US08603090B2

An adjustment tool for an external fixator comprises a fitting element for holding fast a clamping assembly of the external fixator. A positioning clamp is provided for fixing the adjustment tool on a rod of the external fixator near the clamping assembly. A connecting element is attached to the fitting element and the positioning clamp is adapted to move the fitting element towards to or away from the positioning clamp. The fitting element comprises a blocking sleeve adapted to push the uppermost jaw of the clamping assembly in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the clamping assembly to block the second upper most jaw against an abutment portion of the fitting element. The tool further comprises an actuation element within the blocking sleeve to actuate the locking element of the clamping assembly for releasing the rod within the clamping assembly without releasing the bone pin.
US08603087B2

A system is provided for reducing restenosis. A catheter apparatus is provided with at least first and second mono-polar electrodes positioned at an inflatable balloon. The balloon is sized to be positioned and expanded at a restenosis site. A voltage pulse generator is coupled to the first and second mono-polar electrodes. The voltage pulse generator is configured to apply an electric field, in a controlled manner, to the restenosis site in an amount sufficient to produce electroporation of the restenosis site, and below an amount that causes thermal damage to the restenosis site.
US08603082B2

A method and apparatus include determining a value of a parameter associated with operation of an electrosurgical probe having a particular probe design, and determining whether the value of the parameter is within a range of values that has been predetermined for the particular probe design to indicate that the probe is treating tissue in a desired manner. Power is delivered to the probe according to an algorithm based upon a determination that the value of the parameter is outside the range of values The algorithm delivers power in a pulsed profile including portions of low power and portions of high power. In one embodiment, the tissue treatment is ablation, the parameter is impedance, and the method limits tissue necrosis to less than 200 microns. In another embodiment, the tissue treatment is shrinkage, the parameter is temperature, and the method limits power delivery when the probe is not shrinking tissue.
US08603081B2

One or more treatment parameters are determined for a cornea reshaping procedure. The one or more treatment parameters are selected so as to reduce an amount of collagen shrinkage in a cornea of a patient's eye caused by the cornea reshaping procedure. For example, the one or more treatment parameters could be selected so as to minimize an amount of stromal collagen shrinkage in the cornea of the patient's eye caused by the cornea reshaping procedure. As another example, the cornea reshaping procedure could include irradiating multiple spots on the cornea of the patient's eye, where each spot is associated with an amount of stromal collagen. The one or more treatment parameters could be selected so that no more than 1% or 5% of the stromal collagen in the irradiated spots undergoes clinically significant shrinkage as a result of the cornea reshaping procedure.
US08603078B2

Methods and devices are provided for allowing a surgical instrument to be supported by a surgical support system configured to controllably guide the instrument to a desired position at surgical site. A surgical support system is provided that includes a guide port defining a pivot point about which a surgical instrument advance therethrough can pivot. The guide port, and hence the pivot point, can be located a distance above a tissue surface through which the instrument is advanced. Methods and devices are also provided for allowing insufflation of a body cavity without introduction of an insufflation fluid therein. A mechanical insufflation device is provided that includes an expandable distal member configured to selectively expand and unexpand to mechanically insufflate a body cavity. The mechanical insufflation device can optionally be used with the surgical support system.
US08603077B2

A force transmission transmits a force received by an input gimbal plate having two degrees of freedom to an output gimbal plate. The input gimbal plate is coupled to a first end of least three lever arms supported by a pivot. The output gimbal plate is coupled to a second end of the lever arms. The output gimbal plate may be coupled to the lever arms by flexible cables. The cables may be substantially contained within a tube. The output gimbal plate may be substantially smaller than the input gimbal plate. The force transmission may include a secondary output gimbal plate coupled to secondary levers that are coupled to the lever arms. The secondary levers may be third class levers. The secondary output gimbal plate may move proportionately to movement of the output gimbal plate. The force transmission may control a surgical end effector in a robotic surgical instrument.
US08603076B2

A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device.
US08603075B2

A system and a method for delivering fluid to and sensing analyte levels in the body of the patient are disclosed. The system includes a dispensing apparatus configured to infuse fluid into the body of the patient and a sensing apparatus configured to be in communication with the dispensing apparatus and further configured to detect a level of analyte concentration in the body of the patient upon diffusion of the analyte into the fluid to be dispensed by the dispensing apparatus.
US08603074B2

A reduced-pressure treatment system includes an isolation device for isolating a tissue site from surrounding tissue for reduced-pressure treatment that is formed from a first material having a first bio-absorption term and at least a second material having a second and different bio-absorption term. The different materials allow the isolation device initially to function well for reduced-pressure treatment and then to experience degradation at a quicker pace which facilitates healing. In addition, a reduced-pressure manifold for treating a tissue site is presented that includes a flexible barrier member formed from a first material, which has a first bio-absorption term and formed with a first plurality of apertures; a second material, which has a second bio-absorption term, disposed within the plurality of apertures; wherein the first bio-absorption term is greater than the second bio-absorption term; and a reduced-pressure delivery member coupled to the barrier member for delivering reduced pressure to the second surface of the barrier member during reduced-pressure treatment.
US08603055B1

A catheter bag having an apron made of opaque material. The apron can be part of the catheter bag at one end and can be detachably secured to the bag at an opposing end using means for attaching.
US08603050B2

Implantable infusion devices and systems with side port access detection capability and methods of detecting side port access. The methods may include the steps of sensing pressure in a fluid passage between an implanted pump mechanism and an implanted outlet port and determining that an implanted side port has been accessed by a hypodermic needle based on a predetermined change in pressure in the fluid passage between the implanted pump mechanism and the implanted outlet port.
US08603043B2

The invention relates to a safe support device for a syringe, said support comprising a support sheath for the body of a syringe, and safety means which comprise an inner sheath suitable for sliding relative to said support sheath between a waiting retracted position, in which said inner sheath is substantially retracted inside said support sheath, and an active protection position, in which said inner sheath projects from said support sheath. The inner sheath has a free end portion formed by a flexible end-piece. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a safe support device and a syringe having a body, a piston and a needle disposed at one end of said body.
US08603040B2

An injection device is provided. The device includes a housing having a first end defining a first opening. A plunger is received within the first opening of the housing to move between first and second positions. A cartridge is disposed in the housing and has an interior serving as a reservoir for a drug. A delivery needle is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the reservoir via an interruptible fluid channel. A locking mechanism is disposed in the housing. In the first position of the plunger the delivery needle is enclosed by the plunger and in the second position of the plunger the delivery needle is placed in an injection position and the plunger activates the locking mechanism whereby when the plunger returns to the first position the locking mechanism prevents the needle from being placed in the injection position.
US08603039B2

A syringe protector. The syringe protector includes a clamping member, a guard member, and a retaining member. The clamping member being able to lockably engage the needle guard and allow the passage of a needle therethrough. Insertion of the clamping member into the guard member creates a locking interaction between the toothed surface of the clamping member and a complementary toothed or ribbed surface of the guard member. Further, the clamping member holds a retaining member which acts to secure a syringe body once the needle of the syringe enters the guard member.
US08603032B2

A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, other internal components in the housing, and a keypad external to the housing. The device includes a number of features and elements that enhance its operation, manufacturability, reliability, and user-friendliness. These features and elements include a shock absorbing element for a battery of the device, a keypad actuator layer that overlies a keypad assembly and forms a water resistant seal with the housing, and an offset element for a piezoelectric speaker that is located inside the housing.
US08603014B2

Disclosed is a “hands-free”, autonomously operating, battery-powered apparatus with electronic programmable actuation circuitry for non-invasive ultrasonic treatment of ischemic stroke, microatheromas of the cerebral vasculature, intracranial hypertension, and other cerebrovascular pathologies such as hypoperfusion associated with migraine. The apparatus is provided with registration members to facilitate stereotactic placement of the headset on the skull with respect to target intracranial anatomy. Once fitted in place on the skull and activated, the device does not require clinical intervention during operation; does not need skilled technical adjustment of the waveform patterns; and achieves therapeutic results with power consumption of less than 400 mAmp-hr, thus permitting extended portable operation without external power and eliminating the need for assisted cooling. Using a device of the invention, transcranial ultrasound may be self-administered. The device has application in therapeutic methods, such as methods for treating stroke or migraine, for non-invasively augmenting drug action, and for release or dispersal of endogenous neurovascular mediators.
US08603012B2

A muscle strength measuring apparatus has a force receiver connected to a force sensor. An upright bracing surface is rigidly positioned with respect to the force receiver to provide a testing space between the surface and the force receiver. The receiver is adjustable such that a person standing in the testing space can brace against the surface and exert a force against the force receiver with a first muscle on each side of the person's body, and can then adjust the position of the force receiver and exert a force against the force receiver with a second muscle on each side. Thus comparative strengths of muscles on opposite sides of the person's body can be accurately determined by measuring the isometric force exerted by corresponding muscles on each side.
US08603007B2

Data binning methods and systems for estimating a subject's respiratory airflow from a body sound signal detected by an acoustic sensor on the subject's body. The methods and systems operate in a configuration mode followed by a monitoring mode. In the configuration mode, a body sound signal and respiratory airflow are detected by an on-body acoustic sensor and a spirometer, respectively, over a common time period. Time-aligned body sound signal and respiratory airflow data points are then generated and assigned to bins each spanning a discrete signal range (e.g. discrete signal entropy range or signal amplitude range). Respiratory airflow estimation data (e.g. mean airflow and standard deviation) are then calculated for each bin and an entry for each bin associating the discrete range and the estimation data is stored in a lookup table. Then, in the monitoring mode, the lookup table is accessed using subsequent body sound signal readings (e.g. taken in the field or at home) to provide respiratory airflow estimates without further need for a spirometer.
US08602998B2

The present invention provides methods for increasing arterial compliance. The methods generally involve administering to an individual in need thereof an effective amount of relaxin. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in perimenopausal, menopausal, and post-menopausal women. The present invention further provides methods of increasing arterial compliance in individuals who have or who are at risk of developing age-associated arterial stiffness.
US08602987B2

A system and method evaluates a patient for stress urinary incontinence. An involuntary reflex cough event is induced within the patient that activates the nucleus ambiguous and medial motor cell column of the patient and stimulates involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles in the pelvis of the patient. And elecromyogram (EMG) is obtained from the involuntary cough activated paraspinal muscles and its duration determined. Any urine leakage time that occurs during the involuntary reflex cough event is identified and correlated within a processor together with the urine leakage time and EMG and duration of cough event to determine stress urinary incontinence.
US08602981B2

A system and method for performing surgical procedures within a body cavity, e.g. abdomen, uses a magnetized device is utilized to allow a surgeon to control intra-abdominal organs and objects. The system and method allows a surgeon to perform an intra-abdominal procedure without the need to position surgical tools inside of the body cavity. Additional surgical ports are not necessary as the magnetized device allows the surgeon to retract or position various objects within the abdomen.
US08602980B2

A folding endoscope with incorporated optical sensors and light sources includes a housing having first and second ends and a longitudinal axis and at least one channel extending between the first and second ends and associated ports at the first and second ends for inserting surgical instruments through the housing into a surgical site. The endoscope includes at least two elongate arms having proximal and distal ends and being pivotally connected at the distal ends thereof to the first end of the housing. A camera and light source are mounted on each of the elongate arms such that when the elongate arms are deployed the cameras have a field of view in a generally forward direction away from the housing. A linkage mechanism is connected to the elongate arms, and an actuator is connected to the linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism, upon activation by the actuator, is configured to pivotally deploy the at least two elongate arms from a closed position in which the elongate arms are aligned along the longitudinal axis to an open position with the distal ends of the elongate arms radially spaced from the longitudinal axis.
US08602979B2

A distal portion of an electronic endoscope is formed with a cutaway portion and a distal end surface. The distal portion is provided with side-viewing and front-viewing capturing optical systems. The side-viewing capturing optical system has a side-viewing objective lens, a prism with a half mirror surface, and a varifocal lens. Light incident on the half-mirror surface from the side-viewing objective lens is reflected to be incident on a CCD through the varifocal lens. Moving the varifocal lens allows the side-viewing capturing optical system to switch from normal observation to magnifying observation and vice versa. In the magnifying observation, a best focus position resides on an extension, of an outer circumferential surface of the distal portion, facing the cutaway portion.
US08602977B2

A capsule-type medical apparatus includes a capsule-shape sealed container accommodating an electric component for executing a predetermined function; and a switch unit arranged in a substantially center of the sealed container, and controlling supply of electric power for driving the electric component according to action of a magnetic field from outside of the sealed container.
US08602971B2

Various embodiments for providing removable and pluggable opto-electronic modules for illumination and imaging for endoscopy or borescopy are provided. Generally, various medical or industrial devices can include one or more solid state or other compact electro-optic illuminating elements located thereon. Additionally, such opto-electronic modules may include illuminating optics, imaging optics, image capture devices, and heat dissipation mechanisms. The illumination elements may have different wavelengths and can be time synchronized with an image sensor to illuminate an object for imaging or detecting purpose or otherwise conditioning purpose. The optoelectronic modules may include means for optical and/or wireless communication. The removable opto-electronic modules may be plugged in on the exterior surface of a device, inside the device, deployably coupled to the distal end of the device, or otherwise disposed on the device.
US08602960B2

A magnetic field therapy apparatus includes a first wire coil, a second wire coil and an electrically conductive member connecting the coils in series. The coils are wound in the same direction. In a preferred embodiment the coils are wrapped around a single bobbin, with the first coil forming a bottom layer and the second coil wrapped around the first coil and forming a top layer. AC power coupled to the coils energizes the coils and generates a magnetic field within the bobbin interior region. When current enters one coil it induces current in the other coil, thereby creating a scalar effect, producing energy in the form of a helix. The waves are identical, but out of phase temporally, that is, physically identical, but 180 degrees out of phase in terms of time. In an alternate embodiment, the coils may be on separate bobbins. A trigger may be applied to the part of a body undergoing therapy.
US08602957B2

A printing press folder is provided. The printing press folder includes a pair of cutting cylinders cutting a web at a cutting location to form signatures, a pair of transport cylinders positively gripping and transporting the signatures and a pair of acceleration cylinders positively gripping and transporting the signatures. The transport cylinders define a first nip and the first nip and the cutting location are separated by a first distance that is slightly shorter than a length of each of the signatures. The acceleration cylinders define a second nip. The pair of transport cylinders receives and releases signatures at a first velocity and the pair of acceleration cylinders receives the signatures from the pair of transport cylinders and releases the signatures at a second velocity that is greater than the first velocity. The first nip and the second nip are separated by a distance that is slightly shorter than the length of each of the signatures, such that the transport cylinders release each of the signatures as the acceleration cylinders grip the respective signature and the transport and acceleration cylinders maintain positive control over the signatures during transport. A signature transport apparatus and a method for transporting printed products in a printing press folder are also provided.
US08602946B2

A universal athleticism rating system and related athletic performance measuring systems for accurately detecting and recording athletic performance are disclosed. The athleticism rating system evaluates individual athletes against a common, standardized, set of athletic performance tests. Each athlete performs the athletic tests and his or her scores in the individual tests are entered into a standardized calculation to produce a single athletic performance score. The related performance measuring system is preferably a timing system that ensures quick, easy, and accurate collection of athletic event timing related data without the need for the athlete to wear any special detection devices or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the performance measuring system integrates with the rating system to provide seamless athletic data collection and rating of athletes.
US08602942B2

A mechanical mechanism is used to prevent a rotor of an aircraft from rotating when the rotor is not in use. The mechanical mechanism disengages when the speed of the rotor exceeds a speed threshold and the mechanism reengages when the speed of the rotor is below the speed threshold.
US08602936B2

An automobile driving system includes an engine and a transmission. The transmission includes a variable gear ratio mechanism and a gear ratio of the transmission can be set to infinity. A one-way clutch is provided at an output portion of the transmission. At a time of a engine stopping controller controlling to stop the engine, a transmission-and-control device uses inertia from the engine up to an input member of the one-way clutch as assisting force for driving operations of the variable gear ratio mechanism to change the gear ratio at the transmission to infinity or close to infinity, before the engine actually stops.
US08602913B2

A putter head includes a head main body having a depressed portion and a face insert disposed within the depressed portion so that the face insert is mounted in a face surface of the head main body. The face insert includes at least one low hardness portion and at least one high hardness portion. The face insert has a boundary face between the at least one low hardness portion and the at least one high hardness portion which is inclined relative to a back-to-forth direction of the putter head. The boundary face may decline toward the rear or may rise toward the rear. The face insert may comprise a plurality of the low hardness portions and a plurality of the high hardness portions so that the low and high hardness portions are arranged vertically in multiple layers. The sectional shapes taken perpendicularly to the back-to-forth direction of the high hardness portion and the low hardness portion may be substantially of a right triangle. The face insert may comprise a surface layer and groove portions on a front face thereof.
US08602909B1

A high volume aerodynamic golf club head with a club head volume of at least 400 cc producing reduced aerodynamic drag forces. The club head has a crown section imparting beneficial aerodynamic and playability properties due in part to the location of a crown apex and the curvature of the crown section.
US08602907B2

A golf club comprises a shaft, a club head, and a connection assembly that allows the shaft to be easily disconnected from the club head. In particular embodiments, a sleeve including a top portion, a middle portion connected to the top portion is described. The middle portion includes a thin wall thickness. A bottom portion is connected to the middle portion including a plurality of engaging surfaces. A central longitudinal axis and an offset angle offset from the central longitudinal axis is described. The offset angle allows a maximum loft change of about 0.5 degrees to about 4.0 degrees. The total weight of the sleeve is less than 9 g.
US08602905B2

A playground system includes a support post secured to a foundation, a play unit defining a passageway; and a cam assembly configured to secure the play unit to the support. The cam assembly includes a cam base sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit, and a cam. The cam assembly also includes a cam lock sized and shaped for engagement with the play unit within the passageway, and a slot sized and shaped for seating the cam. The slot defines a plurality of steps being sized and shaped to seat the cam to provide an adjustment range to accommodate for variances in sizes and tolerances of the play unit and support.
US08602903B2

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a repositioning mechanism adapted for use with a swing and configured to permit a child support to be secured a forward-facing position and one or more side-facing positions. In particular, the repositioning mechanism is configured to maintain the child support's center of gravity in the same lateral position in both the forward-facing and side-facing positions, as well as to effect longitudinal movement ensuring the child support remains longitudinally proximate to its point or points of support, such as a point of rotation.
US08602901B2

The damper (12) includes first (14) and second (16) damping elements which are arranged in parallel by means of a connection disc (20). The first damping elements (14) comprise at least one first group (24) of resilient units (22) including at least two first resilient units (22) arranged in series by means of a first intermediate support element (26), and the second damping element (16) comprise at least one second group (34) of resilient units (32) comprising at least two second resilient units (32) arranged in series by means of a second intermediate support element (36). The damper includes at least one annular unit (39) for phasing of the resilient units (22, 32), which is distinct from the connection disc (20) and bears both the first (26) and second (36) intermediate support elements.
US08602900B2

A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first plate member to which power of rotation is transmitted from a first rotational shaft, a second plate member arranged at a preset distance from the first plate member, a third plate member arranged between the first plate member and the second plate member and configured to transmit power of rotation to a second rotational shaft. The torque fluctuation absorber also includes a fourth plate member arranged at a preset distance from the second plate member, and a resilient member arranged between the second plate member and the fourth plate member and configured to bias the second plate member towards the third plate member. The fourth plate member includes a fulcrum point that supports a mid portion of the resilient member.
US08602899B2

A torque-limiting coupling includes a main body, a torque-limiting assembly, a limiting mechanism, and a bearing. The main body forms a receiving cavity where the torque-limiting assembly is received. The assembly includes an elastic element, a pressing element, and an adjusting element. The adjusting element is adapted for adjusting compression of the elastic element. The limiting mechanism is adapted for restricting the assembly in the receiving cavity. Thereby, the torque-limitation can be kept stable, and all components can be restricted in the main body. Also, the reaction force by the pressing element is absorbed by the bearing to reduce shock.
US08602898B2

A shaft arrangement for a transmission comprises a shaft having an axial bore connected to an oil supply system, at least one loose wheel rotatably supported on the shaft via a bearing, and a shift clutch arrangement which connects the loose wheel for rotation with the shaft. The shift clutch arrangement comprises a guide sleeve connected for rotation with the shaft via a tooth engagement. The axial bore supplies oil to the bearing and shift clutch arrangement via a transversal bore in an area of the tooth engagement between the guide sleeve and the shaft. A channel in at least one of an area of a toothing of the guide sleeve and an area of the toothing of the shaft, which, together with the guide sleeve toothing, forms the tooth engagement connects the transversal bore with an area between the guide sleeve and the bearing.
US08602896B2

A regulated gaming machine including a touch-screen display is provided in a gaming system that includes a plurality of distributed computer nodes communicating over a network using a service oriented communication protocol. A plurality of game gadgets are provided, each enabling player interaction via respective predetermined interaction zones of the touch-screen display, and at least one of which is associated with a game that is selectable and playable on the gaming machine. A service oriented subscriber executes in a predetermined one of the plurality of computer nodes and a service oriented provider is associated with each of the plurality of game gadgets, each being configured to control its associated game gadget. Each of the provided game gadgets is configured to allow interaction between the player and the service oriented subscriber. At least some of the game gadgets are displayed on the touch-screen display, and a player selection of one of the game gadgets is detected on the touch-screen. Responsive to detecting the player selection, a selected interaction is carried out between the player and the service oriented subscriber with respect to the selected game gadget.
US08602892B1

Conventional game consoles have a preference to connect to the Internet, which facilitates audio communications by gamers. However, when conventional game consoles are connected over a local area network, they somehow inhibit audio communications. A game communications exchange is coupled to game consoles and audio gear sets of gamers to facilitate audio communications by creating a common channel and distribute audio information from the common channel.
US08602887B2

A system and method are disclosed for synthesizing information received from multiple audio and visual sources focused on a single scene. The system may determine the positions of capture devices based on a common set of cues identified in the image data of the capture devices. As a scene may often have users and objects moving into and out of the scene, data from the multiple capture devices may be time synchronized to ensure that data from the audio and visual sources are providing data of the same scene at the same time. Audio and/or visual data from the multiple sources may be reconciled and assimilated together to improve an ability of the system to interpret audio and/or visual aspects from the scene.
US08602870B2

To provide a gaming machine which can carry out a lizhi effect rich in impact without giving a feeling of boredom.A gaming machine being provided with a display device, which can display an image and can be switched to a transmissive condition or a non-transmissive condition, in front of a plurality of symbols which can be variably displayed, in the event that a combination of the plurality of symbols reaches a lizhi, as well as portions in front of the plurality of symbols taking on the non-transmissive condition, a symbol image corresponding to a last stop displayed symbol is variably displayed on the display device.
US08602867B2

A game is provided including an alternating wild symbol feature, known in a preferred embodiment as the “Flip'n Wild.” The feature preferably occurs during the reel spin of a base game play, the wild symbols are placed before the reels stop. The Flip'n Wild symbol moves right or left and up or down across the reels. As it moves, it alternates/flips from a “flip” side to a “wild” side. In every reel position that “wild” lands, a wild is left in place.
US08602859B2

To reflect a player's degree of skill in a battle between a player character and an enemy character, and increase a strategic element. In the event that a player selects magic as an action of a player character in a battle between a player character and an enemy character, a puzzle battle is started. In the puzzle battle, a magic army (a block frame) is displayed on a display device in accordance with a kind of magic selected, the player moves or rotates a block falling from above the display device by operating an input device, stops it in a desired position, and fills the magic army. In the event that all squares of the magic army are filled with the blocks before a time elapsing from a start of the puzzle battle, displayed on an elapsed time gauge, reaches a prescribed time, the magic selected by the player is unleashed, and inflicts damage on the enemy character. An effectiveness of the magic depends on an overlapping, and a protrusion from the magic army, of the blocks.
US08602858B2

A game device causes a display device to display an image in which plural marks correlated with step panels to be stepped on by a player move to reach a base line, and the game device, when a step panel is stepped on, classifies the degree of accuracy of this operation as one of plural classes based on a time at which a mark corresponding to this step panel reaches the base line, a time at which this step panel was stepped on, and plural thresholds. The game device counts the number of accurate operations, to cause the display device to display the number in a color corresponding to the lowest accurate operation class corresponding to the counted accurate operations.
US08602854B1

A scent control system for use in a hunting blind enclosure includes an exhaust conduit adapted to exhaust air from the hunting blind enclosure and an air driver in fluid communication with the exhaust conduit. The air driver is operable to intake air from within the enclosure and exhaust air through the exhaust conduit and is further adapted to provide a negative air pressure within the enclosure relative to an air pressure outside of the enclosure. A filter disposed between an outlet of the air driver and the exhaust conduit filters human scent from air being exhausted from the enclosure.
US08602846B2

A polishing pad of excellent durability and adhesion between the polishing layer and the base material layer includes a polishing layer arranged on a base material layer, wherein the polishing layer includes a thermosetting polyurethane foam having roughly spherical interconnected cells having an average cell diameter of 20 to 300 μm. The polyurethane foam includes an isocyanate component and an active hydrogen-containing compound as starting material components, and the active hydrogen-containing compound includes 30 to 85% by weight of a high-molecular-weight polyol having 2 to 4 functional groups and a hydroxyl value of 20 to 100 mg KOH/g.
US08602845B2

A machining method comprises selecting a finished surface dimension and a material property for a working surface, defining a working temperature range based on the selected material property, and defining a machining power based on the working temperature range. The machining power depends on a removal rate and a specific heat of the working surface. The working surface is machined at the removal rate to achieve the finished surface dimension, and the machine power is controlled to maintain the working surface within the working temperature range. The working surface is heated or cooled from the working temperature range to a transition temperature range, such that the selected material property is preserved in the working surface.
US08602837B1

A processing unit for solitary bees is utilized in a method of timely providing a sufficient number of bees for pollinating a flowering crop. The processing unit provides secure storage for the solitary bees at every stage of their life cycle, and provides precise control of environmental conditions to ensure that the bees complete each stage of their life cycle in the optimum state of health and viability, and to ensure that adult bees emerge in close agreement with predicted emergence. The processing unit provides for protection against parasites, predators and pathogens, and may provide for feeding and mating of the bees. The processing unit may be used with any type of solitary bee nest. The processing unit may be fabricated in modularized components, allowing for increased capacity as required.
US08602813B1

A jumper assembly includes a circuit board, a first base, a second base, and a jumper. The first base and the second base are mounted on the circuit board. The first base includes a first pin electrically connected to the circuit board. The second base includes a second pin electrically connected to the circuit board. The second pin includes a limiting portion formed at a top. The jumper defines two through holes each receiving a conductive portion. The conductive portions of the jumper are electrically connected to each other. The jumper is set around the first pin and the second pin to electrically connect the first pin to the second pin. The limiting portion can prevent the second pin from disengaging from the jumper when response to the first pin is disengaged from the jumper.
US08602809B2

A locking cover for an electrical connecting appliance, to be mounted on a second electrical connecting appliance connected to a first electrical connecting appliance, for preventing a disconnection between the first electrical connecting appliance and the second electrical connecting appliance. The locking cover includes a cover main body externally fitted onto the second electrical connecting appliance, first locking pieces formed on the cover main body, and second locking pieces formed on the cover main body. The first locking pieces elastically engages first appliance side locking portions, and release an elastic engagement by receiving an external force to an engagement releasing position. The second locking pieces elastically disengageably engage second appliance side locking portions provided on the second electrical connecting appliance. The second locking pieces are pressed by the first locking pieces displaced to the engagement releasing position to restrict releasing an engagement with the second appliance side locking portions.
US08602804B2

A power plug locking device includes a lock unit that restricts movement of an operation arm arranged on a power plug. The lock unit includes a first member, which is moved between a lock position and an unlock position, and a second member, of which movement is restricted in accordance with the movement of the first member. The second member restricts the movement of the operation arm in cooperation with the first member that is moved to the lock position. The first member includes a first contact surface. The second member includes a second contact surface that is able to contact the first member that is moved to the lock position. At least one of the first contact surface and the second contact surface includes a stepped shape.
US08602802B2

An easily assembling light bulb socket as disclosed secures a light bulb in a single clicking action. The disclosed socket comprises an electrically conductive sleeve configured to clasp a threaded end of the light bulb. The sleeve comprises a bump configured to slide into a thread recess and click-secure the bulb in the sleeve. A first disk received into the socket is riveted to the sleeve and to a metallic ribbon. The sleeve rivet makes a connection with a first wire and the ribbon rivet makes a connection with a second wire. The socket additionally comprises a second disk defining two holes aligned with the rivet holes in the first disk to receive a respective wire there through. The second disk holes include elliptical recesses configured to channel and secure the first and second wires between the disks when the second disk is axially rotated adjacent the first disk.
US08602790B1

A variety of tools for demonstrating the mathematical properties is disclosed. In one embodiment, a demonstrator uses the tools to illuminate geometric relationships between objects in two and three-dimensional space. The tools may be a stationary exhibit or collected into a portable kit. Whether portable or stationary, the tools provide an easy to use, multi-functional, and visually captivating vehicle for demonstration of geometric properties.
US08602788B2

A set of geopolitical cards and methods of play therefore. The set includes a plurality of geopolitical entity cards, each having an associated geopolitical entity represented or associated therewith, along with factual information contained in categories. The set further includes cards containing queries for use in some methods of play, the queries being answerable using the geopolitical entity cards, and cards containing categories of information for use in some methods of play, the categories of information corresponding to categories of the geopolitical entity cards. Variations of play with the cards include dealing cards to each player, and scoring for each player based on play of the game played. In some variations, queries and categories are selected for answers using the geopolitical entity cards. In other variations of play, players' hands are compared to determine scoring and winning.
US08602779B2

An endodontic plugger comprises a plugging surface which contacts filler material that has been inserted into a prepared root canal. The plugging surface comprises a plurality of moveable plates which move independently of each other. The movable plates enable the plugger surface to automatically and substantially instantaneously adjust in size and/or shape in response to the cross-sectional size and/or shape of a root canal as the plugger surface passes along the root canal.
US08602770B2

An apparatus for heating plastics-material performs includes a conveying device which conveys the plastics-material performs along a pre-determined conveying path. A heating device is arranged along this conveying path and which heats the plastics-material performs. The apparatus has at least one first contacting element arranged downstream with respect to the heating device for acting upon a wall of the plastic-material perform with a temperature profile varying in a peripheral direction and/or longitudinal direction of the plastics-material perform. The contacting element touches with a contact face a pre-determined region— bounded in the peripheral direction and/or longitudinal direction of the plastics-material performs— of a wall of the plastics-material perform in order to act upon this region with a temperature profile different from regions not touched by the contacting element. In addition, the apparatus has an advancing device which advances the contacting element to the plastics-material perform in a pre-determined direction.
US08602761B2

The invention relates to a system for the automatic manufacture of wind turbine blades using die halves (2,3) wherein by applying dry fiber mats, two complementary shells are molded whereby the attachment thereof will result in the blade to be obtained, head-bearing means (5,6) being arranged with respect to the die halves (2,3), said means being susceptible to selectively having demolding agent, paint, adhesive application accessories or a machining accessory, and head-bearing means (13) having a functional assembly capable of applying the dry fiber mats in the die halves (2,3).
US08602754B2

