US08646847B2
A device and system for removing structures embedded in surrounding material is disclosed. Embodiments include a powered, expandable clamp attached to a rotating cutting tool for removing manholes from roadways. Select embodiments include anchoring a clamp to a manhole and using the manhole itself as leverage to move a cutting device through the surrounding material. Alternate embodiments allow an operator, working alone from a control station, to secure the manhole remover to the manhole, cut through the surrounding roadway, remove the manhole, and deposit the manhole at another location without requiring the operator to leave the control station. Further embodiments optionally include a depth gauge indicating the penetration depth of the cutting tool, an indicator reflecting the expanded state of the clamp, a pendulum mount allowing the clamp and drum to vertically orient using gravity, and/or the ability to attach to a host machine, such as a skid-steer loader.
US08646843B2
A connector assembly is used to connect subassemblies such as parts of a knockdown or modular sofa or similar item of furniture. The furniture item can be an upholstered item in which the multiple components are stackable into a volume that is smaller than the assembled item of furniture for shipping. The connector assembly includes a keyhole slot on a frame member in one component and a male connector assembly on a frame member in the other assembly. The male connector includes a sleeve with a cylindrical shank and an adjacent enlarged or conical portion, and the sleeve, which may be plastic, is mounted the bolt. The narrow section of the keyhole slot has a beveled surface and as the sleeve progresses into the narrow section, engagement of the conical sleeve section with the beveled slot surface tightens the two members being attached.
US08646842B2
A novel salon chair having a salon chair portion with a seat portion elevated above a floor surface on a support portion and a seat back portion. The novel salon chair also having one or both of: a side wing extended from the seat back portion adjacent to at least one of two opposite sides thereof and a top edge thereof, with the side wing being extended substantially over the seat portion; and an adjustable headrest structured for supporting a head of an occupant of the salon chair from falling.
US08646835B2
The present invention relates to lightweight collapsible portable chairs. In one embodiment, the portable chair has a sling and a chair frame which includes a first pair of bars and a second pair of bars. Each bar of the first pair of bars includes a joint configured to contact a ground surface. In another embodiment, the chair frame includes a front of bars, a back pair of bars, a pair of joints and a center bar configured to securely couple the pair of back joints to each other. In some embodiments, the chair frame includes a front support assembly. In other embodiments, the chair frame includes a pair of lower bars.
US08646831B2
A mounting structure for an automotive exterior member includes a mounting portion projecting from a rear side of a lower garnish so that a clip engaged by an outer panel of a tailgate is retained by the mounting portion. The mounting portion includes a base end portion on the side of the main body of the lower garnish and a projecting end portion on the side of the outer panel connected to the base end portion via a connecting portion which ruptures at the time of a crash at the lower garnish. The base end portion and the projecting portion are displaced along the projecting direction at the time of a crash. Therefore, a non-serious crash does not cause the base end portion to abut the outer panel or the projecting end portion to abut the main body of the lower garnish, and damage is limited to the deformation of the exterior member.
US08646827B2
A vehicle interior assembly includes a vehicle interior part and a trim panel. The vehicle interior part includes at least two mounting sections defining at least two mounting openings extending therethrough. The trim panel includes at least two projections extending through the at least two mounting openings of the vehicle interior part from a backside surface of the trim panel, respectively, one of the projections having an attachment portion that retains the trim panel on the vehicle interior part in an installed position. One of the projections includes a restricting portion spaced from the mounting section of the vehicle interior part by a first prescribed deployment distance with the trim panel in the installed position. The restricting portion is configured to contact a corresponding one of the mounting sections of the vehicle interior part and retain the trim panel from being completely detached from the vehicle interior part.
US08646821B2
A device for scraping a surface and scooping items from the surface incorporates a body, a handle, a blade and a scoop. The body has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a central portion that fixedly couples the proximal portion with respect to the distal portion. The handle is located at the proximal portion of the body, and is adapted to be held by a user and to facilitate single-handed manipulation of the device by the user. The blade is located at the distal portion of the body, and is oriented to project outward from the body. The scoop is coupled to the central portion of the body, the scoop having a sidewall adapted to be folded in at least one location such that the sidewall can be expanded to form a scoop having a hollow portion for receiving the items, and can be collapsed by folding the sidewall such that the scoop is roughly the same thickness as other portions of the body.
US08646811B1
A quick connector includes a socket-shaped main body, and penetrating containing holes formed around the periphery of the main body for containing a first latch element for fixing an external tool connector. The first latch element is controlled by a first control element to fix or loosen the external tool connector. The main body includes aslant penetrating U-shaped slide grooves formed above the containing holes, and each slide groove includes a second latch element pushed by a spring that is sheathed on the periphery of the main body to displace the second latch element in the slide groove and in an axial direction of the main body. The second control element is disposed above the first control element, and the first and second control elements control the latch elements respectively to execute two-stage actions of removing the connector and prevent accidents caused by a possible shootout of the connector.
US08646783B2
In order to provide a flat gasket comprising at least one gasket sheet, which comprises at least one through-opening and at least one sealing bead, which extends around the through-opening and is delimited at the side facing the through-opening by an inner bead foot, and at the side remote from the through-opening by an outer bead foot, and at least one deformation-limiting device, which comprises at least one stopper element disposed on a stopper-supporting surface of the gasket sheet, in which flat gasket the effective stopper height of the stopper element may easily be set to a value that differs from the thickness of the stopper element, the stopper-supporting surface is shifted in a direction extending at right angles to the stopper-supporting surface by an offset.
US08646776B2
A reversely-rotatable roller conveys a sheet having an image formed on its one side at a sheet conveying velocity faster than that of a conveying roller by normal rotation and then, the reversely-rotatable roller conveys the sheet to a re-conveying path by reverse rotation. The sheet conveying velocity of the reversely-rotatable roller when the reversely-rotatable roller reversely rotates is made slower than the sheet conveying velocity when the reversely-rotatable roller normally rotates so that the sheet conveying velocity of the re-conveying roller is substantially equal to or slower than the sheet conveying velocity of the conveying roller.
US08646772B2
A sheet feeder is disclosed for feeding sheets from a stack by one sheet in a sheet feeding direction, the one sheet being an uppermost sheet of the sheet stack. The sheet feeder includes: a sheet stacker for accommodating the sheet stack therein; a side fence to regulate side ends of the sheets and movable in a direction perpendicular to the sheet feeding direction; a slide shaft arranged in the side fence and extending in a vertical direction; a link member that swings as the side fence moves, a first end of the link member configured to be slidable along the slide shaft, and a second end of the link member configured to be pivotable about a pivot point, which is arranged on a side wall of the sheet stacker at a position lower than the first end; and a swing stopper unit that stops swing of the link member.
US08646770B2
A card substrate rotator comprises a substrate support, a rotator mechanism and a lift mechanism. The substrate support is configured to receive a card substrate and comprises a feed roller. The rotator mechanism is configured to rotate the substrate support about an axis. The lift mechanism is configured to move the substrate support and the axis in a vertical plane.
US08646769B2
A printing apparatus performs printing with the use of sheets of paper set in any of a plurality of paper-feeding units. The print apparatus is controlled by a method including: determining whether the amount of sheets of paper remaining in a first paper-feeding unit has reached a predetermined amount; and if so switching from the first paper-feeding unit to a second paper-feeding unit. If it is determined that the amount of sheets of paper that remain in the first paper-feeding unit has reached the predetermined amount, control is performed so that the paper-feeding unit that is used for printing should be changed after the ejection of the last one of a plurality of sheets of paper that are included in one set thereof set in the first paper-feeding unit.
US08646767B2
A device for holding wafer-shaped articles, such as semiconductor wafers, is equipped with a series of pins that are brought into contact with a peripheral edge of the wafer-shaped article, under control of a common gear ring or a series of conjointly operated gear sectors. In the regions of the gear ring or gear sectors engaging the pin assemblies, those elements are designed to yield more readily than other regions of the gear ring or gear sectors, to accommodate differential thermal expansion of the chuck components in the vicinity of the pin assemblies.
US08646762B2
A spring installation mechanism includes a bracket fixed against displacement, a spring that extends along an axis and includes first and second ends, the second end being fixed against displacement, a retainer secured to the first end and including helical threads, and a screw including a shank having helical threads engaged with the threads of the retainer, axial displacement of the screw toward the retainer limited by contact with the bracket, said contact permitting rotary displacement of the screw relative to the retainer and the spring.
US08646759B2
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object. One method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, to a fluid chamber connected a fitting; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid. Another method of using micro bubbles includes providing a fluid mixture, including a saturated gas, into an air entrapment chamber; and producing a plurality of micro bubbles into a fluid.
US08646757B1
A submersible aeration pump includes a motor housing, an air inlet conduit carried by the motor housing, a pump motor in the motor housing, a rotatable armature drivingly engaged by the pump motor and disposed in air communication with the air inlet conduit and at least one air discharge conduit carried by and disposed in air communication with the armature. Air is drawn from the air inlet conduit, through at least a portion of the armature and is discharged from the at least one air discharge conduit, respectively, by centrifugal force responsive to operation of the pump motor.
US08646744B2
A structural frame for a turbomachine, such as an intermediate frame or an exhaust frame, the frame including at least two coaxial rings, an inner ring and an outer ring, together with radial arms interconnecting the rings. At least one of these elements includes a plurality of parts that are fastened together by bolting.
US08646736B2
According to one aspect, the subject application involves a holding device for an electronic device. The holding device includes a first clip adapted to cooperate with a peripheral portion of the electronic device. A second clip opposes the first clip and is separated from the first clip by a first distance. The second clip is adapted to cooperate with a separate peripheral portion of the electronic device. A substantially-elastic band is provided to extend between the first clip and the second clip, and a back plate is at least partially disposed between the first clip and the second clip.
US08646731B2
A workpiece support assembly includes workpiece supporting roller assemblies each including a roller rotatably attached to an end of a swing arm. The roller assemblies are mounted to a frame forming a space between the rollers. A workpiece is positioned within the space and is supported in rolling contact by the rollers for rotation about its long axis. The space between the rollers is increased or decreased to support workpieces of various diameters by rotating the swing arms. The position of the rollers, and thus the distance therebetween are maintained or held by a swing arm lock that engages each swing arm and restrains the swing arms against rotation.
US08646720B2
The invention is a modular vehicle having an air vehicle that can be coupled to cargo containers, land vehicles, sea vehicles, medical transport modules, etc. In one embodiment the air vehicle has a plurality of propellers positioned around a main airframe, which can provide vertical thrust and/or horizontal thrust. The propellers are mounted on supports which have an airfoil shape to generate additional lift. One or more of the propellers may be configured to tilt forward, backward, and/or side-to-side with respect to the airframe.
US08646715B2
A material processing machine with a rotating element positioned within a hopper for receiving materials to be processed, the rotating element including an outer edge to which one or more attachments may be mounted. The attachments include a forward edge extending generally forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the rotating element and extending outward from the outer edge of the rotating element. A rotating element for use in a material processing machine has either attachments mounted to an outer edge or integrally formed extensions along an outer edge. The extensions or attachments including a forward edge that extends generally forward with respect to the direction of rotation of the rotating element.
US08646713B2
A gyratory crusher, including an outer crushing shell and an inner crushing shell forming between them a crushing chamber, the crushing chamber communicating with a discharge zone that forwards crushed material from the crushing chamber and out of the crusher. The inner crushing shell is supported on a crushing head. The outer crushing shell is supported on a crusher frame. At least one sealing arrangement is between the discharge zone and a working part zone in which at least one bearing for the crushing head to perform a gyratory movement relative to the crusher frame is arranged. The sealing arrangement includes a sealing surface, and a sealing member arranged to seal against the sealing surface and including an inner circumferential flexible sealing lip, an outer circumferential flexible sealing lip and at least one inlet for pressurized fluid to be supplied to an overpressure zone arranged between the inner and outer sealing lips and the sealing surface. One of the sealing member and the sealing surface is arranged in connection to the crushing head, and the other of the sealing member and the sealing surface is arranged in connection to the crusher frame.
US08646709B2
A jaw set utilizes blade inserts having serrated surfaces which draw in to capture and cut material prior to the material becoming trapped in the apex of the blade arrangement, thereby maximizing efficiency of the cutting operation. The subject invention is also directed to an individual blade insert having grooves that are longitudinally offset from bolt holes used to retain the blade insert within a jaw set.
US08646708B2
A refiner (1) for refining fibrous material has a first refiner element (3, 5) and a second refiner element (3, 5). The second refiner element is arranged around the first refiner element in such a manner that the first refiner element and the second refiner element have a common middle axis (7) such that there is a refining space (8) between the first refiner element and the second refiner element. The first refiner element and/or the second refiner element are arranged to rotate around the middle axis and the refiner elements have refining surfaces (4, 6), through which the fibrous material is fed into or exits the refining space (8). The refiner has, in the direction of the middle axis of the refiner elements, at least two feed regions, through which the fibrous material to be refined is feedable into the refining space (8).
US08646704B2
An injector includes a housing, a fixed core, a movable core, a valve member, and a resilient member pressing the valve member toward a nozzle hole. An inner peripheral surface of the housing axially guides an outer peripheral surface of the movable core. The inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface define an outer clearance therebetween. The valve member includes a shaft-shaped portion and a stopper portion, which contacts the movable core and has a stopper inclined surface. An outer peripheral surface of the shaft-shaped portion and an inner peripheral surface of an insertion hole of the movable core define an inner clearance therebetween. The stopper inclined surface inclines radially inward of the shaft-shaped portion axially toward the nozzle hole. An axial clearance is formed between the stopper inclined surface and the movable core radially outward of a contact portion between the stopper inclined surface and the movable core.
US08646702B2
A fold structure for a boom. The boom includes an inner boom portion having an inner boom portion top surface and an outer boom portion having an outer boom portion top surface. In a working position the inner boom portion and the outer boom portion are aligned lengthwise. The fold structure includes a bracket, a first hinge coupled to the bracket and configured to be pivotally coupled to the inner boom portion, and a second hinge coupled to the bracket and configured to be pivotally coupled to the outer boom portion. The first hinge is configured to allow the outer boom portion to rotate approximately 180 degrees in a first direction placing the boom in a first folded position. The second hinge is configured to allow the outer boom portion to rotate approximately 180 degrees in a second direction placing the boom in a second folded position.
US08646700B2
For transport of granulate from a granulation tank by means of liquid and air, an ejector is provided with a side inlet for granulate, a first end with a spray nozzle for pressurized transport liquid, and a second end with an inlet for pressurized gas. Downstream from the second end, an outlet spray nozzle for a three-phase flow of liquid, granulate, and gas is provided. A first conduit has a lower end connected with the outlet for transport of the three-phase flow. The ejector includes a tubular ejector housing with an internal wear liner and an outlet spray nozzle made from a durable material. The inlet for pressurized gas includes a ring-shaped chamber that surrounds the periphery of the ejector and is connected with the inside of the ejector through a ring-shaped slit that directs the pressurized gas towards the outlet of the ejector.
US08646698B2
A protective cover of a mobile electronic product capable of adding a backup battery to the exterior of the mobile electronic product, and the mobile electronic product is connected to the backup battery. In the protective cover of the mobile electronic product, a RFID module is installed for applying the mobile electronic product in a non-contact access identification device or a secured transaction device. The backup battery can supply electric power to the mobile electronic product to overcome the difficulty of accessing backup power.
US08646690B2
This invention provides a system and method for expanding the field of view of a vision system camera assembly such that the field of view is generally free of loss of normal resolution across the entire expanded field. A field of view expander includes outer mirrors that receive light from different portions of a scene. The outer mirrors direct light to tilted inner mirrors of a beam splitter that directs the light aligned with a camera axis to avoid image distortion. The inner mirrors each direct the light from each outer mirror into a strip on the sensor, and the system searches features. The adjacent fields of view include overlap regions sized and arranged to ensure a centralized feature appears fully in at least one strip. Alternatively, a moving mirror changes position between acquired image frames so that a full width of the scene is imaged in successive frames.
US08646679B2
A fluid container includes an outer shell including a plurality of sidewalls forming a hollow interior, a first one of the sidewalls having an opening formed therein and a first flap extending therefrom, the first flap having a retention feature formed therein, and an inner liner disposed within the hollow interior of the outer shell configured to receive and store a fluid, the inner liner including a spout providing fluid communication with an interior thereof, wherein the retention feature is in substantial alignment with a portion of the opening formed in the first one of the sidewalls, the opening and the retention feature cooperating to receive and support the spout in a position extending outwardly from the first one of the sidewalls.
US08646678B2
The basket of the present invention comprises a lateral surface, a bottom and a handle (12), said basket being formed from at least a sheet provided with a plurality of folding lines, and it is characterized in that said handle extends downwardly into a partition (11) which divides the basket into two housings. Said partition (11) is preferably joined to the bottom of the basket. It is obtained a very light basket, and which occupies a reduced space if transported in its unfolded position, with a great strength and suitable to transport heavy products, such as bottles.
US08646676B2
An object of the invention is to provide an electronic component mounting system and an electronic component mounting method which can execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously, concurrently and efficiently so that high productivity and responsiveness to production of many items can be achieved consistently.Provided is an electronic component mounting line (1) which is formed so that a screen printing portion having a plurality of individual printing mechanisms capable of executing setup change works individually is connected to an upstream side of a component mounting portion having a plurality of board delivery mechanisms, and which is configured so that either of a first work mode in which component mounting work is continuously executed on a fixed board type in all individual mounting lanes (L1 and L2) and a second work mode in which component mounting work is intermittently executed in one individual mounting lane while setup change work is repeated in corresponding one of the individual printing mechanisms whenever board types are changed from one to another in the individual mounting lane is selectively designated in multi-board mounting work in which the individual mounting lanes are operated to execute component mounting work on a plurality of boards simultaneously and concurrently.
US08646669B2
Storage unit mounting apparatus removably and lockably attachable to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus includes a single, cantilevered support member removably and irrotationally attachable at its proximal end to the vehicle, the distal end of the support member supporting a receiver having integral mounting means to which the storage unit is attachable. The apparatus is especially suited for vehicles such as motorcycles, all-terrain-vehicles (ATVs), bicycles and the like.
US08646666B2
An instrument carrier is disclosed for supporting one or more drums without using traditional “J” rods components. The carrier uses sliders that eliminate the interference with the user's legs and more particularly the user's thighs and provides a more natural stride of the user. The drum mounting structure is repositioned or translated on the sliders. The carrier allows the drum to be rigidly mounted in a variety of positions relative to the user. The cantilevered weight of the drum(s) rotates the drum or drum array to lock the drum(s) into a vertical or horizontal slots or saddle. In another embodiment a bridge extends from the carrier to a single post or tube to support a slidably mounted single drum. The structure also eliminates the necessity of a structurally rigid fixed abdomen plate and allows for use of a flexible and conforming abdomen plate.
US08646654B2
A package includes an article group formed of cylindrical articles disposed on their sides in a side-by-side parallel fashion, and a carton disposed around the group. The carton includes a top wall, opposed side walls, end walls and an article dispenser. The side walls are disposed alongside the ends of the articles while one end wall is disposed adjacent to the side wall of an endmost article. The dispenser is formed from the end and top walls and includes at least one retaining panel to hold all the articles in the carton until removed by the user.
US08646648B2
A container that may be used for retaining and dispensing matter is provided. The container includes a closure. The closure includes a top portion having an outer edge, a skirt downwardly depending from the outer edge and having an inside surface and a lower edge, and a plurality of spaced apart projections supported at the inside surface of the skirt. The projections are dimensioned such that a height of the projections in a vertical direction is greater than a width of the projection in a horizontal direction. The projections are configured to releasably engage an open end of the container for securing the closure to the container.
US08646646B2
A reinforced retortable plastic container includes a bottom portion and a main body portion having a plastic sidewall that is connected to the bottom portion. The main body portion has a reinforced sidewall area that includes a plurality of first sidewall portions and a plurality of second sidewall portions that are respectively interposed between the first sidewall portions. Each of the second sidewall portions is shaped to define a plurality of circumferentially spaced structures that are selected from the group consisting of indentations and projections. Each of the circumferentially spaced structures is interposed between adjacent vertical columns, and adjacent second sidewall portions are rotationally staggered with respect to each other so that the vertical columns on one second sidewall portion are not aligned with the vertical columns of an adjacent second sidewall portion.
US08646642B2
A floating cover roof for a storage tank has a frame assembly and multiple floating units. The frame assembly has a holding frame and an outer rim. The holding frame has multiple longitudinal beams and transverse beams. Each longitudinal beam has a connecting seat, a first holding segment and a second holding segment. Two of the transverse beams are connected to two adjacent longitudinal beams to form a locating area between the beams. The floating units are mounted in the locating areas of the frame assembly, are connected to the beams of the holding frame and each has an outer casing and a body. The outer casing is mounted in one of the locating areas of the holding frame, is connected to the adjacent beams and has a casing body and a top board. The body is mounted in the outer casing between the casing body and the top board.
US08646639B2
The invention relates to a device for unlocking swing-action side walls (2 to 5) which are hinged on the base (6) of boxes and/or containers (1), of which the two opposite end walls (4, 5) can be locked to the two adjacent side walls (2, 3) and unlocking takes place by virtue of a lifting movement of a bracket-like actuator (13), which interacts with a movement-deflecting means (16, 17), and wherein unlocking crosspieces (19) act on spring-tongue-like locking means (10) of the side walls (4, 5), these locking means being latched into the end walls (2, 3), and force them out of their latching seat, in which they clamp the end walls (2, 3). According to the invention, the actuator (13) is arranged in a sliding wall element (26) which can be displaced vertically parallel to the end wall (4, 5) in an upwardly open wall cutout of the end wall (4, 5), in lateral guides (25a, 25b) of the wall cutout, these guides continuing the end wall (4, 5), into a position in which it closes the wall cutout or releases the same, and wherein, during displacement movements of the sliding wall element (26), the movement-deflecting means (17, 18, 19), which interact with the ends of the actuator (13), remain in their installation position in the end wall (4, 5) laterally adjacent to the wall cutout.
US08646632B2
A mouthpiece has a bite-off-prevention feature. The mouthpiece has been manufactured from an elastomeric parent material with at least one first component, where a reinforcing component embedded within the parent material forms the bite-off-prevention feature and derives from the same group of substances or group of materials as the first component. The reinforcing component is preferably composed of fibers.
US08646622B2
A clamp structure that provides versatility and structural adaptability to different clamping surfaces. A tension member can be coupled to the inside of a tubular body at one end and to a rod at the other end. Removable grips can be coupled to the ends of the body, but are not directly coupled to the tension member so that changing the grips can be done without removing the tension member from its anchored position. The grips can, in some embodiments, be pivotable so as to accommodate a variety of different gripping surfaces. Various holding members such as a tool holder, a utility hook and/or a claw grip can be movably provided on the body and can hold tools or light fixtures in a variety of configurations.
US08646620B2
A dishwasher rack assembly includes a bottom wall formed of a first set of spaced apart rods crossed by a second set of spaced apart rods to define an open lattice structure. At least one channel member is attached to respective one the rods. A plurality of tines are received within the channel member and are variably positional along the channel member so as to adjust spacing between the tines without adjusting the channel member relative to the rod.
US08646611B2
A blister package includes at least one blister tray having a plurality of open blister depressions each blister depression accommodating a consumable product. The blister sleeve includes a pair of spaced apart planar walls defining therebetween a pivot connection. The blister tray is received between the walls of the blister sleeve and pivotally coupled to the pivot location. The sleeves are pivotal from an enclosed position between the two planar walls to an open position outwardly of the planar walls.
US08646610B2
Kits, components, and methods for personalizing covers for electronic devices are provided. Device-specific cases are dimensioned and configured to releasably affix to specific devices and to define substrate spaces when affixed to the devices. Device-specific templates are provided with the cases. The templates aid in appropriately shaping user-desired image substrates to fit between the cases and the devices when the devices are affixed to the cases. The templates include specifically placed apertures so that any substrates generated therewith do not occlude or disrupt the functionality of any functional component on the devices when the substrates are interposed between the cases and devices. Instructions for using the templates to generate appropriately configured substrates for use with the cases and devices are included.
US08646607B1
An electronic device accessories packaging system and methods of manufacturing, distributing and retailing the electronic device accessories packaging are disclosed.
US08646605B2
Distribution and dispensing modalities are provided for reusable medical gowns which involves generally loose handling thereof. Dispensing containers have a collapsible sidewall structure extending between opposite ends and defining therebetween an interior when un-collapsed or erected, at least one of the ends defining an opening through which clean, reusable medical gowns can be loaded, a closure repeatably manipulatable to open and close the opening, and a controllable access aperture at least a portion, or all, of which is spaced from the opening through which to selectively remove a clean, reusable medical gown. The loaded dispensing container may be transported to or around a healthcare facility and placed where needed for ready access at the point-of-use to clean, reusable medical gowns through the controllable access aperture.
US08646603B2
A mounting pad and method for mounting a plurality of light bulbs in a compact and shock resistant arrangement for storage in a box and for transport, the plurality of light bulbs being arranged in rows generally parallel to each other by mounting the terminal ends of a row of light bulbs in a mounting pad disposed at each terminal end of the bulbs and stacking successive rows of mounted bulbs one on top of each other.
US08646591B2
The invention relates to an apparatus for handling capsules in a capsule processing equipment. The invention also relates to capsule processing equipment, such as an inspection equipment or a capsule printing equipment that includes such an apparatus.
US08646559B2
An ice-particle spray generating device for use on snow vehicles is disclosed. The present invention provides an adapter having a locking device to prevent the connecting means of the ice-particle spray generating device to loosen when the snow vehicle is travelling.
US08646557B2
A cab includes a floor plate that constitutes a floor surface of the cab and a frame-shaped lower frame which extends along a peripheral edge of the floor plate and which is fixed onto the floor plate. A swivel joint is arranged below the floor plate such that a part of the swivel joint overlaps with a peripheral edge of the lower frame in plan view. A floor-side projecting portion that projects upward is provided on the peripheral edge of the floor plate and a floor-side housing portion that houses the swivel joint is provided below the floor-side projecting portion. A frame-side projecting portion that projects upward is provided on the lower frame, and a frame-side housing portion that houses the floor-side projecting portion is provided below the frame-side projecting portion.
US08646553B2
Provided is a construction machine comprising: a heat exchanger with a core surface in an engine room; a top wall covering an air inlet chamber in the engine room and having a first air inlet; a duct including a main wall guiding air in the air inlet chamber to draw it through the core surface and a front wall facing the core surface and having a second air inlet; a cooling fan sucking external air onto the core surface through the second air inlet; and an air cleaner extending horizontally and orthogonally to an air guiding direction by the main wall. At least a part of the air cleaner exists in a vertical region where the second air inlet is formed. The air cleaner directs, toward the second air inlet, an air flow farthest from the duct, out of the air flow drawn downward through the first air inlet.
US08646550B2
Vehicle wheels may be equipped with a stator and rotor to induce current to generate electricity as the vehicle wheels rotate or to slow down the vehicle wheels in response to the application of a brake of the vehicle. Air may be sucked through the vehicle wheels through mesh screens to create air flow that passes through ductwork to reach a turbine generator, which generates electricity in response to blade rotation from air flow. A roof mounted solar energy conversion system may generate electricity. A vehicle power supply boosts its energy from all the electricity generated.
US08646549B2
A drilling machine includes a compressor coupled to a prime mover through a hydraulic clutch, wherein the hydraulic clutch is repeatably moveable between engaged and disengaged conditions. The compressor is allowed to provide air and is restricted from providing air in response to the hydraulic clutch being in the engaged and disengaged conditions, respectively. The hydraulic clutch is moveable between the engaged and disengaged conditions during operation of the prime mover.
US08646537B2
An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body.
US08646530B2
A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.
US08646523B2
Porous objects, such as porous balls, may be employed within telescoping devices to control proppant flowback through a completed well during production. The telescoping devices may connect a reservoir face to a production liner without perforating. Acid-soluble plugs initially disposed within the telescoping devices may provide enough resistance to enable the telescoping devices to extend out from the production liner under hydraulic pressure. The plugs may then be dissolved in an acidic solution, which may also be used as the hydraulic extension fluid. After the plugs are substantially removed from the telescoping devices, the reservoir may be hydraulically fractured using standard fracturing processes. The porous balls may then be inserted into the telescoping devices to block proppant used in the fracturing process from flowing out of the reservoir with the production fluids.
US08646499B2
A pneumatic tire is molded by using a vulcanizing mold in which blades 20, each composed of a metal thin plate having an inclined portion 20a in the depth direction and a plurality of through holes 20G with the same sectional form as that of projections to be formed in the sipe in the inclined portion 20a are buried in a groove portion corresponding to the tire block of the vulcanizing mold, thereby forming 3D sipes having unevenness in the radial direction of the block and a plurality of pairs of projections in the inclined portion in the block of the tire. Thereby, when longitudinal force is applied to the tire, adjacent small blocks of the block come into close contact with each other only at the positions of the projections of the 3D sipes, thereby making it possible to ensure the block stiffness of the pneumatic tire 10 without reducing the drainage function.
US08646494B2
A liquid dispensing and blending technique is disclosed. The apparatus includes a cover assembly unit including a mounting rack with a plurality of level indicators, a measuring vessel, for storing a liquid for dispensing, including an opening at top to be covered with the cover assembly unit, and an overflow port on a sidewall to drain an excess amount of the liquid so that a liquid surface in the measuring vessel is defined; and a dip tube attached to the mounting rack having an intake opening to remove a specific amount of the liquid from the measuring vessel, an exit end to lead the amount of the liquid to a mixing container, wherein the specific amount of the liquid is determined from the level indicators.
US08646491B2
A protective wire net including an array of longitudinal wires arranged side by side and each intertwined with at least one respective adjacent longitudinal wire. Each of one or more longitudinal metal cables is also intertwined with at least one adjacent longitudinal wire. One or more transverse wires and/or metal cables may also be provided, arranged in a transverse direction relative to the longitudinal wires and outside intertwining regions defined by portions of adjacent longitudinal wires which are bent around one another, the transverse wires and/or metal cables being intertwined or interlaced with one or more of the longitudinal wires.
US08646490B2
A pipeline for the transport of a pressurized flowable medium, consisting of a metal tube corrugated transversely to its longitudinal direction and of a hose which is arranged in the same and consists of plastic. In the position of use the hose bears against the inwardly pointing wave troughs of the metal tube, which hose has a multiplicity of holes separated from one another in the wall of the same over its entire axial length. The wave troughs of the metal tube penetrate slightly into the surface of the hose so as to fix the latter with respect to axial loads.
US08646486B2
This invention sets forth a water flow restrictor for insertion into a water line connected to a water dispensing fixture. The restrictor includes an in-line restrictor body having a longitudinal flow passageway. The body also has an upstream coupling and a downstream coupling so that the body can be coupled into a water line. The body further has an upstream water receiving chamber and a downstream water passing chamber. An orifice of selectable restrictive size is located between the chambers. The orifice limits the flow of water through the passageway. The upstream water receiving chamber has an elliptically converging interior configuration approaching the orifice.
US08646485B2
Methods and devices are described for reducing flow resistance in a flow restrictor during high flows.
