF site. Data written by the source of data to the local RDF site is propagated through the at least one intermediate RDF site to be stored at the remote RDF site. The source of data may be a host. There may be more than one intermediate RDF site. The cascaded RDF system may also include an additional remote RDF site, coupled to one of the at least one intermediate RDF site.
US08135928B2
System and method for tracking changes to a volume. A write request to write data to a first location in the volume may be received. It may be determined if the first location is overlapping with or adjacent to one or more locations of earlier write requests to the volume. First location information may be stored in a data structure in response to determining that the first location is overlapping with or adjacent to one or more second locations of earlier write requests to the volume. The first location information may identify the first location and the one or more second locations. Second location information may be removed from the data structure, where the second location information identifies the one or more second locations of earlier write requests to the volume. The data may be written to the first location in the volume in response to the write request.
US08135925B2
Methods of operating a memory system are useful in facilitating access to data. Where repetitive data patterns are detected among portions of received data, and an indication is provided, a portion of the data may be stored and/or subsequently retrieved without having to store and/or retrieve, respectively, all portions of the data.
US08135924B2
A method, system, and computer usable program product for an improved data storage device driver are provided in the illustrative embodiments. For managing an elevator queue, several requests are stored in the elevator queue. A determination is made whether the elevator queue is sorted. A number of requests in the elevator queue is determined if the elevator queue is unsorted. The unsorted elevator queue is monitored. Reaching a threshold condition in the unsorted elevator queue is detected. Sorting of the unsorted elevator queue is initiated. The requests may be I/O requests for a data storage device. The elevator queue may be sorted according to an ascending or descending order of data block addresses in the requests. The monitoring may monitor a remaining number of unsorted requests in the elevator queue as requests are removed from the elevator queue. The threshold condition may be associated with a threshold value.
US08135913B1
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for programming a flash memory having a plurality of memory blocks, wherein each memory block of the plurality of memory blocks is either a single-level cell (SLC) memory block or a multi-level cell (MLC) memory block, the method comprising assigning a weighting factor to each memory block of the plurality of memory blocks based on whether the memory block is an SLC memory block or an MLC memory block, tracking a number of write—erase cycles for each memory block, and selecting one or more memory blocks for writing data based at least in part on the weighting factor and the tracked number of write—erase cycles of each memory block of the plurality of memory blocks. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US08135909B2
A program is divided into unified units, and necessary instructions are downloaded for each of the unified units in advance from a main memory to a cache memory before a processor executes the instructions, to thereby reduce occurrence of a miss hit. If a miss hit occurs, an application program is switched to another one to conceal the miss hit penalty, to thereby enhance the serviceability of programs and thus achieve real time processing while swapping instructions.
US08135907B2
A method for wear level-based allocation in a storage pool. The method includes receiving a first request to write a first data item in a storage pool, where the storage pool includes a number of physical locations associated with the storage devices, and where each of the storage devices includes metadata regarding a level of wear of the storage device. The method further includes determining a first target physical location selected from the plurality of physical locations by using a wear-level selection policy and a wear cost for each of the storage devices, where the wear cost is determined based on a type of the storage device. The method further includes allocating a first data block to the first target physical location writing the first data block to the first target physical locations, wherein the first data block comprises a first portion of the first data item.
US08135902B2
According to one embodiment, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory drive includes a nonvolatile semiconductor memory, and a controller which controls a process of writing and reading data with respect to the nonvolatile semiconductor memory. The controller includes a compaction control module which acquires free groups set in an unused state by rearranging valid data scattered in n groups in groups of a number not larger than n−1 when the number of free groups remaining in a plurality of groups formed as a storage area management unit of the nonvolatile semiconductor memory becomes not larger than a predetermined number, and a compression control module which acquires free groups by compressing stored data in m groups in which access to stored valid data has not been made for a period longer than a predetermined period and rearranging the compressed data in groups of a number not larger than m−1.
US08135901B2
In one aspect, a determination is made as whether partition metadata of a solid state memory has changed, and if so, the partition metadata is analyzed to locate invalid data stored in the solid state memory. This analysis may include determining that a file system type of a partition has changed, and invalidating data in response to the changed file system type. Alternately, or in addition, the analysis may include determining that a partition has changed, and invalidating data in response to the changed partition.
US08135899B1
A system, method and computer program product for virtualizing a processor and its memory, including a host operating system (OS); and virtualization software that maintains a virtualization environment for running a Virtual Machine (VM) without system level privileges and having a guest operating system running within the Virtual Machine. A plurality of processes are running within the host OS, each process having its own virtual memory, wherein the virtualization software is one of the processes. A host OS swap file is stored in persistent storage and maintained by the host operating system. The host OS swap file represents virtualized physical memory of the VM. A plurality of memory pages are aggregated into blocks, the blocks being stored in the host OS swap file and addressable in block form. The virtualization software manages the blocks so that blocks can be mapped to the virtualization software process virtual memory and released when the blocks are no longer necessary. The host OS swaps the blocks between the host OS swap file and physical memory when a block that is not in physical memory is accessed by the VM. The host OS swap file size is not subject to limitation on virtual process memory size. A user of the VM can access a larger virtual process memory than the host OS permits.
US08135898B2
A method for managing memory in a nested virtualization environment is provided. The method comprises implementing a first virtual machine (VM) for a first software such that a first guest memory is allocated to the first software; maintaining a first data structure to translate one or more memory addresses in the first guest memory to corresponding memory addresses in a physical memory; maintaining a second data structure to translate one or more memory addresses in the second guest memory to corresponding memory addresses in the physical memory. The first software implements a second VM for a second software such that a second guest memory is allocated to the second software and maintains a third data structure to translate one or more memory addresses in the second guest memory to corresponding memory addresses in the first guest memory.
US08135875B2
Determination is made whether acceptance of a job on a USB memory is permitted or not. When in a USB memory job acceptance permitted state, a USB memory job selection display process is executed. When in a USB memory job acceptance prohibited state, a USB memory plural load prohibition display process is executed. When in a USB memory job acceptance prohibited state, the relevant display screen is continuously provided. Therefore, the user is provided with the relevant display screen to be prompted confirmation of the loading of a USB memory.
US08135874B2
The present invention relates to an automatic mapping and updating computer switch device. The computer switching device provides the compatibility between a plurality of devices and a plurality of computers, and comprises a USB host chip connected to the plurality of peripheral devices each containing a USB connector for sending the necessary data (USB device descriptor/report) to a plurality of USB device chips, thus, the computers can acquire the necessary data of the peripheral devices through the connected USB device chips. Whenever the computer switching device re-boots or any of the peripheral devices are plugged in/pulled out, the USB host chip reads the new necessary data again with the previous ones, if any differences are found, the new necessary data is send to the USB device chips for storage. The aforesaid procedure is called DDM (Dynamic Devices Mapping) or full USB Enumeration or full USB Initiation.
US08135836B2
In a network such as a cellular telephone communications network, a control server balancing processing loads among several resource servers resolves a tie between resource servers using the resource servers' prior, current and future load state data and call gap percentages in each of the prior, current and future load states. Such tie resolution also takes into account the trend of resource demands placed on the network; whether it is monotonically increasing, monotonically decreasing or indeterminate. The goal of such resolution is to maximize the throughput of the network while eliminating random selection of resource servers to service requests.
US08135834B1
A system and method enables the balancing of inter-AS traffic from a primary AS to a target AS by adding a virtual node in the primary AS that appears connected to the edge routers that advertise via (I)BGP the ability to forward communications the target AS, and modifying the (I)BGP messages reflected to the primary AS to indicate that only the virtual node may forward communications to the target AS.
US08135831B2
An apparatus method and system are described for categorizing Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) when accessing the Internet 20 from a client 12. A request message 500 is generated to request categorization of a specified URL, and a category is provided in a reply message 600. The specified URL and the category are added to a category cache. In a second or subsequent instance of a URL request referring to the specified URL, the category is determined from the category cache. This reduces communication traffic in a network such as the Internet 20.
US08135830B2
A system and method provide comprehensive and highly automated testing of vulnerabilities to intrusion on a target network, including identification of operating system, identification of target network topology and target computers, identification of open target ports, assessment of vulnerabilities on target ports, active assessment of vulnerabilities based on information acquired from target computers, quantitative assessment of target network security and vulnerability, and hierarchical graphical representation of the target network, target computers, and vulnerabilities in a test report. The system and method employ minimally obtrusive techniques to avoid interference with or damage to the target network during or after testing.
US08135822B2
Techniques for reporting events that occur on a plurality of Web Services (WS)-enabled devices are provided. A service agent executes on a node that is separate from the plurality of WS-enabled devices. The service agent receives an event notification message from a particular device of the plurality of WS-enabled devices. The event notification message indicates an event that occurred on the particular device. In response to receiving the event notification message, the service agent examines a mapping table that maps event types to one or more devices that are to be notified when the corresponding event occurs. The service agent then sends a message about the event to each of the one or more devices.
US08135818B2
Techniques for automatic virtual machine migration in a mixed SBC/CBC environment are described herein. According to one embodiment, a connection is established between a client and a virtual machine (VM) hosted by a remote node in response to a request for accessing the VM. A control server determines whether the client has sufficient processing resources to host the VM. The control server causes the VM to be migrated from the remote node to the client if the client has sufficient processing resources to host the VM. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08135817B2
A method, system, and computer program product for communicating with machines connected to a network. Information sent to or from the machines is transmitted using electronic mail. The electronic mail may be transmitted over the Internet, but also may remain within a local or wide area network. When receiving electronic mail, the electronic mail message may be sent to a user who reads information regarding the purpose of the electronic mail message in the body of the message. When the user is satisfied that it is safe to perform the functions requested by the email, the user may execute a file which is attached to the incoming email message in order to perform the appropriate diagnostic or control operations. Alternatively, the incoming email message may contain a code or is sent to an address which causes automatic execution of the desired functions. In this embodiment, it may not be necessary for the user to manually perform any action in order to allow the appropriate processing to begin. Email messages may also be transmitted from the computer which is attached to the device which is being monitored or controlled and include information regarding the status or capabilities of the attached device.
US08135812B2
A cache module (26) at a client computer (12) controls a cache portion (28) on a storage device (24). The cache module communicates with other cache modules at other clients to form a cache community (15). The cache modules store World Wide Web or other content in the cache portions for retrieval in response to requests (32) for content from browsers (30) in the cache community. When the requested content is not available in the cache community, the requested content may be retrieved from an origin server (19) using the Internet.
US08135810B2
An intelligent platform management interface (IPMI) server management system includes a managing side and a plurality of managed sides. The managed sides includes at least on active IPMI managed sides, wherein each of the active IPMI managed side actively provides its service information to the managing side so as to establish a first list, and then the managing side searches out the managed sides which are not on the first list one by one so as to establish a second list. Therefore, the IPMI server management system may effectively sort out the managed sides which are available for application.
US08135797B2
A management policy evaluation system for evaluating a management policy includes: a demand recording part for recording demand data representing a change in a value of a demand in a predetermined period; a supply recording part for recording supply data representing a change in a value of a supply in the predetermined period; a calculation part for comparing the demand data with the supply data, so as to calculate shortage/surplus data representing a change in shortage/surplus of an IT resource with respect to the demand in the predetermined period; and an evaluation part for generating evaluation data representing a loss or a profit to be created when the IT resource is assigned based on the management policy.
US08135795B2
Method, apparatus and article of manufacture for on-demand access to computerized resources. A resource-time value includes a resource-identifying component and a usage limit component. The resource-identifying component specifies a given type of a resource and the usage limit component defines a maximum allowable usage value of the resource on the basis of time and quantity. Upon verifying the resource-time value, a quantity of the resource is enabled. The enabled resources may then be placed into service for specified time periods, wherein the quantity of resources placed into service and the time periods are delimited by the usage limit component.
US08135787B2
Systems, methods, and articles of manufacture embodied as computer program products for facilitating the avoiding of sending a message to an unintended recipient. In some embodiments of the invention, in an instant messaging (IM) environment, the relatedness of a first entry in a first IM session to previous entries in the first IM session is determined. In response to the entry not meeting a first pre-determined relatedness threshold, an alert is issued. In one embodiment, the relatedness of the first entry to previous entries in a second IM session is determined, in response to the entry meeting a second pre-determined relatedness threshold, an alert is issued. In one implementation, relatedness is determined based on a matching of keywords between the first entry and the previous entries. In another implementation, relatedness is determined based on a matching of topics associated with one or more IM sessions, which topics can be associated with keywords.
US08135785B2
A computer-implemented system and method for processing messages using pluggable protocol processors in a service-oriented pipeline architecture is disclosed. The method in an example embodiment includes receiving a message having a protocol-specific portion and a protocol-agnostic portion; determining a protocol compatible with the received message; activating one of a plurality of pluggable protocol processors compatible with the received message; processing the protocol-specific portion of the received message using the activated pluggable protocol processor; and processing the protocol-agnostic portion of the received message using a message processing pipeline, the message processing pipeline including a plurality of stages for processing the protocol-agnostic portion of the received message.
US08135780B2
A computer implemented method for assisting email users recognizes deviations in characteristics of emails sent from a particular source identifier or “source ID” to a user. After one or more emails having a pattern of characteristics are received, an action on subsequent emails is performed, such as warning users when the subsequent emails received from the source ID match or don't match the pattern. Characteristics from a particular source ID are determined based on whether the addressee reads the email from the source ID. Various levels of warning based on the characteristics identified and the deviation of any email from the characteristics of previous emails.
US08135772B2
A number of approaches can be taken to improve the routing of client requests to business protocol destinations. In one such approach, a business servlet registers itself as a default servlet such that it receives any request not recognized by the system. In another embodiment, internal APIs can be used to route all messages to a business servlet, which can use internal APIs to redirect the request if the business servlet does not recognize the request. In another embodiment, filters can be used in conjunction with a lookup table containing address information to route requests to the proper destination.This description is not intended to be a complete description of, or limit the scope of, the invention. Other features, aspects, and objects of the invention can be obtained from a review of the specification, the figures, and the claims.
US08135769B2
Synchronization architectures, methods, systems, and computer readable media are described. In one embodiment, a synchronization session is initiated between a first data processing system and a second data processing system. The synchronization session includes at least a first portion and a second portion. The first data processing system performs the first portion of the synchronization session. The first data processing system receives a sync anchor checkpoint. The sync anchor checkpoint indicates to the second data processing system that the first portion of the synchronization session is complete before the second portion is complete. In one embodiment, the first data processing system determines that the synchronization session is in a failure state. The first data processing system transmits the sync anchor checkpoint to the second data processing system. The second portion of the synchronization session is performed.
US08135764B2
An absolute path name and a command line of a process associated with a process operating on a business server are found from process information acquired from the business server. A standard process decision unit judges an OS standard process. An interpreter decision unit judges an interpreter name from the command line. A shared directory decision unit judges an executive file name located directly under a shared directory. A subdirectory decision unit judges a parent-child relation of an executive file directory from the absolute path name of the executable file. As a result, an application name recognition unit recognizes a name of an application.
US08135763B1
An improved policy enforcement architecture includes several components that improve the performance of policy enforcement in a hierarchical storage environment. A File System Query instruction permits a richer set of queries to be expressed by a policy engine, thereby permitting more complex policies to be implemented with ease. The File System result is generated at the file server, and only files of interest are forwarded to the policy engine. The file system query advantageously may be applied against a pre-generated index having one more characterizing attributes to further reduce the processing required to retrieve policy data. An Index Build instruction, added to a programming interface, allows a policy engine generate the characterizing indices in advance of use. Index maintenance techniques maintain consistency between the index and the file system to ensure that the policy can be enforced using accurate file information.
US08135761B2
A media player for creating a media archive may include a media reader to read media content from a recording medium inserted into the media reader. The media player may also include an archival component to store the media content in a storage medium. In one embodiment, the media player includes a playback component to play back the media content from the storage medium concurrently with the storage of the media content by the archival component.
US08135758B2
Techniques for displaying information associated with a database are disclosed. A database-informer displays information (or additional information) about various database objects displayed for a user. The database-informer may be presented to user as a tool-tip. However, the database-informer can be customized and dynamically constructed based on various variables that are dynamically determined at runtime. As such, the information can be dynamically determined based on variables stored in different tables and provided on-demand when the database-informer is invoked by the user. As a result, database users can be provided with customized and up-to-date information without having to view different tables.
US08135756B2
A system and method for transferring digital goods facilitates bulk upload of file images to a central repository. The software gets a File ID and a path to each file image to be uploaded from a list, typically an XML file, of input attributes. After successful verification, the file image is uploaded to the central repository and linked with a corresponding metadata object. Each metadata object contains attributes that describe the corresponding file image. Although file attributes may be defined when the metadata object is created, the software determines file image attributes as the file image is being uploaded and records them in the metadata object. File images are either uploaded from a server, typically an FTP server, having been placed there by the goods vendor; or the file images can be uploaded directly from a computer operated by the vendor.
US08135746B2
Disclosed is a method of creating a symbolic link in a source file system to a target file in a target file system, the method including querying the target file system for an identifier of the target file; incrementing a reference counter of the target file, the reference counter indicating how many symbolic links the target file is a target of; and creating the symbolic link in the source file system, the symbolic link including the identifier received from the target file system in response to the query.
US08135744B2
An online service provider (OSP) operates online data centers to store members' data objects relating to various online member services of the OSP. An aggregated catalog lists members' data objects residing in the online data centers and also those residing in member computers' local storage. An aggregator monitors contents of the online storage facilities to detect new storage of prescribed types of data objects owned by the members, and also communicates with member computers to identify prescribed types of data objects newly stored in the respective local storage. The aggregator updates the aggregated catalog to list the newly stored data objects. Responsive to a request by a member, a finder searches the aggregated catalog and utilizes results of the search to provide, for display at the requesting member's computer, a consolidated listing of online data objects and locally stored data objects owned by the requesting member.
US08135742B2
A proxy service providing apparatus includes a service search unit adapted to, upon receiving, from a connection device connectable to a network, a request of a service provided by each device connected to the network, search for a providable service to the connection device in accordance with a relationship with the connection device, and a providing unit adapted to replicate and provide the providable service to the connection device based on a search result of said service search unit.
US08135739B2
Information is automatically located which is relevant to source content that a user is viewing on a user interface without requiring the user to perform an additional search or navigate links of the source content. The source content can be, e.g., a web page or a document from a word processing or email application. The relevant information can include images, videos, web pages, maps or other location-based information, people-based information and special services which aggregate different types of information. Related content is located by analyzing textual content, user behavior and connectivity relative to the source. The related content is scored for similarity to the source. Content which is sufficiently similar but not too similar is selected. Similar related content is grouped to select representative results. The selected content is filtering in multiple stages based on attribute priorities to avoid unnecessary processing of content which is filtered out an early stage.
US08135734B2
A method of controlling user information for an information processing apparatus includes the steps of a process of an application program requesting user information controlling unit to obtain an item of said user information, and said user information controlling unit providing the obtained item of said user information to said process. The user information controlling unit obtains the user information requested by the process of the application program and provides the user information to the process. Accordingly, the user information can be shared by the application programs and centrally controlled.