A system for monitoring an Electrical Submersible Pump is disclosed comprising a rotation rate sensor located in an ESP gauge (6). When the Electrical Submersible Pump is started the rotating elements rotate in a first direction while the static elements will experience an opposing torque in a second opposite direction. The small rotational movement of the ESP gauge housing is sensed by the sensor and is used to determine the initial direction of rotation of the motor (5) and pump (6).
US08602751B2

A transfer pump includes a motor that attaches to a manifold with a motor mount that seals a top end of the manifold. The motor mount includes a tubular portion that extends into and threadably engages the manifold, to cooperatively define a channel therethrough. The manifold includes a plurality of inlet ports arranged generally in an annular pattern. An inner cylinder attaches to the manifold from below, disposed radially inward from the inlet ports, and a pressure cylinder attaches to the manifold, disposed radially outward from the inlet ports. The pressure cylinder includes a foot valve. A pump shaft extends from the motor, through the channel, and into the pressure cylinder. A large piston with a check valve is attached to the distal end of the shaft, and a small piston disposed in the inner cylinder is attached at an intermediate location.
US08602748B2

A pumping system having a pump, such as a variable-displacement vane pump or a gear pump. The pump in turn has hydraulic pressure-control dissipating devices for imparting to the oil in a first control chamber a pressure lower than the pressure of a second chamber. The system is characterized in that the first control chamber of the pump has a channel connecting the first control chamber to an oil inlet. And the channel has an opening/closing device controlled selectively by an engine operating parameter, such as oil temperature.
US08602742B2

A method is provided for regulating a charge air pressure of an engine having an exhaust gas supercharger, a fresh gas supply device, an air system having an air treatment system and a compressor chargeable by the supercharger, and an engine controller. The method detects an engine torque requirement; determines a current charge air pressure and a current pressure of the air system; compares the current charge air pressure to a target charge air pressure corresponding to the torque requirement, compares the current air system pressure to a target operating air system pressure, and regulates the charge air pressure by suppressing supply of compressed air from the supercharger to the compressor when the current charge air pressure is less than the corresponding target charge air pressure and the current pressure of the air system is greater than or equal to the target operating pressure of the air system.
US08602738B2

Embodiments of the invention can provide methods and apparatus to repair a rotor disk for a gas turbine. In one embodiment, a method to repair a rotor disk for a gas turbine is provided, wherein the rotor disk can include a base and at least one dovetail slot between a pair of dovetail walls. The method can include identifying one or more cracks on the base of the rotor disk, and removing one or more cracks by providing one or more fillets on the base of the rotor disk. Further, the method can include providing one or more conic cuts on the base of the rotor disk between the pair of dovetail walls of at least one dovetail slot.
US08602725B2

A configuration including outer-rotation motor portion (4) including stator (2) with a center through which fixed axis (1) passes, and rotor (3) pivotally supported capable of rotating around stator (2); a plurality of blade plates (5) radially arranged on rotor (3); support base (6) having fixed axis (1) in a center thereof and located in a lower part of stator (2); angle changing unit (7) provided on support base (6); and a plurality of stationary blade plates (9) being detachably placed on stationary blade holders provided on angle changing unit (7). With the configuration in which an elevation/depression angle of stationary blade plates (9) is adjustable by at least one stationary blade driving motor (10) that drives angle changing unit (7), a structure is simplified.
US08602717B2

An example turbomachine cooling arrangement includes a pump configured to pressurize a first turbomachine fluid that is then communicated through a heat exchanger assembly to remove thermal energy from a second turbomachine fluid. A portion of the pump is configured to be housed within a gearbox housing of a turbomachine.
US08602716B2

A method is provided where the method includes configuring a plurality of robots so that a wafer can be handed off between neighboring robots, and disposing a plurality of sensors so that a robotic arm-relative position of a wafer that is transported by a robot is determined from sensor outputs by moving the wafer through a retract, rotate, and extend path.
US08602704B2

An element attachable to a sheet metal part by riveting, having a shaft part and a head part. The head part has at its side con-fronting the sheet metal part a ring recess which merges at the radially inner side into a cylinder section of the head part which merges into the shaft part and into a tubular rivet section which surrounds the shaft part in the region of the head part. The head part is disposed within a contact surface arranged radially outside of the ring recess and merges at the radially outer side via an at least approximately conical wall into the ring-like contact surface. At least one local recess and preferably a plurality of in particular uniformly distributed local recesses is or are provided in the conical wall of the ring recess and/or in an optionally present base surface of the ring recess.
US08602702B2

Described are track fitting assemblies having a main body with at least one plunger aperture, at least one button aperture intersecting the at least one plunger aperture, and at least one disengagement recess, at least one shear plunger assembly having a plunger, a shear pin, a plunger-spring, and a button comprising a recess, and a track with a pair of lips having at least one opening. The shear plunger assembly is configured to have a disengaged position, wherein the button is extended from the main body and the shear pin is positioned within the main body, and an engaged position, wherein the button is positioned substantially flush with the main body, the recess of the button is positioned substantially flush with the disengagement recess of the main body, and the shear pin is extended from the main body and within the at least one opening.
US08602699B1

An automatic locking system for locking a movable device to a transport device or non-movable bed and for quickly and easily unlocking the movable device while preventing the locked in place device from moving and possibly becoming damaged having a trigger engaged by the movable device operating trigger to release a drop bar lowering inside a collar on the movable device locking the movable device and an angled piece keeps the movable device from rising. Locking brackets on upper and lower portions of device prevent unauthorized release of locking device and protect movable device from theft.
US08602698B2

A combination end milling/drilling/reaming cutting tool includes an end milling portion, a drilling portion, and a reaming portion. The cutting tool also includes a neck portion between the end milling portion and the drilling portion, and a clearance neck portion between a shank and the reaming portion. A method of machining a workpiece using the combination end milling/drilling/reaming cutting tool is also disclosed.
US08602696B2

A form tap for tapping an article may include a longitudinal shank having a mounting end opposite a tip, the shank having a shank length, and a thread portion with a plurality of threads for engaging a surface of the article. The thread portion includes a first region, a second region and a third region. The form tap includes a plurality of lobes extending though the first and second regions from the tip to the second region end, the lobes being spaced circumferentially around the shank and lying on a crest circumference. Each lobe may be disposed between respective first and second convex relief portions and each relief portion may be spaced radially inward from the crest circumference. Each lobe has a lobe width, the lobe width at the second region end being greater than the lobe width at the tip. The third region is free of lobes.
US08602694B2

A thread-milling cutter including a tool holder (2) and at least one cutting insert (3) with a longitudinal cutting edge (30) mounted on it. The tool holder (2) includes at least one pocket (20) extending essentially in an axial direction (A) and adapted for receiving the at least one insert (3). The cutting insert (3) has at least one positioning plane (31) on a first abutment surface of the insert (3) opposite the cutting edge (30) for a radial positioning of the insert (3) in the respective pocket (20). At least one protrusion (32) is provided on the abutment surface, a side surface (320) of the protrusion (32) being oriented at an angle (α) to the axial direction (A) of the cutter (1) and adapted for contacting a surface (22) of the pocket (20) for an axial positioning of the insert (3). Also described is an insert for a thread-milling cutter.
US08602682B2

The present invention mimics the natural process of oceanic upwelling wherein deep ocean water rises into the photic zone and provides a nutrient rich environment for phytoplankton, the beginning of the marine food chain. The power of waves is utilized to cause a down-flow of warm surface water though a plurality of conduits. A heat exchange process delivers warmth to the deep water which rises in a conduit due to a buoyancy that results from the warming. Deep ocean water that is rich in nutrients is brought into the photic zone to facilitate the primary production of marine life. The present invention can convert a non-fertile ocean environment into a fertile ocean environment. This fertile ocean environment can be used for aquaculture and to restore and also to enhance marine populations. The present invention vertically mixes ocean water which has a multitude of other advantages.
US08602675B2

Components such as turbine shafts are maintained coaxial with each other by a coupling ring. The coupling ring includes a body which is cylindrical when unstressed, and which has two arrays of projections each array engaging a respective cylindrical surface of recesses in the components. The body is flexible, and so is resiliently deformed by contact between the projections and the respective cylindrical surface. The projections of the two arrays are angularly out of phase with each other.
US08602671B2

A cosmetics container has a puff rotatably mounted on a container body. The cosmetics container of the present invention has a container body for containing liquid cosmetics and having a discharge port for discharging the cosmetics outside, a supporting member mounted rotatably on an outside of the container body and a puff assembled on an outside of the supporting member and rotating together with the supporting member. With the cosmetics container, dressing cosmetics is convenient and the user can dress the cosmetics uniformly.
US08602667B2

According to one embodiment, a printing device includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey a printing medium along a conveying path, and a detection device provided on the conveying path and configured to detect a position of the printing medium therealong. The printing device further includes a control device configured to select one of first and second conveyance modes in response to a predetermined condition, the control device being further configured to control the conveyance mechanism so as to convey the printing medium along the conveying path based on the selected conveyance mode. In the second conveyance mode, the printing medium is conveyed along the conveying path while being detected by the detection device, at a conveyance speed slower than that of the first conveyance mode.
US08602658B2

A spoolable signal conduction and connection line for a downhole environment including a length of signal conduction and connection line suitable for the downhole environment; and one or more connectors depending from the line along a length of the line, the connectors capable of making a signal bearing connection for the downhole environment.
US08602646B2

A dental sensor holder including a strip of pliable, longitudinally elastic material having two ends. The holder is constructed by permanently bonding the two ends of the strip to form a somewhat elastic loop. In addition, the sensor holder includes an adjustable bond portion on the inside of the loop which may selectively be engaged to join adjacent portions of the strip into a functional bitewing.
US08602638B2

This bracelet comprises a plurality of articulated elements (1) in which one transverse edge of each element is interlocked in a transverse edge of an adjacent element, a transverse passageway passing at least partially through the adjacent interlocked portions in order to form a bearing (7) in which an articulation member (10) is engaged and is held at least one end of the said transverse passageway. The mid-portion of the said articulation member (10) comprises at least one O-ring placed on the portion of the said articulation member (10) situated inside the said bearing (7) and close to its ends and in jointed contact with the wall of the said transverse passageway.
US08602634B2

A feeding device for feeding a chemical into a process liquid flowing through a process liquid flow duct, the feeding device includes: a feeding liquid duct having a discharge opening; a mixing liquid feed duct extending through the feeding liquid duct, a sidewall and a closed end wall, wherein the end wall extends beyond the discharge opening of the feeding liquid duct and extending into the process liquid flow duct; a mixing space adjacent the end wall and within the sidewall of the mixing liquid feed duct; a chemical feed duct extending through the mixing liquid feed duct and having a discharge opening proximate to the mixing space in the mixing liquid feed duct, and a mixture discharge opening in the side wall of the mixing liquid feed duct.
US08602611B2

Lighting fixtures using light-emitting devices are disclosed with heat sinks that are both decorative and functional by providing heat dissipation for the light-emitting devices used therein. A lighting fixture can contain an insert portion for removably attaching to a heat sink. A light-emitting device can be mechanically coupled and attached to the heat sink while simultaneously electrically coupling and connecting the light-emitting device. A lamp shade can be secured to the heat sink by attachably engaging with a retaining portion of the insert portion. The fixture comprises a lamp shade wherein at least a portion of a body of the heat sink forming a decorative portion can extend outward from the lamp shade.
US08602609B2

An optical semiconductor lighting apparatus includes a heat sink including a heat dissipation base and a plurality of heat dissipation fins formed on a lower surface of the heat dissipation base; an optical semiconductor device placed on the heat dissipation base; and an optical cover coupled to an upper side of the heat sink to cover the optical semiconductor device. The heat dissipation base is formed with an air flow hole through which upper ends of the heat dissipation fins are exposed.
US08602606B2

Methods and apparatus for a free space coupler to receive light from a laser via air. In one embodiment, a system comprises a laser source, a mirror optically aligned to the laser source, a first mount to control a position of the mirror, a free-space coupler to receive light from the mirror, a beam splitter to receive light exiting the coupler, a first detector to receive light reflected from the beam splitter, a second mount coupled to the first detector and to the coupler to control a position of the coupler from information from the first detector, and a second detector to receive light reflected by the coupler and the mirror, wherein the second detector is coupled to the first mount for positioning the mirror with respect to the coupler.
US08602601B2

An LED downlight comprises a primary reflector having an upper end and an open lower end, an LED printed circuit board assembly disposed in the upper end of the reflector, an optical assembly positioned beneath the LED printed circuit board assembly, a secondary reflective ring positioned beneath the LED printed circuit board assembly and within the primary reflector housing, the secondary reflector ring supporting the optical assembly and improving light distribution.
US08602592B2

Projection apparatus for projecting a radiation spot on a working plane includes a plurality of stacks of diode-laser bars. Each stack provides a beam of laser radiation. The diode-laser bars in each stack are arranged one above another in the fast-axis direction of the diode-laser bars. A corresponding plurality of beam-expanders expands the beam from the corresponding diode-laser bar stack in the slow-axis direction of the diode laser bars only. A focusing lens collects the slow-axis expanded beams and projects the slow-axis expanded beams into the working plane to form the radiation spot.
US08602590B2

A thermosyphon light engine and luminaire including the same are provided. The light engine includes a condenser, an evaporation chamber, and a connecting element therebetween. The condenser returns a gaseous substance located therein to a liquid substance. The evaporation chamber includes a solid state light source, a working liquid, and an optical element that beam shapes light emitted by the at least one solid state light source. The solid state light source is immersed in the working liquid, such that heat generated by the solid state light source changes the working liquid into a gaseous substance. The gaseous substance travels through the connecting element to the condenser, which returns the gaseous substance to a liquid substance. The liquid substance then travels through the connecting element back to the evaporation chamber.
US08602587B2

An LED lamp tube comprises a tube body, at least one circuit board inside the tube body, at lease one LED module on the circuit board, and electrical connectors at the ends of the tube, wherein the tube body is an integrally formed hollow tube, and has at least one group of supporting and positioning ribs on the inner wall thereof along the length direction; the circuit board is fixed by the supporting and positioning ribs; the LED lamp tube disclosed by the present invention has a firm assembly structure with less thermal deformation, and more particularly just like the conventional fluorescent tubes it has a wide light-emitting angle, thereby providing better illumination effects.
US08602585B1

Ground directed pathway/landscape lights with perimeter spaced apart LED (light emitting diodes). Disc shaped-mounts have LEDs arranged perimeter edges of a lower face. A shade can have an upper end attached to the lower disc face, and a bottom attached to a post, so light is directed in a 360 degree outwardly expanding direction expanding outward on the ground where the post is in the center of the 360 degree illumination. Another has a single LED on the disc bottom. LEDs can be arranged in different configurations, that include, but not limited to triangular, rectangular, square, hexagon, and the like. The mount can be but not limited to triangular, square, rectangular, hexagon, and the like. Light can be powered by low voltage or solar, and has for uniform light beam emissions without shadow spots and effects.
US08602580B2

An object of the present invention is to realize the suppression of uneven brightness at low cost in a lighting device. A backlight unit 12 according to the present invention includes: LEDs 17 as a light source; a chassis 14 including a bottom plate 14a disposed on a side opposite to a light output side with respect to the LEDs 17 and housing the LEDs 17; and a first reflection sheet 22 reflecting light including a square-shaped bottom portion 24 disposed along the bottom plate 14a, and at least two rising portions 25 and 26 rising from at least two adjacent sides of the bottom portion 24 toward the light output side such that a seam J is formed between adjacent side edges 25a and 26a. An overhang portion 28 is formed on the side edge 25a of the first rising portion 25 of the at least two rising portions 25 and 26. The overhang portion 28 overhangs beyond the seam J in a direction from the bottom portion 24 to the second rising portion 26.
US08602578B2

A directional lighting apparatus that is configured to be placed adjacent a sewing machine to provide illumination to one or more sewing work areas peripheral to the central sewing work area below the sewing machine arm and head. The result is an enhanced view of the fabric sewing area and a substantial reduction in shadows.
US08602571B2

A mirror arrangement (10) for monitoring a passenger cabin of an aircraft is disclosed, comprising at least one mirror element (40) for reflecting light and a mirror mount (20) for fastening the at least one mirror element (40) inside the passenger cabin, the mirror mount (20) comprising a holder (22), to which the at least one mirror element (40) is fastenable and which is displaceable relative to the passenger cabin.
US08602570B2

An exterior rear view mirror for a motor vehicle, which exterior rear view mirror consists of at least two components which are connected to each other. At least one connection between the components includes at least one connecting arrangement, which is suitable for transfer of both transverse forces and compression forces and tractive forces, as well as transfer of moments from a first component to a second component. The connecting arrangement comprises a spring arranged on the first component, with inclined flanks, diverging at least in sections, seen from the first component, and a receiving groove, which is assigned to the spring, provided on the second component. The spring engages in the receiving groove. The spring and the receiving groove comprise a complementary, positive interlocking cross-section, at least in sections, so that the inclined flanks and the receiving groove form a rearward engagement normal to the receiving groove.
US08602566B2

A method for operating a gas discharge lamp featuring a gas discharge lamp burner and a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrodes have a nominal electrode separation in the gas discharge lamp burner before their first activation and said nominal separation is correlated to the lamp voltage. The method may include checking whether the off-time, corresponding to the time duration between two DC voltage phases, has expired; and if the off-time has expired, omitting commutations or applying pseudo-commutations for a predefined time duration which depends on the lamp voltage in such a way that a time duration of the omission of at least one of commutations and application of pseudo-commutations is predefined for each lamp voltage.
US08602563B2

A projection image display apparatus includes: a light source; an illumination optical system that uniformly irradiates a surface of an image modulation element serving as a primary image surface with a light beam emitted from the light source; and a projection optical system that enlarges and projects image information on the primary image surface modulated by the image modulation element onto a screen serving as a secondary image surface, and that includes a first optical system that forms an intermediate image from the image information, a single-image second optical system that enlarges and projects the intermediate image to display a single image on the screen, a plural-image second optical system that enlarges and projects the intermediate image to display plural images on the screen, and an optical path switching mechanism that selectively guides a light beam from the first optical system to the single-image or plural-image second optical system.
US08602552B2

An eyewear article having a flexing portion including first and second longitudinally disposed ribs is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the flexing portion has a radius of curvature that is less than 80 mm. The eyewear article of the present invention provides a balance of fit and comfort suitable for a range of user head sizes.
US08602546B2

Provided are an ink with which an image excellent in both black density and glossiness can be recorded, and an ink cartridge and an ink jet recording method each using the ink. The ink includes: a carbon black; a resin for dispersing the carbon black; a resin fine particle; and a water-soluble organic solvent, in which: the resin fine particle contains at least a unit derived from an ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, and a unit derived from a monomer selected from an ethylenically unsaturated acid monomer and a salt thereof, and a ratio of a unit derived from a saturated alkyl group-containing monomer to the unit derived from the ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer is 95.0 mass % or more; and the water-soluble organic solvent contains a water-soluble organic solvent having a dielectric constant at 20° C. of 18.0 or more and less than 30.0.
US08602545B2

A treatment solution used for ink-jet recording, including: polyallylamine contained in the treatment solution in an amount of 0.5% by weight to 10% by weight; polyamidepolyamine-epihalohydrin copolymer contained in the treatment solution in an amount of 0.3% by weight to 2% by weight; and water.
US08602543B2

A printing system is provided having a media width printhead, a plurality of ink containers fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a respective plurality of ink tubes, a plurality of gas vents fluidically interconnected with the printhead via a respective plurality of gas tubes, and a multi-channel valve arrangement for selectively moving a first pinch element into and out of pinching contact with the ink tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the ink tubes and selectively moving a second pinch element into and out of pinching contact with the gas tubes so as to respectively block and allow fluid flow through the gas tubes.
US08602542B2

Systems, methods and structures for remanufacturing inkjet printer cartridges and inkjet printer print heads by removing the print head and adhesive holding the print head to a used inkjet printer cartridge, preparing the cartridge housing for a new print head by routing out the used print head and used adhesive to create a new mounting surface for new adhesive and a new print head, placing the adhesive and new print head on the new mounting surface, curing the adhesive and assembling a re-manufactured cartridge from the cartridge housing having a new print head positioned thereon.
US08602541B2

An ink cartridge includes a bag-shaped ink bag that stores ink inside and that includes a spout through which the ink can be drawn out, a substantially box-shaped plastic case that houses the ink bag and that includes at least a first wall portion and a second wall portion arranged facing each other, and a color indicator portion that is disposed on the first wall portion within a range that is set in accordance with a color of the ink stored inside the ink bag, the color indicator portion including at least one recessed portion that is indented in a first direction and indicating information relating to the color of the ink, the first direction being a direction from a side of the first wall portion that faces the second wall portion toward an opposite side of the first wall portion.
US08602535B2

A method of dispensing liquid drops includes providing a liquid dispenser array structure. Liquid dispensers, located on a common substrate, include a liquid supply channel and a drop formation device associated with an interface of a liquid dispensing channel and the liquid supply channel. A carrier liquid is provided by a first liquid supply that flows continuously through an outlet of the liquid dispensing channel during a drop dispensing operation. A functional liquid, immiscible in the carrier liquid, is provided by a second liquid supply to the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid supply channel. The drop formation device is selectively actuated to form a discrete drop of the functional liquid in the carrier liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel. The flowing carrier liquid causes the discrete drops of the functional liquid to move through the outlet of the liquid dispensing channel during the drop dispensing operation.
US08602531B2

A liquid dispenser includes a substrate. A first portion of the substrate defines a liquid dispensing channel including an outlet opening. A second portion of the substrate defines an outer boundary of a cavity. Other portions of the substrate define a liquid supply channel and a liquid return channel. A liquid supply provides a continuous flow of liquid from the liquid supply through the liquid supply channel through the liquid dispensing channel through the liquid return channel and back to the liquid supply. A diverter member is selectively actuatable to divert a portion of the liquid flowing through the liquid dispensing channel through outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel. The diverter member includes a MEMS transducing member anchored to the substrate. A compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member.
US08602530B2

An ink-jet head includes a nozzle plate having nozzles, a vibrating plate on the nozzle plate, liquid chambers formed of spaces partitioned by division walls, a piezoelectric element having a common electrode, a piezoelectric body and an individual electrode layered in this order on a surface of the vibrating plate, a first insulator film having a first opening and a second insulator film having a second opening layered in this order on the first surface, a first wire drawn from the individual electrode via the first opening and the second opening, a third insulator film having a third opening on the first wire; and a second wire drawn via the third opening, where the third insulator film is formed in a first region of the second insulator film and is not formed in a second region excluding a region including the first wire formed above the liquid chamber.
US08602529B2

A liquid ejection device includes a head includes a head having a nozzle configured and arranged to eject a liquid, a liquid-receiving section configured and arranged to receive the liquid ejected from the nozzle when flushing is carried out by the head, and a rotating section configured and arranged to rotate the liquid-receiving section. According to this liquid ejection device, printing defects caused by accumulation of a liquid that has been ejected from the nozzle through flushing can be prevented.
US08602524B2

An ink jet recording method according to an aspect of the invention includes: discharging droplets of a glitter ink composition containing a glitter pigment onto a recording medium to form a glitter region on the recording medium; and discharging a colored ink composition containing a colorant onto the glitter region to form a colored glitter region on the recording medium, wherein when light is irradiated on the colored glitter region at an angle of 45 degrees, with a normal direction with respect to the colored glitter region as 0 degrees, the ratio [(C*45°)/(C*0°)] between the saturation of the colored glitter region measured based on light reflected at an angle of −45 degrees (C*45°) and the saturation of the colored glitter region measured based on light reflected at an angle of 0 degrees (C*0°) is equal to or greater than 1.
US08602516B2

The present invention provides an image recording device including: a conveyance mechanism moving a record medium in a first direction; a recording unit having a recording device arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction in which the record medium moves; a side end detection unit detecting in a desired period a side end position in the second direction of the record medium which moves in the first direction; a storage unit storing detection results of the side end position; and a side end position determination unit reading the plurality of continuous detection results from the storage unit, and determining as the side end position of the record medium an average value of the detection results remaining after excluding at least one detection result indicating the side end position at a relatively outside a central portion of the record medium from the plurality of read detection results.
US08602515B2

An image forming device includes a liquid discharge head including piezoelectric elements; a drive waveform generating unit that outputs a drive waveform; a selection unit that applies the drive waveform to the piezoelectric elements; a resonant frequency adjusting circuit that is connected in parallel with the piezoelectric elements; a switch unit that switches the resonant frequency adjusting circuit; and a switching control unit that causes the switch unit to switch in accordance with a first number of simultaneously driven piezoelectric elements. When the first number of the simultaneously driven piezoelectric elements is greater than a predetermined number, the switching control unit connects the resonant frequency adjusting circuit, so that a resonant frequency of a closed loop becomes lower than a resonant frequency of the closed loop when the first number of the simultaneously driven piezoelectric elements is less than the predetermined number.
US08602512B2

A liquid supplying apparatus includes: a first flow channel configured to be switchable between a state of communication with a liquid supply object and a state of noncommunication with the liquid supply object; a first pressure applying device which applies pressure to liquid in the first flow channel; a first pressure absorbing device which absorbs a pressure fluctuation of the liquid in the first flow channel; a first measuring device which measures a pressure increase value in the first flow channel when the first pressure applying device is operated under a standard operating condition in which pressure in the first flow channel varies relatively moderately in proportion to a liquid feed amount to the first flow channel in the state of noncommunication where the liquid supply object and the first flow channel are not communicated with each other; a comparing device which compares the pressure increase value measured by the first measuring device with a predetermined pressure increase target value; and a pressure controlling device which controls the first pressure applying device according to a comparison result of the comparing device so as to correct the pressure applied into the first flow channel.
US08602499B2

Embodiments of the present invention include a leg-rest assembly comprising a leg-rest pan, a first frame, a slider bar, a second frame, and at least one deployment link. In some embodiments, the first frame includes at least two slides that are coupled to the slider bar. In other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes at least two seat diaphragm mounts, wherein the at least two seat diaphragm mounts are coupled the leg-rest assembly to a seat diaphragm. In some embodiments, a cushion is coupled to the leg-rest pan exterior surface. In yet other embodiments, the leg-rest assembly includes a foot-rest pan and a single frame with at least two foot-rest slides, where the foot-rest pan is coupled to the foot-rest slides. In these embodiments, the leg-rest assembly may also include a foot-rest bar.
US08602483B2

A vehicle door is provided with a reinforcing structure which improves handling of impact energy in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle by transferring impact energy received by the A-pillar to the door through the door hinges and the reinforcing structure to the B-pillar of the vehicle frame.
US08602482B2

A method of manufacturing a closure assembly for a vehicle includes trimming an outer panel to define a first edge and trimming an inner panel to define a second edge, wherein the outer panel is formed from an aluminum alloy material and the inner panel is formed from a magnesium alloy material. The method further includes chemically shaping the second edge to define a substantially rounded edge surface having a radius, positioning the inner panel adjacent the outer panel such that the first edge extends beyond the substantially rounded edge surface, and bending the first edge of the outer panel around the substantially rounded edge surface of the inner panel to form a hem connection that secures the inner panel relative to the outer panel. A closure assembly is also disclosed.
US08602477B2

A display unit attaching structure includes: a plurality of first rhombic clips 7 for engaging with engaging holes 51 of a vehicle roof sheet metal 5; a base sheet metal 2 on one side of which an engaging section 22 is formed, and on the other side of which a supporting section 24 with an engaging hole 23 is formed; and a display main body 3 in which the display is pivotally supported openably and closably in a housing section of a display 4, on one side of which an engaging section 34 for engaging with the engaging section 22 of the base sheet metal 2 is provided, and on the other side of which a second rhombic clip 9 for engaging with the engaging hole 23 is provided.
US08602468B2

An apparatus for coupling to a chain comprises a one-piece, generally hook-shaped body having a hole passing through the body, the hole configured to accommodate attachment of a first element of a load path, such as a rope or a cable, to the body; an entry slot configured to accommodate passage of a link of a chain into the body; and a capture slot configured to accept and mechanically capture a link of a chain, thereby establishing a tension load path from the first element, through the body of the apparatus, to the chain.
US08602447B2

An airbag device having an airbag that can be inflated and deployed by inflating gas; a gas generator that supplies the inflating gas to the inside of the airbag; a housing that accommodates the airbag in a folded state; and a cloth-like deployment restricting member that is fixed at one end to the housing and that encloses part of the folded airbag. A deployment non-restricted portion of the airbag deploys upward, the deployment non-restricted portion not being enclosed by the deployment restricting member, and a deployment restricted portion, which is enclosed by the deployment restricting member, is deployed afterward.
US08602446B2

The invention relates to a vehicle instrument panel inflatable airbag arrangement (11), comprising a flap covering an airbag module, a tether (18) secured to the flap and to fixed means (16) rigidly secured to the instrument panel to constitute an articulation of the flap with respect to the instrument panel.According to the invention, a portion (21) of the flexible tether (18) passes around a limit stop (19) that forms part of the fixed means (16) while being fixed to these fixed means (16) a certain distance away from this limit stop (19) so that when the flap opens, the linear tether (18) is torn out of the fixed means (16) in order to come to press against the limit stop (19) in order to release an additional length of tether making it possible to increase the mobility of the flap.
US08602436B2

Foldable bicycle including a first frame part (1) that supports the front wheel (4) and a second frame part (2) that supports the rear wheel (5), joined together by a joint (3) with a single geometrical rotation axis (X1) tilted with respect to the direction perpendicular to the bicycle's longitudinal plane. The joint (3) is an annular joint in the form of a ring that delimits an inner free space (6) that is wide enough to receive the hand of an adult, so that it forms a handle which is pulled upwards to produce the movement from the bicycle's unfolded position to the bicycle's folded position thanks to the actual weight of the bicycle and the relative rotation of the two frame parts (1, 2) around the geometrical rotation axis (X1).
US08602430B2

A non-torque reactive trailing arm air suspension system for vehicle driven axle uses a spherical joint between trailing arm and axle as one of four nodes of four bar mechanism which is disposed on both sides of vehicle that maintains substantially constant pinion shaft angle during vehicle operation. The trailing arm is a rolled and formed beam of spring steel and utilizes a vertically resilient length between hanger bracket joint and axle joint to absorb road shocks.
US08602428B2

Suspension systems must tradeoff multiple purposes including contributing to the vehicle's road holding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure as well as keeping vehicle's user(s) comfortable and reasonably well isolated from road noise, bumps, and vibrations, etc. Over the past 100 years many suspension systems have evolved but have in common the disposition of the hock absorber between the wheel and the fulcrum point of the wheel mounting to the vehicle. It would be, however, be beneficial to provide a suspension exploiting a dual-shock system wherein the two shock absorbers are in opposite states so that even under absorption of the vertical shock from the road surface there was still applied additional force for road contact to be maintained. It can also be shown to be beneficial in single-shock systems to place the shock the opposite side of the fulcrum point of the suspension system, counter to previous prior art solutions.
US08602418B1

