US08418844B2
A generally continuous string of container carriers typically forming a package of fan-folded container carriers wherein the generally continuous string of container carriers are folded within a carton along a first attachment area and a second attachment area between adjacent container carriers of the plurality of container carriers and perforations are formed at least partially across the first attachment area and the second attachment area and include a series of small cuts and dividing apertures.
US08418842B2
A holder of oblong objects pivotably mounted therein so as to be selectively positionable and selectively retainable therein comprising a pair of oblong sidewall structures spaced apart across an object retaining space from one another each having a mounting end such that a supporting one of the pair of sidewall structures has a divide extending therein partially along its length to provide a pair of split sidewall spring sheets across the divide from one another with each of the pair of sidewall spring sheets having a sidewall spring opening therethrough. An ejector is mounted in the holder positioned in the object retaining space at an ejector side of the object retaining space to extend between the pair of spaced apart oblong sidewall structures with the ejector formed of a resilient material. A pivot pin is positionable concurrently through each of the sidewall spring openings, and also removable therefrom.
US08418841B2
A system for reversibly storing hydrogen includes a storage tank with an internal volume with a thermally conducting composite material situated within the storage tank and having a three-dimensional and interconnected framework of a conductive metal within the internal volume of the storage tank.
US08418839B2
A power roller conveyor system includes a section having a slide mechanism that engages a loop that is driven by an external motor. The loop slides along a surface of the slide mechanism. The slide mechanism maintains the loop in frictional engagement with surfaces of rollers of the conveyor, whereby the rollers are directly driven by the loop. A wheel may bridge a directly driven roller and another roller that is not driven. The other roller and driven roller bridged by the wheel may be separated by an intermediate roller. The section may be a straight section, a 90 degree curved section, or a 180 degree curved section.
US08418838B2
An instant powder conveyor device of a drinks preparing machine including a wire conveyor spindle rotatably disposed in a bottom area of the instant powder container. At the end of the wire conveyor spindle an outflow opening is arranged. A unit for loosening up the instant powder in the instant powder container includes at least one striking element which is disposed, elastically adjustable, in axial direction of the wire conveyor spindle and extends substantially transverse into it.
US08418837B2
A corner assembly for a tube conveyor system comprises a housing defining a wheel receiving area and a flow path with ports at opposite ends of the flow path. A wheel rotatably received in the wheel receiving area comprises a rim having an upper surface and a lower surface; a pair of spaced apart channels formed in at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the rim; and at least one flapper pivotally mounted to the wheel inside of the rim. The flapper is freely movable between a position in which it is aligned with a wall of one of the channels and a position in which it is aligned with a wall of the other of the channels. Thus, when the wheel rotates, the flapper will sweep any material in the wheel receiving area towards and through one of the channels and into the flow path.
US08418831B2
An apparatus and method of transporting food products to a loading station having a cooling conveyor that selectively drops food product into a distributor. The distributor separates product into at least two lanes and drops product onto a conveyor. A balancing and diverting conveyor monitors and counts product in each lane and diverts product selectively based upon the sensed product. An orienter transfers product from a loading conveyor to a buffer conveyor. The buffer conveyor transfers product to a main conveyor which transfers product to a loading head.
US08418829B2
A clutch disc assembly for a friction torque device has a clutch damper assembly which includes a hub defining an axis of rotation and a concentric steel disc. The damper assembly includes a plurality of cushion elements fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction rings are disposed on opposite sides of the cushion elements and are rotatively fixed to the steel disc. First and second friction rings have an equal number of inner circumference and outer circumference keyhole slots defining an equal number of mounting areas. A friction pad is fixed to each mounting area, with friction pads on the first friction ring being in substantial alignment with the friction pads on the second friction ring.
US08418827B2
A driving device includes a first rotating member, an armature member being movable and rotatable together with, a second rotating member being rotatable relative to the armature member, a magnetic force generating portion for generating a magnetic force for attracting the armature member toward the second rotating member in order to establish a connection between the armature member and the second rotating member so as to be integrally rotatable, a sensor magnet fixed to the second rotating member, a sensor provided for detecting a change of the magnetic field and a fixing member formed with a first claw portion engaged with the second rotating member and a second claw portion engaged with the sensor magnet while being press-fitted thereto in a radial direction thereof, wherein the sensor magnet is fixed to the second rotating member by means of the fixing member.
US08418825B2
A one-way clutch includes a first plate including cams distributed about an axis, a second plate axially facing the cams and including pockets, a coil located in one of the plates, struts, each strut supported in one of the pockets for pivoting axially relative to the cams in response to an electromagnetic field induced by current in the coil, and springs urging the struts to pivot opposite a pivot direction caused by energizing the coil.
US08418824B2
An electrical vehicle transportation system that includes a powered roadway system having electrically conductive roadway segments that are engageable to a roadway surface, and an electrical vehicle having a control system and an energy harvesting system, the vehicle control system being programmed to energize roadway segments disposed within a defined vehicle envelope and de-energize the roadway segments prior to transitioning outside of the vehicle envelope when the vehicle is traversing the roadway.
US08418820B2
Disclosed is a hydraulic stopper of a shock absorber. The shock absorber includes a cylinder and a piston rod having a piston valve. The stopper includes a closing member at one side of the piston rod to protect the piston valve, a free piston movable between the closing member and the rod guide to define a fluid passage with the piston rod, a sealing member between the free piston and the cylinder, and a rebound spring between the free piston and the rod guide to elastically support the free piston such that the free piston comes into close contact with the closing member to block the fluid passage when the piston rod moves excessively upward. The stopper may generate buffering effect using oil pressure without being restricted by the length of a rod guide, applied to a general shock absorber, and permit components thereof to be shared with the general shock absorber.
US08418818B2
The present invention is to provide a friction material composition comprising a fibrous material except for asbestos, an inorganic friction regulating agent, an organic friction regulating agent and a binder, wherein active alumina is contained as the inorganic friction regulating agent, and a fluorine series polymer is contained as the organic friction regulating agent, and to provide a friction material using the friction material composition.
US08418805B1
A muffler for a vehicle includes an inner casing, the inner space of the inner casing is divided by baffles to form a plurality of chambers, the inner casing having an entrance defined in one end and an exit defined in the other end, the entrance and the exit communicating with each other. An insulator surrounds the contour of the inner casing. An outer casing surrounds the contour of the insulator, the outer casing being made of synthetic resin.
US08418803B2
A muzzle device for use on a firearm to reduce noise signature and muzzle flash includes a cylindrical housing. The cylindrical housing defines a first chamber and a second chamber with a longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The first chamber has at least one port that extends outward therefrom. The second chamber has at least one slot that extends outward therefrom. The at least one port forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis that extends forward toward the slot. The angle formed by the at least one port and the longitudinal axis being about 50 degrees. The cylindrical housing defines an outer annular groove being in communication with the at least one port. The at least one port is in communication with an aft surface of the annular groove.
US08418797B2
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a work vehicle that does not slip. The work vehicle has an engine (10) generating a rotational power, a hydraulic stepless transmission (HST) (20) having a hydraulic pump (22) and a hydraulic motor (24) and changing the speed of rotation generated by the engine (10) and transmitting it to drive wheels (40), an actuator (73) for adjusting the transmission ratio of the HST (20) by changing the tilt angle of a movable swash plate (22a) of the hydraulic pump (22), a shift lever (speed setting means) (50) for setting the speed of a motor output shaft (25) changed by the HST (20), and a control device (60) for controlling operation of the actuator (73) so that the speed of the motor output shaft (25) changed by the HST (20) changes at a predetermined rate of change (β) until it reaches the speed (preset speed) set by the shift lever (50).
US08418793B2
A motorcycle that can facilitate identification of and taking in and out of an article stored below a rear seat includes a storage box that is mounted to a body frame. The front portion of the storage box is covered by a front seat. The rear portion of the storage box is covered by the rear seat and the rear seat is surrounded by the rear spoiler. The rear spoiler has an opening portion that is almost-rectangular as viewed from above. When the rear seat is removed, an article can be put in and taken out from the storage box through the opening portion. A first seal member is attached to the bottom plate of the rear seat, and is pressed against the circumferential edge portion of the opening portion to thereby seal between the rear seat and the rear spoiler.
US08418777B1
An agricultural implement includes a traction structure and a tool beam rearward of the traction structure. First and second wheeled support structures support the tool beam at opposite respective ends of the tool beam. First and second linkages each have a forward portion connected to the traction structure and rearward portions connected to the first and second support structures respectively. An actuator is effective between the traction structure and the first linkage for selectively adjusting an angular position of the first linkage relative to the longitudinal axis of the traction structure. The tool beam provides a force transmitting connection between the rearward portions of the first and second linkages whereby angular movement of the first linkage relative to the traction structure is accompanied by angular movement of the second linkage relative to the traction structure.
US08418776B2
A control system for an implement (10) mounted on a tractor (11) via a three point linkage (10) and which has one or more depth control wheels (13) which contact the ground and which support at least part of the weight of the implement. The three point linkage has an upper link (17) and two lower links (14, 15), the upper link including an adjusting means such as an hydraulic cylinder (18) to vary its effective length and the lower links being provided with raising means (16) to raise the implement. The control system has a control unit (23) which received signals indicative of the level of slippage of one or more wheels of the tractor and which in response to a wheel slippage level above a first level (X) operates the adjusting means (18) to shorten the effective length of the upper link (17) to transfer some of the weight of the implement (10) onto the tractor to reduce wheel slippage. The control unit (23) also operates the lower link raising means (16) to raise the lower links (14,15) and hence the implement, if the wheel slippage level exceeds a second higher level (Z).
US08418769B2
A tubular actuator includes, a tubular, a support member disposed at the tubular, and a restrictor configured to pass a runnable member when unsupported by the support member and to prevent passage of the runnable member when supported by the support member. The restrictor is movable relative to the support member from an unsupported position to a supported position in response to pressure applied against the runnable member engaged with the restrictor according to a pressure versus time profile.
US08418764B2
Methods of reducing the permeability of a subterranean formation to aqueous-based fluids using a water-soluble relative permeability modifier that comprises a reaction product of a hydrophilic compound and a hydrophilic polymer. In some methods the hydrophilic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of: a polyacrylamide, a polyvinylamine, a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol), an alkyl acrylate polymer, and a combination thereof. In other methods the hydrophilic polymer may be selected from the group consisting of: a polyvinylamine; a poly(vinylamine/vinyl alcohol); a cellulose; a chitosan; a polyamide; a polyetheramine; a polyethyleneimine; a polyhydroxyetheramine; a polylysine; a polysulfone; a gum; a starch, and a combination thereof.
US08418762B2
Gelled barrier fluids preventing the ingress of undesired fluids from subsurface environments into subsurface apparatus have a specific gravity which is within ±0.05 of the specific gravity of the undesired fluid.
US08418760B2
The present disclosure provides an apparatus and method for coupling conduit segments together. A first pump obtains a sample and transmits it through a first conduit to a reservoir accessible by a second pump. The second pump further conducts the sample from the reservoir through a second conduit.
US08418755B2
System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.
US08418749B2
A continuous casting device for steel of the present invention includes a casting mold for casting a molten steel, a submerged entry nozzle, an electromagnetic stirring device, and an electromagnetic brake device. Further, a curved portion which is curved toward the electromagnetic stirring device is formed at least at a position where the curved portion faces the submerged entry nozzle, on each of the long side walls. Moreover, the horizontal distance between a top of the curved portion and the submerged entry nozzle in plan view is equal to or more than 35 mm and less than 50 mm.
US08418739B2
A press is described having an upper platen. The press includes one piece base for support an upper rotatable support arm and a lower cantilever support arm. The upper support arm is adapted to selectively move the upper platen between an open position, a partially open position and a closed position with respect to a lower platen. A lower cantilever support arm configured to provide an open working surface around a lower platen. A sliding mechanism disposed on the base to selectively move the lower platen to an open, partially open or closed position.
US08418733B2
A pod opener is an apparatus for purging the inside of a reticle pod having a pod cover and an openable bottom lid by supplying and discharging a clean gas to and from the inside of the reticle pod. The pod opener includes a stage, an elevator driving mechanism, a latch mechanism, and a supplying-discharging section. The stage can attach and remove the bottom lid to and from the pod cover. The elevator driving mechanism can move the stage. The latch mechanism serves to move a latch member that locks the bottom lid to the pod cover such that it cannot be detached and to release the locked state of the bottom lid. The supplying-discharging section starts purging before the latch member has completed an operation of locking the bottom lid to the pod cover.
US08418726B2
A pressure tank, in particular hydraulic accumulator (3, 5), has a parting element (1) separating a space (11) for a first gaseous working medium from a space for a second fluid working medium in the tank. The parting element is flexible, can move under deformation and defines a domed main parting plane extending from an annular edge (13). The parting element (1) is produced from a substance having a fluoroplastic material, preferably a substance composed entirely of fluoroplastic material.
US08418716B2
A volume and pressure regulating device for an oxygen generating machine includes a body to combine a path assembly, a pressure valve assembly and a volume valve assembly within one body. The pressure valve assembly and the volume valve assembly are connected via the path assembly.
US08418715B2
A control system for a purge valve that can be actuated by low pressure, which can be used for a low pressure or vacuum waste water system, encompassing a first valve and a second valve. The purge valve can be actuated as a function of its position, and the accumulated waste water can be drawn off via the sewage system.
US08418714B2
A pressure type flow rate control apparatus is provided wherein flow rate of fluid passing through an orifice is computed as Qc=KP1 (where K is a proportionality constant) or as Qc=KP2m(P1−P2)n (where K is a proportionality constant, m and n constants) by using orifice upstream side pressure P1 and/or orifice downstream side pressure P2. A fluid passage between the downstream side of a control valve and a fluid supply pipe of the pressure type flow rate control apparatus comprises at least 2 fluid passages in parallel, and orifices having different flow rate characteristics are provided for each of these fluid passages, wherein fluid in a small flow quantity area flows to one orifice for flow control of fluid in the small flow quantity area, while fluid in a large flow quantity area flows to the other orifice for flow control of fluid in the large flow quantity area.
US08418711B2
A collapsible canopy support includes beams for supporting a canopy with each beam having a plurality of elongated beam segments coupled together to form the beam. A segment coupler provides for pivotally coupling a first beam segment to a second beam segment. A segment locking assembly is adapted for selectively securing the first beam segment relative to the second beam segment.
US08418702B2
A ready mix truck wash system includes at least one spray arch fluidly connected to a pump, a motor, and controls. The spray arch has a plurality of pipes and spray nozzles configured to spray pressurized fluid onto a ready mix truck. In one embodiment, the ready mix truck is washed in multiple stages.
US08418700B2
A hair styling tool kit has cylindrical hair roller(s) having bristles positioned on exterior thereof, a proximate end, a distant end and an opening formed in the proximate end. A handle is configured to detachably engage the proximate end of the hair roller(s), one at a time, and facilitate rolling of hair on the hair roller(s). The body of the hair roller(s) is manufactured from heat absorbing material that helps in transmitting heat to the hair rolled on the hair roller(s).
US08418690B2
A supplemental oxygen delivery system is described in which Aerosol is delivered into a housing 10, 20, which sits in the circuit from the supplemental oxygen supply and optional humidifier. The supplemental oxygen passes through this chamber 10, 20 in which the aerosol is located, and collects the aerosol transporting it to a patient via a nasal cannula 3 or a face mask 4. An aerosol generator 9 is mounted to the housing 10, 20 and delivers aerosol into an oxygen stream 13 flowing between an inlet 14 and an outlet 15 of the housing 10. The housing 10 also has a removable plug 16 in the base 17 thereof for draining any liquid that accumulates in the housing 10. There is no disruption of oxygen delivery to patients using nasal cannulas who currently have to use a separate face-mask when receiving nebulized medication.
US08418684B2
A catalytic conversion unit treats emissions emanating from a cooking event. The unit comprises a housing to contain the other components that connects either directly or through the use of ancillary components to the oven cavity of a residential range, or oven. Contained within the housing are an electric heating element and a catalyst unit. The housing may connect to additional components to complete the venting of the exhaust to the atmosphere. The electric heating element is arranged so that infrared radiation from the hot surface of the element is visible by the inlet face of the catalyst. The power output of the heater is sized so that the catalyst reaches a minimum operating temperature to initiate the catalytic reaction in advance of the temperature increase in the air coming from the cavity.
US08418683B2
A vibration absorber for an archery bow including a hollow, elongated cap open at both ends, a first dampening plug inserted into one of the ends of the cap and a second dampening plug inserted to another end of the cap and coupled to the first dampening plug within the cap. Typically the cap is made from a stiff material and the first and second dampening plugs are made from elastic material with the same or different elasticities.
US08418673B2
In a diesel engine including a fuel injection valve for injection of fuel into a combustion chamber to produce sprays in the chamber, an axis of the valve is deviated radially outwardly of an axis of a cylinder, so that the valve is positioned close to an inner periphery of the cylinder. Nozzle holes of the valve are grouped into two groups with respect to a line formed by connecting, in plan view, the axis of the valve with the axis of the cylinder. The sprays injected from the nozzle holes advance in a fan-like manner in the plan view and strike against the inner periphery of the cylinder on a side away from the valve.
US08418667B2
A valve train of an internal combustion engine with a camshaft (1) that has a carrier shaft (2) and a cam part (3) that is locked on rotation on the carrier shaft and is arranged displaceable in the axial direction and has at least one cam group (4a to 4c, 5a to 5c) of different elevations for variable actuation of a gas-exchange valve and a groove-shaped axial connecting link (10) with two connecting-link paths (11, 12) crossing its periphery, and with two actuation pins (13, 14) that can be coupled in the connecting-link paths for displacement of the cam part in the direction of the two connecting-link paths. The axial connecting link is further provided with a third connecting-link path (20) that runs essentially equidistant to one of the two crossing connecting-link paths, and the actuation pins can be coupled simultaneously in the first connecting-link path (11) and the third connecting-link path, and the actuation pin (13) coupled in the third connecting-link path forces a further displacement of the cam part in a direction of the first connecting-link path when passing through the crossing region (16) of the first and second connecting-link paths.
US08418658B1
A diamond-shaped animal harness has a longitudinal primary center line and a latitudinal transverse center line, front and rear points, lateral first and second side points, an inside and an outside, a front edge between the side points including the front point, a rear edge between the side points including the rear point, and two leg holes on opposite sides of the primary center line closer to the primary center line than to the side points.
US08418645B2
The present invention relates to a doctor device for metering and/or leveling a liquid to pasty medium applied to a moving surface, the surface in the case of direct application being a paper, board or other fibrous web and in the case of indirect application being the surface of a transfer element which transfers the medium to the fibrous web. The doctor device includes a cylindrical metering rod and a pressure tube, with which the metering rod can be pressed against the moving surface for the purpose of metering and/or leveling the medium applied. Additionally, the doctor device is of modular design, having a top part and a bottom part, the top part being provided with a first holder for holding the pressure tube, and the bottom part being provided with a second holder for holding a clamping tube.
US08418644B2
Tank level indicators are known, having a sensor housing in which a resistance card having a resistance strip, and a wiper acting with the resistance path and rotatable about an axis of rotation. The variable rotating resistance is encapsulated relative to the fuel in the sensor housing, so that no fuel can enter the sensor housing. It is disadvantageous that the wiper slides dryly against the resistance path, because this gives rise to increased friction and increased wear on the resistance path. The wear particles collect in the sensor housing, and can negatively influence the contact between the wiper and the resistance path. According to the invention, the protection of the tank level indicator relative to particles or ice crystals is improved. It is also ensured that particles or ice crystals that enter the tank level indicator can flow out of the housing of the tank level indicator. According to the invention, the sensor housing having at least one fluid inlet in an upper portion and at least one fluid outlet in a lower portion.
US08418643B2
A telescoping boat railing including a rod having a first end with a fastener and a second end that telescopes relative to an opening in a hollow top rail of a boat. The top rail is supported horizontally by one of a plurality of vertical support members of a railing for the boat, which railing defines an opening for accessing the boat. Across the railing opening from the fastener is a receptacle formed co-linearly with the fastener and extending from a horizontal portion of the top of the railing. The rod is pulled out of the opening in the top rail in the direction of the receptacle and is removably attached by connecting the fastener and the receptacle. To return the rod to its nested position, the fastener is disconnected from the receptacle, and the rod is telescoped back into its nesting position in the hollow of the top rail.
US08418636B2
A row crop unit for use in an agricultural seeder includes a furrow opener for opening a furrow in the soil, a seed metering system for metering seed to be placed in the furrow, and a seed placement system for placing seeds in the furrow. The seed placement system and the seed metering system are in communication with each other and at least in part define a seed travel path associated with the furrow. A furrow closer covers the seed in the furrow with soil. A seed temperature conditioner is associated with the seed travel path for varying a temperature of seed traveling through the seed travel path. A temperature sensitive sensor is positioned to sense seed which has been deposited in the furrow between the furrow opener and the furrow closer. An optional packaging tube holds a temperature sensor or sensor array. A lens is mounted with the same tube. A larger diameter tube may be positioned around the sensor packaging tube. A positive air pressure/air flow may be introduced between the two tubes. This positive air-flow forms a positive pressure and/or air flow barrier to push dust away from the sensor lens or sensor surface.
US08418634B2
A seed meter for an agricultural seed planter, wherein the seed meter includes a rotating distributing seed disk defining a plurality of radially spaced apertures. The seed disk or drum is operatively connected to a vacuum source for creating a pressure differential between the exterior and the interior of the seed disk so as to pick up seeds for dispensing. Secured to the exterior surface of the seed disk are a plurality of arm members, which include an end portion defining an aperture that is positioned over a corresponding aperture formed about the periphery of the seed disk. As the drum is rotated through a supply of seeds, individual seeds are urged onto the apertures of the arm members and corresponding seed disk apertures, and held in place by the vacuum. A lifter mechanism mounted with a frame and including an end that engages at least the portion of the seed disk or drum defining the seed apertures causes the radial outward end of the arm members to be urged away from the surface of the seed disk as the disk is rotated relative to the end of the lifter so that the seed held on the arm member is moved away from the vacuum source and communication with the vacuum source is disrupted.
US08418628B2
A the low floor vehicle includes a journal member which couples a pair of wheels and is attached to a truck frame; and a truck frame lateral beam arranged along a vehicle width direction closer to the center of the truck frame than the journal member. The journal member is turnable with respect to the struck frame. A pair of left and right stub links extending between the journal member and the truck frame lateral beam, are provided. Axes passing both ends of the pair of stub links are arranged to tilt so as to widen a space between the ends in the vehicle width direction with going from the truck frame lateral beam toward the journal member. Both the ends of the stub links are attached to be pivotable respectively around axes which extend in a height direction to the journal member and the truck frame lateral beam.
US08418625B2
A system for conveying persons has at least one track along which a plurality of vehicles or groups of vehicles are moved by continuous conveying cables. At least two mutually successive conveying cables are arranged in line with one another and each has a drive so that they may be driven independently of one another. The vehicles are coupled to the cables with clamping devices. The clamping devices arranged on the vehicles spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction of the system. When there is a transfer of a vehicle from a first to the successive conveying cable, a control device uncouples at least the first clamping device, from the first conveying cable and thereupon couples it to the successive conveying cable. Then, a further clamping device is uncoupled from the first conveying cable and coupled to the successive conveying cable.
US08418613B2
A method of assembling of assembling a print unit into a printing machine, wherein the print unit includes a frame, a print carriage to be inserted into and attached to the frame, and a doctor blade system independent of the print carriage to be attached to the frame, the method comprising the steps of placing the doctor blade system on an empty transport device, inserting the transport device with the doctor blade system into the frae, attaching the doctor blade system to the frame, removing the empty transport device from the frame, inserting the print carriage into the frame, and attaching the print carriage to the frame.
US08418611B2
A printing unit contains a dampening unit and an inking unit which includes a screen roller with a circumference and an ink applicator roller with a circumference and a gap having an arc length or curve length, the ink applicator roller resting against the screen roller. The circumference of the screen roller and the circumference of the ink applicator roller and the arc length or curve length of the gap are dimensioned in predetermined proportions relative to each other so as to avoid ghosting.
US08418604B1
A rack for positioning food slabs in a horizontal cooking area such as over a grill includes a rectangular frame which carries a plurality of bent rod food slab supports at a rearward tilt. Each support includes a pair of outer risers having interned lower ends. The outer risers extend over opposite sides of the frame, with the interned ends extending through apertures in the frame sides. Between the outer risers, the rod is bent in a digital waveform and includes forwardly extending lower cradle having upwardly sloped shoulders for engaging the bottom of a food slab. Notches are provided in the upper edge of the frame sides forwardly of each aperture and a notch engaging post extends from the cradle shoulders which are adjacent each outer riser. The ends of the frame are lapped and hinged, so that the frame may be folded along a longitudinal axis for compact storage, with the slab supports nested within the folded frame.
US08418603B2
An exchangeable air and aroma tight sealed container for powdered drink constituents is designed as a multi-portion container (12) in order to permit a rational preparation scheme for a milk or milk foam generation.
US08418599B2
An axial piston machine is provided. The pivoting cradle of the axial piston machine has variable tilt. The axial piston machine has at least one adjustment device extending substantially in the longitudinal direction of the axial piston machine. The axial piston machine further has a return element for returning to a position of the pivoting cradle. The return element and the adjustment device are disposed in a plane extending parallel to an axis of rotation of the axial piston machine and perpendicular to a pivoting axis of the pivoting cradle.
US08418597B2
The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.
US08418596B2
The present invention is directed to an armor system that protects vehicle occupants from lands mines or improvised explosive devices. In the preferred embodiment, the armor system has an arc member, a membrane, reactive blocks, and a reactive block enclosure. The armor system is designed to dissipate, neutralize, and redirect explosion energy, fragments and shrapnel, thereby ensuring the safety of the vehicle occupants.
US08418591B2
Embodiments are disclosed for a power table saw assembly that comprises a frame configured to retain a motor assembly for driving a rotatable blade, a table top assembly having a top surface with an opening through which a rotating blade can extend provided on the frame, and a base for supporting the frame thereon. A foldable extension table is pivotally connected to an axle fixedly provided in the base, for supporting a workpiece. The extension table is configured to be folded and pivoted about the axle to be stored within the base when the extension table is not in use. In one embodiment, the axle is provided in the rear of the base and generally perpendicular to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece from the table top downstream of the blade. In another embodiment, the axle is provides on one side of the base and generally parallel to the blade, so that the extension table can support a workpiece that extends beyond the table top to one side of the blade.
US08418587B2
A tool bit includes a hexagonal drive portion, a working end, and a shank interconnecting the drive portion and the working end. The shank includes an outer peripheral surface having a curvature in a plane including a central axis of the tool bit. The outer peripheral surface having the curvature includes a length in the direction of the central axis. A ratio of the length of the outer peripheral surface having the curvature to the length of the tool bit is between about 0.2:1 and about 0.7:1.
US08418584B2
A clutch-type electrical driving device for a bicycle includes a first one-way bearing provided between a transmission sprocket assembly and an electrical driving assembly, and a second one-way bearing provided between the transmission sprocket assembly and a pedal driving assembly. When a user selects to drive sprockets via the electrical driving assembly for moving the bicycle forward, the sprockets would not feed back to bring two pedal assemblies to rotate at the same time. On the other hand, when the user selects to drive the bicycle forward via the pedal driving assemblies, the sprockets would not feed back to rotate the electrical driving assembly. Therefore, the user can ride the bicycle safely because the pedal assemblies would not rotate along with the sprockets when the latter are driven by the electrical driving device to rotate at high speed. A clutch-type drive for the electrical driving device is also disclosed.
US08418582B2
A flywheel assembly includes a flywheel rotatably mounted on an exercise and a magnetic control device is centrally received in the flywheel for providing damping to the flywheel. The magnetic control device includes two discs abutted each other. Each disc has a wiggle seat rotatable mounted thereon and each wiggle seat is formed with a sector shoe. Each sector has multiple magnets peripherally secured thereon such that the damping acted on the flywheel is adjusted due to the magnets when the two wiggle seats are synchronously wiggled relative to a corresponding one of the two discs.
US08418580B2
A cable assembly includes a mount and an anchor. The mount may include a bracket having an edge, a slot formed in the bracket and extending from the edge, and a recess extending at least partially around the slot. The anchor may be an end fitting that includes an adjuster body having a flange, a slide collar movable toward and away from the flange, and a spring member biasing the slide collar toward the flange. The adjuster body may extend through the slot with the flange and the slide collar on opposed sides. The spring member may bias the slide collar into the recess to form an interlock between the end fitting and the bracket that resists removal of the end fitting from the slot. A preferred end fitting has a drop in swivel tube and an internal isolator that completely isolates a conduit sleeve.
US08418578B2
A shift lever assembly includes a shift tower and a shift lever supported on the shift tower for movement relative thereto. The shift lever includes a pin. A biasing lever is provided that has a first end and a second end. The second end of the biasing lever is engaged for movement with the pin. A biasing mechanism exerts a force against the first end of the biasing lever such that the second end of the biasing lever exerts a force against the pin. The biasing mechanism is adjustable such that the amount of force exerted by the second end of the biasing lever against the pin can be varied.
US08418572B2
A three-dimensional cam mechanism capable of selecting a cam guide surface shape freely to improve the degree of freedom for selecting a target locus on the follower side, transmitting power between orthogonal axes and performing a reversible operation. A three-dimensional cam guide surface (2 (3)) is formed in a cam (1), and the cam guide surface (2) is caused to guide a cam follower (6 (7)) formed at a predetermined angle at one end of a follower side link (4), so that the rotational movement of the cam (1) is translated into the swinging movement at the other end of the follower side link (4). Thus, smooth operations of the cam are obtained by the selection of the shape of a supporting member and by the free design of the cam guide surface shape, without being limited to the power transmission between the orthogonal axes or followed by backlash.
US08418567B2
A fluid visual inspection device includes a fluid visual inspection portion and one set of fastening caps. The fluid visual inspection portion includes a vane holder which has a first flange and second flange, and is coupled with a transparent duct to allow users to see vane conditions and judge whether fluid is flowing. The vane holder further has a third flange and fourth flange that have respectively an external threaded portion formed thereon screwing with the fastening caps. One end of the vane holder holds a partition to form a passage opening. Each fastening cap has one end fastened to the third or fourth flange and another end screwed with a fluid pipe. The fastening caps and the duct are not integrally formed, hence fabrication is simpler and the cost is lower and production time is shorter, and coupling of the device and fluid pipe also is easier.
US08418562B2
A device for the nondestructive material testing of an at least sectionally solid test subject by applying ultrasonic waves to the test subject and detecting the ultrasonic waves reflected inside the test subject is provided The device includes at least one testing head for transmitting the ultrasonic waves and for detecting the ultrasonic waves reflected from the test subject, at least one mobile carriage, on which the testing head is attached, and an elongate rail for guiding the carriage, which is adapted to the structure of the surface of the test subject. To this end, the carriage may be moved along the rail.
US08418559B2
A tri-axis accelerometer includes a proof mass, at least four anchor points arranged in at least two opposite pairs, a first pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a first axis, a second pair of anchor points being arranged opposite one another along a second axis, the first axis and the second axis being perpendicular to one another, and at least four spring units to connect the proof mass to the at least four anchor points, the spring units each including a pair of identical springs, each spring including a sensing unit.
