US08357378B2
Cross-linked hydrogels comprise a variety of biologic and non-biologic polymers, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. Such hydrogels preferably have no free aqueous phase and may be applied to target sites in a patient's body by extruding the hydrogel through an orifice at the target site. Alternatively, the hydrogels may be mechanically disrupted and used in implantable articles, such as breast implants. When used in vivo, the compositions are useful for controlled release drug delivery, for inhibiting post-surgical spinal and other tissue adhesions, for filling tissue divots, tissue tracts, body cavities, surgical defects, and the like.
US08357370B2
The invention concerns a method for obtaining and selecting monoclonal antibodies by an ADDC-type test, said antibodies capable of activating type III Fcγ receptors and having a particular glycan structure. The inventive anti-D antibodies can be used for preventing Rhesus isoimmunisation in Rh negative persons, in particular for haemolytic disease in a new-born baby or for uses such as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
US08357369B2
The invention provides compositions and methods for determining the likelihood of successful treatment with an effective amount of an anti-VEGF antibody or equivalent thereof, in combination with anti-EGFR antibody or equivalent thereof, and, in some aspects in combination with a topoisomerase inhibitor. The methods comprise determining the identity of a gene of interest in a patient sample and correlating the patient's genotype with the predictive response. Patients identified as responsive are then treated with the appropriate therapy.
US08357365B2
Granulysin peptides are small antimicrobial agents with potent activity. A pharmaceutical composition comprising granulysin peptides as an active agent is administered therapeutically to a patient for exfoliation, e.g. for the treatment of skin lesions.
US08357362B2
Use of IL-6 for treating non-hematopoietic cancers, e.g., gp130-negative cancers. Also disclosed is a method for identifying a cancer patient suitable for the IL-6 treatment.
US08357360B2
An anti-aging composition comprising more than 30% by weight of an aqueously dispersed silicone elastomer and an emollient system and methods of use thereof for improving skin condition.
US08357357B2
The present invention relates to novel compounds and their use in fragrance compositions. Novel 3.2.1-bicyclo-octene and -octane compounds of the present invention are represented by formula: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, acetate, carbonate monomethyl ester, and allyloxy; and wherein the broken line represents a single or double bond.
US08357351B2
Compositions and methods are disclosed for evaluating a subject's vasculature integrity, for differentiating between a malignant lesion and a benign lesion, for evaluating the accessibility of a tumor to nano-sized therapeutics, for treating tumors, and for live or real time monitoring of a nano-probe's biodistribution.
US08357348B2
The present invention relates to a method for preparing anatase-type titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles, the method comprising the steps of: uniformly mixing titanium n-butoxide and cetyltrimethyl ammonium salt (CTAS) in water; subjecting the mixture to hydrothermal treatment at a temperature of 60˜120° C.; and collecting anatase-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles produced by the hydrothermal treatment and drying the collected nanoparticles. According to the present invention, anatase-type titanium dioxide nanoparticles having excellent crystallinity can be easily prepared in large amounts by a simple process without needing heat treatment.
US08357341B2
In operating the carbon monoxide removal reactor or the fuel reforming system, there is provided a technique for removing carbon monoxide in a stable manner for an extended period of time. In a method of removing carbon monoxide including an introducing step of introducing a reactant gas including mixture gas and an oxidizer added thereto to a carbon monoxide removal reactor forming in its casing a catalyst layer comprising a carbon monoxide removal catalyst for removing carbon monoxide contained in the mixture gas and a removing step of removing the carbon monoxide by causing the oxidizer to react with the mixture gas on the carbon monoxide removal catalyst, in said introducing step, the reactant gas of 100° C. or lower is introduced to the carbon monoxide removal reactor.
US08357340B2
A materials analysis device (2) comprises an inner receptacle (4), incorporating a filter (5) at its lower end, within an outer receptacle (6). Gas inlet/outlet ports (8, 10) are arranged to provide a means whereby solvent can be caused to pass between the receptacles (4, 6) via filter (5). Solvent in the receptacles (4, 6) is arranged to be heated and its temperature assessed. In use in one embodiment, a solute material to be analyzed is introduced into outer receptacle (6) and a solvent is introduced into inner receptacle (4). The solvent is caused to pass back and (15) forth between the receptacles (4, 6) via the filter (5) until a saturated solution of the solute is present in inner receptacle (4). This may be removed for analysis. By undertaking the process described at a range of temperatures, a solubility profile for the solute can be determined.
US08357332B2
A device for evaporating at least one of the following reactants: a reducing agent precursor solution and a reducing agent precursor, includes at least one electrically heatable heating zone having at least one electrically operable heating element with a heating resistor that is self-regulated about a significant temperature. A method and the device for evaporating a reactant allow a simple control of an evaporation process, especially of a urea/water solution, to provide a reducing agent, especially in an SCR process. The heating resistors have a significant temperature that corresponds to a control temperature of the heating resistor. The need for additional control electronics can be removed by adjusting a correspondingly steep curve within a range.
US08357329B1
An apparatus for destroying bacteria is provided which includes a neutron generator and a target polymer film which will receive the impact of neutron emissions. Neutrons impacting the target film produce a second emission of high energy protons which are made to move through an electromagnetic field external to the neutron tube thereby accelerating and steering a generated proton spray. This embodiment is well-suited for treating physical locations known to be infected by pathogenic microorganisms.
US08357313B2
The invention relates to a new class of luminescent substances (phosphorous) based on an universally dopable matrix made of an amorphous, at the most partially crystalline network of the elements P, Si, B, Al and N, preferably the composition Si3B3N7. Optical excitation and emission can be varied in this system over the entire practically relevant field by incorporation of any cationic activators, alone or in combination, but also by incorporation of oxygen as anionic component. This opens up the entire spectrum of use of luminescent substances, such as illumination systems or electronic screens.
US08357312B2
An electrically controlled medium for modulating light includes two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2), and a mixture layer (3) is arranged between the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2). The mixture layer (3) is consisted of smectic liquid crystals (31), polymer materials (33) and dopants (32). Electrode layers (4) are coated on one side of each of the two plastic thin film layers (1) and (2) facing to the mixture layer (3), and the electrode layers (4) are connected to a device of electrical driving system (5). The liquid crystal molecules are allowed to exhibit different molecule alignments by controlling the amplitude, frequency and driving time of the electric power applied to the electrode layers (4), so that the electrically controlled medium for modulating light can be switched between a blurredly scattering state and a fully transparent state, even may be switched among a plurality of gradual translucent states of different gray levels. The medium is power saving, hard to be broken and eco friendly and it can maintain its state after power is off (memory effect). It has fast switching speed and can be broadly used for the fields of architectural decoration, privacy control areas, automotive electronics and glass, etc.
US08357301B2
Herein is reported a method for determining whether a re-useable chromatography column packing, which is used at least for the second time in a purification step of a purification of a polypeptide, has reduced separation efficacy in said purification step of said purification of said polypeptide, comprising the following steps: a) identifying and determining the experimental data of an inert change of at least one physicochemical parameter of a mobile phase passing through said re-useable chromatography column packing, b) determining the parameters of a function of formula I by fitting the experimental data of the inert change of the physicochemical parameter of the at least second use, c) determining the difference between the experimental data of the inert change of the physicochemical parameter of the at least second use and the function of formula I with the parameters determined in step b), d) calculating the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value of the difference determined in step c) and normalizing said difference, e) determining reduced separation efficacy of said re-useable chromatography column packing when the absolute value of the difference calculated in step d) is more than 0.1.
US08357299B2
An immersed membrane system or process may use measured or calculated process information to optimize one or more process operating parameters to improve performance or reduce operating costs. An on-line process control system or method may use the resistance in series method in operating an immersed membrane water treatment system. A process control system or process may consider resistance values and adjust operational parameters such as membrane aeration frequency factor, membrane aeration flow, permeate flux, permeation duration, backwash flow and duration, relaxation duration or maintenance or recovery chemical cleaning frequencies in order to reduce the operational costs related to membrane fouling removal.
US08357298B2
Hemodialysis dialysis systems are disclosed. Hemodialysis systems of the invention may include a dialysate flow path including a balancing circuit, a mixing circuit, and/or a directing circuit. The circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuits may be at least partially isolated, spatially and/or thermally, from electrical components of the system. A gas supply may be provided in fluid communication with the dialysate flow path and/or the dialyzer to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. The hemodialysis systems may include fluid handling devices, actuated using a control fluid, optionally delivered using a detachable pump. Fluid handling devices may be generally rigid and of a spheroid shape, optionally with a diaphragm dividing the device into compartments.
US08357292B2
The present invention relates generally to an environmentally sensitive mobile cleaning system, and more specifically relates to a closed loop water recirculation system for high or ultra-high pressure mobile cleaning apparatus. The system includes a water tank sized to contain an established volume of fluid sufficient to circulate through the system, a pump to pressure the fluid to a cleaning head, a vacuum system to return the contaminated fluid to the system, and a filter means to remove the contaminants from the fluid so that clean fluid can be reintroduced to the cleaning head. The method comprises the steps of increasing the pressure of a fixed volume of fluid in a closed-loop system, jetting or blasting the surface with the pressurized fluid, vacuuming the blasted fluid into the system, and removing the contaminants from the fluid.
US08357291B2
The invention relates to an improved bitumen recovery process. The process includes adding water to a bitumen-froth/solvent system containing asphaltenes and mineral solids. The addition of water in droplets increases the settling rate of asphaltenes and mineral solids to more effectively treat the bitumen for pipeline transport, further enhancement, refining, or any other application of reduced-solids bitumen.
US08357281B2
Using multiple dichroics mirrors to split and redirect different wavelength regions of light in a multi-wavelength fluorescence detection system.
US08357265B2
To provide a technique which cleans an attracting face of a mechanism for electrostatically attracting an object to be processed inside a vacuum processing apparatus and keeps its attracting force constant. The method of the present invention is for cleaning an attracting face of a hot plate which holds the object to be processed inside a vacuum processing chamber through electrostatic attraction. The invention method includes a step of cleaning the attracting face of the hot plate by applying a high-frequency electric power of 13.56 MHz to a metallic base arranged under and near the hot plate in a state in which a cleaning gas is introduced into the vacuum processing chamber.
US08357264B2
In a plasma reactor employing source and bias RF power generators, plasma is stabilized against an engineered transient in the output of either the source or bias power generator by a compensating modulation in the other generator.
US08357256B2
The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a three-dimensional nonwoven, a manufacturing line for implementing this process and the resulting three-dimensional nonwoven product. Process characterized in that it consists in using a folding element (5) to apply, to an incoming web containing a proportion of thermoplastic fibers and/or filaments or fixing material, an initial fixing of the fold of the incoming web in the form of peaks and troughs, brought about by blades extending radially on ends of the folding element (5), this initial fixing being applied either by maintaining the folding element (5) itself at a set temperature, or by heating the incoming web. The invention is more particularly applicable to the textile industry, especially the manufacture of nonwovens.
US08357239B2
A process for treating fly ash to render it highly usable as a concrete additive. A quantity of fly ash is obtained that contains carbon and which is considered unusable fly ash for concrete based upon foam index testing. The fly ash is mixed with a quantity of spray dryer ash (SDA) and water to initiate a geopolymerization reaction and form a geopolymerized fly ash. The geopolymerized fly ash is granulated. The geopolymerized fly ash is considered usable fly ash for concrete according to foam index testing. The geopolymerized fly ash may have a foam index less than 40%, and in some cases less than 20%, of the foam index of the untreated fly ash. An optional alkaline activator may be mixed with the fly ash and SDA to facilitate the geopolymerization reaction. The alkaline activator may contain an alkali metal hydroxide, carbonate, silicate, aluminate, or mixtures thereof.
US08357238B2
A premixed composition is formed from modified polyacrylate polymer, silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and silane, that cures rapidly to form a composition that can be used as a grout or coating. The premixed composition includes a latex resin including an acrylic-based polymer, a silicone emulsion, one or more amine compounds, and a silane, and optionally various fillers, pigments, and adjuvants. These components in the proper proportions form a stable viscous suspension that can be floated into tile joints, and cleaned from an adjacent tile surface. The composition rapidly cures to form a hard mass that is resistant to abrasion, in both dry and wet conditions, is color consistent, and is resistant to staining.
US08357232B1
The present invention relates to a system and method for the separation of gaseous components from gaseous mixtures in order to control emissions and treatment of the gaseous components. In one embodiment, the system makes use of a fan or gas moving device to first impose centrifugal forces on gas streams as the gas moves from the center of the fan toward the periphery of the fan housing. Heavier gases are forced to the outer regions of the fan housing while lighter gases remain closer to the fan axis. The heavier gases and lighter gases exiting the fan housing flow into a duct at different flow rates, and the heavier gases are diverted from the larger volume gas streams and then processed.
US08357229B2
The present invention relates to a process for separating oxygen at high temperature by means of a material comprising at least one compound according to the formula AxBO2-δ.yH2O with a lamellar structure composed of sheets generated by the sequence of octahedra connected to one another by the edges, whereby A is at least one of the elements IA or IIA of the periodic classification of elements, B is at least one of the elements IIIB to IIB of the periodic classification of the elements, 0
US08357227B2
The invention relates to a method for the removal of metal impurities in chloride-based copper recovery processes. The amount of impurities in a strong chloride solution of monovalent copper can be reduced according to the method down to very low levels by using ion exchange as at least one purification stage.
US08357226B2
A method is provided for separating the impurities zinc, iron, calcium, copper and/or manganese from an aqueous solution that contains cobalt and nickel. The solution is brought into a mixing contact with an extraction solution, which is pre-loaded with cobalt and nickel ions, whereby the cobalt and nickel in the extraction solution are replaced with the impurity metals, and the aqueous solution is cleaned from impurities after this phase. This purified aqueous solution, raffinate, can be used to pre-charge the extraction solution so that a minor part of the raffinate is contacted with a pre-neutralized extraction solution, whereby the cobalt and nickel replace the alkali metal, alkali earth metal or ammonium ion that is used in the pre-neutralization.
US08357223B2
This invention relates to a waste treatment furnace and method comprising: Generating a molten metal bed, which moves in a forward direction, such as to define a closed circuit in a cyclical and continuous manner, the surface of said bed comprising at least one essentially-slag-free segment. Loading waste onto the aforementioned essentially-slag-free segment, the waste being dragged by the molten metal bed such that it floats in the mentioned forward direction. Retaining the waste on the surface of the molten metal bed as it moves in the mentioned forward direction. Treating the waste under the effect of the constant and continuous heat exchange generated by the movement of the molten metal bed beneath the waste retained thereon.
US08357216B2
A dry feed two stage gasification system and process is disclosed for gasifying feedstock such as carbonaceous materials with improved energy efficiency, along with reductions in feedstock consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The feedstock is first dried and pretreated with the hot syngas in the upper section of the gasifier to generate a dry char that is low in volatile-matter content. This dry char is sent to the first stage of a two stage gasifier where it reacts with oxygen in the presence of steam to produce a hot syngas stream.
US08357213B2
The apparatus includes a liquid permeable pouch that defines a cavity for maintaining an anhydrous hydride reactant, wherein the cavity comprises a cross-section such that a point within the cross-section is separated from a perimeter of the liquid permeable pouch by no more than double the permeation distance, and a cartridge configured to receive the liquid permeable pouch and a liquid reactant such that at least a portion of the liquid permeable pouch is submerged in the liquid reactant. The system includes a plurality of pouches formed from two rectangular sheets of liquid permeable material, and each pouch has a width selected such that each point within a cross-section is separated from the sheets by no more than double the permeation distance. The method includes joining the sheets, forming one or more seals to define a cavity, disposing anhydrous hydride within the cavity, and sealing the opening.
US08357208B2
Disclosed is a method for producing a modified animal fiber, the method includes step 1 (31, 32) of pre-oxidizing a cystine bond (—S—S— bond) present in an epidermal cell of an animal fiber to bring the cystine bond into a low oxidation state, step 2 (33) of oxidizing with ozone the pre-oxidized —S—S— bond to bring the —S—S— bond into at least one high oxidation state selected from di-, tri-, and tetra-oxidation states, and step 3 (34) of reductively cleaving the —S—S— bond in a high oxidation state. The method imparts shrink resistance and pilling resistance to an animal fiber. In the step 2 (33) ozone is microdispersed in an aqueous solution comprising an anionic surfactant having a C8-24 alkyl group, and the animal fiber is contacted with the ozone. Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for efficiently producing in a short period of time an animal fiber having excellent shrink resistance that barely undergoes felting when washed in an aqueous system in shrink proofing an animal fiber using ozone.
US08357202B2
One or both of the condyles in a femoral component for a partial or total knee prosthesis includes a J-curve with a plurality of distinct radii, such as 5 or more radii. The centers of the radii are arranged along an arcuate path extending anteroposteriorly so that successively larger radii are serially arranged along the arcuate path from the posterior side of the femoral component to the anterior side. The femoral component provides a high degree of stability throughout the range of motion of the knee prosthesis, and facilitates a close approximation to the motion of a natural knee.
US08357198B2
A stabilization device for use with a system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes an elongated body having a radius of curvature, a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the trailing end is shaped and dimensioned to protrude from a pedicle surface once it is properly introduced within a vertebral body. It also an object of the present invention to a method for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebral bodies. The method includes inserting first and second elongated stabilization devices within the vertebrae such that they extend between adjacent vertebral bodies to securely stabilize the adjacent vertebral bodies, wherein the trailing ends of the first and second stabilization devices protrude from a pedicle surface once inserted within the vertebrae.
US08357193B2
Transluminal access system includes a stent delivery catheter having a handle control mechanism. The catheter comprises a number of components for establishing an initial penetration between adjacent body lumens and subsequently implanting a stent or other luminal anchor therebetween. Manipulation of the stent components is achieved using control mechanisms on the handle while the handle is attached to an endoscope which provides access to a first body lumen.
US08357192B2
A method for deploying an endoluminal vascular prosthesis using a deployment catheter that has at least a main graft portion and a first branch graft portion. The deployment catheter preferably comprises an elongate, flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end, and an outer sheath and an inner core that is axially moveable with respect to the outer sheath. The catheter preferably comprises a main graft restraint that has a main graft release mechanism comprising a main graft sheath and a suture threaded through a plurality of the openings in the main graft sheath. The catheter further comprises at least one branch graft restraint comprising at least one branch graft release mechanism.
US08357190B2
A laparoscopic vascular conduit arrangement has an elongate graft tube (1, 10) which is placed through a body cavity into a body vessel using a laparoscopic port sheath (70) with a distal valve (73) and a second sheath (80) with distal valve (86, 87). The graft tube (1, 10) extends through the laparoscopic port sheath so that the distal end (108) of the graft tube extends out of its valve and the proximal end of the graft tube extends out of the proximal end of the laparoscopic port sheath. The second sheath (80) is deployed into the distal end (108) of the graft tube (1, 10) such that the first valve (73) seals around the graft tube and the second sheath (84). The proximal end of the graft tube can be deployed into the vessel of the body to allow access into the vessel through the graft tube via the second valve. The conduit can be removed after use or used to provide vascular bypass.
US08357189B2
A physiology enhancing device for improving physiological functions of a human body, etc., which comprises a heat generating element making use of chemical energy and a sheet interposed between the heat generating element and a body surface of a wearer, and which is designed to supply steam generated from the heat generating element while the device is applied to the body surface. The device exhibits steam generating capability for 2 hours or longer and, while applied to the body surface, raises the body surface temperature to a temperature from 38° C. to lower than 42° C. within one hour from the application. The sheet interposed between the heat generating element and the body surface preferably has a function of regulating air feed to the heat generating element and a function of transferring the heat of the physiology enhancing device to the body surface and preferably has a total thickness of 0.05 to 1.5 mm.
US08357187B1
An optical-signal vestibular-nerve stimulation device and method that provides different nerve stimulation signals to a plurality of different vestibular nerves, including at least some of the three semicircular canal nerves and the two otolith organ nerves. In some embodiments, balance conditions of the person are sensed by the implanted device, and based on the sensed balance conditions, varying infrared (IR) nerve-stimulation signals are sent to a plurality of the different vestibular nerves.
US08357183B2
Systems, devices, and associated methods for correcting spinal column deformities that help minimize a number of attachment anchors utilized for correction, facilitate use of straight or contoured rods, and/or help promote a more natural, physiologic motion of the spinal column.
US08357180B2
Thin film metallic devices implantable within a human subject for occlusion of an aneurysm or blood vessel are provided. The devices are movable from a porous, elongated, collapsed configuration for delivery to a deployed configuration within the body. The pores telescope as the device moves to its deployed configuration, which causes the device to longitudinally foreshorten and radially expand, while also decreasing in porosity for preventing blood flow. The occlusion devices may be either self-supporting or supported by a strut structure. Additionally, the occlusion devices may comprise a plurality of layers having unaligned pore systems which further reduce porosity in the deployed configuration.
US08357165B2
A mounting bracket for use with a reference array of a computer assisted surgery system includes a base and an arcuate support frame coupled to the base. The base is configured to be secured to a bone of a patient. The arcuate support frame includes a plurality of mounts. Each mount is configured to receive a mounting end of the reference array. In some embodiments, the arcuate support frame may be pivotable with respect to the base. Additionally, in some embodiments, the arcuate support frame may be movable about an arc defined by the arcuate support frame.
US08357163B2
An easy-to-assemble modular tapered or spherical reamer for medical applications includes a shaft portion, a disposable tapered or spherical hollow reamer and a guide pin. The shaft proximal end attaches to a drill and the distal end has a tapered body element with a tapered external surface and a central aperture. The disposable tapered or spherical hollow reamer has a central aperture that accepts the guide pin and an interior taper that matches the taper of the tapered body element. The guide pin has attachment means to attach its distal end to the central aperture in the reamer, and the proximal end to the central aperture of the tapered body element of the shaft, assuring reamer/shaft concentricity. Contact between the reamer taper and the taper of the tapered body element aids this concentricity. Torque transmission between the shaft and the reamer is accomplished by torque transmitting tabs or a threaded connection.
US08357160B2
A forceps includes a housing, a shaft, an end effector assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft and including opposing jaw members, and a drive rod slidingly disposed within the shaft. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate attached thereto. Longitudinal reciprocation of the drive rod moves at least one of the jaw members from a first position in spaced relation relative to the other jaw member to at least one subsequent position wherein the sealing plates cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The forceps also includes at least one sensor configured to sense a gap distance between the opposing jaw members, and a linear actuator operably coupled to the drive rod. The linear actuator is configured to reciprocate the drive rod in a longitudinal direction as a function of the sensed gap distance in response to signals provided by the at least one sensor.
US08357154B2
An improved electrosurgical instrument includes a body having more than two electrodes with at least two electrodes having alternating current power supplied to them provide a bipolar alternating current configuration and employ a means other than electrode spacing for reducing or preventing accumulation of eschar. The electrodes are separated from each other using electrically insulating materials such that electric current does not flow between at least two of the bipolar alternating current electrodes unless they contact at least one other electrically conductive medium, such as patient tissue. The conductor edge portion and insulation layer each have geometric shapes and composition to reduce or eliminate the production of smoke and eschar and reduce tissue damage. The outer profile of the insulation layer and conductive element are configured to facilitate the flow of electrosurgical decomposition products away from the conductor edge where they are formed.
US08357147B2
A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.
US08357144B2
An electromechanical surgical device includes: a housing; an elongated shaft extending from the housing, a distal end of the elongated shaft being detachably coupleable to a surgical instrument; at least two axially rotatable drive shafts disposed within the elongated shaft, a distal end of each of the drive shafts being configured to couple with the surgical instrument; a steering cable arrangement, the steering cable arrangement being configured to steer the distal end of the elongated shaft; and a motor system disposed within the housing, the motor system being configured to drive the drive shafts and the steering cable arrangement. A control system may be provided for controlling the motor system. A remote control unit may also be provided for controlling the motor system via the control system. Sensors, such as optical or Hall-effect devices, may be provided for determining the position of the elements of the surgical instrument based on the detected rotation of the drive shafts. A memory unit stores a plurality of operating programs or algorithms, each corresponding to a type of surgical instrument attachable to the electro-mechanical surgical device. The control system reads or selects from the plurality of operating programs or algorithms, the operating program or algorithm corresponding to the type of surgical instrument attached to the electromechanical surgical device.
US08357143B2
A medical product is configured for use in a medical system. A method is provided for sterilizing the product. A connector connects a first subsystem and a second subsystem, containing a medical fluid, for transport of the medical fluid from the second subsystem to the first subsystem. The connector comprises a valve device, a first connection pipe connected to the first subsystem, and a second connection pipe connected to the second subsystem. The valve device comprises a first part and a second part movable relative to each other to permit an opening movement from a closed stable position, which prevents a fluid communication between the connection pipes, to an open position, which establishes a channel permitting the fluid communication. The connector comprises at least one small passage permitting, in the closed stable position, an introduction of a sterilizing gas to contact wall surfaces defining the channel.
US08357128B2
A portable heater with ovoid receptacle is disclosed. The portable heater comprises a top member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a bottom member comprising a semi-ovoid cavity, a hinge operatively connected to the top and bottom members, and a heating mechanism.
US08357120B2
The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof.
US08357117B2
A device for delivering an agent into breast milk while breastfeeding. In one embodiment, the device includes a breast shield modified to engage a non-woven material which has been impregnated with a milk soluble active agent such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). A lactating animal, e.g. a woman, uses this agent-delivering breast shield during breastfeeding to administer prophylactic or therapeutic agents to a suckling infant. The inventions are particularly well suited to preventing transmission of HIV virus from mother to child. Alternatively, the agent-laden material could be used with a baby bottle nipple or pacifier.
US08357116B2
An attachment arrangement is disclosed for attaching a milk collecting bag to a breastpump assembly. In one form this includes an adaptor having mounting ears upon which portions of a bag with apertures therein are hung to suspend the bag in place below the breastpump assembly.
US08357102B2
Methods and devices for treating tinnitus in human or animal subjects wherein the subject is caused to perceive a tinnitus suppressing sound which fully or partially suppresses the subject's tinnitus. In some embodiments of this method, the subject selects a sound that he or she perceives to be the same as the tinnitus and that sound (or a similar sound that is complementary to the subject's perceived tinnitus) is then used as the tinnitus suppressing sound. In other embodiments, the tinnitus suppressing may be a sound that has previously been determined to suppress tinnitus in a substantial number of subjects.
US08357101B2
An electro-oculography apparatus 100 includes an eye potential measuring unit measuring an eye potential generated by an eye movement and outputting an eye potential original signal, and includes a minimum filtering unit 121 or a maximum filtering unit 123 each outputting a first eye potential signal by applying one of a maximum value filtering and a minimum value filtering to the eye potential original signal. The electro-oculography apparatus 100 also includes a maximum filtering unit 122 or a minimum filtering unit 124 each outputting a second eye potential signal by applying the other of the maximum value filtering and the minimum value filtering to the first eye potential signal.
US08357092B2
This invention discloses a medical diagnosis system a control panel thereof. According to this invention, a USB technology is utilized to perform input via the human-computer interface of the medical diagnosis system. Except for completely compatible with the standard alphanumeric keys portion, the control panel further comprises specific function modules for the medical diagnosis system and the trackball module. The connection of all function modules of the control panel are implemented by one physical interface. Universal alphanumeric keys and the trackball, as well as the specific function modules for the medical diagnostic equipment, are integrated into a whole body, and communicate with the upper computer (PC) via one physical interface, thereby complexity in connecting the peripheral devices of the human-computer interface is reduced, Plug-and-Play can be supported, and the use of it is easier and more convenient.
US08357087B2
A grasper for a surgical retractor is provided. The grasper has a grasper body, a push-button activator and a holder to releasably retain a connector head of, for example, a retractor blade. The holder is configured to move from a first position, located at least partially in the opening to provide for selectively retaining the connector head in the opening, to a second position wherein the connector head may be removed. The push-button activator is operably connected to the holder to move the holder from the first position to the second position. In one embodiment the holder is gear driven by the activator.
US08357072B2
A direct drive transmission system suitable for use with scooters, go-carts or motorcycles is disclosed. The transmission system comprises a drive shaft coupled to a motor shaft and a friction element which is guided longitudinally on said drive shaft, rotating with the rotation of the drive shaft. The system further comprises a roll bearing fixedly attached around at least part of the periphery of its inner ring to an end of the friction element and a stopper which is fixedly attached to the outer ring of said roll bearing. The stopper is adapted to affix a wire, which when pulled, moves longitudinally said friction element towards the inner end of the drive shaft so as to allow engagement of said friction element onto a traction surface of the drive wheel.
US08357068B2
An automatic transmission includes first to third single-pinion planetary gearsets. The second ring gear and third sun gear are coupled to the first carrier and first ring gear respectively to constitute first and second rotor units. Input and output shafts are coupled to the second sun gear and third ring gear respectively. A first clutch selectively holds the first sun gear to the third carrier. A first brake selectively holds the first sun gear stationary. A second clutch selectively holds the second sun gear to the third carrier. A third clutch selectively holds the second carrier to the second rotor unit. A fourth clutch selectively holds the second carrier to the third carrier. A second brake selectively holds the first rotor unit stationary. At least eight gear ratios and one reverse gear ratio are obtained by simultaneous application of three of the clutches and brakes.
US08357062B2
Hollow balls with a hard shell, for example the game ball used in the pickle ball game, are used in various racquet games. One example of such hollow balls is the game ball used in the pickle ball game. These hollow balls break after a period of use or when excessive force is applied to the hollow ball. A game ball is described herein with a first plurality of apertures and a second plurality of apertures. Each of the first plurality of apertures is dimensionally different from each of the second plurality of apertures and inter-configured to reduce damage to the game ball during use thereof.
US08357052B2
A tripod joint is disclosed which has an outer joint part and an inner joint part. The outer joint part includes a first longitudinal axis and a longitudinally running cavity with an open end. Three longitudinally running recesses are formed in the outer joint part. The inner joint part includes a second longitudinal axis and comprising at least one central body on which are integrally formed three journals with journal axes which extend radially from the second longitudinal axis. In each case, one roller body is arranged on the journals, which roller body has at least one outer ring, a closed inner ring and bearing bodies which are arranged in between. Each roller body is additionally, in each case, held in the recesses in a longitudinally moveable manner, and a rotation of the closed inner ring about the respective journal is blocked. Also proposed is a roller body with a non-circular or angular inner ring.