An improved projectile trap assembly includes a frame that supports a channel and a containment chamber. The containment chamber has an ingress point receiving a fired bullet and an egress point for distributing the bullet. The containment chamber is supported by a pair of bulkhead plates that are connected to the frame. Each bulkhead plate defines an aperture, with a scroll assembly being mounted between bulkhead plates proximate the aperture. The scroll assembly includes a front scroll affixed and a rear scroll detachably connected to the bulkhead plates. A side plate is detachably connected to the bulkhead plate opposite said front and rear scrolls to seal the scroll assembly to receive bullets. The containment chamber additionally includes upper and lower trap plates that are positioned proximate upper and lower channel plates at the ingress point. Finally, a plurality of collection buckets positioned below said front scroll in an adjustable position.
US08602406B2

A signature transport device is provided. The signature transport device includes a first conveyor moving a stream of folded signatures in a first direction, a rotary arm having a gripper, the gripper gripping a folded signature from the stream by a fold, the rotary arm moving the folded signature in a second direction, a toothed drum engaging a portion of the folded signature, the rotary arm rotating past the toothed drum to open the folded signature and a second conveyor receiving the opened signature from the gripper as the rotary arm continues to rotate. A method is also provided.
US08602398B2

A bathroom sauna device having a heating device for heating air in a bathroom, a humidifying device for humidifying the air in the bathroom, and an airflow path for sending the air, which is adjusted in temperature and humidity by the heating device and humidifying device, to the bathroom. The temperature and humidity of the air in the bathroom are controlled by the heating device and humidifying device to a temperature and humidity immediately before which a human body starts sweating.
US08602396B1

An apparatus for fragrancing an air space can include a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, and a fragrance delivery system configured to release fragrant particles into an air space such that at least some of the fragrant particles enter the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.
US08602390B2

A jacking mechanism for industrial equipment includes an insert securable in a casing hole of a first casing half of an item of industrial equipment and a jacking bolt insertable in the insert. The jacking bolt includes a jacking bolt thread meshable with an insert thread and a bearing tip secured to the jacking bolt. Advancing the jacking bolt through the insert brings the bearing tip into contact with a second casing half thus moving the first casing half relative to the second casing half. A jacking system for industrial equipment includes a plurality of jacking mechanisms configured to evenly change a gap between the first casing half and the second casing half.
US08602389B2

A cradle assembly for supporting and installing a rolled curtain door comprises roller assemblies configured to support, and permit the rolling of, a rolled curtain door thereon. The cradle may be mated with the tines of a fork on a lifting device. A lift assembly having a tower and base may be attached to the cradle assembly for manually positioning, and mechanically elevating the cradle and door when installing the door above an opening. The tower is extended by a piston-and-cylinder unit. A winch motor and cable, or a boom hoist attached to the tower may be used to load a door onto the cradle.
US08602383B2

A suck-back valve includes a piston and a valve body linked via a shaft portion. An open/close valve, operated by fluid pressure, is provided with a suck-back function. A suck-back chamber formed in an internal channel of the open/close valve and an actuator that operates the piston are separated by a diaphragm linked to and operating with the shaft portion. The shaft portion includes a valve-body-side shaft portion and a piston-side shaft portion. The piston-side shaft portion is loosely fitted to the valve-body-side shaft portion, allowing for independent movement in an axial direction. The closing operation of the valve body involves a two-step operation where, first, the shaft portion, along with the piston and the diaphragm, moves to the fully closed position of the valve body and where, second, the piston-side shaft portion moves with the piston and the diaphragm to increase the volume of the suck-back chamber.
US08602368B2

A load-absorbing device for introducing load forces, in particular cable forces in support devices for tent-shaped coverings and the like, has at least one load-absorbing part (9) on a supporting structure (7). The load-absorbing part (9) is provided on a transmission body (17) forming on at least part of its outer surface, a convex transmission surface (21) which transmits the load forces and which is guided on the supporting structure (7) on carrier surface formed from concave surface parts adapted to the convexity of the transmission surface (21). A load-absorbing node is formed allowing a ball joint-like mobility of the load absorbing part (9) relative to the supporting structure (7).
US08602363B2

A power generating kite system that includes a kite or an airfoil that receives wind, a control unit that includes one or more computers or microcontrollers, GPS receivers and accelerometers that control the kite system, a winch system and a rope attached to the kite that is automatically controlled by the control unit and a launch and recovery system that includes a hydraulic telescoping pole that assists in launching and retrieving the kite. The kite system also includes a yaw motor that turns the kite system at an appropriate angle to increase energy production, a flywheel that bridges converting kinetic energy from the wind and kite into electrical energy, a plurality of weather instruments, an electrical generator to generate electrical energy and a secure base structure to secure the kite system to a ground surface, an ocean platform, or a large ship.
US08602359B2

An ice protection system for a structure having at least one surface to be protected from a range of icing conditions. The ice protection system includes at least one heater device, arranged in thermal contact with at least one surface to be protected; at least one temperature sensor for outputting at least one temperature signal, the sensor being in thermal contact with the heater device; and a control system for controlling the heat output of the heater device using the temperature signal. The control system is operable to control the heat output of the heater device in order to maintain the temperature of the heater device at a substantially constant temperature.
US08602357B2

An installation system includes a structure for an aircraft, at least one carrier for an arrangement of at least one device of the aircraft, at least two attachment elements configured to attach the at least one carrier to the structure, and at least one mounting having an adjustable reception element receiving one of the at least two attachment elements.
US08602352B2

A method of operating an aircraft landing gear between a deployed position and a retracted position. The landing gear comprises a leg hinged to the aircraft, the leg being stabilized in the deployed position by a folding strut comprising two hinged-together links, the strut being held in an aligned position by a stabilizer member comprising two hinged-together links themselves held in alignment by a locking member. The method comprises the steps of arranging the strut (2; 102) and the stabilizer member (4; 104) in such a manner that at least one of the links (4a; 104a) of the stabilizer member moves continuously during a movement of the leg from the deployed position to the retracted position, and of attaching an operating actuator (10; 110) to the link in order to cause the link to pivot against the locking member and to exert thereon a force tending to move the leg.
US08602346B2

An acoustic treatment panel includes, from the inside to the outside, a reflective layer (50), at least one alveolar structure (52), and at least one acoustically resistive structure (54) that forms an aerodynamic surface, whereby the panel is connected at one edge to at least one second panel (46), characterized in that it includes, at the edge overlapping with the at least one second panel, a reinforcement (60) that is inserted between the reflective layer (50) and the acoustically resistive structure (54) forming the aerodynamic surface, whereby the reinforcement (60) ensures the uptake of forces between the layer (50) and the structure (54).
US08602345B2

A holder and dispenser of paper towels or the like that includes a base, a first post attached to the base for receiving a roll of paper towels or the like, a second post attached to the base in substantially parallel spaced relationship to the first post, a clamping rod for contacting the outer surface of a roll of paper, a plurality of pivot arms pivotally attached at respective first ends thereof to the second post and at respective second ends thereof to the clamping rod whereby said clamping rod is pivotable with respect to the second post for contacting an outer surface of a roll of paper disposed on the first post. This invention solves the problem Contamination or waste of the paper roll is avoided by providing a self adjusting vertical clamp bar to restrain the roll of paper in order to remove a towel segment from the roll.
US08602338B2

A pulverizer 10 includes a journal assembly 19 with a grinding roller 18 that grinds solids in a grinding table 14. The oscillations of the journal assembly 19 are monitored by an angular displacement transducer (ADT) 32 that creates a composite signal. A controller 83 receives the composite signal from the ADT and compares it with known information of the pulverizer 10. It then identifies abnormal situations such as damage to a grinding roll 14, the grinding table 14, the spring assembly 20 and other parts of the pulverizer 10 before they cause major damage.
US08602327B2

A microcircuit card, includes an indicator (140), receiving elements for receiving an item of selection information for selecting an application and elements for commanding the indicator into a first configuration when the item of selection information designates a first application and into a second configuration, distinct from the first configuration, when the item of selection information designates a second application. A method implemented in such a card is also described.
US08602316B2

In a system wherein a fossil fuel fired burner heats incoming well or municipally supplied water to a temperature required for industrial concrete production, the exhaust gases produced by the burner are utilized to preheat the incoming water to an increased temperature before the water is put into an insulated tank where the burner subsequently raises the water temperature to the required level, to thereby reduce the load on the burner and increase the efficiency of directly fired water heating systems.
US08602315B2

The invention relates to a chip card comprising, a molded card body made by means of injection molding and, an integrated circuit chip, as well as to a method for manufacturing such a card. The invention is characterized in that the card body includes polyacrylic acid. The invention applies to SIM cards in particular.
US08602312B2

Dynamic magnetic stripe communications devices are provided as magnetic stripe emulators. A magnetic stripe emulator may include a coil. Drive circuits may be coupled to this coil in order to produce electromagnetic fields from the coil operable to communicate with a magnetic stripe reader.
US08602309B2

The present invention relates to a bar code reading device for reading 1D or 2D bar code symbols. The bar code reading device, in one embodiment, can receive a command to disable symbology reading. In another embodiment, a bar code reading device can have a timercount and an image memory. In one embodiment, a bar code reading device can be configured to read bar code symbols of more than one bar code symbology.
US08602304B2

A housing for a mobile electronic device that houses both the mobile electronic device and an attached payment accessory. The section of the housing that houses the mobile electronic device secures the payment accessory in place while allowing access to the mobile electronic device's screen, buttons, and other inputs and outputs. The section of the housing that houses the payment accessory attached to the mobile electronic device allows access to the payment accessory's payment capabilities from beyond the housing.
US08602296B1

Identification information is received from a transaction card at a transaction machine. The transaction card is associated with an account holder using the transaction machine. Using the identification information, activity profile information is accessed for the account holder. A service-related message is generated based on the activity profile information. Screen content including the service-related message is displayed to the account holder via a display screen of the transaction machine.
US08602295B1

Methods and devices provide flexible demarcation points in order to selectably recognize currency deposited in a cash handling device. A denomination threshold may be set. A deposit may be requested. Currency may be deposited and scanned in order to determine its denomination. The currency may be routed to a stacker corresponding to the currency's denomination. If the denomination of the currency is less than or equal to the denomination threshold, then the deposit may be credited to an account. Otherwise, crediting of the account may be delayed until the currency can be verified as, for example, not invalid reproductions of currency. Information about the deposit may be communicated to a bank.
US08602287B2

A motor-driven surgical cutting and fastening instrument that comprises an end effector, an electric motor, and a motor control circuit. The motor control circuit is for monitoring a parameter of the electric motor that is indicative of movement of a moveable member of the end effector, and for adjustably controlling the electric motor based on the monitored parameter to thereby adjustably control movement of the moveable member of the end effector during forward rotation of the electric motor.
US08602285B2

An anchor installation tool has an elongated driving member with a body portion and a head portion. A retaining mechanism retains the anchor installation to the drill bit. The mechanism has a housing on the body portion with a pair of bias lugs that project through the body portion to contact the drill bit. An anchor guide slides on the body and head portion and has a holding member to hold an anchor. The anchor is held in the anchor guide and a drill bit is inserted into the driving member. Axial movement of the drill bit is transferred into axial movement of the driving member. The movement strikes the anchor and ejects the anchor from the anchor guide into a surface.
US08602275B1

A quick release device for preventing unwarranted withdrawal of a hand gun from a holster, comprising a thumb actuated hood translatably fixed with respect to and rotatable about a fixed axis between a rearward position overlying the holster opening and a forward position removed therefrom.
US08602269B2

A dispenser head (1) comprises a main body (2), an arm (60) hinged to the main body (2) and pumping means. The pumping means comprise a main cylinder (12), a sliding piston (16), dispensing means sensitive to pressure. The arm (60) is hinged to the main body (2) in a hinging portion (60b) distanced radially from the body axis (X), straddling the body axis (X) and transmitting an axial translation movement to the piston (16) by means of an elastically yielding element (30). A removable lock or tab can be included as a safety means.
US08602257B2

A combination dispenser for hand wipes and hand gel, configured to be held in a cup holder, is disclosed. Some embodiments of the device are substantially cylindrical in order to fit within a cup holder and substantially prevent shifting. Further, embodiments are partitioned internally to provide at least two separate compartments. The partitioned compartments are uniquely designed to hold and provide access to various products such as, but not limited to, hand wipes, sanitizing gel, lotion, fragrance, liquid soap or the like. In some embodiments, a lid covers the device to prevent the hand wipes from drying out. Also, some embodiments include a pump aspect that is in fluid communication with fluid products contained within a portion of the device.
US08602256B2

A quick open structure for a tool box contains a body including an upper housing, a lower housing, two retaining portions, and two bearing portions; the lower and the lower housings including a first and a second chambers individually, and the first chamber including two grooves respectively and a limiting element extending therefrom, each groove including an opening, the second chamber including a receiving member; wherein the first chamber is provided to receive a locking device and includes a pressing member and an engaging member, the pressing member includes a larger-area press portion and two side straps in response to the grooves, each side strap includes a hole to receive a returning spring, and a first and a second axial rotating portions include a first orifice and a second orifice to insert two shafts respectively, each shaft includes a resilient element, the engaging member includes a fastening block.
US08602250B2

A storage vessel, such as vessels used in storing high pressure gas is provided. The storage vessel includes a liner having a center portion and a first and second end dome. A first composite layer is disposed circumferentially about the center portion. A second composite layer is disposed about said first composite layer and the first and second end dome. In some embodiments, the second composite layer is formed from a knitted or braided sleeve that is tightened over the liner and first composite layer by pulling the sleeve.
US08602238B2

A drink bottle may include a container and a lid connected to the container. The lid may include a spout and a spout cover. Each of the spout and the spout cover may be moved in opposite directions between a stowed configuration and a dispensing configuration.
US08602232B2

A teat unit for sucking a liquid from a liquid container includes a teat and a flow restrictor with a through-opening. The teat comprises a mouthpiece, with a suction opening, and a main body which is formed integrally on the mouthpiece and widens relative to the mouthpiece. The flow restrictor defines a maximum flow of the liquid passing through the suction opening from the liquid container. According to the invention, the flow restrictor is arranged outside the mouthpiece, and the suction opening has a greater cross-sectional surface area than the through-opening of the flow restrictor. The teat unit permits a feeding action that is as true to nature as possible, since the mouthpiece can be deformed very considerably, without substantially impairing the flow restriction.
US08602225B2

A mounting apparatus for fixing a slide rail to either a first rack post or a second rack post with different sizes or shapes of locating holes, includes a mounting bracket secured to the slide rail, a latch member rotatably mounted to the mounting bracket, and a restoring member. The mounting bracket includes a locating pin having a first segment adapted to extending through the first rack post locating hole, and a second segment adapted to extending through the second rack post locating hole. The latch member includes an arm received in the locating pin, with first and second holding teeth. In the locking position, either the first or the second teeth extend out of the locating pin to clasp the first or the second rack post, the unlocking position is achieved against spring pressure.
US08602215B2

The disclosure relates to a method for managing the risk of dronedarone/beta-blockers interaction by using dronedarone or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in patients with paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) or atrial flutter (AFL), with a recent episode of AF/AFL and associated cardiovascular risk factors, who are in sinus rhythm or who will be cardioverted to reduce the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization, said patients also expecting to receive a beta-blockers treatment, by performing the following steps: a—initiate beta-blockers treatment at a low dose; b—performing a electrocardiogram (ECG) verification of good tolerability; c—increase of beta-blockers dose only if results in step b) are satisfying.
US08602211B2

Disclosed is a holder for holding a set of knitting needles with a main body having first and second end portions. Each end portion has a corresponding aperture, and each aperture is sized to hold one knitting needle of the set of knitting needles. The holder can hold circular knitting needles connected by a flexible cord, for example. Slots may be provided to receive a portion of the flexible cord therein to reduce and/or prevent the cord from twisting and/or tangling during storage or transportation. The body may also have gauge for measuring a size of the knitting needles.
US08602204B2

A conveying device includes a base, a sliding mechanism and a bearing mechanism. The base includes a mounting plate and a fixed bracket fixed on the mounting plate. The sliding mechanism includes a bottom plate slidably mounted on the mounting plate, a mounting platform fixedly mounted upon the bottom plate, a conveying assembly and a driver. The conveying assembly includes a driving wheel, a driven member and a conveying belt sleeved on the driving wheel and the driven member. The driver is mounted on the bottom plate and connected with the driving wheel. The bearing mechanism is slidably mounted on the mounting platform, and fixed with the conveying belt. The driving wheel and the driven member are oppositely and rotatably mounted on the bottom plate, the fixed bracket is positioned adjacent to the driven member and fixed with the conveying belt.
US08602203B2

A driven roller is engageable with a screw shaft and an engaged member is engageable with a pusher of a chain conveyor. The engaged member is projected on the downside of at least one of front and rear trolleys of a conveying traveling body. A conveyed object support base supported via vertical columns of both trolleys includes a driven roller support member composed of an upper column projected downward and aligned in a vertical plane passing through the vertical columns, and a lower arm. The driven roller is pivotally supported by the lower arm at a position higher than a load bar coupling both trolleys.
US08602198B2

A vacuum roll has an inner cylinder defining an interior chamber. The interior chamber is fluidly connected to a vacuum source for applying a vacuum thereto. An outer cylinder is rotatable about the inner cylinder and has a plurality of apertures therein. An actuator is configured to move the inner cylinder between a first position and a second position. The vacuum roll has a first vacuum profile with the inner cylinder in the first position and a second vacuum profile with the inner cylinder in the second position.
US08602196B1

A stair climbing system for moving objects either up or down stairs that entails placing a base and roller assembly in a first position on the stairs, rolling the object over the stationary base and roller assembly, and then advancing the base and roller assembly from a trailing position under the object to an advanced position to continue movement of the object up or down stairs. The base and roller assembly base includes first and second side panels supporting a roller, each having surfaces reacting against the stair step and the stair riser to prevent tilting of the base and roller assembly under the load of the object.
US08602188B2

An automatic slack adjuster one-way clutch includes a first part, which is rotatable about an axis in both a drive direction and a slip direction opposite to the drive direction, and a second part, which is driven about the axis by the first part only when the first part rotates in the drive direction. The second part is not driven by the first part when the first part rotates in the slip direction. Multiple movable teeth, carried by one of the parts, are displaceable axially relative to both of the parts and engage between teeth immovably fixed on the other of the parts. The first part may be either an input part or an output part of the clutch.
US08602185B1

A combined luggage bag and walker assembly having side frame elements. Forward wheels are affixed to the bottom each of the side frame elements. Handles are coupled to the top end of the side frame elements. Two leg elements are pivotably connected to the side frame elements at pivot connections. The leg elements are free to rotate about the pivot connections between a closed configuration and an open configuration. Linkages lock the leg elements into their open configuration. Rearward wheels are coupled to each of the leg elements proximate its free end. A luggage bag is attached between the side frame elements. A confined area exists behind the luggage bag. The confined area is defined by the luggage bag in front and the leg elements on either side. A person needing the assistance of a walker stands and walks in the confined area while grasping the handles.
US08602184B2

A vibration damping device for a vibration damping target has a linear member that includes a plurality of wires, which are held so that each of the plurality of wires is relatively displaced in a state that the wires are in contact with one another, and a cover member that covers a peripheries of the plurality of the wires, wherein the plurality of the wires and part of the cover member are fixed to the vibration damping target, and a region of the linear member that flexes through plastic deformation of the linear member is located near each point where the linear member is fixed to the vibration damping target.
US08602180B2

A railroad freight car brake beam with a strut having a pair of generally parallel and joined side walls disposed to opposite sides of an axis of the strut and having a central hollow portion along with a longitudinally elongated slot adapted to be inclined a predetermined number of degrees from vertical for accommodating an elongated brake lever extending through the strut. Each side wall of the strut defines a bore opening to the hollow center portion and to an exterior of the strut. The bores defined by the strut are aligned relative to each other to accommodate at least a lengthwise portion of a brake lever pivot pin extending through the strut and serving to connect the brake lever to the strut. The aligned bores in the strut also define a pivot axis for the brake lever. The strut further includes a pair of bushings which journal the brake lever pivot pin. One bushing is accommodated in each bore defined by the strut. Cooperating instrumentalities inhibit inadvertent displacement of the brake pin bushings away from the axis of and relative to the strut thereby fixing the pivot axis of the brake lever relative to the strut.
US08602179B2

A disk rotor unit for a vehicle includes an adapter portion of which an end portion may be connected to a wheel hub, wherein a plurality of cam protrusions may be formed to an exterior circumference of the other end portion of the adapter portion, a disk portion of which a plurality of support protrusions corresponding to the cam protrusions may be formed to an interior circumference thereof, wherein each support protrusion may be inserted between adjacent cam protrusions for assembling the disk portion with the adapter portion, and an assemble member engaged with the other end portion of the adapter portion for assembling the disk portion to the adapter portion.
US08602178B2

A constant strain spring compensation device, mainly comprising the grooved pulley, compensation cable, left end plate, spindle, oil seal, bearing, right end plate, contact flat spiral spring, housing, fastening angle steel, mounting base, pin, and wire-breaking arresting device. Said grooved pulley is fixed on the spindle, said compensation cable is wound and one of its ends is fixed on the grooved pulley, and the other end is connected to exterior overhead contact lines. Said spindle is supported on left end plate and right end plate by using the oil seal and bearing. Said left end plate, right end plate, housing, fastening angle steel, and mounting base form a closed box base. Said pin is connected to the side of the mounting base remote from said box base. Said contact flat spiral spring is arranged within said box base with the inner end hook being connected to the spindle and the outer end hook being connected to the fastening angle steel of the box base. The constant strain spring compensation device of the present invention is compact, small in size and weight. It may maintain a certain strain on the overhead contact lines of electrified railway to reduce the contact loss rate of its pantograph.
US08602171B2

A method of controlling access to an elevator car, in particular to its roof and/or underside, including the steps of switching the elevator control into a maintenance mode which controls the car to travel to a predetermined stop position permitting access, and opening a landing door of the elevator shaft the car is running in. The elevator control is switched into the maintenance mode only if operating a landing call receiving device in a predetermined identification pattern which differs from a call pattern for calling the elevator.
US08602169B2

An aircraft elevator system includes a fixed frame, a floating frame coupled to the fixed frame, and a cabin coupled to the floating frame. The floating frame can move with respect to the fixed frame and the cabin can move with respect to the floating frame. The system can include an actuating system operating at least one pulley system to move the cabin between upper and lower positions, which respectively can be inside and outside the aircraft. In some embodiments, the system includes a support assembly that moderates or eliminates load transfer between the system and an aircraft upper deck floor structure. In some embodiments, the cabin includes a ramp configured to deploy when approaching the lower position and to retract to a stowed position when the cabin moves from the lower position toward the upper position. The ramp can include a sensor to control cabin movement.
US08602166B2

A lubrication system includes an additive and a delivery system. During normal operational conditions, the lubricating oil circulating in the transmission system is collected and contained in a secondary oil reservoir to retain a quantity of the lubricating oil for use in an oil-out condition. When an oil-out condition is detected, the additive is injected and mixed with the collected lubricating oil in the secondary oil reservoir or dispersed directly into a power transmission gearbox housing to enhance the characteristics of the lubricating oil and increases the operational time period of the power transmission gearbox during an oil-out condition.
US08602162B2

The safety ladder may be an extension ladder having two or more relatively sliding sections, and incorporates a number of safety devices. The lower end of the ladder incorporates two opposed lateral stabilizers and two outwardly extending stabilizers, i.e., extending from the opposite face of the ladder from the structure against which the ladder is placed. The upper end of the ladder includes a pair of articulating lateral arms that brace against the structure against which the ladder is deployed, and articulating clamps or straps for securing the ladder to the structure. The medial portion of the ladder includes a handrail extending from each ladder rail. All of these devices may be retracted, collapsed, and/or folded for compact storage and transport when not in use. The entire ladder, i.e., rails, rungs, as well as the various safety components attached thereto, is coated with an electrically non-conductive coating for additional safety.
US08602161B2

A climb assist system is disclosed that dynamically adjust the rate and level of assist of a climber as the climber needs may change over the period of traverse of the ladder. A sensor detects the state of a person, such as the load exerted by the climber on a ladder exerts on an assist rope, to provide an upward support force on the climber to compensate the climber's weight. Additionally, a sender is provided to transmit the load data to a receiver and a receiver to receive the data from the sender. A controller interprets the received data and thereafter provides control through a controlled motor and drive to provide energy to the assist rope.
US08602151B2

A drive system for a motor vehicle with a continuously driven primary axle and a selectably driven secondary axle has a differential that acts between the wheels of the secondary axle, and has a torque transmission device for transmitting a drive torque to the differential. The torque transmission device has a clutch and a pump, wherein the pump produces a hydraulic pressure in a first pressure chamber of the clutch when a speed difference occurs between the primary axle and the secondary axle. The first pressure chamber is connected via a connecting line to a second pressure chamber, which is associated with an actuating member of the differential, so that the pressure produced by the pump also permits an at least partial locking of the differential. The first pressure chamber is connected to a low-pressure chamber through a first discharge line, in which is arranged a first control valve. The second pressure chamber is connected to the low-pressure chamber through a second discharge line, in which is arranged a second control valve. A pressure reduction member is located in the connecting line between the first pressure chamber and the second pressure chamber, in the first discharge line, or in the second discharge line.
US08602138B2

A wheelchair attachment for powering a wheelchair is described. An attachment for a conventional wheelchair converts a non-motorized wheelchair into a motorized wheelchair. The attachment may also act as an anti-tipping device.
US08602135B2

A combination including a harvester, a generator vehicle, and a transport vehicle including a chassis, a motor, a plurality of traction devices, and a control unit aligning the transport vehicle in relation to at least one of the harvester and a previous path of the harvester. A method of positioning a train of transport vehicles in relation to a path of the harvester.
US08602131B2

A block of dense material is made up of hard particles, of the same or different nature, dispersed in a binder phase. The material has a solidus temperature Ts above which the binder phase is liquid. There is deposited on at least a portion of the surface of the block of dense material an active coating composed of a material capable of reacting chemically with the dense material when the assembly is heated to beyond a minimum reaction temperature Tr. The block coated with the active coating is subjected to a heat treatment comprising heating, then maintenance for a time tm at a maintenance temperature Tm greater than or equal to the minimum reaction temperature Tr, followed by cooling to ambient temperature.
US08602128B2

Systems and methods for analysis of drilling cuttings are described. Complex permittivity is measured of rock cutting samples obtained during drilling operations. The origin of the cuttings is known by flow rate analysis in the drilling system. Various means can be used for rock cutting dielectric measurement. For example, the dielectric measurement can be made by matching the unknown permittivity of the medium to be analyzed to the permittivity of known liquid mixtures by successive saturation and looking for a “zero-contrast” measurement.
US08602126B2

Apparatus and methods to steer a hydraulic motor when elongating a wellbore having a non-vertical component that includes a quill adapted to transfer torque, rotation, or position between a drive assembly and a drillstring, a bottom hole assembly (BHA) including a toolface orientation detector and at least one measurement while drilling (MWD) instrument or wireline-conveyed instrument, and a controller configured to transmit operational control signals to minimize friction between a drillstring and a wellbore, wherein the instrument is configured to detect pressure between an external surface of the BHA and an inner diameter of the wellbore.
US08602123B2

The disclosure describes, in part, apparatuses and methods for installing structures (e.g., foundations, footings, anchors, abutments, etc.) at work sites, such as difficult-access work sites. In some instances, a rotating drill assembly is assembled over a target location in order to excavate a radial array of batter-angled shafts associated with the target location in preparation for the installation of a radial array of micropiles. An operator utilizes the rotating drill in combination with a foundation pile schedule/decision matrix to design and install the radial array of batter-angled micropiles. This disclosure also describes techniques for designing, fabricating and installing structural caps to be coupled to the installed radial array batter angled micropiles. These structural caps are lightweight and, thus, more portable to difficult-access sites where they are coupled to the micropiles forming a foundation for structure to be installed at the difficult-access site.
US08602122B2

A dozing blade assembly includes a dozing blade, and a cutter mounted to the dozing blade. The cutter includes a compound digging face extending between a proximal edge and a distal edge. The compound digging face has a steeply oriented center segment, and shallowly oriented outer segments, for balancing downward penetration with forward pushability during moving the dozing blade assembly through material of a substrate. Purpose-built mounting surfaces on the blade can be used to provide for the different orientations, using flat plates to form the cutter.
US08602120B2

A mobile soil working device, comprising a machine frame, a drive for at least one piercing tool, a guiding element, moveably guided on the machine frame, for at least one piercing tool, a tool holder for the piercing tool, which holder is mounted around a first pivot axis in the guiding element is provided. It is provided that the overall center of gravity of the tool holder and the at least one piercing tool is arranged in relation to the first pivot axis in such a way that the moment of inertia of the tool holder and the piercing tool that counteracts the restoring moment is at least partially reduced or compensated or overcompensated in such a way that the moment of inertia acting around the first pivot axis forms at least part of the restoring moment.
US08602117B2

A method for pumping water on a naval vessel is disclosed, the method including but not limited to pumping fresh water from a fresh water reservoir into a fresh water flush tank; pumping salt water from a salt water reservoir into a a fire water reservoir during fire operations; controlling a valve in liquid communication to alternately connect the fire water reservoir to the salt water reservoir to supply salt water to the fire water reservoir during fire operations and connecting the fire water reservoir to the fresh water flush to flush salt water from the fire water reservoir after fire water operations. A system is disclosed for practicing the method.
US08602116B2

A downhole retrievable dual directional isolation tool is provided. The down hole tool comprises a mandrel, a compressor concentric with the mandrel, and a packing element disposed around the mandrel, wherein a body section of the packing element is asymmetrical.
US08602112B2

There is herein defined a control apparatus operable to control the opening and closing of downhole flow control devices. The apparatus includes first and second indexing modules, which are arranged in fluid communication with a respective downhole control device. Each of the modules includes two inlet ports and two outlet ports, where the inlet ports are each in fluid communication with one of two control lines. The first module is operable to open and close a first downhole control device on application of fluid pressure through the first control line and the second module is operable to open and close a second downhole control device on application of fluid pressure through the second control line.
US08602106B2

A downhole fluid flow control system (100). The flow control system (100) includes a flow control component (122) having direction dependent flow resistance created by a vortex chamber (144). Production fluids (140) that travel through the flow control component (122) in a first direction enter the vortex chamber (144) traveling primarily in a tangential direction (148) to experience a first pressure drop. Injection fluids (150) that travel through the flow control component (122) in a second direction enter the vortex chamber (144) traveling primarily in a radial direction (152) to experience a second pressure drop. The pressure drop created by the tangential flow (148) of the production fluids (140) is greater than the pressure drop created by the radial flow (152) of the injection fluids (150).
US08602094B2

A method facilitates transmission of electric signals across well components which move relative to each other in a wellbore environment. The method utilizes well components which are movably, e.g. rotatably, coupled to each other via one or more conductive bearings. Each conductive bearing has a conductive rolling element which enables relative movement, e.g. rotation, between the well components while simultaneously facilitating transmission of electric signals through the bearing. The method also involves coupling portions of the bearing to each of the well components, and those bearing portions may be connected with electric leads to enable flow of electric signals through the bearing during operation of the system downhole.
US08602086B2

