US08684964B2
An inflation device comprising a housing configured to receive a sensor assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may be coupled to the housing through use of a snap fit-type connection. Further, the working fluid of the inflation device may be in direct communication with the pressure sensor, without the use of secondary fluids such as gels.
US08684939B2
A blood pressure measurement device is mounted with a radio-controlled clock function in a main body without lowering reception performance of the standard radio wave of the radio-controlled clock. A substrate including a sensor mounting surface and a sensor non-mounting surface is mounted with a pressure sensor. An antenna for receiving the standard radio wave including time information of the radio-controlled clock is mounted. The antenna includes a bar-shaped magnetic body core and a coil wound around the magnetic body core. A pump is arranged such that an axis line direction of the motor and an extending direction of the magnetic body core are substantially orthogonal. The substrate and the substrate are arranged so that the sensor non-mounting surface of the substrate and the antenna mounting surface of the sensor face each other.
US08684937B2
An imaging probe includes a first nub protruding from an elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing a procedure of the object or subject to position the imaging probe in connection with a region of interest of the subject or object to image the region of interest with the probe. The imaging probe further includes at least one other nub located on and protruding from the elongate housing in a direction away from the long axis and configured to be grasped by a robot apparatus performing the procedure to facilitate grasping the first nub by the robot apparatus.
US08684922B2
A monitoring system for a person includes a processor coupled to one or more wireless nodes; a wearable mobile appliance in communication with the client and one or more wireless nodes; and one or more computer implemented agents with rules executed by the processor, the rules being selected to respond to a client communication relating to a predetermined health condition, each agent communicating with another computer implemented agent, the client or the treatment professional, and upon receiving a communication from the client, the processor selecting one or more computer implemented agents to reply with an instruction on healthy client behavior.
US08684917B2
An embolism filter adapted to selectively stop an embolism filter along a length of guidewire, including a filter adapted to encircle a guidewire and at least one self-deploying stop attached to the filter and which selectively stops movement of said filter.
US08684914B2
In a minimally invasive surgical system, an image capture unit includes a prism assembly and sensor assembly. The prism assembly includes a beam splitter, while the sensor assembly includes coplanar image capture sensors. Each of the coplanar image capture sensors has a common front end optical structure, e.g., the optical structure distal to the image capture unit is the same for each of the sensors. A controller enhances images acquired by the coplanar image capture sensors. The enhanced images may include (a) visible images with enhanced feature definition, in which a particular feature in the scene is emphasized to the operator of minimally invasive surgical system; (b) images having increased image apparent resolution; (c) images having increased dynamic range; (d) images displayed in a way based on a pixel color component vector having three or more color components; and (e) images having extended depth of field.
US08684912B2
An endoscopic support device configured to support an endoscope during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The endoscopic support device has a connection ring with a height smaller than its diameter and configured to be in an open or deployed position and in a closed or non-deployed position. The support device also has at least two guiding elements, an orientation component, and extension means for manipulating the ring between the deployed and non-deployed positions.
US08684904B2
A blood pump includes an impeller having a plurality of foldable blades and a cannula having a proximal portion with a fixed diameter, and a distal portion with an expandable diameter. The impeller can reside in the expandable portion of the cannula. The cannula has a collapsed condition for percutaneous delivery to a desired location within the body, and an expanded condition in which the impeller can rotate to pump blood. A flexible drive shaft can extend through the cannula for rotationally driving the impeller within the patient's body.
US08684891B1
A waist-mounted parachute deployment and retracting system for training runners and other athletes that provides a user a method for selectively deploying and retracting the parachute during training without stopping or breaking stride. The parachute provides drag to increase resistance to improve performance by overloading the muscles. The user selectively deploys the parachute by pressing a button to release and open the parachute. Air flow created by the user's forward motion flows through a pair of ports on the side of a case holding the parachute. The air flow expands the parachute, causing the cords attaching the parachute to the case to extend and wind a recoil mechanism. The user selectively retracts the parachute by pressing a button to close the parachute and the recoil mechanism rewinds the cords, pulling the parachute into the case, ready to be deployed again when desired.
US08684886B2
A method of managing a transmission ratio with an assisted CVT with a governed engine to emulate a hydrostatic transmission and prevent a drivebelt abuse is provided, the method comprising: providing a reference power source rotational speed, using the assisted CVT to transmit rotatable motion between a power source and a drive mechanism, managing a torque of the power source to maintain a substantially even rotational speed upon a power source load variation and modulating a transmission ratio of the assisted CVT to change the rotational speed of the drive mechanism. A system and a vehicle having such a drivebelt abuse preventing mechanism is also provided.
US08684885B2
First and second engines ENG1 and ENG2; first and second transmissions TM1 and TM2 shifting the output of the first and second engines; first and second one-way clutches OWC1 and OWC2 that are provided in each output portion of the first and second transmissions; a driving target member 11 commonly connected to the output members 121 of the first and second one-way clutches via clutch mechanisms CL1 and CL2 and transmits the rotational power transmitted to the output members of the one-way clutches to the driving wheel 2; a main motor/generator MG1 connected to the member 11; a sub motor/generator MG2 connected to the output shaft S1 of the first engine; a battery 8 sending/receiving the electric power between both motor/generators; a synchronization mechanism 20 connecting/disconnecting the member 11 and the output shaft S2 of the second engine; and a controller 5.
US08684877B2
A gear transmission comprises an internal gear, an external gear, a first gear, a crankshaft, a two-stage gear and a second gear. The first gear is affixed to an end of the crankshaft, which eccentrically rotates one of the internal gear and the external gear. The two-stage gear comprises a center gear and an outer-toothed ring gear. The center gear meshes with the first gear. The outer-toothed ring gear surrounds the first gear. The second gear meshes with the outer-toothed ring gear and transmits torque from a motor to the two-stage gear. The two-stage gear is configured such that the center gear and the outer-toothed ring gear are each at least partially disposed in a common plane that crosses the rotational axis of the gear transmission.
US08684873B2
A drive system (1) for a motor vehicle has a double clutch transmission (2), with two component transmissions (3, 4), a double clutch (5) and an output shaft (6). An internal combustion engine (7) optionally can be connected operatively to one of the component transmissions (3, 4) via the double clutch (5) to drive the output shaft (6). A gear drive (8) is arranged rotatably on the output shaft (6). An electric machine (9) can be connected operatively via the gear drive (8) to at least one fixed gear (16, 17, 21) of one of the component transmissions (3, 4) to drive the output shaft (6) and/or to recover kinetic energy from the drive system (1).
US08684871B2
A belt positioner 1 for installing a flexible belt into a grooved periphery 12 of a pulley 11. The positioner 1 comprises a belt guiding ramp 2, a pulley flange engaging mechanism 3, a handle 4 and a belt guiding rim 5. The belt guiding ramp 2 is extendible across the grooved periphery 12 and a belt-bearing slanting surface 20 of the ramp 2 enables the belt to be moved into engagement with the grooved periphery 12 when the pulley 11 is rotated about its rotational axis. The pulley flange engaging mechanism 3 comprises a groove 30 extending across the positioner 1 for receiving a pulley flange 13 bordering the grooved periphery 12 and a shoulder 31 bordering the groove 30 for bearing against a side face 14 of the pulley flange 13, wherein the engaging mechanism 3 locks the positioner 1 to the pulley 11 while the belt bears against the slanting surface 20. The handle 4 extends from the ramp 2 and provides a gripping surface 42 for fingers adjacent the ramp 2. In use the handle 4 extends laterally of the grooved periphery 12 and substantially parallel with the rotational axis of the pulley 11. When installing a belt, the positioner 1 need not engage a shaft of the pulley 11 nor be mounted to the pulley 11 in any additional way.
US08684870B2
A ball includes a ball body having a spherical surface, and at least one projection extending from the surface of the ball body. The projection extends in such a manner that the projection forcibly separates a laminar boundary layer generated on the surface of the ball body, and transitions the laminar boundary layer to a turbulent boundary layer.
US08684866B2
Golf balls golf balls containing a core having at least two layers made from a polyalkenamer rubber composition are provided. At least one layer is made from a relatively low modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition and at least one layer is made from a relatively high modulus polyalkenamer rubber composition. The rubber composition may further include other rubbers such as, for example, polybutadiene, polyisoprene, ethylene propylene rubber, ethylene propylene diene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core. In one version, a dual-core having an inner core and surrounding outer core layer is provided. In another version, the golf ball contains a three-piece core having an intermediate core layer made of polybutadiene rubber.
US08684865B1
A fairway wood type golf club head and method for forming is disclosed herein. The golf club head preferably has a cast body, a compression molded crown, and weight pads. The weight pads can be manipulated to create different mass property configurations for the golf club head using the same body and crown.
US08684857B2
A method for bowling a ball typically in ten pin bowling using apparatus (10) in which a ball (15) is supported to movable support means typically a roller (23) which is rotatably driven by a motor (26) whilst the ball is restrained in a substantially fixed position with the apparatus (10) including a stop (29) which may be actuated to release the rotating ball (15) to allow said ball to travel in a desired direction of travel along an elongated guide member or barrel (11).
US08684856B2
An infant swing includes a base, a support coupled to the base, an arm coupled to and movable relative to the support, and a seat portion coupled to the arm. A drive system is coupled to the arm and moves the arm relative to the base. An actuator is connected to the drive system, and is located so that a user can engage the actuator with the user's foot to control the drive system.
US08684852B1
An angled rotating play device is provided as a cantileveredly merry-go-round supported above the ground from below. A foot platform provides a location for one or more riders feet along a first rotation axis and is angled at an acute angle relative to a vertical axis. The vertical axis may also provide a second rotation axis. At least one of a plurality of supports connect to at least one hand hold above the foot platform whereby the hand hold and/or covers over the hand hold provide a maximum elevation of the device and may help users to shift their weight to self drive the device from the device.
US08684850B2
A constant velocity universal joint has track shapes which facilitate quality control on a forging die set, securing higher durability through securement of a stable contact state of forging-molded tracks and finishing-processed tracks with respect to balls. At least one of each of track grooves of an outer joint member and each of track grooves of an inner joint member is formed by cold-forging finishing. A track groove bottom side of the at least one of each of the track grooves is formed into a Gothic arch shape in horizontal cross-section, and a track groove opening side of the at least one of each of the track grooves is are each formed into an elliptical shape in horizontal cross-section.
US08684845B2
A game system includes a game apparatus and a controller. For example, whether an operation of waving the controller has been performed is determined based on at least one of a pointed position on a display screen by the controller and acceleration. A wind object is generated and moved in virtual game space according to the waving operation. When it is determined that the wind object has collided with a windmill object disposed in the virtual game space, the windmill object is influenced by the wind and its rotation speed is changed.
US08684844B2
A plurality of players operate player characters using controllers. The player characters form a friend team to attack enemy characters. The player characters make attacks on the enemy characters by firing bullets into a game space using guns, in accordance with the operations of the respective players. If one of the player characters attacks another one of the player characters, a life of the attacked player character decreases, and a life item for restoring a life also appears in the game space. The attacked player character can restore a life by acquiring the life item.
US08684842B2
A game system includes a home-console type game device, a controller device, and a portable display device. The portable display device includes an infrared light-emitting portion capable of emitting infrared light. The controller device wirelessly transmits to the game device operation date including data representing a detection result by an image-capturing section, data representing a detection result by an inertia sensor, and data representing an operation performed on an operation button. The game device receives the operation data from the controller device, and performs a game process based on the operation data.
US08684837B2
A moving object and a topography object having a portion with different heights are positioned in a virtual space, and the moving object is controlled so as to move on the topography object. A real world image is obtained from an imaging device, and a position and an orientation of a marker in the real world image are detected. On the basis of a result of the detection, a virtual camera is positioned in the virtual space, and a moving object and a topography object are rendered on the basis of the virtual camera. Here, the real world image obtained from the imaging device is used as a texture for the topography object. The rendered moving object and the topography object are synthesized on the real world image and a synthesized image is displayed on a display device.
US08684832B2
The invention is directed to methods and gaming units for conducting a wagering game and an associated progressive jackpot. Players may win the wagering game, interim pattern awards and/or progressive jackpot awards by matching predetermined patterns with patterns formed on their unique game array with indicia matching selected indicia. The players may optionally participate and be eligible to win all or a portion of the progressive jackpot. In one embodiment, the player may be eligible for the progressive jackpot by wagering at least a minimum wager amount, and perhaps the maximum bet for the wagering game. In another embodiment, the player may affirmatively elect to be eligible for the progressive jackpot by placing a wager or fee in addition to a wager on the wagering game. Graphics corresponding to the progressive jackpot may be optionally displayed only to players eligible to win the progressive jackpot.
US08684826B2
A gaming system includes a plurality of linked gaming machines, each gaming machine including a display for displaying a plurality of symbols that indicates a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game. The randomly selected outcome is selected from a plurality of outcomes in response to a wager input. Each gaming machine allows a player to achieve a player level from a plurality of player levels. The gaming system further includes a controller linked to the gaming machines. The controller is adapted to permit a certain community-event game from a plurality of community-game events to be played at two or more of gaming machines in response to a conditional state at the gaming machines. The conditional state is a function of the player levels at the gaming machines.
US08684825B2
A plurality of gaming devices is linked so as to effectuate multiplayer game play. Multiplayer game play may cost more than single player game play, but may provide bonus payouts in the multiplayer game play. Various embodiments disclose symbol swapping, best ball, and match multiplayer game play.
US08684821B2
Technologies are generally described for pausing and resuming a gesture-based game. In some examples, a method performed under control of a gesture-based game system includes receiving a pause command that indicates pausing play of a gesture-based game and in response to the receipt of the pause command, capturing a first image of a player currently playing the gesture-based game, the first image being associated with a first posture of the player substantially at the time of the pause command and generating an outline of the player corresponding to the first image of the player.
US08684819B2
Systems and methods for simulating a user's behavior in an interactive computer system are provided. For example, a computer program product includes a simulator configured to simulate a user interacting with a computer program. The simulator includes a learning mode of operation and a simulation mode of operation. During the learning mode, for example, the simulator is configured to monitor the user's interaction with the computer program for one or more events and analyze one or more current circumstances during the occurrence of the one or more events, and further, to record at least one user input in response to the occurrence of at least one event, store the at least one user inputs in at least one data field, and associate the at least one data field with the at least one events and the at least one current circumstances.
US08684798B2
An apparatus for splitting poultry mid-wings into separate radius and ulna portions. The apparatus includes a plurality of carrier blocks mounted to a drive chain that drives the carrier blocks along a path in a continuous loop around the apparatus. Each carrier block has recesses formed in it that cooperate with recesses formed in adjacent carrier blocks to form carrier slots that hold mid-wings in a predetermined orientation. A blade member having an upper blade and a lower blade extends into the path and is aligned with blade channels formed in the carrier blocks. The blade member bisects mid-wings that are held in the carrier slots as they move downstream. The carrier blocks rotate downwardly about the downstream end of the path and are separated from one another, thereby opening the carrier slots. The separated mid-wings contained in the slots are thereby allowed to fall out of the slots.
US08684795B2
An eyeglass lens processing apparatus is provided with: a lens chuck shaft that holds an eyeglass lens; and a beveling tool for forming a bevel on the periphery of the lens. The beveling tool includes a first processing part for forming a rear bevel on the lens rear side; and a second processing part for forming a bevel foot coupled to the rear bevel. In the second processing part, the distance from a line parallel to the lens chuck shafts and passing through a point of border with the first processing part gradually increases from the point of border as the starting point to the endpoint of the second processing surface and the increase rate of the distance gradually increases at least in two steps toward the endpoint.
US08684791B2
A linear, automated apparatus and method for clean, cost-effective, simultaneous lapping and polishing of optics, semiconductors and optoelectronic materials is presented, constructed principally from corrosion resistant stainless steel or nickel, enabling utilization of high purity water based abrasive slurry. The circular stainless steel or nickel lapping plate of the apparatus supports a synthetic nylon or rayon pad, whereby material is abraded from the workpiece primarily through the reciprocal, back and forth, linear movement of the workpiece holder, diametrically across the circular lapping plate, with intermittent rotation in step increments of the workpiece holder and affixed workpiece, tracing arcs of 180 degrees, first in a clockwise and subsequently counterclockwise direction. Intermittent rotation of the circular lapping plate for the sole purpose of ensuring uniform wear on the circular nylon or rayon pad and lapping plate, eliminates the need for periodic, time consuming conditioning or reflattening of the lapping plate.
US08684783B2
The present invention is directed to a mannequin having one or more articulated joints capable of exhibiting a full range of motion and of supporting substantial weight. In particular, this invention relates to an apparatus for movably joining two parts of a mannequin. The apparatus includes a first element having an arcuate surface and a second element having a convex surface and a magnetic portion. The second element is movably engageable with the first element.
US08684782B2
A convertible flower doll has garment including a skirt with layers that may be raised or lowered to convert the doll between a figure resembling a flower and a figure resembling a character. In flower form, the doll sits within a container resembling a flower pot. The doll has legs that wrap together and attach at the ankles to resemble a flower stem. The skirt has features resembling flower petals, and elastic in the lowest layer of the skirt bunches up the skirt layers when raised to resemble a flower.
US08684775B2
An electrical connector includes an insulating body provided with a plurality of receiving holes, and a plurality of terminals respectively received in the receiving holes. Each of the terminals has a base and at least one elastic arm bent upwards and extending from the base. The elastic arm is provided with a contact portion. When the contact portion receives a force in a first stage, the elastic arm is deformed mainly due to compression, and when the contact portion continuously receives a force in a second stage, the elastic arm is deformed mainly due to bending. The normal force received by the terminal is rapidly increased in the first stage, and is reduced and maintained at the low level in the second stage.
US08684769B2
A first connector includes a first insulative housing defining opposite first and second mating faces, a set of first upper contacts arranged upon the first mating face, a set of first lower contacts including a first lower differential pairs, a second lower differential pairs and a lower grounding contact, and a first grounding plate. The contacting sections and the first grounding arm are arranged upon the second mating face, and the first terminal portions of the first lower differential pairs are arranged in a first row, and the second terminal portions of the second lower differential pairs and the tail section of the lower grounding contact are arranged in a second row for excellent high-frequency characteristics.
US08684763B2
A patch cord including a connector attached to an end of an electrical cable. The connector includes a boot member that slides over a portion of a wire manager to actuate a retention arrangement of the connector. Certain types of retention arrangements are actuated by deflecting flexible tabs of the wire manager inwardly to bite into at least an outer jacket of the electrical cable.
US08684761B2
In one embodiment, a solar insulation displacement connector (IDC) is described. The example solar IDC includes a base configured with at least one pathway. The pathway may include a plurality of ridges. At least one pathway is configured with at least one conductive cutter. The conductive cutter is formed from a conductive material (e.g., copper, silver, gold, nickel, brass). The example solar IDC includes a cover configured to hold a wire in the at least one pathway when the cover is affixed to the base of the solar IDC. The solar IDC is configured to be mechanically connected to a conductor of the wire by the at least one conductive cutter. The at least one conductive cutter is configured to cut an insulation of the wire. An inverter is operably connected to the solar IDC. The example solar IDC and the inverter are fabricated as a unit.
US08684757B2
In one embodiment, a memory module connector includes sidewalls extending along a length of the connector body. A longitudinally oriented socket is provided between the sidewalls for receiving a card edge of a memory module. A top of the connector defines a socket opening. A bottom of the connector is for mounting to a system board. A plurality of air deflectors is provided adjacent to the connector body to manipulate airflow to improve cooling. The size, positioning, and spacing of the air deflectors may be selected to optimize cooling.
US08684754B1
A plug and socket convertible electrical connector assembly including a connector body and a slide cover is disclosed. The connector body includes a housing defining an oblong insertion opening and multiple insertion slots at two adjacent walls thereof, a rack mounted in the housing, an electrical socket mounted in the rack and aimed at the insertion opening. The slide cover carrying multiple metal conducting blades is mounted in the housing and movable between a received position where the insertion opening is opened for allowing insertion of an external power adapter cable into the electrical socket, and an extended position where the slide cover blocks the insertion opening and the metal conducting blades are extended out of the insertion slots for connection to a city power supply outlet.
US08684750B1
A contact type of electric connection building block includes an electric connection unit, which has an electronic device and electronic connection posts mounted on a circuit board of the electronic device. The electric connection unit is modularized, and the first and second electrodes of the electric connection post are provided with the contact portions to be connected with the circuit board of the electronic device. Thus, it does not need soldering and reduces environmental contamination. Moreover, when the first and second electrodes of a building block are respectively connected with the first and second electrodes of another building block, the first and second insertion portions could provide stable and accurate contact effect. Furthermore, the electric connection post only needs the post member and the first and second electrodes to assemble. It greatly reduces the numbers of components, simplifies assembling processes and reduces assembling time.
US08684748B1
A method and system for playing web-based training content on a client computer system are provided. The method includes accessing previously downloaded web-based training content stored in a first memory coupled to the client computer system and playing a portion of the web-based training content on the client computer system while the client computer system is offline. The method further includes storing results associated with playing the portion of the web-based training content in a second memory coupled to the client computer system. The method further includes, in response to detecting the client is online, synchronizing results of the playing with a host computer system.
US08684739B2
Provided is a slow-release delivery vehicle for delivering at least one active ingredient into a film coating, comprising a population of stable, homogeneously-dispersed, porous polymeric or co-polymeric beads having a network of pores, wherein the at least one active ingredient is held within the bead particles and within the network of pores and slowly released by internal flow, and wherein the network of pores is substantially non-collapsible upon removal of the active ingredient. The porous co-polymer bead preparation comprises a continuous aqueous phase solution containing a monomeric mixture of at least one polyvinylaromatic monomer and at least one porogen forming a network that comprising (i) macropores; (ii) mesopores; (iii) micropores; and (iv) gel porosity. Also provided are methods of preparing the porous co-polymer bead preparation; and for its use as a slow-release delivery vehicle.
US08684738B2
The present invention is a firearm sight training tool, and, more specifically, relates to a method and tool for training a shooter to properly align a firearm's sights relative to a target, which through its implementation and use may provide for a more efficient and low cost means of training a firearm user to properly align a firearm's sights relative to the firearm user's target of interest.
US08684730B2
A delivery device for delivering filling material into the canal during a root canal procedure includes a shaft having a bed portion at a distal end thereof, and a biocompatible filler material mounted to the bed portion. The filler material includes an upper surface, a side surface, and a distal end. The delivery device bed portion has a greater thermal conductivity than the filler material; and the bed portion of the shaft wraps at least partially around the filler material and contacts the filler material substantially along the length of the filler material from the upper end of the filler material to at, or proximate, the distal end of the filler material. This delivery device allows for better control of temperature delivery and position of the filling material and allows for a more thorough and precise heating of the filler material in vivo.
US08684728B1
Apparatus related to a dental shield. Light may be filtered or blocked through the dental shield to delay the curing of a light-cured adhesive or cement. The shield has an elevated portion designed to provide clearance sufficient for a bracket as well as a nose relief and breathing passages.
US08684727B2
The invention relates to a ring furnace (1) having a longitudinal axis and comprising elongated bays (10), a plurality of hollow partitions (3, 3′) arranged within the casing of each bay so as to be parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first end transverse wall (41) located at a first end of each bay (10), a second end transverse wall (42) located at a second end of each bay (10) and possibly one or more intermediate transverse walls (43) located between the first and second ends. The hollow partitions and transverse walls define baking pits (2) within the bays (10) for stacking carbonaceous articles therein. The baking pits have a length Lp and a width Wp, said length Lp being at least 15 times greater than said width Wp.
US08684725B2
An apparatus for tempering plastics material pre-forms with a tempering mould for tempering an outer wall of the plastics material pre-forms, wherein the tempering mould has at least one first mould part which is movable and wherein the first mould part contacts a first wall portion of the plastics material pre-form at least for a time, in order to temper this wall portion. The apparatus has a supply unit in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms to the tempering mould, and this supply unit has a holding device for holding the plastics material pre-forms as well as a movement device which, in order to supply the plastics material pre-forms into the tempering mould, produces a relative movement between the plastics material pre-form and at least one portion of at least one mould part in a longitudinal direction (L) of the plastics material pre-form.
US08684723B2
An apparatus for forming a container from a container preform. The apparatus includes a housing, a mold cavity, and a nozzle system disposed in the housing and operably connectable to the mold cavity. The nozzle system is positionable between a first position engaging the housing along an interface of contact preventing pressurized liquid from being injected into the container preform and a second position spaced apart from the housing permitting pressurized liquid to be injected into the container preform. The nozzle system further includes in some embodiments a seal portion having a first surface—the first surface engaging a second surface extending from the housing in the first position.
US08684720B2
A gantry mounted fiber placement machine has a creel and a head with a compaction roller for applying fiber to a mold or tool. The fiber placement machine has 6 axes of motion. The machine has a gantry that moves in the X-axis, a horizontal gantry beam that is parallel to the Y-axis, and a creel that moves with the gantry in the X-axis. The machine has a head that moves in the Y-axis parallel to the floor and across the gantry beam, and in the Z-axis perpendicular to the X and Y-axes. The head swivels in the I-axis as it rotates about the X-axis, in the J-axis as it rotates about the Y-axis, and in the K-axis as it rotates about the Z-axis.
US08684717B2
Provided is a floor construction apparatus that includes a guide unit that is disposed on surface of a floor to be constructed, and a flattening unit that is guided by the guide unit, to then be transferred to flatten the surface of the floor to be constructed, and to thereby reduce a construction time and expense for flattening of the construction surface of the floor.
US08684713B2
A rotor type pump is provided. A rotor rotates and closely contacts an inner surface of a chamber, and a cam controls a sealing part, so that during a compression procedure, the sealing part, a convex surface of the rotor, and an inner surface of the chamber form a substantially hermetic space, and when a gas in the chamber is compressed to a set pressure, the compressed gas is guided out. Therefore, a smooth surface of the rotor closely contacts the inner surface of the chamber, and the gas in the chamber is compressed in a rotational manner, in which the to-and-fro movement of a piston is not required, and a dead point is prevented, so that operation is smooth and noise is not easily generated. Further, the rotor type pump does not need to use a lubricating fluid and offers extremely large compression capacity and excellent efficiency.
US08684709B2
A micro cooling fan includes a housing, a fan wheel, and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has a stator and a driving circuit. The stator is electrically connected to the driving circuit. The stator is disposed on a first inner surface, and the driving circuit is disposed on a first outer surface, so that the housing and the driving circuit of the micro fan motor form an integral structure. The first outer surface is opposite to the first inner surface, or the first outer surface is located on a side surface of the housing. Therefore, by disposing the driving circuit on the first outer surface, the wind resistance of the fan blades is reduced, and the air volume of the micro cooling fan is increased accordingly, so that the cooling effect of the micro cooling fan is improved.
US08684707B2
A piezoelectric microblower includes a vibrating plate including a piezoelectric element and arranged to be driven in a bending mode by applying a voltage of a predetermined frequency to the piezoelectric element, and a blower body arranged to fix both ends or a periphery of the vibrating plate and to define a blower chamber between the blower body and the vibrating plate, an opening being provided in a portion of the blower body facing a central portion of the vibrating plate. In a portion of the blower chamber corresponding to the central portion of the vibrating plate, a partition is provided around the opening and a resonance space is defined inside of the partition. A size of the resonance space is set such that a driving frequency of the vibrating plate and a Helmholtz resonance frequency of the resonance space correspond to each other.
US08684703B2
A compressor includes a cylinder block including cylinder bores and pistons within the cylinder bores. A front housing opposes a first cylinder block end face to form a crank chamber accommodating a piston driving mechanism. A valve plate opposes a second cylinder block end face and includes suction and discharge holes. A rear housing includes suction and discharge chambers and opposes the second cylinder block end face with the valve plate there between. Strap-shaped suction valves on the valve plate end face oppose the cylinder block, thereby opening and closing the suction holes at tip portions. Discharge valves on the valve plate end face oppose the rear housing to open and close the discharge holes. Through-bolts join the front housing, the crank chamber, the cylinder block, the valve plate, and the rear housing. The valve plate includes grooves extending from holes accommodating the through-bolts to portions abutting the suction valves.
US08684699B2
A pump for a high-pressure cleaning appliance for delivering cleaning liquid is provided. The pump has a pump housing with at least one pump chamber into which at least one piston plunges. The pump chamber is connected via at least one inlet valve to a suction line and via at least one outlet valve to a pressure line. A bypass line leads from the pressure line to the suction line. An overflow valve is arranged in the bypass line. The valve body of the overflow valve is connected to a control element which, in dependence upon the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, displaces the valve body to a closed or an open position. A rear housing component and a front housing component of the pump housing are joined together. The bypass line opens into a suction line section of the suction line, which extends between the housing components.
US08684692B2
A turbine blade assembly in a turbine engine. The turbine blade assembly includes a turbine blade and a first snubber structure. The turbine blade includes an internal cooling passage containing cooling air. The first snubber structure extends outwardly from a sidewall of the turbine blade and includes a hollow interior portion that receives cooling air from the internal cooling passage of the turbine blade.
US08684688B2
A series-connected fan frame module includes a plurality of frames, an engaging assembly and an anti-rotation assembly. The frames are arranged in series. The engaging assembly is arranged on each of the frames to couple the frames in series. The anti-rotation assembly is arranged on each of the frames and includes at least one position-fixing member and at least one blocking member arranged on portions of adjacent two of the frames where the adjacent two of the frames are coupled together. The at least one position-fixing member is engaged with the at least one blocking member to prevent relative radial rotation between the adjacent two of the frames.
US08684683B2
A turbine nozzle attachment assembly includes an outer turbine component (a shroud or a turbine shell) formed with a circumferential groove open in a forward-facing axial direction; a nozzle segment including a vane extending between inner and outer bands, the outer band provided with an upstanding annular hook formed with a hook element extending in an aft-facing axial direction and received in the circumferential groove. The upstanding annular hook and hook element are formed with a circumferentially-oriented slot. An anti-rotation block is located in the circumferentially-oriented slot, and an anti-tipping plate having a circumferential width greater than a corresponding circumferential width of the circumferentially-oriented slot substantially covers a forward face of the anti-rotation block. The anti-rotation block and the anti-tipping plate are fastened directly to the outer turbine component.
US08684680B2
A gas turbine engine shroud includes a plurality of shroud segments disposed circumferentially one adjacent to another to form a full, circumferentially segmented ring about the rotor. The radial seal between each pair of adjacent shroud segments is positioned on the back side of the shroud platform. Cooling underneath the radial seals may be done by conduction heath transfer through the platform of the shroud segments.
US08684676B1
A centrifugal fan that includes an impeller having fan blades with notched tabs extending through slots in a pair of disc shaped base elements with the notches engaging the ends of the slots to secure the fan blades upon the impeller.