US08357051B2
A torsionally elastic shaft coupling has an input flange and an output flange which are each used for connecting the shaft coupling to adjacent machine elements. There are two serially connected, elastic elastomer members, and an intermediate member that is connected to the input flange via the first elastomer member and to the output flange via the second elastomer member in such a way that torque can be transmitted from the input flange to the intermediate member via the first, softer elastomer member and from the intermediate member to the output flange via the second, harder elastomer member. A stop which limits the torsional angle between the input flange and the intermediate member is located between the intermediate member and the input flange. The shaft coupling is designed in a particularly compact fashion in that the second, hard elastomer member surrounds the first, soft elastomer member.
US08357039B2
A wagering game system is herein. In embodiments, the system's operations can include presenting a primary wagering game and receiving a request to present a secondary game in connection with the primary wagering game. The primary wagering game and the secondary game can be separate applications that require interactivity with each other (e.g., provide required functionality and communicate shared data, etc.). The operations can further include determining that an API provides the required interactivity, so that the secondary game can function in conjunction with the primary wagering game (e.g., can successfully plug-in to the primary wagering game). The operations can further determine optional and non-optional requirements and determine compatibilities based on the optional and non-optional requirements. Further, the operations can add functionality to the primary wagering game, the secondary game, or the API, to enable compatibility.
US08357038B2
A gaming system (10) includes gaming machine groups (GR 1-GR 16) arranged to receive input data and to generate output progressive jackpot data relating to two or more progressive jackpots. A central database (26) stores the input data relating to the progressive jackpots. A monitoring computer (40) includes a local database (46). The computer (40) obtains and temporarily stores the progressive jackpot output data.
US08357036B1
An attraction game commencing play for a number of successive wagers in a leased gaming machine. For leased gaming machines, the attraction game provides trial game play based on actual wagers with information on each outcome, but with all wagers returned to the player. For idle gaming machines, the attraction game is hidden from the player and the owner of the gaming machine may invest a fixed amount of money so that the player receives all money wagered plus the invested amount. Each attraction game outcome corresponds to a base game outcome having a low value base game award.
US08357030B2
A compression molding apparatus and method for the manufacture of abrasive layers for abrasive tooling which provides a compression mold space defined between an inflexible wall surface and a flexible wall surface. The apparatus and method of the present invention is particularly well suited to making annular or hollow cylindrical shaped abrasive layers of novel configurations during a single mold cycle useful for grinding wheel and the like, as well as other shapes such as laps, wherein the flexible wall expanded with fluid pressure provides a highly uniform distribution of pressure against the surface of the mold composition being formed. In an annular configuration, the flexible wall is used to radially direct pressure against a molding composition disposed in an annular configuration wherein the axial length of the annular mold shape formed may be many times greater than priorly obtained by the prior art means.
US08357026B2
A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance.
US08357025B2
A decorative clasp for mounting to the fabric covered rear closure a bra or bikini top includes a decorative object having a front surface and opposite back surface. The front surface has mounted thereto decorative elements so as to adorn the decorative object. The back surface has a clamp mounted thereto having a base leg and a cooperating covering leg. The two legs cooperate so as to releasably clamp the rear closure of a bra or bikini top therebetween. A plurality of fabric penetrating protrusions are formed or mounted on at least one interior surface of the legs so that the fabric penetrating protrusions penetratingly engage with the threads or nap of the fabric of the rear closure.
US08357021B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for manufacturing a display device in which unevenness generated under a light-emitting element does not impart an adverse effect on the light-emitting element. It is another object of the invention to provide a method for manufacturing a display device in which penetration of water into the inside of the display device through a film having high moisture permeability can be suppressed without increasing processing steps considerably. A display device of the present invention comprises a thin film transistor and a light-emitting element, the light-emitting element including a light-emitting laminated body interposed between a first electrode and a second electrode; wherein the first electrode is formed over an insulating film formed over the thin film transistor; and wherein a planarizing film is formed in response to the first electrode between the first electrode and the insulating film.
US08357019B2
A propulsion chain (8) for a ship (6) including a main heat engine (18); at least one secondary electrical power house (26) powering a distribution panel (34); at least one transmission line (16) provided with an end propeller (14) and mechanically coupled to the main heat engine (18) to drive the latter; at least one rotating electrical machine (22) mechanically coupled to the transmission line (16) and powered from the distribution panel (34), a mechanical coupler (20) able to be freed from the main heat engine (18) and the rotating electrical machine (22) arranged on the transmission line (16), between the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18). A synchronizer (60) for synchronizing the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) before coupling of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18), and an engager for engaging the mechanical coupler when the speeds of the rotating electrical machine (22) and the main heat engine (18) are essentially equal, i.e. correspond.
US08357011B2
A plug assembly includes a sleeve and a connector assembly. The sleeve includes a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. The second axial end portion defines a plurality of channels. The connector assembly is engaged to the second axial end portion of the sleeve. The connector assembly includes a connector body, a plurality of contacts and a plug. The plurality of contacts is disposed in the connector body. Each of the plurality of contacts includes a first end and a second end. The first ends of the plurality of channels are disposed in the plurality of channels of the sleeve. The plug is engaged to the connector body. The plug includes a plurality of grooves through which the second ends of the plurality of contacts are accessible.
US08357009B2
A receptacle connector is provided for mounting on a printed circuit having opposite sides and an edge surface intersecting the sides. The connector includes a shell having a mount configured to be mounted on at least one of the sides of the printed circuit. The shell includes a receptacle for receiving a mating connector therein. A housing extends at least partially within the receptacle of the shell. An electrical contact is held by the housing. The electrical contact includes a mounting segment configured to be mounted on the printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a transition segment that extends outwardly from the mounting segment and projects beyond the edge surface of the printed circuit when the electrical contact is mounted on the printed circuit. The electrical contact includes a mating segment that extends outwardly from the transition segment and within the receptacle of the shell. The mating segment includes a mating surface that extends a length that is aligned with a plane that intersects the edge surface of the printed circuit when the electrical contact is mounted on the printed circuit.
US08357005B2
The present invention a hair curler connector, which includes a locking assembly and a buckle, the locking assembly including a lock and a spring assembly, with the lock being equipped with hooks engaged with the buckle. The hair curler connector has simple structure, and it is easy to operate, adapting for different heating components for the convenience of changing.
US08356995B2
The present invention relates generally to devices that are used to simulate a firearm recoil effect. It is a known fact that the recoil effect of a firearm directly influences quality of marksmanship of a shooter in areas including but not limited to target acquisition and re-acquisition, firing accuracy, psychological anticipation of a shot to be fired, proper grip of a weapon and more. The suggested device is used in a combination with training simulators to enhance the tactical functionality and by so increasing the quality of training. The recoil emulation device mounts on a barrel of any standard handheld firearm including but not limited to all types of machine guns and sniper rifles. It is then connected via a cable to an air compressor, which provides air pressure required to initiate a recoil emulation cycle. The recoil emulation device consists of a cylinder, which holds a metal ball, which travels throughout the cylinder and provides the impact required to cause an upward displacement of a weapon.
US08356994B2
A dental implant is provided that has a proximal-most part, a lateral external surface, and a distal implant portion that extends from a distal implant end along up to 50% of a longitudinal length of the implant. The implant is shaped so as to define a lumen therethrough (a) having at least one distal opening through a distal external surface of the distal implant portion, (b) having a lateral opening through the lateral external surface, and (c) not open to a proximal external surface of the implant within 2 mm of the proximal-most part of the implant. Other embodiments are also described.
US08356992B2
An oxyfiring system and method for capturing carbon dioxide in a combustion process is disclosed. The oxyfiring system comprises (a) an oxidation reactor for oxidizing a reduced metal oxide; (b) a decomposition reactor wherein a decomposition fuel is combusted and oxidized metal oxide sorbents are reduced with oxygen being released and a flue gas with an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream is produced; (c) a fuel combustion reactor for combusting a primary fuel and the oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream into a primary flue gas; and (d) separation apparatus for separating a portion of the primary flue gas so that a carbon dioxide enriched stream can be prepared. The method comprises providing a primary fuel and an oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream to a fuel combustion reactor. The primary fuel and oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream are combusted into a primary flue gas stream which is split into a first flue gas portion and a second flue gas portion. The first flue gas portion is processed to produce a high purity carbon dioxide stream suitable for sequestration. The second flue gas portion is sent to the decomposition reactor to provide heat and serve as a fluid stream. The primary flue gas may include oxygen or else synthesis gas depending on whether the oxygen enriched carbon dioxide stream contains a stoichiometric excess or deficit of oxygen needed for complete combustion.
US08356989B2
Boeing is actively engaged in the production of lightweight composite airframes for both military and commercial applications. The double bag vacuum infusion process of the present invention provides a low cost, method for producing complex composite assemblies without an autoclave. It also enables the production of highly innovative structures. The quality of the composites produced using such an infusion process are comparable to composites made using prepregs, hand layup or fiber placement and autoclave curing.
US08356985B2
A fail-safe system for a hybrid vehicle employing an over-center variable-displacement hydraulic motor includes an actuator configured to stroke the motor to a zero angle if each of two control ports is supplied with fluid at an equal pressure. A control valve is configured, in the event of loss of power to the valve, to default to a position in which high-pressure fluid is supplied to both control ports. A pilot-controlled check valve is coupled between high- and low-pressure ports of the motor such that, during normal operation, passage of fluid through the check valve from the high-pressure port to the low-pressure port is checked, while passage of fluid through the check valve from the second port to the first port is enabled. When the pilot control is activated, passage of fluid in the opposite direction is also enabled.
US08356983B2
An apparatus for controlling an air distribution system by controlling the speed of a motor associated with a blower to maintain a rate of air flow in the system at substantially a target air flow rate. The apparatus comprises means for controlling a supplied frequency to the motor; means for providing a speed signal representative of the speed of motor; means for providing a frequency signal representative of the supplied frequency from a controller to the motor; means for providing a load signal representative of the load of the motor; means for calculating an air flow rate signal based on the speed signal and the load signal; means for controlling a supplied frequency in response to the target air flow rate signal and the calculated air flow rate signal. The apparatus can apply three different types of algorithm for controlling and compensating the motor.
US08356973B2
According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a variable geometry turbine comprising: a turbine wheel mounted on a turbine shaft within a housing assembly for rotation about a turbine axis, the housing assembly defining a gas flow inlet passage upstream of the turbine wheel; an annular wall member defining a wall of the inlet passage and which is displaceable in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis to control gas flow through the inlet passage; at least one moveable rod operably connected via a first end of the rod to the annular wall member, the rod being moveable to control displacement of the annular wall member, the rod extending in a direction substantially parallel to the turbine axis, the rod being connected to the annular wall member via a first arm and a second arm, a first end of the first arm and a first end of the second arm being attached to the rod, and a second end of the first arm being attached to the annular wall member at a first circumferential position, and a second end of the second arm being attached to the annular wall member at a second, different circumferential position, the first arm and the second arm being resilient in order to allow relative movement between the first end of the rod and the annular wall member during expansion of the annular wall member.
US08356970B2
An exhaust pump that prevents particles from entering a processing chamber of a substrate processing apparatus. The exhaust pump connected to the processing chamber has rotary blades and an air intake portion disposed on the processing chamber side of the rotary blades. A shielding unit is disposed inside the air intake portion and shields the rotary blades when the air intake portion is viewed from the processing chamber side.
US08356967B2
A stacking system and method that utilizes a device control for precisely controlling the downward movement of at least one printed material support at a first speed, while substantially simultaneously permitting upward movement of the at least one support at a second speed which is greater than the first speed.
US08356961B2
The invention provides a machining apparatus, and its machining method, having machining tables whose weight do not increase so much even if a number of machining sections such as spindles is increased. One of the machining tables is a rectangular stationary table having a groove in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction on its surface and the other is a rectangular movable table engaged with the groove. The machining apparatus machines a printed circuit board, whose area is larger than that of the movable table, on a mounting surface of the stationary table by changing position of the printed circuit board by moving the movable table and by determining machining position by moving a spindle at position facing the mounting surface of the stationary table.
US08356947B2
An optical connector which enables an operator to easily remove a ferrule from a housing without using a special jig by himself alone. A supporting member that is mounted in a housing in a manner capable of being inserted and removed in a state in which the ferrule is held therein, includes a supporting member main body which is accommodated in the housing, and an operating portion which temporarily releases an engagement between protrusions formed on the supporting member main body and through holes formed in the housing. The operating portion is arranged in a manner protruding outside the housing when the supporting member is mounted in the housing.
US08356943B2
A bearing device for a wheel is capable of suppressing a backlash in a circumferential direction, is excellent in coupling operability of a hub wheel and an outer joint member of a constant velocity universal joint, and is excellent for maintenance by allowing separation of the hub wheel and the outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint. In the bearing device for a wheel, a hub wheel, a double-row roller bearing, and a constant velocity universal joint are unitized together, and the hub wheel and a shaft section of an outer joint member of the constant velocity universal joint are separably coupled with each other through intermediation of a recess-projection fitting structure, the shaft section being inserted in a fitting manner into a hole portion of the hub wheel.
US08356939B2
An annular recess is formed in a vehicle inner side of a wheel rolling bearing device. A protective cover is attached to an inner ring disposed in a bottom side of the recess to protect an annular magnetic encoder. A cover body of the protective cover is formed with an annular first disk portion covering the magnetic encoder, a cylindrical portion extending from a radial outer end of the first disk portion and fitted into an inner circumferential wall of the recess, and a second disk portion extending radially outward from an upper end of the cylindrical portion and covering the end portion of the outer ring located around the recess. The cover body is formed with a to-be-separated portion constituted by at least one of half-cut grooves and perforations extending in a radial direction of the cover body. The cover body is formed with lugs which are projected from the second disk portion.
US08356938B2
A fluid dynamic bearing apparatus includes shaft member 2, housing 7, sleeve portion 8, and sealing portions 9, 10. The housing 7 includes a straight cylindrical inner circumferential surface with a constant diameter and openings at both axial ends thereof. The sleeve portion 8 is provided separately from the housing 7 and fixed to the inner circumferential surface of the housing 7. A radial bearing gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface 8a of the sleeve portion 8 and the outer circumferential surface 2a of the shaft member 2 , and thrust bearing gaps are formed between the end faces 9b, 10b of the sealing portions 9, 10 and the end faces 8b, 8c of the sleeve portion 8 opposing these to support the shaft member 2 in a non-contact manner in the radial direction and in the thrust direction by the hydrodynamic effect of a lubricating oil produced in each bearing gap.
US08356930B2
The invention concerns a dynamometric device (100) indicating the remaining barrel torque in a timepiece including a barrel ratchet (2) cooperating with a ratchet click (3) to keep accumulated, in a mainspring, the energy transmitted by a winding crown, said click (3) which pivots about a pin (10) between a meshed position where a tooth (31) of the ratchet click (3) cooperates with said ratchet (2), and a disengaged position where each tooth (31) of said click (3) withdraws when the ratchet (2) rotates as said barrel is being wound, said click (3) being returned to said ratchet (2) under the action of a spring (4).The invention is characterized in that it includes a strip spring (1) with a resilient arm (8) fixed to the plate, and in that said pin (10) is mounted on a support (12) of said arm (8), at one end of which it has a hand (6) displaying the barrel torque reserve, in cooperation with a torque reserve indicator (5).
US08356929B2
The timepiece movement (1) includes a karussel (4) whose platform carries an escape wheel that cooperates with a balance (7). The platform is driven from the time display mechanism associated with a time-setting mechanism (32). The escape wheel is driven directly from the gear train. In addition to compensating for differences in rate due to gravity, the karussel of the invention proposes a new, complementary role: that of time indicator.
US08356927B1
A universal mixer for mixing two or more components is provided. The mixer comprises two telescopically nested cylinders, the inner cylinder having a piston that stays in place due to hydraulic pressure inside the cylinders. The components to be mixed are inserted into a space formed by the outer cylinder, a cap and a gasket having one or more holes. The user forces the compounds through the holes by holding the handles of the mixer and pushing a back handle forward thereby causing the inner cylinder to move forward. The inner cylinder preferably has a diameter that narrows slightly from its back to front end. Further mixing is achieved by pulling the back handle backwards whereby the components are squeezed between the piston and the gasket and the components move through the holes in the gasket into the container formed by the outer cylinder.
US08356923B2
A lighting system comprising a light source, a fiber rope into which light emitted from the light source is coupled, and a control unit for controlling the optical power of light emitted by the light source to maintain the fiber rope at or below a predetermined upper temperature even if the fiber is partially or fully severed.
US08356915B2
Disclosed is a lighting device that comprises a first body having a first sloping surface toward a reflector; a second body having a second sloping surface toward the reflector; a middle body having an insertion groove formed respectively on both sides of the lower part of the middle body, and allowing the first body and the second body to be coupled to both sides of the middle body by inserting a first hinge and a second hinge into the insertion groove, respectively; and a main light emitting device module disposed on a first sloping surface and a second sloping surface respectively, wherein the first sloping surface and the second sloping surface face outward with respect to the middle body.
US08356913B2
The light-emitting apparatus (1) of the present invention includes: a storage case (12) that includes a base board (10) having a concave portion (10a) and a lid portion (11) covering the concave portion (10a); and a plurality of light-emitting elements (13) that are disposed on an inner surface (12a) of the storage case (12), an opening (11a) is formed in the lid portion (11), at least a part of the inner surface (12a) is a light-reflecting surface that wave-guides light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as light sources to a position directly underneath the opening (11), and a reflecting portion (15) that reflects the light emitted by the light-emitting elements (13) as the light sources toward the opening (11a) is formed directly underneath the opening (11a). Thereby, the light-emitting apparatus having a point light source with high brightness can be provided.
US08356912B2
To improve semiconductor-based systems for generating white light, a phosphor is integrated with an external structure, such as a reflector. A disclosed exemplary system, for illumination applications, utilizes one or more semiconductor devices for emitting radiant energy of a first wavelength. A reflector outside the package of the LED or other semiconductor device has a reflective surface arranged to receive radiant energy from the energy source. At least some of the received radiant energy of the first wavelength excites one or more phosphors associated with an external light processing element, for example, located along the surface of the reflector, to emit light, including visible light energy of at least one second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In the examples, at least some of visible light emitted by the phosphor is reflected by the reflective surface of the reflector and directed to facilitate the particular humanly perceptible luminance or illumination application.
US08356910B2
An adapter for replacing an original battery, light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a first type with a replacement battery light or battery powered device utilizing a battery of a second and different type may comprise first terminals configured similarly to terminals of an original battery, light or battery powered device, second terminals for connecting to a replacement battery, light or battery powered device, and an electronic circuit for controlling charging of the battery of the replacement battery, light or battery powered device connected to the second terminals when a battery charging device for a battery of the first type is connected to the first terminals.
US08356898B2
A fundus camera includes an imaging unit configured to capture a fundus image formed via a photographic optical system, a portion information detection unit configured to detect information about a predetermined portion of a fundus from image data acquired from the imaging unit, and an image generation unit configured to generate an image according to a tone curve which is changed according to a result of a detection performed by the portion information detection unit of the fundus image.
US08356890B2
A pressure regulating valve for an inkjet printer includes a negative pressure generator including a negative pressure chamber, a pressure receiving member, and a pressure device. A sealing valve includes a pressure chamber, a valve element, and a valve element pressing device. A linkage mechanism includes a communication flow chamber and an operating lever swingably provided in the communication flow chamber and including an arm section, a first engagement section, and a second engagement section. A first length of the arm section is greater than a second length of the arm section. The first engagement section is pressed against the pressure receiving member to swing the operating lever and the second engagement section moves the valve element to open the sealing valve when the pressure receiving member is moved inwardly with respect to the negative pressure chamber against a force applied by the pressure device.
US08356887B2
Provided are a piezoelectric element that can effectively utilize a piezoelectric constant d15 to increase a deflection displacement of a vibrating plate, and devices using the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; a vibrating plate that is in contact with the first electrode; a piezoelectric film provided between the first electrode and the second electrode; at least one recess formed on the second electrode side of the piezoelectric film; and a third electrode formed on an inner side wall of the at least one recess, in which the third electrode is connected to the second electrode.
US08356884B2
An inkjet printhead integrated circuit (IC) includes: a substrate having a drive circuitry layer; a plurality of nozzle assemblies disposed on an upper surface of the substrate and arranged in one or more nozzle rows extending longitudinally along the printhead IC; a nozzle plate extending across the printhead IC; and a conductive track fused to the nozzle plate which extends longitudinally along the printhead IC and parallel with the nozzle rows. The conductive track is connected to a common reference plane in the drive circuitry layer via a plurality of conductor posts extending between the drive circuitry layer and the conductive track.
US08356880B2
In order to efficiently perform preliminary ejection of ink at a bend of an ink circulation passage, the number of preliminary ejections of a nozzle group located on the outer side of the bend is set larger than the number of preliminary ejections of a nozzle group located in the middle of the bend.
US08356876B2
There is a first process of pressurizing the liquid introduced into the discharge pipe by driving a pump device and transferring the liquid to one end side of the discharge pipe; a second process of applying an electric field between a liquid reception unit, which is disposed to face the surface of the nozzle openings of the liquid ejecting head in a non-contact state, communicates with the other end side of the discharge pipe and is ejected with liquid from the nozzles, and the surface of the nozzle openings; a third process of detecting a change in voltage based on electrostatic induction when the pressurizing of the liquid in the discharge pipe due to the pump device is released; and a fourth process of detecting the discharge state of the liquid from the discharge pipe on the basis of detection result of the change in voltage.
US08356870B2
A label printer can reliably print an object in a desired position in the printing area of a recording medium. The label printer has a carriage that moves bi-directionally in a main scanning direction over a disc-shaped recording medium; a printer tray that is disposed movably in a subscanning direction with the recording medium placed thereon; an ink head that is disposed to the carriage and prints a desired object by discharging ink to a printing area on the recording medium in conjunction with movement of the carriage in the main scanning direction and movement of the printer tray in the subscanning direction; a detection unit that is disposed to the carriage and detects a reference position alignment mark that indicates a position used as a reference for appropriately printing the object in the printing area of the recording medium; and a printing position control unit that rotates the recording medium so that the object is printed in the printing area of the recording medium based on the reference position alignment mark detection result from the detection unit.
US08356867B2
An inkjet image forming apparatus includes a print head, an ink tank to store ink, an ink feeding path to feed the ink from the ink tank to the print head, a filter disposed on the ink feeding path, and a press unit disposed on the ink feeding path between the filter and the print head, to press the ink present in the ink feeding path toward the ink tank. The press unit repeats a first operation to press the ink in the ink feeding path toward the ink tank, and a second operation to suck the ink in the ink feeding path.
US08356866B2
A refrigerator with a door opening device. The door opening device includes a first rotating frame and a second rotating frame rotatably hinged to an upper end and a lower end of the door, a handle extended in the longitudinal direction of the door, and provided with one end connected to one end of the first rotating frame and the other end connected to one end of the second rotating frame, and a stopper unit to selectively restrict rotation of at least one of the first rotating frame and the second rotating frame relative to the door.
US08356864B2
The invention relates to an immobilization device for locking a furniture part that is movably supported in or on a piece of furniture, particularly a drawer, in a closed end position. The device includes at least one locking unit, which has a receiving element for an engagement element and a blocking mechanism for the releasable fixation of the receiving element in a position that locks the engagement element when the movable furniture part is in the closed end position. The receiving element or the engagement element is disposed on the furniture, and the other element is disposed on the moved furniture part. The locking unit has an overload safety mechanism, which includes at least two parts connected movably to each other.
US08356863B2
Disclosed is a headrest support composed of a tube having means for receiving a headrest and a recess for joining to a seat. In order to guarantee flexible production, it is provided that a body is inserted into the tube in the area of the recess.
US08356862B2
An adjustment mechanism and an inclination-adjustable seat are provided. The inclination-adjustable seat comprises a connecting base, a seat frame, at least one adjustment mechanism and a supporting base, wherein the seat frame is connected to the connecting base, the adjustment mechanism is adapted to adjust the inclination of the inclination-adjustable seat and is connected to the seat frame and the connecting base, and the supporting base is connected to the connecting base for supporting the connecting base.
US08356859B2
The present invention relates to a reinforcement assembly for a beam. In at least one embodiment, the reinforcement assembly comprises a carrier member having a front side and a back side, a plurality of mass support sections, and at least one bendable portion disposed between adjacent mass support sections. Each mass support section has an opening extending from the front side to the back side, and a plurality of heat activated expandable masses supported on both the front side and the back side of the carrier member. Each heat activated expandable mass is positioned over a mass support section and each heat activated expandable mass is disposed on the front side being connected through the opening to a corresponding heat activated expandable mass on the back side.
US08356858B2
A cabin mounting structure is applied to construction machinery in which a cabin for riding a driver is mounted on a vehicle body, the cabin mounting structure including: an up and down directional vibration damping unit for damping up and down directional vibration of the cabin, the up and down directional vibration damping unit being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body; and a front and rear directional vibration damping unit for damping front and rear directional vibration of the cabin, the front and rear directional vibration damping unit 3 being mounted between the cabin and the vehicle body, wherein the cabin is connected to the vehicle body to be relatively movable in a front and rear direction.
US08356853B2
A storage compartment is provided for a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a motor vehicle seat. The storage compartment further includes, but is not limited to a movable element, a cargo space in the motor vehicle defined with the movable element that is at least partially bordered by the motor vehicle seat and situated with respect to the motor vehicle seat, and a wall bordering the cargo space in at least one direction and detachably coupled with the movable element with a coupling element so that the wall moves with the movable element.
US08356852B2
A storage compartment within an automotive vehicle rear body closure, such as a hatch or trunk, is accessed through a door that serves as a license plate attachment panel. The door may be part of a tub hinged along its lower edge and that occupies the storage compartment when the door is closed.
US08356849B2
A handling tool for handling a pellicle which is used in the lithography carried out in a manufacturing process of semiconductor devices, comprising a handle, a main shaft connected with a fore-end of the handle to form a T-shaped part, two parallel arms protruding forward from the both ends of the said main shaft orthogonally to form a U-shaped part, and four pellicle frame holders of which two are each provided on the inward side surface of each arm respectively, wherein the arms are designed in a manner such that they are both capable of moving towards and away from each other so as to be able to adjust the arm-to-arm distance, and the said holders are provided so that they can grasp the frame's side surfaces at the four corners of the pellicle frame when the said arms are closed.
US08356847B1
One embodiment of a typing aid (1) of the type having two identical halves, or identical typing units (10) and (11), which are attached to one another with a flexible attachment device (6). Each said identical typing unit consists of a protruding segment (4), an impact tip (5), one or more anchoring devices (3) and a gripping appendage (2) assembled so that said protruding segment and said impact tip extend away from the base of said gripping appendage. Other embodiments are described and shown.
US08356845B2
A scoop device having a scoop and a handle with an articulated connection that allows for a sift plate to be operated by manual manipulation of an actuator bar. The actuator bar is operatively connected to the sift plate by means of a reciprocating bar in an articulating manner. The sift plate is positioned to slide along the bottom of the scoop. The actuator bar, which is contained within and a part of the handle, may be spring biased. The scoop bottom and sift plate may include slotted openings. Manipulation of the actuator bar causes the reciprocating bar to rotate, in turn causing the sift plate to move back and forth, thereby sifting, straining or otherwise separating fresh particulate from scoop.
US08356840B2
A marking device that is supported by a personal mobility vehicle, such as a scooter, is movable from a first position, in which the marking device does not contact the riding surface, and a second position, in which the marking device contacts the riding surface. The marking device includes an attachment portion and a marking portion that creates markings on the riding surface as a result of frictional contact with the riding surface. The marking device can also include an actuation portion which is accessible to the user and allows the user to move the marking device to the second position. In one arrangement, the marking device includes an elastic marking member which is configured to bend in order to maintain contact with the riding surface.
US08356836B2
A knee bolster for mounting within a vehicle includes a curved bracket mounted to an associated cross beam of the vehicle. The knee bolster further includes a knee panel member mounted to the curved bracket at a location spaced from the associated cross beam. The knee panel member exhibits a variable load response for a contact location when the contact location varies between a lower portion of the knee panel member and an upper portion of the knee panel member.
US08356819B2
The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove is an axial bore groove extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the seal ring segment in fluid communication with the dead end circumferential groove so as to direct fluid flow generated from a rotating shaft into the dead end circumferential groove. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.
US08356818B2
A durable reusable target apparatus with on-target visual display is described. In embodiments of the invention, pie-shaped target sectors surround a bull's eye sector. Each sector may be associated with one or more illuminated display segments. The display segments are visible at a distance, enabling shooters to determine the sector hit, and to adjust a next shot without looking away, thereby improving shooter proficiency. Various training mode are available. Methods for determining the target sector impacted and algorithms for asserting the correct display segment(s) are described. By utilizing on-target display segments, embodiments of the invention enable the shooter to ascertain the accuracy of the shot without looking away from the sights on the firearm or from the target.
US08356813B2
A paper feeder assembly for an image forming apparatus is configured to sandwich a sheet of paper between a roller and an opposing pressing member and feed the sheet of paper by the roller being rotated. The paper feeder assembly includes a pressure variable member for varying pressurized contact force between the roller and the pressing member. In conjunction with ON/OFF action of a power supply switch provided in a main body of the image forming apparatus, the pressure variable member ensures pressurized contact force enough to fix an image when the power supply switch is turned on, whereas the pressure variable member operates to separate the roller and the pressing member from each other when the power supply switch is turned off.
US08356811B2
A storage film feed feeds a storage film from a flexible sleeve open on one side at a rear side in a storage film detection device. The storage film feed has a feed opening with a penetration gap for the storage film and a slide located in the feed opening for fixing the sleeve. The slide is disposed perpendicular to a flat side of the sleeve. The storage film feed further has a stopping member for the slide, the flat side of the sleeve rests against the stopping member when the slide is actuated.
US08356807B2
A dual rate shock absorbing apparatus for a suspension system of a heavy off-road vehicle including a housing having two axially elongated members. A dual rate spring package is disposed in the housing. Such spring package includes a first spring assembly for absorbing, dissipating and returning a first predetermined level of energy imparted to the shock absorbing apparatus. One end of the first spring assembly acts against a closed end of the housing and a second end acts against a spring seat. A second spring assembly absorbs, dissipates and returns a second predetermined level of energy. One end of the second spring assembly acts against an opposed closed end of the housing and a second end acts against the spring seat. An axially elongated guide assembly, extending substantially the cumulative length of the first and second spring assemblies, controls axial compression of the first and second spring assemblies. An operable length of the guide assembly is automatically adjustable to the length of the housing during operation of the shock absorbing apparatus. An apparatus for monitoring loads applied to the shock absorbing apparatus is also provided.