A method for producing an amorphous alloy foil strip having a large sheet thickness in an industrial scale includes: a pair of cooling rolls; a driving unit configured to rotate the pair of cooling rolls; and a crucible configured to supply a molten alloy sequentially to an outer circumferential surface of the pair of cooling rolls. The crucible is movable along a moving unit. A molten alloy is supplied alternately to the pair of cooling rolls while rotating and water-cooling the pair of cooling rolls.
US08602085B2

A device that holds and replaces a casting plate in a continuous casting installation metallurgical vessel contains a detector-limit switch assembly that automatically moves a casting plate to the casting position or to the sealing position, depending on whether a replacement plate is on standby on the device or not. Casting plates used with the invention are provided with a metallic casing. The casting plates and metallic casing are configured to interact with the detector contained in the device.
US08602073B2

Disclosed is a convertible forearm purse which can be securely worn on the forearm of the user, or which, alternatively, may be carried, by means of a strap, in a different configuration as a shoulder bag. The convertible forearm purse attaches to wearer's forearm by a tubular opening that accommodates insertion of the hand and forearm and by smaller openings which facilitate hooking to the thumb, fingers, and the lower part of the wearer's palm. The convertible forearm purse extends over the wrist, upward to the forearm, and continues in length, stopping just short of the elbow. The forearm purse comprises at least one zipper or other means for accessing an internal compartment, a storage compartment for the shoulder strap, an interiorly-contained wallet, and further includes a pair of closeable exterior pockets.
US08602070B2

A device for filling containers includes an arrangement (7) for feeding filling material to at least one dosing system (5) forming a flow path (27) containing a dosing valve (29) that can be opened at least for the duration of the dosing processes to distribute the dosing amounts of the filling material via at least one filling line (9) into relevant containers. The dosing system (5) has an element (31, 33, 43) disposed in the flow path (27) downstream of the dosing valve (29) for selectively producing a suction effect in the flow path (27). A control mechanism (39) activates the element (31, 33, 43) producing the suction effect. Dosing processes are completed by closing the dosing valve (29).
US08602066B2

A low profile downspout extension is formed in multiple segments including a flexible conduit component, a splash block component and an extension component. An adapter is selectively connectable to the inlet portion of the flexible conduit component to allow mounting to a small downspout. The splash block component transitions from a circular inlet into a low profile rectangular configuration with an internal weir that prevents a back-flow of water into the circular portion. The low profile rectangular sections are formed with ribbed side walls and a crowned top surface to provide strength without requiring reinforcement. The flexible conduit portion includes a rectangular inlet, a circular outlet and a corrugated central portion that allows the selective orientation of the inlet relative to the outlet. The adapter includes a deflectable attachment tab that locks into an attachment rib on the inlet portion of the flexible conduit component.
US08602064B2

A fluid passage closure system in a compressor includes a fluid passage, a seal cap unit and a flow space. The fluid passage formed in the housing of the compressor includes a large-diameter and the small-diameter passages, a step formed between the large-diameter and the small-diameter passages and a flat portion formed in the step. The large-diameter passage is formed on the opening side of the fluid passage and connected to the small-diameter passage. The seal cap unit closing the fluid passage includes a flat sealing surface and a press-contact surface. The flat sealing surface is in contact with the flat portion to close the fluid passage. The press-contact surface is formed to be pressed against the peripheral wall surface so that the seal cap unit is kept in the fluid passage. The flow space is formed between the press-contact surface and the peripheral wall surface.
US08602057B2

A fluid coupling includes and houses, in a plug and a socket: valves; springs that bias the valves so as to bring the valves into pressure contact with valve seats; and spring holders which position and hold the springs. When the plug is inserted into the socket, the valves abut against each other and are retracted, and flow paths in the plug and the socket are connected to each other. Each of the valves includes: a largest diameter portion that abuts against an inner circumferential surface of the plug or the socket and positions the valve in an axial direction thereof; and inclined surfaces reduced in diameter from the largest diameter portion toward both sides in the axial direction.
US08602053B2

A valve assembly (1) included in a system for measuring differential pressures in a fluid system and where the valve assembly (1) includes a valve body (7) with an inlet (13) and an outlet (14) for connection to the fluid system, ducts (32, 33) for communication with a differential pressure sensor (12) for registration the differential pressure, a cavity (22) including a calibration cone (10) which is movable in the cavity (22) between a measuring position and a position for zero point calibration/flushing via the valve assembly (1). In instances when the measuring position of the device does not exists, the calibration cone (10) separates the differential pressure sensor (12) from the fluid system, i.e., in its initial position, and, at the same time, the valve assembly (1), in this position, is automatic flushed so as to get rid of any enclosed air in the valve assembly (1).
US08602048B2

Apparatus for use in delivery of gas capable of combustion that incorporates a safety valve unit. The safety valve unit closes the flow path of the gas from the source upon occurrence of a fire. The safety valve unit has a valve body, a valve head resiliently biased towards a valve-closure position and a fusible retainer that holds the valve member in a valve open position. The valve body defines a fluid flow passage between an outlet and the valve head. Within the fluid flow passage there is an elongate link member which extends from the valve head to the foot. The foot engages the fusible retainer.
US08602043B2

A boat storage canopy fitted to a boat storage lift has an entry portion, raised center portion and shore side portion with downwardly depending curtains on first and second sides and the shore side end with a hinged curtain at the entry end.
US08602041B2

A spray-type car wash system includes an overhead carriage which can move longitudinally the length of a wash bay. A pair of laterally opposed spray arms depend from the carriage. During vehicle entry into the bay, LED-based lights running down the length of each arm are caused to flash to help the driver center a vehicle between the arms. Cushioning and breakaway features protect the arms from damage. A single-arm system is also disclosed. A double-light, stationary support system is also disclosed.
US08602038B2

The present invention relates to a hairstyling brush iron which applies heat to the hair of a user to set a desired hair style, and which can protect the scalp of the user from heat. The hairstyling brush iron according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises; an iron roll which is heated up to a high temperature, and the outer surface of which has a plurality of grooves formed in a lengthwise direction thereof; and a brush which is coupled to the iron roll by coupling a lower portion thereof to the grooves of the iron roll.
US08602037B2

A smoking article includes a monitor monitoring a smoke delivery from a cigarette or a physical quantity correlated with the smoke delivery, a regulating mechanism regulating the smoke delivery, and a control unit controlling the regulating mechanism depending on the smoke delivery.
US08602031B2

The invention relates generally to robotically controlled systems, such as medical robotic systems. In one variation, a robotic catheter system is configured with a sterile barrier capable for transmitting a rotary force from a drive system on one side of the barrier to surgical tool on the other side of the sterile barrier for performing minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Modularized drive systems for robotics arc also disclosed herein.
US08602030B2

Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a tubular body with an open distal end and a tube wall with a variable thickness are provided. The tube wall may include a thickened section comprising a void. The tracheal tube may also include an offset ventilation lumen disposed in the tubular body and adapted to facilitate airflow to and from a patient. Embodiments of the tracheal tube may also include a suction lumen disposed in the thickened section of the tube wall and terminating in a port opening into the void for removal of secretions from the patient's trachea.
US08602029B2

A CPAP system for supplying humidified gases to a user is disclosed in which various interfaces are described for gas delivery. A mask cushion including a deformable cushion and thin sheath is described.
US08602027B2

Methods and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of a potential or actual overpressure during assisted ventilation are described. A blower suppliespressurized gas to a conduit, and in turn to a patient mask for connection with the entrance of a patient's airways. A pressure sensor detects the delivered pressure in the mask, which is provided to a controller. The controller has operation over the blower by way of a servo and motor. The controller determines a relatively longterm average of the pressure signal, and compares it against a threshold value. If the threshold value is approached or exceeded, the controller controls the blower and thus the supplied pressure to the patient. The effect of the control can be to limit or reduce the supplied gas pressure. The relatively longterm average can be of the order of minutes, or taken over ten or more breaths.
US08602026B2

A device, system, and method for isolating a ventilator from one or more patients in which the delivery conditions of gas delivered to an isolation device from a ventilator may drive the delivery of breathing-gas delivered to one or more patients, the breathing-gas having the same or different delivery conditions. In one embodiment, an isolation device may have a housing and a movable partition. The movable partition may be joined to the housing, The movable partition may have a patient side on a first side of the partition and an actuating side on a second side of the partition. The isolation device may include an inlet pressure regulator on the actuating side and/or an exhaust pressure regulator on the patient side. These regulators may alter the delivery conditions (including, but not limited to, pressure and volume) of breathing-gas delivered to a patient.
US08602017B2

The present invention is embodied in a grill configured for quick assembly, a method of partially pre-assembling the grill for shipping from the factory in a container, and a method of assembling the grill when removed from the shipping container. The grill comprises a firebox assembly for mounting on a cart assembly, the cart assembly having first and second support assemblies and at least one linking member interconnecting them. A hinge or pivot in the mid-portion of the linking member divides it into first and second linking member portions, and the opposite ends of the linking member portions are pivotally connected by hinges or the like to the first and second support assemblies. The linking member holds the first and second support assemblies together in a partially pre-assembled state, and the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the two assemblies to be folded for packaging in a shipping container. When removed from the container, the pivotal connections of the linking member portions allow the first and second support assemblies to be unfolded, with the linking member holding the two support assemblies in approximately the proper position with respect to each other and to the firebox assembly for assembly of the grill, thus allowing for easier and quicker grill assembly by one person. Alternatively, the linking member can itself be a support assembly with the first and second support assemblies pivotally attached to opposite ends of the linking member.
US08602016B2

A blade comprises a strip having a main body portion and an edge portion. Cutting medium in the form of a diamond grit is secured to the strip by braze material. The edge portion is thinner than the main body portion.
US08602014B2

A corner jig for a masonry saw for fabricating a cut in a masonry unit (e.g., brick) such as to form a corner brick veneer may have a push block wherein its height is substantially equal to a length of a brick to be formed into the corner brick veneer. A lateral position of a cut guide is adjustable to regulate a thickness of the corner brick veneer. A height of the cut guide may also be substantially equal in length of the bring to be formed into the corner brick veneer. Once the cut guide and push block are mounted to the masonry saw, the brick is positioned within the corner jig and a first cut is made. The user's hands are out of the way so that the cut can be made safely without harming the operator. The brick is repositioned and a second cut is made in the brick to finish off the corner brick veneer. Once again, the user's hands are out of the way for safe operation of the masonry saw. Moreover, no subsequent cuts or finishing step are required to provide for a clean square interior corner of the corner brick veneer.
US08602012B2

A car engine air-intake unit has a round main body. The main body has airflow guides and airflow guiding plates to guide air flowing into the intake tube to rotate, and blades are provided which protrude out of the main body and extend from the airflow guiding plates to increase the rotating angle and stroke of the guided air flow. The intake unit can be used in cooperation with any of various specific air-intake tubes, and can be assembled and adjusted to support different air intake amounts and any of various air-intake tubes of different bores, and thus offers convenience of use.
US08602010B2

A system for supplying fuel to an internal combustion engine, while improving the utilization rate of an evaporation fuel, is provided. The raw fuel F0 is separated to a first fuel F1 and a second fuel F2 by a separation device 20. The evaporation fuel V derived from the first fuel F1 is suctioned from a condenser 30 by an operation of a vacuum pump 36, and then supplied to a first fuel tank 40. During this operation, at least a part of the evaporation fuel V transits its phase from a gas phase to a liquid phase and stored in the first fuel tank 40 as the first fuel F1.
US08602009B2

A chamber structure for a vehicle may include a housing, a chamber formed inside the housing and into which a blow-by gas flows, and a cooling water path which may be formed inside the housing around the chamber and through which a preheated cooling water passes.
US08602005B2

A multiple discharge plasma apparatus is provided with a plurality of discharge devices, each with an electrode exposed to the combustion chamber and installed in at least one of members constituting the combustion chamber; an antenna installed in at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber so as to radiate electromagnetic waves to the combustion chamber; an electromagnetic wave transmission line installed in at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber, with one end connected to the antenna and the other end covered with an insulator or dielectric and extending to a portion, of at least one of the members constituting the combustion chamber, distant from the combustion chamber; and an electromagnetic wave generator for feeding electromagnetic waves into the electromagnetic wave transmission line; wherein the multiple discharge plasma apparatus is configured such that discharge is generated by the electrodes of a plurality of discharge devices and the electromagnetic waves fed from the electromagnetic wave generator through the electromagnetic wave transmission line is radiated from antenna, during the compression stroke.
US08602004B2

According to the present teaching, a fuel vapor processing apparatus includes a fuel tank, a canister capable of adsorbing fuel vapor produced in the fuel tank, a fuel pump disposed within the fuel tank, a fuel recovery device configured to recover the fuel vapor from the canister into the fuel tank, and a control device configured to stop recovery of the fuel vapor by the fuel recovery device based on at least one of parameters representing the amount of the fuel vapor remaining within the canister.
US08602000B2

An engine brake unit may include a rocker arm having a first space defined in a valve-pressing portion thereof, wherein the first space communicates with a supply passage, through which engine brake oil is introduced, a stopper fixedly provided above the first space of the rocker arm in a predetermined distance, an actuator located inside the first space and having a pressure piston, wherein the pressure piston is selectively raised by hydraulic pressure of the engine brake oil to butt against the stopper, thereby pressing a portion of the rocker arm downwards.
US08601994B2

The present invention reduces weight while assuring required rigidity of a piston reduces cost of the piston. A piston includes first and second pin bosses supporting a piston pins, a first side wall coupling the first pin boss and a piston skirt, a second side wall coupling the second pin boss and the piston skirt, and a pair of bridges coupling the first and second side walls and forming upward spaces just above. First and second through holes are formed in the first and second side walls. The first and second through holes and the upper spaces are formed by a single punching process using a punch and, simultaneously, the bridges are formed.
US08601989B2

In the present invention, control shafts (11A, 11B) having bodies (16A, 16B) and control arm parts (17A, 17B) extending from the bodies (16A, 16B) toward the outer side in the radial direction are rotatably provided on the outer peripheral surface of a drive camshaft (2). A cam follower (13) is oscillatably mounted to the control arm parts (17A, 17B) via a support shaft (25). Oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B) extending toward the position opposite to a drive cam (3) across a cam follower roller (27) are provided on oscillating cams (14A, 14B). A central shaft (26) of the cam follower roller (27) is connected to the oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B) by link arms (29A, 29B) of which both longitudinal ends are rotatably connected to the central shaft (26) of the cam follower roller (27) and the oscillating arm parts (35A, 35B).
US08601987B2

A system for providing cooling to at least one cylinder of an engine is disclosed. The system comprises at least one coolant jacket in a cylinder head arranged on an inlet side of a cylinder and at least one coolant jacket in the cylinder head arranged on an outlet side of the cylinder. The outlet-side coolant jacket may be part of a water cooling circuit, while the inlet-side coolant jacket may be part of an oil circuit.
US08601984B2

Engine system comprising a compression ignition engine (20) including at least one combustion chamber and a cold flame vaporizer (40) in which a fuel is partially oxidized in preheated air to form a cold flame gas. The cold flame vaporizer (40) is in fluid communication with the combustion chamber of the compression ignition engine (20). There is further provided means (50) for supplying air such that the cold flame gas can be mixed with the additional air before being injected into the combustion chamber, and means (22) for injecting a pilot fuel into the combustion chamber, thereby producing a pilot flame in the combustion chamber which ignites the mixture of cold flame gas and air. There is also provided a method for a substantially NOx-free combustion of diesel fuel in a compression ignition engine (20).
US08601979B2

Milking box or boxes for cows, each milking box having two entrance fences for entry and two exit fences, wherein one first entrance fence and one first exit fence form a first pair of fences positioned at a first side, and one second entrance fence and one second exit fence form a second pair of fences at a second side which is opposite the first side. This type of milking box used in a cow stable further comprises resting boxes, at least one feeder trough, a separation zone or zones, and walking paths, wherein at least the resting boxes are placed at the first side of the milking box or boxes, and that at the second side of the milking box or boxes at least one is placed selected from the group comprising at least one feeder trough, a separation zone or zones, or outdoors.
US08601970B1

A tethered buoy housing and deployment system includes a housing for disposition in a vessel, a tether for interconnecting a portion of the housing and a buoy, a reel mounted in the housing and rotatable to unwind the tether, means for maintaining tension on the tether as the tether is unwound, and a platform and linkage assembly adapted to support the buoy and move the buoy between a vertical disposition for storage in the housing and an angled disposition for release of the buoy into an external fluid stream.
US08601964B2

There is provided a ship, in particular a cargo ship. It has a plurality of Magnus rotors, wherein associated with each of the plurality of Magnus rotors is an individually actuable electric motor (M) for rotating the Magnus rotor, wherein associated with each electric motor (M) is a converter (U) for controlling the rotary speed and/or the rotary direction of the electric motor (M).
US08601961B2

A mount for a trash whipping implement for connection to a planter is disclosed. A height and force adjustable mounting system is also disclosed for use with a planter that enables the force of such an implement on the soil to be modulated as desired.
US08601958B2

The invention relates to a plant and a process for the looping-type combustion of solid carbon-containing fuels with a carbon dioxide (CO2) flow output. Said process carries out the conversion of carbon without the help of solid carriers of the MyOx type, or of sulphate/sulphide type, and comprises the steps of: (i) Oxidation, wherein the carbon-containing solids are contacted with a gaseous flow comprising oxygen, for a time period and at a temperature sufficient to allow formation of a surface oxidized complex; (ii) Desorption, wherein the surface oxidized complexes generated by adsorption of oxygen in item (i) are released in a gaseous form by decomposition in the absence of O2.
US08601955B2

A method and apparatus for providing pallet runners and pallets constructed using them for use in the storage and/or transport of goods and, more particularly, to a low cost, strong, recyclable, reinforced pallet and runner design.
US08601949B2

An electrically initiated inertial igniter for a munition including: an electrical energy generating device configured to generate a voltage over a duration of an acceleration of the munition; an electrical storage device configured to receive a portion of the voltage over the duration; a circuit powered by the electrical energy generating device, the circuit configured to determine an all-fire condition based on both the portion of the voltage and the duration of voltage generation and a predetermined accumulated voltage of the electrical storage device; and an initiator, the circuit configured to activate the initiator by providing the predetermined accumulated voltage to the initiator when the all-fire condition is determined.
US08601930B2

A bullet-resistant armor element for use as a tessellation in a flexible armor matrix has a hard main body and a facing over said main body, such as layer of polymeric or polymer matrix composite material, wherein the facing has an acoustic impedance which is substantially lower than the acoustic impedance of the main body. Groups of said elements tessellate to form an aperture between the adjacent elements, and a cover element is arranged to cover said aperture. Limit stops restrict the degree of articulation between the adjacent elements. The elements include a deflector for deflecting bullet splash and traps for collecting bullet splash.
US08601928B2

A method and device for impeding the progress of a swimmer or a diver included a plurality of tendrils that can be launched into the path of a target and entangle the target.
US08601919B1

A method of applying frictional braking to motion of a cutter providing chain thereof, involving the entering of an insertional element into the chain channel guide.
US08601917B2

In order to be able to measure a diameter in a turning machine without rotating a workpiece and thus prevent circularity and concentricity errors from entering into the diameter determination, it is proposed according to the invention to use a measuring device that is movable in both transversal directions relative to the rotation axis, thus in the X-direction and also in the Y-direction, wherein the measuring device can scan the workpiece from both sides in one clamping step without rotating the workpiece.
US08601914B2

An adapter for a socket wrench includes a shaft with two socket drivers disposed along the shaft. Each of the socket drivers can, independent from one another, rotate around the shaft and slide along the shaft in either direction. There are two stops at each end of the shaft to prevent the socket drivers from falling off the shaft. The socket drivers can be attached to a variety of different socket accessories and sockets so that torque applied to one of the socket drivers can be multiplied and exerted at the end of the other socket driver. One particular embodiment includes a shaft and pedal that aids a person in correctly and easily tightening or loosening lug nuts.
US08601901B2

To realize a practical structure capable of increasing the number of frictional engagement sections between members that are relatively displaced in response to adjustment of a front-rear position of a steering wheel, in a portion of a front end section of an outer column 11b that opposes to an intermediate section of an adjustment bolt 17a, there is formed a slit 33 that is long in the axial direction of this outer column 11b, and in a portion of the intermediate section of the adjustment bolt 17a that opposes to this outer column 11b, there is provided a pressing member 37, this pressing member 37 pressing the outer circumferential surface of the outer column 11b radially inward, with the rotation of the adjustment bolt 17a, and when fixing the front-rear position, with the rotation of the adjustment bolt 17a, a pair of supporting plate sections 23, which constitute a nipping (fixed) bracket 22a, nipping a nipped (movable) bracket 24a, and at the same time, the pressing member 37 bringing the inner circumferential surface of the outer column 11b and the outer circumferential surface of an inner column 12b into frictional engagement.
US08601899B2

A hybrid robotic manipulator adapted to move objects includes a base and a waist mounted on the base. The waist is configured to rotate on the base. The hybrid robotic manipulator further includes a pair of arms mounted on the waist. Each arm includes an upper arm, a forearm serially coupled to the upper arm at an elbow, and a wrist configured to couple the pair of arms at a distal end through a pair of connecting elements. The wrist further includes an end-effector mounted thereon and configured to grip the object and move the object to a desired position.
US08601897B2

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving device and another object, using a parallel mechanism and torque limiters where the threshold force to activate the force limiting mechanism is not related to the configuration of the moving device or the location of the contact force relative to the activation point of the force limiting mechanism, and where the mechanism may be configured for one, two or three degrees of freedom. A counterbalance mechanism is also provided to counteract gravity load when the force limiting mechanism is configured for three degrees of freedom and responsive to contact forces including a vertical element. In particular, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for limiting the contact force between a moving robotic device and a contactable object.
US08601894B2

A worm-gear assembly including a worm screw having at least one groove and a wheel having a plurality of rotatable pins along its periphery for engaging the worm screw. The pins are able to rotate in a direction other than a direction of wheel rotation. At least one raceway is provided for contacting pins that are not engaged with the worm screw during operation of the assembly.
US08601893B2

A transmission device (1) including at least one shift element (3, 4) that can be actuated via an actuator (6) having at least one electrical component (5). The electrical component (5) is connected to a transmission shaft (7), rotates during operation at the rotational speed of the transmission shaft (7), and is operatively connected to further components of the transmission device (1), via an electrical transmitting device (8). Electrical energy can be exchanged, at the least, inductively via the transmitting device (8) between the components of the transmission device (1) and the at least one electrical component (5) connected to the transmission shaft (7). Hydraulic actuating pressure can be generated, via the electrical component (5), for actuating the shift element (3, 4).
US08601890B2

A driving device for a hatch in a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to a stationary structural component, a second fastening element which can be connected to a movable structural component, a spindle drive including a threaded spindle having an axis of rotation and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle, and a rotary drive having a driveshaft for rotating spindle to move the first fastening element axially relative to the second fastening element. A stroke detection sensor for continuously detecting the position of the movable structural component includes a rotatable sensor element driven in rotation by the driveshaft and a stationary sensor element for continuously detecting the rotational position of the rotatable sensor element. A gear reduction unit is provided between the driveshaft and the rotatable sensor element so the revolutions of the sensor element are reduced by about 14:1.
US08601884B2

A Coriolis mass flowmeter having two measuring tubes, wherein two neighboring oscillation node plates are provided on one end of the measuring tube that connect the two measuring tubes to one another and wherein the angle between the planes of both oscillation node plates is determined in such a manner that the vibration of the measuring tubes is minimal up to a predetermined driving force. A method of producing the flowmeter is also disclosed.
US08601880B2

A strain sensor comprises a transmitting element; a receiving element wirelessly coupled to the transmitting element; and a modulating element located on a rotating component, wherein the modulating element modulates the wireless coupling between the transmitting element and the receiving element, wherein the modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of strain on the rotating component. A method of detecting strain in a rotating component of a rotary machine comprises wirelessly coupling a transmitting element and a receiving element; modulating the coupling with a modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the strain in the rotating component based on the modulation of the coupling.
US08601876B2

The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.
US08601867B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a phase separation float assembly, a phase separation detection system, and a method for detecting phase separation. One embodiment comprises a first float subassembly comprising a first float adapted for vertical travel along a fuel level probe shaft and a magnet. This embodiment also comprises a second float subassembly comprising a second float adapted for vertical travel along the shaft. The first float has a first density and the second float has a second density greater than the first density. The second float subassembly further comprises at least one stop feature which engages the first float subassembly when the first float subassembly travels vertically a predetermined distance along the fuel level probe shaft. The first float density is selected such that the first float subassembly travels vertically along the shaft to engage the at least one stop feature in the presence of phase separation.
US08601860B2

To provide a sensing device and a sensing method that, by a simple method of liquid supply to first and second excitation electrodes, makes it possible to make a first oscillation area adsorb an adsorption substance that adsorbs a substance to be sensed in a sample solution and a blocking substance that prevents the adsorption of a substance and to make the electrode in a second oscillation area adsorb the blocking substance. By the supply of a solution containing the adsorption substance to a first liquid storage space 53A surrounding a first excitation electrode 42A, a front surface of the excitation electrode 42A is made to adsorb the adsorption substance, and next, by the supply of a solution containing the blocking substance to the first liquid storage space 53A, an area, of the excitation electrode 42A, on which the adsorption substance is not adsorbed, is made to adsorb the blocking substance. Further, by the supply of the solution containing the blocking substance to a second liquid storage space 53B separated from the first liquid storage space and surrounding a second excitation electrode 42B, a front surface of the second excitation electrode 42B is made to adsorb the blocking substance.
US08601857B2

A crystal oscillator, and a measurement method using same are provided with which the density of a solution can be measured alone, or both the density and the viscosity of a solution can be measured at the same time using a single detector provided for the crystal oscillator. A material to be measured is contacted to the crystal oscillator, and the crystal oscillator that includes electrodes formed on both surfaces of a piezoelectric plate, and an uneven-surface formed either on one of the electrodes disposed on the side in contact with the material to be measured, or on a detector formed on the electrode is oscillated. An amount of change in frequency (f2) that corresponds to the high-frequency side of two frequencies that represent a half value of a conductance maximum value of the crystal oscillator is measured to measure a density of the material.
US08601829B2

In the case of an ice maker comprising a frame (15) and a tray (1), which is pivotable in the frame (15) about an axis and in which at least one compartment (4) is formed, a flexible line (12) connecting the tray (1) with the frame (15) extends in a curve about the pivot axis of the tray (1).
US08601828B2

A system and method are provided to control the output capacity of a compressor in response to the outdoor ambient temperature. The outdoor ambient temperature is measured by a sensor. The measured outdoor ambient temperature is then used to control the output capacity of the compressor. The compressor is operated at less than 100% capacity in response to the outdoor ambient temperature being less than or equal to 95° F. If the outdoor ambient temperature reaches a predetermined temperature greater than 95° F., the compressor is then operated at 100% capacity.
US08601825B2

An integrated absorption refrigeration and dehumidification system includes an absorber containing an absorption solution, an after-cooler having a flow path to receive the solution and a flow path to receive a warm fluid, the flow paths being thermally coupled to separate a refrigerant from the solution, and an auxiliary heat exchanger having a flow path to receive the solution from the after-cooler and a flow path to receive a warm fluid, the flow paths being thermally coupled to separate more refrigerant from the solution. The system also includes a condenser positioned to receive and cool the refrigerant from the auxiliary heater, an expansion valve positioned to receive the refrigerant from the condenser, an evaporator positioned to receive the refrigerant from the expansion valve and the warm fluid from the after-cooler, and a separator to remove condensate from the warm fluid from the after-cooler or a cool fluid from the evaporator.
US08601824B2

A heating and cooling apparatus for a vehicle seat, may include a blower blowing air into a duct leading to the vehicle seat, and a thermoelectric element assembly connected to the duct and including a thermoelectric element that heats or cools air introduced toward the vehicle seat from the duct, the thermoelectric element having condensed water passages penetrating from one side to the other side thereof to allow condensed water to flow therethrough.
US08601822B2

A fuel delivery system for use, for example in a gas turbine engine system, includes a fuel metering unit including a main fuel inlet. The fuel metering unit includes fuel pressure and temperature sensors. A cavitating venturi is in fluid communication with the main fuel inlet and includes venturi characteristics such as throat diameter. A fuel nozzle is in fluid communication with the venturi for delivering fuel to the gas turbine engine. A controller is connected to the pressure temperature sensors and is operable to calculate a flow rate of fuel through the nozzle based upon the signals from the pressure and temperature sensors and the fuel and venturi characteristics. A variable cavitating venturi may be arranged within the throat to vary the area and adjust the flow rate through the venturi. The cavitating venturi can also be used at the fuel nozzle to further simplify the fuel delivery system.
US08601819B2

Electric fields control an electric combustion. Plasmas are created by a dielectrically impeded discharge. At least one part of the fuel is mixed with water vapor in the supply line and is subjected to a plasma discharge in a compact reactor that is in close contact with the burner in terms of reaction kinetics. In the associated device, a plasma reactor for creating a reactive plasma gas with at least one supply line for the fuel gas-water vapor mixture and an electric energy supply is integrated into the burner. The device provides suitable flow guidance of the fuel gas-air mixture, of the fuel gas-water vapor mixture, and of the reactive plasma gas.
US08601810B2

Provided is an internal combustion engine for improving fuel-economy performance in any of the case where supercharging performed by an electric supercharger is required and the case where the supercharging is not required. The internal combustion engine includes: an electric supercharger; a supercharger; an electric motor; and a controller, the electric supercharger being for compressing an intake air by rotation of the supercharger caused with rotation of the exhaust turbine by an exhaust gas energy to perform supercharging and for rotationally driving the supercharger with electric-motor assistance by the electric motor; an exhaust bypass passage provided to bypass the exhaust turbine; and an opening and closing the exhaust bypass passage unit. In the internal combustion engine, the opening and closing the exhaust bypass passage unit opens the exhaust bypass passage until the supercharging is started by the electric supercharger.
US08601803B2

The invention relates to a hydrodynamic clutch having constant or variable filling of work medium having a pump wheel, comprising pump wheel blading, and having a turbine wheel, comprising turbine wheel blading; pump wheel and turbine wheel forming a toroidal work space with one another, which is fillable with the work medium for torque transmission; having a storage space for receiving work medium from the work space, the storage space having a connection which conducts work medium to the work space; the work medium can be conducted from the storage space into the work space to increase the transmittable torque and from the work space into the storage space to reduce the transmittable torque. The hydrodynamic clutch is characterized in that the ratio of the volume of the work space to the installation volume of the hydrodynamic clutch is greater than 0.26, the installation volume of the hydrodynamic clutch being defined by a cylinder volume having constant diameter, whose external diameter corresponds to the maximum external diameter of the hydrodynamic clutch, and whose axial length corresponds to the maximum axial extension of the hydrodynamic clutch.
US08601801B2