US08684670B2
A sealing mechanism includes a pair of space forming rings which face each other and are configured for surrounding a shaft body, an outer bellows-joint having one end connected to an outer periphery of one of the space forming rings and another end connected to an outer periphery of the other of the space forming rings, and an inner bellows-joint having one end connected to an inner periphery of one of the space forming rings and another end connected to an inner periphery of the other of the space forming rings. Each of the inner bellows-joint and the outer bellows-joint is a corrugated plate. The space forming rings space the inner bellows-joint and the outer bellows-joint apart from each other such that the inner bellows-joint and the outer bellows-joint do not come in contact with each other.
US08684663B2
A steam turbine is provided having a relief groove which is arranged in the region of the equalizing piston and extends in the circumferential direction of the rotor. The relief groove, with regard to an inlet passage, is arranged in the axial upstream direction so that it is arranged on the rotor outside a region in which the steam flow enters the bladed flow path via the inlet passage. The relief groove, with regard to the first blade row, is arranged in a region in which the greatest thermal stresses can arise in the rotor. As an option, the relief groove has a cover for reducing vortex flows, and also devices for reducing heating of the groove or devices for active cooling. The steam turbine allows an increased number of risk-free running up and running down operations of the steam turbine with minimum detriment to the turbine performance.
US08684660B2
A pressure and temperature actuation system is provided having a high-temperature low-pressure zone, a low-temperature high-pressure zone, a boundary, a pressure actuated mechanism, and a temperature mechanism. A gas located in the high-temperature low-pressure zone has a greater gas temperature than the gas located in the low-temperature high-pressure zone. The gas located in the low-temperature high-pressure zone has a greater gas pressure than the gas located in the high-temperature low-pressure zone. The boundary separates the high-temperature low-pressure zone from the low-temperature high pressure zone. The pressure actuated mechanism is located within the boundary and is configured for opening at a specified gas pressure in either the high-temperature low-pressure zone or the low-temperature high-pressure zone. The temperature actuated mechanism is located within the boundary and is configured for opening at a specified gas temperature in either the high-temperature low-pressure zone or the low-temperature high-pressure zone.
US08684656B2
A loader mast-to-mounting frame pin arrangement is provided. The pin arrangement has stops added to a shaft that allow the pin to be held in two positions: the locked position and the parked position. In the locked position, a unique slot cut in the mast plate retains the pin by not allowing an eccentric protrusion on the shaft from passing through the slot when the pin is rotated to place the shaft in the top of the slot. When the pin is rotated so the shaft is towards the bottom of the slot, the eccentric protrusion is allowed to pass through the mast plate and the pin can be pulled out until it hits another protrusion on the shaft. At this point, the pin will stay in the mast but the loader can be removed from the tractor. To prevent the pin from rotating by itself, when in the locked position, and the loader coming unlatched, a spring loaded knob engages in the slot which prevents the shaft from being able to rotate to the unlocked position. To operate, the knob is pulled back away from the mast and then the shaft can be rotated.
US08684655B2
A hay spear accessory apparatus for providing a secure and fixed mounting point for attachments such as ropes, chains, cables and the like, the apparatus being generally comprised of a an open-ended sleeve member having an interior diameter sized for slidable engagement over the distal end of a hay spear, the sleeve having attachment mounting means fixedly connected to the outer surface thereof. The interior of the sleeve has a varied diameter so as to accommodate the receipt of hay spears of various diameters. The apparatus of the subject invention is designed for frictional engagement with a hay spear, but optional securing means are also provided which prevent axial displacement of the apparatus along the hay spear once mounted thereon.
US08684652B2
An apparatus for loading and unloading a plurality of shipping containers into a carrier. The containers are arranged according to a predetermined pattern on a fixed staging unit of the apparatus. A first conveyor of the apparatus receives and transports the arranged containers from the fixed staging unit. The first conveyor is movable horizontally. A second conveyor of the apparatus receives the containers from the first conveyor and transports the containers into the carrier. The second conveyor is movable horizontally and vertically. A control unit of the apparatus controls transportation of the containers from the second conveyor into the carrier when the second conveyor is vertically moved to a predetermined position.
US08684651B2
An autonomous mobile robot includes a housing mounted on a track and controllable to move along the track and to stop at each selected location, two side covers pivotally mounted on the left and right sides of the housing and movable by a respective driving motor to close/open the left or right side of the housing, and a mechanism controllable to move a material carrier horizontally leftwards or rightwards to the outside of the housing after opening of the left-sided or right-sided side cover.
US08684639B2
In a device for limiting the advance during a drilling operation, which can be used in conjunction with a hand drill or with an automatic manufacturing machine, the device comprising a housing with a stop cage and a spindle mounted rotatably and axially displaceably in the housing, and a stop which is adjustable in the axial direction being arranged for limiting the advance, the invention consists in that the stop cage (2a) comprises a pin fixed to the housing for breaking the chips, with a housing-side end and a free end, in such a way that it extends approximately parallel and directly adjacent to the workpiece surface and approximately radially from the outside towards the drilling tool in such a way that its free end almost touches the countersink. Damage to the surface of workpieces is prevented by the invention, so that corresponding refinishing is avoided. Moreover, the removal of the coiled chips from the drilling tool previously necessary after each drilling cycle is dispensed with.
US08684631B2
A method for creating an elevated containment structure at a site for providing telecommunications services. The elevated containment structure defines a containment field that is substantially surrounded by at least one wall of the elevated containment structure. The creation of the elevated containment structure further comprises forming the at least one wall, disposing a fill material within the containment field, positioning an equipment pad on the fill material, positioning telecommunications equipment on the equipment pad, receiving a signal at the telecommunications equipment from either end user and a service provider, communicating the signal from the equipment to the other of the end user and the service provider. Forming the at least one wall comprises positioning a plurality of forms to create a gap between at least two of the forms and disposing a second fill material in the gap.
US08684629B2
A sea floor anchoring apparatus including a first and second tube, the second tube extending through the first tube's hollow bore and forming an annulus between the first and second tubes; rotary bearings interconnecting the first and second tubes for rotation of the second tube within the first tube; sand agitating teeth attached to the second tube's lower end; a turbine pump connected to the first and second tubes for, upon the rotation of the second tube, driving the water downwardly through the annulus; and a motor and motor housing assembly further interconnecting the first and second tubes, the motor turning the second tube, the teeth, and the turbine.
US08684623B2
A tool coupler for a machine is provided herein. In an embodiment, the tool coupler may have a coupler frame, a hook coupled to the coupler frame and configured to receive a first pin of a tool, and a wedge operatively connected to the coupler frame. The tool coupler may also have an actuator connected to move the wedge away from the hook to bias a second pin of the tool against the coupler frame, and a latch associated with the wedge. The latch may be movable between a first position at which the wedge is allowed to move away from the second pin, and a second position at which the wedge is constrained from moving away from the second pin.
US08684610B2
A connector assembly including an actuator body that extends along a central longitudinal axis between a pair of connector ends. The actuator body is movable along the longitudinal axis and has an actuator cam feature. The connector assembly also includes an assembly frame that is operatively coupled to the actuator body and is movable along a mating axis that is non-parallel relative to the longitudinal axis. The assembly frame defines a connector compartment and has a frame cam feature that is positioned to engage the actuator cam feature. The actuator and frame cam features slidably engage each other when the actuator body is moved along the longitudinal axis thereby moving the assembly frame along the mating axis. The connector assembly also includes a mating connector that is held by the assembly frame within the connector compartment. The assembly frame is configured to move the mating connector in a mating direction.
US08684587B2
A backlight unit is capable of preventing generation of mura such bright lines and dark lines. The backlight unit includes a light guide panel divided into a plurality of light guide blocks for local dimming driving, a first block partitioning unit formed as a groove between respective adjacent light guide blocks on a lower surface of the light guide panel, and a point light source received in the first block partitioning unit.
US08684573B2
A light beam adjusting device includes a housing having a reflector, a light device disposed within the reflector for generating light which may be reflected partially upwardly and partially downwardly by the reflector. The light reflected downwardly by the reflector is allowed to emit out through the housing. A shielding panel is disposed in the housing, and an actuating device may rotate the shielding panel to open and block the lower portion of the housing, and to selectively open and block the light reflected upwardly by the reflector. The light reflected upwardly by the reflector may form a high beam together with the downwardly reflected light when the housing has not been blocked by the shielding panel.
US08684570B1
A light fixture includes an illumination aperture and a normal illumination axis passing through a center of the illumination aperture perpendicular to a plane of the illumination aperture. The light fixture further includes a service space having a cross-section corresponding to a shape of the illumination aperture and extending along the illumination axis between on a support structure facing side of the illumination aperture. The light fixture has a movable support movably coupled to the light fixture. The movable support includes a mounting portion. An electronic component is removably mounted to the mounting portion. The movable support is movable between an operation position and a service position. When the movable support is in the service position, the mounting portion and electronic component are closer to the illumination axis than when in the operation position, and are preferably located wholly or partially within service space.
US08684568B2
An LED unit includes a plate-shaped base; a light-emitting device placed on a surface of the base and having one or more LED chips; and a cover mounted to the base at a location above a front side of the light-emitting device and having a function to transmit light emitted from the light-emitting device. The base has on the surface thereof an annular groove for receiving a seal therein, and the cover has on a surface thereof directed to the base an annular protruding part, the annular protruding part being inserted into the annular groove to seal the base and the cover through the seal. A distance between the protruding part and the groove in a width direction of the groove is shorter in a section of the groove than the other sections of the groove.
US08684567B2
A lamp including a first housing, a second housing assembled with the first housing to form a housing assembly and a bulb base is provided. The second housing includes a first sidewall and a second sidewall perpendicularly connected to the first sidewall. The first sidewall has a first stop portion extending along a normal direction. The bulb base is inserted into a first opening of the housing assembly to be assembled to the housing assembly. The bulb base has a second opening, multiple catches arranged on an outer sidewall of the second opening in a circumference direction and a second stop portion. The second stop portion disposed on the catches is located on a rotation path of the first stop portion when the bulb base rotates relative to the housing assembly for limiting a rotation angle between the housing assembly and the bulb base.
US08684565B2
A lamp comprises an LED assembly comprising at least a first LED operable to emit light. A heat sink for dissipating heat from the LED assembly comprises an active element and a passive heat conductive element. The active element may comprise a fan that forces air over the passive heat conducting element.
US08684562B2
A semiconductor light emitting apparatus includes a solid-state light emitting device and a wavelength converter that converts primary light emitted by the solid-state light emitting device into secondary light at a loner-wavelength. The wavelength converter is an inorganic compact that includes a transparent wavelength conversion layer containing phosphor having a garnet crystal structure. The phosphor contains a constituent element group composed of at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Y, La, Gd, Tb, and Lu. Part of the constituent element group is substituted by Ce3+ and the amount of Ce3+ is 1 atomic % less of the entire constituent element group. As a result, a high-power and highly reliable semiconductor light emitting apparatus suitable as a point light source is provided. In addition, such a semiconductor light emitting apparatus is manufactured through a simple application of traditionally used practical technicians.
US08684556B2
LED lighting systems include LEDs of at least two different colors, a reflective layer and a diffusion layer. The reflective layer has a transmittance-to-reflectance ratio that is configured to homogenize intensity of the light emitted from the LEDs. The diffusion layer is configured to homogenize color uniformity of the light.
US08684555B2
A lighting device including at least one conversion element and a least one LED, which emits light into the conversion element. The light is then converted and emitted with a high radiant flux. The at least one LED emits light in the wavelength range of ≧220 nm to ≦800 nm and the at least one conversion element converts at least part of the light from the at least one LED to light in the wavelength range of >300 nm to <1000 nm. In some embodiments, the at least one conversion element includes a ceramic conversion material.
US08684551B2
A lighting assembly in the form of a palm tree as a decorative and ornamental street light includes an upwardly extending shaft, a base and a mechanism for fixing and anchoring the shaft in a selected location. The base includes a plurality of downwardly extending rods and a mass of concrete around and in between the rods to anchor the assembly. The upwardly extending shaft also includes a bark like outer cover and a plurality of outwardly extending limbs in the form of a palm tree. A plurality of lights illuminating an area around the assembly, the tree limbs including fronds.
US08684544B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a retroreflective member that can improve the visibility further. The retroreflective member includes a reflective layer and transparent microscopic beads 13. The retroreflective member gives a phase difference corresponding to a visible light wavelength to at least a part of incident light and recombines, emphasizes a light component having the visible light wavelength by interference, and returns coherent light having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle in the traveling direction of the incident light. The reflective layer includes a light-transmissive interference layer 14, and the interference layer 14 each has an optical layer thickness of 100 to 600 nm so as to generate an interference color having a visible light wavelength depending on the incident angle of light.
US08684540B2
An optical projection apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, and an imaging element, which is illuminated by the first light source and the second light source during operation. The light source includes a light-emitting diode chip that emits red light during operation. The second light source includes a first light-emitting diode chip, which emits green light during operation. A second light-emitting diode chip emits blue light during operation. The second light-emitting diode chip is arranged on the first light-emitting diode chip at a radiation exit surface of the first light-emitting diode chip. Electromagnetic radiation generated in the first light-emitting diode chip during operation passes through the second light-emitting diode chip.
US08684537B2
To provide a light source unit enabling a stable projection without a luminescent material heating and a projector, a projector of the invention including a light source unit, a display device, a light guiding optical system, a projection side optical system and a light source control device. The light source unit includes an excitation light shining device, a luminescent wheel emitting a luminescent ray of a green wavelength band and a light source optical system collecting rays from the luminescent wheel and respective light sources on a predetermined plane. The light source control device controls the excitation light shining device, each light source device of red and blue so that a period of time required for turning-on once of the excitation light shining device, and each light source device of red and blue becomes a non-integral multiple of a period of time required for one rotation of the luminescent wheel.
US08684532B2
A system for, and method of, generating multicolor scan lines and a multicolor projection video display (PVD) incorporating the system or the method. In one embodiment, the system includes: (1) light sources that emit light of different colors at different emission locations and (2) first and second lenses having lenticular arrays associated therewith and configured to receive the light of the different colors and generate multicolor scan lines therefrom, the emission locations separated by different distances from the first lens.
US08684526B2
A binocular vision apparatus allows a patient to view objects through the apparatus with polychromatic light and monochromatic aberration correction, such that the chromatic aberration of the eye can be combined with the monochromatic aberration correction, so as to provide a more accurate determination of vision quality. The binocular vision apparatus provides left and right viewing optics that can substantially maintain the line of sight of each eye, such that objects can be viewed in a room with 3D depth perception corresponding to the distance of the object from the patient. As both near and far objects can be viewed with binocular aberration correction, the patient can alternate binocular viewing between near and far vision with chromatic aberration so as to evaluate a proposed treatment such as a presbyopia correction.
US08684514B1
A media drying system removes a moistening liquid from a moistened medium. A liquid reservoir containing a heating liquid heated above a moistening-liquid boiling point. A rotatable liquid-blocking member has a liquid-blocking layer with an inner surface and an outer surface. A media-transport system transports the moistened medium so it contacts or is entrained around the liquid-blocking member in a path zone so that the moistened medium is brought into contact with the outer surface of the liquid-blocking layer. A porous material absorbs heating liquid from the liquid reservoir and brings the absorbed heating liquid into contact with the inner surface of the liquid-blocking layer for at least a portion of the path zone. Heat is transferred through the liquid-blocking layer from the absorbed warmed heating liquid to the moistening liquid, vaporizing the moistening liquid and removing it from the moistened medium.
US08684513B2
A recording method is for recording on a recording medium with a photocuring liquid substance by discharging droplets from a discharge head onto the recording medium while displacing the discharge head and the recording medium relative to each other. While the discharge head and the recording medium are displaced relative to each other, a droplet discharge step of discharging the droplets from the discharge head toward a predetermined section of the recording medium, and a radiation step of radiating the light toward the droplets discharged on the recording medium, are performed n (n being an integer of 2 or greater) times on the predetermined section to complete recording on the predetermined section, and the recording rate in the nth discharge step is lowered below 100%/n.
US08684511B2
Gloss is controlled in UV ink jet printing within a printing system. Controlled pinning energy is used to adjust the amount of ink interaction between drops, substrate, and ink layers, resulting in virtual elimination of gloss banding and control of the finished gloss level from a gloss level of approximately 85 to a gloss level of approximately 5.
US08684503B2
An inkjet printhead having at least one internal electrode in contact with ink in use, wherein region(s) of the electrode surface are covered by an electrically insulating organic material that has been deposited thereon by electrophoresis.
US08684498B2
A liquid ejection head including a nozzle plate having a nozzle array constructed of multiple nozzles from which liquid droplets are ejectable; a channel plate in which grooves that form part of multiple pressure chambers respectively communicating with the multiple nozzles are provided with partition walls interposed therebetween, a wall member that covers the grooves to form part of walls of the pressure chambers, and multiple first through-holes formed in the channel plate to connect the nozzles and the pressure chambers, respectively. The multiple first through-holes are provided with partition walls interposed therebetween, and each of the multiple first through-holes has a first opening and a second opening. The second opening is offset from the first opening in a direction in which the nozzle arrays extend. Each of the multiple first through-holes further has a portion between the first and second openings to change a direction of flow of liquid.
US08684493B2
A droplet-discharging-head manufacturing apparatus that manufactures a droplet discharging head that includes a piezoelectric element formed by a laminated body of ferroelectric layers includes: a film forming unit that forms a ferroelectric precursor film on a silicon wafer having a conductive layer; a heating unit that heats and bakes the ferroelectric precursor layer to form the ferroelectric layer; a cooling unit that cools the ferroelectric layer; a conveying unit that conveys the silicon wafers one by one; and a control unit that controls the film forming unit, the heating unit, the cooling unit, and the conveying unit so as to repeat a series of processes including formation of the ferroelectric precursor layers by the film forming unit, heating of the ferroelectric precursor layers by the heating unit, and cooling of the ferroelectric layers by the cooling unit, for a predetermined number of times for each of the silicon wafers.
US08684491B2
An image forming apparatus includes a recording head including a plurality of nozzles for ejecting recording liquid to perform image formation on a recording medium; and a correcting unit. The correcting unit is configured to divide the recording head by different division patterns each indicating that the recording head is divided into a plurality of segments by at least one different dividing point, correct input and output characteristics for each of the segments in each division pattern to calculate correction effect of the each division pattern, and determine one of the division patterns based on the calculated correction effects of the division patterns as a specified division pattern to correct input and output characteristics of the recording head.
US08684487B2
A disclosed conveying apparatus includes plural conveyance paths arranged in parallel and configured to receive plural conveyance objects fed from an upstream side of the plural conveyance paths and convey the received plural conveyance objects to a conveyance destination situated at a downstream side of the plural conveyance paths. The plural conveyance paths are configured to convey the plural conveyance objects in the order in which the plural conveyance objects are received.
US08684482B2
A textile printing apparatus includes a liquid remaining amount grasping unit which grasps remaining amounts of respective two or more kinds of liquids, and a control unit which performs control of execution of printings onto a plurality of printed textile materials, the control unit has a control mode for, in advance of starting the execution of printings, specifying any print-executable printing specification from among the printing specifications on the basis of the remaining amounts of the respective liquids and the contents of the respective printing specifications, and then, starting execution of any printing based on the any print-executable printing specification having been specified.
US08684476B2
A protective cabinet having an angled deflection bracket, the angled deflection bracket can include a first surface for catching falling debris, wherein said first surface is attached to an uninterruptible power supply, wherein said first surface is positioned at such an angle so as to make the debris impacting it, slide downward along its surface and reach a second surface configured to stop said sliding debris, wherein said second surface is attached to said first surface by a first corner.
US08684469B2
A vehicle seat belt apparatus includes: a webbing; a lap anchor to which one end portion of the webbing is fixed and that is pivotable in a vehicle longitudinal direction; and a position retaining member that allows the webbing to be slidably inserted therethrough, and that is rigid in the vehicle longitudinal direction and is flexible and elastic in a vehicle transverse direction. In a seat belt retracted state, the position retaining member extends obliquely forward and upward from a lower end portion, and an upper end portion is located ahead of a side support of a seat back and above a seat shield.
US08684467B1
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for a novel configurable ottoman. The configurable ottoman comprises a pair of rear legs, a pair of leg connectors each coupled to a rear leg, a pair of stub front legs each coupled to a leg connector, a pair of hinged front legs each coupled to a stub front leg to form an ottoman frame, and a support surface coupled to the ottoman frame having the pair of rear legs coupled to the support surface and the pair of hinged front legs coupled to the support surface.
US08684466B2
A knock-down, modular furniture frame including a plurality of panels having interlocking sides and at least one tensioning device having a band that girds the plurality of panels to secure the plurality of panels together under tension into an interlocking relationship.
US08684462B2
An adjuster mechanism (14) includes a tilt bracket (52), a sector (54), and a motor and transmission assembly (56) and has minimal mass. The adjuster mechanism (14) is useful hi providing adjustability to a vehicle seat (12) for adjusting the front portion of a seat base cushion (16) between a plurality of positions.
US08684454B2
An infant car seat including a seat shell that forms a seat capable of receiving and retaining an infant, a hip contour defined by the seat shell, and a lifting handle rotatably attached to a connection point on the seat shell. A method of carrying the infant car seat by one carrier. A method of carrying the infant car seat by two carriers.
US08684452B2
A high-seat folding chair includes two pairs of front legs and rear legs pivotally connected with each other so as to be operable to unfold or fold the folding chair. When unfolded, each of the front legs and the rear legs form an angle relative to a horizontal plane. A footrest is mounted between the two front legs. Two opposite portions of the footrest bend symmetrically in a horizontal direction to form horizontal portions, respectively. The two horizontal portions further bend upward to form inclined extensions, and a portion of each inclined extensions forms a flat portion. An angle defined between the inclined extension and the horizontal portion is equal to an angle defined between the front leg and the horizontal plane. The inclined extensions of the footrest are respectively affixed with the two front legs, such that the footrest is mounted in horizontal.
US08684451B1
A front vehicle body structure may include a front side member extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a fender apron upper member disposed in an outer direction of the front side member in a traverse direction of the vehicle, and a fender apron front reinforcement member extending in the traverse direction of the vehicle and connecting the fender apron upper member and the front side member.
US08684437B1
A portable mobile recycling center having a drop deck semi-trailer with an enclosed storefront section for office and storage with a bulk recycling section comprising an articulated boom mounted thereto providing means for handling and weighing recyclables and a roll-off recyclables receptacle at the rear of the trailer providing for bulk storage of recyclables. The mobile unit provides recycling opportunities for residential areas that have no means of recycling their large and small unwanted materials.
US08684434B2
A valve 28 is positioned in the upper portion of the interior space of the bellows 10. A flow of low pressure air is induced inside the bellows when the valve elements 40 move away from the air inlet openings 38. When high pressure air is moved into the central portion of the valve housing 30, the valve elements 40 tend to move radially outwardly to block the air passages 38 and 42, thereby terminating the suction applied to the bellows.
US08684426B2
A method and apparatus for marking positions for burglar alarm sensor elements on a door, the door attached to a frame having a header including comprising the steps of providing a marking apparatus the marking apparatus including an arm, a positioning member with a longitudinal centerline attached to the arm, and punch point attached to the positioning member, the punch point being aligned with the longitudinal centerline of the positioning member; at least partially opening the door; placing the positioning member in a hole in the header and closing the door; while the door is closed causing the positioning member to make a mark on the top of the door; and opening the door and removing the positioning member from the hole in the header; and causing an opening to be made in the door at the location of the mark.
US08684417B2
The invention relates to a security element comprising a carrier substrate comprising a transparent or translucent area carrying at least one digitised mark made of at least one set of dots appearing as a three dimensional mark when viewed in transmitted light. The invention relates to a security support or document or article comprising the said security element and to the method of identification and/or authentication of this security support or document or article.
US08684416B2
Labels that are conducive to the detection of bar-codes and other indicia having varying spectral emissivity values are provided. The labels include a substrate, a background layer, a thermally conductive layer and an adhesive layer. The background layer is preferably similar in visual appearance to the indicium that the label is to receive. Meanwhile, the thermally conductive layer is made from a material with high thermal conductivity that is used to substantially equalize the temperature across the label surface, thereby enabling a faster and cheaper detection of transitions of differential emissivity on the indicium surface. The adhesive layer is used for attaching the label to a document or other product.
US08684411B2
Construction is achieved wherein the rear section of a steering column 6a can be prevented from displacing upward regardless of the occurrence of a secondary collision, and thus can effectively protect the driver. Capsules 28 are supported by a bracket on the vehicle body side. An installation plate section 14b of a bracket 13 on the housing side is held between a top plate section 29 and bottom plate section 30 of each of the capsules 28 so that the installation plate section 14b can displace in the forward direction during a secondary collision. The top and bottom plate sections 29, 30 extend forward to a position where they can support the installation plate section 14b even when the bracket 13 on the housing side has displaced in the forward direction due to a secondary collision. Alternatively, a suspended arm that functions in the same way is provided on the bracket on the vehicle body side.
US08684409B2
An airbag module having an airbag and an inflation device, wherein at least one rebound strap for controlling the inflation of the airbag is disposed in the airbag and attached to portions of the airbag that move away from each other when the airbag is inflated. A first, shorter rebound strip segment breaks after a first inflation stage and subsequently the airbag regions separate from each other until the second, longer segment of the rebound strap is tensioned and the inflation stage of the airbag is predefined by the second, longer segment of the rebound strap. The rebound strap thereof is formed from a uniform textile segment, the first, shorter segment of the rebound strap is formed as a tab cut out of the second, longer segment the tab being narrower and shorter than the second, longer segment of the rebound strap.
US08684408B2
A side impact airbag cushion for mounting on a seat in a motor vehicle includes an occupant facing panel and a panel opposite the occupant facing panel, and a mounting portion mounted on the seat back. A cushion upper half portion is positioned near the occupant head, and a cushion lower half lower portion is positioned adjacent the occupant torso and has a central unfilled region surrounded by a tubular inflated ring that extends toward the occupant from the central unfilled region. The cushion upper half portion has a tubular inflated pillow region that extends toward the occupant further than the tubular inflated ring surrounding the central unfilled region, to thereby provide an enlarged pillow surface for supporting the occupant head. An upper tether attached to the cushion is shorter in length than the cushion so that the tether rotates the cushion upper half portion toward the occupant head.
US08684404B2
An apparatus (10) for helping to protect an occupant (20) of a vehicle (12) comprises an inflatable vehicle occupant protection device (14) inflatable between a vehicle surface (36) and the vehicle occupant. A vent (160) releases inflation fluid from the protection device (14). The vent (160) has an actuated condition and a non-actuated condition. A tether (150) has a first connection with the vent (160) and a second connection with the protection device (14). Tension on the tether (150) actuates the vent (160). The vent (160) is initially in the non-actuated condition upon initial deployment of the protection device (14). Further deployment of the protection device (14) causes the tether (150) to place the vent (160) in the actuated condition. Occupant penetration into the protection device (14) causes the tether (150) to place the vent (160) in the non-actuated condition.
US08684403B2
An airbag assembly including an airbag inflatable from a housing in operation with an occupant classification system is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure. The occupant classification system is incorporated into a vehicle seat and is in communication with the airbag. A selectively actuatable vent formed in the airbag is opened during deployment of the airbag based on a determination from the occupant classification system.
US08684396B1
A foldable adjustable dynamic wheelchair including a seat assembly and a push handle assembly configured to serve as a chair back frame both of which are pivotally connected to a mobility base having a pair of spaced apart front rear wheels and a front wheel. A pair of selector plates each having a pair of valleys at a bottom edge thereof are each mounted to either side of the mobility base. A foot operable actuator member is connected to an over-center assembly for moving a latch bar into a valley on one side of center and for moving the latch bar outside a valley on the other side of center. With the latch bar located in one valley the wheelchair is configured in an upright configuration and when the latch bar is located in the other valley, the wheelchair is configured in an extended position.
US08684390B1
A retractable tow strap apparatus includes a housing containing a spool operably connected to a crank on the exterior of the housing. A tow strap is wound around the spool, the ends of the strap extending through a pair of apertures on opposite sides of the housing. Unwinding the strap from the spool through the apertures rotates the spool in a first direction. The strap is retrieved onto the spool by rotating the spool in a second direction using the crank. Springs within the housing apply a braking force on the portion of the strap that is on the spool, whereby slack in the strap and resultant tangling may be minimized as the strap is wound and unwound from the spool. The strap is formed of a unitary webbing element that extends through the spool, thereby minimizing the application of tension forces directly to the spool during a towing operation.
US08684387B1
A steering system for a cycle that facilitates the placement of a horizontal cargo platform above and in close proximity to the front wheel. The steering system may be applied to numerous types of cycles including bicycles, electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, three wheeled vehicles, etc. The steering system comprises a fork assembly that is rotatably mounted to the frame near the top of said fork. The fork is supported in its lower portion by pushrods that both steer and structurally support the fork assembly.
US08684385B2
A steering damper device for a saddle riding vehicle includes a tubular damper including a cylindrical damper cylinder and a piston rod slidably passed through the damper cylinder. Either the damper cylinder or the piston rod is supported on an upper frame or a down frame of the saddle riding vehicle. The upper frame extends rearwardly from a head pipe through which a steering shaft passes and which holds the steering shaft therein rotatably about an axis thereof. The down frame extends downwardly from the head pipe. The steering shaft rotates with a bottom bridge. The tubular damper is disposed such that an axis thereof is disposed on a vehicle width direction central plane. The tubular damper extends or contracts as the bottom bridge rotates. The tubular damper extends or contracts within a space between the upper frame and the down frames in a side view.
US08684375B2
The invention pertains to a guard assembly for securement to a wheeled base. The guard assembly comprises a central support, a plurality of wheel guards positioned in an array around the central support, a plurality of struts, and a plurality of support struts. The struts are connected to and extend between a respective pair of the adjacent wheel guards in the array. Each of the support struts are connected to and extend between the central support and a respective one of the struts. The invention also envelops a method of retrofitting an existing wheeled base with the guard assembly.
US08684360B2
A gaming table including a plurality of illumination devices mounted therein and a controller configured for receiving a selection of a preset game layout configuration from one or more preset game layout configurations stored in memory and actuating the illumination of a portion of the plurality of illumination devices corresponding with the selected preset game layout configuration.
US08684355B2
A sheet conveyance apparatus includes: a guide unit for guiding the side end of the sheet; a first roller pair arranged on the downstream side of the guide unit for conveying the sheet, including a driven roller held in contact with a whole sheet in a sheet width direction; and a second roller pair having a conveyance roller arranged on the downstream side of the roller and adapted to convey the sheet, and a plurality of pinch rollers pinching the sheet in cooperation with the conveyance roller, wherein each of the plurality of pinch rollers applies to the sheet a conveyance force inclined toward a conveyance path side end, which is nearer to the pinch roller, and wherein the smaller the distance between the pinch roller and the conveyance path side end, the greater the inclination of the conveyance force thereof.