US08356805B2
A carburetor for an internal combustion engine has a carburetor housing and a mixture forming passage provided in the carburetor housing. A throttle and a choke valve are rotatably arranged in the mixture forming passage on a throttle shaft and a choke shaft, respectively. A lever arrangement has a throttle adjusting lever mounted on the throttle shaft and a choke adjusting lever mounted on the choke shaft. The throttle valve and the choke valve are adjustable in several operating positions and the lever arrangement assumes appropriate positions corresponding to the operational positions, respectively. A release device for releasing a locking action between the throttle adjusting lever and the choke adjusting lever when an emergency stop is actuated is provided. A spring forcing the choke adjusting lever in a direction toward an engagement plane with the throttle adjusting lever.
US08356801B2
A fence panel, a method of erecting the same, and a corresponding fence panel kit having a plurality of pickets and a plurality of multi-element rails. The rails include anchor strips that are pivotally pre-attached to the plurality of pickets, resulting in a subassembly that can be folded to an initial compact, folded configuration of the pickets and anchor strips. The subassembly can be unfolded, allowing elongate picket positioning strips to be mounted onto the pickets and the anchor strips. Locking strips are then mounted onto the anchor strips, securing the picket positioning strips in place and completing the assembly of the multi-element rail.
US08356799B2
A stake removal device is provided. The device includes a proximal end for engaging a stake and distal end for engaging the user's hand. The device further includes an elongated intermediate portion in connection with the proximal and distal ends.
US08356798B2
A method for manufacturing aggregated resin particles, includes: preparing a microreactor that includes a first flow channel, a second flow channel, and a confluent flow channel, to which the first flow channel and the second flow channel merge; introducing a first fluid that contains resin particles dispersed therein into the first flow channel; introducing a second fluid that contains an aggregating agent into the second flow channel; feeding the first and second fluids so that a feed amount per unit time of the second fluid is greater than a feed amount per unit time of the first fluid, so as to form a laminar flow, in which the first fluid and the second fluid are merged, in the confluent flow channel; and forming aggregated resin particles by aggregating the resin particles.
US08356792B2
A sub sea actuator including an actuator housing. An activating element is movably arranged between activating and deactivating positions, respectively. A return spring is supported in the actuator housing to move the activating element into the deactivating position. The sub sea actuator includes an SMA element supported in the actuator housing and arranged with a temperature elevator configured to control a temperature of the SMA element. The SMA element acts on the activating element to move the activating element into the activating position against the force of the return spring in result of a rise in the temperature of the SMA element.
US08356788B2
A human impact protection apparatus includes a body portion formed of a first resilient material and a plurality of members protruding radially outward from the body portion. The plurality of members are formed of a second resilient material which is the same as or different from the first resilient material. The plurality of members are adjacent one another and are separated by one or more spaces. An adhesive material or a mechanical fastener is disposed about one or both of the body portion and the plurality of members, whereby the apparatus may be affixed to a surface.
US08356784B2
A method and fixtures for holding natural or artificial material which can be used by hunters or other nature observers to construct a camouflage screen. The fixture may include a clamp which can be attached to any existing stand, support structure or other tree branch as necessary to obtain optimal concealment, or a stake which can be anchored in the ground. Each clamp has two branch holders, which may be arranged at alternating angles or rotatably connected to the clamp. Each stake may have one or more branch holders, which may be fixed or rotatable. The branch holders may have set screws with knobs permitting branches to be secured at the optimal angle and position to conceal the hunter or nature observer and to resemble the growth pattern of natural foliage. The branch holders may also be rotatable to allow the user to further customize the camouflage screen.
US08356772B2
A lightweight structure is disclosed, in particular a lightweight structure for an aircraft which is formed from a large number of components which can be joined together by weld joining processes. According to the invention, the lightweight structure has a component thickness which is increased corresponding to the loads in the joint region of the at least one welded joint compared to a thickness of the component outside the joint region.
US08356767B2
A dispenser for sequentially dispensing web material from a plurality of rolls includes a carousel rotatably mounted in a dispenser body. The carousel includes a plurality of roll holders that extend parallel to an axis of rotation of the carousel. The carousel includes a sensor that senses whether a roll of web material on one of roll holders is depleted or substantially depleted. A movable trigger latch blocks rotation of the carousel until the roll of web material on the current roll holder is depleted or substantially depleted; at that point, the carousel rotates by gravity in a first direction.
US08356765B2
A motorized yarn-winding drum holds a plurality of loops of yarn wound thereon and is driven to rotate for drawing said yarn from a reel and feeding it to a general downstream machine. A movable guiding member is biased to slideably engage the yarn unwinding from the drum and to deviate its path, by a spring acting in contrast to the tension of the yarn, thereby generating a reserve releasable in response to tension peaks on the yarn. The stroke of the guiding member is limited by a stop defining a position of maximum deviation of the yarn. The spring has one end operatively connected to the guiding member and one opposite end connected to driving elements operable for applying a load to the spring, with the guiding member abutting against said stop. The driving elements are controlled by a control unit which is programmed to adjust the load as a function of a desired feeding tension.
US08356762B2
It is an object to effectively reduce minute clearances generated between a heat radiating member and a vehicle body and ensure good cooling performance while avoiding the occurrence of impact and noise caused by the vibration of a vehicle. A circuit unit U is mounted such that an outer surface 11B of the heat radiating member 10 to which the circuit body 30 is fixed faces a body surface S of the vehicle with a clearance. Preferably, the mounting part 12 fixed to the body of the vehicle is extended, the surface 13 of the mounting part 12 which is in contact with the body is positioned to be substantially parallel to the outer surface 11B of the heat radiating member and a step is provided in both surfaces 13, 11B. In a mounted state, the body and the outer surface 11B of the heat radiating member are facing each other in a substantially parallel state and a clearance is formed between the body and the outer surface of the heat radiating member over the entire area excluding the mounting part 12.
US08356745B2
The invention relates to an enclosure of the type including a base (6), at least one side wall (7) and an upper lid (8) defining a decontamination volume (9), wherein one of said side walls (7) comprises an access opening (10) to the decontamination volume (9) extending up to the upper lid (8), the upper lid (8) including a cable passage (12) open towards said opening and a cable suspension member (14) through said cable passage. The enclosure includes a means (18) for reading an electronic identification label (17) provided on a cable (5) of the medical instrument.
US08356743B2
A carton can comprise a plurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interior of the carton and comprises a top panel, a bottom panel, a first side panel, and a second side panel. A plurality of end flaps are respectively foldably connected to respective panels of the plurality of panels and at least partially form a closed end of the carton. The plurality of end flaps can comprise a top end flap foldably connected to the top panel. A reinforcing insert can comprise a central panel, a reinforcing end flap, and a reinforcing side flap. The central panel at least partially overlaps the top panel, the reinforcing side flap is foldably connected to the central panel, and the reinforcing end flap comprises a proximal portion foldably, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The distal at least partially overlaps the top end flap.
US08356742B2
In a connecting material of the present invention, a Zn series alloy layer is formed on an outermost surface of an Al series alloy layer. In particular, in the connecting material, an Al content of the Al series alloy layer is 99 to 100 wt. % or a Zn content of the Zn series alloy layer is 90 to 100 wt. %. By using this connecting material, the formation of an Al oxide film on the surface of the connecting material at the time of the connection can be suppressed, and preferable wetness that cannot be obtained with the Zn—Al alloy can be obtained. Further, a high connection reliability can be achieved when an Al series alloy layer is left after the connection, since the soft Al thereof functions as a stress buffer material.
US08356737B2
An identification apparatus and methods of use are presented. Embodiments include a loop of flexible material, having an exterior surface. Indicia, identifying an organization, is displayed on at least a portion of the exterior surface. A container is provided to store the loop of flexible material. Some embodiments couple the container with a belt or other article of clothing or clothing accessory. The loop of flexible material may be coupled with the container. The container may serve as an anchoring point for one or more methods of displaying the loop of flexible material. Some methods of use position the loop of flexible material over portions of a user's body. Some methods of use permit one hand operation of the apparatus.
US08356735B1
An apparatus which may include a first subsection having a first top end and a second top end, and a second subsection having a first top end and a second top end. A first line from the first top end of the first subsection to the second top end of the first subsection, and a second line from the first top end of the second subsection to the second top end of the second subsection, may be at a first angle with respect to the second line. The second top end of the first subsection may be fixed to the first top end of the second subsection. The apparatus may further include a first hollow tube, and a device for moving the first hollow tube along the first and second subsections to put a sock on or to take a sock off a leg of a person.
US08356730B2
A beverage dispensing system includes a base to which a dispensing head is removably attached without additional fasteners. Beverage-forming liquids are supplied through a plurality of separate conduits in the base. Each base conduit has a normally closed valve that normally blocks fluid flow. The dispensing head has at least one passageway that receives liquid from an associated one of the base conduits. A projection associated with each dispensing head passageway opens the associated conduit valve to allow fluid flow from the base to the head. Dispensing valves in the dispensing head regulate the dispensing of the beverage. By selectively opening the dispensing valves, a plurality of beverages are formed from combinations of one or more liquids. A dispensing head includes an inlet opening and an outlet opening at each end of a passage extending through a body, the inlet opening having a smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet opening.
US08356726B2
A cooking vessel for cooking foodstuff includes a base having an outer sidewall, a generally hollow interior and a generally open top. A lid is removably mounted to the base and complimentarily covers the open top of the base in a first position. A mounting support is attached to the outer sidewall of the base. A lid holder is removably mounted to the mounting support. The lid holder supports the lid in a second position. The open top of the base at least partially exposing the hollow interior when the lid is in the second position.
US08356724B2
An expansion tank (28) comprising a passage (34) with a an inlet aperture (34a) for liquid replenishment of the expansion tank (28), a cover (32) which in a non-fitted state leaves the passage (34) clear and in a fitted state closes the passage (34), and a first expansion chamber (29) for receiving liquid which circulates in a first system (A). The expansion tank (28) includes a second expansion chamber (30) for receiving liquid which circulates in a second system (B) and said passage (34) divides, at a distance from the inlet aperture (34a), into a first branch (34b) which leads liquid to the first expansion chamber (29) and a second branch (34c) which leads liquid to the second expansion chamber (30).
US08356723B2
The present invention provides a portable ice chest having an improved foot operated lid or lid arrangement. The foot operated linkages are spaced away from the food holding compartment of the ice chest, being provided at end portions or in side panels of a container body. In one embodiment, a single lid or cover is provided. In another embodiment, a pair of lids or covers are provided.
US08356717B2
Hydrophilic porous substrates, methods of making hydrophilic porous substrates from hydrophobic polymers are disclosed.
US08356713B2
A retainer includes a frame, a pair of first elastic parts projected from a pair of opposing parts of the frame so as to approach to each other, and a second elastic part that is supported at the bent free ends of the paired first elastic parts to hold a substrate. The outside end of the second elastic part is positioned outside the free end of the first elastic part and closer to the opposing part of the frame. Also, first and second holds for holding the rim of the substrate are formed apart from each other. The second hold is positioned on the outer end side of the second elastic part from the first hold.
US08356702B2
An oscillation damper (3) which is designed for being mounted on a housing (2) of a hand-held power tool (1) and includes an oscillating damping mass (4); and at least one spring (5) located completely, with respect to its axial length, within the damping mass (4) for axially compressively preloading the damping mass (4) against the housing (2) of the power tool (1).
US08356700B2
An actuator having a frame which is fixed to an electric motor; a gear drive for transmitting motion from the motor to a drive shaft between two predetermined positions, and a brake consisting of a coil spring, having, when relaxed, an inside diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of a support shaft that is fixed relative to the gear drive, and around which the spring is coiled, each of the two free ends of the spring being arranged in a respective slot, formed in the frame.
US08356699B2
A toe guard (1) for an elevator car (2), said toe guard comprising a movable panel (3). The panel (3) comprises a first panel part (10) which, being guided and supported by guide tracks (5), is movable substantially between a drawn-out position on a landing floor and a stowed-away position under the car. In addition, the panel comprises a second panel part (11) which, guided by the first panel part (10), is telescopically movable between a retracted extreme position where the first and second panel parts are disposed in a mutually nested and/or superposed relationship, and an extended extreme position where the first and second panel parts are disposed substantially in a mutually adjacent relationship. When the toe guard is moved from the stowaway position into the operative position, it assumes steplessly a suitable length between the aforesaid retracted extreme position and the aforesaid extended extreme position, depending in each case on the height position (h) of the elevator car (2) having stopped between floors relative to the landing floor (6).
US08356685B2
In an arrangement for strengthening the road grip for a vehicle, particularly for a passenger car, air can be sucked from a vacuum chamber arranged under the vehicle and closed off with respect to the ambient atmosphere. As a result, a vacuum can be generated in a vacuum chamber arranged in a braking plate, and the latter can be changed from an inoperative position away from the ground into a operative position close to the ground, as a result of the generated vacuum.
US08356679B2
A rotary drill bit having blades with gage pads disposed on exterior portions thereof to improve steerability of the rotary drill bit during formation of a directional wellbore without sacrifice of lateral stability. One or more of the gage pads may include radially tapered exterior portions and/or cut out portions to assist with reducing wear of the associated gage pad. For some applications, a rotary drill bit may be formed having blades with gage pads having a relatively uniform exterior surface. Hard facing material and/or buttons may be disposed on exterior portions of the gage pad to form a radially tapered portion to improve steerability, reduce wear of the gage pad and/or improve ability of the rotary drill to form a wellbore having a generally uniform inside diameter, particularly during directional drilling of the wellbore.
US08356673B2
A down-hole tool provided with a transmitter system for inducing a transient electromagnetic field in an earth formation has an induction coil with a number of windings to generate essentially a magnetic dipole field. The number of windings is divided into two or more groups of windings arranged to cooperatively generate the essentially magnetic dipole field when energized. Switching means are arranged to essentially simultaneously terminate the energizing of the groups of windings. The groups of windings are electrically isolated from each other or connected in parallel to each other, at least when the energizing is terminated. A transient electromagnetic field may thus be induced in an earth formation by essentially simultaneously terminating energizing each group of windings by operating the switching means. A transient electromagnetic response signal may be recorded, and used in a method of producing a mineral hydrocarbon fluid.
US08356669B2
A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.
US08356661B1
For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system and novel seal configuration.
US08356647B2
A pneumatic tire in which the average peel strength between the surface of (A) a layer of a single-layered or multi-layered film of a thermoplastic resin and (B) a rubbery elastic layer, which are used as the inner liner layer, is 6 kN/m or greater at −20° C., i.e., a pneumatic tire exhibiting excellent average peel strength between the surface of layer (A) and layer (B), which are used in combination as the inner liner layer exhibiting excellent gas barrier property and flexibility, at a low temperature and at the room temperature, is provided.
US08356644B2
A transfer guard may provide a fluid path from a vial to a reservoir containing a plunger head connected to a plunger arm operatively engagable with a handle that at least partially covers a casing configured to allow the handle to operatively engage the plunger arm to move the plunger head to transfer fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir.A support structure may have a chamber, a first adapter for mating with a vial containing fluidic media, and a second adapter for mating with a reservoir containing a plunger head moveable within the reservoir. A first needle may provide a fluid path from the vial to the reservoir and a second needle may connect the vial and the chamber containing an air flow control mechanism for allowing air to flow in one direction.
US08356641B2
A tensioning device is provided that includes a separable punching and cutting mechanism. Provided is an impact head that holds a buckle while the band that resides within the buckle is tensioned. After a predetermined tension is achieved, a mechanism is used to lock the band with respect to the buckle then to cut the band. Various data related to tension and cutting performance may also be outputted by the invention.
US08356637B2
A supply hose includes a core tube, a first layer, a second layer, and a sheath. The core tube defines a hollow interior that surrounds a central axis and is configured to transport fluid therethrough. The first layer and/or the second layer provide tensile strength to the supply line. The first layer is disposed about the core tube and includes a plurality of first fibers. The first fibers are braided about the core tube at a first angle, relative to the central axis. The second layer is disposed directly on the exterior surface of the first layer and includes a plurality of second fibers. The second fibers are braided about the exterior surface of the first layer at a second angle, relative to the central axis. The sheath may be disposed about the second layer.
US08356635B2
The invention relates to a fluid transport device for incorporating in a structure that is not electrically insulating, in particular being made of a composite and including an electrically resistive tube, with conductive end pieces including means for fastening to said structure, wherein the tube comprises a central section having resistance of less than 10*4Ω per meter of length and two end sections, at least one of which presents effective resistance lying in the range of 10 Ωk to 500 Ωk and terminating in an end coupling; at least one conductive end piece and an end section having a said effective resistance lying in the range of 100 Ωk to 500 Ωk, said effective resistance being defined as the value of the resistance of the end section between the central section and the conductive element.
US08356634B2
A conduit system having a conduit with an elongate body having a length between spaced first and second ends and bounding a passageway for communication of flowable material between the first and second spaced ends. The conduit has first and second end fittings connected respectively at the first and second ends of the body. An elongate element has a length and extends between the first and second ends of the body. The elongate element has a construction that resists elongation under applied lengthwise tensile forces to a greater extent than the body. The elongate element is connected to each of the first and second end fittings and is substantially unconnected to the body over a substantial length thereof so that elongation of the body is resisted by the elongate element.
US08356630B2
A valve is provided including a first valve member and a second valve member. The first valve member includes a first step and a first orifice adjacent the first step. The second valve member includes a second step and a second orifice adjacent the second step. The second valve member is movable relative to the first valve member between an open position, in which the first orifice is fluidly connected the second orifice, and a closed position, in which the first orifice is substantially fluidly disconnected from the second orifice. The first and second steps are fluidly connected to the second orifice and substantially fluidly disconnected from the first orifice when the second valve member is in the closed position, and the first and second steps are fluidly connected to the first and second orifices when the second valve member is in the open position.
US08356629B2
A multiway cock has a cock body, a cock member, and a cover. The cock body has a circular tube part that has a first portion and a second portion arranged parallel to each other along the axis of the circular tube part. A first port and a second port are formed in the outer periphery of the first portion, and a third port, a fourth port, a fifth port, and a sixth port are formed in the outer periphery of the second portion. The cock member has a barrel part in which a first flow passage and a second flow passage are formed, a lever installation part, and a lever. Opening or closing of the first to sixth ports formed in the first portion and the second portion can be selected by rotating the cock member.
US08356628B2
An electronic bypass system for a water softener having a raw water inlet and a bypass outlet, having a valve assembly associated with the water softener including at least one piston and a controller in communication with the at least one piston. The at least one piston is configured for automatically controlling water flow in a conduit between the raw water inlet and the bypass outlet in response to a signal sent from the controller.
US08356617B2
A poppet valve includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. A poppet is located in the housing and includes a poppet body which blocks the outlet port when the valve is in a closed position and a poppet tip disposed at a distal end of the poppet body. The poppet tip includes at least one tip flow channel extending substantially along a poppet axis to meter flow therethrough as the valve is moved from a closed position. A method of controlling a flow includes translating a poppet located in a valve housing in a first direction along a poppet axis. At least one poppet flow channel extends across a valve inlet port via translation of the poppet. A fluid is flowed from the inlet port through a first flow area defined by the at least one poppet flow channel extending across the inlet port.
US08356616B2
Some water drain valves tend to fill with water which may freeze, thereby jamming the valve. This invention provides an aircraft water drain valve comprising a passageway, a shaft, a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The shaft is moveable between an open position in which the first and second sealing members are arranged to allow free passage of fluid through the passageway, and a closed position in which both the first and second sealing members are arranged to prevent free passage of fluid through the passageway thereby preventing ingress of fluid into the region between the first and second sealing members. Thus water may be hindered from collecting and freezing in the part of the valve close to the cold wall of the fuel tank.
US08356614B2
One possible embodiment could be a self-defense walking stick and a process of operating same, the stick comprising of a shaft having two ends, a first end and a second end; a grip having a body with a top end and a bottom end, the top end having a top aperture connected to a top open-ended channel, the bottom end having a bottom aperture connected to a bottom open-ended channel that receives the first end of the shaft; an aerosol irritant dispensing canister comprising of a pressurized cylinder of irritant connected to activating and dispensing mechanisms, wherein a portion of the canister is retained within the top open-ended channel to expose the activating and dispensing mechanisms above the top end; and a tip connecting to the second end to interact with a surface of a ground being traversed by the operator using the stick.
US08356611B2
A healthy sun-like rays umbrella includes at least one UV blue light emission device and a means for mounting the at least one UV blue light emission device onto at least one stretcher of the umbrella. At least one person using the umbrella will receive the benefits of the at least one UV blue light emission device for a seasonal affective disorder and a more versatile way to increase vitamin D levels.
US08356610B2
A dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher having a detergent-solution pump for pumping dirty washing liquid out of a washing compartment; a discharge line connected to the detergent-solution pump on a pressure side thereof; a venting shaft located above the topmost liquid level of the washing compartment in fluid communication with the discharge line; and a first valve operationally disposed within the venting shaft, with the first valve being closed when the detergent-solution pump is operating and open when the detergent-solution pump is not operating, the dishwasher comprising a bypass line for operationally connecting the detergent-solution pump and discharge line, with the bypass line operationally venting the detergent-solution pump.
US08356605B2
Methods, devices, tools, instruments and systems for treating a patient to induce weight loss. In one method embodiment, a device, including an expandable member in a collapsed configuration, is passed through an opening in the skin of the patient, and into the abdominal cavity of the patient. At least a portion of the expandable member is anchored relative to at least one structure in the abdominal cavity, without piercing the stomach. The expandable member is expanded to an expanded configuration in a space in the abdominal cavity to perform at least one of: prevention of expansion of the stomach of the patient into the space; and compression of a portion of the stomach.
US08356603B2
In certain embodiments, an apparatus for treating a breathing condition includes a body, a threaded member, a hook, and a receiver. The body comprises a front stop, a rear stop, and a guide extending between the stops. The threaded member couples between the stops and rotates relative to the body. The hook couples to the guide, comprises a threaded passage and an arm that engages a lower arch, and travels in a forward direction along the guide to adjust the position of the lower arch. The receiver couples to the lower arch and comprises a shelf that engages the arm of the hook. The apparatus may include an extender coupled to the receiver and providing a shelf that is more rearward than the shelf of the receiver. The apparatus may include a post that couples the apparatus to another device. In certain embodiments, a removable receiver, which may be one of a plurality of removable receivers with different dimensions, is removably positioned within a recess in a posterior surface of a lower arch and is engaged by a connector of an upper arch to define the relative positions of the arches.
US08356600B2
Contraceptive and/or sterilization methods and devices are disclosed which may improve the speed of tubal occlusion and mechanisms for anchoring for a contraceptive device. In accordance with some embodiments, improvements may be made to the delivery catheter to induce trauma and create faster tubal occlusion, improvements may be made to the occlusion device to prevent migration and induce trauma, and improvements may be made to the occlusion device to reduce the total volume of in-growth required compared to conventional expansive occlusion devices.
US08356597B2
Airway devices and tube securing devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using airway devices and tube securing devices are also disclosed.
US08356593B2
A delivery tube assembly for delivering a breathing gas to a patient, the delivery tube includes a first lumen having an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The lumen is configured to deliver the breathing gas from the upstream portion to the downstream portion. A second lumen is configured to flow an insulating gas around the first lumen. A method of insulating a breathing gas with an insulating gas and discharging the insulating gas to atmosphere is also disclosed.
US08356590B2
The present disclosure relates to a wire and a method of forming a wire including an iron based glass forming alloy including iron present in the range of 43.0 to 68.0 atomic percent, boron present in the range of 12.0 to 19.0 atomic percent, nickel present in the range of 15.0 to 17.0 atomic percent, cobalt present in the range of 2.0 to 21.0 atomic percent, optionally carbon present in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 atomic percent and optionally silicon present in the range of 0.4 to 4.0 atomic percent, wherein said wire has a thickness of 140 μm or less and wherein said wire includes spinodal glass matrix microconstituents. The wire may be used in abrading a substrate.
US08356588B2
A system, in one embodiment, includes a combustion-based system having a combustion chamber. The system also includes an ignition control system. The ignition control system includes an ignition device coupled to the combustion chamber, control circuitry having an energy storage device configured to supply energy to the ignition device to produce an ignition event having a desired energy level, and a controller configured to obtain a target voltage across the energy storage device and to discharge an ignition energy from the energy storage device after obtaining the target voltage, wherein the ignition control system is configured to supply the ignition energy to the ignition device to produce the ignition event.
US08356587B2
A positive crankcase ventilation valve assembly including a housing having a fluid inlet and outlet. A poppet valve is arranged in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet and is movable in a axial direction between a plurality of positions. The positions respectively define a plurality of fluid flow rates. A plurality of ribs extend radially from either the poppet valve and the housing in an axial direction. The ribs define a bearing surface between the housing and the poppet valve. In this manner, the poppet valve is supported within the housing with a reduced bearing surface area while aligning the poppet valve relative to the housing throughout its movement between the positions. In another embodiment, the poppet valve is eliminated to prevent problems associated with an improperly operating poppet valve. A diaphragm is arranged in the housing between the fluid inlet and outlet. The diaphragm has an orifice, which may be defined by a hole and a plurality of slots extending outwardly from the hole, defining first and second areas, respectively, in first and second positions. The first and second positions respectively define first and second fluid flow rates. The diaphragm moves axially in response to pressure fluctuations on the valve, which changes the area of the orifice to vary the flow rate through the orifice.
US08356586B2
The present invention provides an apparatus and method for rotationally controlling a bearing assembly using a geared coupling system in combination with a supercharger including an input shaft. Generally, the geared coupling system includes a bearing assembly rotatably supporting a high speed shaft associated with an impeller, the bearing assembly including at least one inner bearing and at least one outer bearing; a drive gear associated with the input shaft and including a plurality of engaging members; and a geared coupler extending from a towards a plurality of engaging members adapted for engagement with the low speed gear, the geared coupler presenting an inner surface for receiving said inner bearing and an outer surface for receiving said outer bearing.
US08356581B2
A power pack has an electrically controlled internal combustion engine which is provided with a turbo charger which is immersed in liquid coolant to reduce the risk of a spark therefrom igniting combustible gas in the ambient atmosphere.
US08356572B2
A clamping unit for depositing a thin film solar cell and a signal feed-in method are provided. The clamping unit comprises an electrode plate module, a signal feed-in module (201), and a supporting frame. The electrode plate module is set with a shielding cover (204). The signal feed-in module (201) comprises a waist section and a head section, wherein the head section is a rectangular-shaped signal feed-in surface. The head section of the signal feed-in module (201) is surface contacted with and is connected to the feed-in port of the electrode plate module. The feed-in port is set on the concave rectangular surface which is arranged in the central region of the back side of the cathode plate of the electrode plate module. The clamping unit can effectively remove standing wave effect and skin effect, improve the yields and reduce the costs.
US08356571B2
An applicator is disclosed for applying a coating agent, such as a sealant, to a component, such as a flanged seam of a motor vehicle body component. The applicator includes a nozzle for delivering the coating agent on to the component and a carrier. The carrier may be guided by a multiple-axis robot in operation, with a joint located kinematically between the carrier and the nozzle, thereby permitting the nozzle to move to avoid contact with a component being coated.
US08356568B1
A boarding ladder, designed for dock access, which may be securely and non-invasively mounted onto a sailboat's toe-rail. The invention utilizes a continuous hook mechanism to bear the user's weight, and attachment mechanisms to retain the hook in place. The invention offers the advantages of being sturdy, yet readily removable, and compact for easy stowage.
US08356567B1
A method and apparatus for securing and fueling a surface water vessel at a floating station, attached to and remote from a parent ship. The surface water vessel may be an unmanned surface vehicle, for example. According to the invention, the surface water vessel includes a probe and the floating station includes an opening for receiving the probe therein. The floating station includes a fuel-delivering arrangement for feeding fuel from the parent ship to the water vessel.
US08356565B2
A tensioning device is described for a carrying net (6), in particular between the hulls (1) of a catamaran, the carrying net (6) being fastened in a tensile-resistant manner to two mutually opposing legs of a tensioning frame. In order to attain advantageous tensioning conditions, it is proposed that one of the two legs be mounted, as the tensioning leg (5), in the tensioning frame so as to be rotatable about a pivot shaft (10) which is parallel to its longitudinal axis, the pivot shaft extending, when the carrying net (6) is tensioned, on the net side at a distance from the run-off line (13) of the carrying net (6) from the tensioning leg (5), and that an interlocking means (15) be provided for the tensioning position of the tensioning leg (5).
US08356560B2
A hopper car discharge outflow is controlled by closure members, at least one of which is movable. The doors are hingeless, being mounted on four bar linkages, such that the distal edge of the doors sweeps predominantly horizontally while the proximal edge of the door moves predominantly upwardly. The doors move through noncircular arcs, such that the size of the vertically projected door opening is abnormally large compared to the clearance heights of the door. The doors are driven by a longitudinal shaft that is mounted within the center sill. It drives a set of single input, double output bell cranks that drive adjacent pairs of doors, and that employs an over-center toggle to hold the doors in the closed position when the car is laded. The actuators may be mounted in shelters midway along the car, and may be offset from the centersill. The actuators may be mounted predominantly vertically such that gravity may obviate the need for a secondary lock. The doors of a transverse car need not all be of the same size. The over center may include a manual release having a fulcrum with a progressive decrease in mechanical advantage.
US08356559B2
The present invention provides a bogie for a guide rail type vehicle running on a predetermined guideway. The bogie of the present invention includes an axle in which steerable running wheels are mounted, a guide frame arranged under the axle, a pair of first guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body end-side part of the guide frame, a pair of second guide wheels provided rotatably in a vehicle body center-side part of the guide frame, a pair of tie rod arms that is attached to the axle and are formed so as to extend from the axle to the vehicle body center-side, and a pair of tie rods each connecting the guide frame to each of the pair of tie rod arms.