Disclosed is an exhaust assembly for a construction machine having a revolving upperstructure and an engine mounted on the revolving upperstructure. The exhaust assembly is to be arranged inside the revolving upperstructure of the construction machine, and is provided with an after-treatment device for exhaust gas from the engine and an exhaust pipe for releasing exhaust gas, which has been guided from an outlet port of the after-treatment device, to an outside. The exhaust assembly includes a concave-convex part, which has plural concavities and convexities, is arranged on an inner wall of the exhaust pipe, and extends in a direction of discharge of the exhaust gas.
US08601800B2

The present invention provides an automotive exhaust system that removes harmful contaminants from engine exhaust and thus reduces air pollution, presents a number of distinct and significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the Green Muffler subjects engine exhaust gases to a two-stage cleansing and purification process, first scrubbing the gases in a recirculating air-and-water bath; and then combining the remnant gases with an air-freshening chemical before release to the atmosphere. The Green Muffler, then, serves to lower a vehicle's carbon-dioxide and carbon-monoxide emissions and thereby reduces the level of air pollution and atmospheric warming due to car exhaust. Further, the Green Muffler reduces the temperature of vehicle exhaust, another plus for the planet.
US08601797B2

An exhaust device for a diesel vehicle may include a diesel fuel catalyst provided downstream of a turbocharger, a hydrocarbon Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) catalyst provided downstream of the diesel fuel catalyst, a catalyst-coated diesel particulate filter provided downstream of the hydrocarbon SCR catalyst, and a secondary fuel injector provided on an exhaust gas pipe between the turbocharger and the diesel fuel catalyst.
US08601795B2

A system assembly detects the amount of reducing agent and the amount of pollutant in an exhaust gas. The system assembly has a first pollutant sensor, which is cross-sensitive to the reducing agent, and is provided for emitting a first measuring signal proportional to the amount of pollutant in the exhaust gas for use in front of a filtering device for the selective reducing of the reducing agent or the pollutant in the exhaust gas. A second pollutant sensor, which is also cross-sensitive to the reducing agent, emits a second measuring signal proportional to the amount of pollutant in the exhaust gas for use behind the filtering device.
US08601769B2

Reinforced boards and/or walls, and methods of producing thereof. In some non-limiting examples, there is provided a reinforced gypsum board and a process for the production thereof. In one example, the reinforced board may include one or more reinforcing elements, e.g., to enhance the rigidity of the board and/or to provide support for the board.
US08601768B2

A trim element such as a door pilaster or frieze board, for attachment to a building wall, having front and back longitudinal faces, first and second longitudinal edges, and a longitudinal groove in the first edge. A mounting bracket for the wall has a forward strip that extends laterally and is selectively friction fit into the groove, a back strip that extends laterally on the back face of the element, and a connecting web between the forward and back strip that is flush with the first edge when the forward strip is fully inserted in the groove. A mounting flange for the wall extends laterally from the back face of the element, beyond the second longitudinal edge, and has a longitudinal channel along the second edge with a width that is effective to receive an edge of wall siding.
US08601767B2

A modular entrance floor system comprising a plurality of floor sections, the plurality of floor sections being disposed adjacent each other and defining a perimeter of an entrance floor area. Each floor section includes a base plate permanently coupled to a foundation, and a surface plate removably attached to the base plate. The surface plate has at least one drain feature. The plurality of floor sections are configured such that the surface plate of a first floor section is interchangeable with the surface plate of a second floor section, independent of the adjacent floor sections.
US08601746B1

A roof bracket assembly includes a bracket that may be coupled to a roof. A free end of the bracket may be coupled to a support member. The bracket may prevent the support member from penetrating the roof.
US08601740B2

An airflow window includes an outer frame, an inner frame located in the outer frame, a plurality of shutters, and a magnet. The plurality of shutters is pivotably mounted on the inner frame. Each shutter includes metal. The magnet includes at least one magnet strip. The at least one magnet strip attracts the plurality of shutters at an open state. In the open state, the plurality of shutters is slanted relative to the outer frame.
US08601724B2

Golf shoes are revealed. The golf shoes include auxiliary supports arranged at the positions which golf players' center of gravity shifted to during the strike. Thus the center of gravity of the player changed during the swing is supported by the auxiliary supports for maintaining the lower body of the player stable throughout the lift. The power of the strike is maintained due to the firm lower body. The accuracy is also good, not affected by changes of the center of gravity of the body. Therefore the player can swing through easily and have a nice shoot smoothly.
US08601712B2

Described herein are devices and techniques for spray drying a fluid to produce a dried powder. Assemblies include a spray drying head attachable to a gas supplier and a liquid sample, such as a standard unit of blood product. The spray drying head can be adapted to provide an aerosolized flow of liquid sample exposed to a drying gas. The assembly also includes a drying chamber adapted to separate the aerosolized flow of liquid sample into a dried powder and humid air. The assembly can be disposable, provided in a sterilized kit and having simplified attachments allowing quick connect and disconnect from the gas and liquid sample. Separation of the powder from the humid air exiting the drying chamber occurs within a filtered collection bag. In some embodiments, one or more of the drying chamber and collection bag are formed form a thin-walled, collapsible material.
US08601711B2

A radial rotary dryer improves drying efficiency for sludge and other substances, prevents clogging phenomenon, and is realized in a simple structure. The radial rotary dryer includes spaces formed by inner and outer drums and partitioned by a plurality of radial plates. The substances, which have been introduced through a drum inlet together with hot blowing air, sequentially move throughout all spaces and are dried during drum rotation. The substances are discharged through an opposite side of the inner drum. A lift plate is attached at one surface of each radial plate to improve the drying efficiency. Hammers are attached to an opposite surface of the radial plate to free-fall according to the rotation of the drum, thereby crushing the substances. The radial rotary dryer is useful to dry sewage sludge, food waste, or other industrial substances with the best drying efficiency, the minimum installation space, and a crushing function.
US08601706B1

An adjustable stop tool has a rigid elongate body having a tool end, and a stop element slidably positioned on the rigid elongate body. The tool enables a method for positioning a segment of stock for machining and cutting, wherein the stop element is first locked on the rigid elongate body such that the stop element is separated from the tool end by a distance. A segment of the stock is then pulled out of the collet until the stock end is separated from the collet by more than the distance. The adjustable stop tool is then positioned against the stock and pushed towards the collet until the tool end abuts the collet.
US08601700B2

A sprinkler drop ruler is provided for measuring the sprinkler drop from a roughed-in outlet. The sprinkler drop ruler includes a rigid frame having an opening, a handle connected to the rigid frame and in fixed relation to the rigid frame, and a ruler with an end shaped to seat in the opening and configured to move inside or along a side of the handle in order to measure a sprinkler drop. The sprinklerfitter may thus use the sprinkler drop ruler in order to measure the sprinkler drop. In this way, the sprinklerfitter does not need to climb a ladder to measure the sprinkler drop.
US08601689B2

A method of repairing a turbomachine rotor wheel including a first outer circumferential edge extending to a second outer circumferential edge through a circumferential surface, a dovetail interface extending across the outer circumferential surface between the first and second outer circumferential edges, and a bucket mounted to the dovetail interface includes identifying a defect on one of the first and second outer circumferential edges of the rotor wheel adjacent the bucket, securing the bucket in the dovetail interface to substantially constrain axial movement, and removing a portion of the one of the first and second outer circumferential edges to remove the defect.
US08601681B2

Disclosed is an optical element to be subjected to a reflow process at high temperatures, wherein cracks or wrinkles can be prevented from occurring in an antireflection film. A method for producing the optical element, and a method for manufacturing an electronic device using the optical element are also disclosed. Specifically disclosed is a method for producing an optical element comprising a base, wherein at least one optical surface is composed of a resin material, and a coating formed on the optical surface of the base and composed of an inorganic material, the optical element being mounted on a substrate together with an electronic component by a reflow process at a temperature Ta. The method is characterized in that the coating is formed at a film-forming temperature Tb of not less than (Ta−60° C.), and a material having a glass transition temperature of not less than 290° C. or a glass transition temperature of not less than (Tb−50° C.) is used as the resin material.
US08601679B2

Disclosed is a leak detection cable that has an outer jacket layer and a four wire construction in a flat wire configuration that is twisted in a helix. Detection cables are disposed on the exterior surface adjacent openings of the jacket to allow for detection of aqueous fluids. The wire is twisted in a helix to allow adjacent detector wires to easily detect aqueous fluids. Disparate materials are used for the jacket and the coatings of the wires, to allow the jacket to be easily removed from the wires without affecting the integrity of the coatings of the wires. The four flat wire configuration is sized and spaced for easy connection to an insulation displacement connector.
US08601669B2

A method for the manufacture of a component assembly comprising a sheet metal part and a functional element attached to it by a riveting process or by a riveting and piercing process or by a press-in process, wherein the sheet metal part is provided with an imprint, is wherein the imprint is produced prior to attachment of the functional element and consists of a sequence of regions which are raised and recessed relative to one another and wherein, during the attachment of the functional element this is pressed against the sheet metal part in such a way that the imprint of the sheet metal part leads to a complementary shaping of the functional element in the region of the functional element which comes into contact with the imprint. A sheet metal part and a functional element are also claimed.
US08601664B2

A fixture exchange rail system is provided having first and second fixture assemblies movably mounted with respect to respective first and second stationary rails. A movable rail is disposed substantially adjacent to, and movable between, the first and second stationary rails. The movable rail is sufficiently configured to selectively receive the first and second fixture assemblies thereon. A method of operating a workstation having a fixture exchange rail system operable to enable work on a workpiece is also provided including the steps of: A) determining the style of workpiece present at the workstation; B) aligning a movable rail with one of a first and second stationary rail having a respective first and second fixture assembly mounted thereto corresponding to the style of workpiece; and C) moving the fixture assembly corresponding to the style of workpiece from the stationary rail to the movable rail.
US08601659B2

A burnishing tool and method for providing a surface treatment along the surface of a work piece, the burnishing tool having a tool head comprising a bearing for supporting a rolling element and an encasement for supporting the bearing. The bearing is formed from a self-lubricating polymer such as, but not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene based resin, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene based resin.
US08601656B2

A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator according to the invention is a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator in which a piezoelectric vibrating reed is sealed in a cavity formed between a base substrate and a lid substrate bonded to each other, the method including the steps of: inserting a core portion of a conductive rivet member, which includes a planar head portion and the core portion extending in a direction vertically to the surface of the head portion, into a penetration hole of the base substrate and bringing the head portion of the rivet member into contact with a first surface of the base substrate; attaching a laminate material having elastic properties to the first surface of the base substrate so as to cover the head portion; applying a paste-like glass frit on a second surface of the base substrate and filling the glass frit in the penetration hole; and baking and curing the glass frit.
US08601654B2

Apparatus for use in repairing, and methods of repairing, a door hinge of a vehicle includes use of a substitute hinge bracket and at least one pin configured to be received through at least one opening of a vehicle frame bracket. A locking portion of the at least one pin and a locking surface that defines an opening in the hinge bracket are configured such that the at least one pin is locked in a fixed position relative to the hinge bracket when assembled. Further, another repair apparatus includes a substitute pin having an interference portion for forming an interference fit with one or more surfaces defining an opening of a factory hinge bracket.
US08601645B2

A strap-tensioning apparatus includes a base including two walls each formed with a first arched edge and a second arched edge, a short strap connected to the base, a spring-loaded reel supported on the base, a long strap wound on the reel, a spring-loaded detent movably supported on the walls for engagement with the reel, a handle supported on the base, and a spring-loaded detent/suppressor is movably supported on the handle for engagement with the reel. The detent/suppressor suppresses the reel when it is retained in position on the first arched edges of the walls but allows the reel to spin when it is moved on the first arched edges of the walls in a direction.
US08601641B2

A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a main body comprising a suction motor provided in the air flow path and a platform. A cyclone bin assembly may be provided in the air flow path and removably mounted on the platform. The cyclone bin assembly may comprise a cyclone chamber. An alignment member may be provided on the platform and may be located at the air exit path of the cyclone bin.
US08601626B2

A washing machine and associated washing method are provided. The method may include rotating a drum, measuring and storing a vibration level of a cabinet while increasing a rotational speed of the drum, and measuring the vibration level of the cabinet after the rotational speed of the drum reaches a target rotational speed and determining whether or not the vibration level of the cabinet is greater than a set value. The method may then include adjusting the rotational speed of the drum if the vibration level is greater than the set value so as to minimize vibration and resonance in a support surface on which the washing machine is positioned.
US08601623B1

A patient positioner for maintaining a patient's position during a medical procedure including a body anchoring portion placeable atop an operating table, chest straps, support base straps, upper arm straps, wrist straps, a substrate backing substantially concentrically disposed on and fixedly attached to the body anchoring portion. In use, the body anchoring portion is positioned under the patient's torso with a portion of the substrate backing wrapped over each of the patient's arms while the chest straps are brought over the patient's shoulders and criss-crossed over the patient's chest and secured on an opposing side rail. The upper arm and wrist straps are brought from underneath the patient's torso and wrapped over the patient's arms. The support base straps are placed through a break of the operating table and brought around the support base and secured to each other to prevent the patient from sliding in the Trendelenburg position.
US08601622B1

A lateral tilting device for a patient lying on a mattress is capable of being inserted between the mattress and a level bed base or bed frame on which the mattress rests. The lateral tilting device comprises at least two independent first and second inflatable cells, pneumatically independent and positioned at least partly symmetrically from one another in relation to a median axis of the tilting device. The lateral tilting device includes two ‘U’ shaped inflatable compartments that are fitted into one another. A method for the lateral tilting of the mattress includes inflating a said first or second cell and concomitant deflation of the other second or respectively first cell of the tilting device laid out under the mattress.
US08601619B2

A system for transferring a body from a first surface to a second surface, or supporting a body during such translation with substantially no agitation of the body, is provided. The system can include yaw feedback control to promote and/or insure straightness of travel. The system could additionally or alternatively include a patient rotation sensing and adjustment system. The body can be supported by a pad, but it is not essential in all embodiments.
US08601614B2

A strengthening glove comprising a glove which includes finger coverings, a thumb covering and a wrist cover; a finger attachment fastened to the finger coverings and the thumb covering; a finger guide attached to a base of the finger coverings; a wrist strap wrapped around the wrist cover, where the wrist strap secures the glove on the hand; a resistance strap, one for each finger covering and the thumb covering, where the resistance strap includes an elastic strip attached to a finger grip portion at one end and a wrist grip portion at an opposing end; wherein the resistance strap attaches to the glove by the finger grip portion engaging the finger attachment, the elastic strip passing through the finger guide and the wrist grip portion engaging to the wrist strap. The resistance strap creates tension against a backside of the hand to strengthen the hand during movement.
US08607359B2

A system and method is disclosed for authenticating a removable data storage device (RDSD) by using a trusted information module (TIM) to control access to data files stored on the RDSD. A security information input receiver receives identity verification factors from a user and provides the identity verification factors to the TIM for processing. In some embodiments of the invention, the TIM uses identity verification factors in cryptographic operation to authenticate the user, the RDSD and the information processing system to each other. The TIM then performs similar operations with the contents of one or more authorization files to control access and usage of the data files stored on the RDSD.
US08607349B1

Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for detecting computer malware using security rating rules. In one example, the system identifies at least one problematic security rating rule that was activated during antivirus analysis of both safe and malicious programs. The system then selects a group of programs for which said problematic rule was activated. The system then identifies at least one different security rating rule, the activation or non-activation of which together with the activation of the problematic rule allows identifying in the group of programs a plurality of only malicious programs or a plurality of only safe programs. The system then generates a behavior model script that adjusts a security rating assigned by the problematic security rating rule to an analyzed program when one or more of the problematic security rating rule and the at least one different security rating rule are activated.
US08607344B1

A system, method, and computer program product are provided for initiating a security action at an intermediate layer coupled between a library and an application. In use, a library of data is stored. Additionally, system calls intended for operating on the data are produced, utilizing an application. Furthermore, the system calls are intercepted and a security action is initiated on the data in response to the interception, utilizing an intermediate layer between the library and the application.
US08607343B2

Securely installing and booting software of a device to run OS authorized according to a ticket that is validated by a nonce generated by application processor (AP) in booted OS stage prior to entering a restore mode is described. AP in booted OS stage generates a pre-flight nonce that is stored in a trusted location (effaceable storage). AP in booted OS stage performs one-way hash of pre-flight nonce and sends the hashed pre-flight nonce to ticket authorization server. AP enters restore mode. AP in first stage bootloader receives a ticket from the ticket authorization server including a signed copy of the hashed pre-flight nonce. AP in first stage bootloader validates the signed ticket by comparing one-way hash of the pre-flight nonce stored in the trusted location and the hashed nonce in the signed ticket. Pre-flight nonce expires after timeout period and upon reboot of AP. Other embodiments are also described.
US08607342B1

In one embodiment, incremental backups containing information on modified addressable portions of a data storage device are evaluated for presence of malicious codes (“malwares”). Each modified addressable portion may be individually accessed and scanned for malicious codes. Each modified addressable portion may also be mapped to its associated file, allowing the associated file to be scanned for malicious codes. These allow an incremental backup to be evaluated even when it only contains portions, rather than the entirety, of several different files. A clean incremental backup may be selected for restoring the data storage device in the event of malicious code infection.
US08607339B2

A security tool can access a tagging tool and the history generated by the tagging tool in order to identify potential threats and analyze the identified threats. When a potential threat is detected or an actual threat is identified, the security tool can request the history of actions from the tagging tool corresponding to the threat. The security tool can compare the potential or actual threat with the history of any action recorded by the tagging tool in order to classify a potential threat as an actual threat or determine the source or cause of an actual threat.
US08607334B2

Systems and methods for secure e-mail message processing. A device is configured to receive a secure electronic message. The message may then be processed to determine whether the sender's address provided in the message is indicative of the sender's address provided in a sender's security-related certificate. A message's recipient can be notified based upon the determination.
US08607329B2

An information succession system, which operates in accordance with inputted information to provide access to inputted information, including the personality of the original user, to successors of the original user. An encryption processing unit encrypts inputted information and generates keys used in association with access by users. A character/personality data generation unit generates data indicative of a user's character or personality by analyzing user input information. That character data is stored in a character data memory unit and is associated with the user's identification information. A request information analysis unit analyzes and characterizes requests. Request characteristics are stored in the character data memory unit and associated with the user making the request. A transmitting information generation unit generates transmitting (output) information based on the generated personality data of the user and the characteristic of the request.
US08607313B2

Methods and apparatus to control privileges of mobile device applications are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes assigning a process identifier to an application on a mobile device, the process identifier generated by an operating system of the mobile device, determining via a digital certificate that the application is authorized to be executed on the mobile device and that the application is authorized to access a network interface of the mobile device, configuring a mandatory access control module of the mobile device to enforce access of the network interface by providing the process identifier to the mandatory access control module, and enabling the application to access the network interface.
US08607303B2

Techniques for modification of access expiration conditions are presented. A principal supplies a password associated with establishing access to a target resource. In response to the password, characteristics of the password are examined and a custom expiration condition is generated for the password in response to the characteristics and policy. When the custom expiration condition is satisfied, the password and access to the target resource become invalid for use. Moreover, the principal may interactively change a complexity level of any proposed password for purposes of attempting to enhance the expiration condition or for purposes of attempting to degrade the expiration condition.
US08607302B2

Embodiments of the present invention extend protection of network traffic between different security realms based on security labeling. In particular, embodiments of the present invention label provide for implicit labeling of traffic shared between different security realms. The traffic may be shared using IPsec protocols. A gateway inspects the IPsec traffic and identifies security associations (SAs) of the IPsec traffic. The gateway then determines a security label of the SA. Various access control policies may then be applied to the traffic based on its security label.
US08607295B2

The MEDIA CONTENT SYNCHRONIZED ADVERTISING PLATFORM METHODS (“AD-SYNCH”) transforms TV program schedule listing information and user channel selection via AD-SYNCH components, into TV audience viewing data and ad effects data. A method is disclosed, comprising: obtaining TV program schedule listing data; providing the obtained TV program schedule listing data to a user mobile device; receiving an indication of user channel selection; determining a media program associated with the received indication of user channel selection; determining an ad associated with the determined media program; providing a survey question related to the determined ad to the user mobile device; and receiving a user response to the survey question.
US08607294B2

An audio/video (A/V) component networking system comprising a sink component configured to control presentation of A/V program data received from a source component on a presentation device and a sink interface configured to receive an input command from an input device and determine whether to direct the input command for processing to either the sink component or the presentation device.
US08607293B2

A system and method for determining network relationships with unreliable data. An identifier of an addressable network element may be associated with a non-addressable network element. A first set of data is generated that associates a first identifier of each of a plurality of first addressable network elements in the network to one of a plurality of non-addressable network elements in the network to which the first addressable network elements are connected. A second data is generated that associates the first identifier of each of the plurality of the first addressable network elements to one of a plurality of second identifiers of a second addressable network element. When at least a threshold measure of the first set of first identifiers matches the second set of first identifiers, the second identifier is associated with the non-addressable network element.
US08607288B2

A method of providing one-way video transmission and corresponding interactive two-audio communication to remote recipients via a world wide computer network comprising the steps of creating a source digital video signal, broadcast transmitting the source digital video signal via an internet connection, transmitting a corresponding source digital audio signal a VoIP protocol, and transmitting a recipient audio signal to the source location via an Internet connection. A system for broadcast transmitting a one-way digital video signal and for transmitting and receiving a corresponding interactive two-way audio signal over an Internet connection comprises a broadcast digital video server for broadcast transmitting a source digital video signal, a VoIP audio server for transmitting a source digital audio signal over an Internet connection, and an Internet web page configured to display the transmitted source digital video and audio signal, the Internet web page further configured to receive and transmit a recipient digital audio signal from the recipient to the VoIP audio server.
US08607284B2

A method of outputting video content from a digital media server to a digital media renderer includes providing a digital media controller to select a digital media renderer for video playback, sending a playback request from the digital media controller to the selected digital media renderer, the selected digital media renderer requesting data from the digital media server in response to receiving the playback request from the digital media controller, and the digital media server capturing video and capturing audio. The method further includes the digital media server encoding the captured video and the captured audio to respectively produce encoded video and encoded audio, outputting the encoded video and the encoded audio from the digital media server to the selected digital media renderer, and playing the encoded video and the encoded audio on the selected digital media renderer.
US08607272B2

A set top box includes a processor configured to provide an electronic programming guide to available television programming. The available television programming includes previously-aired content, currently-airing content, and to-be-aired content. The processor is further configured to receive a selection indicating selected content, and determine if the selected content is previously aired content, currently airing content, or to-be-aired content. The processor is still further configured to request the selected content from a distribution server when the selected content is previously aired content, and provide playback of the selected content.
US08607266B2

A receiver is disclosed, comprising means for receiving a program stream, and means for replacing portions of the program stream with a locally stored program. Other aspects of the invention are also presented.
US08607259B2

A disk laminate includes thin disks laminated to each other, which are to be suctioned and conveyed; and spacers provided between the thin disks to prevent the thin disks from directly contacting each other, the spacers having air permeability.
US08607236B2

An information processing system is provided to alleviate excessive load on a master node, thereby allowing the master node to efficiently perform the process of assigning jobs to nodes. A client 10 classifies a plurality of jobs constituting a large-scale arithmetic operation into several blocks, and requests a master node 20 to process the jobs block by block, such that the master node 20 always performs the process of assigning a predetermined number of jobs or less. Here, the predetermined number is preferably determined in such a manner as to allow the master node 20 to efficiently perform the process of assigning the jobs to nodes, even if the number of nodes is significant. As such, the client 10 has the function of controlling the load on the master node 20, and therefore it is possible to prevent the load on the master node 20 from increasing.
US08607231B1

A method, system and a computer program product for processing isochronous data packets in a guest memory of a Virtual Machine (VM) using a virtual USB controller. The virtual USB controller is implemented as a software application running on computer system where the VM is implemented. The virtual USB controller is a software component emulating a physical USB controller. The virtual controller uses chains of isochronous packets processed and stored in the guest memory of the VM. Processing of the isochronous data packets includes allocating a buffer in the guest memory for each isochronous data packet and writing the isochronous data packet to the buffer. According to the proposed method, each VM has its own virtual USB controller. The method allows a number of the VMs implemented on a host operating system of a physical machine to concurrently receive data from various USB end-points by employing the virtual USB controllers.
US08607220B2

A method, apparatus and computer program are disclosed for modifying an application comprising a plurality of modules. A user is presented with a list of modules. The user is able to specify input regarding any permitted version modifications for the modules listed. It is then determined whether the requested modifications are possible with one or more failure messages being output when any of the requested modifications are not possible. At least one of the failure messages is used to enable modification of the initial input provided by the user. In one embodiment, information is provided to the user based on one or more failure messages in order to enable the user to modify their choices. In another embodiment, the initial input is automatically modified. A permitted version modification may be, for example, a version upgrade, a version downgrade, and an indication that there is no preference.
US08607219B2

An information processing device which is separated a plurality of partitions updates a firmware program in each partition. A management unit monitors the partition in operation and receives the firmware program from an external device and transmits the firmware program to each of the partition. Each partition writes and updates the firmware program in one memory area which is not used in operation out of a pair of memory area to perform an update of the firmware without stopping the operation of the partition.
US08607216B2

Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with updating firmware for a chip are described. One example method may include performing an external verification of updated firmware received and stored external to the chip to determine if the updated firmware is authentic. Upon determining that the updated firmware is authentic, the updated firmware is loaded into the chip. An internal verification of the updated firmware within the chip is performed to determine that the updated firmware is authentic. The internal verification is assured to succeed based on the external verification. Because the internal verification will succeed, the chip avoids reverting to a default firmware.
US08607211B2

A code sequence made up multiple instructions and specifying an offset from a base address is identified in an object file. The offset from the base address corresponds to an offset location in a memory configured for storing an address of a variable or data. The identified code sequence is configured to perform a memory reference function or a memory address computation function. It is determined that the offset location is within a specified distance of the base address and that a replacement of the identified code sequence with a replacement code sequence will not alter program semantics. The identified code sequence in the object file is replaced with the replacement code sequence that includes a no-operation (NOP) instruction or having fewer instructions than the identified code sequence. Linked executable code is generated based on the object file and the linked executable code is emitted.
US08607206B2

A computer-implemented method of generating output computer code, for an application executable via a server running application logic in communication with a client running a presentation layer for the application, from input computer code of a synchronous application in which logic and presentation layers run locally on a single computer. The output code runs asynchronously.
US08607204B2

A method of analyzing single thread access by a variable of a multi-threaded program is provided. The method includes computing a thread identifier of a thread to be executed in a node of the multi-thread program; computing multiple threads configured to concurrently execute the node; and computing thread accessibility by deducing one or more variables that are executed in a single thread of the program from one or more pairs of the computed threads that concurrently execute the node.
US08607200B2

A method for hosting multiple life cycle stages of a web application includes installing a web application in a first environment together with a first version of a support package containing support software components for the web application, the first environment corresponding to a first life cycle stage of the web application, and executing the web application in the first environment together with the first version of the support package. The method further includes installing the web application in a second environment together with a second version of the support package containing support software components for the web application, the second environment corresponding to a second life cycle stage of the web application that succeeds the first life cycle stage of the web application, and executing the web application in the second environment together with the second version of the support package.
US08607190B2

A system for automatically creating a desired software application design. In response to an input to create a desired software application design, functional requirements for the desired software application design are retrieved. Then, non-functional requirements associated with each retrieved functional requirement are retrieved. In addition, software models associated with the retrieved functional requirements are retrieved. Further, software patterns associated with the retrieved non-functional requirements are retrieved. Then, the retrieved software models are transformed into software code for the desired software application design. Also, the retrieved software patterns are applied to associated code sequences in the software code to automatically create an architecture for the desired software application design. Finally, the architecture for the desired software application design is outputted for use by a user. The decisions made during the software application design process are also captured for analysis for future improvement of the desired software application design.
US08607188B2

A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture for modeling a task-site allocation. The method includes generating a task-site allocation network based on at least one site-task pair and at least one site-centric constraint of at least two sites, wherein generating a task-site allocation network comprises generating a task-specific constraints model based on task context information and generating a task-site pair that satisfies at least one constraint based on the task-specific constraints model, and determining a preferred allocation of task to site by comparing estimated task-site allocation cost between a single site allocation and a distributed site allocation among the at least two sites.
US08607181B1

A system and method are provided for automatically converting a hardware abstraction language representation of a single-channel hardware module into a hardware abstraction language representation of a multi-channel module. Initially, a hardware abstraction language representation of a single channel hardware module is provided having an input port, output port, and a register. The method defines a number of channels and establishes a context switching memory. Commands are created for intercepting register communications. Commands are also created for storing the intercepted communications in a context switching memory, cross-referenced to channel. The module is operated using the created commands and stored communications from the context switching memory.
US08607168B2

Techniques for model calibration and alignment of measurement contours of printed layout features with simulation contours obtained with a model are disclosed. With various implementations of the invention, contour point errors are determined. Based on the contour point errors and a cost function, values of alignment parameters may be determined. The values of alignment parameters may be used to realign the measurement contours for model calibration. The alignment may be conducted concurrently with model calibration.
US08607157B2

A workspace management method for managing a plurality of windows displayed in response to start-up of an application as a workspace for user interface, the method including: managing management information regarding the windows; detecting a change in a state of each of the windows; detecting, in a case where a movement of one window of the windows is detected in the detecting of the change, the other windows positioned in the neighborhood of the one window or overlapping the one window by referring to the management information; displaying, in a case where the other windows are detected in the detecting of the other windows, a docking position to be docked in each of the one window and the other windows; and docking, in a case where a stop of the movement of the one window is detected in the detecting of the change, the one window with the other windows via the docking position.
US08607154B2

Systems, computer implemented methods, and computer readable medium having program products are provided to customize by a user weather-risk products and to provide a customized weather-risk product to be purchased by user. Embodiments of a system include a tract-user computer having a display to display graphical user interfaces to a user and an input to receive user selections, the tract-user computer being connected to a communications network to receive graphical user interfaces and transmit user selections to a weather-risk product issuer computer. Embodiments of a system can also include a database to associate user selections with actuarial data, location data, and basis weather data and a weather-risk product issuer computer to transmit graphical user interfaces to the tract-user computer, receive user selections, and process user selections to generate virtual weather data and to generate weather-risk products.
US08607145B2

A network diagnostic component that is placed in-line between two nodes in a network. The network diagnostic component receives a low speed signal pattern from the first node for communication with the second node; records the low speed signal pattern in a memory; writes one or more markers specifying information about the low speed signal pattern in the memory; interprets the one or more markers to ascertain the type and duration of the low speed signal pattern; and displays a graphical representation of the low speed signal pattern based on the interpretation of the one or more markers.
US08607143B2

Disclosed herein is a computer implemented method and system for confirming that a viewer viewed multimedia content on a client device. The client device receives the multimedia content from a server and plays the multimedia content on a display screen of the client device. A random challenge is presented to the viewer by overlaying the random challenge on the multimedia content. The random challenge is one or more of random in content, presented at random times during and/or after play of the multimedia content, and presented at random physical locations on the multimedia content. A response for the presented random challenge is invoked from the viewer. The viewer's response confirms that the multimedia content has been viewed by the viewer. A response report is generated based on the viewer's response. The viewer is credited with an item of value, if the response report confirms the multimedia content was viewed by the viewer.
US08607126B1