US08684350B2
A sheet adjusting device, applicable to a sheet holding receptacle and an image forming apparatus, includes a sheet setting plate to place a sheet thereon, first and second regulating member to slidably move in a given direction, a drive transmission mechanism to transmit a driving power generated by a driving power source to at least one of the first and second regulating members and move the first regulating member in the given direction, and a stopping unit to stop the first regulating member moving toward the sheet on the setting, plate either when a load exceeding a given threshold is given to either the driving power source or the drive transmission mechanism or when a pressure exceeding a given threshold is given to at least one of the first and second regulating members.
US08684347B2
Example embodiments relate to a sheet amount indicator for use in a sheet-feeding tray. The sheet-feeding tray includes a sheet stacking part having a base plate where sheets are stacked, and the base plate is configured to rise up for feeding of a topmost sheet stacked. The sheet amount indicator includes a viewing part disposed on an outer surface of the sheet stacking part, an indicator member configured to move as seen through the viewing part, a cooperative mechanism configured to move in accordance with a vertical movement of the base plate, and an amplifying mechanism disposed outside the sheet stacking part and connected to the cooperative mechanism so as to amplify the movement of the cooperative mechanism to transmit the amplified movement to the indicator member.
US08684338B2
An active torque cancellation system is provided. The system includes a generator set having a combustion engine and mounted to an application structure. The system also includes an active power management module coupled to the engine which actively reduces vibrations in the application structure.
US08684332B2
The present invention is a lifting mechanism with lift stand accommodation, which is used to allow a lift stand to reside within its bounding space. The present invention comprises a lifting mechanism and a Y-shaped chassis. The Y-shaped chassis comprises a lift mechanism housing and a U-shaped base. The U-shaped base comprises a base slot that allows a jack stand frame to be inserted between its left and right end. The lifting mechanism is used to raise and lower an object from its initial position. The lifting mechanism comprises a left support arm, a right support arm, a lift arm and a U-shaped lift platform. The U-shaped platform comprises a platform slot that can allow a jack stand saddle to be inserted between its left platform end and right platform end. A brace maintains the rigidity of the lift arm, the left support arm, and the right support arm.
US08684328B2
One trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket is pivotably coupled to the base for rotation generally perpendicular to the cavity, and selectively defines a lower edge of the cavity. The bracket is also slidable relative to the base. Another trolling motor mount includes a mounting base having a cavity extending therethrough and a motor receiving portion configured to clamp a trolling motor thereon, a bracket pivotably coupled to the base, and a lock operably coupled to the base for removably fastening the base to a watercraft. The bracket has front and two side surfaces, and at least one channel for allowing the bracket to slide relative to the base.
US08684324B2
A top-adjusting leveling foot for installation on the leg of an object has an adjustment knob, an adjustment knob base with a bottom cavity and a non-circular passage extending axially through the center of the adjustment knob base, a threaded bushing with a top annular flange held within the bottom cavity of the adjustment knob base, and a drive stud assembly including a foot and a drive bar that has a lower threaded portion for engaging a partially threaded interior passage of the threaded bushing, and an upper bar portion sized and configured for engagement with the non-circular passage through the adjustment knob base. Rotation of the adjustment knob in a first direction axially advances the drive bar and lowers the foot and rotation of the adjustment knob in the opposite direction axially retracts the drive bar and raises the foot.
US08684322B2
A sprinkler support for the in-ground sprinkler heads includes a base at the lower position, a sidewall extending vertically ascending from the base, a clamping structure disposed at the sidewall of the sprinkler support to secure the sprinkler head, a cushioning structure capable to absorb physical stresses, and anchoring structures holding the sprinkler support with respect to the soil. The sprinkler support accommodates a variety of different size of sprinkler heads by having an adapter, by cantilever fingers extended from the sidewall upwardly or by constructing with two halves, wherein each half comprises the base and sidewall.
US08684311B2
A method and apparatus for an aircraft structure. In one embodiment, the aircraft structure may have first and second stringers, each having a vertical stringer portion defining a lengthwise gap. The embodiment may include a cruciform fitting having a central rib attachment member and first and second extensions extending in opposite directions from said central rib attachment member. Stringer attachment portions extending up from said first and second extensions are inserted into the lengthwise gaps of the first and second stringer portions, respectively. The rib attachment member may be attached to a side-of-body rib.
US08684308B2
An arrangement for receiving a curtain rail for a curtain for partitioning at least two regions in a cabin of a vehicle includes a bottom facing the floor of the cabin, and a top facing the ceiling of the cabin. The bottom is essentially planar and is designed to receive the curtain rail. The top is designed to cover the space between a curtain held in the curtain rail and the ceiling of the cabin of the vehicle. The bottom includes means for the variable-position holding of attachment points to which the curtain rail can be fastened. Consequently the curtain rails can be affixed flexibly and so as to be subsequently changeable within the region of the arrangement, thereby contributing to such arrangements so as to be able to be standardized for a multitude of imaginable cabin layouts of a vehicle, to be able to minimize individual customization work and construction expenditure.
US08684305B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for controlling the power supply of at least one aircraft maintenance actuator (7) from an electrical power supply network (10) of the aircraft comprising means (14) for controlling the electrical power supply of at least one maintenance actuator, and means (15) for establishing communication between the control means and at least one control unit (16) allowing a user to control the operation of at least one actuator. The control means are designed to compare the state of at least one control unit with at least one reference state (SBR) and/or an abnormal state (SBE1, SBE2, SBE3) for switching-on purposes, and to prohibit the activation of the actuator if the state of the control unit is different from a reference state (SBR) or corresponds.
US08684293B2
Apparatus, system and methods of using the apparatus and system to manipulate fiber(s) into a chopper, winder or other fiber(s) processing equipment. By using the apparatus the operator(s) are freed up for pressing duties that will increase productivity and also create a safer workplace. The apparatus supports and constrains slowly or rapidly running fiber(s) and moves through a sequence of movements that reposition the fiber(s) into a path that places the running fiber(s) in the proper location for processing in the chopper, winder or other processing equipment and also places the running fiber(s) into a desired groove or valley on a separator roll or guide.
US08684292B2
A multiple tool attachment system is adapted to be attached to demolition equipment. The system includes a universal body attached to the demolition equipment. A series of tools is independently attachable to the universal body. The universal body includes a guide slot extending longitudinally along the universal body. Each tool generally includes a pair of pivotable jaws adapted to be pivotably attached to the universal body with at least one linkage extending from the universal body and attachable to each jaw of the tool. A slide member is received within the guide slot, with each linkage attached to the slide member, and a piston cylinder arrangement is attached to the universal body and coupled to the slide member for moving the slide member and the jaws. The multiple tool attachment system is provided with quick change features and is designed to optimize the cutting characteristics throughout the movement cycle.
US08684291B2
A feed system that is configured to more effectively grab and pull brush and tree materials into a chipper is provided. The system of the present disclosure is configured such that a large, heavy tree trunk can be effectively pulled into the chipper. The system includes a hydraulic pump that applies variable down pressure on a feed roller.
US08684289B2
The present invention provides an apparatus comprising a substrate and first and second disks. The disks are rotatably located over the substrate, each disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The first disk is positioned to interleave one or more of its teeth with the teeth of the second disk. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of one of the disks. Another apparatus comprises at least one disk rotatably located over a substrate and in a well of the substrate, the disk having an outer circumference with teeth thereon. The disk is positioned to provide a maximum distance of less than about 10 microns between each one the teeth and a nearest wall defining the well. The substrate includes a channel with an exit port located near the teeth of the disk.
US08684286B2
An injection valve has a valve body and a nozzle body which is resting in a sealing fashion against the valve body, with a first valve body bore, in which bore a control piston and a stroke adjusting bolt are arranged so as to be moveable in the axial direction, with the control piston being embodied in order to be moved by a control means, with a second bore being provided in the nozzle body, with a nozzle needle being arranged in the second bore, the nozzle needle being provided to open or close an injection opening, with a tension spring being provided in the second bore, the tension spring stressing the nozzle needle in the direction of a sealing seat for the injection opening, with the first and second bore being actively connected to one another and with the stroke adjusting bolt being actively connected to the nozzle needle.
US08684274B2
A cooling enhancement apparatus includes a first substrate and a second substrate, the first substrate having a face in contact with at least one hot medium and having another face in contact with a secondary gas. The second substrate includes a face in contact with the secondary gas and has the other face in contact with a main gas. The faces of the first and second substrates in contact with the secondary gas generally oppose each other. One or more flexible seals can be attached to the first substrate and to the second substrate to form one or more closed enclosures including the secondary gas so that the second substrate moves relative to the first substrate when the secondary gas undergoes volumetric thermal expansion.
US08684265B1
A set of Web pages are provided for a Web site for a different loyalty program of a commerce partner. Non-negotiable credits are identified that are earned by a member as part of a loyalty program of an entity. During a Web session involving the member and the Web site, a request is received to transfer or convert a quantity of the non-negotiable credits to entity independent funds. The entity independent funds are different loyalty points of the different loyalty program. During the Web session at least a subset of the non-negotiable credits are transferred or converted into entity independent funds that the commerce partner accepts for commerce partner goods or services. The commerce partner goods or services are available for member purchase via the Web site. Non-negotiable credits are not accepted for the commerce partner goods or services.
US08684261B2
In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes receiving, in a proximity coupling system, holder consent to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance associated with a payment account; and providing a human understandable indication of the account balance associated with the payment account via an output device, in response at least in part to the consent; wherein receiving holder consent comprises receiving holder consent provided via a proximity payment device associated with the payment account. In accordance with some embodiments, a method includes storing account data and preference data in a proximity payment device, the preference data indicative of a preferred method to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance. In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus includes a proximity payment device, the proximity payment device including preference data, the preference data indicative of a preferred method to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance. In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus includes a proximity payment device wherein the proximity payment device generates data indicative of whether there is consent to provide a human understandable indication of an account balance based at least in part on whether a holder has actuated a switch.
US08684244B2
A vehicle-mounted equipment carrier includes a single-piece frame member. The vehicle-engaging and equipment-engaging members extend outward from a central portion. Optionally, the equipment carrier may be mounted in at least a first and second operational orientation. The interior of each equipment support is hollow such that one equipment support may be stacked within another. Straps pass through and are secured to the frame member. The straps are further connected to a vehicle to secure the frame member to the vehicle.
US08684224B2
A cylindrical tubular canister package has a body and ends. A tear-away strip is formed in the body by a pair of spaced partial cuts on the outside of the body. A thin strip of tear tape is secured to the inside of the body underlying and extending along the tear-away strip. A tab is formed at one end of the tear away strip. The canister package is opened by grasping the tab and pulling away from the canister body, which causes the tear-away strip to be severed from the body to open up the canister. The strip may extend axially, circumferentially, spirally, or otherwise along the canister body.
US08684216B2
An object is to provide a closing member for an opening, the closing member capable of more reliably maintaining a lightning-protective function. In addition to a first insulator 63, a second insulator 65 is provided between a door body 30 and a wing inner surface 11b around an opening 12. When the first insulator 63 falls off, the second insulator 65 becomes interposed between an inner peripheral planar part 64 and the wing inner surface 11b. With the first insulator 63 being tightly interposed between an outer peripheral planar part 62 and the wing inner surface 11b, the second insulator 65 faces the wing inner surface 11b with a predetermined clearance C therebetween. The outer peripheral planar part 62 is formed at a position further away from the wing inner surface 11b than an apical surface 65a of the second insulator 65 mounted on the inner peripheral planar part 64.
US08684196B2
A peg board hook, for insertion into a peg board, the peg board hook includes two tangs, each tang configured complementary, such that tangs from adjacent peg board hooks can be inserted into the same hole.
US08684190B2
The present racking system uses space frame technology to minimize materials while maximizing strength. The rack has multi-position racking capability, using a simple swing arm and pin system to move the solar array into an optimum position for the appropriate time of the year.
US08684178B1
A bi-directional storage and dispensing system is for accommodating cables, cords, tubes, hoses, and other similar mediums. The system includes a hollow container; a smaller diameter tube positioned within the container; and a pair of covers at either end of the container for holding the tube within the container while being removable.
US08684170B2
The proposed device comprises chain links alternately connected to upper fastening plates and to lower fastening plates. These plates comprise fastening claws of which some are arranged on the front and/or rear edges of the plates and others inside the surface of the plates. Stops are provided for blocking the chain links along the edge of the end of a conveyor belt. Another series of similar chain links are placed against the other end of the conveyor belt. The two series of chain links and plates are braced against the upper and lower sides of the respective conveyor belt ends, the claws fastening them to these ends. A connecting rod is then fitted into the chain links of the two pre-interleaved series, bringing together the conveyor belt ends in the process.
US08684169B2
A transfer device including a main conveyor part having a first conveying surface and a subsidiary conveyor part having a second conveying surface and arranged at the same area as the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the first conveying surface in one conveying direction, the subsidiary conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the second conveying surface in another direction transverse to the conveying direction of the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part and/or the subsidiary conveyor part being a roller conveyor having rollers, at least one of the rollers being a braking roller equipped with a brake, and the brake being designed to prevent the article from proceeding at least to the direction transverse to the conveying direction of the roller conveyor by a frictional force acting between the article and the braking roller.
US08684166B2
A system includes trays of a plurality of different widths and an unloading system for unloading cartons from the trays. The trays (20; 20′; 20″) each comprise a base (22) and a pair of end walls (30) extending upward from the base. The unloading system (200; 200′) comprises a plurality of fingers (202A-202I). Each of the end walls comprise a plurality of vertical slots (40) open to an upper edge of the end wall. The fingers are positioned and dimensioned to pass through the slots of the trays as the trays are delivered by the tray delivery conveyor to lift contents of the trays. The fingers are positioned so that some fingers pass through the slots of each of the different widths, but others pass only through slots of wider said widths.
US08684162B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for weighing containers (2) supplied along a conveying line (L). The device comprises: first weighing means (MP1) arranged on a first side (L1) of a stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a proximal position thereto; second weighing means (MP2) arranged at a side of the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) of containers (2) in a distal position thereto; a supporting member (8) activatable between a first position (P1) in which it is arranged at the stretch (T) of the conveying line (L) for receiving the containers (2), a second position (P2) in which it engages with the first weighing means (MP1), and a third position (P3) in which it engages with the second weighing means (MP2); and first guide means (9) activatable between a guide configuration (C1), in which they are arranged at the stretch (T) in order to guide the containers (2) along the conveying line (L), and a disengaged position (C2). The method comprises steps of: activating the support member (8) in order to bring the containers (2) received from the conveying line (L) into the third position (P3); activating the second weighing means (MP2) order to weigh the containers (2); activating the first guide means (9) in order to reach the guide configuration (C1) in phase relation with the movement of the support member (8).
US08684158B2
An electronic parking meter mechanism for inserting into a parking meter assembly is provided. The mechanism includes an inner housing, a payment receiving structure located on the inner housing, a user input device located on the inner housing, and an electronic display screen supported by the inner housing. The mechanism includes a front shelf and a front solar panel coupled to the upper surface of the front shelf. The mechanism may also include wireless communications hardware supported by the inner housing configured to wirelessly communicate with a parking management system.
US08684155B2
A document handler is provided that comprises: a casing 1 disposed adjacent to a gaming table 9, a deposit chamber 11 formed on an external side of casing 1 for receiving bills, an escrow chamber 14 formed on the external side of casing 1 for, visibly to players and removably from outside of casing 1 and temporarily, receiving genuine bills sent from deposit chamber 11, an escrow carrier 15 for transporting documents from deposit chamber 11 to escrow chamber 14, and a drive device 2 for driving escrow carrier 15.
US08684150B2
A control assembly includes a monitoring module and a switching module. The monitoring module determines a load demand of a first rail vehicle traveling along a track, wherein the first rail vehicle is supplied with electric current from a plurality of power sources over a conductive pathway extending along the track. The switching module is communicatively coupled with the monitoring module and is joined with a switch controller disposed between the power sources and the conductive pathway. The switching module directs the switch controller to change which of the power sources supply the electric current to the first rail vehicle over the conductive pathway based on the load demand.
US08684142B2
Using a position detection device, a position of a person in a building area outside of an elevator system is detected. It is determined that the person has not actuated a destination call for the elevator system within a preset period of time. As a result of the determination, a security measure is activated.
US08684140B2
A centrifugal clutch having a rotor, a clutch component, and at least one centrifugal weight movable relative to the rotor. When the rotational speed of the rotor is below a predefined value, the centrifugal weight is in a first position and at a distance from the clutch component so that the rotor can rotate freely relative to the clutch component and, when the rotational speed of the rotor is above a predefined value, the centrifugal weight executes a movement relative to the rotor under a centrifugal force into a second position so that the centrifugal weight produces a mechanical force fit between the rotor and the clutch component. The centrifugal weight has first toothing and the clutch component a second toothing so that the first toothing, above the predefined rotational speed, engages into the second toothing, establishing a form-locking connection between the rotor and the clutch component.
US08684134B2
An acoustical panel for forming a monolithic ceiling or wall, the panel extending across a rectangular area, and having a core made primarily of gypsum, the core being essentially coextensive with the panel area such that it has two opposed sides, each of an area substantially equal to the area of the panel, the core having a multitude of perforations extending generally between its sides, the perforations being distributed substantially uniformly across the full area of the core and being open at both sides of the core, the face side of the core being covered by a porous layer, the perforations being optionally restricted at a rear side of the core, the porous layer at the face side of the core being suitable for adherence of drywall joint compound and a water-based non-blocking paint.
US08684133B2
Acoustically damped component for a vehicle, an engine, a transmission or a vehicle trim panel, includes a flat basic body provided on at least one side with a rib structure. The ribs of the rib structure form chambers which are arranged irregularly on at least one region of the component, which has a resonant frequency of from 200 to 1000 Hz. The chambers are configured irregularly in such a way that chambers of the component have different dimensioning and/or geometry in comparison with adjoining chambers, such that emitted airborne sound can be reduced and/or eradicated. A response to a transient excitation of at least two part areas of that surface of the component which is provided with the chambers having a correlation of from 0.5 to 0.85, preferably of from 0.6 to 0.7.
US08684131B1
A dual muffler is provided which includes an inlet pipe, an end of which an exhaust gas is introduced from an engine. Additionally, an outlet pipe, an end of which is connected to an opposite end of the inlet pipe, branched at the opposite end of the inlet pipe running toward a side and the opposite side such that the exhaust gas from the inlet pipe is discharged through an opposite end is also provided. A housing covers the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe to expose the end of the inlet pipe and the opposite end of the outlet pipe to an outside environment; and a sound-absorbing material fills the interior space of the housing except for the remaining space where the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe.
US08684128B2
A steering gear comprises a helical pinion and a helical gear which are mounted in the gear housing and driven by an electric motor, wherein a control unit and a sensor system connected thereto are also disposed in or on the steering gear so as to detect and control the rotor position and/or rotation of the rotor of the electric motor. A section of the shaft of the worm located on the drive side extends in the axial direction and protrudes from the gear housing, wherein the protruding end of the section on the drive side is designed as a rotor shaft of the electric motor, and the control unit and/or the sensor system are disposed on the gear housing. The control unit and the sensor system are preferably disposed on differing sections of the gear housing. This allows a very compact, cost-saving and flexible implementation of the design.
US08684114B2
An improved circular multi-element semiconductor thermoelectric hybrid utilizes a make-before-break high frequency switching output component to provide nominal alternating current voltage outputs. Overall efficiency of heat conversion is improved by coupling a chiller to the thermoelectric generator where exhaust heat produces chilled liquid or air that is conveyed to the cold side of the thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric generator is used in a variety of transportation vehicles including manufactured vehicles, retrofitted vehicles and vehicle power combinations.
US08684100B2
A method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed. A device is provided that includes a material that expands from an original shape to an expanded shape when a selected charge is applied to material. The device is placed in the wellbore in the original shape. The selected charge is applied to the material to expand the material, causing a pressure differential across the device in the wellbore. A fluid is supplied into the device to set the device in the wellbore.
US08684092B2
An apparatus to allow backup or alternate fluid flow routes around malfunctioning BOP control components using a remotely installed removable hydraulic hose connection. The backup fluid flow route sends pressure-regulated hydraulic fluid to a BOP operation via an isolation valve rigidly attached to the BOP, then to a hose connected to an intervention panel on the BOP and finally through a valve that isolates the primary flow route and establishes a secondary flow route to allow continued operation. To increase reliability, the backup components route from a spare BOP function and are rigidly fixed to the BOP.
US08684091B2
A method of servicing hydrocarbon production equipment comprising locating at least a portion of a hydrocarbon flow conduit experiencing a loss of functionality; creating a port to access an interior flow bore of the hydrocarbon flow conduit; installing at least one piece of equipment proximate the access port, wherein the equipment has access to the interior flow bore via the access port; and placing a servicing composition into the conduit via the access port, wherein the servicing composition prevents the loss of materials from the interior of the hydrocarbon flow conduit to the surrounding environment.
US08684071B2
An end plate (200, 300) for a brazed heat exchanger comprises a relief pattern comprising ridges (230, 330) and grooves (240, 340) pressed into the plate material. The relief pattern (330, 340) is symmetric.
US08684070B2
A radiant synthesis gas (syngas) cooler used to contain and cool the synthesis gas produced by a coal gasification process used in an IGCC power plant employs a compact radial platen arrangement which is less prone to fouling and/or plugging issues.
US08684066B2
An overhead garage door has an apparatus for pinch resistant operation. The garage door may include horizontal sections and the door may be formed from a plurality of these sections, arranged in a stack, and pivotally connected to adjacent sections. The apparatus, such as meeting rails, may be attached to adjacent horizontal sections to mask the appearance of a seam created as adjacent sections are joined or provide pinch resistant operation.
US08684065B2
An overhead door assembly includes a horizontal track, a transition track and a vertical track. The horizontal track has a first axial end and an oppositely disposed second axial end. The transition track has a first end and a second end and is curved. The first end is engaged to the second axial end of the horizontal track. The vertical track includes a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is rigidly mounted to the second end of the transition track. The vertical track includes a plurality of guide portions and a plurality of jog portions that are alternately disposed along the vertical track. The plurality of guide portions and the plurality of jog portions cooperatively define a channel. The plurality of jog portions is offset from the plurality of guide portions.
US08684062B2
Here is disclosed a stopper for stopping the upward movement of a bottom bar attached to a fabric blind wound on a roller tube mounted within an elongated chamber of an elongated housing having a vertical wall. The stopper includes an elongated member having a head portion, a toe portion and a neck portion between the head and toe portion. The head portion is mountable within a mounting cavity positioned on the elongated housing adjacent the vertical wall. The mounting cavity, head portion and neck portion are dimensioned and configured to position the toe portion between the vertical wall and the roller tube when the stopper is mounted to the housing. The toe portion has a multi-position spacer element for selectively positioning the toe portion between proximate and distal positions relative to the vertical wall.
US08684059B2
A method and apparatus for tabbing a piece of folded material includes a fixture into which a folded material is manually inserted and retracted. A dispensing device automatically dispenses a length of adhesive tape that may be pinked on at least one edge, and a cutting device separates the length of pinked tape from its source. A lower platen slides below the inserted media and traps a piece of the adhesive tape between the lower platen and the media. An upper roller or sliding member moves over the opposite side of the media for folding the remaining portion of the adhesive tape over the opposite side of the media and causing good contact between the adhesive surfaces of both portions of the folded adhesive tape and the media, thereby completing the sealing action. The media then is retracted manually.
US08684058B2
A roller assembly for use during tire construction includes a telescoping tube arrangement and a roller positioned thereabout. The telescoping tube arrangement has an inner tube section and an outer tube section and which can be adjusted in length to accommodate the width of the tire component under construction. The roller includes a cylindrical surface of a desired hardness which is positionable into engagement with the outer surface of the tire component under construction and which includes a plurality of roller sections which are positionable about the telescoping tube arrangement and in a side-by-side relationship with one another. In addition, each roller section defines a peripheral surface so that when the roller sections are positioned in a side-by-side relationship along the tube arrangement, the peripheral surfaces of the roller sections collectively provide the cylindrical surface of the roller.
US08684049B2
The adapter comprises a central tubular body extending on one side with an abutment and fixing base on the cartridge and, on the other side, with two fixing legs on an intermediary nose piece of the transmission and filling member able to be hinged for ensuring the fixing operation, disconnecting and ejecting wings being additionally provided. The disconnecting and ejecting wings are arranged for opening the fixing legs before driving them into translation.
US08684045B1
A means for retaining a resealable bag in an open position for filling purposes is described which includes a surround having an interior dimension less than a nominal width of one side of an unfilled and sealed bag. A pair of cut-outs formed into the surround are shaped and sized to guide edges of a bag during insertion into the surround, retain the upper corners of the bag to prevent axial movement of the bag once inserted, and bias the mouth of the bag in a open position to receive contents.
US08684041B2
A control valve (14) for a device (1) for altering the valve timing for gas exchange valves (110, 111) of an internal combustion engine (100) is provided. A non-return valve (54) is located within an annular groove (44) formed on one of the components of the control valve (14) and pressurized medium flows through the annular groove. The assembly of the device is facilitated.
US08684026B2
A closure for a keg comprises a housing and a valve element movable within the housing between closed and open positions. A lock mechanism is capable of holding the valve element in the open position, to vent gas from the keg and to thwart unauthorised re-filling after dispensing. The lock mechanism comprises: a first part movable with the valve element that comprises a lock element engageable with the housing; and a second part that is movable with the first part when the valve element moves from the closed position to the open position during filling, and thereafter is separable from the first part as the valve element returns from the open position to the closed position after filling. Separation of those parts enables the lock formation to engage with the housing to hold the valve element when the valve element returns to the open position upon dispensing.
US08684022B1
A device to clear a blockage from an HVACR condensate drain line. A piston connected to a rod with a handle is inserted directly into the distal or outlet end of a condensate drain pipe and then rapidly withdrawn to create a vacuum or suction within the drain line. When sufficient suction pressure is created, it will dislodge a blockage in the drain line. Typically the piston has a proximal end with a diameter slightly greater than the inside diameter of the condensate drain pipe. Upon removal of the device from the drain pipe, the proximal end is caused to expand to its full diameter, creating an airtight and fluid tight seal with the inner diameter of the drain pipe, allowing for the creation of negative pressure and/or suction upstream to dislodge the blockage.
US08684006B2
Systems and methods are provided for optimizing the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using an oral appliance. The oral appliance can be configured by non-dental staff to safely conform to the dentition of a patient. The appliance includes configurable trays that include retention material that conforms to the dentition of the patient. The position of the upper and lower trays relative to one another can be adjusted both horizontally and vertically. The position of the upper and lower trays can be locked into place to maintain the position of the trays at a preferred treatment position. Methods for creating an appliance customized for a patient are also provided. Methods for using the customized appliance in combination with sleep study data is also provide. Methods for using the customized appliance to with pre-operative assessments and sleep study data to predict and reduce the risk of perioperative complications are also provided.
US08684003B2
A breathing mask device, a sealing lip device for a breathing mask device, a molding tool and a method for producing a corresponding breathing mask device and sealing lip device are described. An aspect of the invention is to provide ways that make it possible to create a breathing mask device that, with sufficiently strong tightness is distinguished by particular wearing comfort and which moreover can be produced advantageously in times of industrial production standpoints. According to an embodiment, a breathing mask device for administering a breathable gas is provided and includes a body structure that is sealed against a contact surface of a user's face, a sealing lip device that in combination with the body structure in part defines a breathing mask interior, a gel structure for at least intermittent and partial transmission of the retention forces, acting on the body structure, to the user's face area, and a gel material defining the gel structure is received in a gel receiving chamber defined at least in part by an elastically deformable receiving wall. The elastomer material intended for forming the receiving wall is integrally formed onto a wall portion of the breathing mask device, and is lifted or separated from this wall portion to form the gel receiving chamber.
US08683998B2
This invention relates to medical treatment and monitoring of a living body, and more particularly to a multipurpose apparatus and method for measuring a living body's respiratory airflow, analyzing the composition of a gas exhaled by a living body and/or insufflating a treating gas into the living body.
US08683995B2
Internally pierced formed blisters containing fluid compositions for use in devices to produce a spray or mist delivery of the compositions include internal piercing nozzles that can have significantly reduced channel volume to increase pressure of the fluid forced through the nozzle and provide finer control of spray geometry.
US08683992B2
The invention relates to an adjusting device (10;30;40) for adjusting and/or selecting one or more parameters of an appliance (50), wherein the adjusting device (10;30;40) comprises touch sensitive sensors (14), which are arranged in row, and a processing unit (18) for processing output signals of the sensors (14), whereas the processing unit (18) is designed in such a manner that an adjustment and/or a selection of parameters is realized by touching at least two of the sensors (14) in sequence, whereas the sensors (14) are arranged around a circumference of a torque proof actuation element (12).
US08683990B2
A projectile launcher having an upper receiver capable of swinging away from a lower receiver is disclosed. In one aspect, the lower receiver having a first end and a second end contains a firing control chamber. While the second end is located closer to barrel of the launcher, the first end of launcher is located closer to a buttstock. The firing control chamber includes a gas channel, wherein one end of gas channel is coupled to a valve and another end of gas channel reaches to the top of external wall of the chamber. The upper receiver having a first end and a second end contains a bolt chamber. The second end of upper receiver and the second end of lower receiver are pivotally coupled whereby allowing the first end of upper receiver to be pivotally swung away from the first end of lower receiver.
US08683988B2
Embodiments of engine systems for improved engine cooling and work production are disclosed herein. A working fluid can be injected into a combustion chamber or an engine during any portion of an energy cycle to cool the engine and/or to produce useful work in addition to work generated by combustion events in the chamber. The system can include a monitoring system configured to measure conditions within individual combustion chambers. Based on the interior conditions of the chamber, the system can adaptively inject working fluid mixtures into the engine. The engine can be part of a cascading series of engines including a primary engine and a secondary engine that receives fluids from the primary engine and generates energy from the fluids.
US08683986B2
A method for adjusting an exhaust gas recycling rate in an internal combustion engine exhaust gas recycling system, comprising: arranging the exhaust gas recycling system in at least one of a fresh gas line, an exhaust gas line, and an exhaust gas recycling line of the internal combustion engine; actuating at least one additional valve; adjusting the at least one additional valve temporarily by changing the operation of the internal combustion engine based on an exhaust gas rate associated with a current operating point of the internal combustion engine; diagnosing the at least one additional valve; and evaluating the change of at least one engine operating parameter dependent on the exhaust gas recycling rate.