US08418552B2
An absolute displacement sensor 1 includes a sensor housing 2 serving as a detection object; a mass body 3 having a mass m which is movably supported by the sensor housing 2 with a spring coefficient k and a damping coefficient c; a detecting means 4 which electrically detects a relative velocity of the sensor housing 2 with respect to the mass body 3; a feedback control means 5 which controls the absolute displacement of the mass body 3 attributable to the absolute displacement of the sensor housing 2 by positively feeding back the relative displacement and by negatively feeding back a relative acceleration obtained by primarily differentiating the relative velocity, respectively; and a phase lag compensation means 6 which performs phase lag compensation with respect to the relative displacement.
US08418549B2
Flow sensor assemblies having increased flow range capabilities are disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, a flow sensor assembly includes a housing with an inlet flow port, an outlet flow port, a fluid channel extending between the inlet flow port and the outlet flow port, and a bypass channel having a pair of taps fluidly connected to the fluid channel at separate locations. A flow sensor for sensing a measure related to a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel can positioned in the bypass channel. A pressure differential between the two taps of the bypass channel can drive a fraction of a fluid flowing through the fluid channel through the bypass channel. The flow sensor assembly may be configured to achieve, control, and/or balance a desired fraction of fluid flow through the bypass channel and past the flow sensor.
US08418545B2
A medical gas insufflation device comprising at least a gas outlet circuit, a connector for connecting a pressurized vessel in which the gas is packaged, an expander placed between the connector and the gas outlet circuit, a high-pressure sensor placed between the connector and the expander, a flow meter placed at the outlet from the expander, and a microprocessor connected at least to the sensor to receive signals representative of the pressure observed at the connector and to the flow meter to receive signals representative of the flow rate at the outlet from the expander, wherein the microprocessor includes evaluation means for evaluating the remaining volume of gas after expansion as a function of the signals received from the sensor and the flow meter during a gas expansion operation.
US08418544B2
A bending transducer for generating electrical energy from deformations includes at least: one deformable support device, on which a first connecting electrode and a second connecting electrode are formed, one piezoelectric element attached to the support device having a least one first electrode and one second electrode, the first connecting electrode being contacted with the first electrode of the piezoelectric element, and the second connecting electrode being contacted with the second electrode of the piezoelectric element. The first connecting electrode and/or the second connecting electrode are applied as a structured conductive layer to the support device in at least some areas.
US08418543B2
The invention relates to a device and method for determining and adjusting the chassis geometry of a vehicle. In order to provide a device for determining and adjusting vehicle chassis geometry, which can be manufactured as inexpensively as possible, the invention proposes that two tracks be provided on which the vehicle can be moved from a position A to a position B, each track having two means to permit lateral relaxation of the vehicle wheels as well as rotary discs located in the area of the vehicle's front axle at position B, that a measuring sensor operating according to the principle of stereophotogrammetry is located on the outside of each of the tracks, and that means for measuring the travel of the measuring sensors and a steering-wheel balance for detecting the position of the steering wheel are provided. This configuration of the device makes it possible to create a chassis-geometry testing and adjusting rig that does not require floating plates with driven roller pairs for uniform rotation of the wheels but still permits reproducible toe and camber-angle measurements accurate down to angular minutes.
US08418539B2
A method and a circuit for processing a signal supplied by a piezoelectric sensor (10) indicating the cylinder pressure of a piston engine such as a heat engine. Undesirable variations in the value of the signal supplied by the sensor and corresponding to plateaux in the pressure are compensated by a closed-loop servo control which is suitable for setting an output signal to a predetermined constant reference value, independently of undesirable variations in the signal from the sensor (10). The value of the output signal is sampled, and at each sampling moment, if the absolute value of the variation in the output signal is less than a comparison value, the servo control is kept active. A circuit for processing and a pressure-measuring device including a circuit of this kind is also described.
US08418533B2
The present invention provides an analyzing system with which a serial analysis inclusive of a pretreatment can be easily performed in a liquid chromatograph, and even unskilled users can perform a desired analysis. The analyzing system according to the present invention includes: an edit screen display section 31 for displaying an edit screen for allowing a user to create a pretreatment program using an external variable; a batch table display section 32 for displaying a batch table used for serially executing a plurality of analyses, the batch table having an external-variable setting field for allowing the user to enter the aforementioned external variable; and a serial analysis execution section 33 for serially executing each of the analyses inclusive of a pretreatment operation of an auto-sampler according to the pretreatment program and the batch table.
US08418524B2
A calibration device according to embodiments of the disclosure is capable of being used with a non-invasive sensor. Certain embodiments of the calibration device simulate a human pulse by varying the volume of blood being measured by the optical sensor. Further, embodiments of the calibration device allow the generation of calibration curves or data for measured parameters over larger ranges of measured values compared to patient-based calibration.
US08418522B1
A hand/pneumatics dual operation vacuum pulling device includes an elongate shank and a slidable backward ram fit to the shank. The shank has an end to which a suction cup is attached. The shank has an upper end to which a handgrip having a pressure relief seat is mounted. A ramp stop section is formed below the pressure relief seat. The handgrip can selectively and switchably couple with a hand-operating pump piston to form a hand-operating vacuum pulling device, or couple with a pneumatic operation seat to form a pneumatically-operating vacuum pulling device. For hand operation or pneumatics operation, the vacuum pulling device is allowed to easily switch between the two modes according to the availability of power supply and the site of use, thereby achieving an excellent device for one device having two ways of use.
US08418515B2
A valve which is controlled using a master key such that only an authorized person is able to turn the valve on and off. The valve is constructed such that a fluid passage is controlled by rotating a handle relative to a body, including a locking device for maintaining a locked state of the handle relative to the body. A master key slot, which extends to the locking device, is formed in the handle, so that, when the master key is inserted into the master key slot, the locked state of the handle is released such that the fluid passage can be controlled by the rotation of the handle.
US08418510B2
Disclosed herein is a washing machine that performs washing using bubbles. The washing machine may include an air bubble unit to generate air bubbles in detergent water using external air naturally introduced thereinto by pressure difference caused when the detergent water passes therethrough, a water tub having an introduction port to allow the detergent water containing the air bubbles to be introduced thereinto, and a washing tub rotatably provided in the water tub, the washing tub having a plurality of through-holes having a size less than the introduction port such that the air bubbles rise to a surface of the detergent water contained in the water tub.
US08418508B2
Isoelastic porous meshes useful in hernia repair have pores that remain open under physiological loads.
US08418506B2
A method and device for automatically measuring the yarn length absorbed by a rectilinear machine adapted to produce an article and including a carriage movable to-and-fro over a needle bed between two ends of a working path, needles moving towards the carriage to cooperate with the yarn (F) and form an article, the yarn unwinding from a feeder with elements for measuring the yarn quantity fed at constant tension towards the needle bed. The feeder measures and constantly monitors the yarn feed velocity, this monitoring enables the fed and knitted yarn quantity to be obtained in real time and each measurement to be associated with the respective carriage travel stroke, this information enabling precise regulation of the knitting cams.
US08418488B2
According to a method of controlling a refrigerator in accordance with the present invention, after the refrigerating chamber and the freezing chamber are operated at the same time, refrigerant recovery is performed and the refrigerating chamber is then cooled. Accordingly, imbalance due to the pressure difference between the refrigerating chamber evaporator and the freezing chamber evaporator can be solved. Further, there is an advantage in that the refrigerating chamber can be cooled rapidly since refrigerant is supplied to the refrigerating chamber smoothly.
US08418487B2
A process-fluid chiller system for chilling a process fluid to be transported to a process load to remove thermal energy from the process load. The process-fluid chiller system includes a storage tank in which the process fluid can be stored, and a refrigeration system that can be selectively activated to chill the process fluid. The refrigeration system includes an evaporation device for evaporating a refrigerant from a liquid state to a gaseous state and a compressor for elevating a pressure of the refrigerant in the gaseous state. A temperature sensor is included for sensing a temperature of an exchange medium to which thermal energy from the process fluid can be transferred when the temperature of the exchange medium falls below a predetermined low temperature. Also included is a closed-loop heat exchanger that can selectively be placed in fluid communication with the storage tank and selectively taken out of fluid communication with the storage tank based at least in part on the sensed temperature of the exchange medium. The process-fluid chiller system further includes a control system for controlling activation of the refrigeration system and selective placement of the closed-loop heat exchanger in fluid communication with the storage tank.
US08418484B2
A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between gasses such as air and a liquid or gaseous coolant has narrow spacing between exchanger surfaces for high efficiency. To avoid undue obstruction of gas flow due to ice buildup on the exchanger surfaces, the heat exchanger is equipped with sensors to monitor the gas flow and an actuator that widens the spacing between exchanger surfaces such that gas flow remains unimpeded. Embodiments provide for defrosting of the exchanger surfaces when an limit on spacing of exchanger surfaces is reached, and for relaxing the spacing to the original narrow spacing when defrosting is completed.
US08418482B2
A refrigeration system (20A) comprises an evaporator (27), a two-stage compressor (32) for compressing a refrigerant, a second compressor (34) for compressing the refrigerant, a heat rejecting heat exchanger (24) for cooling the refrigerant, a first economizer circuit (25A), and a second economizer circuit (25B). The first economizer circuit (25A) is configured to inject refrigerant into an interstage port (48) of the two-stage compressor (32). The second economizer circuit (25B) is connected to the second compressor (34).
US08418480B2
A cooling system employs a single-acting positive displacement bellows pump to transfer a cryogenic liquid such as liquid nitrogen from a storage dewar to a heat exchanger coupled to a measurement chamber of an instrument, wherein cooling takes place by vaporizing the liquid. Preferably, the capacity of the pump is greater than the maximum cooling requirement of the instrument, wherein both vapor resulting from vaporizing of the cryogenic liquid circulated through the heat exchanger and liquid that does not vaporize when circulated through the heat exchanger are returned to the storage dewar, wherein the vapor is subsequently vented from the dewar. Preferably, with the aid of a weir in a return line, the level of liquid in the heat exchanger is maintained full and constant, and the cooling demands are automatically met without the need for other control of the flow rate or level of the liquid. Also, unlike conventional systems, liquid transfer from the dewar does not require dewar pressurization, so that the dewar may be refilled whenever necessary without interrupting the experiment in progress.
US08418476B2
A generator comprising at least one thermal stage having magnetocaloric elements (2) arranged around an axis and a magnetic arrangement (3) supported by a drive shaft (30) that rotates about the axis to subject the elements to a variation in magnetic field. The generator comprises pistons (70) to force heat transfer fluid through the elements with the pistons being driven in reciprocating translation within chambers (73) by at least one cam (71) that is rotationally driven the drive shaft (30). The generator comprises a forced circulation unit (8a) having planet gears (80) arranged around the central axis, supported by the body (72) of the generator and meshing with an inner crown gear (81) integral with the cam (71). Each gear (80) forms a gear pump that mixes the heat transfer fluid and places the fluid in forced circulation in the tanks (74) and the chambers (73).
US08418471B2
Gas turbine engine having variable flow through a bifurcation having an intake with multiple louvers
A turbofan engine pylon structure has a fan variable area nozzle defined by a variable area flow system between a pylon intake and a pylon exhaust to selectively adjust a bypass flow through the pylon structure. The variable area flow system changes the physical area and geometry of a pylon nozzle exit area to manipulate the bypass flow by opening and closing an additional flow area of the variable area flow system.
US08418460B2
In an exhaust gas turbocharger for an internal combustion engine, comprising a turbine rotor, which is rotatably housed in a rotor chamber through which exhaust gas coming from the internal combustion engine is conducted and wherein the flow around the turbine rotor is conditioned by means of a guide apparatus comprising a support ring with rotatably mounted guide vanes. For fixing a first distance (A) between the support ring and the contour sleeve, at least one spacer element with a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a cross-sectional area is provided so as to have a streamlined shape forming in the exhaust gas flow only a relatively narrow wake line and the spacer element is so arranged that the wake line formed thereby extends essentially through a flow space between two adjacent guide vanes without disturbing the exhaust gas flow around these guide vanes.
US08418456B2
A heat-pipe electric power generating device including a fan disposed between an evaporating end and a condensing end of a heat-pipe is provided. A magnetic substance is disposed on the fan to form a magnetic field. A stator coil of a generator is disposed at the outer of the heat-pipe, which is corresponding to the position of the fan. An induced current is generated by the stator coil of the generator when the magnetic substance spins. Since the heat-pipe is made of copper, and the magnetic field is not shielded by copper, a current is induced when a relative motion between the magnetic substance on the fan and the stator coil of the generator at the outer of the heat-pipe is generated. Further, the heat-pipe electric power generating device can be applied on a hydrogen/oxygen gas generating apparatus and an internal combustion engine system of a motor vehicle.
US08418452B1
A hydraulic drive device including a hydraulic pump and hydraulic motor disposed in a casing and driving an axle having an interior end disposed inside the casing and abutting against an interior surface of the casing to prevent an inward axial movement of the axle shaft. The device further includes an expansion chamber formed in the casing by a plate having a generally flat portion extending generally perpendicular to the plate to form a thumb stop and an indentation sized to accept a human finger to assist during installation of the plate.
US08418451B2
The present invention relates to a piece of working equipment, in particular to an excavator or to a machine for the transfer of material, having an element movable via at least one working hydraulic cylinder, wherein at least one energy recovery hydraulic cylinder is provided for the recovery of energy from the movement of the movable element. In accordance with the invention, the energy recovery hydraulic cylinder is filled with gas at the bottom side and has a hollow piston rod.
US08418450B2
A hydrodynamic torque converter, having a housing arrangement is filled with fluid and an impeller with a plurality of impeller vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around an axis of rotation, a turbine in a housing interior, the turbine has a plurality of turbine vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around the axis of rotation, and a stator with stator vanes successively arranged in circumferential direction around the axis of rotation. The impeller, the turbine and the stator form a fluid circulation torus with a torus diameter Td considered radially with respect to the axis of rotation, an outer radius Ra with respect to the axis of rotation, and a torus width considered in direction of the axis of rotation.
US08418447B2
The invention makes use of an exhaust gas catalyst, comprising an active component comprising at least one type of metal from noble metals and transition metals; NOx-absorbing material for absorbing and releasing nitrogen oxides according to the surrounding nitrogen oxide concentration; and compounds represented by A2O2SO4 and/or A2O2S (A is a rare earth element).
US08418446B2
Disclosed is a technology that enables better reduction of NOx stored in an NOx catalyst in an exhaust gas purification system for an internal combustion engine. When NOx stored in an NOx catalyst is to be reduced, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to a target air-fuel ratio by decreasing the air-fuel ratio of the exhaust gas discharged from the internal combustion engine. In doing so, if the temperature of the NOx catalyst is not lower than a specific temperature, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to the target air-fuel ratio while bringing the combustion state into low temperature combustion. On the other hand, if the temperature of the NOx catalyst is lower than the specific temperature, the air-fuel ratio of the ambient atmosphere around the NOx catalyst is decreased to the target air-fuel ratio while decreasing the quantity of EGR gas in a cylinder so that the amount of generated smoke is kept within an allowable range.
US08418443B2
The present invention relates to a method of treating exhaust gas pollutants, notably of an internal-combustion engine, with a system comprising an exhaust line (L) with selective catalytic reduction catalysis means (62) and injection means (82) for injecting a reducing agent into the line so as to treat the pollutants, characterized in that it consists in: heating an organonitrogen compound so as to decompose it into a mixture of at least an ammonia-containing reducing agent in the gas phase, another reducing agent in the gas phase and steam, compressing, then cooling this mixture so as to condense the steam to a liquid water phase and to obtain a gas phase of one of the two reducing agents and a liquid phase of the other reducing agent, injecting one of the reducing agents into the exhaust line in combination with said catalysis means (62) in order to treat the pollutants of these gases.
US08418440B2
A pump component is removed from a port of a suction-side fluid cavity of a high-pressure fluid pump. The pump component performs a pump function for the high-pressure fluid pump. A primary coupler connects to the port. The pump component connects to the primary coupler. A diverter fluid passage diverts a low-pressure fluid from the primary coupler to an auxiliary fluid delivery system. The primary coupler communicates the low-pressure fluid through the pump component and primary coupler to the port.
US08418427B2
An insulated door comprising a door shell having spaced first and second exterior panels. The door includes a plurality of stiffeners bonded to a liner panel, with thermal insulation between adjacent stiffeners, disposed within the door shell. The liner panel may extend along one side of the stiffeners and the thermal insulation along the liner panel between the stiffeners and the first and second exterior panels. The stiffeners and the liner panel are preferably made of steel and the stiffeners are welded to the liner panel. The stiffeners are preferably not welded to the first and second exterior panels of the door shell. The liner panel is preferably insertable into the first or second exterior panels of the door shell. The insulation material fills substantially all of the space between the liner panel and one of the first or second exterior panels.
US08418421B1
The invention provides a method for connecting a foam structure to a concrete slab or floor. The connection uses a metal member and bonding agents between the foam and the metal member and bonding agents between the concrete slab or floor and the metal members.
US08418420B2
A window drain for preventing stains on a building wall and damage caused by (frozen) rain water, which is installable and sealable easily without impairing the appearance of a building. The present invention relates to a window drain adaptable to be positioned beneath a sill of a sash window frame having a vertical portion, a sloping portion, a front portion, and a horizontal portion for latching to an upper portion of an external wall. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, wherein the horizontal portion has notches at both ends thereof. Further, the present invention relates to a window drain, further having upstanding portions at both ends of the window drain to regulate a stream of water so that the water is kept between the upstanding portions.
US08418418B2
A method of making a photovoltaic panel includes previously preparing one or more pre-formed substrates with a first temperature and pressure to be non-planar, textured, embossed, colored, or combinations thereof. A manufacturer can then prepare a laminate assembly comprising one or more organic photovoltaic components one or more pre-formed substrates, and a barrier layer with one or more thermally-activated thermoplastic tie layers there between. The manufacturer can then finish the photovoltaic panel lamination by subjecting the assembly to a second set of temperatures and pressures sufficient to activate and bond the pre-formed substrate, barrier layer, and photovoltaic components without significantly softening the pre-formed substrates or otherwise degrading/damaging the organic photovoltaic components. A non-planar panel made by this method can be used in both exterior and interior decorative and/or structural applications where electrical generation is desired.
US08418412B2
An explosion-proof decompression plate is provided outside the explosion-proof window of an architecture or equipment. A convex part that protrudes out of the window is formed in the center of the decompression plate, and a flange is formed around the convex part. Further, a confined space is formed inside the decompression plate that is opposite to the convex part. Several thru holes are formed on the flange, and a lock-joint portion of which the area is smaller than the thru hole is formed. Several joint ribs easily splitting are formed between the flange and the lock-joint portions to connect. Accordingly, when the air blast occurs in the architecture or equipment, the decompression plate is thrust away by the blast pressure caused by the air blast and an open mouth is formed to vent out the blast pressure.
US08418411B2
The invention relates to an integral, industrialized, modular dwelling system which is based on modular, multi-functional, three-dimensional modules that are made from reinforced concrete. The modules, roofing and components are produced in a semi-automated covered plant in which the modules are first cast and set and subsequently provided with integrated finishes, installations, accessories, partitions and details. The invention also relates to a method for constructing the modules, a retractable flexible mold for casting said modules and a method for the on-site building of dwellings using the inventive three-dimensional modules.
US08418410B2
A rain gutter system including a gutter and at least one internal hanger, wherein the gutter includes a front wall and a back wall interconnected through a bottom and spaced-apart to cooperatively define a water-collecting channel therebetween, the front wall including a lip extending in the direction toward the back wall and a drip edge extending in a direction away from the back wall, the back wall extending upward vertically beyond the height of the front wall, and wherein the at least one hanger is positioned in the channel spaced-apart from the bottom and includes a forward flange extending upwardly from a base for being captured beneath the lip and a rear flange extending upwardly from the base and defining a support surface sloped in a direction toward the drip edge.
US08418408B2
In a vehicle door structure, a beam member (21) having a S-shaped cross section and extending in a fore-and-aft direction of a vehicle body is attached to an inner panel (15), and the upper edge of the inner panel (15) is formed by the beam member (21). Thereby, a crash load of a frontal crash is transmitted in a favorable manner, and energy of a side impact is adequately absorbed without incurring a cost increase or a weight increase owing to the use of the door beam.
US08418403B1
Hanging stacked plant holders and watering systems for receiving and supporting a plurality of pots in pot holding rings fastened to the end of a plurality of unit arms. The unit arms are stacked on a structure that includes an upper manifold and a lower manifold. The pots supported by the upper unit arms receive water from the upper manifold, and the pots supported by the lower unit arms receive water seeping through the upper pots, with water seeping through the lower pots being collected for recirculation. various features and construction details are disclosed.
US08418399B2
Trapping device for frugivorous insects. The device comprises trapping means and a single diffuser of attractant means arranged inside the trapping means. The diffuser is made up of a container containing inside a support material. This support material, which is of the porous type, is impregnated with a solution comprising a diaminoalkane, ammonium acetate and trimethylamine.
US08418396B2
An animal trap comprised of an elongated conduit, the elongated conduit including an open proximal end, a closed distal end, inner and outer walls, and a slot dimensioned to receive a door therethrough. The door when urged into the slot is dimensioned to substantially encompass a cross sectional area of the elongated conduit. A tension member is coupled to the door for urging the door into the slot independent of gravity or geometric alignment of the animal trap when released by an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the door. A sensor is provided for signaling a presence of an animal within an interior volume of the elongated conduit. A trigger circuit is operatively coupled with the sensor and the actuator and is configured to cause the actuator to release the door upon receipt of a presence of an animal signal from the sensor.
US08418393B1
A firearm and a method for configuring the firearm is described that, in one aspect, includes a tubular magazine having a mechanical connection arranged at one end, a cap having a mechanical connection and configured to cooperate with the mechanical connection arranged on the one end of the tubular magazine, a retaining mechanism arranged in the tubular magazine having a circumferential surface, the retaining mechanism having retaining mechanism locking components arranged on the circumferential surface, and the cap further including an internal peripheral surface having cap locking components arranged along the internal peripheral surface, the retaining mechanism locking components and the cap locking components configured to interact to keep the cap from rotating thereby preventing the cap from accidentally disconnecting from the tubular magazine.
US08418389B1
A recoil-reducing weapon may include a housing and a receiver translatably disposed in the housing. A barrel may have one end fixed to the receiver and be translatable with respect to the housing. A spring stop may be fixed to the barrel forward of the housing and a spring may be disposed between the spring stop and a front of the housing. An operating group with a gear rack may be translatably disposed in the receiver. A longitudinal member may have one end fixed to the operating group. A counter-mass may have a second gear rack and an opening therein for receiving the longitudinal member. A second spring may be disposed around the longitudinal member. One end of the second spring may bear against the operating group and another end of the second spring may bear against the counter-mass. A pinion gear may be rotatably fixed to the receiver and operable to mesh with the gear rack and the second gear rack.
US08418388B2
The invention relates to a device for counting shots (1) for a lightweight firearm (100). The device for counting shots includes a device (10) suitable to turn a part of the electrical signal connected to an acceleration applied to the firearm from an event. The device for counting shots also includes a processing unit (11) suitable to be fed by the electrical signal and suitable for analyzing the electrical signal itself.
US08418387B2
An isolated access assembly for a back-to-back electronic display and static display setup. A central housing contains an electronic display with a static display being hingedly attached to the central housing on the opposite side of the electronic display. The static display can rotate to allow access to the rear of the electronic display without permitting access to the static display itself. A front door may be hingedly attached to the central housing and placed in front of the electronic display to allow the front portion of the electronic display to be accessed and serviced. A rear door may be hingedly attached to the static display to allow the static display to be accessed and serviced. A first locking mechanism may control access to the rear portion of the electronic display while a second locking mechanism may control access to the front portion of the electronic display. A first advertising party may be given proper access to the first and second locking mechanisms. A third locking mechanism may control access to the static display. A second advertising party may be given proper access to the third locking mechanism.
US08418382B2
A sole structure can include one or more ridge tractions elements. The ridge traction elements can be separated by one or more flexure zones. The sole structure can also include other types of traction elements.
US08418381B2
A snowboard boot incorporating techniques for making the process of tightening and loosening the laces of a snowboard boot more convenient for the wearer is disclosed. The snowboard boot may be provided with at least two independent lacing zones, the tensions of which are separately adjustable by the wearer. The zones may be secured by pulling on two laces, each of which tightens one of the two independent lacing zones. This arrangement allows the wearer to simultaneously tighten each zone, providing the wearer with the “feel” as though he or she is tightening a conventional single lacing zone snowboard boot. The laces may be simultaneously, yet independently secured by a lace lock at the upper and/or forward region of the snowboard boot. Slack may be created to facilitate loosening of the snowboard boot and easy removal of a foot from the snowboard boot by unhooking the lace from the lace guide without a corresponding distance of lace traveling through the lace lock. A release strap, graspable by the wearer, facilitates unhooking the lace.
US08418379B2
A shoe sole of the present invention includes a first member 10 including a first deformable portion 11, and a second member 20 including a second deformable portion 21. In a non-worn state, a first lower surface 10d of the first deformable portion 11 and a second upper surface 20u of the second deformable portion 21 are substantially spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction. Under a first load, the first deformable portion 11 deflects downward, whereby the first lower surface 10d can approach the second upper surface 20u until the first lower surface 10d contacts the second upper surface 20u. Under a second load, the deformable portions 11 and 21 both deflect downward with the engagement elements 12 and 22 of the deformable portions 11 and 21 engaging with each other.
US08418376B2
A laundry drying device, including a front wall; a seal connected to the front wall; a rear wall; a tub located between the front wall and the rear wall; a rotatable laundry drum arranged in the tub, the rotatable laundry drum being accessible by way of the seal; and a heat pump. The heat pump includes an evaporator that is arranged at least partially between the laundry drum and the rear wall; and a condenser that is arranged at least partially above the laundry drum.
US08418360B2
A method for manufacturing a printed wiring board including preparing a carrier, forming a metal layer on the carrier, forming an etching resist on the metal layer, forming a metal film from the metal layer underneath the resist by removing portion of the metal layer exposed through the resist and part of the metal layer contiguous to the portion of the metal layer and underneath the resist, forming a coating layer on side surface of the film and the carrier, forming a pad on the coating layer, removing the resist, forming a resin insulation layer on the film and surface of the pad, forming an opening reaching the surface of the pad in the insulation layer, forming a conductive circuit on the insulation layer, forming a via conductor connecting the circuit and the pad in the opening, removing the carrier from the film and coating layer, and removing the film.
US08418356B2
The present invention relates to an embedded printed circuit board and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention provides an embedded printed circuit board including a substrate in which a cavity is formed in a predetermined portion and a wiring layer is formed in a portion without the cavity; a chip inserted into the cavity and including a plurality of pads; a filler filled between the chip and the cavity to fix the chip; and a connection layer formed between the wiring layer and the pads to connect the wiring layer and the pads to each other. Further, the present invention provides a manufacturing method of the embedded printed circuit board.
US08418354B2
An apparatus (1) for frame fabrication includes at least one nail gun (15) adapted to fire nails substantially in a selected plane of the frame (2). The nail gun (15) translates vertically and is configured with a control input device (19) activated by an operator which extends substantially across the width of the frame fabrication apparatus.
US08418353B1
A method for providing energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) heads using a substrate are described. The substrate has front and back sides and apertures therein. The apertures are through-holes between the front and back sides of the substrate. The method includes providing a transmission medium in the apertures and fabricating EAMR transducers on the front side of the substrate. The EAMR transducers correspond to the apertures and the EAMR heads. The method also includes electrically insulating the back side of the substrate. The back side of the substrate is also prepared for mounting of the lasers. The lasers then are coupled the back side of the substrate. The lasers correspond to the EAMR heads and are configured to provide light through the apertures to the EAMR transducers. The method also includes separating the substrate into the EAMR heads.
US08418348B2
Problems SolvedThe information solves the problem of how to provide a structure and a manufacturing method that can inexpensively and stably obtain a scattered X-ray eliminating grid wherein air serves as an intermediate substance even as X-ray absorbing substance parts are accurately positioned and held. SolutionThe invention includes disposing guide slit plate mechanisms fixed relative to one another, namely, parallel to and spaced apart from one another by a prescribed distance; fitting metal foils, which serve as X-ray absorbing substance provided between the guide slit plate mechanisms, parallel to primary X-rays; inserting both ends of the metal foils into the guide slit plate mechanisms; inserting, when applying tension evenly, a rod, which is sheathed in an elastic body, into holes formed in the metal foils on the tip sides of the metal foils beyond the inserted portions; and adopting a structure that ensures that the cross sectional shape of the elastic body sheathing the rod has a sufficient wall thickness in a direction in which the elastic body is compressed when tension is generated, and thereby eliminating any difference in the tension even if a spring constant k that is determined during compression is small and the amounts of compression are different.
US08418344B1
A multi-piece ceremonial sculpture when assembled creates a symbol for unity during a wedding ceremony or anniversary or business celebration. The method of assembling the sculpture is to fasten an outer cross-shaped piece to a solid base through peg holes. Once the outer cross-shaped piece has been secured, then an inner piece will be secured within the outer piece by placing plugs through the openings on the top and sides. Once assembled, the sculpture displays a complete piece of art commemorating the commitment to the union.
US08418340B2
An assembly for mounting components on a vessel having a boss with an adapter and a method of attaching. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an adjustable frame including a support positioned between a first end and a second end, a fixed clamping device attached to the first end of the frame and including a lower plate and pivotally attached upper plate such that at least one of the lower and upper plates has a shaped jaw formed therein to hold a first adapter. The assembly further includes a rotatable clamping device made up of a lower clamping plate along with a lower plate rotatably attached to the lower clamping plate, and an upper plate pivotally attached to the lower plate. At least one of the lower and upper plates have a jaw formed therein to hold a second adapter.
US08418334B2
The present invention provides a method of optionally changing damping characteristics of a twin-tube shock absorber.In the method of changing the damping characteristics of the twin-tube shock absorber (10), a threaded hole (11a) is formed in an outer tube (11), oil is drained from the inside of the twin-tube shock absorber (10) through the threaded hole (11a), replacement oil (35) is charged into the twin-tube shock absorber (10), and a check valve (20) is mounted in the threaded hole (11a). Thereafter, in a state that the check valve (20) is positioned on the upper side in the twin-tube shock absorber (10), a gas is sucked out from the inside of the twin-tube shock absorber (10) through a flow channel of the temporarily opened check valve (20), and a replacement nitrogen gas (36) is injected into the twin-tube shock absorber (10).
US08418333B2
An assembly device includes a shaft assembly having a plurality of pistons installed on an outer peripheral portion of a swash plate via shoes. The assembly device has a shaft support portion which supports a shaft having the swash plate in a vertical axis posture, a guide member, a shoe incorporation mechanism, a carriage which conveys the plurality of pistons in the vertical axis posture, and a piston holding portion which holds the plurality of pistons. The guide member is equipped with a first guide surface and a second guide surface.
US08418332B2
Surface texturing is employed to modify the topography of one or more surfaces (radial or cylindrical) of the bearing system for a roller cone rock bit. The surface texturing results in a dimpled surface which retains additional lubricant helpful in reducing friction in the boundary and mixed lubrication regimes. Shot peening is disclosed as one method for texturing the desired surface.