US08135722B2
A system and method for defining a segment for filtering website visitation data is disclosed. The method allows for creation and editing of a segment using various rules. The rules are defined using events and containers, which act as criteria by which the data is filtered. The system displays the segments and allows the user to apply them to stored data.
US08135720B2
An apparatus for controlling devices for searching homology of queries in a base sequence in parallel, includes: a memory for storing a base sequence and an appearing frequency of each of first strings each having a fixed length appearing in the base sequence; and a processor for executing a process including: obtaining queries for searching homology in the base sequence; retrieving each of second strings each having a longer fixed length then that of first strings and partially appearing in each of the queries; determining an approximate appearing frequency of each of the second string on the basis of the appearing frequency of the first strings; evaluating for each of the query sequences a load of task for searching homology; and allocating each task for searching homology for each of the queries among the devices on the basis of the result of evaluation of the load of the each task.
US08135712B1
The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for posting questions from search queries. In some implementations, a method includes identifying a plurality of different questions previously searched. The previously-searched questions each include a word indicating a question. The previously-searched questions are filtered to remove one or more specified words included with the question word. At least a subset of the plurality of previously-searched questions that can be used to generate a canonical form after removing the one or more specified words are determined. The subset of previously-searched questions are ranked based, at least in part, on a frequency of submission of each previously-submitted search query in the subset. A particular one of the previously-submitted search queries in the subset is identified as representative of the subset of previously-submitted search queries based on the ranking.
US08135708B2
One embodiment of the invention may include a method for searching data files using different search engines, each of which produces different search results. The different search results may then be combined to produce additional search results that represent the relevance of the data files. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08135699B2
A server-side summarization system includes a function for acquiring material to be summarized, along with source information about the material, a converter for converting the acquired material to machine-readable form, if not in that form when acquired, a summarizer for creating a summary from the acquired material, and a storage function for storing a copy of the acquired material and the summary created as separate files, associated and cross-referenced using the source information.
US08135693B2
A process as provided for streamlined opinion data submission to decision makers. The process provides electronic transmission to local, state and Federal elected representatives based on physical location, provides/gathers issue-based opinions from the public, and consolidates the opinions in a relational database for dissemination to the public and/or elected officials and/or other decision makers.
US08135686B2
The invention relates to an apparatus and a system for returning a data item to a requestor. (The requestor may for example be a systems application.) A request is received to access a data item having data contents of uncertain state (i.e. because the data item is pending completion of a transaction.) The apparatus or system obtains the data item contents and an indication of the state (e.g. delete_on_commit) of the data item contents. This information is then returned to the requestor.
US08135682B1
A system for administrating over changes to a record shared by a plurality of users authorized to do so is provided with a resource to officiate over an official version of the record and to communicate with the plurality of users over a medium for non-persistent communications. Typically, this medium is the Internet. In response to a request of a given user, the resource replies with a communication sending a copy of the official version. In consequence of a return by the given user of a request to effect given changes, the resource compares a saved original edition of the sent copy to the official version so if in case of a match the resource effects the given changes to the official version, or else not.
US08135674B2
Embodiments described herein adapt static-image and clone technology to provide a simulated dynamic image to an application requesting a dynamic image. A storage system is configured to backup its file system by taking a first static image of the file system at a point in time. A clone of the first image may then be produced, the clone containing any subsequent changes to the file system and a reference pointer to the first image. A second static image of the clone is then produced. An application may request, from the storage system, an image of the file system. In response, the second static image may be presented to the application as a simulated dynamic image.
US08135670B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for embedded change logging for data synchronization. In an embodiment of the invention, an embedded change logging data processing system can include a change embedded database (EDB) disposed in a pervasive device. The EDB can store entries for notified changes in data for multiple different end-user applications in the pervasive device. The system also can include a change log service (CLS) disposed in the pervasive device and coupled to the EDB. The CLS can include program code enabled to register with multiple different end-user applications in the pervasive device to receive notifications of changes, and to write entries to the EDB responsive to the notifications. Finally, the system can include a synchronization client disposed in the pervasive device separately from the CLS. The synchronization client can include program code enabled to directly access the EDB to perform data synchronization with a remote host.
US08135664B2
A method for providing information associated with configuration changes to a computer system is provided. The method includes receiving a description of a starting configuration and a description of a configuration change. The method further includes linking the description of the starting configuration and the description of the configuration change and reading a record linked to the description of a configuration change, wherein the record includes advice about the configuration change and a total result value indicating a rate of success of the configuration change when the advice is followed. The method further includes receiving a first result value from the user indicating a result of the configuration change in light of the advice and calculating a new total result value that indicates a rate of success of the configuration change based on the total result value and the first result value.
US08135663B2
The present invention is a method for automatic proving using many-sorted first-order logic. Embodiments of the invention apply a modified method of resolution of first-ordered logic. The method of resolution further comprises: processing at least one first sentence (P1) and at least one second sentence (Q1), wherein each of the at least one first sentence and the at least one second sentence contain literals (Pi, Qi). In addition, the method also restricts a unifying process in the method of resolution; determines the literals (Pi) of the at least one first sentence; negates the literals (Qi) of the at least one second sentence of the restricted unifying process; provides the determined literals (Pi′) and negated literals (Qi″) to the restricted unifying process; chooses a substitution list in the restricted unifying process with a predetermined type; and derives a resolvent sentence in response to the restricted unifying process and the chosen substitution list of predetermined type being unified.
US08135661B2
A method and an arrangement in electronic systems. Uncertainties are handled in a special way. The uncertainties can regard a parameter that is to be determined or uncertainties in signals or data that constitute a basis for determination of the sought parameter. There is often also a time-critically within the application. In certain applications, changes can be rapid and the invention can also handle such dynamic processes. Detection and prediction in electronic systems are carried out.
US08135660B2
A computer implemented data processor system automatically disambiguates a contextual meaning of natural language symbols to enable precise meanings to be stored for later retrieval from a natural language database, so that natural language database design is automatic, to enable flexible and efficient natural language interfaces to computers, household appliances and hand-held devices.
US08135659B2
The present subject mater relates computer system configuration and, more particularly, to system configuration comparison to identify process variation. Various embodiments described herein include one or more of systems, methods, software, and data structures to retrieve configuration information from a first system and a second system, apply a set of rules to the configuration information to identify process variants implemented in each of the first and second systems, and output a representation of process variant implementation differences between the first and second systems.
US08135657B2
A flow processing facility, which uses a set of artificial neurons for pattern recognition, such as a self-organizing map, in order to provide security and protection to a computer or computer system supports unified threat management based at least in part on patterns relevant to a variety of types of threats that relate to computer systems, including computer networks. Flow processing for switching, security, and other network applications, including a facility that processes a data flow to address patterns relevant to a variety of conditions are directed at internal network security, virtualization, and web connection security. A flow processing facility for inspecting payloads of network traffic packets detects security threats and intrusions across accessible layers of the IP-stack by applying content matching and behavioral anomaly detection techniques based on regular expression matching and self-organizing maps. Exposing threats and intrusions within packet payload at or near real-time rates enhances network security from both external and internal sources while ensuring security policy is rigorously applied to data and system resources. Intrusion Detection and Protection (IDP) is provided by a flow processing facility that processes a data flow to address patterns relevant to a variety of types of network and data integrity threats that relate to computer systems, including computer networks.
US08135648B2
Credit vouchers from a wagering game machine can be authenticated. This may be accomplished by receiving credit information at a server, the credit information including information indicating a player's balance at the wagering game machine. A security key may be created for the credit voucher. A secured document token may be created by encrypting a document token including the credit information with the security key. This document token may sent to a server which supplies a credit response. A modified security key may be created by combining the credit response with the security key. The credit voucher may be provided, the credit vouchers including the credit information, the credit response and the modified security key.
US08135644B2
One or more methods and apparatus for facilitating financial and player tracking/reward transactions. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one server and a plurality of gaming machines and/or a game generator for transmitting game information to a remote game play location. The server has a memory containing data files corresponding to players. The data files contain information such as credits or monies in an account which belong to the player or which may be used by the player to play games. The data files also contain player tracking information, such as points awarded to a player based upon their game play. In one embodiment, players are issued media in the form of player cards having identification information thereon. The identification information is used to access the player's account or files, such as at a gaming machine. A player and a casino may manage the player's accounts, such as by placing criteria upon the account, including the use of associated credits. A player may play a game using credits associated with their account. A player may also manage their accounts, including viewing financial and game play or reward information and transfer funds into and out of an account.
US08135643B2
Apparatuses, computer media, and methods for analyzing credit and tax form data and determining a collections treatment type to collect revenue. A collections model is constructed to determine a collections score that is based on raw credit data and tax form data and is indicative of a debtor's propensity to pay an owed amount. The collections model includes score bands, each score band being associated with a range of credit scores. A collections score is determined from a scoring expression that is associated with a score band and that typically includes a subset of available raw credit data and tax form data. A collections treatment type is determined from a collections score. Each treatment type corresponds to a treatment action that is directed to the debtor. A collections model is constructed from historical tax data, in which score bands and scoring expressions are constructed for the collections model.
US08135638B2
A method and system for summarizing risk ratings to facilitate an analysis of risks. Items related by a common business function, risks associated with each item, sub-categories of risks, and categories of risks are weighted. For each item, each associated risk is evaluated by comparing responses on a questionnaire to predetermined acceptable answers. A first summarized risk rating based on weights of risks, a sub-category, a category, and an item is calculated. A second summarized risk rating based on weights of risks, the sub-category, and the item is calculated. A first summary report that includes a hyperlink and the first summarized risk rating is displayed. In response to selecting the hyperlink, a second summary report that includes the second summarized risk rating is automatically displayed. Actions are performed to mitigate risks in response to determining that the first and second summarized risk ratings exceed predetermined values.
US08135633B1
An accounting tool may be used to manage financial data for an organization. The accounting tool may support the closing of accounting periods for the finances of the organization. The accounting tool may be configured to receive a request to modify a transaction of a closed accounting period. The accounting tool may be configured to create a changed version of the transaction according to the modify request, and to maintain a previous version of the transaction that does not include the requested modification. A separate transaction may not be required, even though the modified transaction was initially recorded during a closed accounting period. In addition, the accounting tool may be configured to provide a plurality of views of the closed accounting period, e.g., a first view that comprises the previous version of the transaction, and another view that comprises the changed version.
US08135627B2
Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code. The code is given to the vendor upon completion of service or delivery of the good to the customer's satisfaction. The vendor accesses the online marketplace and enters the confirmation code to activate a payment for the service or good.
US08135623B2
A method capable of combining data signals and video signals for transmission to a video display unit. The method comprises the steps of generating a data signal, transmitting the data signal to an apparatus, receiving the data signal at the apparatus, receiving a video/audio signal at the apparatus, combining the video/audio signal with the data signal to form a single combined signal, and displaying the combined signal on a video display unit.
US08135612B1
Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for automating the assignment of digital help-desk requests. An embodiment of the invention includes a request analyzer module which analyzes the content of the digital help-desk request, a task load monitor module which analyzes the help-desk resource availability and suitability, and a help-ticket assignment module with generates a help ticket based on the digital help-desk request and assigns the help ticket to a resource based upon the analysis of the request and the analysis of resource availability and suitability. The system may also estimate a time to respond to the request based upon an analysis of the assigned resources capabilities and status.
US08135606B2
Methods and systems for measuring and gathering data relating to presence of individuals within commercial establishments, relating to usage of publications by those individuals, and relating to exposure to products by those individuals. Participants in one or more studies carry a portable monitor having a commercial establishment presence detection monitor, a publication usage monitor, and/or a product exposure monitor.
US08135605B2
A tool to assess risks associated with software applications, and controls implemented to mitigate these risks, includes a first software component configured to gather information about the risks and controls, and a second software component configured to display the gathered information. The first software component includes a self-assessment tool which is invoked by a user to enter information reflective of risk levels over a number of risk categories. These risk levels are used to calculate a risk score associated with a particular application. The user also enters information as to whether or not a number of specific control attributes have been implemented, and this information is used to calculate a control score.
US08135579B2
Analyzing transcripts of conversation between at least two users by receiving input information from a first user via a voice call, creating conversational transcripts from the information received from the first user, selecting at least one defined situation from a list of defined situations, identifying the selected situation in the conversational transcripts, identifying a set of procedural sequences by comparing the at least one identified situation in the conversational transcripts with knowledge derived from a corpus of historical conversational transcripts; and providing the set of procedural sequences to the first user.
US08135577B2
Methods and apparatuses to provide improved Braille support are described herein. A connection to a Braille device is received, and a Braille caption panel that includes a Braille code is displayed to simulate an output to the Braille device. The Braille caption panel can include a text translated to the Braille code. The Braille caption panel can include a control element. An accessibility service can be automatically launched to provide the output to the Braille device.
US08135576B2
The present invention is directed to a system for managing business knowledge expressed as statements, preferably sentences using a vocabulary, where such statements may be automated by the generation of programming language source code or computer program instructions. As such, the present invention also manages software design specifications that define, describe, or constrain the programming code it generates or programs with which it or the code it generates is to integrate. The present invention facilitates the creation of composite sentences. In one embodiment, the present invention also interprets a composite sentence as a logical formula in first order predicate calculus or similar logic formalism supporting conjunction, disjunction, and negation as well as existentially and universally quantified variables. The invention further interprets natural language, including singular common count noun phrases and connectives, as variables in formal logic. Further, the invention then implements the logical interpretations as rules.
US08135554B1
Transmission of probe configuration data is initiated upon recognition by the probe of a prescribed condition. Probe configuration data protocol includes a data frame, subdivided into a desired number of time slots. Unlike measurement data protocol, where inter-pulse pair timing within a slot varies based on a magnet position or temperature sensor resistance, configuration data protocol in accordance with the invention uses fixed inter-pulse timing to represent the various states of digital data. In such manner, at least a portion of the time slots making up the particular data frame can be used for containing data sent from the probe, and which can then be interpreted by the receiving processing device as at least one bit of binary code allocated to each individual slot of the portion of time slots.
US08135545B2
Broad-based genetic mutation association gene transcript test and data structure. Genetic mutation considerations for this unique test include a custom set of genetic sequences associated in peer-reviewed literature with various known genetic mutation related to exposure to toxic substances. Such genetic mutations include specific gene sequence alterations based on exposure to diesel fuel, aviation fuel, jet fuel, and many other toxic substances often needed in the aviation and refining industries. The base dataset may be developed through clinical samples obtained by third-parties. Online access of real-time phenotype/genotype associative testing for physicians and patients may be promoted through an analysis of a customized microarray testing service.
US08135542B2
A method of inverting induction logging data for evaluating the properties of underground formations surrounding a borehole, the data including induction voltage measurements obtained from a tool placed close to the formations of interest, the method includes: (a) defining a relationship relating the induction voltage to wave number, dielectric permittivity and conductivity; defining a cubic polynomial expansion of the relationship; and solving the cubic polynomial relationship using the voltage measurements to obtain values for conductivity that includes skin-effect correction, and apparent dielectric permittivity; and (b) using the obtained values for conductivity and apparent dielectric permittivity to derive a simulated value of induction voltage; determining the difference between the simulated value of the induction voltage and the measured induction voltage; and iteratively updating the values of conductivity and dielectric permittivity used for the derivation of the simulated value of induction voltage to minimize its difference with respect to the measured value.
US08135541B2
Wellbore tracking by developing a wellbore deviation survey, including collecting wellbore deformation data using a caliper at each of a plurality of depths within the wellbore, collecting wellbore deviation data using a tiltmeter at ones of the plurality of depths, determining simulated wellbore deformation and deviation data using the oriented wellbore deformation data, and developing a wellbore deviation survey by calibrating the wellbore deviation data based on the oriented wellbore deviation data.
US08135540B2
Methods and systems are provided for obtaining information related to a customer service location and directions for routing a service technician from one customer service location to another. One embodiment includes requesting at least one set of coordinates associated with the customer service location; accessing a technician server to direct a global satellite positioning system to obtain the set of coordinates for the customer service location; obtaining the coordinates and updating one or more databases with said coordinates. The coordinates may include at least one of a latitude and a longitude associated with the customer service location. Another embodiment includes obtaining through a technician server at least one set of “from” coordinates associated with the first customer service location and at least one set of “to” coordinates associated with the second customer location; transmitting the “from” and “to” coordinates to a mapping system; and, generating directions in the mapping system based on the “to” and “from” coordinates. At least one of the sets of coordinates includes latitude and longitude data. System and computer-readable media embodiments of these methods are also provided.
US08135532B2
A method for controlling a powertrain system includes monitoring a state-of-charge of the energy storage device and determining a first set of electric power limits and a second set of electric power limits based on the state-of-charge of the energy storage device. The method further includes providing a power range for opportunity charging and discharging of the energy storage device based on the first set of electric power limits. The method further includes providing a power range for controlling output power of the energy storage device based on the second set of electric power limits.
US08135531B2
Due to time delays, vehicle speed may become difficult to control. A predictive speed controller is configured to receive a desired speed request for a vehicle and simulate vehicle responses according to the desired speed request. A compensation value is derived from the simulated vehicle responses that compensates for the time delays of the vehicle. The actual speed of the vehicle is then controlled according to the compensation value.
US08135530B2
An ECU executes a program including the steps of: if brake hold control is currently exerted , setting at zero a controlled value of a degree of operation of an accelerator pedal used as a controlled value of a degree of a request made by a driver for acceleration, to control a force output to drive the vehicle; if an actual value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal serving as an actual value of the degree of the request made by the driver for acceleration is larger than a predetermined degree, determining that there is a request from the driver for acceleration; outputting a command to cancel the brake hold control; and converging the controlled value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal to the actual value of the degree of operation of the accelerator pedal.
US08135528B2
An actual vehicle actuator operation control input and a model operation control input are determined by an FB distribution law such that the difference between a reference state amount determined in a vehicle model and an actual state amount of an actual vehicle approximates zero, and then an actuator device of the actual vehicle and the vehicle model are operated on the basis of the control inputs. The value of a parameter of the vehicle model set according to an actual vehicle motional state such that the attenuation property of a reference state amount when a drive manipulated variable is changed is higher than the attenuation property of an actual state amount. Accordingly, the actual vehicle actuator device is properly controlled independently of an actual vehicle motional state such that a state amount related to an actual vehicle motion approximates a vehicle state amount on a dynamic characteristic model.
US08135524B2
A driving force control device includes an individual-wheel friction-circle limit-value calculating portion that calculates friction-circle limit-values of individual wheels, an individual-wheel requested-resultant-tire-force calculating portion that calculates requested resultant tire forces of the individual wheels, an individual-wheel resultant-tire-force calculating portion that calculates resultant tire forces of the individual wheels, an individual-wheel requested-excessive-tire-force calculating portion that calculates requested excessive tire forces of the individual wheels, an individual-wheel excessive-tire-force calculating portion that calculates excessive tire forces of the individual wheels, an excessive-tire-force calculating portion that calculates an excessive tire force, an over-torque calculating portion that calculates an over-torque, and a control-amount calculating portion that calculates a control amount that is output to an engine control unit.
US08135519B2
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 machines in a fixed gear 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.
US08135509B1
An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.