US08683985B2
A belted gear assembly for driving a supercharger includes a belt drive assembly for operatively connecting a gear drive assembly to an existing pinion shaft of an engine. The belt drive assembly includes a lower pulley assembly that is operatively connected to the pinion shaft and belted to an upper pulley assembly. The upper pulley assembly is operatively connected to a side gear of the gear drive assembly. The side gear engages an upper gear of the gear drive assembly, which is operatively connected to a lobe of the supercharger. Rotation of the upper gear thereby initiates rotation of the supercharger. The amount of boost provided to the supercharger is readily adjustable by simply changing the lower pulley assembly to adjust the RPM ratio for the supercharger. Each component of the belted gear assembly is isolated and fully self-contained, including a separate lubrication system and collection well.
US08683973B2
An internal combustion engine, which includes a cylinder block, a cylinder head fastened to the cylinder block, an aperture formed in a side of the cylinder head, and a conduit assembly, such as an intake runner assembly or an exhaust conduit assembly. A combustion chamber is formed by the cylinder block and the cylinder head. The intake runner assembly is received within the aperture and configured to communicate air to the combustion chamber. The intake runner assembly includes a first piece and a second piece. The first piece has a first channel that includes a bend. The second piece has a second channel that includes another bend mirroring the bend of the first channel. The first piece is coupled to the second piece such that the first and second channels together form a flow path through the intake runner assembly, and the bends of the first and second channels together form a smooth turn in the flow path.
US08683972B2
A crankcase is provided for an internal combustion engine with at least one coated cylinder bore, which has a chamfer on a separating surface facing a cylinder head. A countersink is arranged on the chamfer. The geometry allows an additional grinding process on a separating surface facing a cylinder head to be omitted.
US08683965B2
An engine assembly may include an engine structure, a camshaft supported for rotation on the engine structure, a drive member and a camshaft actuation assembly. The camshaft may include a first shaft, a second shaft located within the first shaft and rotatable relative to the first shaft, a first cam lobe located on the first shaft and fixed for rotation with the first shaft and a second cam lobe supported for rotation on the first shaft and fixed for rotation with the second shaft. The drive member may be fixed to a first axial end of the camshaft and rotationally driven to drive rotation of the camshaft. The camshaft actuation assembly may include an actuator coupled to a second axial end of the camshaft and rotationally fixed to the engine structure and relative to the camshaft.
US08683964B2
A two-stroke, internal combustion engine which includes at least one set of paired first and second cylinders. The engine includes an air or air/fuel mixture inlet conduit bifurcated into inlet passages extending to respective first and second inlet ports of the first and second cylinders. A valve controls the passage of air or air/fuel mixture into the inlet passages. In one embodiment of the engine, a bypass passage provided with a bypass valve extends between the inlet ports of the paired cylinders.
US08683962B2
A cooling system for an internal combustion engine comprises a tubular conduit configured to conduct coolant to and from various components of the internal combustion engine and to remove excess heat therefrom. A shield portion is fluidly coupled inline of the tubular conduit and is disposed between a heat source and a cooler operating component. The expanded portion further comprises a cooling body, an inlet in fluid communication with the tubular conduit and configured to conduct coolant into the cooling body and an outlet in fluid communication with the tubular conduit and is configured to conduct coolant out of the cooling body.
US08683960B2
The present invention is a two or more subject retractable leash retractable leash, and methods of use regarding the same, which includes a roll-back feature on the retractable leash. The leashes may be locked in place by engaging a single lever. The leashes retract regardless of whether the spools are locked or unlocked. The leashes retract independently of the other leashes, such that a dual leash may be used to walk one subject.
US08683959B2
A lead system for domesticated animals has a lock capable of securing the collar and the handle ends to prevent theft of the animal. The lead system has a leash having a handle at one end and a collar at the opposing end. The lead system may have a first lock at the collar end and a second lock at the handle end which are separately activated for fastening the handle to the leash at one end of the leash and the collar to the leash at the other end for securing an animal to an immovable object. Alternatively, the lead system may have a lock capable of simultaneously securing the collar and handle ends. The lead system may also allow for adjustment of the circumference of the collar and the handle through the use of levers, with the lock(s) capable of also securing the levers.
US08683955B2
A fish pen (100) includes an elongate spar buoy (110) and a reserve buoyancy buoy (120) disposed over a top end of the spar buoy. Lower and upper rim assemblies (130, 140) are attached to the spar buoy and each other with tension members (150, 152, 154). An adjustable upper connection plate (114) on the spar buoy provides a means for tensioning the tension members. A docking station (190) and portal (185) provide easy access to the fish pen. A deployable panel system (180, 182) allows for crowding fish into a smaller portion of the pen. The panel system may be nonporous and include additional panels (184) such that a portion of the pen can be substantially isolated.
US08683950B2
The present invention provides a synchronous poultry feeding system, wherein a barrier member is configured through the feed conveying trough. The conveying trough comprises a trough and a fence configured above the trough. The fence is configured with a plurality of feeding openings. The outer edge of the barrier member is close to the inner wall of the trough and the fence. The barrier member can be controlled by the control device to be lifted or lowered inside the conveying trough. In this way, when the barrier member is not lifted, it can block the feed inside the trough, so that the poultry cannot stretch into the trough to eat, while when the barrier member is lifted to an appropriate height, the poultry can stretch from their respective feeding openings into the trough to eat.
US08683941B2
Device for applying a strip (B) of a viscoelastic material to a receiving surface (S) in relative motion (R) relative to said device, comprising a feed means and an application nozzle (1) having a body (11), into which said feed means (2) emerges, and a head (12) at the end of which there is an outlet orifice (122) of elongate shape in the transverse direction to the direction of the relative motion when the device is operating. The head (12) of the application nozzle (1) is linked to the body (11) of the application nozzle (1) via an articulation (10) which can be deformed along an axis (AA′) perpendicular to the direction of application of the strip (B).
US08683932B2
A method is provided for embroidering embroidery elements by means of a processor-controlled sewing machine (1). The method includes: the fabric (2) that is to be embroidered is placed in the required position in relation to a threaded needle (5) on the sewing machine; a plurality of embroidery elements (A, B, C) in the form of software products having pre-programmed embroideries are provided; a group of said embroidery elements, defined as stitch data objects in a memory (M), is selected; an arbitrary curve (KU) along which said group of embroidery elements (A, B, C) shall be embroidered on said fabric (2) is defined by the operator of the sewing machine; said embroidery elements of said group are distributed in a spaced relationship along said curve utilizing a positioning algorithm. According to the method of the invention, a coupling between the embroidery elements of the group and the arbitrary curve is preserved during the full processing by said positioning algorithm.
US08683921B2
A decorating machine applies artwork to a product having a central axis and a frustoconical surface around its central axis. The decorating machine includes a film with artwork, a moveable deck, and a roller. The moveable deck includes a rotating mount on which the product is rotatably mounted. The product undergoes a pendulum-like movement on the deck while the product rotates relative to the moveable deck. The roller has a frustoconical shape that generally corresponds to the frustoconical surface of the product. The film is located between the roller and the product. The roller provides heat and pressure to the film such that the artwork attaches to the frustoconical surface of the product.
US08683919B2
A strap forming assembly for a strapping machine includes a first forming wheel having a circumferential groove formed in a rim thereof and a second forming wheel cooperating with the first forming wheel and having a mating a circumferential crown extending therefrom. The first and second forming wheels cooperate to define a forming wheel nip therebetween. The forming wheel nip is non-planar. Strapping material fed into the forming wheel nip is permanently, longitudinally deformed.
US08683907B1
Disclosed are a system and method for discharging electrical potential into the earth to disable or destroy electronics and/or explosive devices. The disclosed system includes an electrical power supply providing a pulsed electrical potential exceeding 30,000 volts with at least 30 Joules of energy in each pulse. The system includes a cathode emitter and an anode emitter configured to be moved along the earth in close proximity to the earth. The electrical potential is discharged into the earth through the cathode emitter and/or the anode emitter.
US08683905B2
Methods of skiving metal using a skiving blade to form a shaving and methods of forming fins in a heat exchanger by skiving using a skiving blade. Where the metal body used to form the shaving or fin is made from a metal material having a hardness greater than that of aluminum.
US08683903B2
The powered endless belt (14) of a lower conveyor (12) transports workpieces (16) past a scanning station (18) and then past a slicing station (20), whereat the workpieces are sliced into desired thickness by a powered blade (23). An upper hold-down conveyor (24) includes a powered belt (26) that assists in holding the workpieces stationary and stable as workpieces travel past the slicing station (20). In this regard, the belt is of a compliant construction and is operated at a low enough tension to enable it to substantially conform to the contour of the upper surface of the workpiece, thereby to apply a substantially uniform load about the entire upper surface area of the workpiece.
US08683899B2
The present invention includes a chain type cutting apparatus for continuous cutting of a rope of a center-filled consumable product into individual pieces, which includes a first continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of first open die cavity portions and a second continuous elongate rotary chain with a plurality of second open die cavity portions. The first and second die cavity portions are mutually engageable to form a closed die cavity about a rope of center filled consumable product, forming pieces. The invention incorporates four main variables, dwell time, chain length, chain speed and the number of closed die cavities in simultaneous engagement. These four variables can be altered to increase the output of the product, as well as maintain a satisfactory seal of the center-filled consumable product.
US08683896B2
Instrument handles isolate the functions of supporting the instrument and actuating controls on the instrument. An instrument handle may be grasped and supported by the less dexterous digits and palm of a human hand, and controls mounted on the instrument handle may be actuated by the more dexterous digits. The instrument handle may couple to an end effector so that the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder remain in a comfortable position when the end effector is positioned to act effectively on a selected portion of a workpiece, such as a surgical site.
US08683888B2
A shift device for an automated or automatic transmission, in particular of a motor vehicle, has a manual selector lever which can be moved into the following stable selector lever positions: P, R, N and E and into four non-stable selector lever positions. Here, the stable selector lever positions are all arranged in alignment in a shift gate. Here, a stable selector lever position E is provided which is arranged in alignment with the stable selector lever positions in the shift gate and, here, is situated between two non-stable tilt positions +/−, which are arranged in alignment with the selector lever positions P, R and N, for step-by-step or multiple shifting, and in a transverse gate, which runs transversely with respect to the shift gate, between the two non-stable selector lever positions D and M arranged in the transverse gate.
US08683885B2
In a friction drive transmission apparatus arranged to transmit power by a frictional transmission force between two roller units pressed against each other, there is provided a pressing force imparting means to increase and decrease a pressing force imparted to a roller pair to vary the frictional transmission force between both roller units smoothly at the time of a shift.
US08683879B2
A sample injecting device is provided for reducing carryover. The sample injecting device includes the following mode: a needle is set at a low descending speed when sample is injected into an injection port in a total-volume injection manner by the sample injecting device. When the needle is in contact with the injection port, the needle is set at a low speed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the position of the needle relative to an injection hole and decreasing friction between the needle and the injection hole. Contaminants present in the injection hole are prevented from easily flowing from the injection hole into an analyzing flow path, so as to achieve an excellent low carryover.
US08683878B2
A sampling device has a valve body that comprises an inlet for connecting to an unloading pipe of a container containing dry bulk product, the inlet being shaped to receive a flow of dry bulk product from the container. The valve body has a first outlet which, when opened, discharges the dry bulk product that enters the valve body through the inlet. The valve body also has a second outlet which, when opened, discharges a sample of the dry bulk product, the second outlet having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first outlet. The sampling device enables a sample of dry bulk product, e.g. cement, slag, fly ash, cement kiln dust, silica fume, silica sand, lime, alumina, flour, or any other similar dry powdery substance to be obtained safely from a transport container or vessel.
US08683876B2
A load sensor assembly for measuring an amount of torque transmitted through a torque establishing element includes a core mounted on a transmission housing and a load sensor mounted on the core. The load sensor is positioned against a portion of the torque establishing element whereby a portion of the amount of torque transmitted through the torque establishing element travels through the load sensor and is measured. A cable is connected to the load sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the amount of torque to a transmission controller.
US08683875B2
A beta ratio changer is provided for a flow measurement device having a fluid displacement member. The beta ratio changer includes a flange and a sleeve extending axially from the flange. The sleeve may be inserted into a fluid conduit of the fluid measurement device, reducing the inner diameter of the fluid conduit around the fluid displacement member. A new beta ratio may be determined from the diameter of the edge of the fluid displacement member and the inner diameter of the sleeve.
US08683866B2
A method of matching sensors in a multi-probe blade vibration monitor for a turbine. The method includes providing at least two probes mounted in a casing of the turbine adjacent to a rotating blade structure of the turbine. Targets are provided on radially outer portions of the blade structure. Each of the probes includes a sensor generating signals corresponding to target passing events, and a set of synchronous harmonics of the rotational speed of the rotor are produced for each sensor. The position of the sensors is adjusted such that the sets of harmonics of the sensors are substantially matched, indicating that the positions of the sensors are matched.
US08683853B2
An apparatus for detecting abnormality for a fuel property detecting apparatus according to the present invention includes the fuel property detecting apparatus having a sensor part provided on a fuel channel, temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the fuel in the vicinity of said sensor part, a heater capable of raising the temperature of the fuel in the vicinity of the sensor part, and abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the fuel property detecting apparatus based on the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means when the heater is activated. The abnormality determining means includes fuel flow abnormality determining means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality in the flow of the fuel in the vicinity of the sensor part and failure determining means for determining whether there is a failure of said fuel property detecting apparatus itself.
US08683852B2
A leakage diagnosis device can determine whether or not leakage occurs from a fuel vapor processing apparatus by comparing a diagnosis criterion, such as a reference pressure set for diagnosing leakage, with an internal pressure of a process system of the fuel vapor processing apparatus during application of a negative or positive pressure to the process system. The diagnosis criterion has a device that can correct the diagnosis criterion based on a fuel vapor pressure within the process system.
US08683848B1
An improved hydrotest testing system comprises a safety stop which prevents the testing tools from being blown out of the top of the tubing string. The safety stop is made up into the upward facing box of the tubing joint to be tested, where the stop is positioned between the tool assembly placed within the tubing joint and the no-go head assembly which is located at the surface during the testing operation. Once the safety stop has been made up into upward facing box, the tool assembly is set within the joint to be tested and the joint pressure tested. The safety stop has a generally cylindrical body which has a bore extending through its length, where the bore has a reduced diameter throat which is sized smaller than portions of the downhole testing tool.
US08683841B1
Apparatus and method for cutting HVAC round duct and spiral duct and all attendant-attaching structures comprising a computer controlled machine able to cut round and spiral HVAC ducts and also the ability to send attendant-attaching structures that are then cut on a flat X and Y cutting machine.
US08683838B2
This circular rolling mill (1), used for shaping annular workpieces (100), comprises a pair of rollers, an inner one (12) and an outer one (10), capable of working (F1+F2) the radial inner (102) and outer (101) faces of a workpiece, and a pair of conical rollers, an upper one (22) and a lower one (20), capable of working (F4+F5) the front faces (103, 104) of the workpiece, and also means (66) for moving some of these rollers (22) with respect to a frame (41) of the rolling mill (1). The means for moving at least one of the rollers (22) comprise at least one pinion (54, 55) and at least one rack (26, 28) which is secured to a member for the movement (F3) of the roller. This pinion (54, 55) is rotated by the output shaft of an electrically operated geared motor (66) mounted on a support (72) which is articulated with respect to the frame about the axis (X56) parallel to the axis of rotation of the pinion. Damping means (76) are provided for damping the pivoting movement of the support (72) about its articular axis (X56).
US08683833B2
The present invention provides for a handle set for a lock with a latch, the handle set having an authentication circuit and actuator in the interior handle that allow access to authenticated transponders. The present invention also provides a device and method for transmitting a rotational movement and force in an electronic lock, wherein the transmission takes place in a coupled state and not in a decoupled state and wherein the transmission of force does not damage an actuator that requires little energy to change between the coupled and decoupled states. A coupling cartridge of an electronic lock can easily be handed. The electronic lock can be retrofitted in installed mortise locks and used with cylindrical locks. The electronic lock can include a security feature that prohibits the electronic lock from changing between the coupled and decoupled states.
US08683832B2
To provide a push button lock which includes a housing on which a plurality of depressible push buttons are located, a lock pin which moves axially with the push button and being engageable with and disengageable from the push button, a lock plate formed with a plate key hole and plate lock hole, a reset plate which is provided parallel to the lock plate, a driving cam linked to a deadbolt lock, and the security-code controller detachably attached to the housing. A mechanism and components for setting and storing a security code for locking and unlocking are assembled in a cartridge. The cartridge is detachably attached to the inside of the housing so that various surface designs are available.
US08683823B1
A system for offshore liquefaction of natural gas and transport of produced liquefied natural gas using a moored 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 floating liquefaction vessel with onboard liquefaction unit powered by a dual fuel diesel electric main power plant.
US08683820B2
A refrigerator includes an air guide that is provided with a defrost water hole and that is inclined toward the defrost water hole. The air guide guides cold air discharged from the cold air fan to a guide duct and also guides, to the defrost water hole, defrost water generated at the cold air fan.
US08683819B2
The present invention relates to an air conditioner using hot water heated by a solar heating system, the air conditioner comprising: a heater 10 that has a vacuous interior and a plurality of hot water branch pipes 13 immersed in the refrigerant; a condenser 30 connected with the heater 10 through a steam pipe L1; an ejector 20 mounted to the steam pipe L1; a flow regulator 40 installed on the exit side of the condenser 30; a refrigerant return line L2 connected to the flow regulator 40 to return the refrigerant to the heater 10; an evaporator 50 connected to the flow regulator 40 to receive condensate; a first steam supply line L4 connected with the evaporator 50 to supply the evaporated refrigerant to the ejector 20; and a second steam supply line L5 that is branched from the first steam supply line L4 and then connected with the steam pipe L1 and has a vacuum pump P2 installed therein. With the above configuration, the present invention can save energy by performing air conditioning using solar energy that is available in plenty during the summer, and continue air conditioning by maintaining the refrigeration cycle with the help of a built-in vacuum pump even when there is not enough solar energy.
US08683813B2
A gas turbine engine component includes a wall having first and second wall surfaces and a cooling hole extending through the wall. The cooling hole includes an inlet at the first wall surface, an outlet at the second wall surface, a metering section extending downstream from the inlet and a diffusing section extending from the metering section to the outlet. The diffusing section includes a first lobe diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, a second lobe adjacent the first lobe and diverging longitudinally from the metering section, a third lobe adjacent the second lobe and diverging longitudinally and laterally from the metering section, and a transition region having an end adjacent the outlet and a portion that extends between the lobes and the outlet. The first and third lobes each include a curved outer portion.
US08683808B2
A gas turbine engine is provided and includes a combustor having a first interior in which a first fuel supplied thereto by a fuel circuit is combustible, a turbine, a transition zone, including a second interior in which a second fuel supplied thereto by the fuel circuit and the products of the combustion of the first fuel are combustible, a plurality of fuel injectors, which are structurally supported by the transition zone and coupled to the fuel circuit, and which are configured to supply the second fuel to the second interior in any one of a single axial stage, multiple axial stages, a single axial circumferential stage and multiple axial circumferential stages, and a control system coupled to the fuel circuit and configured to control relative amounts of the first and second fuels supplied by the fuel circuit to the first and second interiors.
US08683805B2
An injector seal for a gas turbomachine includes a seal body having a first surface, an opposing second surface, a central opening configured and disposed to receive a gas turbomachine injector, an outer edge, and a plurality of passages extending through the seal body. The plurality of passages are configured and disposed to guide a fluid at the first surface through the second surface.
US08683801B2
The disclosure provides a waste heat recovery system and method in which pressure in a Rankine cycle (RC) system of the WHR system is regulated by diverting working fluid from entering an inlet of an energy conversion device of the RC system. In the system, an inlet of a controllable bypass valve is fluidly coupled to a working fluid path upstream of an energy conversion device of the RC system, and an outlet of the bypass valve is fluidly coupled to the working fluid path upstream of the condenser of the RC system such that working fluid passing through the bypass valve bypasses the energy conversion device and increases the pressure in a condenser. A controller determines the temperature and pressure of the working fluid and controls the bypass valve to regulate pressure in the condenser.
US08683799B2
A turbocharger includes a plurality of nozzle vanes provided on an outer circumferential side of a turbine wheel, a variable nozzle vane mechanism adjusting a flow of an exhaust gas with the nozzle vanes, and an actuator driving the nozzle vane mechanism. A control device for the turbocharger continues an abutting control that causes a movable member of the variable nozzle vane mechanism to abut against a stopper that regulates the movable range of the nozzle vanes as long as the engine is stopped while the vehicle is running.
US08683798B2
Embodiments of a product such as a stimuli-responsive product can comprise a shape memory component and a nanofiber component that forms a fibrous microstructure or network. The resulting product can be responsive to stimuli, such as electrical stimuli, in a manner that cause the product to deform, deflect, and rebound. In one embodiment, the product can comprise an epoxy and a continuous non-woven nanofiber, the combination of which provides a product with enhanced actuation speed.
US08683794B2
By accurately determining timing for suppressing overrun in a hydraulic motor or the like, work efficiency is prevented from falling. A. pressure difference ΔP between pressure Pa on a discharge port side of a hydraulic pump and pressure Pb on suction port side of the hydraulic pump is calculated on the basis of the detected travel direction of the vehicle and the pressure Pa relative to Pb detected at the respective port sides of the hydraulic pump. At least one of an engine and the hydraulic pump is controlled, according to the calculated pressure difference, such that overrun of at least one of the engine, the hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic motor is suppressed.
US08683793B2
A method is provided for recuperating potential energy during a lowering operation of a load, wherein a hydraulic system is adapted to lift and lower the load. In the method, at least two energy recuperation modes are provided, one of the modes is selected in response to a current operating state, and the hydraulic system is controlled according to the selected mode.
US08683781B2
A method for controlling an exhaust gas aftertreatment device of a vehicle hybrid drive is provided. The method comprises operating the hybrid drive only by a combustion engine, only by a non-combustion motor, or by both, as a function of a temperature of the exhaust aftertreatment device, and conducting exhaust gas of the hybrid drive at least partially through the exhaust aftertreatment device, the engine and motor each providing output to power the vehicle. In this way, the aftertreatment device may be operated at an optimal temperature for conversion performance.
US08683779B2
An agricultural piston bale press includes a pressing piston, a main driving mechanism, an intake device to take in crop material, and a stuffing device. The stuffing device includes a feed passage and a stuffing mechanism that has a tine arm supporting tines that can be moved along a stuffing trajectory, and a drive mechanism for driving the tine arm. The drive mechanism is configured to move the tine arm in a cyclic movement along a constant trajectory, and that the tines are movably supported on the tine arm so that the tines can be arranged in different positions with respect to the tine arm to follow different trajectories.
US08683775B1
A vacuum insulated glass (VIG) window unit installation configuration and method for installing a VIG window unit in a window frame that was designed to accommodate at least a thicker IG (insulating glass/integrated glass) window unit(s). The VIG window unit may be supported on a first side by a first stop portion of the frame and on a second side by a second stop portion of the frame. A spacer structure is provided along at least one side of the VIG window unit between the VIG window unit and at least one of the first and second stop portions, the spacer structure including at least one hollow area surrounded by a solid portion when viewed cross sectionally.
US08683758B2
A yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.
US08683756B2
A screw foundation system for aligning and fastening a rod- or post-like object in the ground includes a sleeve-like plastic receiving part which can be screwed into the ground and which, in the fastened state, accommodates an end region of the rod- or post-like, object and surrounds their periphery of the object with a distance at least in certain portions; and a curable filling compound which, in the fastened state, fills the space between the end region of the rod- or post-like object and the inner contour of the receiving part, wherein the inner contour has undercuts for anchoring the cured filling compound. The screw foundation system can include a screwing-in tool having a dimensionally stable fitting core which can be inserted into the receiving part in order to screw in the latter.
US08683752B1
A modular shelter assembly is presented. In particular, the shelter assembly comprises a mounting member structured to be secured to a predetermined support, a support beam outwardly spaced from the mounting member and the predetermined support, a plurality of track beams each disposed in interconnecting, supported relation to the mounting member and the support beam, the mounting member, the support beam and the plurality of track beams collectively comprising a modular construction, and the modular construction at least partially defined by an at least initially adjustable interconnecting relation of the plurality of track beams to both the mounting member and the support beam.
US08683744B2
A power-saving flowerpots capable of serial connecting with other flowerpot includes a planting tank having a horizontal plane and an inclined plane at an upper side thereof for planting; a water tank connected to a lower side of the planting tank; the connection of the planting tank and the water tank being formed as an L shape; an interior of the water tank being formed with a water draining channel; an upper side of the water draining channel being formed with a communication hole so that when the water level in the water tank is over a lower edge of the communication hole; water will flow into the communication hole from the water tank. A plurality of flowerpot can be installed as a first row by a retaining rod to pass through all hooks of the flowerpots; and the water tubes of the flowerpot are connected one by one.
US08683742B1
An agricultural system including: at least one seed; a growing media in communication with the one seed; a biodegradable outer retainer surrounding a portion of the one seed and the growing media, and; at least one growing media additive.
US08683728B2
Devices and methods for altering a firearm to prevent firing of rounds of a first size while allowing the firing of rounds of a smaller, second size are provided. In one embodiment, a barrel safety device prevents a live round from fully chambering in a firearm, while allowing a blank to be chambered and fired from the firearm. The barrel safety device includes a muzzle block, a rod, and a tip in one embodiment. The rod and the tip can be sized so as obstruct a portion of the barrel and/or the bullet chamber of the firearm, such that a round having a first length, such as a live round, contacts the tip of the barrel safety device and cannot be fully chambered. The rod and the tip can be sized so as to allow a cartridge having a second, smaller length, such as a blank cartridge, to be fully chambered without contacting the tip of the barrel safety device.
US08683726B1
A novel fire control system for a bolt action firearm includes a firing pin sear located and controlled at one side of the forward end of the bolt. The sear configuration is optimum for rifles having a bullpup form. The location of the sear also provides clearance under the bolt for the bolt to be moved over a firearm magazine without interference with cartridges in the magazine.
US08683717B2
A support arranged for disposition within a shoe, boot or sandal, to raise the arch of the foot by everting the forefoot and inverting the rearfoot, thereby locking the midtarsal joint. The support basically comprises a base portion and a wedge portion. The base portion has an upper surface on which the wedge portion is disposed. The wedge portion includes a medial side edge and a lateral side edge and extends from the base of all five metatarsals of the person's foot to the heads of all five metatarsals. The wedge portion tapers in thickness from at least the midline of the wedge portion to the medial side edge. The wedge portion includes an anterior portion that is tapered to the sulcus section of the wearer's foot.
US08683714B2
The present invention relates to a dryer (1) comprising a drum (2) which is rotated around its own horizontal axis, a bulkhead (3) which has an opening (4) that enables the laundry to be loaded into the drum (2) and to be unloaded therefrom, a fixing surface (6) which is fixed to the bulkhead (3) and which has at least two apertures (9), and at least two electrodes (5) which are disposed into the apertures (9) and which provide dryness sensing to be performed.
US08683712B2
A method of manufacturing a lyophilized reagent, including mounting a plurality of reagent cartridges in which a liquid reagent is loaded in a tray including one or more tunnel-shaped first rails having opened end portions in a lengthwise direction and an opening formed in the top of the one or more first rails; closing the opened end portions, placing the tray in a lyophilizer and lyophilizing the liquid reagent according to a lyophilizing program.
US08683711B2
A housing for modularizing a heat pump system of a clothes dryer and a clothes dryer having the same are disclosed. The heat pump system modularized housing of the clothes collectively modularizes a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator and an expansion valve that constitute the heat pump system of the clothes dryer. Not only does the heat pump system is stably mounted in the clothes dryer but also components of the heat pump system can be effectively protected. In addition, the fastening procedures of each component can be unified to simplify an assembling process of the clothes dryer, and thus, the productivity can be improved. Moreover, a structure of an internal flow path of the clothes dryer can be simplified to thus improve efficiency of the heat pump system.
US08683704B2
A power tool includes a pipe holder, a knife pivotally coupled to the pipe holder, and a drive mechanism coupled to at least one of the pipe holder and the knife. The drive mechanism is operable to move the at least one of the pipe holder and the knife relative to the other of the pipe holder and the knife. The power tool also includes a motor coupled to the drive mechanism and a power supply electrically coupled to the motor to selectively power the motor for operating the drive mechanism.
US08683703B2
A utility knife includes a handle, a blade holder assembly, and a resilient blade wiper. The handle includes an opening at a front end. The blade holder assembly is constructed and arranged to hold a blade at a position of use wherein the blade projects through the opening at the front end of the handle, and to retract the blade into the handle. The resilient blade wiper is constructed and arranged to be positioned toward the front end of the handle. The blade wiper is constructed and arranged to remove debris from side surfaces of the blade when the blade is retracted into the handle.
US08683688B2
The present invention relates to a method for balancing a wind turbine. The method includes the steps of a) measuring at least one property that is dependent on a motor workload of at least one yaw motor 52 of a soft yaw system 5 during a period of time, b) calculating an unbalance based on the measurement of step a), c) determining a pitch offset angle for at least one turbine blade 41 based on the calculation of step b), and d) changing the pitch of the at least one turbine blade according to the pitch offset angle of step c) for decreasing the unbalance. The present invention also relates to a system for balancing a wind turbine.
US08683687B2
Method for manufacturing a crankcase of a piston compressor, wherein the piston compressor is provided with a crankcase which is provided with recesses for therein receiving cylinders and with at least an inlet opening, wherein from a flat sheet at least one substantially rectangular body blank is manufactured provided with the desired cylinder receiving recesses, wherein the body blank is then angle bent in an angle bending machine for forming a body part having a limited number of folds, wherein at least two substantially flat end walls are manufactured from a flat sheet, wherein thereupon the at least one body part and the at least two end walls are positioned with respect to each other using a positioning tool and are connected with each other with a welding robot for forming the crankcase. Also disclosed is a crankcase obtained with the method, and a piston compressor provided with such a crankcase.
US08683685B2
A multilayer printed wiring board includes a first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a first conductor circuit formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer, a second interlaminar resin insulating layer formed on the first interlaminar resin insulating layer and the first conductor circuit, a second conductor circuit formed on the second interlaminar resin insulating layer. A via conductor can be formed in the opening portion. The opening portion of the second interlaminar resin insulating layer can expose a face of the first conductor circuit. The via conductor connects the first conductor circuit and the second conductor circuit. The via conductor includes an electroless plating film formed on inner wall face of the opening portion and includes an electrolytic plating film formed on the electroless plating film and on the exposed face of the first conductor circuit exposed by the opening portion. The second conductor circuit includes the electroless plating film and the electrolytic plating film.