US08418320B2
A hinge for a swingable body part of a vehicle includes a hinge element having an attachment part, and at least one connection element for securing the attachment part of the hinge element to a body part or vehicle shell structure. The attachment part of the hinge element is constructed to move in relation to the body part and/or vehicle shell structure without disengagement when a load limit is exceeded.
US08418319B2
A hinge mechanism 1 includes a rotation shaft 3 connected to a monitor and serving as rotating central axis X; a base 2 pivotally supporting the shaft 3 rotatably, and having click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and a housing position determining recess 2c on a circumference centering the axis X; a plate 5 attached at the end of the shaft 3; and a leaf spring 4 located between the base 2 and plate 5, fit-in by the rotation shaft 3, and having a click projection 4b that fits in the click recesses 2b1, 2b2 and recess 2c to hold the monitor in a predetermined rotation angle position. A sliding friction projection 4c sliding with pressed into contact with the base 2 is formed on the side opposite from the click projection 4b across the axis X, while a cutaway 2e entered by the projection 4c is formed in the base 2.
US08418308B2
A grid paint scooping device which is an article of manufacture comprising; a vertical elongated substantially flat grid which is partially immersed into a paint container with a handle at the top of said flat grid and attached at the bottom of the flat grid is an outwardly extending horizontal scooping reservoir which is substantially parallel to the bottom of said paint container during paint scooping events, wherein said grid paint scooping device uses said scooping reservoir for lifting a sufficient amount of paint out of the paint container for the purpose of saturating a roller cover with said paint in the reservoir and removing the excessive paint from the roller cover by use of said flat grid to allow the right amount of the paint to be evenly distributed on the surface of the roller cover before painting objects with the roller cover.
US08418303B2
A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller.
US08418299B2
A web cleaning system includes one or more conductive electrostatic cleaning members that may be grounded or electrically biased, and form an electric field. The conductive cleaning member opposes a conductive backing member that may be grounded or electrically biased. The conductive cleaning member contacts the web as it translates through the cleaning system, and charged debris on the web is affected by the electric field formed by the cleaning member.
US08418297B2
A support cushion including a top surface, a bottom surface opposite top surface, a layer of flexible foam having plurality of cells defining a reticulated cellular structure, the reticulated cellular structure cells comprising a skeletal plurality of supports through which substantially open cell walls establish fluid communication between interior of the cell and interiors of adjacent cells, the layer of flexible foam having density no less than about 30 kg/m3 and no greater than about 175 kg/m3, and hardness of no less than about 20 N and no greater than about 150 N at 40% indentation force deflection measured at about 22 degrees Celsius, the layer of flexible foam comprising visco-elastic foam having at least one material property responsive to temperature change in range of 10-30° C., and layer of polyurethane foam located beneath layer of flexible foam, the layer of polyurethane foam having hardness of at least about 50 N.
US08418296B1
A mattress system for a patient includes an inflatable mattress having at least one inflatable bladder, each having at least one inflation port and a plurality of selectively sealable deflation pinholes. When fully deflated the inflatable mattress may be rolled up into a compact storage configuration. An air pump is in fluid communication with the inflation port of each inflatable bladder and is adapted to pressurize the bladder with air treated with an ozone generator, sanitizer, or the like. Such an air pump is preferably controlled by a controller circuit that may be included to inflate any of the inflatable bladders and activate or deactivate the air treatment apparatus, based on, for example, a pre-programmed schedule or regiment as directed by a medical professional. Auxiliary attachments, such as an appendage sleeve, a blanket, or the like, may also be inflated with the air pump.
US08418285B2
An inflatable device has non-pressurized ducts and channels formed within the body of the inflatable device when inflated, wherein the inflation pressure of the inflatable device is maintained when the interior of the ducts and channels are exposed to atmospheric pressures allowing fluid to flow through the ducts and channels at substantially lower pressure levels than the inflation pressure of the inflatable device, a plurality of non-pressurized channels and pressurized support columns can be located in substantial proximity to the surface of the inflatable device in contact with the object to be heated or cooled.
US08418284B2
A base for bed mattress having a plurality of transverse slats, with each slat end attached to the frame of the base and pivotally connected to first end of a rod at the center of each slat is provided. The rod is attached at its second end to a dynamic pulley. The dynamic pulleys are connected by a common cord or flexible attachment running over stationary pulleys mounted between the slats to a central beam attached to the frame of the base. Improved distribution of human body support can thus be achieved independent of the contour and weight of the body at any sleeping position. Springiness of the base can be modified by changing the elasticity of the flexible attachment. The dynamic support base reduces the need for thickness of the mattress and of the bed pillow.
US08418278B2
A sanitary washing device includes a washing nozzle including a water discharge port; and a pressurizing device for pressurizing the wash water from the water discharge port, the device being configured to perform a first and a second water discharge process, in the first process, the wash water discharged later in a first time span higher than pressure of wash water discharged at beginning of the first water discharge process so that the wash water discharged later in the first time span overtakes and unites with the wash water discharged at beginning of the first water discharge process to form a first water drop at a predetermined position, in the second process, the pressure of wash water discharged later in the second time span higher than pressure of wash water discharged at beginning of the second water discharge process so that the wash water discharged later in the second time span overtakes and unites with the wash water discharged at beginning of the second water discharge process to form a second water drop at a predetermined position from the water discharge port.
US08418276B2
The present invention relates to a toilet flushing device including an outer casing, a gear set, a ring disk set, a connecting rod set and a drive set; wherein the drive set includes a toilet flushing handle. By pressing or lifting the toilet flushing handle towards different directions, the discharged water amount can be controlled accurately and thereby achieves the goal of water saving.
US08418270B2
A helmet, which includes an injection molded shell having an inner surface and an outer surface, the injection molded shell including a first main body portion and a second main body portion, wherein the first and second main body portions are formed of a first material; and a first molded hinge portion formed intermediate the first and second main body portions, the molded hinge portion adapted to allow the first main body portion and the second main body portion to move relative to each other.
US08418268B2
A garment including a body of fabric having a waistband and at least two seams that extend from the waistband and a support structure that is connected to the at least two seams and the waistband is provided. The support structure further includes a pocket and a tape connected to the pocket that prevents elongation of the support structure between said at least two seams during the wearable life of the body of fabric.
US08418267B2
A removably attachable promotional pocket cover comprises a single body unit generally in the shape of an arrow including a cover module and an insert module seamlessly connected thereto; the insert module generally rectangular in shape and cover module generally triangular in shape. The arrow shaped pocket cover is formed of three panel layers of material including a top panel layer and a back panel layer of wearer selected materials, and a supportive middle layer sandwiched therebetween. The cover module includes a surface area to affix promotional adornments thereon. A promotional pocket cover, method of construction and use are disclosed.
US08418262B2
A hockey shirt with a lower trunk opening, a neck opening and collar, including sleeves and cuff assembly. The shirt has special protective cover stitched, surged or fused on the lower sleeves, underarm parts and armpits to prevent against gashes, cuts and other injuries caused by skate blades.
US08424107B2
Allowing access to APIs based on application context. A method includes determining an application context for an application. A layer is determined for a base class library. Layers of the base class library are defined by one or more developer defined attributes associated with an API, where the API is included in the base class library. The base class library is divided into layers based on the developer defined attributes. The one or more attributes define which application contexts can access the API. If the layer matches the application context then access by the application to the API is allowed.
US08424103B2
An authenticated printing system includes a job creation unit that creates a print job in accordance with a direction of a user, a job holding unit that holds the print job created by the job creation unit, an authentication information acquisition unit that generates authentication information based on information acquired from an authentication device, an authentication unit that receives the authentication information generated by the authentication information acquisition unit and performs authentication of an user on the basis of the authentication information, and a print unit that acquires the print job of an authenticated user from the job holding unit and prints the print job in a case where the user is authenticated by the authentication unit. The authentication unit includes a process section that acquires the authentication information of an owner of the print job from a database and stores the authentication information in a cache as authentication usable information when the print job is held by the job holding unit, and a process section that performs the authentication of a user based on whether the authentication information generated by the authentication information acquisition unit is stored in the cache.
US08424101B2
An information processing apparatus includes a data processor that obtains a security check code included in content codes recorded on an information recording medium when using content and that conducts security check for the information processing apparatus in accordance with the obtained security check code. The data processor obtains information based on at least one of identification information and configuration information corresponding to the information processing apparatus or a content usage application, and among security check codes classified into a plurality of data files, the data processor selects a security check code corresponding to the obtained information to conduct security check on the basis of the selected security check code.
US08424089B2
An apparatus, device, methods, computer program product, and system are described that determine a virus associated with communication data on a communications network, the communications network associated with at least one network policy device, associate an anti-viral agent with at least one identifier, prioritize transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device, relative to the communication data, and provide the anti-viral agent on the communications network, in response to the prioritizing transmission of the at least one identifier through the at least one network policy device.
US08424085B2
A plurality of ranging processes are performed to monitor a status of a wireless link associated with a device identifier. A ranging request that includes the device identifier and a message skip indicator is received. It is determined that the device identifier is already associated with the wireless link. A duration since a previously completed ranging process is determined. Based on the duration, and the message skip indicator, it is determined whether to respond to the ranging request.
US08424074B2
This invention is an improved system and method of efficiently deploying a large scale roll out of secure networks, including a VPN, to clients with limited or non-existent technical staff. The invention allows for a person with minimal technical skills to install, and, if necessary, uninstall the solution. Through a series of automated and/or remotely-controlled steps provided through connections established from inside the site to a centralized system over an unprotected network, the site's network can be secured, updated, and/or reconfigured, and returned to its previous state if errors should occur. Furthermore, a virtual private network (VPN) can be established that allows multiple hosts on the VPN but on different local networks to have the same IP address. Additionally, without any additional hardware and as part of the installation process, the invention protects the site from unauthorized local network devices either by preventing them from passing traffic off the local network or by generating notification of their existence.
US08424065B2
A system for centrally managing credential information of a user and a virtual object of a user across a plurality of virtual world (or corresponding virtual world servers) is disclosed. The system includes an identity service module for managing an authentication request (e.g., verifying credential information of a user) from a user and an inventory service module for managing virtual properties of a user. Furthermore, a method for logging in a virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for teleporting a virtual property from a virtual world to another virtual world by using the system is disclosed. A method for logging out from a virtual world by using the system is also disclosed.
US08424064B2
In a distributed revocation method, it is individually decided at each of a plurality of autonomous device nodes of a distributed network whether a suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key of the distributed network should be removed from the distributed network. A voting session is conducted at which the individual decisions of the plurality of autonomous device nodes are combined to decide whether the suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key should be removed from the distributed network. The suspect autonomous device node or suspect distributed key is removed from the distributed network responsive to the voting session deciding in favor of removal.
US08424063B2
A server apparatus generates a folder for content to be transmitted from an image processing apparatus, and sets a path of the folder to the image processing apparatus as a destination of sending of the content. The user is allowed to select one destination of sending set in a display panel of the image processing apparatus, and the image processing apparatus sends the content to the selected destination of sending.
US08424052B2
System and methods for finding and accessing desired audio content from audio content sources, including means and methods for extracting captions from a broadcast; aggregating the captions in a database; indexing the database content; searching the captions for a mention of at least one target; analyzing the results for desired content; indexing into the database to extract the desired content; thereby providing a method for quickly finding and accessing desired audio and video content from a large number of sources.
US08424049B2
A video signal is provided to a set top box. An instruction to record a specified portion of the video signal, thereby creating a video sample, is provided to the set top box. The video sample is received from the set top box. Reference video corresponding to the video sample is obtained. A comparison of the video sample and the reference video is performed.
US08424045B2
A Video Display Unit (VDU) docking system for a dedicated fiber optic in-flight-entertainment (IFE) system allows VDUs to be quickly replaced by personnel who do not need specialized training in fiber coupling without risk of damage to fiber optic components of the dedicated fiber optic IFE system. In some embodiments, a VDU docking station is configured to receive a VDU such that when a VDU is inserted therein, the VDU becomes automatically communicatively coupled with a fiber optic distribution network of the IFE system via a blind mate connection. In some arrangements, a blank LRU having no operative user interface elements but sufficient functionality to maintain communicative coupling is mounted in the VDU docking station in lieu of a VDU. In some configurations, the VDU docking station includes an embedded switch for maintaining communicative coupling across the VDU docking station in the absence of a VDU.
US08424041B2
A content downloader system including a display for displaying a user interface enabling a user to select content to be downloaded and initiate downloading; a set-top-box coupled to the display for providing the user interface and for receiving an indication of the content to be downloaded; and a content downloader coupled to and separate from the set-top-box, the content downloader for receiving the content. The content downloader has at least one memory component for storing content, at least one input/output connection for communicating to electronic devices, optionally including a removable memory card and optionally including an encryption/decryption unit. The content downloader may have an identification whereby its identity is authenticated by the content provider. The content downloader downloads the content selected by the user after successful authentication whereby the selection is made using the display and the set-top-box, and the content downloaded to the content downloader separate than the set-top-box.
US08424034B2
In accordance with the present invention, commercials are provided to a subscriber at the start of or during their use of an interactive television application. Further in accordance with the invention, a subscriber may select to pay for use of the interactive television application by watching a specified amount of commercials in connection with use of the application. The subscriber can thereby reduce or avoid any additional payment for such services. In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the subscriber is prompted to determine the payment method preferred by the subscriber payment method includes receiving commercials as an option in lieu of or in addition to traditional payment methods such as pay-per-view, pay-per-use pay-per-play and subscription based.
US08424031B2
A disc has an outer section on which digital media can be recorded and a core in its center in which a flash memory is embedded with the core having a central hole and electrical contacts to the flash memory. A disc drive has a drive spindle that is to extend into the disc core central hole with one of the spindle or spindle hub having electrical contacts to engage with the core electrical contacts so that data can be written into and/or read from the core flash memory by electronic components of the drive.
US08424028B1
A tray locking device of an optical disc drive is adapted to lock and release a tray. The optical disc drive has an optical head engaged to a lead screw and driven to be moved by the lead screw. The tray locking device includes: a pushing member, disposed on the optical head; a first stop portion, disposed on the tray; a latching hook, adapted to latch and release a pin; and a transmission assembly, disposed between the pushing member and the latching hook and having a lever element and a weight block, wherein the lever element is movably disposed on the tray and has a second stop portion, and the first stop portion and the second stop portion can be coupled with each other.
US08424025B2
One or more application programming interfaces (APIs) are exposed by a host program running on a device to facilitate a control program displaying content in a window in which the host program displays content. As part of an API, a method is exposed that the control program can invoke to pass to the host program a definition of a surface presenter to be created by the host program. Additionally, the control program can store content that the control program desires to have presented in a buffer of the surface presenter, and invoke another method exposed as part of an API to pass to the host program an indication of the content that the control program desires to have displayed in the window in which the host program displays content.
US08424022B2
The invention relates to systems for driving computer peripherals having features, such as 3D sound capability, which are not envisaged by generic operating system for the computer. In order to adapt computers subject to existing operating systems, such as the Microsoft Windows family of systems, to such peripherals for which there is thus no driver capability, the invention provides a device driving system including additional driver, interposed between the operating system and an existing installed driver and configured to interface directly with the operating system. The additional driver is preferably also configured to interface with the existing installed driver.
US08424020B2
Embodiments described herein provide for allowing processing code of a message to attach state thereto. More specifically, as a SOAP message is processed, various states known as properties (e.g., message security, message identifier, etc.) can be attached to the message for various purposes. In other words, embodiments provide for a properties object that represents a set of processing-level annotations to a message. These properties (representing the processing state of the headers or other portions of the message) can then be used by other component or modules for further processing purposes. Typically, these properties can then be removed (or sustained if desired) prior to transporting the SOAP message on the wire.
US08424013B1
Methods and systems are disclosed that relate to handling interrupts across multiple software instances. An exemplary method includes receiving an interrupt at a current CPU. An instance includes a set of independent threads of execution each with its own code context, interrupt service routines, drivers, and operating system services. The method further includes storing context information relating to the first instance, identifying the second instance associated with the interrupt, running at least one interrupt service routine, and restoring the context information relating to the first instance.
US08424005B2
A method and system for achieving time-awareness in the highly available, fault-tolerant execution of components in a distributed computing system, without requiring the writer of these components to explicitly write code (such as entity beans or database transactions) to make component state persistent. It is achieved by converting the intrinsically non-deterministic behavior of the distributed system to a deterministic behavior, thus enabling state recovery to be achieved by advantageously efficient checkpoint-replay techniques. The system is deterministic by repeating the execution of the receiving component by processing the messages in the same order as their associated timestamps and time-aware by allowing adjustment of message execution based on time.
US08424001B2
A cache image including only cache entries with valid durations of at least a configured deployment date for a virtual machine image is prepared via an application server for the virtual machine image. The virtual machine image is deployed to at least one other application server as a virtual machine with the cache image including only the cache entries with the valid durations of at least the configured deployment date for the virtual machine image.
US08424000B2
Various systems and methods can provide high availability of an application executing in a highly-available virtual machine environment. One method involves receiving information indicating a state of an application executing in a virtual machine from a monitoring agent executing in the virtual machine. In response to receiving the information, the method involves determining whether the virtual machine should be restarted. Based upon that determination, the method then determines whether the monitoring agent should send a heartbeat message to a virtualization controller prior to expiration of a timeout interval. The virtualization controller is configured to restart the virtual machine if the virtual machine does not send the heartbeat message prior to expiration of the timeout interval.
US08423998B2
A system and method for provisioning virtual machines in a virtualized environment includes determining a relationship between capacity need and performance for virtual machines (VMs) stored in memory storage media. Aggregate capacity needs for a plurality of VMs consolidated on a same physical server are estimated. VM combinations that yield capacity gains when provisioned jointly are identified such that when peaks and troughs are unaligned in capacity needs for a set of VMs, the set of VMs is provisioned together.
US08423995B2
An electronic device and a user interface display method thereof are provided. The electronic device organizes a plurality of computer programs executable on the electronic device into a virtual book. Each page of the virtual book includes a user interface of one of the computer programs. The electronic device displays one of the pages as a current page so that the user interface of the current page is accessible to a user of the electronic device. The electronic device senses movement and/or pressure caused by the user and interprets the movement and/or the pressure as operating actions of the user on the virtual book. The electronic device downloads new computer programs from a download server and adds corresponding new pages into the virtual book. At lease one of the computer programs provides a service of a corporate operator of a wireless service network.
US08423992B1
The invention provides systems and methods for automatically delivering a file from an originating computer system including a processor and memory to a destination computer system including a processor and memory. The method includes creating at least one master file delivery application and at least two file delivery agents running on the at least one originating computer system. A first file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is controlled by a first master file delivery application of the at least one master file delivery application. A second file delivery agent of the at least two file delivery agents is run either by a second master file application. The method also includes dynamically balancing loads by the one master file delivery application, between the first file delivery agent controlled by the first master file delivery application and the second file delivery agent. The balancing is based on a number of files retrieved by the first file delivery agent and a number of files retrieved by the second file delivery agent; and transmitting at least one file according to at least one destination parameter associated with the at least one file.
US08423989B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed for allowing the updating and overriding of software parameters used by one or more software programs. The parameters are preferably in cache. When the system needs any such parameter, it first checks cache, then a preferably remotely located database, and then, preferably a flat file on the same computer as the cache. The checking is done in the foregoing order, and the parameter is used upon locating a current version of it. If the current version is obtained from anywhere other than the cache, it is put into cache.
US08423988B2
A system for reducing the size of software for use in a mobile device includes a predictor module and a compression module. The predictor module is operable to apply a predicate to a plurality of software routines that are to be stored in the mobile device. The predicate identifies one or more of the software routines having a pre-determined feature indicative of a software routine that is unlikely to be executed repeatedly on the mobile device. The compression module is configured to compress the identified software routine(s) to generate a compressed software routine(s). After the plurality of software routines have been loaded to the mobile device, the mobile device decompresses the compressed software routine(s) when the compressed software routine(s) is accessed by an execution thread on the mobile device.
US08423985B2
A system, method and computer program for generating a sequence diagram that specifies processing among modules included in source code. First, a source code is acquired and then analyzed to generate a log acquisition code for acquiring an execution log. Then, a program including the generated log acquisition code is executed to acquire execution log information on the execution of the program. On the basis of the acquired execution log information, automaton information on states and transitions among the states is extracted, and then the extracted automaton information is converted into sequence diagram component information on components constituting a sequence diagram. Thereafter, a sequence diagram is generated based on the converted sequence diagram component information.
US08423978B2
A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for a configurable JavaServer pages processing framework to process JavaServer pages (JSP). A JSP document or page is translated into a document object model (DOM) object that encapsulates elements of the JSP. The syntax of the JSP is validated by a JSP translator with built-in classes and errors are returned if necessary. A JSP visitor configuration file, which defines user configured classes and sequence of execution, is used by the JSP translator to invoke methods of user-defined classes in the order specified by the user to process or visit elements of the DOM object. Result of user-defined class processing may be passed from one class to another within the set.
US08423974B2
Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and computer-readable storage media for obfuscating a function call. The method receives a computer program having an annotated function and determines prolog instructions for setting up a stack frame of the annotated function and epilog instructions for tearing down the stack frame. The method places a first portion of the prolog instructions in the computer program preceding a jump to the annotated function and a second portion of the prolog instructions at a beginning of the annotated function. The method places a first portion of the epilog instructions at an end of the annotated function and a second portion of the epilog instructions in the computer program after the jump. Executing the first and second portions of the prolog instructions together sets up the stack frame. Executing the first and the second portions of the epilog instructions together tears down the stack frame.
US08423972B2
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for collecting performance data. In one illustrative embodiment, signaling is performed to start collecting the performance data by an operating system support unit in a multithreaded data processing system. Responsive to a thread switch to an incoming thread after signaling has occurred, the performance data for the incoming thread is collected using a thread specific data collection profile to form collected performance data if the incoming thread is associated with the thread specific data collection profile, wherein the thread specific data collection profile specifies a type of data to collect. Responsive to a subsequent thread switch, the collected performance data is sent to a number of destinations.
US08423970B2
Breakpoints are handled in an asynchronous debug model by building a queue of basic operations to run a debug application program interface (API). User commands are each broken down into a simple command and placed on the queue. In response to a debug event, a new simple command is generated. If, when a first command on the queue is processed, a thread is not stopped at a location with an installed breakpoint, an operation corresponding to the first command is started, the operation is removed from the queue, and a next operation is started. If the thread is stopped at the location with the breakpoint, the thread performs a hop. When the hop terminates, the first command is removed from the queue. If the first command is a run command, and there is no cause to stop the thread, the run command is moved to the end of the queue.
US08423959B1
A simulation environment, in one embodiment, includes a debugger server, one or more debuggers and one or more debugger adapters. Each debugger adapter couples a corresponding debugger to the debugger server. The debugger server coordinates the run mode of the debugger adapters. Each debugger adapter controls the run mode of its corresponding debugger.
US08423956B2
Computer implemented method, system and computer usable program code for sharing resources among a plurality of containers in a data processing system. A computer implemented method includes creating a shared container for at least one resource to be shared. Then the at least one resource to be shared is moved from an original container of the at least one resource to the shared container, and a link is created between the original container and the at least one resource to be shared in the shared resource container. A link can also be created between a subject resource container and a shared resource in the shared resource container to enable the subject resource container to access and use the shared resource. A shared resource can also be removed from the shared resource container and returned to an original resource container when sharing of the resource is no longer desired.
US08423955B2
A method and apparatus for supporting multiple business process languages in business process management (BPM). The method may include receiving user input identifying a definition of a business process, and determining which business process language was used for the definition of the business process. The method further includes invoking a runtime environment associated with the used business process language, and executing the business process in the invoked runtime environment.
US08423953B2
A system and method for converting byte code of a first type into byte code of a second type. Byte code of a first type and markup language code are received as inputs. The first byte code is converted into constituent byte code data elements that can comprise any logical unit or grouping of at least a portion of a software application. The markup language code is converted into constituent markup language data elements that can comprise individual markup language tags and references to data or functionality in the first byte code. The first byte code data elements and markup language data elements are mapped to data elements of a second byte code type. The second byte code data elements are assembled into a resulting second byte code.
US08423952B2
A method and an apparatus for automatic extraction of process model comprising model elements named by natural language expressions and annotated with semantic linkages to a reference process ontology are disclosed. The process model is split into partial process models by which an annotated partial process model is created. Process goals are decoupled from each annotated partial and hierarchical process goal tree is generated for each annotated partial process model.
US08423947B2
A method of gridded glyph geometric objects (L3GO) integrated circuit (IC) design, wherein at least one inter-level connect in a L3GO circuit design is represented as a point matrix glyph (PMG) on a L3GO grid. Each PMG connects a pair of conductors on the next adjacent (above and below) layer and includes an array (one or two dimensional) of point glyphs contained within a cage. The point glyphs may have uniform size and may be on minimum pitch. Each PMG may also include a flange on the above and below layer. A default flange insures adequate coverage of cut shapes represented by the point glyphs.
US08423944B2
A design supporting method includes partitioning a partition path of circuit information into partitioned paths based on a given condition, calculating a variation value of each of the partitioned paths based on variation values on a delay of a cell included in the corresponding partitioned path, calculating a partition propagation delay time of each of the partitioned paths based on the variation value of the corresponding partitioned path, and calculating a source propagation delay time of the source path by merging the propagation delay time of each of the partitioned paths.
US08423919B2
A spare logic circuit for implementing any one of a plurality of logic gates includes a multiplexer circuit whose select inputs are utilized as logic gate inputs, and whose output is utilized as a logic gate output. Each of a plurality of data inputs of the multiplexer circuit is configured to receive one of first and second logic voltage levels which define the desired logic function. By modifying a single photolithographic mask, the spare logic gate can be: configured to perform the desired logic function; connected into a target logic circuit; or both configured and connected into a target logic circuit.
US08423899B1
Techniques for providing a single text field and multiple different types of user input modes for inputting information into the single text field are described herein. In some instances, a user may enter a first portion of text into the text field in a first user input mode before inputting a second portion of text into the field in a second user input mode. The techniques may enforce a first set of rules associated with the first user input mode while the user enters the first portion of text. The techniques may then enforce a second, different set of rules associated with the second user input mode while the user enters the second portion of text. As such, the techniques enable a user to provide two or more different pieces of information into a single text field.
US08423893B2
Described herein are systems and methods for managing the operation of networked media playback devices. One embodiment includes Graphical User Interface for coordinating playback of media via one or more networked wireless speaker devices. In particular, a user is able to “drag and drop” audio tracks to icons that are respectively indicative of one or more networked wireless speaker devices, thereby to affect playback of those audio tracks via those speaker devices.
US08423886B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for the peer review, originality analysis, and contextual mark-up of formatted electronic documents. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods that utilize layered peer review, originality analysis and contextual markup modules in one view. These systems and methods have many applications, including use for online editing and education.
US08423885B1
A system receives a document that includes new content and aged content, and compares the document with a prior version of the document that includes the aged content but not the new content. The system also separates the new content and the aged content based on the comparison, determines ages associated with the new content and the aged content, and determines whether the ages of the new content and the aged content are greater than or equal to an age threshold. The system further calculates a checksum of the document based on the aged content when the age of the aged content is greater than or equal to the age threshold, and the age of the new content is less than the age threshold, and stores the calculated checksum.
US08423879B2
A test generator and methods for generating tests from a hybrid diagram are provided. A hybrid diagram is a diagram that primarily uses one higher-level semantic notation with portions utilizing one or more secondary higher-level semantic notations. Example higher-level semantic notations are statechart notation and data-flow notation. A test generator processes the hybrid diagram without reducing the higher-level semantic constructs to lower-level semantic constructs. The test generator generates test-generation templates as needed based on the higher-level semantic model used in the diagram. The test generator uses the test-generation templates to generate tests for a system-performing device specified by the diagram. The generated tests may be executed automatically by a test driver or manually by a human tester.
US08423876B2
It is possible to provide and an LDPC-CC (Low-Density Parity-Check Convolution Codes) encoder and an LDPC-CC decoder which performs an error correction encoding and decoding while reducing the amount of a termination sequence required for encoding/decoding the LDPC-CC encoding/decoding and suppressing degradation of the transmission efficiency. The LDPC-CC encoder (400) includes a weight control unit (470) which stores a weight pattern (475) based on an LDPC-CC inspection matrix (100); and a weight pattern (476) based on a check matrix (300) obtained by deforming an LDPC-CC inspection matrix (100). The weight control unit (470) controls a weight to be multiplied onto the outputs of a plurality of shift registers (410-1 to 410-M, 430-1 to 430-M) by using the weight pattern (475) when the input bit is an information sequence, and using a weight pattern (476) which makes a weight value to be multiplied by an inspection bit v2,t to be 0 when the input bit is a termination sequence.
US08423872B2
The present invention relates to a method for optimizing the FEC scheme comprising the steps of: (a) receiving a batch of data packets designated for transmission; (b) choosing a number of divisors having no common denominators in accordance with the said batch of data packets; (c) organizing into blocks said batch of data packets a number of times in accordance with the number of divisors using said divisors; and (d) creating a FEC packet for each of said blocks.
US08423868B2
An electronic-component high-frequency characteristic error correcting method for allowing a calibration work to be performed on a two-terminal impedance component using the same correction-target measuring system as that used in actual measurement. At least three correction data acquisition samples having different high-frequency characteristics are measured by a reference measuring system and an actual measuring system. An equation for associating the value measured by the actual measuring system with the value measured by the reference measuring system using an error correction coefficient of a transmission line is determined. A given electronic component is measured by the actual measuring system. An estimated high-frequency characteristic value of the electronic component obtained when the electronic component is measured by the reference measuring system is calculated using the determined equation.
US08423857B2
A method for an end-to-end hybrid automatic repeat request and a system thereof are provided. The method is applicable in a cognitive radio network (CRN) including at least a source node and a destination node. There are paths between a source node and a destination node in the CRN, and each path has a plurality of wireless links. The method includes the following steps. The source node encodes information into a coded packet, divides the coded packet into coded sub-packets, and transmits the coded sub-packets to the paths. Through the wireless links of each path, a coded sub-packet is amplified and forwarded to the destination node. In addition, the destination node combines the coded sub-packets for decoding so as to recover the information, and transmits an acknowledgement packet to the source node for notifying whether the information is successfully recovered.
US08423844B2
A scannable register array structure includes a plurality of individual latches, each configured to hold one bit of array data in a normal mode of operation. The plurality of individual latches operate in scannable latch pairs in a test mode of operation, with first latches of the scannable latch pairs comprising L1 latches and second latches of the scannable latch pairs comprising L2 latches. A test clock signal generates a first clock pulse signal, A, for the L1 latches and a second clock pulse signal, B, for the L2 latches. The L2 latches are further configured to selectively receive L1 data therein upon a separate activation of the B clock signal, independent of the test clock signal, such that a scan out operation of the individual latches results in observation of L1 latch data.
US08423838B2
A block management method for managing physical blocks of a rewritable non-volatile memory, and a memory controller and a memory storage apparatus using the same are provided. The method includes grouping the physical blocks into at least a data area, a free area, and a replacement area, and grouping the physical blocks of the data area and the free area into a plurality of physical units. The method also includes when one of the physical blocks belonging to of the physical units of the data area becomes a bad physical block, getting a physical block from the replacement area and replacing the bad physical block with the gotten physical block. The method further includes associating a physical unit that contains no valid data in the free area with the replacement area. Thereby, the physical blocks can be effectively managed and the access efficiency can be improved.