US08135500B1
A method for estimating the effect of environmental conditions on an aircraft, including measuring the motions of an aircraft; estimating the expected motions of the aircraft, wherein the expected motions of the aircraft are estimated using information regarding the aircraft's control inputs and/or control surface positions; and estimating, based on the measured motions of the aircraft and the expected motions of the aircraft, the forces exerted on the aircraft by the environmental conditions, wherein the forces are estimated based on a difference between the measured motions of the aircraft and expected motions of the aircraft.
US08135499B2
Load shedding by an electric utility, including querying power distribution systems that include a DRG system for present power consumption of the local load of the power distribution system; selecting, in dependence upon the present power consumption of the local load of the power distribution systems and predefined power consumption criteria for each substation, a substation to receive a reduction in power; and reducing power provided to the selected substation.
US08135498B2
An apparatus and method for detecting movement errors due to the wheel slip or transient current generated while a mobile robot is traveling. The movement error detecting method includes: detecting movement of the wheels in a sensor part according to a movement command input to a drive motor, and outputting an actual output value from the sensor part; calculating an ideal output value for output from the sensor part as the wheels are moved according to the movement command; and comparing the actual output value with the ideal output value to determine and residual fault and detect movement errors.
US08135494B2
In an automated data storage library having a plurality of multi-cartridge deep slot cells, each configured to store a plurality of data storage cartridges arranged in sequential order of tiers from front to rear; having a plurality of single cartridge storage slots; and having accessor(s) configured to selectively extract, place and transport cartridges with respect to the cells; operating the accessor(s) to selectively extract, place and transport data storage cartridges with respect to the multi-cartridge deep slot cells and the storage slots, and with respect to other elements of the automated data storage library; and, if a data storage cartridge is recently used by and is to be demounted from a selected other element of the automated data storage library: first, extracting another data storage cartridge from the storage slots, vacating one of the storage slots; and second, extracting, transporting and placing the demounted data storage cartridge in the vacated storage slot.
US08135490B2
A technique is described for reducing group delay ripple in a fiber dispersion compensation grating. The grating is mounted into a trimming setup that includes a trimming device and a scanning assembly for causing a region of the grating to be scanned along its length by the trimming device output. The grating is sensitive to the trimming device output, such that exposure to the trimming device output causes a change in the effective refractive index of the scanned region, the amount of change varying as a function of scanning velocity. A region of the grating to be trimmed is selected, and a scanning velocity profile is programmed into the scanning assembly that is calculated to modify the effective refractive index of the selected grating region along its length so as to smooth out group delay ripple in the selected grating region.
US08135489B2
The presence or absence of putting round of a yarn is detected according to whether carriers are positioned on a near side or a far side and according to the relationship of connection between loops, and the result is displayed on a monitor. On the monitor, for example, the degree of the deformation of the yarn is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round when the yarn is touched, or a color is changed according to the presence or absence of putting round. The presence or absence of putting round of the yarn can be detected and then displayed to a user.
US08135485B2
A method for aligning a substrate to a process center of a support mechanism is provided. The method includes determining substrate thickness after substrate processing at a plurality of orientations and at a plurality of radial distances from a geometric center of the substrate. The method also includes deriving a set of process rate values from substrate thickness and process duration. The method further includes creating for a process rate an off-centered plot, which represents a substantially concentric circle whose points are a circumference of the off-centered plot having substantially the first process rate. The method yet also includes applying a curve-fitting equation to the off-centered plot to determine a set of parameters. The method yet further includes teaching a set of robot arms the set of parameters, thereby enabling the set of robot arms to align another substrate that is supported by the support mechanism with the process center.
US08135482B2
An intelligent shelving system integrates touch sensors, displays, lighting, and other components into shelves. Touch sensors can be used as limit switches to control shelf motion, to monitor items borne on shelves, to detect spills, and to control lighting and other devices and functions. Displays can provide information relating to objects stored in the shelving system and the operation and status of the shelving system.
US08135481B2
Disclosed are systems and methods for on-line monitoring of operation of a process in connection with process measurements indicative of the operation of the process. In some cases, the operation of the process is simulated to generate model data indicative of a simulated representation of the operation of the process and based on the process measurements. A multivariate statistical analysis of the operation of the process is implemented based on the model data and the process measurements. The output data from the multivariate statistical analysis may then be evaluated during the operation of the process to enable the on-line monitoring of the process involving, for instance, fault detection via classification analysis of the output data.
US08135476B2
An implantable medical electrical lead for electrical stimulation of body tissue that includes at least one shape memory polymer portion that has a first configuration and a second configuration, wherein the second configuration is obtained upon exposure of the shape memory polymer portion to a transition stimulus, and wherein the second configuration of the modifiable portion exhibits a greater resistance to movement of the lead within the body tissue than does the first configuration; and at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation of body tissue, wherein the lead has a proximal end and a distal end. Systems and kits as well as methods of utilizing the leads of the invention are also included.
US08135463B2
Methods and devices for determining optimal Atrial to Ventricular (AV) pacing intervals and Ventricular to Ventricular (VV) delay intervals in order to optimize cardiac output. Impedance, preferably sub-threshold impedance, is measured across the heart at selected cardiac cycle times as a measure of chamber expansion or contraction. One embodiment measures impedance over a long AV interval to obtain the minimum impedance, indicative of maximum ventricular expansion, in order to set the AV interval. Another embodiment measures impedance change over a cycle and varies the AV pace interval in a binary search to converge on the AV interval causing maximum impedance change indicative of maximum ventricular output. Another method varies the right ventricle to left ventricle (VV) interval to converge on an impedance maximum indicative of minimum cardiac volume at end systole. Another embodiment varies the VV interval to maximize impedance change.
US08135461B2
An implanted cardiac device detects an atrial arrhythmia and provides periodically updated atrial arrhythmia status as long as the arrhythmia is ongoing. A patient may request an indication of ongoing atrial arrhythmia status from external to the patient using a patient activator. The patient activator may include a magnet for closing a reed switch in the implanted device to provide the request or may provide the request over a telemetry link to the implanted device. The implanted device may provide the requested atrial arrhythmia status and other information in the form of an audible tone produced by the implanted device or as a message telemetered from the implanted device to the patient activator. The patient activator may include a tone detector and display for providing a visual indication of the atrial arrhythmia status indication. The magnet activator may also be employed to request or withhold atrial shock therapy.
US08135459B2
A unitary subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator which has a long thin housing in the shape of a patient's rib. The housing contains a source of electrical energy, a capacitor, and operational circuitry that senses the presence of potentially fatal heart rhythms. Provided on the housing are cardioversion/defibrillation electrodes located to deliver electrical cardioversion-defibrillation energy when the operational circuitry senses a potentially fatal heart rhythm. The unitary subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator does not have a transvenous, intracardiac, epicardial, or subcutaneous electrode.
US08135454B2
A catheter for diagnosing and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an elongated catheter shaft, and optical fibers, extending through the catheter shaft, for transmitting light to tissue located at a distal end of the catheter and conveying light back from the tissue for analysis by a spectroscopic diagnosis system to determine whether an interventional procedure should be performed on the tissue. An interventional device is located at the distal end of the catheter for engaging tissue diagnosed by the spectroscopic diagnosis system in order to perform the interventional procedure on the tissue. An assembly for imaging and performing an interventional procedure on tissue has an endoscope in combination with an endoscopically insertable catheter having an ultrasound imaging device for imaging a tissue structure located at a distal end of the endoscope so as to enable the depth of penetration of the tissue structure to be displayed, and an endoscopically insertable interventional device for engaging the tissue structure imaged by the ultrasound imaging device.
US08135449B2
A method of real-time imaging of dissolved oxygen concentration, comprising adding an oxygen-quenched phosphorescent composition to a sample, exciting phosphorescence in the composition by illuminating the sample with pulses of light, detecting phosphorescence intensity as a function of position in the sample at first and second times following exciting pulses of light, determining oxygen concentration from the phosphorescence detected at the first and second times, generating an image of the oxygen concentration as a function of position, and repeating the exciting, detecting, determining, and image generating steps to produce a series of images showing the oxygen concentration varying over time.
US08135448B2
The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and/or methods for assessing body fluid-related metrics and/or changes therein. The disclosure further provides systems, devices, and/or methods for correlating body fluid-related metrics in a particular tissue with the corresponding whole-body metric. The disclosure also provides, systems, devices, and/or methods for assessment of such metrics to facilitate diagnosis and/or therapeutic interventions related to maintaining and/or restoring body fluid balance.
US08135435B2
A method and apparatus for receiving system information updates includes a wireless transmit receive unit (WTRU) receiving a system frame number. The WTRU also receives system information messages in a modification period. The modification period has a boundary determined by the system frame number. The WTRU receives system information change notification after a first modification change boundary and determines that the system information is valid until a second modification change boundary.
US08135430B2
Methods and systems for WCDMA power amplifier closed loop power control are disclosed and may include determining a magnitude of an output RF signal generated by a power amplifier (PA), and configuring a gain of a PGA coupled to an input of the PA via closed-loop feedback to maintain a desired magnitude of the output RF signal. The closed-loop feedback architecture may include a slot-based and/or a real time-based control. A signal proportional to the output signal may be generated by an envelope detector. The signal generated by the envelope detector may be utilized to generate a root-mean-squared (RMS) value. The gain of the PGA may be configured by comparing the RMS value to a desired magnitude of the output signal over a time slot and/or utilizing a real time error signal generated by subtracting the signal proportional to the magnitude of the output signal from a desired magnitude.
US08135413B2
A network services architecture is disclosed that allows complex services, such as wireless location services, to be more easily integrated into a telecommunications network. In particular, location based services utilizing a wireless location gateway can be more easily integrated into the network. Additionally, disclosed are techniques for facilitating the handling of requests for emergency services wherein the location of mobile station is required.
US08135412B2
A load balancer is provided for balancing distribution of wireless clients among wireless access points. The load balancer includes a tracking implementation for tracking at least one telemetry parameter of each wireless client's wireless link with each respective wireless access point. A goal implementation is included for comparing one or more telemetry parameter against at least one predetermined goal to obtain a fitness measure. A control implementation is also provided for varying the operation of at least one of the respective wireless access points and wireless clients in response to the fitness measure, so as to balance the distribution of load among the respective wireless access points.
US08135409B2
A mobile communication method according to the present invention includes a step of causing a mobile station 300 standing by in a cell under a control of a radio base station 202 to send an exchange station 500 identification information of the mobile station and specific identification information, a step of, upon receipt of the specific identification information, causing the exchange station 500 to send a service control station 600 the received identification information of the mobile station 300 and identification information of a second radio base station, a step of causing the service control station 600 to determine whether or not the mobile station 300 has access authorization to the radio base station 200 based on the received identification information of the mobile station and the received identification information of the second radio base station, and a step of, when it is determined that the mobile station 300 has access authorization to the second radio base station, causing the exchange station 500 to instruct the second radio base station to change a radio communication parameter used by the second radio base station.
US08135408B2
Disclosed user equipment performs intermittent reception in a different frequency from a frequency of a serving cell belonging to a current radio access network or in a different radio access network from the current radio access network. The user equipment includes a receiving unit for receiving and demodulating a control signal and a cell search unit for performing a cell search in a specified frequency. When a release signal is received, the user equipment switches to a preliminary intermittent reception mode where the receiving unit intermittently receives the control signal in the serving cell and the cell search unit performs the cell search in the different frequency or the different radio access network between intermittent reception timings. Then, the user equipment switches to a normal intermittent reception mode where the receiving unit intermittently receives the control signal in the different frequency or the different radio access network.
US08135407B2
The invention is directed towards determining whether a hard handover should be performed of a mobile station (48) in relation to a first group of cells (16, 18, 20, 24) including a number of active cells (16, 18, 20) and handled by a first cell handling device (10) to a second group of cells (32, 36, 38) handled by a second cell handling device (26), when the cell handling devices lack a direct communication link (lur). Either the first cell handling device or the mobile station obtains measurements of link quality between the mobile station and cells of the groups, determines a first and second total quality factor for the groups, performs an evaluation of a preferred group involving comparing the first total quality factor with the second quality factor and initiates a handover from the first group to the second group if the second group is preferred.
US08135400B2
The present invention provides a method and a system for device discovery in wireless communication. One implementation involves scanning one or more wireless channels to discover a partner wireless station for a new transmission, by detecting peak energy and beacons on each scanned channel. If a beacon is not detected, then selecting the clearest channel among the scanned channels, and transmitting beacons on the clearest channel. Upon detecting a beacon from a partner station, establishing association with the partner station and selecting a wireless data channel for communication with the partner station. Another implementation involves discovering a partner wireless station to establish a data channel for communication with a discovering station that is associated with a coordinator station, and transmitting a bandwidth reservation request to the coordinator to reserve channel time for control message exchange between the discovering station and the partner station.
US08135398B2
Multimedia communications with cross-layer optimization in multimedia communications with different user terminals. Various optimization for the delivery of multimedia content across different channels are provided concurrently to a plurality of user terminals.
US08135395B2
Apparatus and methods may include a performance module operable to monitor and generate performance statistics on a wireless device based on a received monitoring configuration. In some aspects, the wireless device may forward the performance statistics to another device upon meeting predetermined threshold parameters. The performance statistics may be utilized to generate a performance report viewable by an authorized user.
US08135392B2
A method and apparatus to manage notification service connections. In one embodiment of the invention, a mobile device schedules a notification service connection message transmission interval for each of a plurality of notification service connections. The mobile device also associates a notification service connection message transmission window with each notification service connection message transmission interval. The mobile device synchronizes transmission of notification service connection messages based on overlapping notification service connection message transmission windows. Responsive to receiving a notification message on one of the notification service connections, an icon badge is displayed on the mobile device for the appropriate application.
US08135380B1
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication device to handle an emergency service session. The method includes monitoring pilot signals from a plurality of wireless access nodes in a wireless communication network to determine an active set as a subset of the wireless access nodes. The method also includes, in response to a request for an emergency service, modifying the active set to identify at least one additional wireless access node from the plurality of wireless access nodes, resulting in a modified active set. The method also includes generating and transferring a request for the emergency service session, transferring the modified active set for delivery to the wireless communication network to assist with determining a location of the wireless communication device, and exchanging communications of the emergency service session with the wireless communication network.
US08135360B2
An RFID-tag communication device including (a) an antenna from which a transmission signal is transmitted toward an RFID tag and through which a reply signal transmitted from the RFID tag in response to the transmission signal is received, for radio communication with the RFID tag, (b) a first-cancel-signal output portion operable to generate a digital first cancel signal for suppressing a leakage signal from a received signal which is received through the antenna and which contains the leakage signal as well as the rely signal, the leakage signal being a part of the transmission signal which is transmitted from the antenna and which is returned to and received by the antenna, (c) a first-cancel-signal control portion operable to control an amplitude and/or a phase of the first cancel signal generated by the first-cancel-signal output portion, (d) a first-cancel-signal D/A converting portion operable to convert the first cancel signal generated by the first-cancel-signal output portion, into an analog signal, (e) a first signal combining portion operable to combine together the analog first cancel signal generated by the first-cancel-signal D/A converting portion, and the received signal, to obtain a first composite signal.teh
US08135353B1
A system and method for testing and monitoring all critical operational aspects of a conventional, non-trunked, radio communications base radio or repeater system and alerting the dispatcher when a communication failure or error occurs. The system includes a monitor radio, a dispatch display unit, a communications link from the dispatch center to a remote base station, and a master control unit that is in communication with the monitor radio, the dispatch display unit, and an existing dispatch console.
US08135343B2
An information management apparatus includes a communication unit configured to receive, from a plurality of communication processing apparatuses, a plurality of pieces of communication history data of near-field communication performed in the plurality of communication processing apparatuses; a data comparison unit configured to perform comparison of the plurality of pieces of communication history data received by the communication unit; and a data registration unit configured to register a plurality of pieces of user information associated with the plurality of communication processing apparatuses as a group in a database on condition that it is verified by the data comparison unit, in accordance with the plurality of pieces of communication history data of the near-field communication, that near-field communication has been performed between the plurality of communication processing apparatuses.
US08135316B2
An image forming device comprises a process cartridge. The process cartridge comprises a development roller. The development roller comprises a magnet roller and a developing sleeve 132. The magnet roller is fixed. The depressions 139 each having an oval shape are formed on the external surface of the developing sleeve 132. Both ends of the depressions 139 which are adjacent with each other along the longitudinal direction of the developing sleeve 132 are overlapped with each other and both ends of the depressions 139 which are adjacent with each other along the circumferential direction of the developing sleeve 132 are spaced with each other.
US08135305B2
An image forming apparatus detachably mounts a cartridge and forms an image on a recording material. The apparatus includes a cartridge positioning portion, a movable member movable between a first position for positioning the cartridge to the positioning portion when the cartridge is mounted to a main assembly of the apparatus, and a retracted position, for permitting cartridge main-assembly mounting in a cartridge longitudinal direction. The movable member has an urging member urging the cartridge to the positioning portion when the movable member takes the first position. Also provided is a guiding member movable relative to the movable member to take a guide position guiding the cartridge when the movable member takes the retracted position and a position retracted from the guide position away from the cartridge when the movable member takes the first position.
US08135293B2
The image forming apparatus includes: an image forming section forming an image on a recording medium; an attachable and detachable storing container storing waste powder discarded and transported from the image forming section; a transport path for transporting the waste powder; a first discharging part allowed to be shut off and discharging the waste powder to an outside of the transport path; a second discharging part provided downstream of the first discharging part in a transporting direction and discharging the waste powder to the storing container; a powder storage part storing the waste powder when the storing container is removed; and a controller causing the shut first discharging part to be opened when the storing container is removed, and causing the waste powder to be discharged from the first discharging part. The powder storage part has capacity enough for storing the waste powder when the first discharging part is opened.
US08135284B2
In a method and device which can quickly detect a fiber misconnection without setting an expected value, a node identifier of source node and an identifier of an interface for inputting/outputting a signal are set in a predetermined first field of a header to be transmitted to a destination node, and when both identifiers set in the first field are received from the destination node, both identifiers are set in a predetermined second field of the header to be transmitted and stored with the first field. When the identifiers set in the first and second fields are received and the identifiers of the second field among the identifiers are consistent with the identifiers of the first field stored at the second step (means), a connection is determined to be correct.
US08135282B2
Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to an optical transceiver module having a status indicator assembly, wherein the status indicator assembly is configured to visually display the operational status of the transceiver transmitter and receiver components. The operational status is accessible while the transceiver operates in conjunction with an external host and may be ascertained in real time without interrupting normal transceiver operation or suspending the transmission of data over optical fibers.
US08135276B2
A quantum repeater includes a transmitter portion including a source, a set of matter systems, and an optical system. The source produces a probe pulse in a probe state having components with different photon numbers, and each matter system has at least one state that interacts with photons in the probe pulse to introduce a change in a phase space location of the probe state. The optical system can direct the probe pulse for interaction with one of the matter systems and direct light from the matter system for transmission on a first channel.
US08135275B2
Two intensity modulated test signals are generated with precise frequency offset from a single laser source, and multiplexed into a combined test signal. The two modulated signals are demultiplexed at a receiver using a fixed periodic optical filter with complementary output ports. Group velocity dispersion/chromatic dispersion is measured over a large dynamic range, using pseudo-random intensity modulation and digital demodulation techniques.