US08646464B2
Treated areas on a wrapper for reducing the ignition proclivity characteristics of a smoking article
Smoking articles having reduced ignition proclivity characteristics are disclosed. The smoking articles include a paper wrapper containing cellulosic fibers and filler particles. The paper wrappers are formed so that the filler particles form a concentration gradient throughout the thickness of the wrapper. More particularly, a greater concentration of filler particles are present at a first surface in comparison to the amount of filler particles present at the opposite surface. In accordance with the present disclosure, an ignition reducing composition is applied to the first surface. In this manner, treated areas having more uniform properties are formed.
US08646461B2
A device for simulating a chemosensation of smoking includes an outer layer, a porous medium and a chemesthetic agent. The porous medium is disposed within the outer layer. The chemesthetic agent is disposed within the porous medium and activates a TRP channel.
US08646460B2
A method for providing therapy to tissue at a treatment site is performed by ablating tissue at the treatment site with an ablation device. Next, a cleaning device is attached to an instrument. The cleaning device attached to the instrument is used to remove ablated tissue at the treatment site. The cleaning device may also be used to remove debris from the treatment site prior to ablation or other therapeutic or diagnostic procedure.
US08646458B2
A meatal plug, comprising a stem and a bulb arranged at one end of the stem, the bulb protruding laterally over said stem, a hole being formed in the plug, and the hole opening at the end of the stem opposite the bulb and said hole extending at least into the bulb, characterized in that the ratio of the height dimension of the stem, measured along its longitudinal axis to the length dimension along this same bulb axis is greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.5, the ratio of the width dimension of the bulb to its length, i.e. measured in a direction perpendicular to the stem axis, is greater than 1, preferably greater than 2.5.
US08646454B1
Oral appliances, methods of making oral appliances, and bite registration devices for use in making oral appliances are provided. An oral appliance includes a lower segment, and upper segments. The upper segments are operably connected to the lower segment using threaded elements. Rotational manipulation of the threaded elements causes the upper segments to be displaced horizontally relative to the lower segment about the lengths of the threaded elements, and the lengths of the threaded elements are substantially parallel to each other. A bite registration device for use in making an oral appliance includes a top surface including a protrusion and a bottom surface including a receptacle configured to receive the protrusion. The device is configured to be maintained in stacked relation to a like configured second bite registration device by mating the protrusion of the bite registration device with a receptacle of the second bite registration device.
US08646440B1
An accessory for an archery bow has a C-shaped forearm brace attached to the distal end of a support. The support can be supported on the bow. The brace extends arcuately around a forearm axis at least 90° in order to partially encompass a forearm. The support is mounted in an arcuate slot in the brace and extends outwardly, transverse to the forearm axis. The support can be adjusted to allow angular and linear translation of the forearm brace. The forearm brace is circumferentially repositionable along the support. The support may be a post with a bearing surface skewed relative to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This post may have on opposite sides of the bearing surface, a pair of walls that straddle a peripheral portion of the forearm brace. The support can include a bracket that attaches to the front or back of a bow's riser. The bracket supports a rearwardly extending element that attaches to and supports the post.
US08646439B2
The fuel injection apparatus for the internal combustion engine includes: a fuel injector having a leading end portion that has an internal space in which fuel is accumulated and an injection port for injecting fuel; and an adsorbent disposed in the internal space, the adsorbent being capable of selectively adsorbing an alcohol component in a blended fuel of gasoline and alcohol. In this fuel injection apparatus, it is determined whether or not a fuel pressure is higher than a predetermined low fuel pressure when a request is issued for bringing an internal combustion engine to a stop. If it is determined that the fuel pressure is higher than the low fuel pressure, the fuel pressure is kept at the low fuel pressure for a predetermined period of time before the internal combustion engine is brought to a stop.
US08646432B1
A system for transferring and igniting a fuel comprising a fuel supply and a cryogenic fuel processor connected to the fuel supply and operative to remove impurities from the fuel. The system includes a power supply and an injector-igniter. The injector-igniter includes an injector housing connected to the power supply and having a fuel inlet connected to the fuel processor. An actuator body is disposed in the housing and a conductor sleeve is connected to the power supply and supported between the actuator body and injector housing with a first annular gap between the injector housing and the conductor sleeve. There is also a second annular gap between the actuator body and conductor sleeve, wherein the first and second annular gaps are in fluid communication with the fuel inlet, whereby fuel provides a dielectric between the conductor sleeve and the injector housing.
US08646428B2
A piston is positioned for reciprocal movement in a combustion engine cylinder. Half way between flame plume impingement areas are arranged a first type of protrusions protruding into the combustion chamber and having a smooth form adapted for preserving kinetic energy in a flame plume. Each of the first type of protrusions has a shape of a longitudinal ridge that extends only in the outer bowl area. The first type of protrusions have a left side flank and a right side flank of the ridge when seen from the injector. The left side flank is formed differently compared to the right side flank in order to redirect the movement of a flame plume progressing towards the left side flank in a plane perpendicular to the reciprocal movement, differently compared to corresponding flame plume progressing, towards the right side flank.
US08646424B2
A variable valve timing device includes a control valve for switching fluid communication among ports. The control valve includes a sleeve, a spool, a movable member, and resilient members. A first resilient member pushes the spool in both of the regions. A second resilient member acts on the spool via the movable member engaged with the spool in an advancing region. In a lock region, the movable member rests on the sleeve to enable the spool to move freely from the second resilient member. As a result, force acting on the spool can be restricted in the lock region. The movable member is supported from a radial inside by the spool and is radially distanced from the sleeve. As a result, it is possible to reduce a sliding resistance acting on the movable member.
US08646413B2
The present invention provides a non-skid double-layer pet bowl for feeding animals and also provides a method of fabricating the said bowl. The bowl has an anti-skid bottom, so that the bowl does not move when the animal is eating or drinking from it. Another feature of the bowl is that materials, plastic and metal can be detached from each other. The plastic bowl is on the outside and is printed with various prints to make it attractive. Only this outer plastic bowl can be changed by removing it, in case of any damage or to obtain a different pattern.When detached, both the bowls can be used separately also, as double diner, that is one for feeding and the other one for drinking water for animal.The present invention also provides a method of fabricating the non-skid pet bowl. The bowls of the present invention are easy to fabricate, attractive in appearance and cost-effective.
US08646412B2
An arrangement for automatically cleaning teat cups of a rotary milking platform includes i) a cleaning device at the side of the platform, the cleaning device having a movable part provided with an outlet opening through which a cleaning fluid is supplied to the teat cups; and ii) a positioning unit arranged to provide positioning of the cleaning device to a cleaning position in which the cleaning device is able to supply the cleaning medium from the outlet opening to the teat cups, the positioning unit adapted to provide a positioning of the movable part of the cleaning device in relation to the teat cups from an inactive position on the side of the platform to an active position in which the movable part extends in over the platform towards the teat cups to the cleaning position.
US08646407B2
A method is provided for using a film formation apparatus including a process container having an inner surface, which contains as a main component a material selected from the group consisting of quartz and silicon carbide. The method includes performing a film formation process to form a silicon nitride film on a product target substrate inside the process container, and then, unloading the product target substrate from the process container. Thereafter, the method includes supplying an oxidizing gas into the process container with no product target substrate accommodated therein, thereby performing an oxidation process to change by-product films deposited on the inner surface of the process container into a composition richer in oxygen than nitrogen, at a part of the by-product films from a surface thereof to a predetermined depth.
US08646406B2
A mask assembly includes a frame with an opening, at least one support stick in the frame and extending in a first direction to traverse the opening of the frame, the support stick including a communication pattern above the opening of the frame, and a mask positioned on the frame and the at least one support stick, the mask extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to traverse the opening of the frame, and the mask being exposed to the opening of the frame through the communication pattern.
US08646403B2
A treatment apparatus for treating a substrate on a surface of which a treatment film has been formed and subjected to exposure processing and developing treatment. The treatment apparatus includes a nozzle for supplying a solvent gas of the treatment film to the surface of the treatment film on the substrate, and a moving mechanism for moving the nozzle which is supplying the solvent gas, relative to the substrate. The nozzle has an elongated discharge portion at least longer than a diameter of the substrate and partition plates at a front and a rear in the moving direction of the nozzle.
US08646402B2
There is provided an indicator in which a moving member 9 on which a pointer 21 is installed is caused to run on a guide rail 1 formed along a scale formed on a dial, characterized in that the moving member 9 comprises a first support member 11 for pivotally supporting a plurality of pulleys 17 which are arranged along the guide rail 1 and a second support member 13 for pivotally supporting at least a pulley 17, and in that the plurality of pulleys 17 pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 pivotally supported on the second support member 13 hold the guide rail 1 therebetween and the first support member 11 and the second support member 13 are assembled to each other so as to slide in an inter-axis direction of the plurality of pulleys 17 which are pivotally supported on the first support member 11 and the pulley 17 which is pivotally supported on the second support member 13, the indicator having further a spring member 15 for biasing the first support member 11 and the second support member 13 in a direction to reduce an inter-axis space therebetween.
US08646393B2
A device configured to provide a writing support in a motor vehicle. The device includes: a tablet that can be mounted in the motor vehicle element that includes an opening; a translation mechanism for allowing translationary movement of the tablet between a rest position in which the tablet is housed in the motor vehicle element and an intermediate position in which the tablet is extracted from the motor vehicle element through the opening; a rotation mechanism that rotates the tablet to allow the tablet to be rotated from the intermediate position into a position of use in which the tablet is inclined to form a writing support.
US08646382B2
A convection recirculating food product fryer with a fry tank with and inlet tube connected to a heat exchanger and an outlet connected to a magnetic pump with an outlet tube to the heat exchanger, the pump having a driving magnet assembly housing an impeller and a driven magnet, with a ceramic shaft extending through the impeller about which the impeller rotates when pumping oil; an electric motor magnetically coupled to the magnetic pump; a burner to heat the oil in the heat exchanger; a controller to control the ignition and running of the burner.
US08646377B2
A brewing-type beverage production device comprising at least one water reservoir, at least two thermoblocks respectively being in fluid connection with the water reservoir, at least brewing chambers, each of the brewing chambers being supplied with heated water from one of the thermoblocks, being adapted to contain a beverage ingredient and being connected with an outlet for draining a brewed beverage, the device furthermore comprising a hot water outlet being adapted to be selectively in fluid connection with the at least two thermoblocks.
US08646374B2
In certain embodiments, a weapon station comprises a weapon mounting apparatus and a sight mounting apparatus. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to rotate, using a first rotational drive mechanism, about an azimuth axis. The weapon mounting apparatus is adapted to receive one or more weapons for attachment at a position offset from the azimuth axis. The sight mounting apparatus is coupled to the weapon mounting apparatus and is adapted to receive for attachment a sighting device. The sighting device comprises one or more sensors and is adapted to rotate, using a second rotational drive mechanism, the one or more sensors about the azimuth axis independently of rotational movement of the weapon mounting apparatus about the azimuth axis. The azimuth axis about which the weapon mounting apparatus and the one or more sensors rotate is a common azimuth axis.
US08646367B2
The present disclosure relates to a trimmer block pad, a trimmer, and a process of trimming. The process includes inserting a book into a trimmer, positioning a trimmer block pad to abut the book, the trimmer block comprising a first non-square exterior corner and a second non-square exterior corner, and trimming a portion of the book. The positioning of the trimmer block pad applies a distributed force to the book.
US08646366B2
An electronic sheet cutting machine includes a housing to which a drive roller is coupled for moving a sheet to be cut in a first direction and a cutter assembly coupled to the housing and moveable in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. A user interface is incorporated into the housing for allowing a user to select via the user interface at least one shape to be cut by the cutter assembly wherein controlled movement of the drive roller and the cutter assembly causes a shape to be cut in the sheet.
US08646362B2
An apparatus for handling spiral-type fluorescent light bulbs particularly for removing and installing different size spiral fluorescent light bulbs in a light fixture. The device is comprised of a main body made of a durable and flexible material and having a front and a rear surface, side surfaces and features; a means to secure a main body to a pole adapter; and a pole adapter for the securement of the main body to an extension pole or similar device. An alternative embodiment anticipates reinforcement strips internal to the main body to provide additional strength, especially when the device is twisted and in torsion. Another alternative embodiment provides an external containment means to enable various modes of containment features and permit different marketing themes.
US08646358B2
Safety bicycle pedal, particularly for mountain bikes, comprising a body (1) mounted such that it can rotate about a pedal spindle, and which has, on at least one face of the pedal, a front clip arrangement (5a) and a rear clip arrangement, at least one of the front or rear clip arrangements being able to move and capable of being moved, against the action of at least one elastic return means, each moving clip arrangement being formed of a bow and mounted such that it can pivot relative to the pedal body; the elastic return means (Ea) of the moving clip arrangement (5a) runs transversely to the pedal spindle (2) and one of its ends collaborates with the moving clip arrangement (5a) of one face, its other end collaborating with the pedal body (1) equipped with the other clip arrangement (14a) of that same face of the pedal; the elastic return means of each face preferably consists of one or more flexing leaves (20a), particularly made of composite material.
US08646356B2
A spring damper for absorbing vibration of a double coil spring is made of elastic material and composed of a cylindrical body, outer-wall convex portions, and inner-wall convex portions. The spring damper is arranged in an annular space formed between an outer coil spring and an inner coil spring of the double coil spring, so that the outer-wall convex portions push the outer coil spring in a radial outward direction and the inner-wall convex portions push the inner coil spring in a radial inward direction. Longitudinal ends of the cylindrical body are prevented from being hooked by spring wires of the outer or inner coil spring, when the double coil spring is expanded and compressed.
US08646352B2
Provided is a worm wheel that allows the residual stress in the plastic gear forming member thereof to be reduced, and suited for compact design. The worm wheel comprises a metallic core member (30) and a plastic gear forming member (20) formed on an outer periphery of the core member. In particular, the core member includes a boss portion (31) defining a pivot portion, an intermediate portion (32) extending radially from the outer periphery of the boss portion, and a cylindrical portion (33) connected to a radially outer end of the intermediate portion and having the gear forming member molded thereon coaxially with the boss, the cylindrical portion being formed with through holes (34) or cutouts (36) passed radially therethrough.
US08646346B2
A skew detection arrangement comprises first and second series of targets movable past respective sensors, and monitoring means operable to monitor the outputs of the sensors, wherein the monitoring means is operable upon sensing that an output of a first one of the sensors is in a transition state to determine, from a transition direction of the transition state and an output of the other of the sensors, whether a skew condition has arisen. A skew detection method is also disclosed.
US08646344B2
A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.
US08646340B2
Disclosed is a sampling method which comprises the steps of: blowing airflow towards a center portion of a sampling surface through a blowing port; and sucking the blown airflow from periphery of the sampling surface through a sucking port, or a sampling method which comprises the steps of: providing a sampling device on a sampling surface, the sampling device being shaped to form a sampling space together with the sampling surface, and the sampling device including a blowing port arranged at the center portion of the sampling device and a sucking port arranged at periphery of the sampling device; blowing airflow towards the sampling surface through the blowing port; and sucking the airflow blown towards the sampling surface through the sucking port so as to collect samples.
US08646332B2
An inertial sensor includes oscillating-type angular velocity sensing element, IC for processing signals supplied from angular velocity sensing element, capacitor for processing signals, and package for accommodating angular velocity sensing element, IC, capacitor. Element and IC are housed in package via a vibration isolator, which is formed of TAB tape, plate on which IC is placed, where angular velocity sensing element is layered on IC, and outer frame placed outside and separately from plate and yet coupled to plate via wiring pattern.
US08646322B2
A method for selecting a procedure for determining the injection time of individual injection operations of a fuel injector, which may be supplied with pressurized fuel via a feed line, includes activating the fuel injector using various known activation durations in the vicinity of a predefined operating point of the fuel injector; detecting the pressure curve over time in the feed line for a number of injection operations; evaluating the detected pressure curves over time using at least two different procedures for determining the injection time from the particular pressure curve; determining the correlation between the determined injection times and the particular activation period; selecting the procedure with the highest correlation.
US08646312B2
A method and a system is disclosed for determining RON and/or MON values from constant volume combustion chamber apparatuses capable of producing pressure versus time combustion profiles having a fast combustion region and a slow combustion region, where data from the two regions is used to compute RON and/or MON values for light distillate fluid samples using a series expansion equation.
US08646307B2
In a mass flow controller verifying system, there are provided a verifying gas line arranged in parallel to influent flow gas lines and joined into a post-confluent flow gas line, a reference volume calculating portion adapted to calculate a reference volume determined for a specified piping of a gas piping system, a verifying parameter calculating portion adapted to calculate a verifying parameter based on time series data of a measurement pressure measured by a pressure measurement unit during a control of a flow rate by a mass flow controller to be verified, and a comparing portion adapted to compare a reference parameter set based on the reference volume and the verifying parameter, whereby the verifying system can be introduced into an existing gas piping system used in a semiconductor manufacturing process and so forth at a low cost and is capable of verifying a mass flow controller quickly and accurately.
US08646304B2
In a grain bin floor panel having first and second floor surface extending outwardly from a central support leg to respective first and second side support legs, the central support leg includes first and second upright portions and a lower portion connected between respective lower ends of the first and second upright portion. The first and second upright portions are connected to respective ones of the first and second floor surfaces at the upper ends of the upright portions and are spaced apart from one another at respective lower ends. The lower portion is generally concave such that the lower ends of the first and second upright portions together with the lower portion forms a concave quadrilateral.
US08646302B2
The invention relates to a drawing tool (1) for shaping and cooling a steel part from a blank (6), said tool including: at least one punch (2); and at least one matrix (3); the punch and the matrix each including: at least a first portion (21, 31) corresponding to a hot area (11) of the drawing tool; and at least a second portion (22, 32) corresponding to a cold area (12) of the drawing tool; in the cold area, the second part of the punch and the second part of the matrix are brought into contact with the blank when the drawing tool is closed; characterized in that, in the hot area of the drawing tool, a heating means are provided for heating said hot area to a temperature higher than about 400° C., and in that, in said hot area, a distance (L) on top of the blank thickness (e) is provided between the punch and the matrix when the drawing tool is closed, is related to the temperature (T) of the hot area, and is given by the formula T=100·(6−L), with L>0.2 and 400≦T<600; L being in mm and T in ° C.
US08646295B2
A steering lock device includes a main frame, a lock insertion hole formed on the main frame, a lock member slidably disposed in the lock insertion hole, a pin insertion portion formed on the lock member, a stopper housing portion formed on the main frame, a stopper pin housed in the stopper housing portion, and a trigger detachably disposed on the main frame. The stopper pin is urged toward a latch position by a stopper, and engaged, in a state of positioning at the latch position, with the pin insertion portion of the lock member positioning at the lock position. The trigger holds, in a state of being attached on the main frame, the stopper pin at an unlatch position by contacting with the stopper pin. First stepped portions for engaging with the stopper pin positioning at the latch position are disposed in a side of the unlock position, around an opening of the stopper housing portion and on a wall surface of the lock insertion hole facing to the opening. Since the lock member is firmly held at the lock position by the stopper pin even if a cover or a coil spring urging the lock member is removed, an improper unlock of the lock member can be prevented.
US08646289B1
A method for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a floating production storage and offloading vessel, fluidly connected with a flexible conduit to a moored floating disconnectable turret which can be connected and reconnected to a liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant of the liquefied natural gas transport vessel.
US08646278B2
A condition measurement apparatus is provided and includes a gas turbine engine combustor having an end cover, a liner defining a liner interior and a fuel nozzle communicative with the liner interior, the end cover being formed to separate a cold side thereof, which is a relatively low temperature environment, from a hot side thereof, which is a relatively high temperature environment in which the liner and the fuel nozzle are disposed, the combustor being formed to define a fuel flow path extending through piping disposed at the cold side of the end cover by which fuel is deliverable to the fuel nozzle, and a condition sensing device operably mounted on the piping.
US08646273B2
The invention relates to a thermodynamic machine having a circulation system in which a working fluid, in particular a low-boiling working fluid, circulates alternately in a gaseous and a liquid phase, a heat exchanger, an expansion machine, a condenser, and a fluid pump. The invention also relates to a method for operating the thermodynamic machine. According to certain embodiments of the invention, in the flow line of the fluid pump, a partial pressure increasing the system pressure is applied to the liquid working fluid by adding a non-condensing auxiliary gas. Compact ORC machines can be implemented, preventing cavitation in the liquid working fluid.
US08646271B2
An EGR control apparatus for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately controlling an inert gas amount and an inert gas ratio of two types of EGR gas supplied to cylinders of the engine via two paths different from each other, thereby making it possible to ensure a stable combustion state and reduced exhaust emissions. The EGR control apparatus includes a low-pressure EGR device, a high-pressure EGR device, and an ECU. The ECU calculates a target low-pressure opening, calculates an estimated value of an in-cylinder low-pressure inert gas flow rate, which is the estimated value of an inert gas amount included in low-pressure EGR gas supplied to the cylinders via an intake passage, calculates a target high-pressure opening using the estimated value, and controls low-pressure and high-pressure EGR control valves, using the target low-pressure opening and the target high-pressure opening.
US08646267B1
An underwater air or gas powered apparatus utilizes the buoyant force of water to generate power in the form of work or electricity. Air bags are spaced circumferentially around the perimeter of a rotary member immersed in water and are alternately inflated and deflated in a sequence enabling buoyant forces to rotate the rotary member. A generator is coupled to the rotary member for generating power in response to rotation of the rotary member.
US08646262B2
A unit (1, 1′) for recovering and converting thermal energy from the exhaust gases of an internal combustion engine (14) of a vehicle comprises a heat exchanger (2, 2′) to be traversed by exhaust gases flowing along a by-pass path (5,5′) branching out from an exhaust gas main line (4) of said internal combustion engine (14) and valve means (12) for controlling the flow of the exhaust gases through said path, said valve means (12) being driven by an actuator device (12A). The by-pass path (5, 5′) is a U-shaped path defined entirely within the heat exchanger (2, 2′), starting from an inlet section (6, 6′) and ending at an outlet section of the heat exchanger, the inlet and outlet sections (7,7′) being located on a same side of the heat exchanger (2) and both opening on an interface conduit portion (3) interposed in said exhaust gas main line (4). The heat exchanger (2, 2′) is arranged so that said U-shaped path is oriented transversely to the direction of the exhaust gas main line (4), in such a manner that the exhaust gases traversing the heat exchanger flow firstly in the transverse direction away from the exhaust gas main line (4) and then back in the transverse direction towards the exhaust gas main line (4), The valve means (12) are arranged within said interface conduit portion (3), between merging points of the inlet and outlet portions (6,7) of the heat exchanger (2,2′).
US08646258B2
The mixing system includes a mixing chamber in which exhaust gases can flow in a flow direction, a nozzle designed to inject a fluid inside the mixing chamber, according to an injection direction, and an evaporating device positioned inside the mixing chamber, downstream from the injection inlet. The nozzle and the evaporating device are movable one with respect to the other, so that a substantial portion of the flow of the fluid injected into the mixing chamber hits the evaporating device regardless of the flow rate of the exhaust gases.
US08646253B2
A procedure for controlling an exhaust gas purification system of a combustion engine, consisting of one or several catalytic converters for converting and/or storing at least one exhaust gas component of an exhaust gas of the combustion engine at least one of the catalytic converters is construed as oxidization catalytic converter. With the aid of the adsorption capability of at least partially uncombusted hydrocarbons of one of the catalytic converters a diagnosing forecast about the NO oxidization of the catalytic converters is derived, whereby the at least partially uncombusted hydrocarbons are introduced into the exhaust gas duct at least partially in front of the catalytic converter. With the procedure and the device for implementing the procedure the NO oxidization capability of the involved catalytic converters can be evaluated in the range of extended on-board diagnosis requirements to provide “feed-gas” for subsequent exhaust gas after-treatment systems.
US08646250B2
First and second snap rolls corresponding with a pair of forward-extending row units of a harvesting header wherein the snap rolls oppose one another on opposite sides of a crop passage and are operated at different speeds relative to one another. In one embodiment one of the snap rolls is a powered snap roll and the other is an idler roll.
US08646245B2
A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir,the method being characterized in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product.
US08646243B2
An apparatus and method are provided for formulating and aseptically filling liquid products. A first liquid source includes at least one first liquid component; a second liquid source includes at least one second liquid component; and a container includes a body defining an empty, sterile storage chamber therein that is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The container is introduced into a sterile filling chamber. A first filling member coupled in fluid communication with the first liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the first liquid component is aseptically introduced through the first filling member and into the storage chamber. A second filling member coupled in fluid communication with the second liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the second liquid component is aseptically introduced through the second filling member and into the storage chamber and, in turn, the first and second liquid components are combined into a liquid product formulation within the sterile chamber of the container. The first and second filling members are withdrawn from fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located within the sterile filling chamber, and the filled storage chamber is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere to hermetically seal the liquid product formulation within the storage chamber of the container.
US08646240B1
A method and apparatus for forming a mast assembly upon a floor of a drilling rig has a support structure, a first carriage assembly affixed to one side of the support structure and a second carriage assembly affixed to an opposite side of the support structure. Each of the first and second carriage assemblies are connectable to a section of the mast assembly. Drive cylinders are associated with the first and second carriage assemblies so as to cause the section of the mast assembly to move upwardly relative to the support structure. While the section of the mast assembly is retained in an elevated position, another section of the mast assembly can be placed within the support structure and joined to the elevated mast section. Additional mast sections can be connected together in a similar manner.
US08646239B2
A system and method for constructing and using modular building blocks. The blocks may include two walls, a course, end conditions, a reinforcing assembly, and vertical and lateral retaining members. The walls may include lateral supports disposed lengthwise on a top and a bottom surface. Lateral retainer members may be disposed into the lateral supports. The walls may also include channels extending from the top surface to the bottom surface. Vertical retainer members may be disposed into the channels. The course may be disposed between and coupled to the walls and characterized by one or more turns. The reinforcing assembly may be set inside the walls and the course. The reinforcing assembly may include wire mesh portions disposed to form interlocks, where the interlocks provide structural support for the channels. The modular building blocks may be coupled together with structurally complimentary end conditions.
US08646234B2
The present invention provides a lath furring strip having a height not exceeding 0.365 inches which has improved waterproofing capabilities by incorporating the lath furring strip into other architectural structures such as reveals, expansion joints, and window flange, coverings. By integrating these structures with a lath furring strip having water proofing features, there is increased water proofing of the entire architectural structure. One of more moisture barriers can easily be applied to the wall or furring strips that prevents seepage of moisture from the stucco on the lath to a wall or framing.
US08646229B2
A curtain wall mounting system adapted for cantilevered support of at least one structure outwardly therefrom. The curtain wall mounting system including an anchor plate having dual plates and adapted for integral mounting with a curtain wall web section. The curtain wall web section includes one of a hollow tongue web extending outwardly of a curtain wall vertical mullion in a first direction and an integrally formed flange region extending outwardly of the curtain wall vertical mullion in the first direction. The curtain wall web section includes a first set of fastening apertures oriented transversely to the first direction and formed. The anchor plate includes at least one generally planer body portion having a first set of mating apertures adapted for alignment in registry with the first set of fastening apertures of the web. The anchor plate further having a second set of apertures adapted for securing structures outwardly therefrom.
US08646220B2
A system or kit of wood and plastic component materials is provided which can readily be assembled to form a structure. The components are precut so that measurement and cutting of the component materials is eliminated. The components are readily assembled using conventional fasteners. Components have precut notches in order to facilitate the assembly of the components without the requirement for measurements. This assures that the components will be assembled correctly and eliminates the opportunity for inaccurate measurements. The roof is formed from plastic panels secured to wooden trusses. The floor is formed from plastic panels secured to the wood framing of the walls. The plastic roof panels and plastic floor panels are designed to be secured to each other and to the wood frames to assure heavy duty interlocking construction of the components.
US08646217B2
A gutter insert for preventing the clogging of gutters and devices that are used for conducting a fluid to a desired location. The gutter insert can be connected end-to-end to produce a modular gutter insert having a desired length for placement in a gutter or like device. Closed ends on each segment of the modular gutter insert provide a plurality of internal screens for preventing debris from flowing towards downstream gutter downspouts and outlets.
US08646214B2
A weather strip 10 has a trim portion 20 and a hollow seal portion 40. The trim portion 20 is made up of an external sidewall 21, a bottom wall 23 and an internal sidewall 22 to thereby be given a substantially U-shaped cross section. A first flange holding lip 24 is formed on an interior surface of either of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned on an opening side of the trim portion 20, a second flange holding lip 25 is formed on the interior surface of the same sidewall so as to be positioned on a bottom wall side of the trim portion 20, and opposite flange holding lips 26, 27 are formed on an interior surface of the other of the external sidewall 21 and the internal sidewall 22 so as to be positioned between the first flange holding lip 24 and the second flange holding lip 25 while extending therefrom.
US08646213B2
A glass run capable of being readily attached to corner parts of a door frame of a door of a motor vehicle such that an end edge of a corner cover of the glass run can be securely engaged with an end of a corner piece. A corner cover adapted to cover a vehicle-exterior surface of the corner piece like an arcuate configuration is formed in a corner section of the glass run. An arcuate end edge of the corner cover defines a corner cover lip for contacting an end of the corner piece, and a corner cover engaging wall is formed in the corner cover so as to protrude inwardly from a vehicle-interior surface of the corner cover lip. The corner cover engaging wall and the corner cover lip define an engaging groove, and a plurality of corner cover inclination ribs are formed so as to respectively have an inclined surface connecting the corner cover engaging wall and the vehicle-interior surface of the corner cover lip.
US08646210B2
A device for setting the position of a closing element for a porthole in an open position toward the outside around an opening in a wall of a room includes a protruding part with a circular shape fastened to the wall around the opening by means of at least one fastener, and a joining part that has a first end connecting a hinged end of the closing element to the protruding part. The protruding part has at least one first groove. The joining part has a second end movable in the at least one first groove, and the movement of the second end in the at least one first groove entails movement of the closing element in the open position around the opening. In a closed position, the closing element integrally covers the protruding part in order to seal the porthole in the closed position.
US08646208B2
The present invention generally relates to selectable-mode vehicle door assemblies. Some embodiments include door assemblies that are capable of operating in a sliding mode, and in a swinging mode according to user selection. Some embodiments can include one or more doorframes that can be selectably engaged in a swing mode or a slide mode. Other embodiments generally relate to methods associated with selectable-mode door assemblies.
US08646207B1
A self-closing entry system includes an entrance, a base support member located at one side of the entrance, a bearing arrangement attached to the base support member, a gate surface member pivotably mounted to the base support member, a bumper assembly defined by at least one bumper frame member pivotably fastened to the gate surface member at a gate fulcrum, at least one bumper contact element fastened to the at least one bumper frame member, and wherein the at least one bumper contact element is capable of axial rotation about the at least one bumper frame member, a counter-balance assembly extending from the first bumper frame member to the second bumper frame member, and a means for latching the gate system, allowing the gate surface member to move in one direction upon activation of a latching control means.