US08423835B2
A system and method for providing fault detection capability is provided which comprises a first node (2). The first node (2) comprises a first processing subsystem (5) generating data (14) to be transmitted. The first node (2) has a fault supervisor unit (13) adapted to gather and process fault indications arising in the first node (2). The first processing subsystem (5) and the fault supervisor unit are both integrated in the first node (2). The first node (2) is structured such that, when no fault indications are detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a first key (15) as a validity key, and, when at least one fault indication is detected by the fault supervisor unit (13), the fault supervisor unit (13) provides a second key (16) as the validity key, and the data (14) to be transmitted are encrypted by overlaying the respective validity key (15; 16) on the data.
US08423834B2
A computer system includes a CPU, a memory circuit storing at least instruction codes, an error checking circuit checking an error of an instruction code read from the memory circuit according to an instruction address supplied from the CPU, a code storing circuit storing data to be outputted to the CPU instead of data from the memory when an error occurs, a selection circuit in which inputs are coupled to the memory circuit and the code storing circuit, and selectively outputting data from the code storing circuit when an error is detected by the error checking circuit, a bus connecting the selection circuit to the CPU, and an instruction error register storing a value indicating that an error occurs when the error is detected by the error checking circuit.
US08423825B2
The storage system is coupled to a computer and includes a plurality of physical storages being used to configure a first logical storage and a second logical storage, a control unit receiving a read request and a write request from the computer; and a cache memory storing data which is sent to the computer. The control unit determines whether a request from the computer is a write request or a read request. If it is a read request, the control unit reads data from the cache memory or at least one of the plurality of physical storages based on the read request. If it is a write request, the control unit determines whether destination of the write request is the first logical storage.
US08423821B1
A virtual recovery server is described herein. The virtual recovery server is a software implementation on a storage server which generates a virtual server to replace a physical server when the physical server becomes inaccessible. While the physical server is inaccessible, the virtual recovery server is able to mimic the actions and data contained on the physical server. Thus, when users attempt to access an application or data that is on the physical server, they will not experience an interruption and will continue to access the information as if the physical server were up and running. The virtual recovery server is able to run for up to a number of days. When a new or repaired physical server is available the virtual recovery server is deleted after the data acquired by the virtual server is transmitted to the new physical server.
US08423810B2
A network interface controller includes a first NIC connected to a LAN and a second NIC, which can proceed to a low power consumption status, connected to the first NIC via a bus. The first NIC includes a storing unit arranged to store response history information transmitted from the second NIC, a registration determining unit arranged to determine whether the received data has been registered in the response history information when network data is received and the status of the second NIC is the low power consumption status, a transmitting unit arranged to transmit response data registered in association with the received data when the received data has been registered, and an activation signal transmitting unit arranged to transmit an activation signal to the second NIC when the received data has not been registered.
US08423809B2
An access control apparatus of a data storage device includes a first connecting unit configured to be removably connected with a power supply device, perform data transmission through a first data-transmission line, and be supplied with power through a first power-transmission line, a second connecting unit configured to be removably connected with the data storage device, perform data transmission through a second data-transmission line, and supply power through a second power-transmission line, a data transfer processing unit configured to perform data transfer between the power supply device and the data storage device, a power consumption measuring unit configured to measure power supplied from the power supply device through the first power-transmission line, and a power-transmission capability monitoring unit configured to control the data transfer processing unit in accordance with power consumption measured by the power consumption measuring unit.
US08423807B2
A power management method and system. The method includes retrieving and storing by a computer processor, identification data identifying power consumption devices. Each power consumption device receives an input voltage signal and consumes power. The computer processor monitors a power consumption level for each power consumption device. The computer processor disables each power consumption device from receiving and consuming power. The computer processor generates an association list associating each power consumption level with the identification data. The computer processor generates and stores a prioritization list indicating an order of priority for disabling the power consumption devices.
US08423799B2
Accelerators of a computing environment are managed in order to optimize energy consumption of the accelerators. To facilitate the management, virtual queues are assigned to the accelerators, and a management technique is used to enqueue specific tasks on the queues for execution by the corresponding accelerators. The management technique considers various factors in determining which tasks to be placed on which virtual queues in order to manage energy consumption of the accelerators.
US08423798B2
A portable electronic apparatus configured to be battery-powered and to display a visual program received from the outside is provided. The portable electronic apparatus has a receiver configured to receive EPG data related to the program, a battery power estimator configured to estimate remaining battery power, an image processor configured to process an image included in the program by using a plurality of functions of image quality control, and a controller configured to set how to use each of the functions by means of the image processor. The controller is configured to estimate battery lasting time on the basis of the remaining battery power, a setting of the use of the functions and the EPG data. The controller is configured to update the setting of the use of the functions upon judging the remaining battery power to be short of enough to display the program to the end.
US08423797B2
In a method for reading initialization data (IND) into a chip card, the chip card receives an encrypted authentication value (EAV) and decrypts it to obtain at least one release key (ENK). The release key (ENK) is checked for a match with a release key (ENK′) stored on the chip card (14). If there is a match, the initialization data (EIND, IND) are received and written to a nonvolatile memory of the chip card. A method for generating a record for initializing a chip card. a chip card and a computer-readable data carrier have corresponding features. The invention is provided in particular for initialization of chip cards by external partners of the chip card manufacturer, whereby as few possibilities of attack as possible are to be offered.
US08423794B2
A secure flash memory card or flash drive protects user content from unauthorized duplication. However, even the protected user content can be moved from one flash card or drive to another by its rightful owner or licensee. Additionally, secure firmware applications that may be added to the flash card over time in order to add additional functionality to the card may also be moved, although many of them are device specific and also designed to only operate on one particular piece of hardware.
US08423793B2
A data processing device comprises a second storage unit for storing data accessed in a first storage unit, and compares data read from the first storage unit with the data stored in the second storage unit. Thus, the data processing device judges whether or not the first storage unit is a predetermined device.
US08423792B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for interfacing a driver with an encryption source that uses a communication module that allows the driver and the encryption source to communicate messages to one another, wherein the messages result in the encryption source providing encryption data that the communication module relays to the driver.
US08423784B2
Personal information is registered for each user by a personal information management unit, linking a subscribed terminal equipment number, terminal subscriber identification information and user charging identification information to biological information of a user possessing a mobile communication terminal equipment. When an authentication request receiving unit receives an authentication request containing user biological information and terminal subscriber identification information from the terminal equipment, a biological information authentication unit retrieves personal information having biological information matching the received biological information and changes terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found into the received terminal subscriber identification information. A position registration proxy unit transfers the terminal subscriber identification information in the personal information found and the received terminal subscriber identification information to an exchange to request registration of position information which enables call out and reception as a terminal equipment having a subscribed terminal number.
US08423778B2
A content distribution method for video copyright authentication and security comprising the steps of invisibly watermarking digital video data input from a video data source to create watermarked data; encrypting the watermarked digital video data using an encryption key to create encrypted video data; sending the encrypted watermarked digital data and a decryption key to a distribution network; decrypting the encrypted watermarked digital data to generate video data and adding visible watermarking data to the video data to generate visibly encrypted watermarked data compressing the visibly encrypted watermarked data to create compressed data; sending said compressed data and to an end user receiver; decompressing the compressed data at the receiver to generate decompressed data; and displaying the decompressed data to an end user.
US08423776B2
Proposed are a storage system and a data storage method capable of automatically and flexibly changing the redundant destination of data, and verifying the authenticity of data when a system is changed. A primary storage apparatus includes a search unit for searching a secondary storage apparatus for storing the redundant data, and a primary creation unit for creating primary-side authentic information showing that the data is authentic. A secondary storage apparatus includes a secondary creation unit for creating secondary-side authentic information showing that the redundant data is authentic. This storage system also includes a primary storage unit for storing the data in a storage extent of the primary storage apparatus and a secondary storage unit for storing the redundant data in a storage extent of the secondary storage apparatus when the primary-side authentic information and the secondary-side authentic information coincide.
US08423775B2
Described herein is a technology facilitating circumvention of dynamic and robust detection of one or more embedded-signals (e.g., watermark, copyright notice, encoded data, etc.) in one or more input carrier signals (e.g., multimedia stream, video stream, audio stream, data, radio, etc.). This abstract itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. The scope of the present invention is pointed out in the appending claims.
US08423772B2
A multi-hop wireless network system and an authentication method thereof, wherein during initial mutual authentication between multi-hop nodes and a multi-hop wireless network, a shared key is acquired for hop-by-hop mutual authentication between the multi-hop nodes using a centralized authentication scheme. Using the acquired shared key, distributed authentication between the multi-hop nodes is performed.
US08423771B2
An information processing apparatus for using key information calculated on the basis of predetermined information including information obtained from an IC chip as a communication party on the other end in order to perform encryption processing with the IC chip. The information processing apparatus includes: among a plurality of calculation modules for calculating the key information being individually different in accordance with predetermined algorithms, control means for causing the calculation module identified by identification information input from the outside to calculate the key information; and encryption means for encrypting data by the key information calculated.
US08423769B2
A method and an apparatus for generating a security context are provided. The implementation of the method includes: receiving a first message carrying a network capability of a User Equipment (UE); and generating the security context according to the network capability of the UE carried in the first message if the network capability of the UE carried in the first message is inconsistent with the stored network capability of the UE. After the network capability of the UE changes, information carrying the network capability of the UE is sent to a network side, so as to inform the network side that the network capability of the UE changes; therefore the network side can obtain the network capability of the UE, generate the security context according to the changed network capability of the UE, and further trigger a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment process.
US08423767B2
Example embodiments herein include a verification process that provides a safe and efficient mechanism for recovering security associations between network devices. More specifically, the verification process transmits a secured message from a first network device to a second network device across a network. Furthermore, the security association includes a parent process and a corresponding child process. The verification process detects, at the first network device, an incompatibility in the security association between the first network device and the second network device. Next, the verification process transmits a status query from the first network device to the second network device in order to determine the status of the security association between the first network device and the second network device. In response, the verification process receives a verifiable reply message that is indicative of the status of the security association between the first network device and the second network device.
US08423766B2
In a server for authenticating a user, an acquiring unit acquires current authentication information that is created using an arbitrary value and that is used for a current authentication process, from user. A receiving unit receives first transmission information in which next authentication information to be used for a next authentication process is hidden using the current authentication information, and second transmission information in which the arbitrary value is hidden using the next authentication information, from the user. A calculating unit calculates the next authentication information based on the first transmission information and the current authentication information, and the arbitrary value based on calculated next authentication information and the second transmission information. A determining unit determines whether to authenticate the user based on the arbitrary value and the current authentication information.
US08423760B2
A first packet is received at a network element from an E-UTRAN Node B (eNB) of an E-UTRAN access network via a secured communications tunnel of a secured connection, where the first packet encapsulates a second packet therein. It is determined whether the network element serves both a security gateway functionality and a serving gateway functionality of a core packet network based on the first packet and the second packet. The network element negotiates with the eNB to switch further communications from a tunnel mode to a transport mode of the secured connection if it is determined that the network element serves both the security gateway functionality and the serving gateway functionality. Thereafter, the network element exchanges further packets with the eNB via the transport mode of the secured connection after the eNB switches from the tunnel mode to the transport mode.
US08423754B2
A computer system and a method of booting a computer system using a solid state drive (SSD) as a main storage device is provided. The method includes mapping an address of a memory included in the SSD to an address used by a central processing unit (CPU) to select a boot code, uploading the boot code of an operating system (OS) stored in a non-volatile memory block included in the SSD to the memory included in the SSD, generating an interrupt signal based on a progress rate of the boot code upload, and performing a boot operation based on the boot code uploaded to the memory included in the SSD in response to the interrupt signal.
US08423751B2
A microprocessor includes an instruction set architecture, comprising a call instruction type, a return instruction type, and other instruction types. Execution units correctly execute program instructions of the other instruction types. A call/return stack has a plurality of entries arranged in a last-in-first-out manner. The call/return stack is architectural state of the microprocessor not modifiable by program instructions of the other instruction types. The call/return stack is architectural state of the microprocessor indirectly modifiable by program instructions of the call and return instruction types. The microprocessor also includes a fetch unit that fetches program instructions and sends the program instructions of the other instruction types to the execution units to be correctly executed. The fetch unit correctly executes program instructions of the call and return instruction types without sending the program instructions of the call and return instruction types to the execution units to be correctly executed.
US08423748B2
A register control circuit that controls a register specified by an inputted address includes a signal output that outputs a first control signal and a second control signal based on the inputted address, a selector that selects data of a register specified by the first control signal outputted from the signal output, a logical operator that performs a logical operation of write data outputted from a processor and the data selected by the selector to output an operation result, and a storage that stores data in the register specified by the first control signal by selecting one of the write data and the operation results as the data based on the second control signal outputted from the signal output.
US08423730B2
Methods and apparatus for supporting diverse memory access schemes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a mobile computing device includes program code that accesses memory according to a first bad block management scheme and program code that accesses memory according to a second bad block management scheme, which is different than the first bad block memory scheme. In addition, a memory component includes data that is partitioned according to both the first bad block management scheme and the second bad block management scheme so as to enable both the code that accesses memory according to a first bad block management scheme and the code that accesses memory according to a second bad block management scheme to utilize the memory component.
US08423719B2
An apparatus includes a processor which issues a plurality of commands including an identifier for classifying each of the commands, a cache memory which includes a plurality of ways to store a data corresponding to a command, wherein the cache memory includes a register to store the identifier, the register corresponding to at least one of the ways being fixed, the fixed way exclusively storing the data corresponding to the identifier during which the register stores the identifier, a replacement controller which selects a replacement way based on a predetermined replacement algorithm in case of a cache miss, and excludes the fixed way from a candidate of the replacement way when the register corresponding to the fixed way stores the identifier.
US08423715B2
A memory hierarchy in a computer includes levels of cache. The computer also includes a processor operatively coupled through two or more levels of cache to a main random access memory. Caches closer to the processor in the hierarchy are characterized as higher in the hierarchy. Memory management among the levels of cache includes identifying a line in a first cache that is preferably retained in the first cache, where the first cache is backed up by at least one cache lower in the memory hierarchy and the lower cache implements an LRU-type cache line replacement policy. Memory management also includes updating LRU information for the lower cache to indicate that the line has been recently accessed.
US08423712B2
Storage segments in a storage volume coupled to a cache memory are released and re-allocated. A processor receives notice to release a segment allocated to the storage volume. A release pending status is assigned to the segment while preparing the segment for release. The storage volume is enabled to re-claim the segment while the segment includes the release pending status.
US08423708B2
A method of active Flash management is provided. The method is applied to a controller of a memory device, where the controller is utilized for accessing a Flash memory in the memory device, and the Flash memory includes a plurality of blocks. The method includes: extracting high level information of a file system of the Flash memory from contents stored in the Flash memory; and according to the high level information, managing operations that the controller performs on the Flash memory, in order to optimize at least one portion of the operations. An associated memory device and the controller thereof are further provided.
US08423703B2
A memory card system includes a host that issues a read command and a memory card that upon receiving the read command sends read data to the host in synchronism with a read clock signal generated within the memory card. In addition, the memory card sends the read clock signal to the host, and the host receives the read data in synchronism with the read clock signal, for increasing the allowable setup time period at the host.
US08423701B2
The Flash memory device with a Low Pin Count (LPC) communication interface includes a memorization block or Flash core including a matrix of non volatile memory cells, with associated circuit portions for reading, modifying and erasing the data contained in the memory. An interface block associated with the LPC communication interface includes at least an address block, a data block and a state machine enabling the data flow from and towards the memorization block. Advantageously, the data block of the interface block is doubled in a portion provided to contain the read data and in a portion provided to contain write data. In the memorization block, respective address decoders are provided for the read and write steps of the memory matrix. The device includes an architecture of the multibank type and the logic necessary for the execution of a “Dual Operations” mode. In this way it is possible to simultaneously perform a modify operation in a memory bank and a read operation in another bank.
US08423700B2
Described is a technology by which a memory controller is a component of a hybrid memory device having different types of memory therein (e.g., SDRAM and flash memory), in which the controller operates such that the memory device has only a single memory interface with respect to voltage and access protocols defined for one type of memory. For example, the controller allows a memory device with a standard SDRAM interface to provide access to both SDRAM and non-volatile memory with the non-volatile memory overlaid in one or more designated blocks of the volatile memory address space (or vice-versa). A command protocol maps memory pages to the volatile memory interface address space, for example, permitting a single pin compatible multi-chip package to replace an existing volatile memory device in any computing device that wants to provide non-volatile storage, while only requiring software changes to the device to access the flash.
US08423688B2
A configuration performing processing of dividing a file into a plurality of pieces and transmitting the same even when a size of the file is large in transfer of files (input/output) between computers on a network is provided. A multi-thread file input/output system includes a first module performing processing of reading data from an input file, dividing the data into a plurality of pieces, and transmitting the plurality of pieces to a network by multi-thread processing in a transmitter computer; and a second module performing processing of receiving the plurality of pieces from the network and integrating and writing the same to an output file 5 in a receiver computer.
US08423681B2
A control apparatus for an input-output device includes a hardware part and a software part, in which a controller in the hardware part carries out a control operation in accordance with a signal from the input-output device, outputs a result of the control operation to a process, and has a timer unit to be excited at a constant period; and the software part has an information process part, a control process part, and an interrupt control unit to switch over the information process part and control process part one another, in which the interrupt control unit suspends an execution of the information process part to execute the control process part in priority and resume the information process part by switching over to the information process part from the control process part, when the execution of the control process part is terminated.
US08423662B1
An edge server in a distributed processing environment includes at least one process that manages incoming client requests and selectively forwards given service requests to other servers in the distributed network. According to the invention, the edge server includes storage (e.g., disk and/or memory) in which at least one forwarding queue is established. The server includes code for aggregating service requests in the forwarding queue and then selectively releasing the service requests, or some of them, to another server. The forward request queuing mechanism preferably is managed by metadata, which, for example, controls how many service requests may be placed in the queue, how long a given service request may remain in the queue, what action to take in response to a client request if the forwarding queue's capacity is reached, and the like. In one embodiment, the server generates an estimate of a current load on an origin server (to which it is sending forwarding requests) and instantiates the forward request queuing when that current load is reached.
US08423658B2
A user equipment (UE), comprising at least one component configured to support controlling a media stream and modifying Internet Protocol-Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN)/Radio Access Network (RAN) and Internet Packet (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) media resources, wherein the IP-CAN/RAN and IMS media resources are modified using a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) RE-INVITE request to an IMS network, and wherein the media stream is controlled using a Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) request to a media server. Also included is a UE comprising at least one component configured to support a method comprising sending a RTSP request to a signaling/control server in communications with a media server to control a media stream, wherein a SIP RE-INVITE request associated with the RTSP request is further sent from the UE or the signaling/control server to an IMS network to modify media resources associated with the media stream.
US08423656B2
A push gateway includes a number of socket servers, a queue server, and arbiter serving, a mapping server and a number of worker servers. Each of the socket servers and the arbiter server includes a network interface. The queue server is coupled to the socket servers for bidirectional communication with the socket servers. The mapping server is coupled to the arbiter server and to the socket servers for bidirectional communication with the arbiter server and each of the socket servers. The worker servers are coupled to the queue serer and the mapping server. The arbiter server is configured to facilitate communications over a network with the worker servers by at least partially balancing loads on the number of socket servers based, at least in part, upon the mapping server.
US08423650B2
In a method for transferring session data from a first application accessible via at least one DNS name in a first DNS domain to a second application accessible via at least one DNS name in a second DNS domain, a computer receives via the first application a first HTTP request from an HTTP client, and in response, the computer establishes a first session with the HTTP client. The computer receives, from the HTTP client, a second HTTP request comprising an identifier of the second application, and in response, the computer stores in a memory a data structure identifiable by a data structure identifier and containing data pertaining to the first session. Responsive to storing the data structure, the computer transmits, to the HTTP client, an HTTP response comprising the data structure identifier, a redirection status code, and a URI comprising a DNS name in the second DNS domain.
US08423647B2
A service platform in a communications network connects callers to a service resource platform when implementing services requiring specialised resources. A number of different services use a common service resource platform. The service platform is programmed with respective maximum values for the number of calls originating from each service that may be connected to the service resource platform at one time and allows the call to be connected to the service resource platform at one time and allows the call to be connected to the service resource platform only when the count value for the respective service is less than the maximum count value. The service resource platform may have a single network address and a common range of ports that are freely allocated to calls generated by the different services running on the service platform.
US08423646B2
A method, information processing system, and computer program product manage virtual machine migration. A virtual machine is selected from a set of virtual machines. Each physical machine in a plurality of physical machines is analyzed with respect to a first set of migration constraints associated with the virtual machine that has been selected. A set of physical machines in the plurality of physical machines that satisfy the first set of migration constraints is identified. A migration impact factor is determined for each physical machine in the set of physical machines that has been identified based on a second set of migration constraints associated with the virtual machine that has been selected. A physical machine is selected from the set of physical machines with at least a lowest migration impact factor on which to migrate the virtual machine that has been selected in response to determining the migration impact factor.
US08423618B1
The spam blocker monitors the SMTP/TCP/IP conversation between a sending message transfer agent MTA—0 and a receiving message transfer agent MTA—1; catches MTA—0's IP address IP—0, MTA—0's declared domain D—0, from-address A—0; to-address A—1, and the body of the message; and uses this source and content information to test for unsolicited messages. It alters the conversation to reject, divert or intercept the message if the message is suspected of being unsolicited.
US08423617B2
The invention concerns a method for transferring data from a sensor over a computer network, wherein the method comprises the steps of receiving from the sensor a signal representing a physical quantity, encoding the signal, converting the signal into a message, and transmitting the message over the computer network, wherein the conversion of the signal into the message comprises the step of generating the message by combining a first message header with a message body, wherein the first message header comprises the encoded signal and the message body comprises application data. The invention further concerns a device and computer program product therefore.
US08423599B2
The present invention discloses a locus smoothing method, comprising: generating multiple locus points by movement of an object; obtaining corresponding coordinates of the locus points; calculating a moving average coordinate of the coordinates of the locus points by a moving average function, wherein an average number is used as a denominator; adaptively adjusting the average number according to a velocity of the object, wherein a lower average number is used when the velocity of the object is relatively faster, and a higher average number is used when the velocity of the object is relatively slower.
US08423591B2
A method and system may include capturing a computer system in a file-based manner that promotes single-instancing of files and thus prevents the occurrence of duplicate files, separating the captured computer system into primary file resources and ancillary file resources, and creating a parent image and a child image that refers to the parent image. The method and system may further include writing the primary file resources on the parent image, and writing the ancillary file resources onto the child image. The child image may include a resource-only file and a metadata-only file which provides instructions on how to recreate the file resources stored in the parent image and the child image.
US08423586B2
Relationships between XBRL hypercubes, including implicit relationships, may be automatically determined based on shared dimensions. Once such relationships are understood, “generic” software (software that is not specific to a particular taxonomy) may be built to provide some or all of the following functionalities: determine, enforce, and/or encourage referential integrity; deduce (graph) ordered relationships between hypercubes; make inferences about those relationships; “join” or “split” hypercubes; create isomorphic and/or homomorphic views of a hypercube for user presentation; and/or assemble and order primary items (attached to hypercubes) in a logical (graph) order.
US08423582B2
A database message builder presents a message building window on a user interface of a database application for retrieving structured data from one or more fields of a database record of the database and unstructured data (e.g., free form text) entered by a user of the database application. The message building window can be used to build database messages using a variety of structured and unstructured data. One or more tokens corresponding to the structured data in the database (e.g., database record fields) can be used in the window to build a database message. The user can publish the message to a target application or network resource (e.g., a social networking site). Prior to publication, the tokens can be replaced with corresponding structured data from the record fields. A current character count or character limit for the selected target application or network resource can be displayed in the user interface.
US08423580B2
Present invention relates to system and method for specifying and implementing IT systems, in particular for searching functionalities. Proposed is a method of specifying and system for implementing interactive systems used for data storing and analysis as well as supporting collaboration and human-computer interaction, which is based on a control flow network structure. The method and system include support for whole lifecycle of implemented systems along with their evolution in time. In particular system comprising directed control net comprising data containers and functionality codes search module for searching functionalities within directed control net by identifying input, and matching identified input with functionality code according to the directed control net structure for generating a group of identified functionalities.
US08423579B2
Creating data tables by identifying paths in a tree of data entities and relationships, the tree including data entities and relationships between the entities, where each of the paths originates from the same data entity, includes a terminal data entity that is at the to-many end of a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship with another data entity along the path, and includes no other of the data entities that lie along any path descending from the terminal data entity and that is at the to-many end of a one-to-many or many-to-many relationship with another of the data entities that lie along the path descending from the terminal data entity, and creating on a computer-readable medium a separate table for each of the paths, where each of the tables includes a column per each of the data entities of the path for which the table was created.
US08423578B2
Participants in a communication are rendered by determining whether each entry in a list of participants in the communication satisfies criteria specified by a user participating in the communication. The criteria are used to identify a first subset of participants that is to be rendered in a first style that differentiates the first subset from remaining participants in the list. The first subset of participants is formatted in the first style.
US08423573B2
The present invention provides a method and system of performing a current filesystem backup with respect to a previous filesystem backup using directorywise hardlinking for a computer filesystem. In an exemplary embodiment, the method and system include (1) identifying all largest unchanged subtrees in the previous filesystem backup with respect to a current computer filesystem and (2) creating directorywise hardlinks in the current filesystem backup to the all largest unchanged subtrees. In an exemplary embodiment, the creating includes for each of the largest unchanged subtrees, forming a first pointer from the current filesystem backup to the each of the largest unchanged subtrees. In a further embodiment, the creating includes for each of the largest unchanged subtrees, establishing a second pointer from the each of the largest unchanged subtrees to a directory in the current filesystem backup that corresponds to the first pointer.
US08423561B2
The exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for simplifying object mapping for user interfaces for on a computer system. The method comprises receiving a client request for action and associating the client request to at least one logical object. The method further comprises converting the at least one logical object to at least one physical object that resides in a object relational mapping, and mapping between the at least one physical object and at least one relational database. The system includes a conceptual module that associates the client requests to at least one logical object and converts the at least one logical object to at least one physical object that resides in a object relational mapping, and a object relational mapping module for mapping between physical objects and at least one relational database.
US08423558B2
A method and a system are provided for targeting online ads by grouping and mapping user properties. In one example, the system receives user data associated with one or more users. The system identifies user properties for a user. The system eliminates unacceptable user properties associated with the user. The system identifies permutations of the user properties associated with the user. The system eliminates unacceptable permutations of the user properties associated with the user. Valid permutations remain. The system attaches a weight of importance to each valid permutation. A weight quantifies a level of importance of a valid permutation for the user with respect to buckets. A bucket is an ad category. The system grades each valid permutation relative to a bucket. The system calculates a final grade for each bucket. The system then assigns the user to zero or more buckets based on the final grade for each bucket.
US08423557B2
A computer-implemented method and apparatus determines individual user priorities of collections of resources. The system represents collections of shared resources as end-user activities. An engine retrieves the activity access history of the user and the activity records and generates a description of each activity and a priority score. The engine may include a data collection component and a training and ranking component. Based on the activity descriptions and priority scores, the system generates and outputs for display an activity list ordered by individual user priority.
US08423548B1
The present invention relates to inventory management solutions, and in particular, to methods and systems for inventorying items and property over wireless and data networks, using digital imaging, positioning, RFID, and data terminals. The user experience in performing inventory management is simplified and enhanced over existing methods.
US08423531B2
A non-transitory storage medium storing a management program, the management program causing a computer to execute first receiving case data related to a result of a clinical trial; referring to a definition table storing a first criterion and a second criterion; determining whether or not the case data satisfies the first criterion or second criterion; first transmitting a first inquiry to a terminal; second transmitting a second inquiry to the terminal; second receiving a first answer to the first inquiry from the terminal, the first answer including other case data that is the case data at least a part of which is modified; third determining whether or not the other case data satisfies the second criterion; and making a second answer to the second inquiry on the basis of a result of the third determination.
US08423530B2
The invention allows a user to enter a search criteria in a search form once and search multiple web services, search engines and web pages without the need for repeatedly re-creating the search criteria for each web service or search engine because of different and varying supported formats. Once the user has defined their search query, the search query is passed to a query manager in the browser application for formatting the search criteria into a generic query format. The generic query format provides a unified and generic interface to all other query mechanisms supported by different web services, search engines and web pages.
US08423529B1
A NAS server runs a native filesystem application that manages the filesystem and also includes a virtualization component that allows third-party data processing applications to run on the NAS server substantially as though running on a separate server while allowing the applications to access filesystem information without use of the network and without the overhead of network protocols and related operating system processing. The virtualization component intercepts certain filesystem-related system calls made by the application and directs processing of those filesystem-related system calls (e.g., by the virtualization component or by the native filesystem application), bypassing certain operating system processes including those relating to network protocol processing.
US08423524B1
In accordance with embodiments, there are provided mechanisms and methods for storing reports for use by tenants of a multi-tenant on-demand database service. These mechanisms and methods for storing reports for use by tenants of a multi-tenant on-demand database service may allow tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service to create, modify, etc. reports programmatically, as desired, and may allow the multi-tenant on-demand database service to make the reports accessible to other tenants of the multi-tenant on-demand database service.
US08423519B2
Example apparatus, methods, data structures, and computers control indexing to facilitate duplicate determinations. One example method includes indexing, in a global index, a unique chunk processed by a data de-duplicator. Indexing the unique chunk in the global index can include updating an expedited data structure associated with the global index. The example method can also include selectively indexing, in a temporal index, a relationship chunk processed by the data de-duplicator. The relationship chunk is a chunk that is related to another chunk processed by the data de-duplicator by sequence, storage location, and/or similarity hash value. Indexing the relationship chunk in the temporal index can also include updating one or more expedited data structures associated with the temporal index. The expedited data structures and indexes can then be consulted to resolve a duplicate determination being made by a data reducer.
US08423509B2
The invention may provide “undo” (e.g., rollback) features, along with data management simplification features, to an update package model of software suite development/evolution. New functions, which may have disruption effects for customers, may be installed into the core configuration data with inactive switches. Upon activation, a switch status may change, and a query filter may use the activated function (e.g., as associated with the switch ID). Original functions may be maintained, giving the user the ability to deactivate an activated function, and thereby reverting the system back to the prior configuration status.
US08423504B2
A system including a server, a search engine, and one or more user devices is used to analyse data files. The user devices may be used to effect a search, such as a search for documents, websites or other material. A search request is effected on the user device and forwarded to the server. A subject data file is obtained which represents a document. The subject data file is searched for instances of data representing user selected target features. The detected instances which include one or more of features indicative of a list and features indicative of content relating to a casual convention, are changed to be perceptibly different from features which are not target features when the modified data files is provided to the user.
US08423498B2
A computer system and associated method are provided for analyzing a scenario task to determine contextual characteristics thereof. An analytical processing device parses the scenario task into parsed task requirements. An associative processing device associates each parsed task requirement with a task requirement identifier and a task requirement resolution factor, and associates the task requirement identifiers to define a task requirement model. A correlative processing device correlates the task requirement model with a database of scenario data elements, by correlating the task requirement identifiers and/or the task requirement resolution factors with the respective scenario data element identifiers and/or scenario resolution factors associated with the scenario data elements. A compilation processing device forms contextual characteristics having categories, attributes, parameters, and parameter values associated with the correlated scenario data element identifiers and scenario resolution factors, wherein the contextual characteristics cooperate to populate the task requirement model.