US08135273B2
Systems and methods for optical path protection for distributed antenna systems are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises receiving an electrical uplink radio frequency signal; generating an uplink optical signal derived from the electrical uplink radio frequency signal; splitting the uplink optical signal for transmission on a primary uplink optical fiber and a secondary uplink optical fiber; combining any downlink optical signal received on a primary downlink optical communication medium and any downlink optical signal received on a second downlink optical communication medium in order to output a downlink optical signal; and generating a downlink radio frequency signal derived from the downlink optical signal.
US08135268B2
The optical apparatus includes a focus signal generator generating a focus signal from a photoelectrical conversion signal of an optical image formed by an optical system including a first lens unit for zooming and a second lens unit for focusing, a memory storing data indicating a relationship between positions of the first and second lens units, the data being generated for each predetermined in-focus distance. The controller moves the second lens unit in infinite and close directions. The controller changes a movement amount of a center position of the movement of the second lens unit in the infinite and close directions according to at least one selected from information on an operation of the optical system, information on a state of the optical system, and information on a photoelectric conversion operation of the optical image.
US08135257B2
Furcation management structures and fiber optic shelf assemblies including one or more furcation management structures are disclosed. The furcation management structures are disposed in a chassis of a fiber optic shelf assembly and define a mounting surface for mounting at least one furcation body of a fiber optic cable assembly thereto. The furcation management structure may allow the fiber optic shelf assemblies to provide a greater density of fiber optic cable assemblies to support high density fiber optic equipment. Moreover, the furcation management structures provides the craft with an organized mounting structure that is relatively quick and easy to remove, rearrange, and/or reconfigure.
US08135256B2
A network interface device includes a body, a cover, and a cable spool. The front of the body defines a forward interior in which telecommunications components are arranged. An optical adapter extends partially out of the forward interior at an optical coupling location. The cover includes a shroud that extends over the portion of the optical adapter extending out of the forward interior when the cover is closed. Sidewalls extend from the rear of the body to define a rearward pocket. The cable spool can be removably mounted within the rearward pocket. Alternatively, the cable spool can be fixed to the body and the sidewalls can be removed from the body to allow access to the cable spool.
US08135254B2
A microstructured optical fiber for transmitting optical signals comprised of light, the optical fiber comprising: a core region disposed about a longitudinal centerline and having a refractive index profile with a first refractive index, and a cladding region surrounding the core region, the cladding region comprising an annular void-containing region comprised of non-periodically disposed voids; wherein maximum void diameter in nm is given by Dmax and the maximum void length in cm is not greater than 2.5×105×(dmax)−1.7.
US08135249B2
A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The constructed microscope with fiber spectroscopic probe is suitable for micro-sampling, Raman analysis, as well as fluorescence analysis and can be easily reconfigured for different excitation/detection wavelengths. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.
US08135246B2
A three-dimensional sensor optical waveguide which permits size reduction, and a three-dimensional sensor employing the same. A three-dimensional sensor optical waveguide includes a plurality of frame-shaped optical waveguide members stacked coaxially in a thickness direction, and a measurement space defined by inner spaces of the stacked frame-shaped optical waveguide members. The optical waveguide members each include a light emitting core, a light receiving core and an over-cladding layer covering the cores. The light emitting core has a light output end positioned in one of opposed inner edge portions of each of the frame-shaped optical waveguide members. The light receiving core has a light input end positioned in the other inner edge portion of each of the frame-shaped optical waveguide members.
US08135239B2
A display control apparatus may include a calculating unit for calculating the degree of similarity of each of a plurality of second images to a selected first image, a display control unit for controlling displaying of the second images in the order of similarity, and a selecting unit for selecting, in response to an instruction from a user, one second image from among the plurality of second images displayed in the order of similarity. In response to the selection of the one second image, the display control unit may control the displaying of the second image and a third image belonging to the same group as the selected second image so that the third image and the second image are displayed in accordance with a predetermined order in the group.
US08135237B2
Methods and apparatuses provide noise reduction in a demosaiced digital image by processing the digitized signals received from a color pattern pixel array for noise reduction previous to, or as part of, a demosaicing process by using a weight matrix.
US08135233B2
An imager and method for operating the imager. The imager comprises a pixel array for producing an image signal and an image processor configured to restore images degraded by inter-channel degradations and intra-channel degradations in all channels of the image simultaneously by diagonalizing an image degradation matrix and componentizing the diagonalized image degradation matrix and multi-channel image.
US08135219B2
A method of detecting and compensating fail pixels in a holographic storage system. The method includes steps of: providing a plurality of image frames to show on a data plane for all pixels on the data plane being capable of outputting a light state or a dark state; sequentially recording the image frames into a storage medium; detecting the image frames by using a detecting apparatus for all pixels on the detecting apparatus being capable of outputting sensing signals corresponding to the light state and the dark state; defining a sensing difference value, which is a difference of the sensing signal outputting the light state and the dark state generated by one pixel; comparing the sensing difference value with a threshold value; and defining the corresponding pixel is a fail pixel if the sensing difference value is smaller than the threshold value.
US08135216B2
An initial figure mask estimation of an image is generated using a figure ground segmentation system, thereby initially assigning each pixel in the image with a first attribute value or a second attribute value. A JigCut region segmentation of the image is generated. The figure mask estimation is processed with the JigCut region segmentation by (i) classifying the pixels of the image in each respective JigCut region in the JigCut region segmentation with the first attribute value when a predetermined number or a predetermined percentage of the pixels within the respective JigCut region have been initially assigned the first attribute value by the initial figure mask estimation and (ii) classifying the pixels of the image in each respective JigCut region in the JigCut region segmentation with the second attribute value otherwise.
US08135210B2
An image, represented by an ordered set of elements (xi) each having a value is analysed in order to detect vanishing points. The method comprises, for each of a plurality of root positions (x0), repeatedly performing the steps of: (i) selecting a first plurality of elements (xi) from the ordered set; (ii) for each selected element (xi), selecting a second element (ui) such that the selected second element has a vector position relative to the root position that is scaled by a factor (α) in comparison with the position of the first selected element; (iii) determining whether the selected elements meet a match criterion requiring that the value of each of the first elements is similar to the value of the corresponding second element; and (iv) in the event of a match, updating a similarity score (H) in respect of that root element. Once these scores have been found, they can be examined a part of the image corresponding to a peak value of the similarity score.
US08135209B2
An object is to provide an articulated object position and posture estimation device with reduced calculation cost of model fitting for estimating position and posture and with improved estimation speed. A posture model storage section 2 stores data concerning to a posture model with low-dimensional parameters under movement restraint. The low-dimensional parameters are obtained by performing a principal component analysis on time-series postures of an articulated object frame model corresponding to a predetermined limited movement of an articulated object such as human body. A human body position and posture estimation device 101 generates a image of each posture of the articulated object frame model within postures which can be taken by the posture model in a human body model image generating section 4, performs a matching with an estimation target articulated object image in a position and posture estimation section 10, and thus, estimates a posture.
US08135199B2
Methods and apparatuses process images. The method according to one embodiment accesses digital image data representing an image including an object; accesses reference data including a shape model relating to shape variation of objects from a baseline object, the objects and the baseline object being from a class of the object; and removes from the image an element not related to the object, by representing a shape of the object using the shape model.
US08135190B2
The present invention relates to a method of removing an effect of side lobes in an ultrasound synthetic image. The method includes: a) setting a plurality of scan lines and defining sequential indices upon the scan lines; b) setting a transmit order of a transmit beam for the scan lines in a non-sequential manner in which increment and decrement of the indices of the scan lines are repeated; c) transmitting the transmit beam based on the set transmit order to obtain a plurality of receive beams in response to each transmission of the transmit beam; d) grouping the receive beams to an increment group corresponding to an increment direction of the numbers of the scan lines and a decrement group corresponding to a decrement direction of the numbers of the scan lines; e) performing an auto correlation upon the receive beams included in the respective increment group and the decrement group; and f) applying weights to the auto correlation results and summing the weight-applied auto correlation results to thereby remove an effect of side lobes.
US08135182B2
A method for automatically producing a new digital image from a first digital image that includes regions of interest, includes obtaining a main subject belief map including an array of belief values indicating the location and relative importance of subject matter in the first digital image; producing a mask for each privileged object in the first digital image, each such mask including margins around its corresponding privileged object; overlaying the mask(s) onto the belief map; and producing a first convex hull that includes the mask(s) with margin(s) and regions of the highest belief values from the belief map.
US08135178B2
A method of processing vegetation data including the steps of identifying data relating to an agricultural field, segregating areas of predetermined development patterns and prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound. The identifying step includes identifying data relating to an agricultural field representative of areas of predetermined development patterns of vegetation in the field. The segregating step includes segregating the areas of the predetermined development patterns thereby defining segregated areas, other areas in the field being non-segregated areas. The prescribing step including prescribing application rates of an agricultural compound to the non-segregated areas dependent on at least one attribute determined from the data.
US08135170B2
A process for making an image for a papermaking belt wherein the image is the product of: (a) providing an image, said image being a simple geometric figure; (b) performing a first alpha image modification algorithm on said image; (c) performing a first beta image modification algorithm upon said image to provide a resultant image, said beta image modification algorithm being a three-dimensional image modification algorithm; and, (d) using said resultant image to form a pattern for said papermaking belt.
US08135165B2
A diaphragm, and a loudspeaker unit using the same, capable of providing better low-tone characteristics than conventional ones. A loudspeaker unit includes a base frame and a cover plate joined to each other to provide a flat casing. Arranged in the casing are a diaphragm and a drive mechanism for vibrating the diaphragm. The diaphragm consists of a rectangular area and a pair of semi-elliptic areas, spreading rightward and leftward from the rectangular area, and has an elliptic central portion having its major axis in the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm and a peripheral portion spreading around the central portion. The central portion includes an adhesive layer for fixing a coil, laid on a central area of a diaphragm body, and is formed thicker than the peripheral portion.
US08135163B2
A balanced armature apparatus is disclosed that includes dual transducers for generating sound waves in response to electric audio signals. The dual transducers include a motor assembly coupled to a diaphragm. A housing defines an interior chamber and the motor assembly and the diaphragm are positioned within the interior chamber. A pair of acoustic output ports is located in a respective end of the housing. A low pass acoustic filter is in communication with one of the acoustic output ports that is operable to attenuate a predetermined range of frequencies from an audio signal produced by one of the diaphragms.
US08135162B2
A loudspeaker provides increased magnetic flux from multiple magnets to drive voice coils to generate sound. The loudspeaker is formed as a smaller profile and reduced weight package. The loudspeaker includes a dual pole, first and second magnets, first and second front plates, and first and second gaps. The polarities of the first and second magnets are aligned in the same direction. The first and second magnets may be disk or ring-shaped and may be coupled to a flange of the dual pole. The first and second gaps may be formed between the inner diameters of the first and second magnets and the dual pole. The magnetic flux produced by the first and second magnets may be combined, directed, and concentrated within the first and second gaps by the dual pole and the front plates. At least portions of a first and a second voice coil may be positioned within the first and second gaps, respectively, and diaphragms may be coupled to the first and second voice coils.
US08135161B1
A low profile miniature speaker configured for use in greeting cards such as sound generating greeting cards and other novelties. The thickness of the speaker is minimized while maintaining the sound quality and increasing strength. The speaker magnet is counter-sunk into the housing of the speaker, thereby decreasing overall thickness. The speaker is configured with concentric ribs that radiate outward from the center of the circular speaker. The ribs reinforce the plastic housing and increase the structural strength of the speaker.
US08135157B2
A headset (1) comprises a body (3) and a boom (4), on which a microphone is located. The boom (4) is mounted so that the position of a microphone (5) relative to the body (3) can be adjusted. The headset 1 further comprises a controller (15) arranged to process an electrical signal generated by the microphone (5) by equalizing components corresponding to high and low audio frequencies in accordance with the detected position of the microphone (5). For instance, low frequencies may be preferentially attenuated if the microphone (5) is used when the boom (4) is in a retracted position. Optionally, the controller (15) may also adjust the gain of the microphone (5) in accordance with the position of the microphone (5). The headset (1) may be used to communicate with an external device (2) using a wired or wireless connection. For example, the headset (1) may convey signals to and from a mobile telephone using the Bluetooth® protocol and/or may be used for Push-to-Talk applications.
US08135154B2
Switch arrangement for hearing devices, which includes a connector socket which can be covered by a socket cover. The connector socket and the socket cover are arranged and embodied such that an electrical switching contact can be produced by applying pressure to the socket cover covering the connector socket. A method for changing over programs in hearing devices with a behind-the-ear part is also specified, in which an electrical switching contact is produced by means of a connector socket of the behind-the-ear part and its socket cover. Space can be saved as a result.
US08135151B2
In an audio signal reproduction device and an audio signal reproduction system of the present invention, an SLch sound is reproduced as a mixed sound that is adjusted appropriately by two speakers 5a, 5d located at Lch and SBLch speaker positions, and an SRch sound is reproduced as a mixed sound that is adjusted appropriately by two speakers 5b, 5e located at Rch and SBRch speaker positions. This configuration can achieve 5.1ch virtual reproduction with high sound quality in which sounds for 5.1 channels of LPCM 7.1ch audio information included in the contents are output as they are and sounds for the remaining 2 channels are reproduced artificially even if speakers compatible with the 5.1ch sound field system are connected.
US08135146B2
An equalization method using equal loudness curve, and a sound output apparatus using the same are disclosed. An audio signal is equalized using a standard loudness curve so as to increase a loudness of an audio signal. A sound quality can be significantly enhanced with the enhancement of a sound cleanness and quality when being adapted to a communication apparatus such as a telephone terminal, a transmitter or a repeater. When it is adapted to an audio apparatus such as a MP3, a common audio system, a car audio system, etc., it is possible to enhance a sound cleanness and quality, and a hearing ability. It can be used as a hearing aid.
US08135145B2
The present invention discloses a multi-level output signal converter, which is connected to an audio amplifier. The audio amplifier comprises a comparing/measuring device, an encoder and an output unit. The multi-level output signal converter comprises a timing processing unit and a multi-level converter. The timing processing unit is connected to the comparing/measuring device and the encoder. The timing processing unit includes a plurality of flip-flops and a timing summing element. The flip-flop receives a first signal from the comparing/measuring device and outputs the first signal to the timing summing element. The encoder converts the first signal into a second signal. The multi-level converter is connected to the encoder and the output unit. The encoder transmits the second signal to the multi-level converter, and the multi-level converter thus outputs a third signal to the output unit.
US08135142B2
The interference powers with directional microphones are to be suppressed as far as possible. To this end, provision is made to adaptively filter the microphone of a number of microphones as a function of at least one parameter. The directional effect of the directional microphone achieved in this way is adjusted by modifying the at least one parameter, such that the summation of interference powers including microphone noises is reduced and/or minimal.
US08135141B2
There is provided an audio signal transmitting apparatus including: a channel mapping unit which determines the audio signals allocated to each of the channels and generates channel mapping information representing types of the audio signals allocated to each of the channels; an audio signal transmitting unit which transmits the audio signals allocated to each of the channels by the channel mapping unit to the external connection apparatuses by a first transmitting scheme or a second transmitting scheme; and a connection management information providing unit which provides connection management information including the channel mapping information and transmitting scheme information representing the transmitting scheme of the audio signals to the external connection apparatuses.
US08135133B2
According to an embodiment, the invention provides a method for decrypting content, the comprising: receiving the content without a source encryption key from a source device connected to the electric reproducing device, the content having been encrypted with the source encryption key in the source device; performing a first addition operation by using a first device internal key and an ID, the first device internal key being associated with the electric reproducing device; generating a device encryption key based on an output of the first addition operation and a second device internal key by using a predetermined encryption algorithm, wherein the second device internal key is associated with the electric reproducing device; decrypting the content using the device encryption key; decoding the decrypted content; and outputting the decoded content.
US08135124B2
Multiple instances of an incoming call in a unified communication system capable of communicating through multiple networks are provided to devices and/or applications associated with the called party. Upon acceptance or a global rejection of the incoming call through one of the end devices/applications, the remainder are provided a cancellation notice for the forked call request that includes information associated with which end device took the action, what type of action was taken, whether the action was based on automatic policy implementation.
US08135116B2
A communication network that includes a signaling system seven (SS7) network is operated by associating call release messages, which are indicative of call failures in the communication network, with an originating point code (OPC) and/or a calling number. The rate at which calls originating from the originating point code and/or the calling number are admitted to the network may be adjusted based on the association between the call release messages and the originating point code and/or the calling number.
US08135109B2
A direct radiation converter is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the direct radiation converter is operated using a direct conversion element having a temperature of at least 38° C. and at most 55° C., and designed for detecting X-ray radiation.
US08135106B2
The present invention provides a method of operating a Boiling Water Reactor, having the steps of analyzing LPRM signals for oscilliatory behavior indicative of neutron-flux-coupled density wave oscillations, determining if oscilliatory behavior is present in the signals; initiating a reactor protective corrective action if the oscilliatory behavior is determined, and in addition, initiating corrective actions if neutron uncoupled oscillations are possible. Detecting the later is performed through analytically determined exclusion zone on the power flow map or by on-line stability calculations for several high power channels.
US08135104B2
A high speed transceiver without using an external clock signal and a communication method used by the high speed transceiver which applies a clock recovery circuit including a coarse code generator, a frequency detector, and a linear phase detector to the receiver so as to solve problems such as skew between a reference clock and data that may occur during data transmission and jitter of a recovered clock while an embedded clock method of applying clock information to data is used.
US08135102B2
Systems and methods for digitally equalizing a signal in a distributed antenna system are provided. In one embodiment, a signal processing device within a distributed antenna system comprises a signal path within a signal processing board, the signal path having an uncompensated distortion function of G(ω) with a system response represented by y(n); and a compensator coupled to the signal path, the compensator having a finite impulse response (FIR) filter with an impulse response function represented by H(ω), the compensator having an FIR filter parameter vector {right arrow over (h)} determined from an estimated system response y(n) of the signal path to an input comb signal x(n), wherein y(n) is estimated from interpolated measured output responses of the signal path to a plurality of frequency sweep signal test inputs.
US08135097B2
An apparatus and method for tracking a desired signal by sequentially tracking the desired signal with a variable integration time, performing automatic frequency control of the desired signal, and demodulating the desired signal using offline software. In one aspect, the automatic frequency control is performed using the offline software. In one aspect, the desired signal is from a GPS satellite.
US08135095B2
An enhanced VSB receiver includes a tuner which tunes an RF signal and converts it into an IF signal, an IF mixer which converts the IF signal into a baseband signal, and a demodulator which demodulates the baseband signal into a VSB signal. The enhanced VSB receiver further includes a map recovery unit which recovers VSB map information of the VSB signal, an enhanced equalizer for compensating channel distortion of the VSB signal and outputting an equalized symbol, and an enhanced Viterbi decoder for estimating whether polarity inversion occurred during a symbol period of the equalized symbol and Viterbi-decoding the equalized symbol based on the polarity estimation.