US08356551B2
Apparatus for preparing and dispensing hot or cold milk, in the frothed or non-frothed state, in a coffee machine for preparing various types of beverages based on coffee with milk, said coffee machine comprising a coffee apparatus for producing coffee with an associated coffee dispensing device, a first water heater for producing steam, a second water heater for producing hot water for preparation of the coffee in said coffee apparatus, said first and second heaters being connected to a water source for replenishing them with water, a frothing device provided with an internal chamber for frothing the milk when required and at least one nozzle for dispensing the milk externally, said apparatus comprising a milk line for the milk, connecting a source of liquid milk to the frothing device, a steam line for the steam, connecting the first water heater to the frothing device, as well as an air line for the air, connecting a source of air to the said frothing device, a pump arranged along the milk line for supplying the milk from said source of liquid milk to said frothing device, a first intercept valve arranged along the steam line and a second intercept valve arranged along the air line, wherein said pump arranged along the milk line and said first and second intercept valves are able to be operated independently of each other such that the milk line, the steam line and the air line are connected to said chamber of the frothing device one at a time or in combination with each other.
US08356547B2
In a bent axis hydraulic machine, a back plate and cylinder barrel vary in distance from a drive plate as a stroke angle of the cylinder barrel changes, thereby minimizing unswept fluid volume in the cylinders of the barrel at any stroke angle. Distance is controlled by one or more rollers, engaging respective tracks that define a profile of contact that determines the distance as a function of the stroke angle. Telescoping fluid supply channels are employed to maintain a fluid supply to the cylinder barrel as the distance changes.
US08356544B2
The invention concerns a method for controlling a raising drive, the raising process occurring by means of pressure activation of at least one lift cylinder and the lowering process occurring by means of relieving, and a control of the lowering speed occurring by means of a variable flow resistance. In order to achieve a load-independent lowering speed, the flow resistance is determined in dependence of at least one load signal.
US08356541B2
A protective structure for a vehicle having an opening on an upper surface is provided. One embodiment of the invention has at least a partial enclosure around an area defined laterally by the vehicle opening with an overhead and side protective capability. An embodiment of the invention has an overhead cover that is formed to substantially enclose a top area of the enclosure and having multiple panels that may be locked into place or opened by an occupant for exit through a top area of the enclosure. Biasing devices may be provided to bias the panels toward an open position and thereby facilitate occupant egress. The multiple panels in this embodiment extend upwardly and inwardly from a section of the enclosure's side walls. Ballistic windows are provided on the protective structure such that an occupant can view laterally and vertically through the enclosure and overhead cover. A shield or protective plate can be mounted on one side of the enclosure.
US08356539B2
An ammunition feed chute has a plurality of feed chute links releasably connected together. The feed chute links have interior surfaces that define a guide path for belted ammunition. Each of the feed chute links has a transitional surface attached to one of the feed chute link's interior surfaces, the transitional surfaces each extending from the interior surface to which it is attached to a location where it overlaps the adjacent feed chute link's transitional surface. A tongue extending from one of the feed chute links may be received by a slot in an adjacent feed chute link to releasably connect the feed chute links together. The ligaments may each receive the top insert and the rivet of one of the feed chute links within their closed slots and removably receive the top insert, AN washer, and rivet of an adjacent feed chute link within their open slots to releasably connect the feed chute links together.
US08356536B2
A rotary installation comprises a frame, a pair of rollers that define a pinch, a mount supporting the rollers on the frame, an adjuster for moving the mount and the rollers with respect to the frame as well as a drive for making the rollers rotate. The frame has an essentially flat shape determined by two main faces facing away from one another, on one of which main faces the rollers and mount are located.
US08356529B2
The present invention comprehends a plurality of embodiments of a hydraulic control system for various configurations of dual clutch transmissions. The hydraulic control systems all include a regulated source of pressurized hydraulic fluid including an electric pump, a filter and an accumulator, a pair of pressure control valves and a branching hydraulic circuit including pressure or flow control valves, spool or logic valves and two position valves which collectively supply and exhaust hydraulic fluid from a plurality of shift actuators. The actuators are connected to shift rails which include shift forks and are slidable to engage synchronizers and positive clutches associated with the various gear ratios.
US08356490B2
A refrigeration apparatus uses a refrigerant that operates in a supercritical range. The refrigeration apparatus includes a compression mechanism, a heat source-side heat exchanger, an expansion mechanism, a usage-side heat exchanger, a switching mechanism, an intercooler which functions as a cooler of refrigerant discharged from a first-stage compression element of the compression mechanism and drawn into a second-stage compression element of the compression mechanism, and an intercooler bypass tube. The switching mechanism is configured to switch between cooling and heating operation states in which refrigerant is circulated differently. When a defrosting operation for defrosting the heat source-side heat exchanger is performed, refrigerant flows to the heat source-side heat exchanger and the intercooler. After defrosting of the intercooler is detected as being complete, the intercooler bypass tube is used to ensure that the refrigerant does not flow to the intercooler.
US08356488B2
By cooling a metal plate, a water film is generated on a surface of the metal plate due to dew condensation, in a linear increase amount process and at before stage of saturation, the generation water is flipped off, and the generation water film is peeled off forcibly from the metal plate and water collection is carried out. It provides the metal plate, a cooler for cooling the metal plate, and a water film peeling-off mechanism for flipping off forcibly and peeling off forcibly the water film generated on the surface of the metal plate. A water collection metal plate wherein with the metal plate having the surface in which an effective surface of after processing is enlarged to a surface area before processing, the water film is generated to the surface of the metal plate by dew condensing moisture in atmosphere, the generation water film is flipped off forcibly and peeling off from the metal plate, thereby the water collection is carried out.
US08356487B2
A method of vaporizing liquefied natural gas includes passing liquefied natural gas through a submerged combustion vaporizer having a water bath at a bath temperature and a burner to provide a vaporized gas output at a send-out temperature, drawing water from the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer and supplying it to an atmospheric heating tower having an ambient air temperature, returning water from the atmospheric heating tower to the bath of the submerged combustion vaporizer, modulating the operating rate of the burner of the submerged combustion vaporizer, and modulating the operating rate of the atmospheric heating tower.
US08356485B2
An integrated gasification combined cycle power generation system (100). In one embodiment, shown in FIG. 1, a gasifier (108) is configured to generate synthetic gas (117) from a carbonaceous material (106) and an oxygen supply (109) with a cleaning stage (120) positioned to receive synthetic gas (117) from the gasifier (108) and remove impurities therefrom. A gas turbine combustion system (2) including a turbine (123) is configured to receive fuel (128) from the gasifier (108) and a first air supply (131) from a first air compressor (130). A steam turbine system (4) is configured to generate power with heat recovered from exhaust (140) generated by the gas turbine system (2) and an ion transport membrane air separation unit (110) includes a second air compressor (114) for generating a second air supply (113). A first heat exchanger (118) is configured to cool the synthetic gas (117) prior to removal of impurities in the cleaning stage (120) by flowing the second air supply (113) through the first heat exchanger (118) so that the second air supply (113) receives heat from the synthetic gas (117).
US08356483B2
A nozzle assembly for a gas turbine engine includes a door axially slidable relative to a passage in communication with a secondary flow path to regulate the secondary flow though the passage.
US08356469B1
The present invention provides a gas turbine engine including a first combustion chamber, a dual compression rotor positioned behind the combustion chamber, and a centrifugal compression rotor positioned behind the dual compression rotor.
US08356467B2
A system, such as a turbine power production system, including a plurality of combustion chambers. The combustion chamber may be provided with an ignition system that allows for substantially simultaneous ignition of each of the plurality of the combustors. Generally, a detonation wave may be provided to each of the combustion chambers substantially simultaneously from a single ignition combustion wave chamber.
US08356462B2
A machine for making pods (2) containing products for infusion including a first roll (3) for feeding a first web (4) of filtering paper material along a predetermined path (P), a second roll (5) for feeding a second web (6) of filtering paper material along a predetermined path (P′), a station (7) for dispensing and successively placing individual charges (8) of product on the first web (4), and a joining station (11) for superposing and joining the first web (4) and the second web (6) in such a way as to form a continuous succession (12) of pods (2); the machine also includes, upstream of the dispensing station (7), a magazine (13) for successively feeding a series of elements (14) for containing the infusion product and a station (21) for forming impressions in the first web (4) and positioning the elements (14) thereon.
US08356460B2
A wrapping paper for a roll having two opposed roll ends, the wrapping paper includes: a paper layer; and at least one exposed strip having adhesive properties. The at least one exposed strip is proximate to a side edge of the paper layer and covers at least a portion of one of the roll ends when wrapped around the roll. A method for wrapping a roll having a pair of spaced roll ends and an outer roll surface extending between the roll ends.
US08356447B2
A portable floor panel has at least one absorption layer and at least one load-distributing layer laminated thereto and forming therewith a circumferential edge in turned formed with notches and teeth oriented such that notches and teeth of adjacent panels fit with one another.
US08356433B2
A badge displaying device comprising a backing plate having a left and right sides, a center between the left and right sides, and top and bottom surfaces. The backing plate has at least one slot through at least the top surface extending from one of the left or right sides towards the center of the backing plate. A pin clip sized to slide in the at least one slot receives a pin from a badge.
US08356422B1
A drying system for drying a personal hydration system having a fill opening and a supply tube includes a dryer assembly providing a flow of forced air to be introduced into the fill opening of the personal hydration device. The dryer assembly includes seal-forming structure engageable with the fill opening to form a seal between the dryer assembly and the fill opening to enhance the pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly also includes a channel defining a relief valve for permitting exhaust of air flow from the fill opening upon pressurization and inflation of the personal hydration system. The dryer assembly further includes a resilient cam arm for enabling the dryer assembly to sealingly fit variously sized fill openings.
US08356418B1
This invention relates to a system and method for measuring a plurality of skills of an athlete, wherein the system is comprised of: a means for discharging and collecting a distance measuring means; a distance measuring means for measuring a distance to be used in measuring a desired athletic skill, wherein the distance measuring means further comprises a plurality of incremental markings substantially located along a length of the distance measuring means; and a securing means operatively connected to one end of the distance measuring means for securing the distance measuring means.
US08356413B2
The present invention provides a method of making a foil component of a foil bearing, where the foil component has an inner surface, an inner portion, and an outer portion. In one embodiment, and by way of example only, the method includes thermally spraying a first material onto an outer surface of a sacrificial substrate to form the foil component inner portion, where the first material includes a solid film lubricant, and the outer surface has a shape that is complementary to the inner surface of the foil component. A second material is then thermally sprayed over the inner portion to form the outer portion, and the second material includes a metal. The sacrificial substrate is then removed to expose the foil component.
US08356410B2
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a heat pipe device for dissipating heat from a heat source includes a porous wick structure having a first porous wick portion disposed adjacent to a second porous wick portion. The first porous wick portion is defined by a first set of microgrooves. The second porous wick portion is defined by a second set of microgrooves disposed in non-parallel adjacent alignment to the first set of microgrooves. The heat pipe device may be disposed within a closed chamber enclosure to which the heat source is attached. In further embodiments, methods are disclosed for manufacturing devices for dissipating heat from a heat source, and for using devices to dissipate heat from a heat source.
US08356409B2
A method for repairing a gas turbine engine component includes applying a braze slurry to a first portion of the component, applying a pre-sintered preform to a second portion of the component that is different than the first portion, and brazing the component.
US08356404B2
A method of producing a multilayer printed wiring board by attaching a photosensitive dry film onto an interlaminar resin insulating layer having a thin-film conductor layer and conducting a light exposure and development to form a plating resist and then forming a conductor circuit on a portion not forming the plating resist, characterized in that the photosensitive dry film has a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound layer on its either surface.A photosensitive dry film capable of improving the compatibility between thin-film conductor layer and photosensitive dry film to strengthen the adhesion force and to prevent the occurrence of floating or the like in the photosensitive dry film as well as a method of producing a multilayer printed wiring board using such a dry film.
US08356399B2
A method of protecting a resonating sensor is described. The protected resonating sensor may include at least one passive ultrasonically excitable resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members having a resonating frequency that varies as a function of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The sensor is protected by forming one or more protective chambers defined between a compliant member and the vibratable member(s). A substantially non-compressible medium is disposed within the protective chamber(s). The compliant member has a first side that may be exposed to a measurement environment and a second side that may be exposed to the substantially non-compressible medium. The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or gel and is in contact with the vibratable member(s). When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed.
US08356397B2
In a clutch manufacturing method, inner peripheral portions of drum members, of two clutches are connected to a sleeve member, and a piston, a seal plate and a return spring are provided between the drum members, an insulator to apply electric isolation between the piston and the drum member or between the seal plate and another drum member is attached to either the piston or the seal plate. Then, the drum member, to which the electric isolation with the insulator is not applied, is connected to the sleeve member. Then, the piston, return sprig and seal plate are assembled to the sleeve member to which the drum member has been connected. Finally, the drum member, to which the electric isolation with the insulator has been applied, is connected to the sleeve member with electric welding.
US08356393B2
A method for producing a polymer piezoelectric film, comprising: a process of moving and stretching a crystalline polar polymer sheet in contact with a conductive stretching roller having a diameter of at least 30 mm and a surface friction coefficient which has been reduced to such a level as to allow a relative displacement of the crystalline polar polymer sheet in contact with the conductive stretching roller: and a step in the process of applying a polarization voltage between an electrode disposed opposite to the crystalline polar polymer sheet and the conductive stretching roller to polarize the crystalline polar polymer sheet. As a result, it is possible to stably produce a polymer piezoelectric film exhibiting stable piezoelectricity over a large area. Especially, it is possible to obtain polymer piezoelectric film exhibiting a temperature-dispersion peak temperature of d31 piezoelectricity coefficient at least 120° C. and surface scratches extending in one direction.
US08356375B2
A floor treating system is provided including a power source having a rotatable drive shaft with an axis of rotation, a floor treating attachment, means for imparting an oscillating motion from the drive shaft to the floor treating attachment, a rug beating attachment, and means for imparting a vibrating motion from the drive shaft to the rug beating attachment. Multiple embodiments provide that the means for imparting an oscillating motion impart at least two speeds of oscillating motion. Embodiments include those with means for connecting floor treating attachments at at least two different distances from the drive shaft axis of rotation.
US08356371B2
A mattress system and method according to which a custom mattress is built according to customer-specific parameters. In several exemplary embodiments, the custom mattress includes one or more removable core cartridges and/or one or more removable topper cartridges.
US08359657B2
A digital content management system includes a host machine and a delivery machine remote from the host machine. The host machine sends validation agent software to the delivery machine, which executes the validation agent. The validation agent performs one or more tests or observations to determine whether the delivery machine has been compromised, and communicates the results of the tests or observations to the host machine. If the host machine determines that the delivery machine has not been compromised, the host machine sends digital content to the delivery machine, and a player module at the delivery machine delivers the content to the user according to an appropriate set of access rights. After delivering the content, the delivery machine deletes the content to prevent unwanted access to the content. The content can contain signals indicative that the content is legitimate, such as watermarks or bad code segments or sectors.
US08359653B2
A security analyzer is capable of generating attacks to test the security of a device under analysis. The security analyzer further has the capability to generate a portable, executable program to generate specified attacks. In this way, others can recreate the attacks without requiring access to the security analyzer.
US08359649B1
Computer implemented methods, apparatus, and computer-readable media for detecting suspected spam in e-mail (24) originating from a sending computer (21). A method embodiment comprises the steps of determining (11) the actual IP address (23) of the sending computer (21); converting (12) the actual IP address (23) into geo-location data; and, using the geo-location data, ascertaining (13) whether the e-mail (24) contains suspected spam.
US08359648B2
In a method of defending a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, an attack target server determines whether the attack target server suffers a DDoS attack from a plurality of terminals and, according to a result of the determination, informs a control server that the attack target server suffers the DDoS attack by transmitting its own information to the control server. The control server which has received the information of the attack target server confirms the plurality of terminals which transmits data to the attack target server and transmits an attack prevention message to the plurality of confirmed terminals. Each of the plurality of terminals which has received the attack prevention message determines whether the terminal launches the DDoS attack and, according to a result of the determination, blocking the DDoS attack.
US08359647B1
System, method and computer program product for rendering data of an on-demand database service safe
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for rendering data of an on-demand database service safe. These mechanisms and methods for rendering on-demand database service data safe can enable embodiments to alleviate any security risk that would otherwise be posed by such data. The ability of embodiments to provide such additional safety may lead to improved security in the context of an on-demand database service.
US08359641B2
According to one embodiment, a multi-level secure information retrieval system includes an enterprise access service tool coupled to one or more client applications and at least one gateway managed by an enterprise. The enterprise access service tool executes services operating in a service oriented architecture. The enterprise access service tool receives requests from the client applications, associates each of the requests with one of a plurality of differing security levels, and transmits the requests to the gateway. The gateway transmits the requested information back to the client applications in which the information is filtered by the gateway according to their associated security levels.
US08359629B2
A method and device for controlling use of context information of a user includes establishing a context policy enforcement engine on a mobile computing device. The context policy enforcement engine may be embodied as software and/or hardware components. The context policy enforcement engine retrieves context policy data in response to receiving a request for context information related to a user. The context policy data defines a set of context rules for responding to context requests. The context policy enforcement engine responds to the request based on the set of context rules.
US08359625B2
A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a set top box having a controller to eliminate a scheduled recording of a targeted media program, where the scheduled recording is a redundant recording of the targeted media program that is determined based upon monitoring of recordings of media programs by a group of set top boxes in communication with each other over a network, where another set top box of the group of set top boxes is designated as a host set top box to record the targeted media program, and where the controller is provided access to the targeted media program by the host set top box. Other embodiments are disclosed.
US08359624B2
A processor for a cable television set-top box has an interface for coupling the processor to a second processor. The processor also has a port that is coupleable to control a tuner, a demodulator and a DOCSIS module with or without DSG support. The tuner has an output coupled to the demodulator input, and the demodulator has an output to the DOCSIS module input. The demodulator's output is also coupled to a conditional access module controlled by the second processor. The processor issues commands via the port to control at least one of the tuner and the demodulator based on instructions received via the interface from the second processor.
US08359619B2
A web cam with an interlude switch, wherein the interlude switch can be toggled between a view and an interlude mode. In its view mode, the web cam captures images of a scene for their transmittal to a web cam page hosted at a web site. With the switch in its interlude mode, the web cam system replaces the live images with interlude content which is prerecorded content which may include still and video images, slide shows, or advertisements. The prerecorded interlude content may be stored locally at the host computer, or it may be stored at and/or provided from a remote site. A user viewing a web cam page in its interlude mode, will see prerecorded interlude content as if it was provided by the digital camera. The interlude switch may be a manual or an automatic switch configured to switch between its view and interlude modes based on the occurrence of external events. The external events may include an outgoing or an incoming telephone call. Alternately, external events such as motion, light, sound levels, movement of doors and windows could be used to cause the interlude switch to toggle from the interlude to the view mode and vice versa. The interlude switch may be a tethered switch or one which is configured to wirelessly receive input and cause the web cam to switch between a view and an interlude mode.
US08359613B2
An apparatus and method is disclosed for blocking specific television commercials from the viewer's television based upon the characteristics of the television commercial and a program to place the blocked television commercials into an archive. An archive interrogation program 10 then acquires the users search criteria and sends the search criteria to the content search program for a list of matches. The matches are displayed to the user and the user can select a segment for viewing.
US08359607B2
From an optical disc drive, internal static electricity has to be discharged to the outside to prevent breakage of electric components such as laser diodes. A grounding spring has been used to discharge static electricity from a unit mechanism to the enclosure of the optical disc drive but it is necessary to improve the reliability of the drive in consideration of the dimensional accuracy and workability of the spring. Thus the free end of a grounding spring having a cantilever structure is shaped like an arc and an end of the grounding spring has a curved structure. This configuration improves the dimensional accuracy and workability of the spring, so that the performance of the optical disc drive can be more reliable.
US08359604B2
A method of handling an exception in a parallel system includes constructing a task object, executing a method with the task object, and catching an exception with the task object during execution of the method. The exception is propagated in response to the task object becoming inaccessible without the exception having been observed.
US08359603B1
Described are techniques for intermodule communication between a first code module and a second code module each executing in user space. A shared memory portion includes storage for one or more commands and is accessible to the first and the second code modules. A first first-in-first-out (FIFO) structure is used for sending a location in the shared memory portion from the first code module to the second code module. A second FIFO structure is used for sending a location in the shared memory portion from the second code module to the first code module. The first code module stores command data for a command at a first location in the shared memory portion. A command is issued from the first code module to the second code module by sending the first location from the first code module to the second code module using the first FIFO structure.
US08359601B2
Provided is a data processing system which includes: a first computer for receiving a processing request for a task processing, executing the processing, and holding data used therein; and a second computer for holding a duplicate of the data held in the first computer, halting the first computer if the first computer is determined to be halted, and receiving and processing the processing request. The first computer receives at least an update request as the processing request including request identification information to which unique numbers assigned to the individual processing requests in an ascending order are allocated, updates the held data, and transmits the update request including the request identification information to the second computer. The second computer stores a transmitted reference request and the update request as the processing requests, and processes the processing requests in an ascending order of the unique numbers included in the individual processing requests.
US08359595B2
A generic application server is capable of simultaneously receiving requests, processing requested work, and returning results using multiple, conceptual thread pools. In addition, functions are programmable as state machines. While executing such a function, when a worker thread encounters a potentially blocking condition, the thread issues an asynchronous request for data, a state transition is performed, and the thread is released to do other work. After the blocking condition is relieved, another worker thread is scheduled to advance to the next function state and continue the function. Multiple priority work queues are used to facilitate completion of functions already in progress. In addition, lower-priority complex logic threads can be invoked to process computationally intense logic that may be necessitated by a request. Throttling functions are also implemented, which control the quantity of work accepted into the server and server response time.
US08359586B1
In an embodiment, a code generator receives input code having a plurality of functional elements, such as blocks, nodes, statements, commands, etc. The input code processes a data set, such as an image file. The code generator further receives one or more criteria for the generated code. The functional elements of the input code are provided with one or more parameters regarding the block sizes that the respective functional elements can process, such as an available block size and a preferred block size. The code generator queries the functional elements of the input code to obtain their available and preferred block sizes, and builds an intermediate representation (IR) of the input code. The code generator re-organizes and modifies the IR so that it achieves the one or more criteria. Output code that meets the one or more criteria is generated from the reorganized and modified IR.
US08359581B2
A method for software test automation includes receiving system software in a test server; receiving test software and in a test server; configuring test environment resources for the test software; executing an automated test of the test software comprising: performing unit test of the test software; comparing anticipated performance results of the test software with actual results of the test software; determining whether there are differences in the anticipated performance and the actual performance; wherein in the event there are differences in the anticipated performance and the actual performance: applying trace settings; deleting runtime logs associated with the unit test; re-executing the unit test; storing trace data associated with the re-executed unit test; notifying a user of the re-executed unit test; providing the user with the stored trace data; and cleaning up the test environment resources.
US08359577B2
A testbed for testing health of software includes an input model, a hardware model, and a resource modeler. The input model represents an input system used in conjunction with the software. The hardware model represents one or more hardware components used in conjunction with the software. The resource modeler is coupled to the input model and the hardware model, and is configured to estimate effects on the software of conditions of the hardware components, the input system, or both.
US08359575B2
A protection domain system is implemented to provide protection for applications executing in a computing environment. Protection domains are allocated system resources and may contain executing tasks. The protection domain system may allow tasks to access resources in other protection domains to which attachments have been made. Attachment is transparent to the software developer. The protection domain system provides flexibility in implementing operating system services and defining protection hierarchies.
US08359574B1
A development application can provide an integrated development environment that interfaces with one or more data sources that will be used by the application under development. Sample data from the source(s) can be used to aid the coding process and/or testing the application under development. The development application can maintain a cache to support offline access of data from the source(s) to allow development to continue when a source cannot be accessed and/or when a developer wishes not to access a particular source. Code elements can be included in the application under development to cause the application under development to access the cached data based on settings in the development application. The added code elements can automatically be removed when the application is released.
US08359573B2
A control system development platform is provided. The platform includes a shell component adapted to support development of a control systems application. An abstract model is associated with the shell component to facilitate development of the control systems applications.
US08359567B2
A system and method for specifying timing relationships among nodes in a graphical program. User input specifying desired timing of a first node with respect to timing of a second node may be received. In various embodiments, any kind of timing relationship or timing constraint between the first node and the second node may be specified. Timing information may be displayed on the display to visually indicate the timing of the first node with respect to timing of the second node. In one embodiment, displaying the timing information may comprise displaying a timing wire between the first node and the second node. The graphical program may be executed in such a way that the visually indicated timing of the first node with respect to timing of the second node is satisfied.
US08359545B2
Systems and methods according to the present invention provide a user interface for scrolling through lists of information on user interfaces.
US08359542B2
An interactive aircraft performance substantiation is provided by determining maneuvers for a user-selected aircraft, determining operation and performance variables for a user-selected maneuver, displaying a scale graphic representation of the user-selected aircraft according to aircraft dimensions, displaying load selection fields according to aircraft dimensions and load-sites dimensions, interactively updating the scale graphic representation of the user-selected aircraft to include an oriented graphic representation of a user-selected load according to the aircraft dimensions, load dimensions, and load-site dimensions, interactively determining mass properties of the user-selected aircraft according to the aircraft dimensions, the load dimensions, and the load-site dimensions; receiving operation properties for the user-selected maneuver corresponding to the operation variables; and displaying an aircraft performance substantiation responsive to determining performance properties of the user-selected aircraft according to the mass properties thereof and the operation properties thereof, the performance properties corresponding to the performance variables.
US08359507B2
A turbo coded hybrid ARQ with both IR and repetition existing in one or more transmission blocks is designed. The mixed combining is performed at the receiver—Chase combining is performed for the repetitions first, followed by code combining for all code bits based on Chase combining outputs. The packet error probability is obtained by applying the union-Bhattacharyya (UB) bound for parallel channels. The throughput optimization of hybrid ARQ is determined as well as the optimal assignment rates by solving the optimization using a genetic algorithm.
US08359496B1
The present disclosure relates to techniques for potentially increasing the reliability and/or stability of systems having virtual machines that support multiple modes of execution. For example, as described herein, a virtual machine partitions a plurality of program instructions into a plurality of traces for execution by a virtual machine operating on a computing device, wherein the virtual machine has first and second modes of execution, and wherein each of the plurality of traces comprises one or more of the plurality of program instructions. The virtual machine applies the second mode of execution to a first trace in the plurality of traces and determines an error condition that is caused by the application of the second mode of execution to the first trace. After determining the error condition, the virtual machine applies the first mode of execution to the first trace to recover the virtual machine from the error condition.
US08359492B2
A method and apparatus to restore a system using virtualization, the method including: if a system restoration at a target restoration time point from among at least one restoration time points is requested, generating a virtualization layer; if a use of a system is requested by an application layer, accessing the target restoration time point using the virtualization layer; and performing a system restoration at the accessed target restoration time point.
US08359483B2
A communication device is communicable with a server that distributes a content item and a content summary. The communication device acquires the content summary from the server at fixed intervals. When an updated content summary is acquired while a display unit of the communication device is in a sleep mode, then the display unit enters an active mode.
US08359477B2
A method to enable dynamic configuration of gaming terminals installed in one or a plurality of gaming premises whereby certified games, certified data files and certified support software components are activated in accordance with a predetermined schedule or automatically in response to the observed gaming activity. The method may include allocating an individual PKI certificate to each executable software component and each of its versions, binding the PKI certificate to the executable software, associating a distinctive policy for each certificate and then enforcing the software execution policies in accordance with the desired authorized game configuration and schedule. The PKI certificate's “Subject Name” (or “Issued to” field or “CommonName” field) may be a concatenation of the software component identification, its version number and optionally other identification characters. The method applies equally to other network connected gaming subsystems. The method enables a fine-grained and secure control of the authorized software components and thus the flexibility to securely configure the gaming system in accordance with a schedule or in a close-loop fashion in order to meet business objectives. In addition, a method to enable the certification authority to bind the certificates to the tested code is described.
US08359474B2
A system and method configured to provide secure Personal Identification Number (PIN) based authentication is disclosed. A passcode or PIN associated with a customer value card can be securely authenticated by an issuer prior to authorizing payment. An Access Control Server (ACS) can receive the PIN or passcode from a customer via a secure connection over a public network. The ACS can generate an encrypted PIN and can communicate the encrypted PIN to a remote issuer for authentication. The ACS can use one or more hardware security modules to generate the encrypted PIN. The hardware security modules can be emulated in software or implemented in hardware. The system can be configured such that the PIN is not exposed in an unencrypted form in a communication link or in hardware other than the originating customer terminal.
US08359470B1
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication system. The method includes exchanging wireless communications between a wireless access node and a wireless communication device to perform a network entry process, where the network entry process comprises at least a capability exchange phase and a subsequent authentication exchange phase. The method also includes, during the capability exchange phase, transferring a capability negotiation message from the wireless communication device, and receiving the capability negotiation message in the wireless access node. The method also includes, during the authentication exchange phase, transferring an authentication key associated with the wireless communication device and a digital signature for the capability negotiation message from the wireless communication device, and receiving the authentication key associated with the wireless communication device and the digital signature for the capability negotiation message in the wireless access node. The method also includes authenticating the capability negotiation message by processing the digital signature for the capability negotiation message and the authentication key associated with the wireless communication device.
US08359469B2
A cryptosystem prevents replay attacks within existing authentication protocols, susceptible to such attacks but containing a random component, without requiring modification to said protocols. The entity charged with authentication maintains a list of previously used bit patterns, extracted from a portion of the authentication message connected to the random component. If the bit pattern has been seen before, the message is rejected; if the bit pattern has not been seen before, the bit pattern is added to the stored list and the message is accepted.
US08359468B2
The present invention relates to digital signature operations using public key schemes in a secure communications system and in particular for use with processors having limited computing power such as ‘smart cards’. This invention describes a method for creating and authenticating a digital signature comprising the steps of selecting a first session parameter k and generating a first short term public key derived from the session parameter k, computing a first signature component r derived from a first mathematical function using the short term public key, selecting a second session parameter t and computing a second signature component s derived from a second mathematical function using the second session parameter t and without using an inverse operation, computing a third signature component using the first and second session parameters and sending the signature components (s, r, c) as a masked digital signature to a receiver computer system. In the receiver computer system computing a recovered second signature component s′ by combining a third signature component with the second signature component to derive signature components (s′, r) as an unmasked digital signature. Verifying these signature components as in a usual EIGamal or ECDSA type signature verification.