US08423497B2
A system and method for hybrid Rete reasoning based on memory and DBMS are provided. The system for hybrid Rete reasoning based on memory and DBMS includes a reasoning rule type classification means for classifying an input reasoning rule as one of one or more types. A network generation means generates a network depending on the classified reasoning rule type. A network execution means derives extended triples by applying a predetermined triple to the generated network.
US08423495B1
Provided are methods and systems that extract facts of unstructured documents and build an oracle for various domains. The present invention addresses the problem of efficient finding and extraction of facts about a particular subject domain from semi-structured and unstructured documents, makes inferences of new facts from the extracted facts and the ways of verification of the facts, thus becoming a source of knowledge about the domain to be effectively queried. The methods and systems can also extract temporal information from unstructured and semi-structured documents, and can find and extract dynamically generated documents from Deep or Dynamic Web.
US08423489B2
The present invention is a computer-enabled method for combining information stored in a hierarchical classification structure, such as the International Patent Classification system, with the frequency of events resulting from human decision processes in order to generate an association index for a patent classification. The association index can then be used to quickly analyze a portfolio of patents.
US08423486B2
A learning device learns a control parameter (e.g., injection start response delay), which is used for deciding a control content of an injector (controlled object), in relation to a criterion variable (e.g., fuel pressure). The learning device has a storing section for storing a learning vector consisting of the control parameter and the criterion variable. The learning device has a measurement vector obtaining section for obtaining a measurement vector consisting of a measurement value of the control parameter and a measurement value of the criterion variable. The learning device has a correcting section for correcting the learning vector based on the measurement vector and for performing storing and updating of the learning vector in the storing section.
US08423482B2
A method for legal knowledge modeling and automated legal evaluation, such as for online, questionnaire-based legal analysis, is provided. Information, such as facts and characteristics of a legal situation or legal scenario, as it relates to a legal conclusion or a legal result, are modeled in a decision tree. The decision tree may comprise a plurality of nodes and a plurality of edges connecting the nodes, wherein each node is associated with a variable that represents either an answer to a legal inquiry or a legal conclusion, and an edge represents a conditional dependency between variables of nodes. The decision tree is automatically updated on a periodic basis to reflect new legislation or court decisions. Using the decision tree, a legal conclusion based on the user's answers to a questionnaire may be determined. The legal conclusion is modified upon the input of evidence, which is typically in the form of answers to a dynamic set of questions designed to identify a legal conclusion or a legal result.
US08423467B1
Financial transactions, such as buying and selling, may be facilitated by merchant-based shadow account numbers. A master account may contain several associated shadow accounts. Each shadow account may in turn be associated with a specific merchant or group of merchants. Merchants and users may store and use the shadow account numbers rather than the master account numbers. Stolen or otherwise compromised shadow account numbers are useless with other non-associated merchants. Furthermore, the shadow numbers may be easily invalidated while leaving the master account untouched.
US08423465B1
Thus, methods and apparatus for providing adaptive diagnostics for ATM fault conditions are provided. Such methods and apparatus may include one or more computer-readable media storing computer-executable instructions which, when executed by a processor on a computer system, perform a method for diagnosing an electronic self-service device fault condition. The method may include receiving an input from a self-service device. The input may include information regarding a fault-related event. The method may also include assessing a plurality of system-level ramifications of the fault-related event. In response to the assessing, the method may further include determining continued viability of a plurality of ATM services. The method may also include electronically providing a notification of a list of remaining viable self-service device services.
US08423461B2
The present disclosure involves a method that involves: receiving a request to pay a bill having a billing date; identifying a plurality of funding instruments available for paying the bill; retrieving respective billing cycles of the funding instruments; and recommending one of the funding instruments to pay the bill based on the billing date of the bill and the respective billing cycles of the funding instruments. The present disclosure also involves a system that involves: means for receiving a request to make a payment, the payment having a payment deadline; means for identifying a plurality of different funding sources; means for retrieving billing period information associated with each funding source; and means for recommending using one of the funding sources to make the payment, wherein the means for recommending includes means for comparing the payment deadline with the respective billing period information of the funding sources.
US08423460B2
A method whereby vendors and purchasers settle invoices and account for sales taxes, integrated with the drawing, accepting, guaranteeing, endorsing, discounting, presenting, and cash settlement of electronic bills of exchange in all traded currencies (Ebill). Ebills are activated automatically as a direct consequence of the approval of one or more invoices for payment. Acceptance is against a guarantee with a managed credit risk limit or endorsed Ebills. Settlement is also activated by matching a purchase order to a goods received or delivery note or bill of lading. A single instance of each invoice and Ebill is held for all functions required by vendors, purchasers, risk managers, Ebill traders, discounters, guarantors and banks. Trading accounts are represented by a single ledger instance with automated updating of their back-office ledgers. Settlement reconciliation is supported by messages related to individual transactions and by quantified debit advice notes reconciled with credit notes.
US08423454B2
Embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and apparatuses for determining leading indicators and/or for modeling one or more time series. For example, in some embodiments, a method is provided that includes: (a) receiving first data indicating the value of a total income amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (b) receiving second data indicating the value of a total debt amount for a plurality of consumers over a period of time; (c) selecting a consumer leverage time series that compares the total income amount to the total debt amount over a period of time; (d) modeling the consumer leverage time series based at least partially on the first and second data; (e) determining, using a processor, the value of the cycle component for a particular time; and (f) outputting an indication of the value of the cycle component for the particular time.
US08423452B1
A computer-assisted method for alerting a user of a potential negative balance condition in a financial account. The method includes estimating a future account balance of the financial account and determining whether the future account balance will be a negative value. The method also includes generating for display, in a graphical format, an alert to the user that signifies when the future account balance is the negative value.
US08423446B2
Methods, systems and apparatuses are described for processing and clearing derivatives products with a digital outcome and a plurality of constituents. A computer system configured to process and clear derivative products can accept initial and adjusted performance bonds from buyers and sellers, and adjust the market price of the derivative product at intervals. The market price may be adjusted on a mark-to-market basis and through analysis of other information, e.g., a change in credit rating of reference entities of the derivative product. As a result of price adjustments, cash flow may be generated between buyers and sellers (e.g., credit and debit to accounts). The derivative product may pay a percentage of a predetermined final settlement amount upon the triggering of a predetermined event in each of the constituents of the derivative product. However, upon expiration of the derivative product, the derivative's market price is settled to zero and the agreement is terminated.
US08423439B1
A set of average transaction amounts is established. For each of the average transaction amounts, a total transaction cost is determined. An intended per-transaction profit is established. A service fee is established for each of the average transaction amounts based on the average transaction amount and the intended per-transaction profit.
US08423438B2
The present invention is directed to an improved method of network marketing that combines direct response advertisement with network marketing. The invention includes providing a registry that stores debit and credit entries for individual IBO accounts, wherein the registry is in communication with a computer network. The invention also includes providing a hot leads database in communication with the computer network, wherein the hot leads database provides leads generated through a direct marketing campaign. The method further includes allowing qualified IBO terminals in communication with the computer network to access the hot leads database and request lead packages. The method includes debiting IBO accounts in the registry in response to these requests for lead packages. Additionally, the method includes providing a sales database in communication with the computer network wherein the sales database is accessible to the qualified IBO terminals, wherein the sales database is configured to accept sales orders from qualified IBO terminals, and wherein the sales database is communicatively linked to the registry via the computer network. Lastly, the method includes crediting individual IBO accounts for sales orders according to terms of a payout agreement, wherein the sales database also is communicatively linked via the computer network to a centralized distribution system such that the entry of sales orders results in the shipment of the product ordered.
US08423437B2
A certified email system for providing a time stamp for a presented file, particularly when the presented file is an email. Preferably a demanding party receives the email; generates a unique HASH; digitally signs the unique HASH; and sends the signed HASH and a time-stamp request call to a web services time-stamp conduit (WSTC). The WSTC receives the request and signed HASH from the demanding party and obtains a time stamp. The WSTC sends the time stamp back to the demanding party, which sends a time-stamp notification to the original sender of the email and, optionally, the recipient(s) of the email. Multiple branded or customized demanding servers can efficiently run using one web services time-stamp conduit.An integrated detailed billing system capable of pass-through client billing, keyword search functionality, a multi-party content management system, and convenient web-based automated verification (file or HASH) services are provided.
US08423434B2
Tax returns are received from one or more tax agencies. Each tax return is compared to a stored profile, and a determination is made as to whether each tax return falls within a trend. An evaluation of the tax return is generated based on the comparison and the determination of whether the tax return falls within the trend. The evaluation includes an indication of the tax returns potential to be a fraudulent tax return.
US08423433B1
An electronic intermediary electronically receives information from a taxpayer or an authorized tax return preparer of the taxpayer. The received information may include information on a tax data provider and taxpayer identification information. The electronic intermediary connects automatically and electronically to the tax data provider based on the received information. The electronic intermediary collects automatically and electronically tax data from the tax data provider and processes automatically and electronically the collected tax data to obtain processed tax data. The electronic intermediary prepares automatically and electronically an electronic tax return by using the processed tax data. The electronic intermediary receives electronically direction from the taxpayer to provide the electronic tax return and/or the tax data to a tax information distributor, connects electronically to the tax information distributor, and provides electronically the electronic tax return and/or tax data to the tax information distributor.
US08423420B1
A shared “universal” virtual shopping cart (“the cart”) may be provided by a host to enable information sharing between multiple disparate electronic marketplaces provided by various merchants. The host may obtain user information via the cart to improve interactions with a user. The host may recommend an item to the user that is offered at a lower price and related to an item retained in the user's cart. The host may also recommend items based on a user's purchase history, such as complementary items (e.g., up-sell items) and items other users may recommend. In some aspects, the host may compile best selling lists based on data from multiple electronic marketplaces. The host may also perform user specific operations such as indicate an item in a cart is a duplicate of a previous purchase and monitor a price and/or available quantities of an item in the cart.
US08423410B2
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for generating user identifier profiles. A user identifier profile characterizes a user based on events that occurred during past user sessions for a user (e.g., past online activities). An event is an action that occurs during a user session, such as a web page view, an advertisement click-through, and a conversion. A user identifier profile can be used, for example, to select advertisements targeted to the user. A user identifier profile includes information about inferred user interests and inferred user demographics.
US08423406B2
A method converts online data into quantitative measures of reach and frequency. Gross Rating Points, Targeted Rating Points, frequency, targeted cost per thousand, and average advertising cost per person may be determined using data to measure the percent of non-country respondents receiving and gathering incidence of age, sex, income and other variables used to define target audience. Data may be merged to calculate GRP delivery by geographic region for the purpose of integrating online advertising into a marketing mix analysis. Over-samples may be used within events to measure different respondents' pre and post the event to measure incrementality of event. The total event attendance may be estimated and used to weight the over-sample back into the overall sample. Discrete media groupings may be used to identify the dilution of effects inherent in scaling thereby increasing the accuracy of projected results.
US08423404B2
A recycling kiosk for recycling and financial remuneration for submission of a mobile telephone is disclosed herein. The recycling kiosk includes an inspection area with at least one camera and a plurality of electrical connectors in order to perform a visual analysis and an electrical analysis of the mobile telephone for determination of a value of the mobile telephone. The recycling kiosk also includes a processor, a display and a user interface.
US08423389B2
A system for providing flight accident insurance at low price and fixed coverage comprises means for limiting the number of policies that can be sold on any given flight to not more than a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be 20. The system comprises an input device for receiving information from a traveler and an output device for providing an insurance quote to said traveler.
US08423387B1
A system and method of providing delivery of medical care through instant patient access to a physician via an application (app) on a smartphone connecting over a network. A patient signs into the system through a smartphone app and selects a category for an emerging medical issue and further submits a detailed description of the presenting issue. A physician instantly receives a notice through the app on a physician smartphone that the patient is waiting a consultation. The physician opens the app, reviews the category and the detailed description and calls the patient directly through the app for a consultation. After the consultation is complete, the physician submits clinical advice through the app, the app electronically mailing the patient with the advice in writing. The physician also submits a prescription to a pharmacy, makes a referral, bills an insurance provider and accepts payment through the app.
US08423383B2
The computer-implemented system of providing online medical consultation services by a team of medical professionals begins when a user accesses the system website. The user selects the level of consultation services desired and a case submission form is provided to the user requesting information relating to desired medical consultation. The user provides the requested information on case submission form. If additional information is required, it is obtained. When the case is ready for submission, members of the medical professional team are selected for consultation on the case and forwarded the particulars of the submitted case via the Internet. The selected team members review the submitted case particulars and each member provides their medical opinion via Internet. The submitted opinions are recorded and displayed in real time on the system website, to which the user has access. In addition, the submitted opinions to structured questions are compiled to determine if there is a consensus. A graphical representation of the compiled opinions is generated and displayed in real time on the website, as well. This system can provide nearly instant information as to the sum of the opinions of medical experts for a variety of case scenarios and establishes whether, and to what extent, a consensus exists among the consulting medical professionals.
US08423381B2
The invention concerns a system for monitoring and controlling a patient (1), with a patient sensor (2) for capturing a patient signal, and a user interface (6) for providing a user with information on the captured patient signal, wherein the system comprises an integrated closed loop controller (4) which is fed with the patient signal and which controls a patient treating device (5) for treating the patient (1). Thus, an easy and efficient way of monitoring and controlling a patient is provided.
US08423371B2
An encoder capable of reducing the degradation of the quality of the decoded signal in the case of band expansion in which the high band of the spectrum of an input signal is estimated from the low band. In this encoder, a first layer encoder encodes an input signal and generates first encoded information, a first layer decoder decodes the first encoded information and generates a first decoded signal, a characteristic judger analyzes the intensity of the harmonic structure of the input signal and generates harmonic characteristic information representing the analysis result, and a second layer encoder changes, on the basis of the harmonic characteristic information, the numbers of bits allocated to parameters included in second encoded information created by encoding the difference between the input signal and the first decoded signal before creating the second information.
US08423358B2
A method for performing packet loss or Frame Erasure Concealment (FEC) for a speech coder receives encoded frames of compressed speech information transmitted from an encoder. The method determines whether an encoded frame has been lost, corrupted in transmission, or erased, synthesizes properly received frames, and decides on an overlap-add window to use in combining a portion of the synthesized speech signal with a subsequent speech signal resulting from a received and decoded packet, where the size of the overlap-add window is based on the unavailability of packets. If it is determined that an encoded frame has been lost, corrupted in transmission, or erased, the method performed an overlap-add operation on the portion of the synthesized speech signal and the subsequent speech signal, using the decided-on overlap-add window.
US08423341B2
A method, system and article of manufacture are disclosed for constructing corner models for multiple performance targets for circuit simulations. The method includes identifying N (N≧2) performance targets F1, F2, . . . , FN, and obtaining their correlation matrix R, calculating a normalized joint probability density (JPD); and building a common and optimal corner for the N targets. The method further includes constructing corner models to cover both lower and upper bounds of the performance targets; and determining an optimal common corner solution for each corner by maximizing a normalized JPD among all possible common corner solutions for that corner.
US08423336B2
A system and method implemented on a computing device are provided to simulate trajectories of objects dispensed from a moving aircraft.
US08423334B2
A method and system for identifying a distributed model for a nonlinear system represented by a block diagram. The distributed model identification can be achieved by first replacing all signal links across the block diagram with elastic links by augmenting each input port of a plurality of blocks with a signal generator that produces a replacement signal value (sig) for the value received by each of the plurality of blocks. Thereafter, the difference between the received value and the replacement signal values can be calculated and outputted as an auxiliary signal to control elasticity of the elastic links. Then, instead of global identification of the block diagram parameters, i.e. treating the diagram as a whole, the block parameters are identified locally based on the local data. Simultaneously, the auxiliary output signals are forced to vanish. Consequently, the solution found is also a solution to the global identification method.
US08423333B2
A simulator system containing a plurality of individual simulators to simulate behavior of a predetermined simulation target, where: individual simulators select the simulation target satisfying a predetermined notification condition among simulation targets to send the information related thereto to an intercommunication control apparatus; and an intercommunication control apparatus executes the processing of the content determined according to a condition related to this notified simulation target to notify the result of the execution to individual simulators.
US08423331B2
A method for optimization of the avionics platform of an aircraft, intended to implement a set of avionics functions. The association between the platform's functional architecture elements (functions, functional links) and the elements of its equipment architecture (equipment, network paths, direct physical links) are formalized by sets of constraints in the form of linear inequalities of decision variables. Certain segregation or co-location functional constraints are also envisaged. Optimization of the avionics platform is achieved through the minimization of cost functions which are linearly dependent on said decision variables. This minimization under constraints is achieved in an effective manner by the Simplex algorithm.
US08423328B2
Methods for modeling a random variable with spatially inhomogenous statistical correlation versus distance, standard deviation, and mean by spatial interpolation with statistical corrections. The method includes assigning statistically independent random variable to a set of seed points in a coordinate frame and defining a plurality of test points at respective spatial locations in the coordinate frame. A equation for a random variable is determined for each of the test points by spatial interpolation from one or more of the random variable assigned to the seed points. The method further includes adjusting the equation of the random variable at each of the test point with respective correction factor equations.
US08423327B2
Systems and methods of computer aided engineering analysis using hybrid approach of finite element method (FEM) and adaptive smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) are described. According to one aspect, a computer-aided engineering analysis is performed to simulate an impact event between structures. A FEM grid model is created to represent the structures using a plurality of solid elements which represents geometry and material properties. Once a contact between two structures resulted into a material or structural failure according to predefined material constitutive equation, solid elements representing the failed portion of the structure are removed. Each failed solid element is then replaced by a plurality of particles to be analyzed using the SPH analysis. The particles replacing the failed element inherit all of the states and properties of the failed element, such as location, mass, velocity, acceleration, etc. The replacement is conducted according to the principles of mass, momentum and energy conservation.
US08423325B2
A plastic tolerance proofing tool adapted to be implemented with a computer system. The computer system includes a processor and a memory storing a CAD object of an apparatus to be manufactured with a material. The tool includes a criteria selector operable to prompt for and receive a type of plastic material for the apparatus to be manufactured in and an extractor operable to determine a nominal dimension and a related tolerance from the CAD object. The tool further includes a comparator operable to compare the tolerance with a first threshold and a second threshold, and a tagging module operable to tag the CAD object based on the comparisons.
US08423322B2
The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.
US08423316B2
A camera based positioner (CBP) for near-field measurement and a method therefor, and a near-field measurement system are provided. A measurement probe and an antenna under test (AUT) are automatically aligned to a position for near-field antenna measurement by recognizing a position and a rotation angle of the AUT based on an interval and an angle between neighboring laser sources represented in an image taken by emitting laser beams from at least two laser sources located with a predetermined interval and a predetermined angle.
US08423315B2
A waveform generation and measurement module that may be used in automated test equipment. The waveform generation and measurement module includes high speed SERDES (or other shift registers) that are used to digitally draw a test waveform. Additional high speed SERDES may also be used to receive (in serial form) a response waveform from a device under test and convert it to parallel data for high speed processing. The waveform generation and measurement module may be implemented in field programmable gate array logic.
US08423303B2
The mass flow rate of bulk solids in a pneumatic transport system is measured in real time. At least two pressure gauges (P1, P2) are provided in a pipe section of the transport system. The pressure drop ΔP between the pressure gauges is determined during a gas-solids flow of air and bulk solids through the pipe section. The suspension density ρsus of the flowing mixture of air and bulk solids is calculated. The bulk solids mass flow rate Ms at a given location along a given length of a pipeline is estimated based at least on the suspension density ρsus of the flowing mixture.
US08423279B2
A drive assist apparatus includes: a road-information storage unit storing road information; a traffic-signal information storage unit to store information regarding a traffic-signal change timing; a receiving unit to receive other-vehicle information; an obtaining unit to obtain host-vehicle information; a determining unit to determine whether the other vehicle becomes an obstacle to the host vehicle; and a calculating unit to calculate a recommended speed based on the host-vehicle information, the road information, and information regarding the traffic-signal change timing, when the other vehicle is determined to not become an obstacle to the host vehicle, and calculate the recommended speed based on the host-vehicle information, the road information, the information regarding the traffic-signal change timing, and an arrival delay time for avoiding an obstacle caused by the other vehicle, when the other vehicle is determined to become the obstacle to the host vehicle.
US08423277B2
A vehicle controller selects a collision avoidance route corresponding to steering of a vehicle by a driver, to control the vehicle so that the vehicle runs based on the selected collision avoidance route. Accordingly, it can be prevented that a vehicle operation being performed by the driver is disturbed, in other words, a reaction of the driver is disturbed by collision avoidance control and the driver feels discomfort with respect to the collision avoidance control.
US08423275B1
A procedure for determining the probability of finding a parking place within a certain period of time on a pre-set stretch of road of an area with a multiplicity of stretches of road. With this procedure, motion profiles are detected and statistically evaluated of users of radiolocation-aided, especially satellite-aided, navigation aids in the area. For each user a) A “parking place found” event is determined; b) The stretch of road in which the “parking place found” event occurred is detected; c) The travel time is detected which the user expended in each of the stretches of the road until the “parking place found” event occurred. From the data thus acquired for a multiplicity of users, a probability is determined of finding a parking place within the set time span on the stretch of the road.
US08423266B2
An engine in which a fluctuation in the amount of fuel injection is reduced in the entire operating tolerance of the engine. The engine (1) has an engine body (5) provided with a turbocharger (7), an engine speed sensor (21), a turbo sensor (22), a boost sensor (23), and an ECU (20) for correcting the amount of fuel injection. A control means recognizes an engine speed, a supercharging pressure, a supercharger speed, a fuel injection amount and corrects the fuel injection amount.
US08423259B2
A method for implementing adaptive cruise control for a vehicle includes the steps of stopping the vehicle, determining whether a driver of the vehicle has taken a deliberate action to move the vehicle, and moving the vehicle, on the condition that the driver has taken the deliberation action to move the vehicle.
US08423252B2
A control method of shifting gear in an automatic manual transmission to pass from a current gear to a successive gear; the automatic gear transmission comprises a gearbox provided with at least one primary shaft and at least one secondary shaft connected to driving wheels, and at least one clutch interposed between the primary shaft of the gearbox and a drive shaft of an engine; the control method comprises the steps of: determining, when the clutch is at least partially closed, a target torque that has to be transmitted through the clutch; determining, when the clutch is at least partially closed, a rotation speed target of the drive shaft of the engine; and determining a target engine torque of the engine according to the target torque that has to be transmitted through the clutch and according to the rotation speed target of the drive shaft of the engine.
US08423250B2
An anti-collision control is provided under circumstances where it is determined that there is a risk of collision between a host vehicle and a preceding vehicle. The anti-collision control utilizes host vehicle information, preceding vehicle information, and surrounding road conditions to determine whether or not a collision with the preceding vehicle can be avoided through a steering operation. If avoidance is determined to be possible, then a shift-hold control is applied to the AT, whereas if avoidance is determined to be impossible, then a down-shift control is applied to the AT.
US08423242B2
In a vehicle equipped with a plurality of electronic devices, a power-saving system (100) saves electricity while comprehensively controlling the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices. The power-saving system (100) includes: power supply status control portion (11) controlling the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices depending on a usage situation of the vehicle; and usage situation determination portion (10) determining the usage situation on the basis of information useful for determining a usage situation, including information related to a usage date and time, current location or driver of the vehicle. The power supply status control portion (11) controls the power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices on the basis of a predetermined power supply status to each of the plurality of electronic devices set depending on a usage situation and the usage situation determined by the usage situation determination portion (10).
US08423240B2
A sensor node configured to acquire sensor data on one or more properties of a railroad environment, wirelessly transmit data related to the property(ies), and generate sufficient power to operate the sensor node without access to any additional power sources is provided. The sensor node can be deployed as part of a group of sensor nodes, which provide data for use by a railroad system in monitoring and/or controlling the railroad environment. In this manner, various properties of the railroad environment can be monitored without requiring significant wiring to the various sensor nodes.
US08423239B2
A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle's engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.
US08423214B2
A method of providing assistance to an internal combustion engine for a vehicle using an electric motor coupled to the engine is provided. The method comprises selectively operating the motor to provide assistance to the engine at predetermined operating conditions of the engine. During at least a portion of the selective operation, the motor is operated at a higher torque than a continuous operating torque rating for the motor. The electric motor is coupled to a crankshaft of the engine at a first side of the engine and a transmission is coupled to the crankshaft at a second side of the engine opposite the first side of the engine.
US08423212B2
A control apparatus for a vehicle that includes an internal combustion engine, a fuel tank, a canister trapping vaporized fuel from the fuel tank, an open-close valve provided in a passage connecting an intake passage of the engine to the canister, a generator driven by the engine to generate electric power, a battery storing electric power generated by the generator, and a motor driven by electric power discharged from the battery, and that runs using driving force from at least any one of the engine and the motor, includes: a determination unit determining whether to control the open-close valve to introduce the trapped fuel into the intake passage; and a charge and discharge controller executing changes any one of the rate of charging of the battery and the rate of discharging of the battery when the determination unit determines to introduce the trapped fuel into the intake passage.
US08423211B2
A limited protection method for charging/discharging current of hybrid electric vehicle battery and a device and a system thereof is disclosed. Said method includes: receiving a power requirement and determining an original torque based on the power requirement; judging a charge/discharge state of the battery and acquiring a limited torque from an actual current and a predefined torque; comparing said original torque with the limited torque to select the smaller one as a final output requirement. The embody of the invention can achieve the real-time limited protection for charge/discharge current of hybrid electric vehicle battery.
US08423207B2
Systems, computer program products, and methods for displaying navigation performance based flight path deviation information during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing of non-precision flight modes are provided. Improved graphical depictions of navigation performance based flight path deviation information provide pilots and flight crew members with clear, concise displays of the dynamic relationship between ANP and RNP, mode and aspect of flight and related procedures, intersecting flight paths, and current actual flight path deviation from a predefined flight path during the final approach segment to a runway and during landing. For example, an enhanced IAN display may include NPS-type deviation scales to show RNP/ANP relationships and predetermined RNP markers to alert the pilots and flight crew members that the FMC has transitioned from an NPS display for RNAV (LNAV/VNAV) flight procedures to an enhanced IAN display for a non-precision (non-xLS) approach and/or landing.
US08423201B2
An assembly that has a rotator element, a sensor element coupled to the rotator element or assembly, and a controller element provides azimuth antenna control. The rotator element has a worm gear driven slewing ring having a through hole through which a feed line to an antenna may be inserted to accommodate continuous rotation of greater than 360 degrees or partial rotation in either direction of the antenna coupled to the rotator element. The controller element is coupled to the rotator element and to the sensor element, and the controller element receives feedback information concerning a current azimuth position of the antenna from the sensor element to control the rotator element to rotate to a future azimuth position of the antenna in accordance with a selected azimuth function and the feedback information provided by the sensor element.
US08423198B2
An energy management system is provided for an appliance comprising: an interface to receive a schedule having an off-peak time segment and an on-peak time segment; a control to determine an operation to be performed by the appliance; a mode selecting device to select between an energy management mode and an immediate start mode. A controller includes a memory for storing the schedule and firmware to determine whether there is any off-peak time segments and other time sub-segments between a current time and a deadline for completing the operation. Upon selection of the energy management mode, the controller is arranged to initiate the operation, including a reduction in power consumption to complete the operation, when an amount of time required to complete the operation maximizes the off-peak time segment and sub-segments between the current time and the deadline.
US08423187B2
A controller for the motion control of a robot,comprises: a target input interface for supplying the controller with information about a target to be reached, a predicting module predicting at least one future state of the controlled robot using an internal model of the robot, a planning module for planning future states of the robot, wherein the planning starts from a predicted state supplied from the predicting module, a reactive controller, for outputting motor commands in order to make the controlled robot reach a target, and a target arbitrator for selecting the target output by the predicting module or the output from the planning module.
US08423182B2
A method for a minimally invasive surgical system is disclosed including reading first tool information from a storage device in a first robotic surgical tool mounted to a first robotic arm to at least determine a first tool type; reading equipment information about one or more remote controlled equipment for control thereof; comparing the first tool information with the equipment information to appropriately match a first remote controlled equipment of the one or more remote controlled equipment to the first robotic surgical tool; and mapping one or more user interface input devices of a first control console to control the first remote controlled equipment to support a function of the first robotic surgical tool.
US08423179B2
Computer program products that operate packaging systems with an automated product pusher and clipper for attaching at least one closure clip to a product held in a covering such as netting.
US08423176B2
In a substrate processing apparatus according to the present invention, wafer transfer timing with which wafers are to be transferred to individual processing chambers from a cassette container is determined in correspondence to each processing chamber, based upon the lengths of time required to process a single wafer in the processing chambers. Then, wafers are transferred from the cassette container in conformance to the transfer timing thus determined. By setting the wafer transfer timing with which wafers are transferred from the cassette container in coordination with the lengths of processing time at the individual processing chambers, the operation rates in the processing chambers are improved and ultimately, the throughput of the apparatus is improved.
US08423173B2
A load port apparatus is disclosed wherein the total period of time of operation of a lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus and a mapping apparatus is minimized while avoiding interference of the two apparatus with each other. An interference avoiding sensor apparatus is provided on the lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus and the mapping apparatus and detects that a lid member suction plate of the lid member mounting and dismounting apparatus is disposed at a position lower by a value exceeding a preset value than the arm to which the mapping sensors are attached to enable pivotal motion of the arm without interfering with the lid member suction plate. Then, immediately after the preset value is detected by the interference avoiding sensor apparatus, the arm is pivoted to the mapping position to start the mapping.
US08423171B2
In a method for processing a workpiece in a tool machine, a first step (Step S4) for continuously measuring a position of a tip portion of a tool attached to a main axis, a second step (Step S5) for computing a displacement amount of the position of the tip point of the tool based on a result of the measurement, a third step (Step S8) for observing a time period while the displace amount is belonged in arrange of allowable displace amount previously determined, a fourth step (Step S9) for keeping an idling operation in case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount is shorter than a time period previously determined and intermitting the idling operation in the case that the time for which the displace amount is belonged in the range of the allowable displacement amount become the time period previously determined and a fifth step (Step S10) for starting a process with respect to the workpiece in the case that the idling operation is finished are operated in order.
US08423166B2
A jaw-relation reproduction condition is determined by measuring a jaw movement of a patient, and reproducing a jaw state of the patient on an occlusion-state reproducing apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition. Dentures are arranged on the apparatus in accordance with the jaw-relation reproduction condition to prepare pre-grinding dentures. Denture data with reference points which is three-dimensional image data containing reference points that represents a positional relationship between the jaw-relation reproduction condition and the dentures and an occlusal surface of the dentures. An occlusion state of the denture data with the reference points is reproduced by using the jaw-relation reproduction condition on a three-dimensional image. Grinding data of a grinding portion is determined under a dynamic condition or set condition from a portion surrounded by an image of upper and lower jaws on the three dimensional image in a reproduced occlusal state.