US08646206B2
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system of presence detection in a door assembly for the prevention of patient/detainee suicide, comprising: a door frame, wherein the door frame defines an opening; a door mounted in said opening, wherein the door is allowed to operate from open to closed position with respect to the door frame; a presence sensing arrangement, which allows detection of the presence of an object near the surfaces of the door, door frame, and the upper and lower surfaces of the door or door frame from open to closed position. Placement of presence sensors on the upper or lower surfaces of the door allows presence detection when a patient/detainee attempts to drape a ligature object across or underneath said surfaces. A control system may monitor the system, and can activate an alarm system for early detection and prevention.
US08646201B2
A firearm training tool having a shot indicating system in further in one form a trigger take-up indicating system. The trigger module is adjustable to adjust various properties of the trigger.
US08646200B2
An ammunition magazine with an improved base locking, including: a hollow magazine body, a follower, a spring and a magazine base. The magazine body is equipped with track guides that correspond to grooves embodied on the magazine base, that the magazine base is guided onto. The spring is spirally embodied such that the first turn fully encompasses the surface of the magazine base and in the compressed state the rest of the spring, without the first turn, can fully fit into the follower pressed by the spring. The magazine base has a catch on one side and a hole positioned next to the catch. The magazine body has a slit allowing the catch to pass unobstructed into the magazine body and catch the detent spot on the spring positioned inside the magazine body. An advantage is improved safety of magazine base locking to the magazine body and simpler construction.
US08646187B2
Ammunition measurement tools include a frame having a reference surface adapted to contact a first caliper jaw of a pair of calipers, a gauge element attached to the frame and movable, the gauge element defining a plurality of apertures of different selected diameters, each aperture diameter corresponding to a diameter of a selected part of a cartridge, the gauge element being operable to move to position a selected aperture in registration with a second jaw of the pair of calipers such that the distance from the aperture to the second jaw may be measured to determine a length dimension of a cartridge positioned in the aperture. The gauge element may be rotatably connected to the frame to rotate about an axis. The frame may include an attachment facility operable to secure to the jaw of a pair of calipers.
US08646178B2
In a method for fabricating a heat exchanger, a metal body includes a bore and inlet and outlet connectors fitted to the body at respective inlet and outlet ends of the bore. The connectors each include an inner surface in which annular grooves are formed. A tube is inserted in the bore such that inlet and outlet ends of the tube are respectively located in the inlet and outlet connectors. A mandrel is operated to expand at least a portion of the tube into contact with the body, and to expand the inlet and outlet tube ends into contact with the grooves of the inlet and outlet connectors, respectively. The heat exchanger provides improved thermal exchange efficiency between the tube and the body, and fluid-tight connections between the tube and the inlet and outlet connectors.
US08646154B2
An adjustable door stop system. The system includes a hinge pin having an axis about which the hinge leaves rotate, a top end, and an opposed bottom end. In one embodiment, a hinge pin cap has a first portion extending radially from the top end of the hinge pin and a second cylindrical portion extending from the first portion parallel to the access of the hinge pin. A control cap has an opening to receive the hinge pin therethrough, the control cap having a radially extending first portion and a cylindrical second portion substantially parallel to the axis of the hinge pin. A mechanism is provided to prevent movement of the hinge pin cap with respect to the control cap including a plurality of teeth on the control cap second cylindrical portion and a plurality of teeth of the control cap cylindrical portion which mate with each other.
US08646144B2
A cleaning sheet (1) includes at least one continuous-filament aggregate (10) formed by aggregating and orienting a multitude of continuous filaments (11) substantially in one orientation direction. The continuous filaments (11) are joined by a single first joining line (12) extending continuously in a direction orthogonal to the orientation direction of the continuous filaments (11) and are joined by a plurality of second joining lines (13) extending in the orientation direction. In this way, the continuous filaments (11) in the continuous-filament aggregate (10) are kept in an aggregated state. Preferably, the second joining lines (13) are connected to the first joining line (12).
US08646141B2
The present disclosure relates to a lawn sweeper designed to collect debris, such as grass clippings and leaves, from a surface such as a lawn, and more particularly to a lawn sweeper with an adjustable brush assembly and characteristics associated with improved storage of such a device. A user may adjust the brush assembly with respect to the housing without needing to move the wheels. The hopper assembly may include a panel movable to be placed in at least two orientations, thereby allowing a user to change the volume within which the hopper assembly may collect debris. Methods are also disclosed for adjusting the brush assembly and for storing a lawn sweeper unit.
US08646135B2
A neck support device comprises a flat, portable device comprised of a central malleable but supportive inner core or endoskeleton covered by a comfortable padded shell. The device shapes into a structure, supporting a user's head by translating the weight of the user' head to the user's shoulder, bypassing the neck, thus allowing relaxation of the supportive structures of the neck. The neck support device comprises a flexible and bendable inner core and an outer sheath material. Portions of the device may be bent into a support position by the user to support the user's head. The device may be bent into a substantially flat configuration for storage. The device may comprise contoured padding located for support or comfort and slip-resistant materials or surfaces. The device may translate the weight of the user's head from a head portion to a shoulder portion via a neck portion.
US08646131B2
A siderail comprises a rail having a lower edge extending longitudinally from a head end to a foot end, and a longitudinally outer link comprising a head side outer link segment and a foot side outer link segment. Each segment is connected to the rail at a joint OR and connected to a host frame at a joint OF. The siderail also includes an inner link longitudinally intermediate the outer link segments and connected to the rail at a joint IR and to the host frame at a joint IF. The head side outer link segment extends longitudinally from approximately the head end of the rail lower edge toward the inner link without longitudinally overlapping the inner link. The foot side outer link segment extends longitudinally from approximately the foot end of the rail lower edge toward the inner link without longitudinally overlapping the inner link.
US08646125B2
A transport apparatus includes a base, a sling, a support frame mounted to the base. The support frame extends over the base and is configured to move from a first position spaced above the base at a first height wherein the support frame may be extended over and proximate a support surface for engaging the sling when placed on the support surface to a second position spaced above a second height greater than the first height once engaged with the sling wherein when the support frame and the sling are raised to the second position the sling is raised above the support surface so that a person supported on the sling may be lifted off the support surface with the sling and moved away from the support surface by the base. Further, the sling may be rotatably mounted to the support frame to facilitate reorientation of the person.
US08646121B2
An apparatus for converting a normal shower room into a steam and sauna facility. The apparatus comprises a vertical panel, a rain shower, a hand held massage means, a back and foot massage means, a seat with seat massage means, a steam and hot air generating means. The apparatus also includes an electronic device incorporating radio, CD player Hook Up, Telephone, Video features and buttons for controlling steam, heat, massage means, Audio and Video means.
US08646115B1
In various embodiments, a glove enables one wearing the glove temporary unsheathed use of one or more of a thumb and an index finger of a hand of the wearer on which the glove is worn. A slide fastener may run along the glove between a distal portion of the glove's index finger-covering portion and a distal portion of the glove's thumb-covering portion. The slide fastener, when opened over a particular amount, provides an opening in the glove to enable the wearer to extend one or more of the wearer's thumb and index finger outside the glove for temporary unsheathed use of the thumb and/or index finger. When the slide is fastener closed, this causes the glove to cover the thumb and index finger.
US08646113B2
The present invention provides a protective sports glove worn. The glove may be used by athletes during training or in a combative event requiring striking to protect against injury and increase performance, including, but not limited to, total force transference, grip strength, striking force and speed, muscular endurance, time to contraction, etc. These gloves have an adjustable dual strapping wrist tie system to secure the gloves to the contour of the hands and ensure they remain tight and fixed. The dual strapping system seeks to provide increased wrist and hand rigidity that mirrors a tightness of hand wrap bandages for maximal bone and tendon support of the hands and wrists. This system increases the transfer of force to the point of impact.
US08650654B2
According to one embodiment, a memory device includes a third partial key write module, an encryption key write module, and a decryption module. The third partial key write module is configured to combine a second partial key received from the current host device with the first partial key in the partial key memory device and to write a generated third partial key into the volatile memory after the device authentication. The encryption key write module is configured to combine the third partial key with the second user authentication information and to write a generated encryption key into the volatile memory after the user authentication. The decryption module is configured to decrypt the encrypted data based on the encryption key in the volatile memory based on a read request received from the current host device and to output obtained data to the current host device when the user authentication has succeeded.
US08650651B2
A system and method for automated security testing are disclosed. The disclosure provides for automated discovery of security vulnerabilities through the monitoring of activities that occur throughout the separate components of a computing platform during a testing session through a communications interface.
US08650650B1
Disclosed are systems, methods and computer program products for performing antivirus analysis of a file. Particularly, antivirus software detects an attempt to execute a file on a computer and collects information about current file attributes. The software retrieves information about old file attributes. The software then compares current file attributes with the old file attributes to determine whether the file has been modified. When the file is determined to be modified, the software synchronously accesses the file to perform antivirus analysis thereof. During the synchronous access of the file, one or more other programs are prohibited from accessing the analyzed file. When the file is determined to be unmodified, the software asynchronously accesses the file. During the asynchronous access of the file one or more of the other programs are allowed to access the analyzed file.
US08650649B1
A computer-implemented method for determining whether to evaluate the trustworthiness of digitally signed files based on signer reputation may include (1) identifying a file, (2) determining that the file has been digitally signed, (3) identifying a signer responsible for digitally signing the file, (4) identifying the signer's reputation, and then (5) determining whether to evaluate the trustworthiness of the file based at least in part on the signer's reputation. In one example, the signer's reputation may be based at least in part on the determined trustworthiness of at least one additional file that was previously signed by the signer. Various other methods, systems, and encoded computer-readable media are also disclosed.
US08650627B2
A system and method for providing challenge-response solutions to authenticate a user have been provided. The system includes web server comprising interlinking means adapted to interlink a plurality of images with unique index values such that each of the images has a unique index value. The web server includes registration means adapted to enable users to select at least two interlinked images for the purpose of registration. The web server includes challenge generation means adapted to generate, transmit an authentication challenge of the form of one-time equation. The web server, prior to transmitting the one-time equation, computes the value of the equation based on at least the sequence specified by the user. The web server compares the value calculated by the user with the value calculated prior to transmission and authenticates the user only in the event that said value calculated by the user is equivalent to the stored value.
US08650598B2
A system and method for wirelessly transmitting audiovisual information. Training information may be stored in a memory. A plurality of packets may be generated, including the training information. The plurality of packets may also include audiovisual information. The plurality of packets may include first information identifying a first training pattern of a plurality of possible training patterns. The first training pattern may specify one or more locations of the training information in the plurality of packets. The first information may be usable by a receiver to determine the first training pattern of the plurality of possible training patterns. The plurality of packets may be transmitted in a wireless manner.
US08650591B2
Connecting viewers in the broadcasting and gaming experience for the purpose of enhancing the entertainment experience of a user is a fast growing technical area. It seeks to engage the viewer in a media that is visually rich which consequently provides a new and unique form of enhancing the user experience.
US08650588B2
Aspects of the invention are directed to a method and system for end-to-end proof of display. A method for according to an embodiment includes: generating a unique identifier (UID) for a triplet including an item of digital content, an identity of a playlist that includes the item of digital content, and an identity of a player on which the item of digital content is to be rendered; generating a visual identifier based on the UID and a timecode; rendering the item of digital content on a display screen; overlaying the visual identifier on the rendered item of digital content on the display screen; capturing the visual identifier on the display screen; and extracting the UID and timecode from the captured visual identifier. A match test is performed using the extracted UID to populate a match list, which is reported to a content manager to provide end-to-end proof of display.
US08650575B2
A process manager (36) comprises a process data memory (44), and a process processing unit (38), capable of causing a process code to be executed in interaction with a designated part of this memory. The processing unit (38) is capable of establishing a super-process associated with a designated part of the memory (42) suitable to house the data from one or more processes (34), and is capable of causing the code of each of these processes (34) to be executed in separate interaction with their data. This manager (36) comprises a pooling function (40) organized to load incident processes (34) into a super-process in response to a condition affecting at least in part these incident processes. The processing unit (38) is organized to house incident processes in a super-process in response to a condition affecting the incident processes.
US08650572B2
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a method and related network node and machine-readable storage medium relating to the receipt, association, and synchronization of a plurality of messages from diverse sources. Various embodiments relate to a Policy Charging and Rules Node (PCRN) receiving related messages from at least two sources and acquiring a lock associated with the received message's session binding identifier (SBI). The PCRN may use the lock to prioritize the processing of the related requests that share a common SBI. Various embodiments relate to the PCRN rejecting subsequent related requests unless the subsequent request is of a higher priority. Various other embodiments relate to the PCRN waiting for the receipt of the subsequent request before fully processing the first request.
US08650570B2
A runtime environment of a computer system is provided that creates first and second scheduler instances in a process. Each scheduler instance includes allocated processing resources and is assigned a set of tasks for execution. Each scheduler instance schedules tasks for execution using the allocated processing resources to perform the work of the process.
US08650560B2
A computer readable medium may stores a computer program including instructions for ordering a computer mounted on the processing device. The instruction may order the computer to perform acquiring a first IP address assigned to the function performing device, acquiring a unique network device name provided to the function performing device by using the first IP address, attempting to acquire a second IP address by using the network device name, determining whether the second IP address identical to the first IP address has been acquired, and installing the software in which the network device name is set as a destination of the function performing instruction in a case where it is determined that the second IP address which is identical to the first IP address has been acquired.
US08650558B2
The subject disclosure relates to pre-installed software and services, such as online services, and markets for pre-installed software and online services. In one aspect, the disclosed subject matter facilitates contracting between software vendors and device manufacturers or redistributors for placement and/or conversion of software applications or services in devices. As further advantages, embodiments of the disclosed subject matter can provide transparency into markets for device placement and can facilitate detailed contract performance tracking. Further non-limiting embodiments are provided that illustrate the advantages and flexibility of the disclosed subject matter.
US08650555B1
A method of code execution by a processor including duplicating a first set of instructions to generate a second set of instructions, modifying the second set of instructions, executing the modified set of instructions, and upon exiting the modified set of instructions, loading an updated state of the processor.
US08650548B2
A system and method of deriving software use and software data object characteristics determine one or more locations on one or more computer storage devices where one or more configuration and data files associated with computer software components are stored, and obtain one or more attributes associated with said one or more computer software components. One or more commands associated with said one or more computer software components may be issued and one or more related information associated with said one or more software computer components resulting from issuing one or more commands may be collected. The related information and the one or more attributes may be mapped to the computer software components to derive information about the computer software component use and data object use characteristics.
US08650538B2
An execution environment for functional code may treat application segments as individual programs for memory management. A larger program of application may be segmented into functional blocks that receive an input and return a value, but operate without changing state of other memory objects. The program segments may have memory pages allocated to the segments by the operating system as other full programs, and may deallocate memory pages when the segments finish operating. Functional programming languages and imperative programming languages may define program segments explicitly or implicitly, and the program segments may be identified at compile time or runtime.
US08650535B2
The invention generally relates to enterprise computer applications, and more particularly to methods and tools for data-driven engineering of computer applications. A method of generating a business application includes: inputting requirement data into a requirement model; inputting platform data into a platform model; generating a design model based on the requirement model and the platform model; generating source code of the business application from the design model; and outputting the source code.
US08650518B2
A system for extracting a layout from an object in a fabric includes means for providing fabric data to a rule-based layout extraction engine; means for maintaining a layout extraction rule to select a layout object from the fabric data; means for maintaining a binding rule to bind the layout object to a solver; means for maintaining a boundary rule to specify a boundary condition for a solver; and means for executing the solver on the layout object to generate a model of the object.
US08650513B2
Methods and apparatuses are described for reducing or eliminating X-pessimism in gate-level simulation and/or formal verification. A system can identify a set of reconvergent inputs of a combinational block in a gate-level design. Next, the system can determine whether or not the combinational block is expected to exhibit X-pessimism during gate-level simulation. If the combinational block is expected to exhibit X-pessimism during gate-level simulation, the system can modify the gate-level design to reduce X-pessimism during gate-level simulation. In some embodiments, the system can build a model for the gate-level design by using unique free input variables to represent sources of indeterminate values. The system can then use the model to perform formal verification.
US08650503B2
A mockup image can be received at a user interface designer module and a representation of the mockup image can be overlaid with a representation of a user interface that is under construction. One or more visual features of the user interface and one or more visual features of the mockup image can be matched. Also, one or more guides can be matched to one or more features in a mockup image, and one or more features of a user interface that is under construction can be automatically matched to the one or more guides.
US08650496B1
A device that enables a user to exchange information with other people about the user's preferences with respect to the primary function in storage. The purpose of the exchange of information is to discover common user preferences or interests. Preferences such as musical taste can be rated by the user and the information exchanged. A comparison is made with other users and when a user is within a certain distance that shares common preferences/interests, the user is told of the other person, and the relative distance of the person having the common interests. The device is suitable for digital audio players, wireless telephones, remote controls, portable television/video/radio devices and can be used to match people based on their common preferences.
US08650494B1
According to one general aspect, a method of remotely controlling a remote computing device from a local computing device that is executing a web browser, may include receiving, via a Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), at least a graphical human interface output from the remote computing device. The method may also include displaying, within a display area defined by a Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) web element, wherein the HTML web element is interpreted by the web browser, the graphical human interface output from the remote computing device. The method may further include receiving, from the remote computing device via HTTP, at least one update to the graphical human interface output. And, the method may include dynamically updating the graphical human interface output displayed within the display area defined by the HTML web element, wherein updating is based upon the received at least one update to the graphical human interface output.
US08650490B2
An apparatus and methods are disclosed for displaying a physical view of a monitored device. The apparatus for displaying a physical view of a device is provided with a plurality of modules configured to functionally execute the steps of displaying a physical representation of a device, generating a plurality of grid lines in association with a predetermined portion of the physical representation of the device, and displaying an icon configured to convey information regarding a status of the device, wherein the icon is displayed within an area defined by the plurality of grid lines. These modules in the described embodiments include a rendering module, a grid module, and a status module.
US08650488B1
Methods and systems that identify classic videos. A classic video is a video that consistently receives high viewership over a long period of time. A video hosting server identifies a number of views that a video received for each day during a measurement period. For each day, the video hosting server determines whether the day is a high view day based on the number of views for the day. The video hosting server identifies the video as a classic video responsive to the video having a number of high view days that are above a threshold number of days.
US08650480B2
A method and system are disclosed for acquiring and transforming existing content (e.g., Hyper Text Markup Language HTML content) for display and execution on multiple platforms and architectures. In one embodiment, capture templates are created to harvest content from disparate content sources on multiple platforms. Data is extracted from the content from the disparate content sources using the created capture templates that drives extracting process. A standardized data stream is generated from the extracted data. The standardized data stream is provided for display on one or more different type of platforms.
US08650479B2
A computer program product and an apparatus for policy attachment are described. A reference to a selected description document for policy attachment is received, wherein the selected description document includes at least one definition to describe a Web Service. A logical object of the selected description document that permit policy attachment is located. A reference to the logical object that is located for policy attachment is received. At least one policy that is operable to be associated with the logical object that is referenced is located, wherein the at least one policy defines a rule for the Web Service. A reference for a selected policy from among the at least one policy is received. The selected policy is attached to the selected description document.
US08650470B2
An integrated circuit includes one or more portions having error detection and error correction circuits and which is operated with operating parameters giving finite non-zero error rate as well as one or more portions formed and operated to provide a zero error rate.
US08650464B1
A circuit and method form a codeword including parity and message bits, as follows. Each codeword has a first part in a current sequence (e.g. a current OTN-row) that is to be now transmitted and second part spread across multiple past sequences (e.g. previously prepared and transmitted OTN-rows). The codewords are grouped into multiple groups such that each codeword within a group has no bit in common with another codeword in that group. Moreover, each codeword has a bit in common with a different codeword in a different group.
US08650461B2
A method for data storage includes, in a memory that includes multiple memory blocks, specifying at a first time a first over-provisioning overhead, and storing data in the memory while retaining in the memory blocks memory areas, which do not hold valid data and whose aggregated size is at least commensurate with the specified first over-provisioning overhead. Portions of the data from one or more previously-programmed memory blocks containing one or more of the retained memory areas are compacted. At a second time subsequent to the first time, a second over-provisioning overhead, different from the first over-provisioning overhead, is specified, and data storage and data portion compaction is continued while complying with the second over-provisioning overhead.
US08650451B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for stochastic stream decoding of binary LDPC codes. For example, a data decoder circuit is discussed that includes a number of variable nodes and check nodes, with serial connections between the variable nodes and the check nodes. The variable nodes are each operable to perform a real-valued computation of a variable node to check node message for each neighboring check node. The check nodes are operable to perform a real-valued computation of a check node to variable node message for each neighboring variable node. The messages are passed iteratively between the variable nodes and the check nodes.
US08650447B1
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, precision control of error injection may be accomplished by way of synchronous error signals accompanying data transfers along various pipeline stages of a data path. The synchronous error signals may be used to trigger error events in a given protocol logic block (i.e. in a given sub-component of the data path). The protocol logic block is configurable to determine whether any action is to be taken upon the assertion of the error signal. Multiple error events may be triggered as the data signal (and its accompanying synchronous error signal) passes through pipelined functions of the data path so as to create complex error conditions. In addition, deterministic handling of created errors may be accomplished using a loopback path with bypassable blocks on both forward and reverse transformations. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08650443B2
According to an embodiment, a management apparatus includes a management table, a control unit, a module timer, and a judgment unit. The control unit controls an order of executing modules based on an execution order described in a management table. The module timer measures the execution time of each running module. The judgment unit writes real execution time in the management table when the real execution time at the end of the exertion is equal to or shorter than the expected execution time. Otherwise, the judgment unit writes a flag for defective condition in the management table when the real execution time is longer than the expected execution time. When a flag for defective condition is written in the management table, the control unit stops the execution of the running module and starts the execution of the next module.
US08650430B2
In a communication system in which data is transmitted and received in synchronization with a clock signal, a peripheral device cannot transfer data to a host device when the host device stops outputting the clock signal and thus the peripheral device cannot promptly transmit an interrupt request to the host device. A peripheral device transmits an interrupt request to a host device using a signal line for a clock signal when the clock signal output has been stopped. The host device receives the interrupt request, and resumes outputting a clock signal to enable data transmission and reception to and from the peripheral device. This enables the peripheral device to transmit an interrupt request to the host device promptly when the output of the clock signal from the host device has been stopped.
US08650424B2
For one disclosed embodiment, a plurality of processor cores of a multicore processor may be operated at variable performance levels. One processor core may operate at a performance level different than a performance level at which another processor core may operate. Performance levels of multiple processor cores may be identified. Power consumption of the plurality of processor cores may be controlled based at least in part on the identified performance levels. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08650422B1
A method of implementing a low power state within a circuit configurable to communicate at one of different communication speeds can include determining a current communication speed of the circuit and determining an inactivity duration of the circuit according to the current communication speed of the circuit. Responsive to detecting inactivity for an amount of time corresponding to the inactivity duration, the low power state can be implemented within the circuit.
US08650412B2
A method for managing execution by a processor of a software architecture included in a radiocommunication circuit is provided. The software architecture includes a radiocommunication software stack and at least one client application. The has the following steps, for a given frequency of the processor: a) obtaining a first computing power associated with the stack; b) obtaining a second computing power associated with the at least one client application; c) computing the sum of the first and second computing powers; d) comparing the sum with a predetermined threshold; e) detecting, based on the result of the comparison step, that the second computing power is insufficient for the processor to execute the at least one client application; and f) in the case of positive detection, restraining at least one functionality of the stack.
US08650408B2
An embodiment of a method is disclosed for protecting a key from discovery during decryption of a data stream. This embodiment of the method includes decrypting the data stream with the key. Before completing decryption of the data stream, the method checks consistency between a decrypted portion of the data stream and expected data using a circuit arrangement. In response to an inconsistency between the decrypted portion and the expected data, a tampering signal is generated to indicate tampering is suspected.
US08650398B2
A device includes a first memory area being used to store a first key and unique secret identification information, the first memory area being restricted from being read and written from outside; a second memory area being used to store encrypted secret identification information generated by encrypting the secret identification information, the second memory area being allowed to be read-only from outside; a third memory area being readable and writable from outside; a first data generator configured to generate a second key by using the first key; a second data generator configured to generate a session key by using the second key; and a one-way function processor configured to generate an authentication information by processing the secret identification information with the session key in one-way function operation, wherein the encrypted secret identification information and the authentication information are output to outside.
US08650397B2
Before actually communicating information/data between two endpoints (C, S) connected to a network a secure and confidential distribution of a special key (K h) is performed to nodes (R j) along a path in the network. This is allowed by performing a path handshaking procedure in which first a hint token is forwarded along the path in a first direction and then a disclosure token is forwarded in the opposite direction. In forwarding the disclosure token it is verified in the nodes against the already received hint token. This assures that only nodes on-the particular path will receive the special key or possibly some other information related thereto.
US08650395B2
Making a target file impractical to be retrieved comprises decrypting a directory manager file using a first directory manager file key. The directory manager file includes an encryption key for a segment that is used when reconstructing a target file. The directory manager file is modified by deleting a reference to the target file. The reference includes a file encryption key. Retrieving the target file is made impractical by the deletion of the reference to the target file in the directory manager file. The modified directory manager file is encrypted using a second directory manager file key.
US08650387B2
An IC chip, an information processing apparatus, a software module control method, an information processing system, an information processing method, and a program for ensuring security before booting a software module reliably are provided. A reader/writer and a mobile phone terminal to be accessed by the reader/writer through proximity communication are provided. In the mobile phone terminal, a first software module transmits commands to second and third software modules. The first software module manages states of the second and third software modules. If during boot-up of the third software module, the processing of the second software module is started and completed, then the first software module resumes the boot-up of the third software module.
US08650386B2
A data processor includes a first register file including registers, a second register file including registers, a number of which is larger than that of the registers of the first register file, an instruction decoder and an operation unit. The instruction decoder decodes an instruction described in first and second instruction formats. The first instruction format includes a first register-addressing field for designating the first register file. The second instruction format includes a second register-addressing field for designating the second register file, a size of which is larger than that of the first register-addressing field. The operation unit executes an instruction described in the first and second instruction formats using operand data stored in the first and second register files, respectively, based on the instruction decoder, and executes operations in parallel, a number of which is determined by a certain field included in the second instruction format.
US08650381B2
The present invention aims at preventing the access performance of a distributed memory system by accessing via cross-over ownership a track mapping information formed as a hierarchical memory. In the process of assigning a real data storage area to a virtual volume, at first, a page from a pool is assigned, and thereafter, a track is assigned from said page. The page is composed of multiple tracks into which track data assigned at host write operation timings are stored sequentially from the top. A mapping information of the virtual volume and the page is stored in a control information page that differs from the track data, and the mapping information is stored in the control information page which could only be accessed by a microprocessor having the ownership of the virtual volume.
US08650380B2
A processor has a first table including an entry that associates a logical address with a physical address of a page that manages a virtual space address. The processor determines, when a target logical address accessed by one of threads is translated to the physical address, whether an entry corresponding to the target logical address is present in the first table, the target logical address is of a page accessed by a program. The processor determines, when the entry corresponding to the target logical address is not present in the first table, whether the target logical address has been accessed during the running of the program. The processor delays, when the target logical address has not yet been accessed, the process of reading the entry corresponding to the target logical address from a page table into the first table by a predetermined time to thereby delay the one thread.
US08650364B2
A processing device includes a memory and a processor that generates a plurality of read commands for reading read data from the memory and a plurality of write commands for writing write data to the memory. A prefetch memory interface prefetches prefetch data to a prefetch buffer, retrieves the read data from the prefetch buffer when the read data is included in the prefetch buffer, and retrieves the read data from the memory when the read data is not included in the prefetch buffer, wherein the prefetch buffer is managed via a linked list.
US08650362B2
A storage system creates an abstraction of flash Solid State Device (SSD) media allowing random write operations of arbitrary size by a user while performing large sequential write operations of a uniform size to an SSD array. This reduces the number of random write operations performed in the SSD array and as a result increases performance of the SSD array. A control element determines when blocks from different buffers should be combined together or discarded based on fragmentation and read activity. This optimization scheme increases memory capacity and improves memory utilization and performance.
US08650360B2
With a RAID group not configured from a plurality of storage devices, a storage area of a storage device is provided directly to a virtual volume instead of providing a logical volume inside the RAID group to the virtual volume. That is, the storage system, upon receiving a write request with respect to a virtual storage area, first, specifies a data redundancy configuration (the number of data partitions and the number of created parities) and a RAID level set to a virtual volume including this virtual storage area. The storage system selects storage devices in the numbers in accordance with the specified RAID level and redundancy configuration for this virtual storage area. The storage system selects, from among the selected storage devices, a storage area that is not allocated to any virtual storage area, and allocates this storage area to this virtual storage area. The storage system partitions the data and writes this data together with the parity to this allocated storage area.
US08650349B2
In an embodiment, a south chip comprises a first virtual bridge connected to a shared egress port and a second virtual bridge also connected to the shared egress port. The first virtual bridge receives a first secondary bus identifier, a first subordinate bus identifier, and a first MMIO bus address range from a first north chip. The second virtual bridge receives a second secondary bus identifier, a second subordinate bus identifier, and a second MMIO bus address range from a second north chip. The first virtual bridge stores the first secondary bus identifier, the first subordinate bus identifier, and the first MMIO bus address range. The second virtual bridge stores the second secondary bus identifier, the second subordinate bus identifier, and the second MMIO bus address range. The first north chip and the second north chip are connected to the south chip via respective first and second point-to-point connections.
US08650337B2
Various address translation formats are available for use in obtaining system memory addresses for use by requestors in accessing system memory. The particular address translation format to be used by a given requestor, an example of which is an adapter function, is pre-registered in a device table entry associated with that requestor.
US08650335B2
A measurement facility is provided for capturing and presenting fine-grained usage information for adapter functions in an input/output subsystem. Adapter specific input/output traffic is tracked on a per function basis and the results are dynamically presented to the user. This information is useful for performance tuning, load balancing and usage based charging, as examples.
US08650332B2
The embodiments of the present invention provide a method for switching a working mode, a USB device, and a host device. The method for switching a working mode includes: determining, according to the osvc key value in the registry of a host device, that a driver for a second working mode is installed on the host device, after the USB device is connected to the host device; and switching the current working state of the USB device from a first working mode to the second working mode. In the embodiments of the present invention, neither special auxiliary program nor additional driver needs to be developed. Therefore, the solution is easy to implement and a problem of incompatibility will not occur.
US08650329B2
An exemplary port reducing method is for removing unselected ports of an original S-parameter file and generating an optimized S-parameter file. The method controls a display unit to display a user interface to receive commands from a user in response to user operation; the commands comprise a calling command, a selecting command, and an executing command. The method obtains the original S-parameter file in response to the calling command. Next, the method determines which of the ports of the original S-parameter file are unselected in response to the selecting command, and connects each unselected port to the ground through one terminal impedance. The method then generates an optimized S-parameter file that comprises only the selected ports in response to the executing command.
US08650326B2
Architecture that facilitates communications between two network nodes of the different networks by providing a routing mechanism that uses alternative modalities driven entirely by policies that are authored and stored in a computing cloud and enforced on the client. This allows the selection of one network path over another path based on criteria such as, physical location of the hosts and service level agreements (SLAs) to be provided, for example. With respect for path selection, a packet can be routed through a datacenter closest to the hosts. With respect to SLAs, there may be different SLAs available to different clients. For clients with the highest bandwidth/uptime or other guarantees, a network path different from other types of clients can be selected. Additionally, connectivity can be allowed or disallowed based on other kinds of policy rules such as a virtual circle to which the hosts may belong.