US08359466B2
Described embodiments provide a network processor that includes a security protocol processor for staged security processing of a packet having a security association (SA). An SA request module computes an address for the SA. The SA is fetched to a local memory. An SA prefetch control word (SPCW) is read from the SA in the local memory. The SPCW identifies one or more regions of the SA and the associated stages for the one or more regions. An SPCW parser generates one or more stage SPCWs (SSPCWs) from the SPCW. Each of the SSPCWs is stored in a corresponding SSPCW register. A prefetch module services each SSPCW register in accordance with a predefined algorithm. The prefetch module fetches a requested SA region and provides the requested SA region to a corresponding stage for the staged security processing of an associated portion of the packet.
US08359465B2
A platform of Trust Management software which is a single, customizable, complete distributed computing security solution designed to be integrated into an enterprise computing environment. Digital Network Authentication (DNA) is the centerpiece of the system of the present invention. It is a unique means to authenticate the identity of a communicating party and authorize its activity. The whole mechanism can be thought of as a trusted third party providing assurances to both clients and servers that each communicating entity is a discrete, authenticated entity with clearly defined privileges and supporting data. Furthermore, the level of trust to be placed in the authorization of every entity communicating within the system is communicated to every entity within a distributed computing environment.
US08359464B2
A quarantine method and system for allowing a client terminal to connect to a user network. An authentication apparatus recognizes that a communication means of the client terminal has been activated. The authentication apparatus is connected to a quarantine network, to the user network, and to the client terminal. The client terminal is permitted to connect to the quarantine network by confirming a common certificate for the client terminal followed by storing the common certificate in the client terminal. The client terminal is security checked to determine whether each check item of a plurality of check items has a violation. For each check item having a violation, a security measure is performed to improve the check item with respect to the violation. The client terminal is allowed to connect to the user network by confirming a user certificate for the client terminal followed by storing the user certificate in the client terminal.
US08359463B2
There is provided a computer-implemented method for selecting from a plurality of full configurations of a storage system an operational configuration for executing an application. An exemplary method comprises obtaining application performance data for the application on each of a plurality of test configurations. The exemplary method also comprises obtaining benchmark performance data with respect to execution of a benchmark on the plurality of full configurations, one or more degraded configurations of the full configurations and the plurality of test configurations. The exemplary method additionally comprises estimating a metric for executing the application on each of the plurality of full configurations based on the application performance data and the benchmark performance data. The operational configuration may be selected from among the plurality full configurations based on the metric.
US08359462B1
In one embodiment the present invention includes a method and apparatus for enabling a main core and one or more co-processors to operate in a de-coupled mode, thereby facilitating the execution of two or more instruction threads in parallel. A co-processor, according to an embodiment of the invention, has a coupling manager including a loop buffer for storing instructions which can be independently fetched and executed by the co-processor when operating in de-coupled mode. In addition, the coupling manager includes a loop descriptor and a counter/condition descriptor. The loop descriptor and condition descriptor work in conjunction with one another to determine what, if any, action should be taken when a co-processor is in a particular processing state, for example, as indicated by a counter keeping track of loop processing.
US08359461B2
The described embodiments provide a processor for generating a result vector with shifted values. During operation, the processor receives a first input vector, a second input vector, and a control vector. When generating the result vector, the processor first captures a base value from a key element position in the second input vector. The processor then determines a number of bit positions to shift the base value using selected relevant elements in the first input vector. The processor then shifts the copy of the base value by the number of bit positions and writes the value into a corresponding element in the result vector. In addition, a predicate vector can be used to control the values that are written to the result vector.
US08359460B2
The described embodiments provide a processor for generating a result vector with summed values from a first input vector. During operation, the processor receives the first input vector, a second input vector, and a control vector. When generating the result vector, the processor first captures a base value from a key element in the second input vector. The processor then writes the sum of the base value and values from relevant elements in the first input vector into selected elements in the result vector. In addition, a predicate vector can be used to control the values that are written to the result vector.
US08359457B2
The semiconductor device includes a controller and a plurality of dynamically reconfigurable circuits connected to one another in series below the controller to perform operations in the manner of a pipeline. The controller inputs data and reconfiguration information to the first one of the dynamically reconfigurable circuits. Each of the dynamically reconfigurable circuits includes a processing unit that performs a data computation, an updating unit that updates the reconfiguration information, and a repetition controlling unit that determines whether to repeat the computation and controls the data and the reconfiguration information.
US08359453B2
A coprocessor performs operations on behalf of processes executing in processors coupled thereto, and accesses data operands in memory using real addresses. A process executing in a processor generates an effective address for a coprocessor request, invokes the processor's address translation mechanisms to generate a corresponding real address, and passes this real address is the coprocessor. Preferably, the real address references a block of additional real addresses, each for a respective data operand. The coprocessor uses the real address to access the data operands to perform the operation. An address context detection mechanism detects the occurrence of certain events which could alter the context of real addresses used by the coprocessor or the real addresses themselves.
US08359449B2
A method manages memory paging operations. Responsive to a request to page out a memory page from a shared memory pool, the method identifies whether a physical space within one of a number of paging space devices has been allocated for the memory page. If physical space within the paging space device has not been allocated for the memory page, a page priority indicator for the memory page is identified. The memory page is then allocated to one of a number of memory pools within one of the number of paging space devices. The memory page is allocated one of the memory pools according to the page priority indicator of the memory page. The memory page is then written to the allocated memory pools.
US08359436B2
A method and apparatus may provide for detecting a performance state transition in a processor core and bouncing a core snoop message on a shared interconnect ring in response to detecting the performance state transition. The core snoop message may be associated with the processor core, wherein a plurality of processor cores may be coupled to the shared interconnect ring via a distributed last level cache controller.
US08359433B2
A method and system to facilitate full throughput operation of cache memory line split accesses in a device. By facilitating full throughput operation of cache memory line split accesses in the device, the device minimizes the performance and throughput loss associated with the handling of non-aligned cache memory accesses that cross two or more cache memory lines and/or page memory boundaries in one embodiment of the invention. When the device receives a non-aligned cache memory access request, the merge logic combines or merges the incoming data of a particular cache memory line from a data cache memory with the stored data of the preceding cache memory line of the particular cache memory line.
US08359432B2
Disclosed herein is a removable storage media unit that facilitates the easy and quick transfer of data from one unit into another. By addressing the need to transfer data between two instances of removable storage media units, such as flash based removable memory, (and between removable mobile storage devices in general) without the use of a PC or PDA, the present invention makes it possible to disseminate or share data more easily and efficiently.
US08359430B1
A data storage system can automatically improve the layout of data blocks on a mass storage subsystem by collecting optimization information during both read and write activities, then processing the optimization information to limit the impact of optimization activities on the system's response to client requests. Processing read-path optimization information and write-path optimization information through shared rate-limiting logic simplifies system administration and promotes phased implementation, which can reduce the difficulty of developing a self-optimizing storage server.
US08359421B2
A method includes identifying a first set of masters and a second set of masters from a plurality of masters. The plurality of masters have access to a multi-channel memory via a crossbar interconnect. The method includes partitioning the crossbar interconnect into a plurality of partitions comprising at least a first partition corresponding to the first set of masters and a second partition corresponding to the second set of masters. The method also includes allocating a first set of buffer areas within the multi-channel memory. The first set of buffer areas correspond to the first set of masters. The method further includes allocating a second set of buffer areas within the multi-channel memory. The second set of buffers correspond to the second set of masters.
US08359418B2
An apparatus includes a first Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector and a card holder associated with the first USB connector. A controller including a USB host interface is coupled to the first USB connector. A housing enclosing the controller and at least partially enclosing the card holder has an opening that is dimensioned to enable insertion of a memory card into the card holder. The first USB connector is configured to connect to a second USB connector of the memory card when the memory card is inserted into the card holder.
US08359417B2
A composite input signal having an audio component and a video component is routed from an input to an output by separating a stream of audio data words at an average frequency F1 from the video component and supplying the separated stream of audio data words sequentially to a FIFO input register. The output of the FIFO input register is polled at a frequency F2, greater than F1, and, in the event that an audio data word is available at the output of the FIFO input register, the audio data word is conveyed from the output of the FIFO input register to an input of a signal path. Otherwise a null data word is conveyed to the input of the signal path. The signal path thereby conveys a stream of data words that comprises both audio data words and null data words. The audio data words of the stream conveyed by the path are combined with the video component of the composite input signal.
US08359411B2
A method and system is disclosed for passing data processed by a DMA controller through a transmission filter. The method includes the DMA controller accessing data for transfer between an origination location in the system and a destination location in the system. The accessed data is passed through the DMA controller before being sent to the destination location. While the data is being passed through the DMA controller, it is passed through a transmission filter for processing. This processing may include the addition or removal of transmission protocol headers and footers, and determination of the destination of the data. This processing may also include hash-based packet classification and checksum generation and checking. Upon completion of the processing, the data is sent directly to a prescribed destination location, typically either a memory circuit or an I/O device.
US08359410B2
A media processing system and device with improved power usage characteristics, improved audio functionality and improved media security is provided. Embodiments of the media processing system include an audio processing subsystem that operates independently of the host processor for long periods of time, allowing the host processor to enter a low power state while the audio data is being processed. Other aspects of the media processing system provide for enhanced audio effects such as mixing stored audio samples into real-time telephone audio. Still other aspects of the media processing system provide for improved media security due to the isolation of decrypted audio data from the host processor.
US08359409B2
An apparatus for receiving one or more protocol data units (PDUs) from a word aligned queue including a media access control (MAC) physical-layer (PHY) coprocessor (MPC) logically residing between a physical-layer controller and a media access controller (MAC) processor. The MPC is configured to access a reception physical-layer queue storing a burst, such that the reception physical-layer queue includes a plurality of word lines. The burst includes one or more PDUs that each occupy one or more word lines of the reception physical-layer queue, such that a particular word line stores a portion of a first PDU and a portion of second PDU. The MPC is also configured to receive from the reception physical-layer queue the first PDU including the portion of the first PDU stored in the selected word line.
US08359408B2
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a method for reading configuration information from a multi-function device (MFD), building a dependency tree of a functional dependency of functions performed by the MFD based on the configuration information, which indicates that the MFD is capable of performing at least one function dependent upon another function, and loading software associated with the functions in order based at least in part on the indicated functional dependency. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08359398B1
Efficiently processing messages at a proxy without intermediary copying increases a proxy's capabilities since fewer resources are expended on operations, such as intermediary copying. A proxy determines which data of a message received into memory will be maintained. The proxy indicates, in an ordered encoding, locations of the determined data and of update data. The update data may be a new message segment, session identifier, etc. The ordered encoding, which indicates the data in order as they will occur in the forwarded message, is used to forward the message with the maintained data and the update data.
US08359397B2
Embodiments of a system and method for establishing reliable connections between peers in a peer-to-peer networking environment. In one embodiment, a reliable communications channel may use transmit and receive windows, acknowledgement of received messages, and retransmission of messages not received to provide reliable delivery of messages between peers in the peer-to-peer environment. In one embodiment, each message may include a sequence number configured for use in maintaining ordering of received messages on a receiving peer. A communications channel may make multiple hops on a network, and different hops in the connection may use different underlying network protocols. Communications channels may also pass through one or more firewalls and/or one or more gateways on the network. A communications channel may also pass through one or more router (relay) peers on the network. The peers may adjust the sizes of the transmit and receive window based upon reliability of the connection.
US08359389B1
In general, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods, systems, and program products for monitoring application program resource consumption. Information that identifies consumption, by multiple computing devices and at requests of a particular application program, of resources that correspond to the computing devices is accessed. Each of the multiple computing devices provided a portion of the information. The accessed information is analyzed by a computing system to determine one or more values that identify consumption of the resources by at least a subset of the computing devices. An indicium that illustrates the one or more values is provided for display on a particular computing device and in cooperation with a display of a network-accessible application program software marketplace. The application program software marketplace provides application program software for execution by the particular computing device and other computing devices.
US08359385B2
The present disclosure described herein relates to a wireless electronic device and method for managing access to a server. The method comprises: identifying a first capability of the wireless electronic device; analyzing the first capability with operating parameters of a plurality of servers in the network to identify a first server that is compatible with the first capability; analyzing operating parameters of a plurality of services available in the network to identify a service of the plurality of services that the wireless electronic device cannot access in view of a second capability not currently provided by the wireless electronic device; identifying a second server in the plurality of servers that provides the second capability; and generating and sending an access request to the second server for the wireless electronic device.
US08359382B1
A processor implemented method of providing personalized integrated audio is provided comprising a computer creating an audio stream to transmit to an audio play device and inserting a music from a source into the audio stream. The computer interrupts the insertion of the music and inserts a first audio message into the audio stream, wherein the first audio message is selected by the computer from subscribed information services based on at least one of a time and a place of the audio play device. The computer also inserts a second audio message into the audio stream, wherein the second message comprises information converted from a text format of a message addressed to a communication system of the audio play device to an audio format. After the completion of one of the first audio message and the second audio message, the computer resumes insertion of the music into the audio stream.
US08359378B2
A network system assists in selection of an optimum system structure for performance necessary for actual operations and a method of administrating networks. A server (222) is installed with software functioning as an SNMP agent to a monitor unit (240). An administrating server (24) has the monitor unit (240) of software functioning as an SNMP manager. A data collecting unit (300) collects structure and performance information from an infrastructure DB (26) of an administrating-assistance-subject network (2) and orders a system DB (32) to store such information. A rule generating unit (302) acquires the structure and performance information from the system DB (32), applies a learning technique of a decision tree or the like to generate sorting rules that sort the structure information in accordance with characteristic performance information at an operating time. An information extracting unit (304) acquires sorting rules from a rule memory unit (34) to provide a terminal device (36) with structure information of the other server (222) that satisfies necessary performance conditions for any one of the servers (222) at an operating time.
US08359376B1
Proactive sending of an IP-to-MAC address binding for a node is performed if a node is determined to be a high fan-in node. If the node is determined to be a high fan-in node, the node periodically sends its IP-to-MAC address binding to nodes in a network. If the node is not determined to be a high fan-in node, the node sends its IP-to-MAC address binding in response to receiving a request for the node's IP-to-MAC address binding.
US08359373B2
A handheld computing unit includes a hardware section and memory. The memory includes an application section and an operating system section. The operating system section includes operational instructions that cause the hardware section to: detect a mode change request to a non-standalone mode; determine whether an extended computing unit is engaged with another handheld computing unit; when the extended computing unit is engaged with another handheld unit, initiate a single extended computing unit-multiple handheld computing unit mode; and when the initiation is successful, retrieve a single extended computing unit-multiple handheld computing unit operating system boot loader.
US08359372B2
A personal media player is arranged to capture information, such as wireless network information (including network ID and key) and other kinds of information such as credentials (e.g., user name and password), and then share the information with a wireless networkable device when the player is physically coupled to the device in a docking process. When the personal media player is docked, the information is automatically transferred from the player to the device to enable the device to perform some action without any additional effort by the user. This could include, for example, discovering and be securely admitted to the wireless network, or accessing a remote service using the transferred credentials.
US08359369B2
A method includes connecting a communications device to an Internet Multimedia Subsystem network. The method includes transmitting presence information indicating multimedia capabilities of the communications device and requesting multimedia content from a multimedia server to cause the multimedia server to transmit multimedia content. The method includes detecting connection of a peripheral device to the communications device and determining that the multimedia capabilities have increased due to the connection of the peripheral device. The method includes updating the presence information to indicate the increased multimedia capabilities and transmitting the updated presence information to cause the multimedia server to transmit the multimedia content adjusted for the increased multimedia capabilities indicated in the updated presence information. The method includes receiving the multimedia content adjusted for the increased multimedia capabilities and presenting at least some of the adjusted multimedia content on the peripheral device.
US08359364B2
A system and method disclosed for using and updating a database of template responses for a live agent in response to user communications. The method includes computing an average string distance between each response from a live agent and a template, use to generate the response, modifying the computed average string distance based on a customer satisfaction score associated with each response and selecting a response that minimizes the computed average string distance and maximizes customer satisfaction. Upon receiving a further communication on a certain issue, the system presents a prototype response that has been added to the template database to the live agent for use in generating a response to the further communication that reduces handling time and increases customer satisfaction.
US08359362B2
In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving a first electronic data from a first news source, wherein the first electronic data is associated with a particular news event and receiving a second electronic data from a second news source, wherein the second electronic data is associated with the particular news event. The method also includes comparing the first and second electronic data and based on the comparison, assigning a numerical value to at least one of the first and second electronic data. The method further includes based on the numerical value assigned to at least one of the first and second electronic data, generating a third electronic data and transmitting the third electronic data to a user.
US08359358B2
Disclosed are a method and a system for transmitting a file folder from the sending end to the receiving end. The system uses a file folder transmission unit at the sending end side to generate a directory structure file of the file folder. The directory structure file may have properties such as the size of the file folder, paths and path lengths of the files in the file folder. The sending end then sends the directory structure file to the receiving end through the file folder transmission unit to allow the system to determine which files in the file folder need to be transmitted. The needed files in the file folder are then transmitted to the receiving end according to the determination. The sending end and the receiving end may communicate using an instant messaging tool. The disclosed method and system allow a faster and more convenient file folder network transmission.
US08359354B1
A method for providing a status of a device to a plurality of devices in a distributed system includes receiving a status data packet from the device, the status data packet including the status of the device. The method also includes saving the status of the device to a memory and obtaining a list of the plurality of devices in the distributed system. The list is associated with a sequence for circulating the status data packet between the plurality of devices. The method further includes sending the status data packet including the status of the device to a next device in the sequence.
US08359341B2
An e-mail based content import system imports content into a content management system using an e-mail application. A user selects values for address fields of an e-mail, enters a content item in a body of the e-mail, enters content metadata in a body text of the e-mail, and selects files as an attachment to the e-mail. The user sends the e-mail to the content management system. An e-mail processing engine processes the e-mail body to extract the content item and content metadata and maps the values of the address fields to content metadata to generate content comprising the content item, content metadata, and associated files. The mapping of the system comprises a predetermined customizable mapping of the address fields to the content metadata.
US08359332B1
The present invention facilitates convenient and secure distribution of proprietary content. A present secure content enabled drive system and method permits flexible use of storage medium for both protected distribution of information and user definable storage use. In one embodiment a digital right management method includes creating a secure content enabled drive with protected storage locations and unprotected storage locations. Initial digital rights authorization is established to access secure content stored in said protected storage locations. The initial digital rights authorization to access secure content stored in said protected storage locations can be revised.
US08359330B2
A contents deletion/update system includes plural nodes which delete or update contents shared by the plural nodes mutually connected via a network. A management node includes a first transmitter transmitting an instruction to cause another node to delete or update the contents based on owning node information, and a second transmitter transmitting non-responding node information when there is a non-responding node. Each of the other nodes includes the first receiver receiving an instruction to delete or update the contents, an editor deleting or updating the contents according to the instruction, the first transmitter transmitting a response to the management node, the second receiver receiving non-responding node information from the management node and storing the non-responding node information in a storage unit, and the second transmitter transmitting the instruction to the non-responding node based on the non-responding node information when recognizing that the non-responding node makes access.
US08359327B2
A method and system for expanding a document set as a search data source in the field of business related search. The present invention provides a method of expanding a seed document in a seed document set. The method includes identifying one or more entity words of the seed document; identifying one or more topic words identifying one or more topic words related to the based entity word in the seed document where the entity word is located; forming an entity word-topic word pair from each identified topic word and the entity word on the basis of which each topic word is identified; and obtaining one or more expanded documents through web by taking the entity word and topic word in the each entity word-topic word pair as key words at the same time. A system for executing the above method is also provided.
US08359326B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, in which a first search query in a session is compared to a second search query within the session to determine whether any terms included in the second search query differ from terms in the first search query. If differing search terms are identified in the second search query, the differing search terms can be excluded from bigram analysis with other search terms included in the second query.
US08359303B2
A multimedia player and method is disclosed for displaying multimedia content on a video screen. A video stream and a markup language segment associated with the video stream are received, wherein the markup language segment comprising a time stamp identifying a target segment of the video stream, and at least one keyword associated with the time stamp. The keyword is transmitted over a network to a search engine, and related content is received from the search engine over the network, wherein the related content is related to the keyword. When the target segment of the video stream is displayed on the video screen, the related content is concurrently displayed on the video screen.
US08359302B2
Systems and methods for providing hi-fidelity contextual search results are described. In one described embodiment, a method for providing hi-fidelity contextual search results includes receiving a query comprising a search term, determining a location on a page that is responsive to the query, wherein the page has a native appearance, determining a contextual area associated with the location on the page, and causing the contextual area to be output in a hi-fidelity result set, wherein the contextual area has an appearance the same as the native appearance of the page.
US08359299B2
A data processing system is provided for storing and managing multiple data entries. The data processing system employs a data structure which allows the storage and management of a vast number of interrelated data entries the interrelations of which change over time. The data structure reflects such changing interrelations over time and allows the querying and extracting of data entries on the basis of their interrelations as they were or are defined at any desired point in time.
US08359291B2
A data layout optimization may utilize affinity estimation between pairs of fields of a record in a computer program. The affinity estimation may be determined based on a trace of an execution and in view of actual processing entities performing each access to the fields. The disclosed subject matter may be configured to be aware of a specific architecture of a target computer having a plurality of processing entities, executing the program so as to provide an improved affinity estimation which may take into account both false sharing issues, spatial locality improvement and the like.
US08359288B1
A method of using location-dependent sensor information comprising receiving information from one or more sensor/monitor/device (SMD) and determining a location associated with the SMD. The method further comprising integrating the SMD data into a comprehensive location-based database, and enabling a user to search for local conditions in the location-based database.
US08359282B2
A system and method for determining a similarity between a document and a query includes providing a frequently used dictionary and an infrequently used dictionary in storage memory. For each word or gram in the infrequently used dictionary, n words or grams are correlated from the frequently used dictionary based on a first score. Features for a vector of the infrequently used words or grams are replaced with features from a vector of the correlated words or grams from the frequently used dictionary when the features from a vector of the correlated words or grams meet a threshold value. A similarity score is determined between weight vectors of a query and one or more documents in a corpus by employing the features from the vector of the correlated words or grams that met the threshold value.
US08359277B2
A computer-implemented method of implementing information security. The method can include receiving a user input comprising a first user identifier and at least a second user identifier, determining whether the first user identifier corresponds to at least one of a plurality of existing user profiles, and determining whether the second user identifier corresponds to at least one of the plurality of existing user profiles. When it is determined that the first user identifier does not correspond to at least one of the plurality of existing user profiles, but that the second user identifier does correspond to at least one of the plurality of existing user profiles, the method can include selecting the user profile to which the second user identifier corresponds, automatically generating a unique user identifier, and associating the unique user identifier with the selected user profile.
US08359270B2
The present invention provides a method for managing an account for an unidentified individual by communicating with the unidentified individual who is using a device to communicate which transmits an identifier associated with the origin of the communication, obtaining from the unidentified individual a group of characters associated with the unidentified individual's personal information, comparing the group of characters to a database including a plurality of personal information associated with a plurality of individuals, identifying from the plurality of individuals one individual whose plurality of personal information includes the group of characters associated with the unidentified individual, and managing an account for the identified individual in an account database.
US08359263B1
Apparatus and methods for converting a scheduled loan payment between a composite amount and an interest-only amount. A scheduled loan payment may be converted between a composite amount and an interest-only amount. The composite amount may have a first component that includes outstanding principle and a second component that includes interest based on the outstanding principle. Loan payments in the composite amount may be received for a period of time. Upon request by the customer for activation of a payment schedule conversion feature, subsequent scheduled loan payments may be converted from composite payments to interest-only payments. After the payment schedule conversion feature is deactivated, the apparatus and methods may convert subsequent loan payments from interest-only back to a composite amount. Conversion to interest-only payments may be subject to satisfaction of lending risk attenuation criteria.
US08359249B2
In an embodiment, articles are left in storage areas, such as lockers or other receptacles that may be associated with a household services company. A divided storage receptacle is discussed. The receptacle is divided by an angled plane such that the top portion may be used to hang clothes of various lengths thereby utilizing the space efficiently.
US08359234B2
A method is provided that includes receiving message data at a server from a first remote device. The message data is associated with a message and the message includes text of one or more words, one or more characters, one or more symbols, or any combination thereof. The method also includes determining an intended recipient of the message and parsing the message data to identify text that matches criteria associated with an advertisement campaign. Further, the method includes composing an advertisement based on characteristics of the intended recipient and based on the text that matches the criteria associated with the advertisement campaign. Additionally, the method includes creating an audio file based on the message data and the advertisement and sending the audio file from the server to a second remote device, the second remote device associated with the intended recipient.
US08359229B2
An improved method for forecasting and modeling product demand for a product during promotional periods. The forecasting methodology employs information about prior promotional demand forecasts, prior product sales, and the data dispersion and the number of data samples in a product class hierarchy to dynamically determine the optimal level at which to compute promotional uplift coefficients. The methodology calculates confidence values for promotional uplift coefficients for products at each level in a merchandise product hierarchy, and uses the confidence values as a filter to determine the optimal level for promotional uplift aggregation.
US08359222B2
A method of predicting expected performance of a processing center system is provided. The method includes receiving performance information from a performance monitoring system associated with the processing center system. A computer model of the processing center system is developed based on the performance information. The method further includes generating predictions based on the computer model, and analyzing the predictions to generate performance scenarios for the processing center system.
US08359218B2
Methods and apparatus, including systems and computer program products, for a services architecture design that provides enterprise services having supply chain control functionality at the level of an enterprise application. The design includes a set of service operations, process components, and optionally deployment units. Suitable business objects are also described.
US08359217B2
An exemplary method of providing an optimized resolution to a problem in an infrastructure includes a step of determining at least one target configuration of the infrastructure wherein the target configuration is aligned with at least one template. The exemplary method also includes determining at least one resolution to the problem suitable for the at least one target configuration. The exemplary method also includes calculating at least one metric associated with at least one combination of at least one determined target configuration and at least one determined resolution. The exemplary method also includes selecting at least one combination of at least one determined transformation and at least one determined resolution based at least in part on the at least one calculated metric.
US08359213B2
A data processing system includes a processor that is configured for determining a percentage share to assign a share of relative risk in an insurance pool between an insurer, a first safety vendor and at least one other safety vendor. The processor is further configured to allocate portions of the insurance pool among the insurer and the safety vendors according to the determined shares assigned to the insurer and the safety vendors, to aggregate by the insurer loss information related to the insurance pool, and transmit the loss information to the safety vendors. Also, the processor is configured to allocate portions of a claim liability or a received premium associated with the insurance pool among the insurer and the safety vendors according to the determined shares assigned to the insurer and the safety vendors. The data processing system also includes a memory for storing the determined shares assigned to the insurer and the safety vendors.
US08359208B2
A computer implemented method is disclosed for receiving employee usage information associated with at least one employee's usage of a wellness program. A status level associated with the at least one employee for the wellness program is determined based on the employee usage information. A status level indicates a degree of participation in the wellness program. A data set is created comprising at least the status level associated with the at least one employee. The data set is in a format acceptable by a payroll vendor without conversion of the data set. The data set is then sent to an employer of the at least one employee.
US08359205B2
Methods and apparatus to audio watermarking and watermark detection and extracted are described herein. An example method includes receiving a media content signal, sampling the media content signal to generate samples, storing the samples in a buffer, determining a first sequence of samples in the buffer, determining a second sequence of samples in the buffer, wherein the second sequence of samples is of substantially equal length as the first sequence of samples, calculating an average of the first sequence of samples and the second sequence of samples to generate an average sequence of samples, extracting an identifier from the average sequence of samples, and storing the identifier in a tangible memory.
US08359196B2
A stereo sound decoding apparatus wherein lost-frame compensation performance has been improved to enhance the quality of decoded sounds. In this stereo sound decoding apparatus, a sound decoding part uses encoded monophonic signal data and encoded side signal data, which are received from a sound encoding apparatus, to generate monophonic decoded signals and stereo decoded signals; a compensation signal switching determining part that compares an inter-channel correlation and an intra-channel correlation, which have been calculated by use of the monophonic decoded signals of a previous frame and the stereo decoded signals of the previous frame, with respective comparison thresholds; a compensation signal switching part that selects, based on a result of the comparison in the compensation signal switching determining part, as compensation signals either inter-channel compensation signals generated by an inter-channel compensating part or intra-channel compensation signals generated by an intra-channel compensating part; and an output signal switching part that outputs either the stereo decoded signals or the compensation signals according to whether the encoded side signal data of the current frame has been lost.
US08359188B2
Systems and methods for providing access to remote language services assets. Deployed first responders access an electronic communications hub using a portable communication device. The communication hub provides the first responder with an interface through which language services assistance may be requested. A data processing facility communicatively coupled to the communications hub may receive the request and, using one or more data analysis routines, select an appropriate language services asset from a pool of available assets. The electronic communications hub may then connect the responder's communication device to the selected language services asset. The pool of available language services assets may be distributed across a wide area network (WAN).
US08359185B2
Reservoir simulation of giant subsurface reservoirs with accelerated phase equilibrium determination
A computer system analyzes data from giant subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs which are organized into a number of component cells and simulates the conditions in the reservoirs based on determination of thermodynamic phase equilibrium using equation of state (EOS) modeling. The computer system takes the form of a heterogeneous (hybrid) computer environment which includes computer processor units (or CPU's) and graphical processing units (or GPU's). The system takes advantage of computational acceleration capabilities of the graphical processing units while utilizing the computer processing units for execution control, input/output of data and memory. Processing time requirements are reduced by more than an order of magnitude speed improvement over existing methods.
US08359175B2
An apparatus for checking insulation of a cell module assembly composed of a plurality of pouch cells includes a first probing unit electrically contacted to an electrode of the cell module assembly; a second probing unit electrically contacted to aluminum films of selected ones of the pouch cells in the cell module assembly; and a measuring unit for measuring an insulation resistance between the first probing unit and the second probing unit. This apparatus may measure insulation resistances of a plurality of pouch cells of the cell module assembly at once, thereby ensuring faster insulation checking.