US08423164B2
A method for recording and replaying operations in a computer environment utilizes initial conditions of the computer environment at the start of a recording to configure a replay computer environment during replay. The initial conditions of the computer environment are saved prior to recording of user inputs to the computer environment. The saved initial conditions and the recorded user inputs can then be used to actively operate the replay computer environment from a state substantially identical to the initial state of the computer environment to replay the recorded operations in the replay computer environment. The method also includes a technique to synchronize the operations with accompanying audio during replay.
US08423155B1
Methods and systems of facilitating stimulation of a stimulation site within a patient include implanting a distal portion of a stimulating member such that the distal portion of the stimulating member is in communication with a stimulation site located within a patient, securing the distal portion of the stimulating member at a first securing site with a first securing device, forming at least two curves of opposite concavity with a proximal portion of the stimulating member, securing the stimulating member at a second securing site with a second securing device, and coupling a proximal end of the stimulating member to a stimulator. In some examples, the at least two curves of opposite concavity are located in between the first and second securing devices.
US08423153B2
The object, to create a method for producing multilayers or multilayer systems wherein the structures generated on a substrate can easily be jointly detached from the substrate and are preserved in a composite, is achieved by the present invention by means of a method for producing implant structures comprising generating a first metal layer on a substrate, generating a second metal layer above the first metal layer, producing a number of multilayered implant structures above the second metal layer, removing the first metal layer between the substrate and the second metal layer, and releasing the implant structures from the substrate in a coherent composite. With the method according to the invention, between the implant structures and the substrate a release layer is generated consisting of two or three metal layers which serve as sacrificial layer in the course of releasing the fully processed multilayers by means of an under-etching process. As a result, a uniform and reliable separation of the finished multilayers from the substrate in a composite is achieved, facilitating the subsequent technology for assembly and interconnection of the implant structures.
US08423148B1
The present invention provides a method for treating at least one of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cartilage injury, and a cartilage defect containing the following steps. First, a defective cartilage tissue is provided. Second, a solution containing ions for treating defective cartilage tissue is provided. Third, the solution containing ions is introduced about the defective cartilage tissue. Fourth, an electrical source generates electricity. Fifth, the solution containing ions and an area about the defective cartilage tissue is contacted with the electricity from the electrical source. Sixth, the electrical source is powered on to provide electricity, whereby the ions move from the solution and into the defective cartilage tissue.
US08423147B2
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 chord region to address low back pain without creating unwanted sensory and/or motor side affects. In other embodiments, modulation in accordance with similar parameters can be applied to other spinal or peripheral locations to address other indications. In particular embodiments, aspects of the foregoing modulation therapies may be implemented by systems and devices that have simplified functionalities.
US08423144B2
A device and method for desynchronizing a patient's neuronal brain activity involving a neuron population firing in a pathologically synchronized manner. The device includes a stimulation unit configured to generate an acoustic stimulation signal to stimulate the neuron population when the acoustic stimulation signal is aurally received by the patient. Furthermore, the acoustic stimulation signal has a first frequency and a second frequency, with the first frequency provided to reset the phase of the neuronal brain activity in a first sub-population of the stimulated neuron population, and the second frequency provided to reset the phase of the neuronal brain activity in a second sub-population of the stimulated neuron population.
US08423142B2
A first chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a first transthoracic impedance signal received from a first chamber of a heart and a second chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a second transthoracic impedance signal received from a second chamber of the heart. A processor compares the minute ventilation rates to determine a rate. In one embodiment, an accelerometer sensor provides data for evaluating propriety of a rate. Before implementing a rate change, signals from multiple sensors are cross-checked.
US08423140B2
A system and method for detecting and treating symptoms of early decompensation utilizing a cardiac rhythm management. The system applies an electrical stimulus to the patient's heart at a first set of pacing parameters including a lower rate limit (LRL) setting, and acquires a coronary venous pressure (CVP) signal from a pressure sensor implanted in a coronary vein of the patient. An average coronary venous end diastolic pressure (CV-EDP) value is calculated from the CVP signal. The system monitors the average CV-EDP value over a predetermined interval, and dynamically adjusts the LRL setting responsive to the detection of a first or a second predetermined event based on the average CV-EDP value.
US08423137B2
An output stage for use in a therapeutic defibrillator enables practical use of specialized output waveforms optimized for cardiac defibrillation. A pulse-width modulated (PWM) switching amplifier, connected to a high voltage source capacitor and to one or more output bridges corresponding to different electrode placements, is adapted to operate with high efficiency, demonstrated at about 80%. The amplifier is capable of delivering a defibrillating electric shock to a heart in the form of a time-varying output voltage waveform of arbitrary shape. Efficiency improvement is accomplished through the use of a high voltage reservoir capacitor network configured to minimize a voltage differential between the high voltage reservoir and the output voltage. The switching amplifier features both step-up and step-down amplifier capability. A PWM control unit is positioned within the circuit so as to reduce complexity by eliminating a need for additional isolation circuitry.
US08423132B2
A method for measuring impedance of a tissue (20), consisting of charging a capacitor (C15) to a potential, and discharging the capacitor for a discharge period through the tissue. The method further consists of measuring a voltage drop on the capacitor over the discharge period and determining the impedance of the tissue responsive to the potential, the voltage drop, and the discharge period.
US08423119B2
A fiducial marker assembly (30) is tracked using a magnetic resonance scanner (10). At the tracked position of the fiducial marker assembly, local B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity is measured. A warning is issued if the measured local B0 magnetic field inhomogeneity satisfies a warning criterion. A noise figure of merit of the tracking is also determined, and the warning is also issued if the noise figure of merit satisfies a noise-based warning criterion.
US08423116B2
A measurement system and method are presented for use for non-invasive measurements in a human body. Acoustic radiation is applied to a certain illuminated region in the body, with at least two different conditions of the applied radiation achievable by varying at least one characteristic of the acoustic radiation. Light scattered from the body part is detected, and measured data indicative of detected photons tagged and untagged by the acoustic radiation is generated. The measured data is analyzed to extract therefrom a data portion corresponding to the tagged photons and being therefore associated with a light response of said certain region, thereby enabling determination of tissue properties of said certain region based on a relation between the measured data portions corresponding to the at least two different operating conditions.
US08423111B2
A probe holder mounting device for a biological photometric device includes: a probe holder having a plurality of probe mounting parts to which optical fiber probes are mounted; a band-like mounting device body having a plurality of insertion holes into which the probe mounting parts are to be inserted to fix the probe holder in position by means of the insertion holes; belts whose one ends are respectively connected to both longitudinal ends of the mounting device body and whose other ends are engaged with each other; and an adjusting belt connected to the mounting device body at a position where the probe holder is fixed in position in a lateral direction of the mounting device body.
US08423106B2
A physiological monitor for determining blood oxygen saturation of a medical patient includes a sensor, a signal processor and a display. The sensor includes at least three light emitting diodes. Each light emitting diode is adapted to emit light of a different wavelength. The sensor also includes a detector, where the detector is adapted to receive light from the three light emitting diodes after being attenuated by tissue. The detector generates an output signal based at least in part upon the received light. The signal processor determines blood oxygen saturation based at least upon the output signal, and the display provides an indication of the blood oxygen saturation.
US08423095B2
A method and system for determining standby time for a mobile station uses a battery simulator, a base station emulator, a computer to control the test equipment and MSUT for testing a mobile station. The computer includes a module for determining a radio off battery voltage, a module for deriving a battery capacity in dependence upon the radio off battery voltage, a module for measuring battery capacity usage in a predetermined time while the mobile station is in standby mode and a module for determining a standby time for the mobile station in dependence upon the battery capacity and the battery capacity usage, where the predetermined time is less than the standby time.
US08423094B2
A femtocell includes a memory, a transmitter, a receiver and a controller. The memory stores access probability values in different time periods, and a comparison table of power saving rates and probability thresholds. Each power saving rate is a proportion of the time periods whose access probability values are not more than a predetermining probability threshold and all time periods. The controller includes a setting module setting the predetermining probability threshold, a time module getting a current time and a corresponding current time period, a user identifying module determining whether the user accessing the femtocell through the receiver is a registered user, a switching module controlling the transmitter through determining whether the access probability value at the current time period is less than the predetermined probability threshold, a statistic module calculating the access probability value at the current time period according to the identifying result of the user identifying module.
US08423089B2
A mobile terminal and a method for controlling operation of the same are provided. A command input key including a command or an icon, which allows the user to input a command to execute an application to the mobile terminal, is displayed on the mobile terminal. The user may input a command to execute at least two applications to the mobile terminal through one command input key. The display state of the command input key is changed according to the pressure or duration of operation of the command input key. Through the changed display state of the command input key, the user can know which type of application is executed in response to operation of the command input key.
US08423087B2
A mobile terminal including a display unit configured to simultaneously display a message list region, a phonebook search region and a user input region on the touch screen, an activating unit configured to activate at least one of the message list region and the phonebook search region, an inputting unit configured to input contents in the user input region, and a control unit configured to control the display unit to display at least one message including the contents input through the user input region in the message list region when the user input region is activated, and to display at least one phonebook data item including the contents input through the user input region in the phonebook search region when the phonebook search region is activated.
US08423082B2
An imaging device comprising: a camera; and a control unit that encodes an image photographed by the camera to form an encoded image, wherein re-booting of the camera and the encoding by the control unit are carried out in parallel to each other.
US08423059B2
Systems and methods for assigning short codes to provide uniformity among wireless carriers. In the systems and methods, a Universal Short Code (USC) Administrator maintains a list of short codes and their lease status so that SMS messages sent to a particular short code may be routed to the proper holder of the short code. A network facilitator is in communication with both the USC Administrator and at least one wireless carrier to route the SMS message to the proper holder of the short code. The short code may be leased for a specified period of time so that the short code can be reassigned after expiration of the lease.
US08423056B2
A method for informing at least one person of time-sensitive information via a short message service is disclosed. The technology initially accesses a data base of contact information related to at least one person in response to receiving a request to deliver the time-sensitive information via a short message service. The time-sensitive information is then assigned to at least one person. The time-sensitive information is then sent to at least one person. Then feedback is received as to at least one person's receipt of the time-sensitive information.
US08423036B2
A system is proposed to provide DRX/DTX configuration for mixed real time and non-real time transmission scenarios in a mobile telecommunications environment, particularly applicable to 3GPP networks. The proposed DRX/DTX configuration involves maintaining the DRX/DTX interval the same between the switching of real time VoIP data from an active period to a silence period. The proposed DRX/DTX configuration schedules transmission and/or reception times for a mobile device so that packets for non-real time services are transmitted/received immediately after packets for real time services.
US08423030B2
A method, system and computer-readable product for a fixed mobile convergence system. The method includes analyzing at least one rule set associated with at least one user profile with the user profile being associated with at least one mobile device supporting more than one line. Each line offering one or more transports and options for establishing a telephone call. After analyzing the one or more rule sets, a context-specific real-time usage mode is determined based on the analysis which include selections of a telephone line, a transport and establishment options. After determining the usage mode, a call is established between one of the devices and a telephony endpoint, either incoming or outgoing, based on the determined usage mode.
US08423027B2
A system, method, and computer readable medium for a softer handoff comprises receiving a Pilot Strength Measurement Message (PSMM) to request a handoff by a selector distribution unit (SDU), receiving a softer handoff request message by a channel element control (CEC), receiving a softer handoff request message by a radio call control (RCC), receiving a traffic channel assignment message by the CEC, and receiving an indication of an addition of a new sector for the softer handoff by the SDU.
US08423026B2
A cell redirection process in accordance with load balancing and user terminal conditions, and a prompt cell reverting at the time of redirection failure are provided. A cell redirection control method under a situation where a base station controls two or more cells, the method comprising steps of: transmitting a response acknowledgement for a connection set-up to a redirected cell in accordance with a redirection instruction that instructs a redirection to another cell controlled by a base station and is transmitted from the base station at the time of an RRC connection in a user terminal; determining in the user terminal whether a connection to the redirected cell is successful within a range of a maximum number of retransmissions; and performing a reverting process for reverting back to an originating cell when the connection to the redirected cell fails, in the user terminal.
US08423010B1
One or more computer readable media, that enable a method for remotely activating one or more communication-forwarding functions for a mobile-communication device are provided. The present invention allows a forwarding service operated by a provider of mobile communication services and a forwarding application that runs on a mobile communication device to be remotely activated by a user that does not have possession of the mobile communication device. The mobile communication device receives an activation message with instructions to automatically activate a communication-forwarding function. In response to the activation message the mobile communication device activates the requested communication-forwarding function in conformity with the instructions in the activation message. The activation message is generated and sent by an activation-message generator.
US08423002B2
A mobile device may determine an address of a location server to use for location-based services to the mobile device. In one implementation, a mobile device may retrieve a service list that indicates services available to the mobile device and determine whether location-based services are enabled for the mobile device. The mobile device may additionally retrieve, from a file stored as part of a file structure associated with a smart card of the mobile device, a network address of a location server corresponding to the location-based services. The mobile device may connect to the location server to obtain location-based services from the location server.
US08422999B1
Cellular telephone camera used to obtain an image, and to produce an output that helps recognize the words within that image, for example, a menu or a bill in a restaurant. The cellular telephone can have a low-light camera device so that it can obtain images in low light. The image processing can recognize characters in the image and display those characters using the phone's own internal font(s).
US08422995B2
Messages are routed via a cellular communications network to multiple cellular communications receivers configured for answering calls placed to a common subscriber number, such that a message originated with a single cellular call may reach multiple recipients. The geographic area of message distribution may be controlled by selectively enabling different cell sites for calling particular subscriber numbers. The cellular receivers may have message storage capabilities for subsequent replay of received messages. Message storage may be provided by downloading messages to a conventional telephone answering device also connected for landline telephone call answering, thereby adding received cellular messages to recorded landline telephone messages.
US08422990B2
A method for setting up a data link including requesting an identity of an IP network node by a registration module, transmitting an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) stored on a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card of the IP network node to the registration module, storing the received IMSI in a user database of the registration module, complementing an IP data channel to form signal and data channels of a GSM network by a signaling gateway module, using the complemented IP data channel as a basis for generating the necessary SS7/MAP functions for authenticating the IP network node, authenticating the IP network node by using the IMSI of the SIM card of the IP network node, receiving an entry in the user database of the registration module upon successful authentication, and setting up a data link to at least some of the network nodes.
US08422988B1
Activity levels are controlled and transmission costs are reduced for wireless mobile devices. Power consumption is optimized. Mobile device based activities are categorized according to importance, and associated with power thresholds. Actions are specified to perform responsive to the level of the battery dropping below specific power thresholds. The battery is periodically polled to determine its current level. Responsive to the current level dropping below a given power threshold, the associated action(s) are performed. Communication activity is also optimized in compliance with a service plan. A current service plan copy is maintained on the mobile device. Actions are specified to take when communication reaches given usage thresholds within a plan period. Communication use is tracked, and compared with usage thresholds. Responsive to communication reaching a threshold within a plan period, the associated action(s) are performed.
US08422984B2
Techniques presented herein allow connections with different (albeit possibly similar) scheduling or data delivery services to be aggregated (or “bundled”) into groups, with each group assigned a common Power Savings Class Type. Bundling different connections into common PSC types may reduce the overall number of different sleep windows for active connections, which may help reduce overall power consumption. For example, by automatically activating different PSC types (for different bundles of connections), the reduced number of sleep windows may overlap in a manner that results in the MS spending more overall time in a low power state than when conventional “unbundled” PSC schemes are utilized.
US08422983B2
In a radio receiver, an analog/digital converting unit, which digitalizes a received signal down-converted in a radio frequency unit and takes the digitalized signal in a baseband unit, is capable of setting a bias current. A method of controlling power consumption includes determining whether a change is a first change in which a state is changed from a receive state to a standby state of the communication signal or a second change in which a state is changed from the standby state to the receive state based on a digital signal output from the analog/digital converting unit; and setting the bias current to a value smaller than a value in case of the second change when the determined change is the first change, and setting the bias current to a value larger than a value in case of the first change when the determined change is the second change.
US08422971B2
A receiver for a wireless communication device comprising a mechanism for performing spur mitigation. A spur mitigation unit of the receiver is operable to determine a current estimate of a spur signal from an ADC output signal using a growing box filter. The spur mitigation unit can determine a power of the current estimate of the spur signal and a power of a previous estimate of the spur signal using a power measurement unit. The spur mitigation unit can determine whether the power of the previous estimate of the spur signal is greater than the power of the current estimate of the spur signal. If the power of the previous spur signal estimate is greater than the power of the current spur signal estimate, the spur mitigation unit can remove the spur signal from the ADC output signal based on the previous spur signal estimate.
US08422968B2
Wireless circuitry in an electronic device may contain radio-frequency transceiver circuitry and power amplifier circuitry that transmits radio-frequency signals through an antenna. A tap and power detector that are interposed in the radio-frequency signal path between the power amplifier circuitry and the antenna may be used to make output power measurements. Control circuitry may control the wireless circuitry in an open-loop control regime in which output power adjustments are based on a requested power without using the output power measurements. The control circuitry may also control the wireless circuitry in a closed-loop control regime in which the output power measurements serve as a source of real time feedback to determine whether to increase or decrease the output power. The output power may be controlled using linear transition zone power control curves in a transition zone between the open-loop regime and the closed-loop regime.
US08422963B2
A selected rate is received for an apparatus based on a hypothesized signal-to-noise-and-interference ratio (SINR) for the apparatus, and characterized statistics of noise and interference observed at a receiver for the apparatus. Data are processed in accordance with the rate selected for the apparatus.
US08422958B2
Spectrum sensing in wireless communications is provided to identify utilized and/or unutilized frequency bands reserved for primary users using a cyclostationary beamforming approach. An adaptive cross self-coherent restoral (ACS) algorithm can be utilized to extract signals of interest (SOI) at unique cycle frequencies related to primary and/or secondary users from an antenna array measurement. Based on the SOI, one or more users of the spectrum can be identified or the spectrum can be regarded as vacant; this can be based on lobe identification in the frequency spectrum of the SOI, in one example. This mechanism is less complex than traditional cyclic spectrum analysis methods. The cyclostationary beamforming based approach is more effective than the energy detection method. Also, the need for quiet periods in spectrum sensing is eliminated when using this mechanism such that signals can be transmitted simultaneously with receiving signals over the antenna array.
US08422943B2
Provided is a mobile communication system capable of eliminating the use of a control channel for transmitting specific area information and suppressing the overhead caused by a frequency change process for a mobile station to receive the specific area information. In the mobile communication system, a relay station (20) has a coverage area (21) (specific area) and relays and transmits, in the coverage area (21), a signal received from a base station (10) to a mobile station (30). The relay station (20) adds, to the signal received from the base station (10), the offset of any of a frequency offset, a time offset, and a power offset depending on a risk indicated by risk information in the coverage area (21) (specific area) and transmits the signal after the addition of the offset to the mobile station (30) located in the coverage area (21).
US08422939B2
According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises detecting, by a wireless network switch, a new association between an access point and a wireless station. Thereafter, a first message is transmitted from the wireless network switch. The first message is adapted to cause the access point to (i) join a multicast group to which the wireless station is a member and (ii) transmit a multicast message directly to a multicast router without routing the multicast message via the wireless network switch.
US08422938B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate transmitting at least two different types of information in a single signal, whereby the different types of information can be encoded and decoded independently. Thus, changes to one type of information does not affect a second type of information.
US08422937B2
There are provided a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus which can adjust adhesive strength by a simple configuration.A toner image for adhesive strength adjustment is formed on a toner image of a sheet to be bonded by an image forming portion provided in a copying machine body. An adhesive is applied onto a bonding portion of the sheet by a gluing device provided in a finisher. The bonding portion of the sheet onto which the adhesive is applied and the toner image having the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment of the sheet are bonded together by a second pushing-out member and a pair of second folding rollers provided in the finisher. The amount of toner forming the toner image for adhesive strength adjustment formed by the image forming portion is adjusted to adjust the adhesive strength of the adhesive.
US08422936B2
Disclosed is an image forming system including: an image forming apparatus; finishing apparatuses; and a conveyance unit apparatus; wherein the image forming apparatus include: a control section to judge which of the finishing apparatuses performs finishing and to transmit a judgment result to the conveyance unit apparatus, and the conveyance unit apparatus includes: placement sections, a conveyance path, discharging sections, discharging-section switching sections among which a discharging-section switching section corresponding to a discharging section discharging the sheet is switched, and a control section which judges the discharging section as discharging the sheet based on the judgment result and which switches the discharging-section switching section so that the sheet is discharged to the judged discharging section.
US08422919B2
A toning apparatus for an electrophotographic marking engine using multi-component developer includes a magnet for producing a magnetic field through the surface of a toning member, so that carrier particles in the developer in a receiving zone are attracted to the toning member. A rotatable ribbon blender includes an axle, a first inner ribbon and a first outer ribbon having opposite handednesses of twist and arranged to rotate with the axle, and a paddle connected to the first outer ribbon. The ribbon blender is disposed at least partially in the developer in a sump, so that when the ribbon blender rotates, the paddle transports developer from the sump to the receiving zone. No feed roller or supply roller is required; the ribbon blender mixes and transports developer.
US08422914B2
A developing cartridge detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus includes: a frame; a developer carrying member for carrying a developer; a regulating member for regulating a layer thickness of the developer carried on the developer carrying member; a supporting member provided on the frame in a state in which the supporting member supports an end of the regulating member at a first end portion thereof; a grip portion, provided with a spacing from a second end portion of the supporting member opposite from the first end portion of the supporting member, for gripping the developing cartridge; and a sheet member, provided on the supporting member so as to extend from the second end portion toward the grip portion, for covering the second end portion by being bent by an operation for gripping the grip portion.
US08422912B2
An image forming cartridge includes a photoconductor; a charger with a charging member contactable with the photoconductor; a case that accommodates the photoconductor and the charger; a cover which is detachably attached to the case and covers at least a part of the photoconductor; and a separating member which is located, on the cover, between a region other than the region of the photoconductor where an image is formed and the charger and separated them from each other.
US08422892B2
There is provided an image forming apparatus including: an image data acquiring unit that acquires image data of an image formed on a sheet; an identification information acquiring unit that acquires identification information that identifies the sheet on which the image is formed; an image forming unit that forms an image based on the image data on the sheet with a decolorable colorant which becomes colorless by a predetermined chemical reaction and that forms an identification information image based on the identification information on the sheet with a non-decolorable colorant which does not become colorless by the chemical reaction; and a storage control unit that stores the identification information and the image data of the image to be formed on the sheet, on which the identification information image corresponding to the identification information is formed, in a predetermined storage region in a correlated manner.
US08422889B2
Noise may be received through a microphone included in a lighting apparatus. The noise may then be analyzed to determine if a human being may have been the source of the noise, and a message sent over a network alerting other devices that a human-caused noise was detected.
US08422878B2
An imaging apparatus and an auto focusing method are provided. A plurality of focus signal values are calculated for a plurality of frequency bands of a captured image signal. An amount of defocus of a focus lens is calculated based on focus signal values calculated for two positions. A position of the focus lens is controlled depending on the calculated amount of defocus. Thereby, the imaging apparatus can detect a focus at higher speed.
US08422872B2
An image processing method and apparatus for automatically rotating an image and a display unit, and an information storage medium storing image information. The apparatus including a photographing unit which generates image data and a rotation sensing unit which generates rotational information of a rotation state of the photographing unit. When an object is photographed, the rotation information of the image is obtained and stored together, and when the image is displayed, the rotation is analyzed and the image and display unit are automatically rotated. When an image including moving picture information is watched, an image always optimized to be horizontal without additional work by a user can be seen.
US08422869B2
A fog effects system includes a control system, a fog fluid reservoir, an elongated insulator, an elongated electric heating element, an air supply subsystem, a fog fluid supply subsystem, and a handheld body. The control system can include a battery-operated power supply and a user-operable control. The heating element extends along the insulator. The control system electrically energizes the heating element during system operation. The air supply subsystem directs a flow of air along the heating element during system operation. The fog fluid supply supplies fog fluid to the flow of air. The heating element vaporizes the fog fluid, which is emitted from an end of the system.
US08422863B2
Provided is a video information playback method of reducing a wait time until playback is resumed when resume playback of a content whose video playback can be controlled by a program operating in a virtual machine. After playback of the content is stopped in the resume playback, the program operating in the virtual machine determines whether or not the content to be playback-resumed is a content whose playback is possible either when the program operating in the virtual machine is activated or deactivated. The information of the determining indicating whether the playback is enabled or disabled is recorded in a nonvolatile memory. When a playback resume instruction is inputted, the information of the determining related to the content to be playback-resumed is read out. When the content is determined to be playback-enabled, playback is resumed from the playback stop position without activating the program operating in the virtual machine. Otherwise, the program operating in the virtual machine is activated, and then the playback is resumed.
US08422860B2
An image processing apparatus includes a recorder. A recorder records repeatedly-fetched object scene images as a moving image. An extractor extracts one portion of the object scene images recorded by the recorder, in parallel with the recording process of the recorder. An evacuator alternatively evacuates a predetermined number, which is an upper limit, of the object scene images extracted by the extractor. An allocator allocates the object scene images evacuated by the evacuator at a time point at which the recording process of the recorder is ended, to the moving image recorded by the recorder. A controller starts up the evacuator at a frequency that is decreased according to an increase in an amount of moving images recorded by the recorder.
US08422859B2
A multimedia processing system identifies chapter breaks in a program represented by multimedia data through an analysis of audio content of a portion of the multimedia data so as to identify an interval that potentially represents a chapter break. This audio analysis can include an analysis to identify changes in high frequency edges in the audio content, an analysis to identify changes in the total energy in a central frequency band of the audio content, an analysis to identify patterns of sequentially repeating values in the audio content, an analysis to identify changes in bitrate, or some combination thereof. One or more variances in the audio information at (e.g., before) the start of the interval and the audio information at (e.g., after) the end of the interval then may be used to identify or otherwise characterize the interval as representing an actual chapter break. Further, a chapter represented by two consecutive chapter breaks can be identified as an advertisement based on the duration between the two consecutive chapter breaks and thus the multimedia processing device can implement a “commercial skip function” by omitting playback of the portion of the multimedia data representing the chapter responsive to the chapter being identified as an advertisement.
US08422858B2
Methods and systems are described for coordinating playing of media streams. In one aspect, an access by a media player to a presentation device to play a media stream is detected. Additionally, presentation focus information is accessed for determining whether the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Further, it is determine, based on the presentation focus information, that the media player has presentation focus for playing the media stream. Still further, in response to determining the media player has presentation focus, it is indicated that the media player is allowed to play the media stream via the presentation device.
US08422851B2
Methods and systems for generating playback instructions for time-warped playback of presentation layer protocol data. The method includes a protocol engine executing on a computing device recording a protocol data stream comprising a plurality of packets representing a user session. The protocol engine determines a complexity factor for a first portion of the protocol data stream and for a second portion of the protocol data stream based on content of the packets of the protocol data stream. The protocol engine determines a first playback rate for the first portion of the protocol data stream and a second playback rate for the second portion of the protocol data stream using the complexity factor of each portion of the protocol data stream, wherein the first playback rate differs from the second playback rate. The protocol engine renders the protocol data stream according to the determined playback rates.
US08422846B2
A fiber management device includes a first member having a floor, a first end, a second end and first and second sides, the first end including at least one holder for securing at least one optical fiber adapter to the first member, the second end including a frame holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first side and second sides including first and second fiber guide structures. A first optical fiber connector is in the at least one holder, and includes a first plurality of optical fibers forming a first loop on the floor that contacts the first fiber guide structure and the second fiber guide structure. A second member includes a housing releasably connected to the first member and defining with the first member an enclosure for the first loop.
US08422844B2
A plastic optical fiber cable includes: a bare plastic optical fiber including a core formed of a polymer containing a methyl methacrylate unit, and a clad layer including a layer formed of a specific fluorine-containing olefin resin at least in the outermost layer; and a coating layer around the bare plastic optical fiber, the coating layer including a light-shielding coating layer formed of a specific nylon resin composition, a functional coating layer (C) and a functional coating layer (D) in this order, where one of the functional coating layer (C) and the functional coating layer (D) is formed of a resin composition (I) containing a polybutylene terephthalate resin as a major component or an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer as a major component; the other is formed of a specific nylon resin composition (II); and a ratio of the thickness of the functional coating layer (C) to the thickness of the functional coating layer (D) is set to fall within a specific range.
US08422837B2
A semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor layer having a semiconductor integrated circuit, which is for processing an electrical signal, on a semiconductor substrate and an optical interconnect layer for transmitting an optical signal are joined. Control of modulation of the optical signal transmitted in the optical interconnect layer is performed by an electrical signal from the semiconductor layer, and an electrical signal generated by reception of light in the optical interconnect layer is transmitted to the semiconductor layer. The optical interconnect layer is disposed on the underside of the semiconductor substrate.
US08422835B2
An optical waveguide feedthrough assembly passes at least one optical waveguide through a bulk head, a sensor wall, or other feedthrough member. The optical waveguide feedthrough assembly comprises a cane-based optical waveguide that forms a glass plug sealingly disposed in a feedthrough housing. For some embodiments, the optical waveguide includes a tapered surface biased against a seal seat formed in the housing. The feedthrough assembly can include an annular gold gasket member disposed between the tapered surface and the seal seat. The feedthrough assembly can further include a backup seal. The backup seal comprises an elastomeric annular member disposed between the glass plug and the housing. The backup seal may be energized by a fluid pressure in the housing. The feedthrough assembly is operable in high temperature and high pressure environments.
US08422830B2
An image processing system includes a first image processor that reads out a first image written in a main memory to apply a first process to the first image and write in the main memory as a second image, a second image processor that reads out a second image written in the main memory to apply a second process to the second image and write in the main memory as a second image, and an address snooping apparatus that snoops an address of the image written in the main memory to start the first process when the address is indicated to a previously set first value and start the second process when the address is indicated to a previously set second value, effectively enabling synchronization between a process by a CPU or a special purpose processor and a data delivery/receipt process between pipeline stages.
US08422813B2
An image processing method includes the following steps. First, noise of a first image is filtered, and the first image is converted to obtain a first luminance signal. Second, a color space converting process is performed upon the first image to obtain a second image. Third, the second image is stored and outputted. Fourth, noise of the second image is filtered, and the second image is converted to obtain a second luminance signal. Fifth, a linear computing is performed to obtain a third image. Sixth, an error compensation is performed upon the third image and the second image, and the third image is outputted. Seventh, the color space converting process is performed to obtain and output a fourth image. The linear computing and the error compensation are performed upon a single image to filter the noise of the images, and thus a load of a system may be decreased.
US08422812B2
An image processor is provided with the high-frequency component detecting unit that calculates a convolution for each of regions of interest in part of an image region of input image data, to output the high-frequency component detection result for each pixel of interest; the smoothing unit that smoothes the image data, to output the smoothed image data; and the image data processing unit that combines based on the high-frequency component detection result the image data with the smoothed image data, to output the combined image data; wherein the image data processing unit varies the combination rate for the smoothed image data, based on the high-frequency component detection result. Thereby, even when a region in the image data contains such high frequency components as a checkered pattern has, an image resistant to moiré that would be generated in magnifying or reducing of the image on a region basis can be displayed without deterioration of image quality.