US08683671B2
The invention concerns a method for fastening a retainer of an airbag, in particular of a window bag, to a body of a motor vehicle. The method for fastening including the steps of: arranging the retainer on the body by inserting a hollow pin in a corresponding bodyshell opening; positioning a tool on the retainer; and pressing a pin into an opening of the hollow pin to radially expand the hollow pin, and thereby securing the hollow pin in the corresponding bodyshell opening.
US08683664B2
A touch-and-close fastener part includes a two-dimensional carrier (1) and a main tang (7) extending from the carrier. The main tang has at least one secondary tang (9) located on it and supporting the main tang (7) on the carrier (1). The fastener part can be obtained as hooking elements (5), in particular by punching or cutting. The main tang (7) can be raised up about a bending line (13) forming a first connecting region with carrier (1), into a functional position over the carrier (1). The secondary tang (9) forms a connecting area lying against the carrier (1) and representing a second connecting region.
US08683663B2
The invention relates to a device for detachably fastening a camera to a carrying strap. The device for detachably fastening a camera to a carrying strap includes an eyelet piece comprising an eyelet, a flexible extension fixed to the eyelet piece, and a fastening element designed as a stand screw for securing to the camera, said element being disposed on an end of the flexible extension facing away from the eyelet piece. The special feature of the eyelet of the eyelet piece is that it has an opening in the peripheral rim thereof, through which a carrying strap, in particular a carrying strap that is part of another system, such as the carrying strap of a handbag or camera bag, can be threaded.
US08683662B2
A piercing rib clip has first and second legs defining a space for receiving a rib of a component held thereby and a piercing pin held by at least one of the legs piercing the rib held between the legs.
US08683661B2
A push button type belt buckle includes a moveable rod and a push button arranged to be interlaced with each other and configured to cooperate with spring mechanisms provided in a belt base. With such a unique structure, a buckling pin provided on the moveable rod is able to floatingly buckle a belt with ease while exhibiting an elastic characteristic capable of returning to its original position such that the adjustment of the extent of the fastening and buckling of the belt can be advantageously achieved via the push button reliably and such that the push button type belt buckle of the present invention is of the improved effects of facilitated operations and simplified assembly requirements and functions.
US08683658B2
The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for utilizing an airbag clamp for securing an airbag onto an inflating tube of an airbag system. An embodiment of the present invention includes a body, a first engaging portion, and a second engaging portion. The body may be capable of surrounding the device, wherein the body may include a first end and a second end that are capable of moving towards each other. The first engaging portion may be located at a first end, wherein the first engaging portion may include at least one plate. The second engaging portion may be located at the second end, wherein the second engaging portion may include at least one plate. The engaging portions may be capable of being fitted together and the plates may be capable of being fastened together to secure the clamp around the material and device.
US08683655B2
The present invention relates to a hinge apparatus for a door, and more particularly, to a separated type hinge apparatus with an automatic return function, in which a restoring device and a damping device are installed separately so that the overall length of the hinge apparatus is reduced, and thus the hinge apparatus may be buried less deeply. A separated type hinge apparatus comprises: an elastic casing; a first elastic member that provides a restoring force; a clutch device which is combined with one end of the first elastic member and controls the elastic force of the first elastic member to remain constant; a shaft penetratively combined through the clutch device in order to transmit a rotational force; and a spring fixing member which is coupled to the other end of the first elastic member and has a gear groove to control a spring elastic force.
US08683652B2
The invention relates to a furniture hinge comprising a base plate, which is designed to be fastened to a furniture body, and a hinge arm that is mounted so as to be movable by an adjustment device in a controlled manner relative to the base plate within a predetermined adjustment range, wherein the adjustment device prevents the hinge arm from falling from the base plate by displacement. The furniture hinge has a fall guard for the hinge arm which prevents the hinge arm from falling relative to the base plate upon uncontrolled displacement of the hinge arm caused by failure of the adjustment device, and the hinge arm is mounted so as to be movable relative to the base plate within the predetermined adjustment range despite the fall guard.
US08683650B2
The invention includes a universal retractable handle assembly for attachment to luggage items of a variety of different sizes. A plurality of tubes having a fixed length can be attached to a bracket member such that each tube can extend in a telescoping manner to a different distance from the bracket member when the handle is in the extended position and thus be employed in different sizes of luggage. Additionally, a tube housing is provided which includes a tube receiving portion and reinforcing portions on an outer surface of the tube housing. The tube receiving portion is formed with an arcuate shape which corresponds with the shape of the tube member to be inserted therein. The reinforcing portions include a plurality of planar flanges which extend beyond the outer surface of the tube receiving portion to provide improved structural characteristics.
US08683645B2
An air quality monitoring system is associated with a housing of a vacuum cleaner and includes at least one sensor for measuring data of an air quality parameter and a display, such as a color screen, for presenting information regarding the air quality parameter that is measured by the at least one sensor. The air quality monitoring system may be a self contained unit that may be removed from the housing of the vacuum cleaner or may be included as an integral part of the vacuum cleaner.
US08683644B2
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment member and a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a power cord removably mounted to a power cord wrap and removable in a cord removal direction. The power cord wrap may comprise at least first and second spaced apart cord retaining members. At least one of the cord retaining members may be a moveable cord retaining member that is moveable between a cord storage position wherein the moveable cord retaining member is oriented to inhibit removal of the power cord and a cord removal position wherein the moveable cord retaining member extends generally in the cord removal direction.
US08683638B2
The subject of the present invention is a rotary tool (1) for surface treatment. This is equipped with a brush holder (3) which can be driven in rotation for an annular brush (4) with a brush strip (5) and bristles (6) protruding outwardly from the brush strip (5). According to the invention, coolant for the cooling thereof is supplied to the brush holder (3) and/or the annular brush (4).
US08683636B2
A device with two or more regions configured to clean or treat a working surface is disclosed. Preferably, the device is an oral-care device with a power cleaning head. The power cleaning head comprises two or more regions, wherein at least one of the regions is configured to move and wherein at least one of the regions comprises a squeegee element. Preferably, the regions are configured to independently rotate, oscillate, vibrate or otherwise move while cleaning teeth and gums and can each include bristles, nodules, squeegee elements, or any combination thereof.
US08683633B2
A mattress with built-in massage capabilities that is arranged so the mattress can be used as a standard sleep surface when the massage function is idle. In standard sleep mode a user will not notice the massage aspects of the mattress. Massage is performed by air pumps and air bags controlled to simulate various massage protocols such as wave, stretching, kneading, and percussion.
US08683632B2
An internal valve (10, 10′ or 10″) and its methods of use for stabilizing and reinforcing inflatable objects are disclosed. The internal valve is a novel, simple modification to conventional check valves with the addition of a discharging means (14, 22 or 28)for external control. An internal supplemental chamber comprises one or more partitions that are secured, directly or by I-beams (40′), to main chamber's walls (40) of an inflatable object and stretched when the main chamber is inflated. With the internal valve as the passage to and from the main chamber, the enclosed or isolated supplemental chamber (30, 30′, 32, 34, 36 or 38) functions as a stabilizing or reinforcing component. A plurality of chambers 36 can form cylinder beams for an inflatable mattress.
US08683621B1
A spa cover constructed of layers of pliable insulation encapsulated within a weatherproof vinyl reinforced fabric or a rubber membrane which is attached to rigid square support tubes that run parallel to the short end of the spa. The encapsulated insulation is fastened to the bottom of the square support tubes with corrosion-free nylon anchors which allows the soft insulation assembly to span over the water and rest directly on the spa bartop surface sealing the heat in and keeping debris out. An arched fiberglass rod structure supports a weatherproof rainfly which is permanently affixed to the flat cover assembly to shed rain and debris. The entire assembly is held in place at each end with adjustable straps which stretch the cover from end to end keeping the rainfly taut. Removing the cover to access the spa involves undoing the straps on one end and rolling the cover assembly towards the other end until the desired amount of spa exposure is reached. Covering the spa after use is just the opposite procedure.
US08683620B1
A device for covering a pool, for example a swimming pool, has an upper component composed of a closed cell polymeric foam and a lower component composed of an open cell polymeric foam. The device can have, or can acquire in use, a convex upper surface which reduces the danger that it will be blown off the pool by wind.
US08689358B2
An apparatus is provided and includes a cantilever having a tip at a distal end thereof disposed with the tip positioned an initial distance from a sample and a circuit electrically coupled to a substrate on which the sample is layered and the cantilever to simultaneously apply direct and alternating currents to deflect the cantilever and to cause the tip to oscillate about a point at a second distance from the sample, which is shorter than the initial distance, between first positions, at which the tip contacts the sample, and second positions, at which the tip is displaced from the sample.
US08689357B2
A tamper detector has input and output pins for connection to ends of a tamper detection circuit, and a corresponding set of linear feedback shift registers (LFSRs) timed by clock signals for generating pseudo-random coded detection signals as a function of seed values and of a generator polynomial defined by feedback taps. A comparator compares signals received from the detection circuit with the coded detection signals. A multiplexer provides the coded detection signal selectively from the LFSRs to the output pin and the comparator. A controller varies the seed values for different cycles of values of the pseudo-random coded detection signals. The controller also controls the generator polynomial and a frequency of the clock signals for different cycles of values of the pseudo-random coded detection signals.
US08689355B1
An improved technique involves creating a new lockbox mechanism which is configured to work on a new or upgraded operating platform having different operating platform parameters, and then storing confidential information within the new lockbox (e.g., a copy of credentials which are also stored at a main site). When the new lockbox is then moved to the new or upgraded operating platform, the new lockbox mechanism properly works. Such operation enables the maintained compatibility with applications, control and maintenance of lockbox security throughout, and can be performed automatically and/or remotely.
US08689352B2
Document collaboration may be implemented by executing an access interest specification phase. The access interest specification phase may include receiving access requests from collaboration participants for access to a document instance, the access requests specified using a document schema of the document instance and referencing at least one schema portion for access to a corresponding document instance portion based thereon, determining a common access interest group of the collaboration participants, based on the access requests, access credentials of the collaboration participants, and on an access control policy specified in terms of the access credentials, and providing a control data block to the participants of the common access interest group including information for generating a common secret key that is common to the participants of the common access interest group. The document collaboration may further be implemented by executing a collaboration phase. The collaboration phase execution may include encrypting the document instance portion using the access control policy, and providing access to the document instance for access to the document instance portion by an accessing participant of the common access interest group, the access including decryption of the document instance portion using the common secret key.
US08689351B1
The certificate with specified conditions under which copyrighted material can be played. Copyrighted material, such as videos are stored in a storage unit. They are stored along with a policy that indicates when the information can be played. The information can, for example be encrypted one stored, and the decryption key is available only when characteristics of the policy are met. When those characteristics are not met, the information can not be retrieved at all or only can be retrieved in some very limited format.
US08689346B2
An authentication system and method is presented for authenticating a first party to a second party, where an operation is performed on condition that the authentication succeeds. The authentication method verifies whether the first party is authenticated. If the first party is not authenticated, then it is determined if the first party qualifies for a sub-authorization. The sub-authorization depends on a value of a grace-counter associated with a number of times that first parties have been qualified for the sub-authorization. If the first party qualifies for the sub-authorization, the operation is performed and the grace counter is decremented. If the first party is authenticated, then the grace counter is set to a predetermined number.
US08689339B2
The present invention provides a method for game data transmission, including: acquiring, by a client upon logging into a server, a session key assigned by the server; encrypting game data with the session key, and submitting the encrypted game data to the server; decrypting and verifying the received game data by the server, and saving the game data if the game data are proved to be valid. The present invention also provides a system, client apparatus, server and mobile terminal including the client apparatus to which the preceding method can apply. The method, system and apparatus of the present invention ensure that the client can transmit game data safely to the server and protect the game data from being tampered with or counterfeited.
US08689338B2
The method of protecting a secret key from being read by a non-secure software application, comprises a step (94) of recording the secret key as a routine stored in an executable-only memory. The routine having: load instructions to load the secret key into a memory readable by a secure and a non-secure software application, if the routine is called by the secure software application, and control instructions to leave only dummy data instead of the secret key in the readable memory if the software application calling the executable-only routine is the non-secure software application.
US08689332B2
An information processing apparatus provided with a first information processing unit and a second information processing unit, wherein the first information processing unit infected by a virus is cleared and normal communication restored quickly without human operation. The virus infection is quickly detected by an external virus management function device through a first communication system, a communication suspension instruction is transferred through a different second communication system having a high security level to the first information processing unit, and communication by the first communication system is disconnected. Further, anti-virus solution information is transferred to the first processing unit through the second communication system, and virus removal in the first processing unit is carried out. Further, after removal, the disconnected communication is restarted.
US08689325B2
A system for identifying and notifying computers of malicious software programs over an Internet. The system includes a first client inventory module configured to scan a first computer so as to find an un-identified software program and to upload information associated with the un-identified software program; a first upload-download module in communication with the first client inventory module and configured to upload information associated with the un-identified software program over the Internet to a database factory for determination of whether said software program is a malicious software program and producing information identifying the determined malicious software program; a second upload-download module in communication with the database factory and configured to receive information relating to the determined malicious software programs from the database factory; and a second client inventory module in communication with the second upload-download module and configured to receive and store the information associated with the determined malicious software program to a second computer.
US08689305B2
When a first MFP that manages first and second conversion values of user authentication information accesses a second MFP, the first MFP queries about which conversion value is used by the second MFP to execute user authentication processing. The first MFP transmits information based on a conversion value in accordance with the query result to the second MFP. Then, the second MFP executes user authentication processing using information based on a conversion value in accordance with the query result and a conversion value managed by the second MFP.
US08689304B2
A system and associated method for providing enhanced site access security by use of multiple authentications from independent sources. A security enhanced user service system has components of a user authentication process, a service application, a multi-authentication module and an authentication database. A user attempting to use the service application accesses through a client system that is coupled to the security enhanced user service system. The user authentication process receives login information from the user, checks for validity, and sends to the multi-authentication module to further verify the login information. The multi-authentication module generates a grant or denial by use of predefined logical condition to satisfy for the grant response, data stored in the authentication database, another security enhanced user service system etc., pursuant to a specific configuration.
US08689303B1
Cookies differentiate users and maintain data related to a user during navigation. Cookies are used for activities such as authenticating, session tracking, and maintaining specific information about users. An embodiment receives a first access request from a mobile device that corresponds to a first attempt by the mobile device to access the mobile network. The mobile device is authenticated using a set of authentication credentials provided by the mobile device. A gateway cookie is created that includes a second set of authentication credentials associated with the mobile device. The gateway cookie is provided to the mobile device and stored on the mobile device. A second access request, received from the mobile device, includes the gateway cookie and the second access request corresponds to a second attempt by the mobile device to access the mobile network. The mobile device is authenticated using the gateway cookie.
US08689297B2
A system, devices and method for authenticating a user requesting access, through a computing device connected to a network, to an on-line resource hosted by a server in communication with the network. The system, devices and method employing an authentication server and a mobile communications device in communication over a wireless network. The authentication server forwarding an authentication to the mobile communications device. Optionally, the authentication server also returning security information related to the authentication in response to the request. The mobile communications device operative to receive and process the authentication, and forward the processed authentication to the computing device over a short-range communications link.
US08689294B1
A method for managing offline authentication. The method may include 1) identifying an attempt, by a user, to access a client device, wherein accessing the client device requires the user to be authenticated, 2) determining whether the client device is offline, 3) in response to determining that the client device is offline, authenticating the user using offline authentication, wherein offline authentication does not require an active network connection with a remote authentication service, 4) upon successful authentication of the user using offline authentication, allowing the user to access the client device, 5) monitoring the network-connection state of the client device, 6) detecting that the client device is online, and then 7) in response to detecting that the client device is online, locking the client device in order to require the user to reauthenticate using online authentication, wherein online authentication requires the active network connection with the remote authentication service.
US08689293B2
An access control device for use in a system for providing users with a content access service, the access control device obtaining a content including one or more pieces of personal information, storing a plurality of pieces of personal information in correspondence with a plurality of pieces of first user information each of which indicates one of (i) a user who is permitted by a person related to a corresponding piece of personal information to access a content including the corresponding piece of personal information, and (ii) a user who is not permitted by the person related to the corresponding piece of personal information to access the content, and determining whether or not to give permission to access the content obtained by the obtaining unit, in accordance with a piece of first user information stored in the storage unit in correspondence with the piece of personal information included in the content.
US08689292B2
A method and system provide dynamic communities of interest on an end user workstation utilizing commercial off the shelf products, with central management and the ability for a users to log on only once (also known as “single sign on” or “SSO”). The software images that make up the virtual machine can be patched and updated with other required changes from a central storage area where the image can be administratively updated just once. A digital signature can be applied to the software images to ensure authenticity and integrity, along with determining whether a software image is up to date.
US08689291B2
The disclosure discloses a wireless access device (2), which includes: a wireless module (204) which establishes a wireless connection with a network, a solid state memory (203) partitioned into different storage volumes, a driver management module (202) and an enumeration management module (201). In the solid state memory, the fourth storage volume stores a bootstrap, the first storage volume stores an operating system and system management software, and the third storage volume stores encryption driver management software, device drive software and device management software. The driver management module (202) stores storage volume information. The enumeration management module (201) enumerates the fourth storage volume storing the bootstrap as a driver after the wireless access device is powered on, and is switched to a host mode or a peripheral device mode according to the received command indicating to switch to the host module transmitted by the bootstrap which is run on computer device and the storage volume information in the driver management module. The disclosure also discloses a wireless access method. The purpose of the disclosure is to provide the wireless access device which is easy to be maintained and convenient for carry, and the wireless access method, so as to improve user experience and security.
US08689290B2
Systems and methods for securing a credential generated by or stored in an authentication token during an attempt to access a service, application, or resource are provided. A secure processor receives a credential from an authentication token and securely stores the credential. The secure processor then verifies the identity of the individual attempting to use the authentication token and cryptographically verifies the identity of the server being accessed. The credential is only released for transmission to the server if both the identity of the individual and the identity of the server are successfully verified. Alternatively, a secure connection is established between the secure processor and the server being accessed and a secure connection is established between the secure processor and a computing device. The establishment of the secure connections verifies the identity of the server. After the secure connections are established, the identity of the user is verified.
US08689288B2
Provided is an apparatus and method for protecting a system in a virtualized environment. The apparatus includes a domain unit including a plurality of domains, each having one or more device drivers; a system resource unit forming hardware of the system; a direct memory access (DMA) driver; and a control unit including an access control module which controls the access of the domain unit to the system resource unit in the virtualized environment.
US08689286B2
A device comprising a processor is disclosed herein. In one broad aspect, the processor is configured to: determine whether a general message encoding configuration setting at the device is set to a first setting indicating that when a security encoding is to be applied to a message, the security encoding is to be established by a policy engine, wherein the established security encoding cannot be overridden by a security encoding selection algorithm at the device; and if the general message encoding configuration setting is set to the first setting, transmit the message to at least one message recipient via the policy engine such that the policy engine applies the security encoding to the message prior to the policy engine transmitting the message.
US08689285B1
Methods for rule-based group security data management and corresponding systems and computer-readable mediums. A method includes receiving a complex rule set corresponding to at least one electronic document, the complex rule set including a combination of granting rules, denying rules, and rule precedence. The method includes generating derived user groups according to the complex rule set. The method includes deriving grant rules for each electronic document according to the complex rule set to produce a derived grant rule set. The method includes storing the derived grant rules as associated with the electronic document.
US08689284B2
A system and method are described herein for standardizing an IT policy that is used to configure devices operating on a network. An IT policy can be generated that applies to a group of users or to one or more special users without having to define and store a new IT policy for each special user. This can be achieved by specifying global and per-user IT policy rules and merging these rules as needed to produce IT policy data.
US08689276B2
A system and method provides a service, such as complete access to a file or a socket request, in response to a file describing permissions for individual or multiple domains.
US08689274B2
A method for redirecting video content includes receiving a video signal at the set-top box and decoding the video signal to produce unrendered video data. The unrendered video data is encoded and provided to the remote device via a wide area network. By encoding unrendered, rather than rendered, video data for transmission to the remote device, the need for an encoding device external to the set-top box is obviated.
US08689264B2
An inflight entertainment system and method for use therein reduce the loading time required to preload programs identified in playlists onto seat end equipment. Loading time is reduced by retaining programs included in playlists on seat end equipment across flights and making incremental updates to such programs to account for changes in playlists, rather than updating them wholesale for each flight. Loading time is further reduced by adding programs to seat end equipment for the current flight, where possible, by copying such programs from other seat end equipment, rather than copying them from head end equipment.
US08689260B1
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for efficiently scheduling incoming information objects so that objects with the highest utility factors are scheduled for broadcast. The incoming information objects are preferably received from one or more information sources, and can be tagged with attributes that associate each object with one or more classes of information (e.g., sports, news, etc.), and/or can provide a gauge of the utility of the object. The tags can be used, for example, to select and broadcast objects from a variety of classes, and/or to identify the objects that provide the most utility at any given time.
US08689259B2
An EPG database for a home entertainment system includes files that contain information about television programs retrievable by time and channel. The files are linked to each other so information about a future television program can be obtained by accessing a file about a current television program. A current television program displayed on the screen of a home entertainment system includes an announcement or advertisement of a future television program. The availability of an electronic program guide function (e.g., record, watch, details, display time, display channel, display by theme, and Internet connection) is signaled during, before, or after the announcement. A command is issued to invoke the EPG function. The information about the future television program is retrieved from the file about the current television program in the database. The EPG function is executed with the retrieved information. As a result, an EPG function can be performed with respect to a future television program without embedding information about the future television program in the television signal.
US08689256B2
A portable terminal includes an obtaining unit configured to obtain program information via a network from a providing apparatus that provides the program information, the program information being used to display a program guide; a program-information storing unit configured to store the program information obtained; a displaying unit configured to display the program guide according to the obtained program information; and a display controlling unit configured to control display of the program guide so that the program guide is displayed according to the program information stored in the program-information storing unit. When an instruction for displaying a program guide is received, the obtaining unit newly obtains program information for updating the program information stored in the program information storing unit from the providing apparatus if the portable terminal is connected to the providing apparatus via the network.
US08689255B1
Disclosed are various embodiments for associating and synchronizing extrinsic data with video content at particular points of time in the video content. A user interface is rendered that facilitates a selection from extrinsic data items that are associated with a video content feature that is currently being presented to a user. A user selection of one of the extrinsic data items is obtained through the user interface, and a time in the video content feature is determined corresponding to the user selection. The user selection of the one of the extrinsic data items and the time in the video content feature are reported to a server.
US08689250B2
Method, system, and computer program product for performing an operation, the operation including broadcasting one or more media streams to one or more remote devices, the remote devices configured to provide feedback related to the one or more media streams, the remote devices configured to display a media stream on a television coupled to the remote device. The operation then aggregates, based on a predefined aggregation criterion, feedback received from the remote devices related to a first media stream. The operation then, upon determining that the aggregated feedback of the first media stream exceeds a predefined threshold for the predefined aggregation criterion, marks the first media stream based on the predefined aggregation criterion, the remote devices configured to, responsive to receiving the marked first media stream, perform a predefined operation to effect prioritized display of the first media stream on the television.
US08689242B2
A server apparatus manages a device driver for enabling any of a plurality of devices to which a plurality of client apparatuses are connected on a network. The server apparatus comprises a storage unit that stores, for each device, a device driver that can be installed to the device in association with the device, a generating unit that generates different tasks for any of the stored device drivers, a creating unit that creates a schedule for executing the generated tasks, and an executing unit that executes the generated tasks based on the created schedule.
US08689240B2
A facility is provided to enable operator message commands from multiple, distinct sources to be provided to a coupling facility of a computing environment for processing. These commands are used, for instance, to perform actions on the coupling facility, and may be received from consoles coupled to the coupling facility, as well as logical partitions or other systems coupled thereto. Responsive to performing the commands, responses are returned to the initiators of the commands.
US08689239B2
In one embodiment, a computer system accesses an event associated with an activity, where the activity has been executed by a runtime as part of a software application. The runtime includes a software hook configured to listen for event stream operation indications from the user. The computer system tags the accessed event with an additional portion of identification information that uniquely identifies the executed activity. The computer system receives an event stream operation indication from the user indicating that event transmission for an identified event stream is to be dynamically enabled or disabled and identifies the user-indicated event stream using the tagged identification information. The computer system also dynamically performs the indicated event stream operation on the identified event stream according to the user's indication.
US08689234B2
A method and apparatus for providing real-time widgets in a web application framework is described. In one embodiment, the method includes storing a topic in a framework widget. The method may also include receiving a data message, at a user computer system, from a message broker of a real-time web applications framework corresponding to the topic. In one embodiment, the method may also include executing one or more callback functions, specified by the framework widget, to process the data message in response to receiving the data message.
US08689233B2
A system for distributed function execution, the system includes a host in operable communication with an accelerator. The system is configured to perform a method including processing an application by the host and distributing at least a portion of the application to the accelerator for execution. The method also includes instructing the accelerator to create a buffer on the accelerator, instructing the accelerator to execute the portion of the application, wherein the accelerator writes data to the buffer and instructing the accelerator to transmit the data in the buffer to the host before the application requests the data in the buffer. The accelerator aggregates the data in the buffer before transmitting the data to the host based upon one or more runtime conditions in the host.
US08689228B2
Topology mapping in a distributed processing system, the distributed processing system including a plurality of compute nodes, each compute node having a plurality of tasks, each task assigned a unique rank, including: assigning each task to a geometry defining the resources available to the task; selecting, from a list of possible data communications algorithms, one or more algorithms configured for the assigned geometry; and identifying, by each task to all other tasks, the selected data communications algorithms of each task in a single collective operation.
US08689227B2
A system for integrating resource capacity planning and workload management, implemented as programming on a suitable computing device, includes a simulation module that receives data related to execution of the workloads, resource types, numbers, and capacities, and generates one or more possible resource configuration options; a modeling module that receives the resource configuration options and determines, based on one or more specified criteria, one or more projected resource allocations among the workloads; and a communications module that receives the projected resource allocations and presents the projected resource allocations for review by a user.
US08689225B2
Techniques are described for managing program execution capacity, such as for a group of computing nodes that are provided for executing one or more programs for a user. In some situations, dynamic program execution capacity modifications for a computing node group that is in use may be performed periodically or otherwise in a recurrent manner, such as to aggregate multiple modifications that are requested or otherwise determined to be made during a period of time. In addition, various operations may be performed to attribute causality information or other responsibility for particular program execution capacity modifications that are performed, including by attributing a single event as causing one capacity modification, and a combination of multiple events as possible causes for another capacity modification. The techniques may in some situations be used in conjunction with a fee-based program execution service that executes multiple programs on behalf of multiple users of the service.
US08689224B2
A method for reusing certified software applications without recertification is provided. The method includes creating a virtual machine, that includes at least one of the software applications, the virtual machine including an operating system and at least one interface, certifying the virtual machines, and deploying the certified virtual machine in at least one representation of an underlying hardware platform.
US08689222B2
A method, a system and a computer program product for controlling the hardware priority of hardware threads in a data processing system. A Thread Priority Control (TPC) utility assigns a primary level and one or more secondary levels of hardware priority to a hardware thread. When a hardware thread initiates execution in the absence of a system call, the TPC utility enables execution based on the primary level. When the hardware thread initiates execution within a system call, the TPC utility dynamically adjusts execution from the primary level to the secondary level associated with the system call. The TPC utility adjusts hardware priority levels in order to: (a) raise the hardware priority of one hardware thread relative to another; (b) reduce energy consumed by the hardware thread; and (c) fulfill requirements of time critical hardware sections.
US08689220B2
A computer program product including computer usable program code embodied on a computer usable medium, the computer program product comprising: computer usable program code for identifying job performance data for a plurality of representative jobs; computer usable program code for running a simulation of backfill-based job scheduling of the plurality of jobs at various combinations of a run-time over-estimation value and a processor adjustment value, wherein the simulation generates data including energy consumption and job delay; computer usable program code for identifying one of the combinations of a run-time over-estimation value and a processor adjustment value that optimize the mathematical product of an energy consumption parameter and a job delay parameter using the simulation generated data for the plurality of jobs; and computer usable program code for scheduling jobs submitted to a processor using the identified combination of a run-time over-estimation value and a processor adjustment value.
US08689216B2
Information of a user group used to distribute the execution result of a job of an image forming apparatus is held in a memory. The execution result of the job appended with result appropriating destination information required to specify a user group to which the execution result of the job is to be appropriated is received from the image forming apparatus. The execution result of the job is distributed to at least one user group specified by the result appropriating destination information appended to the received execution result of the job. Billing management of job execution associated with a plurality of groups can be adequately made.
US08689212B2
An information processing device verifies the authorization of an application that has issued an access request to access a device. When an application on a universal OS issues a processing request to a secure device driver, a secure VMM and an application identification unit on a management dedicated OS lock a page table of the application and refer to the page table to generate a hash value. The application is determined to be authorized or unauthorized by comparing the generated hash value with a reference hash value.
US08689209B2
A method of in-place updating an original version of content to an updated version of content, in a non-volatile memory storage device, wherein the storage device comprises a non-paged part of the content, wherein the non-paged memory part includes an original update library, and wherein the storage device is being used in a normal mode of operation or in an update mode of operation, the method includes: obtaining an update package required for updating the original version of content to the updated version of content; obtaining a new update library; storing the new update library in a second non-volatile storage; and updating the original version of content to the updated version of content, in a non-volatile memory storage device, using the at least new update library and the update package.
US08689202B1
A method of automatically extracting information from an architecture description. A memory resident directed acyclic graph data structure comprising nodes representing instructions and edges whose weights represent dependencies between pairs of instructions is constructed. A list of ready nodes are maintained in the directed acyclic graph. A list of nodes not scheduled is maintained. And, it is determined whether the next instruction to be scheduled is to be taken from the list of ready nodes or from the list of nodes not yet scheduled.
US08689195B2
A technique for enforcing the use of designated initializers in structured type initializations may include determining whether structured data type requires designated initialization, determining whether an initialization of a structured variable declared to use the structured data type employs an improper initializer that is inconsistent with said structured data type, and performing a diagnostic action if the initialization comprises an improper initializer.