US08650318B2
A comprehensive platform for merchandising intellectual property (IP) and conducting IP transactions is disclosed. A standardized data collection method enables IP assets to be characterized, rated and valuated in a consistent manner. Project management, workflow and data security functionality enable consistent, efficient and secure interactions between the IP Marketplace participants throughout the IP transaction process. Business rules, workflows, valuation models and rating methods may be user defined or based upon marketplace, industry or technology standards.
US08650310B2
A communication session is established between a first device and a browser on a second device. The communication session is a persistent hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) session in which a transmission control protocol/internet protocol (TCP/IP) connection persists throughout the persistent HTTP session. A question is transmitted from the first device to the browser on the second device. In response to the first device receiving an illogical response to the question from the second device, the communication session between the first device and the second device is terminated.
US08650306B2
An interoperable controller operation system having a command module or processor, and input and output interfaces. The command module may have an application that is fixed, configurable or programmable. The module may be changeable on the fly. The input and/or output interfaces may be changeable on the fly. The module or processor may have a memory or be connected to one. The processor and/or memory may contain a function block engine.
US08650301B2
A method for increasing bit-rate consumed by a consumer node in a real-time peer-to-peer (P2P) network delivering real-time multimedia content. The method comprises determining desirability to switch to a higher bit-rate consumption respective of a current bit-rate consumption; sending requests to resource nodes of the P2P network for supply of additional bandwidth to support a difference between the higher bit-rate consumption and the current bit-rate consumption; connecting to at least one resource node of the P2P network that can supply the additional bandwidth, thereby increasing bit-rate consumption; determining whether there are connection problems due to the increase in bit-rate consumption; and consuming from the at least one resource node the current bit-rate in addition to the additional bandwidth when no connection problems occur and it is established that the consumer node is capable of handling the higher bit-rate consumption of the real-time multimedia content.
US08650294B2
Methods and arrangements for service specific configuration of QoS, preferably end-to-end QoS, in a data network by establishing a service specific QoS configuration in a client device. The client device is adapted to be connected to a data network. The data network comprises a service management server. The method comprises the steps of sending a request message comprising a service configuration to the server and receiving an acknowledgement message comprising the service configuration requested by the client device, from the server. The requested service configuration comprises information regarding service specific QoS configuration.
US08650290B2
A managed services platform and method of operation of same are described herein. The platform can include a device management service (DMS) server in which the DMS server can act as a gateway for communications with one or more computing devices, and the computing devices are associated with a first entity. The platform can also include an application service (AS) server in which the AS server is communicatively coupled with the DMS server. When a first computing device contacts the DMS server, the DMS server is operable to provide a bundle to the first computing device. As an example, the bundle contains content that at least includes one or more configuration messages and an application set that contains one or more predefined applications. The content of the bundle can be determined at least in part by the first entity.
US08650283B1
Content delivery technology, in which a request to download a content file to a downloader device is received from a remote device and the downloader device associated with the received request is identified. Address information for the content file associated with the received request is determined and a communication session is established with the downloader device based on the identification of the downloader device associated with the received request. The determined address information for the content file is sent to the downloader device over the established communication session, thereby enabling the downloader device to download the content file associated with the request.
US08650271B2
Compute clustering software embodied in a computer-readable medium and operable to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) is provided, the GUI operable to present a selection area for illustrating a plurality of receptors in a chassis, each receptor configured to couple to a network device, wherein the selection area conveys a physical location of each of the plurality of receptors, receive information from a user to create a defined cluster by pointing and clicking on a portion of the plurality of receptors illustrated in the selection area, present an image selection window with a plurality of software image choices, receive an image selection for each of one or more selected receptors in the defined cluster, and wherein the software is operable to associate each logical address of the defined cluster with a not necessarily same selected one of the plurality of images.
US08650263B2
This disclosure pertains to solutions, including without limitation, systems, methods, and software programs, that provide the ability to quickly and efficiently search mobile devices for relevant information. An exemplary search server has the ability to communicate (either directly and/or via a host PC) with one or more mobile devices to transmit a search request. The mobile devices, in turn, have a search facility that is configured to perform a search of the contents of the device and return a set of results to the search server. These results then may be presented to a user, who can select one or more of the results. The selected search result(s) then may be downloaded from the device and presented to the user.
US08650260B2
In one aspect, a universal storage manager in a multi-tenant computing system receives at least one message requesting a change to a storage infrastructure of the multi-tenant computing system. Thereafter, the universal storage manager associates the requested change with one of a plurality of operations changing the storage infrastructure. Once this association is made, the universal storage manager initiates the associated operation to change the storage infrastructure. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.
US08650258B2
Systems and methods for processing encoded messages within a wireless communication system. A server within the wireless communication system provides one or more indications to a mobile device as to certain conditions existing with respect to an encoded message. The mobile device performs a different message processing function based upon whether the indication is provided. The indications may include indicating whether a message exceeds a message size threshold and/or may indicate whether a partial message is being sent.
US08650252B2
As a user of a social networking system views a page that includes information provided by the system, certain types of social interactions are monitored. If an interaction monitored for is detected, at least one recommendation unit is identified to present to user on the page. The recommendation unit is identified based on a description of the interaction. The recommendation unit suggests that the user perform a social interaction in the social networking system. The recommendation unit is transmitted to a device of the user and is presented to the user on the page without having to reload the entire page.
US08650249B2
An intermediary (such as a web reverse proxy), which is located between a web browser and one or more backend applications, manages cookies that are provided by the backend applications and returned to the web browser during a user session. The intermediary decides which cookies should be sent to the browser and which cookies should be stored therein. Preferably, this determination is made in an automated manner by examining the response for any cookie-dependent code (e.g., scripting) included in the response.
US08650245B1
A method implemented by a computing component for providing adaptive views of reputation data associated with a domain name system query is described. A domain name system query is received. A filter portion within the query is identified. A virtual zone file is queried according to the filter portion of the query. A response to the query is generated. The response comprises an analysis of the reputation data according to the filter portion.
US08650237B2
Adaptive processing of an input signal is achieved by offline analysis, with inline processing comprising an adaptive filter. The method comprises passing the input signal through an adaptive time domain filter to produce an output signal. The input signal and/or output signal is used as an offline analysis signal. The analysis signal is transformed into a transform domain (eg frequency domain) to produce a transformed analysis signal. The transformed analysis signal is analyzed, for example by ADRO, to produce a plurality of desired gains each corresponding to a respective transform domain sub-band. A time domain filter characteristic is synthesized to at least approach the desired gains. The adaptive filter is updated with the synthesized filter characteristic. Minimum phase adaptive filter techniques are found to possess particular benefits in this scheme.
US08650235B2
A function generator for a digital system includes a plurality of sub-function generators. Each sub-function generator has an input that receives a respective input value and has an output that provides a respective output value responsive to the respective input value. A case detector receives a system input value and selectively routes at least a first portion of the system input value to the input of at least one selected sub-function generator. The case detector selects the selected sub-function generator in response to at least a second portion of the system input value. The case detector further suppresses transitions of data on the input of at least one non-selected sub-function generator. The case detector further selects the respective output value provided by the at least one selected sub-function generator and provides the selected respective output value as a function generator output value.
US08650234B2
For generating a random number in a disk drive, a seed is generated from a respective sector number for each of at least one sector of the disk drive. The random number is calculated using the seed. The seed that is generated with enhanced unpredictability and complexity is used to generate the random number for secure data cryptography within the disk drive.
US08650226B2
Provided herein is a system and computer program product for distributing at least one infrastructure description record (IDR) over at least one tier of a network. The system includes at least one network interface that receives the infrastructure description records (IDRs) and the IDRs being enqueued on at least one incoming, transactional, persistent queue (ITPQ), at least one transactional, persistent store, and at least one transactional process that dequeues the IDR from the ITPQ and accesses the IDR to create an accessed IDR, the accessed IDR being stored in the transactional, persistent store in the system.
US08650220B2
Systems and methods for storing and retrieving geospatial data in a geographic information system are provided. Geospatial data can be spatially partitioned along axes of a spherical coordinate system associated with a virtual globe or other spheroid into a plurality of discrete geospatial volumes pursuant to a hierarchical spatial partitioning scheme. For instance, geospatial data can be spatially partitioned into geospatial volumes along surfaces of constant latitude, longitude, and altitude defined by the spherical coordinate system. The discrete geospatial volumes can be stored as nodes in a hierarchical tree data structure. Additional methods are provided for portioning geospatial objects, such as tiles or discrete geospatial volumes, in tritree to reduce polar distortions.
US08650217B2
A compression method for a data transfer that is independent of computer architecture and/or a decompression method for a data record that contains structural indicators and variable values are provided. The method includes the following steps: provision of a string automaton, which represents the structuring rules of the data record in a unit that compresses the original data record; input of the data record into the string automaton; generation of a second, shorter data record by the string automaton, the record containing the variable values of the first data record and control symbols that are specific to the string automaton equipment, the symbols representing a switch from an automaton condition to a sequence condition; and transmission of the second data record to a similar string automaton, which interprets the control symbols, whereby a copy of the original data record with an identical data structure is generated.
US08650211B2
An object-oriented system provides a comprehensive and integrated tool to manage, operate, analyze and inspect structures by providing 3-D visualization of the structures, a database interface, connectivity with one or more databases, a data display and analysis capabilities. The structural model is stored as an object-oriented, serialized file as a series of objects, including primitives, coordinates, object names, group names and other object identifiers. The system integrates various types of data, including tabulated textual data, annotated engineering drawings, photographic records, graphical plots, audio and videotaped records, from different tables and databases. Data are displayed to the user based on queries that the user submits to the system, which queries are evaluated at run-time. As a result, the user achieves unparalleled flexibility in data analysis and evaluation.
US08650208B2
An improved approach is described for handling parallelization of window functions, particularly window functions that do not contain partition keys or which has low cardinality for the partition keys. The approach is highly scalable and can be used to greatly improve query processing. A two stage evaluation approach is employed to parallelize the processing of window functions. In the first stage, which is highly parallel, the majority of the computation of window function is done by all available processes. In this way, the entire computing power of the database server is utilized. The second stage, which is serial but is likely to be very short, all processes involved in first stage synchronize and complete the window function evaluation.
US08650206B2
A system and method is disclosed for providing nested bucketization in a supply chain network. The system includes a server coupled with a database and configured to access data describing a time horizon of a specified time interval. The server is further configured to create an on-hand inventory profile which comprises a set of (day, quantity) pairs, stored in a linked list within a data structure involving nested buckets, wherein the on-hand inventory profile points to an empty link list when first created and store the on-hand inventory profile in the database.
US08650195B2
A region based information retrieval system improves on conventional information retrieval systems by breaking down documents into one or more region(s) and processing the additional information available at a region level of analysis. When looking at regions, it becomes possible to quickly distinguish between groups of related documents, quickly ignore or focus on certain information, track recent evolutions of documents, as well as understand the historical relationships, heritage, and versions of these documents. This is all possible whether or not the document publishers specify where the content originally came from.
US08650186B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for improving the management of requirements in systems and systems of systems. Multiple requirements databases may be interfaced, and language processing tools may be used to identify requirements having related content. The relevancy of requirements may be based on the semantic distance between terms in the network, their semantic relations, the number of related terms in the requirements, etc. A user may be presented with a navigable cross-section of requirements data relevant to search terms. Thus, added visibility and ease of access is provided for systems and systems of systems.
US08650177B2
In an example, disclosed is a machine automated method of identifying a set of skills. In some examples, the method includes extracting a plurality of skill seed phrases from a plurality of member profiles of a social networking site, creating a plurality of disambiguated skill seed phrases by disambiguating the plurality of skill seed phrases using one or more computer processors, and de-duplicating the plurality of disambiguated skill seed phrases to create a plurality of de-duplicated skill seed phrases.
US08650174B2
In most of the Internet search operations, unwanted search results can be eliminated to reduce the high volume of the Internet traffic, and make the search operation highly efficient, according to the present invention. The present invention proposes a two step approach. The first step is to achieve the high relevance of the search results by search region restricted search operation. The second step, further adds high degree of relevance to the search results by the contact address correlation with a reliable reference address or the legitimate contact address eliminating the crap and squatter sites from the search result list. The region restricted search does searching in a selected geographical region. Thus the region restricted search operation minimizes the search time and huge volume of Internet traffic, which is likely to impair the overall Internet performance.
US08650173B2
Technologies are described herein for placing search results on a search engine results page (SERP). A query may be received. The query may be transmitted to a plurality of search result providers. A first set of search results and a second set of search results may be received from the search result providers. Intent features may be extracted from the first set of search results. User intent of the second set of search results may be inferred based on the extracted intent features. The first set of search results and the second set of search results may be ranked based on the inferred user intent. The SERP may be rendered according to the ranked first set and second set of search results.
US08650172B2
A searchable web site discovery and recommendation system and method for discovering and recommending searchable web sites to a user of a search engine. In general, given a search query by a user embodiments of the system and method discover and then recommend a list of searchable web sites. Embodiments of the system and method discover and recommend searchable web sites using client-side query behavior logs. A set of descriptive features is automatically extracted from the logs. In addition, embodiments of the system and method expand the initial search query by submitting the query to a general search engine and leveraging snippets from the search engine results. Embodiments of the system and method model a conditional probability of a searchable web site based on four components and the extracted descriptive features. A ranked list of recommended searchable web sites is obtained from the conditional probability and displayed to a user.
US08650167B2
A “forward” delta data management technique uses a “sparse” index associated with a delta file to achieve both delta management efficiency and to eliminate read latency while accessing history data. The invention may be implemented advantageously in a data management system that provides real-time data services to data sources associated with a set of application host servers. A host driver embedded in an application server connects an application and its data to a cluster. The host driver captures real-time data transactions, preferably in the form of an event journal that is provided to the data management system. In particular, the driver functions to translate traditional file/database/block I/O into a continuous, application-aware, output data stream. A given application-aware data stream is processed through a multi-stage data reduction process to produce a compact data representation from which an “any point-in-time” reconstruction of the original data can be made.
US08650157B1
A computer-implemented method for deduplicating data transferred via physical storage media may include: 1) identifying data stored at a first location that is to be transferred to a second location via a physical storage medium, 2) deduplicating the identified data, 3) storing the deduplicated data on the physical storage medium, and then, after the physical storage medium has been physically transported from the first location to the second location, 4) transferring the deduplicated data from the physical storage medium to a storage device at the second location.
US08650155B2
A computer readable storage medium includes executable instructions to read source node transaction logs to capture transaction data, including local transaction data, global transaction identifiers and participating node data. The global transaction identifiers and participating node data are stored in target node queues. The target node queues are accessed to form global transaction data. Target tables are constructed based upon the local transaction data and the global transaction data.
US08650149B2
A computer-implemented portable inferred interests and expertise profiling system generates an inferred user profile embodied as an inference vector, which is generated based on inferences from behavioral information and in accordance with standardized tags that are associated with topical areas in a first system. The inferences may be of, for example, interests or levels of expertise. Recommendations are then generated based on the inference vector and a different set of topics. Multiple inference vectors may be combined into a composite inference vector, which can serve as a basis for recommendations generated with respect to different sets of topics than those that informed the generation of the composite inference vector.
US08650138B2
An active metric learning device includes a metric application data analysis unit, a metric optimization unit, and an attribute clustering unit. The metric application data analysis unit is formed with a metric applying module for calculating the distance between data to be analyzed, a data analyzing module for analyzing the data using a predetermined function and the distances between the data to be analyzed and outputting the result of the data analysis, and an analysis result storage unit for storing the result of the data analysis. The metric optimization unit is formed with a feedback converting module for creating side information according to the command of feedback from the user and a metric learning module for generating a metric matrix optimized under a predetermined condition using the created side information. The attribute clustering unit clusters the metric matrix optimized by the metric optimization unit and structuralizes the attributes.
US08650134B2
A computer-implemented hierarchical revenue model to manage revenue allocations among derived product developers in a networked system is disclosed. The model includes providing a first revenue value associated with a first digital component, providing a second revenue value associated with a second digital component, and combining the first revenue value with a second revenue value to produce a third revenue value associated with the second digital component, the second digital component including at least a portion of the first digital component.
US08650128B2
A method of performing digital asset management of content is provided. The content is identified with an identifier. The identifier can be identified with a digital watermark, header file, or both. The identifier is linked to usage rules to regulate usage and protect the content. The usage rules can be maintained on a remote or local database or server. Once extracted, an identifier is used to index the database to locate a corresponding usage rule, and can be used to override copy control information with proper purchase and subsequent protection. Content can be managed from such. In another embodiment, an identifier is used to track usage, such as amount of content viewed, time played, and copies made. In yet another embodiment, a content identifier is used to regulate content throughout a distribution chain, and a distributed set of databases with information relevant only to the owner of the database act as one database due to a central router.
US08650123B2
Entry level banking products that may be offered through traditional sales channels (e.g., retail banking locations, online, and the like) or alternative sales channels (co-placement or co-branded with a third-party), to new customers who traditionally do not rely on conventional or mainstream checking, savings, and/or credit account products are described herein. Aspects described herein provide predictable, low cost pricing, guardrails on spending, budget controls, and financial education, while offering a low cost solution to serve all markets of banking customers. Aspects may include a reloadable prepaid card, savings account or savings wallet, custom savings plan services, a contactless payment sticker, budget tools, online banking, online bill pay, convenience checks, and low monthly fees. A bundled package may be made available from banking centers (e.g., bank branches) based on a client needs assessment, as well as made available in prepackaged containers sold or distributed at merchants.
US08650122B2
A method and system for automated settlement and on-line debiting of a financial transaction, such as an emergency-cash transaction, is provided. A bank customer enters a foreign-branch bank and indicates a need for emergency cash. The customer is given a telephone by which the customer communicates with an interactive-voice response system in the customer's language. The system bridges the customer with the customer's home bank, which approves the requested emergency cash. A network in communication with the voice response system and with the issuer automatically initiates an on-line debiting of an account of the customer. The network also initiates and carries out settlement between the acquirer and the issuer by way of settlement accounts.
US08650111B2
A derivatives position tracking system that consists of a centralized trading engine with a trade history database capable of communication with a plurality of counterpart computers via a network to enable the execution of a derivatives transaction. The trading engine and counterpart computers enable the counterpart computers to initiate, unwind and assign requests. Upon execution of a tear-up or assignment, a record of such transaction is stored in the trade history database. Whether or not the tear-up or assignment is executed with the original counterpart, the original counterpart receives a notification of the tear-up/assignment and a new position with the counterpart is reflected in the position-tracking database. Additionally, a credit monitoring module can be used in connection with the derivatives position tracking system to enable the trading engine to alert counterparts when a derivatives transaction exceeds a pre-defined credit limit.
US08650109B2
A system and method for generating an integrated family of benchmarks representing portfolio allocations for a participant is described. At least two assets for a portfolio are identified. A current market rate for at least one of the assets and an expected inflation for a predetermined time period are determined via a computing device. The computing device determines a portfolio allocation to each asset based on the current market rate and the expected inflation so as to define a process for obtaining inflation-protected income for a predetermined number of years and then non-inflation protected income for subsequent years. The identified assets and the portfolio allocations are published via a network.
US08650095B1
A system and method for online management of restaurant orders may comprise of: storing data related to a plurality of vendors; receiving a request from a client computer for vendor product; transmitting the request to a server computer that interfaces with a vendor point of sale system at a specific location; processing the request using the vendor point of sale system; and transmitting a reply to the request from the client computer. Additionally, the method may comprise polling a middleware module for new orders; sending an order from the middleware module to a POS module; sending the order from the POS module to a POS database server; polling the POS database server to retrieve an indication of success or failure; sending an indication of a success or failure to the middleware module; sending a status request from the middleware module to a first web user interface.
US08650092B2
A system for point of sale personalization of an information handling system (IHS), includes one or more subsystems to allow a customer to access a server to select a model of IHS, allow the customer to choose an operating system for the IHS, allow the customer to choose hardware for the IHS, simulate the IHS to the customer including the operating system and the hardware, receive personalization data from the customer, store the personalization data, assemble the IHS, including the hardware and installing the operating system, and download the personalization data to the IHS.
US08650085B2
In selected embodiments a repository system correlates user browsing behavior with in-store transactions involving a number of products or product categories. For example, an online portal may receive online transactional data and in-store transactional data and associate particular user identities with such data. The user identities may be correlated by matching online transactional data with in-store transactional data. This correlation identifies a user known to frequent both online and in-store venues of the same retailer. The online portal may maintain browser repository records based on an association of online and in-store identities. In some implementations, the portal measures in-store transactions of a user known to frequent both online and in-store venues. The measurements may be performed for a predetermined time period. Such measurements may be used to extrapolate web influenced in-store transactional data from at least one browser repository record to estimate a transaction for an unknown user.
US08650083B2
A system for identifying a same user of multiple communication devices is configured to perform the steps of: (a) receiving first data relating to a first device operated by a user; (b) receiving second data relating to a second device operated by a user; (c) determining that the user of the first device is the user of the second device based on identifying that the first data is substantially the same as the second data; and (d) selecting and transmitting a sponsored content to the second device for display thereon, wherein the sponsored content has a relevance to the first and second data and/or a user characteristic datum associated with the user.
US08650082B2
Illustrative embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method, a system, and a computer readable medium encoded with instructions for providing a user terminal with supplemental information to a search result. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention include receiving a search request from the user terminal. Once the search request is received, a set of search results is communicated to the user terminal. The set of search results includes search results that include information associated with at least a first business and a second business. These businesses are then notified of the search request using an electronic notification. Illustrative embodiments of the present invention also include receiving, from the first business, supplemental information associated with the first business that is responsive to the notification. The supplemental information is then communicated to the user terminal and at least the second business.
US08650075B2
A method and system for using individualized customer models when operating a retail establishment is provided. The individualized customer models may be generated using statistical analysis of transaction data for the customer, thereby generating sub-models and attributes tailored to customer. The individualized customer models may be used in any aspect of a retail establishment's operations, ranging from supply chain management issues, inventory control, promotion planning (such as selecting parameters for a promotion or simulating results of a promotion), to customer interaction (such as providing a shopping list or providing individualized promotions).
US08650071B2
Methods and systems are described for issuing and settling electronic coupons. A financial service host may receive authorization and settlement information, wherein the authorization and settlement information comprises an account number of the consumer. The account number may be linked to an account of the consumer enrolled in an electronic coupon program. The methods and system may also include transmitting a notification to the consumer that indicates the electronic coupon has been redeemed. A monetary value associated with the electronic coupon may be debited from an account linked to the merchant, and the account of the consumer may be credited with the monetary value associated with the electronic coupon.
US08650065B2
A system and method for anticipating consumer behavior and determining transaction incentives for influencing consumer behavior comprises a computer system and associated database for determining cross time correlations between transaction behavior, for applying the function derived from the correlations to consumer records to predict future consumer behavior, and for deciding on transaction incentives to offer the consumers based upon their predicted behavior.
US08650051B2
Systems and methods for verifying insurance coverage are provided. A method may include registering data for one or more users, the data including information designating one or more insurance providers for the users. The method may further include transmitting, via a communications network, an insurance verification request to the designated insurance providers, the insurance verification indicating one or more insurance requirements for the user. The communications network may be the internet. A response to the insurance verification request from the designated insurance providers may be received via the communications network. The response may indicate whether insurance associated with the user complies with the one or more insurance requirements. One or more notifications regarding whether the insurance associated with the user complies with the one or more insurance requirements may be transmitted. The insurance verification request may be retransmitted so as to re-verify the user complies with the insurance requirements.
US08650049B1
A method and system for online processing of life insurance applications includes receiving information that identifies an individual to be insured and describes the insurability of the individual. A certification may be received via an electronic data communications link confirming whether an illustration of a life insurance policy was delivered to the policy applicant. Furthermore, information may be received via an electronic data communications link from a third party confirming the identity of the individual to be insured. When a commitment to purchase the policy is received, a personalized temporary insurance certificate may be issued to the applicant, preferably accompanied by a temporary insurance agreement specifying the terms of temporary life insurance coverage extended to the individual. An authorization may also be received via an electronic data communications link authorizing immediate collection of medical history information from one or more third parties concerning the individual to be insured.
US08650047B2
A blood glucose measuring device capable of collectively performing blood glucose measurement process and collectively performing insulin administration process on many patients. When having read a patient ID with a patient ID reading section, a control section identifies a record of the patient of a measurement/administration results table. The control section does not perform blood glucose measurement on the patient of the identified record which shows that a blood glucose measurement flag is “true” and an insulin administration confirmation flag is “false”, and displays an insulin dosage on a display unit with respect to the patient by referring to a prescription information table based on the blood glucose level has been measured. The control section does not display the insulin dosage on the display unit again for the patient whose record is identified which shows that the insulin administration confirmation flag is “true”.
US08650042B2
Systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products are provided for medication management. In one embodiment, a medication dispense queue can be created for a medical procedure to pre-stock a medication dispensing unit prior to the medical procedure. Then, the medications can be tracked to determine when a medication has been, for example, dispensed, administered, wasted, and/or returned.
US08650037B2
A bifurcatable mobile rock crusher and method of transporting the same comprising providing a first segment which is separately towable on the highway and providing a second segment which is separately towable on the highway, where each segment is configured to be combined into one unit and towed as a unit on the highway.
US08650033B1
State-of-the-art speech recognition systems are trained using transcribed utterances, preparation of which is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The present invention is an iterative method for reducing the transcription effort for training in automatic speech recognition (ASR). Active learning aims at reducing the number of training examples to be labeled by automatically processing the unlabeled examples and then selecting the most informative ones with respect to a given cost function for a human to label. The method comprises automatically estimating a confidence score for each word of the utterance and exploiting the lattice output of a speech recognizer, which was trained on a small set of transcribed data. An utterance confidence score is computed based on these word confidence scores; then the utterances are selectively sampled to be transcribed using the utterance confidence scores.
US08650014B2
An iterative reconstruction method to reconstruct an object includes determining, in a series of iteration steps, updated objects, wherein each iteration step includes determining a data model from an input object, and determining a stop-criterion of the data model on the basis of a chi-square-gamma statistic. The method further includes determining that the stop-criterion of the data model has transitioned from being outside the limitation of a preset threshold value to being inside the limitation, ending the iterations, and selecting one of the updated objects to be the reconstructed object.
US08650012B1
In computer system simulations, previous translations of simulation virtual addresses to physical host addresses can be remembered in a cache. During execution of a simulation program, the simulated computer system generates a simulation virtual address. The simulation virtual address may be translated to a host address. Information associated with the translation can be cached, and subsequent accesses to the simulation virtual address can use the cached information to compute the host address.
US08650006B2
Methods of designing an earth-boring tool are described, including calculating one or more performance parameters of the tool based on drilling conditions, a plurality of depth of cut values, and a set of values of other design variables. Methods of enhancing a performance parameter in the design of an earth-boring tool are also described, including calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a plurality of depth of cut values and a first set of values of other design variables, calculating the performance parameter based at least partially on a second set of values of the other design variables different than the first set, and comparing the calculated performance parameters to determine which of the first and the second set is closer to a target range or value across a range of the plurality of depths of cut. Related methods of forming an earth-boring tool are also described.
US08650004B2
A method and apparatus for displaying a representation of a traffic roundabout having a central island surrounded by a circulatory lane is disclosed. The method involves receiving an operator selection of a design vehicle that is expected to use the roundabout, and receiving operator input of a design dimension for the roundabout, the design dimension defining a size of one of the central island and an outer perimeter of the circulatory lane. The method also involves generating a circulatory path of the design vehicle traveling within the design dimension along the circulatory lane, and generating vehicle extent locations associated with passage of the design vehicle along the circulatory path. The method also involves using the vehicle extent locations to compute a circulatory lane width, and generating display signals for causing the display to display an image representing the roundabout.
US08650002B2
A test system for facilitating determining whether a plasma processing system (which includes a plasma processing chamber) is ready for processing wafers. The test system may include a computer-readable medium storing at least a test program. The test program may include code for receiving electric parameter values derived from signals detected by at least one sensor when no plasma is present in the plasma processing chamber. The test program may also include code for generating electric model parameter values using the electric parameter values and a mathematical model. The test program may also include code for comparing the electric model parameter values with baseline model parameter value information. The test program may also include code for determining readiness of the plasma processing system based on the comparison. The test system may also include circuit hardware for performing one or more tasks associated with the test program.
US08649993B1
A device under test is divided into multiple test domains, and test conditions for each of the multiple test domains are defined separately, so that each test domain has its own test pattern, timing data, and other test conditions. Each test domain can start and stop independently, and run at different speeds. Further, triggers are used to specify how the tests executed in the different test domains interact and communicate with one another. Any test domain can generate or wait for a trigger from any other test domain. A test domain can wait for a trigger from a test domain in a CPU.
US08649988B2
An estimation unit that estimates an estimated remaining service life of the lead storage battery implements: a storage step of storing an integral discharge threshold A that is a reference for determination of a service life of the lead storage battery under a standard condition with predetermined values of a surface temperature, a charge current, and a discharge current of the lead storage battery; a calculation step of calculating an integral discharged capacity B that represents an accumulated value of a discharged capacity of the lead storage battery under the actual conditions such as giving deterioration that same order as that occurring when the lead storage battery is repeatedly discharged under the standard conditions; a subtraction step of obtaining a differential electric quantity A−B by subtracting the integral discharged capacity B from the integral discharge threshold A; and an estimation step of estimating the estimated remaining service life of the lead storage battery by using the differential electric quantity.
US08649987B2
A system and method providing home and small business owners to monitor and manage one or more appliances. This enables a use to understand in detail their electrical consumption, to make informed decisions based on factual data about energy-saving upgrades to their current systems/appliances, and to provide Internet-based surveillance and control of systems for prevention of freezing, breakdown, or possible fire-related losses, including possible loss-of-life. The system and method includes through the use of Internet based computer software and databases, a hardware interface with electrical circuit panel(s) or fuse boxes in communication with the software and databases and optional wireless outlet monitoring units in communication with the software and databases. The databases being formed and created by the system and method for determining performance of appliances.
US08649986B2
A process for predicting longitudinal cracks during continuous casting of steel slabs. The local strand temperature is measured by thermocouples distributed in the mold wall. In this process, the risk of the strand rupturing as a result of longitudinal cracking is assessed statistically taking into account the current temperature values measured by the thermocouples arranged in the mold and the temperature values determined when no cracks are present.
US08649980B2
Application of nonlinear resonance interferometry is introduced as a new geophysical approach to improve predictability in characterization of subsurface microseismic event analysis and propagation of fracture. In contrast to reflection methods that remove random information noise, nonlinear resonance interferometry exploits the full microseismic acquisition spectrum. In some examples, systems and techniques implement novel computational interactions between acquired microseismic wavefield attributes and a nonlinear system in software to amplify distortions in microseismic noise and exploits injection of synthetic noise, in software format, to fracture events.