US08422808B2
Image encoding apparatus 10 according to the present invention is an image encoding apparatus 10 for dividing image signals into blocks, performing an orthogonal transform of each block, reading resultant orthogonal transform coefficients to obtain a coefficient string, and performing entropy coding, which has block selector 14 for selecting a size of a block for the orthogonal transform, out of a plurality of blocks of different sizes; coefficient string divider 12 for, when a block of a size larger than a minimum size is selected by block selector 14, dividing a coefficient string in the block into a plurality of coefficient strings of a length equal to that of a coefficient string in a block of the minimum size; and encoder 13 for performing entropy coding adapted to the coefficient string in the block of the minimum size. This substantializes the image encoding apparatus capable of achieving efficient entropy coding in the orthogonal transform of variable sizes.
US08422801B2
An image encoding method that allows stereoscopic rendering basically comprises the following steps. In a primary encoding step (VDE1), a visual image is encoded in accordance with a standard. In an auxiliary encoding step (GRE), stereo-enabling data that is associated with the visual image is encoded as if the stereo-enabling data was an auxiliary image that can be combined with the visual image in accordance with the standard concerned. The stereo-enabling data comprises respective values that indicate respective distances between respective areas in the visual image and a virtual observer. In a composition definition step (CTR1), a composition definition is provided that causes a decoding device, which operates in accordance with the standard, to include the stereo-enabling data as a graphics image in at least one specific area of an output image, which can be transmitted to a display device.
US08422798B1
Embodiments of the invention view image intensity data as a spectrum of underlying wave forms. The spectrum of these waves can be approximated using spectral estimation techniques where the spectrum parameters constitute the compressed image. The image's underlying wave forms can be recovered using an inverse Fourier transform. The original image can also be symmetrically extended prior to the transform to preserve real valued transformed data and model parameters. The modeling method is typically based on a linear predictive methodology to obtain the spectrum parameters. Other transforms include a 2-D Fourier transform that transforms the image into a holographic representation similar to synthetic aperture radar (SAR) phase history. This 2-D waveform holographic format can be decorrelated into 1-D planar waves by applying a 1D Fourier transform. This process enables 1-D linear predictive modeling to obtain the spectral parameters. For compression applications the model parameters are preferably quantized.
US08422791B2
Disclosed herein are a method and system for classifying a detected region of change of a video frame as one of an abandoned object event and an object removal event, wherein a plurality of boundary blocks define a boundary of said region of change. For each one of a set of said boundary blocks (510), the method determines a predicted edge characteristic (520) and an observed edge characteristic (530) for said boundary block. The method then determines an individual block score (540) for said boundary block, based on said predicted edge characteristic (520) for said boundary block and said observed edge characteristic (530) for said boundary block. Once all of the set of boundary blocks have been processed, the method determines a global score (560) for said region of change, based on said individual block scores of said boundary blocks. The method then classifies the region of change (570) as an abandoned object event or an object removal event, based on how the overall score relates to a threshold.
US08422786B2
A method, a system and a computer program product for analyzing a document are disclosed. In response to receiving the document, the document is partitioned into a plurality of segments using a set of pre-defined attributes. The plurality of segments of the document is mapped with corresponding segments of at least one template selected from a set of stored templates. A first template from the set of stored templates is selected and a group of segments in the first template is identified by computing at least one of a structural similarity and a textual similarity associated with the group of segments compared with the plurality of segments of the document. A subset of segments from the group of segments is aligned with corresponding segments from the plurality of segments of the document. A set of scores is computed using a set of pre-defined criteria, in response to the mapping. The document is analyzed based on the computed set of scores.
US08422784B2
An embodiment of a method is disclosed for compressing digital images which can be displayed by a graphics card. An embodiment of the method includes providing an image by the graphics card; marking out a foreground region in the image provided on the basis of depth information provided in the graphics card; compressing the marked-out foreground region; simplifying the image by smoothing the foreground region marked out in the image; and separately compressing the simplified image.
US08422778B2
During compressing an image at the compression processing section (image compressing apparatus), the color image processing apparatus detects edge of text and/or line art, generates the foreground layer represented by binary image for showing the detected edge, compresses the foreground layer with lossless compression, and compresses the background layer which is an image except the foreground layer with lossy compression. Furthermore, the color image processing apparatus sets the foreground layer color different from a color of text or line art, and provides information representing the set color into the compression file. As the set color, the color image processing apparatus utilizes the overall color representative for whole region of the image, or the text-vicinity color in the image. The edge region of the text and/or line art are represented with such the set color on the reproduced image based on the compression file.
US08422774B2
Vectorization of an image in which a monospaced line and surfaces coexist without generation of a gap in a boundary between the monospaced line and the surfaces or between the surfaces, is realized. Separation processing of the monospaced line and the surface is executed for each color region. After the separation, a pixel position where the monospaced line is located is filled with color information of an adjacent surface. Boundary-sharing type vectorization processing is executed for data which is obtained by filling the monospaced line. Further, vector data expressed by a core line and a line width is generated based on the monospaced line obtained by separation processing of the monospaced line and surface. A vectorization result of the monospaced line extracted according to each color, and a vectorization result of a boundary line of the surface generated from data after a monospaced line region is filled are outputted.
US08422772B2
A decoding device decodes coded image data having a plurality of color components and includes a variable length decoding unit that performs variable length decoding on the coded image data to generate variable length decoded data. A separation unit separates the plurality of color components to a predetermined number of color components, and obtains, from the variable length decoded data generated by the variable length decoding unit, each of pieces of data to be decoded in decoding processes, as necessary data required in at least one of decoding processes, and the decoding processes each corresponding to a corresponding component of the predetermined number of color components. Each of the image reconstruction units corresponds to a corresponding component of the predetermined number of color components, and generates, in parallel, decoded images regarding the respective components using the necessary data obtained by the separation unit.
US08422769B2
Methods of image segmentation using reduced foreground training data are described. In an embodiment, the foreground and background training data for use in segmentation of an image is determined by optimization of a modified energy function. The modified energy function is the energy function used in image segmentation with an additional term comprising a scalar value. The optimization is performed for different values of the scalar to produce multiple initial segmentations and one of these segmentations is selected based on pre-defined criteria. The training data is then used in segmenting the image. In other embodiments further methods are described: one places an ellipse inside the user-defined bounding box to define the background training data and another uses a comparison of properties of neighboring image elements, where one is outside the user-defined bounding box, to reduce the foreground training data.
US08422765B2
A three-dimensional image analysis system, a process device for use in the three-dimensional image analysis system, and a method thereof are provided. The three-dimensional image analysis system is configured to generate a plurality of three-dimensional data of a three-dimensional image. The process device defines a plurality of horizontal scan lines and a plurality of vertical scan lines according to the three dimensional data, determines a preliminary edge information of the three-dimensional image according to the horizontal scan lines and the vertical scan lines, divides the three dimensional data into a plurality of groups, compares the groups to determine a plane information of the three-dimensional image, and determines an edge information of the three-dimensional image according to the preliminary edge information and the plane information. The method is adapted for the process device.
US08422762B2
An abnormality detecting apparatus includes an imaging device for obtaining image data of a TIM, a failure detecting section for detecting appearance failures of the TIM on the basis of the image data of the TIM obtained by the imaging device, and a determining device for determining whether an abnormality occurs at the TIM on the basis of a detection result by the failure detecting section.
US08422755B2
A system and method for comparing captured sequences of in-vivo images with (e.g., template) sequences, for example, for computer-automated diagnosis. Captured in vivo images may be divided into a plurality of captured image sequences. For each of the plurality of captured sequences, the processor may assign a first and second set of scores to each frame in the captured sequence and align each frame in the captured sequence with one or more frames in the template sequence for which the comparisons therebetween generate the minimum scores in the first and second sets of scores. The processor may define a match between the template sequence and captured sequences having a combination of scores in the first and second sets of scores for the frames in the captured sets compared with the one or more aligned frames in the template sequence, which are below or above a threshold value.
US08422752B2
One or more blood vessel regions that represent one or more blood vessels that govern the function of an organ are extracted from a three dimensional anatomical image that represents the three dimensional shape of the organ. Next, blood vessel governed regions, the functions of which are governed by a single blood vessel, are estimated, based on each blood vessel region, while regions other than the blood vessel governed regions are estimated to be non governed regions. Index values to be indices of diagnosis are calculated by analyzing evaluation values that constitute a three dimensional functional image, without using the evaluation values included in the non governed regions. Then, the calculated index values are output to a display screen or the like.
US08422748B2
A method for grouping airway and artery pairs, includes: computing a two-dimensional (2D) cross-section of an airway; identifying regions of high-intensity in the 2D cross-section; computing a first indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the first indicator is an orientation measure of the high intensity region with respect to the airway; computing a second indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the second indicator is a circularity measure of the high intensity region; computing a third indicator for each of the high intensity regions, wherein the third indicator is a proximity measure of the high intensity region with respect to the airway; summing the first through third indicators for each of the high intensity regions to obtain a score for each of the high intensity regions; and determining which of the high intensity regions is an artery corresponding to the airway based on its score.
US08422747B1
A method for enabling a new member of a social network to tag photos of the new member is described, where the photos have been previously uploaded by existing members before the new member joined the social network. For example, a system can obtain a reference image (e.g., a profile picture) of the new member. The system compares the reference image to stored images in the social network using facial recognition technology and generates a list of stored images in which the new member may be pictured. The system enables the new member to take one or more predefined actions with regard to each image in the list. For example, the predefined actions may include tagging an image in which the new member is pictured, or sending a notification to the owner of an image in the list.
US08422746B2
The present invention relates to a face authentication system and an authentication method thereof. The system includes a photographing unit for detecting a face image of an authentication target person by using an auto focus lens equipped therewith; a distance extraction unit for extracting a distance from the photographing unit to a face of the authentication target person; a feature extraction unit for extracting feature points and distances therebetween of the face image for the authentication target person, which are detected by the photographing unit; an analysis unit for performing an analysis by comparing a distance to the face of the authentication target person extracted from the distance extraction unit with pre-registered distance information to the face of the authentication target person, and comparing feature points and distances therebetween of the face image for the authentication target person, which are extracted from the feature extraction unit, with pre-registered information of the face image of the authentication target person; and an authentication unit for authenticating the authentication target person according to an analysis result obtained by comparison of the analysis unit.
US08422734B1
A method for processing an image includes capturing a current frame and a previous frame and performing uni-directional motion estimation on the same for obtaining an initial motion vector; performing motion compensated interpolation with respect to the current and previous frames, and the motion vector for acquiring an interpolated frame; calculating and obtaining second motion vectors corresponding to target blocks in the current frame symmetrically using the interpolated block as a center; calculating and obtaining third motion vectors corresponding to the second motion vectors in the previous frame; obtaining distance values using a motion trajectory calibration process with respect to the second and third motion vectors; and obtaining the minimum distance value from the distance values and performing a bi-directional motion compensation process with respect to the motion trajectory corresponding to the minimum distance value obtained from the distance values.
US08422731B2
Embodiments of methods, apparatuses, devices and systems associated with video fingerprinting are disclosed.
US08422730B2
The present invention provides a system for analyzing forensic digital evidence using an image filter and a method thereof. The system for analyzing forensic evidence using an image filter includes: a duplicator that creates a copy of digital evidence; a verifying unit that discriminates whether a copy and the original of the digital evidence are the same; an original storage that stores the original of the digital evidence; an evidence analyzer that classifies image files for the copy of the digital evidence stored in the original storage, on the basis of an image filtering model created by a learning model in accordance with predetermined categories, and then analyzes the evidence; and a reporting unit that creates a report about the result of evidence analysis. The image evidence analyzer includes an image file extractor, an image filtering model learning unit, an image filter, and a plurality of analyzers.
US08422725B2
A bobbin for a loudspeaker includes at least one base and at least one carbon nanotube structure. The at least one carbon nanotube structure is positioned on at least one surface of the base. A loudspeaker includes a magnetic circuit, a bobbin; a voice coil, and a diaphragm. The magnetic circuit defines a magnetic gap. The bobbin is located in the magnetic gap and includes at least one carbon nanotube structure. The voice coil is wounded on the bobbin. The diaphragm includes an inner rim fixed to the bobbin.
US08422713B2
A loudspeaker system for the reproduction of acoustic waves of music, sound and speech in a substantially circular horizontal plane. The loudspeaker system includes multiple spherical enclosures, each enclosure housing a pair of transducers, each pair of transducers producing acoustic waves of a predetermined frequency range.
US08422712B2
A sound reproduction system is disclosed in which at least one driver is provided, along with a horn member in acoustic loading relationship to the driver. The horn member defines an internal passageway having a first end and a second open end, with the driver at the first end, producing a driver soundwave having an initial central axis and an initial amplitude distribution. A plurality of vanes are disposed in the internal passageway, at different angles from the central axis to deflect respective portions of the driver soundwave so as to alter the initial amplitude distribution.
US08422710B2
The production of a hearing aid device suitable for wireless signal transmission is simplified by providing fastening elements connected as one piece with the housing shell. The fastening elements serve for placement and fastening of an antenna or coil in the housing shell of the appertaining hearing aid device. The production of a hearing aid device with a corresponding antenna or coil is thereby simplified. The alignment of the antenna or coil in the housing shell can also already be optimized using a computer model of the housing shell.
US08422698B2
A signal processing apparatus includes: clip detector means that detects presence/absence of a clipped part with a deformed waveform in each of N audio signals output from N microphones (where N is an integer equal to or greater than 2) based on a dynamic range of a circuit; and interpolation means that treats an audio signal in the N audio signals which has the clipped part detected by the clip detector means as an interpolation target, and other audio signals as non-interpolation targets, and interpolates the waveform of the clipped part of the interpolation target using the waveform of at least one audio signal in the non-interpolation targets.
US08422695B2
A sound processing apparatus includes a sound determination portion operable to determine whether an input sound includes a first sound emitted from a particular source based on location information of the source, a sound separation portion operable to separate the input sound into the first sound and a second sound emitted from a source different from the particular source if the sound determination portion determines that the input sound includes the first sound, and a sound mixing portion operable to mix the first sound and the second sound separated by the sound separation portion at a prescribed volume ratio.
US08422686B2
A method for automated validation and execution of cryptographic key and certificate deployment and distribution includes providing one or more keys; providing one or more key deployment points; and distributing the one or more keys to the one or more key deployment points in an automated manner based on a matrix or pattern mapping of each of the one or more keys to be distributed to each of the one or more key deployment points.
US08422678B2
A method, apparatus and system enable security keys to be processed in a dedicated partition on a secure wireless platform. Specifically, embodiments of the present invention may utilize a secure processing area (i.e., a dedicated partition) to generate security keys and to utilize the security keys to perform a 4-way handshake to provide confidentiality and integrity protection for all data communication between the wireless node and an access point.
US08422673B2
An apparatus, method and/or computer-readable medium protects against use of a unity key in a public key infrastructure (PKI). A public key and a private key are acquired according to the PKI. A message is encrypted by the public key to obtain ciphertext. A portion of the ciphertext is compared with a portion of the message. If the portion of the ciphertext is substantially equal to the portion of the message, a larger portion of the ciphertext is compared with a larger portion of the message to determine if the ciphertext is substantially equal to the message. If the ciphertext is substantially equal to the message, the ciphertext is rejected.
US08422672B2
An authenticated device 200 includes a memory unit 220 to store at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier, a transmitting unit 212 to transmit at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier stored by the memory unit 220 to an authenticating device 100, a receiving unit 211 to receive a prescribed algorithm identifier and a prescribed encryption key identifier selected from among at least one algorithm identifier and at least one encryption key identifier transmitted by the transmitting unit 212 from the authenticating device 100, and an authentication processing unit 296 to perform an authentication process with the authenticating device 100 based on the prescribed algorithm identifier and the prescribed encryption key identifier received by the receiving unit 211.
US08422667B2
An encrypted rolling code (11), a plurality of differing data bit order patterns (13), and a plurality of differing data inversion patterns 14) are provided. One then selects (15) a particular one of each of these patterns and uses those selected patterns as transmission characteristics when transmitting (16) at least part of the encrypted rolling code.
US08422661B2
A terminal includes a key input unit having a key section and an output unit outputting information inputted by the key input unit. The terminal includes a touch detection unit which detects a touch of an object to the key section and detects a moving distance that the object moves on a surface of the key section while keeping the touch and a control unit which switches information outputted to the output unit according to the moving distance detected by the touch detection unit.
US08422653B2
A method and system for providing computer-network related information about a calling party. First, the called party receives a telephone number of a calling party. The called party's customer premises equipment (CPE) or elements in a telephone network then use the telephone number to index a database, which contains combinations of telephone numbers and computer-network addresses. Once the calling party's computer-network address is retrieved, calling-party-customized information present at the computer-network location specified by the computer-network address can be sent to and displayed on the called party's CPE. Also, the calling party's telephone number can be sent to an application in the computer network, causing the calling-party-customized information to be automatically displayed on the called party's CPE.
US08422652B2
This client device (20) is able to use a service on a telecommunications network (1). It includes means (21) for storing a call credit (C_S1, C_S2) associated with that service and means (30) for updating that credit as a function of the use of that service by the client (20) on reception of a request from a service provider (FS1, FS2).
US08422646B2
A method and apparatus for forwarding voicemail is provided. A voicemail server determines that voicemail data stored in a memory device has been classified as urgent, the voicemail data for forwarding to a recipient communication device. Availability data associated with the recipient communication device is processed to determine an availability of the recipient communication device. If the availability data is indicative that the recipient communication device is available for receiving calls, then the voicemail data is provided to the recipient communication device.
US08422644B2
Systems and methods are provided for contact channel redirection to improve agent routing/assignment efficiency and customer experience. For example, the system may redirect a customer, waiting in a queue for an agent for telephonic communications, to a chat agent for online chat.
US08422636B2
An imaging system includes an x-ray source, a detector that receives x-rays emitted from the x-ray source, a DAS configured to count photon hits in the detector that occur at photon energies above at least a low keV threshold, a medium keV threshold, and a high keV threshold, and a computer operably coupled to the DAS. The computer is programmed to vary each of the medium keV threshold and the high keV threshold over a continuous keV range during data acquisition to define low, medium, and high keV bins that are based on the low, medium, and high keV thresholds, obtain photon counts in the low, medium, and high keV bins in a plurality of keV threshold combinations, calculate a noise variance as a function of at least one of the keV thresholds, and identify a noise minimum and low, medium, and high keV thresholds that correspond thereto.
US08422630B2
In order to prevent misdetection and erroneous detection by clearly determining only a contrast caused by a foreign matter, there are provided an X-ray inspection method and an X-ray inspection device including: an X-ray tube (11) for irradiating a measurement sample with a characteristic X-ray having energy lower than an X-ray absorption edge of one element contained in the measurement sample and having energy higher than an X-ray absorption edge of a detection element; an X-ray detector (13) for receiving a transmission X-ray obtained when the X-ray passes through the sample; and an operation portion (15) for obtaining a contrast image from a transmission image of the transmission X-ray.
US08422627B2
A method is disclosed for detecting X-ray radiation from an X-ray emitter. In at least one embodiment of the method, an electric pulse with a pulse amplitude characteristic of the energy of a quantum is generated when a quantum of the X-ray radiation impinges on a sensor, wherein a number of threshold energies are predetermined. When the pulse amplitude corresponding to the respective energy is exceeded, a signal is emitted each time the pulse amplitude corresponding to a respective threshold energy is exceeded. At least one embodiment of the method permits reliable and high-quality imaging, even in image regions with high X-ray quanta rates. To this end, at least one of the threshold energies is predetermined such that it is higher than the maximum energy of the X-ray spectrum emitted by the X-ray emitter.
US08422624B2
A method and an apparatus for dimensionally measuring parts by means of a coordinate measuring instrument. In order enable measurement of parts that are made of different materials with great accuracy, a computerized tomography sensor is integrated into the coordinate measuring instrument.
US08422614B2
Methods and apparatus for setting timing of sampling of one or more symbols. The disclosed methods account for at least three types of effective interference (EI) and are used to set the timing of a sampling window for sampling received symbols. The methods includes setting timing based on determining an energy density function accounting for both static and dynamic EI, determining the minimum of a total energy profile and sliding the sampling window to ensure that the minimum point is at a predetermined point, and determining and using a composite energy profile accounting for short term and long term fading effects. The disclosed apparatus include a transceiver employing one or more of the disclosed methods for setting timing when receiving the symbols.
US08422606B2
Certain aspects of the method may comprise receiving a plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals from a plurality of transmit antennas at a base station. A plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates may be generated based on phase rotation of the received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals. A plurality of pre-equalization weights may be generated based on the generated plurality of vectors of baseband combined channel estimates. The received plurality of spatially multiplexed communication signals may be modified based on the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights. At least a portion of the generated plurality of pre-equalization weights may be fed back to the base station for modifying subsequently transmitted spatially multiplexed communication signals which are transmitted from at least a portion of the plurality of transmit antennas at the base station.
US08422598B2
A method is provided for decoding a signal received by a receiver including at least one reception antenna. The method includes: selecting, among at least two techniques available in the receiver, a decoding technique representative of a space/time encoding implemented upon transmission; and decoding the signal using the selected decoding technique. The selecting step takes into account at least one selection criterion.
US08422595B2
According to an embodiment, a receiver, system and method for channel estimation in a communications system utilizing multiple transmit antennas are provided. The receiver comprises an antenna node operable to receive a signal that includes a superposition of at least a first signal corresponding to a first sequence and a second signal corresponding to a second sequence; and a channel estimator, coupled to the antenna node, operable to correlate the received signal with at least one of the first and second sequences, to determine at least one boundary between at least two waveforms resulting from the correlation, and to calculate using the boundary and the at least two waveforms a first channel response corresponding to the first signal and a second channel response corresponding the second signal. Channel estimates are determined based on determined boundaries and may be smoothed by a Savitzky-Golay filter in the frequency domain. The variance of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) may also be estimated.
US08422593B2
Disclosed is a wireless signal receiving apparatus, and more particularly, disclosed is a parallel automatic frequency offset estimation apparatus and method for tracking a frequency offset in an early stage by calculating, in parallel, frequency offsets of a received signal. The parallel automatic frequency offset estimation apparatus includes a receiving unit to receive a data frame; and a frequency offset estimation unit to calculate, in parallel, frequency and phase deviations at different bit intervals within a particular section of the received data frame, to add together the frequency and phase deviations to obtain a first sum of the frequency and phase deviations, and to add the first sum to a frequency phase deviation calculated for each bit after the particular section in the received data frame to obtain a second sum of the frequency and phase deviations. Accordingly, transmission frequency tracking can be performed at higher speed, compared to the conventional systems in which frequency offset acquisition is carried out in stages. Also, accurate tracking of a transmission frequency is possible in an initial frame.
US08422592B2
A duplicating section duplicates a bit sequence to be input, and a 16QAM section modulates a bit sequence of a duplicating source to form a symbol, a 16QAM section modulates the duplicated bit sequence to form a symbol, an S/P section parallel converts the symbol sequence input in series, an S/P section parallel converts the symbol sequence input in series, and an IFFT section 15 provides IFFT processing to the input symbol sequence. Since each of multiple same bits duplicated by the duplicating section is included in a different symbol, each of the multiple same bits is allocated to each of multiple subcarriers each having a different frequency by IFFT processing. As a result, a multicarrier signal including the multiple same bits each having a different frequency is generated.
US08422582B2
A method and apparatus are provided for emitting and receiving a signal in a multi-antennae system, using spatial precoding. A method for emitting a signal from an emitter towards a receiver via a transmission channel, in the form of a set of data flows, includes distributing the emission antennae into a plurality of groups containing at least one antenna, at least one group containing two antennae, according to at least one piece of information representing the transmission channel. The method also includes: attributing an efficiency to each emission antenna; allocating an emission power to each data flow; and spatial precoding the signal, using a matrix for diagonal precoding by blocks, containing at least two blocks, each block being associated with one of the groups of antennae.
US08422581B2
Provided is a multi-antenna transmission device (400) which can perform MLD by using a simple configuration of a reception device in a MIMO-AMC system. The multi-antenna transmission device (400) includes common signal point mapping units (401, 402) for mapping data transmitted from different antennas (111, 112) in transmission scheme using MIMO spatial multiplexing, to common signal points shared by respective modulation methods. Thus, the arrangement of baseband signal points obtained by mapping a code word after channel encoding onto an IQ plane can be shared as common signal points shared by modulation methods. Accordingly, the reception device need not prepare a particular circuit for performing MLD calculation in accordance with a combination of the methods for modulating the signals which have been MIMO-space multiplexed. This can reduce the circuit size of the MLD calculation circuit.
US08422577B1
During a first time interval, an access point transmits orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals using a first cyclic prefix length. The access point receives a plurality of signal reports, such as Channel Quality Indicators (CQIs), from user devices being served by the access point. Based on the signal reports, the access point determines a distribution of signal qualities experienced by the user devices. The access point selects a second cyclic prefix length based, at least in part, on the distribution of signal qualities. The access point transmits OFDM signals using the second cyclic prefix length during a second time interval.
US08422573B2
The invention discloses a transmitting apparatus. The transmitting apparatus uses the same transmission medium to transmit two signals that are within different frequency ranges at the same time. The transmitting apparatus increases the transmitting paths of the transmission medium so as to enhance the use of the transmission medium and save the production costs.
US08422571B2
A method for simultaneous transmission in time and frequency of multiple communications of data using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation includes transmitting the multiple communications of data at a same time on a single channel. A first starting signal, transmitted using a first network device, and a second starting signal, transmitted using a second network device, are used in transmission of a frame. Properties of the first starting signal and the second starting signal for transmission of each of the multiple communications are modified by shifting a frequency of the first starting signal with respect to a frequency of the second starting signal so that remaining communications coincident in time and frequency with respect to a given communication are ignored. The frequency of the first starting signal is shifted an amount equal to a fraction of a separation between carriers of the OFDM modulation.
US08422561B2
A method and system are provided for discriminating areas of content from areas of noise in difference images of a digital video sequence. This allows the fewest bits possible to be used to encode areas of noise according to a video compression algorithm. The method comprises computing a difference frame from current image data and a reference frame; comparing at least one component of a candidate block within the difference frame to a threshold value to discriminate between content and noise; and encoding the candidate block if content is detected.
US08422547B2
Disclosed herein is a signal transmission apparatus including a two-pixel sampling out control section, a word sampling out control section, and a readout control section.
US08422544B2
In a wireless communication system, a method for estimating a transmitted signal is disclosed. A wireless signal is received that includes a pilot channel and at least one other channel. A transmitted signal is estimated using an equalizer and the received wireless signal. The equalizer includes a filter with a plurality of taps that are adapted through use of an adaptive algorithm that uses an estimated pilot estimated from the received wireless signal. The pilot channel is transmitted in the wireless signal that included the at least one other channel. The estimated pilot is extracted and provided to the adaptive algorithm.
US08422542B2
A method of ameliorating channel effects present in a signal received through a channel, wherein the signal conveys at least first and second information streams and the method comprises the steps of determining from the first stream activation of the second stream and processing the signal to ameliorate channel effects, when the second stream is present, in a first manner comprising filtering the signal through filter means to ameliorate channel dispersion and then processing the signal through Rake receiver means or, when the second stream is absent, in a second manner comprising processing the signal through the Rake receiver means without prior amelioration of channel dispersion by the filter means.
US08422539B2
A multi-carrier receiver, multi-carrier transmitter and a multi-carrier transceiver system are provided. The multi-carrier receiver includes a first processing unit, a router and a second processing unit. The first processing unit has M first processing paths, applies intensity processing on at least a RF signal for outputting sub-carrier signals. The router has M input terminals and N output terminals, where the M input terminals are respectively coupled to the M first processing paths and receive the sub-carrier signals. The router outputs the sub-carrier signals to the N output terminals and the received signal at each output terminal of the router includes the sub-carrier signal at each input terminal. The second processing unit has N second processing paths respectively coupled to the N output terminals for demodulating the sub-carrier signals and applies an analog-to-digital conversion on the demodulated signals for generating digital signals, where M and N are greater than 0.
US08422538B2
A channel estimation method for an OFDM relaying system, which is based on an EM algorithm and applied to an AF OFDM relaying system, wherein channels from a source node to a relaying system and from the relaying system to the destination node in a wireless communication system are respectively estimated at the destination node. The channel estimation method of the present invention comprises steps of: constructing a system model; setting an expectation function; performing maximization processing; and performing iteration. The method of the present invention respectively estimates the channels from the source node to the relaying system and from the relaying system to the destination node, whereby are optimally combined the signals of the direct path (source-to-destination) and the signals of the relay path (source-to-relay and relay-to-destination) at the destination node.
US08422537B2
Presently disclosed is a method for reducing interference in a wireless distributed antenna systems. In an embodiment, interference is reduced by selectively placing a first wireless remote unit in a reduced signal interference mode. A controller sends a signal, such as a reverse link power-down signal, to the first remote unit after detecting less than a threshold incoming signal strength at the first remote unit. In an alternative embodiment, the controller requests that a given remote unit switch to the reduced signal interference mode when the controller is receiving signals from a mobile station through at least two different remote units.
US08422536B2
A system and method for generating a spread spectrum clock signal with a constant ppm offset as a function of a repetition number. A phase interpolator can be configured in association with of a phase-locked loop circuit in order to provide a phase movement from a bit clock generated by the PLL circuit. A repetition number divider computes the repetition number for each time slot in a piece-wise SSC modulation profile. A noise shaping modulator can be employed for modulating a fractional part associated with the repetition number. A repetition counter and a phase accumulator receives an integer part of the repetition number and counts unit interval clock periods equal to a sum of integer and the sigma-delta modulated fractional parts of the repetition number. The phase accumulator can be incremented and/or decremented based on the sign of the spread spectrum direction.
US08422530B2
Provided is a laser module. The laser module comprises: a substrate; an gain unit oscillating a laser light on the substrate; an external resonance reflecting unit total-reflecting the laser light at an external of the substrate adjacent to one side of the gain unit; and an inner resonance reflecting unit reflecting the laser light to the external resonance reflecting unit at the substrate between the modulating unit and gain unit and outputting the laser light to the modulating unit.
US08422523B2
A laser light-source apparatus according to the present invention is equipped with: a laser-driving circuit board, thermal insulators that are placed on the laser-driving circuit board; a heat receiving plate that is placed on the thermal insulators and thermally insulated from the laser-driving circuit board, a laser light-source module that is installed on the heat receiving plate so as to be thermally connected to the heat receiving plate and is also electrically connected to the laser-driving circuit board so as to be driven thereby, and a heat sink that is thermally connected to the heat receiving plate via a heat pipe.
US08422519B2
An optical supercontinuum radiation source for generating a broad optical supercontinuum from pump radiation having a wavelength in the range 900 nm to 1200 nm includes a microstructured optical fiber and a pump laser adapted to generate pump radiation for pumping the microstructured optical fiber. The fiber can have a Δ (“delta”) value of greater than 0.3, the core region of the fiber can support a plurality of modes at the pump wavelength, and the cladding region can comprise at least two air holes extending along the length of fiber wherein the ratio of the diameter (d) of the air holes to their pitch (Λ) is greater than 0.6. The fiber can comprise a zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW) within ±200 nm of said pump wavelength.
US08422518B2
A method of transmitting audio data across a digital interface is provided. The method includes receiving audio data, organized as a plurality of audio samples. At least one of the plurality of audio samples may be placed into a data packet. The data packet may be transmitted during a valid transmission interval if the data packet is full or during a valid transmission interval in response to receiving a packet send event.