A transceiver is designed to share memory and processing power amongst a plurality of transmitter and/or receiver latency paths, in a communications transceiver that carries or supports multiple applications. For example, the transmitter and/or receiver latency paths of the transceiver can share an interleaver/deinterleaver memory. This allocation can be done based on the data rate, latency, BER, impulse noise protection requirements of the application, data or information being transported over each latency path, or in general any parameter associated with the communications system.
US08607114B2

In a case where the F-RTO algorithm is simply combined with the exponential backoff algorithm which is being suppressed, there is a problem in that once a spurious timeout occurs, the spurious timeout continuously occurs since then. In order to solve the above problem, according to the present invention, in a communication device for transmitting data segments and receiving acknowledgements in response to the data segments, respectively and sequentially, suppressing an application of a backoff algorithm for increasing a retransmission timeout period at the time of retransmitting a data segment, and controlling the retransmission timeout period to retransmit the data segment, the spurious timeout is determined based upon the acknowledgement received immediately after the retransmission of the data segment. In an event of determining the occurrence of the spurious timeout, the retransmission timeout is increased.
US08607113B2

A data processing apparatus capable of efficiently collecting information useful for network failure analysis. If image data transmission to a host computer has failed, a packet acquisition start instruction is given from a data transmission control unit to a packet acquisition control unit. Subsequently, image data is retransmitted to the host computer. After completion of the image data retransmission, a packet acquisition termination instruction is given to the packet acquisition control unit.
US08607109B2

A test controller applies test stimulus signals to the input pads of plural die on a wafer in parallel. The test controller also applies encoded test response signals to the output pads of the plural die in parallel. The encoded test response signals are decoded on the die and compared to core test response signals produced from applying the test stimulus signals to core circuits on the die. The comparison produces pass/fail signals that are loaded in to scan cells of an IEEE 1149.1 scan path. The pass/fail signals then may be scanned out of the die to determine the results of the test.
US08607098B2

A method, system and computer program product for generating appropriately sized core files used in diagnosing application crashes. An instruction pointer corresponding to the instruction that led to the application crash is identified. Address ranges of the garbage collection module and the compiler module are obtained. A determination is made as to whether the address of the instruction pointer lies within any of these address ranges for each stack frame in a crash stack. If it does not, then read or write instructions executed prior to the instruction that led to the application crash are identified for each stack frame in the crash stack. If a value of a register involved in such read or write instructions is within the address range of the compiled code buffers and/or heap, then the compiled code buffers and/or heap need to be included in the core file; otherwise, they do not.
US08607096B2

An apparatus to collect information about network failure includes: a normal mode packet assembly unit to assemble a transmission packet from transmission data output from an application in a normal mode being a procedure used when a transmission process is performed by specified communication protocol; a special mode packet assembly unit to assemble the transmission packet from the transmission data in a special mode being a procedure in which a procedure for collecting failure information is embedded into the procedure used when a transmission process is performed by the specified communication protocol; a switching control unit to activate the normal mode packet assembly unit or the special mode packet assembly unit selectively; and a response analysis unit to collect failure information according to a behavior of the response to the transmission packet transmitted from the special mode packet assembly unit.
US08607081B2

A PXI Express controller may be configured to support at least three different conditions under which the controller may be turned on. If a chassis (e.g. a PXI Express chassis) interfacing with the controller has a power button, the first condition (which may be considered normal operation) may be met when the power button is being pressed at a time auxiliary power is present. When the chassis does not have a power button, the second condition may be met when the power is switched on at a time auxiliary power is present, and the third condition may be met when the power is switched on at a time auxiliary power is not present. A state-machine comprised in the PXI Express controller may be configured to interface with a chipset equally comprised in the PXI Express controller, to perform the control functions required to provide the support for the three different conditions.
US08607080B2

A method, system, and computer program for using an array of networked 3D voltage regulation modules (VRMs) to optimize power usage by components on a voltage island in real time is presented. The networked VRM devices work in parallel to supply adequate power to connected voltage islands, and to supplement other VRMs in the system that may require additional power in the case of a critical event.
US08607075B2

For one disclosed embodiment, data corresponding to an idle duration for one or more downstream devices may be received. Power may be managed based at least in part on the received data. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08607070B2

A secure storage system is disclosed. The secure storage system comprises a crypto engine and a storage device. The crypto engine comprises a random number generator; a hash function; a general encryption engine; and a data encryption engine. The secure storage system further includes a storage device coupled to the crypto engine. The storage device includes a storage array. The storage array includes a public partition, a secure partition and a system partition. The public partition is accessible to the public. The secure partition is accessible through the password authentication. The system partition is accessible only by the secure storage system. The password authentication is two-level instead of one, to avoid hash collision or insider tampering. The secure partition is accessed with “access gating through access key” instead of “access control through comparison.” The password can be changed without reformatting the secure storage.
US08607069B2

A data processing apparatus is disclosed, that comprises a large capacity memory means for storing a plurality of files, a memory means for storing move/copy history when a particular file is moved/copied from the large capacity memory means to a non-volatile memory, a reference means for referencing the history information stored in the memory means when the particular file is moved/copied from the large capacity memory means to the non-volatile memory, and a control means for prohibiting the particular file from being moved/copied from the large capacity memory means to the non-volatile memory when the reference means has detected that the history information is stored in the memory means.
US08607057B2

Secure outsourced aggregation of data using one-way chains is discussed in this application. Each input data source such as a sensor generates a Verifiable Synopsis (“VS”) which includes sensor data, an Inflation Free Proof (“IFP”) generated using a cryptographic function and a Self-Authenticating Value (“SEAL”) chain generated using a one-way function. An aggregator takes a plurality VSs from multiple data sources and aggregates them together into one. Maximum value, top-k, count, count distinct, sum, average, and other aggregate functions may be used. Folded VS provides a concise proof that no value greater than the maximum value was reported by a sensor, thus providing a check against deflation of sensor data. Similarly, the cryptographic function of the IFP provides a mechanism to prevent inflation of the sensor data. Thus it becomes possible at a portal to verify that aggregated data has not been inflated or deflated by the aggregator.
US08607052B2

The management apparatus 105a manages copying of information from an original recording medium 101a to a copy recording medium 102a. The management apparatus 105a comprises: a transmission/reception unit 701a configured to receive an original-medium identifier from the copying apparatus 104a and to transmit permission information to the copying apparatus 104a, the original-medium identifier identifying the original recording medium, and the permission information indicating permission for the copying of the information; and a control unit 708a configured to determine whether to permit the copying of the information based on the received original-medium identifier and a registered original-medium identifier that identifies a registered original recording medium, and to allow the transmission/reception unit 701a to transmit the permission information when determining to permit the copying.
US08607051B2

Techniques for binding multiple authentications for a peer are described. In one design, multiple authentications for the peer may be bound based on a unique identifier for the peer. The unique identifier may be a pseudo-random number and may be exchanged securely between the peer, an authentication server, and an authenticator in order to prevent a man-in-the-middle attack. Data for all authentications bound by the unique identifier may be exchanged securely based on one or more cryptographic keys generated by all or a subset of these authentications. In another design, multiple levels of security may be used for multiple authentications for a peer. The peer may perform a first authentication with a first authentication server and obtain a first cryptographic key and may also perform a second authentication with the first authentication server or a second authentication server and obtain a second cryptographic key. The peer may thereafter securely exchange data using the two keys using nested security.
US08607043B2

To support authentication of a mobile device, an application server obtains an application identifier and password and creates an encrypted value by encrypting a combination of the password and a time-based value. The application server transmits the application identifier and encrypted value over a communication network to the mobile device as a credential, and the mobile device sends the credential over the network to a secure server providing an application assistance service. The secure server independently computes an encrypted value by encrypting the combination of the password and the time-based value. If the encrypted value from the received credential matches the encrypted value computed by the secure server, that server grants access to the assistance service for the mobile device.
US08607031B2

A hardware device for concurrently processing a fixed set of predetermined tasks associated with an algorithm which includes a number of processes, some of the processes being dependent on binary decisions, includes a plurality of task units for processing data, making decisions and/or processing data and making decisions, including source task units and destination task units. A task interconnection logic means interconnect the task units for communicating actions from a source task unit to a destination task unit. Each of the task units includes a processor for executing only a particular single task of the fixed set of predetermined tasks associated with the algorithm in response to a received request action, and a status manager for handling the actions from the source task units and building the actions to be sent to the destination task units.
US08607024B2

An embodiment provides a virtual address cache memory including: a TLB virtual page memory configured to, when a rewrite to a TLB occurs, rewrite entry data; a data memory configured to hold cache data using a virtual page tag or a page offset as a cache index; a cache state memory configured to hold a cache state for the cache data stored in the data memory, in association with the cache index; a first physical address memory configured to, when the rewrite to the TLB occurs, rewrite a held physical address; and a second physical address memory configured to, when the cache data is written to the data memory after the occurrence of the rewrite to the TLB, rewrite a held physical address.
US08607016B2

Techniques for managing data in a non-volatile memory system (e.g., Flash Memory) are disclosed. A controller can use information relating to a host's file system, which is stored by the host on non-volatile memory, to determine if one or more clusters (or sectors with clusters) are currently allocated. The controller can use the information relating to the host's file system to identify when the host is sending data to the next free cluster and to store such data in a sequential format by copying data from other locations in the non-volatile memory.
US08607015B2

A control unit (main CPU 10 of a head unit 1) of an onboard system decides as to whether an issuing condition of an initialization command set and stored in a storage unit is satisfied at an initial start after the assembly of a portable storage device (DVD drive 20) or at an initial start after mounting the device in a vehicle, and transmits the initialization command to the portable storage device when satisfied.
US08607000B2

This invention is a data processing system having a multi-level cache system. The multi-level cache system includes at least first level cache and a second level cache. Upon a cache miss in both the at least one first level cache and the second level cache the data processing system evicts and allocates a cache line within the second level cache. The data processing system determine from the miss address whether the request falls within a low half or a high half of the allocated cache line. The data processing system first requests data from external memory of the miss half cache line. Upon receipt data is supplied to the at least one first level cache and the CPU. The data processing system then requests data from external memory for the other half of the second level cache line.
US08606998B2

A cache is configured to have a first cache line allocation policy for a memory address. An instruction associated with the memory address is received and a second cache line allocation policy is determined based on the instruction. The cache is reconfigured to have the second cache line allocation policy in response to receiving the instruction. A data processor includes processor core to receive and execute an instruction associated with a memory address, a cache including a plurality of cache lines, and a cache allocation module to determine a cache line allocation policy based on the instruction and to reconfigure the cache to have the cache line allocation policy for execution of the instruction at the processor core.
US08606996B2

A system and method for management and processing of resource requests at cache server computing devices is provided. Cache server computing devices segment content into an initialization fragment for storage in memory and one or more remaining fragments for storage in a media having higher latency than the memory. Upon receipt of a request for the content, a cache server computing device transmits the initialization fragment from the memory, retrieves the one or more remaining fragments, and transmits the one or more remaining fragments without retaining the one or more remaining fragments in the memory for subsequent processing.
US08606993B2

A storage system includes a virtual volume, a plurality of RAID groups, a pool unit for managing a plurality of first real storage areas and a controller. If a write command related to the virtual volume is issued from a higher-level device, the controller selects a prescribed second real storage area from among respective second real storage areas included in a prescribed first real storage area, and associates this prescribed second real storage area with a prescribed area inside the virtual volume corresponding to the write command, and which associates one virtual volume with one first real storage area. A migration destination determination unit selects a migration-targeted second real storage area from among the respective second real storage areas associated with the virtual volume, and selects a migration-destination first real storage area, which is to become the migration destination of data stored in the migration-targeted second real storage area.
US08606988B2

A flash memory control circuit including a microprocessor unit, a first interface unit, a second interface unit, a buffer memory, a memory management unit, and a data read/write unit is provided. The memory management unit manages a plurality of flash memory units, wherein each of the flash memory units has a plurality of flash memories, each of the flash memories has a plurality of memory cell arrays, and each of the memory cell arrays at least has an upper page and a lower page. The memory management unit groups the memory cell arrays of the corresponding flash memories into a plurality of data transfer unit sets (DTUSs). The data read/write unit interleavingly transfers data to the flash memory units in units of the DTUSs. Thereby, the flash memory control circuit can transfer the data stably and the usage of the buffer memory can be reduced.
US08606986B2

An apparatus for transmitting data across a high-speed serial bus includes an IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY having a GMII interface; an IEEE 1394-compliant PHY in communication with the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY via a switch; the switch determining whether data transmission is be routed to the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY or the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY; a first connection, the first connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 802.3-compliant PHY; and a second connection, the second connection for transmitting data between a device and the IEEE 1394-compliant PHY.
US08606983B2

A device for manipulating communication messages in a communication system is provided, which communication system includes a data bus, and a plurality of nodes connected thereto, and an arrangement for transmitting messages in message frames at fixedly predefined communication cycles. The device is connected in the data bus between at least one node for which the messages to be manipulated are intended and the other nodes of the communication system. The device has an arrangement for intercepting the messages before they reach the at least one node, an arrangement for manipulating the intercepted messages, and an arrangement for transmitting the manipulated messages to the at least one node.
US08606973B1

Provided are a method, system, and computer program product for managing monitored conditions in adaptors. An adaptor detects a condition comprising one of a plurality of monitored conditions and determines whether the detected condition is indicated on a recent condition list indicating conditions detected at the adaptors. The adaptor communicates the detected condition to cause the detected condition to be included in the recent condition list available at the adaptors in response to determining that the detected condition is not indicated in the recent condition list. Further, a system receives from one of the adaptors indication of a detected condition comprising one of a plurality of monitored conditions that is not indicated on a recent condition list. The received indicated condition is added to the recent condition list to produce an updated recent condition list. Transmission is caused of the updated recent condition list to the adaptors.
US08606970B2

A data writing method for writing data from a host system into a plurality of memory dies of a rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus is provided. The data writing method includes determining whether the data transmission interface of the host system complies with a first interface standard or a second interface standard. The data writing method also includes using a general mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the first interface standard and using a power saving mode to write the data into the memory dies when the data transmission interface of the host system complies with the second interface standard. Accordingly, the data writing method can effectively prevent the stability of the rewritable non-volatile memory storage apparatus from reducing due to insufficient power supplied by the data transmission interface.
US08606969B2

Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer readable media for controlling one or more electronic devices are described. According to one described aspect, an embodiment of a method includes providing a plurality of schemes, each scheme defining features that are operable on an electronic device and which features each of the features in the scheme can use, and receiving data for identifying the type of the electronic device, and selecting, based on the type, one of the schemes, and controlling the electronic device based on the selected scheme.
US08606968B2

An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to detect a first user input corresponding to a first command, begin a first process corresponding to a second command in response to said first user input, detect a second user input corresponding to the second command and complete said first process in response to said second user input.
US08606959B2

A packet processor provides for rule matching of packets in a network architecture. The packet processor includes a lookup cluster complex having a number of lookup engines and respective on-chip memory units. The on-chip memory stores rules for matching against packet data. A lookup front-end receives lookup requests from a host, and processes these lookup requests to generate key requests for forwarding to the lookup engines. As a result of the rule matching, the lookup engine returns a response message indicating whether a match is found. The lookup front-end further processes the response message and provides a corresponding response to the host.
US08606958B1

Techniques described herein provide a system and methods for adding latency to improve the perceived performance of computing devices. For instance, the techniques may calculate transaction latencies for a given session based on the time between sending requests for content receiving the requested content. The calculated latencies may be aggregated or averaged in such a way that a specific latency may be selected for improving the perceived performance. A client device may then render subsequent content based on the selected latency or a server may serve subsequent content based on the selected latency. This artificial addition of latency may enhance the user experience by creating a more consistent environment.
US08606953B2

Systems and methods of adjusting synchronization of audio media streams and video media streams in 3G mobile communications systems that can mitigate the effects of temporal skew due to intervening processing elements associated with media channels carrying the respective media streams. The systems and methods are operative to adjust the synchronization of audio media streams and video media streams by receiving control messages that report delays due to such intervening processing elements, calculating a relative amount of delay using the reported delays for each media channel, and applying a delay factor based on the relative amount of delay to the faster media channel to place the audio media streams and the video media streams in proper temporal alignment. The delay factor is applied to the faster media channel at those locations within the mobile communications systems where the audio and video media streams are combined and/or separated for subsequent transmission.
US08606939B1

A method of configuring an on-demand secure connection between a control site and a client network is described. The method involves establishing a first tunnel between the control site and the edge device of the client network. The method then involves automatically detecting a sub-network coupled to the edge device, and configuring the edge device to allow a second tunnel to be established within the first tunnel, where the second tunnel connects the control site to the detected sub-network.
US08606933B1

In general, this disclosure describes techniques for receiving, by a first computing device, information from a second computing device communicated using short-range wireless communication functionality. Responsive to receiving the information, activating, by the first computing device, a secondary communication functionality that is different from the short-range wireless communication functionality. A communication session may be established between the first computing device and the second computing device using the secondary communication functionality.
US08606925B2

A system automatically captures network resources of each individual system of a networked system. The method defines a reusable object name for each class of network resources captured from the individual systems. Each class of network resources has at least one common feature. The system automatically maps each network resource having a particular class of each individual system to the reusable object name defined for that particular class. Embodiments enable individual system-specific resources, such as IP addresses, to be mapped to reusable objects. In some embodiments, reusable objects names may be combined to form higher-level configuration objects, such as network configuration rules.
US08606911B2

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing machine-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to execute a software application, implement a traffic stack capable of coupling to a communication network, and implement one or more software agents configured to register an association between the software application and a traffic flow, and at least assist in implementing a service policy based on the registered association between the software application and the traffic flow, wherein the one or more software agents include a proxy agent configured to at least assist in communicating the traffic flow over the communication network on behalf of the software application.
US08606909B2

Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for providing presence status information of a first user to a second user. The system includes a presence server for storing presence status information of the first user. The presence server is configured to detect a change in the presence status of the first user. The presence server also informs a notification server of a change in the presence status of the first user. The notification server sends a notification message to a communication device of the second user. The notification message contains current presence status information of the first user. Other systems and methods are also provided.
US08606906B2

There is provided a wireless communication device including a communication section which receives, from an information distribution device that distributes distribution information or another wireless communication device that has received the distribution information, the distribution information using ad hoc wireless communication, a position information acquisition section which acquires position information indicating a current position, a movement amount calculation section which calculates a movement amount from the information distribution device based on a change in the position information acquired by the position information acquisition section, and a distribution information management section which manages availability of the distribution information based on the movement amount and a predetermined limited area-radius that defines a limited area in which the distribution information is distributed.
US08606904B2

In a modular on-line virtual environment, in which each module of the on-line virtual environment has a plurality of parallel instances each able to host a limited number of users, a server arranged to administer the modular on-line virtual environment comprises a network communications arrangement operable to receive data representative of the actions of users within an instance of a first module of the modular on-line virtual environment, and to transmit to each user within that instance of that module data representative of the actions of each other user within that instance of that module, behavior analysis means operable to analyze user behavior within that instance of the first module, in which if the behavior of two or more users satisfies a predetermined criterion then the two or more users are classified as belonging to a social group comprising the two or more users, module instance selection means operable to select an instance of a second module for a user when that user moves within the modular on-line virtual environment from the first module to a second module, in which the module instance selection means is operable to select an instance of the second module that has the capacity to accommodate the greatest number of the common social group once one member of that social group moves within the modular on-line virtual environment from the first module to the second module and the server is operable to place a subsequent respective member of the social group in that same selected instance of the second module if that member moves within the modular on-line virtual environment from the first module to the second module.
US08606901B2

A disclosed application docking module (ADM) for use in a communication network includes a message monitor, an application monitor, and an anomaly handler. The message monitor monitors messages exchanged between a monitored application server and a session control layer resource of the network and the application monitor monitors a heartbeat of the application server. Based on the monitoring, the module determines when the application server is in an anomaly state. The anomaly state may indicate abnormal or otherwise unexpected application server messaging activity and/or an unexpected heartbeat status. The ADM processes application server messages on behalf of the application server when the application server is operating in an anomaly state. The ADM may, for example, block messages outgoing from the application server and process messages incoming to the application server by redirecting messages, returning messages to their sender, or generating an error code.
US08606900B1

Service requests from a client to a server system through a network are processed. A session identifier is appended to requests for information. The server responds to the requests from the client by returning the requested information to the client. Requests to particular information are counted, exclusive of repeated requests from a common client.
US08606894B1

A method for server consolidation is provided. The method includes collecting performance data of a plurality of source servers in a desired environment, selecting a group of one or more source servers from the plurality of source servers for consolidation, marking each source server in the with one of multiple usability statuses with one of such statuses indicates the marked source server is to be replaced or reused as necessary in the server consolidation, selecting a target platform for a new server, and performing a first server consolidation analysis of the first group based at least on the collected performance data, the initial usability status of each source server in the first group, and the first selected target platform.
US08606879B2

A method for supporting management and exchange of distributed data of a user or an entity, in particular user profile information data, is characterized in that a protocol is provided that employs SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) as bearer protocol in such a way that SAML messages function as containers for DST (Data Service Template) or DST-like messages in order to compose SAML DST messages, wherein the DST or DST-like messages include data processing information, and wherein for the DST or DST-like messages unified protocol namespaces are defined as the protocol specific namespaces.
US08606866B2

A computer-implemented system and method for detecting, by a mail server module, spam bot activity by a client device. An email session is conducted between the mail server module and the client device according to a predetermined protocol that includes exchange of messages between the mail server module and the client device. The mail server module probes compliance with the predetermined protocol including: purposefully introducing at least one irregularity into a first message from the mail server module; monitoring a subsequent message transmission from the client device; comparing the subsequent message against reference criteria; and producing a reputability determination for the client device based on an extent to which the subsequent message was a proper response to the at least one irregularity according to the predetermined protocol, the reputability determination being indicative of a likelihood that the client device conducts spam bot activity.
US08606865B2

The invention disclosed relates to the end to end system, the methods and apparatuses for delivering message content from publishers to recipients, such recipients being comprised of subscribers and non subscribers, based on the geospatial location of the recipients using a plurality of devices, stationary and mobile, to deliver geospatial location relevant message content to the recipients with dynamic display devices and a means to provide publishers with data and statistics related to recipient observation of message content.
US08606855B2

Writing a collaborative email document with hierarchical authorities including establishing a collaborative email document on an administrator's computer, identifying one or more signatories for the document, identifying one or more collaborators who are authorized to view and edit the document, providing to the collaborators copies of the document for viewing and editing, where the collaborators' copies reside on collaborators' computers, updating the copies of the document on collaborators' computers with revisions from the collaborators, and sending the collaborative email document from the administrator's computer to addressees when the document bears valid digital signatures from all signatories. Typical embodiments also include providing at least one user authority to delegate signature authority, establishing a hierarchy of delegation authority for signatures, establishing at least one authority delegation policy including at least one rule for automated delegation of signature authority among signatories and delegating signature authority from at least one signatory to another.
US08606854B2

A system for requesting data from another includes means for automatically appending a request for certain information to an outgoing message. In one embodiment, an e-mail editor provides the sender-user with an option for causing the email to include a request for missing or desired contact information, such as a picture. The appended request may be in the form of an added e-mail header, e.g. “I need your picture.” On the receiving side of the email, the incoming messages may be parsed for such requests. Any requests that are found in incoming email may be remembered by the receiving system using a dedicated data structure or some indications (e.g. flags) in an existing data structure. When email is composed on the receiving system, the “remembered” request information may be used to facilitate responses to pending requests. In this manner, email correspondents may opportunistically use their email traffic to maintain updated information regarding each other.
US08606847B2

Using the ALTO Service, networking applications can request through the ALTO protocol information about the underlying network topology from the ISP or Content Provider. The ALTO Service provides information such as preferences of network resources with the goal of modifying network resource consumption patterns while maintaining or improving application performance. This document describes, in one example, an ALTO server that implements enhancements to the ALTO service to enable initiating incremental updates of network and cost maps to ALTO clients upon receiving status information from a content delivery network (CDN) node.
US08606845B2

A really simple syndication (RSS) feed generator provides a user access to a set of data in the form of an RSS feed containing an object. The RSS feed generator allows the user to generate a feed definition using any of a user interface, a web based application programming interface, and an HTTP request. The RSS feed generator uses the feed definition provided by the user to generate the RSS feed and exposes the RSS feed in the form of RSS XML data. The RSS feed generator allows a business system to dynamically update the set of data contained in the RSS feed in a manner that allows a user to perform a plurality of functions on the RSS feed.
US08606840B2

A fused multiply add (FMA) unit includes an alignment counter configured to calculate an alignment shift count, an aligner configured to align an addend input based on the alignment shift count and output an aligned addend, a multiplier configured to multiply a first multiplicand input and a second multiplicand input and output a product, an adder configured to add the aligned addend and the product and output a sum without determining the sign of the sum or complementing the sum, a normalizer configured to receive the sum directly from the adder and normalize the sum irrespective of the sign of the sum and output a normalized sum, and a rounder configured to round and complement-adjust the normalized sum and output a final mantissa.
US08606836B2

An apparatus and method for frequency division and filtering are provided. The apparatus includes a memory unit, an extrema calculation unit, and an envelope calculation unit. The memory unit is for storing sample data. The extrema calculation unit is for outputting and storing a number of maximum values and a number of minimum values to the memory unit according to the sample data. The envelope calculation unit is for calculating a mean envelope according to the maximum values and the minimum values, wherein within a duration when the envelope calculation unit respectively calculates an upper envelope and a lower envelope according to the maximum values and the minimum values, the envelope calculation unit outputs a value of the mean envelope to the memory unit according to a value of the upper envelope and a value of the lower envelope with respect to a corresponding identical address.
US08606828B2

The present invention provides a general solution to presenting media interface and navigation tools for content provided from a plurality of sources. The invention maintains a user at a single site regardless of the source of the media content. This permits a consistent interface to be presented to the user. Because the user remains at the same site, differences in tiered membership may be tracked so that the user is only presented with content that the user is permitted to view. The invention uses a metadata language to characterize content so that viewer type, membership level, and other information can be maintained and used for an enjoyable viewing experience.
US08606824B2

A method of accommodating at least one difference between a first database schema and a second database schema is provided. The method includes receiving a response generated by a first application program using a first database schema, identifying a value in the response that is unrecognizable to a second application program using a second database schema, and substituting, using a processor, the value that is unrecognizable to the second application program with a reserved element recognizable to the second application program, the reserved element indicating to the second application program that a portion of the response is not recognizable to the second application program. The method further includes communicating the response to the second application program.
US08606820B2

A method for providing content via a communications network on a user's computer, obtained from a plurality of resources in a organized arrangement, is provided. The method includes creating a show structure of nodes, each node identifying a resource from a plurality of accessible resources, at least some of which are network accessible resources. Without requiring user input, a plurality of the network accessible resources identified by a corresponding node, are automatically accessed. Content corresponding to each of the accessed resources are automatically presented through the user's computer in accordance with the show structure. Interactively variable duration information is provided, representing the duration that the content corresponding to the resource is presented so as to enable a user to vary the duration. Advertisement content is presented to the user in connection with the automatic presentation of the content through the user's computer.
US08606816B2

This disclosure describes techniques that enable a subscriber of a data center to manage a site collection group hosted by the data center. A site collection group is a set of site collections that belong to a single subscriber. A site collection is a collection of websites. A website is a collection of related resources. Each of the site collections is associated with an “owner”. As described herein, the data center presents management interfaces that enable owners of site collections to manage the site collections. In addition, the data center presents management interfaces that enable subscribers to manage architectural aspects of their site collection groups.
US08606811B2

A system and method for modifying publication data in a publication system are described. An example embodiment includes receiving proposed publication data and accessing a success measurement associated with past publications within a publication system. The success measurement may indicate a measurement of success associated with the past publications. An example system and method may generate modification data to be used to modify the proposed publication data. The modification data may be based on the success measurement and proposed publication data.
US08606807B2

Techniques for integrating triple tags into a tagging tool are described herein. According to one embodiment, tags used to tag document pages and associated with one or more communities are stored in a storage as a triple store, where each tag is stored in a format having a subject, a predicate, and an object fields representing a relationship among each tag, an associated document page, and associated communities. A tag input field is displayed in a sidebar window communicatively coupled to a main window of a browser to allow a user to enter a type of tag and an identifier of the tag in the tag search field, such that the entered tag can be stored within the triple store in view of the tag type and tag identifier. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08606806B2

Systems and methods that extend static typing rules/algorithms of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) rules, with a more precise static typing algorithm that supplies knowledge for types occurring in the Lax validation section. The Lax validation can be identified, and associated expressions known with particularity, wherein types can be inferred for XQuery expressions that navigate down into the Lax validation section. An annotation component annotates elements (e.g., wild card sections) with additional information about wild card sections, and a mapping component maps Lax wild cards to type systems.
US08606795B2

Frequency based keyword extraction method and system utilizing a statistical measure is disclosed which generates keywords within a page and/or document that can distinguish the document from an average document. A simple frequency threshold parameter can be utilized to determine a number of common stop words if a word in the document possesses a frequency in a corpus that is more than the threshold parameter. A statistical confidence interval of the frequency in the document can be compared against a frequency confidence interval of the word in the corpus. The extracted keyword possesses a greater intra-document frequency confidence interval than the frequency confidence interval of the word within the corpus. A statistical hypothesis test can also be utilized to determine the keyword by calculating a test statistic and testing whether the test statistic is greater than some threshold.
US08606787B1

Users in a social network are represented by nodes on a network graph. A similarity processor generates a similarity matrix of nodes and neighbors. A clustering processor groups select nodes based on similarity. Nodes initially assigned to one cluster are selectively added to other clusters based on similarity. A social network processor provides features and processing based on the clusters of nodes thus produced.
US08606778B1

Techniques are disclosed that locate implicitly defined semantic structures in a document, such as, for example, implicitly defined lists in an HTML document. The semantic structures can be used in the calculation of distance values between terms in the documents. The distance values may be used, for example, in the generation of ranking scores that indicate a relevance level of the document to a search query.
US08606773B2

A method, system and program product for combining and processing web data using tables and programming-by-demonstration is disclosed. Direct manipulation and programming-by-demonstration techniques are used to automatically populate tables with information collected from various web sites. The invention augments a data set with new values computed by a web site.
US08606767B2

A method for invalidating metadata associated with a target count-key-data (CKD) volume is disclosed. The method initially receives a command for a target CKD volume. The command is either an “establish” command for establishing a point-in-time copy relationship, or a “withdraw” command for withdrawing a point-in-time copy relationship. The method determines a track range, spanning a number of data tracks in the CKD volume, associated with the command. Each data track in the track range is associated with a metadata track. For each metadata track whose associated data tracks are fully contained in the track range, the method performs a first procedure. For each metadata track whose associated data tracks are not fully contained in the track range, the method performs a second procedure different from the first procedure. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed.
US08606766B2