US08649976B2
Methods, systems and applications for updating, enhancing, organizing, and utilizing geographic maps, for locating points of interest and places of businesses, or POI's. Embodiments provide a method for collecting geo-coordinate data on POIs by eliciting participation of the business owners or designated employees to identify the specific locations of POI's on a map; a map program which synchronizes to a centralized database where POI and other more frequently changing and time-dependent map information is downloaded to individual users; a map program, where in addition to the standard contact information, “qualitative” information and website links are included in an POI information box to aid in pre-qualifying a POI before selection and in booking a reservation; a method for locating markers on an Internet-based search engine map; and an improved contact management system that allows locations of contacts to be viewed on a map while minimizing address geocoding.
US08649975B2
A preferred route may be determined from an origin location to a destination location. The determination is made by processing directed links (e.g., one-way edges) in a graph that includes one or more links and two or more nodes. The determination of a preferred route may include an estimate of the time required at one or more intersections along alternative. Individual routing preferences, such as a preference of a rural over an urban route, also may be considered. Techniques are described that may help reduce the time required to identify a preferred route, including the identification and removal of no outlet routes before processing the directed links and techniques using particular data formats.
US08649973B2
The present invention provides the simple operation for displaying the information that is expected to be necessary for the user and the simplified procedure of the hands-free operation when displaying the map information on the screen. The display device 20 in which an arrangement state of the screen can be selected between a first state and a second state displays on the screen the detailed information of a destination or its surrounding area such as parking lot information, an access route guide to the transportation facilities, and information of the facility of the destination is displayed on the screen if a change of the arrangement of the screen is detected, if the destination has been set in advance, and if a distance between a current position and the destination is within a predetermined distance. Further, it comprises a display control means 27 for displaying at least a portion of the information acquired by the information acquisition means 23 if the change in the arrangement state of the screen is detected after the external equipment detection means 25 detected the connection of the external equipment 4.
US08649972B2
A car navigation apparatus includes an intersection searching means 14 for searching for intersections in a vicinity of the current position of a vehicle from intersections which exist on a searched route and which exist between the current position and a destination, an intersection name outputting means 15 for outputting the names of the searched intersections, an intersection selecting means 17 for selecting an intersection from the intersection names outputted, an facility searching means 18 for searching for facilities which exist in a vicinity of the intersection selected through the map data, a facility name outputting means 19 for outputting the names of the searched facilities, a facility selecting means 20 for selecting a facility from the facility names outputted, and a facility information outputting means 21 for extracting facility information about the selected facility from the map data, and for outputting the facility information.
US08649968B2
Systems and method of managing map data on electronic devices such as portable electronic devices include systems and methods of preloading map data, managing map data storage, sharing point of interest or pushpin data with other electronic devices, and displaying map data.
US08649958B2
In an apparatus for controlling an air/fuel ratio of a general-purpose internal combustion engine using mixed fuel containing alcohol and gasoline and operated at a desired engine speed inputted by the operator while a throttle opening is regulated such that a detected engine speed converges to the inputted desired engine speed, a fuel injection amount prepared for mixed fuel is increased/decreased when a load is kept constant and the output air/fuel ratio (at which an output of the engine becomes maximum) is estimated. A rate of alcohol contained in the fuel is estimated from the estimated air/fuel ratio and the fuel injection amount is corrected based on the estimated alcohol rate, thereby determining the fuel injection amount appropriately in accordance with the estimated alcohol rate.
US08649946B2
A vehicle information processing unit 16 collects vehicle information, which is information relating to the discharge amount of exhaust gas of at least one at any of a predetermined point, a predetermined section, and a predetermined period of time. An ecological traveling history DB 26 accumulates the vehicle information collected by the vehicle information processing unit 16 for each point through which the vehicle has traveled. A display device 30 displays the vehicle information accumulated in the ecological traveling history DB 26 by an image on a map including each point for each point through which the vehicle has traveled. Therefore, it becomes possible to allow a driver to recognize previous traveling performance at the point through which the vehicle has traveled, and to more effectively provide the driver with a guide or a motivation to perform ecological traveling, thereby providing a more useful in-vehicle apparatus which allows the driver to perform ecological traveling.
US08649938B2
In a control system, a first estimator estimates, as a first controlled force, a force being applied to a controlled object. A second estimator estimates, as a second controlled force, a force being transferred to the controlled object. An external force estimator estimates, as an external force, a force being exerted on the vehicle as the vehicle runs. A dynamics estimator estimates, based on the first controlled force, the second controlled force, and the external force, a value of a parameter that represents the dynamics of the controlled object. A compensator compensates for at least one of the first controlled force and the second controlled force such that the value of the parameter is within a preset target range.
US08649929B2
In a vehicle having an all-wheel drive system in which the front axle and the rear axle of the vehicle can be driven with differently sized front-axle and rear-axle torques, a rotational-speed difference between a front-axle-side rotational speed and a rear-axle-side rotational speed is established from a torque difference between the front-axle and rear-axle torques. The vehicle includes a unit for determining a road friction coefficient, which unit measures the rotational-speed difference and determines the road friction coefficient based on a value pair derived from the rotational-speed difference and the torque difference or determined from a parameter correlating therewith.
US08649922B2
A electronic pet contains a diving device which includes a sealed main body with at least one flexible portion disposed on at least one part of the main body wherein the sealed main body is sealed from water external to the sealed main body by the at least one flexible portion together with the main body, and an actuator, directly connected to the flexible portion through a transmission shaft, wherein the actuator is adapted for controlling the air density of the diving device by pulling or pushing the flexible portion inwards or outwards through the transmission shaft respectively. The electronic pet also includes a driving device, a sensing device used to sense light, sound and contact/non-contact stimulations from an external environment, a signal transceiver device used to transceive signals to and from devices other than the electronic pet, and a processor.
US08649914B2
Systems and methods are described herein for managing the operations of a plurality of microgrid modules. A microgrid module includes transformers and/or power converters necessary for modifying the input AC or DC power sources to meet the required characteristics of the output power. The micro grid module further comprises a control software module and a power router software module. The control software module receives data from sensors in the microgrid module and controls the flow of power with controllable elements. The power router software module controls the operation of the power router. The power router can detect changes in demand for power within the microgrid module or from other microgrid modules. The power router can adjust the flow of power between the micro grid modules in response to changes in the supply of power to the microgrid module and changes in the demand for power from the microgrid module.
US08649910B2
Methods and devices are provided to automatically determine plant water requirements and adjust irrigation in order to make efficient use of water. In one implementation an irrigation control unit comprises at least one input configured to be coupled to and receive signals from a temperature sensor, the signals corresponding to current values of temperature. The unit also includes a memory storing historical values of a plurality of variables and a processor coupled to the at least one input and the memory. The processor is configured to determine plant water requirements at least in part using the historical values of the plurality of variables and the current values of the temperature.
US08649909B1
Provided is a process, including: receiving, via the network interface, from a remote user device, a command to change a state of the fluid-handling device to a target state; translating the received command into a translated command operative to cause a local controller of the fluid-handling device to drive the fluid-handling equipment to the target state, the local controller being responsive to the command and feedback from the fluid-handling device indicative of whether the fluid-handling device is in the target state; and sending the translated command to the local controller.
US08649901B2
In a transfer device for workpiece carriers (18), with a number of segments (10, 10′, 10″) in which a control unit (14, 14′, 14″) respectively activates a linear motor (12, 12′, 12″), in a phase of the transfer of the workpiece carrier (18) from a first segment (10) to a neighbouring segment (10′) synchronization of the linear motors (12, 12″) is no longer effected on the basis of control commands of a central controller but instead the control unit (14) of the first segment (10) makes itself the master (S18) and subjugates the control unit (14′) of the neighbouring segment (10′) as the slave (S20). A position measuring device (22, 24) makes it possible for the master control unit (14) to carry out speed control for the workpiece carrier (18). The control unit (14′) receives information on the commutation angle and the actual force value and can therefore issue the control commands to the associated linear motor (12′) for the control process.
US08649900B2
A stocker system and a method of managing a stocker, the stocker system including a stocker, a rack master, and a sensor to easily examine a shelf of the stocker. The stocker includes the shelf on which a product is loaded. The rack master includes a body part and an arm part connected to the body part to move the product toward or away from the stocker. The sensor unit faces the shelf when the arm part is moved above or below the shelf and the sensor unit is disposed on the arm part. The sensor unit includes a facing surface that is not in contact with the arm part. A plurality of displacement sensors is disposed on the facing surface of the sensor unit to measure relative positions between the sensor unit and the shelf at a plurality of positions.
US08649899B2
A method of rotating an inventory holder includes moving an inventory holder towards a rotation area along a straight segment of a path with a first face of the inventory holder facing a first direction. The rotation area includes a portion of a workspace designated for rotation of inventory holders. The method further includes moving the inventory holder into the rotation area along a first arced segment with an orientation of the first face perpendicular to the first arced segment. The method additionally includes executing a rotation maneuver within the rotation area and moving the inventory holder out of the rotation area along a second arced segment with a second face facing the first direction.
US08649896B2
A management method is able to quickly investigate the cause of a defect generated in a semiconductor product manufacturing process. Manufacturing conditions in various QFP manufacturing steps are stored in a main server while correlating them with an identification number of the QFP, and a two-dimensional bar code corresponding to the identification number is stamped to the surface of the QFP. In the event of occurrence of a defect of the QFP, the manufacturing conditions for the QFP stored in the main server can be traced in an instant by reading the two-dimensional bar code of the QFP and thereby specifying the identification number.
US08649895B2
A lot of buildings have been built while it is concerned that a building material is used fraudulently. Therefore, the present invention provides a managing method of the material and a system thereof. The present invention provides a managing method including a step of attaching a sheet including a plurality of memories to each surface of a plurality of materials, a step of dividing the plurality of materials with the sheet in accordance with data in the memory, a step of constructing a building by using the divided material in accordance with the data in the memory, and a step of checking the data on the constructed building, which is stored in the plurality of memories.
US08649892B2
There is provided a production management system that requires no backup step for performing a backup operation when trouble occurs in a robot, and can increase workability of a repair operation of the robot. The production management system for a production line mixedly including robot operation steps and manual operation steps, including: a monitor that displays the cause of abnormality that occurs in the robot operation step; a warning device that warns of occurrence of abnormality in the robot operation step; and a robot reversing device that reverses the orientation of a robot when abnormality occurs in the robot, wherein production is continued by changing the robot operation step where the abnormality occurs to the manual operation step. Also, a repair operation is performed for the robot reversed by the robot reversing device.
US08649875B2
A time-reversal acoustics system includes a transmitter configured to send a high intensity acoustic waveform signal focused on an implantable receiver. The receiver includes a piezoelectric transducer configured to convert received acoustic energy to an electrical signal used to energize an internal electrical circuit. Such circuit may be used to operate at least one tissue stimulating electrode, at least one sensor such as an ECG sensor, charge an internal battery or perform another useful function. The system of the invention may be used as a wireless cardiac pacemaker or a neurostimulator.
US08649874B2
Extended pain relief via high frequency spinal cord modulation, and associated systems and methods. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a neural modulation site to include at least one of a dorsal root entry zone and dorsal horn of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to reduce patient pain for a period of time after ceasing delivery of the signals, the period of time being at least one tenth of one second.
US08649873B2
A device for brain stimulation includes a lead having a longitudinal surface, a proximal end, a distal end and a lead body. The device also includes a plurality of electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead near the distal end of the lead. The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a first longitudinal position along the lead; and a second set of segmented electrodes comprising at least two segmented electrodes disposed around a circumference of the lead at a second longitudinal position along the lead. The device further includes one or more conductors that electrically couple together all of the segmented electrodes of the first set of segmented electrodes.
US08649867B2
A patient device (10) having a first interface (20) for the wireless transmission of data from and to an implant and having a second interface (22) for the remote data communication with a central service center and having a third interface (24) different from the first and second interfaces, the third interface (24) being implemented for connecting a programming device to the patient device (10) and the patient device (10) being implemented to relay programming data received via the third interface (24) on the part of a programming device to the first interface (20) and wirelessly transmit it to an implant.
US08649862B2
A medical device can include a therapy circuit configured to provide a specified electrostimulation therapy to a tissue site, the specified electrostimulation therapy including a scheduled completion, the therapy circuit including a protection circuit configured to adjust specification of the electrostimulation therapy being provided so as to provide an adjusted electrostimulation therapy before the scheduled completion. The medical device can include a monitoring circuit comprising a comparator. The monitoring circuit can be configured to trigger the protection circuit to inhibit the therapy circuit when the therapy circuit output parameter exceeds the specified threshold as indicated by the comparator.
US08649859B2
This document discusses, among other things, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system. In an example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia system includes at least two separate modules that coordinate delivery an antitachyarrhythmia therapy, such as a defibrillation therapy. In another example, a modular antitachyarrhythmia therapy system includes a sensing module, an analysis module, and a therapy module.
US08649857B2
A TANK filter is provided for a lead wire of an active medical device (AMD). The TANK filter includes a capacitor in parallel with an inductor. The parallel capacitor and inductor are placed in series with the lead wire of the AMD, wherein values of capacitance and inductance are selected such that the TANK filter is resonant at a selected frequency. The Q of the inductor may be relatively maximized and the Q of the capacitor may be relatively minimized to reduce the overall Q of the TANK filter to attenuate current flow through the lead wire along a range of selected frequencies. In a preferred form, the TANK filter is integrated into a TIP and/or RING electrode for an active implantable medical device.
US08649833B1
A user device includes a conductive structure coupled to a receiver and a sensor. The conductive structure is configured to operate as an antenna for the receiver and as a sensor pad for the sensor.
US08649827B2
The present invention discloses a power supply unit and a power supply switching method for mobile terminals. The terminal power supply unit comprises a battery, a power supply conversion module, a charging management module and a power supply switching module; the charging management module and the power supply switching module both comprise a power supply input port used for connection with an external power supply; the charging management module is connected with the battery and used for charging the battery when an external power supply is connected; the power supply conversion module is connected with the power supply switching module and used for converting the voltage of an external power supply into a power supply voltage required by the terminal and controlling an on-off state of the power supply switching module such that the power supply switching module is in an on state when no external power supply is connected, the battery supplies power to the terminal, and such that the power supply switching module is off and the power supply conversion module outputs the power supply voltage when an external power supply is connected. The present invention realizes that when the terminal is connected with an external power supply, the external power supply supplies power to the terminal and the battery is only charged without supplying power to the terminal, which is suitable for power supply switching of existing handsets and 3G handsets.
US08649825B2
A mobile wireless communications device may include first and second housings, a hinge pivotally coupling the first and second housings, and a first antenna carried by the first housing. The mobile wireless communications device may include a second antenna carried by the second housing, wireless transceiver circuitry carried by the first housing and configured for spatial diversity operation with the first and second antennas, and a hinge connector carried by the hinge and coupling the second antenna to the wireless transceiver circuitry.
US08649823B2
A method and apparatus is disclosed to restrict access services to a communication device. The services may be restricted based upon hardware characteristics, geographic characteristics, user specifications of the communication device and/or specified rules. The method and apparatus may restrict its service to only specific applications suitable for the environment and the time. Upon a request for a service that is now restricted, the method and apparatus may notify an end user that the service was requested. Further, the method and apparatus may notify an originator of the request that the service is not available and may ask for a short message to be delivered to the end user.
US08649820B2
UICCs are disclosed herein. An example UICC includes a body a body having a height between approximately 10.9 millimeters and 11.1 millimeters and a width between approximately 8.9 millimeters and 9.1 millimeters.
US08649816B2
The wireless communication system is configured to adaptively change a status report (SR) cycle and a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle on the basis of a quality of a radio link between a terminal device and a network device. When the quality of the radio link is good, the DRX cycle or the SR cycle is lengthened accordingly, and when the quality of the radio link is poor, the DRX cycle or the SR cycle is shortened accordingly. Furthermore, when the quality of the radio link is good for a long time, the power consumption can be significantly reduced by turning off the terminal device, and after a certain time, turning on the device.
US08649815B2
A communication system includes a base station device that includes a setting unit where, when the bandwidth of a signal to be transmitted from the base station device to the wireless terminal is set from a first bandwidth to a second bandwidth, which is narrower than the first bandwidth, the transmission power per unit bandwidth of the signal to be transmitted from the base station device to the wireless terminal is set from a first transmission power to a second transmission power, which is larger than the first transmission power, and when the bandwidth is set from the second bandwidth to the first bandwidth, the transmission power is set from the second transmission power to the first transmission power, and the wireless terminal includes a reception unit that receives a notification of the set bandwidth and uses the set bandwidth to receive a signal.
US08649813B2
A system and method for pre-allocating PTT resources including user/resource credentials at the native PTT gateway are presented. The user status and floor control information can be buffered at the native PTT gateway until the native PTT gateway receives actual resource/end point information from the media handler. Afterwards, the pre-allocation of PTT resources can be correctly mapped to the actual user resources/end point information when the native PTT gateway receives such information from the media handlers and a call is handled.
US08649812B2
A mobile terminal retains a communication device allocation priority table in which the allocation priorities of communication devices to respective applications are recorded for each of the communication devices mounted to the mobile terminal. The allocation priorities are determined from the combination of the types of an application and the operation state of the application. The mobile terminal allocates the communication devices to the applications in accordance with the priority orders recorded in the allocation priority table. The allocation priorities recorded in the communication device allocation priority table are varied in accordance with the operation states of the applications and the presence/absence of an alternate device.
US08649811B2
An embryo frequency leakage system for personalized wireless communication includes a base station with transceiver transmits and receives at a carrier frequency fl, an apparatus that transmits and receives at frequency fl while purposely leaks at another frequency fe; a handheld that transmits and receives at its embryo frequency fe which preferably at higher frequencies so that the handheld form factor and power consumption can be minimized. In this way, handheld only needs one low power radio therefore is green energy and less danger when pointing to human brain. The handheld will always associate with an apparatus which is deployed within personalized area and has a longer reach by using lower carrier frequencies meanwhile leaks at higher frequencies to create the second communication channel with the handheld.
US08649808B2
A unified messaging system allows the receipt and sending of different messages across devices is established by creating relationships that leverage the capabilities of different devices. A message server establishes a relationship with a mobile device. Through the relationship, the message server can use the mobile device to send different types of messages that the server computer cannot transmit. A relationship between a client and a server extends this capability to the client. Through these relationships, a client can retrieve mobile device messages as well as generate them. The generated mobile device messages are transmitted to the message server. The message server determines that the received messages are mobile device messages that the server cannot deliver and sends the mobile device messages to the user's mobile device. The mobile device receives the mobile device messages from the message server and transmits the mobile device message to recipient mobile devices.
US08649806B2
An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) in a physical wireless network alerts to a problematic crowd risk using location based services (LBS). An Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) comprises a Network Monitor, a Crowd Risk Determinant and an Alert Module. The Network Monitor monitors wireless traffic for a potential viral event, associated with a formation of a plurality of wireless devices. The Crowd Risk Determinant requests location information associated with a plurality of wireless devices in a given area regarding a respective viral event. The Crowd Risk Determinant determines if the viral event also indicates a crowd safety risk, based on the shape and movement of observed wireless devices. The Alert Module triggers an alert of an impending crowd problem when crowd risk is above a given threshold. Historical databases are empirically determined and maintained in the Aggregate Location Dynometer (ALD) for use in viral event and crowd risk assessment.
US08649802B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for location based call signal conversion in a wireless communication network. The location based call signal conversion apparatus comprises an LBS (Location Based Service) server that provides location information on user terminals, and a call signal conversion server that converts the called signal to anyone called terminal on the called target terminal list that has been set up according to the current location of said called user terminal if a call connection request to a receiving user terminal from a sending user terminal is sensed among said user terminals, and if conditions for call signal conversion are satisfied according to the location and state of said called user terminal.
US08649800B2
A system for providing positioning functionality in an apparatus without having to implement dedicated hardware. An apparatus that desires to receive directional information may receive a message from another apparatus (e.g., access point or AP). The AP may operate in various modes that, for example, may provide directional information to other apparatuses as part of a general broadcast (e.g., a wireless local area network, or WLAN, beacon signal) or in response to messages requesting directional information that are received from other apparatuses. After receiving the message from the AP, the apparatus may determine if the message comprises directional information. If the message is determined to comprise directional information, directional information from the received message may be utilized to determine apparatus location. Otherwise, the apparatus may then send a message requesting directional information to the AP, which may prompt the AP to provide directional information.
US08649798B2
Individuals carrying a mobile communications device may send and/or receive attractor signals that specify where pre-defined groups are meeting at large gathering such as sporting events or concerts. The groups may be open to the public or may be private. The attractor signals are sent to those mobile communications devices of the group that are currently present at the event location rather than to all potential members of the group. The attractors may present information regarding where the meeting point is, who initiated the attractor signal, which individuals have responded to the attractor or are already at the meeting point, and so forth. The attractors maybe updated to with more current information including new guidance data as the user receiving the attractor changes location in an attempt to find the meeting point.
US08649797B2
The present invention relates to a resource allocation apparatus, subscriber station, resource allocation method, and non-transitory computer readable medium thereof. The resource allocation apparatus may know the unoccupied partition of the wireless network resource and allocate the unoccupied partition to the SS of the femtocell network. Thereby, the SS of the femtocell network will not occupy the same network resource of the macro BS or other femto SS, and interference of between femtocell and macrocell or other femtocell is reduced effectively.
US08649784B2
A system and a method for remote household appliance control based on a mobile communication network are provided. The system includes: a remote control access device and a remote control executor. The method includes: saving a first corresponding relationship between an infrared code type and identification information of a corresponding controlled household appliance and an operation act; and after receiving an unstructured supplementary service data (USSD) session request from a mobile terminal, sending a locally stored USSD menu to the mobile terminal and starting a USSD session with the mobile terminal; after receiving a USSD session content related to performing an operation act on a household appliance from the mobile terminal, transmitting an infrared control signal according to the corresponding infrared code type searched out according to the first corresponding relationship. The remote control of household appliance is realized conveniently by combining USSD and infrared remote control technologies.
US08649779B2
To provide customized information to the user, a wireless communications network node receives a stream of data associated with a user. A first trend associated with at least a first attribute in the stream of data is identified, and based on the identified first trend, customized information is sent for presentation to the user at a mobile station.
US08649774B1
Various aspects of this disclosure are directed to receiving, with a first computing device, an incoming communication. The first computing device may determine that a user has not an taken action with the first computing device with respect to the incoming communication. The first computing device may further identify a second device determined to be physically proximate to the first computing device, and may send an outgoing communication, based at least on the received incoming communication, to the identified second device.
US08649771B1
Systems and methods for controlling access to a particular functionality of a wireless communication device are described. For example, a device can include a memory and a processor that is operatively coupled to the memory. The processor can be configured to display a list of entities that have applications installed on the device that can access a particular functionality of the device; display, for each entity, a complete list of applications associated with the corresponding entity and installed on the device, wherein each of the listed applications can access the particular functionality of the device; and provide a respective graphical switch for each entity and by which access is denied to the particular functionality of the device to all of the listed applications associated with the corresponding entity.
US08649770B1
A cellular wireless modem. The cellular wireless modem comprises a cellular radio transceiver, a short range communication interface, a processor, wherein the processor comprises a trusted security zone, a memory, wherein the memory stores an input forwarding application, and a trusted security zone extension application stored in the memory. When executed by the processor, the extension application provisions the input forwarding application to an intelligent appliance via the short range communication interface, receives input from the input forwarding application executing on the intelligent appliance via the short range communication interface, and transmits a message based on the input via the cellular radio transceiver.
US08649769B2
A method and device for detecting whether a missed call is valid are disclosed in the present invention. Wherein, the method for detecting whether a missed call is valid includes the following steps: when a call is not successfully established, a network side prompting a caller to enter authentication information and sending the authentication information entered by the caller to a called terminal side in a form of a short message; the called terminal side receiving and identifying an authentication short message, judging whether the authentication short message is valid, and authenticating the corresponding incoming call number to be authenticated in a cache by using the authentication information when the authentication short message is judged to be valid; and the called terminal side writing the incoming call number passing the authentication into a missed call record.
US08649763B2
In order to solve the problem in that information relating to a specific purpose can be saved in the internal memory of a mobile apparatus on which a permanent memory is mounted while information relating to other purpose cannot be saved in the internal memory of the apparatus, the purpose of each telephone call is distinguished by sending a non-telephone type notice before transferring the call and thus the user can determine whether the call should be saved or not.
US08649762B1
Real-time customer feedback of call information is determined by a carrier network. Databases are used to map individual phone numbers to the carrier currently servicing that number and to lookup the carrier information for the other party during each call. This information may be displayed on the customer's handset device. Furthermore, this called party network carrier information could be used in conjunction with information about the calling party's rate plan to display the actual cost status of the call on the customer's handset.
US08649754B2
A monolithic integrated circuit (IC), and method of manufacturing same, that includes all RF front end or transceiver elements for a portable communication device, including a power amplifier (PA), a matching, coupling and filtering network, and an antenna switch to couple the conditioned PA signal to an antenna. An output signal sensor senses at least a voltage amplitude of the signal switched by the antenna switch, and signals a PA control circuit to limit PA output power in response to excessive values of sensed output. Stacks of multiple FETs in series to operate as a switching device may be used for implementation of the RF front end, and the method and apparatus of such stacks are claimed as subcombinations. An iClass PA architecture is described that dissipatively terminates unwanted harmonics of the PA output signal. A preferred embodiment of the RF transceiver IC includes two distinct PA circuits, two distinct receive signal amplifier circuits, and a four-way antenna switch to selectably couple a single antenna connection to any one of the four circuits.
US08649751B2
Disclosed herein is a receiver, including: an amplifier for amplifying a received signal; a strain compensator for having a function of compensating for a strain generated in an output signal from the amplifier in accordance with a stain compensation amount which is controlled based on a bias signal from the output signal from the amplifier; and a stain compensation amount controlling portion for generating the bias signal and outputting the bias signal to the strain compensator so that the strain compensation is carried out with a compensation amount corresponding to a strength of the received signal.
US08649749B2
A voltage sampling RF receiver in which an impedance control circuit controls the input impedance, by using a mixer stage which generates a feedback voltage, which is coupled to the RF input by a feedback resistor. A biasing arrangement can be used to adjust the feedback path so that local oscillator leakage signals are suppressed.
US08649737B2
To enable addition or changes of functions with changes of communication standards in a mobile communication terminal test system. A mobile communication terminal test system includes a transceiver which has a control unit configured to append input information to acquired waveform data, a signal analysis unit which executes an analysis program, and a signal analyzer which is provided separately from the transceiver. The analysis program has a processing program which is provided for each type of arithmetic processing on the waveform data, a control program which is provided for each communication system, selects one or more processing programs for each test item, and executes the processing programs, and a switching program which specifies a communication system and a test item on the basis of the input information, and selects and executes a control program.
US08649736B2
The invention concerns a test method for a transmitter-receiver circuit. This transmitter-receiver circuit includes an antenna, connected to a processing unit, arranged for receiving signals and converting their frequency. The transmitter-receiver circuit also includes a power amplifier connected to said antenna and arranged for sending transmission signals. The transmitter-receiver circuit also includes a test module, characterized in that it includes the steps consisting in: a) electrically connecting the test module to the processing unit of the transmitter-receiver circuit; b) testing the operation of the transmitter-receiver circuit in a first operating mode, which can be either a data transmission mode or a data reception mode, using the test module; c) testing the operation of the transmitter-receiver circuit in a second operating mode, which can be either a data reception mode or a data transmission mode, using the test module; and d) electrically disconnecting the test module from the processing unit.
US08649735B2
A method of estimating and reporting, for a receiver (4) associated with a plurality of antennas (41, 42, 43, 44), a channel quality measure of a wireless communication channel from a transmitter (2) to the receiver, the method comprising the steps of: selecting at least one antenna configuration from a set of mutually different antenna configurations inherent to the receiver; determining a channel quality measure for the selected antenna configuration; and reporting the channel quality measure. The set of mutually different antenna configurations comprises antenna configurations that are allocated to different frequency bands (FB1, FB3). A receiver (4), user equipment, computer program and computer readable medium are also disclosed.
US08649732B2
A radio terminal according to the present invention comprises a data amount determination unit (135) configured to determine whether or not a total amount of data to be transmitted in the communications between all radio terminals constituting a tree-structured network and a radio base station exceeds a transmissible data amount in a communication bandwidth assigned to the communications between the communication unit and the radio base station; and a message processor (132) configured to transmit an inquiry message to the lower-level radio terminal when the data amount determination unit determines that the total data amount exceeds the transmissible data amount, the inquiring message inquiring whether or not direct communications with the radio base station are possible.
US08649730B2
A wireless communication system includes a wireless communication apparatus (fixed terminal) resided in a fixed station side providing a wireless antenna, a wireless communication unit, a server processing unit, a task list, a data communication unit, a buffer management unit and a buffer, and a wireless data transport apparatus (mobile terminal) resided in a mobile station side providing the wireless antenna, the wireless communication unit, a server determination unit, a task list I/O unit, the task list, a client processing unit and the buffer, thereby, the mobile terminal receives the task list from the fixed terminal to communicate data with another fixed terminal and transports not only the data but also a data acknowledgement, and the fixed terminal creates the acknowledgement to use the acknowledgement to thereby control a creation and deletion of bulk data appropriately.
US08649725B2
A collection container includes: a first receiving unit that receives toner removed from a toner holder, via an aperture; a conveyance member that is provided in the first receiving unit to convey the received toner in a direction across a first direction in which the first receiving unit extends; a toner container that has a width extending in the first direction to receive and store the conveyed toner across the width; an elastic body that supports the toner container against a weight of the toner container so that at least one end of the toner container is movable within a range greater than that of another part of the toner container; and a moving member that moves in accordance with a movement of one end of the toner container, when the elastic body elastically deformed caused by an increase in an amount of toner stored.
US08649705B2
A developing apparatus is used in an electrophotographic image forming apparatus. Developing units form corresponding developer images. A frame holds the developing units therein in position so that the developing units are movable independently by a distance relative to the frame. An urging member is disposed across the frame and each developing unit and urges each developing unit against the frame. An elastic sealing member secured to the frame and in intimate contact with each of the developing units when the corresponding developing unit is attached to the frame. The sealing member seals a gap between the frame and each of the developing unit.
US08649700B2
The present invention provides a configuration in which an electrically connected condition can further be stabilized in electrical-connection zones between a body of an image-forming apparatus, and an image-forming unit and a plurality of image-forming cartridges. Developing electrode members and wire power-feed electrodes are attached to a slide frame. Each of the developing electrode members has a first body-side contact. The developing electrode members are electrically connected with the developing-roller output terminals. The wire power-feed electrodes are electrically connected with wire output terminals through contact with the wire output terminals. The developing electrode members are elastically deformed as a result of their first body-side contacts being pressed in a direction, which is along a slide direction, by the developing-roller output terminals. The wire power-feed electrodes are pressed in a paper width direction by the wire output terminals.
US08649695B2
A color image forming machine is provided having a plurality of xerographic marking engines, each forming associated color separations that are combined to produce a color print image. Each marking engine includes two independently controlled developers using toners of the same color and strength of color but with different fused gloss characteristics, in that one of the toners will produce a print with a comparatively lower gloss and the other will produce a print with a comparatively higher gloss, thereby providing a greater control over the range of the gloss of the output print.