US08135085B2
According to one embodiment, a method for transmitting signals to a receiver, performed by a transmitter including a plurality of antennas, includes: selecting a precoding matrix based on a multiplexing rate (R) by selecting R column vectors from a single matrix corresponding to a maximum multiplexing rate, wherein each column vector of a first precoding matrix corresponding to a first multiplexing rate is included as a part of column vectors of a second precoding matrix corresponding to a second multiplexing rate when the second multiplexing rate is greater than the first multiplexing rate; precoding the signals using the selected precoding matrix; and transmitting the precoded signals to the receiver.
US08135082B2
A method for performing burst mapping on transmission data by a transmitter in a mobile communication system using a 16-ary Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (16-QAM) modulation scheme is disclosed. The burst mapping method includes generating control information bits and user data bits by encoding input control information and user data; dividing the control information bits and user data bits into more than two bursts; and arranging a Training Sequence Code (TSC) in a center of each burst, placing the coded control information bits in positions adjacent to the TSC, and swapping the user data bits with bits mapped to higher-reliability positions among the control information bits.
US08135080B2
A receiver circuit in each branch has an FFT unit that performs Fourier transform on OFDM signals. A slave branch FFT window control unit determines whether an undesired wave is a preceding wave or a delay wave, and notifies a master branch of the result. In response to the notification from the slave branch, a master branch FFT window control unit controls a position of an FFT window that indicates a time range in which Fourier transform is performed on OFDM signals.
US08135068B1
A camera comprising a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit may be configured to perform image signal processing using encoding related information. The second circuit may be configured to encode image data using image signal processing related information. The first circuit may be further configured to pass the image signal processing related information to the second circuit. The second circuit may be further configured to pass the encoding related information to the first circuit. The second circuit may be further configured to modify one or more motion estimation processes based upon the information from the first circuit.
US08135065B2
For decoding a scalable video stream, in which the images may be decoded by groups of several images, each group being constituted by at least three levels of image temporal hierarchy, the images of the lowest level having the lowest time frequency and the images of each following level having a time frequency at least twice that of the images of the preceding level, a temporal hierarchy level being formed by at least one predetermined time interval, a time interval separating two images in that temporal hierarchy level: during the decoding of at least one temporal hierarchy level, at least one item of information is obtained representing a parameter relative to the content of the video stream over at least one time interval, and an order in the decoding of the images of each group of images is defined as a function of said information obtained.
US08135057B2
A reconfigurable chip level equalizer having circuitry that restores signal orthogonality and eliminates channel interference for a wireless transmitted signal. In at least some embodiments, the reconfigurable chip level equalizer comprises two or more adaptive equalizers, a plurality of operational blocks that interconnect the two or more adaptive equalizers, and a control mechanism that configures the two or more adaptive equalizers and operational blocks according to different signal delay profiles.
US08135053B2
The present disclosure relates to a laser crystal device (1) for short pulse lasers, comprising a container (4), the interior of which is sealed relative to the environment and which contains a technically pure atmosphere with windows (12, 13) in the side walls (12, 13) for the passage of laser radiation (16), which in operation passes through a laser crystal (6), wherein the window (12, 13) has an inclination of the Brewster angle to the beam path of the laser radiation (16) and a mounting (5) for the laser crystal (6) is provided within the container (4), the windows (12, 13) are inclined to each other by double the Brewster angle and are placed at an adequate distance from the laser crystal (6) position, with relation to the laser beam properties, wherein the beam cross section at the windows (12, 13) is sufficiently large in order to guarantee a peak intensity at the windows (12, 13) which is sufficiently reduced in relation to the peak intensity of the laser beam (16) at the laser crystal (6) for avoiding degenerative processes on the windows (12, 13).
US08135048B2
A novel polarization maintaining optical fiber, which can be used as a high-power polarization maintaining fiber laser or amplifier, is described. Insensitivity of the polarization state to external fiber bending and temperature changes is accomplished by minimizing polarization mode-coupling via reducing stresses inside the fiber core via increasing the fiber diameter. Alternatively, polarization mode-coupling can be minimized by an optimization of the fiber coating to minimize stresses at the interface between the fiber and the coating. As a result insensitivity to polarization mode-coupling is obtained at greatly reduced values of birefringence compared to small-diameter fibers. The fiber is of significant use in any application where polarization stability is important, and will be useful in telecommunications applications in particular for reducing polarization mode dispersion. An implementation in a parabolic pulse-producing fiber laser is also described as one specific high power example.
US08135045B1
A system and method for voice transmission over high level network protocols. On the Internet and the World Wide Web, such high level protocols are HTTP/TCP. The restrictions imposed by firewalls and proxy servers are avoided by using HTTP level connections to transmit voice data. In addition, packet delivery guarantees are obtained by using TCP instead of UDP. Variable compression based on silence detection takes advantage of the natural silences and pauses in human speech, thus reducing the delays in transmission caused by using HTTP/TCP. The silence detection includes the ability to bookend the voice data sent with small portions of silence to insure that the voice sounds natural. Finally, the voice data is transmitted to each client computer independently from a common circular list of voice data, thus insuring that all clients will stay current with the most recent voice data. The combination of these features enables simple, seamless, and interactive Internet conferencing.
US08135043B2
A mobile communication system according to an exemplary aspect of the invention is a mobile communication system which includes eNBs (Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) NodeBs) and a core network apparatus, wherein the core network apparatus is provided as a Network Time Protocol (NTP) server and supplies clocks to the eNBs which are NTP clients; and the core network apparatus includes: an acquisition unit for acquiring transmission link delay information between the core network apparatus and each of the eNBs by periodically performing synchronization processing to each of the eNBs; a determination unit for determining a time of transmission based on the transmission link delay information acquired by the acquisition unit; and a unit for copying Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service (MBMS) data as many as the eNBs, adding time information determined by the determination unit to each of copied MBMS data and transmitting the MBMS data to each of the eNBs.
US08135018B1
A message propagation scheme for a distributed virtual world is provided. In general, each of a number of peer servers hosts a cell of the virtual world, where the cell is also referred to herein as a virtual space. A peer server issues an advertisement/subscription (ad/sub) message, or message flow path setup message, identifying message types produced by the virtual objects in the virtual space hosted by the peer server and message types consumed by the virtual objects in the virtual space hosted by the peer server. Based on the ad/sub message, for each message type produced, message flow paths from the peer server to other peer servers hosting virtual objects that are consumers of the message type are identified. Likewise, for each message type consumed, message paths from other peer servers hosting virtual objects that are producers of the message type to the peer server are identified.
US08135014B2
A Universal Plug-and-Play (UPnP)-based network system and a control method thereof are provided. The UPnP-based network system includes a controlled device which transmits an advertisement message, and a control point which receives the transmitted advertisement message. The control point determines whether an extension header included in the advertisement message is changed, and if the extension header is changed, the control point transmits a message for requesting a description file to the controlled device. Also, the UPnP-based network system includes a controlled device which provides a description change advertisement service, and a control point which performs subscription of the description change advertisement service. The control point receives an event message for the description change advertisement service transmitted by the controlled device, and transmits a message for requesting a description file to the controlled device.
US08135008B2
In order to reduce the size of a signaling message advertising prefixes, a super block prefix is determined amongst two or more prefixes having a common pattern. Information on the super block prefix and delta information on each non-super-block prefix is used in the messages instead of the prefixes as such, the delta information indicating how the prefix differs from the super block prefix.
US08135004B2
Disclosed herewith is a multi-plane cell switch fabric system in which each switching unit functions asynchronously with others. The system executes distribution/restoration operations without lowering the switching capacity to reorder cells that arrive in random order from a plurality of switches just as they were in original flows and packets respectively with a small hardware capacity. In the system, the distribution unit divides each variable length packet addressed to the same destination into fixed length cells and sends those divided cells by a unit of integer multiple of the number of switches. On the other hand, the reordering unit, while holding cells that arrive in random order from each switching unit (switching units 1 to M) in a receive buffer, separates only the header information from each cell and holds the header information in a retry queue. The reordering unit, upon finding the header information of a head cell of a flow in an ordering check at the time of receiving or in a retry check in the retry queue, extracts the corresponding cell bodies from the receive buffer to restore the original order of those cells in the subject packet.
US08134999B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a provisioning method for establishing a telecommunications service including the operations of sending a resynchronization message to a user terminal unit, redirecting the resynchronization message to a customer premises equipment (CPE) unit, acquiring the configuration server network address from the resynchronization message, connecting the CPE unit through the network to a configuration server specified in the configuration server network address, receiving subscriber configuration data from the configuration server; and initializing the CPE unit with the received subscriber configuration data to establish service between the CPE unit and the telecommunications service provider.
US08134992B1
A coexistence mechanism for arbitrating between performing operations associated with a first network device and performing operations associated with a second network device coupled to the first network device. The start time of a scheduled operation associated with a second network device is determined based, at least in part, on an activity report message received at a first network device from the second network device. A scheduled operation associated with the first network device is performed if the scheduled operation associated with the first network device can be performed prior to the start time of the scheduled operation associated with the second network device. Otherwise, the priority of the scheduled operation associated with the first network device is compared to the priority of the scheduled operation associated with the second network device to determine whether to grant control of the transmission channel to the first or second network device.
US08134984B2
An apparatus and method of a method of a wireless mesh network proposing access nodes for conversion to gateways is disclosed. The method includes each access node of the wireless mesh network measuring wireless mesh network metrics. A server connected to the wireless mesh network obtains the network metrics, and calculates a desirability of conversion of at least one access node to a gateway based upon the network metrics. An apparatus and method of a server of a wireless mesh network calculating which access nodes of the wireless mesh network should be converted to gateways is also disclosed. The method includes the server receiving wireless mesh network metrics from the access nodes, and calculating which of the access nodes should be converted based upon the network metrics.
US08134976B2
Techniques to calibrate the downlink and uplink channels to account for differences in the frequency responses of the transmit and receive chains at an access point and a user terminal. In one embodiment, pilots are transmitted on the downlink and uplink channels and used to derive estimates of the downlink and uplink channel responses, respectively. Two sets of correction factors are then determined based on the estimates of the downlink and uplink channel responses. A calibrated downlink channel is formed by using a first set of correction factors for the downlink channel, and a calibrated uplink channel is formed by using a second set of correction factors for the uplink channel. The first and second sets of correction factors may be determined using a matrix-ratio computation or a minimum mean square error (MMSE) computation. The calibration may be performed in real-time based on over-the-air transmission.
US08134963B1
A method of connection setup in mobile wireless data communications systems is disclosed where the connection setup time is decreased for delay-sensitive communications sessions relative to the normal connection setup time for confidence-dependent communications sessions. This is achieved by performing some of the connection set-up steps for delay-sensitive communications sessions after successfully demodulating a smaller number of indications identifying an access terminal's desired serving resource than would be demodulated in the case of a confidence-dependent communication session prior to performing the same connection set-up steps.
US08134962B2
A method for advance allocation of one or more resources to a frame for a mobile communication terminal comprises transmitting resource allocation data in advance over several frames to allow for additional diversity in providing a mobile with resource allocation data.
US08134950B2
The ad-hoc network includes a plurality of mobile nodes including at least one group of mobile nodes operating as a cluster with a currently elected cluster head node. The mobile nodes include a controller and a wireless communications device cooperating therewith to determine whether the currently elected cluster head node appears inactive and then initiate a token-based cluster head node election based thereon. During the token-based cluster head node election, the cluster mobile nodes generate and transmit tokens having respective token weights, receive tokens from neighboring nodes, selectively retransmit the tokens based upon the token weights, and elect a new cluster head node based upon the token weights.
US08134948B2
A method for allocating distributed Medium Access Control (MAC) resources in a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) includes calculating an acknowledgement overhead; calculating a Medium Access Slot (MAS) overhead depending on a payload length of a frame; calculating a transfer rate; calculating a number of frame bits to be transmitted; and calculating a first number of MASs. Thereby, the method optimized a final number of MASs required per superframe. Further, a distributed MAC resource allocation apparatus includes a MAC client for determining a resource allocation scheme and an amount of resources, and for sending a request to a MAC resource management unit; a MAC physical layer for providing a received power level or the like to the MAC resource management unit; and the MAC resource management unit for determining a payload length or the like and for allocating wireless resources to devices connected to the WPAN.
US08134946B2
A scheduling system and method for use with relay-assisted wireless networks includes accessing feedback from mobile stations in a network and arranging users associated with a relay station in a list in accordance with marginal utilities. A determination of whether the users in the list can be eliminated from feedback overhead by testing conditions for feedback reduction is made. A diversity schedule is generated by employing a weighted bipartite graph with relay channels and access channels and performing a matching method. A transmission schedule is generated for channel usage in accordance with multi-user and channel diversity for mobile users and spatial reuse of channels across relay and access hops by incorporating rate feedback and interference for the mobile stations and the relay stations based upon the matching method applied to a new weighted graph which accounts for traffic loads and fairness as well.
US08134945B2
A method, apparatus and system for increasing cell capacity through optional signal combining between Relay Stations (RSs) in a cellular system using wired RSs is disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a Base Station (BS), an average Carrier-to-Interference ratio (C/I) value of transmission signals from Mobile Stations (MSs) located inside each coverage area, being fed back from the RSs or the MSs in its corresponding cell; classifying the MSs into two groups according to the C/I value; performing resource allocation satisfying a minimum data rate from a corresponding RS, for MSs belonging to a group having a C/I value greater than a preset threshold Γ among the classified groups; performing resource allocation by applying an optional signal combining scheme taking into account two RSs having a highest C/I value, for MSs belonging to a group having a C/I value below the threshold among the classified groups; and allocating all unallocated subchannels of each individual RS in an order of an MS having a high C/I value among MSs of a corresponding RS until there is no more unallocated subchannel of each RS.
US08134944B2
An apparatus and method for configuring a Relay-Frame Control Header (R-FCH) transmitted in an intermediary link area in a multi-hop relay Broadband Wireless Access (BWA) communication system are provided. The method includes determining a modulation scheme of a Relay Station (RS) Downlink (DL)-MAP (or simply referred to as R-MAP) in consideration of a channel state with the RS while an initial network entry process is performed by the RS or while communicating with the RS in a Base Station (BS)-RS area where communication is made with RSs connected to the BS and transmitting a message including the determined modulation scheme to the RS. Accordingly, a Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) on the R-MAP can be dynamically changed according to a channel state between an RS and a BS, thereby enabling effective use of resources.
US08134940B2
Method and apparatus in a communication unit (400) employing a wireless TDD or half duplex FDD transmission arrangement when communicating with a data sending party, for scheduling feedback reports for data blocks in received RX sub-frames, in TX sub-frames available for transmission. An obtaining unit (402) in the communication unit receives allocation parameters (P) for the connection where the number of required feedback reports is greater than the number of allowed feedback reports. A scheduling unit (404) in the communication unit then schedules feedback reports (FR) in available TX sub-frames according to a predetermined spreading rule also known by the data sending party, dictating that the feedback reports are spread out or distributed evenly over the available TX sub-frames. In this way, the number of feedback reports in a TX sub-frame can be reduced.
US08134931B2
A first device is configured to select and utilize a connection identifier (CID) for a peer-to-peer communication connection between the first device and a second device in a wireless communications network. The CID is selected from a predetermined set of a plurality of CIDs. Prior to selecting the connection identifier, the first device monitors a CID broadcast channel to determine whether the CID is being utilized by other nearby connections. If it is determined that the CID is being utilized by another connection in the proximity, a different (unused) CID is selected. A transmission request is transmitted to the second device using a first transmission resource unit within a traffic management channel slot, the first transmission resource unit being determined as a function of the selected CID. The first device transmits traffic data to the second device in a traffic channel slot corresponding to the traffic management channel slot.
US08134930B2
A method of providing digital data services between a communications service provider and a customer site over a communications loop may include predicting a level of performance of the communications loop without coupling a modem to the communications loop at the customer site to provide a predicted level of performance of the communications loop. The communications loop may be qualified for an initial qualified level of digital data service based on the predicted level of performance of the communications loop. After qualifying the communications loop, digital data service may be provided over the communications loop at the initial qualified level using a modem coupled to the communications loop at the customer site, and a measured level of performance of the communications loop may be obtained based on data communicated between the communications service provider and the modem over the communications loop. The measured level of performance may then be compared with the predicted level of performance. Related systems and computer program products are also discussed.
US08134927B2
In one embodiment, data packets are captured from a network using a physical, network-connectable data capture probe. As the data packets are captured, the data packets are time-stamped with time-of-capture time-stamps. The time-stamped data packets are then stored; and in parallel, the time-stamped data packets are forwarded to at least one consumer in real-time.
US08134920B2
In a disclosed backup path bandwidth keeping method for keeping bandwidth of a backup path to which an active path is switched when the active path becomes unavailable in nodes of a communication network, each node is connected to the same destination, and the method includes a backup path bandwidth keeping phase, for M (M is a natural number equal to or less than L) channels in L (L is a natural number) channels kept as backup path bandwidth, for notifying a destination-side node existing in a destination side of the backup path of identification number information of the M channels to be kept and identification information indicating that a path for which the bandwidth is to be kept is a backup path.
US08134911B2
An OFDM-based device and method for performing synchronization utilizes a time-domain preamble of an incoming OFDM-based signal to compute an estimated fine frequency offset. The computation of the estimated fine frequency offset involves multiplying values of the time-domain preamble with conjugates of corresponding values of a selected base station time-domain preamble, averaging the resulting multiplied values in predefined segments and self-correlating the resulting averaged values to derive a self-correlation value, which is used to compute the estimated fine frequency offset.
US08134910B2
Provided is a method and apparatus for multiplexing bitstreams that are coded to have different frame lengths using asynchronous time alignment, in which, based on the length of each frame of a bitstream selected as a reference bitstream from among bitstreams coded to have different frame lengths by a plurality of coders, the remaining bitstreams except for the reference bitstream are divided and multiplexed.
US08134904B2
A recording method for recording data in basic reproduction unit to a recording medium having a first recording layer and a second recording layer, includes detecting a size of an unrecorded region of the first recording layer while recording data in the basic reproduction unit in the first recording layer, comparing the size of the unrecorded region of the first recording layer with a specified value and stopping recording in the first recording layer at the boundary of the basic reproduction unit when the size of the unrecorded region is smaller than the specified value, and recording a subsequent data in the second recording layer.
US08134901B2
The present invention relates to an optical disk reproducing apparatus, and provides a technology capable of supporting even a situation in which a reproduction signal characteristic is changed due to a factor other than recording density of an optical disk by using PRML of different constrained length and capable of improving reading accuracy. The optical disk reproducing apparatus includes a PRML circuit of first constrained length (for example, 4) and a PRML circuit of second constrained length (for example, 5). Equalization error values obtained during calculation of equalization learning in respective circuits are compared with each other in a determination circuit. Switching control of a switch is performed so that an output of one of the PRML circuits having a smaller equalization error value is selected.