US08689192B2
A method of processing natural language assertions (NLAs) can include identifying an NLA and then translating that NLA into a verification language assertion (VLA) using a natural language parser (NLP) and synthesis techniques. This VLA can be translated into an interpreted NLA (NLA*) using a VLA parser and pattern matching techniques. At this point, the process can allow user review of the NLA* and the NLA. When the user determines that the NLA* and the NLA are the same or have insignificant difference, then verification can be performed using the VLA. The results of the verification can then be back annotated on the NLA. In one fully-automatic embodiment, in addition to comparing the NLA and the NLA*, the VLA and a VLA* (generated from the NLA*) can be compared, thereby providing yet another test of accuracy for the user during verification.
US08689190B2
A data processing system for processing instructions is shown. Instructions are received at a processor in the data processing system. If a selected indicator is associated with the instruction, counting of each event associated with the execution of the instruction is enabled.
US08689189B1
Widgets or other code modules for applications written in structured languages such as HTML can be tested advantageously by separating the extraction and validation logic. To test the functionality of a widget in response to an action, widget features of interest are identified. Context and feature nodes for these features are extracted from a page tree structure to generate a property vector that is representative of the state of the widget. After performing the action, context nodes for the features are attached to the new page tree for the newly loaded page, and an observed property vector is generated that represents the state of the widget after the action. The previous property vector is used with updated state information to generate an expected property vector. The observed property vector is compared with the expected property vector, and if the vectors match the validation is claimed to be successful.
US08689172B2
A method for finding sequential patterns of attributes in a directed graph includes constructing a directed graph comprising multiple nodes and edges between the nodes. Each of the nodes may be assigned one or more attributes. Similarly, each of the edges may be assigned a weight value which may indicate the probably the edge will be traversed during traversal of the directed graph. The method may further include finding sequences of attributes in the directed graph that have some minimum amount of frequency and/or time support. In performing this step, the frequency support of each individual instance of a sequence of attributes may be calculated by multiplying the weight values along the edge or edges of the instance. A corresponding apparatus and computer program product are also disclosed and claimed herein.
US08689168B1
A method includes testing to failure a plurality of semiconductor test structures, measuring a parameter of each semiconductor test structure after experiencing a failure, and generating a cumulative probability distribution function (CPDF) of cumulative probability versus the measured parameter after failure for the plurality of semiconductor test structures. The method further includes performing simulations for a circuit having an area using a model of a transistor that mimics the failure to determine a parameter threshold value that defines a minimum acceptable performance level of the circuit, determining a cumulative probability value from the CPDF that a transistor will not have the parameter at a level below the parameter threshold value, adjusting a value of the area of the circuit based on the cumulative probability value, and computing a first reliability value based on the adjusted area value.
US08689166B2
In the embodiments, a full resistive network is used to determine resistance contributions to the total parasitic resistance of each source/drain region of a multi-fin multi-gate field effect transistor (MUGFET). These resistance contributions include: a first resistance contribution of end portions of the fins, which are connected in pseudo-parallel by a local interconnect; second resistance contributions of segments of the local interconnect, which are connected in pseudo-series; and any other resistance contributions of any other resistive elements between the end portions of the fins and a single resistive element through which all the diffusion region current flows. The multi-fin MUGFET is then represented in a netlist as a simple field effect transistor with the total parasitic resistances represented as single resistive elements connected to the source/drain nodes of that field effect transistor. This simplified netlist is then used to simulate performance of the multi-fin MUGFET.
US08689154B2
An approach for providing timing-closed FinFET designs from planar designs is disclosed. Embodiments include: receiving one or more planar cells associated with a planar design; generating an initial FinFET design corresponding to the planar design based on the planar cells and a FinFET model; and processing the initial FinFET design to provide a timing-closed FinFET design. Other embodiments include: determining a race condition associated with a path of the initial FinFET design based on a timing analysis of the initial FinFET design; and increasing delay associated with the path to resolve hold violations associated with the race condition, wherein the processing of the initial FinFET design is based on the delay increase.
US08689149B1
Mask design techniques for sharp corner printing in liquid crystal displays are disclosed using multiple patterns. The viewing angle and color quality of thin film transistor liquid crystal displays are largely dependent upon electrode corner sharpness as patterned in a given metal layer. Depending on design style, critical elements include convex angles, concave angles, or both convex and concave angles. Angle sharpness is dependent upon the resolution limit of a given exposure system. Since critical design element requirements exceed the capabilities of one mask, two or more masks are implemented. The determination of critical pattern features within a given layer identifies angles that are problematic for fabrication. The critical pattern features are decomposed into multiple mask layers. The resulting multi-pattern arrangement is used to fabricate the critical design elements that make up the needed angles.
US08689133B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for managing a catalog display in an e-commerce system. In an embodiment, an e-commerce data processing system can include a catalog sub-system and catalog display management logic. The catalog display management logic can include program code enabled to select between displaying an active mode view and a passive mode view for catalog items in a catalog. In this regard, the active mode can include a catalog display, a subset of catalog items rendered in a static view in the catalog display, and at least one detailed view of detailed information in the catalog display for a selected one of the catalog items in the static view. Likewise, the passive mode view can include a catalog display, a subset of catalog items rendered in a static view in the catalog display, and at least one detailed view of changing detailed information in the catalog display for cycled ones of the catalog items in the static view.
US08689125B2
Content is transferred from one computer resource to another computer resource by receiving designating a first insertion point, enabling automatic paste operation, switching to a user interface to a source computer resource, receiving a user selection of content from said source user interface, and automatically copying the selected content to a transfer buffer and to the designated insertion point(s) in the destination computer resource. Additional content may be copied to the destination computer resource by simply selecting additional content in the same source computer resource or other computer resources without need to toggle back to the destination user interface between every copy and paste operation. Prior to insertion in the destination computer resource, compatibility of the content is checked, and incompatible elements are handled according to user configured rules, such as converting the elements, converting the elements, or isolating the elements.
US08689120B2
A visualization system utilizing pre-configured visualization profiles and templates to reduce the level of effort and time required to commission an industrial automation visualization system. The preconfigured visualization profiles and templates include graphic displays, informational reports and data sampling and collection strategies appropriate for the specific sector of manufacturing or industry.
US08689115B2
A method and system for distributed computing interface are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method comprises accessing a collaborative interface, wherein the collaborative interface comprises persistent shared space, wherein visual representation of the collaborative interface is identical for each client accessing the collaborative interface. In a single action, an object is dragged into the collaborative interface and the object is displayed in real time in the collaborative interface. The object is accessible to other clients in the collaborative interface and the state of the object is continuously synchronized. The object is manipulated in the collaborative interface and other clients accessing the collaborative interface are viewed.
US08689108B1
An interactive, graph-based user interaction data analysis system is disclosed. The system is configured to provide analysis and graphical visualizations of user interaction data to a system operator. In various embodiments, interactive visualizations and analyzes provided by the system may be based on user interaction data aggregated across particular groups of users, across particular time frames, and/or from particular computer-based platforms and/or applications. According to various embodiments, the system may enable insights into, for example, user interaction patterns and/or ways to optimize for desired user interactions, among others. In an embodiment, the system allows an operator to analyze and investigate user interactions with content provided via one or more computer-based platforms, software applications, and/or software application editions.
US08689101B2
A method of facilitating the processing of font data for electronic data transfers to client devices includes storing a list of client font capabilities associated with one or more client devices, accessing font data in an electronic data transfer addressed to at least one client device, the at least one client device corresponding to the one or more client devices, comparing the accessed font data to the list of client font capabilities associated with the one or more client devices, and identifying augment font data based on the comparing the accessed font data to the list of client font capabilities associated with the one or more client devices. Augment font data is then included in the electronic data transfer to the at least one client device.
US08689095B2
Users are enabled to navigate a spreadsheet document presented by a web service in a similar fashion to a locally executed spreadsheet application by retrieving blocks of grid data asynchronously in order to display or refresh the area(s) of the spreadsheet currently being viewed by the user as the user navigates the spreadsheet grid or dynamic updates occur. The blocks are laid out in the browser's user interface to fill the user's viewport as well as a predefined buffer around the edge of the viewport. As such, when the user scrolls or updates occur, data associated with blocks are added, updated, or removed in the browser as required to fill the user's viewport.
US08689093B2
A method is provided for channel encoding in a communication system using a Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC) code. The method includes grouping information bits into a plurality of groups; determining an order of the plurality of groups to be shortened, based on a ratio of a number of bits to be shortened to a number of bits to be punctured; determining a length of an information word to be obtained by shortening the plurality of groups; shortening the plurality of groups on a group basis in the determined order based on the determined length of the information word; and LDPC-encoding a shortened information word.
US08689089B2
Various examples are provided for encoding for 100G-KR networking. In one example, among others, a coding method uses certain forward error correcting codes based on a given transcoding method and delivers the codes according to burst interleaving. In another example, a coding method includes receiving source data from a plurality of physical lanes, combining data from the physical lanes to generate a block, transcoding the block and encoding a data stream including the transcoded block.
US08689086B2
A DTV transmitting system includes an encoder, a randomizer, a block processor, a group formatter, a deinterleaver, and a packet formatter. The encoder codes enhanced data for error correction, permutes the coded data, and further codes the permuted data for error detection. The randomizer randomizes the coded enhanced data, and the block processor codes the randomized data at an effective coding rate of 1/H. The group formatter forms a group of enhanced data having data regions, and inserts the coded enhanced data into at least one of the data regions. The deinterleaver deinterleaves the group of enhanced data, and the packet formatter formats the deinterleaved data into corresponding data bytes.
US08689084B1
Decoding information using error-correcting codes includes, in one aspect, receiving transmitted information that includes original information coded using an error correction coding technique, and using at least one processor to iteratively decode the transmitted information to correct transmission errors and determine the original information. The iterative decoding includes, in response to becoming trapped in a trapping set, adjusting information used in the iterative decoding and using the adjusted information to break the trapping set and continue the iterative decoding.
US08689071B2
A test system includes a supervisor unit coupled to a control interface; the control interface coupled to first and second test modules, each test module comprising a first logic module to test macro blocking errors; a second logic module to perform optical character recognition; a third logic module to perform signal to noise ratio measurement; and a fourth logic module to perform random noise measurement; each test module coupled to a device under test, the four logic modules applied to test a menu-driven video decoding device.
US08689069B2
Disclosed are representative examples of methods, apparatus, and systems for generating test patterns targeting multiple faults using Boolean Satisfiability (SAT)-based test pattern generation methods. A SAT instance is constructed based on the circuit design information and a set of faults being targeted. A SAT solving engine is applied to the SAT instance to search for a test pattern for detecting the set of faults. The SAT instance or the SAT solving engine may be modified so that the SAT solving engine will search for a test pattern for detecting a maximum number of faults in the set of faults.
US08689061B2
The inventive concept enables backward-compatible extension of existing interleaver-based transmission systems to the effect that in addition to an existing logical transport channel, which is interleaved using a standardized interleaver profile, further logical transport channels may be transmitted via the same physical transmission channel. In this context, the first transport channel obviously is reduced in terms of data rate, so that the additional transport channels may actually obtain a transmission capacity that is needed accordingly. Interleaver profiles of the further logical transport channels are derived, to this end, from the interleaver profile of the first transport channel.
US08689053B2
A software engine has a base system in communication with service subsystems and test subsystems. The base system, the service subsystems, and the test subsystems are software applications that exchange data with one another while operating within the software engine. In one exemplary mode of operation, the base system receives outputs from the service subsystems. In another exemplary mode of operation, the base system receives outputs from the test subsystems that simulate the outputs generated by the service subsystems. An exemplary method of testing the software engine is also provided. Specifically, the illustrative method includes receiving an output during a service mode, switching from the service mode to a testing mode, and receiving the simulated output during the testing mode. The method steps may be performed by a computer executing instructions stored on a computer-readable medium.
US08689046B2
Accurate recovery of a primary server at a recovery server is accomplished with reduced network overhead by maintaining at the recovery server checkpoints taken over time of the primary server and an intention log of logical transactions pending and complete by the primary server. The recovery server is brought to the operational state of the primary server as of failure at the primary server by recovering the most recent checkpoint and then executing the transactions indicated by the intention log as received but not complete as of the time that the checkpoint was taken.
US08689042B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a replaceable memory apparatus is disclosed. The replaceable memory apparatus includes a first rectangular multilayer printed circuit board having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a first male pluggable electrical connector mounted to the first side near a first edge; a first female pluggable electrical connector mounted to the second side; and first non-volatile memory mounted to the first side and the second side. The first female pluggable electrical connector is coupled to the first male pluggable electrical connector to feed through first signals. The first non-volatile memory is coupled to the first female pluggable electrical connector and the first male pluggable electrical connector to receive the first signals.
US08689039B1
A method and apparatus for providing redundancy in an Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) is provided. The hardware platform of the ATM is configured to tolerate removal of a portion of the hardware as well as insertion of a portion of the hardware without removing power from the ATM. The insertion and replacement of hardware to a powered device is termed a “hot swap”. A hot swap may be necessitated by the failure or the upgrade of a hardware component. The hot swap is detected by a software program running on top of the hardware platform. The software program may reintegrate the replacement hardware including the location of “drivers” for the replacement software. In addition, application software may be run on top of a virtual environment such as a virtual machine and/or a virtual disk environment. Should a software component fail, the virtual environment will “crash” but the ATM hardware and operating system will remain intact. If the software is fatally flawed—e.g., due to a faulty “upgrade” the older version may be “rolled back” from a previously stored virtual environment.
US08689031B2
A semiconductor device includes an internal circuit, a power supply control circuit which controls supply of a power supply to the internal circuit upon receipt of a first control signal, and a control signal generation circuit which outputs the first control signal upon receipt of a second control signal. The control signal generation circuit does not deactivate the first control signal when an inactive period of the second control signal is equal to or less than a first period and deactivates the first control signal when the inactive period of the second control signal is more than the first period.
US08689028B2
A method and apparatus to reduce the idle link power in a platform. In one embodiment of the invention, the host and its coupled endpoint(s) in the platform each has a low power idle link state that allows disabling of the high speed link circuitry in both the host and its coupled endpoint(s). This allows the platform to reduce its idle power as both the host and its coupled endpoint(s) are able to turn off their high speed link circuitry in one embodiment of the invention.
US08689027B2
A tiled memory and a method of power management within the tiled memory provides efficient use of energy within a computer storage, which may be a spiral cache memory. The tiled memory is power-managed by placing tiles in a power-saving state, which may be a state in which storage circuits are powered-down and network circuits are powered-up, so that for serially-connected tiles, information can still be forwarded by a tile in the power-saving state. The tiles may be power managed under direction of a central controlled, which sends commands to the tiles to enter and leave the power-saving state, or the tiles may self-manage their power-saving state according to activity measured at the individual tiles. Activity may be measured at the tiles of a spiral cache by comparing a hit rate and a push back rate to corresponding thresholds. The measurements may be used with either tile-managed or centrally-managed techniques.
US08689015B2
A portable secure data file includes an encrypted data portion and a metadata portion. When a request associated with a current user of a device to access a portable secure data file is received, one or more records in the metadata portion are accessed to determine whether the current user is permitted to access the file data in the encrypted data portion. If a record indicates the user is permitted to access the file data, a content encryption key in that record is used to decrypt the encrypted data portion.
US08689012B1
A method of diagnosing a mobile device is provided. The method comprises obtaining an access key from a key store based on an identity of the mobile device and based on an identity associated with an issuer of a confidential information, wherein the access key is associated with a secure element of the mobile device storing the confidential information. The method also comprises wirelessly transmitting a message from a station associated with the issuer to the mobile device to initiate diagnostics of at least the secure element of the mobile device, the message comprising the access key, wherein the diagnostics are performed by diagnostic instructions stored on the mobile device. The method also comprises displaying the result of the diagnostics.
US08689011B2
The invention provides a system and method for content protection. A system in accordance with an embodiment includes a media center connectable to a mobile master memory unit associated with an identifier, the media center including: a protection key; storage means for storing files identified by respective file identifiers; a processing unit comprising file encryption for encrypting each file before storage, using a title key computed from the protection key of the media center and for encrypting the title key using the protection key of the master storage device and the identifier of the master memory unit, the master storage device being further provided to write the encrypted title key in association with the corresponding file identifier to the master memory unit.
US08689007B2
A method for protecting the integrity of a set of memory pages to be accessed by an operating system of a data processing system, includes running the operating system in a virtual machine (VM) of the data processing system; verifying the integrity of the set of memory pages on loading of pages in the set to a memory of the data processing system for access by the operating system; in response to verification of the integrity, designating the set of memory pages as trusted pages and, in a page table to be used by the operating system during the access, marking non-trusted pages as paged; and in response to a subsequent page fault interrupt for a non-trusted page, remapping the set of pages to a region of the data processing system memory which is inaccessible to the virtual machine.
US08689003B2
Various embodiments of a system and method for secure password-based authentication are described. The system and method for secure password-based authentication may include an authentication component configured to request and receive authentication from an authenticating system according to a secure password-based authentication protocol. The authentication component may be configured to participate in an attack-resistant password-based authentication protocol such that an attacker who has compromised the authorizing system and/or a communication channel between the authentication component and the authenticating system may not determine a user's password and/or impersonate the user. In one embodiment, the authentication component may be configured to provide its attack-resistant password-based authentication functionality to an application (e.g., through a stand-alone application, plugin, or application extension). For instance, the authentication component may enable a web browser to participate in the attack-resistant password-based authentication protocol in order to access an online bank account from a web server.
US08689002B2
A peripheral device includes an interface for connection to a wired or wireless LAN, a local interface for wireless connection, and a control unit configured to check a legitimacy of a user based on a user-specific certificate stored in a communication-function-equipped device upon being accessed through the local interface by the communication-function-equipped device using near-field wireless communication, and to allow a predetermined process to be performed upon successful authentication of the legitimacy.
US08689000B2
A method is described by which the possessor of a secret certified in a particular manner can prove to a party with which the possessor of a secret needs to interact that it does indeed possess a secret formed in the proper manner. In the context of trusted computing apparatus, this can be used to show that the secret has been provided by a legitimate manufacturer of such apparatus. A method and an architecture for revocation operable in this context is also described.
US08688998B2
A system and method are provided for enabling a symmetric key to be derived, the method comprising: obtaining a plurality of key parts, wherein the plurality of key parts when combined equal the symmetric key; encrypting a first of the key parts using a first cryptographic algorithm to generate a first encrypted value; encrypting one or more remaining key parts of the plurality of key parts using respective cryptographic algorithms to generate one or more additional encrypted values, wherein each key part encrypted is encrypted using a different cryptographic algorithm; and providing the first encrypted value and the one or more additional encrypted values to an other entity to enable the other entity to derive the symmetric key.
US08688980B2
A computationally implemented method includes, but is not limited to: for determining one or more behavioral fingerprints associated with one or more network accessible users; relationally mapping the one or more behavioral fingerprints to generate a trust verification schema associated with the one or more network accessible users; and determining whether to authenticate one or more transactions via the trust verification schema. In addition to the foregoing, other method aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text forming a part of the present disclosure.
US08688969B2
A cryptographic management apparatus includes a storage unit which stores cryptographic key information containing a cryptographic key and cryptographic process condition information containing the cryptographic key information, a cryptographic process information input unit which receives an input of the object information and cryptographic key search request information, a cryptographic key information acquisition unit which acquires the cryptographic key information from the storage unit based on the search request information, a cryptographic module evaluation description information acquisition unit which acquires evaluation description information of the cryptographic module corresponding to the cryptographic key information, a cryptographic process ID creation unit which attaches an identifier of the cryptographic process condition information to the object information based on the cryptographic key information and the cryptographic module corresponding to the evaluation description information, and an output which outputs the identifier and the result of the cryptographic process executed on the object information.
US08688966B2
Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are provided for presenting visual content with a consistent orientation on a display of an electronic device, even when the device is powered down and powered up again. Last known orientation information used by an application program to present application content with a particular orientation can be stored in a preference file that may not be accessible to a boot loader used during a boot process. To ensure that the boot loader may present boot up content with the same particular orientation indicated by the orientation information stored in the preference file, a register accessible to the boot loader can be used to store the same orientation information.
US08688963B2
The embodiments described in the instant application provide a system for generating checkpoints. In the described embodiments, while speculatively executing instructions with one or more checkpoints in use, upon detecting an occurrence of a predetermined operating condition or encountering a predetermined type of instruction, the system is configured to determine whether an additional checkpoint is to be generated by computing a factor based on one or more operating conditions of the processor. When the factor is greater than a predetermined value, the processor is configured to generate the additional checkpoint.
US08688955B2
Methods and apparatus for termination of signal lines coupled to a number of memory devices are disclosed. One such method includes adjusting an input impedance of one or more terminals of an interface of a memory device in response to the memory device receiving a particular address. One such apparatus includes memory devices configured to selectively adjust an input impedance seen by one or more of the signal lines in response to receiving a particular address.
US08688950B2
Each actual page inside a pool is configured from a plurality of actual tracks, and each virtual page inside a virtual volume is configured from a plurality of virtual tracks. A storage control apparatus of a mainframe system has management information that includes information denoting a track in which there exists a user record, which is a record including user data (the data used by a host apparatus of a mainframe system). Based on the management information, a controller identifies an actual page that is configured only from tracks that do not comprise the user record, and cancels the allocation of the identified actual page to the virtual page.
US08688937B2
A method for optimizing cleaning of maps in FlashCopy cascades includes determining whether a target disk of a map contains data unavailable to a downstream disk from an upstream disk in a FlashCopy cascade and detect whether the downstream disk has a copy of the data. Additionally, the method includes copying the data from the target disk to the downstream disk, if the target disk of the map contains data unavailable to the downstream disk from the upstream disk and the downstream disk does not have the copy of the data. Furthermore, the method includes copying the data from the target disk to the downstream disk, if the target disk of the map does not contain data unavailable to the downstream disk from the upstream disk or the downstream disk does have the copy of the data. Moreover, the method includes removing the map from the FlashCopy cascade.
US08688935B1
In accordance with certain aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a storage system and a method of storing data thereof. The method comprises: storing a plurality of snapshots of a certain source; assessing to at least one given snapshot an assessed value characterized by at least one of the following values and/or derivatives thereof: i. a first value characterizing the amount of unique physical data blocks associated, merely, with said given snapshot; ii. a second value characterizing the amount of unique physical blocks associated merely with a certain group of snapshots comprising said given snapshot; iii a combination of the first and the second value; and updating the assessed value responsive to a pre-defined event. The method can further comprise generating an alert when the updated assessed value and/or derivatives thereof match a pre-defined criterion; and/or providing an indication of amount of physical resources to be freed resulting from deleting at least the given snapshot, wherein said indication corresponds to the updated assessed value; and/or generating deletion recommendation in accordance with the updated assessed value; and/or automated deleting at least the given snapshot when the updated assessed value matches a threshold characterized by one or more pre-defined rigid conditions for deleting.
US08688927B1
A system for capacity forecasting for backup storage comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to calculate a set of linear regressions for subsets of a set of capacities at points in time. The processor is further configured to determine a selected linear regression from the set of linear regressions. The processor is further configured to forecast a full capacity time based at least in part of the selected linear regression. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions.
US08688926B2
A solid state storage device includes an interface system configured to communicate with an external host system over an aggregated multi-channel interface to receive data for storage by the solid state storage device. The solid state storage device also includes a storage processing system configured to communicate with the interface system to receive the data, process the data against storage allocation information to parallelize the data among a plurality of solid state memory subsystems, and transfer the parallelized data. The interface system is configured to receive the parallelized data, apportion the parallelized data among the plurality of solid state memory subsystems, and transfer the parallelized data for storage in the plurality of solid state memory subsystems, where each of the plurality of solid state memory subsystems is configured to receive the associated portion of the parallelized data and store the associated portion on a solid state storage medium.
US08688919B1
A system and method of tracking multiple non-identification tagged requests in a system with multiple responders using one or more tracking queues. In some embodiments, the system and method may be implemented in a snoop filter covering multiple caches. In some embodiments, a data-less bus query may be used to update the status of a requested line.
US08688909B2
A suitable Tier ratio is determined according to the I/O performance and I/O characteristic of a virtual volume. A storage apparatus which is connected via a network to a host computer which requests data writing comprises storage devices of a plurality of types of varying performance; and a controller which manages storage areas provided by each of the storage devices of a plurality of types by means of storage tiers of a plurality of different types, and which assigns the storage areas in page units to virtual volumes from any of the storage tiers among the storage tiers of the plurality of types according to the data write request from the host computer, wherein the controller monitors performance information which includes I/O characteristic information for each of the virtual volumes and determines the storage tiers corresponding to the performance information thus monitored, and assigns the storage areas in page units to the virtual volumes from the determined storage tiers.
US08688908B1
Managing utilization of physical storage that stores data portions with mixed zero and non-zero data
A method and system is disclosed for storage optimization of thin provisioning. Non-zero data units within data portions are re-allocated to specifically designated one or more areas in the physical storage space and the physical address of the non-zero data unit within the designated area is associated with the logical address of the non-zero data unit. In case the data portion is allocated to the physical storage, the physical storage space initially allocated to the data portion is returned to the pool of available physical storage space, thereby freeing the storage space for storing other data.
US08688907B2
A method begins with a processing module identifying data for storage and sending a subscription request message regarding the data for storage. The method continues with the processing module receiving a subscription response message. The method continues with the processing module obtaining error coding dispersal storage function parameters when a dispersal method of the subscription response message indicates direct dispersal. The method continues with the processing module encoding at least a portion of the data in accordance with the error coding dispersal storage function parameters to produce a set of encoded data slices. The method continues with the processing module determining a plurality of storage locations and performing a dispersed storage write function to store the set of encoded data slices in the plurality of storage locations.
US08688893B2
Memory devices and memory interfaces are disclosed. In an implementation a memory controller of a memory device is configured to receive a first part of an address for memory access, and to perform a memory access based on said first part and a part of a previously received address.
US08688889B2
A method for sharing data contained on a peripheral device amongst a plurality of blade servers is disclosed. The method includes storing a copy of data from a peripheral device to a memory device. The memory device is partitioned into at least ‘n’ memory areas, each memory area storing one copy of the data. The method also includes assigning one of the at least ‘n’ memory areas to each of a plurality ‘n’ of servers. The method also includes establishing communication between the plurality of servers and the plurality of assigned memory areas via a switch controller. The switch controller is configured to access the plurality of assigned memory areas via a processor.
US08688886B1
A system-on-a-chip (SOC) bridge is described that applies an adapted delay, or latency, to data transfers across the bridge to avoid data corruption without reducing data transfer performance. The adapted delay assures that a source SOC service device transferring data to a destination SOC service device via the bridge and an SOC crossbar bus does not prematurely assume that the data transfer is complete upon transferring the data to the bridge. The bridge causes wait states to be inserted into the transfer between the source SOC service device and the SOC bridge until the SOC bridge receives confirmation that the data has arrived at the destination SOC service device. The adapted delay assures that subsequent operations are not prematurely initiated by the source SOC service device and/or the SOC CPU that may interfere with the data transfer from the SOC bridge to the destination SOC service device, causing corrupted data.
US08688871B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic device receives inputs of video signals from a plurality of input systems. The electronic device includes a priority determination table, a video switching instruction module, a video switching module. In the priority determination table, video display priorities of the video signals from the input systems are determined in advance. The video switching instruction module instructs to switch among the video signals from the input systems on the basis of the priorities determined in the priority determination table. The video switching module switches among the video signals from the input systems according to a switching instruction from the video switching instruction module.
US08688857B1
According to an embodiment, a method of providing data by a software application is provided. The method may include retrieving a selected pruning profile. Next a result message is received from a service host based on a request message transmitted to the service host from a client. The content of the result message is then filtered based on the retrieved pruning profile. Finally, the filtered result message is sent to the client.
US08688854B2
Provided are messenger notification system and method using a synchronization server. The system includes a messenger service system controlling transmission of instant messages of messenger users and monitoring and transmitting messenger users' status change information; at least one external service system monitoring whether a predetermined event occurs and creating a notification message indicating the occurrence of the event when the event occurs; and a synchronization server receiving the messenger users' status change information from the messenger service system, storing the received status change information in an online user database, determining whether a user to receive the notification message is online when receiving the notification message from the at least one external service system, transmitting the notification message to the messenger service system to send the notification message to the online user when the user is online.
US08688851B2
Provided is a system and method for controlling synchronization of media and multi-devices for an SMMD media service. The system includes a metadata managing unit and a synchronization controlling unit. The metadata managing unit analyzes ne-media to extract metadata. The synchronization controlling unit constructs a synchronization information table to store control data extracted from the metadata, and controls one or more devices for media reproduction on the basis of the synchronization information table. Optimal connectable devices are mapped according to device attributes and synchronization information extracted from metadata of ne-media and the results are controlled according to the contents of media, thereby maximizing the effect of vivid media reproduction.
US08688848B2
The present invention provides a method of establishing a media transmission link for transmitting a large message mode Converged IP Messaging (CPM) message to a group. The method comprises the following steps: Session Description Protocol (SDP) media parameter negotiation is accomplished through session invite messages and success response messages among a transmitter CPM client, a source participation function entity, a controlling function entity, a destination participation function entity and a receiver CPM client; according to the negotiation result, media transmission links are respectively established between the transmitter CPM client and the source participation function entity, between the source participation function entity and the controlling function entity, between the controlling function entity and the destination participation function entity, and between the destination participation function entity and the receiver CPM client. The present invention solves the problem that there is a lack of the MSRP transmission link in the large message mode in the prior art.
US08688843B2
An embodiment is directed to an application server configured to set-up a communication session within a wireless communications system. The application server receives, from a session originator, a request to initiate the communication session with a set of session targets, and then transmits one or more call announcement messages for announcing the communication session to the set of session targets. The application server determines information associated with a probability that the set of session targets will fail to accept the announced communication session, and/or delay information associated with when call responses will arrive from the set of session targets in response to the one or more call announcement messages. The application server selectively grants a floor of the communication session to the session originator based on the determined information.
US08688841B2
Systems and methods are provided for granting digital content access rights to shared content based on the existence of a voice session, such as a mobile telecommunications voice call, between users. In general, in the preferred embodiment, a voice session is established between a first user and a second user via associated devices. Either automatically upon establishment of the voice session or upon request by the first user, access rights to content shared by the first user are granted to the second user. The content shared by the first user may be content hosted by the device of the first user, another device associated with the first user, a third-party service, or the like. The access rights granted to the second user allow access to the content shared by the first user while the voice session between the first and second users is active.
US08688838B2
Systems and methods for profile management on a network are disclosed. A profile management system for first and second servers on the network may include a profile manager configured to manage a first profile that uniquely identifies the first server on the network; and an administrator configured to issue a command to the profile manager instructing the profile manager to migrate the first profile such that the first profile is no longer associated with the first server, and such that the first profile uniquely identifies the second server on the network, wherein at least one of the first and second servers is a conjoined server.