US08649692B2
A toner replenishing device includes a toner container that stores toner, a toner replenishing device that supplies toner from the toner container to a developing device, and a toner condition detector that detects an aggregated condition of the toner stored in the toner container. A toner softening device is provided to soften toner stored in the toner container. A controller is also provided to drive the toner softening device for a prescribed time period in accordance with a detection result obtained by the toner condition detector.
US08649687B2
The invention relates to a method in a transmitting node for transmitting a modulated optical carrier signal over an optical channel in an optical communications network to a receiving node. The method enables full use of the polarization domain within a Poincaré sphere when modulating the optical carrier signal.
US08649684B2
Optical fiber-based wireless systems and related components and methods are disclosed. The systems support radio frequency (RF) communications with clients over optical fiber, including Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) communications. The systems may be provided as part of an indoor distributed antenna system (IDAS) to provide wireless communication services to clients inside a building or other facility. The communications can be distributed between a head end unit (HEU) that receives carrier signals from one or more service or carrier providers and converts the signals to RoF signals for distribution over optical fibers to end points, which may be remote antenna units (RAUs). A microprocessor-based control system or systems may also be employed. The control systems may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers in one or more of the components of the system that execute software instructions to control the various components and provide various features for the optical fiber-based distributed antenna systems.
US08649682B2
A distribution node of a passive optical network (PON) comprises a first port for receiving a first optical continuous envelope modulated downstream data signal at a first wavelength (λC) from a first optical line termination unit (OLT1) and a second port for receiving a second optical continuous envelope modulated downstream data signal at a second wavelength (λL) from a second optical line termination unit (OLT2). A first converter (FBG-1) performs continuous envelope modulation-to-intensity modulation conversion of the first optical downstream data signal and forwards the converted first optical downstream data signal (λC) to the first group of optical network units (ONU1 . . . N). A second converter (FBG-2) performs continuous envelope modulation-to-intensity modulation conversion of the second optical downstream data signal and forwards the converted second optical downstream data signal (λL) to the second group of optical network units (ONUN+1 . . . 2N). The distribution node forwards a seed signal at the first wavelength (λC) to the second group of optical network units (ONUN+1 . . . 2N) and forwards a seed signal at the second wavelength (λL) to the first group of optical network units (ONU1 . . . N).
US08649679B2
A computerized system and method for managing a passive optical network (PON) is disclosed. The system includes a detection and analysis module adapted for receiving uploaded measurement data from an optical line terminal (OLT) and at least one optical network terminal (ONT), and at least one of technical tools data, service failure data, and outside plant data. The detection and analysis module is adapted for determining a source of failure or potential failure in the PON by correlating the uploaded measurement data and the at least one of technical tools data and service failure data with information stored in a memory medium for the OLT and each ONT.
US08649672B2
A camera driving apparatus according to the present invention includes a camera section; a fixed unit including a protrusion section formed of a magnetic member at least partially and having a shape of at least a part of a spherical face; a movable unit for supporting the camera section, and a conical contact face with which the protrusion section of the fixed unit is loosely engageable and contactable by the magnetic attracting force, the movable unit being freely pivotable with respect to a sphere center of the spherical face of the protrusion section; and a fall preventive member including a fall preventive regulation section distanced from the movable unit by a prescribed gap in a direction of the optical axis, the fall preventive member being fixed to the fixed unit.
US08649669B2
Systems and methods for performing smooth visual search of media encoded for adaptive bitrate streaming using trick play streams are disclosed. One embodiment of the invention includes requesting and buffering portions of video from at least one of the alternative streams using a playback device, decoding the buffered portions of video using a decoder on the playback device, receiving at least one user instruction directing the playback device to perform a visual search of the media, requesting and buffering portions of video from the trick play stream using the playback device, and decoding the buffered portions of the trick play stream using a decoder on the playback device.
US08649655B2
A display device with playback functionality includes: an image information extracting module for extracting image information from a storage medium, and processing the image information so as to generate and output a first setting image signal conforming with a specific format; an image processor for receiving the first setting image signal and performing picture quality processing so as to generate and output a second setting image signal conforming with the specific format; a display unit capable of receiving and displaying one of the first and second setting image signals conforming with the specific format; and a control unit for performing control such that the display unit receives one of the first and second setting image signals when a command is received, and the other of the first and second setting image signals when the command is not received.
US08649645B2
There is provided an optical waveguide comprising an optical core having transverse sides, the optical core extending along a curved path; an optical cladding on the transverse sides of the optical core, wherein the distribution of the optical cladding on the transverse sides of the optical core is asymmetric about the centre of the core.
US08649642B2
A method for predicting an optical fiber performance parameter includes measuring N values for the optical fiber performance parameter at N stages during manufacture or installation of a first optical fiber, where N is an integer. A first set of correlation values is generated representing shifts in the measured optical fiber performance parameter values at the N stages. An installed value of the optical fiber performance parameter is estimated for a second optical fiber based on the first set of generated correlation values and at least one measured optical fiber performance parameter value associated with the second optical fiber.
US08649641B2
An optical light splitter includes or is connected to at least two input waveguides (4; 6, 7; 18, 19; 32,33) for light. The light splitter (1, 2, 30, 40), on the side opposite to the input waveguide or input waveguides (4; 6, 7; 18, 19; 32, 33; 41, 42) transitions into at most one output waveguide (8, 10, 20, 34) in the direction of propagation of the incoming light. A surface (14, 25, 31, 45) is present set at an angle to the direction of propagation of the light in that part of the light splitter that is opposite to the input waveguide or input waveguides, the surface is present where the light splitter has an image from incoming light, and internal corners are not present in the part.
US08649640B2
The present invention provides an optical 90-degree hybrid circuit for reducing wavelength dependency of an IQ phase difference. An optical 90-degree hybrid circuit according to the present invention comprises a first demultiplexing optical coupler including a first and second input port, a second demultiplexing optical coupler including a third and fourth input port, first and second arm waveguides connected to the first and second input port, each having the same length, a third and fourth arm waveguides connected to the third and fourth input port, each having the same length, a 90-degree phase shift section installed in one of the first to fourth arm waveguides, a first optical coupler connected to the first and third arm waveguide, and a second optical coupler connected to the second and fourth arm waveguide, the light is inputted into the first and fourth input port or into the second and third input port.
US08649635B2
The present invention relates to image processing technologies, and discloses an image scaling method and apparatus to reduce distortion of a scaled image. The image scaling method includes: determining a distribution direction of main objects in a source image; and scaling the source image to a target image through a nonlinear scaling method according to the distribution direction of the main objects in the source image, where the nonlinear scaling method employs a scaling direction vertical to the distribution direction of the main objects in the source image. The embodiments of the present invention are primarily applicable to the image scaling field.
US08649624B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for transforming an image, in which an input image is transformed into a frequency domain by selectively using a plurality of frequency transform algorithms according to a frequency characteristic of the input image. The method includes: selecting a frequency transform algorithm to be used for a current block from a plurality of frequency transform algorithms according to a result obtained by transforming frequencies of peripheral blocks adjacent to the current block; and transforming the current block into a frequency domain by using the selected frequency transform algorithm.
US08649623B2
According to one embodiment, an encoding apparatus includes a first quantizer, a second quantizer, a predictor and a calculator. The first quantizer quantizes an input block to obtain a first quantized block. The second quantizer quantizes a reference pixel to obtain at least one quantized value. The predictor predicts each target pixel in the first quantized block using the at least one quantized value and a quantized value of a pixel that is to be decoded preceding the target pixel in decoding order in the first quantized block to obtain a second quantized block. The calculator calculates a difference between the first quantized block and the second quantized block.
US08649617B2
An image decoding apparatus according to an embodiment includes a decoding section configured to encode an encoded stream and output decoded picture; and a control section configured to control decoding of the decoding section, and perform memory management of a memory section that has memory areas for data of four frames that stores the reference images of two frames, the decoded picture from the decoding section, and the decoded picture used for display, wherein the control section causes the decoding section to decode a number of pictures that is in accordance with a speed multiplying number in one frame period at a time of multiple speed reproduction, and exchanges data stored among the memory areas for data of four frames so that the decoded picture used for the display at a time of multiple speed reproduction is held in the memory area.
US08649614B2
A method for creating an image database comprising an extraction step of extracting reference feature vectors from a reference image which should be compared with a retrieval query image for object recognition, the reference feature vectors corresponding to local features at different positions of the reference image and representing the position and characteristics of each of the local features as a vector position, vector length, and a vector direction, a clustering step of creating a plurality of clusters consisting of different reference feature vectors in such a manner that each reference vector belongs to any of the plurality of clusters, a selection step of selecting the representative vector of the clusters from among the reference feature vectors of each of the clusters, and a step of associating the representative vector with the reference image and registering the representative vector associated therewith in the image database for the object recognition, wherein, in the clustering step, each of the clusters is created in such a manner that reference feature vectors at a near vector position belong to the same cluster, and in the selection step, reference feature vectors with long vector length are given priority to select the representative vector, and wherein the retrieval query image and the reference image are compared with each other by generating at least one query feature vector from the retrieval query image, and applying local search between the query feature vector and the representative vector, each of the steps being executed by computers.
US08649608B2
A feature calculator calculates the number of edge pixel pairs (three-dimensional histogram) defined by the edge direction of a predetermined pixel, the edge direction of an edge pixel present in a neighboring area of the predetermined pixel, and the spatial position relation between the predetermined pixel and the edge pixel present in the neighboring area of the predetermined pixel as a feature of an image. With this, the feature also represents the spatial relationship of the edges. Consequently, it is possible to also identify the difference of edge patterns due to the difference of the spatial relationships of the edges and increase the accuracy of identification of, for example, a portrait image.
US08649604B2
A method of detecting a face in an image includes performing face detection within a first window of the image at a first location. A confidence level is obtained from the face detection indicating a probability of the image including a face at or in the vicinity of the first location. Face detection is then performed within a second window at a second location, wherein the second location is determined based on the confidence level.
US08649600B2
Methods and systems of the present embodiment provide segmenting of connected components of markings found in document images. Segmenting includes detecting aligned text. From this detected material an aligned text mask is generated and used in processing of the images. The processing includes breaking connected components in the document images into smaller pieces or fragments by detecting and segregating the connected components and fragments thereof likely to belong to aligned text.
US08649581B2
A method of determining a color transformation for images of biological material includes preparing a first set of biological test objects using a first preparation method, and preparing a second set of biological test objects using a second preparation method. Each test object in the second set of test objects corresponding to a counterpart test object in the first set of test objects, the test object and its counterpart being of the same biological type of material. For each test object in the first and second set of test objects, the color of the test object is determined thereby generating a first and second set of colors The method further includes generating a conversion table indicating a mapping between the colors in the first set of colors and the corresponding colors in the second set of colors. The first and second preparation methods include first and second staining methods, respectively.
US08649574B2
An imaging apparatus includes a face detecting unit detecting a face region from an input image input to the imaging apparatus and a control unit calculating a distance to a subject on the basis of the face size detected by the face detection unit and displaying distance identification information indicating a distance corresponding to the calculated distance in a display unit.
US08649560B2
A method of recognizing a user's dynamic organ for use in an electric-using apparatus includes scanning a difference image, which reflects brightness difference between a target image and a comparative image that are inputted through an imaging element, using a window; generating a HOG (histograms of oriented gradients) descriptor of a region of the difference image that is scanned when it is judged that the scanned region includes a dynamic organ; measuring a resemblance value between the HOG descriptor of the scanned region and a HOG descriptor of a query template for a gesture of the dynamic organ; and judging that the scanned region includes the gesture of the dynamic organ when the resemblance value meets a predetermined condition, wherein the comparative image is one of frame images previous to the target image.
US08649553B2
The present invention relates to a method for predicting a trend of a meteorological phenomenon on the basis of data originating from a meteorological radar. The method includes at least the following steps: a first step of extracting gray level skeletons from images representing the data of the radar; a second step of associating characteristic data indicative of the state of the meteorological system with the gray level local extrema points; a third step of pairing each gray level skeleton of the two successive images; a fourth step of predicting future positions of the forms of the images; a fifth step of predicting trend data of the meteorological system; and a sixth step of representing the information originating from the sixth tracking step. The invention can notably be applied to the establishment of a prediction of trend of a cloud mass. The prediction of the trend of a meteorological situation may be presented to a pilot of an aircraft.
US08649552B2
A data obfuscation method, apparatus and computer program product are disclosed in which at least selected text entities such as words or abbreviations in a document are obfuscated to prevent the disclosure of private information if the document is disclosed. A user establishes various configuration parameters for selected text entities desired to obfuscated. The document is processed and text entities matching the configuration parameters are tagged for obfuscation. The tagged entities are then substituted in the document with obfuscating text. The obfuscating text can be derived from a hash table. The hash table may be used to provide a reverse obfuscation method by which original data can be restored to an obfuscated document.
US08649551B2
An image processing system is described which is arranged to highlight information in image displays by selectively blurring less important areas of an image. By generating such displays comprising areas which are in focus and areas which are out of focus, a viewer's attention is preferentially drawn towards those areas of an image which appear sharp. By having a display system which is arranged to generate such images a means is provided to direct a viewer's attention towards considering the sharp areas of the image display first. Further the selective blurring portions of an image reduces rather than increases the amount of information presented to a viewer and hence reduces the likelihood that a viewer will become overloaded with information. Display systems of this type are therefore especially applicable to complex control environments as means of directing viewer's attention.
US08649549B2
A speaker having a voice coil is disclosed. The voice coil includes two parallel main members and two linking members connecting the two main members for forming a closed loop, one of the linking member having at least a first part from a first circle having a first diameter, and at least a second part from a second circle having a second diameter greater than the first diameter.
US08649546B2
Certain embodiments provide an insert earphone assembly. The insert earphone assembly may include a transducer adapted to convert electrical signals into sound energy. The insert earphone assembly may also include a main sound channel adapted for communicating the sound energy to a user. The insert earphone assembly may also include a plurality of one or more damping elements, one or more auxiliary volumes, and one or more auxiliary ducts. The plurality of the one or more damping elements, the one or more auxiliary volumes, and the one or more auxiliary ducts may be adapted to absorb sound from the main sound channel to modify at least one insertion response.
US08649528B2
The present invention relates to a microphone assembly comprising a microphone assembly casing having a sound inlet port and a transducer for receiving acoustic waves through the sound inlet port. The transducer converts the received acoustic waves to analog audio signals. The assembly according to the present invention further comprises an electronic circuit positioned within the microphone assembly casing, said electronic circuit comprising a pre-amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter preferably in form of a sigma-delta modulator so as to convert amplified analog audio signals to digital audio signals.
US08649526B2
Noise cancellation is effected for audio devices. In connection with various embodiments, a forward leakage transfer function is determined using a signal corresponding to detected portions of the generated sound that has leaked out of the user's ear canal with the proximate end of the earphone inserted in (or otherwise fitted to) the ear. This forward leakage transfer function can be used to characterize ambient noise entering a user's ear canal. A signal corresponding to ambient noise is processed with the forward leakage transfer function to generate and output a noise-cancelling signal for canceling at least a portion of the detected ambient noise.
US08649525B2
A system for hearing protection comprising an outer hearing protection unit, an inner hearing protection unit, and an outer microphone is disclosed, the inner hearing protection unit comprising a speaker and the microphone being arranged to be electrically connectable for transmission of signals to the speaker.
US08649523B2
Methods, systems and computer-readable medium reduce and/or eliminate errors in coding/decoding of streamed audio due to resetting of decoder state values based on playback buffer access. An inaudible compensation signal is included with the audio signal. The compensation signal is generated having a characteristic selected so that the encoded streamed audio signal substantially matches the reset state values at block boundaries. In an ADPCM example, the compensation signal is chosen such that the sum of the compensation signal and the original audio signal (=the compensated audio signal) has the characteristic that, at the block boundaries, the compensated audio signal matches the initial predictor value.
US08649522B2
There is described an electronic mail messaging system in which a plurality of user computers are connected to a mail registration server via the Internet. The mail registration server stores plural sets of decryption data, each set being required to decrypt a corresponding encrypted electronic mail message. Following receipt of an encrypted electronic mail message, a user computer communicates with the mailed registration server to effect decryption of the encrypted electronic mail message using the corresponding decryption data stored by the mail registration server. In this way, the accessing of the electronic mail message can be monitored by the mail registration server.
US08649519B2
A method and apparatus for secure distribution of digital content is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, an intermediate device maintains an authorized content sink list which it uses to allow reauthorization of a first content sink for access to first content from a first content source when the first content sink has a first content sink entry on the authorized content sink list. In accordance with at least one embodiment, reauthorization is conditioned upon a first content sink entry currency status having not yet expired. In accordance with at least one embodiment, the intermediate device allows authentication of the first content sink by the first content source when no first content sink entry exists on the authorized content sink list or when the first content sink entry currency status has expired.
US08649517B2
The present invention provides a method and a device for receiving a mobile digital multimedia service and terminal equipment for a mobile digital multimedia service, and the method for receiving the mobile digital multimedia service includes: a receiving device receiving multimedia broadcast data, and if the receiving device judges that a state of the multimedia broadcast data is a scrambling state, descrambling the multimedia broadcast data, and sending descrambled multimedia broadcast data to computer equipment, and the computer equipment receiving the descrambled multimedia broadcast data. The technical scheme of the present invention does not need to send key information needed in descrambling to the computer equipment, so that the security of the key information can be increased; and the receiving device re-encapsulates the multiplex subframe and retains the subframe header part in the multiplex subframe, so as to make the descrambled data code steam entirely retain the original information.
US08649516B2
A method for verifying the authenticity and integrity of an ordered sequence of digital video frames, without having access to the original recording, by embedding therein a respective series of digital signatures based on a secret key, or keys, and on the video content of respective frames. Signatures are camouflaged by embedding in transform coefficients of a transformed representation of the video data in parts of the frame corresponding to motion. If there is sufficient motion to contain all of the signature bits, a supplementary technique embeds in high-texture areas of a frame. A final fall-back is to embed in a pre-defined default zone. A method of predicting when supplementary embedding is needed enables the process to be applied in a single pass allowing real-time operation. Verification is done during decoding by comparing, for identity, embedded signatures with signatures calculated anew using the method employed to embed.
US08649512B2
Systems and methods are provided that employ two or more cryptographically linked codes. The codes, when encrypted, become cipher texts that appear unrelated. The codes described herein are characterized by a series of bits including one or more switch bits. The cipher text of a code having a switch bit in one state will appear to be unrelated to the cipher text of another code differing only in that the switch bit is in the opposite state. The cryptographically linked codes can be used in various combinations, such as on a product and its packaging, on a product and a component of the product, on a certificate packaged with the product and on the packaging, or on outer and inner packagings of the product.
US08649508B2
A system and method for implementing the Elliptic Curve scalar multiplication method in cryptography, where the Double Base Number System is expressed in decreasing order of exponents and further on using it to determine Elliptic curve scalar multiplication over a finite elliptic curve.
US08649505B2
In a user-interactive system, such as an interactive voice response (IVR) system, the duration and/or force of key-presses by the user and/or the speed of response to prompts by the user are used to make inferences about the user, such as whether the user is impaired or is growing frustrated. The user interface is modified based on the inferences.
US08649503B2
A method, a system and a terminal for occupying a key and a display field that is associated with the key of a first end device of a first subscriber. An address identifies the second end device of a second subscriber. Following user input of the first subscriber. The detected second address is assigned to the key as a target address for setting up a future connection. Associated subscriber information is determined for the detected address, and the determined subscriber information is assigned to the display field.
US08649493B2
When making a decision about who should have control of a voice channel in a teleconference, one exemplary aspect is directed toward a voice switch mechanism that determines and takes into account a latency (such as a round trip latency) of each participant's path to the switch. The switch uses this information to ensure that short-latency paths do not have an unfair advantage over long-latency paths when individuals competitively seek control of the voice channel. Illustratively, if an individual is participating in the path that has a round trip latency of 300 ms or greater than that of other participants, the voice switch creates a level playing field even if it detects voice energy from a short-latency user first by granting control of the channel to the long-latency user if voice energy is detected from that user within 300 ms of the short-latency detection.
US08649484B2
Apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture to predict vectored digital subscriber line (DSL) performance gains are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining a model coefficient of a noise-to-margin ratio (NMR) model from performance data measured for a DSL subscriber loop prior to provisioning of vectoring for the DSL subscriber loop, computing, using the model coefficient, a first NMR value with disturbers enabled and a second NMR value with disturbers disabled, and estimating an expected vectoring performance gain for the DSL subscriber loop based on the first and second NMR values.
US08649480B2
When the diagnostic center position and a reconstruction FOV are designated using a tomographic image, a system control device controls a top plate of a table to move from side to side and up and down so that the designated diagnostic center position reaches the center position of scanning. A scanner is provided with a plurality of compensation filters configured to adjust X-ray irradiation distribution, and the system control device selects a proper compensation filter according to the designated reconstruction FOV from among the plurality of compensation filters, switching to the selected compensation filter. The compensation filters include at least a compensation filter (size L) of wide-width X-ray irradiation distribution and a compensation filter (size S) of narrow-width X-ray irradiation distribution in a scanner-turning direction. When the designated reconstruction FOV is a predetermined threshold or less, the compensation filter is switched to the S-sized compensation filter.
US08649473B2
Apparatus and method for receiving burst data signal without using external detection signal are disclosed. The apparatus can include a clock data recovery (CDR) circuit to generate a clock signal, and a detection circuit to detect an initial portion in the data recovered from the input signal. The CDR circuit can have a first mode that attempts to synchronize the clock signal with a reference data signal, and a second mode that attempts to synchronize the clock signal with the burst data signal and to recover data based on the clock signal. The apparatus can include a controller to conduct a process including, in sequence, setting the CDR circuit in the first mode, setting the CDR circuit in the second mode, and keeping the CDR circuit in the second mode when the detection circuit detects the initial portion in the recovered data.
US08649470B2
A technique includes performing non-joint demodulation of a desired signal in response to a carrier-to-interference ratio estimate for a received signal being greater than or equal to a threshold level, the non-joint demodulating being based on first channel impulse response coefficients associated with the desired signal and second channel impulse response coefficients associated with one or more interfering signals. The technique includes determining the second channel impulse response coefficients based on a first cross-correlation function between the received signal and a training sequence of an interfering signal of the one or more interfering signals, determining the first channel impulse response coefficients based on a second cross-correlation function between the received signal and a training sequence of the interfering signal, and determining a time difference between a time value of a peak in the first cross-correlation function and a time value of a peak in the second cross-correlation function.
US08649468B2
The present invention provides a micro-controller, a processing method and device for power line carrier signal reception, where the method includes: an analog mixer mixes received power line carrier signals, an analog filter filters the mixed power line carrier signals, an analog-to-digital converter converts the filtered signals, a digital mixer mixes converted signals, a digital filter filters the mixed signals and a digital demodulator demodulates the filtered signals to obtain base band data. The present invention also provides a corresponding device and a micro-controller including the device. The technical solution of the present invention can modulate the carrier signals of any frequency to a fixed frequency through two-stage frequency mixing, so that demodulation of power line carrier signals with any frequency is possible.
US08649447B2
An OFDM modem is presented that uses a pilot sub-carrier signal structure for channel estimation to reduce link latency of the modem, or alternatively, a pseudo-random number sequence inserted into the OFDM signal for later detection for channel estimation. The OFDM signal includes multiple symbols, each symbol having a plurality of closely-spaced, orthogonal data sub-carrier signals carrying data. In some implementations, one or more pilot sub-carrier signals are inserted with the data sub-carrier signals. Each pilot sub-carrier signal is modulated with a predetermined pilot modulation scheme. Each pilot sub-carrier signal is placed at a different sub-carrier signal location for each successive symbol duration of the OFDM signal to form a sliding pilot sub-carrier signal.
US08649444B2
A circuit (C1-C4) is employed in a TWACS transponder (T) installed in an electric meter (M). The transponder generates inbound signals (IB) transmitted from the location of the electric meter to a central location (R). Firmware (F) within the transponder controls the flow of current for each pulse through the circuit by triggering a semi-conductor device such as a SCR (X1) or TRIAC (X2). The resulting current flow through the inductor for a subsequent pulse, regardless of the pulse's polarity, will be in the opposite direction to that of the previous pulse. The result is to maintain a constant level of magnetization of the inductor core which does not have to be overcome by energy in the subsequent pulse resulting in amplitude of all the pulses imposed on an AC waveform being substantially the same.
US08649438B2
A selective motion vector prediction method and a motion estimation method and a device thereof applicable to a scalable video coding (SVC) system are disclosed. The selective motion vector prediction method includes the steps of performing an inter prediction to obtain a first motion vector prediction center; performing an inter-layer motion prediction to obtain a second motion vector prediction center; in the case the first and the second motion vector prediction center satisfying a preset condition, using the same reference data to calculate the rate-distortion costs for the inter prediction and the inter-layer motion prediction; and using the rate-distortion costs as a basis to select one of the inter prediction and the inter-layer motion prediction for applying to the SVC system. Thus, the same reference data is shared to enable reduced memory access in the process of coding and accordingly, reduced cost of and power consumption by memory access.
US08649433B2
A method of decoding a video signal is disclosed. The present invention includes obtaining identification information indicating whether a coded picture of a current NAL unit is an inter-view picture group, obtaining interview reference information of the inter-view picture group, and constructing a reference picture list for inter-view prediction using the inter-view reference information according to the identification information, wherein the inter-view reference information includes view identification information of an inter-view reference picture.
US08649430B2
A bit rate converter for converting a first encoded animation image data to a second animation image data, having a different bit rate. The converter stores an assessment value indicating the importance level within each reproduction time interval with respect to the first animation image data. Second animation image data is generated by arithmetically determining the bit rate of the second animation image data on the basis of the bit rate information on the first animation image data and the assessment value indicating the importance level within a preselected time interval with respect to the first animation image data. Accordingly, a larger amount of code is preferentially allocated to the time interval having an assessment value of higher importance level.
US08649422B2
A power line communication modem includes a receiver that receives a noise signal over a power line channel. The signal is OFDM-modulated on a set of sub-carriers, the sub-carriers being separated by a frequency separation. The power line communication modem also includes a processor that identifies a presence of a radio service within one or more fine frequency bands with a first resolution bandwidth by analyzing a plurality of fine frequency bands. The first resolution bandwidth is smaller than the frequency separation. The power line communication modem additionally includes a transmitter that excludes a signal in at least one of the plurality of fine frequency bands, in which the presence of the radio service has been identified, before transmitting the excluded signal.
US08649418B1
Enhancement of wireless Channel Order and rank (ECHO) systems and ECHO repeater devices for enhancement of a wireless propagation channel for point to point or point to multipoint radio configurations are disclosed. The enhancement may be used for MIMO communications channels. Aspects support a richer multipath environment to increase the rank of the channel propagation matrix and/or to increase the magnitude of the coefficients of the propagation matrix between two or more radios. Such enhancement is applicable to backhaul radios in terms of increased range or in the number of supportable information streams. The installation, provisioning, optimization, control, monitoring, and adaptation of such devices within a network of backhaul radios is also disclosed. Wireless links and control between IBR and ECHO devices, and between ECHO devices and other ECHO devices, are also disclosed.
US08649416B2
A mobile electronic device that includes a circuitry configured to acquire synchronization with a spreading code of an intermediate frequency signal that is obtained by converting a frequency of a received signal from a satellite in a global positioning system into a predetermined intermediate frequency, demodulate a message included in the intermediate frequency signal, output a primary signal to a predetermined signal line, and attach a predetermined header to a secondary signal and output the result to the predetermined signal line, and includes a display unit configured to display data corresponding to the primary signal and the secondary signal, such that the primary signal includes results of measuring one of position, velocity, and time of the mobile electronic device based on the message that is demodulated by the circuitry, and that the secondary signal includes the intermediate frequency signal.
US08649404B2
A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources. Also described design of the continuously operated laser with an electro-optic element for modulation of the intensity of the laser output at frequencies up to hundred of megahertz. Such modulation is desired for various applications, including compact projectors with high resolution.
US08649395B2
There are disclosed processes and systems relating to optimized network traffic generation and reception. Application programs and a protocol stack may share a memory space. The protocol stack may designate available bandwidth for use by an application program. The application programs may store descriptors from which the protocol stack may form payload data for data units.
US08649384B1
A router residing in a network comprises at least one ingress port, at least one egress port, and a processor programmed to compare at least two label switch paths, determine potential conflicts between the at least two label switch paths based on the ingress ports and egress ports utilized by the label switch paths, and determine a selected identifier to be assigned relative to each label switch path. The processor is configured to assign a common identifier if no conflict exists. A storage medium is operatively coupled to the processor for storing the selected identifiers related to the label switch paths. The processor may be configured to determine that a conflict exists between two label switch paths if they utilize the same ingress port on the router and different egress ports on the router.
US08649375B2
Multicast information flows are distributed from a source to user terminals over a network including aggregation routers arranged in hierarchical levels. Once a request for a given information flow is received from a user terminal, a distribution path can be defined through a plurality of aggregation routers. At one or more of the aggregation routers traversed by the information flow an information subflow can be derived to be propagated also towards lower-level aggregation routers that are not traversed by the information flow being distributed. Further requests for the same information flow received through an aggregation router towards which the information subflow was propagated are forwarded towards an aggregation router where the subflow was derived.
US08649364B2
A method and system of accommodating different mapping schemes in a transmission using an orthogonal direct sequence spread spectrum technique in which input data to a transmitter is spread by conversion into a sequence of complex numbers modulated for N-point discrete Fourier transform (N-point DFT), subcarrier mapping, M-point inverse discrete Fourier transform (M-point IDFT), and cyclic prefix (CP) insertion; the spread and modulated data is transmitted to and received by a receiver; and the received data is despread demodulated for cyclic prefix (CP) removal, M-point discrete Fourier transform (M-point DFT), subcarrier demapping and equalization, and N-point inverse discrete Fourier transform (N-point IDFT).
US08649363B2
A method of hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) entity handling for a communication device capable of receiving and transmitting on a plurality of component carriers in a wireless communication system is disclosed. The method comprises resetting a HARQ entity associated to a component carrier of the plurality of component carriers when a component carrier configuration associated to the component carrier is changed.
US08649355B1
Methods and devices for supporting simple Internet Protocol (IP) with address translation in a wireless communication device (WCD) are presented. The WCD may contain a translation module and an application module. The application module may be assigned a local IP address to which the application module binds. However, the translation module may attempt to hide the application module's use of this local address. Thus, the translation module may translate the source address of packets sent by the application module from the local IP address to a different IP address that has been assigned to the WCD by a Proxy Mobile IP (PMIP) gateway.
US08649345B2
A method for allocating resources for transmission of Bandwidth Request (BR) information and a method for transmitting the BR information in a wireless communication system are disclosed. The BR information transmission method includes transmitting a BR code in a first region of a subframe to a Base Station (BS) to attempt a random access, and transmitting BR information in a second region of the subframe to the BS to request resource allocation.
US08649344B2
A method of coordinating precoding matrixes in a wireless communication system is disclosed. A method of coordinating precoding matrixes by a base station in a wireless communication system comprises receiving precoding matrix index information from neighbor cells; and generating PMI allocation for each resource according to the precoding matrix index information wherein at least one PMI is restricted or recommended in part of resource in the PMI allocation for each resource.