US08134899B2
According to one embodiment, an optical recording medium is provided in which interlayer crosstalk is low and in which stable and high-quality recording characteristics can be obtained. To this end, an optical recording medium comprises a first recording part which includes a first recording layer and a first light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side closer to a light receiving surface, and a second recording part which includes a second recording layer and a second light reflecting layer and which is disposed on a side farther from the light receiving surface, the first recording part and the second recording part being stacked, wherein the thickness of the second light reflecting layer is larger than the thickness of the first light reflecting layer.
US08134894B2
This invention provides a surface plasmon polariton direction change device (1) for changing a propagation direction of a surface plasmon polariton (5). The surface plasmon polariton direction change device (1) includes a metal film support member (2), and a first metal film (3) and a second metal film (4) which are provided on a predetermined surface of the metal film support member (2), are provided adjacently to each other, and are different from each other in effective refractive index. The surface plasmon polariton direction change device (1) is characterized in that the first metal film (3) and the second metal film (4) are provided so that, in at least a part of a boundary between the first metal film (3) and the second metal film (4), an angle θ formed between (i) a line perpendicular to the boundary and (ii) the propagation direction of the surface plasmon polariton (5) satisfies 0°<θ<90° or −90°<θ<0°, and (i) a surface of the first metal film (3) which is opposite to a surface in contact with the metal film support member (2) and (ii) a surface of the second metal film (4) which is opposite to a surface in contact with the metal film support member (2) are flush with each other.
US08134882B2
A semiconductor device includes a first high potential power supply, a second low potential power supply, a third power supply having a potential higher than the first, a fourth power supply having a potential more negative than the second, and an anti-fuse element having a node at each end, one of which is connected to the fourth power supply. A driver transistor has a source connected to the third power supply, a gate connected to a control node and a drain connected to one end of the anti-fuse element. A decoding circuit includes a load transistor connected between the third power supply and the control node and at least one selection transistor connected between the second power supply and the control node. A decision circuit is connected to the first and second power supplies. The decision circuit decides the resistance value of the anti-fuse element. The anti-fuse element is rendered electrically conductive in response to activation of the driver transistor as selected by the decoding circuit. The decision circuit decides whether or not the anti-fuse element has been rendered electrically conductive.
US08134876B2
A semiconductor memory device includes: a strobe signal reception unit configured to receive a strobe signal and generate a tracking clock signal; a clock reception unit configured to receive a clock signal and generate an internal clock signal; a plurality of data reception units configured to receive parallel data in accordance with the internal clock signal and generate internal data; and a phase control unit configured to control the phase of the internal clock signal to track the tracking clock signal and to compensate for a variation in the phase of the internal clock signal while the data is received.
US08134867B2
A memory cell array and device having a memory cell array (i.e., an integrated circuit device, for example, a logic device (such as, a microcontroller or microprocessor) or a memory device (such as, a discrete memory)) including electrically floating body transistors in which electrical charge is stored in the body of the transistor, and techniques for reading, controlling and/or operating such memory cell array and such device. The memory cell array and device include a variable and/or programmable word length. The word length relates to the selected memory cells of a selected row of memory cells (which is determined via address data). In one embodiment, the word length may be any number of memory cells of a selected row which is less than or equal to the total number of memory cells of the selected row of the memory array. In one aspect, write and/or read operations may be performed with respect to selected memory cells of a selected row of the memory array, while unselected memory cells of the selected row are undisturbed.
US08134854B2
An exemplary embodiment of an efuse device is provided, operating in a write mode and a read mode and comprising a source line, a cell, a blow device, and a sensing circuit. The cell has a first terminal coupled to the source line and a second terminal. The blow device is coupled between the second terminal of the cell and a ground terminal. The blow device is turned on in the read mode. The sensing circuit is coupled to the first terminal of the cell and the ground terminal, and is arranged to determine a state of the cell.
US08134850B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide voltage converters and methods for using such. As one example, a voltage converter is disclosed that includes a transformer, an operational detector, and a controllable oscillator. The transformer includes a first winding and a second winding, and the operational detector provides an electrical output corresponding to an operational characteristic of the transformer. The controllable oscillator provides a clock output with a frequency corresponding to the electrical output. This clock output at least in part controls application of a voltage input to the first winding.
US08134844B2
A portable terminal generally includes a first or main body and a second or sub-body. The sub-body is slidable relative to the main body between a closed position and an opened position. The sub-body is configured to drop downwardly into a stepped-down portion of the main body when the sub-body is in the opened position. At least one biasing device or elastic means may be provided for applying a force for biasing the sub-body to drop downwardly towards the stepped-down portion.
US08134839B2
A junction structure and a joining method of substrates are provided that stably can join the substrates and achieve high workability during joining. A second substrate 2 to be joined with solder to a first substrate 1 is bent with elasticity generated by a bending portion 9, and first joints 5 on the first substrate 1 and second joints 6 on the second substrate 2 are joined with solder in a state in which the first substrate 1 is brought into contact with, in a direction that increases the bending angle of the bending portion 9, a part where the joints 6 are formed on the second substrate 2.
US08134832B2
An electric drive is disclosed which includes at least a choke unit, a power step unit, and a capacitor unit for implementing power supply to an electricity-consuming device. A cooling arrangement is disclosed for cooling the choke unit, the power step unit, and the capacitor unit. The choke unit, the power step unit, and the capacitor unit can be distributed into at least two separate and separately coolable entities, and the cooling arrangement can include parallel cooling apparatuses for cooling the at least two separate and separately coolable entities.
US08134831B1
The accessorized laptop computer apparatus provides multiple features within a size comparable to typical laptops computers. A user can print contracts and other documents and also scan documents into the memory of the CPU. A user can swipe a credit card or other readable magnetic strip card and either store the information within the apparatus or use the telephone dial pad to call for approval of a card expenditure, or both. A user can also place other telephone calls. The apparatus provides true office portability not heretofore available.
US08134820B1
A contactor control circuit is disclosed for controlling a contactor connecting an alternating current electrical power source to a load. The contactor control circuit comprises a switching circuit connected in series with the inductor for controlling the conduction of the contactor. The control circuit actuates conduction of current through the inductor for energizing the contactor to connect the alternating current electrical power source to the load. The invention is also incorporated into a circuit for switching a first and a second alternating current electrical power source to a load.
US08134819B2
A single coil actuator for low and medium voltage applications which comprises a single coil electromagnet and a power and control unit operatively connected to said single coil electromagnet. The power and control unit comprises: a first control unit and a second control unit; a power input operatively connected to an input filter and rectifier; a power supply operatively connected to said input filter and rectifier and to said first and second control unit; a power circuit operatively connected to said single coil electromagnet. In the single coil actuator according to the invention, said first control unit is a microcontroller including analogue and digital inputs and outputs, and said second control unit is a PWM controller which controls the current flowing in the single coil electromagnet through said power circuit.
US08134814B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit, includes an operational amplifier including a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal, a first transistor which has a source-drain route connected between an external terminal and a first voltage, and a gate terminal connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier; and a second transistor which has a source-drain route connected between the first input terminal of the operational amplifier and the first voltage, and a gate terminal connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier.
US08134810B2
A protective circuit arrangement is disclosed for electrical equipment supplied, for example, from a conductor loop in surroundings subject to explosion hazards in process engineering installations. To suppress current flow from an energy store of the electrical equipment into the conductor loop, an exemplary cascadeable switchgear cell is disclosed, having a first transistor, which allows the loop current to pass, and a second transistor, which short-circuits a parasitic base-emitter diode of the first transistor.
US08134809B2
A PZT micro-actuator for a head gimbal assembly includes a pair of separate PZT elements and each PZT element has a body and a plurality of electrical pads. The body has at least two electrode-piezoelectric combination layers laminated together. The at least two electrode-piezoelectric combination layers are physically connected with but electrically isolated from each other. Each electrode-piezoelectric combination layer has at least two of the electrical pads thereon. The electrical pads extend out from the body of the corresponding PZT element. All the electrical pads of each PZT element are offset a predetermined distance therebetween to be electrically isolated. The present invention also discloses a head gimbal assembly (HGA) with the PZT micro-actuator, an assembling method for the head gimbal assembly and a disk drive unit having such HGA.
US08134789B2
A holder for optical components includes a two-part holder housing that forms an essentially ring-shaped enclosure surrounding an optical component; in addition the two housing parts have different thermal expansion coefficients. To create a holder for optical components that is both simple in structure and ensures a low-tension and insulated enclosure of the optical component, it is proposed with the invention that one housing part should be configured as a ring that surrounds the optical component and on whose housing interior close to the optical component a groove should be configured that surrounds and encloses the optical component and serves as a receptacle for the second housing part, which is configured as a tension ring.
US08134787B2
A super wide angle lens is a super wide angle lens which is of high-resolution and whose size, weight and cost can be reduced. It employs a four-group five-element constitution in which in the order from an object side, a meniscus single lens having a negative power, a single lens having a negative power, a single lens having a positive power, and a cemented lens having a positive power are included. The lenses excluding the meniscus single lens are plastic lenses and seven lens surfaces, that are a third surface, a fourth surface, a fifth surface, a sixth surface, a eighth surface, a ninth surface and a tenth surface, are aspheric.
US08134784B2
A lens apparatus of the present invention includes a cam ring 7 having an inner circumferential surface on which first, second, and third cam groove portions 7a, 7b, and 7c with which first, second, and third cam followers 25, 26, and 6 provided on first, second, and third lens holding members 1, 2, and 3 engage. The cam ring introduces the first and second cam followers from an insertion opening 7d and includes an introducing groove portion 7b4 for introducing the third cam follower and a connecting groove portion 7a5. The third cam groove portion is divided at a middle of the introducing groove portion which connects the insertion opening with the second cam groove portion.
US08134782B2
A transparent optical component having cells (1) filled with an optical material is proposed, which has a high transparency. The cells of the component are filled to levels (h1, . . . , h5) which vary randomly, and the variations of which are adapted so as not to cause a perceptible optical defect. To do this, the fill levels of the cells are adapted so that the phase shifts experienced by the light rays (R1, . . . , R5) which pass through the cells have a root mean square deviation of less than one quarter of the wavelength (1). Such a component may in particular be an ophthalmic lens.
US08134781B2
There is provided an optical film for backlight units or illuminators. The optical film comprises a light-incident portion and a light exit portion. Here, the optical film is characterized in that it comprises a plurality of protrusions formed on at least one of the light-incident portion and the light exit portion, wherein a plurality of the protrusions satisfies the requirements of the following Equation: 80×H1/3≦P≦200×H1/3 and 0.I×D≦H≦D, provided that a mean diameter of protrusions is represented by ‘D’, a mean height of protrusions is represented by 1H′, and a mean distance between adjacent protrusions is represented by ‘P’. Therefore, the optical film may be useful to suppress blocking between films and the formation of surface defects, which are caused by the Moire, Newton ring and wet-out phenomena, without degrading the brightness.
US08134770B2
A display system includes a coherent light source that can emit a coherent light beam, a de-speckling device configured to distort a wavefront of the coherent light beam to produce a distorted coherent light beam, and a two-dimensional array of light modulators that can selectively modulate the distorted coherent light beam to select a plurality of pixels for display.
US08134766B2
A deflecting unit deflects a plurality of light fluxes from a light source including a plurality of light emitting elements arranged in two-dimensional array. An coupling optical system between the light source and the deflecting unit includes an optical coupling element that collimates the light fluxes and a line-imaging element that images the light fluxes near the deflecting unit in a sub-scanning direction. A holding unit holds the line-imaging element in a state that a position of the line-imaging element is adjusted with respect to a direction parallel to the sub-scanning direction. A scanning optical system condenses the deflected light fluxes on the scanning surface.
US08134765B2
A hologram recording and reconstruction apparatus records and reconstructs a hologram in a recording layer of a holographic recording medium using a signal light beam and a reference light beam. The apparatus includes an objective lens, a spatial light modulator on which a reference light beam pattern for generating a reference light beam is displayed, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the holographic recording medium, and a control unit for controlling the spatial light modulator to reduce a reference light beam pattern so that the reference light beam passes through the more inner portion of the objective lens or enlarge the reference light beam pattern so that the reference light beam passes through the more outer portion of the objective lens in accordance with the temperature.
US08134761B2
A document processing apparatus which scans a document is disclosed. The document processing apparatus includes a scanning condition managing unit for managing plural scanning conditions to be applied to the document based on a category of the document, a scanning request obtaining unit for obtaining a scanning request for the document via a network, a document category determining unit, a scanning condition determining unit, and a condition inputting unit. The document is scanned based on the scanning condition determined by the scanning condition determining unit, and the condition inputting unit, based on a result determined by the scanning condition determining unit, replaces a part of the scanning condition to be applied to the document, which is the object of the scanning request, with another scanning condition.
US08134758B2
An image reading apparatus reads an image of a document. An image reading section reads an image of a document. A scanning mechanism causes the image reading section to move relative to the document when the document is at rest. When the image reading section is at rest, a document feeding mechanism causes the document to move relative to the image reading section. A shutter moves to a first position where the shutter opens, allowing the image reading section to read the image of the document when the document moves relative to the image reading section at rest. The shutter moves to a second position where the shutter closes, allowing the image reading section to read the image of the document when the image reading section moves relative to the document at rest.
US08134757B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a document loading tray that loads a document; a document transport path that transports the document; an image reading unit that is disposed in the document transport path and reads an image of the document; a document output tray into which the document that has been transported on the document transport path is ejected; a recording medium loading tray into which a recording medium is loaded; a recording medium transport path on which the recording medium is transported; an image recording unit that is disposed in the recording medium transport path and records an image on the recording medium; and a recording medium output tray into which the recording medium that has been transported on the recording medium transport path is output. The recording medium loading tray is disposed between the document loading tray and the document output tray.
US08134756B2
A keyboard and a display screen are arranged to cover an upper side a main body of an ADF-type scanning apparatus, so that a large space can be secured to arrange the keyboard and the display screen. The display screen includes an ADF-cover opening-closing mechanism that opens and closes the display screen in conjunction with an ADF cover. The keyboard includes a keyboard raising mechanism for raising a front portion of the keyboard in the upward direction.
US08134741B2
A system and method control a consistent color quality of overlay colors and single separations of color. The method determines a first error for a first separation of a first color, wherein the first error has a first sign. The method identifies a second error for a second separation of a second color, wherein the second color is a different color than the first color, wherein the second error is based on an actual density value for toner particles printed transferred from the second separation, wherein the second error has a second sign. The method compares the first sign of the first error and the second sign of the second error. The method converges the actual density value of the second separation to a target position when the first sign is a different sign than the second sign.
US08134738B2
This invention proposes arrangements for implementing processes free of signal degradation without entailing increased strains on transmission. Parameter information such as compression, decoding and editing parameters is stored in a database in correspondence with unique information (UMID). Material data (baseband signal) decoded (from compression) for editing purposes is supplemented with the unique information when transmitted. Where the material data is to be edited or re-encoded, the parameter information about the processes performed previously on the data in question is acquired from the database using the unique information as the key, so that the data is subjected to degradation-free signal processing in reference to the acquired parameter information.
US08134737B2
The printing apparatus of the present invention comprises a scanner unit for reading an image in an original; an instruction unit for receiving an instruction from a user and instructing operation of reading the image with the scanner unit; and a printer unit for printing the image that has been read on a medium. In the printing apparatus of the present invention, each reading operation with the scanner unit is started by receiving an instruction from the user with the instruction unit when the reading operation is to be performed with the scanner unit for a plurality of number of times and a plurality of the images that have been read are to be printed in their respective predetermined positions on the medium. The printing apparatus makes it possible to perform N-up printing of a new procedure that is different from conventional N-up printing.
US08134736B2
An image data processing apparatus including: a reader that reads image data included an image file from an external storage medium, the image data being variable-length coded data of image blocks The reader performs a first reading processing for reading the image data in an arrangement order thereof from a storage medium and the data processor performs a boundary information derivation processing based on the image data for obtaining boundary information representing a boundary in a data arrangement in the storage medium between the image data belonging to two image blocks located adjacent in the data arrangement in the storage medium and at mutually different positions in the sub scanning direction. The reader performs a second reading processing for reading the image data from the storage medium in an order determined based on the boundary information and saving them in the storage.
US08134733B2
A system and method for configuring a pre-concatenation execution mode for an automated prepress process node. A set of prepress operations can be defined and a multi-part job moved from one prepress operation to next in a determined workflow execution path in response to receiving the multi-part job. Each individual part associated with the multi-part job can be processed as a single entity at each prepress operation. A concatenation node associated with the workflow execution path concatenates the individual processed job parts associated with the multi-part job into a single PDL entity. Such a single coherent approach to process the multi-part jobs before concatenation into the single PDL provides greater and easier flexibility in programming customization options.
US08134729B2
An image transfer system has an extracting section that extracts image areas from a document image read by a reading section. A digital signature providing section provides sender's digital signatures to the image areas according to degrees of secrecy. An image file creating section creates an image file including image areas with the sender's digital signatures provided by the digital signature providing section and a sending section sends the image file to a receiving section. A digital signature acquiring section acquires receiver's digital signatures for restricting image areas to be presented to a user. An image area selecting section selects image areas to be presented to the user in accordance with the sender's digital signatures in the image file received by the receiving section and the receiver's digital signatures acquired by the digital signature acquiring section. An output section outputs image areas selected by the image area selecting section.
US08134725B2
A data processing apparatus that can flexibly deal with various needs of a user while effectively utilizing a memory unit thereof that can store a plurality of data. The data processing apparatus, which is equipped with a memory unit capable of storing data, executes processing of transmitting the data of the memory unit to an external apparatus and erasing the data of the object of transmission to the external apparatus from the memory unit. An acceptance of a specific user request related to processing of the data transmitted to the external apparatus is allowed in a case where the data has been transmitted to the external apparatus. The data processing apparatus executes processing using the data transmitted to the external apparatus in a case where the acceptance of the specific user request is performed via the user interface unit.
US08134721B2
A printer having a direct-printing function for reading and printing data stored in a storing unit, the printer including a connecting device, a user storage that stores user information including information of users permitted to print using the direct-printing function, a reading unit that reads identification information from data stored in the storing unit, a determining unit that determines whether the identification information corresponds to the user information, a direct-printing controlling unit that permits printing of the data using the direct-printing function if the determining unit determines that the identification information corresponds to the user information and prohibits printing of the data using the direct-printing function if the determining unit determines that the identification information does not correspond to the user information, and a print-executing unit executing printing if the direct-printing controlling unit permits printing of the data using the direct-printing function.
US08134718B2
A first light detector and a second light detector, in each of which a plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged in an adjoining manner, are respectively provided anterior to an image-forming point of first reflected light and posterior to an image-forming point of second reflected light. A focal-point detecting circuit includes: maximum value selectors for selecting the maximum values from sums of light-receiving signals from adjoining light-receiving elements of the first light detector and the second light detector respectively; a total value operator for obtaining the total value of light-receiving signals from all the light-receiving elements of each of the first light detector and the second light detector; a light-detecting-signal operator for obtaining light-detecting signals by subtracting the maximum values from the total values; and an error-signal operational circuit for outputting a difference between the light-detecting signals to a servo circuit as a signal based on an amount of displacement between a focal point and a measuring face.