US08359174B2
A battery pack has a charge and discharge count measuring part (131) configured to measure the number of times of charges and discharges of a secondary battery based on the summed value of the charge current for the secondary battery, and a decay rate output part (132) configured to compute a decay rate that indicates a degree of decay of the secondary battery based on the number of times of charges and discharges measured by the charge and discharge count measuring part (131) and to output it to a device being a discharge load. For example, the charge and discharge count measuring part (131) repeatedly sums the detected values of the charge current to a predetermined threshold, and counts up the number of times of charges and discharges every time when the summed value reaches the threshold. Accordingly, even though charges and discharges are repeated at finer steps in a relatively narrow voltage range, the number of times of charges and discharges can be counted accurately, and the computing accuracy of the decay rate is improved. In the battery pack in which the secondary battery is accommodated, parameters for detecting the remaining amount of the battery are detected more accurately.
US08359172B2
An underwater depth measurement device includes a piezoresistive ceramic transducer in communication with a circuit for outputting an absolute pressure.
US08359165B2
A system, and associated article of manufacture, in which biochemical reactions of the system are modeled by using spatially heterogeneous stochastic Petri-net modeling. The biochemical reactions of the system to be modeled are defined. A spatial decomposition of the system is defined by defining regions of a space in which the system is to be modeled and by assigning each biochemical reaction to a region, such that the system is spatially heterogeneous. Relationships for inter-region movement of reactants of the biochemical reactions are defined as flux, advection, convection, and/or diffusion-based molecular movements. The system of the biochemical reactions is then modeled by modeling the biochemical reactions of each region as a spatially homogenous stochastic Petri-net and by modeling the inter-region movement of the reactants based on the relationships as defined.
US08359163B2
The present disclosure relates to a method to improve the performance of reservoir simulators, and to widen the range of systems that can efficiently be modeled. The present disclosure relates to determining fluid flow in a subsurface reservoir. One embodiment divides the reservoir into discrete volume elements. Fluid within the volume elements is represented, for example, by it pressure, saturation, and/or composition. For one or more fluid phases comprising the fluid, the potential for each volume element is determined. The volume elements are ordered according to their potentials for each phase comprising the fluid. A local, fully coupled time-step sequence is determined using a local conservation solution based on the potential ordering of and for each fluid phase. The fluid flow is determined using a global conservation solution based on the local, fully coupled time-step sequence.
US08359161B2
A method is provided for tracking a magnetic object situated in an area in which a system of coordinates is defined, including an axis of abscissas, an axis ordinate and a height axis. The method includes: a phase of measuring at least one magnetic parameter in multiple measuring points in the area, in order to obtain multiple values take from this parameter in the measurement method including the following steps: construction of at least on projective magnitude; and establishment of the at least one projective magnitude on the values extracting in order to obtain an estimated value of a parameter proportional to a sensitivity within the multiple estimated points of the area, allowing the tracking of the object to take place.
US08359157B2
Systems, methods and a graphical user interface are provided for enhancing a computing navigation device route directions view. A system is disclosed including a computing navigation device configured to identify a route for travel. The route includes one or more geographic locations along the route. The computing navigation device is further configured to receive media from a media service via a computer network, wherein each media includes associated geographic information indicating that the media relates to the one or more geographic locations. The computing navigation device is further configured to display the media in a route directions view of a graphical user interface.
US08359156B2
A map generation system comprising: a mobile device for acquiring location data of a vehicle and a status of the vehicle at a time of acquisition of the location; and a server for processing the acquired location data of the vehicle. The server comprises an input interface, a first storage unit, a processor and a second storage unit. The server includes a management unit for collecting a plurality of pieces of the track data obtained by a motion of the vehicle, an extraction unit for extracting feature points of the plurality of pieces of the track data on a road from which the plurality of pieces of the track data are collected to calculate a Spline curve satisfying the extracted feature points, and an update unit for adding the calculated Spline curve as a lane central line to the digital road map to update map data.
US08359152B2
An ECU executes a program including: steps of detecting an SOC and a temperature TB of a traction battery; when an EV switch is on, a step of calculating a temperature correction coefficient α from TB; when EV switch not on, a step of calculating a temperature correction coefficient α from TB; steps of calculating an EV traveling allowed power value WOUT based on the SOC and the temperature correction coefficients; and a step of transmitting EV traveling allowed power value WOUT to a meter ECU in order to indicate EV traveling allowed power value WOUT on a power meter.
US08359146B2
A method and system for assessing and preventing overturn of a vehicle, the method and system being particularly suitable for use with commercial vehicles with brake systems typically used in North America, wherein a vehicle equipped with single brake pressure modulator is controlled to increase or decrease brake pressure, depending on braking state, to test vehicle wheel speed by response. If the vehicle wheel speed response indicates the inside wheels of the vehicle are off the ground or only lightly loaded, it may be assumed that the vehicle is approaching overturning. A braking intervention may be then executed by the single brake pressure modulator to prevent the incipient overturn event.
US08359142B2
A method of controlling application of a substance to vegetation using data obtained via a mobile machine is provided. A height of the vegetation is measured during a scheduled task of the mobile machine. The measured height of the vegetation is compared with a calculated height of the vegetation. Then, an amount of the substance applied by an irrigation system to an area containing the vegetation is adjusted based on a difference between the measured height of the vegetation and the calculated height of the vegetation.
US08359139B2
The orientation of a self-propelled vehicle or a towed vehicle relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle can be determined by mounting two ground speed sensors on the vehicle. The orientation of the vehicle relative to the direction of travel of the vehicle can be used to correct the error in the location of an implement mounted on the vehicle determined by a GPS system mounted on the vehicle or the vehicle towing the implement due to crabbing of the vehicle as the vehicle travels substantially perpendicular to a significant slope.
US08359138B2
A method and system for assisting the steering of steered wheels of a vehicle, in which a phase lead is applied between a steering wheel and a steering rack element to reduce response time of the vehicle to an action performed by the driver on the steering wheel.
US08359127B2
A server communicates with one or more work machines and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) via a wireless network. When receiving a request signal for desired material, the server analyzes the request signal to determine a location of the work machine, and searches for an AGV according to basic information of a production scene stored a storage device. The server further generates a control command according to the location of the work machine, a starting location of the searched AGV, and arrangement information of AGV tracks obtained from the basic information, and controls the searched AGV to move to the location of the work machine according to the control command, to delivered the desired material carried by the searched AGV to the work machine.
US08359122B2
Autonomous personal service robot to monitor its owner for symptoms of distress and provide assistance. The system may include sensors to detect situations before they affect people such as smoke, heat, temperature and carbon monoxide sensors. The system can provide security for the home. The PRA may comprise features such as a medicine dispenser and blood pressure cuff. Features such as broadband internet, MP3 player, reading lights and eye glass tracker provide butler type capabilities that enable the system to appeal to markets beyond the elderly and infirmed. The system may also include an X10 transmitter/receiver to automatically control various household lights and appliances. Equipping the system with a robot arm enables the robot to fetch items, turn on and off wall switches and open the refrigerator.
US08359118B2
A method of producing a flexible vessel model for simulating a surgical operation, which is a three-dimensional model being capable of reproducing an aneurysm or narrowing occurring in the artery or vein based on CT/MRI image data of a patient obtained in practice and thus allowing vascular therapy trainings and preoperative simulations, with the use of a precise lamination modeling machine, wherein a vascular model having an affected part is fabricated by using a lamination technique together with a supporting material for sustaining the shape of the three-dimensional model during the fabrication in the precise lamination modeling machine and, after the completion of the fabrication by the lamination machine technique, the supporting material is removed. Thus, it is possible to provide a three-dimensional vascular model whereby the shape of an aneurysm or narrowing occurring in the artery or vein, which is to be used in preoperative simulation of vascular therapy for the artery or vein, can be reproduced with the use of a flexible polymer model and thus vascular therapy trainings and preoperative simulation can be carried out by using the same.
US08359115B2
A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses.
US08359111B2
A method and an apparatus for controlling a distributed automation system, wherein the method comprises determining global constraint rules according to the cooperative relationships between function blocks in the distributed automation system, and establishing a mathematical model based on Membrane Calculus, performing the instantiation of the established mathematical model based on Membrane Calculus according to an executor corresponding to each of the function blocks in the distributed automation system, so as to produce control logics for output to the distributed automation system. If disturbance information is received from the distributed automation system, altering the parameters of the instantiation of the mathematical model based on Membrane Calculus are altered using the disturbance information, so as to produce control logics for outputting to said distributed automation system. The present invention is capable of effectively dealing with all types of unpredictable disturbances, thus improving the adaptability thereof.
US08359106B2
Adhesiveless direct bonding between polymeric tubular members assembled with an interference fit using an oxidative cold gas plasma treatment, and implantable medical leads manufactured in part using a cold gas plasma bonding process are disclosed. An illustrative method includes subjecting a number of polymeric tubular members to an oxidative cold gas plasma, creating an oxygen rich layer on each of the tubular members. The treated surfaces of the tubular members are assembled together, forming a direct bond along an overlapping region between the tubular members when in conformal contact with each other.
US08359102B2
Selective high-frequency spinal cord modulation for inhibiting pain with reduced side effects and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In particular embodiments, high-frequency modulation in the range of from about 1.5 KHz to about 50 KHz may be applied to the patient's spinal cord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side effects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications.
US08359093B2
System and method of applying electric fields to a patient's lung(s) to reduce pulmonary edema. The system includes a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one of which is associated with the lung. The electric field can be controlled so as to modulate a level of fluid in the lung.
US08359088B2
A portable electrocardiogram monitor includes: an upper housing and a lower housing coupled to each other via a hinge; and a positive electrode formed on lateral sides of the upper and lower housings, which are disposed opposite sides centering on the hinge.
US08359075B2
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing frame, a transparent display, and a movable element. The transparent display is connected to the housing frame. The transparent display includes a front side and a rear side opposite the front side. The movable element is connected to the housing frame. The rear side of the transparent display is configured to be directly exposed to ambient light when the movable element is in a first position relative to the transparent display. The rear side of the transparent display is blocked from being directly exposed to the ambient light when the movable element is in a second different position relative to the transparent display.
US08359070B1
A system is provided for smart card application loading. The system includes a mobile device comprising an electronic wallet and a smart card, with the smart card including resident smart card application. The mobile device authenticates a request to load selected smart card application on the mobile device and provides loading approval. The mobile device saves some information for the resident smart card application, and loads the selected smart card application to the smart card in response to the loading approval.
US08359069B2
Systems and methods of accessing a network-based communication service provide for generating a dialing request at a remote control device based on user input. A dialing signal is transmitted toward a mobile communication device based on the request, where the dialing signal instructs the mobile communication device to access the network-based communication service. Communication services can enable a user to use information retrieval at a network server as well as use number dialing at the network server. In one example, the dialing signal is transmitted according to a Bluetooth standard.
US08359060B2
An apparatus, system, and method efficiently manage transmission power in a user equipment (UE) device by maintaining and applying an authorized power level to determine a transmission power level after a power limited transmission and before a new power control command has been received. The UE device maintains the authorized power level by monitoring and adjusting the authorized power level based on received power control commands. After a power limited transmission where the maximum power level is less than the authorized power level, the UE device determines the transmission power level for the next transmission based on the authorized power level. Accordingly, after the power limiting situation has ceased, the UE device transmits at the optimum power level eliminating the inefficiencies of transmitting at a lower than authorized power before the next power control command is received.
US08359058B2
A mobile terminal apparatus includes a wireless communicator for communicating with a first wireless base station and a second wireless base station; and a controller. The controller measures a first signal quality and a second signal quality, the first signal quality being signal quality of a signal from the first wireless base station which is communicated with the communicator, the second signal quality being a signal quality of a signal received by the communicator from the second wireless base station, and executes a handover from the first wireless base station to the second wireless base station by controlling the communicator when the first signal quality is lower than the second signal quality and an integration value, along the time axis, of a difference between the first and the second signal qualities is more than a predetermined value.
US08359055B2
A transmission power control method for controlling a transmission power of an E-DPCCH, includes: determining, at a radio network controller, that a mobile station transmitting the E-DPCCH to only a first cell transmits the E-DPCCH to the first cell and a second cell; determining, at the radio network controller, an E-DPCCH Transmission Power Offset which is an offset from a transmission power of a DPCCH based on the determination; notifying, at the radio network controller, the E-DPCCH Transmission Power Offset to the mobile station; determining, at the mobile station, the transmission power of the E-DPCCH to be transmitted to the first cell and the second cell, based on the notified E-DPCCH Transmission Power Offset; and transmitting, at the mobile station, the E-DPCCH to the first cell and the second cell using the determined transmission power.
US08359051B2
A master-slave distributed communications network comprises a master node (10), a plurality of slave nodes (12 to 22), and links (VL) operatively interconnecting the slave nodes and the master node in accordance with a routing plan. Each slave node has means for storing an address of the next node in the routing plan for a message to be routed on an uplink to the master node and when sending a data packet to the master node it appends the prestored address and forwards the data packet to the next node. If the next node is not the master node, it, in turn, adds the prestored address of the next following slave node to the data packet thus lengthening the data packet and re-transmits it, and so on until the data packet reaches the master node.For a downlink message, the master node (10) using a prestored routing table includes in the data packet the addresses of all the slave nodes on the selected route. As the data packet is progressed from slave node to slave node, the address of each slave node which has forwarded the data packet is deleted thus shortening the overall length of the data packet.
US08359050B2
A mobile phone which allows a user to continuously watch a television broadcast even if there is a call from the other party phone is provided. If a call comes from the other party phone in a state of displaying television image on a main display, the television audio output part 36 stops outputting television audio corresponding to the television image while the television image display part maintains display of the television image on the main display, wherein the character information display part 38 causes the main display to display caption corresponding to the television image. Therefore, the user is allowed to continuously watch the television broadcast on the basis of the television image and caption while communicating with the other party phone.
US08359046B2
A controller apparatus, when it receives packets addressed to a mobile terminal, implements paging control in which it transmits a paging notification packet to a paging area of the mobile terminal, so as to obtain location information on the mobile terminal and to determine a forwarding destination of the packets. The controller apparatus includes a paging area forming unit having a plurality of algorithms for forming the paging area. The paging area forming unit is configured to form the paging area of the mobile terminal by an algorithm specified by the mobile terminal.
US08359032B2
A user data transmission method for transmitting uplink user data via an E-DPDCH, including: determining, at a radio network controller, that the mobile station transmitting the E-DPDCH to only a first cell transmits the E-DPDCH to the first cell and a second cell; notifying, at the radio network controller, E-HICH decoding information for decoding a E-HICH for the uplink user data to be transmitted by the second cell, to the mobile station based on the determination; transmitting, at the mobile station, the E-DPDCH to the first cell and the second cell, after the E-HICH decoding information is received; and decoding, at the mobile station, the E-HICH for the uplink user data to be transmitted from the second cell based on the E-HICH decoding information, and performing a retransmission control of the uplink user data toward the second cell based on the decoded E-HICH for the uplink user data.
US08359022B2
Techniques for coordinating transmissions in wireless communications are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, and a control module. The first transceiver communicates across a wireless link of a first type, and the second transceiver communicates across a wireless link of a second type. Examples of such first and second types include cellular links and data networking links. The control module authorizes the second transceiver to send wireless transmission upon the occurrence of a compressed mode transmission gap allocated to the first transceiver. Moreover, during this transmission gap, the first transceiver refrains from sending wireless transmissions.
US08359016B2
In particular implementations, a mobile device management system allows network administrators to control the distribution and publication of applications to mobile device users in an enterprise network.
US08359014B2
A cell phone which has been modified by the addition of software which responds to the press of one or more Busy keys by automatically sending a pre-typed text message to the sender of the latest text message just received or automatically answering an incoming call immediately upon pressing the Busy key and playing a pre-recorded audio message. The outgoing text or audio message can inform the sender of the incoming text or the caller that the user is driving or otherwise engaged and cannot respond immediately. In some embodiments, one or more Busy keys can be added keys or one or more existing keys on the cell phone or on the keypad of the cell phone or on a touchscreen or a visual depiction of a keypad on a touchscreen of the cell phone. In some embodiments, only the text of the automated reply message is entered automatically, and all other commands to launch the SMS service, select the text message to reply to and send the automated reply message are manually given.
US08359007B2
A method for communicating media content is disclosed. The method includes receiving in a server a request for a listing of network addresses associated with a playlist for available content, and sending a message having network addresses for different portions of the content. The network addresses allow a requesting device to use one transmission rate for a first part of the content and a different transmission rate for a second part of the content.
US08358992B2
A method and system for the wireless terminal receiving sensitivity performance test based on a data mode are provided. The method comprises: building a human body model, in which the upper limb of the model holds the device under test at a predefined distance in front of the head of the model; taking the antenna of the device under test as the origin to build a spherical coordinate and selecting a testing point in the spherical coordinate; placing the model under the circumstance of a full-anechoic chamber; enabling the device under test to work in a data mode, and collecting the receiving power at the testing point in the spherical placement system using the testing antenna, so as to obtain the total power receiving sensitivity of the device under test. In this way, the performance influence on the mobile terminal from the human body coupling of the human being in a data mode can be actually reflected, the reality is high and the usage is easy.
US08358988B2
A bit rate processor in a wireless system includes a front end processor to process physical channel data and to generate encoded transport channel data, a transport channel buffer to hold the encoded transport channel data, and a back end processor to process the encoded transport channel data from the transport channel buffer and to generate decoded transport channel bits. The front end process may include a frame buffer that receives the physical channel data, a first stage to de-map the physical channel data, an intermediate frame buffer that receives the de-mapped physical channel data, and a second stage to process the de-mapped physical channel data and to provide the encoded transport channel data. The back end processor may include a third stage, including a scaling circuit to scale the encoded transport channel data, a decoder to decode the scaled transport channel data, a CRC checker and an output buffer.
US08358977B2
A system and a method are disclosed for initiating a voice communication, such as a telephone call, or modifying an output device used to present audio data. After receiving a destination identifier, such as a telephone number, data from one or more sensors included in the mobile computing device is analyzed. Responsive to the sensor data describing movement in a first direction of a first axis, such as upward motion along a vertical axis, a voice communication is established using the destination identifier. While audio data from the voice communication, or from another source, is presented, data from the sensors is also analyzed. Responsive to the sensor data indicating one or more types of movement or interactions with a surrounding environment, the output device used to present the audio data is modified.
US08358971B2
A satellite includes a programmable facility including circuitry responsive to programmable control information. One or more filter parameters, or other forms of instructions for allocating channel capacity (i.e. bits/second/Hz), are received at the satellite in orbit to direct the programmable facility to separate particular sub-signals from an input signal. In one embodiment, the programmable facility can be programmed to change the allocation of channel capacity dedicated to the forward and return links based on the ratio forward and return traffic through a satellite. Changing the allocation of channel capacity may be achieved by changing the portions of the total allocated frequency bandwidth that are used for forward and return links. Alternatively, the changes may be made to the forward and/or return data rates, either alone or in combination with frequency bandwidth allocations.
US08358962B2
In an image recording apparatus according to an aspect of the invention, a recording medium is allowed to be conveyed on a conveying path. An inversion guide portion connects a first portion of the conveying path positioned downstream of a recording unit to a second portion of the conveying path positioned upstream of the recording unit. A path changeover unit is disposed at the first portion of the conveying path and swingable between a recording medium discharge position and a recording medium inversion position. When the path changeover unit is positioned at the recording medium discharge position, the forward rotation of the roller pair allows the recording medium to be sent to a discharge portion. When the path changeover unit is positioned at the recording medium inversion position, the rearward rotation of the roller pair allows the recording medium to be sent to the inversion guide portion.
US08358952B2
A process unit has process cartridges, a pair of lower supporting plates, and a pair of upper supporting plates. Each process cartridge has a photosensitive drum rotatably about an axis extending in a first direction. Each of the process cartridges has two side faces facing each other in the first direction and a cartridge electrode provided on the side face. The process cartridges are aligned in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. Each lower supporting plate supports a lower part of the side face of each process cartridge. Each upper supporting plate supports an upper part of the side face of each process cartridge. The pair of upper support plates and the pair of lower support plates provide a side opening facing the side face of each process cartridge to expose the electrode of each process cartridge toward outside through the side opening.
US08358942B2
Developer toner concentration in an electrophotographic system is measured. Two sensors, one before and one after the toning zone in the direction of rotation of the development member, each include respective electrodes that form a respective capacitance between the respective electrode and the development member. A voltage source selectively applies respective AC biases across the sensors and the respective currents across the sensors are measured. A controller causes an electrostatic latent image to be produced on the photoreceptor and causes the development member to rotate and the photoreceptor to move. While the development member is rotating, the processor receives the measured currents and computes toner concentration using the respective received currents and the pixel data. The developer flow rate can be adjusted, or toner added to the developer, in response to the determined toner concentration.
US08358940B2
A method and system for optoelectronic receivers for uncoded data are disclosed and may include amplifying received electrical signals in a signal amplifier comprising differential gain stages with signal detectors coupled to the outputs. First and second output voltages may be tracked and held utilizing the signal detectors. A difference between the tracked and held value may be amplified in a feedback path of the gain stage, which enables the dynamic configuration of a decision level. The received electrical signals may be generated from an optical signal by a PIN detector, an avalanche photodiode, or a phototransistor. The electrical signal may be received from a read channel. The feedback path may comprise digital circuitry, including an A/D converter, a state machine, and a D/A converter. The detectors may comprise envelope detectors utilized to detect maximum or minimum voltages. The signal amplifier may be integrated in a photonically-enabled CMOS chip.
US08358938B2
An optical receiver able to generate the LOS alarm reliably is disclosed. The optical receiver module in the optical receiver provides a level monitor that monitors the average of the optical input, compares it with a reference and generates a decision signal that is provided to the squelching unit. The squelching unit, by receiving the decision signal, isolates the outputs of the output buffer from the inputs thereof and fixes the outputs of the receiver module in the level “0” or the level “1”. Even the main amplifier is coupled with the receiver optical module in the AC mode; no complicated response appears in the input of the main amplifier.
US08358931B2
An optoelectronic timing system includes an optical timing compensation system in which optical pulses developed by a semiconductor laser are advanced or retarded based upon an expected arrival time. The pulses are directed into a number of time-quantifiable optical paths. Time quantification for a pulse is based upon the time required for a pulse to travel a particular length at the speed of light. Pulses are directed into an advancing path or a retarding path by optical switches which compare an expected arrival time of a new pulse to an expected arrival time based on a previous pulse. The optical compensation system is incorporated into a precision timing device in which multiple optical paths, having decreasing lengths in a defined pattern, are arranged in serial fashion so as to have each subsequent path of the series represent a travel time one order of magnitude different than a travel time of an adjacent path. Timing signals are developed by coupling an optical detector to each of the multiple optical paths.
US08358925B2
A lens barrel for, e.g., a miniature camera or another device, includes an annular barrel, a plurality of first optical elements disposed coaxially within the barrel, an actuator device disposed coaxially within the barrel in front of the first optical elements, a front cover attached coaxially to a front surface of the actuator device, and a second optical element mounted coaxially in a central opening of a moving platform of the actuator device such that rotational movement of actuators in the actuator device causes the moving platform and second optical element to move conjointly with a purely translation movement along the optical axis of the second optical element and relative to the first optical elements.
US08358923B2
A structure of a housing mounted with a lens unit is provided that is capable of withstanding internal pressure changes and ensures shock-resistance while being waterproof and thin. The housing structure includes a resin case, and a metal frame for preventing deformation of the resin case. A sliding groove with which the metal frame is engageable by being slid is formed in an inner section of the resin case.
US08358921B2
The invention relates to a line feedthrough through a heating kettle cover of a heating kettle of a reducing agent tank. At least one line penetrates an opening of the heating kettle cover and is sealed by means of a sealing element. It is provided that the sealing element is configured as an elastic plug sealing stopper, which is inserted in a holder associated with the heating kettle cover in a sealing manner.
US08358915B2
In one embodiment, the method includes retrieving management information associated with audiovisual data. The management information includes location information, an indicator, and reference information. The method further includes identifying whether or not a set of additional data associated with the audiovisual data exists in a stream including at least a portion of the management information using the indicator, the additional data being describing the audiovisual data. The indicator includes one of a first indicator value indicating that the set of the additional data associated with the audiovisual data exists in the stream and a second indicator value indicating that the set of the additional data associated with the audiovisual data does not exist in the stream. The audiovisual data and the set of the additional data are retrieved using the location information specifying a location of the set of the additional data and the reference information being assigned to the audiovisual data, and the audiovisual data and the associated additional data are reproduced.
US08358913B2
A system and methods of incrementally updating a recording schedule in response to changes in user requests and changes in availability of requested content. Changes to the recording schedule may be prompted by a user request to record new content, a change in the parameters of an existing request, removal of a request, and the like. Before changing the recording schedule, an algorithm generates new possible recording schedules by combining recording assignments for a given program with the existing recording schedule. In one embodiment, the algorithm reduces the new possible recording schedules to a final recording schedule and applies the final recording schedule to a digital recording device. In another embodiment, the final recording schedule is presented to a user for approval before the schedule is applied to the digital recording device.
US08358910B2
An information signal is received, which includes a main information content signal carrying the contents of the information, a CM portion signal carrying commercial messages (CM) and an information mode discriminating signal used for discriminating information modes of the main information content signal and the CM signal from each other according to the contents. A video signal is encoded per plurality of several video frames, the video signal including the main information content signal and the CM portion signal. The encoded video signal is recorded in a storage medium. The video signal is reproduced, during the recording, from the storage medium while the CM portion signal is skipped. The received main information content signal and CM portion signal are recorded in the storage medium. The information mode discriminating signal is recorded in the storage medium or another temporary storage medium. At least the information mode discriminating signal is retrieved from the storage medium or the temporary storage medium. Locations of the recorded CM portion signal in the storage medium is detected based on information mode corresponding to the CM portion signal among a plurality of information modes discriminated by means of the information mode discriminating signal. The main information content signal is reproduced from the storage medium while skipping the CM portion signal based on recorded positions of the video signal encoded per plurality of video frames corresponding to the detected locations of the recorded CM portion signal.
US08358909B2
A data stream is provided to a user in which a number of data streams may be integrated together at proper times within the data streams. For example, a first data stream may be displayed for a user while a second data stream may be received. The second data stream may be determined to contain data content corresponding to the first data stream in a particular temporal relationship. Based on a determination of various parameters or characteristics of the first and/or second data stream, the second data stream may be integrated into or combined with the first data stream at a desired time point within the first data stream to create a combination data stream. The combination data stream may be presented to the user.
US08358903B1
A computer-readable medium storing computer executable instructions for: (1) receiving video footage taken by a handheld device; (2) identifying one or more indicia associated with a point of interest within the video footage; (3) using the one or more indicia to retrieve information associated with the point of interest; (4) displaying the information on a display screen associated with the handheld device as the video footage is being displayed on the display screen; and (5) recording a screen capture of the display screen as the display screen is displaying the video footage and information.
US08358898B2
A device for storing an excess length of a cable, the device includes two separate guide members configured to guide the cable, each guide member presenting a groove for receiving the cable, the relative position of the guide members being adjustable with a longitudinal part extending having a first end and a free second end, the first end being secured to one of the guide members, the longitudinal part being suitable for being fastened to the other guide member from the free second end and being capable of being moved relative to the other guide member while remaining fastened thereto.
US08358892B2
Optical elements (light sources 16 or photodetectors 18) are arranged in a two-dimensional array, and the relative positional relationship between the optical elements and optical waveguides 12 is defined such that optical waveguides 12 extend between the optical elements in the two-dimensional array substantially parallel to substrate 19 for increased parallelism. Micromirrors 15 are disposed in respective optical waveguides 12 to bend light beams through 90 degrees to realize a highly efficient optical coupling between the optical elements and optical waveguides 12. The optical waveguides are stacked in multiple stages, and light beams are lead to the optical waveguides in the multiple stacks through micromirrors 15 across the stacked plane of the optical waveguides, thereby realizing parallel connection between the two-dimensional array of optical elements and a two-dimensional array of optical waveguides. There is thus provided a connection structure between the optical elements and optical waveguides 12, which is small in size and high in efficiency, and is of high parallelism.
US08358885B2
An optical semiconductor device, including a first optical waveguide with a first width, a second optical waveguide with a second width narrower than the first width with a bending region, and a third optical waveguide with a third width wider than the second width and coupled to the second optical waveguide.
US08358862B2
An image signal processing apparatus includes: a block division unit inputting an image signal encoded by orthogonal transformation and dividing the image signal into second blocks different from first blocks encoded using the orthogonal transformation; an activity calculation unit calculating an activity of each second block; a re-encoding unit encoding the second blocks using the orthogonal transformation; a re-encoded difference calculation unit calculating difference values between the second blocks and the first blocks; a class determination unit determining a class of each second block on the basis of a distribution of the difference value and the activity; a prediction coefficient generating unit generating a prediction coefficient corresponding to each class; a prediction tap construction unit constructing a prediction tap for calculating a target pixel in each second block; and a predictive operation unit operating the prediction tap and the prediction coefficient to calculate a pixel value of each target pixel.
US08358861B2
A compression device using a prediction coding method performs a prediction for one line in an image to be compressed by using each of a plurality of the same types of predictors as plural types of predictors, and determines one quantizer out of plural types of quantizers based on a prediction error amount of a predictor having the smallest prediction error. It also performs a prediction for a prescribed pixel block in the one line, and identifies one predictor out of the plural types of predictors based on a type of a predictor having the smallest prediction error. Then, it compresses data of the prescribed pixel block by using the identified predictor and the determined quantizer. A decompression device decompresses the compressed image data to generate the image to be compressed by using an inverse quantizer corresponding to the determined quantizer and the identified predictor.
US08358857B2
An initial value is assigned to a center point for each cluster in a plurality of clusters. Each point in a point space is assigned to a closest cluster based on the distance between the each point and the center of nearest cluster. A first-assignment value is determined for each center point using the clusters the points are assigned to. A first-assignment dynamic validity index of a current cluster configuration is evaluated. Each point in the point space is reassigned to the closest cluster based on the first-assignment value of each center. A second-assignment value is determined for the center of each cluster according to the reassigning. A second-assignment dynamic validity index is evaluated using the second-assignment values. The current cluster configuration is selected if the difference between the dynamic validity indices is less than a threshold.
US08358854B2
According to one embodiment, a search skip region setting function generation method includes associating, detecting, and generating. The associating associates a template used to search a model image for an object with a designated search point on the model image, and detects a designated search point similarity between the designated search point and the template. When the designated search point similarity exceeds an object detection determination threshold, the detecting detects surrounding search point similarities between a plurality of surrounding search points around the designated search point on the model image and the template. The generating generates a function required to set a search skip region of the object based on relative positions between the object and the template, which are estimated based on a distribution of the surrounding search point similarities.