US08688835B2
A network (100) may include a provisioning platform (120) and a group of nodes (130). The provisioning platform (120) may include a service management component (540) to define relationships between a group of services and processing logic (420). The processing logic (420) may receive a request to enable or disable a user for a first service, identify a second service that is required by the first service from the service management component (540), identify a first node (130-1 through 130-N) associated with the identified second service, and identify a second node (130-1 through 130-N) associated with the first service. The processing logic (420) may further transmit at least one first parameter to enable or disable the user at the identified first node (130-1 through 130-N), and transmit, when the user has been successfully enabled or disabled at the identified first node (130-1 through 130-N), at least one second parameter to enable or disable the user at the identified second node (130-1 through 130-N).
US08688830B2
A storage tool can determine and provide an abstract view of storage systems in a network of computing system. The storage tool can utilize the abstract view in order to identify the storage systems based on the performance and capabilities of the storage systems without regard to the configuration of the storage system, storage devices in the storage system, or the details of the storage devices.
US08688824B2
Message-based communication system monitor, comprising an inspector (16) capable of inspecting a message so as to determine whether it satisfies a specific pattern of a source, characterized in that it comprises an analyser (12) capable of inspecting a communication stream, so as to derive therefrom a structured representation of messages, in correspondence with a plurality of rules, and in that the inspector (16) is devised so as to: *apply a stored pattern to a structured representation of the inspected message, so as to establish a signature, and *compare the signature with reference data, so as to classify the inspected message in the case of correspondence.
US08688817B2
Some embodiments provide a director agent, a server agent, and a specialized hand-off protocol for improving scalability and resource usage within a server farm. A first network connection is established between a client and the director agent in order to receive a content request from the client from which to select a server from a set of servers that is responsible for hosting the requested content. A second network connection is established between the server agent that is associated with the selected server and a protocol stack of the selected server. The first network connection is handed-off to the server agent using the specialized hand-off protocol. The server agent performs network connection state parameter transformations between the two connections to create a network connection through which content can be passed from the selected server to the client without passing through the director.
US08688800B2
Various embodiments of systems and methods for remotely configuring network memory are disclosed. One method embodiment, among others, comprises identifying a first device as having authority to control a memory device from a remote location, and writing start-up or reset parameters to memory of the memory device from the remote location, wherein the start-up or reset parameters are used to enable remote control of the memory device corresponding to remote direct memory access (RDMA) operations.
US08688797B2
Applications, systems and methods for efficiently accessing and controlling data of devices among multiple computers over a network. Communication of data over one or more networks may be managed by means of one or more connection servers which may also manage any or all of authentication, authorization, security, encryption and point-to-multipoint communications functionalities. Alternatively, computers may be connected over a wide area network without a connection server, and with or without a VPN. In any case, file structure integrating means are configured to integrate a file structure of accessible files accessed at a second or first computer, into a file structure contained at the first or second computer, respectively.
US08688795B2
A computer implemented system for generating an output message stream from multiple input streams in which particular messages are prioritized.
US08688793B2
A system and method are provided for identifying suggested addressees of for messages being composed, based on keyword content of the composed message's subject line and/or message body. When a message is being composed at a messaging client, a request comprising at least a portion of the subject line or body is sent to a server or similar device. In response, the server provides an identification of possible addressees having a highest score associated with keywords identified in the transmitted portion. One or more of these addressees can be selected for inclusion in an address field of the composed message. Identification of the suggested addressees is based on a score assessed based on the number of forwarded messages received by those addressees containing those keywords, where repeated receipt of forwarded messages increases the addressee's score associated with those keywords.
US08688790B2
An e-mail system is disclosed that overcomes many deficiencies of, but is backward compatible with, existing e-mail systems. An exemplary method for communicating e-mail messages includes receiving an e-mail message from a sender addressed to a recipient, receiving a request for access to the e-mail message from an e-mail client associated with the recipient, and providing the e-mail client with access to the e-mail message. The method further includes receiving a navigation notification indicating a navigation away from the e-mail message followed by a navigation return to the e-mail message, and in response, withholding access to the e-mail message by the e-mail client, and providing the e-mail client with a message placeholder.
US08688784B2
A configurator is provided that connects with various disparate elements in a telecommunication system. The configurator is adapted to receive a traffic plan that has a plurality of different aspects that are implemented across the disparate elements. The configurator is adapted to generate processing schemas and/or databases that can be used by the disparate elements in order to implement the traffic plan.
US08688782B1
In one example, a method includes receiving, by a first computing device and from a second computing device, an image comprising an object. A user may be associated with a social networking service and the second computing device. The method further includes selecting a social group associated with the user in the social networking service. The selection may be based at least in part on one or more characteristics associated with the object. The method also includes sending, by the first computing device to the second computing device, an indication of the social group selected by the first computing device.
US08688774B2
A personal networking/communication device (PND) enables real-time social and business interactions/networking within a real environment. A first PND associated with a first person/user in the real environment is within communication range of a second PND. The first PND receives (via electronic communication) and displays a social interaction information signature (SIS) of the second PND. The signature includes a physical mapping/location of the second PND relative to the first PND and provides some information about the second PND's user. Following a selection of the SIS on the first PND, the first PND electronically transmits one or more “request for interaction or information exchange” (RIIE) to the second PND. When the first PND receives a response to the RIIE from the second PND, the user of the first PND receives real-time unequivocal confirmation of whether the second person is interested in interacting/socializing with the user.
US08688765B2
A method and system is disclosed for providing a distributed technical computing environment for distributing technical computing tasks from a technical computing client to technical computing workers for execution of the tasks on one or more computers systems. Tasks can be defined on a technical computing client, and the tasks organized into jobs. The technical computing client can directly distribute tasks to one or more technical computing workers. Furthermore, the technical computing client can submit tasks, or jobs comprising tasks, to an automatic task distribution mechanism that distributes the tasks automatically to one or more technical computing workers providing technical computing services. The technical computing worker performs technical computing of tasks and the results of the execution of tasks may be provided to the technical computing client. Data associated with the tasks is managed by a programmable interface associated with a data storage repository. The interface allows the various entities of the distributed technical computing environment to access data services performable by the interface or by a file system or a database and database management system associated with the data.
US08688763B2
The present invention describes systems and methods to provide programmable analog classifiers. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an analog classifier circuit comprising a bump circuit enabled to store a template vector, wherein the template vector can model a probability distribution with exponential behavior. Furthermore, the bump circuit is enabled to generate an output corresponding to a comparison between an input vector received by the bump circuit and the template vector stored by the bump circuit. Additionally, the analog classifier circuit includes a variable gain amplifier in communication with the bump circuit, and the variable gain amplifier can be adjusted to modify the variance of the template vector.
US08688761B2
An arithmetic logic and shifting device is disclosed and includes an arithmetic logic unit that has a first input to receive a first operand from a first register port, a second input to receive a second operand from a second register port, and an output to selectively provide a memory address to a memory unit in a first mode of operation and to selectively provide an arithmetic output in a second mode of operation. Further, the arithmetic logic and shifting device includes a programmable shifter device that has a first input to receive data from the memory unit, a second input to receive the arithmetic output, a third input to receive an operation code of a computer execution instruction, and a shifted output to provide shifted data.
US08688760B2
Apparatuses and methods for determining population boundaries are described. In one embodiment, population boundaries are determined using radial density histograms.
US08688754B1
At least one region of a heap that includes memory allocations is analyzed, using age and occupancy criteria, across a number of local garbage collection cycles using a processor executing a region-based garbage collector. Based upon the analyzed age and occupancy criteria of the at least one region, at least one stable region in age and occupancy is identified among the at least one region of the heap across the number of local garbage collection cycles. Maintenance of a remembered set (RS) of external references into the at least one stable region is temporarily stopped for each identified stable region during at least one additional local garbage collection cycle.
US08688747B2
The schema framework of the present invention is a set of rules and best practices that a user follows when creating schema in accordance with the present invention. By following these rules, schema are produced that can be used, reused, and managed in a distributed computing environment, thus reducing the time and effort associated with creating instance documents. Certain rules govern the content and format of the schema namespaces. Each schema namespace includes a category identifier that identifies a category to which the schema associated with the namespace relates. Once an instance document has been published by storing it in a schema repository, the schema and the namespace associated with that schema are “frozen” and cannot be changed. By freezing the schema and namespace, the schema and namespace become standardized, which facilitates instance document generation, validation, and use across a distributed system.
US08688739B2
A system and method for data matching are disclosed. A user terminal included in the system includes a data provider, a data consumer, and a mapper. The data provider receives life log data of a user which is collected by at least one life log collecting apparatus. The data consumer receives the life log data from the data provider, and compares the life log data and reference data received from a service server to determine whether a difference between the life log data and the reference data exceeds a predetermined threshold value. The mapper maps the service server which provides the reference data corresponding to information of the life log data received from the data provider. Accordingly, the usability to of life log apparatuses can increase.
US08688725B2
A search apparatus includes: a speech recognition unit that recognizes an input voice; a matching unit that matches a plurality of strings of search result target words; a generation unit that generates a string of search result words; a selecting unit that selects emphasis target words that are the targets to be emphasized in the words of the string of search result words, on the basis of the matching result with the string of search result target words, and a pronunciation symbol-to-word table in which the pronunciation symbols and the words are made to correspond to each other; and a conversion unit that converts the string of search result words into the string of emphasis words in which the emphasis target words are emphasized in the words of the string of search result words.
US08688724B1
A duplicate lead removal system comprises a matching engine, a vendor duplicates database, and a conflict engine. The matching engine is configured to determine at least one vendor to receive a lead. The vendor duplicates database is configured to store duplicate lead information that is at least partly created by and received from vendors outside of the duplicate lead removal system. The conflict engine is configured to compare information that is at least derived from the lead with information stored in the vendor duplicates database in order to determine if the lead is a duplicate lead for the vendor such that the system can prevent transmission of duplicate leads to the vendor.
US08688719B2
A data structure that includes a user profile including user profile information, and a data structure comprising a set of available telephone numbers can be accessed. A targeted list of one or more telephone numbers can be generated using the set of available telephone numbers and information from the user profile. The targeted list can include one or more telephone numbers from the set of available telephone numbers that match at least a portion of the user profile information. Also, the targeted list can be sent to a rendering computing environment for display. User input selecting a telephone number from the targeted list can be received. In response to user input, the selected telephone number can be associated with a user profile in a data structure.
US08688718B1
The disclosed embodiments provide a method and system for processing data. During operation, the system obtains a set of records, wherein each of the records comprises one or more metrics and at least one dimension associated with the one or more metrics. Next, the system creates a data segment comprising at least one of a forward index and an inverted index for a column in the records. The system then stores the data segment in network-accessible storage and assigns the data segment to a partition. Finally, the system enables querying of the data segment through a query node associated with the partition.
US08688716B1
A ranking system is described for adjusting quality distributions of items responsive to pairwise comparisons. The pairwise comparisons are selected for a user providing a preference between the items in the pairwise comparisons. The selection is determined based on the cost of an error in the rankings of items in combination with the likelihood there is an error in the item rankings. On receiving the comparison result from the user, the quality distributions are updated and can include a confidence modifier to determine the confidence the user's preference is reflective of the actual preference between the items.
US08688713B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for structured content ranking. In an aspect, a method determines a service requirement from terms of a query, the service requirement being one of a plurality of service requirements fulfilled by databases; determines, for each of the databases, a service requirement score for the database, the service requirement score being a measure of an ability of the database to fulfill the service requirement; selects databases based on the service requirement scores; generates data responsive to the service requirement based on the terms of the query and one or more of the selected databases; and generates, from the data identifying resources that are determined to be responsive to the query and from the data responsive to the service requirement, search results that include first search results that each identify a corresponding resource that was determined to be responsive to the query.
US08688712B1
A system and computer-implemented method for maintaining a personal media database associated with a user account including media-related information, the method including receiving media-related information regarding a media item from a remote media service, wherein the media-related information comprises rating information regarding the media item, the rating information representing an assessment of the quality of the media item by the user, and the rating information being provided according to a first rating standard, the first rating standard indicating a manner by which media items are rated, converting the rating information according to a second rating standard used at a personal media database, the second rating standard indicating a manner by which media items are rated wherein the second standard is different than the first standard and storing the media-related information including the converted rating information at the personal media database.
US08688707B2
Systems and methods consistent with the invention relate to matching user attributes. In one exemplary implementation, the system and methods may store predetermined general attribute descriptors reflecting attributes of users generally, receive personal attribute descriptors selected from the predetermined general attribute descriptors as corresponding to attributes of a first user and a second user, receive a rating associated with each received personal attribute descriptor, compare at least one personal attribute descriptor associated with the first user with at least one personal attribute descriptor associated with the second user to determine a descriptor match, and calculate a match score based on the determined descriptor match and the received ratings. In addition, first and second display points may be displayed and may be separated by a one-dimensional display distance that is a function of the calculated match score.
US08688701B2
Ranking and selecting entities based on calculated reputation or influence scores is provided. In some embodiments, a method includes determining whether a first entity is a subject or an object; determining whether a second entity is a subject or an object; and generating a graph, in which a subset of the graph is a subject graph of subject nodes that includes at least one or more subjects (e.g., subject entities) linked to one or more other subjects, and in which the graph includes one or more objects (e.g., object entities) each linked to one or more subjects in the subject graph. In some embodiments, the graph includes directed and undirected links. In some embodiments, the graph includes one or more objects linked to one or more objects.
US08688700B2
Techniques that enable a user or customer at a system site to review and, if desired, modify data identified at the system site for transmission to a diagnosis site prior to the transmission. The identified diagnostic data may be modified such that data that the user does not want to be sent to the diagnosis site (e.g., sensitive data) is excluded from the data communicated to the diagnosis site. The data may be modified by removing or excluding the sensitive data from the data that is communicated to the diagnosis site or replacing the sensitive data with non-sensitive data. The modified data may then be communicated from the system site to the diagnosis site in the form of a package.
US08688699B2
A method for content recommendation for a user, wherein a song or a video is recommended to the user and a confidence measure is determined for the recommended song. The confidence measure is displayed to the user, so the user may get more confidence into the recommendation of the system.
US08688697B1
A system and method for identifying contrarian terms is disclosed. The system and method includes identifying a plurality of websites describing a product or service, analyzing content in the plurality of websites, the content relating to the described product or service, identifying contrarian terms based on the website content using a processing circuit, wherein the contrarian terms comprise descriptions of a product or service, associating the identified contrarian terms with a category, within which the product or service has been categorized in at least one of the plurality of websites, and storing the contrarian terms and the associated category in a memory.
US08688696B2
Search results responsive to a query are generated by a search engine. If the query is “location relevant”, the results are provided to a ranker component. If the query is an entity search, then entities matching the query are ranked by distance from the user. If the query is not, and if it is not semantically charged, the entities are ranked either according to distance from the user or by search relevance. If the query is semantically charged, a semantic score is calculated for each entity. One or more threshold semantic scores are determined that divide the search results into multiple parts. The results within each part can then be ranked independently. The results within a first part are ranked according to their distance from the user, while the results in a subsequent part are ranked according to their semantical relationship to the query. The re-ranked parts are concatenated together.
US08688692B2
A computer searching technique identifies high quantitative patterns in data. A spatial indexing technique, such as an R-tree is used to represent the data. Then a pattern searching algorithm is used to identify anchor points that define the componentwise minimum patterns. High quantitative patterns are found responsive to the componentwise minimum patterns. The search strategy is demonstrated relevant to the problem of finding suitable locations for a retail business with reference to environments of prior successful retail businesses.
US08688686B2
Optimizing SQL queries for Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) Management Information Base (MIB) tables. An SNMP client receives a source query defined in structured query language to access data stored in one or more MIB tables. The SNMP client parses the source query into one or more queries and sub-queries and applies sets of optimization rules and heuristics to the source query to generate a query execution plan for each set of optimization rules and heuristics applied to the source query. The SNMP client selects an optimal query execution plan from the generated query execution plans and rewrites the source query as a SNMP-based query using the optimization rules and heuristics specified in the optimal query execution plan. The SNMP-based query may then be used to retrieve the data requested by the source query without performing a full query scan of the MIB tables.
US08688675B2
A video retrieval system is proposed that retrieves trajectory data from a database as a response to a search query. The search query is formulated on the basis of a search trajectory, which is represented as a plurality of search segments. Minimum hounding areas are generated, whereby the plurality of the minimum hounding areas cover the search trajectory or at least one of the search segments. The video retrieval system accesses the database by using at least one of the minimum bounding areas as a query area, whereby the minimum bounding areas of the plurality of bounding areas are arranged overlap-free and/or adjacently or with a search trajectory independent overlap.
US08688666B1
A multi-blob consistency component of a tiered middleware framework ensures data blobs are transacted in an atomic manner. The component determines a data blob of a data store to be modified based on an application request. The component then reads a master blob to locate a stored version number of the data blob to be modified and a version number of the master blob. A new data blob with a new version number that replaces the data blob to be modified is written to the data store. The component then reads the master blob again to re-obtain the version number of the master blob. Thus, when the obtained and re-obtained version numbers match, the component replaces the stored version number of the data blob with the new version number of the new data blob. Further, the component deletes the data blob to be modified using the stored version number.
US08688653B2
A multiple language support system and method. The multiple language system includes a multiple language support system for an application, the system includes a resource data generation unit to generate resource data for the language of the application, a resource data processing unit to extract resource data from the generated resource data by language of the system environment on which the application is executed, and convert the extracted resource data into the language of the application, and a resource data management unit to manage the resource data used in the application.
US08688652B2
Exemplary embodiments for increased in-line deduplication efficiency in a computing environment are provided. In one embodiment, by way of example only, hash values are calculated in nth iterations on data samples from fixed size data chunks extracted from an object requested for in-line deduplication. For each of the nth iterations, the calculated hash values for the data samples from the fixed size data chunks are matched in an nth hash index table with a corresponding hash value of existing objects in storage. The nth hash index table is exited upon detecting a mismatch during the matching. The mismatch is determined to be a unique object and is stored. A hash value for the object is calculated. A master hash index table is updated with the calculated hash value for the object and the calculated hash values for the unique object.
US08688651B2
Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for dynamic deduplication. Data is processed using an algorithm that deduplicates the data based on a first set of parameters. A first moving average of a first deduplication performance metric is calculated for the algorithm over a time period. A second moving average of a second deduplication performance metric is calculated for the algorithm over the time period. It is determined that the first moving average satisfies a first criterion, the second moving average satisfies a second criterion, or both. The algorithm is reconfigured based on a second set of parameters to deduplicate data.
US08688644B1
Systems and methods are disclosed for recovering data following a directory service malfunction, such as a forest-wide disaster in Microsoft® Active Directory. In certain examples, a single management console can be used for remotely recovering selected domain controllers in the forest without necessitating direct operator intervention. Multiple domain controllers can be concurrently restored from one or more backup files. Configurations of the system can advantageously eliminate manual intervention with each domain controller, thereby saving significant amounts of recovery time and effort. Also, certain systems and methods can be used to automatically and remotely quarantine corrupt domain controllers so that those individual domain controllers do not replicate with the newly restored environment, while allowing the domain controllers to remain online and in communication with the attached network. Certain disclosed methods further modify recovery procedures based at least in part on the type, and availability of, one or more DNS servers.
US08688630B2
The present invention relates to a distributed data storage system comprising a plurality of storage nodes. Using unicast and multicast transmission, a server application may read and write data in the storage system. Each storage node may monitor reading and writing operations on the system as well as the status of other storage nodes. In this way, the storage nodes may detect a need for replication of files on the system, and may carry out a replication process that serves to maintain a storage of a sufficient number of copies of files with correct versions at geographically diverse locations.
US08688629B2
Excess capacity available to a database system in a capacity controlled environment can be effectively managed for maintenance and/or tuning activities. In this context, excess capacity can be used as needed and/or on a temporary basis. Furthermore, maintenance and/or tuning activities can be performed without requiring the use of the configured or allotted capacity. As a result, these operations can be performed without adversely affecting other operations which may be deemed more critical by the users of databases. System maintenance and tuning (or fine tuning) of a database environment can, for example, include operations associated with “Physical Tuning,” and “Index Tuning”. Some exemplary operations include collecting Statistics, analyzing a database workload, sampling, analyzing an execution plan, creating indexes.
US08688627B2
Generally described, the present invention is directed to a network operating system that provides more effective ways of leveraging the connectivity of computer networks. In one embodiment, an XML virtual machine is implemented that accepts high-level application code written in an XML programming language as input. Functionality is provided to interpret or translate the application code written in an XML programming language into code that is suitable for execution across computer platforms. Moreover, the XML virtual machine supports the Model View Controller (MVC) design paradigm that facilitates true data abstraction from applications to a common data model. Multi-instance applications, with each instance potentially supporting multiple views, may be created and executed.
US08688619B1
Methods, apparatus, and computer software product for making a decision based on the semantics of formal logic are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, two custom computing apparatuses are used to resolve the satisfiability of a logical formula and provide an example. In this embodiment, the two custom computing apparatuses operate in concert to explore the space of possible satisfying examples. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US08688613B2
Systems and methods for storing a transaction history with respect to a business entity, and an incentive regarding a business entity, previously offered to an account. A desired transaction involving a holder of the account and the business entity may be generated based on the transaction history and a metric. An incentive may be generated based on an artificial intelligence program (AIP), the transaction history, and the metric. The desired transaction and the incentive may be transmitted for presentation to a holder of the account.
US08688611B2
Paralinguistic indicators are translated at a paralinguistic translation server by receiving from a source a first set of data related to a first paralinguistic indicator that is configured to enable non-verbal communications between a source and a destination. The source is one of an instant messaging system and a virtual world system and the destination is one of the textual instant messaging system and a virtual world system but differs from the source. The first set of data related to the first paralinguistic indicator is translated into a second set of data related to a second paralinguistic indicator, such that the second paralinguistic indicator that is at least partially synonymous to the non-verbal communications associated with the first paralinguistic indicator. The second set of data related to the second paralinguistic indicator is transmitted to the destination.
US08688608B2
A method for determining correctness of a transformation between a first finite state automaton (FSA) and a second FSA, wherein the first FSA comprises a representation of a regular expression, and the second FSA comprises a transformation of the first FSA includes determining a third FSA, the third FSA comprising a cross product of the second FSA and a post-processor; determining whether the first FSA and the third FSA are equivalent; and in the event that the first FSA is determined not to be equivalent to the third FSA, determining that the transformation between the first FSA and the second FSA is not correct.
US08688600B2
A method and system for provides a user with an ability to capture a sample of an experiential environment and deliver that sample to an interactive service to trigger one or more predetermined events. In exemplary embodiments of the invention such triggered events include the delivery of information and services to the user, the execution of tasks and instructions by the service on the user's behalf, communication events; surveillance events and other control-oriented events that are responsive to the user's wishes. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, the triggered events include transaction-oriented events, entertainment events, and events associated with enhancements to human ability or function.
US08688596B2
A project management and activity recording system defines project tasks, project positions, and assigns personnel to the project positions. As the assigned personnel perform project tasks from a remote location, they may periodically record their activities in the project software. The recorded activity information is used to update the project to keep records such as time, cost, expenses, and task completion current, even when offsite personnel or contractors are used. A reporting user interface may be selected based on the reporting device, and data entry may be performed by updating historical or default values.
US08688595B2
A system and method for measuring or at least detecting the effect of at least implicit communication on transactions within a social group, optionally such as consumer purchases for example. The group may optionally comprise a social network, a pair, 3 or more individuals and so forth. By “implicit communication” it is meant communication for which there is no record, for example in a database. The aftereffects of such communication may optionally be determined, detected and/or measured through detection and/or measurement of influence, as described in greater detail below. For example, if a first consumer performs purchase of an item and a second consumer later purchases the same or similar item within a given time period, the two purchases may optionally be linked through influence which may in turn have optionally occurred through implicit communication. Optionally, the system and method may also measure or at least detect the effect of explicit communication, for which there is a record, for example in a database that describes the communication itself.
US08688573B1
Cash transaction entry data indicating a consumer has conducted a cash transaction with an unidentified merchant payee is obtained and geo-location data associated with the cash transaction data is used identify potential merchant payees of the cash transaction. If more than one potential merchant payee is identified, data representing the potential merchant payees is analyzed using historical financial transaction data associated with the consumer, and/or products or services and operations data associated with the potential merchant payees, and/or historical financial transaction data associated with a community of consumers, including consumers other than the consumer, to generate a potential merchant payee probability score for each of the potential merchant payees. The potential merchant payee probability score for each of the potential merchant payees is then used to generate a prioritized potential merchant payee list for the cash transaction that includes at least one of the potential merchant payees.
US08688571B2
Method and systems of registering participants for an event at an event site are disclosed. Identification data specific to a participant encoded on a first token object is read with a mobile computing device. A query is generated from the mobile computing device to a remote event registration system for prior registration data based upon at least a subset of the received identification data. The prior registration data is received on the mobile computing device. A first subset of the prior registration data is transmitted to a local event registration system, and a payment success indicator is received upon successful payment processing. Registrant identification data is generated by the local event registration system in response to recording the first subset of the prior registration data and the payment success indicator.
US08688566B2
A system for managing trading orders comprises a memory operable to store an order associated with a first price. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to identify a latency value. The processor is further operable to receive a counterorder and to identify a potential trade associated with the order and the counterorder, the potential trade based at least in part on the first price. If the latency value satisfies a configurable condition, the processor is further operable to initiate a configurable period of time. If the potential trade is not valid upon expiration of the configurable period, the processor is further operable to prevent the execution of the potential trade.
US08688560B2
A process for allocating specific assets from a pool of assets to secure a liability. Information concerning each of the assets in the pool of assets is received from at least two sources. A set of validation rules is applied to the information for each asset in the pool of assets and those assets which do not meet the validation rules are rejected. A price is assigned to each non-rejected asset. A subset of the non-rejected assets is allocated to the liability as a function to collateralize the liability.
US08688558B2
Providing computer-based systems and methods for analyzing historical performance of financial securities and identifying trades in those securities based on the securities' current position as compared to this historical performance. These computer-based systems and computer-implemented methods include identifying stock pairs to include in a trading portfolio, based on a measure of the pair's relative performance, such as a modified Sharpe Ratio. The value of the stocks in each stock pair in the portfolio is assessed and deviations determined. This assessment can occur daily or at a longer or shorter time step. Stocks are bought or sold based on the current price of the stock as compared to historical performance. The present invention preferably employs a large number of stock pairs in the trading portfolio. This use of a large number of pairs results in a plurality of stocks being in more than one stock pair.
US08688555B2
It is an object of the present invention to enable a buyer to collectively manage information related to a variety of commercial transactions performed by the buyer as well as to the settlements for these transactions. The calendar server 25 supplies a calendar screen to a buyer system 3 that is used by the buyer 1. This calendar screen has electronic invoices addressed to the buyer 1, which are issued by the supplier system 7, and electronic deposit/withdrawal detailed statement of the buyer's deposit account, which are issued by a banking system 13, pasted in the spaces for the relevant dates. When the buyer 1 selects an arbitrary invoice on this calendar screen and inputs his or her approval of this invoice, an account transfer telegraphic message for payment of this invoice is automatically sent to the banking system 13. The calendar server 25 manages the status of each invoice (“opened”, “payment request in progress”, “paid”), and notifies the supplier system 7 and banking system 13 of this invoice status. The calendar server 25 also supplements news such as advertisements which are sent by the supplier system 7 and banking system 13, and so forth, selects news following the buyer's consumption trends, and pastes this news in the spaces on the calendar screen which pertain to dates that slightly precede dates on which buyer consumption other forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention.
US08688550B1
A method and apparatus for automatically managing investment portfolios to substantially track a selected index and to automatically harvest tax losses is disclosed. Preferably, the system comprises an accounting system for maintaining tax lot information for individual accounts, an optimization system for rebalancing each account to substantially model the index and for harvesting tax losses, and a trading system for executing trades. Each investor owns the securities in his account, and therefore, harvested losses can be used to offset capital gains. The period between successive optimization procedures is selected to avoid application of the internal revenue service wash sale rules.
US08688549B2
Data validation techniques are provided. For example, such techniques complement user entries associated with events of interest through context. In one aspect of the invention, a technique for processing one or more user entries associated with one or more events of interest includes the following steps/operations. Context associated with the one or more events of interest is obtained. At least a portion of the obtained context is associated with one or more user entries representing events of interest. At least a portion of the one or more user entries is evaluated, responsive to at least a portion of the context. An indication of the one or more events of interest is provided, responsive to the evaluation.
US08688542B2
Method and system to manage a bid tracking database are disclosed herein. At least one bid record is received at an interface, the at least one bid record comprising a bid price, a bid timestamp, and a bid item identifier. Receiving at least one auction record at the interface, the at least one auction record comprising a winning price, an end timestamp, and an auction item identifier corresponding to the bid item identifier. Maintaining the at least one bid record and the at least one auction record in a memory. Determining whether the bid price matches or exceeds the winning price and whether the bid timestamp matches the end timestamp. When the determination is affirmative, writing the bid record to the bid tracking database maintained in the memory.
US08688541B1
A data representation of auctions in an online auction system and a bidding history associated with the auctions and the online auction system are maintained in a computer system for multiple users. A set of the users to whom to promote a selected auction is determined based at least in part on the bidding history. A message that promotes the selected auction is sent to each respective one of the set of the users. The message includes a control configured to open a web page that facilitates bidding in the selected auction through the online auction system.
US08688537B2
Embodiments for maintaining a company profile of a company associated with a supplier/buyer commerce network are disclosed. One method includes collecting activity information of the company. The collecting includes monitoring a plurality of databases that each maintains activity information associated with the company, assigning a unique identification for the company across the plurality of databases, exporting the activity information associated with the company from each of the plurality of databases, and aggregating the activity information. The method further includes updating the company profile with the aggregated activity information of the company.
US08688533B2
A novel online auction system in which both sellers and buyers are compelled to bid their “true value”. Potential buyers solicit desired items or services and submit sealed bids. A demand curve is created based on buyer bids, and a potential seller can use the curve to create its own sealed bid. A winning seller is determined, however the system uses the bid of the second-lowest bidding seller to establish the ultimate group of winning buyers and sale price. Winning sellers can choose lower prices to capture higher sale quantities. Second or multiple transactions can be implemented from a single bid, if included in the winning set of bids.
US08688526B2
A method and system for conducting an online payment transaction through a point of sale device. The method includes receiving input from a user selecting an item for purchase through the point of sale device; calculating a total purchase amount for the item in response to a request from the user to purchase the item; and sending payment authorization for the total purchase amount from the point of sale device to a payment entity, in which the payment authorization is sent to the payment entity via a mobile communication device of the user. The method further includes receiving a result of the payment authorization from the payment entity through the mobile communication device; and completing the payment transaction based on the result of the payment authorization.