US08649341B2
A system for managing radio access resources includes a joint radio resource management/transport resource management unit configured to communicate with a plurality of radio units over a transport network, to jointly allocate radio resources at the radio unit and transport resources on the transport network in response to requests from wireless terminals requesting access to radio resources from the radio units, to send a radio resource allocation schedule to the plurality of radio units that defines radio resource allocations for the wireless terminals, and to generate a transport resource allocation schedule that defines transport resource allocations for the wireless terminals. The system further includes a transport resource controller configured to receive the transport resource allocation schedule and to map user data to physical transport resources on the transport network in response to the transport resource allocation schedule.
US08649339B2
A method and apparatus distributes video packets over multiple bearers for providing unequal packet loss protection. The method includes a packet processing function receiving a plurality of packets collectively comprising a flow of sequential data included in a sequence of media frames. For each packet, the packet processing function: applies a bearer selection process to select one of a plurality of bearers for transporting the packet over an access network, wherein each bearer has a different quality of service level which influences the probability of the transported packets being intentionally discarded by the access network, wherein the bearer selection process causes distribution of the plurality of packets across the plurality of bearers such that each bearer carries non-consecutive packets both within any given media frame and across sequential media frames and provides unequal packet loss protection for the packets in the plurality; and provides an indication of the selected bearer.
US08649328B2
A system and a method for controlling a power line network are provided. In the system and the method, a control unit device in every control network generates its own control network identification (CNID) and sends query messages to the other control networks to ensure each CNID is unique in the signal-reachable networks. The system and the method differentiate messages of the local control network from messages of the other control networks based on received signal strength of the messages in order to correctly demarcate multiple control networks.
US08649321B2
A method and system reduce interference between overlapping first and second wireless LAN cells in a medium. Each cell includes a respective plurality of member stations and there is at least one overlapped station occupying both cells. An inter-cell contention-free period value is assigned to a first access point station in the first cell, associated with an accessing order in the medium for member stations in the first and second cells. The access point transmits a beacon packet containing the inter-cell contention-free period value, which is intercepted at the overlapped station. The overlapped station forwards the inter-cell contention-free period value to member stations in the second cell. A second access point in the second cell can then delay transmissions by member stations in the second cell until after the inter-cell contention-free period expires.
US08649316B2
A method for transmitting acknowledgement (ACK)/non-acknowledgement (NACK) in a wireless communication system employing a relay station is provided. The method includes receiving data, and transmitting an ACK/NACK for the data according to a specific rule when the ACK/NACK cannot be transmitted in the synchronous ACK/NACK transmission rule. It is possible to solve a problem caused by ACK/NACK transmission between a base station and a relay station.
US08649315B2
An apparatus and a method for processing a change of a preamble of a Relay Station (RS) are provided. An operating method of a Base Station (BS) includes providing a relay service via an RS, determining whether a preamble of the RS needs to change, when it is necessary to change the preamble of the RS, sending a preamble change command message to the RS and, when the preamble of the RS is changed, sending a preamble change notification message informing of the preamble change to at least one lower node of the RS.
US08649310B2
Base station, mobile apparatus, and communication method thereof for multicast and broadcast service
A base station, a mobile apparatus, and a communication method thereof for multicast and broadcast service (MBS) are provided. The base station and the mobile apparatus belong to an MBS zone. The base station sets an indicator in a control channel allocation of a frame. The indicator is related to a cell-specific MBS configuration of the base station. The control channel allocation is an allocation that the mobile apparatus has to read when it is in power-saving mode and when it has to receive MBS data. The MBS data is related to the MBS zone. The mobile apparatus reads the indicator in power-saving mode and can derive the cell-specific MBS configuration according to the indicator. The mobile apparatus does not have to search the whole frame to derive the cell-specific MBS configuration.
US08649298B2
A method for creating a virtual Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is disclosed. The method includes extracting one or more niceties of a physical WSN and embedding at least one of the extracted niceties in a soft object to represent one or more sensor nodes of the physical WSN. The method includes, sending equivalent command to the one or more sensor nodes of the physical WSN, when one or more changes are performed on corresponding niceties of the soft object. Further, the method adding or deleting one or more niceties corresponding to the one or more sensor nodes from the soft object upon ingress or egress of the one or more sensor nodes in the physical WSN. The method also includes steps of building application using the soft object of the virtual WSN.
US08649292B2
A method, apparatus and system for virtual network configuration and partition handover are provided. The virtual network configuration method includes the following steps: The serving edge device obtains a target virtual network identifier and a corresponding interface identifier, uses the target virtual network identifier and the corresponding interface identifier to generate a Layer-2 Control (L2C) protocol packet, and sends out the L2C protocol packet; the communication proxy device that receives the L2C protocol packet obtains the target virtual network identifier and the corresponding interface identifier from the L2C protocol packet, and sets up a mapping relation between a target virtual network and an interface.
US08649284B2
A base station in a wireless network measures a total transmission power associated with calls in a cell of the wireless network, where the calls include answered calls and unanswered calls that originated in the cell. The base station further compares the measured total transmission power with a power threshold and performs at least one of the following: muting at least one of the unanswered calls downlink voice path based on the comparison, or disconnecting at least one of the unanswered calls based on the comparison.
US08649276B2
Content transfer between nodes in a communications network is required in many situations. For example, between fixed nodes in a data center, between a fixed node such as a base station and a mobile node such as a mobile telephone and between mobile nodes themselves such as personal digital assistants. In an embodiment a content transfer process for use between nodes where one node knows the size of content to be transferred is described. For example, a file is divided into blocks to be sent between the nodes. A node receiving a block keeps a record of the received blocks and sends that record to the sending node at certain times. By controlling the times at which the records are sent the number of messages that need to be sent to transfer the records is low and the blocks are transferred in an efficient manner.
US08649270B2
A method comprises monitoring a network for an event. The network includes wireless access points through which wireless users access the network and a plurality of virtual service communities allocated to one or more of the wireless access points. Each virtual service community (VSC) is configured for one or more network services. The network services associated with one VSC includes at least one network service that is different than the network services of another VSC. The method further comprises detecting the event; and based on the occurrence of the detected event, performing an action that includes dynamically allocating a VSC to an access point.
US08649266B2
Packet network node and method of operating packet network node. Conventional packet network nodes react to congestion in packet network by dropping packets in a manner which is perceived by users to be indiscriminate. In the described system, indiscriminate packet discards are prevented by causing packets to be discarded on lower priority flows and flow aggregates. Further action is taken to reduce the likelihood of packet discards through: (1) classification of flows that are not observable at the point in the network where flow-based packet discards are deployed, but are consuming bandwidth and signaling classification information to flow-based packet discard function or a flow-based monitoring function or network management function; (2) classification of flows making use of extended monitoring functions that are not co-located with a flow-based packet discard function, where extended monitoring functions may perform monitoring of a flow or a group of flows over a period of time.
US08649264B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate assigning a flow (e.g., IP flow) to a wireless network link from a bundle that includes a plurality of wireless network links. Assignments can be based upon characteristics associated with the flow and characteristics associated with the links. For example, a service class corresponding to the flow can be evaluated to determine flow related characteristics. Moreover, link related feedback can be analyzed to determine characteristics of the links.
US08649257B2
Systems and methods for locating a possible failure on a power network are provided. In one embodiment, a method may include determining that a possible power network failure exists based on a first group of network devices without battery back-up capabilities having an inactive status and a second groups of network devices with battery back-up capabilities having an active status on a communications network, wherein each of the network devices are adapted for receiving at least primary power from a power network; determining addresses for at least a portion of the first or the second groups of network devices; locating the addresses on a power network grid topology; and identifying at least one power network component or power network segment as a possible power network failure location based on locations of the at least a portion of the first or the second groups of network devices.
US08649252B2
A method for determining a precoding vector for precoding data to be transmitted to a wireless device, includes receiving first channel state information of a channel between a first wireless device and a first base station. The first channel state information is received by the first base station from the first wireless device. The method includes receiving first channel gain information of a channel between a second wireless device and the first base station. The first channel gain information is received from the second base station. The method includes receiving a first signal strength parameter from the second base station and a first interference strength parameter from the second base station and maximizing a common signal to interference noise ratio parameter to obtain a precoding vector for precoding data to be transmitted to the first wireless device.
US08649245B2
A magnetic recording head comprises a write pole having a pole tip adjacent to an air bearing surface, a return pole, an optical near field transducer positioned adjacent the pole tip and an air bearing surface for exposing a portion of a magnetic storage medium to high energy radiation. The energy is directly provided to the near field transducer by a ridge waveguide with tapered coupling elements, by a two dimensional straight or curved waveguide with a beveled end with a metal/dielectric coating for delivering energy to the near field transducer, or by a curved waveguide. The waveguide with tapered coupling elements or with beveled end can be fabricated by means of conventional wafer processing.
US08649235B2
A semiconductor memory device includes an enable fuse unit configured to generate a repair enable signal corresponding to a cutting state of an enable fuse after a power-up operation starts, and an address fuse unit enabled in response to the repair enable signal, and configured to generate an output signal in response to an external address and whether or not an address fuse is programmed.
US08649226B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device including a first bit line commonly coupling drain sides memory cells; a word line commonly coupling control gates of memory cell transistors; a column decoder coupled to a second bit line; a row decoder coupled to a word line; a first transistor having a source coupled to the first bit line and having a drain electrically coupled to the column decoder via the second bit line; and a first control unit for controlling potential of a gate of the first transistor, the memory cell transistor being formed over a first well, the first transistor being formed over a second well electrically isolated from the first well, a film thickness of a gate insulation film of the first transistor being smaller than that of a gate insulation film of a second transistor formed in the row decoder and coupled to the word line.
US08649225B2
A non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell array and a control circuit. A control circuit performs an erase operation providing a memory cell with a first threshold voltage level for erasing data of a memory cell, and then perform a plurality of first write operations providing a memory cell with a second threshold voltage level, the second threshold voltage level being higher than the first threshold voltage level and being positive level. When the control circuit receives a first execution instruction from outside during the first write operations, the first execution instruction being for performing first function operation except for the erase operation and the first write operations, the circuit performs the first function operation during the first write operations.
US08649214B2
A magnetic memory includes magnetic memory elements corresponding to magnetic memory cells and at least one shift register. Each magnetic memory element includes a pinned layer, a free layer, and a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the pinned and free layers. The free layer is switchable between stable magnetic states when a write current is passed through the magnetic memory element. The shift register(s) correspond to the magnetic memory elements. Each shift register includes domains separated by domain walls. A domain is antiparallel to an adjoining domain. The shift register(s) are configured such that an equilibrium state aligns a portion of the domains with the magnetic memory elements. The shift register(s) are also configured such that each domain wall shifts to a location of an adjoining domain wall when a shift current is passed through the shift register(s) in a direction along adjoining domains.
US08649208B2
A semiconductor device includes a nonvolatile memory cell including a writing transistor including an oxide semiconductor, a reading transistor including a semiconductor material different from that of the writing transistor, and a capacitor. Data is written to the memory cell by turning on the writing transistor so that a potential is supplied to a node where a source electrode of the writing transistor, one electrode of the capacitor, and a gate electrode of the reading transistor are electrically connected, and then turning off the writing transistor so that a predetermined potential is held in the node. Data is read out from the memory cell by supplying a precharge potential to a bit line, stopping the supply of the potential to the bit line, and determining whether the potential of the bit line is kept at the precharge potential or decreased.
US08649205B2
A memory cell is provided, the memory cell including a first two-terminal memory element; a second two-terminal memory element; a controller circuit configured to program the first two-terminal memory element to one or more states and the second two-terminal memory element to one or more states, wherein a state of the first two-terminal memory element and a state of the second two-terminal memory element are interdependent; and a measuring circuit configured to measure a difference signal between a first two-terminal memory element signal associated with the state of the first two-terminal memory element and a second two-terminal memory element signal associated with the state of the second two-terminal memory element.
US08649198B2
Disclosed is a power conversion device which achieves reductions in switching loss due to a reverse recovery current and heat generation loss. Specifically disclosed is a power conversion device provided with a cascode element configured by electrically connecting a normally-on switching element and a normally-off switching element in series and connecting a gate terminal of the normally-on switching element and a source terminal of the normally-off switching element via a cascode connection diode, and a high-speed diode electrically connected in parallel with the cascode element and having a cathode region connected to a positive electrode terminal and an anode region connected to a negative electrode terminal.
US08649197B2
A multilevel inverter includes an inverter arm. The inverter arm is provided between a highest electric potential point and a lowest electric potential point, and includes (i) a second switching element group to which switching elements that are connected in series belong, the switching elements being connected to respective diodes which are connected in an opposite polarity and in parallel and (ii) a diode for each power supply connection point. One of connection points at which the switching elements belonging to the second switching element group are connected to each other and a U phase output terminal are connected, the one connection point being located such that at least one of the switching elements provided between the one connection point and the highest electric potential point is equal in number to the other switching elements which belong to the second switching element group and are provided between the one connection point and the lowest electric potential point.
US08649194B2
The present invention provides a circuit of reducing electro-magnetic interference for a power converter. The circuit includes an oscillator, a switching voltage divider, and a sample-and-hold circuit. The oscillator has a terminal for receiving a modulation voltage. The modulation voltage is correlated with an input voltage obtained from an input of the power converter. The switching voltage divider is enabled and disabled by a switch to attenuate the input voltage into a sampled voltage in response to a sampling signal. The sample-and-hold circuit receives the sampled voltage to generate the modulation voltage. A switch of the sample-and-hold circuit controlled by a holding signal conducts the sampled voltage to a capacitor of the sample-and-hold circuit to generate the modulation voltage across the capacitor.
US08649179B2
A circuit assembly generally includes a circuit board and at least one electrical pathway configured to couple a thermoelectric module to the circuit board for use as a heat pump in the circuit assembly. The circuit board and the at least one electrical pathway form part of the thermoelectric module when the thermoelectric module is coupled to the circuit board via the at least one electrical pathway. The thermoelectric module, including the portion of the circuit board forming part of the thermoelectric module, defines a footprint that is smaller than a footprint of the circuit board. As such, the circuit board is capable of supporting electrical components on the circuit board in a position outside the footprint defined by the thermoelectric module.
US08649176B2
A display apparatus includes a display section, a control section, and a cooling section including a first ceiling section, a second ceiling section, a first connecting section and an air stream generating section. The first ceiling section is formed such that a distance of the first ceiling section from a non-display surface of the display section is shorter than that of the second ceiling section, and a ventilating area of a first ventilating passage is smaller than that of a second ventilating passage. The air stream generating section is configured such that an air stream is generated from the second ventilating passage toward the first ventilating passage so as to take the air out of the first ventilating passage and the second ventilating passage, and replenish the taken air with the ambient air. The control section is provided on a control section mounting surface of the first ceiling section.
US08649166B2
A multi positionable portable computer is able to be set in a variety of form factors. A user display portion comprising a screen is movably coupled to a processing portion having processing circuitry by a hinge having two pivot points. The two pivot points allow for the portable computer to be placed upright for presentations and the like or flat on a surface with the user display angled toward a user for interfacing with the portable computer. A movable optics module is provided that is positionable on a top surface of the display portion whether the display portion is in a landscape position or a portrait position.
US08649165B2
An electronic apparatus and a display panel module are disclosed. The display panel module includes a frame, a display panel, and a removable element. A first end of the removable element is fixed on the display panel, and a second end of the removable element is removably fixed on an inner wall of the frame to make the display panel not contact with the frame.
US08649164B1
A keyboard that is attached on to the back of a mobile computing device, having keys that are facing rearward away from the user as the user holds and faces the display screen of the mobile computing device. When the user holds the mobile computing device with both hands at the bottom or side edges, his/her fingers are free to press the rearward-facing keys of the attached keyboard. The keys are divided into one partial field for the left-hand fingers and another partial field for the right-hand fingers. The keys within their respective partial fields are placed in mirror-opposite of the positions that would have been in a front-facing keyboard that is laid before the user. This rearward-facing key orientation allows the user to use the same rapid typing system, such as that of the QWERTY keyboard layout, on the rearward-facing keyboard as he/she would on a traditional front-facing keyboard.
US08649146B2
A circuit protection device includes a trip mechanism and at least one capacitor configured to store electrical energy and to provide the electrical energy to the trip mechanism. The circuit protection device also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the at least one capacitor and configured to measure a charge property of the at least one capacitor, compare the measured charge property to a threshold, and output a signal indicative of the comparison.
US08649137B2
In an embodiment a circuit provides protection against electrostatic discharge (ESD). A shunt device is controlled to provide a current bypass upon the occurrence of an ESD event. A trigger circuit controls operation of the shunt device and includes an inverter and a hysteresis means to prevent oscillation of the trigger circuit. A reference is used to trigger the control circuit and has a time constant associated with it to distinguish between power up events and ESD events.
US08649131B2
A method and a protection IED for supervising a secondary circuit of an instrument transformer in a power system are disclosed. The instrument transformer is connected to a power system component. The method includes: detecting, by a protection IED which is connected to the secondary circuit of the instrument transformer and protects the power system component, disturbances in a signal from the instrument transformer; and determining whether a failure occurs in the secondary circuit of the instrument transformer, according to both a disturbance detection result from the protection IED and another disturbance detection result from at least one of other protection IEDs. The other protection IEDs include protection IEDs which are connected to other secondary circuits of the instrument transformer or to secondary circuits of another instrument transformer connected to the power system component, and protection IEDs which are connected to other instrument transformers connected to other power system components connected to the same busbar as the power system component is connected to. The secondary circuit supervision solutions provide more reliable and sensitive performance and need very small amount of information to be collected.
US08649127B2
According to one embodiment, a magneto-resistive effect device includes a stacked body, a pair of electrodes for supplying current in a stacking direction of the stacked body. The stacked body includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a spacer layer disposed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. At least one of the first magnetic layer, the second magnetic layer, and the spacer layer includes an oxide layer formed from a metal oxide. A crystalline structure of the metal oxide is a NaCl structure.
US08649121B1
A disk drive is disclosed comprising a head actuated over a disk, a spindle motor operable to rotate the disk, and control circuitry comprising a speed control loop operable to control a rotation speed of the disk. A rotation speed of the disk is measured, and a speed error is generated in response to the measured rotation speed. The speed error is processed with a compensator to generate a control signal, a disturbance is injected into the control signal to generate a modified control signal, and the modified control signal is applied to the spindle motor. An amplitude of the disturbance is ramped, and after ramping the amplitude of the disturbance, an open-loop gain of the speed control loop is estimated at a frequency of the disturbance, and at least one parameter of the compensator is adjusted in response to the estimated open-loop gain.
US08649114B2
This invention provides an imaging optical lens system comprising three lens elements with refractive power: a positive first lens element having a convex object-side surface at a paraxial region; a negative plastic second lens element having a convex or flat object-side surface and a concave image-side surface at a paraxial region, and both the object-side surface and the image-side surface being aspheric; and a negative plastic third lens element having a concave object-side surface at a paraxial region, the shape of the image-side surface thereof changing from concave when near an optical axis to convex when away from the optical axis, and both the object-side surface and the image-side surface being aspheric. The aforesaid arrangement can not only effectively correct the astigmatism of the system against defocus problems but also effectively reduce the back focal length for desirable space usage. Therefore, the lens system can be more compact.
US08649107B2
A zoom lens includes: a first lens group having negative refractive power; a diaphragm; a second lens group having positive refractive power; a third lens group having negative refractive power; and a fourth lens group having positive refractive power, arranged in order from an object side. The first lens group is configured by at least one negative lens and one positive lens. The third lens group is configured by one negative lens. Then power is changed from a wide angle end state to a telephoto end state, the first, second, and third lens groups are moved in the direction of an optical axis, and the fourth lens group is fixed. When focusing, the third lens group is moved in the direction of the optical axis so as to satisfy the following Conditional Equations, −2.8
US08649102B2
The invention concerns an optical electrowetting device a body comprising at least a first external surface and a second internal surface with a conical shape; a liquid-liquid interface between a first and a second immiscible liquids, the first liquid being a conducting liquid and the second liquid being an insulating liquid, wherein the liquid-liquid interface is able to move on the second internal surface by electrowetting effect; a first electrode in contact with the first liquid; a second electrode insulated from the first liquid by an insulating layer, the second electrode comprising at least a first electrical conductive track to be connected to a voltage source and extending from the first external surface of the body to the second internal surface; and a first layer covering the second internal surface of said body and being covered by the insulating layer, wherein the shape of the liquid-liquid interface is controllable by application of at least a first voltage between the first electrode and the first electrical conductive track, and wherein at least one of the body or the first layer is made of a resistive material.
US08649100B2
A metamaterial for separating an electromagnetic wave beam is disclosed. Two kinds of man-made microstructures are attached on a substrate of the metamaterial. The first man-made microstructures each have a principal optical axis parallel to a first electric field direction, and the second man-made microstructures each have a principal optical axis parallel to a second electric field direction. The metamaterial comprises a first region and a second region. The first man-made microstructures in the first region have the largest geometric size and the first man-made microstructures in other regions increase in geometric size continuously in a direction towards the first region; and the second man-made microstructures in the second region have the largest geometric size and the second man-made microstructures in other regions increase in geometric size continuously in a direction towards the second region.
US08649096B2
This invention provides a mold with which a two-dimensional subwavelength grating can be produced with a higher percentage transfer by injection molding and a two-dimensional subwavelength grating having a high aspect ratio produced with such a mold. The mold for a fine grating according to the present invention has protrusion parts (107) arranged at an interval on the bottom face (103) of a cavity, wherein the interval is a distance between centers of the protrusion parts and a period of the fine grating smaller than wavelengths of visible lights. In one embodiment, a cross-section of the protrusion parts, parallel to the bottom face of the cavity decreases with height along the protrusion parts and a decreasing rate of the cross-section increases with height along the protrusions.
US08649087B2
An IR cut filter includes an infrared light absorber to absorb infrared light, and an infrared light reflector to reflect infrared light. The infrared light absorber has a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in a wavelength band of 620 to 670 nm. The infrared light reflector has a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in a wavelength band of 670 to 690 nm. The wavelength with respect to which the infrared light reflector has the 50% transmittance is longer than the wavelength with respect to which the infrared light absorber has the 50% transmittance. A combination of the infrared light absorber and the infrared light reflector provides a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in the 620 to 670 nm wavelength band and less than 5% transmittance with respect to a 700 nm wavelength.
US08649077B2
An image recording medium in which a refractive index modulation is recorded in a material in a layer such that, when the hologram recording medium is illuminated from a predetermined angle and a viewpoint is moved horizontally with respect to a normal line, a hologram image having continuous parallax in at least the horizontal direction is reproduced and that, when the viewpoint is moved in a direction with respect to the normal line different from the horizontal direction, another image that is different from and thus is not continuous with the hologram image is reproduced.
US08649075B2
An apparatus includes a contact image sensor (CIS) configured to parallelly output image signals of a plurality of pixels via a plurality of signal lines, an analog frontend (AFE) configured to serially output the image signals of the plurality of pixels output from the CIS by converting the image signal into a plurality pieces of pixel data, an input/output control circuit configured to add reading position information and reading color information to each of the plurality pieces of pixel data, and a direct memory access controller (DMAC) configured to transfer each of the plurality pieces of pixel data to a storage position corresponding to the reading position information and the reading color information such that the plurality pieces of pixel data is stored in consecutive storage positions in an external memory.
US08649074B2
An image capture apparatus includes a platen, an image capturing device movable with respect to the platen along a movement direction and configured to capture an image of a medium placed on the platen, and an attached member provided adjacent to the platen. The attached member or the image capturing device includes an inclined edge inclined with respect to a movement direction of the image capturing device.
US08649065B2
An image processing apparatus includes a first halftone processor, a first filtering processor, a second filtering processor, and an evaluator. The first halftone processor generates first halftone image data from input image data using thresholds. The first filtering processor smoothes the first halftone image data using a first filter having a size corresponding to a cycle of the thresholds. The second filtering processor smoothes the input image data using a second filter having a characteristic corresponding to the first filter. The evaluator evaluates a moiré caused in the first halftone image data based on a difference between the first halftone image data smoothed by the first filtering processor and the image data smoothed by the second filtering processor.
US08649056B2
There is provided an image processing apparatus comprising a selection unit configured to select difference vectors to be used in correction processing of a first color conversion table from difference vectors between reference values and corresponding colorimetric values; a table correction unit configured to correct output values for respective grid points of the first color conversion table using the selected difference vectors; and a table generation unit configured to set conversion results of data which represent grid points of a third color conversion table as output values for the grid points, wherein the conversion results are obtained by performing conversion using a second color conversion table and the first color conversion table which is corrected by the table correction unit.
US08649055B2
An image processing apparatus includes an image output apparatus and an image reading apparatus. The image output apparatus includes an entry order acceptance module, an information image generation module, a combining module, an image output module. The image reading apparatus includes a reading module, an extraction module, a determination module, and an alarm module.
US08649053B2
Height conversion matrices for determining heights of halftone dot convexities are generated based on raster image data. Based on the height conversion matrices and binary image data, amount-of-exposure data are generated in order to produce a printing relief plate in which the halftone dot convexities have heights at a plurality of height levels in a screen tint region, which is formed based on the binary image data. Based on the amount-of-exposure data, a printing plate material is exposed to a light beam, thereby producing a printing relief plate.
US08649052B2
A method of adjusting the registration of an image printed on sheets. The method including determining a first image location relative to a first sheet, adjusting a second image to be printed based on the determined first image location and printing the adjusted second image to subsequent sheet(s). The first image location determination made by measuring at least one dimension of a fiducial mark disposed directly on a transfer surface. The fiducial mark formed by the engagement of the first sheet with the transfer surface, whereby an inner edge of the fiducial mark forms at least a partial outline of a periphery of the first sheet. Each measured fiducial mark dimension extending from the fiducial mark inner edge to an outer edge of the fiducial mark. The fiducial mark outer edge being disposed remote from the at least partial outline of the first sheet periphery.
US08649049B2
An image forming apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store job data transmitted from an information processing apparatus, a display unit configured to display information of the job data stored in the storage unit when an execution instruction for executing the job data is received in response to a user operation, and a deletion unit configured to determine whether the display unit displays the information of the job data and, to suspend deletion processing for deleting the job data from the storage unit in a case where the deletion unit determines that the display unit displays the information of the job data, whereas to delete the job data from the storage unit in a case where the deletion unit determines that the display unit displays no information of the job data.
US08649041B2
An image processing apparatus capable of being remotely controlled by an information processing apparatus via a network includes a request transmission unit configured to transmit a remote control request to the information processing apparatus via the network, a detection unit configured to receive changing information for changing a setting value for the image processing apparatus from the information processing apparatus via the network and detect a content of the change of the setting value based on the changing information, and a display unit configured to display a message for prompting an operator of the image processing apparatus to determine whether to permit changing of the setting value according to the content of the change of the setting value detected by the detection unit.
US08649033B2
A system for monitoring consumable supply levels in one or more printers includes a printer server for periodically polling the one or more printers for an indication of a supply level of one or more consumables in each printer. The printer server comprises a polling algorithm that dynamically adjusts a polling rate at which the one or more printers are polled. A method of monitoring consumable supply levels in one or more printers includes periodically polling the one or more printers for an indication of a supply level of one or more consumables in each printer; and automatically adjusting a polling rate at which the one or more printers are polled.
US08649024B2
Methods for forming a three-dimensional image of a test object include directing light to a surface of best-focus of an imaging optic, where the light has an intensity modulation in at least one direction in the surface of best-focus, scanning a test object relative to the imaging optic so that a surface of the measurement object passes through the surface of best-focus of the imaging optic as the test object is scanned, acquiring, for each of a series of positions of the test object during the scan, a single image of the measurement object using the imaging optic, in which the intensity modulation of the light in the surface of best-focus is different for successive images, and forming a three-dimensional image of the test object based on the acquired images.
US08649017B2
The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems of sensing a substrate in a chamber. The invention includes emitting radiation of at least two different wavelengths; directing the emitted radiation of a first wavelength through a view port of a chamber at an interior of the chamber; directing the emitted radiation of a second wavelength through the view port of the chamber at a location of a hole in a blade of a substrate carrier; detecting any of the emitted radiation reflected by the blade, the interior of the chamber, or a substrate on the blade; and determining if a substrate is present on the blade based on the reflected radiation detected. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.
US08649012B2
An optical gas sensor with a light-emitting diode (2), a photosensor (8), a measuring section between the light-emitting diode and the photosensor, and a control and analyzing unit (16), which is set up to determine the concentration of a gas in the measuring section from the light intensity measurement by the photosensor. The control and analyzing unit (16) is set up to measure the forward diode voltage over the light-emitting diode at a constant current, to determine the temperature of the light-emitting diode from the detected forward diode voltage over the light-emitting diode by means of a preset temperature dependence of the forward diode voltage, and to apply a correction function as a function of the light-emitting diode temperature determined, with which the measurement is converted to that of a preset temperature of the light-emitting diode.
US08649009B2
The invention relates to a spectrometer for analyzing the optical emission of a sample, having an excitation source, an entrance gap and a dispersive element, which fans out the spectrum of the light generated in the excitation source in a plane, and having solid body sensors with one or more lines, which are arranged in the region of the focal curve of the beam path in order to evaluate the spectral information, wherein the sensors are arranged above or below the plane and the spectral emission is deflected onto the sensors by mirrors and focused, wherein the reflecting surface of the mirrors is aspherically formed in a direction of curvature.
US08649006B2
A Plasma Emission Transfer and Modification Device allowing for alteration of the plasma shape or characteristics for e.g. optimized viewing of relevant Plasma zones or improved coupling of a Plasma to the subsequent spectrometer optics, at the same time avoiding negative effects (e.g. heat transfer from the spectro-chemical source into subsequent system components) is described.
US08649002B2
An imaging system may include an optical system that forms an image of light irradiated onto a sample in a predetermined focal plane, an imaging element that includes a pixel array in which a plurality of pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix, each of the pixels detecting at least a part of the light of the image of the sample formed in the focal plane, the imaging element obtaining the image of the sample corresponding to the light detected by the pixel array, a spectrum detecting unit arranged to be adjacent to the pixel array, the spectrum detecting unit detecting a spectrum of the light in the focal plane to output spectrum information, and a correcting unit that corrects the image of the sample obtained by the imaging element based on the spectrum information output from the spectrum detecting unit.
US08648999B2
An extreme ultraviolet light system includes a steering system that steers and focuses an amplified light beam traveling along a propagation direction to a focal plane near a target location within an extreme ultraviolet light chamber, a detection system including at least one detector positioned to detect an image of a laser beam reflected from at least a portion of a target material within the chamber, a wavefront modification system in the path of the reflected laser beam and between the target location and the detection system, and a controller. The wavefront modification system is configured to modify the wavefront of the reflected laser beam as a function of a target focal plane position along the propagation direction. The controller includes logic for adjusting a location of the focal plane of the amplified light beam relative to the target material based on the detected image of the reflected laser beam.