US08358852B2
Systems and methods automatically generate a model of a form or other document and identify the form or other document. In one aspect, a system and method normalize an image of a document and identify the relative positions of the vertical and horizontal lines in the normalized image. The relative positions of the vertical and horizontal lines of the normalized image are the model of the document image. The model may be stored in a record, such as an array. The system and method compare the relative positions of the horizontal and vertical lines of the model to the relative positions of horizontal and vertical lines of other models to identify a matching model.
US08358849B2
An image processing apparatus includes a face detection processing unit that reduces an image of a frame to be processed to a first level among several reduction levels to generate a reduced image of the frame to be processed, with one of frames included in a moving image as the frame to be processed, and compares the reduced image generated by the reducing unit and the learning data to extract a face image from the reduced image. When the extraction of the face image from the frame to be processed is ended, the face detection processing unit updates the frame to be processed to a next frame subsequent to the frame to be processed and generates a reduced image that is reduced to another level other than reduction levels adjoining the first level.
US08358843B2
Methods are systems are provided that include obtaining a digital image from a digital photograph, such as may be taken by a digital camera or a camera phone. The digital image includes, for example, a URI or URL, which may be contained within a visible frame. A character recognition technique, such as an optical character recognition technique, may be used to recognize the URI or URL from the digital image. The URI or URL may be used to access a corresponding Web page. The character recognition technique may be applied on the digital camera or cell phone itself, or remotely.
US08358840B2
The described methods and systems provide for the representation and matching of video content, including spatio-temporal matching of different video sequences. A particular method of determining temporal correspondence between different sets of video data inputs the sets of video data and represents the video data as ordered sequences of visual nucleotides. Temporally corresponding subsets of video data are determined by aligning the sequences of visual nucleotides.
US08358834B2
Techniques are disclosed for learning and modeling a background for a complex and/or dynamic scene over a period of observations without supervision. A background/foreground component of a computer vision engine may be configured to model a scene using an array of ART networks. The ART networks learn the regularity and periodicity of the scene by observing the scene over a period of time. Thus, the ART networks allow the computer vision engine to model complex and dynamic scene backgrounds in video.
US08358822B2
A method for automatically determining a field of view for performing a subsequent medical imaging study includes acquiring one or more preliminary images. A body mask is generated by thresholding the preliminary images and identifying a largest connected component. A boundary mask is obtained from the boundary of the generated body mask. A rectangular bounding box is fit to the obtained boundary mask. The rectangular bounding box is used as a field of view for performing a subsequent medical imaging study.
US08358813B2
A method, performed by a software process executing on a computer system, includes accessing a digital image comprising a plurality of pixels. The method also includes determining whether one or more pixels bounding a first rectangular sub-region of a predetermined size within the digital image satisfy a specified criterion. If a predetermined percentage of bounding pixels satisfy the specified criterion, the method assumes that all pixels within the first rectangular sub-region also satisfy the specified criterion. The method further includes selectively executing an image analysis algorithm on the digital image using the assumption that all pixels within the rectangular sub-region also satisfy the specified criterion.
US08358806B2
A method for performing crowd segmentation includes receiving video image data (S21). Background differencing is performed on the received video image data to identify a foreground silhouette shape (S22). Approximate number and position of human subjects within the received video image data are determined by matching the foreground silhouette shape against a set of predetermined foreground silhouette shapes, for each of which a number and position of human subjects is known (S28). The estimated number and position of the human subjects is refined to determine a final number and position of the human subjects (S27).
US08358805B2
A system having a layered architecture for constructing dynamic social network from image data of actors and events. It may have a low layer for capturing raw data and identifying actors and events. The system may have a middle layer that receives actor and event information from the low layer and puts it in to a two dimensional matrix. A high layer of the system may add weighted relationship information to the matrix to form the basis for constructing a social network. The system may have a sliding window thus making the social network dynamic.
US08358803B2
Provided is a method for analyzing image slices. The method includes extracting first and second sub-slices from first and second image slices, respectively, and computing a shift between the first and second image slices based on the first and second sub-slices. The first and second sub-slices overlap.Also provided is a method for controlling a cursor on a screen. The method includes determining a shift between a first image slice and a second image slice and determining a displacement of the cursor on the screen based on the determined shift.
US08358801B2
The invention is a novel circuit wherein maximum shove is achieved yet the transducer's height profile is minimized. The profile is minimized by using mated beveled surfaces on an annular magnet and the top plate which prevents the top plate from reaching saturation and reduces the reluctance f the magnetic flux path. A novel anti-fringe geometry to reduce flux leakage and net saturation in the center post improves the magnetic reluctance of the circuit. An external housing assembly is provided with integral suspension elements for radial stiffness and axial compliance and for aligning the circuit within the housing to prevent cocking and resulting distortion.
US08358795B2
The invention relates to a receiver system for an otological device. The receiver system has an oscillation receiver to receive a carrier signal with a carrier frequency. The receiver system is designed to change a receive frequency for the carrier signal. The receiver system has a frequency regulator which is designed to at least indirectly register the receive frequency and to change the receive frequency for the carrier signal to a predetermined receive frequency and to set it to the predetermined receive frequency. The frequency regulator is connected to the oscillation receiver at least at least indirectly and is designed to generate an excitation signal and to excite the oscillation receiver to oscillate by means of the excitation signal and thus to generate a response oscillation with a response frequency. The frequency regulator is also designed to ascertain the receive frequency depending on the response oscillation.
US08358786B2
Provided are a method and apparatus to measure in real time the hearing ability of a user in a game environment of a mobile device. The method includes generating a series of sound patterns and visual patterns for a combination of a specific frequency and level of sound, and extracting ear characteristics of the user based on the user's responses to the series of sound patterns and visual patterns.
US08358785B2
Wireless communication is to be enabled between hearing units of small construction, especially between hearing aids with an increased data rate. To this end it is provided in accordance with the invention that the hearing unit is fitted with a transceiver which has an inductive receiving device and a digital wideband pulse transmitter. Two such hearing units can then communicate wirelessly with one another with the help of a communication station which is structurally separate from the hearing units and with which a message can be transmitted from the one to the other of the hearing units. The digital wideband pulse transmitter can be implemented in a structurally small manner in the hearing unit and with low power consumption.
US08358784B2
The present invention provides a system and method for designing secure synchronization protocols in mobile communication by using Deterministic Random Number Generator (DRNG) through linear operators without using multi-precision integers. It also provides an efficient way to generate a huge size collection of pseudorandom numbers with a less computational complexity and DRSG is designed for mobile and wireless communications and also the said DRSG algorithm is a lightweight algorithm. The generated sequence has a lot of applications in Mobile computation and Information security. The invention provides a securely transfer of registry and provision of consumer details over the communication network and also provide a light weight security with better performance in comparison to the lower layer chip level security provided by 2G, 3G or 4G applications.
US08358783B2
The present invention is directed toward secure access systems. Specifically, a method and system is provided that enhances the security of unidirectional communication protocols used in access control systems, such as the Wiegand protocol. The enhancements may include obfuscation of data, a two-way packet-mode communications, and blind synchronization of pseudo-random number generators.
US08358779B1
Prime field elliptic curve cryptography processors are provided, having corresponding methods and computer-readable media. The processors comprise a prime field circuit comprising a first memory configured to store data, and an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) circuit configured to perform prime field operations upon the data; and a curve operation processor comprising a second memory configured to store instructions, and a controller configured to execute the instructions; wherein the instructions include instructions for performing curve operations upon the data, wherein the curve operations require performing the prime field operations upon the data; and wherein the instructions for performing the curve operations cause the ALU circuit to perform the prime field operations.
US08358777B2
A wireless telephone includes a support and a base unit supported by the support. The support includes an antenna and defines a number of through holes. The antenna includes a number of electrically conductive pins that are aligned with the through holes. The base unit includes a number of protruding, conductive terminals that respectively pass through the through holes and contact the electrically conductive pins to allow signals to be transmitted through the antenna.
US08358772B2
An apparatus, computer program product, method and system are disclosed for manually guiding inbound callers through an IVR system, then sequentially playing prerecorded, precategorized scripts, or audio dialogs, to the caller in accordance with the steps of a sales method governing the categorization of the scripts. Certain embodiments of the present invention include substitute means of collecting, conferencing, routing, and managing inbound callers in and out of IVR platforms.
US08358769B2
A client-server telephone call router system as part of a customer premises system has a client-server router adapted to execute on a telephony switch, such as a public branch exchange (PBX) or other telephony switch, or on a processor connected by CTI link to a telephony switch. The telephony switch or processor executing the router is connected to a local area network (LAN) that also interconnects computer workstations proximate to telephones connected to the telephony switch. Client user interface applications run on the computer workstations, allowing clients to edit routing rules for the router, which has a list of routing rules keyed to users and workstations of the customer premises system. The editing rules are kept by the router in portions dedicated to individual users. With this system a user can edit at a workstation on the LAN his\her own routing rules, and transmit the edits to the client-server router where the rules will be followed to route calls for that user and protocol.
US08358766B1
A system and method is provided to operate a directory assistance call center based upon data stored in a directory assistance database and a line information database (LIDB). A caller can access a directory assistance call center to request phone listing information about a particular party. The directory assistance call center can send a query to a directory assistance database for the requested information. Moreover, if the requested information is not found, then the directory assistance call center can send a query to a LIDB or CNAM database provider. The LIDB or CNAM database provider can forward the query to a local LIDB or CNAM database and to other remote LIDB or CNAM database providers to find the requested information.
US08358760B2
The invention comprises a method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber to establish a call to at least one destination phone number using an email address. Specifically, the method comprises receiving an incoming communication request from the subscriber for establishing the call (where the incoming communication request comprises an email address), determining at least one destination phone number associated with the email address, and processing the call using at least one of the at least one destination phone number associated with the email address.
US08358755B1
Methods are provided for preventing the delivery of undesired voicemails, which may occur when a voicemail is being left for a given user, and the given user calls back the user currently leaving the voicemail. An incoming call is received while a communications device is facilitating a recording of the voicemail. A voicemail system is instructed to prevent the voicemail from being delivered and also to terminate a suspended call corresponding to the recording of the voicemail. The incoming call is connected.
US08358753B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for tag cloud prompting in an interactive voice response (IVR) system. In an embodiment of the invention, an IVR prompting method can include loading a set of options in an option set for a caller to an IVR application from over a network, identifying commonly selected options in the options set in a data store of historically selected options, generating a tag cloud for the option set with options in the option set that are more commonly selected being more emphasized than options in the option set that are less commonly selected, and directing a display of the tag cloud in a telephonic device of the caller.
US08358750B1
A system and method are provided for managing electronic data, in particular, telephone messages that include a time entry system that can be associated with multiple parties and are sortable in a plurality of fashions. Telephone messages can be logged, which automatically causes a telephone number in the database to be updated, and automatically accesses data related to the caller, including listing all matters associated with the caller. An action message can be attached to a telephone message, or an action message can be sent without the telephone message. If time is to be charged as a result of the message, the time can be logged into the system for one or a multiplicity of users. Instant messages can also be sent to other users of the system, and reports can be generated by date, client, matter, or name.
US08358728B2
Arbitrary phase variations of a shared frequency synthesizer can be calibrated using a reference harmonic each time the shared frequency synthesizer is allocated to a network device to enable one frequency synthesizer to be shared between multiple network devices. On determining that the shared frequency synthesizer has been allocated to the network device, an output frequency of the shared frequency synthesizer can be aligned with a predetermined reference frequency that is associated with an operating frequency band of the network device. A phase correction factor associated with the shared frequency synthesizer can be calculated from a signal calculated based, at least in part, on the output frequency of the shared frequency synthesizer and the predetermined reference frequency. The phase correction factor is applied to a signal received at the network device to correct a phase error associated with the shared frequency synthesizer.
US08358722B2
Disclosed herein is a signal processing apparatus including a processing block configured to perform a carrier shift amount detection process for detecting a carrier shift amount constituting a carrier error used for demodulating an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signal known as the OFDM signal; and a correction block configured to correct the OFDM signal in accordance with the carrier shift amount. The OFDM signal includes a first preamble signal including subcarriers, and a second preamble signal including subcarriers of which the spacing is narrower than the spacing of the subcarriers included in the first preamble signal. The second preamble signal includes pilot signals which are known signals located at intervals of a predetermined number of subcarriers. The processing block detects the carrier shift amount using a correlation of the subcarriers included in one such second preamble signal.
US08358720B2
A communication device according to the present invention includes a controller 10 configured to send a PN code (A) to a transmission and reception unit 20-1 and send a PN code (B) to a transmission and reception unit 20-n (n≠1), a transmission system characteristic data acquiring unit 40 configured to acquire reference transmission system characteristic data indicating the characteristic of the PN code (A) sent to the transmission and reception unit 20-1 and acquire transmission system characteristic data indicating the characteristic of the PN code (B) sent to the transmission and reception unit 20-n (n≠1), a transmission characteristic difference data calculator 41 configured to acquire a transmission characteristic difference data indicating a difference in transmission characteristic between the transmission and reception unit 20-1 and the transmission and reception unit 20-n (n≠1) on the basis of the reference transmission system characteristic data and the transmission system characteristic data, and a transmission calibration weight calculator 44 configured to calculate transmission calibration weight on the basis of the transmission characteristic difference data.
US08358716B2
Techniques for synchronizing a receiver and transmitter in a wireless communication system address synchronization within the context of a detection formulation and provide synchronization statistics used to declare a synchronization detection. A signal is received from a channel at multiple receiving antennas. The receiver and transmitter are synchronized based on the received signal and a channel model incorporating the multiple receiving antennas. The channel model may also incorporate a resolvable delay spread of the received signal with respect to each receiving antenna. Synchronization may be based on a known component of a received signal and further on a channel model incorporating multiple receiving antennas and an interference signal. The known component may be a cyclic prefix or a pilot sequence as in orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM).
US08358709B2
A method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving convolutionally coded data in a communication system employing a combination of Pulse Position Modulation (PPM) and Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK), wherein the code is selected to have error rate performance that is as good as the best convolutional code used with systems employing only BPSK.
US08358705B2
A system and method for wirelessly transmitting audiovisual information. First audiovisual information may be encoded using a first error correction coding method. A plurality of packets may be generated, including the first audiovisual information, second audiovisual information, and control information. The second audiovisual information may not be encoded using the first error correction coding method, and the control information may indicate this. The plurality of packets may be wirelessly transmitted. The control information may be usable by a receiver to determine that the second audiovisual information is not encoded using the first error correction coding method, and may thereby determine that the second audiovisual information is a different service version than the first audiovisual information.
US08358699B2
A method, system and computer program product for the selection of reference pictures and mode decision during the motion estimation of a video sequence is disclosed. The video sequence includes a plurality of video frames. Each of the video frames includes a plurality of macroblocks. A full-pixel search is performed for each of the video frames, to calculate one or more full-pel rate distortion costs. Based on the one or more rate-distortion costs, one of the one or more modes is selected. Further, interpolation is performed for each of the video frames. Thereafter, a sub-pixel search is performed for each of the video frames, to calculate the one or more sub-pel rate distortion costs. Finally, a reference video frame is selected, based on the one or more sub-pel rate distortion costs.
US08358694B2
Systems, methods, and apparatuses are provided for concealing errors in video data. It is detected whether a slice group in a picture contains errors. When the slice group contains errors and the picture is not a first intra-picture following a channel change, the slice group in the picture is replaced with a slice group of a most recent intra-coded picture. When the slice group contains errors and the picture is the first intra-picture following the channel change, the slice group is replaced with black pixels.
US08358691B1
Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for chatter reduction in video object segmentation using a variable bandwidth search region. A variable bandwidth search region generation method may be applied to a uniform search region to generate a variable bandwidth search region that reduces the search range for segmentation methods such as a graph cut method. The method may identify parts of the contour that are moving slowly, and reduce the search region bandwidth in those places to stabilize the segmentation. This method may determine a bandwidth for each of a plurality of local windows of an image according to an estimate of how much an object in the image has moved from a previous image. The method may blend the bandwidths for the plurality of local windows to generate a blended map. The method may then generate a variable bandwidth search region for an object according to the blended map.
US08358689B2
System and method for processing videos and images to a determined quality level. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for enhancing video. The method includes providing a first video element that is uncompressed. The method also includes determining motion information associated with the video element. The method further includes providing a second video element by removing at least a defect from the first video element. The second video element includes a color luminance and a luminance. In addition, the method includes de-interlacing the second video element using the motion information. Furthermore, the method includes scaling the second video element. Also, the method includes providing a third video element by enhancing the chrominance and enhancing the luminance of the second video element. The method additionally includes outputting the third video element.
US08358663B2
A system for transmitting packets over a network of communication channels, the system comprising a set of nodes comprising at least first and second nodes and a network access coordinator operative to coordinate the access of the set of nodes to a synchronous network of channels, wherein, if at least one individual packet has been transmitted from the first node to the second node which did not receive at least one packet, the second node is operative to send a retransmission request to the network access coordinator requesting retransmission of at least one individual packet.
US08358660B2
An approach is provided for integrated content delivery. A request for content stored on a disk array of a router is received. In response to the request, one or more disks of the disk array are selected to retrieve the content, wherein the disk array is natively coupled to a switch fabric of the router. A path is determined through the switch fabric for transmission of the content.
US08358659B2
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for managing a voice over Internet Protocol call. A selected set of resources associated with a quality of the voice over Internet Protocol call in a data processing system is monitored during the voice over Internet Protocol call. A determination is made as to whether the quality of the voice over Internet Protocol call in a data processing has fallen below a desired level. A corrective action is performed with respect to the selected set of resources in response to the quality of the voice over Internet Protocol call falling below the desired level.
US08358653B1
A method or system for generating a packet processor inputs a first specification describing the packet processor, generates a parsing tree and generates a second specification describing a programmable compute pipeline. The parsing tree is generated from the actions of the first specification. The parsing tree has multiple levels and each level specifies one or more concurrent sets of elementary operations. The parsing tree also specifies for each level a respective bound on the elementary operations in the concurrent sets of the level. The programmable compute pipeline includes multiple stages for implementing the actions. Each stage corresponds to one of the levels of the parsing tree and includes one or more elementary components, with a number of the elementary components equaling or exceeding the respective bound for the level. The elementary components in the stage are programmable to concurrently perform combinations that include each concurrent set for the level.
US08358652B2
A method to organize nodes into an overlay network and to disseminate multicast messages within this overlay both through an efficient tree embedded in the overlay and through gossips exchanged between overlay neighbors. Regardless of the size of the system, this invention incurs a constant low overhead on each node.
US08358651B1
A switching device comprises a plurality of switch cores, each switch core having a plurality of ports associated with the switch core. Each switch core is configured to perform ingress processing of a data frame using a local source port indicator corresponding to an ingress port selected from a first plurality of ports associated with the switch core. Ingress processing of a data frame includes applying a global target port indicator corresponding to an egress port selected from a second plurality of ports including ports associated with one or more other switch cores among the plurality of switch cores.
US08358636B2
Real-time broadcast and multicast based packet transmissions/services over a wireless, local area networks (WLAN) may be improved by reducing the interference across neighboring access points (APs) while minimally impacting the performance of unicast transmissions/services. Minimal impact is assured by scheduling the transmission of multicast packet flows such that the duration of the time period required to transmit such flows is also minimized. One type of method provides a constant approximation of an optimal time period/schedule while another provides a logarithmic approximation of an optimal time period/schedule.
US08358631B2
A downlink multi-user beamforming scheme for a network of coordinated transmission points where the beamforming weights and power allocation are determined to maximize a jointly-achievable SINR margin under per-transmitter power constraints and the constraint that each data stream is transmitted from a single transmission point.
US08358625B2
In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, a method is disclosed that comprises receiving at a base station an indication of a first resource allocation in each of one or more neighbor base stations, and transmitting to at least one associated user equipment a message comprising a second indication of whether the first resource allocations of the one or more neighbor base stations are a subset of a second resource allocation of the base station.
US08358622B2
Resources are allocated in a communication system by setting specific time and frequency chunks within a band to provide localized and distributed resources for each of localized and distributed users. The signalling of resource allocation for each user is in the chunk at the same frequency range as the frequency range of the allocated resource, or a subset of the frequency range of the allocated resource.
US08358616B2
A peer-to-peer communication charging method for charging instant messaging services in a peer-to-peer network, includes the steps of: a) sending, by a service application server to a charging system, an application layer charging message including application layer charging information, a subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and/or a bearer layer charging correlation identifier; b) sending, by a subsystem layer to the charging system, a subsystem layer charging message including subsystem layer charging information, the subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and the bearer layer charging correlation identifier; c) sending, by a bearer layer to the charging system, a bearer layer charging message including bearer layer charging information, the subsystem layer charging correlation identifier and the bearer layer charging correlation identifier; and e) associating, by the charging system, the received charging messages with one another and performing charging.
US08358605B2
A method of transmitting and receiving a channel quality indicator (CQI) for a sleep-mode mobile station is disclosed. When data to be transmitted to the mobile station is present, the mobile station which is in a sleep mode is directed to transition to a normal mode and simultaneously a temporary CQI channel is allocated thereto. Thus the mobile station which has transitioned to the normal mode from the sleep mode efficiently transmits the CQI, and data applying a proper modulation and coding scheme can be transmitted.
US08358596B2
A communications system may include a plurality of electronic devices having respective different device types and each configured to wirelessly communicate via a plurality of different wireless communications formats. The system may also include a mobile wireless communications device including a plurality of application modules associated with respective electronic device types and configured to communicate via a first one of the wireless communications formats. The mobile wireless communications device may further include a control module configured to establish an initial wireless communications link with a given electronic device using a second one of the wireless communications formats, determine a respective device type for the given electronic device based upon the established initial wireless communications link, and cause a respective application module to establish a subsequent wireless communications link with the given electronic device using the second wireless communications format based upon the determined respective device type.
US08358594B2
A method of configuring a carrier in a multi-carrier system by a User Equipment (UE) includes receiving, from the first cell, barred-cell information instructing a first cell to be designated as a barred-cell, receiving, from a second cell corresponding to a second carrier, carrier configuration information, instructing a configuration of a first carrier corresponding to the first cell, and configuring a selected carrier based on either the designation of the barred-cell or the carrier configuration information.
US08358592B2
A network controller, capable of high-speed extraction of malicious traffic from networks and determining characteristics of such traffic, includes a unit for accumulating a number of packets for each arbitrary itemset included in the header portions of packets to be transferred, and a unit for determining whether the accumulated value obtained by the accumulating unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, and determines the types of packets to be transferred from accumulated values of the itemset and an itemset different from the itemset when the number of packets exceed a threshold.
US08358591B2
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with monitoring a server port in a server network environment are described. In one embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) allows server port(s) to be selected for monitoring. The GUI also allows for an uplink port to be selected, where the uplink port is a port that may be connected to a network analyzer. In response to the selections, a virtual local area network (VLAN) is created to establish communication between the selected server port(s) and the selected uplink port. Network traffic that passes through the selected server port(s) can then be duplicated and transmitted through the VLAN to the selected uplink port to be monitored and analyzed by a network analyzer connected to the uplink port.
US08358584B2
Systems and methods for communicating faults across a communications network cross-connect are provided. In one embodiment, a method for communicating an alarm condition in a cross-connected network is provided. The method comprises providing a cross-connect having a first side and a second side, wherein the first side includes a plurality of interface ports and the second side includes an interface port; detecting a fault on a first interface port of the first side; and when a fault is detected on the first interface port of the first side, transmitting a signal on the interface port of the second side, the signal having a pre-defined alarm data pattern inserted into one or more time slots associated with the first interface port of the first side.
US08358583B2
Controlling packet sessions and QoS in a wireless network is disclosed. An apparatus provides application-specific packet sessions in the wireless network, with application-specific QoS parameters, without requiring the explicit cooperation of an application.
US08358582B2
A method for controlling communication of media content by a network device in a communication network includes providing, by the network device, a plurality of quality of service options corresponding to at least one media file selected for communication to a remote user via a communication channel; receiving a quality of service selection specifying at least one of the plurality of quality of service options; and communicating the at least one media file to the remote user utilizing the received quality of service selection. The providing may include displaying, by the network device, the plurality of quality of service options. At least a portion of specified parameters may be transferred to a first communication device coupled to the communication network. At least a portion of the communication channel may be configured by a second device utilizing the transferred at least a portion of the specified parameters.
US08358578B2
A redundant communication system includes a first control device which calculates a control command value of an electric power device, and outputs first and second command signals; a second control device which controls the electric power device on the basis of one of the first and second control command values; and primary and secondary communication lines for respectively transmitting the first and second command signals to the second control device. The second control device comprises: a primary communication line abnormality determining unit which determines that the primary communication line is abnormal when a non-reception state or an abnormality state of the first command signal continues during a predetermined period; and a control command value switching unit which selects one of the first and second control command values in a switching manner and switches the selection from the first to the second control command value within the predetermined period.
US08358577B1
What is disclosed is a method of operating a communication system. The communication system includes wireless access nodes and a network control system, where user devices and the wireless access nodes communicate over wireless links, and the wireless access nodes and the network control system communicate over individually associated backhaul links. The method includes transferring forward communications in a forward direction from the network control system to a first one of the wireless access nodes over a forward link portion of a first backhaul link associated with the first wireless access node, and transferring reverse communications in a reverse direction from the first wireless access node to the network control system over a reverse link portion of the first backhaul link. The method also includes monitoring forward performance of the forward link portion and monitoring reverse performance of the reverse link portion, and identifying a second of the wireless access nodes to assist the first wireless access node. If the forward performance of the forward link portion exceeds a forward threshold, then the method includes instructing the first wireless access node to initiate a backup wireless link between the first wireless access node and the second wireless access node, and if the reverse performance of the reverse link portion exceeds a reverse threshold, then the method includes instructing the second wireless access node to initiate the backup wireless link between the first wireless access node and the second wireless access node. The method also includes using the backup wireless link to offload communications of the first backhaul link.
US08358573B2
A method and apparatus for de-interleaving interleaved data in a deinterleaver memory in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting Terrestrial (ISDB-T) receiver. In different embodiments, the apparatus comprises of a OFDM symbol counter along with a divider or a buffer pointer RAM with circular pointer logic, a first lookup table to obtain delay buffer size and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer, and a second lookup table to obtain buffer base address and interleaving lengths for a given OFDM transmission layer.
US08358569B2
An optical disk recording method includes the steps of: providing a multi-pulse chain from a recording wave; independently changing the pulse rise timing and pulse fall timing (pulse width) of the first pulse in the multi-pulse chain in accordance with a preceding space length and a recording mark length; changing the pulse rise timing and pulse fall timing (pulse width) in accordance with a following space length and the recording mark length in a predetermined timing or in independence; and in relation to the smallest mark recorded by irradiation with mono pulse, changing the rise timing in accordance with the preceding space length and the recording mark length and the fall timing (pulse width) in accordance with the following space length and recording mark length, compensating various optical disks different in recording material without change of the fundamental waveform.
US08358564B2
A mobile terminal and a method of setting an alarm therein are provided. The mobile terminal includes a controller, a display unit, and a memory unit. The controller controls the display unit to display an alarm setting screen on which alarm dates are arranged in a first direction and alarm time points are arranged in a second direction, the alarm screen being displayed in an alarm setting mode and sets an alarm at a selected time point of each alarm date in response to selection of the alarm time point. The controller also controls the memory unit to store a set alarm on an alarm date and alarm time point. The display unit displays an alarm image at an intersection of an alarm date and an alarm time point of each set alarm.
US08358560B2
A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors (901-904) arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation.
US08358557B2
A method of accessing a memory device multiple times in a same time period can include, in a first sequence of accesses, starting an access operation to one of a plurality of banks in synchronism with a first part of a first clock cycle and starting an access operation to another of the plurality of banks in synchronism with a second part of the first clock cycle, each bank having separate access circuits; and the time between consecutive accesses is faster than an access speed for back-to-back accesses to a same one of the banks; wherein during the access operations, storage locations of each bank are accessed in a same time period.
US08358545B2
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory includes a memory cell array including a plurality of memory cells, a sense amplifier circuit holding a verification result for the memory cells and including sense units, the sense units of each column block being connected in common to a first signal line, and a detecting circuit including a detecting unit. The detecting unit includes a first latch circuit which holds failure information in the memory cell arrays, and a second latch circuit which includes a first input terminal connected to the first signal line, a second input terminal connected to the first latch circuit, and a first output terminal connected to a second signal line.
US08358526B2
In one aspect, an electronic memory array includes overlapping, generally parallel sets of conductors, and includes storage elements near each point of overlap. One set of conductors has a non-negligible resistance. An address path for each storage element traverses a portion of one each of the first and second sets of conductors and a selectable resistance element. All storage element address paths have substantially equivalent voltage drops across the corresponding storage elements.
US08358514B2
In an electronic control device, an electrically-conductive adhesive is arranged on an outer edge portion of a first surface of a circuit board as a stress reducing portion for reducing stress of the circuit board received by a molding resin. An elastic modulus of the electrically-conductive adhesive is lower than that of the circuit board. The electrically-conductive adhesive is covered by an adhesion improving member. When peeling stress is applied to the circuit board from the molding resin, the electrically-conductive adhesive and the adhesion improving member receive the peeling stress to be deformed. Therefore, the peeling stress to the circuit board is reduced.
US08358512B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a housing which has a shielding layer on its inner surface and is provided with an opening, a housed component which is contained inside the housing, and a module which is provided at the exterior of the housing, and has a first conducting section that is electrically connected to the housed component and a second conducting section that is different from the first conducting section. The electronic device includes a connection portion, and the connection portion has a contact portion and an elastic support portion which is extended to a part near the opening and supports the contact portion. The contact portion equalizes the potential of the shielding layer with the potential of the second conducting section by electrically connecting to the shielding layer by the opening, and contacting the second conducting section.
US08358508B2
An active patch panel uses small form factor plus (SFP+) connectivity with a plurality of channels extending between first and second faces of the panel. The channels connect ports on the opposing faces of the panel and are provided with additional electronic elements, such as an equalizer, a clock data recovery element, and a pre-emphasis element. A controller can be connected to the plurality of channels to provide instructions for simultaneous equalization and pre-emphasis of a plurality of cable assemblies in the same channel.