US08422507B2
Methods and apparatus for intercepting communications in an Internet Protocol (IP) network involve maintaining dialing profiles for respective subscribers to the IP network, each dialing profile including a username associated with the corresponding subscriber, and associating intercept information with the dialing profile of a subscriber whose communications are to be monitored. Intercept information will include determination information for determining whether to intercept a communication involving the subscriber, and destination information identifying a device to which intercepted communications involving the subscriber are to be sent. When the determination information meets intercept criteria communications are established with a media relay through which communications involving the subscriber will be conducted or are being conducted to cause the media relay to send a copy of the communications involving the subscriber to a mediation device specified by the destination information.
US08422497B2
A method for configuring and managing a multicast data delivery path in a wireless ad-hoc network and a multicast data delivery system using the same are disclosed. The method includes transmitting, by a parent node, first messages to respective child nodes, transmitting, by each of the child nodes, a second message to the parent node in response to the first message relayed by at least some of non-member nodes other than the parent node, performing an operation as a branch node by a non-member node receiving second messages belonging to the same multicast session and transmitted from different originators, and establishing, by the parent node receiving at least one second message, an Internet protocol (IP) tunnel with the originator of the received at least one second message. The performing of the operation as the branch node includes regarding the originators of the received second messages as child nodes, establishing IP tunnels connected to the respective child nodes, generating a new second message including an identifier (ID) of the branch node and IDs of the child nodes in an originator field and a child list field, respectively, and transmitting the generated second message to the parent node.
US08422496B2
The content receiving unit (201) receives IP packets (Ethernet frames) that include broadcast content. The assigning unit (202) assigns, based on a given method, received Ethernet frames to the A-layer and the B-layer that are different digital broadcast layers. The Ethernet frames assigned to the A-layer are encapsulated by the A-layer processing unit (203), and transmitted to a terrestrial digital broadcast network together with encapsulation format information. Meanwhile, the Ethernet frames assigned to the B-layer are encapsulated by the B-layer processing unit (204), and transmitted to the terrestrial digital broadcast network together with encapsulation format information.
US08422495B2
In one embodiment, a reservation proxy monitors for received connectivity check messages or beginning-of-media-flow indication messages. When either type of message is observed, the reservation proxy requests resource allocation for a media flow associated with the received message. The amount of resource allocation requested may be coordinated by exchanging messages with a call controller or policy server for one of the endpoints of the media flow, or the amount of resource allocation may be identified within the received message.
US08422491B2
A mobile network configuration 500 includes a mobile router 525 forming one or more mobile subnets and including a plurality of cellular network interface devices 552, 554, 556, 558 installed thereon. The mobile network 500 further includes a network controller 520 installed as a node on a WAN 515. The mobile network 500 utilizes one or more cellular networks 505, 510 to provide network access to the WAN 515 via gateways 568, 570. The mobile router 525 provides a network interface between one or more local subnets 530, 535 and the at least one cellular network 505, 510. The mobile network 500 operates to establish an IP tunnel between the mobile router 525 and the network controller 520 for each of the plurality of cellular network interface devices 552, 554, 556, 558 installed on the mobile router 525 and to exchange network traffic between the mobile router and the network controller over any one of the IP tunnels.
US08422481B2
A method of managing data transmission in a mesh-topology ad-hoc network. The method includes transmitting management information by a plurality of mobile stations of the network, selecting a mobile station to serve as a master, responsive to the transmitted management information, transmitting to the master requests for bandwidth, allocating bandwidth by the master, responsive to the requests and forwarding the bandwidth allocation to the mobile stations of the network.
US08422477B2
Methods and apparatus for RF channel switching in a multi-frequency network. In an aspect, a method includes identifying a local area operations infrastructure (LOI) in the multi-frequency network, generating a channel description message that associates at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel associated with the LOI, respectively, and distributing the CDM over the LOI. In another aspect, a method includes receiving a CDM that associates at least one descrambling sequence identifier with each RF channel available in a LOI, detecting an RF channel switch event that identifies a selected RF channel, determining a selected descrambling sequence identifier from the CDM based on the selected RF channel, switching to the selected RF channel wherein the selected descrambling sequence identifier identifies a selected descrambling sequence to descramble desired content carried on the selected RF channel, and acquiring the desired content on the selected RF channel.
US08422471B2
According to an embodiment, a information processing apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a first search unit, and a connection unit. The wireless communication unit performs wireless communication with another apparatus which is utilizable as a wireless base station. The first search unit is configured to: use the wireless communication unit to sequentially transmit, in a second transmission period different from a first transmission period, plural of first identification signals having different center frequencies within a frequency band usable by the wireless communication unit, as an activation request signal for requesting activation of a wireless communication unit included in the another apparatus; repeatedly transmit, in a first repetition period, the first signals in the frequency band; and search for the another apparatus. The connection unit uses the communication unit to establish connection with the another apparatus which is searched for.
US08422465B2
Provided are a transmitter and receiver for a high throughput wireless communication system using a multiple antenna, a method thereof, and a digital intermediate frequency (DIF) transmission signal processing method for the same. The transmitter, includes: a baseband transmitting unit for processing a transmission signal by performing a Media Access Control (MAC) protocol process on transmission data and dividing the transmission data into n band signals where n is a predetermined natural number in a physical layer process; a DIF transmitting unit for integrating transmission signals of each band transmitted from the baseband transmitting unit and outputting m channels where m is a predetermined natural number; and a Radio Frequency (RF) transmitting unit for modulating each channel signal transmitted from the DIF transmitting unit into an RF signal and emitting the signal through the multiple antenna.
US08422459B2
In the field of communication technologies, a route optimization method and system are provided, so as to improve the data transfer efficiency between a Mobile Node (MN) and a Corresponding Node (CN). The method includes: acquiring location information of a current access device of the CN, by a current anchor device of the MN (S201); and establishing a transmission tunnel between a current access device of the MN and the current access device of the CN (S202).
US08422452B2
A communication method in LIPA/SIPTO architecture is provided which, when a user equipment (UE) is to connect from a serving area to an external network, allows re-selection of an optimal gateway. The communication method allows selecting a gateway apparatus physically or topologically close to a site, where the user equipment is attached.
US08422448B2
A method and system for group call control in a broadband wireless network. A group call (push-to-talk) server initiates and regulates group call communication sessions. A wireless base station communicates with one or more group call participants. When a request to participate in a group call is received, it is examined to see if it contains a group call ID or other group call indicator. If not, regular call resources are allocated, if available. If so, it is determined whether another group member is attached to the base station. Group call resources are then reserved, if available, based on this determination. The resources allocated for the group call may also depend on whether the system supports multicast on the downlink to group members, or whether losing audio is supported. In some embodiments, network resources may be reallocated to support the group call.
US08422440B2
A radio base station according to the present invention includes: a determiner determining a transfer rate of data transferred from the radio network controller to the radio base station, based on a predetermined bandwidth of a wired transmission path, a bandwidth of the wired transmission path not being used, and a bandwidth of the wired transmission path being used by the mobile station; and a notifier notifying the radio network controller of the determined transfer rate.
US08422434B2
Techniques for managing peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) for multi-carrier modulation in wireless communication systems. Different terminals in a multiple-access system may have different required transmit powers. The number of carriers to allocate to each terminal is made dependent on its required transmit power. Terminals with higher required transmit powers may be allocated fewer carriers (associated with smaller PAPR) to allow the power amplifier to operate at higher power levels. Terminals with lower required transmit powers may be allocated more carriers (associated with higher PAPR) since the power amplifier is operated at lower power levels. The specific carriers to assign to the terminals may also be determined by their transmit power levels to reduce out-of-band emissions. Terminals with higher required transmit powers may be assigned with carriers near the middle of the operating band, and terminals with lower required transmit powers may be assigned with carriers near the band edges.
US08422431B2
Apparatus, and an associated method, for identifying availability of services in a radio network of a radio communication system. A system information message is generated at the radio access network that identifies the service availability of the radio network, such as by indicating the communication services supported by the network. The system information message, once generated, is communicated upon a broadcast control channel, or other appropriate channel, and delivered to a mobile node. The mobile node detects the system information message and determines the availability of services of the radio network therefrom. Selection of whether to register with the network is made responsive to whether the network supports the communication service that the mobile node intends to initiate.
US08422430B2
A method and an apparatus for updating an Access Point Name (APN) subscription configuration are disclosed. The method includes: receiving an update request message sent by a network element, where the update request message carries the first APN information, Packet Data Network (PDN) Gateway (GW) information and an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI); obtaining the second APN information of the corresponding user according to the IMSI; and updating a wild card APN subscription configuration of the corresponding user according to the first APN information if the first APN information is different from the second APN information and the corresponding user subscribes to a wild card APN. The embodiments of the present invention reduce unnecessary signaling interactions between the Home Subscriber Server (HSS) and other network elements, enhance the data transmission performance of the network, and reduce the unnecessary overhead of the HSS.
US08422426B2
A method and apparatus for multi-cell calibration in a wireless communication system supporting cooperative Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) are provided. Operations of a Base Station (BS) according to the method include transmitting a first message indicating a start of multi-cell sounding calibration to a reference Mobile Station (MS); estimating an uplink channel matrix of the reference MS using pilot symbols received from the reference MS; transmitting pilot symbols for enabling the reference MS to estimate a downlink channel matrix; when receiving downlink channel information of cooperative BSs from the reference MS, transmitting second messages comprising the downlink channel information to the cooperative BSs; and determining a multi-cell calibration matrix using the uplink channel matrix and the downlink channel information received from the reference MS.
US08422421B2
Automatic cancellation of BP merger in multi-band OFDM alliance (MBOA) ultra wide band (UWB) systems
The current MBOA UWB MAC protocol requires a device that detects alien devices to include a BP Switch IE in its beacon so that its neighbors may learn the presence of the alien devices and follow that device to relocate their beacons in a coordinated fashion. However, during the transition period of beacon relocation, that device may decide to halt the relocation process as required by the standard and such decisions also have to be received by its neighbors. In such a case, a BP switch IE will be generated by that device which includes a BPST offset equal to a length of a superframe.
US08422415B1
A method, system, and computer-readable media are provided for maintaining optimized communication after a mobile device transitions to a new foreign agent during a communication session. When a mobile device moves to and registers with a new foreign agent within a communication session, the mobile device's home agent multicasts a message to all foreign agents within an optimization cluster informing them of the updated registration. Accordingly, the foreign agents within the optimization cluster can proceed to transmit data packets directly to the new foreign agent servicing the mobile device within the communication session.
US08422412B2
A signal selector enhancer suitable for portable electronic devices and base stations is disclosed. In one embodiment, the enhancer can include: a filter for receiving a signal from a first node, and for providing a filtered signal output therefrom, where the first node is coupled to a signal selector; and a noise canceller for receiving the filtered signal output, and for providing an adjusted filtered signal at a second node, where the second node is coupled to the signal selector, and where an operation of the signal selector is enhanced by the filter and the noise canceller arrangement.
US08422410B2
A mobile communication technology, and, more particularly, a method for efficiently transmitting data stored in a message 3 (Msg3) buffer and a user equipment for the same is disclosed. The method of transmitting data by a user equipment in uplink includes receiving an uplink (UP) Grant signal from a base station on a specific message, determining whether there is data stored in a message 3 (Msg3) buffer when receiving the UL Grant signal on the specific message, determining whether the specific message is a random access response message, and transmitting the data stored in the Msg3 buffer to the base station using the UL Grant signal received on the specific message, if there is data stored in the Msg3 buffer when receiving the UL Grant signal on the specific message and the specific message is the random access response message.
US08422399B2
Systems and methods for mapping and analyzing vulnerabilities in networks. In one embodiment, a network is mapped, comprising: converting network line data into point data; associating the point data with cells of a grid overlaying the network; and analyzing the network by determining the relationship of the point data to the cells of the grid.
US08422394B2
A wireless communication device includes a receiver configured to receive an emergency alert configuration message identifying which sub-message of an emergency broadcast message comprising a collection of sub-messages to be received by the wireless communication device, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to receive only the sub-message of the emergency broadcast message identified by the emergency alert configuration message.
US08422391B2
A method for maintaining a Network Address Translation (NAT) address mapping table, a Media Gateway (MG) and a Media Gateway Controller (MGC) are disclosed herein. The method for maintaining the NAT address mapping table includes: the MG creates a NAT address mapping table context as instructed by a MGC, where the NAT address mapping table context stores at least one NAT address mapping entry; and the MG operates the NAT address mapping table context to maintain the NAT address mapping entry stored in the NAT address mapping table context. Through the embodiments of the present invention, the NAT address mapping table can be maintained on the MG by operating the created NAT address mapping table context.
US08422381B1
A system for improving jamming resistance comprising a first node suitable for transmitting a coded packet and a second node suitable for receiving the coded packet. The first node generates a plurality of coded preamble packets and transmits the plurality of coded preamble packets to the second node on a plurality of frequency channels, the second node receives the plurality of coded preamble packets, determines a relative strength for each of the plurality of frequency channels based on a frequency channel condition determined from the transmission of the plurality of coded preamble packets and transmits a frequency channel response to the first node.
US08422368B2
A call admission control method can ensure the admission rate of the high priority business, and simultaneously greatly improve the admission rate of the low priority business. The occupied bandwidth of currently admitted business flows of a WiMAX network is denoted by Σbi,max, a bandwidth threshold of a base station system is denoted by bth, a total bandwidth that the base station system can distribute to users is denoted by btotal, applied minimum and maximum bandwidths are denoted by bN+1,min,bN+1,max, respectively for a new arrival (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,max+bN+1,max≦bth, the base station system will directly admit a request of an (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,min+bN+1,min>btotal, the base station system will directly refuse the request of the (N+1)th business flow. When Σbi,max+bN+1,max≧bth and Σbi,min+bN+1,min≦btotal, comparing an admission rate P with a random number α to determine whether a new arrival (N+1)th business flow is admitted or not.
US08422365B2
Systems and methods for automatically controlling efficient operation of a plurality of network appliances operatively linked and networked to balance network traffic load across a plurality of network appliances that are selectively enabled. The system facilitating performance of the method includes at least a plurality of network appliances operatively connected to a switch and controlled by a network access control module. During system operation, at any given moment in time, the plurality network appliances operate in one of two modes, fully operational or stand-by. The network appliances of the plurality that are fully operational and thereby consuming full operational power depends upon the network traffic load at any given moment in time. The network appliances functioning in a stand-by mode consume low power levels which are sufficient to allow a network appliance in stand-by mode to receive a command signal directing it to switch from stand-by to full operational mode.
US08422364B2
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving at a router, a multicast label distribution protocol message comprising local node information for a protected node and one or more leaf nodes downstream of the protected node in a primary label switched path, creating one or more backup label switched paths to the one or more leaf nodes, detecting a failure at the protected node, and forwarding at the router, traffic for the one or more leaf nodes to the one or more backup label switched paths. An apparatus for multicast label distribution protocol node protection is also disclosed.
US08422360B2
A route switching method for switching a route in a core network that accommodates service networks including user node apparatuses by use of a server storing path information that includes, in every time frame, a route for a working path and a route for a backup path to be switched over from the working path, both of the working path and the backup path established between two boundary node apparatuses each of which is located on a boundary between the service network and the core network. The server calculates, in response to the connection request from the user node apparatus, a route for a working path and a route for a backup path, and requests the boundary node apparatus to establish this working path. The server can send the route for the backup path to the boundary node apparatus before a failure occurs in the core network. The boundary node apparatus establishes the working path in response to the establishment request for establishing the working path from the server, and can perform a quick recovery by switching over the working path to the backup path when a failure occurs in the core network.
US08422359B2
In a case where a failure has occurred in one of fabric management mechanisms, nodes resume data I/O communications without degrading performance and without changing the data I/O communication path between the nodes by switching control to the other one of the fabric management mechanisms. The fabric management mechanisms share management information with each other. When a failure occurs in either of the fabric management mechanisms, an E_Node that belongs to the domain, in which a failure has occurred, logs into a normal fabric management mechanism via a newly created management-use communication path. The normal fabric management mechanism allocates an N_Port_ID on the basis of a virtual FC domain number that has been allocated to a switch.
US08422352B2
An optical pickup device, which can effectively prevent occurrence of trouble in recording and reproducing of information due to the fact that an objective lens for each optical beam is contaminated while not adding unnecessary parts and while reducing a cost, is provided. An optical pickup device (P1) which performs the recording or reproducing of information in or from an optical disc (13) by using an optical beam (B) or (D), comprises: objective lenses (11) and (12) on which cleaning films which are activated by radiation of the optical beam (B) and clean their surfaces are formed in an optical path, and a control unit (15) for setting an optical path of the optical beam (B) in such a way that the optical beam (B) reflected by the optical disc (13) is radiated on the objective lens (12).
US08422344B2
In an optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) for reproducing an optical information storage medium including a plurality of information recording layers each including a recording mark having a length shorter than an optical system resolution limit, reproduction laser power for reading an information recording layer closest to a reproduction-laser-incident surface of the optical information storage medium is set to be lower than reproduction laser power for reading an information recording layer farthest from the reproduction-laser-incident surface but not lower than minimum reproduction laser power that satisfies a reproduction signal characteristic that the optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) requires. With the arrangement, it is possible to prevent that the information recording layer closest to the reproduction-laser-incident surface is irradiated wrongly with reproduction laser having high reproduction laser power, thereby making it possible to obtain successful reproduction quality. That is, it is possible to realize the optical information storage medium reproduction apparatus (10) that can set optimum reproduction laser power and perform stable super resolution reproduction.
US08422331B2
A data output control circuit controls a data output in a read operation. A data output control method includes a count shifting mode and a delay mode and can be used in low and high frequency operations, so that a data output can be stably controlled in a broad frequency range. The data output control circuit includes: a low frequency mode controller a high frequency mode controller and a selector selecting any one of first and second command signals through CAS latency information to be output as a data output control signal.
US08422323B2
A multi-bit test circuit for a semiconductor memory is configured to cause an active command to activate active signals. At least two active signals are respectively inputted to a plurality of banks at different timings in a multi-bit test mode.
US08422315B2
A memory chip is provided and includes a control unit, a wait controller, and a wait receiver. When the memory chip operates in an active mode and the control unit determines that the memory chip will be changed to operate in an inactive mode according to an input address signal, the wait controller changes a state of a wait signal at a wait pad from a de-asserted state to an asserted state. When the memory chip operates in an inactive mode and the wait receiver detects that the state of the wait signal has been changed from the de-asserted state to the asserted state, the control unit determines whether the memory chip will be changed to operate in the active mode or a word-line boundary crossing operation will be performed to another memory chip.
US08422314B2
A method is provided for achieving SRAM output characteristics from DRAMs, in which a plurality of DRAMs are arranged connected in parallel to a controller in such a way as to be able to obtain SRAM output characteristics using the DRAMs, comprising a process in which data is output to an external device when a control signal for data reading has been input from the external device, by sequentially repeating a step in which the controller sends a data output state control signal to one DRAM and sends a refresh standby state control signal to the other DRAMs, the data is read and sent to the external device from the DRAM in the output state, and a refresh standby state control signal is sent to the DRAM which was in the output state while an output state control signal is sent to another DRAM and data is read out from the DRAM in the output state, and a step in which the controller sends a control signal for changing the output state to the refresh standby state.
US08422309B2
A voltage generation circuit comprises a voltage generation control unit configured to output one of a first voltage level determination signal having a fixed data value and a second voltage level determination signal having a varying data value in response to a selection signal, and a voltage generation unit configured to generate a voltage having a single pulse form or a voltage having a pulse form whose rising edge portion rises in incremental voltage steps in response to the voltage level determination signal outputted from the voltage generation control unit.
US08422307B2
A method of reading a nonvolatile memory device comprises measuring threshold voltage distributions of a plurality of memory cells, combining the measured threshold voltage distributions, and determining local minimum points in the combined threshold voltage distributions to determine read voltages for a predetermined group of memory cells.
US08422306B2
A control circuit applies a write pulse voltage to a selected word line to perform a write operation to 1-page memory cells along the selected word line. The circuit then performs a verify read operation to confirm whether the data write to the 1-page memory cells is completed. According to the result of the verify read operation, a step-up operation is performed out to raise the write pulse voltage by a step-up voltage. The control circuit changes the amount of the step-up voltage according to a distribution width of a first threshold voltage distribution generated in process of the write operation to the memory cells.
US08422301B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device in accordance with an embodiment includes a memory cell array. A control unit performs control of repeating a write operation, a write verify operation, and a step-up operation, the write operation being an operation to apply a write pulse voltage to a selected memory cell and an intermediate voltage to an unselected memory cell. The control unit controls the step-up operation such that, in a first period, the intermediate voltage is maintained at a constant value, and, in a second period, the intermediate voltage is raised by a certain value. The control unit controls the step-up operation such that the first period includes an operation to raise the write pulse voltage by a first step-up value, and the second period includes an operation to raise the write pulse voltage by a second step-up value smaller than the first step-up value.
US08422300B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having memory cells coupled in series and a module to cause an application of voltages with at least three different values to gates of the memory cells during an operation to retrieve information stored in at least one of the memory cells. Additional apparatus and methods are described.
US08422298B2
One of objects is to provide a nonvolatile memory device in which the occurrence of a defect in data writing is suppressed and whose area can be suppressed, or a semiconductor device including the nonvolatile memory device. A first memory portion including a nonvolatile memory element and a second memory portion (data buffer) for temporarily storing data in verifying operation in which whether the data is correctly written into the first memory portion is verified are provided. Further, the second memory portion includes a memory element and an insulated gate field effect transistor for controlling the holding of charge in the memory element; the off-state current or the leakage current of the transistor is extremely low.
US08422297B2
Memory devices and methods are disclosed to facilitate utilization of a multi level inhibit programming scheme. In one such embodiment, isolated channel regions having boosted channel bias levels are formed across multiple memory cells and are created in part and maintained through capacitive coupling with word lines coupled to the memory cells and biased to predetermined bias levels. Methods of manipulation of isolated channel region bias levels through applied word line bias voltages affecting a program inhibit effect, for example, are also disclosed.
US08422295B1
A non-volatile random access memory (NV-RAM) and an operation method thereof are provided. The NV-RAM includes a latch unit, a switch, and a first to fourth non-volatile memory elements. First terminals of the first and the third non-volatile memory elements respectively couple to a first voltage and a second voltage. A second terminal of the first non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the second non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the latch unit. A second terminal of the third non-volatile memory element and a first terminal of the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a second terminal of the latch unit. Second terminals of the second and the fourth non-volatile memory element are coupled to a first terminal of the switch. A second terminal of the switch is coupled to a third voltage.
US08422294B2
Some embodiments relate to a differential memory cell. The memory cell includes a first transistor having a source, a drain, a gate, and a body. A first capacitor has a first plate and a second plate, wherein the first plate is coupled to the gate of the first transistor and extends over the body region. The memory cell also includes a second transistor having a source, a drain, a gate, and a body, wherein the source and body of the second transistor is coupled to the second plate of the first capacitor. A second capacitor has a third plate and a fourth plate, wherein the third plate is coupled to the gate of the second transistor and the fourth plate is coupled to the source and the body of the first transistor.
US08422293B2
The self-powered detection device comprises a non-volatile memory cell and a sensor activated by a physical or chemical action or phenomenon, this sensor forming an energy harvester transforming energy from the physical or chemical action orphenomenon into an electrical stimulus pulse, the memory cell arranged for storing, by using electrical power of the electrical stimulus pulse, at least a bit of information relative to detection by the sensor of at least a first physical or chemical action or phenomenon. The non-volatile memory cell comprises a FET transistor having a control gate, a first diffusion defining a first input and a second diffusion defining a second input. This FET transistor is set to its written logical state from its initial logical state when, in a detection mode, it receives on a set terminal a voltage stimulus signal resulting from the first physical or chemical action or phenomenon.
US08422292B2
A nonvolatile memory device and a programming method thereof perform a programming verification step including a selective verification step and a sequential verification step. In the selective verification step, a data input/output (I/O) circuit selectively precharges a selected bit line according to a temporary programmed state of stored data. In the sequential verification step, the data I/O circuit selectively precharges each bit line according to the result of the previous selective verification step or a previous sequential verification step. According to the programming method, because a memory cell not requiring a programming verification step is not precharged in the programming verification step, an ON cell current does not flow therethrough. Accordingly, the current flowing through a common source line during verification can be reduced.
US08422291B2
The storage device includes a storage unit configured to store data, an error controlling unit configured to correct an error of the data read out from the storage unit according to at least one read level, and a read level controlling unit configured to control the at least one read level when the error is uncorrectable. The read level controlling unit is configured to measure a distribution of memory cells of the storage unit, configured to filter the measured distribution, and configured to reset the at least one read level based on the filtered distribution.
US08422290B2
Methods of programming data in a non-volatile memory cell are provided. A memory cell according to some embodiments may include a gate structure that includes a tunnel oxide layer pattern, a floating gate, a dielectric layer and a control gate sequentially stacked on a substrate, impurity regions that are formed in the substrate at both sides of the gate structure, and a conductive layer pattern that is arranged spaced apart from and facing the floating gate. Embodiments of such methods may include applying a programming voltage to the control gate, grounding the impurity regions and applying a fringe voltage to the conductive layer pattern to generate a fringe field in the floating gate.
US08422285B2
A method and system for providing a magnetic junction usable in a magnetic memory are described. The magnetic junction includes first and second pinned layers, first and second nonmagnetic spacer layers, and a free layer. The pinned layers are nonmagnetic layer-free and self-pinned. In some aspects, the magnetic junction is configured to allow the free and second pinned layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough. The magnetic junction has greater than two stable states. In other aspects, the magnetic junction includes at least third and fourth spacer layers, a second free layer therebetween, and a third pinned layer having a pinned layer magnetic moment, being nonmagnetic layer-free, and being coupled to the second pinned layer. The magnetic junction is configured to allow the free layers to be switched between stable magnetic states when write currents are passed therethrough.
US08422281B2
The present invention relates to a voltage control circuit, semiconductor memory device, and method of controlling a voltage in a phase-change memory, wherein the voltage control circuit generates a controlled voltage which can be above the logic supply voltage. This voltage can limit the bit line voltage in a phase-change memory to allow the use of smaller transistors in the memory cells and in the program current part of the circuit. This results in smaller memory cells and modules.
US08422272B2
A semiconductor device including a nonvolatile memory cell in which a writing transistor which includes an oxide semiconductor, a reading transistor which includes a semiconductor material different from that of the writing transistor, and a capacitor are included is provided. Data is written to the memory cell by turning on the writing transistor and applying a potential to a node where a source electrode (or a drain electrode) of the writing transistor, one electrode of the capacitor, and a gate electrode of the reading transistor are electrically connected, and then turning off the writing transistor, so that the predetermined amount of charge is held in the node. Further, when a p-channel transistor is used as the reading transistor, a reading potential is a positive potential.
US08422267B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a plurality of memory cells connected to a common bit line, a plurality of select lines each configured to select at least one of the memory cells, a plurality of drive circuits each configured to drive at least one of the select lines, a sense amplifier configured to amplify a voltage occurring at the bit line depending on data stored in the selected memory cell. A memory region where the memory cells are provided has a first region and a second region. When the first region is read, a larger number of the select lines are simultaneously driven by the corresponding common drive circuit than those in the second region, and a larger number of the memory cells are simultaneously selected than those in the second region.
US08422263B2
A memory module includes a plurality of memory chips, a plurality of data register buffers, and a command/address/control register buffer mounted on a module PCB. The data register buffers perform data transfers with the memory chips. The command/address/control register buffer performs buffering of a command/address/control signal and generates a control signal. The buffered command/address/control signal is supplied to the memory chips, and the control signal is supplied to the data register buffers. According to the present invention, because line lengths between the data register buffers and the memory chips are shortened, it is possible to realize a considerably high data transfer rate.
US08422262B2
A method of generating a ROM bit cell array layout including the steps of: inputting a predetermined memory architecture having a predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines, the memory architecture including a plurality of columns of memory cells, each column of memory cells being located between associated bit lines and virtual ground lines. Adjacent memory cells in each column of memory cells share a common connection to either the associated bit line or the associated virtual ground line. The further steps of evaluating the width of active area of each of said columns of memory cells, in dependence on said predetermined positioning of bit lines and virtual ground lines; selecting a final width of active area in dependence on at least one performance characteristic associated with said final width of active area; and generating the layout according to said final width of active area.
US08422261B2
A semiconductor device capable of reducing an inductance is provided. In the semiconductor device in which a rectification MOSFET, a commutation MOSFET, and a driving IC that drives these MOSFETs are mounted on one package, the rectification MOSFET, a metal plate, and the commutation MOSFET are laminated. A current of a main circuit flows from a back surface of the package to a front surface thereof. The metal plate is connected to an output terminal via a wiring in the package. Wire bondings are used for wirings for connecting the driving IC, the rectification MOSFET, and the commutation MOSFET, all terminals being placed on the same plane. For this reason, the inductance becomes small and also a power source loss and a spike voltage are reduced.
US08422259B2
A switch-mode power supply (SMPS) is provided. When the switch power of the SMPS turns on, the inductor current of the SMPS may flow through an inductor current sensing circuit which then provides a sensing voltage. An apparatus for compensating the inductor current peak receives a reference voltage and the sensing voltage as inputs and outputs a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage is combined with the reference voltage and/or the sensing voltage and is provided to a first comparator. The result keep 7t as 7s is provided to the logic control circuit coupled to the gate of the power switch after being driven by a driver circuit. The actual inductor current peak is kept identical with the reference current, which effectively controls the inductor current peak, thereby protecting the SMPS.
US08422255B2
An oscillation control part composed of a control switching element and a damping resistance connected in parallel is arranged between an input power supply and a main switching element of a power conversion circuit, and the control switching element and the main switching element have a relationship such as Ron(S2)
US08422250B2
The invention deals with the control of a resonant LLC converter by setting up criteria for state parameters of the resonant converter, so that the converter may be operated in a near capacitive mode. The current flowing in the resonant tank and optionally the voltage at the a predetermined point in the resonant tank are monitored, and wherein a switch (a high side switch or a low side switch) is turned off when a first criterion is fulfilled together with a second criterion or optionally a third criterion, the first criterion ensuring a minimum time has lapsed after the switch is turned on, the second criterion being that the absolute value of the current is reaching a predetermined current level, the third criterion being that the voltage at the predetermined point reaches a predetermined voltage level.
US08422247B2
An electric apparatus module 1 includes an upper casing 6, a lower casing 7 to which the upper casing 6 is attached and which is attached to a rear panel 2, an electronic device unit 8 accommodated in the upper casing 6 and the lower casing 7, a conductive shield shell 9 covering the electronic device unit 8, and a conductive ground shell 10 which is attached to the lower casing 7 at a side of the rear panel 2. The ground shell 10 includes a flat plate portion 83 piled on the rear panel 2, a contact piece 84 erected from an outer edge 83c of the flat plate portion 83 toward the lower case 7, and a contact member 85 protruded from a rear surface 83b of the flat plate portion 83 at the side of the rear panel 2. The contact piece 84 is inserted through a through hole 56 formed on the lower casing 7 to contact with the shield shell 9. The contact member 85 is inserted through a through hole 11 formed on the rear panel 2 to contact a cylindrical shield member 22 of an external device.