There is disclosed a method of handling a given object class in an object-oriented environment, wherein it comprises, in response to the invocation of the given object class during runtime, the steps of: determining if the version associated with the given object class differs from a predefined minimal version and if so: (a) generating a new version of the object class from the previous version of the object class by invoking an interface method migrating an object class from a version to another; (b) extending the new object class by updating pointer links to the previous version of the given object class. The previous version of the object class may be maintained accessible after the object migration.
US08606765B2

Embodiments relate to systems and methods for updating software appliances. A client can host a software appliance, such a Linux™ software appliance, which a user wishes to update to a newer version. Instead of performing an in-place update by installing a new version that deletes the configuration state and/or user data of the existing version of the appliance, an export module takes an image of an initial appliance installation and then registers further changes to the configuration state and/or user data over time. When the user chooses to update the software appliance, the new version can be downloaded to execute an installation. The export module aggregates all changes to the original installation image as well as user data, and delivers the complete current configuration state and/or complete current user data to the new version of the appliance to instantiate the new version.
US08606750B2

Systems and methods are used to generate a protocol for an assay. At least one performance characteristic parameter of an assay and at least one standardized protocol for each assay of a plurality of assays and assay types are stored. A performance characteristic parameter selection and an assay selection are received from a client device of a laboratory. One or more performance characteristic parameters and a standardized protocol are retrieved from the database device. The client device is sent the one or more performance characteristic parameters and one or more study variable values. One or more amendments to the one or more performance characteristic parameters and one or more study variable values are received from the client device. A protocol for the assay is generated based on the one or more amendments.
US08606747B2

Described is a method and system for retrieving and serving the regulatory history of a property. An identification of data sources for permits and approvals is stored in a computer system. Property identifiers from the data sources are stored in the computer system. The system identifies the types of permit and approval data available from each of the data sources for each of the property identifiers. A determination can be made of the completeness of the regulatory history available for each property associated with each of said property identifiers. The system receives a request for the regulatory history of at least one of the properties associated with the property identifiers. A web page is populated with a list of the regulatory history for the property.
US08606737B2

A constraint condition DB storing a constraint condition that stipulates a structure of a decision tree is referenced, and a decision tree is generated from a case set where values of a plurality of attributes and a conclusion are associated with one another so that the structure of the decision tree, which is stipulated by the constraint condition, is satisfied. Accordingly, for example, even if a new case is added to the case set, a basic structure of the decision tree is succeeded by the constraint condition, thereby avoiding a situation where an operator needs to significantly modify the decision tree. Therefore, operations of modifying the decision tree by the operator can be reduced.
US08606733B2

A system and method for categorizing color palettes are provided. A taxonomy for a particular type of achromatic entity, such as emotions, is generated and populated with a list of terms. Natural language terms extracted from annotated color palettes are associated with the corresponding achromatic entity categories in the taxonomy. Features are extracted from the color palettes. The features, together with the category information, are used to train a classifier which is then able to assign achromatic entities to palettes outside the training set, based on extracted features.
US08606729B2

A newly-purchased gas appliance is detected and reported to a gas administrator. There are provided a flow rate detection portion, a flow rate calculation portion, a code extraction portion, an initial code learning portion, a code maintaining portion, a code judging portion, an additional code learning portion, and an external communication portion. The code extraction portion extracts a code pattern E. The initial code learning portion gathers similar code patterns E as a gas appliance code pattern F. The code judging portion judges whether or not the code pattern E matches any of gas appliance code patterns F held by the code maintaining portion within a predetermined range. The code patterns E that have failed to match are subjected to additional identification of a gas appliance in the additional code learning portion. The gas cut-off device can thereby let the additional code learning portion detect whether or not a new gas appliance has emerged and the external communication portion send a report to the gas administrator.
US08606717B2

A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for exchanging capacity between subscribers for distribution of playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The system allows subscribers to exchange capacity directly between themselves, and/or to have such exchange performed automatically on their behalf.
US08606708B1

Systems, methods and articles of manufacture for a computerize method of providing financial management to a user by integrating financial data from a plurality of sources such as online financial services. The system analyzes the financial data from a plurality of sources together to determine financial transactions beneficial to the user, and executes the financial transactions. The system may also analyze a user's transactional history among multiple accounts to identify and predict recommended financial transactions to the user. This provides an integrated solution for linking and coordinating multiple online banking services which previously had no operational link.
US08606707B2

Methods and systems are provided for integrating billing and services management systems across disparate telecommunications systems including wireless systems and local and long distance wireline systems. Wireless and wireline services may be charged to and billed under one periodic billing. A rollover management system is employed for managing units of call usage that may be “rolled over” from a present usage period to a subsequent usage period. An integrated services settlement system is provided which is operable for apportioning revenue associated with utilization of the wireless carrier's services to the wireless carrier and for apportioning revenue associated with the wireline carrier's services to the wireline carrier. An integrated telecommunications services ordering system is provided that is operable to synchronize subscriber orders between the subscriber's wireless and wireline carriers.
US08606695B1

Tools, strategies, and techniques are disclosed for matching the needs of small business owners with credit products offered by lenders such as banking institutions, alternative lenders, and private money lenders. Processes are provided for matching the funding requirements of small business owners with credit products offered by multiple banks and facilitating an intelligent comparison of the multiple credit options. In addition, tools are disclosed for analyzing risk factors and other information associated with business borrowers.
US08606690B2

A system and method for optimizing the frequency of market information updates in an electronic trading environment are described herein. According to one example embodiment, by optimizing the frequency of market information updates, the burden on the client device to update the graphical user interface may be reduced, while still providing an accurate portrayal of the market to the user. An example method includes associating different precedence levels with messages comprising market information. Messages containing market information related to the inside market may be associated to a higher precedence level. Whereas messages containing market information relating to the quantities at prices outside the inside market may be associated with a lower precedence level. Based on the precedence level associated with a message, a client device may update the graphical user interface or the message may be stored in a data structure until a pre-defined condition is satisfied.
US08606688B2

A method of and system for terminating or assigning outstanding OTC derivative transactions between a plurality of financial institutions (banks). The system comprises: a processing station arranged to receive transaction data describing a plurality of transactions from a plurality of banks via the Internet. The processing station comprises: a linking module for linking different versions of the same transaction received from different parties to that transaction; an analysis module for determining a set of linked transactions between a plurality of different banks, wherein each bank has debts and claims towards other banks in the set; a calculation module arranged to calculate an aggregated value of each set of linked transactions and select the set of linked transactions which has an aggregated value within bank-specified tolerance limits acceptable for executing a termination; and an execution module for executing a termination or assignment of the selected set of linked transactions.
US08606685B2

A computer-implemented financial management system provides the trading of securities via a network using virtual currency. A server computer receives buy and sell orders for derivative financial instruments from a plurality of client computers. The server computer attempts to match the buy and sell orders and then generates a market price through the use of a virtual specialist program executed by the server computer. The virtual specialist program responds to an imbalance in the matching of the buy and sell orders. The virtual currency accumulated by HSX account holders as a result of successful trading may be converted to another currency, credited toward the cost of merchandise provided through a vendor's web site, etc.
US08606684B2

A digital content distribution and subscription system for digital data files provides subscribers with music or video from streaming digital data or locally-stored digital files on demand for a fee. After registration onto the system, a subscriber may select from a relatively wide variety of available digital content from the streaming digital data or the locally-stored digital files. The subscriber may then select songs from various playlists which causes encrypted digital audio files for the selected music to be downloaded to the subscriber's personal computer (pc). A license key is downloaded to the subscriber's pc to unlock the selected songs to enable them to be decoded and played on the subscriber's pc or remote audio equipment for a predetermined period of time. At the expiration of the predetermined time period, the license key expires, thereby preventing further playback of the encrypted audio data files. The selections of each subscriber are tabulated for the purpose of royalty tracking and payment of an appropriate license fee to the holders of copyright rights for the selections. The digital content distribution and subscription system includes a digital content management system, a system for taken-based authentication allowing secure data retrieval and a royalty administration system.
US08606663B2

A method of charging for printing including setting a basic charge in the image forming apparatuses, receiving information about a recording agent installed in the image forming apparatus at predetermined intervals, determining whether or not the recording agent of the image forming apparatuses is replaced, based on the received information about the recording agent, counting a number of times the recording agent of the image forming apparatuses is replaced in a charging period, based on the determination as to whether or not the recording agent is replaced, and calculating a printing cost for the image forming apparatuses, using the counted number of times the recording agent is replaced and the basic charge as set.
US08606660B2

A warehouse management system for automatically weighing and counting parts includes a management computer and a weighing device. The management computer communicates with the weighing device. The weighing device includes a base, a tray for carrying a parts bin, and a weighing module. A track is mounted to the base. A roller is mounted on the bottom of the tray and rides on the corresponding track. The tray can move over the track by the roller. The weighing module is attached to one end of the track. The tray together with the parts bin can be actuated to move to the weighing module so as to weigh and count the parts within the parts bin.
US08606658B2

A system and method of verifying the completeness and accuracy of inventory records is disclosed. A remote verification device is deployable from a control desk to a specified area within a facility to acquire certain verification data. Once acquired, the verification data is compared with the inventory records on the verification device to determine a verification status. The particular mode of verification may be user-selected on the verification device or device-prompted based the inventory records, the verification data or other parameters. If successfully verified, the verification device communicates the verification data and/or verification status to the control desk. If not successfully verified, the verification device may be used to acquire inventory data for replacing the inventory records or providing an alert related to the discrepancy.
US08606657B2

Described is a method and a corresponding system for designing interior and exterior environments and for selling real world goods that appear as virtual objects within an augmented reality-generated design. The method includes the steps of generating a digitized still or moving image of a real world environment; providing in a programmable computer a database of virtual objects; parsing the image with a programmable computer to determine if the image contains any real world markers corresponding to the virtual objects in the database; retrieving corresponding virtual objects from the database and superimposing the images contained in the virtual objects in registration upon their corresponding real world markers in the image; and enabling users to retrieve the attributes of the real world objects depicted in the augmented reality image.
US08606654B2

The present invention provides methods and systems for facilitating gift registry. A variety of systems are provided which make registering for gifts more efficient for consumers and retailers. These systems include an express registration card system and a reverse registry system. The methods associate the various systems with a common registry number. The express registration card system enables a registrant to register for gifts without requiring identification information first be given. The reverse registry enables registration of items already owned in order to inform potential gift givers of preferences.
US08606648B1

A vehicle history information system and a method for determining the potential for curbstoning. In one embodiment, the vehicle history information system includes a vehicle history database with at least one vehicle history dataset related to a particular vehicle, the vehicle history dataset having at least one vehicle history record regarding the particular vehicle, and a record analysis module adapted to analyze the vehicle history dataset of the particular vehicle to determine whether there is a potential for curbstoning the particular vehicle based on the vehicle history record. In one implementation, the vehicle history record is an auto auction record which may indicate a sale of the particular vehicle and/or an offer for sale of the particular vehicle.
US08606631B2

The present invention is directed to a method for linking accounts corresponding to different products together to create a group so that group processing can be performed at the group level while independent processing of the accounts is performed at the account level. The method links the accounts into a group by linking a financial record for each account to group master data for the group. The group master data includes information about the group, including group control settings, aggregate data, and a group identifier. A group typically includes a key account and one or more dependent accounts. The relationship between a dependent account and the group is specified by a dependent strategy. A dependent strategy specifies group level processing options for the account. The relationships between the accounts and the group are flexible to accommodate changes in the status of the group cardholders. Alternative embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains without departing from its spirit and scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is described by the appended claims and is supported by the foregoing description.
US08606630B2

In one aspect, a system includes a transaction handler to process transactions, a data warehouse to store transaction data recording the transactions processed at the transaction handler, a profile generator to generate a profile of a user based on the transaction data, an advertisement selector to identify an advertisement based on the profile of the user in response to the transaction handler processing a transaction of the user, and a portal coupled to the transaction handler to provide the advertisement for presentation to the user in connection with information about the transaction of the user. In one example, the profile includes a plurality of values representing aggregated spending of the user in various areas to summarize the transactions of the user.
US08606628B2

Providing traceability in a Virtual Business Object (VBO) may include generating a VBO comprising components and actions that may be performed using the VBO, attaching traceability information regarding an avatar to the VBO and providing the VBO to the avatar. Also, a network entity configured to access a virtual world environment may include a network interface configured to provide access to the virtual world environment and a controller configured to perform a transaction with an avatar in the virtual world environment, generate a Virtual Business Object (VBO) related to the transaction, attach traceability information regarding the avatar to the VBO, and provide the VBO to the avatar.
US08606621B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for carbon management for sourcing and logistics. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a computer for quantifying both a cost and a carbon impact of one or more logistics policies relating to a manufacturing process; and minimizing the cost and carbon impact using a defined equation including a first component representing a transportation cost, and a second component representing a carbon cost. In an embodiment of the invention, the quantifying includes using an analytics engine to quantify the cost and carbon impact. The analytics engine may include a shipment analysis module to calculate an optimal transportation policy, a sourcing analysis module for testing alternate sourcing options, a scenario analysis module to find an optimal order frequency, and a sensitivity analysis module to test the impact of various changes.
US08606616B1

Embodiments of the invention provide systems, methods, and computer program products for a business success indicator process that helps identify business success indicators for programs in the process of implementation. Within the process intended program results, and program assumptions or dependencies for projects within the program are considered potential business success indicators. Intended program results are prioritized, assessed, and assigned weighted values. Assumptions or dependencies, and projects are assigned impact values indicating their impact related to each of the intended program results. The intended program results, and the assumptions or dependencies are scored based on the weighted values and impact values. Business success indicators are selected based on the scores and deployment dates of projects with which they are associated. A business success indicator measurement plan is developed by developing a risk score associated with the data for each business success indicator.
US08606612B2

A method and apparatus for improving efficiency and accuracy in event information exchange among users of navigation systems or other devices through wireless communication. The method includes the steps of: receiving information indicating an upcoming event, an event location, and participants thereof input by a user; checking a database storing data regarding types of event in response to the information input by the user to determine a type of the event; retrieving information regarding items required for the type of event determined and generating a template including a list of what items to bring by the participants of the event; and sending the template to the participants of the event through wireless communication.
US08606609B2

The present invention relates to designating that durations of specific tasks are estimated or tentative. The user can indicate estimated durations by the sheet mode or the dialog mode. Estimated duration characters are symbols of uncertainty, such as “?”, that indicate that the duration entries are not fixed and final, but may need to be adjusted in the future. The user can select an option to not display the estimated duration character even though the estimated field for the task is set. The user can also select an option to have new tasks that are created have estimated duration characters until the user chooses to enter a duration value. The program can also filter the task list to display only tasks that have estimated duration characters.
US08606608B2

Counterfactual analysis can be performed “offline”, or “after the fact”, based on data collected during a trial in which random variations are applied to the output of the system whose parameters are to be the subject of the counterfactual analysis. A weighting factor can be derived and applied to data collected during the trial to emphasize that data obtained when the random variations most closely resembled the output that would be expected if counterfactual parameters were utilized to generate the output. If the counterfactual parameters being considered differ too much from the parameters under which the trial was conducted, the offline counterfactual analysis can estimate a direction and magnitude of the change of the system performance, as opposed to deriving a specific expected system performance value. In economic transactions, the random variations can be considered variations in the price paid by another party, thereby enabling derivation of their marginal cost.
US08606606B2

System and method for tracking and processing of text translations for online use. The adding or editing of a text element for a primary language site or a primary language promotional email automatically generates a potential translation task. Potential translation tasks are reviewed and either deleted if no translation is required or organized into groups of related translation items and submitted along with language and schedule information for translation of the primary language text into other languages for use on other language versions of the primary language site or emails. Submission of a translation group generates an automatic notification of pending translation work to the affected translators. In performing translations, the translator first selects a task group and then translates the individual tasks in the group.
US08606605B2

A method and system for reserving a time slot to gain access to a resource, such as an attraction, ride, show or event, as may be found in an amusement park. A portable module is used to determine a time when the user is able to access the resource based on reservation requests and throughput, without need for a docking station or continuous communication with a central database of all reservations and queue times.
US08606604B1

Embodiments of systems and methods for enabling communication between vendors and individuals qualified to offer financial products, insurance products, warranty products, and/or other products and services related to vehicles and vehicle sales are provided. In one embodiment, a salesperson at a remote location interacts with the vendor's customer using data, video, and/or audio transmissions over a network. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson may possess relevant expertise or training, which the salesperson uses to process the transaction. In one embodiment, the remote salesperson completes the transaction using a system that manages the transaction and communication.
US08606603B2

Systems and methods for scoring unemployment risk and predicting unemployment probability and for optionally providing unemployment insurance to employees. The unemployment insurance is provided through a private insurer under which the unemployment insurance policy coverage and benefits terms are selected, and policy premiums paid for, by employees. The unemployment insurance benefits are paid to employees when they face involuntary unemployment. The present invention results in the calculation of unemployment risk scores and a method of rendering private unemployment insurance to employees in the form of a primary or a supplementary unemployment insurance, or both.
US08606602B2

Systems and methods are disclosed for processing transactions between a customer and a business. An exemplary system includes a server used by the business and being accessible by the customer, and a customer account associated with the customer housed on the server. The customer account includes automated instructions that allow the customer to advise the business of an upcoming payment for an upcoming event, to request a payment from the business from a previous event, or to pair a payment with one or more upcoming events.
US08606599B1

An apparatus for executing a task includes an authenticator to identify a user, a controller that can receive data from the user, and an authorizer to ensure that the user has access to applications used to execute the task. The controller is able to register or de-register the applications and then determine which if the registered applications should be used to execute the task. The controller then converts the data from the user so that it can be used by the application to execute the task. If the user selects a second task to be executed, the controller can determine which of the registered applications is to be used to execute the second task. Methods for executing multiple tasks are also described.
US08606597B2

An endoscope inspection report creating apparatus has a file name reading section that reads file names of a plurality of endoscopic images, a file name of each of the endoscopic images including inspection result information separated with use of a predetermined symbol or character, and a report creating section that creates a predetermined report by writing the inspection result information which is included in each of the file names read by the file name reading section in each predetermined position in the predetermined report by associating the inspection result information with the endoscopic image of each of the read file names.
US08606593B1

A system and method of for analyzing, collecting, and tracking patient data across a vast patient population is disclosed. The system and method comprise a plurality of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems provided at a plurality of healthcare provider sites, each EHR system comprising at least one means for capturing data for a plurality of patients in real time; at least one research system for generating a dataset by performing at least one of analyzing, collecting, and tracking the data captured by the plurality of EHR systems in real time as the data is captured or from a database on which the captured data is stored; and at least one workstation for setting the criteria by which the research system analyzes, collects and tracks the data captured by the plurality of EHR systems and for viewing the dataset generated by the at least one research system, wherein the dataset includes the data that corresponds to each of the criteria set at the workstation.
US08606571B1

The present technology provides noise reduction of an acoustic signal using a configurable classification threshold which provides a sophisticated level of control to balance the tradeoff between positional robustness and noise reduction robustness. The configurable classification threshold corresponds to a configurable spatial region, such that signals arising from sources within the configurable spatial region are preserved, and signals arising from sources outside it are rejected. In embodiments, the configurable classification threshold can be automatically and dynamically adjusted in real-time based on evaluated environmental conditions surrounding an audio device implementing the noise reduction techniques described herein.
US08606570B2

An imaging apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a sound collecting unit configured to collect speech in a monitored environment, a shooting unit configured to shoot video in the monitored environment, a detection unit configured to detect a change in a state of the monitored environment based upon a change in data acquired by the sound collecting unit, the shooting unit and a sensor for measuring the state of the monitored environment, a recognition unit configured to recognize the change in state with regard to speech data acquired by the sound collecting unit and video data acquired by the shooting unit, and a control unit configured to start up the recognition unit and select a recognition database, which is used by the recognition unit, based upon result of detection by the detection unit.
US08606566B2

A system improves speech intelligibility by reconstructing speech segments. The system includes a low-frequency reconstruction controller programmed to select a predetermined portion of a time domain signal. The low-frequency reconstruction controller substantially blocks signals above and below the selected predetermined portion. A harmonic generator generates low-frequency harmonics in the time domain that lie within a frequency range controlled by a background noise modeler. A gain controller adjusts the low-frequency harmonics to substantially match the signal strength to the time domain original input signal.
US08606559B2

A method for automatically detecting errors in machine translation using a parallel corpus includes analyzing morphemes of a target language sentence in the parallel corpus and a machine-translated target language sentence, corresponding to a source language sentence, to classify the morphemes into words; aligning by words and decoding, respectively, a group of the source language sentence and the machine-translated target language sentence, and a group of the source language sentence and the target language sentence in the parallel corpus; classifying by types errors in the machine-translated target language sentence by making a comparison, word by word, between the decoded target language sentence in the parallel corpus and the decoded machine-translated target language sentence; and computing error information in the machine-translated target language sentence by examining a frequency of occurrence of the classified error types.
US08606558B1

A system for designing a circuit, which includes a module, uses a computer. A user may program or adapt the computer to perform computer-aided design functions. The computer obtains a description of the module from the user. The computer parses the description of the module to identify a port of the module, and to obtain information about the port. The computer presents to the user the information that it has obtained about the port.
US08606556B2

A method is disclosed for evaluating a model, characterized as being a computer executable device and circuit simulator. The method includes accepting measured parameters of devices, which devices are essentially identical with, or are actually from, a simulated circuit instance. The model is executed with adjusted input parameters to generate simulated values for properties of the circuit instance. These simulated values are compared with measured values of the same properties. The goodness of the model is determined based on the degree of direct, or statistical, agreement between the simulated and measured values.
US08606555B2

A model of a geologic volume of interest that represents the geological architecture of the geologic volume of interest is generated. The model is generated as a series of geologic events at a string of points in geologic time such that each event is deposited or eroded sequentially. A given geologic event is determined based on the topological and/or geological properties of the geologic volume of interest at the time of the geologic event, environmental conditions present at the time of the geologic event that impact geologic formation, deposition, and/or erosion, and/or other considerations. The given geologic event is further determined to honor, at least somewhat, local conditioning data that has been obtained during direct measurements of the geological parameters (and/or trends therein) within the geologic volume of interest.
US08606554B2

Systems and methods are described that provide a Heat Flow Model (HFM) graph modeling methodology. Embodiments automatically translate formal HVAC system descriptions from a Building Information Model (BIM) into HFM graphs, and compile the graphs into executable FDD systems. During an engineering phase, a user interface is used to enter parameters, conditions, and switches not found in the BIM. During a runtime phase, real-time data from an HVAC control system is input to the generated FDD system (HFM graph) for fault detection and diagnosis.
US08606553B2

This invention provides a computational approach to identifying potential antibacterial drug targets based on a genome sequence and its annotation. Starting from a fully sequenced genome, open reading frame assignments are made which determine the metabolic genotype for the organism. The metabolic genotype, and more specifically its stoichiometric matrix, are analyzed using flux balance analysis to assess the effects of genetic deletions on the fitness of the organism and its ability to produce essential biomolecules required for growth.
US08606549B2

A method reads information of a three-dimensional (3D) product model and a light source model, and meshes the product model by multiple space triangles. The method further sets illumination parameters based on the information of product model and the light source model, simulates illuminated environment based on the illumination parameters, and projects the product model to a two-dimensional (2D) plane under the illuminated environment. 2D triangles matching the space triangles and 2D measurement points matching the 3D measurement points are determined in the 2D plane, and a measurement region is determined based on the 2D measurement points. Then, the 2D triangles in the measurement region are given colors based on illuminated effect produced by the illuminated environment, and point-selection tools are created for the 2D measurement points. At last, an off-line program is generated according to information of the measurement region and the point-selection tools.
US08606547B2

A method and a system for measuring the aerodynamic noise of a vehicle; the system is provided with: a measuring station, which is adapted to receive the vehicle and is provided with a supporting element; at least one blower carried by the supporting element and adapted to generate an air jet towards the vehicle; an actuating device for displacing the supporting element with respect to the vehicle; at least one phonometer for measuring the aerodynamic noise produced by the vehicle struck by the air jet generated by the blower; a position sensor for detecting the position of the supporting element with respect to the vehicle; and a processing unit connected to the phonometer and to the position sensor for correlating the aerodynamic noise measurements supplied by the phonometer with the position of the supporting element with respect to the vehicle.
US08606537B2

There is provided a system for testing an electronic device in a test arrangement. The test arrangement includes a data interface and a user interface that is configured to output user outputs comprising image and/or audio information. The exemplary system comprises an automation unit configured to be connected via a data connection to the data interface. The user outputs are provided as output via the data interface and can be transmitted via the data connection to the automation unit. The automation unit is configured to carry out an evaluation of the user outputs.
US08606532B2

A fracture determination method for determining a fracture of a metal structure includes, when a fracture determination target portion has returned from a plastic state to an elastic state, given that a stress when the portion returned to the elastic state is (x, y)=(σ2, σ1) (maximum principal stress: σ1, minimum principal stress: σ2) on a (x, y) coordinate plane, performing fracture determination of the fracture determination target portion using a re-yield stress R determined by the intersection between a straight line satisfying a relation y=(σ1/σ2)x and an yield curve obtained from the plastic state of the fracture determination target portion. Fracture determination can be performed with high accuracy even when the fracture determination target portion has returned from a plastic state to an elastic state.
US08606531B2

This disclosure relates in general to systems and methods for spot checking flow properties of a multiphase mixture containing one or more hydrocarbons flowing through a pipeline or the like. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for creating slug-type flows of isokinetically obtained samples of the multiphase mixture flow. By spot checking the slug-type flow of an isokinetically obtained sample of the multiphase flow, embodiments of the present invention may provide for determining flow properties of gas, oil/condensate and/or water components of the multiphase flow. In certain aspects of the present invention, an active sampling device may be used to enrich one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture and/or take a representative sample of one of the phases of the slug-type flow of the sampled multiphase mixture.
US08606521B2

A wellbore fluid pressure measurement system includes a densometer adapted to measure a fluid density of a fluid flowing in a tubing system; and a monitoring unit communicably coupled to the densometer. The monitoring unit is adapted to receive a plurality of values representative of the fluid density from the densometer and includes a memory adapted to store the plurality of values representative of the fluid density; and one or more processors operable to execute a fluid pressure measurement module. The module is operable when executed to determine a fluid pressure of the fluid based on at least a portion of the values representative of the fluid density.
US08606515B2

A method for navigating through a predefined space is described herein. The method includes receiving, by a remote unit, a signal indicative of a selection of at least one destination category, wherein the selected destination category is associated with a plurality of destination locations. A position of each of the plurality of destination locations is determined within the predefined space. A final destination location is determined within the predefined space, an origination location of the remote unit is determined, and a first route is determined from the origination location to the final destination. The first route including each destination location included in the selected destination category.
US08606510B2

Methods and systems for adjusting route planning results are provided. First, a first route planning result is generated, and displayed. Then, at least one candidate road section is selected and dragged to a substituted road section. A second route planning result is re-generated according to the substituted road section. The second route planning result passes through the substituted road section, and the candidate road section is excluded from the second route planning result.
US08606507B2

In a panorama navigation method using a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device includes a GPS, an electronic compass and a touch screen. A user operation interface is displayed on the touch screen, and driving information is received from a user operation interface when a driver arranges a driving route in a geographic region. The driving route is marked on an electronic map of the geographic region according to the driving information. The GPS detects a current location of a vehicle, and the electronic compass identifies a driving direction of the vehicle. The portable electronic device obtains a series of panoramic images of the geographic region from a host computer according to the current location, the driving direction and a current time of the vehicle, and displays each of the panoramic images on the touch screen to provide panoramic navigation information for the driver.
US08606506B2

A method for matching navigational routes that are generated by separate route generators and are used by vehicle navigation systems. According to one embodiment, a user previews a first navigational route generated by a first route generator, such as those incorporated in a navigation-related website. From this first navigational route, a variety of location markers corresponding to different points along the route are generated. The location markers are then sent to a second route generator used by a vehicle navigation system, so that it can generate a second navigational route that is similar to the first route. The second navigational route is then sent to a navigation unit located on the vehicle, so that the driver can be given directions that generally correspond to the first navigational route which they initially reviewed on the navigation-related website.
US08606499B2

An approach is provided for determining parking information for a place of interest. A travel platform processes one or more trace results associated with a device, a user of the device, or a combination there to determine one or more travel paths, one or more places of interest, or a combination thereof. The travel platform processes the one or more travel paths to determine one or more parking areas associated with the one or more places of interest. The travel platform then presents the one or more parking areas associated with the one or more travel paths, the one or more places of interest, or a combination thereof.
US08606488B2

The invention relates to a method for operating the drive of a hybrid motor vehicle by an internal combustion engine torque and the torque of at least one electric motor which are superimposed in such a way that a common drive torque of the hybrid motor vehicle is produced. According to the invention, the torque of the internal combustion engine is influenced by the speed of rotation thereof or a signal derived therefrom and the torque of the electric motor is influenced by the speed of rotation or the signal derived therefrom.
US08606487B2

The present invention has an object to enable a torque as required to be realized without being influenced by an operation state of an IN-VVT, which is a variable valve timing mechanism which changes a valve timing of an intake valve. For this purpose, a control device for an internal combustion engine provided by the present invention stores data that defines a relationship between an air quantity and a torque in an MBT in association with the operation state of the IN-VVT, and calculates a target air quantity for realizing a required torque based on the data. The control device calculates an actual air quantity which is actually realized by an operation of a throttle when operating the throttle to realize the target air quantity. Further, the control device for an internal combustion engine provided by the present invention stores data that defines a relationship of the air quantity and an ignition timing in a case in which the IN-VVT is in a maximum retardation position, and calculates a basic ignition timing from the actual air quantity based on the data. Further, the control device for an internal combustion engine provided by the present invention determines an advance correction amount of the ignition timing from the operation state of the IN-VVT. The control device determines a final ignition timing from the basic ignition timing and the advance correction amount.
US08606486B2

A control system for an engine includes a density determination module and a mass air flow (MAF) determination module. The density determination module determines a density of air in an induction system of the engine based on a temperature of the air, a pressure of the air, and a relative humidity of the air. The MAF determination module, based on the determined density of the air, a velocity of the air, and a cross-sectional area of the induction system, determines a MAF through the induction system.
US08606485B1

An ECU executes a program including a step (S102) of prohibiting idle priority control if automatic stop control of an engine is prohibited (YES in S100), and a step (S104) of permitting the idle priority control if the automatic stop control of the engine is not prohibited (NO in S100).
US08606484B2

A method for correcting an output characteristic of an in-cylinder pressure sensor has a problem of insufficient correction precision because the measurement range required for the detection of a peak in-cylinder pressure and an ignition timing resides in a high-pressure region of an in-cylinder combustion cycle, whereas a reference pressure used for correction is measured while leaving an intake valve and an exhaust valve open, so that the reference pressure is out of the required measurement range. An apparatus for measuring an in-cylinder pressure includes: exhaust pressure detection means disposed in an exhaust port of an internal combustion engine to measure an exhaust pressure in the exhaust port; exhaust pressure recording means that records time history of the measured exhaust pressure; and peak exhaust pressure detection means that detects a peak value for each pulsation cycle of the exhaust pressure on the basis of the recorded time history of the exhaust pressure. A peak value of the in-cylinder pressure for each combustion cycle is calculated using the detected peak value of the exhaust pressure, and the calculated peak value of the in-cylinder pressure is used as a reference pressure.
US08606481B2