US08134715B2
An interferometer includes a cavity including a pair of mirrors defining a cavity length. An input beam and a counter-propagating reference beam are directed into the cavity. The interferometer generates a feedback control signal and an ultrasound signal for optimal performance and measurement of a target, respectively.
US08134706B2
An instrument (10) for monitoring particles (67) flowing in a stack, includes: (a) a light source for providing a light beam (60); (b) a sensor/and (c) a probe housing. The housing comprises: (i) a mount (25); (ii) a proximal portion (30) including a first aperture (35) through which in use the light beam (60) exits; (iii) a distal portion (50), including a second aperture (55) through which the light beam (60) enters after having been scattered from particles (67) flowing in the stack, and a focusing mirror (70) arranged to reflect and focus the scattered light (90); (iv) a medial portion (40), connecting the distal portion (50) to the proximal portion (30); (v) a waveguide (80), passing from the distal portion (50) through the medial portion (40) and the proximal portion (30) to the sensor and arranged to guide to the sensor the light (90) reflected and focused by the focusing mirror (70).
US08134691B2
A chromatically dispersive lens configuration including thermal compensation may be utilized in chromatic confocal point sensor optical pens for chromatic range sensing. The lens configuration may include a negative power doublet lens and a positive power lens portion. The positive power lens portion comprises at least two lens elements which compensate for the overall thermal sensitivity of a chromatic confocal point sensor optical pen. The lens elements of the positive power lens portion which compensate for thermal sensitivity have an average coefficient of thermal defocus which is in a range that is at lowest 10 ppm per 10° C. The lens configuration can be implemented with dimensions which fit a standard commercial chromatic confocal point sensor optical pen, while maintaining a level of optical performance sufficient for chromatic range sensing.
US08134690B2
A light detecting device includes a well region, a first holding region disposed in a surface portion of the well region, a second holding region and a third holding region disposed in a surface portion of the first holding region, an insulating layer disposed on the second holding region and the third holding region, a first electrode disposed on the second holding region through the insulating layer, and the second electrode disposed on the third holding region through the insulating layer. The first holding region is configured to hold a first carrier generated in the well region. Each of the second holding region and the third holding region is configured to hold a second carrier generated in the well region. The first carrier is one of an electron and a hole, and the second carrier is the other one of the electron and the hole.
US08134689B2
The present invention has disclosed a dual stage positioning and switching system, which comprises at least a base, a first object stage positioning unit disposed on the base for a first workstation, and a second object stage positioning unit for a second workstation. Each of the object stage positioning units comprises at least a supporting structure, an X-direction guide bar, a Y-direction guide bar, and a motion positioning detector, wherein, the supporting structure comprises an object stage, and an object stage connector moving relative to the object stage. The object stage positioning unit further comprises a driver connecting to the object stage connector and driving the connector to move along the X-direction guide bar. The X-direction guide bars are positioned on and movable along the Y-direction guide bars. The system further comprises an object stage connector for transitional use during the switching process, which is positioned at the center of the Y-direction guide bar located on one side of the base. The present system does not include a cable stage, so that the structure of the system is simplified.
US08134688B2
A controller measures positional information of a stage within an XY plane using three encoders which at least include one each of an X encoder and a Y encoder of an encoder system, and the stage is driven in the XY plane, based on measurement results of the positional information and positional information (p1, q1), (p2, q2), and (p3, q3) in a surface parallel to the XY plane of a head (an encoder) used for measurement of the positional information. Accordingly, it becomes possible to control the movement of the stage with good precision, while switching the head (the encoder) used for control during the movement of the stage using the encoder system which includes a plurality of heads.
US08134682B2
A lens cleaning module is provided for a lithography system having an exposure apparatus including an objective lens. The system includes a scanning stage for supporting a wafer beneath the objective lens. A cleaning module coupling with the lithography system is provided for cleaning the objective lens in a non-manual cleaning process.
US08134677B2
Provided are a liquid crystal display panel and a method of fabricating the same, which can increase the attachment force of the liquid crystal display panel by forming holes in wires passing through a seal line in a case where a liquid crystal layer is formed by a dropping method, reduce the resistance of the wires by differentiating the width of the holes from the width of the wires with respect to a specific region of the seal line, and prevent an afterimage defect caused by blurring and contamination of the seal line.The liquid crystal display panel comprises: an array substrate having a pixel part and a color filter substrate; a seal line formed along an outer edge of the pixel part to attach the array substrate and the color filter substrate together; a plurality of signal wires for transmitting signals to the pixel part; and holes formed within the signal wires passing through the seal line and filled with a sealant comprising the seal line, wherein the holes are designed to have a different width at an inner side and an outer side of the liquid crystal display panel with respect to a predetermined region of the seal line.
US08134674B2
Disclosed is a Fringe Field Switching (FFS) mode Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) including lower substrate, an upper substrate and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the substrates. Each pixel region is defined by gate lines and data lines formed to cross each other on the lower substrate. Switching devices are disposed at intersections of the gate lines and the data lines. The FFS mode LCD includes a transparent pixel electrode, and a transparent common electrode disposed apart from the transparent pixel electrode by an insulating layer interposed therebetween to adjust a transmittance by applying an electric field to the liquid crystal layer. A metal line of a specific thickness is formed to be electrically connected with the transparent common electrode on or under the transparent common electrode of a non-opening region in which the gate lines and the data lines are formed.
US08134670B2
A liquid crystal panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate, and a pixel electrode arranged on the substrate. The pixel electrode includes a first subpixel electrode and a second subpixel electrode separated from each other, and the second subpixel electrode includes a first electrode part disposed above the first subpixel electrode and a second electrode part disposed below the first subpixel electrode and connected to the first electrode part. At least one first notch is arranged on at least one edge of the first subpixel electrode or the second subpixel electrode.
US08134666B2
A liquid crystal display device of an in-plane switching mode comprises at least optically anisotropic members (A) and (B) and a liquid crystal cell disposed between a pair of polarizers having absorption axes disposed approximately perpendicularly to each other, wherein nzA>nyA and nxB>nzB (nxA, nxB: refractive indices (n) in the direction of the in-plane slow axis; nyA, nyB: n in the in-plane direction perpendicular to the above direction; nzA, nzB: n in the direction of thickness, each at 550 nm); the in-plane slow axes of (A) and (B) are approximately parallel or perpendicular to each other; and the in-plane slow axis of (A) is approximately parallel or perpendicular to the absorption axis of a polarizer closer to (A). The antireflection property, scratch resistance and durability are excellent, the angle of field is wide, and uniform display of images with great contrast can be achieved at any angle of observation.
US08134644B2
In television type systems having separate data, audio and video portions, it is desirable to maintain or correct the relative timing of the signals by delaying the lesser delayed one(s) to match the delay of the more delayed one(s). A method and apparatus are described where events leading to significant changes in delay of a first, more delayed signal are recognized before that delay change appears in that first delayed signal, for one example by recognizing delay changes made before or at the input to, or within the system. Information about the significant delay change is communicated to a second signal's compensating delay before hand to enable faster and more accurate tracking of the second signal's delay to the first signal's delay. Additionally the second signal's compensating delay may convey information about potential delay artifacts which would be created by delay changes to the first signal's delaying device in order to affect when and/or where significant delay changes are made in the first signal, thereby minimizing such artifacts. Control of where, how and when significant delay changes are made in order to minimize artifacts is also shown.
US08134639B2
There is provided an imaging device including a main body having a front part and a rear part; and a lens mounted to the front part of the main body. The main body includes a slope formed in the rear part, the slope being inclined upward with respect to a bottom surface of the rear part and continuous with the bottom surface of the rear part.
US08134633B2
A color solid-state image capturing apparatus is provided, where a plurality of light receiving sections are arranged on a light receiving surface of an image capturing area, a plurality of color filters are positioned in a constant period above the plurality of light receiving sections, and a plurality of microlenses for focusing light on the plurality of respective light receiving sections are positioned on the plurality of color filters, and a plurality of color signals are output in accordance with the plurality of color filters, where the constant period of the plurality of color filters is defined as a unit, and the size of the plurality of microlenses is variable for each light receiving section so that the ratio of the plurality of color signals is constant in the unit.
US08134632B2
The invention relates to a digital motion picture camera including at least one optoelectronic sensor device for the recording of motion pictures. The sensor device has, in an areal arrangement, a plurality of sensor elements for the generation of a respective received signal in dependence on a light exposure. The camera further has a control device for the controlling of the read-out of the received signals of the sensor elements as well as a digitizing device for the digitizing of the received signals. The camera moreover has an optical viewfinder for the visual observation of the motion pictures to be recorded and a beam deflection device which is interposed in front of the sensor device and by which the reception beam path can be split at least into one recording beam path for the sensor device and one viewfinder beam path for the optical viewfinder. The sensor device can be controlled by the controlling device for the recording of the motion pictures at a pre-settable variable picture recording frequency.
US08134628B2
Multiple images are captured where the exposure times for some of the images overlap and the images are spatially overlapped. Charge packets are transferred from one or more portions of pixels after particular integration periods, thereby enabling the portion or portions of pixels to begin another integration period while one or more other portions of pixels continue to integrate charge. Charge packets may be binned during readout of the images from the image sensor. Comparison of two or more images having different lengths of overlapping or non-overlapping exposure periods provides motion information. The multiple images can then be aligned to compensate for motion between the images and assembled into a combined image with an improved signal to noise ratio and reduced motion blur.
US08134626B2
A solid-state imaging device includes, on a substrate, a lower electrode, a photoelectric converting layer that is disposed on the lower electrode, and an upper electrode that is disposed on the photoelectric converting layer. The device further includes: a boosting unit which is formed in the substrate, and which supplies a power supply voltage for producing an electric field between the upper electrode and the lower electrode; a wiring portion which electrically connects the output of the boosting unit to the upper electrode; and a low-pass filter which is connected to the output of the boosting unit, and which includes a resistor that is formed by at least a part of the wiring portion.
US08134624B2
Imagers reproduce an image by converting photons to a signal that is representative of the image. A sensor readout module reads reset and signal voltages corresponding to a plurality of integration times for each of a plurality of pixels. The sensor readout module is capable of determining whether the differences between reset and signal voltages corresponding to respective integration times indicate a saturation condition of the pixel. Accordingly, the sensor readout module may provide an output signal based on reset and signal voltages corresponding to an integration time that is less than an integration time for reset and signal voltages that indicate the saturation condition. A normalization module may normalize the output signal to correspond with a linear response curve.
US08134622B2
An imaging device has pixels being disposed two-dimensionally, in matrix, a plurality of vertical signal lines each coupled to a plurality of the pixels in a column direction, a column amplifier amplifying an optical signal and a reset signal, and a holding part holding each of the optical signal and the reset signal. The imaging device is provided with a first clip driving circuit which is disposed between the vertical signal lines and the column amplifier and clips a signal out of a predetermined voltage, a first clip voltage generation circuit which gives a clip voltage to the first clip driving circuit, a second clip driving circuit which is disposed between the column amplifier and the holding part and clips a signal out of a predetermined voltage, and a second clip voltage generation circuit which gives a clip voltage to the second clip driving circuit.
US08134620B2
A solid-state image device including a pixel-array section forming an image pick-up region and a wiring layer including wiring lines and contact units. In one embodiment, each of the contact units and wiring lines is provided for a respective pixel in the pixel-array section, and the image-pickup region is divided into a first region and a second region with respect to a central portion of the image-pickup region. Further, positions of contact units and wiring lines arranged in the first region are opposite to positions of corresponding contact units and wiring lines arranged in the second region.
US08134617B2
A CCD image sensor has an imaging surface composed of an effective pixel area and OB areas, and first and second light receiving element groups on even-numbered and odd-numbered columns respectively in the imaging surface. These light receiving element groups have separately-controllable exposure times, and they are set to low and high sensitivities. An imaging device includes this CCD, a memory storing defective pixel information of the OB areas, an OB clamping circuit for applying an OB clamp processing to the light receiving element groups, and an image processing circuit for generating image data from the output signals of the light receiving element groups after the OB clamp processing. Referring the defective pixel information, a CPU sets one of the light receiving element groups having more OB defective pixels to low sensitivity, and the other having less OB defective pixels to high sensitivity.
US08134615B2
An image defect correction apparatus capable of satisfactorily correcting a white vertical line caused by point defects on the same vertical CCD. A first correction value is determined from a difference between an average value of luminance signals obtained by a vertical CCD including one or more point defects and an average value of luminance signals obtained by the vertical CCDs when light-receiving elements face a predetermined ineffective signal region. It is determined to which of regions divided by Y addresses of point defects on the same vertical CCD each of Y-directional positions of luminance signals outputted from a horizontal CCD is positioned. The first correction value is multiplied by a predetermined coefficient corresponding to the determined region to calculate a second correction value with which the luminance signals from the horizontal CCD are corrected.
US08134612B2
In a digital camera, when snapshot shooting is instructed during recording of a moving image, a shot still image is temporarily pushed aside in a memory area for use in pushing aside (7a) in a frame buffer (7). A currently shooting motion image and a still image are displayed in parallel on a display (9), so that a user can confirm a content of a snapshot. The moving image continues to be recorded even during a push-aside operation. After a moving image processing is completed, the still image is processed by an image correcting circuit (4). The frame buffer (7) comprises a plurality of frame recording areas, and is shared on the occasions of a moving image processing and a still image processing. In a normal moving image processing, these areas are utilized in a cyclic manner, and when the still image is shot, any of areas will be utilized. Thereafter, the rest of areas are utilized in the cyclic manner for the moving images. The recording function for the moving image and still image is improved at low cost, it becomes easy to take a snapshot, and the merchandise size is not increased.
US08134600B2
An Internet direct device comprises an imaging system and a microprocessor. The imaging system captures still or video images. The microprocessor transmits the captured still or video images to another Internet direct device upon image capture, and receives still or video images from other Internet direct devices over a communications network. The Internet direct device automatically connects to the communications network on power-up using one of a plurality of available modes of connection, which is designated as a primary mode of connection. The Internet direct device automatically switches to another available mode of connection when the Internet direct device detects that the primary mode of connection to the communications network is unavailable.
US08134593B2
A head band unit contains a bending sensor which detects bending of the head band unit. As shown in the figure, the bending degree of the head band unit when mounted on a user head is smaller than the bending degree of the head band unit when not mounted. Accordingly, the bending degree of the bending sensor is also smaller when mounted. Consequently, by using the output of the bending sensor, it is possible to judge whether the headphone is mounted on the user head. When the headphone is mounted on the user head, power supply to a secondary battery is stopped. Thus, it is possible to provide an output device which can safely charge the secondary battery and can continue operation by an external power source even if the electric capacity of the secondary battery has become zero.
US08134580B2
A method of driving a liquid crystal display device includes multiplying a frame frequency of an inputted current frame to generate a multiplied odd-numbered frame and a multiplied even-numbered frame; determining whether said current frame is a still image frame or a dynamic image frame; detecting an edge area at which a motion blur occurs from the multiplied odd-numbered frame and the multiplied even-numbered frame; converting gray level values of pixels positioned at the detected edge area at the multiplied odd-numbered frame and the multiplied even-numbered frame; and continuously outputting the multiplied odd-numbered still image frame and the multiplied even-numbered still image frame or continuously outputting the multiplied odd-numbered dynamic image frame and the multiplied even-numbered dynamic image frame having the converted gray level values in accordance with the determined result. A liquid crystal display device is also disclosed.
US08134573B2
Machine-enabled methods of, and devices for, encoding color bitmap data as indexed red-green-blue (RGB) data for display.
US08134567B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a system for computing and error checking configuration parameters related to raster image generation within a graphics processing unit. Input parameters are validated by a hardware-based error checking engine. A hardware-based pre-calculation engine uses validated input parameters to compute additional private configuration parameters used by the raster image generation circuitry within a graphics processing unit.
US08134554B1
Voxel data from a three-dimensional optical coherence tomography (3-D OCT) scan of a retina and pixel data from a two-dimensional (2-D) fundus image are spatially mapped. A 2-D composite image generated from the 3-D OCT data is spatially mapped to a fundus image using spatial indicia common to both images. The 3-D OCT data is then spatially mapped to the fundus image. An image processing system generates cross-correlated graphical representations of 3-D OCT data, subsets of 3-D OCT data, and a fundus image.
US08134553B2
Technologies are described herein for rendering documents containing three-dimensional objects. A client computer receives a request to display a document. If a program utilized to create the document is not available to display the document, the client computer transmits a request to a server computer to render the document, including the rendering of any three-dimensional objects contained therein. In response to receiving the request, the server computer determines whether the document contains any three-dimensional objects. If the document contains three-dimensional objects, the server computer renders the three-dimensional objects. Once the three-dimensional objects have been rendered, the remaining portion of the document is also rendered. The rendered version of the document is then returned to the client computer in response to the original request to render the document. The rendered document is then displayed on the client computer by a standard viewer application.
US08134542B2
An untethered stylus is configured to cooperate with a location sensor that generates a magnetic field. The stylus include a housing having a tip and a shield. Circuitry, including a power circuit, is provided in the housing. An antenna arrangement provided at the housing includes multiple coil resonant circuits each tuned to a different frequency of the magnetic field. A first coil resonant circuit energizes the power circuit in response to the magnetic field, which provides DC power to the circuitry. One or more other coil resonant circuits are coupled between the tip and shield of the housing to define separate channels for communicatively coupling the stylus tip and the location sensor. An information signal communicated between the stylus tip and the location sensor is substantially unperturbed during provision of DC power by the first coil resonant circuit.
US08134541B2
A capacitive touch panel with particular conductive pattern design reduces the mutual interference between the upper and lower electrode and perform three-dimensional capacitance detection and double-faced detection, and may be applied in large dimension touch panel with high sensitivity.
US08134536B2
An electronic device with no-hindrance touch operation is provided. A processor in the electronic device receives an input signal through a touch display. Then the processor determines the type of the input tool which generates the input signal. Finally, a user interface corresponding to the tool type is switched and displayed. In addition, the electronic device may open or close specific functions automatically according to the tool type. As a result, the efficiency of switching user interfaces is improved, and furthermore the convenience of operating the electronic device is increased.
US08134533B2
An input device, such as a mouse or trackball, with a top housing having an integrally formed, free extending top button. The top housing is mounted so that the extending button is supported in cantilevered fashion. The button is sufficiently flexible to allow it to be depressed for button activation.
US08134526B2
A light diffusion element includes a light diffusion layer that contains at least two types of liquid crystal molecules each having a different light scattering characteristic defined by a voltage and a refractive index. A pair of electrodes sandwiches the light diffusion layer, an applying unit generates and applies a variable voltage to the pair of electrodes, and a voltage changing unit varies the voltage generated by the applying unit. The voltage changing unit varies the voltage such that each of the refractive indexes of the liquid crystal molecules in the light diffusion layer changes temporally.
US08134519B2
A connection structure which electrically connects a connection terminal of an antenna element mounted on a mounting plate to a connection terminal of a coaxial cable connector mounted on the mounting plate, includes a plate-shaped electric connection member which includes an element connection end part electrically connected to the connection terminal of the antenna element and a cable connector connection end part extending away from the element connection end part and having a tapered shape. The connection structure further includes a bar-shaped electric connection member which extends along the cable connector connection end part of the plate-shaped electric connection member and which is electrically connected to the cable connector connection end part. Both the cable connector connection end part of the plate-shaped electric connection member and the bar-shaped electric connection member are electrically connected to the connection terminal of the coaxial cable connector.