US08688514B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for content presentation. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a request for an ad to be presented to a user; for a collection of ads, identifying one or more candidate ads including using image keywords derived from images associated with the user to identify the one or more candidate ads; selecting an ad responsive to the ad request from the candidate ads; and sending the selected ad for presentation to the user.
US08688513B2
A user of a communications network is provided with limited access rights to one or more restricted access communications network sites that are partnered with a base entity, which can have an associated base communications network site, if the user utilizes communications network access capabilities associated with the base entity to access the partner sites.
US08688507B2
A system for determining lack of compliance of a transactional entity with an enterprise policy by maintaining an historical record of the entity as changes are made over time. The system allows establishment, codification, and maintenance of enterprise policies, monitors electronic transactions of the enterprise from various data sources, detects exceptions to established policies, reports exceptions to authorized users such as managers and auditors, and/or provides a case management system for tracking exceptions and their underlying transactions. A master data extractor establishes an initial instance of a transactional entity in a monitoring database. A changed data extractor is responsive to changed data for establishing a subsequent instance of the transactional entity in the monitoring database. A transaction analysis engine applies predetermined policy rules to data in the monitoring database to determine lack of compliance of the initial and subsequent instances of the transactional entity with enterprise policies.
US08688506B2
A method of pricing energy includes determining a price for supplying energy to a consumer over a future term based on at least a forecasted cost of energy and a forecasted energy usage of the consumer. The method further includes automatically determining an updated price for supplying energy based on at least the forecasted energy usage of the consumer used in initially determining the price. The method further includes outputting the updated price for supplying energy.
US08688504B2
A sale of a product or service may trigger a third party, such as a payment provider, to arrange for the collection of individual post-sale market data from the consumer. Alternatively, such post-sale market data may be directly provided by smart devices and the like. Dependent upon the type of product or service involved, a schedule for continuously submitting post-sale market data for the product or service may be provided and the consumer may be encouraged to submit post-sale market data in accordance therewith through a variety of incentives. The received, individual, post-sale market data may be aggregated by one or more sources to determine aggregate post-sale market data for the product or service. The submitted individual data and/or the determined aggregate post-sale market data may then be provided to consumers in order to assist them in making purchasing decisions.
US08688503B2
Utilization of information in a closed loop data system further augments modeling while at the same time enabling customization of offers based on spend patterns. Data mining techniques are leveraged to identify rules to determine higher response rate populations. These rules are referred to herein as “triggers,” in that the presence of particular attributes will trigger a cardholder as being more likely to respond to a particular offer. The benefit yielded by this approach is a greater acceptance rate to an offer provided by a transactional account company. To identify the triggers, records of cardmembers who already utilize a given product are analyzed to determine their spend patterns. The spend histories of customers who are eligible to use the product are analyzed according to the identified triggers. Customers whose spend patterns most closely correspond to the triggers are then targeted with offers for the given product.
US08688494B2
A system and related methods for the management and evaluation of broker price opinions comprising, a method of determining a standardized score representative of the accuracy and quality of a broker price opinion. Data from the broker price opinion is extracted and evaluated according to a plurality of rules applicable to the type of broker price opinion. Each rule is given a particular weight, and an appraisal score may be calculating by summing each instance of a rule triggered multiplied by the weight assigned to that rule. Weights may be set by experts, or determined by statistical analysis.
US08688489B2
A method, system, and computer program product for autonomously rescheduling a future meeting in response to receiving a meeting cancellation notice of a previously scheduled meeting. A meeting rescheduling logic (MRL) of a server receives a cancellation of a scheduled meeting of an identified contact. The MRL may select a highest priority meeting from a plurality of meetings that has been flagged with an auto-move-up status. The MRL determines if all attendees of the selected meeting are available to attend the meeting at the open time slot of the identified contact's calendar. Upon determining that all attendees of the selected meeting are available at the open time slot, the MRL reschedules the selected meeting at the open time slot, and notifies all attendees. Additionally, the MRL may cancel a lower priority meeting of the attendees to accommodate moving a higher priority meeting into the open time slot.
US08688488B2
A method and apparatus for the prediction of order turnaround time in an information verification system is disclosed. An information verification order comprises several and diverse instances of different types of elementary verification/validation/search services. Each of these services is characterized by its own turnaround time (TAT) statistical distribution function which is used in the prediction of order turnaround time. A Monte Carlo algorithm is used to determine the order turnaround time.
US08688476B2
A method for displaying correlated data of a patient includes receiving, using a hardware processor, incoming lab test data at a central server. The incoming lab test data includes a plurality of different original formats and is stored on the central server in the original formats received. The lab test data is then converted into a unified format to obtain unified format lab test data. The unified format lab test data is then correlated, using the hardware processor, based on a healthcare identification code to obtain correlated data and is displayed as a single document.
US08688471B2
System, apparatuses and methods for treating specialty care surgical-medical patients (10) who are medically-stable. A specialty care surgical-medical hospital-clinic (40) is sited on a quasi-sovereign geographic area, including federally-recognized American Indian/Alaskan Native tribal nations. Surgical-medical treatments by provider group (42) who are citizens of countries worldwide. Transportation (30) of patients to hospital-clinic (40) by non-emergency vehicles. Treatment of patients (10) maximized via surgical-medical expertise from other hospital-clinics (60) provided via information technology systems (50) connected by global wide-area network linkages (62).
US08688466B2
Systems and methods for aggregating available healthcare appointment times across multiple unaffiliated practitioner groups, including search and display algorithms. A centralized marketplace is provided for real time booking of healthcare appointments which does not require the patient to have a preexisting relationship with the practitioner. The aggregated booking system enhances the number of available near term and conveniently located appointment options while the search and display algorithms reduce the complexity of the patient and practitioner information required to maintain accurate and synchronized database booking records.
US08688462B2
A network based distribution system and method is disclosed for automatically exchanging playable media items, such as movies in a digital format. The automatic exchange system includes a number of components that interoperate to improve a subscriber's experience, including an intelligent queue monitor which works on his/her behalf to identify potential items of interest for the subscriber. The system can thus automatically exchange for desirable tides, including other titles from other subscribers, under a set of programmed directives from the user, and/or in response to supply/demand requirements of other subscribers.
US08688459B2
A method provides a display area of a computer system for displaying a set of data. The data includes clinical data for one or more medical patients. The method provides multiple controls for performing multiple functions. The method provides an audio interface for controlling at least one of the controls through audio commands.
US08688452B2
A computer-implemented method for dynamically generating a speech recognition grammar is provided. The method includes determining a target entry, and accessing a plurality of potential distracters. The method also includes selecting one or more distracters from the plurality of potential distracters. More particularly, each potential distracter selected is selected based upon an assessed acoustic dissimilarity between the distracter and the target entry. The method further includes dynamically generating a speech recognition grammar that includes the target entry and one or more of the distracters selected based upon an acoustic dissimilarity to the target entry.
US08688448B2
The invention relates to a method, a computer program product, a segmentation system and a user interface for structuring an unstructured text by making use of statistical models trained on annotated training data. The method performs text segmentation into text sections and assigns labels to text sections as section headings. The performed segmentation and assignment is provided to a user for general review. Additionally, alternative segmentations and label assignments are provided to the user being capable to select alternative segmentations and alternative labels as well as to enter a user defined segmentation and user defined label. In response to the modifications introduced by the user, a plurality of different actions are initiated incorporating the re-segmentation and re-labeling of successive parts of the document or the entire document.
US08688443B2
In one or more embodiments, one or more methods and/or systems described can perform producing a lattice of object hypotheses based on multiple reference objects from image information; receiving input speech information that includes a request for information associated with at least one reference object of the multiple reference objects; producing a lattice of speech hypotheses based on at least a first possible description included in the speech information; producing a lattice of scored semantic hypotheses based on at least the lattice of object hypotheses and the lattice of speech hypotheses; determining that a single semantic interpretation score of the lattice of scored semantic hypotheses exceeds a predetermined value; and providing requested information associated with the at least the first reference object of the plurality of reference objects.
US08688442B2
An audio decoding apparatus comprises: a plurality of decoding units; a band replicating unit which processes a decoded signal obtained when a corresponding decoding unit decodes a coded signal, according to a scheme specified by transmitted information; and an information transmitting unit which transmits, to a signal processing unit, information identifying the corresponding decoding unit from among the plurality of decoding units.
US08688439B2
A high quality speech is reproduced with a small data amount in speech coding and decoding for performing compression coding and decoding of a speech signal to a digital signal. Ina speech coding method according to a code-excited linear prediction (CELP) speech coding, a noise level of a speech in a concerning coding period is evaluated by using a code or coding result of at least one of spectrum information, power information, and pitch information, and various excitation code books are used based on an evaluation result.
US08688438B2
A speech processing system includes a plurality of signal analyzers that extract salient signal attributes of an input voice signal. A difference module computes the differences in the salient signal attributes. One or more control modules control a plurality of speech generators using an output signal from the difference module in a speech-locked loop (SLL), the speech generators use the output signal to generate a voice signal.
US08688436B1
A memory system for storing and retrieving experience and knowledge with natural language through methods and apparatus is disclosed. The primary components of this memory system include syntactic processes, function word processes, ellipsis processes, morphology processes, meaning word sense number processes, purpose identification processes, plausibility and expectedness processes, communication processes, context storage processes, and text generation processes. The function word processes select and evaluate functions associated with function words. A word sense number is an address to the meaning of a word. Word sense numbers are selected to be consistent with the context and stored experience and knowledge. Experience and knowledge are stored as nodes with access conditions and with associated clause implying word sense numbers organized into paths in a directed graph. A path has an associated purpose relation which is any concept that labels the path. Text generation processes generate natural language text from word sense numbers.
US08688431B2
A detachable audio device structured to be coupled to an interface port of a computer system simulates the coupling and uncoupling of an audio controller to trigger an operating system being executed by a processing device of the computer system to select between an audio driver for that same audio controller and another audio driver for a different audio controller to which the processing device of the computer system has access, thus triggering a selection between causing audio played by the computer system to be acoustically output through either an acoustic driver to which the detachable audio device relays the audio or another acoustic driver associated with the other audio controller to which the processing device of the computer system has access.
US08688427B2
The present invention provides enzyme catalysts for Diels-Alder reactions, including intermolecular Diels-Alder reactions, as well as protein scaffolds for making such enzyme catalysts. In other aspects, the invention provides methods of making the enzyme catalysts, including by de novo computational design. The present invention thereby provides enzyme catalysts capable of catalyzing a desired Diels-Alder reaction, including with a specified or desired stereo-selectivity.
US08688422B2
An automated three-dimensional and related data access system, said system comprising manipulating means for virtually manipulating, testing, and controlling the three-dimensional and related data. A system for controlling and adjusting three-dimensional and related data, said system comprising manipulating means for virtually manipulating, testing, and controlling the threedimensional and related data.
US08688419B2
The present invention relates to a method for predicting the reliability of an aircraft system (S) onboard an aircraft, constituted by a plurality of elements. The operation of the aircraft is constituted by a sequence of cycles, each cycle comprising a flight phase and a ground station phase. The method of reliability prediction allows in particular calculation of the breakdown probability of the aircraft system at each cycle of operation of the aircraft. The present invention can also estimate the rate of operational interruption of this system.
US08688416B2
Contemplated methods and devices for coagulation control allow to establish a more constant dosage of required medication and to quantify/take into account patient-specific sensitivity to warfarin and Vitamin K by using logit (1/INR) as the dependent variable to so stabilize the variance across all values of INR. Moreover, it should be noted that such use simplifies the relation between INR and dose of coumarins or Vitamin K and reduces the number of parameters to be estimated for each patient.
US08688392B2
An improved system and method for testing a sensor of a portable electronic device based on expected sensor data and not timing information. The system and method for testing a sensor of a portable electronic device retrieves sensed data from the portable electronic device (i.e. device under test) after the device has traversed a series of test areas or zones. The sensed data is compared against a set of expected sensor data patterns to determine which components of the sensed data correspond to each test area or zone. The sensor of the portable electronic device may be tested based on an association of the test areas or zones with segments of the sensed data.
US08688390B2
A means for determining the electrical resistance and resistivity of thermoelectric material allows quality control at all steps in the construction of a bismuth telluride and antimony telluride thermoelectric generator. The method involves measuring negative thermoelectric voltage with no current flowing and then a measure of negative thermoelectric voltage while forcing known current through the material in the same direction as shorted to accurately determine thermoelectric resistance. A manual and automatic method of manufacturing thermoelectric rings using forcing current for in-process testing means.
US08688382B2
Disclosed is a method for estimating downhole lateral vibrations a drill tubular disposed in a borehole penetrating the earth or a component coupled to the drill tubular. The method includes rotating the drill tubular to drill the first borehole and performing a plurality of measurements in a time window of one or more parameters of the drill tubular at or above a surface of the earth during the rotating using a sensor. The method further includes estimating the downhole lateral vibrations using a processor that receives the plurality of measurements.
US08688381B2
Method for simultaneous full-wavefield inversion of gathers of source (or receiver) encoded (30) geophysical data (80) to determine a physical properties model (20) for a subsurface region, especially suitable for surveys where fixed-receiver geometry conditions were not satisfied in the data acquisition (40). The inversion involves optimization of a cross-correlation objective function (100).
US08688372B2
A computer determines an optimal route to a destination. The computer identifies the present position of a navigation device with a user selecting a destination. The computer acquires current information comprising road, business hour, traffic congestion patterns, a plurality of conveyance modes, and time buffer information relative to the present position and the selected destination to store in the memory. A route identification unit identifies, from the acquired current information, an optimal route from the current position to the selected destination. The computer stores the acquired information in the memory of the navigation device and identifies an optimal route from the current position to the selected destination.
US08688370B2
Disclosed is an information display method whereby an information processing apparatus displays a map on a display screen such that a cursor is displayed at a position measured as the current position of a position indication object on the map. The method includes the steps of, when the moving speed of the position indication object is equal to or less than a threshold speed, scrolling the map on the display screen in accordance with the movement of the position indication object in a first display mode, and when the moving speed of the position indication object is greater than the threshold speed, fixing the map on the display screen in a second display mode or reducing the speed of scrolling the map on the display screen so that the scrolling speed is less than that in the first display mode.
US08688365B2
A method and system prevents accidental direction selection in a motor vehicle. The driver of the vehicle is alerted that the selected direction of the vehicle via the gear shift is opposite of the direction that the driver intends for the vehicle to move. The selected direction of the vehicle by the driver is initially detected. The invention then detects the driver's physical position and any objects in the immediate area surrounding the vehicle. Based on the information gathered from these detections, there is determination made regarding the vehicle direction selected by the driver. If the determination is the likelihood of an accident/collision if the vehicle moves in the selected direction, the present invention will alert the driver. In addition, an embodiment of the present invention may also include the ability to disable the vehicle in order to avoid a collision.
US08688363B2
A system is provided for controlling the speed of an aircraft during a deceleration segment between a first state associated with a first speed and a first time and a second state associated with a second speed and a second time. The system includes a navigation system configured to determine the first state; a guidance system configured to determine the second state; and an active deceleration system coupled to the navigation system and the guidance system and configured to construct the deceleration segment between the first state and the second state with at least one intermediate speed between the first speed and the second speed.
US08688354B2
A fuel injection control apparatus of the invention includes: a temperature acquisition portion that estimates the present temperature of a catalyst and the convergence temperature of the catalyst; an increase value calculation portion that calculates a base OT increase value that is an increase value for the fuel injection amount that a fuel injection valve provided in an internal combustion engine needs to inject, on the basis of the present temperature and the convergence temperature of the catalyst estimated by the temperature acquisition portion; a correction portion that calculates an OT increase correction-reflected value by correcting the base OT increase value on the basis of the present temperature and the convergence temperature if the present temperature is lower than the convergence temperature; and an increase value determination portion that selects one of the base OT increase value and the OT increase correction-reflected value as the OT increase value for the fuel injection amount that the fuel injection valve needs to inject, on the basis of the base OT increase value and the OT increase correction-reflected value.
US08688352B2
A method for automatically controlling an internal combustion engine, in which an axial displacement (s(t)) and an angle of rotation (w(t)) of a gas-exchange valve are measured during a valve stroke. A displacement deviation is computed from the displacement (s(t)) relative to a reference valve, and an angle of rotation deviation is computed from an initial value and an end value of the angle or rotation. The further operation of the internal combustion engine is set on the basis of the displacement deviation and the angle of rotation deviation.
US08688348B2
In a method for setting a wheel torque in a vehicle, a setpoint value for a slip-adhesion coefficient gradient for one wheel of one vehicle axle is ascertained, and the wheel torque is set in such a way that the actual value of the gradient is approximated to the setpoint value.
US08688347B2
Disclosed herein are an apparatus and method of adjusting a clearance of an electronic brake, in which a clearance between a pad and a rotor is appropriately adjusted according to a vehicle traveling situation. If the entry condition of a clearance adjustment section during stoppage is satisfied, clearance adjustment is performed to move pads of an electronic brake away from a rotor by a rearward-movement adjustment distance during stoppage, enabling rapid braking-release so as not to prevent a driver from starting a vehicle due to brake failure. In addition, if the entry condition of a clearance adjustment section during traveling is satisfied, clearance adjustment is performed to move the pads forward or rearward according to a wheel slip value. The clearance adjustment during traveling is limited to the case of straight traveling, to prevent misjudgment due to wheel slip caused during cornering.
US08688346B2
An electric motor includes one or more separate coil sets arranged to produce a magnetic field of the motor. The electric motor also includes a plurality of control devices coupled to respective sub-sets of coils for current control. A similar arrangement is proposed for a generator. A coil mounting system for an electric motor or generator includes one or more coil teeth for windably receiving a coil for the motor and a back portion for attachably receiving a plurality of the coil teeth. A traction control system and method for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels independently powered by a respective motor. A suspension control system and method for a vehicle having a plurality of wheels, each wheel being mounted on a suspension arm of the vehicle and being independently powered by a respective motor.
US08688340B2
An apparatus for supplementing a brake vacuum pressure may include an engine control unit (ECU) that generates a vacuum pressure control signal for supplementing the brake vacuum pressure in accordance with the result of determining whether the brake vacuum pressure is included in a reference vacuum pressure range after a vehicle implements an ISG process, a sub-oil pump that is operated in accordance with a control signal from the ECU to supply hydraulic pressure to the inside of an automatic transmission after the vehicle implements the ISG process, a vacuum pump that generates and supplies the brake vacuum pressure to a brake system, and an electronic clutch that selectively couples the sub-oil pump and the vacuum pump to allow driving force of the sub-oil pump to be transmitted to the vacuum pump or to be cut, in accordance with whether the vacuum pressure control signal is sent thereto.
US08688337B2
A driving force control device for controlling engine torque generated by an internal combustion engine mounted on a vehicle and the engine revolution speed of the internal combustion engine based on the operation amount of driving force request operation on the vehicle to control the driving force of the vehicle is characterized by executing revolution fluctuation suppression control that suppresses fluctuations in engine revolution speeds when the operating point of the internal combustion engine in accordance with the engine torque and the engine revolution speed is within an optimum fuel economy range being a region set with a specified hysteresis width relative to an optimum fuel economy line of the internal combustion engine; accordingly, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the whole driving system.
US08688336B2
A system for controlling power downshifts of a transmission includes a flare generation module, a flare control module, and a shift control module. The flare generation module generates turbine speed flare by decreasing pressure applied to an off-going clutch of the transmission. The flare control module decreases the turbine speed flare by increasing the pressure applied to the off-going clutch of the transmission. The shift control module increases a pressure applied to an on-coming clutch of the transmission when the turbine speed flare is less than a predetermined amount from a desired turbine speed flare.
US08688334B2
Systems, methods, and devices for controlling an industrial machine. The industrial machine includes, for example, a dipper, a boom, a hoist motor, a crowd motor, one or more operator control devices, and a controller. The control devices are configured to be manually controllable by an operator of the industrial machine. The controller receives an output signal associated with a desired movement of the dipper, receives a signal associated with a hoist motor characteristic, and receives a signal associated with a crowd motor characteristic. The controller determines a present position of the dipper with respect to a boom profile, determines a first future position of the dipper with respect to the boom profile and based on the output signal from the operator control devices, and automatically controls a movement of the dipper with respect to the boom profile when the first future position of the dipper approximately corresponds to a boom profile limit.
US08688331B2
In an example embodiment, a system for providing a height change command for an implement, comprises a height control module configured to interact with a computer, and configured to receive topographical data, provide a virtual field map based on said topographical data, provide a forward view polygon for an implement based on said virtual field map, and provide a height change command for said implement based on said forward view polygon and an implement control unit configured to receive said height change command and control movement of said implement.
US08688329B2
An automatic hatch system is disclosed. The system includes a hatch frame and a hatch cover connected thereto. A pneumatic actuator assembly is connected to the hatch frame and the hatch cover. The system also includes an automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator assembly to open, close or adjust the opening of the hatch. The automated member for controlling the pneumatic actuator includes a compressor assembly, a valve assembly, and a controller assembly.
US08688319B2
The invention involves a procedure for adaptive configuration recognition after the run-up of a control device with or without configuration storage, which performs an automatic and operator-assisted, optimal configuration of the operating software of a motor vehicle.In a first variant, a central control device, after its run-up, receives at the earliest possible time, as a rule after activation of the ignition, identifying information from other components connected directly or indirectly to the central control device by data link. Upon receipt of the identifying information of a component, the central control device assumes that this component is present. Otherwise it assumes that it is not present. An additional configuration memory area is envisioned in a second variant in which the central control device, after the first receipt of the identifying information of a component, stores either the information, the associated software parts, or the software configuration resulting from the total of the recognized components. In this way, the appropriate software configuration can be quickly made available upon the new start of the vehicle with an unchanged hardware configuration. Furthermore, the procedure facilitates a guarantee that no error reports will be generated about components that are not present.
US08688317B2
A method for diagnosing operating condition of a device for cutting off and connecting a high-voltage bipolar battery from/to a bipolar onboard power network of a motor vehicle. The device includes a first power relay between a first terminal of the battery and a first terminal of the network, a second power relay between a second terminal of the battery and a second terminal of the network, and a serial arrangement of a third precharge relay and a precharge resistor, connected in parallel to the first power relay. The method: measures two voltages of the cutoff/connection device; compares the measured voltages with predetermined voltage values representing faults of the cutoff/connection device; and diagnoses a fault of a relay used on the result of the comparison.
US08688312B2
A driving assistance system for vehicle obtains short-duration data representing a present traveling condition and driving operation and intermediate-duration data representing a traveling condition and driving operation of that day. A drive diagnosis is carried out by comparing a distribution of the short-duration data and a distribution of the intermediate-date, and a drive diagnosis result is evaluated with two evaluation criteria so as to provide an alarm or an operation improvement suggestion.
US08688303B2
Method for controlling a vehicle that includes a support, at least one wheel, a platform coupled to the at least one wheel, a coupling structure having a support portion coupled to the support and a platform portion coupled to the platform that allows the support portion to move or slide fore and aft with respect to the platform portion, an actuator coupled to the coupling structure to control the position of the support portion relative to the platform portion, a drive coupled to the at least one wheel to deliver power to the at least one wheel to propel the vehicle and maintain the platform level, and a controller coupled to the drive to control the drive and coupled to the actuator to control the actuator.
US08688297B2
Methods and systems for continually measuring the length of a train operating in a positive train control environment are provided. Particularly, the methods and systems provided herein equate repetitive line of sight ranging measurements from the head end to the rear end of a train with the physically draped length of the train along a mapped track with various horizontal and vertical curvature characteristics.
US08688289B2
A method and system for maximizing a quality of service (“QoS”) level in a portable computing device (“PCD”) by preempting the generation of thermal energy in excess of a threshold are disclosed. The method includes receiving a workload request for a processing component within the PCD. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on thermal factors associated with the processing component. Thermal factors may comprise data indicative of real-time thermal energy generation near the processing component, predictive data derived from known characteristics of heat producing components that are physically proximate to the processing component, queued workload burdens for the processing component, etc. A processing component is selected for allocation of the workload based on the thermal factors. By leveraging the thermal factors to allocate workloads, thermal generation can be proactively managed such that reliance on reactive thermal mitigation techniques, which negatively impact QoS, can be reduced.
US08688280B2
A spa node comprising a spa controller, a power sense adapter configured to compute power being drawn by selected spa components; a spa network adapter, and a home network adapter, each of the three adapters including a wireless transceiver wherein the spa network adapter is configured to receive power data transmitted over a wireless link by the power sense adapter and to further receive status/performance data from the spa controller. The home network adapter is configured to receive power and status data transmitted by the spa network adapter over a wireless link and to convert that data to a form suitable for transmission to an Internet access point. The home network adapter is further linkable over the Internet to a central server, a dealer computer and a spa owner or user computer.
US08688278B2
Methods for controlling an economizer of an HVAC system are disclosed. An illustrative control method may include positioning one or more controllable dampers in first and second configurations such that a mixed air stream has first and second mixing ratios of incoming outside air to return air. First and second measures related to the temperature of the mixed air stream may be recorded when the dampers are in each of the first and second configurations. Based on the recorded first and second measures, it may be determined whether and/or how much of the incoming outside air to admit into the economizer via the one or more controllable dampers during subsequent operation of the HVAC system.
US08688276B2
There is provided a teaching method for a transfer robot which is capable of quickly performing teaching at high reliability. Relative to a transfer robot which, in a state in which a substrate to be processed in a plurality of processing chambers is supported, transfers the substrate to a predetermined position by turning and telescopic action on the same plane, teaching is made of the transfer actions. At this time, by using at least one detection means that is disposed so as to detect the substrate when the substrate is transferred among the processing chambers, the transfer robot is caused to perform transfer action. At least one index part provided in advance on an operating part of the transfer robot is detected by the detection means. From this detection position, a reference position which serves as an origin of at least one of the turning action and the telescopic action is taught.
US08688272B2
Disclosed herein are a mobile robot system to restrict a traveling region of a robot and to guide the robot to another region, and a method of controlling the same. Only when a remote controller reception module of a beacon senses a signal transmitted from a mobile robot, the sensed result is reported to the mobile robot in the form of a response signal. In addition, the Field-of-View (FOV) of the remote control reception module is restricted by a directivity receiver. Only when the signal transmitted from the mobile robot is sensed within the restricted FOV, the sensed result is reported to the mobile robot.
US08688270B2
A device for controlling the reflection of incident beams to influence navigation of an autonomous device having a navigation sensor comprising a beam emitter and a beam detector for detecting reflected emitted beams. The device comprises at least one surface having a geometry configured to direct a reflection from the emitted beam in a predetermined direction so that a suitable amount of the reflected beam can be detected by the detector.
US08688264B2
A method of distributing objects, having a random distribution of weights, according to their weights. In the method, the presence of one of the objects is detected, the detected object is grasped by a robot, and the object grasped is weighed by a sensor. The weight measured is associated with the object and stored. The process is repeated for the objects. The weight distribution obtained from the weights measured is used in filling containers with objects so that containers are optimally filled.
US08688263B2
The present invention discloses a method and a system for inserting documents (32) in an automated manner into load supports, in particular into containers (30), which are transported by means of a conveyor (26) in an order-picking system (10), comprising: a document guiding device (40) for storing one, preferably single, document (32), and for mechanically guiding same to an assigned load support, which passes the document insertion apparatus (12;12′) by means of the conveyor (26) in an automated manner such that the document (32) can be moved actively into the assigned load support, wherein the document guiding device (40) comprises receiving members (42, 44; 90) which are arranged substantially oppositely horizontal and are mounted movably relative to each other, wherein in a receiving position (FIG. 6A) the receiving members (42, 44; 90) receive the document (32) in a space therebetween.
US08688258B2
A method of controlling a machine tool and other controlled devices, as well as a programmable numerical control (PNC) system, are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the method of controlling includes receiving a first part program at a programmable logic controller (PLC), and storing the first part program in a string array library of a memory portion of the PLC. The method further includes communicating information between the PLC and an operator interface regarding the first part program, and providing a first signal from the PLC to a first port so as to cause the first machine tool to be operated in accordance with the first part program. Also, in at least some embodiments, the PNC system allows for control of multiple machine tools and/or other controlled devices, by way of one or more part programs, and/or for editing of a part program while that program is being executed.
US08688252B2
When a controlled device has changed the value of a parameter, the controlled device transmits the result of the change as updated information UPDATE to controllers by multicast, and aside from this, also transmits synchronization data SYNC in each synchronization period by multicast. Upon detecting a reception error of those data, the controller requests, from the controlled device, the information of the parameter which has been changed in one or more synchronization periods including and after the synchronization period subsequent to the last synchronization period in which the controller could normally receive all of the packets, and corrects the parameter value in the controller based on the current value of the changed parameter transmitted from the controlled device in response to the request.
US08688246B2
In a processing apparatus having: moveable parts disposed to form a predetermined processing environment within a processing chamber in which a predetermined processing is performed on an object to be processed; and a control means for controlling the operation of each of the moveable parts, abnormality inclusive of deterioration with time of the moveable parts constituting the processing apparatus is made to be easily judged. There is provided a vibration detection means for detecting the waveforms of vibrations that occur accompanied by the operation of the moveable parts. When control is made from the control means in order to operate any one of the moveable parts, there are obtained event data corresponding to the control and the waveforms of vibrations of all the moveable parts that are operating simultaneously at the time in question. Each time the control corresponding to the event data is selected, or when a waveform of vibration corresponding to another event data of the same kind as that of the above-mentioned event data has been obtained, the change in the waveform is monitored. When the waveform has changed beyond a predetermined range, the processing apparatus is judged to be abnormal.
US08688237B2
An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.
US08688225B2
Techniques for detecting and classifying a posture state of a patient are disclosed, wherein a posture state includes at least one of a posture and/or an activity state related to motion. In one embodiment, one or more signals indicative of at least one of posture and activity state of the patient may be sensed by a sensor. Control logic may be provided to process the one or more sensed signals in a selectable manner. This selectable manner may be based on current posture state data describing a posture state in which the patient has previously been classified. Alternatively or additionally, this current posture state data may describe a posture state transition previously undergone by the patient. The one or more signals that are so processed may then be used to classify a posture state of the patient.
US08688222B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining the timing of stimulation applied using a medical device. In embodiments, the medical device filters a received signal to obtain a plurality of band-pass filtered signals, each corresponding to one or more stimulation channels. The medical device then determines the envelopes of these band-pass filtered signals. Next, the medical device determines the stimulation timing (i.e., the pulse times) for the corresponding stimulation channel based on the timing of a particular phase (e.g., a peak, a minimum, etc.) of the envelope. A pulse amplitude for the stimulation channel may then be determined, and stimulation applied using the determined amplitude and pulse time.