A data write device receives power supply from a first system guided from a power source and writes data in a nonvolatile first storage unit. A request generation unit generates a write request to write data in the first storage unit under a predetermined condition. A receiving unit receives the write request from a user. A second storage unit receives power supply from a second system guided from the power source and is able to store data. A first write unit writes target data to be written, which is stored in the second storage unit, in the first storage unit in response to the write request. A second write unit writes the target data which is stored in the second storage unit, in the first storage unit if the power supply from the first system is stopped and then restarted at the time of writing by the first write unit. A display control unit causes a display device which carries out predetermined initial display when the power supply from the first system is stopped and then restarted, to display a write result of the target data in the first storage unit. The second write unit is activated when the request generation unit generates the write request and is not activated when receiving the write request from the user.
US08606480B2

A vehicle travel amount estimation device includes a camera, a taken image storing unit, a compensated image storing unit, a travel amount calculation unit, a vehicle speed and gyro sensor, and a travel amount determination unit. The taken image storing unit and the compensated image storing unit store images taken by the camera. The travel amount calculation unit calculates the amount of travel based on two stored images. The sensors detect the amount of travel of the vehicle. The travel amount determination unit is configured to compare a first amount of travel calculated by the travel amount calculation unit with a second amount of travel detected by the vehicle speed sensor or the like in order to determine the first amount of travel to be the amount of travel of the vehicle when the difference between the first amount and the second amount is smaller than a predetermined value.
US08606479B2

When a preceding vehicle moves away during follow-up running control, it is determined whether or not a forward obstacle is recognized. When a forward obstacle is recognized, it is determined whether or not the forward obstacle satisfies any of obstacle specifying conditions corresponding to a plurality of preset types. A basic threshold value set corresponding to the satisfied type is corrected by three correction values so as to set first to third estimated-collision-time determining values. The estimated-collision-time determining values are compared with an estimated collision time of a subject vehicle with respect to the forward obstacle, and acceleration control on the subject vehicle is limited stepwise in accordance with the comparison values.
US08606478B2

A system and a method are provided for controlling a foundation brake of a vehicle having at least one foundation brake device, wherein the usability of the foundation brake is limited to a predetermined total application-time of the foundation brake within a predetermined time interval.
US08606472B2

A processing component configured to receive position sensor data from a first sensor attached to a shift rail of a transmission and determine from the first sensor data whether the shift rail is in a position of engagement of a first gear or a second gear or in a neutral position; receive position sensor data from a second sensor attached to the shift rail, determine from the second sensor data whether the shift rail is in a position of engagement of the first gear or the second gear or in the neutral position; compare the position determined from the first sensor data with the position determined from the second sensor data, and verify the shift rail position based on the comparison.Further, a method for verifying shift rail position based on comparing data received from a first and a second sensor attached to the shift rail.
US08606465B2

A system and method for classifying the optimization of safety features on a vehicle for a driver of the vehicle based on the height and mass of the driver. The method includes determining a number of basic driver sizes based on driver height and mass and determining a driver's seat position for each basic driver height. The method also identifies a set of tunable design variables that are used to adjust the safety features of the vehicle and performs design optimization analysis to identify an optimal design for the vehicle safety features for each of the basic driver sizes. The method then identifies the design from the optimal designs that provides the best performance for randomly selected reference drivers and classifies all drivers into a predetermined number of classifications where each classification represents a particular optimal design.
US08606456B2

The invention relates to a method for propelling an articulated tracked vehicle (1) provided with at least a front and rear vehicle portion (2, 4), comprising a front drive shaft (6), which rotates a front track (8) on the front vehicle portion (2); a rear drive shaft (10), which rotates a rear track (12) on the rear vehicle portion (4), the front drive shaft (6) being disposed in the front vehicle portion (2) and the rear drive shaft (10) being disposed in the rear vehicle portion (4). At least one motor (20, 34, 36) rotates the respective front and rear drive shaft (6, 10) in order thus to propel the vehicle (1) at a speed in relation to a ground surface (16). The front drive shaft (6) is rotated at a first speed and the rear drive shaft (10) is rotated at a second speed, which first and second speeds are different, so that the front and rear tracks (8, 12) rotate at different speeds.
US08606453B2

Messaging in a controller area network is modified to hide thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests originating with selected nodes with relatively low contention access priority from an engine controller and to route the messages instead through an intermediary controller which is an independent source of thermal engine torque and angular velocity change requests. More specifically, in a hybrid vehicle having a body controller with operational control over power take off equipment, a hybrid controller and a thermal engine controller, angular velocity and torque change requests to support power take off operation are embedded in auxiliary input/output messages. The hybrid controller operates on these auxiliary messages, conflating the embedded angular velocity and torque change requests with its own and rebroadcast in conventional form.
US08606445B2

An information control device for an electric vehicle including a vehicle-mounted battery that is charged with electric power supplied from a power supply provided at an outside of the vehicle includes a lock operation detector, a remaining power detector, and a notification controller. The lock operation detector is configured to detect a lock operation of a door lock mechanism of the vehicle. The remaining power detector is configured to detect a remaining power amount of the vehicle-mounted battery. The notification controller is configured to control a notifying device to make a notification to the outside of the vehicle. The notification is indicative of information that recommends power charge of the vehicle-mounted battery if the remaining power amount is small when the door lock mechanism has been locked or is to be locked, based on detection results of the lock operation detector and the remaining power detector.
US08606444B2

A machine includes a power system having a prime mover drivingly connected to an electric generator, a power line operably connected to the electric generator, and a first electrical energy storage device operable to exchange electricity with the power line. The power system may also include a second electrical energy storage device and power-system controls. The power-system controls may include a power regulator and at least one information processor configured to receive information related to at least one operating parameter of the power system and control the power regulator based on the received information, including selectively controlling the power regulator to receive electricity from the second electrical energy storage device and supply the electricity to the first electrical energy storage device.
US08606433B2

A system and method for determining when a moving mobile platform will enter or exit a satellite coverage region. In a preferred form the method involves determining a plurality of boundary coordinates that define a satellite coverage region perimeter. A position of the mobile platform is monitored as the mobile platform moves along a travel path. The proximity of the mobile platform to the satellite coverage region perimeter is determined by periodically comparing the position of the mobile platform to the boundary coordinates.
US08606429B2

An electronic device and a method for controlling fan speed of the electronic device include setting a speed range corresponding to a variety of pulse-width modulation (PWM) duty cycles of the fan, and setting a speed variation value of the fan. The method further includes reading the PWM duty cycle and detecting an actual speed of the fan, and adjusting the PWM duty cycle in the PWM duty cycle instruction according to the speed variation value.
US08606423B2

A method and system is disclosed that includes a central controller that communicates data available from an Energy Services Interface (ESI) to devices over multiple secondary networks of a home in different communication protocols. The controller is a home energy gateway that includes multiple communication modules for binding to a meter on a primary network and to form multiple secondary networks.
US08606415B1

An irrigation system includes at least one environmental sensor, such as a solar radiation sensor, that is installed on an irrigation site, and a soil moisture sensor that is also installed on the irrigation site. Programming allows an estimated ET value to be calculated based at least in part on the output signal of the environmental sensor. A pre-programmed watering schedule is automatically modified based on the estimated ET value to thereby conserve water while maintaining the health of plants on the irrigation site. The system automatically inhibits irrigation when an output signal of the soil moisture sensor indicates an amount of moisture in the soil is above a predetermined threshold.
US08606401B2

A navigation beacon controls movement of a mobile robot in first and second areas. The navigation beacon includes a portable housing, a power source, and an emitter. The emitter is operable to emit a gateway marking emission when the robot is within a field of detection that extends between the areas. The gateway marking emission is detectable by the robot and prevents the robot from moving from one of the areas, through the field of detection, to the other of the areas. A switch is operable to switch the navigation beacon to be in an OFF mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in an OFF state, a confinement mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in an ON state, and a navigation mode in which the gateway beacon emitter is in the ON state and automatically switches to the OFF state in response to a predetermined condition.
US08606397B2

A grain distributor including a timer coupled to a distribution spout that generates a series of particular time values. The control processor is programmed with an algorithm to pivot the distribution spout and to receive and record signals from the sensor as the sensor confronts each of the code clusters and each of the proof windows. The control processor is programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each code cluster with a particular time value generated by the timer and to memorize the particular time value associated with each code cluster in a long term memory and the control processor being programmed with the algorithm to associate each signal from each of the proof windows in a long term memory. The grain distributor is also self programming.
US08606393B2

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.
US08606392B2

A method for transporting inventory items includes moving a mobile drive unit to a first point within a workspace. The first point is a location of an inventory holder. The method further includes docking the mobile drive unit with the inventory holder and moving the mobile drive unit and the inventory holder to a second point within the workspace. The second point is associated with conveyance equipment. The method further includes moving the inventory holder to a third point within the workspace using the conveyance equipment.
US08606383B2

One aspect of the disclosure relates to obtaining at least some audio information, at least partially at a shared audio device. The aspect of the disclosure also relates to temporally coordinating transmitting at the shared audio device the at least some audio information and at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information that can be received by at least one other shared audio device such that corresponding segments of the at least some audio information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device substantially temporally corresponding to when corresponding segments of the at least some temporally-associated dissimilar-media information can be received at the at least one other shared audio device.
US08606373B2

A firefighting monitor system includes a monitor, a controller selectively generating signals to the monitor for controlling the monitor, and a computer. The computer is configured to receive input from a user relative to the monitor or the controller. The computer generates an output based on the input, and the output is transmitted to the controller for controlling the monitor or the controller in accordance with the output.
US08606362B2

Disclosed herein are current output architectures for implantable stimulator devices. Current source and sink circuitry is divided into a plurality of stages, each of which is capable via an associated switch bank of sourcing or sinking an amount of current to or from any one of the electrodes of the device. The current source circuitry is distinct from the current sink circuitry, and the two share no common circuit nodes prior to connection to the electrodes. In other words, the current source circuitry and the current sink circuitry do not share a common node other than the electrodes. Each stage is preferably formed of a current mirror for receiving a reference current and outputting a scaled version of current to that stage's switch bank. The scalar at each stage can be set by wiring a desired number of output transistors in parallel. Preferably, the reference current to the current mirrors in the stages is controllable via a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), to globally control the overall magnitude of the current supply to the electrodes.
US08606356B2

Various approaches to detecting arousals from sleep involve generating signals modulated by muscle tone, brainwave activity, and/or other nervous system activity associated with a patient's autonomic arousal response. Generating the signals and/or detecting autonomic arousals from sleep may be performed using an implantable device. Arousal information may be useful to identify sleep disorder events associated with arousals from sleep, for diagnostic purposes, and/or for therapy adjustment.
US08606351B2

A generally lossless compression system suitable for compression of data in a real-time, remote monitoring application is disclosed. In one embodiment, the real-time monitoring application is subject to a fixed-delay transmission constraint. In one implementation, a specific set partitioning method (e.g., binary tree partitioning) is employed on blocks of data that are wavelet transformed in a reversible manner so that encoded blocks may be transmitted losslessly or truncated and transmitted with some loss.
US08606348B2

In one embodiment, the present application is directed to a method. The method includes performing at least one of, or a portion of one of, a vertebroplasty procedure, a kyphoplasty procedure, an electroencephalography (EEG) procedure and intraoperative electromyography (EMG) on a patient, and using an imaging system to image at least a portion of the patient during performance of at least a portion of this procedure), the imaging system being arranged on a robot including at least four, preferably six axes of rotation. In another embodiment of the present application, an x-ray system is disclosed. The x-ray system includes an imaging system including an x-ray source and an x-ray detector; a table; and at least two robots. The table is movable by the at least one robot and the at least one other robot includes at least four, preferably six axes of rotation and controls movement of the imaging system.
US08606345B2

An imaging apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a hand-held, battery powered imaging device that provides: (1) an Identification Picture wherein an image of the patient's face is captured for identification purposes; (2) an Area of Interest picture wherein an image of the general area of interest on the patient is captured; and (3) a Subject of Interest picture wherein an image of the subject lesion of interest is captured. Two digital imaging systems, including a wide-angle (e.g. fisheye) imaging system and a macro (close-up) imaging system, are provided to allow for the simultaneous capture of AOI and SOI images thereby capturing an image that identifies the location of the lesion on the body and an image that comprises a close-up view of the lesion. A light source or flash provides illumination during the image capture phase. A laser range finding configuration including spaced first and second lasers are angularly disposed so as to cast beams that intersect at a desired distance from the imaging apparatus thereby allowing the user to quickly position the imaging apparatus at a predetermined distance from the patient when capturing images. Audible output provides the user with input to assist in properly capturing the images, and a trigger-type actuator is provided to initiate image capture.
US08606343B2

An improved system for confocal imaging within dermal tissue of a patient is provided which minimizes instability in confocal images by reducing the relative motion of the tissue with respect to the confocal imaging optics of the system. The system includes a mechanism for maintaining an area of skin tissue under stress by application of force at the edges of the area, and an imaging head coupled to this mechanism for imaging the stressed skin. The mechanism includes a mechanical structure, such as a platen, brace, or attachment, which both supports the imaging head of the system and applies stress to a limited surface area of the tissue to minimize skin motion during confocal imaging.
US08606340B2

A mobile device comprising a first portion and a second portion is provided. In at least one embodiment, the first portion comprises a first part providing at least a first display screen, and a second part providing at least a second display screen. The first part may be foldably coupled to the second part to allow the first part to fold with respect to the second part about a first folding axis. The second portion comprises a third part providing at least a third display screen. The first portion is slidably coupled to the second portion, and at least one of the first portion and the second portion comprises one or more coupling elements configured so that the second part of the first portion is foldable with respect to the third part of the second portion about a second folding axis. In one embodiment, the first, second and third parts are folded to resemble a picture frame comprising multiple digital displays.
US08606325B2

A method for determining a preferred image format in a User Equipment (UE) supporting a mobile video call between UEs. The UEs should each have a camera and a display Upon receiving, from an opposing UE, video transmission control information including therein a preferred image format. If the preferred image format requested by the opposing UE is acceptable, then the opposing UE is sent video transmission control information is sent including therein at least one of an acceptable response message and an acceptable new preferred image format according to acceptability of the preferred image format requested by the opposing UE.
US08606324B2

A cell identifier deciding method includes: judging whether identification of cell identifiers allocated to cells covered by a plurality of radio base stations is allowed among the plurality of radio base stations; and changing the cell identifier of a radio base station which is relatively low in processing load imposed on changing of its cell identifier in the plurality of radio base stations, in a case that it is judged that identification of the cell identifiers is not allowed.
US08606321B2

Provided is a remote radio head receiver, including an antenna and an interference mitigation block. The antenna is configured to receive a signal. The interference mitigation block is configured to selectively pass and amplify the signal. The interference mitigation block does not include a liquefied gas cooling system.
US08606313B2

In a receiver of a UMTS telecommunication system a process for performing the Outer Loop power control in a User Equipment is provided. The receiver includes an improved outer loop power control mechanism that estimates a Signal to Interference target (SIRtarg) based on a Block Error Rate target (BLERtarg) received from a base station. The outer loop control mechanism estimates a BLER value (BLERest) based on a number of received blocks and then adjusts a SIR target value (SIRtarg) based on the relationship between BLERtarg and BLERest. Meanwhile, simultaneously in parallel, the outer loop power control mechanism monitors for a potential convergence of a first SIR value with the SIRtarg and upon detection of such potential convergence applying a correction to SIRtarg.
US08606312B2

A method for controlling transmission power of a base station in a cellular system includes: receiving a reference signal from at least one neighbor base station that is located around the base station; estimating a radio environment between the base station and the neighbor base station by using the receiving power of the reference signal; and controlling cell coverage of the base station by determining the transmission power based on the radio environment.
US08606307B2

A system and method are provided for mobile stations for enhancing the ease of use of a mobile station. Through the system and method, a user may more easily view the phone number of a caller identification card. The user may be alerted when the user tries to send messages while out of GPRS coverage, or the mobile station may recognize extension numbers in address book user interface applications to assist with a dialing operation.
US08606305B2

The present invention relates to a method and server apparatus for providing an impersonal communication service in a telecommunication network, wherein a user is authenticated by a token-based application programming interface functionality and a temporary virtual number is allocated to an impersonal communication session of the user. The allocated temporary virtual number is then used for a telecommunication of the user.
US08606304B2

A paging signal transmission method according to the present invention includes: notifying, from a radio base station (eNB) to a mobile station (UE), a discontinuous reception interval and a total number of the groups, the discontinuous reception interval representing an interval at which discontinuous reception of the paging signal (PCH) is performed; determining, at the mobile station (UE), a timing for receiving the paging signal on the basis of the notified discontinuous reception interval and the notified total number of the groups; receiving, at the mobile station (UE), the paging signal transmitted from the radio base station (eNB), at the determined timing; and performing, at the mobile station (UE), incoming call processing, when the received paging signal is a paging signal addressed to the mobile station (UE).
US08606302B2

System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine determines an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputs a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time. A scheduler receives expiry times data and processes the expiry times data for determining an order for servicing the location requests.
US08606295B2

Disclosed are a device and a method for localizing a user indoors using a wireless local area network, and more particularly, a localization device and a localization method that improve localization accuracy by fusing various context information when localizing a user-portable/wearable device connected with a wireless network based on an RF-based wireless network such as ZigBee.
US08606294B2

A method of and system for estimating temporal demographics of mobile users is disclosed. A method of estimating demographic information associated with a selected geographical area includes, for at least one individual, determining a selected geographical area along a portion of a track of travel of the individual and determining demographic information associated with the at least one individual. The method also includes estimating a ratio of individuals transiting into the area versus individuals that are residents of the area and estimating demographic information associated with the area based on the estimated ratio and based on demographic information associated with the at least one individual.
US08606291B2

The present invention concerns a method for determining in a wireless cellular telecommunication network which device among a first device managing data associated to mobile terminals located in a first pool of cells and a second device managing data associated to mobile terminals located in a second pool of cells has to manage data associated to a mobile terminal. The first and second pools of cells have common cells and the mobile terminal is located in the first pool of cells. The first device managing data associated to the mobile terminal: receives a first message, from the mobile terminal located comprising a first list of at least one group of cells the mobile terminal moved through, determines if the cell in which the mobile terminal is located belongs to the second pool of cells, determines if the mobile terminal is going to leave the first pool of cells and/or will not leave the second pool of cells, from the first list and from the cell in which the mobile terminal is located, transfers a second message to the second device requesting the second device to manage data associated to the mobile terminal.
US08606284B2

A terminal and a network connection method to automatically connect devices to a network and transfer data to the devices using the received signal strength indication (RSSI) levels of signals respectively received from the devices. The terminal may transfer different data to devices based on the RSSI level of the signals received from the devices and/or the locations of the devices.
US08606283B2

The invention relates to methods, a user equipment and a communication network entity for optimizing the radio resource utilization in a communication network system comprising a network side and a user equipment side between which data is transmitted on uplink (17) and downlink (16) channels with a transmit power and said user equipment (18) is arranged to adjust said transmit power on said uplink channels (17) according to gain factors received from said network side, wherein said user equipment (18) is located in a location area of said communication network system. The gain factors are transmitted to the user equipment (18) solely when the user equipment (18) accesses the network system instead of transmitting gain factors during every session setup as long as the user equipment (18) is in said location area.
US08606278B2

A mobile communication system includes plural base stations forming cells and a mobile station disposed in one of the cells and wirelessly communicating with one of the plural base stations. One of the plural base stations includes a cell group information broadcast unit broadcasting plural cell group information items which are information indicating a relationship between moving directions and cell groups, and the mobile station includes a cell group information selection unit selecting a cell group information item corresponding to an estimated moving direction of the mobile station out of the plural cell group information items broadcast by the one of the plural base stations, and a standby cell selection unit selecting, as a new standby cell, a cell having a receiving state satisfying a desired condition from among cells included in the selected cell group information item.
US08606275B2

A method for identifying a missing neighbor in a wireless network includes receiving a report about two or more pilot signals measured by a mobile station; determining that one or more of the reported pilot signals is a missing neighbor not comprised in a current neighbor list of the mobile station; choosing one or more candidate sectors having a pilot signal with the same pilot identity as the missing neighbor; and selecting a most likely sector as the missing neighbor from the one or more candidate sectors, based on calculated distances between the mobile station and a source sector, between the mobile station and at least one of the one or more candidate sectors, and between the source sector and at least one of the one or more candidate sectors, so as to identify the missing neighbor in the wireless network.
US08606267B2

A method and apparatus are disclosed for a network node which processes a call request from an enterprise user's mobile device to initiate origination of an outgoing cellular call to a called party by making an external call to the mobile device which does not have a country code encoded in its SIM card by transforming an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) value from the SIM card into a country code value, and then using the country code value to construct a dialing sequence for calling the mobile device.
US08606262B1

A test system for a communication device, such as a mobile telephone, uses flexible software, that runs on a variety of different hardware setups, so that the system generates events from the communication device either through batch processing or creation of a batch of test events interactively for that particular purpose.
US08606256B2

In a method of processing an incoming sequence of one or more DTMF tones at a mobile device, the sequence is decoded to thereby identify any encoded message. Where the decoding does not identify a message, at least applying an error correction algorithm to the sequence to identify a message. Where the algorithm fails to correct the sequence, the sequence is compared to messages currently expected by the mobile device. If a message is not identified, a negative acknowledgement message may be sent. At a server, upon receipt of a negative acknowledgement message, it is determined if a message was sent to the mobile device in a previous pre-determined time window. If so, the message is re-sent. The server repeatedly sends certain messages to a mobile device until an acknowledgement message indicating receipt of the message by the mobile device is received.
US08606250B1

A first mobile device includes an access point configured to control access of a plurality of second mobile devices to a wireless local area network. A conference controller is configured to control a teleconference between the plurality of second mobile devices accessing the wireless local area network via the access point. The teleconference includes a communication link compatible with the wireless local area network protocol, the communication link including a first information stream that is packet-based and a second information stream that is compatible with a mobile device network. An IP interface is configured to convert, for transmission to the plurality of second mobile devices in the second information stream, portions of the first information stream received from the wireless local area network, and convert, for transmission to the wireless local area network in the first information stream, portions of the second information stream received from the second mobile devices.
US08606247B2

A platform for supporting network enabled applications enables billing for microtransactions associated with the applications using the users wireless network carriers. The platform also enables access to billing for third party network enabled applications by wrapping the third party network enabled applications in code that allows the third party network enabled applications to be rendered to the user and the billing component.
US08606243B2

A mobile network system includes a guidance message control server, a call control server and a plurality of access gateways. The call control server includes a gateway management section that determines an access gateway as a subject of call restriction, a first instructing section that transmits a message transmission instruction to the guidance message control server and a second instructing section that transmits a call restriction instruction to the access gateway. The guidance message control server includes a receiving section that receives the message transmission instruction, an acquisition section that acquires a guidance message data and a transmission section that transmits the guidance message data to a specified multicast group. Each of the access gateways includes a processing section that performs multicast group participation processing for participating in the specified multicast group and a guidance transmission section that transmits the guidance message data to a mobile terminal.
US08606241B2

Disclosed is a method and a system for providing a terminal-based ringback tone substitute service, as well as a mobile communication terminal for the same. The method includes the steps of (a) receiving a request for an originating call for voice communication with a called terminal from a calling terminal; (b) transmitting a ringback tone start message to the calling terminal, the ringback tone start message being a control message informative of beginning of a ringback tone section; (c) paging the called terminal; (d) transmitting a ringback tone termination message to the calling terminal, the ringback tone termination message being a control message informative of ending of the ringback tone section, and connecting the voice communication between the calling terminal and the called terminal when a response to paging is received from the called terminal; and (e) transmitting the ringback tone termination message to the calling terminal and transmitting unanswered messages to the calling terminal when no response to the paging is received from the called terminal. The mobile communication terminal can play a high-quality ringback tone substitute without being affected by the voice channel environment.
US08606229B2

The present subject matter is directed to an apparatus and methodology for monitoring for the occurrence of use of unauthorized telecommunications equipment within a designated area. The present subject matter has particular utility to the corrections environment in that it discloses a methodology for detecting and reporting the unauthorized operation of cellular telephones within a corrections facility. The present technology may be used advantageously in combination with inmate telephone systems to transmit information to appropriate personnel in the form of email messages and/or voice communications by way of telephone local or corrections facility external telephone lines. The present technology also provides for recordation and storage of time, date and location information for detected events.
US08606222B2

Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing prepaid account balance screening are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a method for performing prepaid account balance screening. The method includes receiving, at a network entity for processing network signaling messages, a signaling message containing information that identifies a prepaid subscriber, the message being sent from a message source and intended for a message destination. It is determined whether the prepaid subscriber's account balance satisfies a threshold requirement, using prepaid account balance screening data and the information in the signaling message that identifies the prepaid subscriber, where the prepaid account balance screening data is a subset of available prepaid subscriber account information stored in a prepaid subscriber database separate from the prepaid account balance screening data. In response to determining that the prepaid subscriber's account balance does not satisfy the threshold requirement, a screening action is performed. In one example, the screening action shields the prepaid subscriber database from signaling message traffic associated with the prepaid subscriber's account.
US08606215B2

A radio device and a method to operate a non-heterodyne receiver are provided. The radio device is configured to receive a signal waveform and to provide a wake-up signal to a second communication circuit when the signal waveform is a valid communication request; wherein the second communication circuit switches from a power saving state to an operating state upon receiving the wake-up signal from the non-heterodyne receiver. The non-heterodyne receiver further including an Electromagnetic interference (EMI) rejection circuit, including a narrow band filter and a broadband filter to reject an EMI signal. A filter circuit for a narrow passband circuit is also provided. The filter including a buffer circuit; a crystal oscillator coupled to the output of the buffer circuit; and an inverting amplifier coupled in parallel to the crystal oscillator.
US08606214B2

The invention describes a method of actuating a switch (S) between a device (Di) to be controlled and a power supply (P), which method comprises the steps of generating a first electrical signal (14) in a remote control unit (10) and converting the first electrical signal (14) into electromagnetic radiation (EM) by means of a first transmitting antenna (Ti) of the remote control unit (10). A first detecting antenna (Ri) of a remote control interface module (20) of the device (Di) to be controlled detects the electromagnetic radiation (EM) to obtain a second electrical signal (24), which is passively converted into a switch actuating signal (25). The switch actuating signal (25) is actuated to switch the device (Di) to be controlled between an operating mode in which current is drawn from the power supply (P) by the device (Di) during operation, and an inactive mode in which the device (Di) is completely disconnected from the power supply (P) so that no current is drawn by the device (Di). The invention further describes a system (1) for actuating a switch (S) between a device (Di) to be controlled and a power supply (P). The invention also describes a remote control interface module (20) and a remote control unit (10).
US08606204B2

A transceiver is provided, comprising: a programmable waveform generator configured to generate a base signal, the programmable waveform generator including a controllable waveform generator configured to generate an initial bandwidth signal having an initial frequency bandwidth; a multiple tone generator configured to generate a plurality of tone signals, each tone signal having a different frequency; one or more bandwidth multiplying circuits; and a control circuit a controller configured to control the operation of the controllable waveform generator, the tone generator and the one or more bandwidth multiplying circuits; a transmit port configured to output the base signal; a receive port configured to accept a received signal; a 90-degree splitter configured to receive the base signal and to generate a first split signal at a 0-degree output and a second split signal at a 90-degree output, the first and second split signals being separated by 90 degrees in phase; a first-mixer configured to mix the received signal and the first split signal to generate a quadrature-phase signal; and a second-mixer configured to mix the received signal and the second split signal to generate an in-phase signal.
US08606202B2

A radio receiver apparatus calculates all frequencies to be estimated as spurious frequencies in the reception frequency band by performing addition and subtraction operations on frequencies of repeated combinations formed from frequencies of a plurality of intensive electric field station, and controls the spurious frequency not to be preset to the radio receiver apparatus even though signal intensity of a received signal having the spurious frequency exceeds a predetermined threshold.
US08606194B2

Embodiments provide a receiver and a method for receiving data transmitted via a combination of a first signal modulated at a first carrier frequency, and a second signal modulated at a second carrier frequency, different to the first carrier frequency.In one embodiment the receiver includes a local oscillator and is configured to adaptively configure the local oscillator to operate at a first local oscillator frequency and a second local oscillator frequency, different to the first frequency, in dependence on a signal strength of the first signal relative to a signal strength of the second signal.
US08606193B2

An RF transceiver integrated circuit has a novel segmented, low parasitic capacitance, internal loopback conductor usable for conducting IP2 self testing and/or calibration. In a first novel aspect, the transmit mixer of the transceiver is a current mode output mixer. The receive mixer is a passive mixer that has a low input impedance. In the loopback mode, the transmit mixer drives a two tone current signal to the passive mixer via the loopback conductor. In a second novel aspect, only one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer is used to generate both tones required for carrying out an IP2 test. In a third novel aspect, a first calibration test is performed using one quadrature branch of the transmit mixer at the same time that a second calibration test is performed using the other quadrature branch, thereby reducing loopback test time and power consumption.
US08606187B2

An apparatus and method of a wireless node mitigating the effects of uncoordinated interference is disclosed. One embodiment of a method includes the wireless node monitoring uncoordinated interference affecting transmissions of the wireless node, and evaluating a plurality of wireless links, the evaluation influenced at least in part on the monitored uncoordinated interference.
US08606181B2

A security connection establishing method for a wireless device and a wireless host is disclosed. The security connection establishing method includes the steps of allowing the wireless device to generate a trigger signal, allowing the wireless host to receive the trigger signal, allowing the wireless host to generate an accepting signal according to the trigger signal, allowing the wireless device and the wireless host to directly establish a security connection according to the accepting signal, and providing a connection result.
US08606175B2

A RF relay of a full-duplex generates a conversion matrix to belong to a null space of a channel matrix of an interference channel, generates a transmitting signal by converting a received signal using the conversion matrix, and then outputs the transmitting signal to a transmitting antenna. Therefore, an interference signal of an electromagnetic wave level (EM level) that can be generated while the transmitting signal passes through the interference channel can be canceled.
US08606173B2

A communication relay method of a communication relay apparatus in a multi-mode wireless environment includes: sensing a wireless access environment of a terminal based on an object sensing function; deciding whether or not to provide a predetermined communication relay service to the terminal; and deciding an operation network which is to provide the predetermined communication relay service.
US08606165B2

A system for heated gas fusing of toner on non-porous substrates is provided. The system uses (1) an extended fusing zone held at lower temperatures than needed for a roll nip or radiant fuser, and (2) a very low melt toner which can be fused at greatly reduced temperatures compared to conventional toners. In one form, the system is realized through (a) the use of heated gas as the low temperature extended zone fusing technology, and (b) the use of ultra-low melt (ULM) toner—which requires significantly reduced temperature compared to conventional toner. On non-porous packaging substrates the use of heated gas can limit the substrate temperature to 100° C.
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