US08134517B2
The invention relates to a wide-band planar antenna. The wide-band planar antenna includes a substrate, a first radiator, a second radiator, a third radiator, a ground, and a signal source. The first radiator, the second radiator, and the third radiator are designed in a manner that the antenna of the invention can be applied to WiMAX communication devices. Besides, the wide-band planar antenna of the invention is more efficient than a general wide-band antenna and saves a significant amount of electrical power, and therefore, the antenna is particularly suitable for portable communicational devices.
US08134506B2
An antenna arrangement which includes two antennas which are resonant at a common operating frequency. The arrangement includes a circuit which combines output signals from each of the antennas to provide a combined signal output. Each antenna has an electrically insulative core of solid material having a relative dielectric constant greater than 5 and a three-dimensional antenna element structure. The structure includes at least a pair of elongate conductive antenna elements disposed on or adjacent a surface of the core.
US08134503B2
Techniques are provided for wireless communication between a first wireless communication device and a second wireless communication device. At a plurality of antennas of the first wireless communication device, one or more signals transmitted by a second wireless communication device in a first frequency band are received. Beamforming weights are computed from information derived from the signals received at the plurality of antennas using one or more of a plurality of methods without feedback information from the second wireless communication device about a wireless link from the first wireless communication device to the second wireless communication device. The beamforming weights are applied to at least one transmit signal to beamform the at least one transmit signal for transmission to the second wireless communication device in a second frequency band.
US08134498B2
A navigation-satellite tracking method includes determining one-way range unambiguous observations for each of a set of satellites in view, wherein standard tracking channels are permanently associated to each of the satellites. Determining the one-way range unambiguous observations may include determining one-way range unambiguous and one-way range ambiguous observations with a nearly-hemispherical antenna at a measurement time tA for each satellite out of the set of satellites in view simultaneously; sequentially determining an additional one-way range unambiguous observation and an additional one-way range ambiguous observation with at respectively different further measurement times tA+kΔt; and transforming, satellite per satellite, the additional one-way range unambiguous observations in one-way range unambiguous observations referred to a common future time, wherein this transformation is achieved by adding to each of the one-way range unambiguous observations the temporal evolution of the one-way range ambiguous observations of the respective satellite.
US08134493B2
A system and method for determining the geolocation of a signal emitter moving at an unknown velocity by combining signal data of a target detection platform (e.g., a radar system) and signal data collected by two or more moving signal collection platforms (e.g., RF signal receivers). In one embodiment, the target detection platform determines tentative location and velocity of the signal emitter, and the signal collection platforms are configured to perform TDOA and/or FDOA analysis of the collected signal data corresponding to a signal of the signal emitter. In one embodiment, solutions provided from the TDOA and/or FDOA analysis are unbiased by using the tentative velocity of the signal emitter, and the geolocation of the signal emitter is determined by matching the TDOA/FDOA solutions and the detected tentative location.
US08134491B1
A method is provided for controlling an aircraft-mounted radar system configured to project radar beams and to receive radar returns relating to the projected radar beams. The method includes providing at least one output to the radar system that causes the radar system to sweep the radar beam horizontally to create a horizontal sweep set. The method further includes providing at least one output to the radar system that causes the radar system to conduct two vertical sweeps during the horizontal sweep set, the two vertical sweeps offset from a center horizontal location by at least one beam width, and wherein each of the two vertical sweeps are on opposite sides of the center horizontal location.
US08134488B2
An exemplary remote controller for a mobile internet device includes a remote control module, a center control module, and a wireless transmitter. The mobile internet device includes a wireless receiver disposed therein. The remote control module generates a control signal. The center control module determines whether the control signal is legal. The transmitter reads out a wireless data from the control signal and transmits to the wireless receiver. A remote control system and method thereof are also provided.
US08134487B2
An asynchronous analog to digital convertor for converting an analog input signal into a digital output is presented. According to an embodiment, the analog to digital convertor comprises a clock input operable to receive an external clock signal having a clock period, a comparator operable to compare the analog input signal to a reference signal, a digital to analog converter operable to generate the reference signal corresponding to a state of a successive approximation register, and a control block connected to the comparator and to the digital to analog converter. The control block is operable to generate and receive a sequence of control signals according to a successive approximation algorithm, to perform a plurality of comparisons, and to update the state of the successive approximation register thereby generating the digital output.
US08134479B2
A monocular motion stereo-based automatic free parking space detection system is disclosed. The system acquires image sequences with a single rearview fisheye camera, three-dimensionally reconstructs the vehicle rearview by using point correspondences, and recovers metric information from a known camera height to estimate the positions of adjacent vehicles thereby detecting the free parking spaces. By using de-rotation-based feature selection and 3D structure mosaicking the degradation of the 3D structure near the epipole is solved and it is not necessary to use the unreliable odometry due to its accuracy depending on road conditions.
US08134468B2
A pest detection device includes a housing with a sensor and one or more bait members. The sensor includes one or more of a chisel-shaped electrically conductive trace carried on a substrate, a low resistance electrically conductive ink defining an electrical pathway on a substrate with a pointed profile, and/or a substrate including a directional grain structure oriented in a predefined manner relative to an electrically conductive pathway.
US08134466B2
A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag is provided that prevents a recognition error of the RFID tag due to the occurrence of a shadow region. The RFID tag includes a first tag performing communication with an RFID reader and a second tag connected to the first tag and suitable for use with a different communication type from the first tag. Thus, when information stored in the first tag can not be read, the second tag is activated and externally transmits information and when information stored in the first tag can be read, the second tag is deactivated and does not externally transmit information. A communication method of an RFID system including an RFID reader communicating with an RFID tag is also provided.
US08134465B2
The invention is directed to the provision of a registration method and a placement assisting apparatus that can accurately register an object into a three-dimensional spatial database. More specifically, the invention provides a registration method for a location information tag, includes the steps of acquiring tag information of the location information tag, acquiring coordinate data that indicates scheduled placement information of the location information tag, acquiring positioning data that indicates placement location information of the location information tag, and registering the location information tag into a three-dimensional spatial database when an error between the coordinate data and the positioning data is within tolerance, and also provides a placement assisting apparatus for use in such a registration method.
US08134462B1
Disclosed is a floating sensor system having a casing that encloses a microcontroller. The microcontroller includes a digital processor and a non-volatile memory. The casing also encloses a data bus that connects the microcontroller to an external environment sensor, an RF transceiver, and a battery. The non-volatile memory includes a history file that maintains a record of events sensed by the external environment sensors. The digital processor is configured to establish a pattern of expected external environmental behavior based on the record of events. The digital processor is also configured to emit a signal through the RF transceiver from the system when an unexpected event occurs.
US08134448B2
A method and also a control and data-transmission system is presented, with which the installation location of at least one safety bus component connected to the control and data-transmission system (10) can be checked.For this purpose, in two separate communications cycles, a respective position identifier, which had been allocated to the safety bus components (60) in a prior configuration process, is transmitted to each safety bus component via a non-safety communications control device (30). The safety bus components compare the position identifiers received in the two communications cycles to the contents of a memory, in which a reference position identifier has already been stored or which is still empty. Based on a comparison of the transmitted position identifier to the reference position identifier and the configuration dataset stored in a safety control device (50), it can be tested whether each safety bus component is connected to the predetermined installation location within the control and data-transmission system (10).
US08134443B2
A matrix integrated magnetics (MIM) “Extended E” core in which a plurality of outer legs are disposed on a base and separated along a first outer edge to define windows therebetween. A center leg is disposed on the top region of the base and separated from the outer legs to define a center window. The center leg is suitably positioned along a second outer edge opposite the first or between outer legs positioned along opposing outer edges. A plate is disposed on the outer legs opposite the base.
US08134442B1
A group of magnetic strands are configured into a minimal number of solid magnetized toroidal rings with a conical magnetization direction and then aligned, stacked and assembled into a magic sphere magnetic structure. Each magnetized toroidal ring has predetermined dimensions to form the inner and outer surfaces of a spherical shell. The present invention also encompasses a magic sphere magnetic device with unsegmented solid magnetized toroidal rings and methods for assembling a magic sphere by stacking magnetized toroidal rings with a conical magnetic direction.
US08134437B2
The present invention is directed to an inductively driven electromagnetic linear actuator arrangement employing eddy currents induced by a fixed drive coil to drive its armature. Eddy current focusing fields are employed to direct the eddy currents using Lorentz forces to maximize armature speed. The armature includes a shorted driven coil in a DC magnetic field. This can be supplied by a permanent magnet. When current is applied, a force is felt by the coil in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic field. Such an actuator is well suited for electrical switching applications including transfer switching applications, circuit breaker applications, and ground fault interrupter applications.
US08134434B2
A magnet system for generating a magnetic field may include a superconducting magnet, a switch, and a heater element thermally coupled to the switch. The superconducting magnet is structured to generate magnetic fields, and the switch includes a non-inductive superconducting current carrying path connected in parallel to the superconducting magnet. In general, the switch is structured to only carry a level of current that is a portion of the current required to obtain a full field by the superconducting magnet.
US08134429B2
An electrical appliance designed according to the principle of a fork connection, and into which a contact element is insertable between two contact clips. In the event of high currents, such as those which can occur in the event of short circuits in a load which is connected to the fork connection, magnetic forces counteract current constriction forces, thus allowing higher currents to be carried through the connection without the contact clips being bent apart from one another in the process. This is achieved in that a magnetic field caused by a current is concentrated in a particularly advantageous manner for production of forces which draw the two clip contacts together with the aid of a part at least partially composed of a ferromagnetic material, one of which in at least one embodiment, is arranged between the contact clips.
US08134428B2
A circuit breaker and method includes a mechanical pole moveable between a latched position and an unlatched position to open an electrical connection between a pair of electrical contacts. An electronic tripping device is configured to respond to a sensor signal. The sensor signal is output from a condition sensor wherein upon receiving the sensor signal the electronic tripping device trips the mechanical pole into the unlatched position.
US08134426B1
The present disclosure relates to a two-track surface acoustic wave (SAW) device that has a reduced size compared to a traditional two-track SAW device by eliminating an internal ground connection node of the traditional two-track SAW device. The internal ground connection node is eliminated by coupling an internal ground interconnection to an external ground connection node through an interconnecting ground grating, which is part of one of two SAW tracks of the two-track SAW device. The internal ground interconnection is located in an internal region of the two-track SAW device that is defined by the two SAW tracks and by two electrical interconnections between the two SAW tracks.
US08134420B2
A communication apparatus including: a modulator which modulates a reference clock signal having a predetermined basic frequency and outputs a modulated clock signal whose value fluctuates at a first frequency with respect to the basic frequency; a PWM signal generator which generates a PWM signal at a second frequency, with the modulated clock signal being as an operation clock; a switching portion which outputs a signal by switching an analog signal on the basis of the PWM signal; a filter which passes a signal included in an output signal of the switching portion, a frequency of the passed signal being lower than a third frequency, and a setting portion which sets the first frequency and the second frequency such that a fourth frequency in which a duty value of the PWM signal fluctuates is higher than the third frequency and such that the first frequency is higher than the second frequency.
US08134414B2
Exemplary embodiments provide a reference signal generator having a reference or center frequency within a predetermined variance over variations in temperature within a specified range. An exemplary apparatus comprises a reference resonator to generate a first reference signal having a resonant frequency, with the reference resonator having a first temperature dependence; and a plurality of switchable circuits, with at least one switchable circuit providing a second temperature dependence opposing the first temperature dependence to maintain the resonant frequency within a predetermined variance over a temperature variation. A wide variety of switchable circuits are disclosed, including a transistor having an on resistance value greater than a nominal resistance, a resistor coupled to a transistor or other switch, and circuit comprising a first reactance coupled to a first switch, with a second reactance coupled to a resistance and a second switch coupled in series to the second reactance or to the resistance. Various coatings may also be applied to an integrated circuit embodiment, such as a silicone coating on a first surface and a metal layer on a second surface.
US08134408B2
In order to realize a wider bandwidth of a frequency characteristic of a power amplification circuit, outputs of differential push-pull amplifiers which are matched at respectively different frequencies are combined together by secondary inductors, and the combined signal is outputted.
US08134407B2
In an embodiment of the invention, a differential input signal is coupled to a plurality of transconductance blocks. In some embodiments, each of the transconductance blocks divide an input transconductance among a plurality of signal paths to a plurality of outputs in each transconductance block. In an embodiment, the input transconductance may be divided based a ratio of transistor areas in the plurality of signal paths, though other embodiments may divide the transconductance differently. In some embodiments, transconductance block outputs of a plurality of transconductance blocks may be cross-coupled to provide a gain path for a differential signal than is greater than that of a common mode signal.
US08134400B2
A semiconductor circuit is provided in which no error signal is generated even when the circuit is exposed to a transient voltage noise that occurs with a transition from a first state indicating a conduction of a high-potential side switching device to a second state indicating a non-conduction of the high potential side switching device, or vice versa. A high potential switching device drive circuit 1 includes short circuit devices 31 and 32 that are controlled by the second level shifted signals S6 and S7 simultaneously generated across the second load resistances 30 and 29, respectively, to thereby serving to prevent a signal from being generated at one of the output sections where the other one of the first level shifted signals S4 and S5 is to be generated, when either one of the first shifted signals S4 and S5 in level shift circuit ON and OFF sections is generated across first load resistance 28 or 27 in a level shift circuit 2.
US08134388B2
A method controls a power MOS transistor having a control terminal and a load path, the load path connected in series with a load between voltage supply terminals, wherein a power supply voltage between the voltage supply terminals imposes a load voltage across the load and a load path voltage across the load path of the power MOS transistor. The method includes generating a control current for the control terminal during a switching process when the power MOS transistor changes switching states. The control current is dependent on the power supply voltage and on at least one of the group consisting of the load path voltage and the load voltage.
US08134378B2
Some embodiments include apparatus, systems, and methods comprising semiconductor dice arranged in a stack, a number of connections configured to provide communication among the dice, at least a portion of the connections going through at least one of the dice, and a module configured to check for defects in the connections and to repair defects the connections.
US08134371B2
A signal generating circuit for detecting ground status includes a power supply input unit (A), a step down rectified power supply or DC power supply unit (C) in series. The DC power supply required by a signal detection and process unit (D) is obtained by the power supply input unit (A) passing through the step down DC power supply unit (C), and then a ground status signal is obtained and outputted via a resistor unit (B) and the signal detection and process unit (D) connected in turn.
US08134368B2
The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance examination system (10) and to a method of operating such a magnetic resonance examination system (10). In particular the present invention relates to a magnetic resonance examination system (10) comprising a superconducting main magnet (20) surrounding an examination region (18) and generating a main magnetic field in the examination region (18), and further comprising a magnetic field gradient system (30) selectively causing alternating gradient magnetic fields in the examination region (18), said magnetic field gradient system (30) being coupled to the main magnet (20). In order to provide a technique to reliably detect a quench of the superconducting main magnet (20) of such a magnetic resonance examination system (10) a detecting device (91) is suggested for detecting an emerging quench of the main magnet (20), said detecting device (91) being adapted to operate in different modes depending on the mode of operation of the magnetic resonance examination system (e.g. ramp-up, ramp-down or continuous operation).
US08134366B2
The invention relates to a medical diagnostic device comprising an operating element for controlling system components of the medical diagnostic device, said device comprising at least one operating lever which is embodied in such a way that it has at least one feature which is characteristic of the associated system component and is, for example, designed in such a way that it is congruent to the system component. In this way, the operating lever has a form adapted to that of the real system components or has the same form as said components.
US08134365B2
An in vitro method of determining an analyte concentration of a sample includes placing the sample into a low-field, bench-top time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance (TD-NMR) spectrometer. The NMR spectrometer is tuned to measure a selected type of atom. A magnetic field is applied to the sample using a fixed, permanent magnet. At least one 90 degree radio-frequency pulse is applied to the sample. The radio-frequency pulse is generally perpendicular to the magnetic field. The 90 degree radio-frequency pulse is removed from the sample so as to produce a decaying NMR signal. The decaying NMR signal is measured at a plurality of times while applying a plurality of 180 degree refocusing radio-frequency pulses to the sample. The analyte concentration is calculated from the plurality of measurements associated with the decaying NMR signal and a selected model.
US08134360B2
An apparatus comprising a processor configured to implement a method comprising obtaining a pipe profile comprising a diameter, a nominal thickness, and a material, receiving a magnetic flux leakage (MFL) indication for a pipe associated with the pipe profile, and determining a wall thickness for the pipe using the pipe profile and the MFL indication. Also disclosed is a method comprising modeling an apparatus comprising a magnet configured to induce a magnetic field in a pipe, and determining a wall thickness measurement (WTM) for the pipe using a model of the apparatus and the pipe, a detected MFL signal, and a simulated MFL signal.
US08134353B2
The present invention discloses a multi-phase power converter, and a control circuit and a control method of the multi-phase power converter. The multi-phase power converter comprises multiple power conversion phases. The method comprises: determining whether to enter a phase-shedding mode; at a first time when entering the phase-shedding mode, disabling at least one of the power conversion phases; and at another time when entering the phase-shedding mode, disabling at least another one of the power conversion phases.
US08134351B2
A four-switch step-down storageless DC-DC converter is provided having simultaneously ultra high efficiency of over 99% in an ultra compact size, while also providing a regulation and maintaining fast transient response while in regulation. Because of its storageless feature it is ideal for demanding computer applications, such as VRM (Voltage Regulator Modules), with extremely fast step-load load current change requirements and tight output voltage regulation requiring ultra low output ripple voltages during the transients.
US08134347B2
The present invention provides a voltage regulator/power converter capable of bidirectional power propagation, fitted with controls capable of raising and lowering voltages with unprecedented speed and accuracy. The bidirectional capability allows energy stored in capacitors to be returned to system power sources. In one embodiment of the invention power is supplied from a power source (on a first port of the power converter) to the load (on a second port of the power converter) through the converter and then, when load voltage is reduced or turned off, energy in the load capacitance is returned from to the power source. In an alternative embodiment energy from load capacitance is stored or used by a device on a third port of the power converter.
US08134344B2
A variable frequency generator regulation control circuit and method for controlling open loop gain under changing generator speed conditions employing a high frequency pulse-width modulated signal with a duty cycle that is controlled such that variations in rectified PMG voltage and generator gain over the generator speed range can be compensated for. This signal is modulated by a low frequency pulse-width modulated signal provided by the generator regulator, using a logic gate to produce a combined signal representing an average voltage signal applied to a generator field winding as the generator speed fluctuates.
US08134327B2
A method for measuring current in each phase of a three-phase inverter driven motor is based on the three-phase inverter being controlled in a PWM mode by three PWM signals including the use of a common DC-link current sensing resistor. The current on the sensing resistor is intermittently sampled. The method includes determining a modulation index for the voltage demand set by a motor controller. Based on specific mutual duty cycle conditions of the three PWM phase driving signals, sampling windows of sufficient duration are created for allowing distinct sampling of two of the phase currents.