US08648996B2
A method of producing a light-reflecting film having a light-reflecting layer on a resin film and reflecting 30% or more of incident light of a wavelength in the range of 800 to 2000 nm, includes a step of curing a cholesteric liquid crystal phase to form the light-reflecting layer, the cholesteric liquid crystal phase is obtained by mixing a chiral agent having an HTP of 30 μm−1 or more expressed by Expression 1 into a starting solution by an in-line mixing method while supplying the starting solution prepared by dissolving a curable liquid crystal compound in a solvent, coating the resin film with the resultant coating solution, and drying the resultant.
US08648989B2
A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal disposed between the first substrate having drain lines and gate signal lines defining pixel regions and the second substrate. The pixel regions include a pixel electrode formed of a transparent conducting layer and having a plurality of slits, a common electrode formed of a transparent conducting layer, the common electrode being overlapped with the pixel electrode through an insulating layer, and the liquid crystal being driven by an electric field generated by the pixel electrode and the common electrode. A conductor layer is arranged proximate to the drain signal line. The conductor layer is placed at a position where at least a part thereof overlaps the common electrode, and the conductor layer is not connected to the drain signal line and the pixel electrode electrically.
US08648981B2
The display apparatus includes a backlight module, which includes a light source, a light-emitting surface, a light-emitting counter surface and a flexible circuit. The light-emitting counter surface is disposed opposite to the light-emitting surface. The flexible circuit is electrically connected with the light source, and has a portion covering the light-emitting counter surface.
US08648975B2
In a liquid crystal display device in which one pixel is divided into the plurality of subpixels, a narrow picture-frame is realized by decreasing a wiring region without reducing a display quality. One of two sub-pixel portions includes a second transistor (TB) having a gate connected to a first scanning signal line (GL) and having a source connected to a data signal line (SL), a pixel electrode (EB) connected to a drain of the second transistor (TB), a liquid crystal capacitance (ClcB) formed by a common electrode (41) and the pixel electrode (EB), a third transistor (TC) having a gate connected to a second scanning signal line (G2L) and having a source connected to a line SEL, a capacitance electrode (EC) connected to a drain of the third transistor (TC), and a capacitance (Cl) formed by the pixel electrode (EB) and the capacitance electrode (EC). A high potential and a low potential are alternately provided to the line SEL for each one frame. The second scanning signal line (G2L) is selected after the first scanning signal line (GL) is selected.
US08648971B2
In a multiple view liquid crystal display, occurrence of a reverse view phenomenon and a reverse view crosstalk are suppressed. A black matrix is formed on the opposed surface of a counter substrate to a TFT substrate in a liquid crystal panel, and a parallax barrier is provided on the black matrix with a gap layer having a predetermined thickness interposed therebetween. The black matrix includes a first light blocking part disposed immediately below an opening in the parallax barrier, and a second light blocking part with a portion immediate thereabove covered by the parallax barrier. The second light blocking part includes a low refractive-index film (reverse view preventive film), having a lower refractive index than that of a liquid crystal, at the end thereof which is in contact with a pixel opening between the second light blocking part and the adjacent first light blocking part.
US08648958B2
Various approaches to imaging involve selecting directional and spatial resolution. According to an example embodiment, images are computed using an imaging arrangement to facilitate selective directional and spatial aspects of the detection and processing of light data. Light passed through a main lens is directed to photosensors via a plurality of microlenses. The separation between the microlenses and photosensors is set to facilitate directional and/or spatial resolution in recorded light data, and facilitating refocusing power and/or image resolution in images computed from the recorded light data. In one implementation, the separation is varied between zero and one focal length of the microlenses to respectively facilitate spatial and directional resolution (with increasing directional resolution, hence refocusing power, as the separation approaches one focal length).
US08648957B2
Disclosed is a camera module. The camera module includes a lens assembly including a wafer level optics lens (WLO), and a sensor assembly on which the lens assembly is mounted through a surface mount technology (SMT). In the camera module, a lens is directly mounted on a sensor die through the SMT, so that the manufacturing process can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. A height of the camera module is lowered, so that a slim camera module can be realized.
US08648956B2
An image capture device and a dustproofing method thereof. The image capture device comprises a switch module, optical-component adaptor module, optical-component adaptor detecting module, mask module, power detecting module and controlling module. The switch module switches the image capture device on or off and produces an on signal or off signal correspondingly. The optical-component adaptor detecting module detects whether a removable optical-component is connected with the optical-component adaptor module and produces a detecting signal. The power detecting module measures the residual power in the image capture device and produces a residual power signal. The controlling module, according to the on signal, off signal, detecting signal and the residual power signal controls the mask module to shield or un-shield the photosensor. Therefore, when the image capture device is powered off or during replacement of removable optical-components, the mask module shields the photosensor to render it dustproof.
US08648951B2
A back-illuminated type MOS (metal-oxide semiconductor) solid-state image pickup device in which micro pads are formed on the wiring layer side and a signal processing chip having micro pads formed on the wiring layer at the positions corresponding to the micro pads of the MOS solid-state image pickup device are connected by micro bumps. In a semiconductor module including the MOS type solid-state image pickup device, at the same time an image processing speed can be increased, simultaneity within the picture can be realized and image quality can be improved, a manufacturing process can be facilitated, and a yield can be improved. Also, it becomes possible to decrease a power consumption required when all pixels or a large number of pixels is driven at the same time.
US08648949B2
A solid state imaging apparatus of less fixed pattern noises and less shading comprises an imaging area wherein a plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in two dimensionally, and each of the pixel circuits includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements each for generating an electric charge by a photoelectric conversion and for accumulating the electric charge, a single floating diffusion portion for accumulating the charge, a plurality of transfer switches for transferring the electric charges respectively from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements to the single floating diffusion portion and an amplifying transistor for amplifying a voltage corresponding to the electric charge accumulated by the floating diffusion portion, wherein the plurality of transfer switches transfers the electric charges from the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements sequentially to the floating diffusion portion while maintaining the amplifying transistors at the activation state.
US08648937B2
According to one embodiment, an image processing apparatus includes a color-difference signal correction unit. The color-difference signal correction unit includes a smoothing unit and a color edge extracting unit. The smoothing unit performs smoothing process on a color-difference signal to obtain a smoothed color-difference signal. The color edge extracting unit extracts a color edge component to be added to the smoothed color-difference signal. An edge coring unit which is included in the color edge extracting unit performs a coring process on a difference between the color-difference signal before the smoothing process is performed and the smoothed color-difference signal.
US08648934B2
An image processing apparatus for performing image processing to image data, including: an image computing unit which performs to the image data the image processing including a matrix process performing a computation by using a pixel value of a plurality of pixels represented in a first direction and a second direction intersecting the first direction; a scheduling unit which calculates a number of wait pixels between first image frame and second image frame in the image data based on a size of the plurality of pixels and a presence or absence of an edge process of performing the matrix process using a copied pixel value; and an image data input control unit which outputs the image data of the first image frame to the image computing unit, delays an output of the image data of the second image frame by the number of wait pixels, and outputs the image data of the second image frame to the image computing unit.
US08648931B2
A method for generating an image object, performed by a mobile electronic device, comprises the following steps. The mobile electronic device comprises multiple shutter objects, and each shutter object corresponds to an orientation type. A signal generated by one of the shutter objects is detected. A orientation type is determined according to the shutter object generating the signal. The image object with the determined orientation type is stored.
US08648927B2
An imaging device includes an AF section that determines in-focus positions for subjects; a determination section that determines a main subject; a shifting section that, if a difference between an in-focus positions of the main subject and a non-main subject is a first threshold value or greater, shifts a focal position for the non-main subject from the in-focus position towards the main subject side; an imaging section that sequentially captures images at the in-focus position of the main subject and the shifted focal position of the non-main subject; a detection section that detects corresponding points of the subjects between a reference image and a non-reference image; an deformation section that deforms the non-reference image to match the corresponding points thereof with those of the reference image; and an generation section that generates a blur-adjusted image based on the reference image and the deformed non-reference image.
US08648916B2
There is provided a method, a system and a device for displaying an image corresponding to a first field of view to an operator of an image capturing device. The method comprises receiving input data relating to a change in at least one of a position, an orientation, or a scaling of the first field of view and determining, based on the input data, at least one of a position, an orientation or a scaling of the first field of view with respect to a second field of view which is larger than the first field of view. Further, the method comprises receiving an image captured by the image capturing device and determining an overlapping portion of the first field of view and the received image. An image to be displayed is then determined by using image data of the received image in the overlapping portion, and using image data of the second field of view in the non-overlapping portion. The invention is advantageous in that it provides an improved operation of the image capturing device.
US08648910B2
A network of controllers for controlling and monitoring associated assay testing systems coupled to a remote monitoring unit for monitoring and controlling the controllers and/or the assay testing systems is disclosed. Each controller transmits a display image representing the status of the respective assay-testing system. The remote monitoring unit automatically detects if the number of display images from the controllers is greater than a threshold number of displayable, static thumbnail images and, when the threshold is exceeded, displays thumbnail images dynamically in a scrolling or streaming motion. The thumbnail images, whether static or dynamic, are updated in real-time or pseudo-real-time to reflect updated status of the assay testing systems.
US08648908B2
In a visitor counting system a plurality of sensors (107, 108, 109, 110) count the number of visitors passing by. A data-recording device (105, 106) connected to the sensors store records comprising the number of visitors counted within a predetermined time period. A remote visitor data processing unit (120) further comprises a record validation block for checking validity of the records, an interpolation block for creating new records to substitute the incorrect records, and a faulty-sensor detection block for concluding, based on the records, whether a sensor is faulty.
US08648904B2
A projector projecting an image on an object by scanning the object with a light beam includes a light source; a divergence angle converter converting the divergence angle of the light beam; a light deflector deflecting the light beam in a light beam scanning direction and a direction perpendicular to the light beam scanning direction; alight deflector drive controller controlling the light deflector to form the focused light spots at the respective pixel positions of the object on the basis of positional data for the pixels; a light amount controller controlling light amount of the light beam on the basis of luminance data for the pixels; and an image processor correcting the luminance data on the basis of previously obtained deterioration data of the projected image and outputting the corrected luminance data to the light amount controller while outputting the positional data to the light deflector drive controller.
US08648891B2
A printer comprises a body, a display pivotally coupled to the body, and a cover pivotally coupled to the body. The display and the cover can be positioned relative to each other such that the cover overlaps the display when the display is not in use.
US08648888B2
The present invention relates to an image display device and a method of manufacturing the image display device that make it possible to form pixels with a smaller number of sub-pixels as compared with a case where one pixel is formed so as to separately include one each of sub-pixels of three colors of R, G, and B, and make full-color display by making the sub-pixels emit light by time division. The present invention can provide an image display device that makes it possible to reduce the number of sub-pixels and form pixels at a high density by sharing respective sub-pixels between pixels and displaying the sub-pixels by time division and thus realize high picture quality and reduction in the number of parts.
US08648884B2
A display device includes a display panel having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, a printed circuit board connected to the display panel, and a first drive circuit and a second drive circuit mounted on the display panel or the printed circuit board, in which each of the first drive circuit and the second drive circuit includes a gray scale voltage generating circuit generating a gray scale voltage to be applied to a first electrode of the pixel based on a gray scale reference voltage and a reference gray scale voltage circuit generating the gray scale reference voltage, and each of the gray scale voltage generating circuit of the first drive circuit and the gray scale voltage generating circuit of the second drive circuit generates the gray scale voltage based on the gray scale reference voltage generated in the reference gray scale voltage circuit of the first drive circuit.
US08648882B2
An image display apparatus includes: a primary image processing device that performs image processing for an input image represented by input image information; a secondary image processing device that performs image processing for the input image processed by the primary image processing device; a light modulator that modulates an illumination light based on the input image information representing the input image processed by the secondary image processing device; and a projection optical system that projects the modulated light onto a screen as an image, wherein the secondary image processing device performs position adjustment processing, and outputs position information representing the display position of the input image to the primary image processing device after the position adjustment processing on the input image is completed, and the primary image processing device reflects the position information outputted from the secondary image processing device to perform position adjustment on the input image information.
US08648877B2
A mobile terminal and an operating method thereof are provided. The operating method includes displaying a preview image provided by a camera module on a display module; obtaining position information of the mobile terminal; obtaining a map of an area displayed in the preview image and its relevant areas based on the obtained position information; and displaying an image into which the preview image and the map are combined on the display module. Therefore, it is possible for a user to view a preview image and a map at the same time and determine his or her location with an enhanced sense of reality.
US08648875B2
A system and method for enhancing the rendering of one or more objects based on payment and account options. The system comprises a computer infrastructure configured to control enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by providing at least one augmentation attribute to a tag of the object. The method comprises providing enhancement rendering of an object in a virtual universe by augmenting the object based on a status of a user viewing the object.
US08648873B1
A system including a processor for adjusting the dynamic range of an image including a plurality of pixels. The processor segments the pixels into blocks, and computes statistical values for each block based on intensity values of the pixels. The processor also adjusts the dynamic range of the image by controlling the intensity values of the pixels based on the statistical values.
US08648871B2
An information processing section of a game apparatus executes a program for implementing a step S100 of acquiring a camera image; a step S200 of detecting a marker; a step S400 of calculating a position and an orientation of a virtual camera; a step S600 of generating an animation in which layed-flat surfaces of a hexahedron appear, and the hexahedron is folded so as to confine virtual objects representing targets therein when a stage is cleared; a step S800 of generating an animation in which the folded hexahedron is unfolded so as to position different virtual objects thereon; a step S900 of mapping the photographed image on objects; a step S1000 of taking an image of the objects by means of the virtual camera; and a step S1100, S1200 of displaying the camera image and an object image which is superimposed on the camera image.
US08648869B1
Method of capturing multiple format video signals and reformatting them in real-time for display on generic external monitors, is disclosed. This method is intended for, by not limited to, implementation on a multiple function video test instrument with video generation and video capture capabilities. The method is capable of operating with standard and non-standard format synchronized video waveforms and also with deflection-driven video waveforms. Since this innovative method reuses already available functionality in the video test instrument, the new functionality is realized efficiently, economically and does not require any more space within the test instrument.
US08648868B2
The described embodiments provide a system that facilitates a switch from using a first graphics-processing unit (GPU) to using a second GPU to drive a display. During operation, upon generation of a request to switch from using the first GPU to using the second GPU as a signal source for driving the display, the system obtains a transform (such as a lookup table) that enables the displayed color output from the second GPU to substantially match the displayed color output from the first GPU. The system then makes the transform available for use by the second GPU in driving the display.
US08648863B1
A method for a computer system for inspecting an animation sequence having a series of specified poses of an animated character includes receiving a mathematical performance style model associated with the animated character, receiving the series of specified poses of the animated character, each specified pose comprising respective values for the plurality of animation variables, determining an associated quality factor for each specified pose in response to the respective values for the plurality of animation variables and in response to the mathematical performance style model associated with the animated character, and providing feedback to a user in response to an associated quality factor for at least one specified pose.
US08648861B2
A method, apparatus, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to update a fill region of a computer drawing. A topological recipe representing the fill region is defined. The recipe includes a region set (of regions to be filled where the regions are areas bound by contours), a contour set (of contours that are a chain of curve segments), and curve segments. A final fill area of the fill region based on the topological recipe is computed. The final fill area is displayed and the curve segments are then modified. In response to the modification of the curve segments, the final fill area is dynamically updated and displayed.
US08648857B2
An image processing method introduces a graphical feature or effect into a part of one or more video images of a scene. The scene includes a view of a plurality of objects disposed on an object plane, the part of the video images including one of the plurality of objects on the object plane. The method includes forming a three dimensional model view of the object plane, calculating a transform matrix for transforming points in the model of the object plane into the view of the object plane in the video image, forming the graphical feature or effect in the model of the object plane, transforming the graphical feature or effect from the model to the image view of the object plane using the transform matrix, identifying the one of the plurality of object which is to be viewed within the part of the video image, in which the object is present, and extracting the part of the image view from the video images, into which the graphical feature has been transformed, the extracted part including that part of the feature of effect, which has been transformed from the model. The image processing method provides an improved way of adding a graphical feature or effect to a plane on which a plurality of objects are disposed, so that when a part of the video image, in which one of the plurality of objects, is viewed, the graphical feature or effect appears to the viewer to be a natural scene as if the graphical feature or effect is actually present.
US08648855B2
Developable surfaces are generated by interactively evolving curves on a 2D surface embedded in 3D space using an iterative process to produce a model for the construction of a stylized three dimensional sculpture. Each iteration includes tessellating loops formed by the curves on the surface and unfolding the resulting tessellated strips onto a 2D plane. Collisions between the unfolded tessellated strips in 2D and between the loops in 3D are resolved, and the rendered evolved curve in 3D and tessellated strips in 2D are displayed simultaneously during the evolution. A graphical user interface allows the curve network, tessellated strips, and curve evolution parameters to be modified by a user. 2D textures may be mapped to the unfolded tessellated strips, and a set of tool paths may be output for cutting a 2D material.
US08648854B2
A CAD/GIS system that automatically generates faces within land site maps, by sliding or rotating line segments between boundaries given start points and other attributes. As the attributes are entered into the system, faces are automatically generated based on those attributes, which eases creation of lots within subdivisions.
US08648846B2
A display device is provided having improved reliability compared with the related art. The display device includes, for each pixel: a photo-emission element and a first MOS transistor connected in series between a first power source line and a second power source line; a capacitor connected to be inserted between a gate and a source of the first MOS transistor; and a second MOS transistor connected to be inserted between a signal line to be applied with a image signal voltage and the gate of the first MOS transistor, the second MOS transistor being controlled by a scan signal to change between ON-state and OFF-state, wherein ON-period of the first transistor is established within a period in which the photo-emission element is maintained to an extinction state and the signal line is applied with a voltage having a fixed level independent from the image signal voltage.
US08648842B2
Method and apparatus provide for attaching a planar electroluminescent lamp unit to the side of a billboard, and providing a media adhered to the surface of the lamp unit and to the side of the billboard adjacent the lamp unit, wherein the media has advertising indicia printed thereon. The lamp unit is connected to a source of power on the billboard.
US08648838B2
There is provided an information processing apparatus including a detection section which detects touch operation on a touch operation surface by the operating tool, an execution section which executes predetermined processing designated by the touch operation, a determination section which determines whether contact of the operating tool to the touch operation surface is maintained, and a display control section which causes a confirmation message for confirming whether to execute the predetermined processing to be displayed depending on a determination result of the determination section, and, when the determination section determines that the contact of the operating tool to the touch operation surface is maintained, the execution section executes the predetermined processing designated by the touch operation even without explicit confirmation processing being performed with respect to the confirmation message.
US08648830B2
A method for noise reduction in a digitizer includes determining a location of a stylus with a known frequency of emission over a first sampling period, sampling output from a plurality of detecting elements over a second sampling period, identifying detecting elements with sampled output in the second sampling period above a defined threshold in a selected frequency, the selected frequency being close to but different than the known frequency of the stylus, selecting as a candidate carrier of mere noise a detecting element from the detecting elements identified that is spaced away from the determined location of the stylus, and reducing values of output sampled over the second sampling period from at least one other detecting element, in accordance with the output sampled over the second sampling period from the detecting element selected as the candidate carrier of mere noise.
US08648805B2
The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a tracking device to generate movement information for use in moving a user interface object on a graphical user interface. The tracking device is configured to receive at least a portion of a user's finger. The system also includes a base device configured to receive the tracking device. The base device is configured to translate movement of the base device relative to an adjacent surface for use in moving the user interface object.
US08648793B2
An illuminance change detector obtains detected illuminance values from a plurality of illuminance detectors, and determines whether the illuminance value detected by each illuminance detector changed from an illuminance range to another illuminance range. When the illuminance value detected by at least one of the plurality of illuminance detectors changed from the illuminance range to the other illuminance range, an image quality control unit sets different timing to change an image quality adjustment value for a display image from an image quality adjustment value corresponding to the illuminance range to an image quality adjustment value corresponding to the other illuminance range, depending on how many of the illuminance values detected by the illuminance detectors changed from the illuminance range to the other illuminance range.
US08648792B2
A multi-view autostereoscopic display device comprises: a backlight having a plurality of backlight areas arranged in a width direction of the display device; a spatial light modulator arranged over and in registration with the backlight, the spatial light modulator having an array of display forming elements arranged in rows and columns for modulating light received from the backlight; and a view forming layer arranged over and in registration with the spatial light modulator, the view forming layer having a plurality of view forming elements arranged in the width direction of the display device, each view forming element being configured to focus modulated light from adjacent groups of the display forming elements into a plurality of views for projection towards a user in different directions. The backlight is switchable to activate different ones of the backlight areas in different portions of a driving cycle of the display device so that, in the different portions of the driving cycle, modulated light from the active backlight areas is incident on each view forming element with respective different angles of incidence. In this way, the overall viewing angle or the effective three dimensional display resolution may be increased.
US08648790B2
A light source driving apparatus includes: a switching driver which performs switched-mode power conversion and outputs a first current toward a light source, to control quantity of light emitted from the light source; and a current bypasser which bypasses at least a part of the first current so that a second current branched from the first current flows in the light source.
US08648777B2
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus including a pixel array and a driver, the pixel array including rows of scanning lines, rows of feeding lines, columns of signal lines, and a matrix of pixels disposed at the crossings of the scanning lines and the signal lines, the driver including a write scanner for supplying a control signal successively to the scanning lines, a power supply scanner for switching each of the feeding lines between a high potential, a low potential, and an intermediate potential between the high potential and the low potential, and a signal selector for supplying a video signal, which alternately switches between a signal potential and a reference potential, to each of the signal lines.
US08648771B2
A display device comprises a display panel, an optical film and a convex lens. The display panel comprises a central axis, a display area, and a non-display area, wherein the non-display area is outside the region of the display area. The optical film is disposed near one side of the display panel and the convex lens is disposed near the other side of the display panel. The optical film comprises a microstructure configured to diverge incident light entered into the display panel and to redirect a portion of incident light near the border between the display area and non-display area to the non-display area. The convex lens is configured to converge the output light from the display panel and redirect the output light approximately parallel to the central axis.
US08648764B2
An antenna features a ground plane having a continuous portion and one or more stubs extending therefrom.
US08648760B2
A dipole antenna may be created by surrounding a portion of the continuous conductor with a nonconductive magnetic bead, and then applying a power source to the continuous conductor across the nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic bead creates a driving discontinuity without requiring a break or gap in the conductor. The power source may be connected or applied to the continuous conductor using a variety of preferably shielded configurations, including a coaxial or twin-axial inset or offset feed, a triaxial inset feed, or a diaxial offset feed. A second nonconductive magnetic bead may be positioned to surround a second portion of the continuous conductor to effectively create two nearly equal length dipole antenna sections on either side of the first nonconductive magnetic bead. The nonconductive magnetic beads may be comprised of various nonconductive magnetic materials, and preformed for installation around the conductor, or injected around the conductor in subsurface applications. Electromagnetic heating of hydrocarbon ores may be accomplished.
US08648743B2
A method and an arrangement are provided for producing a computed distribution of speeds of scatterers in a target volume (1701). An estimate distribution of speeds at which scatterers would move in the target volume is provided (1201). It is converted (1202) to a candidate autocorrelation function that represent autocorrelation data points that a pulse radar would measure from the current estimate distribution. The fit of a candidate ACF to a measured ACF is measured (1203). The estimate distribution is accepted if a measured fit fulfills a predefined acceptance criterion, or modified (1205) in which case processing returns to the conversion of the modified estimate distribution to an ACF. An accepted estimate distribution is output (1206) as a computed distribution of speeds that describes the actual distribution of speeds.
US08648726B1
A kit that can include one or more sensors that can be in communication with one or more contact devices. The kit can ensure that infants are breathing and that at least one caregiver receives an alert when an infant stops breathing. The kit can also provide alerts and alarms when other acquired data is not within predetermined value ranges.
US08648718B2
An event detection system includes a processor, an electronic tracking device, and one or more transmitters. Each of the one or more transmitters can be configured to be associated with a particular individual of a group of individuals. The processor can be configured to cluster data from the one or more transmitters, and the processor can be configured to analyze the clustered data to determine a group behavior pattern among the group of individuals. In an embodiment, video data can be combined with the electronic tracking device data in the event detection system.
US08648712B2
An electronic alert apparatus comprises a radio frequency receiver configured to receive and identify an emergency message preamble that indicates an impending transmission of an emergency message sent at a first data rate and an emergency message addressed to a shared device address sent at a second data rate. The electronic alert apparatus also includes a processor operatively connected to the radio frequency receiver and configured to decode the encoded emergency message. A memory is operatively connected to the processor and configured to store the decoded emergency message. A display is operatively connected to the controller and configured to present the decoded emergency message. A power source is configured to supply electrical power to the processor, and a housing is configured to at least partially enclose the processor, the memory, and the power source.
US08648710B2
System and method for playing game based on coin toss, may utilize sensors to detect physical movement of coin or instrumented coin, communicate sensor-derived data to remote graphical display system, display virtual coin that represents movement and orientation of tossed coin. May utilize sensor, communication, display, game systems and optional message gateway. Sensor system and part of wireless communication system may be external or embedded in coin. Graphical coin movement and orientation may mimic the actual coin being tossed or may be represented as any avatar or other graphical object that represents the coin including celebrity pictures, videos, faces, logos or any other object that may represent a “head” or “tail”. May generate a random number that allows viewers to win a prize. Viewers may guess result of coin toss before toss and win prize if they guess the result correctly.
US08648705B2
A control circuit for activating at least one emergency light when a vehicle's brakes are applied is described. The control circuit includes a pressure switch configured to selectively couple a power source and an electrically-operated actuator to facilitate selectively energizing the electrically-operated actuator. The electrically-operated actuator includes at least one contact set configured to couple the power source to the at least one emergency light when the electrically-operated actuator is not energized. The control circuit also includes a manual reset circuit coupled to the pressure switch and to the electrically-operated actuator. The manual reset circuit configured to facilitate energizing the electrically-operated actuator upon receipt of an operator input.
US08648700B2
A system and method for alerting interested parties of component failure are provided. The system made up of a diagnostic tool for identifying a failed component, a reporting device for creating alerts, a routing device to ensure interested parties receive the proper alerts, and a memory to store information for associating parties with the alerts. Information is gathered to create an alert used to notify interested parties of instances of component failures. The alerts are routed to parties known to have an interest in the failure of the component. The system and method may provide information that allows for better planning and design of parts, greater availability to ensure a sufficient inventory of parts, more accurate diagnosis of issues, and more effective preventative maintenance.
US08648695B2
A movable barrier operator controls access to a secured area which houses vehicles. The movable barrier operator is operable to move a movable barrier from an open to a closed position. A sensor controls the operation of a service-providing device through the controller of a movable barrier operator or by direct communication to a controller for the service-providing device. The sensing device senses whether a vehicle is present in the secured area. The sensor is operatively connected to the moveable barrier operator and is used to control the operation of at least one service-providing device without necessarily effecting movement of a barrier by the movable barrier operator. Operation of the service-providing device is effected upon sensing whether a vehicle is present in the secured area to effect an operation of the service-providing device.
US08648690B2
A sensor board includes at least one sensor in communication with a controller having a single board address to facilitate sensor polling by standard, product-independent modules of a circuit board for a computer server or network appliance. Miniature low-cost sensor boards can be placed in multiple locations on circuit boards without the necessity of being specified and integrated into the circuit board during the design phase to reduce or eliminate associated design risks or delays.
US08648685B2
There are provided a thin transformer capable of being used in a slim display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a light emitting diode (LED) display device, and a flat panel display device including the same. The transformer includes: a bobbin part including a plurality of bobbins, each including a pipe shaped body part having a though-hole formed in an inner part thereof and a flange part protruding outwardly from both ends of the body part; coils respectively wound around the bobbins; and a core electromagnetically coupled to the coils to thereby form a magnetic path, wherein at least one of the bobbins includes a coil skip part which is a route through which lead wires of the coil skipped through the flange part is disposed on an outer surface of the flange part.
US08648684B2
A voltage transforming apparatus includes a primary winding receiving an AC voltage, a plurality of secondary windings that are different in number of turns, and a voltage conversion circuit for converting an AC voltage induced in each of the plurality of secondary windings. Each of the plurality of secondary windings includes the first terminal and the second terminal each having a potential that is not fixed. The first terminal and the second terminal are separately provided in each of the secondary windings. The voltage transforming apparatus further includes a switching circuit for selectively connecting the first terminal and the second terminal of each of the plurality of secondary windings to the voltage conversion circuit.
US08648680B2
An electromagnet having a pole tube, and having a coil that encompasses the pole tube and is mounted so as to be displaceable along a longitudinal axis of the pole tube, a first end face of the coil or of the housing thereof bearing on a first counter-bearing disposed at a first end portion of the pole tube, and an elastic element, which is supported on a second counter-bearing and biases the coil and/or the housing thereof against the first counter-bearing, is provided between a second end face of the coil or the housing thereof and the second counter-bearing disposed at a second end portion of the pole tube.
US08648679B2
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device.
US08648678B2
Disclosed is a compact superconducting magnet device for generating an intense and homogeneous magnetic field component Bz along an axis Oz in a zone of interest ZI successively includes, starting from the axis Oz, at least three coaxial superconducting helical coils formed around circular cylinder sections of axis Oz delimited by end circles. The lateral ends of the helical coils are arranged, to within the thickness of the coils, in the vicinity of one same sphere of radius c whose centre O is placed on the axis Oz at the centre of the zone of interest ZI and which encompasses the magnetic device assembly. The azimuthal current densities j1, j2, j3 of the helical coils are alternately of opposite sign. The lengths of the helical coils are of decreasing length.
US08648670B2
According to an aspect of the invention, each of a filter, a duplexer and a communication module includes a plurality of series resonators connected to a signal line in series and a plurality of parallel resonators connected to the signal line in parallel. At least two of the plurality of parallel resonators are connected to the signal line between two of the plurality of series resonators in parallel, inductors are respectively connected to the at least two parallel resonators, and the inductors have different inductances from each other.
US08648660B2
An amplifier with a non-linear current mirror comprises an amplification stage having an input terminal for an input signal as well as an output stage coupled to the amplification stage by a current mirror stage. The current mirror stage comprises at least one mirror transistor coupled to the amplification stage and at least one output transistor coupled to the output stage. The amplifier comprises two variable resistive elements, each of them connected in series to one of the mirror transistor and the output transistor. A tuning stage is adapted to tune the variable resistive elements in response to the input signal.
US08648648B2
A bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a current generation stage configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current and a complementary to absolute temperature (CTAT) current and to generate a reference current by combining the PTAT and CTAT currents. An output stage is coupled to the current generation stage and configured to combine the PTAT current and the CTAT current to generate a bandgap voltage reference. A curvature correction circuit is configured to generate a curvature correction current that mirrors the reference current generated from the PTAT and CTAT currents. The curvature correction current has a ratio relative to the reference current given by a current ratio parameter having value that is less than one, equal to one, or greater than one. In this way the value of the current ratio parameter can be varied to cancel a non-linear dependence on temperature of the bandgap voltage reference, thereby providing a curvature-compensated bandgap voltage reference.
US08648647B2
A semiconductor includes: a first field-effect transistor (FET); and a second FET of similar polarity to the first FET, wherein a body of the first FET is electrically coupled to a body of the second FET, and a source of the first FET is electrically coupled to a source of the second FET, such that a body voltage of the second FET controls a body voltage of the first FET.