US08358502B2
A rack kit and associated system and method for placing an electronic device into a rack. The rack kit includes depth-adjustable fixed rails to attach to the rack and a tray to receive the electronic device, wherein the tray is slidably fitted with the rails and has a latch to engage the rails. The rack kit includes an interchangeable adapter bracket that couples to the tray and mates with the electronic device.
US08358500B2
The present invention relates to a computer having a standby power cutoff function for a peripheral device which can prevent a power loss by completely cutting off a standby current of a computer and a standby current of peripheral devices by cutting off a power supply to peripheral devices and a power supply unit when a computer is off. The power operation detection unit controls a power supply to the power supply unit by controlling the power cutoff switch unit by detecting an operation signal inputted from the power switch into the main board and for delaying and inputting an operation signal inputted from the power switch into the main board. The power loss due to a standby power can be prevented by cutting off a power supply to the computer and peripheral devices when a computer is off, with the help of a power cutoff switch unit which cuts off a power supply to the peripheral devices and the power supply by means of the power operation detection unit which detects an operation of the power switch.
US08358499B2
Disclosed herein is a data storage module for use with and insertion into a bay of a computer. The module may comprise a casing that has a first end and a second end. The module also includes two or more storage medium components contained within said casing, wherein said two or more storage medium components are physically isolated from each other. This enables the provision of two separate storage medium components with different operating systems or user information and/or data to be provided on a single hardware module.
US08358491B2
An exemplary over-voltage protection device used in an electronic device includes a housing capable of being grounded, a circuit board, a connecting member detachably attached to the circuit board and the housing to electrically connect the circuit board with the housing, and a protection member connected to the circuit board and circuitry of the electronic device. When an over-voltage is generated in the electronic device, the over-voltage is transmitted to the ground through the protection member, the circuit board, the connecting member, and the housing.
US08358490B2
A transistor with an electrical overstress (EOS) protection may include an active region, a plurality of impurity regions and a conduction pattern. The active region may be formed in a substrate. The impurity regions may be formed in the active region and arranged at a predetermined or given distance with respect to each other. The conduction pattern may be arranged between each of the impurity regions in a meandering shape, and the conduction pattern may include a center portion connected to a ground terminal. Therefore, a transistor with EOS protection, a clamp device, and an ESD protection circuit including the same may increase an on-time of a clamp device and may sufficiently discharge a charge due to the EOS by including a conduction pattern configured with gates that are connected with respect to each other in a meandering shape.
US08358484B2
A disk drive device is provided with a recording disk, a base member, a bearing unit, and a hub member. In a marking step, unbalance information indicating the displacement of the center of gravity of the hub member with respect to the rotation center of the hub member is acquired, and an information mark containing the unbalance information is applied to at least the hub member or the base member. In an installing and adjustment step, the unbalance information is read form the information mark, and the position for installing the recording disk in an outer cylinder part is determined in accordance with the unbalance information so as to install the recording disk on the hub member.
US08358478B1
A device is provided that, in one implementation, includes interpolators to generate interpolated phase shifted signals, and a precompensation circuit to provide precompensated versions of data bits in accordance with the interpolated phase shifted signals. Each of the interpolators is assigned a bit pattern different from that assigned to remaining ones of the interpolators.
US08358464B1
A projection screen apparatus is disclosed for displaying an image projected by a projector. The projection screen apparatus includes a frame and a screen. The frame includes a plurality of frame members and corner members.
US08358458B2
Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.
US08358457B2
A miniature rotating transmissive optical scanner system employs a drum of small size having an interior defined by a circumferential wall rotatable on a drum axis, an optical element positioned within the interior of the drum, and a light-transmissive lens aperture provided at an angular position in the circumferential wall of the drum for scanning a light beam to or from the optical element in the drum along a beam azimuth angle as the drum is rotated. The miniature optical drum scanner configuration obtains a wide scanning field-of-view (FOV) and large effective aperture is achieved within a physically small size.
US08358450B2
Disclosed are an illuminator and an image forming apparatus employing an illuminator. The illuminator includes a light guide to guide light generated from a light source to an object to be illuminated. The light guide includes at least one incidence face facing the light source and an emission face configured to emit the light to the target object. A diffusion pattern may be formed on the emission face to extend from one longitudinal end to the other longitudinal end of the emission face. The emission face may have a constant cross section or a varying cross section along a longitudinal direction thereof. The illuminator may be part of an image reading device to uniformly or near uniformly irradiate light to a document. The illuminator may also be incorporated in an image forming apparatus to irradiate light to a photosensitive body for elimination or reduction of electric potential from the photosensitive body.
US08358439B2
A color gamut surface generating apparatus includes a vertex generating unit and a gamut surface generating unit. A device-dependent color space has axes of (i) four basic colors including black and (ii) at least one extra color which are used in color output by an output device. The vertex generating unit generates, in the device-dependent color space, vertices of each of sub-surfaces constituting a surface of a color gamut by selecting (a) at least one color gamut each of which is output by the output device using a combination of three of the basic colors and one, corresponding to each color gamut, of the at least one extra color, and (b) a color gamut which is output by the output device using the four basic colors. The gamut surface generating unit generates surface points existing on the surface of the color gamut constituted by the vertices.
US08358437B2
A method for compensating for color variations introduced by printer hardware limitations and other factors is described. First, the extent of color variation throughout a printed page is determined. Based on this determination, each page is partitioned into a plurality of image areas. A color profile is generated for each image area. The partition and the multiple color profiles are stored in the printer. In an actual printing process, the page of image to be printed is divided into a plurality of image areas based on the paper size and the stored partition, and the respective stored color profiles for the image areas are retrieved and used to process the digital image for printing.
US08358436B2
When an imaging job is received by an imaging device, a modified job environment for the imaging job may be created based on job-specific settings that are specified by the imaging job and also based on default settings of the imaging device. When the imaging job is processed, modified job-specific input source settings of the modified job environment may be provided to an input source subunit that corresponds to the imaging job. The input source subunit may use the modified job-specific input source settings to process the imaging job. Modified job-specific output engine settings of the modified job environment may be provided to an output engine subunit that corresponds to the imaging job. The output engine subunit may use the modified job-specific output engine settings to process the imaging job.
US08358434B2
A method and a system for producing a printing form for a printing process on a printing press, produces a first printing form based on first image data and prints a printing image on a printing substrate with the printing form. Printing presses without inking zones do not permit regulation of quantitative ink supply with inking zones screws. To permit a printer to manipulate ink density on a printing substrate even after exposure of a first printing plate within a printing press without inking zones, correction values are generated in the vicinity of the printing press in regions on the basis of at least a printing image printed on the printing substrate. The correction values are then used for correcting printing originals on which printing is based and/or screened image data and at least one second printing form is produced on the basis of at least the correction values.
US08358423B2
Disclosed is a method for the contactless measurement of an offset of the functional components of a travel path of a magnetic levitation railway driven by a linear motor with the help of at least one optical triangulation system (10) that can be moved along the travel path. Said method is characterized in that at least two triangulation sensors (12, 14) per measuring instrument for the functional components are moved along the travel path at a determined speed and alternately operate as a measurement sensor and as a reference sensor, i.e. using a radiation source in the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectral range, said triangulation sensors (12, 14) being fixedly mounted on a movable support (16) and being geometrically offset. In said method, the diffusely reflected light is absorbed at a specific angle of observation, and the position of the light incident on the measurement sensor is used for determining the offset, said process being carried out at a scanning rate that detects measurement points within a screen of <1.5 mm.
US08358421B2
In an optical tomographic imaging apparatus in which a tomographic image is acquired using an interference light between a return beam of a first measuring beam and a first reference beam traveling on a beam path having first beam path length changing unit thereon, an optical interferometer detects movement of the inspection object by using an interference light between a return beam of a second measuring beam from a movement detection position and a second reference beam traveling on a beam path having second beam path length changing unit thereon; and positional misplacement correcting unit changes the beam path length of the first reference beam based on the moving amount detected by the optical interferometer, wherein the beam path lengths of the two reference beams can be changed by a mechanism, thus further reducing deformation of an acquired image in an eye ball depth direction caused by a back and forth motion.
US08358419B2
An integrated plasmonic sensing device is monolithically integrated and provides marker-free detection (eliminating the need to use fluorescent or absorbing markers) and in-situ monitoring of conditions at each detection region. The integrated plasmonic sensing device includes a plasmonic backplane disposed on a monolithically integrated image sensor. One or more plasmonic scattering regions and one or more plasmonic via regions laterally offset from the plasmonic scattering regions are provided in the plasmonic sensing device. Guided plasmonic modes mediate power transfer through the plasmonic backplane to one or more underlying image sensor pixels.
US08358412B2
The embodiment of the present invention is to provide a system for sorting biological particles in a liquid flow, such as a cell sorter, which comprises an optical mechanism emitting laser beam onto each of the biological particles to detect light therefrom, a controller determining a moving speed of each of the biological particles in the liquid flow in accordance with the light detected therefrom, and an electric charger charging each of the biological particles based upon the moving speed thereof. Therefore, the cell sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention can improve recovery rate and purity of the desired cell particles.
US08358411B2
A system for real-time sizing of fluid-borne particles is disclosed. The system further determines, in real time, whether the detected particles are biological or non-biological. As the fluid is being tested, it is exposed to a microbe collection filter which is cultured to determine the type of microbes present in the fluid being tested.
US08358410B2
An apparatus consisting of two pairs of identical lenses which is suitable as a compound objective lens for high numerical aperture imaging is disclosed. The compound lens also has a wide field of view as a fraction of the compound lens focal length. By suitable choice of lens materials, well corrected near infrared imaging can be achieved. When two such compound lenses together with a diffraction grating are assembled into a spectrometer, excellent wavelength resolution in the near infrared can also be obtained.
US08358409B2
The invention relates to analytical chemistry. In the analyser, mercury placed in a spectral lamp is enriched with a mercury isotope having an even neutron number, wherein said isotope constitutes not less than 50% of the total mercury content in the spectral lamp. Moreover, the discharge cavity of the spectral lamp is connected to a ballast cavity, the volume of which is greater than the discharge cavity volume, and electrical discharge generating means, the discharge cavity and the ballast cavity are designed in such a way that the discharge generated in the discharge cavity does not penetrates into the ballast cavity. A buffer gas in the spectral lamp contains a noble gas in a quantity equal to or greater than 50%, the charge of the atomic core of said gas being not less than 36. Said invention makes it possible to lower the detection level of mercury in a carrier gas and to reduce a drift.
US08358407B2
An integrated device for enhancing signals in Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The integrated device comprising an array of nanostructures comprising a material, wherein the material is configured to allow light to pass through. The integrated device also comprising SERS active nanoparticles disposed on at least portion of the array of nanostructures and a mirror integrated below a base of the array of nanostructures. The mirror is configured to reflect light passing through the material into the array of nanostructures.
US08358387B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a cover assembly; a liquid crystal panel; a light guide plate configured to guide light to the liquid crystal panel; a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the light guide plate is mounted; and a light emitting diode (LED) package which is mounted on the PCB and emits light to a lateral side of the light guide plate. The PCB includes a base substrate; a connecting hole which is formed in the base substrate to couple the base substrate to the cover assembly with a connecting member; an insulating layer which is coated on the base substrate while avoiding a head part of the connecting member; and a spacer tape which is provided on an upper side of the insulating layer so that the light guide plate is evenly mounted on the PCB.
US08358381B1
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a technique that enables a user to reverse through video content based on scene transitions. By employing a graphics processing unit to compute one or more frame-to-frame correlation coefficients that measure the consistency of sequential images and a central processing unit to analyze the one or more correlation coefficients, a list of scene transitions may be generated in real-time. The list of scene transitions forms the basis for a content-based reverse user control within the playback application. The content-based reverse user control enables a more natural mechanism for reversing through video content, providing the user with a superior overall viewing experience.
US08358379B1
A method of processing on screen display data with an image post processor includes receiving a data stream from a video processor at a post processing device having at least one port, the data stream including on screen display data overlaid on a white background and the on screen display data overlaid on a black background, finding a difference between the on screen display data overlaid on white and the on screen display data overlaid on black, using the difference to determine a complement of an alpha blend value, performing image processing on the image data with the post processor by applying the complement of an alpha blend value to the image data to produce processed image data, and transmitting the processed image data and the on screen display data through a display port.
US08358374B2
An image processing apparatus generating output image pixels from groups of one or more input image pixels, the groups selected in accordance with an image feature direction in the input image. An interpolator interpolates intermediate pixels between the input image pixels, and a block comparator detects correlation between sets of test blocks of pixels in the input image, which sets are oriented with respect to a current pixel position so that the orientation of a set having the greatest correlation indicates a probable image feature direction applicable to the current pixel position. For at least some sets of test blocks having an orientation with respect to the current pixel position within a predetermined range around a vertical orientation, the test blocks include the input image pixels and intermediate pixels interpolated from the input image pixels. For other sets of test blocks, the test blocks include only the input image pixels.
US08358354B2
Digital images are computed using an approach for correcting lens aberration. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a digital imaging arrangement implements microlenses to direct light to photosensors that detect the light and generate data corresponding to the detected light. The generated data is used to compute an output image, where each output image pixel value corresponds to a selective weighting and summation of a subset of the detected photosensor values. The weighting is a function of characteristics of the imaging arrangement. In some applications, the weighting reduces the contribution of data from photosensors that contribute higher amounts of optical aberration to the corresponding output image pixel.
US08358350B2
An imaging device includes a first detection part which detects one or more subjects in an image captured by the image capturing part capturing an image continuously; a second detection part which follows the one or more subjects detected; and a system control part which includes a setting part setting a part of the image as a limited region, and causes, after the first detection part detects the one or more subjects in the captured image, the second detection part to follow and detect a subject in an image captured subsequently to the captured image, and causes the first detection part to detect a subject in the limited region.
US08358349B2
An A/D converter includes: plural comparators to which reference voltages as ramp waves different from each other are supplied, which are configured to compare the supplied reference voltages with an analog input signal; and plural latches arranged so as to correspond to the plural comparators, which are configured to count comparison time of the corresponding comparators, to stop counting when an outputs of the comparator is inverted and to store the count value, wherein the plural reference voltages are offset by an arbitrary voltage at the same time point.
US08358346B2
A video processing device includes a video accumulating unit configured to accumulate video data obtained by capturing video of a specific area, event occurrence data indicating an event that has occurred in a video image corresponding to the video data, and object specifying data for specifying an object relating to the event, a video processing unit configured to apply a predetermined effect to the video data accumulated in the video accumulating unit in accordance with the event occurrence data and the object specifying data that are added to the video data accumulated in the video accumulating unit to produce a modified video image, and a video output unit configured to output the modified video image to which the effect has been applied by the video processing unit.
US08358344B2
A photographing apparatus includes a photographing lens; an image acquisition device for acquiring an image of a subject; a recording device for recording the image acquired in accordance with an instruction of actual photographing in a recording medium; a visual line guiding device for guiding a visual line of the subject to the photographing lens; and an activation control device for activating the visual line guiding device according to a photographing situation which is determined based on the image acquired by the image acquisition device.
US08358342B2
A system for processing video information obtained by a video camera based on a representative view from the camera. The system includes a processor a memory communicably connected to the processor. The memory includes computer code for determining a relative depth for at least two different regions of the representative view. The memory further includes computer code for estimating a scale factor for the different regions of the representative view. The memory yet further includes computer code for determining a unit size for the different regions, the unit size based on the estimated scale factor and the determined relative depth of the different regions.
US08358337B2
A pupil detection device includes a camera, a light source disposed at the camera, an optical system, and an image processing system, which are disposed so that the examinee's face is irradiated with the light from the light source from the camera, and a face image including a pupil is formed in the camera. The light source includes a first light source, having a first wavelength that makes a bright pupil image by reflection in the examinee's pupil, and a second light source having a second wavelength that makes a dark pupil image by reflection in the examinee's pupil, but otherwise exhibiting the same illumination effect as the first light source. The camera includes a first image data acquisition system using the first illumination light source, and a second image data acquisition system using the second illumination light source.
US08358318B2
A method for reproducing an image on an imaging device, including measuring a set of spectral data for each of a plurality of colors from a set of color device values with a spectral measurement device; determining a first set of tristimulus values corresponding to each set of spectral data; defining a set of human observer color matching functions for each set of tristimulus values; determining a second set of tristimulus values for each set of spectral data using the human observer color matching functions; creating a first map from device-dependent coordinates to device-independent color coordinates; creating a second map from device-independent coordinates to device-dependent color coordinates based on the first map; obtaining image data comprising device-independent color coordinates; converting the image data coordinates into device color coordinates; and reproducing the image on the color device using the device color coordinates.
US08358317B2
An image display system for displaying a planar image on a curved viewing surface, such as a theater dome, with minimized image distortion. In order to display the image, a virtual surface, which is a representation of the curved viewing surface, is textured with the image using an angular distribution to thereby form a textured virtual image. The textured virtual image is then displayed onto the curved viewing surface.
US08358312B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for performing multiple processing of data in a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a first display pipeline that is formed in real time from a plurality of possible display pipelines and that performs at least a first processing step on received data. A buffer stores the processed data and a second display pipeline that is formed in real time from a plurality of possible display pipelines performs at least a second processing step on stored data.
US08358295B2
A vertical alignment liquid crystal display includes two sub-pixels each with a variable capacitor. A pixel is bisected into a high gray sub-pixel and a low gray sub-pixel through forming a variable capacitor at each sub-pixel. With this structure, the sub-pixels express different grays so that lateral visibility is enhanced. It is not required in bisecting a pixel into two sub-pixels to form separate wires for applying different signals thereto, and the amount of data to be processed at the driver for driving the display device is reduced. Furthermore, a pixel is bisected into two sub-pixels with variable capacitors in a simplified manner, and it is not required to form additional wires and elements, so the aperture ratio is enhanced.
US08358288B2
The present invention relates to a touch-sensor-provided liquid crystal display device (10), the touch-sensor-provided liquid crystal display device (10) including a liquid crystal display panel (20) which includes a plurality of photo sensors (40) for detecting a touched position, and a backlight unit (90) provided on a backside of the liquid crystal display panel (20). The backlight unit (90) emits light at least part of which serves as light (L10) dedicated to sensing which is used for position detection by the plurality of photo sensors (40), and the light (L10) dedicated to sensing travels in a direction (D2) which is different from a direction (D1) toward a main viewer (V) of the liquid crystal display panel (20).
US08358283B2
An input device for a computer or other programmable device translates the proximity of an object to one or more antennae into an electronic signal. The antennae generate a first frequency and a second frequency. When an object, such as a hand, is placed in proximity to the antenna, the object causes the first and second frequencies to heterodyne, which creates a third frequency, also referred to as a beat frequency or pulse frequency. A receiver interprets the pulse frequency and translates it into an electronic signal that can be used to command a computer or other programmable device.
US08358282B2
A device for detecting the presence of an object is provided. The device includes a light source, a current controller coupled to the light source, a sensor and a pattern detection engine. The current controller sets to provide the light source with a drive current having a pattern. The sensor is operable to receive light, notably light reflected from an object at the detection area and subsequently generates a signal in response to the light received. The pattern detection engine receives the signal from the sensor and subsequently reports the presence of the object upon determining the presence of the pattern in the signal. The object detection system is further configured to provide a navigation operation when an object is detected at the detection area.
US08358277B2
A virtual keyboard apparatus and method for forming the virtual keyboard apparatus are provided. The virtual keyboard apparatus may include a touch-sensitive display surface configured to detect a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch by a hand of a user, and a controller configured to generate a virtual keyboard having a layout determined based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch. The method for generating a virtual keyboard may include detecting with a touch-sensitive display surface a touch signal including at least a finger touch and a palm touch formed by a hand of a user, and generating a virtual keyboard having a layout based at least in part on a distance between the detected palm touch and the detected finger touch.
US08358276B2
A multi-touch capacitive touch sensor panel can be created using a substrate with column and row traces formed on separate layers of the substrate. The column and row traces can include sections extending from a central trace and forming a rectilinear trace pattern with sections of the columns and rows interdigitated with one another. The trace pattern can comprise a plurality of pixels arranged continuously across the sensor panel. In this manner, the sensor panel can provide a linear or near linear response to touches across the touch sensor panel.
US08358271B2
An optical navigation system with a lift detection module is provided for preventing cursor movement if the optical navigation system has been lifted from the navigation surface. The optical navigation system may include an image sensor, a controller and a lift detection module. The lift detection module may be operatively coupled with the image sensor and the controller to selectively report a motion data upon determining a lift by comparing the average of the photosensitive pixel elements with a pixel element threshold value and the surface quality value with a surface quality threshold value. The lift detection module may be incorporated in a microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller may be added to a navigation system to provide an additional lift detection feature.
US08358266B2
A light guide device includes a light guide body and two or more pluralities of spaced-apart slits. The slits are formed by undercuts in the light guide body. Sidewalls of the slits form facets that redirect light impinging on the facets. In some embodiments, the light guide body is attached to a light source. The light source emits light that is injected into the light guide body and the slits redirect the light out of the light guide body and towards a desired target. In some embodiments, the target is a display and a first plurality of slits directs light from the light source across the light guide body and over the face of the display. A second plurality of slits then directs light out of the light guide body and towards the display.
US08358264B2
A display device is provided with a display panel, a backlight which illuminates the display panel, and a backlight brightness controller controlling a brightness of the backlight so that the brightness of the backlight is variable in the middle of each frame period.
US08358261B2
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device is provided. The LCD device includes a LCD panel, which further includes a plurality of scan lines, a gate driving circuit, a clock circuit. The clock circuit includes a clock generator and an adjusting circuit. The clock generator generates a clock signal having a first high voltage level and a first low voltage level. The adjusting circuit, coupled to the clock generator, receives the clock signal and generates an adjusted clock signal having the same period as the clock signal. The adjusted clock signal has a second high voltage level and a second low voltage level. The gate driving circuit, coupled to the clock circuit, receives the adjusted clock signal as a gate driving signal in order to drive the scan lines.
US08358259B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can obviate the generation of leaking of light and display irregularities in the vicinities of so-called dummy pixels. The liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates which are arranged to face each other in an opposed manner with liquid crystal sandwiched therebetween, a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of drain signal lines which are formed on one substrate in a matrix array, a plurality of pixel regions defined by the gate signal lines and the drain signal lines, and a reference electrode and a pixel electrode which are formed in the inside of each pixel region. In such a constitution, the plurality of pixel regions are formed in both a display region and a non-display region, and a voltage applied to the reference electrodes is applied to the pixel electrodes in the inside of the pixel regions in the non-display region.
US08358255B2
A plasma display device has a plasma display panel, an accumulative adding circuit for accumulatively adding predetermined values every predetermined unit time while current is applied to the plasma display panel, and a judging circuit for judging the property of an image to be displayed on the plasma display panel. The accumulative adding circuit varies the predetermined values in response to the judgment result of the judging circuit.
US08358248B2
A metallic shaping plate located in the interior housing of a wireless device is disclosed. The metallic shaping plate may influence a radiation pattern being generated by a horizontal antenna array. The result may be an increase in the gain of the array.
US08358247B2
A twin-Vee-type dual band antenna includes interconnected first and second conductor arms and interconnected first and second mirroring conductor arms disposed on a substrate. The second conductor arm has a radiator section extending parallel to the first conductor arm. The first mirroring conductor arm is symmetrical to the first conductor arm, and forms an angle (θ) of less than 180 degrees with the first conductor arm. The second mirroring conductor arm is symmetrical to the second conductor arm, and has a radiator section extending parallel to the first mirroring conductor arm.
US08358240B2
According to one embodiment, a system for generating a signal includes a monocycle generator, one or more temporal modulators, and a pulse shaper. The monocycle generator generates monocycles that form a signal comprising pulses, where a pulse corresponds to one or more monocycles. The temporal modulators provide instructions the monocycle generator to create a specific spectral response in the signal. A pulse shaper individually modulates at least one monocycle of the monocycles corresponding to a pulse to shape the pulse.
US08358237B2
A wireless sensor apparatus controls, in a case where wireless waves are radiated by feeding pulse signals generated by a signal generation circuit to antennas, an operation timing of the signal generation circuit and a path from the signal generation circuit to the antennas in such a manner that after a prior pulse signal is fed to the antenna and simultaneously supplied to a mixer circuit, at a proximate timing which does not overlap with a pulse width of the prior pulse signal supplied to the antenna and the mixer circuit, a next pulse signal is fed to the antenna and simultaneously supplied to a mixer circuit.
US08358232B2
An apparatus for actuating an actuator having an energy storage for supplying the actuator, an integrated circuit for controlling the energy supply from the energy storage to the actuator and an antenna device. Additionally, an interface module that is configured as a separate unit relative to the integrated circuit is connected to the antenna device for the contactless transmission of energy for the energy storage and of data for a communication with the integrated circuit.
US08358230B2
A low power discrete-time electronic circuit includes an amplifier, and a variable current supply. The variable current supply is electrically connected to the amplifier, and is utilized for supplying high current to the amplifier during a switching operation and supplying low current to the amplifier during a non-switching period.
US08358229B2
Some embodiments relate to a method for use in a sigma-delta analog to digital converter, sigma-delta analog to digital converters and systems comprising sigma-delta analog to digital converters. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for use in a sigma-delta analog to digital converter (SD-ADC) comprising a modulator, a decimation filter, a decimation counter, and a decimator data output, wherein the method comprises receiving an external trigger signal and capturing a value of the decimation counter and a value of the decimator data output upon receiving the external trigger signal.
US08358225B2
A method for automatically preferring a diacritical version of a linguistic element on a handheld electronic device by utilizing a linguistic source.
US08358224B2
A substantially transparent windscreen head up display includes one of light emitting particles or microstructures over a predefined region of the windscreen permitting luminescent display while permitting vision through the windscreen. A method to display a graphic identifying a point-of-interest upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display of a vehicle includes monitoring the point-of-interest, monitoring a GPS digital map device, determining a graphic describing the location of the point-of-interest based upon data from the GPS digital map device for display upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display, and displaying the graphic upon the substantially transparent windscreen head up display.
US08358211B2
An integrated data reader and electronic article surveillance (EAS) system, and methods of operation. Several configurations are also disclosed for alternate deactivation coil designs and mounting schemes.
US08358207B2
Methods and systems are provided for pre-attentively communicating information to a driver of a vehicle. The system includes, but is not limited to a vehicle having a passenger compartment and an illumination component mounted within the passenger compartment. The illumination component is positioned to be peripherally visible to the driver as the driver looks in the direction of vehicle travel. An electronic processing device is operatively connected to the illumination component and is configured to control illumination of the illumination component in a manner that corresponds to a condition of the vehicle.
US08358205B2
Methods and systems for remotely monitoring trailer or trailers attached to a vehicle is provided. The method includes associating an identification tag or ABS ECU that is configured to broadcast a trailer identification signal with a trailer. The method further includes receiving the trailer identification signal on-board the vehicle, associating the trailer identification signal with the vehicle, transmitting the trailer identification signal to a remote processor and receiving the trailer identification signal at the remote processor. The system comprises a mobile data terminal capable of generating and responding to telematic events comprising at least one processor, a graphical user interface, an input device, a memory and a set of executable instructions which may include a plurality of modules, such as a vehicle location module capable of receiving a GPS signal and transmitting the GPS signal to a remote processor for determining a location of a transportation unit.
US08358183B2
Disclosed herein is an intermediate frequency filter having a variable pass band, which is capable of varying a pass band to minimize loss at a plurality of intermediate frequencies? The intermediate frequency (IF) includes a band pass filter unit arranged between a frequency conversion IC and a demodulation unit and configured to filter an IF signal output from the frequency conversion IC and output a resulting signal. A band varying unit is connected to the band pass filter unit and is configured to vary a pass band of the band pass filter unit. A switching unit connects or disconnects the band varying unit to or from the band pass filter unit. A control unit detects the IF signal and controls the switching unit in response to the IF signal so that the band varying unit is connected to or disconnected from the band pass filter unit.
US08358170B2
Linearizers can improve the linearity of power amplifiers by canceling or reducing amplitude of non-linearity components, (e.g., IM3, IM5, IM7, IM9, etc.) generated by the power amplifier. The linearizers can obtain samples of signals output by the power amplifier and process the samples to produce a canceling signal that is applied onto or into an output of the power amplifier. The canceling signal is generated such that when applied to the output of the power amplifier, the canceling signal cancels or reduces at least a portion of the non-linearity components produced by the power amplifier. A controller can improve the correction of the non-linearity components by executing one or more tuning algorithms and adjusting settings of the linearizer based on the results of the algorithm(s).
US08358165B2
A voltage level shifter having an internal low voltage power supply (VCCL) and an external high voltage power supply (VCCH) includes a first PMOS transistor and a second PMOS transistor each with a source connected to the VCCH, a gate of the first PMOS transistor being coupled to a drain of the second PMOS transistor, and a gate of the second PMOS transistor being coupled to a drain of the first PMOS transistor. The voltage level shifter further includes a first NMOS transistor with a source connected to a ground (VSS) and a gate connected to a first signal swinging between the VCCL and the VSS, and a first blocking device coupled between the drain of the first PMOS transistor and a drain of the first NMOS transistor, such that the voltage level shifter can operate at a lower VCCL.
US08358164B2
Some embodiments of the invention a circuit configured to apply a time domain processing sequence to a modulated input signal to estimate a mean value of the modulated input signal and to subtract the estimated mean value from the modulated input signal, thereby removing the DC offset from the input signal. In one particular embodiment, the time domain processing sequence is based on integration and differentiation of a demodulated output signal. In such an embodiment, a circuit is configured to integrate a demodulated signal to generate an integrated signal having a triangular shaped output signal. The circuit then measures the slopes of the integrated signal, by differentiation of the triangular shaped integrated signal, and generates an appropriate DC offset correction signal based upon the measured slopes. The DC offset correction signal may be added on top of the actual input signal to cancel the unwanted DC offset component.
US08358163B2
A resonant clock distribution network architecture is proposed that enables a resonant clock network to track the impact of parameter variations on the insertion delay of a conventional clock distribution network, thus limiting clock skew between the two networks and yielding increased performance. Such a network is generally applicable to semiconductor devices with various clock frequencies, and high-performance and low-power clocking requirements such as microprocessors, ASICs, and SOCs.
